标签： Barbados

巴巴多斯

Soca royalty reigns at Fort Christian Lot as St Thomas Carnival Village comes alive

On a balmy open-air night at St Thomas’ iconic Fort Christian Lot, the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Festivals delivered a career-defining evening of Caribbean culture, headlined by two of soca music’s biggest names: Hypasounds and Alison Hinds. Thousands of excited carnival-goers packed the historic grounds, turning the venue into a sea of movement and celebration that reinforced St Thomas Carnival’s reputation as one of the most vibrant cultural events in the Caribbean.

As sunset faded and the stage lights cut through the dark, the night built steadily toward the highly anticipated headline sets. When Hypasounds stepped onto the stage, he immediately seized control of the crowd, drawing on his years of experience performing across the Caribbean to read the room and stoke energy to a fever pitch. The dynamic performer wove through his catalog of hits, showcasing his versatility as an artist and the effortless charisma that has earned him a devoted global fanbase, particularly among female followers. Every note landed with precise flair, keeping the energy soaring from his first opening chord to his final bow. The crowd responded with unbridled, unfiltered enthusiasm that could only be found during peak carnival season, singing along to every track and filling the Fort Christian Lot with deafening cheers.

No night of carnival soca would be complete without a performance from the undisputed Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds, and the decades-long icon delivered a set that lived up to every bit of her legendary reputation. Stepping out to roaring applause, Hinds connected with the crowd with the warm, unshakable confidence of an artist who has spent her career commanding stages of every size. She effortlessly held the audience in the palm of her hand, proving exactly why her title as Queen of Soca has remained unchallenged for more than 30 years.

Far more than just a single concert, this standout night at Carnival Village served as a powerful reminder of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ status as one of the Caribbean’s premier destinations for cultural celebration. When St Thomas commits to putting on a show, it delivers on every promise of joy, community, and world-class performance. Held annually every April, St Thomas Carnival continues to grow in popularity, drawing visitors and music fans from across the globe, and nights like this are a perfect testament to its enduring appeal.

For Hypasounds himself, the show was a homecoming of sorts: the artist has long spoken publicly about his deep affection for the U.S. Virgin Islands, counting the territory among his favorite places to perform, and that heartfelt fondness shone through every minute of his high-energy set. Event organizers extended special gratitude to the USVI Division of Festivals, production partner Riddimstream, and Michael Knight and his full band, who provided the dynamic live instrumentation that elevated every performance and brought the night’s music to vivid life.

The momentum from this unforgettable St Thomas show shows no signs of slowing down for Hypasounds. Next on his tour schedule is a stop in Barbados for Patrice Roberts’ highly anticipated I Am Woman event, set to take place on Mother’s Day. The event, which celebrates women’s contributions to Caribbean music and culture, will feature some of the region’s most talented artists, and fans are already rushing to secure entry — organizers are encouraging Barbadian fans to book their tickets early to avoid missing out. Following the Barbados stop, Hypasounds will hit the stage again this very weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, kicking off a string of upcoming dates that promise as much excitement as the St Thomas carnival night.

Fans can keep up with Hypasounds’ upcoming tour dates and new releases by following him on all social media platforms @hypasoundsmuzik. His latest single, *Too Like*, is available for streaming now on all major digital music platforms.

1 5 月, 2026
Firefighters stretched as six bushfires rage islandwide

A series of six separate grass fires broke out across Barbados on Thursday, putting the island’s entire fire service under unprecedented resource strain as crews raced to stop the blazes from spreading into heavily populated residential and commercial areas. The fires spanned from the northern parish community of Alleynedale all the way to Adams Castle in the south, creating plumes of thick smoke that were visible as far inland as the capital city of Bridgetown by early afternoon.

One of the most dangerous outbreaks rapidly expanded westward toward the Vauxhall district, advancing to within a hair’s breadth of homes, educational institutions, and local businesses in the Sargeants Village neighborhood. Vast stretches of grassland stretching from Vallery to the Globe Drive-In were either fully engulfed in flames or left blackened and charred by the blaze. Faced with extreme heat and poor visibility from dense smoke, motorists were forced to reroute their trips through Kendal Hill to bypass the affected zone. Fire department responders dispatched one fire truck urgently to the drive-in area, working against the clock to corral the fire before it could push deeper into developed residential neighborhoods.

