Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne has issued a grave warning regarding the surge in firearm-related crimes in Barbados and its cascading impact on the nation’s correctional facilities. Speaking at the Barbados Prison Service’s 168th anniversary medals presentation ceremony at the St Philip facility, Payne highlighted how the escalating gun violence in society is now mirrored within the prison system.
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Social Protection Board Distributes Food Packages for Independence
In a heartwarming initiative led by the Ministry of Social Transformation, households in need were provided with comfort and joy as the nation prepared to celebrate its Independence. The Social Protection Board (SPB) played a pivotal role in this effort, embodying the spirit of unity, gratitude, and service. A statement from the SPB highlighted their dedication to uplifting communities during this significant time. Mary Baltimore, the SPB Manager of Operations, expressed deep gratitude to Minister Rawdon Turner for his unwavering support and leadership. She remarked, ‘Minister Turner truly started Christmas in October,’ underscoring his commitment to aiding families and fostering a sense of national unity. This initiative not only brought immediate relief to vulnerable households but also reinforced the values of compassion and solidarity across the nation.
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Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston to reopen today
Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, is set to reopen its doors today after a temporary closure. The airport, a critical hub for both domestic and international travel, had been shut down due to unforeseen operational challenges. Authorities have confirmed that all necessary measures have been implemented to ensure a smooth and safe reopening. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight schedules and to arrive early to accommodate enhanced security protocols. The reopening is expected to boost local tourism and commerce, providing a much-needed economic lift to the region. Travelers and stakeholders alike are optimistic about the airport’s return to full operational capacity.
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Visitor arrivals, cruise traffic boost foreign exchange earnings
The Barbados economy demonstrated robust growth in the first nine months of 2025, expanding by 2.7%, as reported by the Central Bank on Wednesday. This growth was fueled by significant contributions from tourism, agriculture, construction, and business services, while unemployment reached a historic low of 6.1%. Central Bank Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge highlighted these achievements during a press conference at the Courtney Blackman Grande Salle, emphasizing the resilience of the economy despite global trade tensions and slowing growth in advanced economies. Key sectors such as tourism and agriculture drove real GDP growth, while construction and business services bolstered the non-traded sector. Inflation remained subdued, with a 12-month moving average of 0.5% by August, as import costs declined. The external position of the country remained strong, supported by robust tourism receipts and increased long-term financing. International reserves stood at $3.3 billion at the end of September, offsetting a wider merchandise deficit. Fiscal performance also improved, with a primary surplus of $574.1 million (3.8% of GDP) and a fiscal surplus of $227.1 million (1.5% of GDP). The debt-to-GDP ratio decreased by 2.9 percentage points to 100.1%. Tourism played a pivotal role, with long-stay arrivals rising by 5.5% to 537,897, driven by increased airlift and marketing campaigns. The United States led visitor growth, contributing 36% of arrivals, while Europe and CARICOM markets also saw significant increases. Cruise arrivals surged by 31.5%, reflecting higher vessel occupancy rates. The labor market saw continued improvement, with unemployment hitting a record low of 6.1% in June, marking the fifth consecutive quarterly decline. Sectors such as agriculture, utilities, tourism, and construction drove job creation, while jobless claims remained below historical averages. The Central Bank’s report underscores the broad-based economic recovery and the pivotal role of tourism in sustaining growth and employment.
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Antigua and Barbuda Students in Jamaica Safe After Hurricane Melissa
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on Tuesday, all 53 students from Antigua and Barbuda studying in the country have been confirmed safe. Maurice Merchant, the Director of Communications and Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Programme, provided reassurance that the students, who were sheltered at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, remained unharmed. They will continue to stay at the hotel until classes at the University of the West Indies resume on Monday. Merchant also reported that while some students in Montego Bay experienced structural damage to their accommodations, none sustained injuries. Prime Minister Gaston Browne closely monitored the situation during the storm and expressed gratitude, stating, ‘We thank God for sparing their lives and for keeping them safe.’ The swift response and effective coordination ensured the safety of all students, highlighting the importance of preparedness during natural disasters.
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The Fourth Estate and the Caribbean Sea
The notion of press freedom does not absolve journalism of its responsibilities. Recent narratives suggesting that the United States has ‘finally come to save the Caribbean’ are not merely misguided but dangerously misleading. Such rhetoric romanticizes external militarization in regional waters, conveniently overlooking how historical ‘assistance’ has often morphed into control. This narrative subtly shapes public consent, normalizing foreign military presence as benevolent intervention, thereby encouraging the Caribbean populace to relinquish control over their own peace and security. This is particularly alarming given the U.S.’s renewed ‘war on drugs’ doctrine, which has led to lethal-force interdictions in Caribbean maritime space. These actions starkly contrast with CARICOM’s commitment to maintaining the region as a ‘Zone of Peace,’ highlighting a troubling disparity between rhetoric and reality. History offers stark reminders of the consequences of foreign intervention: from the Dominican Republic in 1965 to Haiti in the 1990s, external forces have consistently prioritized strategic advantage over Caribbean sovereignty. The current militarization, framed as protection, is a continuation of this pattern. Fragmentation among CARICOM members exacerbates vulnerability, weakening the region’s collective bargaining power and making sovereignty negotiable. Legal arrangements like Shiprider Agreements further intensify this exposure, granting foreign authorities extensive powers, including drone surveillance and lethal targeting. These realities demand informed regional leadership, both political and journalistic. The media must document foreign military activities, scrutinize enabling agreements, contextualize current actions within historical patterns, ensure transparency, and reinforce that sovereignty is a daily practice, not a mere slogan. If regional media and leadership fail to confront these patterns with clarity and courage, the ‘Zone of Peace’ may only be recognized in hindsight as the first casualty of a silence mistaken for diplomacy.
