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标签： Barbados

巴巴多斯

  • Police mark first UWI-accredited crime scene training course

    Police mark first UWI-accredited crime scene training course

    A landmark collaboration between the Barbados Police Service (BPS) and the University of the West Indies (UWI) has reached a historic milestone, graduating its first group of formally accredited crime scene investigators – a development set to elevate evidence handling protocols and reinforce the judicial readiness of the island nation’s policing efforts.

    The newly launched Basic Crime Scene Investigation and Management programme, the product of this cross-sector partnership, marks a major step forward in boosting the professional standards of law enforcement in Barbados, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Adrian Broomes. Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the Regional Police Training Centre, Broomes emphasized that the initiative reflects the police force’s ongoing commitment to nurturing highly skilled investigative personnel equipped to meet the complex demands of 21st-century policing.

    Over the course of the intensive training programme, participants mastered a comprehensive curriculum covering every critical domain of modern crime scene work. Core modules included crime scene logistics management, scene preservation protocols, detailed evidence documentation, trace and biological evidence collection, traffic collision investigation, latent fingerprint development, DNA evidence handling, forensic photography, digital and electronic evidence processing, ballistics fundamentals, and best practices for presenting evidence in judicial proceedings. During the ceremony, DCP Broomes presented the top graduate award to Sergeant 1364 Roz’Marie Ward-Waterman. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)

    Broomes noted that these covered skills form the foundational backbone of contemporary policing and functional criminal justice systems. Reminding graduating investigators of the weight of their public mandate, he stressed that law enforcement personnel are entrusted with three core responsibilities: serving the Barbadian public, safeguarding local communities, and conducting all investigative work with unwavering integrity, impartiality, respect for individuals, and steadfast adherence to the rule of law.

    Public trust in policing, Broomes added, hinges entirely on the ability of investigative work to withstand rigorous judicial scrutiny. “Every crime scene is unique, each holding its own critical narrative that can make or break a case,” he said. “But regardless of the circumstances, our methods must be consistent, rooted in cutting-edge practice, and above all, completely beyond reproach.”

    Reflecting on the programme’s incremental growth, Broomes explained that the training initiative began as an internal BPS effort in 2021, expanding gradually through successive training cohorts before this year’s milestone. “This is our third iteration of the course, and it stands as a significant historic milestone because it represents the first formal collaborative effort with the University of the West Indies,” he said.

    Far from being a merely symbolic partnership, the collaboration merges frontline operational policing expertise with UWI’s established academic excellence, with the goal of cultivating investigators who are not just practicing officers, but also lifelong learners equipped to integrate academic research, theoretical frameworks, and evidence-based practices into their daily work, Broomes explained.

    The formal partnership with UWI demonstrates the BPS’s firm commitment to investing in its workforce, elevating professional standards across the force, and strengthening its ability to serve the public with integrity, he added. “By aligning our training with the University of the West Indies, we are affirming that policing is not just a vocation – it is a professional discipline rooted in rigorous knowledge, ethical practice, and continuous professional development,” Broomes said.

    Looking ahead, Broomes expressed optimism about the future of the partnership, noting that transformative progress consistently emerges when frontline law enforcement and academic institutions collaborate. He added that he anticipates more expansive and impactful joint initiatives between the BPS and UWI in the coming years.

  • UWI expands ethics training as healthcare evolves

    UWI expands ethics training as healthcare evolves

    Against a backdrop of rapid global transformation in healthcare – driven by breakthrough technologies, shifting public expectations and emerging public health challenges – The University of the West Indies (UWI) at Cave Hill has announced a major update to its medical training curricula, centering expanded medical ethics education to reinforce physician professionalism and deepen patient-centered engagement. Faculty leadership outlined the changes Friday during the opening of the 25th annual Sir Errol Walrond Scientific Symposium, hosted at Bridgetown’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

    Dr. Damian Cohall, Dean of the UWI Cave Hill Faculty of Medical Sciences, told attendees that the institution regularly revises its training programs to align with the evolving demands of 21st-century healthcare, equipping graduates with the competencies they need to practice modern medicine. The most significant curricular change, Cohall confirmed, is the strengthening of ethics training for undergraduate medical students, which adds two new academic credits dedicated to the subject at the fourth-year level. While ethics has long been part of medical training at the institution, the revision re-centers the topic as a core, formal requirement, with repeated reinforcement before students enter their fifth and final year of clinical training.

    Cohall explained that the curriculum update was a direct response to feedback from key stakeholders, including the Barbadian government, the general public and industry partners, all of whom have called for greater focus on respectful doctor-patient communication and consistent professional conduct across clinical settings. “We have certainly heard comments from our key stakeholders about the state of engagement between our trainees – both undergraduate and postgraduate – and patients across all clinical and community care spaces,” Cohall said. “We conducted an internal review of all our programs and implemented targeted adjustments to ensure we stay aligned with our core mission: that the interaction between the public and emerging healthcare practitioners is consistently respectful, patient-centered and professional.”

    In addition to the curricular changes, Cohall announced that stand-alone ethics conferences are now a mandatory requirement for both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students at the faculty. To date, the events have drawn far more participation than the institution’s own trainee body: the last two conferences attracted more than 160 attendees total, including practicing clinicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals from across the region. “We don’t want this critical training to be limited only to our medical students,” Cohall noted, acknowledging the cross-professional benefit of expanded ethics education.

