Carib Scope

标签： Barbados

巴巴多斯

  • Former DLP heavyweight Lashley flocks to Bees, seeks City nod

    Former DLP heavyweight Lashley flocks to Bees, seeks City nod

    In a significant realignment of Barbados’s political landscape, veteran attorney and former Democratic Labour Party (DLP) minister Michael Lashley has announced his bid for the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) nomination in The City of Bridgetown constituency. This development follows sitting MP Corey Lane’s confirmation that he will not contest the next general election, expected to be called imminently.

    Addressing supporters at the Pondside Bar on Wellington Street, Lashley acknowledged Lane’s contributions before formally declaring his intention to seek the nomination. “Corey Lane has resigned, and I must pay respect to the contribution he has made to the constituency,” Lashley stated, emphasizing that he only entered the race following Lane’s departure to respect the democratic process.

    The former housing minister, who represented St Philip North for 15 years under the DLP banner, outlined an ambitious platform focused on addressing Bridgetown’s most pressing challenges. Highlighting housing as a critical issue, Lashley pointed to his previous accomplishments: “As minister of housing, I engineered the land acquisition at Whitepark Road where completed units now house families. I also initiated the acquisition process at Mason Hall Street for 84 units, which will now receive attention from the National Housing Corporation.”

    Beyond housing, Lashley pledged to tackle waste management, youth unemployment, and educational deficiencies. His proposed initiatives include reintroducing a school breakfast program, creating specialized projects for elderly residents, and establishing mobile libraries alongside youth sports organizations. “Sometimes we have to put aside our differences,” Lashley emphasized. “It’s all hands on deck to work for the betterment of the country and for the betterment of The City.”

    The candidacy received immediate endorsement from Henderson Williams, who previously ran as the DLP’s Bridgetown candidate in 2018 before joining the BLP. Williams praised Lashley’s commitment to forming a council to manage the city’s diverse needs, noting that “every other parish comes into The City for some kind of support, which puts tremendous stress on the environment.”

    Political analyst Devaron Bruce characterized Lashley’s move as strategically significant, describing it as a reflection of the DLP’s diminished national standing. “This shows where the Democratic Labour Party stands nationally if they’re losing what would have been one of their few viable previous MPs,” Bruce observed. He noted that the BLP gains a figure with “national persona and identity in both the legal and political realm” without needing to disrupt existing constituency arrangements.

    With the nomination meeting scheduled for Saturday, Bruce concluded that Lashley’s extensive experience—including three elections to the House of Assembly and established legal reputation—positions him favorably against prospective DLP candidate Dale Rowe, characterizing the transition as “clean” from a party management standpoint.

  • Symmonds: ‘Abundance of other avenues’ despite US visa halt

    Symmonds: ‘Abundance of other avenues’ despite US visa halt

    In a significant shift in immigration policy, the United States Department of State has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries worldwide. The sweeping measure, which takes effect next Wednesday, particularly impacts citizens from Barbados and most CARICOM (Caribbean Community) member states seeking permanent relocation to the US.

    The policy exemption applies to only three CARICOM nations: Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The suspension encompasses numerous South American countries including Brazil and Colombia, alongside substantial portions of Africa.

    State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott clarified that the suspension stems from concerns that immigrants from these nations “take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates.” The move utilizes longstanding “Public Charge” provisions within US immigration law, allowing authorities to deny entry to applicants deemed likely to become financial burdens on public resources.

    Barbados Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds addressed the development with measured diplomacy, acknowledging the US right to implement border regulations while reassuring Barbadians that the nation’s “highly regarded and globally respected” status provides alternative relocation opportunities. He emphasized that the suspension exclusively affects immigrant visas for permanent residency and employment, leaving non-immigrant categories such as tourist, student, and temporary work visas unchanged.

    The policy refinement follows increased scrutiny directives issued last year under the “public charge” provision, targeting individuals the administration believes might strain public resources. Historical immigration data indicates that while Caribbean immigrants demonstrate relatively high labor-force participation (approximately 67%, exceeding the US-born rate), households headed by Caribbean immigrants show elevated welfare usage at about 51% compared to 30% for native households.

