Barbados’ tourism sector has witnessed a significant boost, with stayover arrivals increasing by 5.43% between January and August 2025, totaling 503,000 visitors. For the first time, the United States has surpassed the United Kingdom as the island’s leading source market, marking a historic shift in Barbados’ tourism landscape. Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), highlighted this milestone during the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference at the Hilton Barbados Resort. ‘Arrivals from the United States stand at 179,753 visitors, making the US our number one source market this year,’ Franklin stated. ‘This is particularly significant given the UK’s long-standing dominance in Barbados’ tourism history.’ The Caribbean region also performed well, securing the third position with 70,984 visitors. Franklin attributed the US’s rise to BTMI’s strategic focus on expanding airlift capacity. ‘We doubled down on our airlift strategy, targeting the US market. In winter 2025, we secured over 60,000 additional seats from the US, which was pivotal in building capacity,’ she explained. Cruise arrivals also saw a 24% increase, with 599,826 passengers visiting the island between January and July. Franklin noted ongoing enhancements at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, including modernization, improved passenger flow, and greener port operations. Additionally, significant investments in the accommodation sector are underway, with new hotels like the Blue Monkey Hotel and Beach Club, Hotel Indigo, and Beaches Barbados expected to open between 2026 and 2027.
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Jamaican takes second place at 2025 CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) hosted its 21st Regional Tourism Youth Congress at the Hilton Barbados Resort, showcasing the talents of young tourism leaders from across the region. The event, part of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), brought together 15 students aged 14-17, each serving as junior ministers or commissioners of tourism in their respective countries. Participants presented innovative ideas on topics reshaping the industry, including sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and heritage experiences, while also tackling mystery questions designed to test their creativity and problem-solving skills. The competition highlighted the shift from the traditional ‘sea, sun, sand’ model to a new focus on ‘smart technology, sustainable practices, and social inclusion.’
Jolé St John, Tobago’s 16-year-old junior secretary of tourism, claimed first place with her compelling presentation, earning the title of regional junior minister of tourism until the 2026 Congress. Jamaica’s Caleader Lewison, also 16, secured second place and was appointed CTO’s junior secretary-general of tourism. Aylani Morris Seymour from the Cayman Islands took third place, while Isaiah Toney of St Vincent and the Grenadines received an honorary mention for his exceptional qualities beyond the standard scoring.
The congress was chaired by last year’s winner, Keyana Warner of Nevis, and judged by a panel of tourism leaders, including Rosetta West-Gerald, CEO of the Montserrat Tourism Authority; Paul Pennicook, interim CEO of Experience Turks and Caicos; and Charlene Drakes, manager of Stakeholder Engagements for Carnival Corporation & plc. In the lead-up to the competition, participants engaged in enrichment activities such as a master class on Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in tourism, a career readiness workshop on personal branding and leadership, and a field trip highlighting sustainable initiatives and Barbados’ cultural history.
Ian Gooding-Edghill, chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners and Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, commended the delegates for their dedication and passion. Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s director of Resource Mobilisation and Development, emphasized the event’s significance as a launchpad for the next generation of tourism visionaries. The 2025 congress featured participants from 15 CTO member countries and territories, underscoring the region’s commitment to nurturing young talent in the tourism sector.
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Nuh Reely win Mayberry marlin tournament in Port Antonio
PORTLAND, Jamaica – In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Nuh Reely emerged victorious at the 9th Mayberry Superstars of Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament, held at the Errol Flynn Marina on Saturday. The team showcased their expertise by releasing five marlin, securing their lead over competitors Brac Rebel and Pipe Dreams, each of which released four marlin. Other notable participants included Never Say Never, Daddy’s Dream, and Still Keepin It Jiggy, which each released three marlin. Defending champion Safe Passage managed to release two marlin, falling short of reclaiming their title. The event concluded with an awards ceremony scheduled for 7 pm at the marina, where participants and spectators gathered to celebrate the achievements of the day.