    Beyond ethics training, Cohall highlighted ongoing investments to strengthen the faculty’s research capacity, built through strategic external partnerships and targeted grant funding. One key collaboration is with the Sick Kids Initiative, which supports the Shaw Centre of Pediatric Excellence; the partnership has recently funded a new full-time research fellow position at the centre. The faculty currently runs five active catalyst research grants, bringing cutting-edge, community-relevant research projects to both academic and public health spaces in Barbados.

    Cohall challenged medical trainees and residents to pursue transformative research that directly shapes clinical practice and health policy, rather than studies that only generate disconnected data. “One of the key gaps we have identified repeatedly is that we need transformative research from our residents,” he said. “We don’t want research that just counts beans – we want work that changes how care is delivered.” Cohall added that he expects research presented at this year’s symposium will not only secure academic publication but also drive tangible improvements to local healthcare delivery and clinical practice.

    Barbados Minister of Health Senator Lisa Cummins echoed that call in her opening remarks to the symposium, which honors the legacy of legendary Barbadian surgeon Sir Errol “Mickey” Walrond. Cummins framed the work of medical training and research as a foundational investment in the future of regional healthcare, noting that progress emerges at the intersection of evidence-based policy, ethical practice, empirical research and intentional implementation.

    She challenged researchers and trainees in attendance to consider their own professional legacy, following in Walrond’s footsteps by building the “institutional scaffolding” that will support future generations of clinicians and improve population health outcomes. “What is the role of everyone in this room in developing solutions to the pressing healthcare problems we face today?” Cummins asked. “How will you carry forward Sir Errol Walrond’s legacy by carving your own path, and building a foundation that those who come after you can stand on?”

    The minister also reminded attendees that healthcare’s core mission is centered on the people it serves, warning that losing that focus undermines all research, policy and system reform work. “Any time we lose sight of the people on whose behalf we work, research, shape policy and introduce reforms, we have lost sight of the entire point of our work,” she said.

    Cummins also emphasized that medical training must adapt to a host of disruptive forces that are reshaping global healthcare at an unprecedented pace, from technological innovation to climate change. “We are not operating in a vacuum today. Innovations and new interventions are changing our field at breakneck speed: artificial intelligence is already reshaping how we deliver care, genomics is rewriting what precision medicine means, robotics is redefining surgical practice, and climate change is creating public health emergencies that most classic medical textbooks never even considered.” Cummins concluded, “Change is happening. It is already here, and more change is still coming.”

  • WeBiz Bajan launches to bring biz services into communities

    WeBiz Bajan launches to bring biz services into communities

    Barbados has unveiled a groundbreaking national small business support initiative, WeBiz Bajan, designed to cut through bureaucratic red tape and deliver end-to-end assistance directly to local micro-entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners across the island. Developed through a cross-organizational partnership between Barbados Trust Fund Limited and the Office of the Supervisor of Insolvency, the new program reimagines how government and public bodies support grassroots economic growth by unifying fragmented services into a single, accessible offering.

    For decades, small business owners in Barbados have faced the frustrating challenge of navigating multiple separate government agencies to access basic resources: one entity for financing, another for business registration, a third for skills training, and yet more for operational guidance. Kevin Hunte, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Business Development and Consumer Affairs, emphasized that WeBiz Bajan upends this outdated model entirely. “Instead of requiring entrepreneurs to go from door to door chasing support, we bring government services directly to you,” Hunte explained at the program’s launch. “Every resource you need to launch or grow a business—from information and financing to employment support and sustainability tools—is available in one centralized location.”

    Hunte highlighted that micro-entrepreneurs, street vendors, and local innovators form the backbone of Barbados’ domestic economy, working long hours to create local jobs and keep community capital circulating. This initiative, he said, is a formal acknowledgement of their critical importance, signaling that the government recognizes and values their contributions to national prosperity.

    The collaboration between Barbados Trust Fund Limited and the Office of the Supervisor of Insolvency raised eyebrows at first, as the two organizations typically work at opposite ends of the business lifecycle. But Barbados Trust Fund CEO Gerald Amos noted that the partnership makes intuitive sense once the shared mission is clear. The Trust Fund helps emerging entrepreneurs build opportunities before challenges arise, while the insolvency supervisor supports business owners navigating financial hardship to get back on stable footing. “On paper, it might look like an unusual pairing, but at its core, this is just two groups of people working together to help other people build better lives,” Amos explained. His experience working on the initiative has shifted his perspective on public sector collaboration: after years believing that support for local entrepreneurs was insufficient, he said he has now found a network of dedicated public servants united around a common goal of becoming the “single front door” for small business support.

    Three islandwide community expos are scheduled through late 2024 to bring WeBiz Bajan services directly to local populations, with a special focus on accessible energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions for small businesses. Representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Barbados National Energy Company Limited will attend each event to demonstrate practical solar power and energy-saving systems, which Hunte noted can cut operating costs for small businesses, freeing up capital to reinvest in inventory, staff, and growth.

    The first expo will open on August 29 at Trents in St James, followed by events at Glebe in St George on September 19 and Rices in St Philip on October 24. Each expo will include family-friendly activities for children, local culinary demonstrations, and showcases of authentic Barbadian products alongside business support services.

    A centerpiece of the initiative is the C-suite Challenge, a pitch competition hosted at each expo that gives aspiring local entrepreneurs the chance to turn their business ideas into actionable ventures. Winning pitches receive a comprehensive business development package valued at over $32,000, including $22,000 in cash grants, access to a $10,000 low-interest loan from the Barbados Trust Fund, one year of personalized mentorship, business incubation support, branding and marketing assistance, and exhibition space at future national trade events.