    Notably, Barbados distinguishes itself through its migration patterns and policy approach. Unlike some regional neighbors identified as significant sources of economically vulnerable migrant populations, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean states typically experience skilled, tertiary-educated emigration. Barbados has further differentiated itself by rejecting Citizenship by Investment programs in favor of a reputation-sensitive approach to citizenship and residency.

  • New pothole patching machines mark road repair overhaul

    New pothole patching machines mark road repair overhaul

    Barbados has launched a transformative initiative to modernize its road maintenance system with the acquisition of six advanced pothole patching machines. The first three units were formally inducted into the Ministry of Transport and Works’ (MTW) fleet during a ceremony at Inchcape’s Warrens offices on Wednesday, signaling a major departure from decades-old manual repair methods.

    Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw, who oversees transport and works, revealed the equipment’s impressive capabilities: each machine can prepare approximately 250 square meters daily—more than doubling the ministry’s current daily output of 122 square meters achieved through traditional crews. The integration of all three units will multiply the ministry’s preparation capacity sixfold, dramatically accelerating road rehabilitation across the island nation.

    The sophisticated machinery combines cutting, cropping, and cleaning functions within a single mobile platform, enabling smaller crews to execute repairs with enhanced efficiency and safety. This technological advancement addresses longstanding challenges associated with manual techniques, where teams of four to five workers would shovel hot asphalt from trucks—a process increasingly inadequate for modern traffic volumes, aging utility infrastructure, and intensifying rainfall patterns.

    Bradshaw acknowledged persistent public frustration with road conditions, explaining that repeated utility excavations compromise pavement integrity. “Each time a road is broken, it becomes structurally weakened,” she noted, emphasizing how subsequent reinstatements often lead to recurring failures, particularly during heavy precipitation.

    The ministry has implemented a comprehensive training strategy involving overseas specialists who will initially train local operators through a “train-the-trainer” model. While traditional patching continues during the transition period, MTW will temporarily expand cold-mix material applications to expedite dry-season repairs. The remaining three machines are expected shortly after clearing port formalities.

    Bradshaw assured these technological additions aim to enhance productivity rather than displace workers, with a broader equipment training program scheduled for 2026. The acquisition fulfills the minister’s October 2025 announcement ordering six patching trucks as part of a comprehensive road repair initiative, with full operational deployment anticipated after the hurricane season.

    The ministry has already identified priority roads for initial machine deployment and continues to incorporate public feedback into repair scheduling. This modernization effort forms part of a broader strategy to optimize operations during the January-June construction window when weather conditions are most favorable. A detailed briefing on MTW’s 2026 road program and upcoming tenders is scheduled for next week.

  • Bajan ladies bowl off T20 Blaze with victory

    Bajan ladies bowl off T20 Blaze with victory

    The Cricket West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze tournament ignited with a trio of fiercely contested matches at Arnos Vale in St. Vincent, headlined by Barbados securing a nail-biting victory in their opening fixture.

    In the day’s marquee contest, Barbados clinched a tense three-wicket triumph over Trinidad and Tobago with just nine deliveries remaining. Chasing a modest target of 98 runs, Barbados appeared destined for a comfortable victory after openers Eboni Brathwaite (26) and Trishan Holder (16) established a solid 45-run foundation. However, Holder’s dismissal in the seventh over triggered a dramatic collapse that saw Barbados stumble to a precarious 68 for six by the 15th over. The match hung in balance until veteran pacer Shamilia Connell emerged as the unlikely hero, unleashing a decisive unbeaten 16 from just ten deliveries to seal victory at 99 for seven in the penultimate over.

    Trinidad and Tobago’s bowling attack, led by the exceptional Brianna Harricharan (3 wickets for 8 runs), staged a remarkable comeback that nearly snatched victory from defeat. Earlier, T&T posted 97 for five from their 20 overs, with Britney Cooper’s 36-ball 33 and captain Karishma Ramharack’s 21 forming the backbone of their innings. Barbados’ Naijanni Cumberbatch impressed with bowling figures of two for 18.

