Carib Scope

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  • Caribbean Food Forum Reinforces Importance of Local Food Systems, ABTA Official Says

    Caribbean Food Forum Reinforces Importance of Local Food Systems, ABTA Official Says

    The 2026 iteration of the annual Caribbean Food Forum has wrapped up, with industry leaders leaving the event with a renewed focus on elevating local food production, deepening cross-regional cooperation, and directing targeted investment into Caribbean coastal and island communities. Donyelle Bird-Browne, an official with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, shared key takeaways from the gathering in a post-forum briefing, framing the regional food scene as far more than a collection of iconic dishes. For the Caribbean, she emphasized, local food is a living expression of the region’s shared cultural heritage, collective identity, remarkable community resilience, growing entrepreneurial spirit, and ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

    Centered on the 2026 theme “The Future Is Local: Caribbean Food at the Crossroads of Global Impact,” the three-day forum drew a diverse cross-section of food system stakeholders from across the Caribbean and international partners beyond the region. Attendees ranged from independent small-scale farmers and artisanal fishers to award-winning local chefs, small business entrepreneurs, senior tourism industry leaders, university students studying agribusiness and hospitality, and regional policymakers tasked with shaping food security and economic development strategy.

    Across plenary sessions, breakout working groups, and networking events, participants exchanged actionable insights, forged new cross-sector partnerships, and opened sustained dialogue around two core priorities: the long-term evolution of the Caribbean’s food industry, and its outsize role in driving inclusive, sustainable economic growth across the region’s small island developing states. Bird-Browne struck an optimistic tone in her closing remarks, noting “The future is local, and the future of Caribbean food is bright.”

    One of the gathering’s most consistent key messages, Bird-Browne explained, was the urgent need for continued targeted investment in four foundational pillars of Caribbean food: the people who grow, prepare, and sell local food, the one-of-a-kind products they create, the rich cultural stories tied to Caribbean culinary traditions, and the rural and coastal communities that sustain the regional food system. Parallel to that investment push, attendees also highlighted the critical importance of strengthening existing cross-border connections between producers, businesses, and tourism organizations across the Caribbean to unlock shared growth.

    In closing, Bird-Browne extended formal gratitude to all participants, corporate sponsors, and organizational partners that contributed to what she described as a deeply meaningful and memorable gathering. She made special note of the contributions of keynote speaker Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, praising Regis-Prosper’s proven regional leadership and insightful input that enriched all forum discussions.

    Looking ahead, the conversations sparked at the 2026 forum will continue through working groups and collaborative initiatives in the months leading up to the next gathering, scheduled for 2027. The Caribbean Food Forum is a core annual event tied to Antigua and Barbuda’s national Culinary Month, with a core mission to promote Caribbean culinary heritage, support local agriculture, boost culinary tourism, and nurture ongoing collaboration between food and tourism stakeholders across the entire region.

  • OPINION: Barbados-Guyana mutual recognition of IDs

    OPINION: Barbados-Guyana mutual recognition of IDs

    In the Caribbean nation of Barbados, growing local anxiety has emerged around a new policy that marks a small but consequential step toward deeper regional integration. Starting July 1, 2026, citizens of Barbados and Guyana will gain a second travel option when moving between the two countries: rather than being required to carry a passport, they will also be permitted to cross borders using a valid national ID card.

    This announcement follows closely on the heels of the Enhanced Cooperation in Free Movement framework that launched for four CARICOM member states — Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines — in October 2025, and it has already stirred a wave of public concern centered on security, administrative, and legal issues. According to Vanessa Mason, research assistant at the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy & Services at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, argues that these worries are a predictable outcome of a clear failure in governmental communication that has left the public without sufficient information about the new policy.

    Contrary to many local narratives that frame this ID-for-travel policy as an unprecedented risky change, the use of national identification cards for cross-border travel is a well-established practice across the globe. Regional blocs from Europe to the Middle East already operate similar systems: all 27 European Union member states, plus four non-EU Schengen Area countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), allow citizens to travel between participating nations with just a national ID. Similarly, Gulf Cooperation Council member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) extend the same privilege to their nationals. Even within the Caribbean, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States has long allowed cross-border travel with valid government-issued ID, including driver’s licenses, national ID cards, and voter registration cards.

