The Central Bank of Barbados has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a deceptive website that mimics the Bank’s branding to defraud individuals. In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Bank identified bimpayer.pro as a fraudulent platform designed to mislead users and extract payments. The Bank emphasized that it never solicits money or payments from the public and urged citizens to avoid interacting with the site, sharing personal information, or making any transactions. The Central Bank reiterated that the only legitimate website for its national instant payment system, BiMPay, is www.bimpay.bb, accessible via the Bank’s primary website at www.centralbank.org.bb. Any other site claiming association with the Central Bank or BiMPay should be approached with skepticism. Individuals who have already engaged with the fraudulent site are advised to report the incident to the Barbados Police Service and seek guidance from the Central Bank’s Corporate Communications Unit.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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Music with a mission: a family’s harmony of love, faith in cancer fight
For Kevin Moore and his family, music transcends mere performance—it’s a profound purpose. Through their Love Divine concert series under Trumpetboy Entertainment, they have transformed melodies into a lifeline for those battling cancer, raising $15,000 for Cancer Support Services (CSS). The funds, collected at the third installment of the series held on October 12 at the Frank Collymore Hall, were presented to the charity on Wednesday at its Belleville headquarters. The event brought together CSS executive members, including president Carlyle Best, executive director Janette Lynton, and management team member Francina Springer, who received the donation from Kevin and Kelita Moore of Trumpetboy Entertainment, alongside Joycelyn Moore, widow of the late Sylvian Moore. Moore expressed heartfelt gratitude to the artists, musicians, and the public whose collective efforts made the contribution possible. ‘This donation is a small token of our appreciation for the vital work CSS does in our community,’ he said. Carlyle Best praised the Moores for their unwavering commitment, emphasizing that the concert series goes beyond fundraising—it fosters connection, awareness, and hope. ‘You’ve set a standard, and we owe Trumpetboy Entertainment immense gratitude,’ he remarked. Best also highlighted the importance of engaging younger generations in CSS’s mission to ensure its longevity. Founded in 1996, CSS provides counseling, equipment loans, and public education, including regular PSA testing. As the organization prepares for its 30th anniversary, Best reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cancer patients. ‘We walk with you, holding your hand through it all,’ he said. CSS will also host its 11th annual conference at Accra Beach Hotel, focusing on education and awareness, furthering its outreach mission.
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New QEH discharge system rolls out to speed up bed management
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has implemented a new system of daily discharge boards across its wards to streamline patient flow, optimize bed management, and keep families informed throughout the care process. The initiative, introduced earlier this month, is being rolled out in phases and aims to provide patients, their families, and healthcare teams with clear insights into expected discharge dates, enabling better planning and coordination.
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Barbados strengthening international ties to boost investment
Barbados is actively broadening its diplomatic and economic horizons to attract global investment, as the island nation shifts toward a greener and more diversified economic model. Speaking during a British trade mission to Barbados on Wednesday, Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment Kay McConney emphasized the government’s strategy to forge new partnerships across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This move is part of a broader effort to diversify the nation’s economic base and strengthen ties with both traditional and emerging markets. McConney highlighted that Barbados has already expanded its diplomatic relations with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and others, and is preparing to establish a physical diplomatic presence in India. The minister underscored that Barbados’ investment strategy is inclusive, welcoming funding from governments, private sectors, and international agencies. ‘Barbados is open for business to the entire world,’ she stated, emphasizing opportunities for all investors. While deepening ties with the United Kingdom remains a priority, McConney clarified that this is part of a comprehensive global strategy. Export Barbados CEO Mark Hill noted that UK companies are increasingly interested in Barbados’ green industrial initiatives, viewing the Caribbean as a prime location for sustainable development. Hill also highlighted the success of Barbados’ intellectual property investment program, which has attracted attention from European firms, including German companies. He projected that a $2 million increase in IP investment could yield an economic impact of $3 to $4 billion, aligning Barbados with global trends in decarbonization and innovation.
