In a bid to address the persistent issue of abandoned vehicles, the government has introduced a new initiative offering a $150 incentive to private individuals who assist in the removal of derelict vehicles marked for disposal. This program is part of a broader national cleanup campaign aimed at improving urban environments and public health. The Ministry of Urban Development will oversee the project, collaborating with the National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Development Control Authority to ensure the proper verification, transportation, and disposal of these vehicles at the Cooks Landfill. Officials emphasize that enhanced inter-agency coordination will streamline the process, avoiding the delays and redundancies experienced in previous cleanup efforts. The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation will soon release specific details, including dates, times, designated collection points, and participation guidelines. Derelict vehicles have long been a significant concern in many communities, contributing to environmental pollution, pest infestations, obstructed sidewalks, drainage problems, and safety hazards for residents.
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Police destroy over 52 million-dollars worth of cocaine and cannabis
In a significant blow to drug trafficking operations, law enforcement authorities have incinerated a substantial cache of illegal narcotics, including cocaine and cannabis, with an estimated street value of EC$53 million. The destruction took place at Morne Bruce on Wednesday as part of Police Week, a campaign aimed at reinforcing public confidence in the police force and showcasing their relentless efforts to combat crime. Superintendent Delvin Jno Jules, in charge of the Southern Division, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, ‘We are destroying cocaine and marijuana to demonstrate our commitment to keeping the streets clean and safe.’ The seized drugs included EC$52 million worth of cocaine and EC$1.2 million worth of cannabis, marking a major victory in the ongoing Operation Clean Street. Acting Police Chief Lincoln Corbette underscored the message sent to criminals, declaring, ‘We will not back down. These dangerous substances will be tackled head-on, and the fruits of your illegal labor will be destroyed.’ The operation also saw the disposal of 348 antiquated firearms and smoke grenades, part of a broader strategy to enhance regional security. Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore praised the efforts, highlighting the confiscation of EC$89 million worth of drugs over the past year and the implementation of CARICOM’s firearms roadmap to address illegal arms trafficking. The police force’s dedication to training and modernization was also commended, ensuring they remain equipped to handle contemporary challenges.
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Two more SLASPA employees arrested in port crackdown
In a significant crackdown on suspected criminal activities, two additional employees of the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) were apprehended on November 19. This arrest was part of a meticulously coordinated multi-agency operation targeting illicit operations at Port Castries. The operation is a critical component of an ongoing investigation into a sophisticated network allegedly involved in the illegal trafficking of narcotics and firearms. The network is believed to exploit loopholes to evade Customs checks and circumvent proper declaration protocols. Investigators have zeroed in on key suspects within both the Customs and Excise Department and SLASPA, leading to the recent arrests. Authorities anticipate formal charges to be levied within the next 72 hours. This latest incident follows a series of arrests over the past month, including three SLASPA employees implicated in a $705,000 drug bust and a Port police officer involved in a $1.3 million seizure. These developments underscore the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing organized crime within the port’s operations.
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Minister Blackman to present student service plan to Cabinet soon
In a groundbreaking announcement, Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation, unveiled plans to introduce mandatory community service for all secondary school students in Barbados. Speaking at a UNICEF-organized graduation ceremony for student ambassadors at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), Blackman emphasized that the initiative aims to transform national development by equipping young people with essential life skills beyond academic achievement.
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Parker Returns to UPP, Citing ‘Moral Crossroad’ and Deepening Political Divide
Former senator Malaka Parker has made a dramatic return to Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape after a two-year hiatus, emphasizing the nation’s critical need for ethical and stable governance. Reaffiliating with the United Progressive Party (UPP), the organization that initially propelled her into national politics, Parker declared that the country stands at a “moral and political crossroad.” Her decision to re-enter the political fray follows extensive reflection and encouragement from citizens, community leaders, and supporters who expressed a collective desire for better leadership and governance.
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Residents Urged to Maintain Cleanliness After Villa/Yorks Cleanup
The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) launched its ‘Love Where You Live!’ National Clean-up initiative in October, marking a significant step toward community revitalization. Spanning three weeks, the campaign focused on the Villa Area, covering Dickenson Bay Street, Anchorage Road, and Fort James Drive. The effort aimed to transform the neighborhood into a cleaner, healthier environment for residents. During the campaign, NSWMA crews collected an astounding 13 tons of bulk waste from public spaces and vacant lots. Additionally, 75 vacant plots were cleared of debris, overgrown trees, and bushes, restoring them to safe and hygienic conditions. The removal of 31 abandoned vehicles further contributed to the area’s improved appearance. The initiative also addressed infrastructure concerns, identifying 13 damaged or blocked gutters and recommending repairs to prevent future flooding. Power washing of drains, tree cutting, and vegetation control were carried out to enhance visibility, public safety, and the neighborhood’s overall aesthetic. The campaign’s impact has been profound, with once-cluttered streets now cleared and residents expressing appreciation for the transformation. Building on this success, NSWMA has extended its efforts to the Yorks community, urging residents to dispose of waste responsibly and maintain the improved environment. The Authority will conclude its work in Yorks on November 21, 2025. This initiative highlights the power of organized waste management and community collaboration in reclaiming and preserving shared spaces. NSWMA encourages residents to report additional bulk waste for collection rather than leaving it on curbsides or outside homes.
