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  • Combermere make perfect start to DASANI BSSAC Zone Finals

    Combermere make perfect start to DASANI BSSAC Zone Finals

    Combermere School has emerged as the dominant force across both divisions following the inaugural day of competition in the Esther Maynard and Shane Brathwaite Zone of the DASANI BSSAC Championships. The event, hosted at the Barbados Light and Power Company-sponsored Usain Bolt Complex, witnessed a spectacular display of athletic prowess with twelve new zonal records established.

    Combermere’s girls’ team commands the leaderboard with an impressive 282 points, holding a significant advantage over second-place Springer Memorial (250.5 points) and third-place Christ Church Foundation (230.5 points). The Alleyne School and St. George Secondary complete the top five with 128 and 93 points respectively. Mirroring this success, Combermere’s boys’ team leads with 261 points, followed by St. Leonard’s Boys’ (212 points) and Christ Church Foundation (188 points).

    The track events were highlighted by a series of extraordinary record-breaking performances. Alec Simmons of Combermere shattered the Under-17 boys’ 1500m record, posting a remarkable time of 4:22.62 to demolish the previous benchmark of 4:26.16. In a thrilling Under-13 boys’ 200m, two athletes surpassed the existing record. Jace McClean of Combermere set a stunning new standard of 24.87 seconds, while Alex Jones-Ifill of St. Leonards also eclipsed the old mark with a time of 25.01 seconds.

    Krystal Bentham continued Combermere’s record-spree by establishing a new mark in the Under-20 girls’ 400m, clocking 55.40 seconds. The senior sprints showcased intense competition, with Nyema Taylor of Combermere recording the fastest Under-20 girls’ 100m time at 12.27 seconds. The boys’ events were equally compelling, as Shamari Addison of Combermere posted the top Under-20 100m time of 10.84 seconds, narrowly outperforming teammate Dahrion Belgrave. The record-breaking concluded with Shamari Greendige-Lewis setting a new standard of 47.19 seconds in the Under-20 boys’ 400m.

  • Pelican Rugby Academy to host Canadian teams

    Pelican Rugby Academy to host Canadian teams

    In a significant development for Caribbean rugby, the Barbados Rugby Football Union (BRFU) has announced an international youth sporting event through its new partnership with Pelican Rugby Academy. The academy is preparing to welcome age-grade teams from St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School, traveling from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada for a series of competitive matches.

    The event will unfold on Wednesday at Barbados’ iconic rugby venue, the historic Garrison Savannah, which has long served as the heart of the island’s rugby community. The evening’s schedule features a diverse array of matches designed to showcase different skill levels and formats of the game.

    The opening contest, scheduled for 5:30 p.m., will pit Pelican Rugby Academy’s U16 squad against St. Theresa’s U19 ‘B’ team in a touch/hold match format. This will be followed at 5:55 p.m. by a full contact/tackle match between Pelican’s U19 boys and St. Theresa’s U19 ‘A’ team, representing the main event of the international friendly encounter.

    Additional programming includes an internal development match featuring Pelican Rugby Academy U16 girls versus Pelican Rugby Academy U16 boys playing touch rugby. The evening’s finale will conclude with another full contact/tackle match as Pelican Rugby Academy U19s face St. Theresa’s ‘B’ team in what promises to be a competitive closing match.

    This international exchange represents growing ties between North American and Caribbean rugby programs and provides valuable competition experience for developing athletes from both nations.

  • Greene urges Caribbean, African leaders to deepen ties beyond ‘talk’

    Greene urges Caribbean, African leaders to deepen ties beyond ‘talk’

    In a significant diplomatic appeal, Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene has challenged Caribbean and African leadership to transform rhetorical commitments into concrete action. Addressing what he characterized as a pivotal historical juncture, Greene emphasized that global circumstances demand innovative approaches to international cooperation rather than awaiting a return to previous norms.

    The minister identified a critical knowledge gap as a fundamental barrier to deeper ties, noting that limited African awareness about Caribbean nations has historically constrained relationship development. His proposal includes comprehensive educational initiatives, enhanced tourism exchanges, and the establishment of direct transportation links between West Africa and Caribbean territories.

