Carib Scope

标签： Barbados

巴巴多斯

  • Atherley rules himself out of February 11 election

    Atherley rules himself out of February 11 election

    In a significant political development, former opposition leader Bishop Joe Atherley has officially declared he will not stand as a candidate in Barbados’ upcoming general election, while simultaneously reaffirming his unwavering dedication to the nation’s political landscape. The announcement, made exclusively to Barbados TODAY on Monday, clarifies that while Atherley is stepping back from electoral contention, he remains deeply invested in serving Barbadian interests through alternative political channels.

    Atherley, who previously secured the St Michael West constituency for the Barbados Labour Party in 2018 before establishing the People’s Party for Democracy and Development (PdP) as the sole opposition voice, emphasized that his commitment transcends party affiliations. “My first suit is not a party label,” he stated metaphorically. “My first suit is the blue, yellow, gold—the Barbados colors representing the interests of its people.”

    The former parliamentarian articulated that his decision stems from a principled approach to public service, guided by his Christian values and ministerial profession. He expressed willingness to contribute to national interests wherever possible, provided such engagement aligns with his ethical framework.

    This development coincides with the formation of a new coalition—the People’s Coalition for Progress—comprising the United Progressive Party, New National Party, and Conservative Barbados Leadership Party. Notably, Atherley confirmed that neither he nor the PdP are participating in this alliance, distinguishing the current political realignment from the previous Allied Party for Progress coalition formed during the January 2022 elections.

    Atherley’s withdrawal marks a pivotal moment in Barbados’ opposition landscape, potentially reshaping electoral dynamics while underscoring his continued role as an independent political voice dedicated to national rather than partisan interests.

  • Atherley rules himself out of February 11 election

    Atherley rules himself out of February 11 election

    In a significant political development, former opposition leader Bishop Joe Atherley has officially declared he will not stand as a candidate in Barbados’ upcoming general election, despite reaffirming his enduring dedication to the nation’s political landscape. The announcement came during an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY on Monday.

    Atherley, who previously secured the St Michael West constituency for the Barbados Labour Party in 2018 before establishing the People’s Party for Democracy and Development (PdP) as the sole opposition voice, emphasized that his withdrawal from candidacy does not signal retirement from public service. ‘I remain deeply engaged in the political process and maintain my commitment to advancing the interests of Barbadian citizens,’ he stated.

    The former parliamentarian articulated a philosophy of principle-driven service over partisan allegiance, noting: ‘My primary allegiance lies with the national colors of Barbados—blue, yellow, and gold—rather than any party label. I operate based on Christian principles and ministerial profession, remaining available to serve the people in whatever capacity circumstances permit.’

    This declaration coincides with the formation of the People’s Coalition for Progress, an alliance comprising the United Progressive Party, New National Party, and Conservative Barbados Leadership Party. Notably, Atherley clarified that neither he nor the PdP are participating in this coalition effort, distinguishing the current political landscape from the previous Allied Party for Progress arrangement during the January 2022 elections.

    Atherley’s decision creates strategic implications for Barbados’ opposition framework as the nation approaches its electoral process, with his continued involvement expected to take forms beyond conventional candidacy.

  • BADMC to review yam prices by April

    BADMC to review yam prices by April

    Barbados faces a significant setback in its campaign against soaring food prices following a major agricultural theft that forced authorities to delay a crucial price reduction initiative. The Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) has revealed that the theft of approximately 10,000 pounds of yams from its St. John farmland has compromised plans to make the staple food more affordable for consumers.

    Dr. Claire Durant, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of BADMC, confirmed that the stolen produce, valued at nearly $70,000, was specifically cultivated as part of a strategic intervention to combat escalating market prices. Current retail rates for yams have reached concerning levels of $6-7 per pound, creating financial strain for many Barbadian households.

    The corporation had targeted a ambitious price reduction to approximately $2.50 per pound by 2026 through increased domestic production. However, the substantial theft has necessitated a recalibration of this timeline, with consumers now unlikely to see meaningful price relief before the conclusion of the year’s first quarter.

    This incident forms part of a disturbing pattern of praedial larceny across the island. Recent statistics indicate approximately 50,000 pounds of yams were stolen during the Christmas and New Year period alone, including a separate 20,000-pound theft from veteran farmer Richard Armstrong’s private holdings in St. John.

