The Prime Minister’s Cup Group A stage concluded with thrilling performances from St Andrew Lions and Ellerton FC on Wednesday night, as both teams secured their places in the Round of 16. St Andrew Lions, the group leaders, edged out a determined Pro-Shottas side with a narrow 1-0 victory at the Friendship Ground in Hothersal Turning. The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when captain Darico King showcased his composure with a clinical finish from the left flank, maintaining the Lions’ flawless record of nine points. King’s leadership and match-winning contribution earned him the Man of the Match accolade. Earlier in the evening, Ellerton FC delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over Barbados Soccer Academy, securing second place in the group. The match saw an early own goal by Soccer Academy’s Samuel Louisien in the third minute, followed by a stellar performance from Ellerton’s Zeco Edmee, who scored twice in the seventh and 17th minutes. Midfielder Tyrell Waldron added another goal in the 41st minute, while captain Shakille Belle sealed the emphatic win with a stoppage-time goal in the 90+1 minute. Edmee’s standout performance earned him the Man of the Match award. The tournament, supported by The Barbados Lottery, Powerade/Dasani, and Rude Boy, continues to showcase high-intensity football as teams prepare for the knockout stage.
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Customs porter charged with drug importation and document offences
A customs porter has been formally charged in connection with the alleged importation of controlled drugs through the Vieux Fort Port in Saint Lucia. Christian Hippolyte faces charges under Section 5(3) of the Drug Prevention and Misuse Act for drug importation and Section 263 of the Criminal Code for uttering a false document. The charges stem from an extensive investigation conducted by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (GNF) and the Central Intelligence Unit (CIU). This operation is part of a larger intelligence-driven effort to dismantle narcotics trafficking networks exploiting legitimate shipping channels. Hippolyte appeared in court on October 14 and was granted bail totaling $15,000—$10,000 for the drug importation charge and $5,000 for the false document offense. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with the potential for further arrests as inquiries progress.
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Man dead in late-night Pinelands shooting
A tragic late-night shooting in Stafford Hill, Pinelands, St Michael, has claimed the life of a 21-year-old man. The victim, identified as Chrishon Gooding of #18 4th Avenue, North Wildey Close, St Michael, was fatally wounded on Thursday evening. According to reports from the District ‘A’ Station, the incident unfolded around 11 p.m. when two unidentified assailants entered the area and opened fire. Gooding, who was seated nearby, was struck by the gunfire. He was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital via a private vehicle but later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident and are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Individuals can contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-8477, Police Emergency at 211, or the District ‘A’ Station at 430-7242 or 430-7246. The community remains on edge as law enforcement continues its efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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Weather system expected to bring heavy rains by Sunday
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services announced on Friday that they are closely monitoring a tropical wave currently positioned near 40 degrees west, approximately 1,000 miles east of the Windward Islands. The wave is accompanied by a significant area of showers and thunderstorms. According to the National Hurricane Centre (NHC), there is a low probability of tropical cyclone formation, with a 10% chance within the next 48 hours and a 30% chance over the next seven days. Despite the uncertainty regarding its development, the system is expected to bring cloudy skies, moderate to heavy showers, and thunderstorms to St. Vincent and the Grenadines from late Sunday into Monday. Weather models predict rainfall accumulations of 50–75 mm (2–3 inches), with higher amounts likely in mountainous regions. Additionally, strong surface winds are anticipated, which could agitate coastal waters. The bulletin warned that flash flood watches or warnings may be issued as the wave approaches, urging residents to stay informed about its progress.
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Finding my mind
Last week marked World Mental Health Day, a time to reflect on the complexities of mental well-being. While mental stress is often linked to workplace challenges, it is crucial to distinguish between temporary stress and mental illness. Mental stress, though uncomfortable, can be a catalyst for innovation and problem-solving. However, mental illness, such as memory loss, presents a more profound and often misunderstood challenge.
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Message from Kemar Cumberbatch, president of the Barbados Co-operative & Credit Union League Limited, on the occasion of International Credit Union Day 2025
International Credit Union (ICU) Day serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of collective effort, particularly among communities often overlooked in traditional financial systems. In Barbados, the credit union movement has forged a deeply rooted and mutually beneficial relationship with the working-class and middle-income populations for generations. Today, 24 financial cooperatives operate under the Barbados Co-operative & Credit Union League Limited, showcasing the strength of shared resources and unified goals. What began as a grassroots initiative to address financial exclusion has evolved into a multibillion-dollar sector that continues to uplift individuals and communities alike. This year’s ICU Day theme, ‘Cooperation for a Prosperous World,’ resonates profoundly with Barbados’ credit union movement, highlighting its resilience and success. Since its inception in 1948, ICU Day has been a time to reflect on the movement’s history, celebrate its achievements, and honor the individuals who have driven its growth. It also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the critical role credit unions play globally in empowering members and improving lives. In Barbados, credit unions have remained steadfast through the island’s social and economic challenges, now holding nearly $3 billion in savings and $3.4 billion in total assets. Members increasingly rely on these institutions for business development, housing, education, transportation, and personal financial empowerment. The Barbados Co-operative & Credit Union League, headquartered in St. Michael, acts as the sector’s strategic hub, providing leadership training, governance support, and financial literacy programs. The league also champions initiatives to enhance technological capabilities and cybersecurity while advocating for the sector’s inclusion in the national deposit insurance program. As Barbados celebrates International Credit Union Day 2025, the movement reaffirms its commitment to cooperation, honoring its shared history and embracing future opportunities to build a prosperous and inclusive future for all.
