The High Court of Barbados is poised to determine whether the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) must compel the Barbados Light and Power Company (BLPC) to disclose financial documents. This decision follows renewed legal action by public interest intervenors, reigniting a prolonged dispute over electricity rates. Earlier this month, the court canceled a scheduled hearing after discovering that no formal application had been properly filed. However, last week, the intervenor team, led by Ricky Went, resubmitted a comprehensive set of documents, including their notice of application, a certificate of urgency, and a draft order they seek the court to approve. The court has set next Wednesday to hear the application, filed by the intervenors’ lead attorney, senior counsel Hal Gollop. The case centers on whether the FTC can require BLPC to provide information following its February 2023 rate review decision, which the intervenors argue remains unresolved. The FTC maintains that the process is concluded and lacks the statutory authority to mandate the release of the documents. A hearing initially scheduled for last Tuesday was canceled when the court discovered procedural errors in the filing process. Senior counsel for the FTC, Alrick Scott, informed the court that BLPC had not been served with any notice of application and was unaware of Gollop’s filing. Further investigation revealed no formal application had been made, prompting the court to vacate the hearing date. The intervenors argue that analyzing BLPC’s financial data is crucial before the FTC issues its final ruling on the rate decision, as rate proceedings are infrequent. They emphasize the importance of public trust in the regulatory process. However, the FTC, through Scott, has reiterated its refusal to comply, citing no statutory obligation to release the requested documents.
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PM urges St Lucy to be patient over water woes
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called on residents of St Lucy to remain patient as the government addresses persistent water supply challenges in the parish and surrounding areas. For years, districts in St Lucy and St Peter have grappled with water discolouration, a problem that has significantly impacted daily life. Speaking at the launch of the Lamberts and Castle wind farm project at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Mottley acknowledged the issue and assured residents that measures are underway to alleviate their concerns. She highlighted that financial relief has been provided to affected households, with residents of St Lucy and eastern St Peter exempt from basic water rates since April. This initiative, announced in March, is part of a 12-month commitment to support communities while infrastructure upgrades, including the replacement of ageing water mains and improvements to filtration systems, are completed. Mottley emphasized the complexity of the process, stating, ‘As much as I would like to wiggle my nose and say, ‘let there be pipe,’ it takes time for us to lay pipe.’ She reassured residents that the government remains committed to resolving the issue and will provide further updates in due course.
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Flood claims mount as insurers count losses after Sunday deluge
Barbados is grappling with the aftermath of the most severe flooding in a decade, which has left one man dead and caused extensive damage to vehicles across the island. The record-breaking floods, which occurred on Sunday, have led to a surge in motor insurance claims, with insurers estimating payouts in the tens of thousands of dollars.
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GHTA CEO shines as key panellist at CHTA CHIEF conference
Arlene Friday, CEO of the Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association (GHTA), emerged as a pivotal figure at this year’s Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) conference. As a key panellist on the forum titled ‘Tourism for Us,’ Friday captivated attendees with her profound insights and actionable strategies on community tourism across the Caribbean region. Her address underscored the indispensable role of local communities in crafting authentic and sustainable tourism experiences. She urged Caribbean communities to reclaim their narratives, ensuring that their unique histories, traditions, and voices remain central to tourism development. ‘Communities are not just part of the tourism product — they are the heartbeat of it,’ Friday asserted. ‘When we empower our people to tell their own stories and create genuine connections with visitors, tourism becomes not only sustainable but transformative.’ Friday also emphasized the importance of fostering stronger linkages between hospitality stakeholders and local communities. She highlighted that such collaborations not only drive economic opportunities but also preserve cultural identity. Her message of empowerment and inclusion resonated deeply with industry professionals, policymakers, and delegates, all of whom are committed to a more community-centred approach to tourism. The CHIEF Conference continues to serve as a dynamic platform for tourism leaders to connect, share innovations, and chart the future of the region’s hospitality sector. Arlene Friday’s contributions at the conference reinforce the critical importance of placing people and place at the heart of tourism growth throughout the Caribbean.