    Dr. Durant emphasized the disproportionate impact on smaller agricultural operators, noting that while the BADMC can absorb such losses, individual farmers face potentially catastrophic consequences from similar thefts.

    In response to the escalating crisis, the corporation has implemented enhanced security measures including increased police patrols and community vigilance initiatives. The BADMC has also introduced a numbered receipt book system to improve supply chain transparency, enabling better verification of produce legitimacy throughout the distribution network.

    Agriculture Minister Indar Weir has issued stern warnings to both vendors and consumers, emphasizing that stolen produce inevitably enters commercial channels and urging heightened due diligence across the sector. Meanwhile, the vending community, represented by the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors, and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN), has rejected suggestions of widespread complicity, maintaining that most vendors operate through legal sourcing channels.

  • New coalition pushes for reform, fairer representation, voter re-engagement

    New coalition pushes for reform, fairer representation, voter re-engagement

    A significant political realignment has emerged in Barbados as three emerging parties—the United Progressive Party (UPP), New National Party (NNP), and Conservative Barbados Leadership Party (CBLP)—have consolidated into the People’s Coalition for Progress (PCP) just weeks before the nation’s general election. This alliance positions itself as a viable alternative to Barbados’ established political duopoly.

    At the coalition’s inaugural press conference in Bridgetown, UPP leader Lynette Eastmond criticized Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s announcement of a snap election, contending the abbreviated timeline disadvantages voters rather than political organizations. “Calling a snap election with minimal notice undermines democratic participation,” Eastmond asserted. “This approach disadvantages Barbadian citizens who deserve adequate time to evaluate their voting options rather than defaulting to established parties or abstaining entirely.”

    Eastmond highlighted concerning voter apathy patterns, particularly in urban constituencies, attributing this trend to systemic neglect. She advocated for transitioning from Barbados’ current two-party framework toward multiparty parliamentary representation, citing nations with proportional representation systems that achieve superior Human Development Index rankings.

    The coalition leaders presented comprehensive reform proposals including constitutional amendments to implement fixed election dates, proportional representation instead of first-past-the-post voting, and reduction of parliamentary seats from 30 to better reflect Barbados’ population size. “Maintaining 30 parliamentary seats for 300,000 citizens represents excessive bureaucratic burden,” Eastmond contended.

    NNP leader Kemar Stuart raised concerns about electoral list integrity, revealing his own registration challenges despite being a parliamentary candidate. Regarding economic policy, Stuart warned about potential oil supply disruptions stemming from geopolitical tensions and suggested another International Monetary Fund arrangement might follow the election.

    CBLP leader Corey Beckles characterized the coalition as injecting renewed energy into Barbadian politics, emphasizing that “fresh parliamentary voices are essential after years of unfulfilled promises.”

    The PCP confirmed its candidates will contest individually like other parties, with elected members determining prime ministerial leadership. While the complete candidate roster remains forthcoming, the coalition pledged imminent publication of its full slate.

  • St Michael’s student tops Caribbean in green engineering

    St Michael’s student tops Caribbean in green engineering

    In an exceptional academic achievement, Megan Allan from St Michael School has secured the highest regional distinction in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Unit 1 for Green Engineering. Her outstanding performance, marked by the only Grade One awarded across the Caribbean in this subject, has drawn commendation from Barbados’ Energy Minister and triggered the establishment of a new national award for young innovators.

    Senator Lisa Cummins, Minister of Energy, personally presented Allan with a special accolade during a ceremony held at the school on Monday. The minister emphasized that Allan’s accomplishment establishes a new benchmark for excellence and demonstrates the profound potential of Barbadian youth to influence the nation’s future trajectory.

    Expressing both surprise and delight, Allan admitted she had not anticipated such significant recognition. ‘I’m feeling pretty good, a little bit shocked,’ she remarked. ‘I wasn’t expecting it at all, and I didn’t know it would be such a big deal. When I saw it online that day at school, I was pleasantly surprised. So I’m shocked but happy.’

    The accomplished student has applied to multiple Canadian universities—McGill, Dalhousie, and the University of Guelph—with plans to pursue marine biology and conservation studies.

    Minister Cummins articulated the critical importance of science and technology disciplines as Barbados advances its energy transition agenda. ‘There are certain subjects that are going to be even more critical for our development as a country,’ she stated. ‘Chemistry, physics, environmental science, and green engineering represent essential skill sets for future careers that will facilitate our energy transition.’