Leading Fire Officer Natasha Forde told local outlet Barbados TODAY that firefighting teams had been continuously deployed across the island since approximately 9 a.m., responding to a nonstop stream of new fire reports. “We have fires going on in Vauxhall, two fires were alight. We have fires in Bannatyne, Alleynedale, South Ridge, Sheraton Heights, as well as Adams Castle,” Forde outlined, confirming that all six incidents were classified as grass fires that had put adjacent populated zones at direct risk.

Forde explained that the widespread nature of the concurrent blazes had pulled in resources from every fire station across Barbados, stretching personnel thin across multiple response teams. “The majority of our resources are utilised, we have fire officers out, we have station officers out, we also have divisional officers also, we have a number of personnel out in different teams. Because they’re all our units, it means all of the stations are out, so we have Bridgetown, we have Arch Hall, Worthing, the Port,” she said. Crews have been juggling multiple assignments, she added, with teams diverted straight from one extinguished blaze to the next new reported outbreak.

While damage assessments were still ongoing by midday Thursday, Forde confirmed that a number of local schools had already shut down due to hazardous smoke permeating their campuses, including the Barbados Community College and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology. She added that officials could not yet confirm how many residential properties had suffered damage, but emphasized the immediate health risk posed by widespread smoke pollution.

In an official advisory, Forde urged residents located in or traveling through affected areas to evacuate whenever they can do so safely, particularly for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. “Persons living in these areas or who are traversing these areas, businesses and such, if you can evacuate, the smoke is impacting you and you can evacuate and do it safely, then do that. We’re not asking persons, especially those individuals with respiratory ailments, to remain within the environment. It’s not healthy. At the same time, if you’re going to evacuate, make sure that you can breathe safely,” she said.

The leading fire officer also issued a sharp warning to motorists, urging them to avoid driving through smoke-covered zones where visibility has been drastically cut. “Do not try to traverse through that smoke. You do not know what you are going to buck up on, it could be another vehicle that is stalled in the road. It could be one of our appliances carrying out firefighting operations, and you do not see that. Where the visibility is limited, we’re asking persons find alternative routes or remain where you are, but do not try to go through that smoke,” she added.

1 5 月, 2026
BIUSM secures re-registration with the BAC

Barbados’ tertiary education quality oversight body has formally greenlit the continued operation of one of the country’s leading medical schools, marking a key milestone in the Caribbean nation’s ongoing push to raise academic standards across higher education institutions.

On April 23, 2026, the Barbados Accreditation Council (BAC) officially awarded a re-registration certificate to the Bridgetown International University School of Medicine (BIUSM) during a ceremony held at the BAC’s Phoenix Centre headquarters. Representing BIUSM at the event were the university’s Director Dr. Ganapriya Kancherla and Executive Dean Dr. Chrisita Powlett, who accepted the official documentation on the institution’s behalf.

This re-registration is far more than a routine administrative renewal: it is a core component of BAC’s national quality assurance framework. All registered tertiary institutions in Barbados must complete this periodic, full-spectrum assessment at set intervals, with evaluators scrutinizing every aspect of an institution’s work, from core academic curricula and faculty standards to institutional governance, student support services, and operational management. The rigorous, multi-stage process is designed to hold higher education providers accountable to the public, ensure they adapt to evolving industry and educational best practices, and embed a culture of ongoing improvement across Barbados’ entire tertiary education ecosystem.

BIUSM first earned initial BAC registration back in February 2022, meaning this successful re-evaluation confirms the institution has maintained and elevated its standards over four years of operation. In remarks following the certificate presentation, Dr. Kancherla thanked BAC’s Quality Assurance team for their constructive guidance throughout the re-registration process, noting that their input has been invaluable as BIUSM works to develop and launch new medical education programs to expand its academic offerings.