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Kwaliteitsverbeteringen Kwatta Landbouwmarkt, duidelijkheid over terreinstatus
The recently completed fish hall at the Kwatta Agricultural Market marks the beginning of a new era in quality improvement for the market. The board of the S. Kisoensingh Foundation, which oversees the Kwatta Agricultural Market, presented this development during an introductory meeting with Mike Noersalim, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV). During the meeting, the foundation shared detailed financial data, including income and expenditure reports. It was previously reported that the market generates approximately SRD 500,000 in monthly revenue, which, according to the foundation, nearly covers its operational costs. Currently, around 700 vendors utilize the market, primarily on Sundays and Wednesdays. These vendors pay a fixed fee per sales day for access to facilities such as tables, seating, roofing, and sanitation. A key topic of discussion was the legal status of the land on which the market operates. Minister Noersalim clarified the ministry’s policy: the land will remain dedicated to market activities, with other forms of business explicitly excluded. The foundation retains the authority to manage the market and continue operations on the LVV-owned land. Both parties agreed that the meeting resolved uncertainties and emphasized the need for continued collaboration to ensure the market’s orderly and transparent management.
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Boy, 9, undergoes brain surgery after beating by schoolmate
A mother has expressed her profound distress after her 9-year-old son was severely injured by an older student at Kingstown Preparatory School on October 22. The incident led to the child developing meningitis, necessitating emergency brain surgery. The boy, now in the Paediatric Critical Care Unit of Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), is battling seizures and enduring immense physical and emotional pain. His mother, who requested anonymity, revealed that her son’s condition is critical, with doctors describing him as the sickest child in the ward. The boy, who initially kept the assault a secret, began experiencing severe headaches and pain days after the incident. His family later discovered that he had been slammed into a door and concrete by another student. Medical examinations revealed significant inflammation and pus in his brain, requiring the removal of 100 ml of pus during surgery on November 12. The mother, who lives overseas, returned to St. Vincent to authorize the life-saving procedure. She expressed frustration over the lack of accountability from the school and the Ministry of Education, as well as the absence of remorse from the family of the alleged perpetrator. The mother plans to pursue legal action, citing the emotional trauma her son now endures, including feelings of insecurity about his appearance due to surgical scars. She remains by her son’s side at the hospital, grappling with the emotional and financial burdens of his recovery.
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Grenada and Embassy of Japan commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations
On November 12, 2025, Dr. Akima Umezawa, the Ambassador of Japan, announced the historic appointment of Dr. Nicole Phillip as Grenada’s first Honorary Consul of Japan. Dr. Phillip, the Acting Director of the University of The West Indies Global Campus in St. George’s, is renowned for her expertise in history and academic leadership. This landmark announcement was made during celebrations marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Grenada and Japan, a partnership rooted in mutual respect, cooperation, and shared vision. Over the past five decades, Japan has significantly contributed to Grenada’s development in education, disaster resilience, agriculture, and technical training, while Grenada has actively engaged in cultural and academic exchanges. The appointment ceremony, held at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished guests. Ambassador Umezawa described the appointment as a pivotal step in strengthening the bilateral relationship, referring to the anniversary as a “Golden Jubilee.” He highlighted key achievements, including Grenada’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan’s support for sargassum countermeasures, and vocational training initiatives. Dr. Phillip expressed her gratitude and commitment to fostering deeper ties between the two nations. The celebrations continued on November 13 with a musical concert featuring the Japanese Bamboo Flute and the National School Orchestra, symbolizing cultural harmony. Acting Foreign Minister Senator Adrian Thomas emphasized the significance of the 50-year friendship and expressed optimism for future collaboration in cultural exchange, innovation, and economic ties. He also congratulated Dr. Phillip on behalf of the Government and People of Grenada, recognizing her contributions to education and leadership.