    Beyond the established precedent, the mutual recognition of ID cards for travel carries substantial potential benefits, particularly for the tourism sector, cross-border trade, and business collaboration. Unlike passports are not held by all citizens, but a national ID card is a far more universally held document. For this reason, policy analysts expect the new option will boost travel volumes between Barbados and Guyana. If the two governments track travel patterns and publish data on the impact of the policy, it can serve as a data-backed test case that encourages other CARICOM nations to move toward the bloc-wide full free movement of people.

    While the two governments did not explicitly highlight business facilitation as a role, the policy also lays early groundwork for expanded cross-border digital economic integration. Through the mutual recognition of official ID could eventually open the door to secure cross-border electronic transactions, such as legally valid contract signatures that can be completed without travelers leaving their home country, and set the path for future integration of the two nations’ digital economies. Overall, Mason argues that this incremental step can drive deeper economic and regional integration while enabling managed, secure movement.

    Critics who raise security concerns often overlook the fact that clear global standards already govern the use of ID as travel documents. As a specialized United Nations agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established formal standards (documented as ICAO Doc 9303) that outline requirements for machine-readable travel documents including national ID cards. These standards cover every critical detail: document size and dimensions, data formatting and placement, photo quality and positioning, biometric data specifications, material durability, anti-fraud security features, and the layout of embedded electronic data chips. These standards do not just enable border officials to verify authentic documents; they also equip staff to identify and reject fraudulent IDs. Barbados and Guyana will be required to agree on shared assurance levels that give travelers confidence their personal identity data will be properly authenticated at both borders.

    The policy does require careful preparation before it launches in 2026. Previously, all travelers entering both countries were required to present a valid passport, so this shift demands intentional preparation. Even with global standards in place, adequate training and capacity building for border control staff must be completed ahead of the launch date. Border information technology systems also need to be upgraded and tested to handle the new document type.

    The most pressing gap exposed by the current public outcry in Barbados is the complete lack of proactive public communication before the announcement. While governments may have completed behind-the-scenes preparations for the 2026 launch, the absence of public outreach has left residents to speculate about unaddressed risks: fears of increased criminal entry, unclear processes for handling foreign nationals who commit crimes, gaps in existing legal frameworks, and other unaddressed concerns. Mason emphasizes that in the remaining time before the policy takes effect, governments must carry out aggressive, accessible public outreach to share clear facts, debunk misinformation, and confirm that all raised concerns will be addressed through updated systems and adjusted legal frameworks. The public has a right to this clarity.

    For many observers, this new policy is merely a ceremonial, symbolic gesture with little real impact. But Mason, a UWI alumna who experienced first-hand the value of regional connection during her time on a diverse regional campus, frames this step differently. Despite the many challenges CARICOM currently faces, she sees this incremental measure as a hopeful sign of progress toward full regional integration. Full free movement across the entire Caribbean Community brings not just economic benefits, but the chance for more Caribbean people to build shared lived regional experiences, just as students do at The University of the West Indies. While many, including Mason, would like to see integration progress faster across the entire bloc, CARICOM is a community of sovereign states, so every small step forward matters. These incremental, practical initiatives are the beacons that light the long path toward full regional integration.

  • OP-ED: Public call to Caribbean legal societies

    OP-ED: Public call to Caribbean legal societies

    In a striking appeal rooted in the principle of equal application of international law, a regional legal voice has issued a formal call to Caribbean legal institutions, jurists, and legal professionals across the region to launch a civil legal inquiry into the deaths of more than 100 unarmed Caribbean and Latin American fishermen killed by United States military strikes between 2025 and 2026.

    The appeal, addressed to the Caribbean Bar Associations, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Bar, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), CARICOM jurists and regional attorneys, anchors its argument in the very legal precedent the U.S. recently relied on to indict former Cuban President Raúl Castro for the downing of two unarmed civilian aircraft. The U.S. indictment rests on the core international law principle that state officials can be held personally legally accountable for the unlawful killing of civilians outside the context of active armed conflict. If this principle holds for one nation, the appeal argues, it must apply uniformly to all global actors.

    According to the appeal, credible documentation from the United Nations and leading international human rights organizations confirms that over 100 unarmed fishermen, none of whom were combatants, armed, or involved in any hostilities, were killed in U.S. military strikes carried out in international waters. In at least one documented case, the strike occurred within the territorial waters of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a sovereign CARICOM member state.

