The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has issued a stark warning regarding the potential strain on the nation’s healthcare system due to the impending implementation of the CARICOM free movement agreement. Starting Wednesday, citizens of Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines will be permitted to live and work across these nations without requiring work permits or CARICOM skilled national certificates. While this move aims to foster regional integration, the BNA has expressed concerns over the lack of adequate planning and resources to manage the anticipated influx of migrants. Dr Fay Parris, President of the BNA, highlighted that while discussions on migration frameworks and qualification standardization have taken place, nurses have been excluded from critical high-level talks addressing resource allocation and staffing needs. She emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, given the imminent implementation date. Public concern has surged, with many Barbadians voicing fears on radio programs that the healthcare system, already grappling with a chronic nursing shortage, could be further overwhelmed. To mitigate staffing gaps, Barbados has historically relied on recruiting nurses from Ghana, Cuba, and the Philippines. However, challenges persist, including high failure rates among local nursing students, which threaten the sustainability of the domestic nursing workforce. Dr Arthur Phillips, Senior Medical Officer of Health, assured that the Ministry of Health and Wellness has been providing primary and emergency care to CARICOM nationals under existing policies. Nonetheless, Dr Parris stressed the need for comprehensive planning to safeguard the nursing workforce and health infrastructure from being overburdened by the new arrangement.
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Officials sound alarm over synthetic additives
Barbados is grappling with a rising public health crisis as illegal cannabis products laced with synthetic or semi-synthetic substances flood the local market. Dr. Ronald Chase, a psychiatrist with the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), issued a stark warning on Monday following the discovery of a product labeled Original Royal Honey Delta in a local store. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a lab-created variant. Dr. Chase emphasized that these semi-synthetic substances, first detected globally in 2021, pose significant health risks. ‘These compounds are far more potent and dangerous than naturally occurring cannabinoids,’ he stated. The psychiatrist highlighted that the colorful, candy-like packaging of these products has led to accidental ingestion, particularly among children. In 2022, approximately 40% of unintentional use cases involved individuals under 18. Dr. Chase warned that synthetic cannabinoids can cause severe side effects, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, psychosis, anxiety, and aggression. He urged consumers to scrutinize product labels and avoid unfamiliar cannabis-related items. Supporting this call, Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams acknowledged the challenges of curbing illegal drug use but stressed the heightened risks in today’s drug landscape. ‘The substances available now are far more dangerous than in previous years,’ he said. Abrahams recounted witnessing a cannabis user spraying an unknown substance onto a joint, underscoring the unpredictability of street drugs. He urged parents to remain vigilant, especially if their children are hiding candy-like products, and encouraged families to utilize testing services for suspicious substances. Both Dr. Chase and Minister Abrahams emphasized that the combination of deceptive packaging, easy accessibility, and severe health effects makes semi-synthetic cannabinoids a growing threat to public health in Barbados.
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Visitor arrivals to The Bahamas climb 8.5 percent year-to-date
The Bahamas has witnessed an 8.5 percent increase in total visitor arrivals, reaching 7.4 million year-to-date, according to the Central Bank’s latest Monthly Economic and Financial Developments report. This growth was primarily fueled by a 10.5 percent surge in sea passengers, totaling 6.2 million, which compensated for a 1.3 percent drop in air arrivals to 1.1 million. However, July saw a 3.3 percent decline in overall arrivals to 1.1 million visitors, with sea passengers decreasing by 3.8 percent and air traffic slipping 0.9 percent. Regional disparities were evident, as Family Islands experienced a 9.7 percent contraction in arrivals, while Grand Bahama recorded a remarkable 26.1 percent rise, driven by significant increases in both air and sea traffic. Meanwhile, outbound departures from Nassau Airport fell 3.0 percent in August, with U.S. departures declining 5.1 percent and non-U.S. international departures rising 14.5 percent. Short-term vacation rentals also reflected broader tourism trends, with total room nights sold increasing 1.0 percent in August, despite a dip in occupancy rates. Average daily rates (ADR) continued to climb, with entire place listings up 11.8 percent and hotel-comparable listings rising 1.1 percent. Despite localized slowdowns, the tourism sector remains a cornerstone of the Bahamas’ economic growth, supported by robust sea passenger numbers and sustained rental revenue.
