The vibrant streets of Roseau are set to come alive this afternoon as the much-anticipated Independence Opening Parade kicks off at 3 pm on September 27, 2025. Following yesterday’s official Independence opening ceremony, the parade promises to be a grand celebration of national pride and cultural heritage. Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Matthew has unveiled several exciting changes and enhancements to this year’s event, ensuring it stands out from previous editions. One of the most notable additions is the re-introduction of the Cadet Corps, bringing back the iconic marching band element that once defined the parade. This year’s festivities will also place a stronger emphasis on local dance traditions, featuring bèlè and European round dances, alongside double the number of live amplified bands compared to last year. Matthew has urged attendees to don traditional madras attire to fully immerse themselves in the celebrations. The parade will showcase a diverse array of cultural groups and performers, including the Flambouyant Dancers, Kalinago Traditional Mas, Veteran 7, Paix Bouche Drummers, and the Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company, among others. For those unable to attend in person, live coverage of the parade will be available on DNO’s main page and Facebook starting at 3 pm. This year’s Independence Parade not only honors the nation’s history but also highlights the richness and diversity of its cultural tapestry.
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‘On the job’: SJPI expands training to tackle construction labour crisis
Barbados is intensifying its efforts to address a critical labor shortage in the construction sector through expanded vocational training programs. The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI), the island’s premier technical institute, announced on Friday that it is scaling up its training initiatives to meet the urgent demands of contractors while fostering a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers. Principal Ian Drakes emphasized the institute’s innovative approach, including short-term courses under the Construction Gateway Programme, to bridge immediate gaps in the workforce. Drakes highlighted the increased intake in plumbing training, driven by industry demand and enthusiastic applicants, though he noted that full competency would take two years to achieve. The move comes as construction magnate Mark Maloney warned of persistent challenges in securing adequate labor, even from overseas. Henderson Eastmond, Executive Director of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, underscored the broader cultural and educational factors deterring young Bajans from pursuing trades. Minister of Training and Tertiary Education Sandra Husbands revealed that the government is extending on-the-job training and collaborating with community projects to provide students with practical experience. Contractors have also expressed willingness to engage students on real projects, signaling a collaborative effort to resolve the crisis.
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Rising military tensions risk destabilising region, PM warns UN
In a compelling address at the United Nations General Assembly, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley issued a stark warning about the escalating military tensions in the Caribbean, which she argued could destabilize the region. Speaking on the occasion of the UN’s 80th anniversary, Mottley emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic engagement to prevent the Caribbean from becoming collateral damage in a superpower standoff. She expressed deep concern over the increased US naval presence in the southern Caribbean and Venezuelan military exercises near the disputed border with Guyana, describing these actions as a violation of the hemispheric understanding that the Caribbean should remain a zone of peace. Mottley cautioned that even an accidental confrontation could disproportionately endanger the southern Caribbean. She called for full respect for the territorial integrity of all states and urged regional leaders to engage in dialogue to avert conflict, reminding the Assembly that dialogue has historically been the key to ending wars. Turning to Haiti, Mottley lamented the nation’s prolonged turmoil, attributing it to centuries of external interference and internal conflict. She praised Kenya for leading the Multinational Security Support Mission and called for enhanced support from the UN Security Council and the Organisation of American States, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan addressing both security and development. Mottley also highlighted the Caribbean’s struggle against the influx of illegal firearms, largely from the United States, which threatens the region’s fragile economies and democracies. She urged stronger dialogue with the US to curb the spread of small arms and light weapons, particularly into Haiti and the wider Caribbean. On Cuba, Mottley criticized the enduring US embargo and the island’s inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, describing these measures as unjust and calling for their immediate removal. She underscored Cuba’s historical role in supporting global health, conflict resolution, and anti-colonial resistance, while lamenting the disproportionate suffering inflicted on its society. Mottley concluded by reiterating Barbados’s call for an end to the embargo and the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, declaring these actions as essential steps toward justice and regional stability.
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Tropical Storm warning issued for Central and Northwest Bahamas
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has escalated its alert system by issuing a Tropical Storm Warning for multiple regions across the archipelago. The Central Bahamas, including Exuma, Cat Island, Long Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, and Ragged Island, as well as the Northwestern Bahamas, encompassing Berry Islands, Andros, New Providence, and Eleuthera, are all under immediate threat. According to the latest forecasts, Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is poised to unleash severe weather conditions within the next 36 hours. Residents are bracing for heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and other tropical storm-related hazards. The Disaster Risk Management Authority has issued an urgent call to action, advising all individuals in the affected areas to expedite their preparedness measures and stay tuned to official updates for further guidance. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are closely monitoring the cyclone’s trajectory to ensure public safety.
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UWI academic warns of democratic risk if migration policy is mishandled
A leading academic from the University of the West Indies (UWI) has issued a stark warning to Caribbean governments as they prepare to implement a groundbreaking free movement agreement. Professor Justin Robinson, principal of the Five Islands Campus in Antigua, emphasized that while the initiative holds significant economic potential, it also carries the risk of political backlash and threats to democratic stability if public concerns are not adequately addressed. The agreement, set to launch imminently, will allow citizens of Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to live, work, and access basic services across these nations without requiring work permits or residency documentation.
