Uber, the global ride-hailing giant, has officially launched its services in Barbados, marking the company’s first foray into the Eastern Caribbean. The app became operational last week, offering residents and visitors the ability to book rides through the Uber Taxi option, which connects users with licensed local taxi drivers. Belén Romero, Regional General Manager for the Andean Region, Central America, and the Caribbean, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion. “We are proud to begin this new chapter in Barbados, a strategic location for Uber in the region. Our mission is to enhance mobility by integrating technology that ensures safety and convenience while creating economic opportunities for local drivers,” she stated. Romero emphasized Uber’s commitment to aligning with Barbados’ transportation framework, noting that the Uber Taxi service will not operate at the Bridgetown Port during the 2025/26 winter season to respect local priorities. The Uber Taxi feature allows licensed drivers to accept ride requests via the app while maintaining their independence. Users can access real-time driver details, fare estimates, and routes, with fares displayed in US dollars and fully compliant with Transport Authority regulations. The app also includes a tipping feature for passengers to express appreciation. Uber highlighted that its entry into Barbados aims to strengthen the local taxi industry by leveraging technology, safety, and convenience. Drivers stand to benefit from increased earning potential, particularly from the tourism sector, and gain access to a global platform used by millions worldwide. Additionally, drivers will have access to over 30 in-app safety features and 24-hour support. “Safety is our top priority,” Romero said, explaining that the app enables riders to share trip details with trusted contacts, verify drivers via a PIN system, and rely on continuous monitoring throughout each journey. Uber’s taxi option has already proven successful in other markets. In the Dominican Republic, the service has facilitated over 115,000 trips since 2022, while in France, more than 3,000 taxis now operate through the platform. Similar services are available in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and London, where traditional black cabs use the app. To cater to Barbados’ tourism market, Uber has introduced features such as Uber Reserve, allowing users to schedule trips up to 90 days in advance, and Uber Hourly, enabling passengers to book a driver by the hour with multiple stops. Barbados is the first Caribbean country to offer Uber Hourly. “Tourism and mobility go hand in hand,” Romero remarked. “We want visitors to explore Barbados with confidence, knowing they have access to the same trusted safety standards Uber provides globally. Our goal is to support the island’s tourism by connecting people safely and reliably while creating new opportunities for local taxi drivers, who are integral to the authentic Barbadian experience.” The onboarding process for local drivers is managed by an on-island partner responsible for verifying permits, licenses, and insurance documents. Earnings from completed trips will be deposited directly into drivers’ registered bank accounts.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
-
Barbados sends aid to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
In a swift response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados has announced a comprehensive humanitarian aid initiative for Jamaica. Addressing the media at the World Food Hub within Grantley Adams International Airport on Thursday, Mottley revealed that Barbados has already commenced the coordination of relief shipments. The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) has dispatched two containers filled with essential supplies, including tarpaulins, cots, and emergency generators. Additionally, the World Food Programme is contributing 5,000 food kits, with the Barbadian government pledging to match this number. Each kit is designed to sustain a family of three for one week. Mottley emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that her conversation with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the critical need for immediate support in the form of food, monetary donations, and logistical supplies. The Prime Minister also called on Barbadian citizens to participate in the national relief effort, with the DEM set to announce specific ways for the public to contribute. Plans are underway to establish a dedicated bank account and designated drop-off points for monetary and item donations, ensuring a streamlined and effective response to the crisis.
-
India stun Australia to reach final
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, Jemimah Rodrigues delivered an unforgettable unbeaten century to guide India to a historic five-wicket victory over Australia in the Women’s World Cup semifinal. Chasing a daunting target of 339, India achieved the highest successful run chase in Women’s One-Day International history, finishing with nine balls to spare. The match, held in Navi Mumbai, will be remembered as an instant classic, setting the stage for a final showdown against South Africa on Sunday. Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield set the tone with a brilliant century, but India’s chase was masterfully led by Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who shared a crucial 167-run partnership. Harmanpreet fell for 89, but Rodrigues remained steadfast, reaching her century off 115 balls. Her emotional celebration with teammates and the jubilant home crowd marked a moment of triumph. Despite Australia’s missed opportunities, including two dropped catches that reprieved both Rodrigues and Harmanpreet, India’s resilience and Rodrigues’ brilliance proved decisive. This victory not only ended Australia’s reign as defending champions but also ensured a new name will be etched on the trophy this weekend.