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Healthcare workers demand swift action after attacks
The Barbados Nurses’ Association (BNA) has expressed deep concern after numerous nurses were reportedly barred from attending a pivotal meeting addressing workplace violence and safety. Union leaders have warned that official interference is hampering efforts to combat a surge in assaults on healthcare workers. BNA President Dr. Fay Parris revealed that the meeting, held at the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) headquarters in Dalkeith, was intended to include the entire nursing community, not just BNA members, to tackle the escalating crisis. However, some nurses were allegedly deterred from attending due to a message implying that non-members would be marked absent if they participated. Dr. Parris emphasized that the invitation was extended to all nurses, as the issue of safety and violence affects the entire profession. She also refuted claims that proper procedures were not followed, stating that the meeting was announced with sufficient notice and guidelines to ensure public safety. The BNA president expressed disappointment at the ministry’s intervention, which she believes undermined the meeting’s effectiveness and the association’s ability to advocate for nurses. The meeting, convened in response to recent attacks on healthcare staff, garnered support from sister unions, including the NUPW, the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP), and the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB). Recent incidents, such as a nurse being slapped at the Randall Phillips Polyclinic and a confrontation at the Frederick Miller Polyclinic, have reignited concerns about staff safety. Union leaders, including NUPW President Kimberley Agard and CTUSAB President Ryan Phillips, called for urgent action to protect public servants, emphasizing that violence against nurses threatens the entire healthcare system. Dr. Parris reaffirmed the BNA’s commitment to addressing the issue, stressing that any attack on a nurse impacts the entire profession.
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Republic Bank partners in composting project at St George’s Market
In a landmark move towards environmental sustainability, Republic Bank has played a pivotal role in the launch of the Greening the Market — St. George’s Market Composting Pilot Project. The initiative, unveiled on September 29 at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium, marks a significant step in Grenada’s journey towards climate resilience and sustainable community practices. The project, spearheaded by GrenadaGrows and supported by Republic Bank, aims to transform organic waste into valuable compost, benefiting local agriculture and fostering a culture of responsible consumption and production. Mavis Mc Burnie, General Manager of Operations at Republic Bank, emphasized the project’s broader mission: to shift mindsets, empower communities, and build a Grenada that values its natural resources. The initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life on Land, and Partnerships for the Goals. Republic Bank’s involvement is part of its long-standing social investment programme, The Power to Make A Difference, which has been driving community development for over two decades. The bank also commended the efforts of Dr. Judlyn Telesford-Checkley and the GrenadaGrows team, alongside other stakeholders, for their dedication to environmental sustainability. The six-month pilot project, supported by various government and private sector partners, underscores Republic Bank’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, paving the way for a greener, more resilient Grenada.
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Tradition and renewal take centre stage for Carriacou Carnival 2026
The Carriacou Carnival, scheduled for February 11–17, 2026, is poised to make a grand comeback after the challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl. Organizers are working tirelessly to restore the festival to its full glory, featuring traditional and modern elements such as the Queen show, Calypso, Soca, Groovy, Fancy Mas, Shakespeare Mas, and Kiddies Carnival. Anderson Matheson, the lead coordinator of the Carriacou Carnival Committee, emphasized the importance of reviving all aspects of the festival to celebrate the island’s rich cultural heritage. However, the event faces significant hurdles, including limited accommodation capacity and water supply issues. To address the accommodation shortage, the committee is collaborating with tourism officials to document private homes available for homestays, providing visitors with more options while supporting local families. Water scarcity remains a pressing concern, as Carriacou relies on rainwater harvesting, which has been adversely affected by climate change. Despite these challenges, the organizers are committed to ensuring the festival’s success. A key focus is the revival of the Shakespeare Mas, a centuries-old tradition, with efforts underway to train younger generations. Other traditional performances like the Vieux Corps, Shortknee, and Jab Jab will also return, alongside modern highlights such as the Soca Monarch competitions. The carnival is not just a festival but a vital part of the community’s recovery and cultural pride. Matheson highlighted the importance of private promoters working in harmony with the official calendar to benefit the community. Visitors can expect a vibrant array of activities, from street parades to boat cruises, and fierce competition in music categories. Interest in the event is already building, with participants from Grenada, St. Vincent, Union Island, and the diaspora confirming their attendance. For Matheson, the Carriacou Carnival 2026 is a testament to the island’s resilience and a celebration of its unique cultural identity.
