The Barbados National Energy Company Limited (BNECL) concluded its inaugural Energy Quiz finals on Wednesday at its Woodbourne headquarters in St Philip, showcasing young students’ knowledge of energy and sustainability. The event, themed ‘All Things Energy, Igniting Young Minds,’ aimed to educate participants about Barbados’ clean-energy future and foster environmental awareness. The competition followed three preliminary rounds held earlier this month at Luther Thorne Primary School, Gordon Walters Primary School, and St Bartholomew Primary School. Finalists Tariq Forde, Skylar Alexander, and Kamari Burke emerged from these rounds to compete in a Jeopardy-style quiz. Categories included ‘Everything Energy,’ ‘Sustainability,’ ‘All About BNECL,’ ‘Science,’ and ‘Barbados Our Homeland.’ Skylar Alexander dominated the first round with 3,500 points, while Kamari Burke and Tariq Forde trailed behind. The second round featured topics like ‘Energy and Sustainability,’ ‘Environment and Climate,’ and ‘Barbados and Our Culture,’ with Alexander extending her lead to 4,900 points. A special intermission performance by former Junior Calypso Monarch Dynamo energized the audience, featuring songs like ‘Potential’ and ‘Bring Dem Back.’ The final bidding round reshuffled the scores, with Alexander securing first place with 5,800 points, Forde in second with 2,600, and Burke in third with 1,800. Prizes were awarded by officials from the Ministry of Energy and Business and BNECL, with Alexander receiving a trophy, a laptop, and $500. BNECL emphasized that the quiz is part of a broader initiative to educate youth about the energy sector and sustainability, aligning with its mission to empower the next generation through knowledge of Barbados’ evolving energy landscape.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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National Stadium Rebuild Advancing Steadily Toward 2027
The construction of Barbados’ National Stadium is progressing rapidly, with demolition work now complete and foundational construction in full swing. Project Manager Bo Xu has expressed optimism about the project’s timeline, stating that the team has seamlessly transitioned into critical phases such as excavation, subbase pouring, rebar tying, and concrete foundation work. These efforts lay the groundwork for what will become a state-of-the-art national facility. Xu emphasized the strong collaboration with local contractors, which has been instrumental in maintaining the project’s momentum. Despite facing weather-related challenges, the team has implemented improved drainage systems and reinforced access roads to ensure the project remains on schedule. Once completed, the stadium will meet stringent World Athletics and FIFA standards, support broadcast-ready events, and generate new employment and training opportunities for Barbadians. Xu confidently affirmed that the 2027 deadline will be met, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s infrastructure and sports development.
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Joseph dominates Sunshine meet again
Saffie Joseph Jr., the celebrated Barbadian trainer, has once again proven his dominance in the horse racing world by securing his 14th consecutive championship meet title at Gulfstream Park. The Sunshine Meet, which concluded over the weekend, saw Joseph clinch the title with an impressive 34 victories out of 143 starts, outpacing second-place trainer Jose D’Angelo by eight wins. This remarkable achievement adds to Joseph’s stellar year, which includes 14 graded stakes victories and earnings totaling US$1,332,480. The title was sealed when Message of Hope, a four-year-old colt ridden by apprentice Micah Husbands, triumphed in Sunday’s second race, covering 1700 meters in 1:43.85. Joseph, visibly elated, attributed his success to divine grace, the dedication of his team, and the exceptional performance of his horses. He remarked, ‘It never gets old. The horses got in form, and it worked out. All the credit goes to the horses, God, and the workers.’ Meanwhile, jockey Edgard Zayas celebrated his 10th riding title, marking his third win in five years. Zayas ended the meet with 44 victories, narrowly edging out Miguel Vasquez, who secured 42 wins. Zayas expressed his gratitude for the support from trainers, owners, and his family, emphasizing the importance of momentum heading into the upcoming Championship Meet.
