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  • Great Barbadian journalist’s last surviving child, is 100

    Great Barbadian journalist’s last surviving child, is 100

    Barbados witnessed a remarkable celebration of longevity as Barbara Joan Wickham-Mitchell, affectionately known as “Mimo”, reached her centennial milestone surrounded by family and dignitaries at her Christ Church residence. The Thursday gathering transformed into a national tribute when President Jeffrey Bostic personally delivered champagne, flowers, and an official birthday card to the celebrated centenarian.

    Demonstrating the sharp cognitive abilities that have defined her later years, Wickham-Mitchell read the presidential message aloud before captivating guests with vivid storytelling and humor. When queried about her century-long journey, she responded with characteristic simplicity: “Great.” The independent centenarian continues to manage her own daily routines, preferring home-based relaxation while maintaining her culinary passion for coconut bread.

    Her life story reflects Barbados’ modern history: raised in Government Hill, she briefly resided in the United States before returning to her homeland during the 1960s. She established the notable Pelican Restaurant on Pelican Island while simultaneously maintaining active roles in both community affairs and the Religious Science Church in Cave Hill, St Michael.

    The Wickham family legacy carries significant historical weight. Her father, Clennell Wickham, served as editor of The Herald newspaper and emerged as a pivotal figure in Barbados’ interwar democratic movement. His political activism forced exile to Grenada following a libel lawsuit concerning his refusal to endorse Walter Bayley’s merchant candidacy. He subsequently edited The West Indian newspaper until his premature death at age 43 in 1938.

    Family tributes highlighted Wickham-Mitchell’s extraordinary resilience and philosophical depth. Nephew Peter Wickham, a prominent political scientist, emphasized her pragmatic spirituality: “She would never debate whether Jesus walked on water but can speak extensively on the virtues God would want to impress upon us.” He recalled her distinctive approach to faith: “One should spend less time praying for a miracle and more time giving thanks that God has provided you with the knowledge to study, learn and work hard to make this miracle happen.”

    Her strength manifested through simultaneous caregiving for multiple family members while operating her business enterprise. Despite advanced age, she maintains impressive independence, navigating stairs with determination that surpasses most contemporaries. Her organizational methodology includes meticulous documentation of everything from meal preparation to social scheduling, consistently advocating that “you should write it down.”

    The centenarian values authentic human connection, preferring face-to-face interactions for their nuanced communication potential. Her family tree includes six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, extending the Wickham legacy that previously saw her aunt Barbara achieve 109 years. Having outlived her husband Anthony Mitchell, she leaves one biological child alongside stepchildren who joined in celebrating a life embodying Barbados’ cultural and historical tapestry.

  • U.S. Calls on Governments to Reject Cuban Medical Missions Citing Forced Labor Abuses

    U.S. Calls on Governments to Reject Cuban Medical Missions Citing Forced Labor Abuses

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The United States has issued a forceful condemnation of Cuba’s overseas medical missions program, categorizing it as a system of forced labor and calling for international accountability. In a statement from the US Embassy in Barbados, American officials declared their commitment to holding Cuban regime officials and foreign government partners responsible for facilitating these practices.

    The US position asserts that foreign governments participating in these medical programs, despite documented human rights abuses, become complicit in the Cuban government’s tactics. According to the statement, these actions directly contribute to the exploitation of Cuban medical workers who serve abroad under questionable conditions.

    The diplomatic communication emphasizes that Caribbean nations have ethical alternatives for recruiting foreign medical professionals to address their healthcare needs. The United States is urging all governments and citizens to reject forced labor schemes and join American efforts to demand greater accountability and respect for fundamental human rights principles in international medical cooperation programs.

    This development represents a significant escalation in the US campaign against Cuba’s medical diplomacy program, which has been operational for decades and has deployed thousands of healthcare professionals worldwide, particularly throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

  • Dodelijk verkeersongeval aan Kwattaweg eist leven van bromfietser

    Dodelijk verkeersongeval aan Kwattaweg eist leven van bromfietser

    A tragic single-vehicle accident has resulted in the death of a scooter rider during the early morning hours along Kwattaweg. The victim, identified as 25-year-old M.R., succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite emergency response efforts.

