The West Indies cricket team has made strategic additions to their T20 International (T20I) squad ahead of their five-match series against New Zealand, commencing this Wednesday. All-rounders Matthew Forde and Shamar Springer have been called up to reinforce the team’s bowling attack, which has been hampered by injuries and unavailability of key players. The duo are the only new inclusions in the 15-member squad, which recently secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their last T20I series. Forde, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury earlier this year, has successfully completed his rehabilitation and is set to make his return. Springer’s inclusion comes as a response to the absence of seam bowlers Ramon Simmons and Jediah Blades, both ruled out due to injuries, alongside the unavailability of fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph. In a notable move, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been omitted from the squad following a dip in form, attributed to technical issues with his bowling action. Motie will now work with specialists, including the Royals Sports Group, to address these concerns ahead of his participation in the SA20 tournament in December. The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has also announced the appointment of clinical psychologist Krisnan Hurdle as a mental skills and performance coach, a decision aimed at enhancing the players’ psychological resilience and focus. CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, emphasized the importance of mental strength in elite cricket, stating that the addition of Hurdle aligns with global best practices and underscores the organization’s commitment to developing well-rounded athletes. The West Indies squad for the series includes Shai Hope as captain, alongside a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, as they aim to build momentum ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
-
Gall Hill falls 3-2 to Deacons in PMC
In a gripping Round of 16 clash at the Prime Minister’s Cup, Gall Hill’s undefeated streak in the Premier League came to an end as they were narrowly defeated 3-2 by Deacons FC on Saturday evening. The match, filled with high-octane action, saw Deacons FC and Kickstart Rush secure their spots in the quarterfinals, joining Wotton FC and St Andrew Lions.
-
Batters cash in with hundreds
The 2025 Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Elite Division three-day competition’s Series 9 turned into a batting spectacle, with four players scoring centuries and another narrowly missing the milestone. The second day of play showcased exceptional performances across multiple matches, highlighting the dominance of batsmen in this round of the tournament. Shian Brathwaite of Empire set the tone on Day 1 with a stellar 148 against ESA Field Pickwick, while Joshua Morris of Wanderers followed suit with a commanding 106 against Sagicor Windward. Morris’s century, achieved off 141 balls, included 12 fours and a six, propelling Wanderers to a total of 275 for nine declared. Wanderers’ bowlers, led by Maxwell Lewis and Khomari Griffith, had earlier restricted Windward to 159, giving them a significant first-innings lead. Meanwhile, Wildey’s Joshua Dorne and Demetrius Richards stole the show with a 217-run partnership, scoring 127 and 100 respectively, to declare at 356/6 against Urgent Care Bayview Hospital YMPC. Zion Brathwaite of UWI remained unbeaten on 96, poised to reach his century on Day 3. In other matches, Empire’s spinners Jomel Warrican and Kobe Williams dismantled Pickwick’s batting lineup, while Akeem McCollin’s 70 guided Superb Blend Gladiola to a strong position against SigniaGlobe Financial BCA Youth. The tournament continues to deliver thrilling cricketing action, with batsmen taking center stage.
-
Pelican Pirates power past Tikki Tacklers to reach quarterfinals
The Barbados Beach Soccer Championship 2025 witnessed a series of electrifying matches on Sunday, with teams showcasing their prowess on the sandy pitches of Browne’s Beach and setting the stage for the upcoming quarterfinals. The Pelican Pirates delivered a masterclass performance, crushing the Tikki Tacklers with an emphatic 8-0 victory. Shawn Jack emerged as a standout player, netting two goals in the ninth and 26th minutes, while Savion Hoyte, Decarlo Straker, Jerome Blackett, Shakia Grenville, Mani Cheltenham, and Kadane Jones each contributed to the dominant win. This commanding performance has positioned the Pelican Pirates as strong contenders for the title.
The Sunset Chasers also made their mark, overpowering Full Volley with a 7-1 triumph. Ozim Henderson and Tezan Phillips led the charge with two goals each, supported by Ormando McCloud, Cleon Culley, and Keron Bishop. Despite Rasheed Mayers’ consolation goal for Full Volley, the Sunset Chasers’ relentless attack proved too much to handle.