As Barbados continues to invest in strengthening its higher education sector to serve both domestic and international students, mechanisms like mandatory periodic re-registration play a critical role in upholding rigorous standards that deliver tangible benefits to multiple stakeholders. For students, these standards guarantee a quality education that meets global professional expectations; for employers, they ensure graduates possess the skills and knowledge needed to excel; and for the broader Barbadian society, they reinforce the country’s reputation as a hub for high-quality regional higher education.

1 5 月, 2026
BDF deputy urges drill instructors to uphold discipline, standards

At a recent graduation ceremony hosted at the Barbados Coast Guard headquarters, a senior military leader has challenged a fresh cohort of specialized drill instructors to leverage their newly completed advanced training to embed stronger discipline and leadership across all uniformed services in the Caribbean region.

The eight-week All Arms Advanced Drill and Ceremonial Course One wrapped up with a formal parade, drawing approximately 30 participants from both Barbados and neighboring regional territories. Addressing the assembled graduates and officials, Mark Peterson, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, opened his remarks by congratulating the trainees on successfully completing the rigorous program, emphasizing that the course was never just about perfecting synchronized movements on the parade square.

Peterson reinforced that military drill has long served as a foundational pillar of professional development for uniformed services, going far beyond shaping external bearing and physical presentation to forge core character traits and build cohesive team dynamics. “The aim of drill is to produce a soldier who’s proud, alert, and obedient and to form the basis of teamwork,” Peterson told the gathered attendees. Reflecting on the visible transformation of participants over the course of the intensive program, he noted: “Look at yourselves now…that individual is no longer an ideal to chase; that individual is a person staring back at you from your own reflection, standing proud, shoulders back, eyes two inches above your own body height, spirit intact.”

Beyond its foundational role in character building, Peterson stressed that drill delivers tangible practical benefits for military leadership. It enables commanders to maneuver units in an orderly, disciplined fashion, while also cultivating quick responsiveness and authoritative command presence among all service members. “The purpose of drill is to enable a leader to move a unit in an orderly manner, to instil precision, responsiveness, and to develop all members in the practice of command,” he said. “You have not only practised it, you have not only commanded it – you’ve become it.”

During the ceremony, Peterson also presented an award to Most Outstanding Student SGT Baggio Harewood, recognizing the top performer’s exceptional effort and progress throughout the program. The event included a formal inspection of the graduating cohort by Peterson, followed by a demonstration drill executed by the newly qualified instructors.

However, the Deputy Chief of Staff issued a critical reminder for the newly minted instructors about the serious responsibility that comes with their new role: drill must never be misused as a form of punishment. “To our newly graduated drill instructors, always remember that drill must never be used as a punishment. It is about raising standards and forging unique cohesion,” Peterson said. He added that effective, professional drill relies on three core pillars: consistent discipline, deliberate practice, and constructive correction of errors.

After completing the course, graduates will return to their respective posts across a range of regional uniformed institutions, including the Barbados Defence Force, national police units, prison services, fire departments, and the Youth Advance Corps. Peterson urged the graduates to serve as role models of excellence in every aspect of their professional lives, from their dress and personal conduct to their daily work ethic. “You are now the subject matter expert,” Peterson told the cohort. “You are responsible for maintaining and in some cases, raising the organisational standards. That responsibility begins now.”

1 5 月, 2026
Grenada advances Canadian tourism market strategy through high-impact Toronto mission

The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has successfully wrapped up a week-long strategic market development mission in Toronto, Canada, marking a major step forward in expanding the Caribbean destination’s footprint in one of its most valuable international source markets. The trip centered on coordinated engagement with travel industry stakeholders, media outlets and airline partners, designed to drive long-term visitor growth and strengthen Grenada’s reputation as a premium leisure getawasy.

Led by GTA CEO Stacey Liburd, the delegation included Sekou Stroude, GTA’s Director of Sales for Canada, and Marketing Executive Melinda Telesford. The core priorities of the mission were deepening existing strategic industry partnerships, unlocking new opportunities for expanded air connectivity, and solidifying Grenada’s standing in Canada’s fast-growing luxury and experiential travel segments.