    The tournament’s second encounter witnessed Leeward Islands securing a nine-run victory against Jamaica. Shawnisha Hector’s anchoring innings of 56 from 55 balls propelled Leewards to 108 for five, despite Jamaica’s Chedan Nation (2 for 15) causing early damage. Nation later starred with an unbeaten 48 in Jamaica’s reply, but her valiant effort proved insufficient as the team finished at 99 for eight. Leewards’ bowling trio of Davronique Maynard (2 for 19), Shawnisha Hector (2 for 15), and Jahzara Claxton (2 for 26) effectively contained the Jamaican batting lineup.

    Defending champions Guyana commenced their title defense with a hard-fought seven-run victory over Windward Islands. Restricted to 96 for five, Guyana relied on Shabika Gajnabi’s team-high 38 from 37 balls, while Windwards’ Carena Noel and Zaida James both recorded economical figures of one for 14. In response, Windward Islands fell agonizingly short at 89 for five, despite Jannillea Glasgow’s resilient 41 from 59 balls. Her dismissal via runout with three balls remaining effectively sealed Guyana’s victory in the tournament opener.

  • Duguid defends govt and HOPE project amid corruption claims

    Duguid defends govt and HOPE project amid corruption claims

    In a fiery session of Barbados’ House of Assembly on Tuesday, Senior Minister Dr. William Duguid delivered a vehement rebuttal against corruption allegations leveled by Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne regarding the government’s HOPE Housing Project. The senior official dismissed the claims as “absolute nonsense” and “bold-faced poppycock” during heated exchanges that culminated in a parliamentary vote to correct a procedural error concerning land allocation.

    The controversy emerged as legislators voted to rescind an earlier resolution approving the transfer of two land parcels at Sargeant’s Village, Christ Church, which Dr. Duguid attributed to an “administrative error” in the previously passed version. The minister, who holds a senior position in the Prime Minister’s Office, specifically addressed Mr. Thorne’s assertion that $60 million in state funds had improperly benefited private individuals, declaring these allegations entirely unfounded.

    Dr. Duguid mounted a robust defense of the state housing program, which targets low-income residents through developments at Vespera Gardens in St. James, Concordia in St. Philip, and Pool in St. John. “HOPE has done a fantastic job,” the Christ Church West MP asserted, adding that “there have been no infelicities, as far as I am concerned.”

    The former housing minister challenged the opposition leader to substantiate his claims, particularly regarding the allegation that “Cabinet took up $60 million of taxpayers’ money… to enrich private individuals.” Dr. Duguid provided clarification on the Pool development, explaining that while a contract was initially signed for 1,000 housing units, the HOPE board had only approved the purchase of 50 units. He emphasized that despite subsequent ratification of the larger contract, “not one cent” was actually disbursed.

    Citing the Auditor General’s report on HOPE, Dr. Duguid noted the assessment concluded the organization had “achieved modest returns on its programmes” without any findings of corruption or failure. However, the infrastructure minister acknowledged the administration had made mistakes while pursuing aggressive housing policies to address growing demand.

    Dr. Duguid contextualized the housing challenges by referencing natural disasters that disrupted construction efforts, noting that Hurricane Elsa and Hurricane Beryl had destroyed hundreds of homes across Barbados. The government consequently diverted resources from affordable housing initiatives to emergency repairs, addressing approximately 1,400 damaged properties at a cost of millions originally allocated for housing development.

    “We are not perfect. Perfection is for the divine; people will make mistakes, and this, from what I can see, was an administrative error,” Dr. Duguid conceded in his closing remarks to the parliamentary assembly.

  • St George North voters give mixed marks to MP Moore

    St George North voters give mixed marks to MP Moore

    As speculation intensifies regarding a potential early general election, constituents in St George North have delivered a nuanced assessment of their first-term representative, Toni Moore. The General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union has garnered generally favorable feedback from residents, though significant concerns persist regarding infrastructure and political engagement.

    During recent ground assessments in the central parish, Moore received acknowledgment for her efforts in addressing critical social needs. Multiple residents confirmed tangible improvements in housing assistance and repair programs, particularly noteworthy given Moore’s lack of ministerial portfolio. Several homes throughout the constituency have undergone substantial reconstruction through government initiatives facilitated during her term.