    Preliminary police investigation indicates that the young man was traveling from Derderijweg toward Henry Fernandesweg when the incident occurred. Near the Kwattamarkt area, authorities suspect excessive speed caused the rider to lose control of his handlebars. The scooter veered off the roadway and collided with tremendous force against an EBS utility pole located in the left shoulder.

    The impact proved immediately fatal for the scooter operator. Paramedics and an emergency physician dispatched to the location determined the injuries were incompatible with life. Medical personnel confirmed death at the scene, unable to provide any life-saving measures due to the severity of the trauma sustained.

    This early morning tragedy marks another sobering reminder of road safety concerns, particularly regarding two-wheeled vehicles and speed management on urban thoroughfares. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the exact contributing factors behind this fatal loss of control incident.

  • PM issues open invitation to Eli Fuller

    PM issues open invitation to Eli Fuller

    In a notable gesture of open governance, the Prime Minister of Barbados has publicly extended an invitation to prominent environmentalist and maritime historian Eli Fuller. The invitation, communicated through official channels, signifies a willingness to engage in direct dialogue on matters of national importance. While the specific agenda remains undisclosed, political analysts suggest the proposed meeting would likely encompass critical environmental policies, coastal conservation efforts, and sustainable development strategies central to the island nation’s future.

    Eli Fuller, renowned for his extensive advocacy work and expertise on Barbados’s marine ecosystems through his company, Atlantis Adventures, has been a vocal commentator on environmental issues. His insights have frequently influenced public discourse on conservation and climate resilience. This overture from the highest level of government is interpreted by observers as a move to foster collaborative partnerships with key civil society figures, integrating grassroots expertise into national policy formulation.

    The development has garnered significant attention across the Caribbean region, viewed as a positive step toward transparent and inclusive governance. It underscores a modern approach to leadership that values engagement with activists and experts outside the traditional political framework. The outcome of this potential dialogue is anticipated with interest, as it could set a precedent for future government-civil society collaboration on pressing environmental and social challenges.

  • Calls grow for ban on Ski and other full-face masks following recent crimes

    Calls grow for ban on Ski and other full-face masks following recent crimes

    A prominent Bolans entrepreneur is advocating for a nationwide prohibition on full-face coverings after surviving a violent armed assault by masked assailants. The business owner, who has chosen to remain anonymous for security reasons, recounted the harrowing incident which occurred last Friday at approximately 11:30 a.m. along the Sir Andy Roberts Highway near Fry’s.

    While refueling his commercial vehicle, the businessman was suddenly confronted by two masked individuals emerging from adjacent vegetation. One assailant brandished a firearm while both wore full-face masks that completely obscured their facial features. In a courageous act of self-defense, the victim hurled stones to create distance between himself and the attackers, prompting the armed assailant to discharge three rounds before both fled back into the surrounding brush.

    The traumatized entrepreneur emphasized that the comprehensive facial concealment provided by the masks rendered identification absolutely impossible, creating what he described as ‘perfect conditions for criminal activity.’ He contends that such face coverings increasingly serve as enablers for violent offenses by providing perpetrators with anonymity and reducing the risk of subsequent identification.

    According to the victim’s account, the suspects appeared to be young, slender-built males. He further noted that similar masked robberies targeting small business operators are becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the region. The businessman issued an urgent plea for collaborative action between government authorities and law enforcement agencies to implement strengthened crime prevention protocols, cautioning that future victims might include elderly citizens or other vulnerable demographics who could suffer more severe consequences.

    Local police authorities have confirmed they are actively investigating the incident while examining broader patterns of masked criminal activity throughout the jurisdiction.

  • 17 Primary Schools to Compete in 42nd National Spellbound Championship

    17 Primary Schools to Compete in 42nd National Spellbound Championship

    The 42nd annual National Spellbound Championship has officially commenced, marking the start of an intensive academic competition that will see 17 primary schools competing for the coveted 2026 national title. Sponsored by State Insurance Company Ltd, the prestigious literacy program launched on Monday as part of its enduring mission to foster academic excellence and language proficiency among young learners.