    Under widely accepted international law, customary legal norms, and the long-standing framework of the UN Charter originating from the League of Nations, the intentional killing of unarmed civilians outside armed conflict carries severe legal ramifications: the deaths qualify as extrajudicial killing in violation of Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a breach of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a violation of peremptory (jus cogens) international norms, and could constitute a crime against humanity if proven to be part of a systematic pattern of violence. The strikes also violate the binding duty of CARICOM states to protect their own citizens, the appeal notes.

    The text draws a direct parallel to the U.S. action against the former Cuban leader: if the United States claims legal jurisdiction to indict a foreign sitting or former official for civilian deaths in disputed airspace, Caribbean regional legal institutions hold equal legal standing to investigate and pursue accountability for civilian deaths that occurred within the region’s own maritime boundaries.

    In response to this precedent, the appeal formally calls on Caribbean judicial associations, legal scholars, bar groups and practicing regional attorneys to pursue a non-governmental legal action before the CCJ or another competent regional legal body. The action is grounded in three well-established legal bases for jurisdiction: territorial jurisdiction, as some strikes took place within CARICOM territorial waters; nationality jurisdiction, as the victims included CARICOM nationals; and universal jurisdiction, which applies to the gravest violations of international human rights law.

    The appeal emphasizes that this initiative is not an act of political opposition. Instead, it frames the effort as a binding legal and moral obligation that grows directly from the same principle the United States itself has invoked to justify its own legal action.

    Closing the statement, the appeal reaffirms three core commitments: Caribbean lives carry equal weight under international law, Caribbean sovereignty must be respected under international law, and international law must either be applied equally to all nations, or it effectively applies to none. The call ends with an invitation for all Caribbean legal professionals, scholars, and institutions to join the effort to explore this legal action and map out the appropriate next steps for the process.

  • Officials urge storm readiness despite ‘slow’ forecast

    Officials urge storm readiness despite ‘slow’ forecast

    The 2026 Atlantic hurricane and wet season officially kicked off on June 1, bringing with it a mixed forecast that has regional leaders stressing preparedness over complacency. Meteorologists predict the six-month season, which runs through November 30, will be unusually subdued, driven by the formation of a strong El Niño — a climate pattern historically linked to suppressed hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin. The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) projects just 14 named storms will form over the season, a below-average total that has led many to lower risk expectations.

    But this calm projection has not eased warnings from disaster management officials across the Caribbean, who warn that even a single landfalling hurricane or weak tropical system can trigger catastrophic damage for small island nations. History bears out this caution: in 1994, the relatively weak Tropical Storm Debby dumped extreme rainfall across the region, triggering widespread flooding that destroyed bridges, damaged residential homes, crippled critical public infrastructure, and destroyed agricultural lands. Total economic damage from the storm topped $103 million, a devastating blow for small regional economies.

    Speaking at an official briefing this week, Elizabeth Riley, Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), emphasized that lower projected activity does not equal zero risk. “Even one hurricane making landfall can cause serious damage,” Riley noted in a prepared statement, outlining that the agency’s core mission centers on protecting people, communities, and livelihoods across the region’s participating states. “Every plan we develop, every exercise we conduct, and every partnership that we pursue is directed towards saving lives and reducing losses when hazards occur.”

    Riley added that disaster readiness should not be restricted to the official June-to-November hurricane season window, noting the Caribbean faces a wide range of natural and manmade hazards year-round. Even so, she expressed confidence in the region’s collective ability to respond, pointing to decades of coordinated action and shared solidarity that have strengthened disaster response capacity. “We enter the season with experience, lessons learned, partnerships and a renewed commitment to readiness,” she said, noting that shifting global geopolitics and associated uncertainties make regional cooperation and self-reliance more important than ever. “Our long-standing regional commitment to solidarity is even more important at this time… [preparedness, coordination, and timely action] have continued to shape our commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, regional self-reliance and supporting our participating States in reducing disaster risks, improving readiness and response capacities.”

    The call for urgent preparedness was echoed by St. Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who also chairs the National Emergency Management Advisory Committee (NEMAC). Speaking at Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, Pierre reiterated that even one severe storm is enough to reverse decades of development for small island nations. “The forecast says that because of that weather pattern (El Niño), there may be a little variant in terms of the intensity of the storms. But as you know, we cannot predict that; one storm can create damage that can put the country back one hundred years,” Pierre said, urging all citizens to begin completing necessary preparation steps immediately.

