In a recent court ruling, O.R., a man who had been granted permission to stay in an abandoned property, was sentenced to 15 months of unconditional imprisonment for arson. The incident occurred on Drietabikistraat, where O.R. ignited coconut husks in the living room to repel mosquitoes. He then left on his bicycle to visit a store, claiming he later assisted a man unloading goods from a pickup truck. By the time he returned an hour later, the house was already engulfed in flames. A neighbor reported that O.R. attempted to extinguish the fire with a bucket of water, but the fire department had already been alerted. The fire spread to an adjacent property, causing significant damage, while a third home suffered water damage. The owner of the neighboring house, who was commuting to work, learned of the incident via a phone call. The prosecutor emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘You do not do this to someone who helps and shelters you,’ and initially demanded a two-year sentence. O.R.’s defense attorney, Harold Belfor, argued that the act was not intentional but rather a result of careless behavior. However, the judge dismissed this argument, asserting that O.R. should have been aware of the fire risk when lighting the coconut husks and leaving the premises unattended for an extended period. Ultimately, the court imposed a 15-month sentence, nine months less than the prosecution’s request.
博客
-
Candlelight Vigil Held in Memory of Kahleel Simon
In a poignant display of unity and remembrance, the community of Bolans, Antigua, gathered on Wednesday evening for a candlelight vigil honoring the life of Kahleel Simon. The solemn procession, attended by dozens of mourners clad in yellow, began at Bolans Primary School and concluded at West Palm Beach, the location where Simon tragically lost his life. Participants carried candles and flowers, walking in silence to pay their respects. The evening was marked by heartfelt prayers, emotional tears, and moments of quiet reflection as family and friends shared cherished memories of Simon. The vigil culminated near the shoreline, where candles were placed in a touching tribute. The gathering stood together under the rallying cry of #JusticeForKahleel, emphasizing the community’s call for accountability and closure.
-
Puppet show promotes inclusion, understanding of disabilities
In an innovative approach to fostering understanding and inclusion, Blackman and Gollop Primary School transformed its school hall into a vibrant classroom filled with curiosity and laughter. On Wednesday, a puppet show organized by the Kiwanis Club Pride of Barbados and the Barbados Council for the Disabled helped young students grasp the realities of living with cerebral palsy. Using colorful puppets and engaging storytelling, the event aimed to educate children about disabilities in a relatable and accessible way. Roseanna Tudor, Operations Manager of the Barbados Council for the Disabled, emphasized the importance of early awareness. ‘Our puppetry programme, part of Disability Awareness Day celebrations, has been instrumental in teaching primary school and nursery children how to interact with and understand their peers with disabilities,’ she explained. Tudor also highlighted the need for teacher training to support inclusive education, stressing the necessity of sensory rooms, calm spaces, and resources for children with ADHD or autism. The puppet show featured Carl, a character with cerebral palsy, whose story illustrated the challenges of movement and coordination. Puppeteers like Joy-Ann Grazette-Corbin addressed students’ questions, showcasing how children with disabilities can thrive with proper support. Sheldene Williams, a teacher at the school, shared her experience of having a student with cerebral palsy in her class, noting how inclusion has enriched the learning environment. ‘Through Isabelle, our students are learning that everyone, regardless of ability, has something valuable to contribute,’ she said. The Barbados Council for the Disabled plans to expand the puppetry programme to more schools, building on the overwhelmingly positive response from this event.
-
Christ Church hails everyday heroes as Pride of Barbados
On Wednesday, approximately 40 residents of Christ Church, Barbados, were celebrated for their unwavering dedication to shaping their communities over several decades. The event, held at State House, also recognized three individuals from the diaspora who once resided in the parish. These honorees were part of the We Gatherin’ 2025 Honours List and received their awards from Barbados’ President Dame Sandra Mason during two distinct ceremonies. The Pride of Barbados Awards, attended by Members of Parliament for Christ Church, acknowledged the remarkable contributions of these men and women in areas such as education, mentorship, youth development, sports, and humanitarian service. Among the honorees was Patricia St Elmo Auntie Pat Linton, a community leader in Wotton Terrace for over 30 years, who has served as a Salvation Army officer, community organizer, and humanitarian. Her initiatives, ranging from supporting sanitation workers to providing free breakfasts for early commuters, have significantly enhanced her community’s social and spiritual well-being. Shelton Perkins, a distinguished educator and artistic director, was recognized for his leadership in education and mentoring youth through the arts. Eardley Selwyn Yarde was honored for his advocacy and dedication to youth and community development in Parish Land and Fairy Valley. Senior Minister Dr. William Duguid, MP for Christ Church West, commended the awardees for their compassion and consistency, emphasizing their extraordinary impact. Home Affairs Minister Wilfred Abrahams and Finance Minister Ryan Straughn also praised the honorees, highlighting the enduring influence of their selfless service and their role as inspirations for future generations.
-
Some women named Melissa say the hurricane is having a negative impact on who they are
In recent weeks, Hurricane Melissa has dominated news cycles, but for women named Melissa, the storm’s name has sparked an unexpected personal challenge. Three lifelong friends from Metro Detroit, all named Melissa, have decided to reclaim their name from the negative associations tied to the hurricane. Their journey began in middle school, where their shared name became the foundation of a lasting friendship. ‘We decided to differentiate ourselves—Missy, Lissa, and Melissa—and grew incredibly close,’ one of them recalled. However, the hurricane’s destructive path has cast a shadow over their cherished name. Determined to shift the narrative, the trio launched a GoFundMe campaign titled ‘Melissas for Hope.’ Their goal is to rally support from the 24,000 Melissas in Michigan and nearly 700,000 across the U.S., along with friends and family, to raise funds for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. ‘We want to show that our name can stand for something positive and impactful,’ they explained. The initiative aims to support charities focused on rebuilding Jamaica, a nation severely affected by the hurricane. Through their actions, these Melissas hope to inspire others to see the good in their name and demonstrate the power of collective goodwill.
-
Prison Service plans major farm, fleet expansion
The Barbados Prison Service has launched a transformative five-year modernization plan, set to revolutionize its agricultural operations and transition its vehicle fleet to electric models by 2030. Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne announced the initiative during the prison’s 168th anniversary celebrations at Dodds, St Philip. The plan includes a significant expansion of the prison’s farm, which is now mandated to increase chicken production from 2,500 to 21,000 birds per batch, alongside scaling up cattle, pig, and ground provision farming. Payne emphasized that the agricultural output surge is unprecedented in his 15-year tenure. Additionally, the prison is phasing out fossil fuel vehicles in alignment with national decarbonization goals, with negotiations underway for three custom-built electric transport vehicles for inmates. The modernization also includes plans to increase prison officer posts from 372 to 400, pending approval from the Ministry of the Public Service. Payne urged staff to remain dedicated as the institution embarks on this ambitious upgrade.
-
Surge in firearm crime, rising high-risk remands, prison chief warns
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.