    Neisha Holder, a member of the WeBiz Bajan event planning team, noted that the program is built on the belief that Barbados’ next iconic local brand is already being developed in community homes, garages, and home kitchens across the island. “The C-suite Challenge gives emerging creators the platform, funding, and tools they need to share their ideas with the world and build successful, sustainable businesses,” Holder said. Organizers are currently inviting additional private sector companies to join the initiative as preparations for the first St James expo progress.

  • Sir Garfield Sobers (1936-2026) Police chief recalls role in Sobers’ early cricketing rise

    Sir Garfield Sobers (1936-2026) Police chief recalls role in Sobers’ early cricketing rise

    The Caribbean nation of Barbados is this week mourning the loss of one of its most celebrated citizens, cricket icon and National Hero Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, and no institution is marking his passing with more heartfelt reflection than the Barbados Police Service. The force, which played an uncredited foundational role in launching Sobers’ legendary sporting career, has paid warm tribute to the all-rounder, framing his life as a timeless beacon of excellence, discipline and unshakable national pride for all Barbadians.

    Though Sir Garfield never served as a sworn police officer, his path to international stardom began when he was just a 15-year-old Police Band cadet. It was Inspector Wilfred Farmer, then captain of the Police First Division team competing in the Barbados Cricket League, who first spotted the young left-arm bowler’s extraordinary raw talent. For the 1951–1952 season, Farmer extended a formal invitation to Sobers to join the police squad, a opportunity that would alter the trajectory of cricket history.

    That early spot on the Police First Division team proved to be the critical stepping stone Sobers needed to grow his craft. Competing against top-tier regional batsmen allowed the teenage prospect to refine his skills far faster than he could have in lower-level local competition. It also put his talent on the radar of selectors, opening the door to trials for the Barbados national side, his first-class debut in 1953, and his historic Test debut for the West Indies just one year later.

    In an official statement released Friday, Barbados Police Commissioner Sonia Boyce extended condolences on behalf of every officer and staff member of the force to Sir Garfield’s family, friends, and millions of admirers across the globe. “It is with profound sadness that I…on behalf of the men and women of The Barbados Police Service, extend heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and countless admirers of The Right Excellent Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers,” Boyce said.

    Boyce emphasized that Sir Garfield’s impact extended far beyond the boundary of any cricket pitch, describing him as “more than a cricketing legend”. “He was a son of Barbados whose extraordinary gifts, discipline, humility, and love of country carried the name of this island to every corner of the world,” she added. Widely recognized as one of the greatest all-rounders to ever play the game, Sir Garfield inspired generations of cricketers not only through his performances with bat and ball, but through his quiet leadership and the unwavering dignity with which he represented Barbados and the entire West Indies region, Boyce noted.

    For the Barbados Police Service, Boyce explained, Sir Garfield’s passing carries extra weight because of the decades-long bond between the institution and the legend. Long before Farmer rose to the rank of deputy police commissioner, he identified the teenager’s potential at the Police Sports Club, and his early confidence in Sobers created space for the young prospect to develop within the force’s sporting fraternity. Beyond his time on the First Division squad, Sir Garfield also cut his teeth through involvement with the Police Boys’ Club and the Police Band, all of which gave him access to structured competitive cricket during his formative teenage years.

    Today, that shared history is permanently enshrined at the Police Sports Club in Weymouth, where interpretive panels mark the exact spot where “a national hero’s legendary journey took flight”, Boyce said. The force has always treasured that connection, she added, and Sir Garfield’s life stands as a powerful reminder of what young talent can achieve when paired with discipline, perseverance, and national pride.

    “His life demonstrated that talent, when joined with discipline, perseverance, and pride in country, can transcend circumstance and leave an enduring mark on the world,” Boyce said. “May his family find comfort in the gratitude of a proud nation, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations. May he rest in peace.”

  • ‘’Barbados loves you eternally’: Rihanna’s tribute to Sir Garry

    ‘’Barbados loves you eternally’: Rihanna’s tribute to Sir Garry

    Barbados is in national mourning this week after the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, the globally celebrated cricket icon and one of the island nation’s most revered national heroes. Tributes have poured in from across the world, and among the most heartfelt came from global music superstar Robyn Rihanna Fenty — who shares the rare distinction of being one of Barbados’ only two living national heroes.

    In an emotional audio message released Friday, Rihanna opened up about the profound loss of the man widely regarded as the greatest cricketer in the history of the sport. “Barbados, today we lost a legend and an icon, the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, the greatest cricketer this world has ever seen,” she said.

    Rihanna’s connection to Sobers runs deeper than just shared national honor. The Grammy-winning artist, who was named a national hero alongside Sobers in 2021 when Barbados officially transitioned to a republic, recalled growing up inspired by his athletic feats, just like generations of young Barbadians before her. She shared a playful personal memory of her childhood, noting that even she tried her hand at the sport as a kid, running around a local cemetery to keep up with her brother and ending up with bruised shins — all inspired by Sobers’ example.

    For Rihanna, the admiration extended beyond his public legacy. She expressed deep gratitude for having had the rare chance to meet the legendary sportsman in person, an introduction arranged through Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley. “I’m just so grateful that I had the honour to be introduced to him by Prime Minister Mia Mottley,” she said.

    Rihanna went on to honor Sobers’ trailblazing career, highlighting one of his most groundbreaking achievements: at just 21 years old, he became the youngest player in Test cricket history to score the highest individual innings, notching an unbeaten 365 runs that held the world record for 36 years. She also acknowledged his 1975 knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, a testament to his global impact on the sport.