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Lady Tridents squad confirmed
The Barbados Football Association (BFA) has unveiled the Lady Tridents squad for the pivotal 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago, set to take place on December 1 at Kensington Oval. Head Coach Kerry Trotman expressed unwavering confidence in her team’s ability to deliver a strong performance in this high-stakes encounter. The match, scheduled for 4 p.m., will be free for spectators, with the team aiming to harness the energy of the home crowd. Trotman highlighted the squad’s resilience and focus throughout their preparation journey, emphasizing the inclusion of overseas-based players who bring added experience and depth to the team. “We’ve named what we believe is the strongest available squad,” Trotman stated. “We’re confident in our competitiveness and believe that executing our game plan will lead to a favorable result.” The squad features a mix of local and international talent, including goalkeepers Lisa Harding (Merstham Women F.C., England) and Chioma Maycock (Empire F.C.), as well as captain Shanice Stevenson (Paradise F.C.). The management team, led by Trotman, includes Assistant Coach Mario Vanterpoole, Manager Tricia Forde, and Goalkeeping Coach Richard Bynoe, among others. With preparations in full swing, the Lady Tridents are poised to make their mark in this crucial qualifier.
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Silver and Centro Caribe qualification for Barbados rugby
The Barbados men’s rugby team has achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for the 2026 Centro Caribe Games, set to take place from July to August in the Dominican Republic. This accomplishment came after the team secured second place at the Rugby Americas North Sevens Tournament, held at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago. While the men’s team celebrated their success, the women’s team faced a challenging tournament, failing to secure a single victory.
The men’s campaign began on a rocky note with a heavy 0-45 defeat against defending champions Canada in their opening match. Their struggles continued with a 7-19 loss to Mexico. However, the team rallied on Saturday, clinching their first win against Bermuda with a score of 21-7, which propelled them into the quarterfinals. There, they dominated Guyana’s Mean Green with a 36-5 victory. In the semifinals, Barbados triumphed over Bermuda once again, 26-7, securing a spot in the final. Despite a 0-31 loss to Canada in the championship match, their semifinal performance was enough to guarantee their place in the 2026 Centro Caribe Games. They will join Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala-Costa Rica, and hosts Dominican Republic in the multisport event.
In stark contrast, the women’s team endured a difficult tournament, scoring only five tries across six matches. They faced defeats against Bermuda (5-22), Jamaica (0-59), Guyana (5-10), Mexico (10-35), Trinidad and Tobago (0-46), and Guyana again in the fifth-place playoff (7-14). Jamaica and Mexico secured the Centro Caribe berths for the women’s competition.
The men’s team featured three debutants—Joshua Rudling, Justin Hart, and Christopher Blades—alongside returning players Jake Caddy and Grayson Haynes, who rejoined the squad after a four-year hiatus. The team’s preparation included an intensive eight-day training camp in Turks and Caicos.
This dual narrative of triumph and struggle highlights the contrasting fortunes of Barbados’ rugby teams as they look ahead to future challenges.
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Windies eye historic Test win in New Zealand
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed unwavering confidence in his team as they prepare for their upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Despite a challenging history in New Zealand, where the West Indies last won a Test match in 1987 and a Test series in 1995, Sammy remains optimistic about their prospects. The team recently concluded competitive T20I and One Day International (ODI) series against the Kiwis, creating numerous opportunities to win but ultimately falling short. Sammy praised New Zealand’s dominance at home while highlighting the positives from the previous series. The West Indies will begin their campaign with a two-day warmup match against a New Zealand XI before the first Test on December 2. Sammy emphasized the team’s improved mindset and intensity during training, noting their determination to end the year on a high note. He also drew attention to their recent performance against India, where they pushed the hosts into a fifth day of a Test match—a rare feat in India. While acknowledging the historical odds, Sammy believes the team’s execution and competitive spirit could lead to an upset in the three-match series.