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US citizen to sue for $50m over violent ICE arrest
In a dramatic turn of events, Rafie Shouhed, an elderly U.S. citizen and former Trump voter, has announced his intention to file a $50 million damages claim against the U.S. government following a violent encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The incident occurred during a raid at Shouhed’s Los Angeles car wash earlier this month, part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on undocumented migrants. Surveillance footage captured the moment Shouhed was forcefully body-slammed to the ground by several masked and heavily armed agents, who then detained him for nearly 12 hours without providing medical attention, despite his pleas about a pre-existing heart condition. Shouhed, who immigrated to the U.S. from Iran in the 1980s, described the agents as unresponsive and aggressive, stating, ‘The only word they said was, ‘You do not F with ICE.’’ The raid has sparked widespread controversy, particularly in Los Angeles, where critics argue that such operations disproportionately target individuals based on ethnicity or workplace. The video of the incident, which shows agents pinning Shouhed to the ground with one agent’s knee on his neck, has fueled public outrage and raised questions about the methods employed in these enforcement actions. Shouhed’s legal claim underscores the growing tensions surrounding ICE’s operations and their impact on communities across the nation.
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Tech education on workbench: new training facilities, options ‘coming’
Barbados is embarking on a transformative journey to revamp its tertiary education system, with the government introducing comprehensive reforms aimed at prioritizing technical and vocational training. These changes are designed to equip young people with the skills necessary to thrive in both local and global job markets. Sandra Husbands, Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, emphasized that the reforms are a direct response to the evolving demands of the digital revolution, which has significantly altered industries worldwide. Speaking at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI), Husbands highlighted the need to cultivate a new generation of technicians capable of excelling in diverse fields such as construction and automobile engineering. The reforms will involve a complete overhaul of curricula across the nation’s institutions, moving away from traditional three-year programs that offer no immediate earning opportunities. Instead, the new system will focus on modular, on-demand training, allowing students to earn certifications progressively. Husbands also outlined a shift from examination-based assessments to competency-based evaluations, ensuring students demonstrate practical skills. The reforms target an estimated 20,000 young people who have left school with limited qualifications, aiming to re-engage them in a dynamic and innovative educational environment. Additionally, SJPI is undergoing modernization and expansion, including the construction of a state-of-the-art welding workshop to meet regional industry demands. The project, with a preliminary cost of $9 million, reflects the high demand for skilled welders, particularly in Guyana’s oil industry. These initiatives underscore Barbados’ commitment to producing globally certified graduates ready to tackle the challenges of the modern workforce.
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US Report: Antigua Easy to Start Business, But Legal Hurdles Persist
Antigua and Barbuda has positioned itself as an attractive destination for foreign investors, boasting a business registration process that can be completed in as little as three weeks. However, a recent U.S. government report highlights persistent legal complexities and procedural hurdles that continue to challenge foreign companies seeking to enter the market. The 2025 Investment Climate Statement, released by the U.S. Department of State in September, underscores the need for filings with multiple agencies, including the Intellectual Property and Commercial Office, Inland Revenue Department, Social Security Scheme, Medical Benefits Scheme, and the Board of Education. Most investors rely on local attorneys to navigate these requirements, adding to the complexity and cost of establishing a business. The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) plays a pivotal role in facilitating foreign investment by guiding investors through incentives and concessions. Additionally, the country’s participation in the World Trade Organization’s Joint Initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development has spurred reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and streamlining processes. Despite these efforts, the report notes that many policies affecting investors are developed without public consultation, and some legislation lacks broad stakeholder input. While accounting and regulatory procedures generally align with international standards, critics argue that a more robust consultative process is essential to bolster investor confidence. The government emphasizes that there are no restrictions on foreign ownership and that the legal system, rooted in British common law, safeguards property rights and commercial enforcement. Nevertheless, the report concludes that while the overall investment climate is improving, legal and procedural hurdles remain significant barriers for investors.
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People must feel safe to “say something”
Barbados is grappling with a deepening crisis in its justice system, as witness intimidation and fear of retaliation threaten the integrity of criminal trials. The recent collapse of a murder case involving the tragic death of 20-year-old Shae Hackett has highlighted a systemic issue: the reluctance of witnesses to testify in court. Despite initial cooperation, a key witness recanted his statement, leaving prosecutors with no viable evidence to proceed. The accused were acquitted, underscoring the fragility of a system that relies heavily on eyewitness testimony. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Krystal Delaney expressed justified frustration, emphasizing that justice cannot be served without the courage of witnesses to come forward. The problem is not with the laws or the police but with the pervasive fear that silences those who hold the truth. Witness intimidation has become increasingly brazen, with reports of attacks on the homes of those willing to testify. This climate of fear has led to legislative reforms, including witness protection programs, anonymous testimony, and the use of video links to safeguard identities. However, these measures must be complemented by swift police action against intimidation and greater public awareness of available protections. The courts and prosecution must also advocate for modern tools, such as pre-recorded testimony and psychological support for traumatized witnesses. As Delaney aptly stated, justice cannot function on whispers and retractions; it requires the unwavering voices of citizens who understand that their testimony is essential to upholding the rule of law. Barbados must shift its perception of witnesses, viewing them not as informers but as courageous individuals whose cooperation ensures the safety of all.
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US Warns Over Property Dispute in Antigua, Cautions Investors
The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning to American investors regarding real estate investments in Antigua and Barbuda, citing an unresolved property dispute involving alleged expropriation of a U.S.-owned asset. The caution was highlighted in the 2025 Investment Climate Statement released in September, which raised concerns about the security of property rights in the Caribbean nation. While Antigua and Barbuda actively promotes foreign investment across sectors such as tourism and agriculture, the unresolved case has cast a shadow over its otherwise favorable investment climate. The report emphasized the need for careful consideration when investing in real estate, though it did not disclose specific details about the property or the parties involved. Despite the government’s assurances that it will not expropriate investments without due process and compensation, the dispute underscores potential gaps in enforcement of legal protections. This warning serves as a reminder of the risks that can accompany foreign investments, even in seemingly open markets.