    To support public readiness, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) is set to launch a targeted community outreach initiative dubbed the “zip-lock” program this week. The campaign will distribute free essential emergency preparedness kits and educate local residents on practical, low-cost steps to protect their homes, families, and property ahead of any storm.

  • Antigua’s US$200 Million Long Bay Zen Resort Unveiled as a ”Quiet Luxury” Icon

    Antigua’s US$200 Million Long Bay Zen Resort Unveiled as a ”Quiet Luxury” Icon

    The Caribbean island nation of Antigua has officially launched one of its most ambitious high-end tourism projects in recent years: the $200 million Long Bay Zen Resort, positioned to redefine the global ‘quiet luxury’ travel experience for discerning vacationers.

    Nestled along the pristine, undeveloped shoreline of Long Bay, the resort draws inspiration from Antigua’s natural tropical landscape and local cultural heritage to craft a low-key, immersive escape that stands in stark contrast to crowded, flashy mass-market all-inclusive resorts. Spanning more than 200 acres of coastal land, the development includes just 80 private pool villas, a 12,000-square-foot wellness center focused on holistic treatments, three farm-to-table restaurants sourcing 70% of their produce from local Antiguan farmers, and a private 1.5-mile beach reserved exclusively for resort guests.

    Project developers note that the resort was built with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, integrating solar power systems, rainwater harvesting infrastructure, and coral reef restoration projects that protect the region’s fragile marine ecosystem. Unlike many large-scale luxury developments that prioritize rapid volume growth, Long Bay Zen Resort caps annual guest occupancy to preserve the tranquil atmosphere that defines its quiet luxury brand. This intentional small-footprint design has already drawn significant interest from high-net-worth travelers seeking seclusion and authentic cultural connection, with pre-booking rates for villa stays starting at $2,500 per night.

    For Antigua’s tourism-dependent economy, the launch of Long Bay Zen Resort marks a strategic shift toward attracting higher-spending, low-impact visitors. The project is expected to create more than 300 local jobs, boost annual tourism revenue by an estimated $45 million, and position the island as a leading destination for upscale, conscious travel. Government tourism officials have praised the development for aligning with the country’s 10-year sustainable growth strategy, which aims to diversify Antigua’s tourism offerings beyond traditional cruise ship and mass market stays.

  • National Taxi Union explores local app amid Uber competition

    National Taxi Union explores local app amid Uber competition

    When ride-hailing giant Uber launched its operations on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia in early 2024, it immediately upended the local ground transportation market, posing sharp new competitive pressure to the island’s established traditional taxi industry. In a targeted move to retain its existing market share, modernize service offerings for both drivers and passengers, and keep ride-hailing revenue within the local taxi community, the National Taxi Union (NTU) has partnered with local tech firm Converge Solutions to build a custom native ride-hailing app tailored to its members.

    Christian Antoine, the lead software engineer on the project from Converge Solutions, detailed the three-tiered platform design in an interview with local publication St Lucia Times. Unlike generic ride-hailing tools, the app is built to serve three distinct user groups: passengers seeking rides, licensed local taxi drivers, and the NTU itself, which will act as the central administrative body overseeing the platform.

    For drivers, the platform unlocks a suite of digital tools designed to streamline daily operations and improve operational transparency. All NTU members and drivers affiliated with the union’s local sub-associations can create verified accounts linked directly to their respective groups. Fleet operators gain access to advanced management features, allowing them to assign ride requests and allocate vehicles across their teams seamlessly. Additionally, all drivers can access real-time work records on the app, including complete trip history and segmented financial logs, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping and bringing much-needed clarity to day-to-day earnings.

    Passengers using the new app will get a user experience on par with global ride-hailing platforms that many are already accustomed to. Riders can book rides directly through the application, bypassing the traditional phone-based dispatch system many local taxis rely on, and complete payments digitally via a range of popular methods including credit cards and PayPal. The cashless payment option addresses longstanding convenience gaps for both tourists and local commuters who prefer contactless transactions.

    The project, which is still in the development and stakeholder engagement phase, has not been without questions from NTU members. During recent consultation sessions, multiple participating drivers raised key concerns about the app’s operational structure, long-term management framework, and payout protocols for completed rides booked through the platform. Project leaders have moved quickly to clarify that the recent sessions were not launch events, but rather introductory consultations intended to gather feedback and help union members fully understand the app’s design and the broader strategic response to Uber’s arrival in Saint Lucia. The app remains in active development as the NTU works to address member concerns ahead of a full public rollout.