    “Sir Garry’s legacy will live on forever, a light and inspiration to us all. Barbados loves you eternally, Sir Garry,” she said, extending her deepest condolences to Sobers’ family, loved ones, and the global community of cricket fans mourning his loss. Calling out his lasting impact on young Barbadians, she emphasized that his influence will continue to shape generations of islanders long after his passing.

  • Cricket community salutes Sir Gary’s legacy

    Cricket community salutes Sir Gary’s legacy

    The global cricketing fraternity and Caribbean community are in mourning following the death of one of sport’s most iconic figures, Sir Garfield Sobers, the Barbados National Hero widely celebrated as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history. Tributes have flooded in from across the sport’s governing bodies, past players, and regional leaders, all honoring the unparalleled impact Sobers had on cricket and his home region after his passing on Friday.

    Leading the tributes, Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow framed Sobers’ legacy as one that stretches far beyond the boundaries of any cricket pitch. “There are moments in the story of a people when the life of one individual becomes woven into the hopes, dreams and identity of generations. Today, the Caribbean mourns the passing of such an individual,” Shallow shared. “In the story of cricket, there are great players. There are champions. Then, there are those rare individuals who redefine the very meaning of greatness. Sir Garfield Sobers was the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen.”

    Shallow emphasized that Sobers’ extraordinary skill with bat, ball, and in the field became a source of enduring inspiration for Caribbean communities, proving that athletes from small island nations could reach the pinnacle of global sport and earn widespread international respect. The CWI president also reflected on his own personal connection to the legend, noting that he first benefited from Sobers’ investment in young talent as a youth cricketer competing in the Sir Garfield Sobers International Under-19 Cricket Tournament. “I remain grateful not only for that opportunity, but for the encouragement, wisdom and support he personally shared with me over the years. His kindness and influence will forever remain a treasured part of my journey,” Shallow said. Offering condolences on behalf of CWI, Shallow extended sympathies to Sobers’ family, the Government and people of Barbados, and cricket fans worldwide, noting that while the all-rounder has played his “final innings,” his legacy will “forever endure in the hearts of our region, and the story of the cricketing world.”

    The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) echoed the widespread praise, hailing Sobers as “the greatest cricketer ever born” and an enduring icon of both Barbadian and West Indies cricket. BCA President Calvin Hope shared that he had held out hope that the ailing legend would recover, saying “I could not bring myself to think of a Barbados without him.” Beyond his genius on the pitch, Hope remembered Sobers as a close friend, a key collaborator in advancing Barbados’ sports tourism sector, and a trusted advisor on all cricket-related matters. “From his origins in the Bayland to Buckingham Palace, the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers always remained courteous and respectful to everyone he interacted with,” Hope said. “We are eternally grateful for his contribution to the game of cricket.” As a formal mark of respect, the BCA postponed all domestic cricket matches scheduled for Saturday following the news of his death.

    The West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) also honored Sobers as the global benchmark for excellence that generations of cricketers have used to measure their own success. “Sir Garfield Sobers was regarded as the gold standard of professional cricket, given his tremendous achievement and ability with both bat and ball,” said WIPA President and CEO Wavell Hinds. “He was an icon and an inspiration to generations of West Indian cricketers, including myself.”

    The International Cricket Council (ICC), cricket’s global governing body, added its voice to the tributes, with chairman Jay Shah noting that the sport had lost one of its most transformative and beloved figures. “Sir Garfield Sobers was not only the finest all-rounder the game has ever known, but one of the greatest cricketers in history. His remarkable ability to influence a match in every facet of the game set him apart from his peers,” Shah said. “Whether with the bat, ball or in the field, Sir Garfield embodied excellence, and his achievements continue to define the standard to which generations of cricketers aspire.”

    Shallow added that off the pitch, Sobers served as a unparalleled ambassador for cricket, with a legacy that extends far beyond his on-field records and statistics. He helped shape the global identity of West Indies cricket and left an indelible mark on the sport as a whole. “He will be remembered with immense admiration and gratitude, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” Shah said.

    Sobers’ decorated 20-year international Test career, which ran from 1954 to 1974, remains one of the most impressive in cricket history. He made his first-class debut at just 16 years old, earned selection to the West Indies national team a year later, and by 21, he set a new Test cricket record with an unbeaten 365 runs against Pakistan in 1958. That record stood for 36 years, until it was broken by fellow West Indies legend Brian Lara in 1994. Across 93 Test matches, Sobers scored 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries, while also claiming 235 wickets and taking 109 catches. In 2000, he was named one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Century, cementing his status as a once-in-a-generation sporting talent.

  • Finance minister to small biz: embrace compliance, digitisation

    Finance minister to small biz: embrace compliance, digitisation

    Barbados is rolling out a coordinated, three-pillar national strategy centered on strengthened regulatory compliance, streamlined digitized government services, and expanded access to affordable credit to empower local small and micro-businesses to scale and compete on the global stage, Finance Minister Ryan Straughn announced Friday during the launch of the WeBizBajan community financial literacy initiative. In his keynote address to stakeholders, Straughn emphasized that meaningful, sustainable economic expansion for the island nation will require intentional collaboration between government regulators, the private sector, and grassroots entrepreneurs to build a supportive, globally competitive business ecosystem.