Sea Breeze continued their impressive run, securing a 6-1 victory over Tropical Twisters. Jamal Chandler set the tone with two early goals, followed by contributions from Ron Pile, Dario Haynes, Shaquille Griffith, and Jabari Brandford. Brandon Morris managed to score Tropical Twisters’ only goal, but it was insufficient to challenge Sea Breeze’s dominance.
The most thrilling match of the day saw Sundown Ballers narrowly defeat Sunshine United 7-6 in a high-scoring spectacle. Erick Joseph stole the show with four goals, while Mario Graham added two to seal the win. Despite Miguel Clarke’s hat-trick and Deondre Ward’s two goals for Sunshine United, the team fell short in a nail-biting finish.
Other notable results included Tropical Thunder’s 6-0 demolition of Wave Runners, Beach Blitzers’ 2-1 victory over Island Invincibles, Bajan Heat’s extra-time 3-2 win against Southern Rays, and Trident Spurs’ comfortable 4-1 triumph over Island Fusion. The quarterfinals, scheduled for next Sunday at Brandon’s Beach, promise to deliver more excitement and fierce competition.
-
David can beat Goliath: How local taxis can out-smart Uber at its own game
The arrival of Uber in Barbados has ignited a familiar debate, echoing the company’s contentious entry into markets worldwide. Local taxi operators are expressing concerns over Uber’s fare estimates, which appear to undercut government-regulated tariffs. In a small, competitive market, even minor price differences can significantly impact livelihoods. The outcome hinges on regulatory decisions, enforcement, and whether Uber’s actual pricing aligns with its online estimates. Barbados, however, is no stranger to global competition, having navigated the entry of international brands in sectors like hospitality and fast food. The local fast-food chain Chefette, for instance, successfully adapted by enhancing its family-friendly offerings rather than engaging in price wars. Similarly, the Bridgetown Port Taxi Co-Op Society Ltd has launched Zail Barbados, a local app designed to innovate and compete with Uber. Rather than focusing solely on price, local operators are exploring strategies to enhance customer experience through mobile technology. By forming service clusters, operators can pool resources to develop shared platforms offering customer profiles, loyalty rewards, and feedback systems. Additionally, operators can design experience-driven rides, such as themed tours, to transform transportation into a memorable part of visitors’ stays. For those hesitant to adopt digital platforms, joining existing local services like pickUP Barbados or Zail offers a practical compromise. While Uber’s entry poses challenges, it also presents opportunities for local operators to evolve and differentiate themselves in a rapidly changing market.
-
City store closures overshadow Independence decorations, says Abed
The festive spirit of Independence Day in Bridgetown, Barbados, is being overshadowed by a surge of vacant shopfronts along Broad Street, with local merchants attributing the lack of patriotic displays to economic challenges rather than apathy. Eddy Abed, head of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce’s Revitalisation of Bridgetown Committee, emphasized that empty stores, not a lack of patriotism, are to blame for the subdued celebrations. ‘Vacant stores cannot show Independence or Christmas decorations because they are unoccupied,’ Abed explained. He urged a realistic assessment of Bridgetown’s evolving retail landscape, pointing to declining fortunes as the primary cause. Despite this, many businesses continue to showcase national pride by adorning their stores with blue, gold, and black decorations, blending Independence and Christmas celebrations. Abed highlighted the coexistence of these two events, stressing that neither should overshadow the other. Reflecting on the past, he noted that over half of Broad Street’s retail spaces now lie vacant, a stark contrast to its former vibrancy. The shift towards minimalist holiday decorations, both in Barbados and globally, reflects changing trends rather than a lack of participation. Abed’s comments came in response to Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams, who recently encouraged businesses to engage in Independence festivities. Abrahams acknowledged the challenges businesses face but emphasized the importance of celebrating national identity. Abed concluded by urging the public to view the two celebrations as complementary, not competing, events.
