Shane Callender, a 43-year-old resident of Lammings Park, St Joseph, has voluntarily entered police custody after being publicly sought for questioning. The individual, who had been formally designated as a person of interest in an ongoing investigation, presented himself at the District ‘B’ Police Station on March 28. He was accompanied by a family member at the time of his surrender. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Mr. Callender is now actively cooperating with their investigative procedures. The Barbados Police Service has publicly expressed gratitude toward both citizens and media outlets for their collaborative support following the initial bulletin issued on March 27. This cooperative effort between the community and law enforcement exemplifies effective public-police partnership in advancing investigative outcomes.
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WATCH: MP Baltimore sets priorities for St. Philip’s North in maiden speech to parliament
In his inaugural parliamentary address, newly sworn-in representative Baltimore framed his decisive by-election victory as a powerful mandate for transformative leadership in St. Philip’s North constituency. The freshly minted parliamentarian secured an overwhelming 924 votes in the March 16 special election, succeeding long-serving MP Sir Robin Yearwood.
Baltimore characterized the electoral outcome as a clear demand for renewed political energy and tangible results from constituents. ‘The people of St. Philip’s North spoke with clarity, conviction, and purpose,’ he declared before the Lower House. ‘I am honored by the mandate they have given me to serve.’
The victor dedicated his triumph to the collective effort behind his campaign, acknowledging volunteers, supporters, and his political team. He emphasized that the victory represented more than personal achievement—it symbolized community aspirations for engaged representation that extends beyond election cycles.
Baltimore outlined a comprehensive development agenda focusing on infrastructure upgrades, environmental improvements, and youth empowerment initiatives. His pledge included advocating for enhanced road networks, improved drainage systems, cleaner communities, and strengthened local development resources.
Notably, the new MP positioned himself as a determined successor rather than a circumstantial replacement, referencing challenges overcome during the campaign. ‘I did not come here by chance,’ Baltimore asserted. ‘I came through conviction, service, and the democratic will of our constituents.’
The parliamentarian concluded with a promise of vigorous advocacy, stating: ‘The people did not send me here to warm a seat. They sent me to ensure that the voice of St. Philip’s North is heard loudly.’ His address signals the beginning of what promises to be an active parliamentary tenure following his emphatic electoral performance.
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WATCH: Richard Lewis says record will carry him back to Parliament
Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape witnesses a strong declaration of confidence from St. John’s Rural West representative Richard Lewis, who has publicly asserted his anticipated return to Parliament following the upcoming general election. The United Progressive Party parliamentarian made these remarks during a session in the Lower House, emphasizing his legislative accomplishments and sustained popularity within his electoral district.
Lewis articulated his conviction that constituents would reward his performance with another term, stating: ‘I stand here proud and can run on my record. When votes are counted, I will be back in the House of Parliament.’ The MP’s address highlighted his belief that voters recognize his dedication to their interests, suggesting this recognition would translate into continued electoral support.
The parliamentarian addressed political opposition with philosophical resolve, noting: ‘Obstacles do not determine your destiny. Purpose does.’ This statement, which Lewis described as personally significant, frames his approach to governance and electoral challenges. He dismissed criticisms as inconsequential to his political fortunes, maintaining that core communities within his constituency remain steadfast in their alignment with his leadership.
Lewis concluded with a definitive prediction regarding his political future, asserting that ‘the die has been cast in St. John’s Rural West’ and that constituents would ‘continue to repose their confidence’ in his representation based on his demonstrated commitment and performance.
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Wanted man in police custody
Barbados law enforcement authorities have successfully taken into custody a suspect who was the subject of a nationwide search. Oneil Ricardo McDonald, a 43-year-old resident of Hythe Gardens in Maxwell, Christ Church, is now detained following an intensive manhunt. The Barbados Police Service had previously issued a formal bulletin seeking public assistance in locating McDonald on March 25th in relation to multiple serious criminal investigations. His apprehension was confirmed on Thursday, with officials reporting his active cooperation with ongoing investigative procedures. The police department has extended formal gratitude to both citizens and media outlets whose collaborative efforts contributed to this successful outcome. This development marks a significant breakthrough in cases that had generated considerable public concern across the island nation.
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All Saints West MP Begins Road Upgrade Programme Starting with Lightfoot
A significant infrastructure transformation is underway in the Lightfoot community of All Saints West, spearheaded by local Member of Parliament Anthony Smith. This initiative marks a pivotal shift for a residential area that has existed for nearly half a century without fundamental infrastructure. The current project focuses on constructing high-durability concrete roads, engineered with exceptional thickness to ensure long-term resilience.