    This diplomatic push coincides with a Nigerian delegation’s extensive tour through multiple Caribbean and Central American nations, representing a concerted effort to strengthen diaspora connections and explore new bilateral opportunities. The current geopolitical climate, according to Greene, presents a unique window for the Global South to forge substantive partnerships that transcend traditional diplomatic frameworks.

  • Hamlet making his mark on the track

    Hamlet making his mark on the track

    A teenage track sensation from Barbados is rapidly emerging as one of Caribbean athletics’ most promising talents. Thirteen-year-old Jalino Hamlet, a student at St. Leonard’s Boys’ School, has demonstrated exceptional versatility across multiple sprint disciplines with remarkable personal best times of 11.15 seconds in the 100m, 21.91 in the 200m, and an impressive 48.79 in the 400m event.

    Hamlet’s athletic journey originated at Charles F. Broome Memorial Primary School where he first discovered his passion for running during his early academic years. Currently training with the Extreme Velocity Track Club under coaches Glen Williams and Juquan Beckles, the young sprinter is developing both technical proficiency and competitive discipline.

    The rising star recently showcased his potential during the Esther Maynard and Shane Brathwaite Zone of BSSAC 2026, acknowledging his coaches’ pivotal role in his development. ‘They support me, train me hard and it is great to have both of them as coaches,’ Hamlet told Barbados TODAY.

    Despite encountering adversity with a torn glute injury during the 2025 season, Hamlet demonstrated resilience by competing through discomfort at BSSAC. The challenge ultimately strengthened his determination and training ethic. His international experience includes earning a bronze medal in the 100m (11.69 seconds) at the 2025 Whitsuntide Games.

    As the current BSSAC Championships approach, Hamlet has already established himself as a formidable contender after posting the fastest preliminary time (22.38 seconds) in the Under-15 boys’ 200m event, outpacing his nearest competitor by a significant two-second margin.

    Looking toward regional competition, the young athlete aspires to medal at the upcoming CARIFTA Games in April, acknowledging the challenge while maintaining competitive optimism. Beyond immediate goals, Hamlet draws inspiration from American sprint champion Noah Lyles and ultimately aims to represent Barbados at the Olympic Games, potentially earning international recognition for his nation.

  • Praise Break Is Back: Season Two Begins as Registration Opens for Antigua and Barbuda’s Next Gospel Star

    Praise Break Is Back: Season Two Begins as Registration Opens for Antigua and Barbuda’s Next Gospel Star

    Antigua and Barbuda has officially unveiled the second installment of its national gospel singing competition, Praise Break Gospel Quest, with registration now open for vocalists across the twin-island nation. Building upon the success of its inaugural season, the event aims to identify and nurture the next generation of gospel talent while revitalizing the local gospel music industry.

    Positioned as both a competition and cultural movement, the initiative operates under the theme “Time to Shine,” encouraging singers from diverse backgrounds—including church congregations, community groups, choirs, and youth ministries—to showcase their artistic and spiritual gifts. Organizers emphasize that the quest represents more than mere performance; it constitutes a strategic effort to elevate gospel music’s profile and create meaningful platforms for artistic expression.

    “The time for change is now,” declared event coordinators. “Praise Break Gospel Quest injects fresh energy into our gospel music landscape. This is the definitive opportunity for gifted vocalists to gain visibility and recognition.”

    The competition maintains an inclusive participation policy, welcoming both emerging and established singers regardless of age. In a significant programming development, the Grand Finals will feature as a centerpiece of Antigua and Barbuda’s inaugural National Easter Festival, amplifying the event’s cultural significance.

    Prospective contestants must complete registration by March 22, 2026, through either the official online portal or physical registration forms. With the organizational framework established, anticipation grows regarding which vocalists will emerge as the nation’s newest gospel ambassadors.