-
Caribbean firms to prioritise AI for cybersecurity – PwC study
Caribbean enterprises are gearing up to integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into their cybersecurity frameworks by 2026, as revealed by PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights Survey. Despite this forward-looking approach, the survey underscores a stark reality: only a minuscule six percent of global organizations are fully equipped to combat the escalating wave of cyber threats. The study, which gathered insights from nearly 4,000 business and technology executives across 72 countries, highlights that 78 percent of organizations plan to bolster their cybersecurity budgets in the coming year, with AI investments leading the charge at 36 percent. However, significant challenges persist, including a glaring skills gap in AI application for cyber defense (50 percent) and a lack of relevant expertise (41 percent). The financial stakes are high, with 27 percent of businesses reporting that their most damaging data breach in the last three years cost at least $1 million. In the Caribbean, where digital adoption and cross-island connectivity are on the rise, the urgency for robust cyber resilience is more pronounced than ever. Tracie Greenidge, Director of Risk Assurance at PwC East Caribbean, emphasized the region’s opportunity to lead with innovation and resilience by investing in smart technologies and fostering cross-island collaboration. The survey also revealed that nearly half of cybersecurity leaders face workforce shortages, particularly in securing operational technology and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) systems, which are critical to infrastructure, transport, and industry.
-
Standard Distributors sold to digital lender Term Finance
In a significant shift in the retail and financial sectors, Standard Distributors, a prominent appliance and furniture dealer with an 80-year legacy, has been acquired by digital finance firm Term Finance (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited. The unexpected announcement marks the end of an era for the long-standing retailer, which will now relaunch as Standard Credit. Term Finance, already a key player in short-term lending across the Caribbean, will integrate Standard’s extensive hire purchase portfolio into its operations. The Trinidad-based conglomerate ANSA McAL, which facilitated the sale, confirmed that some Standard employees have been laid off, while others will be reassigned within the ANSA McAL Group. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. ANSA McAL emphasized its commitment to supporting affected employees through enhanced separation packages, access to wellbeing and financial planning services, and job fairs in Trinidad and Barbados this month. Term Finance’s Chief Operating Officer, Nicholas Farah, stated that the rebranding to Standard Credit signifies the company’s entry into the high street market, aiming to preserve customer trust while introducing innovative financial solutions. Term Finance, backed by major shareholders PointWest Capital and the First Citizens Group, operates across Guyana, Jamaica, and St Lucia, and recently acquired My Finance Grenada Ltd. Customers with existing hire purchase agreements will experience a seamless transition, with no disruptions to their payment schedules.
-
Black River Hospital heroes plead for help
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, the heroic efforts of doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at Black River Hospital have come at a significant personal cost. Despite saving all 71 patients during the storm, many staff members now face homelessness, hunger, and exhaustion. Dr. Robert Powell, an emergency medicine resident, revealed the dire situation during a visit to the storm-ravaged facility. He shared that the hospital was left in ruins, with roofs torn off, wards flooded, and medical equipment destroyed. Beds, patient files, and furniture were scattered across the compound, leaving only a small section of the Accident and Emergency unit partially usable.
-
‘Better life than material’: Mother recalls fleeing Melissa with children in tow
When the river behind her home surged and the wind ripped the roof off her kitchen, Tasheva Hinds knew it was time to flee. The mother of four was at home in River Lane with her family of seven, including a five-month-old baby, when Hurricane Melissa ravaged St Ann. ‘The river rose rapidly, and then the bathroom and kitchen roof were torn away,’ Hinds recounted to Barbados TODAY. ‘The children’s room was blown off, and water poured in from every direction.’ The family braved torrential rain and fierce winds to seek refuge at a nearby police station, where an officer helped them reach a shelter. ‘It was terrifying,’ Hinds admitted. ‘Trees were falling, and the river was rising uncontrollably.’ Days later, Hinds, still clutching her baby, surveyed the ruins of her home. ‘I’m grateful it wasn’t worse,’ she said, determined to rebuild. Nearby, Tina Wilson faced a similar ordeal. She was preparing dinner when the storm hit. ‘I saw the roof lift off and told my daughter to run with the baby,’ Wilson recalled. ‘I stayed to save what I could, but the house was swept away.’ Wilson and her family sought shelter in a friend’s unfinished concrete house, narrowly escaping as a massive tree crushed their home. ‘We lost almost everything,’ she said, ‘but we’re alive, and that’s what matters.’ Both families, like many in River Lane, are now salvaging what remains, clearing debris, and burning ruined furniture. ‘If we can get materials to patch up a shelter for the children, we’ll be content,’ Wilson said, embodying resilience in the face of disaster.