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Barbados ‘greenfield hub’ for clean, tech-driven industry
Barbados is strategically positioning itself as a prime destination for clean, technology-driven industrial investment, capitalizing on Europe’s decarbonization efforts. Mark Hill, CEO of Export Barbados, emphasized the nation’s focus on intellectual property (IP) and tax incentives to attract global investors. Speaking at the sixth annual UK Trade Mission to Barbados Business Forum, Hill highlighted the country’s shift from traditional manufacturing to IP-led growth, ensuring creators feel secure in protecting their innovations.
Barbados has introduced the Patent Box initiative, offering tax reductions from 9% to 4.5% for manufacturers operating on the island. This framework, Hill noted, positions Barbados as a global leader in IP-based tax systems, surpassing even Malta and the EU for businesses earning under $750 million annually. The government aims to increase industry’s contribution to GDP from 5-10% to 20-25% over the next decade through this IP-focused strategy.
Export Barbados has also launched the GIGA programme, fostering sustainable, high-tech industrial growth and boosting exports. The initiative aims to transform Barbados into a regional innovation leader by focusing on advanced technology and green industries. Hill underscored the importance of intellectual capital, stating that IP is the core asset of any business, attracting further investment.
As European economies transition from “brownfield” sites to “greenfield” locations, Barbados has emerged as an attractive option for affordable, modern industrial development. Hill emphasized that the future of industrialization lies in robotics, automation, cybersecurity, and data-driven processes, rather than traditional labor-intensive methods.
Barbados is also enhancing its data security infrastructure, inviting investors to build customized data systems on the island. This positions Barbados as a secure, off-grid industrial hub with robust cybersecurity frameworks and access to cutting-edge technologies, enabling rapid scalability for businesses.
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Field hospital to deploy to Jamaica for humanitarian mission
In a historic demonstration of Caribbean solidarity, Barbados has initiated a humanitarian mission to assist Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) announced the deployment of a field medical hospital, marking the first time the World Health Organisation-accredited Emergency Medical Team has been mobilized internationally following a severe weather event. The mission, dubbed ‘Operation Helping Hands,’ was approved by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and involves military personnel and medical volunteers providing emergency healthcare in Jamaica’s hardest-hit western region, particularly around Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital. The deployment, which begins next Tuesday, will last one month and include two rotations of approximately 70 personnel each, totaling around 140 to 150 participants. The BDF’s Type 2 field hospital requires 70 medical and logistical staff to operate, with 48 already mobilized and the remaining 22 expected to be filled through regional support from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Jamaica Defence Force. Medical Liaison Officer Major David Clarke highlighted the coordination with regional health ministries and organizations, while acknowledging logistical challenges, including the need for special licences for medical supplies. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Arthur Phillips assured that essential health services in Barbados would remain unaffected. The mission underscores the importance of regional logistics and volunteerism, with Brigadier Carlos Lovell emphasizing the need for greater medical professional participation. CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank has also contributed $1 million to the relief effort, with half allocated to support the field hospital initiative.
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Central Bank of Barbados warns public of fraudulent website
The Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) has issued a public alert regarding a deceptive website, bimpayer.pro, which is fraudulently using a logo resembling that of the Bank to solicit payments from individuals. This site is a calculated effort to mislead the public and engage in illicit activities. The CBB strongly advises individuals to avoid visiting or making payments through this platform and to refrain from sharing any personal or financial details. It is crucial to note that the Central Bank does not solicit money or payments from the public. The official website for the national instant payment system is www.bimpay.bb, which can also be accessed via the Bank’s primary website, www.centralbank.org.bb. Any other site claiming association with the Central Bank or BiMPay should be approached with utmost caution. Individuals who have already made payments or shared information through bimpayer.pro are urged to report the incident promptly to the Barbados Police Service and to seek guidance from the Central Bank’s Corporate Communications Unit.