    Against a backdrop of rapid digital transformation that has redefined global commerce, Straughn argued that the traditional classification of “micro-business” no longer limits small operations to local markets. Today, even the smallest Barbadian ventures can carve out a space in global supply chains and build international brands, provided they have the right foundational support, he explained. “Micro is just a definition in terms of utilising the global supply chain to its fullest extent,” Straughn said. “So therefore, if we get the IP (Intellectual Property) right, you get the financing right, a so-called micro-business can leverage the entire global supply chain and become a large company because we’re using technology to help not just grow your business environment but build your business and your brand globally.”

    A core focus of the government’s agenda is shifting cultural attitudes toward regulatory compliance, a requirement many small business owners currently dismiss as an unnecessary, burdensome administrative hurdle. Straughn pushed back against this narrative, explaining that strict, transparent regulatory frameworks are non-negotiable for accessing international markets, and that the rules enforced by agencies including the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA), the National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS), and the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO) are designed to support long-term business growth, not hinder it.

    Over the past eight years, the government has invested extensive effort into addressing international regulatory concerns and removing Barbados from global watchlists, a process that depends on widespread compliance across all domestic businesses, Straughn noted. He shared that some Barbadian firms have already been blocked from pursuing international acquisitions due to external doubts about the strength of the island’s regulatory ecosystem, and warned that low compliance poses existential risks to the country’s critical correspondent banking relationships.

    “We’re not humbugging anybody just because we want to humbug you. We want businesses to grow in an ecosystem that is supported,” Straughn said. “Barbados is too small an economy to absorb the negative risk perceptions associated with financial opacity. The reason that we have to be open and transparent is because you’re too small. Too small for any risk perception associated with correspondent banking.”

    To offset the burden of stricter compliance requirements, the government is advancing sweeping administrative reforms and digitization efforts to cut red tape and speed up public service delivery. Straughn reported that over the past eight years, the administration has resolved 99.9 percent of long-standing outstanding payments owed to private vendors, shortening average government payment timelines to fewer than 30 days to protect small business cash flow. The next phase of reform will center on building a unified digital government portal that eliminates redundant information requests from different agencies, creating a single point of entry for all business-related government interactions.

    “Our mechanism for digitisation has to be further enhanced as government,” Straughn said. “Our systems have to talk with one another so that there’s a single entry point to government rather than having different government organisations going at you for the same information. We’re working on solving that because that is critical to your time as businesses.”

    Straughn also highlighted long-standing structural weaknesses in Barbados’ domestic private sector, particularly among the country’s large cohort of family-owned businesses. He noted that gaps in education around corporate governance, professional management, and intergenerational succession planning have led to many successful, long-standing businesses collapsing prematurely instead of being passed down to new generations of owners.

    To address these challenges, the government is drafting a new, consolidated bankruptcy and insolvency framework under the leadership of the Office of Insolvency and its supervisor Ester Springer. The new framework will encourage entrepreneurs to approach market exit as a deliberate, strategic decision rather than an unplanned, chaotic failure, while ensuring that failing businesses do not leave unpaid liabilities for taxpayers and the national social security system.

    “Businesses must from inception be thinking about what is the exit strategy,” Straughn asserted. “And let me say this: the exit strategy cannot be leaving the taxpayers or the national insurance holding the bag. If that is your exit strategy as a business, then obviously that is not the kind of business that we want to support in Barbados.”

    Looking ahead, Straughn outlined two key emerging growth areas for the Barbadian economy: the development of an international food hub to help local culinary entrepreneurs scale production for global trade fairs and export markets, and the rollout of a comprehensive national credit reporting system to remove barriers to bank financing for small businesses.

    The WeBizBajan financial literacy campaign, which will educate community-level entrepreneurs on credit management, financial transparency, and business networking, will play a critical role in helping Barbados hit its target annual economic growth rate of 4 to 5 percent, Straughn added. Reiterating the core of the government’s agenda, he emphasized that small businesses with reliable access to credit will be the primary engine of future economic growth for the island, and that long-term success depends on embedding both compliance and global competitiveness into the foundation of the local business ecosystem.

    “Small businesses having access to credit will be the engine of growth in this economy,” Straughn said. “why not just compliance, but the ability to compete is integral to the success.”

  • Govt exploring sargassum-to-biofuel opportunities – Straughn

    Govt exploring sargassum-to-biofuel opportunities – Straughn

    Barbados is pursuing a groundbreaking public-private partnership with international development organizations to transform a growing coastal nuisance — invasive sargassum seaweed — into a range of commercially valuable goods, including locally produced biofuel for vehicle fleets, Finance Minister Ryan Straughn confirmed in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY.

    The initiative comes as coastal businesses along the popular Miami Beach shoreline at Enterprise Beach, Christ Church, have issued urgent calls for government intervention. Local operators report that record influxes of rotting sargassum have devastated the area’s tourism-dependent economy, driving away visitors and forcing customers to steer clear of nearby hotels, restaurants and retail outlets.

    Straughn revealed that government officials recently held high-level talks with three major international partners — the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), the Inter-American Development Bank, and the European Union — to explore targeted financing options to scale up proven solutions developed by Barbados’ private sector. One standout project already in development comes from a local venture that combines sargassum with byproducts from the island’s iconic rum industry to produce usable biofuel for passenger vehicles and commercial fleets. Straughn noted that the government has committed to following up on this proposal to advance its commercial rollout.

    Beyond securing financing, the government is also evaluating how its own fleet of public service vehicles can support the adoption of sargassum-based biofuel, helping to build guaranteed early demand for the new product. With global oil prices remaining volatile and elevated, Straughn emphasized that this transition can deliver both economic and environmental benefits for the island in the near term.