    This long-standing educational initiative, now entering its fifth decade of operation, brings together primary-level students from across the nation to demonstrate their spelling prowess and linguistic capabilities within a rigorous competitive framework. Education authorities emphasize that the championship serves as a critical platform for developing confidence, instilling discipline, and cultivating a genuine passion for learning among participants.

    Sponsors have reiterated their commitment to supporting educational programs that contribute to national development, noting that investments in literacy initiatives represent investments in the country’s future leadership and intellectual capital. The competition structure will unfold over several weeks of intense academic challenges, culminating in the identification and recognition of this year’s National Spellbound Champion.

    The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries continues to endorse the championship as a cornerstone of its educational development strategy, highlighting the program’s consistent ability to identify and nurture linguistic talent while promoting comprehensive literacy skills among the nation’s youth.

  • Dry Conditions Could Increase Wildfire Risk, Forecasters Warn

    Dry Conditions Could Increase Wildfire Risk, Forecasters Warn

    Meteorological authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have issued a significant wildfire alert, projecting heightened fire vulnerability throughout the first half of 2026 due to anticipated precipitation deficits. The national meteorological service indicates that substantially below-average rainfall patterns from February through early spring will likely create tinderbox conditions across the islands’ vegetation. This warning follows concerning December metrics where Antigua documented substantially reduced rainfall and Barbuda endured a severe 21-day arid period without measurable precipitation. The cumulative effect has left grassy and brush-covered landscapes increasingly combustible as the traditional dry season progresses. While daytime temperatures are projected to remain within seasonal norms, meteorologists highlight another concerning factor: above-average nighttime temperatures that inhibit moisture recovery through accelerated evaporation rates. The service further warns that short-term drought conditions will likely materialize by February’s conclusion, potentially escalating to moderate or severe drought classification by April if current rainfall patterns persist. Particularly concerning is the forecast that arid conditions may extend into the early wet season, dramatically amplifying fire risks in bush and grassland regions. Experts clarify that while these conditions don’t guarantee fire incidents, they create a high-risk environment especially during episodes of intensified winds, reduced humidity, or human activities including agricultural burning and land clearance operations. Government officials are urging sustained public vigilance and extreme caution with open flames, debris burning, and all potential ignition sources throughout the prolonged dry period.

  • VS breidt hulp aan Cuba uit ondanks olieblokkade

    VS breidt hulp aan Cuba uit ondanks olieblokkade

    The United States has announced a significant expansion of humanitarian assistance to Cuba while simultaneously tightening restrictions on the island nation’s fuel supplies. Jeremy Lewin, a high-ranking official at the U.S. State Department, revealed on Thursday that Washington would provide an additional $6 million in aid, bringing total humanitarian support to $9 million since Hurricane Melissa struck in October.

    This assistance is being channeled directly to the Cuban population through the Catholic Church, with Lewin confirming that the Cuban government has not impeded the distribution process. The humanitarian initiative aims to address critical shortages that have left state stores completely empty and unable to supply basic necessities to citizens.

    Concurrently, the Trump administration has escalated efforts to block Cuba’s access to petroleum resources. President Trump has declared that Cuba will no longer receive oil shipments from Venezuela following last month’s operation that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. has further threatened tariffs against other nations, including Mexico, that continue to provide fuel to Cuba.

    In response to the growing crisis, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced temporary measures to address fuel shortages and accompanying power outages affecting multiple provinces. Díaz-Canel characterized the situation as “extremely challenging” and called for national solidarity during this period of hardship.

    Despite providing humanitarian aid, the U.S. government places partial responsibility for the crisis on Cuban leadership. Lewin stated, “The fundamental issue is the government’s failure to stock store shelves. State stores are completely empty and unsupplied. What we’re witnessing is a humanitarian disaster.”

    The ongoing fuel shortage continues to severely disrupt essential services and supply chains across Cuba, creating a precarious situation for the population. The dual approach of providing humanitarian assistance while maintaining economic pressure highlights the complex dynamics in U.S.-Cuba relations as ordinary citizens bear the consequences of this geopolitical tension.