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Cooperation in tourism, aviation and maritime discussed with China
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, welcomed the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, for a high-level discussion at the ministry’s headquarters in Warrens. The meeting underscored the deepening bilateral relationship between the two nations, particularly in the realms of tourism and international transportation. Both parties explored avenues for enhanced collaboration, with a focus on technical assistance, training in aviation and maritime sectors, and infrastructure development at Barbados’ air and seaports. Minister Gooding-Edghill highlighted the enduring partnership with China, expressing gratitude for its unwavering support over the past 48 years. Key topics on the agenda included strategies to boost Chinese tourist arrivals, the implementation of an Air Services Agreement, advancements in data analytics, and the integration of electric buses into Barbados’ transport system. Ambassador Zheng emphasized the critical role of the tourism and transport sectors in driving economic growth and reaffirmed China’s commitment to fostering mutual interests. The dialogue marked another milestone in the diplomatic relations established between Barbados and China on May 30, 1977, paving the way for continued cooperation and shared prosperity.
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68-Pound Wahoo Tops Weigh-In at Barbuda Ocean Festival
The Barbuda Ocean Festival and Fishing Tournament, held on November 15th, was a vibrant celebration of the island’s deep connection to the sea. The event kicked off with a serene journey across calm waters to Codrington Lagoon, where the Barbuda Fisheries Complex was already buzzing with energy. Decorated docks and lively music set the tone for a day filled with community, education, and competition. By mid-morning, the festival grounds were alive with activity. Vendors were setting up stalls, old friends were reconnecting, and the DJ’s beats kept the atmosphere festive from sunrise to sunset. The Ocean Conservation Tent emerged as a highlight, offering interactive displays and games to educate young visitors about marine ecosystems. Food stalls showcased an array of seafood delicacies, from lobster to octopus, alongside comforting classics like burgers. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes drew visitors from booth to booth. As the afternoon progressed, the crowd enjoyed dominoes, music, and quizzes while eagerly awaiting the return of the fishing vessels. The cooking competition was a major draw, with five teams racing against the clock to prepare dishes from mystery meats. The winning team took home a $2,500 ECD prize. The fishing tournament results were equally thrilling, with awards for the biggest barracuda, kingfish, and wahoo. The day’s largest catch—a 68-pound wahoo—drew cheers and applause as it was hoisted onto the scale. Amid the celebrations, the community paused to honor those lost at sea, and a donation of VHF radios to local fishermen underscored the importance of maritime safety. The festival was a testament to Barbuda’s culture, creativity, and enduring bond with the ocean, blending education, culinary artistry, and friendly competition into a memorable day by the water.
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Just rain? We still ain’t ready yet
Barbados faced a sobering reality this past weekend as intense rainfall wreaked havoc across the island, exposing critical vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency preparedness. The downpour, concentrated on one side of the island, overwhelmed roads, trapped residents, and tragically claimed the life of one man. Despite not being a named storm or hurricane, the event stretched emergency services to their limits, highlighting the island’s fragility in the face of extreme weather.
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Paula Lee: Education Must Remain Open to All, Even Those Behind Bars
Paula Lee, Head of the UWI Five Islands Lifelong Learning Unit, has emphasized the importance of providing education to incarcerated individuals, despite public backlash over prisoners graduating from the program. Lee articulated a multifaceted perspective, highlighting the legal, emotional, and academic dimensions of the issue. She underscored that imprisonment itself constitutes the punishment, stating, “We must never forget that families grieve, but these residents of the prison… their freedom has been restricted. That’s the punishment.”
Lee acknowledged the profound pain experienced by victims’ families, citing tragic examples such as murder and sexual assault. “My baby daddy died tragically when you stabbed him… Somebody was raped… we must never, ever forget that what happened to them will impact them for the rest of their lives,” she said. However, she also stressed the transformative power of education, arguing that it should not be denied to prisoners.
Lee warned that excluding inmates from educational opportunities would violate fundamental principles of access and equality. “The United Nations speaks about education being a right… If we do otherwise, we’re discriminating and that’s a flaw in the realm of universities,” she asserted. Her remarks come amid growing public debate over the role of education in the rehabilitation of prisoners and its broader societal implications.