MP Smith, addressing longstanding constituent concerns, emphasized that rectifying infrastructure deficiencies remains his paramount legislative priority. He provided technical details on the construction methodology, explaining that crews are pouring concrete six to eight inches thick over foundational layers to create roadways designed to withstand decades of use.
The infrastructure program directly responds to consistent feedback from community outreach, where road conditions and drainage improvements emerged as the most pressing public needs. Smith acknowledged residents’ frustrations while outlining a phased, coordinated approach involving public works officials.
Beyond Lightfoot, the parliamentary representative identified similar infrastructure requirements in neighboring communities including Oliver’s and Buckleys. The administration has committed to expanding these improvement projects across the constituency as resources permit, with continued communication to residents throughout implementation phases.
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Trump waarschuwt: ‘Cuba is next’ na ‘successen’ in Venezuela en Iran
President Donald Trump has identified Cuba as the next potential target for U.S. intervention following what he characterized as successful military operations in Venezuela and Iran. Speaking at an investment forum in Miami on Friday, the president hinted at impending actions against the Caribbean nation while maintaining his signature ambiguous rhetoric.
“I’ve built this tremendous military,” Trump stated. “I said, ‘You’ll never have to use it.’ But sometimes you have to use it. And Cuba is next, by the way. But pretend I didn’t say that.”
The declaration comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Havana, particularly following Trump’s vow to halt Venezuelan oil and financial flows to Cuba. While the president refrained from detailing specific plans, he reiterated his conviction that Cuba’s government—currently grappling with severe economic turmoil—stands on the brink of collapse.
Behind the confrontational public statements, diplomatic channels remain active. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has confirmed ongoing discussions with United States officials to prevent potential military confrontation. The talks occur against the backdrop of Cuba’s worsening energy crisis, exacerbated by Caracas’ termination of oil shipments under pressure from Washington.
The energy shortage has created significant challenges for the island nation, which historically relied on Venezuelan petroleum imports. This development has intensified Cuba’s existing economic difficulties, creating a complex scenario where military threats and diplomatic negotiations coexist in determining the country’s future.
Earlier this month, Trump suggested Cuba might face either a “friendly takeover” or its alternative, further contributing to the uncertainty surrounding U.S. intentions. The evolving situation represents the latest chapter in the complicated relationship between the two nations, where public confrontation and private diplomacy continue to operate simultaneously.
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Parliament passes Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill as attorney general warns Antigua ‘must not be left behind’
In a strategic move to enhance its global economic competitiveness, Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament has ratified the Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill 2026. Attorney General Sir Steadroy ‘Cutie’ Benjamin emphasized the legislation’s critical role in aligning the nation with contemporary investment realities while reinforcing international regulatory standards.
The comprehensive amendments represent a significant overhaul of the original 2015 legislation, creating a more robust legal architecture for special economic zones. Benjamin articulated that the updated framework positions the dual-island nation to actively compete for foreign investment in an increasingly competitive global landscape. ‘This government, being proactive, examined the current geographical and economic context to cultivate an environment attractive to those seeking to establish operations within special economic zones,’ he stated during parliamentary proceedings.
A cornerstone of the new legislation is its strengthened emphasis on financial transparency and regulatory compliance. The amendments mandate strict adherence to international protocols against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. All entities operating within these zones will be subject to Antigua and Barbuda’s domestic laws concerning financial regulation, corporate transparency, and law enforcement oversight.
The revised framework introduces enhanced due diligence protocols requiring thorough verification of investor identities and fund sourcing. Benjamin stressed that these safeguards ensure the nation cannot be exploited for illicit financial activities. The legislation also formalizes licensing procedures, prohibiting zone operations until all regulatory conditions are fully satisfied, and establishes a structured approval mechanism for zone participants.
Beyond regulatory enhancements, the government highlights the zones’ potential to drive economic diversification, stimulate exports, generate employment opportunities, and attract foreign capital. Benjamin affirmed that the legislation maintains complete governmental oversight while creating a balanced system that promotes both investment attractiveness and international compliance.
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Shakedown Stages the first big test for Rally Barbados
The Barbados Rally Club (BRC) is poised to launch its competitive season this Sunday with the highly anticipated Shakedown Stages, featuring nine challenging routes across the island’s northern region. This closed-road rally event serves as the critical preliminary test for both local and international crews ahead of the premier BCIC Rally Barbados championship.
A formidable field of fifty-one vehicles will compete, led by top-seeded Jamaican driver Kyle Gregg in his Ford Fiesta Rally2. Gregg enters the competition with significant momentum, having secured victories in both last year’s BCIC RB25 and the BRC Winter Rally, achievements that earned him the 4WD Championship title. He now returns with a freshly redesigned livery on his championship-winning vehicle.