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GTA strengthens strategic focus on Carriacou and Petite Martinique
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) recently wrapped up a comprehensive three-day strategic session aimed at bolstering the tourism infrastructure of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada’s sister islands. Spearheaded by CEO Stacey Liburd, Chief Marketing Officer Tornia Charles, and Quality Assurance Manager Keron Moore, the initiative underscored GTA’s dedication to fostering inclusive development across the tri-island state. The event featured a series of interactive presentations and stakeholder meetings, focusing on sustainable growth, product enhancement, and market readiness. Key highlights included a Strategic Presentation outlining GTA’s vision for integrating the islands into the national tourism strategy, a Social Media Workshop on digital marketing best practices, a Quality Assurance session emphasizing service standards, and a Marketing 101 module designed to boost local businesses’ promotional capabilities. A pivotal component of the program was a stakeholder engagement tour in Petite Martinique, which provided the delegation with firsthand insights into the island’s tourism assets and the needs of local operators. This visit facilitated open discussions on service delivery, training, and investment opportunities, aimed at enhancing the resilience and visibility of the sister islands. Liburd emphasized the importance of Carriacou and Petite Martinique to Grenada’s overall tourism growth, stating, ‘These sessions are about listening, sharing practical tools, and creating sustainable pathways that empower our industry partners on every island to thrive. Our goal is one cohesive tri-island product that celebrates diversity while delivering excellence.’ A Carriacou service provider praised the initiative, noting the high quality of presentations and the opportunity to engage directly with GTA representatives. The GTA remains committed to ongoing collaboration with tourism partners across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, focusing on capacity building, innovation, and sustainable tourism growth.
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Opposition steps up pressure over stalled VAT pledge
The opposition in Barbados has escalated its demands for the government to fulfill its 2018 pledge to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 17.5%, a rate established nearly 15 years ago. The call comes as rising living costs continue to burden ordinary households, with critics accusing the government of inaction. During a parliamentary debate on the Companies (Economic Substance) (Repeal) Bill and the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne highlighted the pressing issue of taxation and its impact on citizens. Thorne reminded the government of its promise to lower VAT, which was initially increased from 15% to 17.5% in December 2010 as a temporary measure under the Freundel Stuart administration. He argued that the current VAT rate is a direct financial burden on all citizens, regardless of their economic status, and serves as a disincentive to spending. Thorne emphasized that while VAT may benefit government revenues, the primary responsibility of any administration is to alleviate the tax burden on its people. He linked lower taxes to economic freedom and urged the government to act on its promise, questioning whether the current VAT rate is reasonable and whether its reduction could provide partial relief to the populace. Thorne challenged the government to clarify its intentions regarding VAT reduction and to specify the extent of any planned cuts. In response, government representative Ryan Straughn defended the administration’s economic record, acknowledging the unfulfilled VAT reduction promise but highlighting efforts to stabilize the economy and support families. Straughn suggested that a VAT reduction remains a future possibility, while emphasizing the government’s ongoing commitment to improving citizens’ welfare.
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Curacao becomes smallest nation to qualify for World Cup
In a historic moment for international football, the Caribbean island of Curacao has become the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. With a population of just over 150,000 and a land area of 171 square miles, Curacao surpassed Iceland’s record, set in 2018, as the smallest country to reach the tournament. The milestone was achieved after a tense 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston, a result that dashed Jamaica’s hopes of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998. The match saw a dramatic injury-time penalty decision overturned by VAR, sealing Curacao’s place in the 2026 tournament.
Curacao’s qualification is a testament to their remarkable rise in international football. Just a decade ago, they were ranked 150th in FIFA’s world rankings, but they now sit at 82nd. The expanded 2026 World Cup format, which includes 48 teams, has provided smaller nations like Curacao with a greater opportunity to compete on the global stage. They will join Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, and Jordan as debutants in the tournament.
Leading the team is 78-year-old Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, who will become the oldest coach in World Cup history. Advocaat, a veteran of international football with stints in the Netherlands, South Korea, and Russia, took charge of Curacao after resolving a payment dispute between players and the country’s football association. His leadership has been pivotal in transforming the team’s fortunes.
Curacao’s squad is a blend of Dutch talent and British-born players with family ties to the island. Notable players include Joshua Brenet, Ar’jany Martha, Sontje Hansen, and Tahith Chong, who previously played for Manchester United. For midfielder Juninho Bacuna, representing Curacao alongside his brother Leandro, the team’s captain, has been a source of immense pride.
Bacuna, who once played for the Netherlands at the under-21 level, believes Curacao’s success will inspire more Dutch-born players to join the team, known as The Blue Family. “We’re seeing more young players choosing Curacao over the Netherlands, and that’s making our team even stronger,” he said.
Curacao’s journey to the World Cup is a story of perseverance, unity, and ambition. As they prepare to make their debut on football’s biggest stage, the tiny island nation has already etched its name in the annals of sporting history.