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Arsenal go top of Premier League as Liverpool lose again
In a thrilling Premier League showdown, Chelsea’s rising star Estevao secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, handing the Reds their third consecutive defeat. The win not only ended Chelsea’s three-game winless streak but also allowed Arsenal to claim the top spot in the league after their 2-0 triumph over West Ham. Liverpool, who started the season with seven straight wins, now face a challenging period as they trail Arsenal by one point. Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo opened the scoring with a stunning strike, but Cody Gakpo equalized for Liverpool. However, Estevao’s late winner in stoppage time sealed the deal, sparking jubilant celebrations from manager Enzo Maresca, who was later sent off for his exuberance. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s victory came at a cost as captain Martin Odegaard suffered another injury setback. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were the heroes for the Gunners, ensuring their title ambitions remain alive. In other matches, Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim breathed a sigh of relief with a 2-0 win over Sunderland, while Tottenham ended Leeds’ year-long unbeaten run with a 2-1 victory.
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Hellshire fatal crash victims identified
A tragic early morning accident in Hellshire, Portmore, St Catherine, has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left several others injured, including a 12-year-old child. The incident occurred around 3:00 am on Saturday when a Honda Shuttle, driven by Jevaughn Martin, collided with a BMW on the main road. Both vehicles sustained severe damage, and the impact caused the BMW to crash into a utility pole. The occupants of both cars were rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital, where Martin, a 33-year-old taxi driver from Portmore, and Ryan Tulloch, a 17-year-old resident of Tawes Meadows in Spanish Town, succumbed to their injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which has left the community in mourning.
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Nearly 200 homes completed or in progress as NHC secures more land for families in need
The National Housing Corporation (NHC) of Saint Kitts has unveiled ambitious plans to address the housing needs of lower-income families through its Renaissance Project. This initiative is already underway, with nearly 200 homes either completed or in various stages of construction across multiple locations, including Stapleton, Harry Phipps, Ottley’s, and Sandy Point. The NHC has also secured additional land in Gillard’s Meadow, Newton Ground, and Sandy Point to expand its efforts. Davina Shoulette, Assistant Technical Manager at NHC, highlighted the progress at Harry Phipps, where 10 two-bedroom homes are being built by four contractors, with structures at different stages of development. Jonelle Rawlins, NHC’s General Manager, emphasized the corporation’s commitment to meeting its mandate, noting that construction is set to begin soon in newly cleared areas. Rawlins also expressed gratitude to the NHC team for their dedication to raising standards and advancing the project’s vision. With ongoing developments on East Street and West Street, including a four-storey building nearing completion, the NHC is making significant strides in providing affordable housing across the country.
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Former Police Officer Karim Warner Sentenced to One Year for Firing Gun in Public
Karim Warner, a former police officer, has been sentenced to one year in prison for discharging a firearm in a public place. The verdict was delivered by Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, following Warner’s conviction for the incident that took place on December 3, 2022, near Emerald Cove Resort in Willikies. Warner was found guilty of firing 12 rounds at a white Toyota Mark X, which had two occupants inside. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The case has garnered significant attention due to Warner’s prior role in law enforcement and the inherent risks associated with the public discharge of firearms. Magistrate Emanuel underscored the gravity of the offense, highlighting the potential threat to public safety. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to law enforcement personnel and the consequences of their actions when those responsibilities are breached.
