The Warrens business district in Barbados was awash with a vibrant sea of pink on Sunday as an estimated 20,000 participants gathered for the 2025 CIBC Walk for the Cure. This event marked one of the largest turnouts in its history, showcasing a profound display of unity and commitment to breast cancer awareness across the island. Kemar Polius, Head of CIBC Barbados, expressed his awe at the spectacle, describing it as ‘a sight to behold.’ Reflecting on his experiences with similar events in the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, Polius emphasized that Barbados’ Walk for the Cure stands unparalleled in the southern Caribbean and possibly the entire region. He highlighted that CIBC Caribbean has raised over US$5 million regionally, including more than BDS$1 million in Barbados, to support cancer-fighting initiatives through the Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme. President Dame Sandra Mason, alongside CIBC managers, participated in the walk for the first and final time as her term concludes on November 29. Dr. Shirley Hanoman-Jhagroo, Medical Coordinator of the Programme, noted the significant progress Barbados has made in raising awareness and reducing stigma around breast cancer. She stressed the importance of turning awareness into action, urging Barbadians to prioritize screenings. Hanoman-Jhagroo also introduced the programme’s new $1 million mammogram machine, designed to provide more comfortable screenings for both women and men. She acknowledged the collective effort of Corporate Barbados and the broader community in making these advancements possible.
作者： admin
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Homeless Man Charged for Building Breaking and Larceny on Market Street
In a recent development in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, a 38-year-old homeless man, Tony Bright, has been arrested and charged in connection with a building break-in and larceny incident that occurred on October 2, 2025, at Market Street. According to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Bright allegedly broke into a local business establishment, stealing an undisclosed amount of cash and several electronic items, including an iPhone 13 Pro, two Amazon Tablets, a Samsung A7 Tablet, and two Selfie Ring Lights. The total value of the stolen property is estimated at $9,070. Following a thorough investigation, Bright was taken into custody and formally charged. He is expected to appear in court to face the charges. The Police Administration has seized this opportunity to remind business owners and residents to bolster their security measures by installing surveillance systems, securing their properties, and reporting any suspicious activities promptly. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about property crimes and the importance of community vigilance in preventing such offenses.
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Privy Council ruling fuels Barbados fight over Cable & Wireless deal
In a significant legal development, over 300 minority shareholders of Cable & Wireless Barbados (C&W) have reignited their fight in the Barbados High Court, seeking a ruling on the contentious 2017 merger between C&W Barbados and C&W West Indies Limited. The group, spearheaded by Kenneth Ricky Went, Omstand Investment Inc., and Phillip Osbourne, filed fresh legal submissions last week, asserting that their rights were overlooked during the amalgamation process. Their case draws strength from a recent landmark decision by the UK-based Privy Council, which ruled in favor of minority shareholder Eric Jason Abrahams in a similar case involving Cable & Wireless Jamaica (CWJ). The Privy Council’s ruling emphasized that minority shareholders must be treated as a distinct class when their shares are being canceled or bought out, a principle the Barbados claimants argue applies directly to their situation. Representing the claimants, Senior Counsel Garth Patterson highlighted that the Privy Council’s reasoning aligns with their position that minority shareholders should have been allowed to vote independently on the merger. The claimants contend that the approval process failed to meet the legal requirements under Barbados law, as minority and majority shareholders were treated as a single voting class despite their divergent interests. With the Privy Council’s decision bolstering their argument, the minority shareholders are now urging the Barbados High Court to either invalidate the 2017 merger or recognize the process as oppressive and grant substantive relief. The case also names nine defendants, including Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies. Went, speaking on behalf of the claimants, expressed optimism about the pending judgment, citing the Privy Council’s decision as a source of confidence.
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From skeptic of the local cannabis industry to a regional entrepreneur
Emmanuel Bria, a Barbadian entrepreneur and representative of Summus Barbados, recently shared his transformative journey into the medicinal cannabis industry during the Cannabliss SVG 2025 conference in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Standing amidst rows of meticulously cultivated cannabis plants at CannaSVG, the region’s largest licensed farm, Bria reflected on his evolving perspective. Initially skeptical about medicinal cannabis, he now champions its potential, provided it is grown and processed under stringent quality controls.
Bria emphasized that cannabis, inherently a medicinal plant, can become harmful if cultivated in toxic environments. ‘The plant absorbs everything in its surroundings,’ he explained. ‘If it’s exposed to contaminants like bacteria, fungi, or toxic elements, it’s no longer medicinal—it’s a time bomb.’ This realization reshaped his understanding of the industry, highlighting the critical need for rigorous testing and sterile cultivation practices to ensure safety and efficacy.
During the conference, Bria engaged with cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers, gaining firsthand insights into the discipline required to build a legitimate medicinal cannabis sector. He stressed that the industry’s primary focus should be on healing and addressing the needs of individuals suffering from chronic pain, post-surgery discomfort, and anxiety. ‘It’s about introducing a clean, safe, and fully organic product into the market,’ he said. ‘Consistent testing and quality assurance are non-negotiable.’
Bria’s journey was as much personal as professional. He admitted to unlearning preconceived notions and relearning the science behind medicinal cannabis. Now, his mission is to educate others in Barbados about its potential and the opportunities it presents. ‘We’re moving forward,’ he said optimistically. ‘It’s about healing people, and we’re going to fix the challenges along the way.’
His story underscores the growing importance of quality control and education in the burgeoning medicinal cannabis industry, as it strives to balance therapeutic benefits with public trust and safety.