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LETTER: A Change in the Way We Discipline
The essence of education lies not in imposing control but in igniting curiosity and growth. However, in many schools, outdated disciplinary methods, such as corporal punishment, continue to overshadow this ideal. For instance, students are often subjected to physical punishment for minor infractions like tardiness—a practice that seems more regressive than constructive.
Such methods raise critical questions about the alignment of school discipline with real-world expectations. In professional environments, tardiness might result in a written warning, a pay deduction, or a discussion, but never physical harm. Why, then, should educational institutions, which are meant to foster development and learning, resort to such measures? We live in an era that has moved beyond the oppressive systems of the past, having fought for independence not just politically but also mentally, rejecting the notion that violence equates to discipline.
Physical punishment may instill fear, but fear does not cultivate responsibility. Instead, it stifles voices, breeds resentment, and teaches young minds that pain is the cost of correction. There are more effective alternatives. Schools can encourage reflection by engaging late students in meaningful conversations about the value of time or assigning them tasks that build character rather than shame.
True discipline should shape individuals, not leave lasting scars. If schools aim to prepare students for life, their lessons must stem from respect, not fear. As the saying goes, ‘Violence may control a body, but respect reaches the soul.’ It is high time that educational institutions prioritize reaching souls over enforcing compliance.
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Trump en Xi sluiten handelsakkoord en verminderen spanningen in felle VS-China rivaliteit
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to a one-year truce in their protracted trade war. The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Busan, South Korea. This marks the first face-to-face discussion between the two leaders since 2019 and provides a much-needed reprieve for businesses affected by months of escalating trade tensions.
The truce includes several key provisions: China has agreed to delay its planned export restrictions on rare earth metals, while the US will refrain from imposing a threatened 100% tariff on Chinese goods. Additionally, President Trump announced a reduction in tariffs on fentanyl-related products from 20% to 10%, following President Xi’s commitment to curb the supply of the synthetic opioid. Trump hailed the agreement as ‘great’ during his Asia tour, emphasizing that ‘there is no obstacle for rare earth metals anymore.’ China also pledged to purchase ‘massive amounts’ of American soybeans.
Despite these developments, many trade barriers remain in place, and underlying disputes between the two nations remain unresolved. Analysts describe the agreement as a ‘pause and a small rollback’ rather than a resolution, with both sides temporarily halting their trade hostilities while adhering to the terms of the truce. Dennis Wilder, a former CIA and White House China expert, noted that the deal represents a temporary ceasefire rather than a long-term solution.
Market reactions were cautious, with major Asian stock indices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Sydney closing lower, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 remained unchanged. Investors expressed uncertainty about the durability and comprehensiveness of the agreement. However, the suspension of rare earth metal export restrictions was viewed positively by market experts, as these materials are critical for producing smartphones, electric vehicles, and military aircraft.
Trade experts have characterized the agreement as a ‘partial freeze’ or ‘small rollback’ in the trade war. The deal includes an annual review mechanism, allowing both countries to reassess their trade relationship and purchasing power each year. Cameron Johnson of Tidalwave Solutions in Shanghai described the agreement as ‘likely the best outcome both parties could achieve under the current circumstances,’ but warned that uncertainties surrounding implementation and annual evaluations could continue to influence the trade conflict in the future.
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Long Bay Brewing commits to culture and community as gold sponsor for Antigua and Barbuda Art Week
Long Bay Brewing, Antigua and Barbuda’s latest brewery, has pledged its dedication to fostering local culture and community by joining forces with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) as the Gold Sponsor for Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2025. The partnership was officially unveiled at the brewery’s Long Bay venue, where representatives from both organizations convened to celebrate the collaboration. Calbert Francis, a spokesperson for Long Bay Brewing, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, ‘We are excited to back an event that showcases the artistic talents of our people. As a new player in the brewing industry, this partnership provides us with a unique opportunity to engage with the community and play a role in the enrichment of our local culture.’ Scheduled from November 26 to December 2, 2025, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week will revolve around the theme ‘Culture in Colour.’ The event promises a vibrant lineup of activities, including art exhibitions, live performances, cultural bus tours, and interactive community events across the nation. For additional details about the event, visit the official website.
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Globally Recognised CBI/CIP Expert to Deliver
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is set to host its 27th Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. in the Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium, located on the ECCB Campus in Saint Christopher and Nevis. This year’s lecture will be delivered by Dr. Kristin Surak, a renowned expert on citizenship by investment (CBI/CIP) and Associate Professor in Sociology at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The event will focus on the theme, ‘Development by Design: Leveraging Citizenship for Economic Resilience in Small Island Developing States.’
Dr. Surak, author of the influential book *The Golden Passport: Global Mobility for Millionaires*, has established herself as a leading authority on how nations generate revenue through citizenship programs, how affluent individuals utilize these programs to enhance global mobility, and the broader implications for development, inequality, and economic resilience. Her insights are particularly relevant to the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, where CBI/CIP programs are integral to financing economic transformation and fostering resilience.
The lecture series commemorates the legacy of Sir Arthur Lewis, a Nobel Laureate whose groundbreaking work in development economics continues to inspire strategies for resilience in small states. Dr. Surak’s presentation aligns with this vision, offering timely perspectives on the role of citizenship investment in economic sustainability.
The event coincides with the ECCB’s initiative to establish the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority, aimed at enhancing governance, transparency, and long-term sustainability of CBI/CIP programs across the region. The lecture will be livestreamed on ECCB Connects’ YouTube channel, making it accessible to a global audience.