One of the most significant outcomes of the mission was productive strategic talks with Canadian carrier WestJet. The two sides explored extending the airline’s existing seasonal direct service to Grenada, currently running from December to April, to an expanded November-to-May schedule. A longer operating window would drastically improve travel accessibility for Canadian visitors looking to plan trips outside the traditional winter peak. Discussions with WestJet Vacations also made progress on expanding the range of pre-packaged Grenada travel offerings, which will boost the destination’s visibility and increase booking conversion rates across the Canadian market.

Liburd noted that the Toronto mission was part of GTA’s deliberate, targeted strategy to reinforce Grenada’s market position in Canada. “Through strategic airline discussions, trade engagement and media outreach, we are expanding awareness while creating clear pathways for increased visitation and sustained growth,” she said during the trip.

The GTA delegation also took part in Virtuoso On Tour Toronto 2026, an industry event connecting luxury travel suppliers with top global advisors, an opportunity that further elevated Grenada’s luxury travel profile. During the event, the delegation held one-on-one consultations with more than 80 elite travel advisors, gaining direct access to professionals who cater to high-value international travelers. GTA also sponsored an industry dinner for event attendees, which included a detailed destination presentation by Liburd, immersive curated experiences highlighting Grenada’s unique culture and natural attractions, and a prize giveaway sponsored by three of Grenada’s top luxury resorts: Calabash Grenada, Six Senses La Sagesse and Silversands Grenada.

To expand consumer awareness, the GTA carried out a targeted media outreach program that connected the delegation with 20 leading Canadian travel journalists and social media influencers. The engagement already yielded immediate coverage, including a feature in major Canadian travel industry publication Travelweek, with additional national consumer coverage expected in coming months. Liburd also made a live appearance on CHCH Morning Live, a popular Ontario morning television show, extending Grenada’s reach to millions of general consumer viewers across the province.

Stroude emphasized that the wide-ranging engagements across trade, media and airline partners confirm that underlying demand for Grenada travel in the Canadian market remains strong. “The relationships strengthened during this mission position us to drive both immediate bookings and long-term market growth, particularly within the luxury and experience-driven segments,” he explained.

In addition to industry and media events, the mission included an exclusive dinner for top travel advisors from leading Canadian agencies such as Flight Centre, U Travel and Maritime Travel. The delegation also held strategic partnership talks with Sandals Resorts to coordinate upcoming joint marketing and promotional activities across Canada.

GTA’s work with its in-market representation partner VOX International also allowed the delegation to review performance of ongoing promotional campaigns, confirming that current initiatives have already delivered strong engagement and conversion metrics, laying a solid foundation for future growth.

The mission concluded with a diplomatic engagement at the Grenada Consulate in Toronto, an event that aligned GTA’s tourism promotion goals with the country’s foreign service objectives as Grenada continues to expand its global profile and attract more international visitors.

1 5 月, 2026
MP visits Bay Primary to rally pupils ahead of 11-plus exam

As countdown hours tick down to one of the most high-stakes assessments in Barbados’ primary education system, students at Bay Primary School got a much-needed dose of emotional encouragement and practical support this Thursday, when local Member of Parliament Kirk Humphrey made a special stop to prepare the cohort before their 11-plus common entrance examination next Tuesday.

Even after an unexpectedly uncomfortable morning trip to the dentist – an experience he lightheartedly called far from enjoyable – the St. Michael South representative did not reschedule his visit. He arrived bearing custom stationery kits, a small but meaningful gesture of community investment in the young test-takers’ success, and stepped into a classroom humming with a unique mix of jittery nerves and quiet excitement for the milestone ahead.

Instead of leaning on generic last-minute study tips that most students had already heard dozens of times from teachers and family members, Humphrey centered his remarks on the emotional resilience that matters most on exam day. “I know you’ve already gotten piles of advice from everyone around you, so I won’t add more,” he told the assembled students. “The only word I want to leave you with is brave. Bravery means trusting that you have the confidence to tackle anything you set your mind to, no matter how hard it looks.”