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Protecting our children from the dangers of gang hand signals
Recent court appearances of young men accused of multiple robberies have sparked concern, not just for the crimes they are charged with, but for the alarming display of gang-related hand signals both before and after proceedings. These gestures, far from being innocuous, serve as coded messages tied to gang identity, territorial claims, and power dynamics. Their public exhibition, particularly in high-profile settings like courtrooms or on social media, carries grave implications. Rival gangs may interpret these signals as provocations, potentially inciting retaliation, intimidation of informants, or further violence. Even more troubling is the observation of schoolchildren mimicking these gestures on the streets, oblivious to the life-threatening risks of being misidentified as gang affiliates. This underscores the urgent need for intervention. The Royal Barbados Police Force, led by the commissioner of police, must take immediate action to prevent such displays. Measures such as handcuffing individuals behind their backs or restricting their movements during public appearances could mitigate the spread of these dangerous signals. Prison officers must also ensure that detainees cannot communicate these gestures during transportation, court appearances, or processing. The media plays a pivotal role as well. While public awareness is essential, news outlets must exercise restraint in broadcasting images that inadvertently amplify gang messaging. Parents, too, bear responsibility in educating their children about the severe consequences of imitating these gestures, which may appear harmless on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok but can signify gang affiliation. The unchecked proliferation of these signals risks normalizing gang culture and luring young people into destructive lifestyles. Urgent, coordinated efforts from law enforcement, prison authorities, the media, and parents are essential to curb this dangerous trend and safeguard communities.
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US delays visa surcharge
The United States has postponed the enforcement of a $250 visa surcharge, initially set to take effect on October 1, 2025, as outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Donald Trump in July. The State Department has yet to confirm a new implementation timeline, leaving applicants from non-visa waiver countries, including Jamaica, in limbo. Once enacted, the surcharge will increase the total visa application cost to $435 per applicant, as it adds to the existing $185 fee. The Department of Homeland Security will oversee the collection of this fee, which is intended to bolster immigration enforcement, deter visa overstays, and fund border security initiatives. Notably, the surcharge is refundable for visa holders who comply with all visa terms and depart the U.S. within five days of expiration or after legally adjusting their status. However, the lack of clear refund procedures has sparked concerns that many travelers may never reclaim the fee. Critics argue that the surcharge disproportionately affects low-income travelers and could discourage tourism and commerce, particularly from Caribbean nations like Jamaica. In 2024, the U.S. issued 83,957 B1/B2 visas to Jamaicans, and while 2025 figures remain unavailable, immigration attorneys believe the surcharge may not significantly deter applicants. Nevertheless, the additional financial burden—amounting to $1,000 for a family of four—could impact travel plans for events such as weddings, funerals, or vacations.
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Caribbean’s ‘first all-purpose’ dictionary aims to close classroom linguistic gaps
In a groundbreaking initiative, two Caribbean lexicographers are spearheading the creation of the region’s first general-purpose English dictionary, aiming to bridge linguistic gaps in education and validate Caribbean dialects. This project, led by Dr. Joseph T. Farquharson of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona and Dr. Jason F. Siegel of UWI Cave Hill, marks a significant step forward in linguistic representation, three decades after Richard Allsopp’s specialized *Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage*.
The endeavor is hailed as a landmark effort to ensure Caribbean schoolchildren are not disadvantaged by the lack of accessible linguistic resources. Dr. Siegel, who also heads the Richard and Jeannette Allsopp Centre for Caribbean Lexicography, emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of the project. He noted that while the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) recently added 12 Caribbean words, these terms have long been documented in regional lexicons.
Dr. Siegel highlighted the broader implications of the initiative, stating, ‘Having your own dictionary validates your dialect in the public eye. It counters the racist discourse that suggests there’s something wrong with the way Caribbean people speak.’ The project builds on the legacy of Richard Allsopp, whose 1995 *Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage* remains a cornerstone of Caribbean linguistics, and his wife Jeannette Allsopp, who expanded the field with her multilingual dictionary in 2003.
The new dictionary aims to be a comprehensive, all-purpose reference, capturing both regional vocabulary like ‘cou cou’ and ‘walk with’ and the standard English used alongside it. Unlike specialized glossaries, it will serve as a single trusted source for both local and international communication. Dr. Siegel underscored its educational value, stating that Caribbean children should not have to rely on disparate or unreliable sources to understand their own language.
While the project is still in its early stages, with funding and planning yet to be finalized, it is a top priority for the Allsopp Centre. This initiative not only celebrates Caribbean linguistic heritage but also seeks to empower future generations by providing them with the tools to navigate their linguistic identity confidently.