  • CWI Officially Announces 2026 International Home Season For West Indies Men

    CWI Officially Announces 2026 International Home Season For West Indies Men

    Cricket fans across the Caribbean are gearing up for a blockbuster summer of elite international cricket in 2026, after Cricket West Indies (CWI) formally announced the finalized full fixture list for its upcoming Men’s International Home Series, paired with the launch of an ambitious new fan engagement campaign titled “WI OUTSIDE!”.

    The 2026 home season will bring three top-ranked global cricket nations to Caribbean shores – Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan – delivering months of nonstop competitive action across multiple host territories and giving local supporters ample opportunity to cheer on the iconic West Indies men’s team, widely known as the Men in Maroon.

    In a key last-minute adjustment to the originally planned schedule, CWI has added Barbados as a co-host for the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, with the final two games of the series now set to take place at Barbados’ venues instead of the original all-Guyana hosting plan. CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring outlined the context behind the collaborative scheduling shift, noting that CWI entered into discussions with the Government of Guyana after identifying unforeseen logistical barriers that would have complicated plans to host all five ODIs in the territory.

    Following the initial talks, the governments of Guyana and Barbados put forward a unique cooperative arrangement that would split hosting duties for the five matches, as well as share associated operational costs between the two territories. After securing formal approval from New Zealand Cricket, CWI signed off on the adjusted plan, aligning with the organization’s longstanding commitment to delivering a smooth, memorable experience for players, fans, and communities across the Caribbean. Dehring emphasized CWI’s gratitude for the adaptive, collaborative approach from both regional governments, noting their flexibility and rapid problem-solving ensured the series would move forward without any disruption to the overall 2026 calendar.

    The summer of cricket will officially get underway in Jamaica, where the West Indies will face Sri Lanka for a full white-ball series running from June 3 to 14. The opening leg includes three ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), before both squads travel to Antigua for a two-match Test series, scheduled for June 25–29 and July 3–7.

    Next, the spotlight shifts to the highly anticipated five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Guyana will host the opening three matches on July 11, 13, and 16, before the series wraps up in Barbados with the fourth and fifth ODIs scheduled for July 19 and 21 respectively.

    The final stretch of the 2026 home season will be hosted in Trinidad & Tobago, where the Men in Maroon will take on Pakistan for another two-match Test series, with matches set for July 25–29 and August 2–6. This series will mark a historic milestone for one of the region’s newest premier cricket facilities: the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, which will welcome its first-ever official international Test match during the event.

    Central to the entire 2026 season is the new “WI OUTSIDE!” fan engagement campaign, which Dehring explained is designed to capture the unmatched energy and cultural spirit that has defined West Indies cricket for generations. He urged supporters across the Caribbean to lean into the communal experience of the 2026 summer, framing the campaign as far more than a marketing slogan.

    “West Indies cricket has always been about more than what happens on the field. It is about people, passion, culture, pride, and the unmatched energy that comes alive when our fans rally behind the maroon,” Dehring said. “‘WI OUTSIDE!’ is a celebration of that spirit and an invitation to every cricket fan and proud West Indian to come out, fill the stands, wave their flags, and create the kind of atmosphere that makes West Indies cricket special.”

    He added that CWI hopes the 2026 season will grow into a region-wide movement that unites fans and brings them closer to the team at every step of the summer. CWI is already encouraging fans to reserve their tickets early through the organization’s official ticketing platform to secure their spot at matches, and advises supporters to check CWI’s official digital channels for ongoing updates to the “WI OUTSIDE!” campaign and 2026 series schedule.

  • Light & Power: Extra generation will have minimal impact on bills

    Light & Power: Extra generation will have minimal impact on bills

    Against a backdrop of widespread public anxiety over growing household living costs across Barbados, the national utility Barbados Light & Power (BLP) moved quickly this Monday to ease concerns about impending electricity price hikes tied to a new regulatory decision. The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) recently issued a ruling greenlighting an expansion and extension of temporary electricity generation capacity across the island, a move that quickly sparked rampant speculation about steep increases to monthly customer bills. BLP leaders acknowledged that their outreach comes at an unusually sensitive economic moment, when most local households and businesses are already grappling with sustained inflation and rising essential expenses.