Humphrey walked students through simple, actionable strategies for managing test-day anxiety: starting the morning with a moment of gratitude or prayer, leaning on the years of structured preparation their teachers have provided, and not letting one tricky question derail their entire performance. “If you hit a question that stumps you, don’t freeze. Be brave enough to move on to the next one, and circle back when you’ve finished what you know,” he advised. “Above all, read every question slowly, take your time, and don’t rush through the paper.”

One of his core goals for the visit was dismantling the pervasive stigma that links secondary school placement to lifelong success. When he asked the room which secondary school they hoped to attend, dozens of students shouted out “Foundation!” – one of the island’s most prestigious institutions – but Humphrey was quick to reframe the narrative. He emphasized that a young person’s character, work ethic, and personal values will always shape their future more than the name of the secondary school they attend. “This one exam does not determine the rest of your life,” he insisted. “The idea that you have to get into a specific school to be successful is just not true. You can thrive at any school you attend. And I truly believe that being a good person matters more than any score you get on this test.”

Before wrapping up his remarks, Humphrey paused to honor the hard work of Bay Primary’s teaching staff, noting their consistent advocacy for their students’ needs. He highlighted the unique commitment local primary teachers show every exam cycle, when they gather outside test centers to cheer on their students before they go in to sit the paper. “The teachers here have done extraordinary work with these children over the years, and that doesn’t go unnoticed,” he said.

This cohort of test-takers holds a unique distinction: they are widely referred to as the “COVID babies,” having navigated major pandemic-related disruptions to their learning throughout their early primary school years. Class Four lead teacher Dwayne Hayde shared that while the pandemic created unforeseen learning gaps, his students have put in relentless work to catch up and build the skills they need for the exam. “I’m confident they’re as ready as they can be,” Hayde said. “Of course, as teachers we always want a little more practice time, but I genuinely believe these kids are prepared to do their best. They’ve mastered all the core concepts for math – questions change on the exam, but the fundamentals stay the same. All they need to do is identify what’s being asked and apply what they’ve learned.”

Hayde identified time management as the biggest potential hurdle for the cohort on test day, noting that many students struggle to complete all questions within the allotted window. “The biggest challenge is pacing yourself to get through everything you know in the given time,” he explained. “But if they can keep that under control, they should do well, and I hope they all get into the school of their choice.”

As the visit drew to a close, each student collected their new stationery kit, and Humphrey closed the session by leading the group in a calming deep breathing exercise, followed by a group recitation of Bay Primary’s core motto: “I will use my head, my heart, and my hands to strive for excellence.” He also made two promises to the students: he will be present outside the test center to cheer them on Tuesday morning, and he will return after results are released to celebrate all of their hard work, regardless of the outcome.

1 5 月, 2026
‘Barbados first’: Immigration reform sparks debate over labour shortages, home protections

Facing a pressing demographic crisis defined by a shrinking national population and a rapidly aging workforce, the Mia Mottley administration has tabled sweeping amendments to Barbados’ Immigration Act, a legislative move that has split public opinion along the lines of economic pragmatism and protectionist concern. The proposed bill is designed to overhaul and modernize the country’s existing citizenship and residency rules, with the explicit goal of securing Barbados’ long-term economic stability against shifting demographic headwinds.

Home Affairs Minister Gregory Nicholls has outlined three core demographic pressures driving the policy change: persistently declining national fertility rates, ongoing outward migration of working-age Barbadians, and the steady aging of the domestic workforce. These intertwined challenges have created a growing gap in the labor market that the government argues cannot be addressed through domestic pools alone, hence the push for updated immigration rules to attract skilled workers from overseas.

Yet the proposed changes have ignited fierce public discussion around how to strike the right balance between pressing economic needs and protecting priority access to jobs, housing and opportunities for native-born Barbadians. Among supporters of the reforms, local resident Mark Boyce said he accepts the need for foreign labor, pointing to a widespread, well-documented shortage of skilled workers across the island’s booming construction and service sectors. “With the volume of development and work currently underway across Barbados, we simply do not have enough trained local workers to fill every open role,” Boyce explained. “There’s no shame in looking abroad to fill those gaps to keep our economy growing.”