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Two decades in: Deepening trust ahead for Dominica and China, says Ambassador Chu
Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency Chu Maoming, has expressed optimism about the deepening political trust and cooperation between China and Dominica. Speaking at a reception commemorating the 76th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at the Chinese Embassy in Morne Daniel, Ambassador Chu highlighted the progress in bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 20 years ago. He emphasized the pivotal role of head-of-state diplomacy, particularly the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in Beijing, in guiding the relationship forward. Ambassador Chu reiterated China’s appreciation for Dominica’s steadfast commitment to the one-China principle and outlined future collaboration in areas such as mutual support on core interests, advancing global initiatives, and safeguarding the international order. Practical cooperation in agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure has already yielded significant results, with key projects like the international airport and post-hurricane school reconstruction progressing efficiently. Cultural exchanges have also flourished, with Chinese intangible cultural heritage, Kung Fu, and cuisine making a lasting impact in Dominica. The Confucius Classroom at Dominica State College continues to promote Chinese language and culture, with plans for a study tour to China. Ambassador Chu expressed confidence that closer people-to-people exchanges will further strengthen the foundation of trust and friendship between the two nations.
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OPINION: When friendships rupture, when cooperation becomes collusion
In a dramatic turn of events on the first Monday of October 2025, the spotlight fell on Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed, who were indicted on 11 serious charges including gold smuggling, tax evasion, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. This father-son duo is now accused of running an unprecedented criminal enterprise in Guyana, raising questions about their connections with high-ranking officials and the political elite. The charges, spanning from 2017 to 2024, implicate two successive governments, with leaders at various levels reportedly cultivating close ties with the Mohameds. Their alleged criminal activities were seemingly overlooked for years, with their names evoking both fear and reverence in equal measure. The author reflects on the surreal nature of being entangled in this web of corruption and questions the integrity of the friendships and protections that once shielded the Mohameds. The article also delves into the political ramifications of their indictment, particularly in light of Azruddin Mohamed’s foray into politics and his bold stance against the Exxon oil contract. The author raises critical questions about the timing of the charges and the sudden cooperation between the Guyanese and U.S. governments, suggesting that collusion may have replaced cooperation. The piece concludes with a call for Guyanese citizens to reflect on these developments and consider the broader implications for their nation’s future.
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Barbados’ privacy blind spot and why cybersecurity isn’t enough
In today’s digital age, businesses and public officials often conflate data protection with cybersecurity, leading to significant oversights in handling personal information. While cybersecurity focuses on safeguarding systems and networks from unauthorized access and attacks, data protection is fundamentally about the lawful and ethical management of personal data. This distinction is crucial, especially under frameworks like the Barbados Data Protection Act, 2019 (DPA), which mandates transparency and respect for individual rights.
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Police Search for Suspect in Attempted Robbery
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in identifying a suspect involved in an attempted robbery at a convenience store in St. John’s. The incident occurred on the morning of October 7, 2025, at approximately 9:54 a.m., when a lone male entered the store located at the junction of Temple and New Streets, allegedly armed with a firearm. The store owner’s quick response in raising the alarm forced the suspect to flee the scene on foot. According to police reports, the suspect is described as a dark-complexioned male, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a red T-shirt, short blue jeans, a black and red tam, black rubber slippers with white stripes, and an orange mask covering his face. Additionally, he was carrying a black knapsack. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 462-3913, 911, or the nearest police station. The public is also reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring public safety and underscores the importance of community cooperation in combating crime.
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Teachers remain fuel for any educational advancement, says minister
In a heartfelt address following World Teachers Day on October 3, Education Minister Octavia Alfred underscored the indispensable role of teachers in the success of educational reform and technological advancement. She emphasized that no matter how ambitious policies or modern infrastructure may be, the true catalysts of change are the educators who stand at the forefront of classrooms every day. ‘It is you, our teachers, who turn policy into practice, transform curriculum into life experiences, and shape students into not just future workers but responsible citizens today,’ Alfred stated. She acknowledged the evolving global education landscape, driven by digital learning, the demand for new skills, and pressing social and environmental challenges. Despite these complexities, teachers worldwide are adapting to new technologies, addressing diverse learning needs, and tackling social issues, often with limited resources. Alfred praised their resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment, calling them role models of dedication and sacrifice. She also highlighted the distinction between technology and human connection, noting that while AI can process data, only teachers can inspire understanding, instill values, and nurture empathy. Alfred reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to supporting teachers through enhanced training, professional development, and fair recognition, stating that true educational transformation begins with the human touch of educators.
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Mother-to-child HIV transmission ending in Barbados – WHO
Barbados is on track to become the 12th Caribbean nation to achieve official recognition for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B by the end of 2025. This milestone follows a pre-assessment conducted by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), which highlighted significant progress and dedication across the island’s healthcare system. The certification process, expected to conclude by year-end, mirrors successful efforts in Belize, Jamaica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines in 2024. Cuba set the precedent a decade ago as the first country globally to eliminate both HIV and syphilis transmission from mother to child. Last week, a PAHO team, accompanied by a regional laboratory expert, collaborated with Barbados’ national health team to conduct a comprehensive pre-assessment. The review, designed to identify gaps and challenges, included visits to key health facilities such as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, polyclinics, and private medical centers. The delegation evaluated services for pregnant and lactating women, inspected laboratories, and reviewed HIV services, maternal and child clinics, vaccination programs, and disease surveillance systems. Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that it reflects the strength of Barbados’ HIV and maternal health services and its commitment to ensuring every child has a healthy start in life. PAHO’s support aims to strengthen health systems, promote health equity, and prevent missed opportunities for disease prevention. WHO certification confirms a country’s ability to deliver high-quality, accessible care to pregnant women and newborns, safeguarding them from HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B transmission.