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Barbados and Nigeria sign landmark MOU
In a landmark move, the governments of Barbados and Nigeria have formalized a transformative partnership aimed at bolstering local pharmaceutical production, enhancing regulatory collaboration, and expanding market access across the Caribbean, Latin America, ECOWAS, and the African continent. The agreement, encapsulated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was signed between Barbados Pharmaceuticals Inc. (BPI) and Nigeria’s Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC). This pact establishes a robust framework for cooperation across four critical areas: industrial capacity and human capital development, market access and shaping, clinical trials collaboration, and regulatory, financing, and policy alignment. The MOU follows extensive high-level discussions, including talks between Barbados’ Senior Minister of Health, Dr. Jerome Walcott, and Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate. It also builds on ongoing efforts with AMA Medical Manufacturing, a leading Nigerian biopharmaceutical company exploring the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Barbados. Minister Walcott hailed the partnership as a significant stride toward health sovereignty, aligning with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s vision of a transatlantic pharmaceutical bridge connecting Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Professor Pate underscored Nigeria’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order, which aims to achieve 70% domestic production of essential medicines and medical devices by 2030. Key initiatives under the MOU include the development of a Barbados-Nigeria pharmaceutical skills pathway, reciprocal market access, clinical trials integration, regulatory reliance agreements, and a joint financing pipeline with development finance institutions. The partnership also advances discussions with AMA Medical Manufacturing, potentially creating the first Africa-Caribbean pharmaceutical production corridor. A Joint Steering Committee has been established to oversee immediate implementation.
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Credit union’s LIFT Foundation makes first payout, signs inaugural MOU
The LIFT Foundation, an initiative of the City of Bridgetown Credit Union, celebrated two significant achievements on Tuesday during a ceremony held at the C.O.B. Credit Union Boardroom on Lower Broad Street. The event featured the foundation’s first formal cheque presentation and the signing of its inaugural Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with external organizations.
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Lashley’s party switch keeps pressure on struggling DLP — analysts
The recent defection of Michael Lashley from the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) to the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has sparked intense political debate, with analysts highlighting the deepening crisis within the DLP. Prime Minister Mia Mottley confirmed Lashley’s move over the weekend, fueling speculation about his potential new role in the BLP. Lashley, a three-time winner of the St Philip North seat under the DLP banner, has long been seen as a significant figure in Barbadian politics. Political analyst Devaron Bruce noted that Lashley’s departure was unsurprising, given the DLP’s struggles over the past two years. ‘The DLP has faced significant challenges, including internal splits, voluntary exits, and forced removals, leading to widespread disinterest and disassociation,’ Bruce explained. He suggested that Lashley’s move was likely driven by the BLP’s efforts to recruit him, viewing him as one of the DLP’s last remaining talents. Bruce also speculated that Lashley’s shift could lead to a significant political elevation, possibly involving a ministerial role or a Senate position. Peter Wickham, Director of Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES), echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the DLP’s inability to retain talent. ‘This continues a long-standing issue for the DLP, which has struggled to attract and hold onto capable individuals,’ Wickham stated. While both analysts agreed on the broader implications of Lashley’s defection, they differed on his future role. Bruce suggested Lashley might contest his traditional St Philip North seat, potentially displacing the current MP, while Wickham doubted this scenario, citing the incumbent MP’s strong position. The analysts also commented on the recent resignation of Shaquani Hunte, a former DLP candidate and Young Democrats president, viewing it as further evidence of the party’s declining appeal. Wickham concluded that the DLP’s ongoing challenges have made it an unattractive option for aspiring politicians, with the BLP increasingly seen as the party of choice for advancing political careers.
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Brathwaite talks up St Joseph chances
Ryan Brathwaite, the newly endorsed Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate for St Joseph, has expressed unwavering confidence in retaining the rural constituency for the ruling party. Brathwaite, a prominent businessman, emphasized the significance of ongoing infrastructure projects, including roadworks and bridge repairs, in solidifying the BLP’s stronghold in the area. His nomination, formalized at Grantley Adams Memorial School, followed the announcement that current MP and Attorney General Dale Marshall would not seek re-election. Brathwaite highlighted the overwhelming support from party members and constituents, noting the active participation of over 1,400 branch members during the uncontested nomination process. He described the turnout as a clear message of readiness for the upcoming elections. Brathwaite pointed to recent infrastructural developments, such as the completion of Laynes Bridge and ongoing projects in Airy Hill, as tangible evidence of the government’s commitment to St Joseph. He also addressed broader concerns, including the need for youth development, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the preservation of cultural practices amidst tourism growth. Brathwaite assured constituents that future developments would respect traditional access rights, particularly in light of the recent high court ruling upholding public access at Joe’s River. He remains optimistic about the BLP’s prospects, citing the party’s dedication to the constituency and the active engagement of its residents.