-
Young referees take center stage in annual recruitment course
The Barbados Football Association (BFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the quality of match officiating by prioritizing referee development. In a recent initiative, the BFA successfully conducted its annual Referee Recruitment Course, a cornerstone of its strategy to cultivate a new generation of skilled referees and bolster the local pool of match officials. The course, led by BFA’s Head of Refereeing, Mark Forde, and CONCACAF’s Member Association Referees’ Technical Instructor, Trevor Taylor, provided participants with comprehensive training in theoretical, technical, and physical aspects of refereeing, aligned with the official laws of the game. Following the course, participants will enter an apprenticeship phase to officiate domestic matches. Forde emphasized the importance of attracting young talent, noting that the majority of the 16 participants were aged between 14 and 18. He highlighted the critical role referees play in the sustainability of football in Barbados, stating, ‘Without referees, no football can play.’ The BFA’s efforts extend beyond local development, with plans to send two young referees, Darian Scantlebury and Charles Yearwood, to Trinidad and Tobago next month to participate in a CONCACAF initiative aimed at identifying emerging talent and elevating regional refereeing standards. BFA President Randy Harris underscored the association’s dedication to excellence, citing the inclusion of five BFA referees on the prestigious 2025 FIFA International Referees List as a testament to their progress. BFA referees have also gained recognition internationally, officiating matches across the Americas and the Caribbean. Locally, they continue to play a pivotal role in prestigious tournaments such as the Prime Minister’s Cup and the inaugural 2025 Barbados Beach Soccer Championship.
-
Flash-Flood Watch issued for Barbados
The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has activated a Flash-Flood Watch for the island as a tropical wave sweeps across the region, bringing intermittent heavy showers. Issued early Friday, October 31, 2025, the alert warns of potential flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, with rainfall totals expected to reach up to two inches. Conditions are forecast to improve by late Friday night, but residents are advised to remain vigilant. Sudden flooding on roads, fields, and properties could disrupt travel, while water levels in drains and ponds may rise significantly. The BMS emphasizes the importance of adhering to guidance from the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and staying updated through official channels, including the Government Information Service. A Flash-Flood Watch indicates favorable conditions for flooding but does not guarantee its occurrence. The watch remains in effect until 6:00 p.m. Friday or until further updates are provided. For real-time information, visit www.barbadosweather.org or contact the BMS at 535-0022.
-
Liberty Caribbean Foundation mobilises relief for Jamaica
In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation has launched an immediate regional relief initiative to aid affected families, employees, and communities across Jamaica. The charitable arm of Flow and Liberty Business, in collaboration with regional crisis teams and partners under Liberty Latin America, has strategically positioned essential supplies, including food, water, emergency kits, and connectivity solutions, ready for deployment as soon as local authorities provide safe access.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of staff remains the top priority, with teams actively verifying the status of all employees. While outreach efforts continue, the Foundation is prepared to commence relief shipments at the earliest opportunity, pending official clearance.
Inge Smidts, CEO of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the organization’s commitment: ‘Our first duty is to our people and the communities who rely on us. We have mobilized resources across the region to ensure a swift, coordinated, and responsible response. Wherever we can safely deliver assistance, we will be there to provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery.’
The Foundation is working closely with national and local authorities, community organizations, and trusted relief partners to ensure efficient aid distribution, avoid duplication, and prioritize the most vulnerable households and shelter populations. Simultaneously, Liberty Caribbean’s crisis-management teams are focused on restoring critical communications infrastructure and supporting employee welfare.