    A core priority of the plan is moving sargassum collection offshore, to harvest the seaweed before it washes up on Barbados’ coasts. Straughn explained that once sargassum lands on beaches and begins to decompose, it loses most of its commercial value, meaning fresh pre-landfall harvesting is critical to maximizing value-added production. The European Union is currently supporting work to resolve ongoing logistical challenges, including developing more efficient harvesting processes that reduce the need for large-scale onshore storage and keep the production cycle moving smoothly. Straughn acknowledged that these early-stage “teething issues” still require targeted solutions, but progress is advancing steadily.

    Export Barbados, the island’s trade promotion agency, is currently researching affordable vehicle conversion kits that would allow existing diesel and gasoline-powered fleets to run on the new sargassum-rum biofuel. Straughn noted that the cost of each converter is approximately $3,500 USD, a price point that is becoming increasingly feasible for both public and private fleet operators. Beyond the government’s own fleet of vehicles, which includes Sanitation Service Authority trucks that would require minimal retrofitting, the biofuel could also serve thousands of private freight and commercial vehicles operating across the island, creating a large, sustainable domestic market.

    Biofuel production is just one of multiple commercial applications the government and private sector are exploring. Straughn confirmed that local ventures are also developing organic fertilizers, construction materials, and other consumer and industrial products from processed sargassum, with the core engineering for most projects already finalized. The remaining work centers on resolving logistics challenges, most notably building a consistent, predictable supply of fresh harvested sargassum to allow private operators to scale their operations long-term.

    The Ministry of Finance has already completed the first step of connecting private sargassum solution developers with potential international financing partners, and the government is now reviewing its own internal operational policies to reduce market volatility and support early adoption of the new products. Straughn expressed confidence that the initiative will not only resolve Barbados’ growing sargassum crisis but also unlock new economic benefits for the island, turning an environmental threat into a driver of green growth.

  • Cricket legend to receive State Funeral as island mourns

    Cricket legend to receive State Funeral as island mourns

    Barbados is preparing to honor one of its most iconic figures and greatest sporting legends with a full State Funeral, following the passing of National Hero Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers on Friday morning, just 11 days before what would have been his 90th birthday. Within hours of his death, which occurred at approximately 9 a.m., Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced immediate national measures to mourn the iconic cricketer, declaring the day of his passing a national day of mourning and ordering all national flags across the country to be flown at half-mast until his interment. Mottley confirmed that the man who held Barbados’ highest civilian honor in life would receive the nation’s highest posthumous tribute, a state funeral, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the country and global sport. In a televised address to the nation, Mottley framed Sir Garry’s death as a moment of profound collective loss, felt not just across Barbados, but throughout the entire Caribbean and the global cricketing community. “It is with profound sadness that I now advise the people of Barbados, the region and the wider cricketing world of the passing of The Right Excellent Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, our beloved Sir Garry,” she said. A second national day of mourning will be held on the day of Sir Garry’s interment, with all official government functions canceled and flags remaining at half-staff through the conclusion of the state funeral. A coordination committee led by Senator Lisa Cummins, working alongside the Cabinet Office and the Barbados Defence Force, has been assembled to organize the ceremonial proceedings, with additional details of the funeral schedule expected to be released publicly in the coming days. Sir Garry’s passing closes the book on an extraordinary life that extended far beyond the boundaries of the cricket pitch, playing a central role in shaping Barbados’ global identity and placing the small Caribbean nation on the world sporting map. Born into humble working-class beginnings in the Bay Land neighborhood of St Michael, Sobers rose from local community pitches to become one of the most revered figures in the history of international cricket, earning global acclaim for his unmatched versatility as a batsman, bowler and fielder that set him apart from his peers. He made his Test debut for the West Indies at just 16 years old in 1954, and over the next two decades established himself as the global benchmark for all-round cricketing excellence. His iconic unbeaten 365-run innings against Pakistan in 1958 stood as the highest individual score in Test match cricket for 36 years, while his historic feat of hitting six sixes from a single over bowled by Malcolm Nash, playing for county side Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan in 1968, remains one of the most celebrated achievements in the sport’s history. In 1975, Queen Elizabeth II knighed him for his services to cricket during a public investiture ceremony held at the Garrison Savannah, an event that remains unique in British and Commonwealth history. He was named a National Hero of Barbados in 1998, becoming the first and only living holder of that honor until 2021. That same year, he was awarded the Order of the Caribbean Community, adding to a long list of honors that included an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of the West Indies in 1992 and appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2003. Beyond his on-field achievements and formal accolades, Sir Garry served as one of Barbados’ most recognizable and effective cultural ambassadors, even after retiring from professional cricket. He launched an international schools cricket competition that bears his name, which provided a platform for emerging young Caribbean talent – most notably a young Brian Lara, who would go on to break Sobers’ 36-year Test scoring record and cement his own status as a global batting legend. Reflecting on Sobers’ enduring legacy, Mottley emphasized that his greatness extended far beyond statistical records on the cricket field. “He is remembered as the greatest cricketer, the greatest all-rounder the world has ever seen, not simply because of his records, but because he became the standard by which greatness would forever be measured,” she said. His life trajectory, Mottley noted, stood as a powerful example of how raw talent, relentless discipline and perseverance could lift a young person from humble beginnings onto the global stage. “Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, our Sir Garry, did not begin life among privilege or parade. He began in Walcott Avenue, Bay Land, a boy of Barbados, shaped by family, community, loss, discipline and faith. He travelled from Bay Land to Kensington, from Kensington to Sabina Park, and onto the world stage, carrying Barbados, carrying the West Indies and carrying the Caribbean as a whole with distinction,” Mottley added. The prime minister emphasized that Sobers’ influence transcended sport, framing him as a global symbol of excellence whose achievements instilled enduring national pride across Barbados and the entire Caribbean. Born on July 28, 1936, Sobers experienced profound loss at a young age: when he was just five years old, his father, a Merchant Navy seaman, was killed at sea when his ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat in January 1942 during the Second World War. His mother Thelma raised Sobers and his five siblings alone; his brother Gerald would go on to become a skilled cricketer in his own youth. Educated at Bay Street Boys’ School, Sobers honed his skills on the Bay Pasture, now the playing field of Bay Primary School, and earned a spot playing first-division cricket for the Police Club by age 15, making his first-class debut that same year as a lanky, athletic left-arm bowler. In a tribute released on behalf of the Barbados Police Service, Commissioner of Police Sonia Boyce described Sir Garry as far more than a cricketing legend, noting that his personal discipline, humility and deep love for his country inspired generations of young Barbadians, and will continue to serve as a model for young people striving to reach their full potential. After earning his call-up to the West Indies national Test side as a teenager in 1954, Sobers developed into the most complete cricketer of his era, and is still widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder to ever play the game. Over a 20-year international career spanning 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974, he scored 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries. He also took 235 wickets using a rare combination of fast-medium pace and spin bowling, and claimed 109 catches. Remarkably, these statistics were achieved in an era of uncovered pitches, before the introduction of protective batting helmets, and with far fewer scheduled international matches than modern cricket. These numbers place him among the greatest specialist batters in history even before accounting for his bowling and fielding contributions. A rare complete all-rounder, he was a left-handed batter with breathtaking range and authoritative strokeplay, a brilliant close fielder, and a bowler capable of switching between three distinct styles: fast-medium pace, orthodox left-arm spin and left-arm wrist spin. Legendary Indian spinner Bishan Singh Bedi once described Sobers as “God’s own contribution to world cricket”. He captained the West Indies in 39 Test matches between 1965 and 1972, leading the side to a famous 3-1 series victory over England in 1966. Cricket authorities and legends of the game have repeatedly ranked Sobers at or near the top of the sport’s all-time pantheon. After Sobers scored 254 runs for the World XI against Australia in Melbourne in 1972, Sir Donald Bradman – widely considered the greatest batter of all time – said of the innings: “Having seen all the players of the last 50 years, I believe that Sobers’ was the greatest exhibition of batting seen in Australia. I have seen nothing equal to it in this country.” Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack named Sobers one of the five greatest cricketers of the 20th century, and he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009. In the days following his passing, tributes have continued to pour in from across the global sporting community and beyond, as Barbadians mourn the loss of the man widely regarded as the greatest all-round cricketer the game has ever seen, and the first global celebrity of independent Barbados. Off the field, Sobers married Australian television presenter Prudence “Pru” Kirby in September 1969, while playing for Nottinghamshire in England. The marriage, which ended in divorce in 1990, produced two sons, Matthew and Daniel, and an adopted daughter, Genevieve. His long-term partner Jackie White passed away earlier in 2025. He is survived by stepchildren Stuart and Trisha, six grandchildren, and his brother Cecil. Closing her national address with an emotional farewell, Mottley said: “Sir Garry, Barbados stands for you. The West Indies stands for you. The world stands for you. For an innings that was so well played, Sir Garry, so well played. We will always love you.”