Not all residents share that pragmatic acceptance, however. Small business proprietor Michelle, who advocated for a strict “locals first” mandate to be written into the legislation, argued that no foreign worker should be granted access to a role until the government verifies that no qualified, available Barbadian is willing to take the position. “Born and raised Barbadians should get first dibs on every opening, as well as priority access to housing and other public resources,” Michelle stressed. “There has to be a regulated system that proves no local can or will do the job before we start bringing people in from overseas.”

For other critics like Noel, a security guard based in Bridgetown, the risks of unregulated foreign labor influx extend far beyond priority access to roles. He warned that an inflow of migrant workers willing to accept lower wages and poor working conditions could open the door to widespread exploitation of migrant labor, while also pushing native Barbadian job seekers out of the market entirely. “Some employers will jump at the chance to hire people who will work any hours for any pay, and that leaves local people out in the cold,” Noel said. “The government’s first responsibility has to be to the people who already call this country home.”

The debate has also shone a light on a lingering “incentive gap” that some observers argue is already contributing to unfilled domestic vacancies. One long-time resident noted that many industries across Barbados already rely heavily on non-local workers, and argued that the new legislation should pair relaxed immigration rules with greater incentives to encourage native workers to take hard-to-fill roles, rather than simply opening the door to foreign workers to plug gaps immediately. “The fact that we have so many open roles that locals aren’t filling tells us there’s a deeper problem in Barbadian society that we need to address alongside immigration reform,” the resident said.

As the bill moves through the parliamentary process, the Mottley administration finds itself walking a very fine line. It must address the undeniable demographic reality of population decline that threatens to erode the island’s tax base and slow economic growth, while also reassuring a nervous public that native Barbadians will not be sidelined in their own national economy. The ultimate success of the reforms will hinge on whether the government can attract the skilled “new blood” needed to expand the labor force and grow state revenue, without undermining the social and economic standing of the country’s existing population.

1 5 月, 2026
Dems raises ‘economic risks’ concerns despite growth streak

Even with nearly five years of uninterrupted economic expansion, Barbados remains far from insulated from growing global economic headwinds, the country’s main opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has cautioned. The party highlights slowing growth momentum, overreliance on two key sectors, and unanswered questions about national fiscal strategy as the Caribbean nation prepares to enter negotiations for a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) financing arrangement.

Last Wednesday, Central Bank Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge announced that Barbados has recorded 20 straight quarters of positive economic growth, and also confirmed the country will soon open discussions with the IMF for a standby arrangement. This type of agreement is designed to give countries quick access to emergency funding if external economic shocks disrupt growth and stability.

But in an official response to Greenidge’s announcement, DLP Shadow Finance Minister Senator Ryan Walters flagged what he calls a clear contradiction at the heart of the government’s economic messaging. “On one hand, officials claim the economy is performing excellently,” Walters noted. “On the other, the government is already moving to secure a contingency financing line with the IMF.”

Walters pointed to concrete data showing a clear deceleration in growth between the first quarter of 2025 and the same period this year. While the 1.7% expansion recorded in Q1 2026 extends the unbroken growth streak, that figure marks a noticeable drop from the 2.6% growth seen in the first quarter of 2025. This slowdown, Walters argued, reinforces a long-held concern: without intentional, targeted diversification, Barbados’ economy will remain heavily exposed to external shifts, since growth is almost entirely driven by tourism and construction.

The opposition leader warned that overreliance on these two sectors creates disproportionate vulnerability. Though tourist arrival numbers have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels, Walters said the country has not seen a corresponding rise in tourism-related foreign revenue. This indicates that average visitor spending has actually fallen, even as the government celebrates record arrival numbers. He also raised questions about the widely promoted domestic construction boom, noting that most projects appear to be funded by local financing rather than the foreign direct investment that would strengthen the broader economy.

To build long-term resilience, Walters stressed that Barbados must reduce its dependence on tourism and construction by expanding into new high-potential sectors. He called for strategic investment in agro-processing, renewable alternative energy, and the creative economy, with a particular focus on film production, digital media, and local content development. “These sectors offer tangible opportunities to widen our economic base and build the shock resistance we need to sustain growth through global volatility,” he said.