    In response to Allan’s achievement, the Ministry of Energy announced the creation of an annual national prize to encourage future high performers in green engineering. Minister Cummins declared this would be ‘the inaugural prize, not the last,’ committing to ongoing recognition for excellence in this vital field.

  • Caribbean urged to ‘shock-proof’ climate justice strategies

    Caribbean urged to ‘shock-proof’ climate justice strategies

    At the opening of a pivotal regional forum in Barbados, Caribbean leaders issued a powerful call for concrete strategies to achieve climate justice, emphasizing the urgent need for approaches that can endure major geopolitical disruptions. Cletus Springer, Chair of the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), set the tone for the two-day CANARI Partners Forum, declaring the gathering a forum for “strategic action” rather than theoretical discussion. The event, themed ‘Towards climate justice in the Caribbean: building understanding and catalysing partnerships and finance,’ brings together regional and international stakeholders to address climate change as a critical development and human rights priority. Springer framed the discussions against a backdrop of what he termed “truly seismic geopolitical upheaval,” warning that the rapid erosion of the global multilateral system threatens to marginalize small island states. He posed a central challenge to delegates: “How do we advance a climate justice agenda that is robust enough to survive current and future geopolitical shocks?” The CANARI chair highlighted the escalating climate impacts across the region, including increasing extreme weather events and a developing drought in the Eastern Caribbean that’s expected to extend well into the traditional rainy season. These impacts, he noted, validate regional leaders’ characterization of climate change as “an existential threat to the sustainable development of the Caribbean.” Springer underscored the “profound unfairness” of the global climate system where those least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions bear the greatest burden. He emphasized that climate justice must address structural power imbalances and move beyond technical solutions to confront root causes of vulnerability amplified by factors including gender, race, and poverty. The forum represents a significant effort to develop practical approaches that protect vulnerable livelihoods while challenging the systemic inequalities that exacerbate climate injustice.

  • Police seeking Turvy Frederick in serious criminal probe

    Police seeking Turvy Frederick in serious criminal probe

    Barbados law enforcement officials have initiated a public search operation for Turvy Frederick, identified as a person of interest in ongoing investigations into serious criminal activities. The Barbados Police Service has formally requested community assistance in locating the individual, who remains at large despite active investigative efforts.

    Frederick, whose last documented residence was in the Barbarees Hill area of St Michael parish, stands approximately six feet tall with a slender physique, dark complexion, and distinctive plaited hairstyle. Authorities have issued specific guidance for the suspect’s surrender, recommending he present himself voluntarily at the Criminal Investigations Department located within the Black Rock Police Station premises. The police advisory explicitly notes that Frederick should be accompanied by legal representation of his choosing during this process.

    Law enforcement agencies have established multiple communication channels for information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts. Citizens can contact the Black Rock Police Station directly at 417-7500 or 417-7505, utilize the Police Emergency hotline at 211, or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. Alternatively, individuals may approach any nearby police station to share relevant information.

    The Barbados Police Service has concurrently issued a stern warning regarding the legal consequences of obstructing justice. Officials emphasized that harboring or actively assisting wanted individuals constitutes a criminal offense under Barbadian law, with perpetrators facing potential prosecution. This reminder underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case and their commitment to apprehending the individual through lawful means.

  • Fusionz Boutique donates $10,000 to support Carter

    Fusionz Boutique donates $10,000 to support Carter

    In a powerful demonstration of corporate social responsibility, Fusionz Boutique has made a substantial $10,000 contribution to support Akira Carter’s urgent medical fundraising campaign. The fashion retailer’s management and staff visited Carter at Queen Elizabeth Hospital last Sunday, presenting both a generous cheque and a thoughtful gift basket to the hospitalized patient.

    The compassionate gesture created an emotionally charged moment that left Carter speechless with gratitude. Company representative Roger Agard explained to Barbados TODAY that their decision to intervene was motivated by persistent social media awareness of Carter’s deteriorating health condition. “After consistently encountering Akira Carter’s story across digital platforms, Fusionz Boutique determined it was imperative to extend meaningful support,” Agard stated. “This represents precisely the type of community need where corporate entities should proactively offer assistance.”

    Ulanda Williams, Fusionz Boutique’s manager, revealed an additional personal dimension to their philanthropy, noting Carter’s longstanding patronage of their establishment. “She transcends being merely a beneficiary of charity—Akira has been a devoted and valued customer whose loyalty we deeply appreciate,” Williams emphasized. “Providing support during this critical juncture represents our heartfelt commitment to those who have supported our business.”

