The Pelican Lifestyle Centre in Barbados was alive with cultural energy on Thursday evening as the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) hosted the prestigious Crop Over Awards ceremony. The event, a cornerstone of the island’s ‘Sweetest Summer Festival,’ brought together artists, musicians, designers, and key stakeholders to honor the creative forces behind this beloved national tradition. Chief Cultural Officer Andrea Wells, alongside NCF Chair Jasmine Babb, Deputy Chairman Sheldon Hope, and representatives from Affinity Plus Credit Union, UNICEF, Sunshine Snacks, Flow Barbados, and the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, were among the distinguished attendees. In her opening remarks, Wells praised the resilience and innovation of Barbados’ creative community, emphasizing their pivotal role in making Crop Over a cultural and economic highlight from May to August each year. She also underscored the festival’s growing influence, describing it as the ‘jewel in our suite of festivals.’ The evening’s festivities began with the Pic-O-De-Crop Speciality Awards, recognizing the island’s top songwriters and performers. Anderson ‘Mr Blood’ Armstrong won Best Nation-Building Song, while Billboard Murrell was named Best Songwriter of the Festival. Osvaldo ‘Leadpipe’ Reid took home the Song of the Year award for ‘Tek Charge.’ UNICEF’s Anti-Violence Prize – Calypso Voices of Change went to Damario Foster for ‘Voices of Change,’ and Zarie B received the UNICEF Anti-Violence Soca Prize for ‘Celebrating Life.’ The Junior Kadooment Awards followed, showcasing the talents of young creatives with environmental themes and craftsmanship. Pinelands Creative Workshop dominated the awards, while Wesley Hall Infant School won the UNICEF Best Anti-Violence Message Award. The Grand Kadooment Awards concluded the night, celebrating seasoned designers and bandleaders. Betty West Productions secured multiple accolades, including the HIV/AIDS Award and Best Presentation Heritage Award. Zenobia was named Large Band of the Year, and Rashad Goring from Zenobia won Best Individual Male Heritage. The ceremony ended with electrifying performances by steelpanist Hashim Durant, Mr Showman, Blood, and Leadpipe, leaving attendees in high spirits.
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Night one sets the stage ablaze at World Creole Music Festival
The 25th anniversary of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday night, setting Windsor Park Stadium alight with an unforgettable showcase of Creole culture and musical brilliance. Known for its vibrant energy and regional significance, the festival attracted thousands of enthusiastic attendees, all adorned in their most colorful attire, ready to immerse themselves in a night of nonstop entertainment. The evening began with Oswald, whose fusion of reggae and Creole rhythms warmed up the crowd, setting the stage for an electrifying lineup. Burning Flames, the legendary soca band, kept the momentum soaring with their hit-filled repertoire, igniting the audience with their infectious beats. However, it was Romain Virgo who truly captivated the crowd, delivering a performance that underscored his status as one of the Caribbean’s most cherished artists. Masicka further energized the night with his lyrical mastery, cementing the opening night as a testament to the region’s extraordinary talent. As the festivities continued into the early hours of Saturday, the unwavering enthusiasm of the crowd highlighted the festival’s enduring spirit. With two more nights of celebration ahead, anticipation is at an all-time high for what promises to be a landmark silver anniversary event.
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Four-Way Race Shapes Up for ABLP St. Philip’s South Primary
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) is bracing for a pivotal primary election in the St. Philip’s South constituency, where four candidates are competing for the party’s nomination in preparation for the upcoming general election. Scheduled for December 4, 2025, the primary will see party delegates cast their votes to determine the ABLP’s representative. Although the general election is not slated until 2028, rumors of an early poll have heightened the significance of this primary. Political analysts suggest that the outcome could play a crucial role in shaping the ABLP’s overall campaign strategy, as the party seeks to consolidate its position and address emerging challenges. The contest has drawn considerable attention from both party members and the public, reflecting the high stakes involved in this internal battle for leadership.
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LETTER: Are our representatives sleeping or failing?
In a heartfelt letter to the editor, a concerned resident of the All Saints East and St. Luke community has voiced growing frustration over the apparent neglect by local representatives. Amidst an ongoing vehicle scandal, the resident questions whether elected officials are failing in their duties or simply turning a blind eye to the pressing issues faced by the community. The letter specifically calls out Parliamentary Representative Mr. Jamale Pringle, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and ABLP Caretaker Mr. Lamin Newton, urging them to address the deteriorating conditions in the area. The resident highlights the lack of progress in the Government’s clean-up and beautification initiative, pointing to overgrown grass in Folley’s and nearly impassable roads within the Folley’s Housing Development. The letter also criticizes the Ministry of Works for its failure to repair the community’s crumbling infrastructure. The resident expresses exhaustion over unfulfilled promises and calls for leaders to prioritize the needs of their constituents over political agendas. The plea underscores a broader demand for accountability and action from both the Government and the Opposition.