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Young Barbadians champion resilience financing
On October 13, Barbados marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction with a National Youth Platform, bringing together young people, government leaders, and international partners to focus on resilience financing. The event, themed ‘Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,’ emphasized the critical need to invest in measures that protect communities from climate and disaster risks. Youth leaders highlighted the devastating impacts of disasters on education, livelihoods, and well-being, while showcasing their innovative contributions to resilience-building. Interactive ‘resilience labs’ provided a space for young participants to exchange solutions, from climate-smart technologies to community-driven approaches, demonstrating their role as active agents of change. Captain Robert Harewood, Deputy Director of the Department of Emergency Management, opened the event by stressing the importance of involving youth in national resilience planning. United Nations Resident Coordinator Simon Springett called for intergenerational dialogue to ensure youth priorities inform policy and financing decisions. Saskia Carusi of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction highlighted the increasing scale of disasters driven by extreme weather and risk-blind investments. The Government of Barbados reaffirmed its commitment to resilience, with Minister Wilfred Abrahams emphasizing that investing in resilience is a necessity for sustainable development. A youth-led panel discussion explored how youth innovation, financing, and partnerships can drive greater investment in resilience. UNICEF Youth Advocate Maria Marshall underscored the importance of viewing young people as agents of change rather than victims. The event concluded with the launch of the World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025 Film Festival and the presentation of youth recommendations to strengthen national and regional resilience strategies.
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The Missing Meso-Level finance in disaster relief
When hurricanes devastate the Caribbean, the path to recovery extends far beyond rebuilding homes and infrastructure. It hinges on the ability of farmers to replace lost livestock, fishers to access damaged docks, market vendors to preserve perishable goods, and tourism workers to endure prolonged hotel closures. These individuals are the backbone of local economies, ensuring food security and the flow of goods. Yet, they are often the last to receive aid when disasters strike. While governments and traditional insurance systems play a role, they frequently fall short in addressing the urgent, small-scale needs of vulnerable communities. Governments focus on large-scale recovery efforts, such as restoring power grids and roads, but struggle to address individual needs like replacing a farmer’s contaminated well or a fisher’s equipment. Private insurers, meanwhile, cater primarily to businesses with formal assets, leaving informal workers—such as farmers without land titles or vendors without registered stalls—unprotected. This gap is where meso-level Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) steps in. By connecting government resources, private insurance, and community organizations, CDRFI creates a collaborative system that delivers faster, fairer, and more localized support. Community institutions like cooperatives and NGOs act as direct links to vulnerable populations, leveraging their trust and local knowledge to distribute financial tools such as parametric insurance and community savings funds. Governments and private insurers provide broader financial backing, ensuring sustainability. This integrated approach not only protects livelihoods but also reduces strain on national budgets. Research by the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) reveals that 79% of organizations serving vulnerable workers lack disaster response budgets, leaving them stranded during crises. Meso-level CDRFI empowers these organizations to access resources, deliver aid directly, and accelerate recovery. Beyond financial support, this model fosters trust, transparency, and local decision-making, essential for long-term resilience. As climate risks escalate, the Caribbean must adopt solutions tailored to its unique challenges. Meso-level CDRFI offers a promising pathway to connect informal workers with broader resources, ensuring a smarter, more resilient future for the region.
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Hilaire, UWP react to CCJ ruling in customs case
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has delivered a landmark ruling, dismissing Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet’s appeal in a protracted customs case tied to the importation of a Land Rover Discovery vehicle. The decision, issued on October 15, 2025, upheld prior judgments from the High Court and the Court of Appeal, affirming that the Comptroller of Customs acted lawfully in withdrawing the charges. The CCJ further stated that seeking judicial review of the Comptroller’s decision was “legally misconceived.” Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire hailed the verdict as a personal vindication after nearly a decade of legal and political scrutiny. In a social media post, Hilaire emphasized his resilience, vowing to continue serving his constituents despite ongoing challenges. The United Workers Party (UWP), however, criticized the ruling, labeling it a blow to accountability and transparency in Saint Lucia. The party argued that the decision prevented a full examination of the facts, leaving the public in the dark. The CCJ’s ruling marks the definitive conclusion of the case, with no further appeals possible, and the court lamented the case’s excessive consumption of judicial resources.
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LIVE NOW: Opening of NDFD Creole in the Streets 2025
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, the ways in which users share content have undergone significant transformations. From the early days of simple tweets to the more visually-driven pins, the methods of sharing have become increasingly diverse and sophisticated. Initially, Twitter revolutionized the way people communicated online with its 140-character limit, encouraging concise and rapid information dissemination. As social media platforms expanded, Facebook introduced the ‘Share’ button, allowing users to easily repost content across their networks. More recently, Pinterest emerged with its unique ‘Pin’ feature, enabling users to curate and share visual content in a more organized and aesthetically pleasing manner. These developments reflect the growing demand for varied and user-friendly sharing options, catering to different preferences and needs. The evolution of sharing mechanisms not only enhances user experience but also influences how information spreads across the digital sphere, shaping online interactions and content consumption.