    However, this praise exists alongside growing frustration over deteriorating road conditions. Residents in Flat Rock and surrounding areas report severe infrastructure degradation, attributing the damage to increased heavy truck traffic. The situation has reached critical levels, with vehicle damage becoming commonplace for local drivers.

    The political sentiment reveals deeper complexities regarding constituent-representative relationships. While some seniors express satisfaction with Moore’s performance and predict she will retain her seat, others describe profound disconnection from the political process. A segment of the electorate reports disillusionment with political figures generally, citing insufficient engagement and perceived inequities in government assistance distribution. This has led some residents to consider abstaining from voting entirely, highlighting challenges in political representation beyond infrastructure issues.

  • NCSA: Limited staff limiting ability to meet growing demand

    NCSA: Limited staff limiting ability to meet growing demand

    Barbados’ National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) faces significant operational challenges due to severe staffing limitations that hinder its capacity to address the island’s growing need for drug prevention and education services. Deputy Manager Troy Wickham revealed that despite concerted efforts to enhance public awareness campaigns, the organization’s modest workforce of just 19 employees substantially restricts its community outreach capabilities. Among these staff members, only four serve as substance abuse prevention officers tasked with directly delivering drug education programs across diverse community groups. The council’s technical capabilities are further constrained by having merely two research and information officers analyzing local drug trends and two counselors providing essential support services. To overcome these limitations, the NCSA has implemented innovative digital solutions including Zoom, Nearpod, and Canva platforms to conduct virtual sessions reaching broader audiences. These technology-driven initiatives are supported by an evidence-based database ensuring research-grounded prevention messaging. The organization has increasingly relied on trained volunteers who undergo comprehensive 7-12 week training programs covering NCSA’s curriculum, local drug research, and technological delivery methods. As Barbados observes Drug Awareness Month throughout January, Wickham has issued a public appeal for additional volunteers to bolster the council’s community prevention efforts. Despite these adaptive measures, Wickham identified message acceptance as another fundamental challenge, noting that persuading the public to internalize prevention messages remains persistently difficult despite expanded outreach initiatives.

  • Insurance firms pay out $184 000 after deadly November floods

    Insurance firms pay out $184 000 after deadly November floods

    The General Insurance Association of Barbados (GIAB) revealed on Tuesday that insurers have disbursed approximately $184,000 in claims stemming from November’s catastrophic floods, which claimed one life and inflicted widespread destruction across the island. GIAB President Andrea Walton confirmed that 60 total claims were processed through the association’s secretariat, comprising 47 motor vehicle claims and 13 property damage claims.

    According to insurance officials, no additional claims are anticipated at this juncture, given that the most severely affected zones were confined to specific regions. The historic deluge, described as the most severe in a decade, resulted in the tragic death of 58-year-old Terry Kellman and caused extensive vehicular devastation, with numerous automobiles either washed away or deemed total losses.

    Kellman tragically perished after losing his footing along Lower Estate Road as torrential waters transformed the Charles Rowe Bridge into a raging river. His body was recovered approximately 24 hours after the initial flooding incident.

    Anton Lovell, General Manager of Cooperatives General Insurance, provided sobering assessment regarding submerged vehicles, stating that complete write-offs were inevitable regardless of insurance coverage. “When vehicles become fully submerged, recovery becomes impossible. These cases represent total losses—even luxury vehicles like Mercedes suffered irreparable water damage,” Lovell explained in post-flood evaluations.

    Despite the devastation, Home Affairs Minister Wilfred Abrahams extended commendations to first responders who conducted rescue and recovery operations throughout the night. During damage assessment tours of St. Peter and St. Lucy parishes alongside emergency personnel, Abrahams emphasized the unprecedented scale and velocity of the flooding event.

    The Minister detailed particular devastation around Charles Rowe Bridge, where multiple vehicles were swept away—some traveling from as far as St. George Parish Church before accumulating near the Chefette junction. Meteorological authorities confirmed that engineering solutions would have proven insufficient against the extraordinary rainfall intensity, with certain areas receiving up to nine inches (228.6mm) within 24 hours.