Beyond diversification, Walters demanded greater transparency from the ruling administration, calling on officials to provide a full, public breakdown of the latest economic data and ongoing government projects. He pointed to significant public capital allocations for delayed or underperforming projects that have not been restructured or reevaluated, noting that without clear information about public spending, it is impossible for policymakers or the public to accurately assess the long-term sustainability of current fiscal and economic trends.

Walters also raised urgent concerns about the country’s fiscal sustainability and debt management framework. To date, he said, the government has not released a clear, credible strategy to meet upcoming debt obligations to lenders and the IMF, including an estimated $72.11 million in payments due in 2026. It remains unclear whether the government will cover these costs through existing fiscal reserves, improved tax revenue collection, or high-interest new borrowing, a path Walters called deeply concerning.

Repeated refinancing of existing debt through new loans, he warned, will only put additional strain on the national economy. “Reliably rolling over old debt with new loans increases our exposure to global interest rate shocks, erodes international confidence in our fiscal management, and risks locking Barbados into a dangerous cycle where debt grows faster than the economy can generate the revenue needed to service it,” Walters explained.

In closing, he emphasized that while steady headline growth is welcome, it has not translated to widespread benefits for most Barbadian households or improved public services. “Growth that comes without transparency, economic diversification, and tangible improvements to daily life and national development cannot be considered secure or sustainable for the long term,” he said.

30 4 月, 2026
Primary school football final to be played at Wildey AstroTurf

As one of the longest-running youth football competitions on the island of Barbados enters its fourth decade of operation, it is getting the most transformative upgrade in its history, with organisers rolling out major changes designed to elevate the event’s regional profile and give rising young talent a world-class stage to showcase their skills.

For 30 years, the BICO Primary School football tournament has nurtured grassroots football talent across Barbados, but this year’s edition will mark a series of firsts that set a new benchmark for youth sports events on the island. The announcement of the revamped schedule and format was made by Zahir Motara, senior coach at the National Sports Council (NSC), during the official launch of the 2024 tournament on Thursday.

Motara confirmed that for the first time ever in the tournament’s history, both the semifinal and final rounds will be hosted at the Barbados Football Association (BFA) Technical Centre in Wildey — the same facility that plays host to international matches and the island’s top-tier Premier League. Most notably, the 2024 championship final scheduled for June 27 will be played under floodlights, a first for any primary school football final in Barbados’ history.

This upgrade is no random change; it is the result of the NSC’s new tiered system framework for all major domestic youth sports events, developed in partnership with the BFA to deliver a more competitive, fan-friendly experience. “This venue will give our young players a professional match environment that truly matches the incredible talent and dedication they bring to the pitch every season,” Motara said, referring to the “dynamite Final Four” round that will kick off the event’s closing stage.

To expand the competition’s reach beyond in-person spectators, organisers are also planning to live stream both the semifinal and final matches. This move will open the tournament up to thousands of football fans across the Caribbean region and around the globe, giving participating young players, event organisers and sponsoring partners the broad exposure their work deserves.

Interest in the 2024 tournament has hit an all-time high, with more than 1,100 young athletes representing 70 primary schools from across Barbados registered to compete. The tournament will officially get underway on May 12, with play split across eight geographic zones named in honour of local Barbadian football icons: the Edward Smith and Frank Holder Zone, Dane Alleyne Zone, Dennis Leacock Zone, Reginald Haynes and Victor “Gas” Clarke Zone, Kenville “Cab” Layne Zone, Keith Griffith Zone, Ricardo Mickey Gibson Zone, and the Adrian Donovan and Michael Foster Zone. A total of 280 matches will be played across the group stage, with playoffs set to launch on June 10.

Long-time sponsor BICO has been onboard for all but two of the tournament’s 30 years, and the company’s general manager Audley Grimes reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to nurturing Barbadian youth. “At BICO, we know our role in this community goes far beyond the products and services we provide. It is rooted in building up the next generation and strengthening the bonds that hold our communities together,” Grimes said. “This tournament lives out that belief, giving kids space to grow their confidence, learn teamwork, and build the discipline that will serve them for life.”