Smidts added, ‘Recovery will be a sustained effort. Beyond emergency supplies, we are committed to partnering with local organizations on rebuilding and resilience initiatives that restore livelihoods and strengthen communities. The Foundation will remain engaged for as long as it takes.’
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on October 28 as a devastating Category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, tying it with Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the 1935 ‘Labor Day’ hurricane as the strongest Atlantic hurricane landfall on record by wind speed.
The Foundation is calling for public and corporate support to scale relief operations. Donations will directly fund the procurement and delivery of essential supplies and support long-term recovery programs in the hardest-hit communities. Secure online donations can be made at: https://www.libertycaribbeanfoundation.org/hurricane-relief.
-
Deacons Primary closed, ministry steps up rodent control
Deacons Primary School in St Michael will remain closed on Friday, October 31, 2025, as the Ministry of Educational Transformation escalates its efforts to address a severe rodent infestation plaguing the institution. This marks the third closure this week, following shutdowns on Monday and Thursday due to reports of vermin on the premises. In a statement released on Thursday night, the ministry confirmed that extensive remediation work is underway to restore hygienic and safe conditions at the school. The ministry emphasized the interconnectedness of schools and their surrounding communities, stating, ‘Our schools are not only vital to our communities but are also physically embedded within them. Consequently, issues affecting the community inevitably impact the school environment.’ The Educational Transformation Management Unit (ETMU) is investigating potential lapses that may have allowed the rodents to infiltrate the school grounds. The unit is collaborating with the school’s leadership to implement recommendations aimed at upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Over the next 72 hours, staff will focus on decluttering the premises as part of the cleanup process. The ministry also announced plans to enhance monitoring and enforcement of waste management practices across all schools nationwide to minimize opportunities for vermin to thrive. Officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining open communication with education stakeholders, who have expressed support for the ongoing remediation efforts. The ministry reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring safe and healthy environments in all schools across the island.
-
QEH’s Paediatric Department gets needed equipment
The Paediatrics Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados has received a significant boost in its capacity to provide enhanced care and comfort to its young patients, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club of Barbados South Charitable Trust, CIBC Caribbean, and the Bridge Supermarket. A generous donation of $75,000 worth of specialized medical equipment has been made to the department, marking a pivotal moment in the hospital’s commitment to improving pediatric healthcare.
-
Ann Hill School celebrates 43 years of excellence
Ann Hill School commemorated its 43rd anniversary with a vibrant celebration that united students, staff, parents, and supporters. The event, held under the school’s annual theme, ‘Nothing is impossible with God,’ also featured the induction of eight prefects, symbolizing a new chapter in the institution’s legacy. Principal Emelda Bell addressed the gathering, highlighting the school’s enduring mission to foster integrity, discipline, teamwork, and resilience among its students. She emphasized the importance of nurturing well-rounded citizens of Barbados and lauded the unwavering dedication of teachers and parents. Bell urged parents to continue supporting their children’s growth, while teachers were praised for their commitment and care. Reverend Kenroy Marshall, guest speaker and project accountant in the Ministry of Educational Transformation, inspired students and prefects to embrace leadership rooted in kindness. He encouraged them to be catalysts for positive change within the school community, emphasizing that leadership begins with simple acts of compassion. Marshall challenged the new prefects to serve as bridges between teachers and peers, urging them to initiate change rather than wait for it. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt prayer and a collective pledge by students to uphold the school’s motto, reaffirming their faith and determination to achieve greatness.
-
Barbados calls for global recognition of small islands after Hurricane Melissa devastation
The aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa has reignited urgent calls from Barbados for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to be formally acknowledged as a vulnerable group within international climate agreements. Environment Minister Adrian Forde emphasized the dire financial challenges Caribbean nations face during disasters, describing them as ‘political contortionists’ forced to reallocate resources to address immediate crises.