  • Youth development get largest share of ministry’s budget

    Youth development get largest share of ministry’s budget

    The New Democratic Party (NDP) administration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is implementing its campaign pledge to prioritize youth advancement through substantial budgetary allocations and strategic ministerial restructuring. Under the leadership of Youth Minister Kaschaka Cupid, the government has designated approximately 55% of its 2026 budget—equivalent to EC$7.08 million—specifically for youth development programs.

    Minister Cupid articulated the administration’s vision during parliamentary debates on the 2026 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, emphasizing a strategic reorientation toward what he termed the ‘orange economy’—encompassing cultural and creative industries. The ministry itself has been transformed from its previous incarnation as the Ministry of Housing, Informal Human Settlement, Youth and Sports to the newly branded Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Creative Industries.

    Financial analysis reveals significant shifts in budgetary priorities: while policy planning and administration experienced a 19% reduction (decreasing from EC$808,000 to EC$652,889), youth development funding increased by 2.68% compared to 2005 allocations. The sports sector received a modest 0.65% boost to EC$2,031,915, while culture and creative industries saw a more substantial 3.8% increase, now standing at EC$2,550,308.

    The ministry’s overall recurrent expenditure demonstrates considerable growth, rising by 26.2% from EC$10.2 million in 2025 to EC$12.9 million in 2026. Minister Cupid outlined specific percentage allocations across divisions: 54.9% for youth development, 15.76% for physical education and sports, 20.4% for culture and creative industries, and 3.8% dedicated to the Windward Island School Games.

    A cornerstone of the new cultural initiative includes establishing a national cultural calendar and preserving cultural heritage to enhance community engagement. The minister articulated the ministry’s comprehensive mission: to implement progressive policies empowering youth, harness sports for national unity, celebrate cultural heritage, and expand creative industries as pathways to innovation, employment, and global competitiveness—all contributing to sustainable national development.

  • WIN’s Primus roasts govt on lack of policy at Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry

    WIN’s Primus roasts govt on lack of policy at Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry

    In a dramatic parliamentary session examining Guyana’s $1.558 trillion budget, opposition leader Odessa Primus delivered a scathing critique of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s fundamental policy deficiencies. The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) General Secretary condemned the ministry’s absence of coherent policies across all three sectors under its purview during Thursday’s National Assembly proceedings.

    Primus, herself an accomplished stage performer, highlighted the critical lack of modern copyright legislation protecting artists’ intellectual property. “How could you have a ministry and have not one single policy?” she questioned, emphasizing that this void prevents proper evaluation of ministerial accountability. She cited the tragic cases of late cultural icons Henry Rodney and Habeeb Khan who died in poverty despite their significant contributions to Guyanese culture.

    The criticism extended to sports development, where Primus noted that coaches remain inadequately compensated and high-performing athletes receive insufficient incentives. She particularly lamented the government’s failure to utilize the National Museum to honor cultural legends, mentioning numerous living treasures including Desiree Edghill, Vivienne Daniels, and Eddy Grant who deserve formal recognition.

    Culture Minister Charles Ramson defended his administration’s record, highlighting several accomplishments including the completion of a draft sports policy awaiting Cabinet approval, passage of the Horse Racing Act, and planned National Trust Act legislation before 2030. He detailed infrastructure developments including 145 illuminated sports grounds, a national sports academy, and modernization of the National Sports Hall.

    Ramson pointed to cultural achievements including nine acclaimed plays funded through the revived Guyana Prize for Literature program, accreditation of the Institute of Creative Arts, and successful international participations in CARIFESTA and World Expos. “Persons involved in our programs are doing better now than they have ever done before,” he asserted, noting participants are purchasing homes and vehicles through improved earnings.

    The debate revealed bipartisan agreement on copyright reform, with APNU parliamentarian Nima Flue-Bess having already tabled a motion for a bipartisan committee to review existing legislation. Both major parties had campaigned on replacing the outdated 1956 British Copyright Act during last year’s elections.

    Primus offered constructive recommendations including integrating cultural development with tourism initiatives, specialized swimming training for Indigenous communities, establishing youth rehabilitation centers instead of expanding prisons, and implementing educational programs on Guyanese history and folklore. She also proposed grants for creative projects and tax incentives for artists to foster sustainable cultural development.