West Terrace Primary will enter the 2024 tournament as the defending champions, ready to defend their title against a field of hungry rising teams across the island.

30 4 月, 2026
Harpy Eagles eying another CWI title

The defending champions of the West Indies Championship, Guyana Harpy Eagles, are now just one victory away from lifting the trophy for a second consecutive time, after a dominant 93-run win against Windward Islands Volcanoes locked in their spot in the title decider. Played on the fourth and final day of the round-robin fixture at Antigua’s Coolidge Cricket Ground, Wednesday’s result pushed Tevin Imlach’s side to the summit of the league table, earning them an automatic direct berth in the championship final and completing a 3-0 clean sweep across their head-to-head meetings with the Volcanoes this season.

Windward Islands Volcanoes had an uphill battle from the moment they resumed play on Wednesday, requiring 319 runs to claim victory with nine wickets remaining in their second innings at 17 for one. The contest quickly swung firmly in the Harpy Eagles’ favour early on, as Nial Smith trapped Stephan Pascal leg before wicket for 12, before fast bowler Shamar Joseph removed Kavem Hodge for just eight, leaving the Volcanoes reeling at 36 for three.

A 74-run fourth-wicket stand between Johann Jeremiah and Alick Athanaze briefly revived the underdogs’ chances of an upset, pushing the score to 110 for three and giving the side hope of a remarkable comeback. However, the game shifted again once veteran spinner Veerasammy Permaul claimed Jeremiah’s wicket for 25, opening the door for left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie – the Harpy Eagles’ standout performer for the entire 2024 season – to take control of the contest. Motie quickly picked up the wickets of Shadrack Descarte and Noelle Leo, dropping the Volcanoes to 145 for six with just four wickets left in the innings.

Though Athanaze put up a resilient fight, finishing with a patient 64 from 116 deliveries, the lower order could not withstand the spin attack from Motie and Permaul. The pair combined to take the final four wickets of the innings, wrapping up the 93-run win. Motie finished with match figures of 4 wickets for 82 runs, Permaul claimed 3 for 41, and Joseph ended with 2 for 26 to round out the Harpy Eagles’ bowling performance.

In the second simultaneous round-robin fixture hosted at Antigua’s Antigua Recreation Ground, Leeward Islands Hurricanes pulled off a remarkable rearguard batting effort to secure a draw against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force. Resuming the final day at 160 for four, the Hurricanes faced a daunting task of batting out the full day to avoid defeat, but centuries from top-order batter Keacy Carty and captain Justin Greaves turned the tide of the match.

Trapped in a must-save situation, Carty and Greaves built a match-saving 174-run fifth-wicket partnership that dragged the Hurricanes back into the contest and put a Red Force victory out of reach. The pair carried the home side’s score to 271 before left-arm spinner Khary Pierre claimed a return catch to remove Carty, who had battled for four hours and 45 minutes to score 104 from 212 balls, hitting 16 boundaries and two sixes along the way.

Red Force kept pushing for the win that would have secured them top spot, and soon claimed the wickets of Cameron Pennyfeather for 20 and Greaves – who notched a defiant 122 from 178 balls, with 14 fours and one six – leaving the Hurricanes at 355 for seven. However, any remaining hopes of a win for the visitors were snuffed out by an unbroken late-wicket stand between Rahkeem Cornwall and Jahmar Hamilton. Cornwall scored an unbeaten 66 from 100 balls, while Hamilton finished 50 not out off 111, adding an unbroken 112 runs for the eighth wicket to force the two sides to agree to a draw when the Hurricanes reached 467 for seven.

Pacer Anderson Phillip finished with impressive figures of 4 for 89 for Red Force, who held on to second place in the final round-robin standings. As a result, Red Force will now face Barbados Pride in a semi-final qualifier, with the winner advancing to the championship final to take on the top-seeded Guyana Harpy Eagles for the West Indies Championship title.

30 4 月, 2026