  • Prime Minister Browne Congratulates Randy Baltimore On Emphatic By-Election Victory

    Prime Minister Browne Congratulates Randy Baltimore On Emphatic By-Election Victory

    In a decisive political contest, Randy Baltimore of the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has secured a commanding victory in the St. Philip’s North by-election held on March 16, 2026. The electoral outcome represents a significant consolidation of support for the incumbent administration led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

    Baltimore’s emphatic triumph over United Progressive Party contender Alex Browne demonstrates sustained voter confidence in the ABLP’s governance framework and developmental policies. The by-election, necessitated by the resignation of veteran parliamentarian Sir Robin Yearwood, has resulted in the ABLP strengthening its parliamentary majority.

    Prime Minister Browne enthusiastically welcomed Baltimore to the government benches, characterizing the victory as both a personal mandate for the newly elected representative and a broader endorsement of his administration’s national agenda. “The people of St. Philip’s North have spoken clearly and decisively,” Browne stated during his victory address.

    The Prime Minister further emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing constituency-specific development initiatives while maintaining national progress. Browne articulated expectations for collaborative governance, stating that Baltimore’s election would facilitate enhanced service delivery to residents and contribute to Antigua and Barbuda’s continued economic transformation.

    This electoral result reinforces the ABLP’s political dominance while potentially altering opposition dynamics within the Antiguan parliamentary landscape. Political analysts suggest the margin of victory indicates sustained public approval of the administration’s economic policies and infrastructure development programs.

  • Public workers ‘taking greater interest’ in health, wellness

    Public workers ‘taking greater interest’ in health, wellness

    A significant cultural transformation is underway within Barbados’ public sector as workers demonstrate heightened awareness of both physical and mental wellbeing, according to National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) President Kimberley Agard. Speaking during the union’s Health and Wellness Day at NUPW headquarters on Dalkeith Road, Agard highlighted this positive evolution in workplace attitudes as part of Public Workers Week celebrations.

    Agard observed that public officers increasingly recognize the importance of holistic health management, blending scientific approaches with traditional Bajan remedies. ‘We are living longer, but the goal is to ensure those additional years are healthy ones,’ she told reporters. ‘Persons have been paying greater attention to their health in a holistic way—not only relying on science but also the natural remedies that we as Bajans would have come up learning and understanding throughout the years.’

    The union president particularly emphasized the growing attention to mental wellness, noting: ‘I find even in general conversations that persons are paying attention to their health, with special emphasis on mental health because if the head is bad, then the whole body is bad.’

    Agard also reported progress in workplace safety structures, revealing that several departments have established functional health and safety committees as mandated. These committees actively monitor working conditions and report concerns to the union, though their implementation remains inconsistent across departments. ‘While not as widespread as we would like, these committees are performing their vital role in maintaining workplace vigilance,’ Agard acknowledged.

    The Health and Wellness Day featured participation from multiple health organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority, Barbados Nurses’ Association, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the Emergency Ambulance Service. The event formed part of the NUPW’s annual recognition of public workers’ contributions, particularly honoring those who have demonstrated exceptional service dedication.

  • Carriacou launches Maroon and String Band Music Festival

    Carriacou launches Maroon and String Band Music Festival

    The Caribbean island of Carriacou announces the triumphant return of its premier cultural event, the Maroon and String Band Music Festival, scheduled for April 24-26, 2026. Under the resonant theme “Honouring the Ancestors, Empowering the Youth,” this celebration represents a profound commitment to cultural preservation and intergenerational continuity.

    Festival Chairperson Allison Caton emphasized the event’s significance during the official launch on March 14, highlighting the intensive preparations underway. “This festival belongs to the people of Carriacou, not any political party,” Caton stated, underscoring its community-driven nature. She revealed concerns about traditional practices fading as elders pass away, leaving younger generations performing rituals without understanding their origins.

    In response, organizers have implemented groundbreaking documentation initiatives. Grenadian historian Dr. Angus Martin will participate to interpret and translate historical meanings behind various traditions, creating a permanent archival record for future generations.

    The three-day festival will unfold across four distinctive venues:
    – Friday: Village Maroon opening in Belair community
    – Saturday morning: “Strings in the City” along Hillsborough’s Main Street
    – Saturday night: Cultural showcase at Carriacou Botanical Gardens
    – Sunday: Closing festivities at Paradise Beach

    Grenada Tourism Authority CEO Stacey Liburd praised the festival as “the very essence of what makes our destination unique,” noting how it showcases authentic African heritage through Big Drum dancing, traditional string band music, and maroon traditions. “These are not staged experiences—they are lived,” Liburd emphasized, connecting the event to growing tourist demand for genuine cultural immersion.