    BLP’s top priority in the statement was to deliver full transparency and clear up widespread misinformation about how the FTC’s policy shift would affect end-consumer billing. “We understand the worry many customers are feeling after recent coverage of electricity costs and temporary generation,” the company said. “We know households and businesses are already stretched thin by rising living costs, and we want to lay out clearly what the FTC’s decision actually means for every customer.”

    A critical clarification the utility emphasized is that the vast majority of the approved temporary capacity – roughly 11 megawatts (MW) – was already connected to Barbados’ national power grid earlier in 2024. The FTC’s ruling simply extends authorization for these existing units to operate through 2027, and BLP confirmed that this extension will not incur any new costs for consumers. No unplanned or unexpected charges will appear on customer bills for this already operational 11 MW fleet.

    The ruling does, however, approve an additional 6 MW of brand-new temporary generation capacity, a move BLP frames as a critical strategic investment to shore up grid reliability ahead of a high-risk period for the island. The utility explained that this targeted, limited expansion is designed to cut the risk of disruptive power outages and reduce dependence on older generation units that run on more expensive fossil fuels. The extra capacity is particularly vital, officials noted, as the country gears up for the annual Atlantic hurricane season, when extreme weather can put severe strain on local energy infrastructure.

    When it comes to the direct financial impact on the average residential customer, BLP confirmed that the cost of the new 6 MW capacity will be negligible. The added capacity is projected to add roughly 0.4 cents per kilowatt-hour to customer rates, which translates to an average monthly increase of just $1.25 for the typical household. The utility also stressed that this small adjustment will not take effect immediately, with the price change not expected to appear on bills before September at the earliest.

    BLP also used the announcement to contextualize the unique challenges of managing energy infrastructure for a small Caribbean island. Unlike larger mainland nations, Barbados operates a fully isolated electrical grid, with no access to interconnected regional power networks or neighboring territories that can provide emergency backup if local systems fail. “Barbados operates an isolated electricity grid, meaning there is no external backup supply,” the company explained. “As a result, adequate generation must be available locally at all times to keep power flowing to homes, businesses, hospitals and all essential services – even during peak demand, scheduled maintenance, or unexpected equipment breakdowns.”

    Importantly, the temporary generation units are not intended to be a permanent solution, BLP noted, but rather an interim bridge to the country’s long-term clean energy goals. The fleet will maintain grid stability while the island transitions to broader renewable energy capacity, preventing crippling system strain and cutting the risk of widespread rolling blackouts during the transition. “The deployment of temporary generation units serves as an effective interim strategy to safeguard customers as more sustainable, long-term energy solutions are implemented,” the company said, adding that the current measures fully align with the Barbadian government’s national renewable energy transition targets.

    As the island enters the hot summer months, when energy demand peaks and hurricane risk rises, BLP reaffirmed its commitment to balancing grid reliability and operational stability with affordable rates for local consumers. “We remain committed to providing customers with a safe, reliable and efficient electricity service, and to ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of customers and the country,” the statement concluded.

  • Auguste returns to Windies Squad for Sri Lanka ODI Series ​

    Auguste returns to Windies Squad for Sri Lanka ODI Series ​

    West Indies cricket has finalised its 15-man One Day International squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, with multiple key players returning from injury and rest ahead of the high-stakes contest that doubles as critical preparation for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.

    The Sri Lankan full tour of the Caribbean, which kicks off June 3 and runs through early July, includes two Test matches, three T20Is and the three ODIs scheduled between June 3 and 8. The ODI series will open at Kingston’s iconic Sabina Park on Wednesday, and it will mark Saint Lucian all-rounder Ackeem Auguste’s first appearance in the senior West Indies Maroon uniform of 2026. The left-hander has been sidelined since his last international outing against New Zealand in November 2025, where he picked up a season-ending injury that kept him out of competitive selection for months.

    Joining Auguste in the comeback cohort is star fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who returns to international action after a back injury forced him out of all cricket matches starting in July 2025. Spin bowler Gudakesh Motie is also back in the ODI fold, having been given a mandatory rest period during the recent away series against New Zealand. Dynamic batter Shimron Hetmyer rounds out the group of returning players, named to the squad as part of the team’s long-term strategy to build match readiness for the 2027 50-over World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia this October and November.