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Barbados may host resident bottlenose dolphins
Preliminary findings suggest that Barbados could be home to a population of bottlenose dolphins, a discovery with significant implications for the island’s marine conservation efforts and eco-tourism industry. Richard Suckoo, Deputy Project Manager of the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan, described the potential presence of these dolphins as a “critical discovery” that could position them as “true local ambassadors for the island’s marine biodiversity.” Bottlenose dolphins, known for their intelligence, playful nature, and complex social structures, could elevate Barbados’ status as a biodiversity hotspot if their residency is confirmed. Unlike the mahi-mahi fish commonly referred to as ‘dolphin’ in Barbados, bottlenose dolphins are marine mammals. Systematic surveys conducted in February, March, and earlier this month as part of the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan and the Caribbean Cetacean Society’s Ti Whale An Nou Programme have provided the first comprehensive data on these species in Barbadian waters. The initiative, endorsed by UNESCO’s Ocean Decade, spans over 20 Caribbean islands and aims to study and protect regional whale and dolphin populations. Early analysis indicates the presence of bottlenose dolphins, including juveniles, predominantly along the island’s west coast. The surveys also documented other species, such as sperm whales, melon-headed whales, and the elusive Kogia species, while acoustic recordings detected short-finned pilot whales and humpback whales up to 50 nautical miles offshore. However, the research revealed that 11% of dolphins showed injuries likely caused by human activities, such as discarded fishing gear or boat collisions. Suckoo emphasized the need for continued surveys to better understand the dolphins’ population, distribution, and behavior, with the ultimate goal of establishing management zones and guidelines to ensure their protection and thriving presence in Barbadian waters.
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Students urged to see themselves as tech innovators in robotics drive
Barbados is taking bold steps to inspire the next generation of innovators through its national robotics competition, ‘Battle of the Bots.’ Launched in partnership with the Barbados Light and Power Co. Ltd., the initiative aims to cultivate a future-ready generation capable of addressing global challenges through technology. Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman emphasized the importance of empowering young minds to lead in innovation and technological development. ‘My challenge to you is to see yourselves as the creators of the next wave of technology that can solve global problems, starting from Barbados,’ Blackman stated during the event’s launch. He highlighted the government’s commitment to educational reform, which goes beyond infrastructure improvements and resource provision. ‘Our transformation agenda is about preparing young people to lead the world,’ he added. Blackman also noted Barbados’ leadership in global discussions on sustainability and financial reform, urging the youth to compete on an international stage. Chief Education Officer Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw described the competition as part of a broader movement to revolutionize education through technology. Since 2021, approximately 733 teachers and nearly 4,700 students have been trained in robotics and coding, fostering a dynamic learning environment. ‘This is about engaging students in real-life problem-solving through project-based learning,’ she explained. The competition has expanded this year, with 26 primary school teams participating in the preliminaries. Sixteen primary and eight secondary school teams will advance to the finals, scheduled for December 2 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
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Look beyond IMF as access to climate finance tightens – senator
Barbados is taking decisive steps to diversify its development financing sources and reduce its dependence on traditional international lenders, as global climate finance becomes increasingly constrained. Senator Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, emphasized the urgency of this shift during a Senate session on Wednesday. The Senate debated the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) Bill, which formalizes Barbados’ full membership in CAF by replacing the Latin American Development Bank Act. Munro-Knight highlighted that while some global institutions are retreating from climate financing, CAF offers a regional alternative that is flexible, responsive, and tailored to the needs of small states like Barbados. She pointed out that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is being urged to return to its core mission, potentially reducing its focus on climate financing, which poses challenges for middle-income, climate-vulnerable nations. Munro-Knight stressed the need for Barbados to proactively build partnerships and buffers to mitigate external shocks. She noted a decline in official development assistance (ODA) to Latin America and the Caribbean, with private capital primarily flowing into energy projects, leaving critical sectors like health, education, and housing underfunded. CAF, she argued, understands the region’s realities and provides a platform for Caribbean nations to shape solutions collectively. Under the new legislation, Barbados will acquire 34,834 Series C shares in CAF, valued at $494.6 million, enabling access to financing worth 18 times that amount over 15 years. This investment will transition Barbados to full membership, granting it a seat on CAF’s board of directors and enhancing its influence in regional decision-making. CAF has already demonstrated its value as a development partner, approving $700,000 in technical assistance for the Barbados Water Authority and funding infrastructure projects on the South Coast. Additionally, CAF has supported cultural initiatives like CARIFESTA and heritage projects, including the digitization of national archives and the development of a heritage district. The phased investment over 15 years will allow Barbados to manage its financial commitments while gaining immediate access to development resources, safeguarding its fiscal space and strengthening its resilience to climate and economic shocks.