    Abrahams relayed the Met Office’s professional assessment: “The volume of precipitation within such condensed timeframe would have overwhelmed even world-class infrastructure. Water accumulated in elevated parishes and cascaded downward—our focus must remain on post-event mitigation strategies.”

  • Six Men’s folk set to gain land ownership, says MP

    Six Men’s folk set to gain land ownership, says MP

    A significant housing initiative in Barbados is bringing long-awaited property rights to residents of Six Men’s, St Peter, ending decades of legal uncertainty. Government officials have confirmed substantial progress in transferring land titles to families who have occupied these properties for multiple generations.

    During a House of Assembly debate on land resolutions, Labour Minister and St Peter MP Colin Jordan announced that approximately 37 properties have been formally surveyed under the Six Men’s Life Improvement Project. This represents nearly half of the homeowner-occupied parcels in the historically disputed area.

    “The people of Six Men’s are tremendously happy with the progress,” Jordan stated, emphasizing that residents had lived “in limbo for over 50 years” regarding property ownership. The National Housing Corporation (NHC), operating under the Ministry of Housing, has spearheaded the title transfer process that will finally grant legal recognition to generational occupants.

    The minister contrasted the current administration’s approach with previous governments, accusing the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) administration of labeling residents as “squatters” when they attempted to purchase their family lands. Jordan revealed that 37 residents received formal notification letters shortly before Christmas, enabling them to proceed with legal ownership acquisition for lots ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 square feet at approximately $1,400 per property.

    Beyond the Six Men’s initiative, Jordan announced upcoming improvements for the Maynard’s Housing Area, including exterior power washing and electrical upgrades. The minister concluded with a strong defense of the housing program, stating, “As MP, I am happy on behalf of the people of St Peter who are benefiting from the work of the Ministry of Housing.”

  • ‘Not us’: Vendors reject blame for farm thefts

    ‘Not us’: Vendors reject blame for farm thefts

    Barbados vendors are vigorously defending their industry against allegations of complicity in a surge of large-scale agricultural thefts, arguing they’re being wrongly targeted for crimes more likely connected to sophisticated operations supplying major commercial outlets.

    The controversy emerges following the theft of approximately 30,000 pounds of yams during the Christmas and New Year period. Significant portions were stolen from both government-managed farmland under the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation and private property belonging to Richard Armstrong, one of the island’s premier root crop producers.

    Alister Alexander, President of the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors, and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN), firmly rejected attempts to portray vendors as participants in these thefts. While acknowledging the organization cannot vouch for every individual, Alexander maintained that the overwhelming majority of vendors obtain produce through legitimate channels.

    “We believe this represents organized crime seeking to offload ill-gotten gains in bulk quantities,” Alexander stated. “Those who have suffered these devastating losses can generally corroborate our position—they continue to be substantially patronized by the vending community.”

    At Cheapside Market, vendors demonstrated proactive measures to ensure supply chain integrity. Veteran vendor Nadine Prince emphasized the critical importance of documentation: “We obtain receipts for everything—whether imports from St. Vincent or local purchases. Authorities regularly remind us that proper documentation is mandatory.”

    Prince highlighted that suspiciously low pricing serves as an immediate red flag, noting that yams currently retail at approximately $6.50 to $7 per pound. Her philosophy echoes lessons from childhood: “Honesty remains the best policy. I understand the tremendous effort farmers invest in their labor.”

    Shelly-Ann Brewster, with twelve years of vending experience, acknowledged occasional informal transactions with small farmers but expressed growing commitment to stricter documentation practices. She described repeatedly turning away suspicious offers, including recent approaches where produce was offered “far cheaper than market price.”

    BARVEN advocates for enhanced regulatory measures, particularly the full implementation of the National Vending Bill. Alexander emphasized that comprehensive legislation would prevent thieves from easily selling stolen goods roadside while bringing greater organization and accountability to the sector.

    The association continues urging members to report suspicious transactions and embrace collective responsibility: “Be your brother-farmer’s keeper. Praedial larceny constitutes a crime against the entire nation that we all share duty to eradicate.”