  • Crop Over public safety, traffic management and conduct advisory

    Crop Over public safety, traffic management and conduct advisory

    As the iconic 2026 Crop Over festival enters its concluding stretch of major celebrations, the Barbados Police Service has announced a comprehensive multi-agency security deployment designed to guarantee a safe, orderly experience for all attendees, residents, vendors, and visitors across the island.

    The coordinated security plan integrates support from the Barbados Defence Force, which will assist local law enforcement in maintaining a robust, effective security posture at all flagship public events. This inter-agency collaboration is structured to boost overall public safety readiness, streamline crowd management protocols, and preserve the security of event venues, emergency access routes, and adjacent residential communities throughout the final festival phase.

    Police Commissioner Sonia Boyce emphasized that Crop Over stands as a cornerstone of Barbados’ national cultural identity, and every attendee shares responsibility for protecting the festival’s positive reputation. She urged all participants to adhere to local laws, respect the rights of fellow festival-goers, and cooperate fully with police officers, event marshals, band security teams, event organizers, emergency personnel, traffic wardens, and all authorized support staff.

    ### Remaining Flagship Events
    The final phase of the 2026 festival includes five major public events: the Pic-O-De-Crop Final, Foreday Mornin’ Jam, Bridgetown Market, Grand Kadooment Day, and Cohobblopot, alongside dozens of related private parties and fetes hosted across the island. The public is strongly advised to verify official event notices for updated information on start times, parade routes, entry access points, temporary road closures, and traffic diversions before departing for any event.

    ### Public Conduct Expectations
    Law enforcement officials are clear that all attendees must act responsibly throughout the remaining celebrations. Prohibited behavior that will be met with firm enforcement action includes disorderly conduct, physical altercations, threats, harassment, assault, possession of offensive weapons, property damage, obstruction of police duties, public intoxication, dangerous driving, littering, and any activity that risks a breach of the public peace.

    Attendees are reminded that police may issue lawful directions to preserve public order, manage large crowds, protect emergency access routes, and regulate traffic. Failure to comply with these directions, obstruction of officers on duty, or reckless behavior that endangers other attendees can result in immediate arrest and criminal prosecution.