    For the West Indies, this series carries more than just bilateral prestige: the side needs to collect valuable ICC ODI ranking points to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup, making every match a critical competition. Head coach Daren Sammy, a former West Indies World Cup-winning captain, has expressed quiet confidence in his side’s ability to rise to the challenge, pointing to the team’s current four-match consecutive home ODI series win streak that the squad is eager to extend.

    In a pre-series statement, Sammy acknowledged the quality of the upcoming opposition, noting that Sri Lanka has built a reputation as a disciplined, tactically sharp ODI unit that excels in slow, testing conditions that require patience and smart decision-making. “For us, this series is about setting the standard: intensity in the field, clarity with the bat, and consistency with the ball,” Sammy said. “We want to play fearless but intelligent cricket and continue building the identity we believe West Indies cricket should represent.”

    Sammy added that the team’s long-running focus on collective performance over individual heroics will remain central to the side’s game plan, as the staff work to turn home venues into an unbeatable fortress for ODI cricket. “In our desire to make home a fortress in ODI cricket, I want the team to win moments consistently rather than relying on individual brilliance, which we have stressed for the last 18 months,” he explained.

    The full 15-member West Indies ODI squad is led by captain Shai Hope, and includes Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, wicketkeeper Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales and Shamar Springer.

  • Democratic Labour Party marks Barrow anniversary with renewed focus on legacy

    Democratic Labour Party marks Barrow anniversary with renewed focus on legacy

    Thirty-nine years to the day after founding father Errol Walton Barrow’s passing, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) of Barbados has renewed its recognition of the transformative, long-lasting national impact left by the National Hero, whose policy framework continues to shape the country’s trajectory decades later. In a formal commemorative statement released this week, DLP interim president Stephen Lashley paid tribute to the iconic leader, who died in office at the age of 67 on June 1, 1987, while serving just 11 months into his third term as head of Barbados’ post-independence government.

    Lashley centered much of his tribute on Barrow’s defining role in steering the island nation to full sovereignty, highlighting one of the leader’s most famous guiding principles: “We shall be friends of all, satellites of none.” Lashley emphasized that this phrasing, coined decades ago, remains the foundational anchor of Barbados’ modern foreign policy.

    Beyond national independence, the DLP leader spotlighted Barrow’s far-reaching social transformation agenda, which grew out of the founding father’s core conviction that “education is freedom.” Under Barrow’s leadership, Barbados introduced universal free secondary education, and developed three key higher education institutions that still serve the nation today: the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Barbados Community College, and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology. Lashley also praised Barrow’s forward-thinking national school meals programme, designed to ensure all children could learn in a comfortable, well-nourished environment, removing barriers to educational access for low-income households.

    Economically, Lashley credited Barrow with building the durable foundations that underpin Barbados’ modern economy. Through prudent stewardship of national resources and proactive monetary policy, Barrow established key national institutions including the Central Bank of Barbados in 1972. He also strategically diversified the country’s economy by championing the growth of international business, light manufacturing, and the tourism sector that remains a core driver of national income today. Barrow also prioritized social safety nets, strengthening the National Insurance Scheme that continues to provide long-term financial security for generations of Barbadians.

    “Mr Barrow was the people’s champion,” Lashley said, noting that every policy and piece of legislation passed under Barrow’s administration grew from the unwavering belief that every Barbadian citizen deserves an equal stake in the nation’s success. Regionally, Barrow’s commitment to Caribbean integration was unmatched: he was a founding father of CARIFTA, the regional trade bloc that later evolved into the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). On the global stage, he demonstrated unflinching commitment to principle, publicly opposing the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada and taking a firm, vocal stance against apartheid in South Africa. These actions cemented his reputation as a courageous Caribbean leader unafraid to speak truth to power, Lashley added.

    Thirty-nine years after his death, Barrow’s legacy remains a guiding moral and political compass for the party he founded, Lashley said. He pointed to Barrow’s core “mirror-image” politics principle, which holds that all government action must directly reflect the needs and priorities of the people, as the enduring benchmark for effective, accountable leadership. Barrow’s influence can still be felt across every key sector of Barbadian life, from global diplomacy to public health, education, and affordable housing, Lashley noted. Closing his tribute, the DLP interim president pledged that the party has fully inherited Barrow’s mission, and remains committed to completing the social and economic revolution the iconic leader launched more than half a century ago.