The competition features a robust twelve-car FIA R5 class—the event’s largest category—which dominates the top starting positions. Notable contenders include two-time Rally Barbados champion Dane Skeete in his Subaru Impreza WRC S12, starting third behind Gregg and Josh Read (Fiesta Rally2). The field deepens with Adam Mallalieu debuting a brand-new Fiesta Rally2 at fourth position, while five-time event winner Jeff Panton of Jamaica starts fifth in another Fiesta Rally2.
Adding to the drama, former Rally Club champion Stuart Maloney returns to home territory for the first time since his accident during BCIC RB25, starting sixth in his Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. His brother Mark follows closely in seventh position in a newly acquired Fabia RS Rally2. The top ten is completed by British driver Rob Swann, island veteran Roger Hill (both in Fabia Rally2 evos), and David Husbands in his Volkswagen Polo GTi R5.
The two-wheel drive category promises equally intense competition. SuperModified 2 front-runners Barry Mayers (Ford Fiesta) and reigning class champion Rhett Watson (BMW M3) lead the seeds at positions 12 and 14. They face formidable challenges from Suleman Esuf in his V8-engined BMW M1 and Logan Watson, who demonstrated impressive speed in his Ford Escort MkII during the recent Motoring Club Barbados Inc Spring Blaze 26 event.
Significant off-season developments include Ahmed Esuf joining his brother in SM2 class with V8-powered BMW M3, Chris Hoad advancing to Modified 3 in Ian Warren’s former BMW 325, and Jermin Pope upgrading to a newer generation Honda Civic previously driven by Geoff Noel.
The competition will unfold across two northern venues with the Service Park established at Conrad Hunte Cricket Ground in St Andrew. The morning segment features three runs from Lamberts to Pickering (3.50km) alternating with two stages from Swanns to Rock Hall (3.10km). Following the 2:15 p.m. restart, drivers will tackle reversed Pickering stages and two additional Rock Hall runs in the same direction. Organizers anticipate concluding the event approximately at 5:30 p.m., with prize ceremonies scheduled within the hour.
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Parliament Establishes Festivals Commission to Run Major National Events
In a significant move to centralize the management of national celebrations, Parliament has officially established a dedicated Festivals Commission. This newly formed governmental body will assume responsibility for the planning, coordination, and execution of the country’s most prominent public events and commemorations.
The Commission’s mandate encompasses a wide spectrum of festivities, ranging from historically significant independence day parades and cultural heritage festivals to contemporary national observances. The initiative aims to ensure higher production standards, improved public safety protocols, and more efficient budgetary management across all federally recognized events.
Government officials cited the need for centralized oversight as the primary motivation behind this legislative action. By consolidating event management under a single specialized authority, policymakers anticipate enhanced operational coherence, reduced logistical redundancies, and more meaningful public engagement with national traditions.
The Commission’s structure will include appointed representatives from cultural affairs, public safety, urban planning, and community engagement sectors. Its establishment follows extensive parliamentary debate regarding the preservation of national identity through public celebrations, particularly in an era of increasingly fragmented public attention.
Initial funding has been allocated through the national cultural budget, with provisions for public-private partnerships to supplement operational costs. The Commission is expected to begin operations in the next fiscal year, with its inaugural responsibilities likely including the planning of next year’s independence anniversary celebrations.
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Woman identified in fatal Bank Hall house fire
Authorities in Barbados are conducting an investigation into a devastating residential fire that resulted in the death of a 51-year-old woman in the Bank Hall area of St. Michael on Friday afternoon. The deceased has been formally identified as Shanell Smith following the tragic incident along Bank Hall Main Road.
Emergency response teams from the Barbados Fire Service responded to the scene, where they successfully contained and extinguished the blaze. During their subsequent examination of the fire-damaged structure, personnel discovered Smith’s remains within the property.
The judicial process commenced with the arrival of a medical professional at the location, who performed an official examination and formally pronounced the victim deceased. Positive identification of the victim was subsequently made by a family member, confirming the identity of the deceased as Shanell Smith.
Law enforcement officials have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal fire. The Royal Barbados Police Force is actively seeking information from the public that might assist in determining the cause and progression of the deadly incident. Authorities have encouraged potential witnesses or individuals with relevant knowledge to come forward and contact official channels.
Investigators can be reached through multiple contact points including the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 1800-8477, the Police Emergency hotline at 211, or directly through the Black Rock Police Station at 417-7500. The collaborative effort between emergency services and community members is considered crucial to developing a complete understanding of this tragic event.