    ### Strict Warning Against Unauthorized Band Incursion
    Officials have flagged unauthorized band entry as a top safety priority for the Foreday Mornin’ Jam and Grand Kadooment events. The common practice of unregistered attendees entering parades, following bands too closely, blocking movement, or interfering with registered participants — widely referred to as band incursion or band-hopping — is classified as dangerous, disrespectful, and unlawful when it causes obstruction, public disorder, trespassing on restricted areas, harassment, assault, theft, property damage, public nuisance, or breaches of the peace.

    Only registered revellers, authorized band personnel, approved service vehicles, event officials, emergency staff, and other explicitly approved individuals are permitted to enter or travel with registered parade bands in controlled areas. Spectators must remain behind designated barriers, on designated sidewalks, or in other areas marked by police and event organizers. Individuals without valid wristbands, official costumes, event credentials, or other authorization are prohibited from forcing entry into bands, removing barriers, climbing over fencing, interfering with band trucks, blocking masqueraders, harassing participants, or creating crowd bottlenecks along parade routes.

    Uniformed police and authorized security personnel will intervene immediately to address perimeter breaches or interference with band movement. Offenders may be removed from the event route, arrested, and charged if evidence supports a criminal violation. Parents and guardians are also requested to ensure minors do not enter closed road or band areas in a manner that endangers themselves or other attendees.

    ### Zero Tolerance for Impaired Driving
    The public has received a stark warning against operating any vehicle while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication, fatigue, or any other substance or condition that negatively impacts judgment, coordination, or reaction time.

    For attendees planning to consume alcohol, officials advise pre-arranging safe travel: identifying a sober designated driver, using a licensed taxi service, booking a ride-share, utilizing public transit, or remaining at a safe location until you are fit to travel. All road users must adhere to posted speed limits, traffic signals, seat belt and helmet requirements, vehicle licensing and insurance rules, and all temporary traffic arrangements put in place for the festival.

    Enforcement action will be taken against drivers engaging in dangerous operation, reckless maneuvers, unauthorized parking, blocking emergency access, unlawfully carrying passengers, operating unroadworthy vehicles, or driving without due care and attention.

    ### Traffic Management Updates
    Temporary road closures, traffic diversions, no-parking zones, and one-way traffic systems will be implemented for all major Crop Over events. All motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are required to comply with all instructions from uniformed police officers and observe all posted traffic signs, barriers, and route restrictions.

    Vehicles may not be parked or left standing in no-parking zones, emergency routes, parade routes, bus lay-bys, junctions, private entrances, or any other restricted area. Vehicles that create obstructions may be ticketed, towed, or otherwise handled in accordance with local law. Emergency access for ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, and other authorized emergency services must remain clear at all times.

    ### Legal Penalties for Offenses
    Officials have reminded the public that violations may be prosecuted under a range of local legislation, including the Road Traffic Act, the Public Order Act, the Police Act, liquor license regulations, and national criminal laws covering assault, offensive weapons, theft, and property damage, alongside temporary event-specific rules legally enacted for the festival period.

    Penalties vary based on the charged offense and judicial ruling, and can include fixed penalties, substantial fines, vehicle seizure and removal, compensation orders, probation, community service, and imprisonment. For specific breaches of temporary traffic rules and failure to comply with police directions, offenders can face summary conviction resulting in fines and, in serious cases, custodial sentences.

    Commissioner Boyce stressed that ignorance of local law is not a valid legal defense. Individuals who engage in violence, harassment, theft, reckless driving, impaired driving, obstruction of parade bands, or refusal to comply with police directions should expect immediate, decisive enforcement action.

    ### Official Personal Safety Guidance
    Law enforcement has released 11 key safety tips for attendees:
    1. Plan your travel route in advance of leaving home and allocate extra time for potential delays.
    2. Use only official designated parking areas, and never leave valuables visible inside your vehicle.
    3. Travel in groups whenever possible, and agree on a designated safe meeting point in case of separation.
    4. Keep mobile devices fully charged, and only carry the cash and identification you need for the day.
    5. Leave expensive or excessive jewelry at home to reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.
    6. Stay hydrated, use sun protection to avoid heat-related illness, and seek prompt medical attention if you feel unwell.
    7. Parents and guardians must keep minors under close supervision at all times.
    8. Report suspicious packages, unsecured weapons, disorderly behavior, missing persons, or emergencies immediately to the nearest uniformed police officer.
    9. Never accept drinks from unknown individuals, and do not leave your drinks unattended at any time.
    10. Respect local residents, businesses, and private property adjacent to event and parade routes.
    11. Follow all instructions from police, marshals, emergency services, and event officials without delay.

    In closing, Commissioner Boyce shared: “Crop Over is one of Barbados’ most cherished national celebrations. The Barbados Police Service wants everyone to enjoy the music, culture, colour and fellowship of the season, but enjoyment must never come at the expense of public safety, public order or respect for others. I am asking every reveller, spectator, driver, vendor and visitor to do your part. Stay out of bands unless you are authorised to be there, do not drink and drive, obey the traffic arrangements, look out for one another and cooperate with the police officers and authorised support personnel who are there to protect you.”

    The Barbados Police Service will issue additional public updates on traffic management, event security, and road closures as final arrangements are confirmed. Officials thanked the public in advance for their cooperation, noting that cross-agency collaboration and public participation are critical to delivering a safe, peaceful, and enjoyable 2026 Crop Over festival for all attendees.