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Sir Curtly Ambrose Joins Leeward Islands Cricket Board as Technical Consultant
The Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) has officially named cricket icon Sir Curtly Ambrose as its new Technical Consultant, with his tenure set to commence on October 1, 2025. In this pivotal role, Sir Curtly will oversee the strategic development of the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and contribute as a key member of the LICB Selection Panel. Additionally, he will mentor players across all levels, leveraging his illustrious international career and deep expertise in cricket to guide the next generation of talent. LICB President Mr. Enoch Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, highlighting Sir Curtly’s professionalism, discipline, and dedication to excellence as transformative assets for the organization. Sir Curtly, in turn, shared his eagerness to give back to the sport that shaped his legacy, emphasizing his commitment to nurturing both the athletic and personal growth of young players. His first task will involve observing the LICB Senior Men’s Tournament in St. Kitts, where he will evaluate emerging talent and prepare for the upcoming season. The LICB has pledged its full support to Sir Curtly as he embarks on this mission to elevate the standard of cricket in the Leeward Islands.
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Youth crime surge sparks appeal to social workers
In response to alarming police data revealing a surge in serious youth-related crimes, social workers, counselors, and psychologists in Barbados are being urged to intensify their efforts to deter young people from criminal and antisocial behaviors. The call to action came during the closing ceremony of a two-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) training program, organized by the Ministry of Educational Transformation and the MultiCare Youth Foundation. Held at Pelican House, the event highlighted the critical role of mental health professionals in addressing the growing crisis.
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Public excluded from FTC hearings on energy tariff, confidentiality requests
The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) of Barbados has opted to conduct hearings regarding Renewstable Barbados’ (RSB) application for a renewable energy tariff and confidentiality requests exclusively through written submissions, effectively barring public access to the proceedings. This decision, revealed by Barbados TODAY, was formalized in two procedural orders issued by the FTC. These orders outline the process for document submissions, requests for additional information, and set strict deadlines for all parties involved. RSB, a joint venture between Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) and Rubis Caribbean Holdings Inc., seeks approval for its proposed tariff rate to supply clean energy to the Barbados Light and Power Company (BLPC). The company has also requested that certain proprietary and commercially sensitive data within its application remain confidential. The $350 million hybrid renewable energy power plant, slated for construction at Harrow Plantation in St Philip by March 2025, will integrate advanced technologies, including hydrogen power, to deliver 24-hour renewable energy. The plant’s solar photovoltaic component, with a capacity of 50MW, will become Barbados’ largest solar installation, significantly surpassing BLPC’s existing 10MW Trent’s facility. A four-member commission panel, chaired by Senior Counsel Tammy Bryan, has been appointed to oversee the case. Opposing parties were given until 4 p.m. on Friday to submit objections to RSB’s confidentiality request, with RSB required to respond by the following Friday. The FTC emphasized that further procedural directions may be issued as needed. Strategic Adviser Aidan Rogers explained that the procedural orders establish guidelines for the consultation process and address confidentiality concerns. He noted that the FTC will decide on RSB’s confidentiality request and tariff application in due course. Veteran utility intervenor Ricky Went submitted his response to the confidentiality request just before the deadline.
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Mia zoekt Antony Loswijk, verdachte in drive-by shooting Emielaan
Authorities are intensifying their search for Antony Loswijk and a second individual identified as A.L., both suspected of involvement in a deadly drive-by shooting on Emielaan. The incident, which occurred last Friday, claimed the life of Karan Chablani. Surveillance footage revealed that the assailants were traveling in a gray Toyota Ractis, rented from a car rental service in Paramaribo, bearing the license plate PJ 01-65. The Meldpunt Informatie Anoniem (MIA) has issued a public appeal for information regarding the suspects or other occupants of the vehicle. The MIA RED Alert initiative aims to engage the community in locating fugitive suspects. Anonymous tips can be submitted 24/7 via report@meldpunt.sr.
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BWA to install DMA metre in Dash Valley, St George
The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has issued a notice to residents and businesses in St George regarding a scheduled meter installation in Dash Valley. The installation is set to take place on Monday, October 27, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. During this period, areas along Highway 5 (west of Dash Valley Road), Hanson Heights, Monroe Road, and nearby districts may experience reduced water pressure or temporary water outages. The BWA has advised customers to store sufficient water supplies to mitigate any disruptions. The authority has extended its apologies for any inconvenience caused by the necessary maintenance work. This initiative is part of the BWA’s ongoing efforts to improve water management and service delivery in the region.
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Mature step towards greater police accountability
The Barbados Police Service (BPS) is taking a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability, as Acting Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce recently endorsed independent investigations into complaints against law enforcement officers. His remarks, made during a press briefing, underscore a progressive shift in the BPS’s approach to modern policing, where external scrutiny is seen as vital for maintaining public trust.