    The economic impact extends throughout Carriacou’s community, benefiting accommodation providers, transportation services, food vendors, artisans, and small businesses. The lineup features both local cultural groups—including big drum ensembles, Maypole dancers, and steel pan performers—and regional acts like Trinidad’s Freetown Collective, Union Island performers, and the trio Ancestral Voices.

    Supported by the Grenada Tourism Authority, Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, corporate sponsors, and volunteers, the festival stands as a powerful symbol of cultural resilience, blending music, storytelling, dance, and community spirit while safeguarding traditions for future generations.

  • Parmessar: Verder overleg inzichten wetten rechterlijke macht

    Parmessar: Verder overleg inzichten wetten rechterlijke macht

    PARAMARIBO – Critical deliberations on judicial reform legislation in Suriname’s National Assembly have been postponed indefinitely as both coalition and opposition parties require additional time to resolve substantive disagreements. The delay follows Monday’s parliamentary session suspension where lawmakers identified several unresolved issues requiring further negotiation.

    Rabin Parmessar, parliamentary leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), confirmed to Starnieuws that submitted amendments to the judiciary bills haven’t been addressed due to emerging ‘new insights’ requiring deeper discussion. Parliamentary faction leaders will continue working behind the scenes to refine the proposed legal modifications before formal debates can resume.

    The political impasse stems from multiple concerns within both governing and opposition blocs. Within the coalition, the ABOP party has raised specific questions regarding the proposed five-year appointment term for the Attorney General, particularly concerning procedural implementation and post-term arrangements. Meanwhile, opposition parties have expressed reservations about technical formulation aspects within the legislative texts.

    Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin consequently declined to convene Tuesday’s scheduled session, acknowledging that substantial work remains before productive debates can continue. All parties now anticipate further consultations, including coordinated discussions with the Court of Justice, to establish common ground before reconsidering the judicial overhaul legislation.

    The extended deliberation period reflects the complex nature of constitutional reform in Suriname’s multiparty democracy, where achieving cross-bench consensus on judicial matters remains particularly challenging. Observers note that the postponement demonstrates institutional maturity rather than political dysfunction, as lawmakers prioritize comprehensive legislation over rushed decisions.

  • Jury finds one guilty of murder, another of manslaughter

    Jury finds one guilty of murder, another of manslaughter

    A Barbados Supreme Court jury has reached a decisive verdict in a high-profile 2017 homicide case, delivering contrasting judgments for two defendants accused in the fatal shooting of Michael Edwards. Following extensive deliberations that lasted nearly three hours, the panel convicted Livardo Roghileo Hinds of Durants Lodge Road, Christ Church, on murder charges, while his co-accused Kemar Glenville Stoute of Bottom Close, Wildey, St Michael received a manslaughter conviction.

    The judicial proceedings, presided over by Justice Carlisle Greaves in the No. 3 Supreme Court, culminated last Friday after the judge’s comprehensive summation of the case. The prosecution team, led by Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Krystal Delaney with support from acting Senior State Counsel Anastacia McMeo-Boyce and State Counsel Rommel Sandiford, successfully secured convictions against both defendants despite the differing charges.

    In a significant development during the trial, the prosecution withdrew all charges against a third initially accused individual, Jason Ainsley Wilson of Wildey Gardens, St Michael. The court entered a formal not guilty verdict in Wilson’s favor, resulting in his immediate release from the proceedings. Wilson’s defense was represented by Senior Counsel Andrew Pilgrim and attorney Latisha Springer.

    Justice Greaves has ordered comprehensive pre-sentencing reports for both convicted individuals while remanding Stoute into custody pending formal sentencing scheduled for May 29. The defendants were represented by separate legal teams, with Senior Counsel Angella Mitchell-Gittens advocating for Stoute, while attorneys Safiya Moore and Michael Rivera provided defense for Hinds.