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‘Don’t take it out on us’: Nurses urge public restraint after surge in violence
The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has issued a stern plea to the public, urging them to refrain from directing their frustrations toward healthcare staff following a surge in attacks. BNA President Dr. Fay Parris emphasized that while customer service complaints have placed significant pressure on the profession, there are established procedures for addressing grievances. Her remarks came after a meeting with sister unions and nurses at the National Union of Public Workers headquarters in Dalkeith, St. Michael, where workplace safety was a key topic of discussion.
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VIDEO: PM Browne Delivers on Bethesda Sports Club Promise with Donation of Lawn Mower
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has delivered on his commitment to the Bethesda Sports Club by donating a driver-operated lawn mower, addressing persistent challenges in maintaining the village playing field. The equipment was officially handed over this month by Lynnette Thwaites, an administrative assistant in the Office of the Prime Minister and a native of Bethesda, who acted on Browne’s behalf. The pledge was made earlier this year during a town-hall meeting, where club president Anthony “IRoots” Martin highlighted the difficulties in field upkeep. Browne promptly assured the community of his support, culminating in the recent donation. Club officials, including Martin, Vice President Dale Lawrence, Coach Howard Warner, and Groundsman Kenneth Charles, expressed their gratitude, emphasizing the mower’s potential to significantly enhance the facility’s condition for players and the broader community. The Bethesda Sports Club, renowned for fostering young athletes and promoting community engagement through sports, views the donation as a vital step in continuing its mission effectively. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting grassroots sports and community development.
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U.S. says Antigua and Barbuda has never secured a conviction for human trafficking since law passed in 2010
Antigua and Barbuda has failed to secure a single conviction for human trafficking since enacting its anti-trafficking legislation in 2010, according to the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report. This alarming statistic has led international observers to criticize the nation for fostering a culture of impunity. Despite investigating 13 suspects across nine trafficking cases in the past year, no prosecutions or convictions were recorded. The report highlights systemic issues such as weak investigative capabilities, legal system corruption, and insufficient resources as key barriers to justice. Penalties under the law are severe, ranging from 20 years’ imprisonment for adult trafficking to 25 years for crimes against children, yet these measures remain unenforced. Court backlogs, limited financial and human resources, and the small size of the Eastern Caribbean state further complicate efforts to protect victim-witnesses, many of whom are reluctant to testify due to inadequate safeguards. While the government has made strides in prevention through public awareness campaigns and a new National Action Plan, the absence of prosecutions underscores a significant gap between policy and practice. The report also noted that no government employees have been investigated or prosecuted for complicity in trafficking crimes, raising concerns about accountability. Antigua and Barbuda’s continued Tier 2 ranking in the report acknowledges its efforts but emphasizes the urgent need for tangible results in combating human trafficking.
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Antigua and Barbuda Stays on Tier 2 on 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report
Antigua and Barbuda has retained its Tier 2 status in the U.S. government’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report, highlighting both advancements and shortcomings in the nation’s fight against human trafficking. While the country has made strides in prevention, training, and safeguarding vulnerable foreign workers, it continues to face significant challenges in prosecuting traffickers and protecting victims. The report acknowledged the adoption of a new National Action Plan and enhanced training for first responders but emphasized that the country has yet to secure a single conviction under its 2010 Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act. In 2024, authorities investigated 13 suspects across nine cases, a notable decline from the previous year’s 26 suspects in 25 cases. Despite these investigations, no prosecutions were initiated, and no convictions were made. Observers pointed to systemic issues such as weak investigative capacity, corruption within the legal system, and inadequate witness protection as key barriers to justice. Additionally, the government has struggled with victim identification, failing to formally confirm any trafficking victims since 2019. While awareness campaigns have expanded to include multiple languages, overall funding for anti-trafficking initiatives has decreased. Efforts to review contracts of Cuban government-affiliated workers have been initiated, but oversight of Chinese-linked labor projects remains limited. The Tier 2 designation reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing efforts but underscores the need for substantial improvements to meet international standards.