    Williams further articulated that their substantial donation serves a dual purpose: immediately assisting Carter’s medical fundraising while simultaneously establishing a precedent for broader corporate involvement. “Our primary objective involves inspiring other enterprises to recognize similar opportunities for community support,” Williams explained. “If Barbados’s business community collectively mobilizes its resources, we possess tremendous capacity to assist numerous citizens facing comparable medical crises.”

    Carter’s health emergency began abruptly in December 2025 when she developed a severe illness that progressed rapidly, resulting in complete leg paralysis and partial hand paralysis. Her current treatment strategy requires specialized overseas medical intervention, necessitating significant fundraising efforts. Donations continue to be accepted through FirstPay at +1 (246) 235-0447 or via direct deposit to CIBC FirstCaribbian, Sheraton Mall Branch, Chequing Account #1001109391.

  • BLA still dealing with backlog

    BLA still dealing with backlog

    Barbados transportation authorities are executing a comprehensive recovery plan to address significant delays in vehicle registration services stemming from a systemic technical failure last October. Transport Minister Santia Bradshaw confirmed the ongoing efforts during an inspection visit to the Barbados Licensing Authority’s (BLA) headquarters in Pine, St. Michael.

    The operational crisis emerged on October 20 when the BLA’s legacy registration platform experienced catastrophic failure, necessitating complete system replacement. This disruption halted all vehicle-related services for nearly a week, prompting the November rollout of an entirely new digital platform that requires extensive staff training.

    Minister Bradshaw acknowledged particular challenges affecting existing vehicle owners: “We had numerous complaints from persons who already had vehicles… they couldn’t complete registrations because the system couldn’t access their historical data.” The technical breakdown created a mounting backlog of pending inspections and certificate issuances that continues to impact residents.

    To accelerate resolution, the BLA has deployed a multi-faceted approach including recruitment of additional staff and engagement of retired licensing officers familiar with agency operations. These experienced former employees are assisting with customer service and data entry while receiving training on the new system during weekend and after-hours sessions to minimize service disruption.

    Minister Bradshaw emphasized the critical importance of data accuracy during the manual information transfer process, noting that both the Ministry’s IT team and specialists from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology (MIST) have dedicated personnel working exclusively on system troubleshooting. “We’ve actually rebuilt the system with four additional technical staff, and MIST has assigned a dedicated team specifically for licensing issues,” Bradshaw stated.

    While no definitive completion date has been announced, the Minister indicated that phased training and continuous system improvements are expected to gradually resolve the backlog, with a progress update anticipated within the coming week. The situation has caused considerable public frustration, with many residents paying insurance premiums on vehicles they cannot legally operate due to registration delays.

  • Reception held to honour repeat visitors

    Reception held to honour repeat visitors

    Amid global instability and evolving geopolitical landscapes, Barbados maintains its position as a secure and dependable travel destination, according to Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill. The minister’s remarks came during a special reception at Bide Mill Great House in St. George on Friday evening, honoring visitors with exceptional loyalty to the island nation.

    Addressing an audience of repeat travelers, Gooding-Edghill emphasized Barbados’ unwavering commitment to visitor safety and satisfaction. “You can be absolutely confident that Barbados continues to offer a secure environment for relaxation, dining, and vacationing,” he assured, while encouraging attendees to both maintain their visitation patterns and promote the destination within their personal networks.

    The event specifically recognized tourists who have demonstrated remarkable dedication, with all honorees having visited Barbados for a minimum of 25 consecutive years. The minister characterized these longstanding visitors as indispensable partners in maintaining the vitality of the tourism sector.

    “This evening we acknowledge your steadfast connection to our nation and your extraordinary achievement of making 25 or more visits to our island paradise,” Gooding-Edghill stated. He highlighted their substantial economic contributions and role in sustaining the tourism industry’s longevity, particularly noting the meaningful relationships built between visitors and Barbadian hospitality professionals.

    The minister further elaborated on the strategic importance of loyal tourists, describing them as key ambassadors who enhance sector resilience through personal recommendations to family and peers. In a special recognition, Gooding-Edghill commended local operator Gaird ‘G’ Charles of G Fish Watersports for providing exemplary service to a visitor with disabilities, citing such actions as emblematic of the values that foster repeat tourism.