The 2025 Barbados Food and Rum Festival culminated in a dazzling extravaganza known as the Liquid Gold Feast, a night that seamlessly blended gourmet cuisine, mesmerizing music, and exquisite décor. Held at a venue recently transformed after hosting CARIFESTA, the event was a sensory delight that left attendees in awe. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with meticulous attention to detail, including a make-up touch-up station to combat the tropical heat. The evening’s ambiance was set by the smooth harmonies of G-Syndicate, who reimagined soca classics like Gorg’s ‘I Got My Rum’ into soulful ballads. Inside, the venue was a visual masterpiece, adorned with décor that reflected the island’s vibrant culture. Barbados’ top chefs and mixologists showcased their craft, offering dishes and cocktails that celebrated local flavors. The Darrien Bailey Band electrified the crowd with renditions of Michael Jackson’s ‘Rock with You’ and Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ while Brian Carter’s dual-recorder performance of Teddy Swims’ ‘Lose Control’ left the audience spellbound. Kweku Jelani added a reggae flair with Bob Marley’s ‘Lively Up Yourself,’ and Shadia Marshall delivered powerhouse performances of Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ and Cher’s ‘Believe.’ The night peaked with DJ Puffy’s high-energy set, ensuring the crowd remained in a festive frenzy. Attendees, dressed in shimmering metallics and dapper suits, matched the event’s bold style. Despite minor hiccups like limited signage and the early depletion of curry oxtail, the Liquid Gold Feast was a resounding success, leaving patrons like Sonia from Tobago eager to return. The event not only lived up to its name but also set a high bar for future festivals.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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Economist to private sector: Take greater risks to drive growth
Renowned economist Jeremy Stephen has called on the private sector to abandon its risk-averse mindset and embrace bolder investments, emphasizing that over-reliance on government spending is hampering economic growth and perpetuating unsustainable public debt levels. Speaking in response to the Latin American Economic Outlook 2025 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Stephen highlighted the urgent need for governments to prioritize mobilizing private investment and move away from ineffective tax incentives. He stressed that innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, could play a pivotal role in attracting both local and foreign investors. Stephen argued that excessive dependence on government initiatives fosters complacency, stifling the economy’s potential. He pointed to Barbados’ weak private sector participation as a key factor behind its unsustainable debt, urging businesses to take calculated risks despite the challenging environment. The OECD report underscores Barbados’ heavy reliance on tourism, which leaves the economy vulnerable to external shocks and limits inclusive growth. It advocates for diversification into sectors like creative industries, renewable energy, and digital services to build resilience. Stephen also criticized the lack of private initiatives in exploring new tourism markets, citing the absence of self-funded roadshows to regions like China and the Middle East. He emphasized the need for a stronger enabling environment to encourage risk-taking and innovation. The report recommends a comprehensive strategy to mobilize private investment, reduce government dependency, and improve fiscal space. Stephen concluded that redefining the public-private partnership model is essential for reducing Barbados’ debt and securing sustainable growth.
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Rum tour offers revelry, rhythms, cultural flair
Despite the gloomy weather, the Rum Route North bus tour brought a burst of color, music, and celebration to Barbados last Saturday, turning the day into a vibrant festival of flavors, heritage, and joy. Part of the Barbados Food & Rum Festival, the event kicked off at the Speightstown Esplanade, where participants, clad in bright T-shirts and armed with umbrellas, eagerly gathered to defy the rain.
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Educator reflects on education, hope for youth
As Barbados marks its 59th year of independence, educators such as Shurland Boyce are using this significant milestone to contemplate the nation’s journey and the future of its youth, emphasizing both accomplishments and the hurdles that lie ahead. Lauryn Escamilla reports.
In the Theatre Arts classroom at Christ Church Foundation School, the rhythmic commands of a man echo through the halls — “Marching, boxing, freeze, unfreeze!” Shurland Boyce, standing at the front, leads his third form Theatre Arts class through acting exercises. The room is filled with a mix of laughter and concentration as students perform their routines, embodying a blend of energy and discipline that mirrors the spirit of both the classroom and the nation at 59.
Boyce, who teaches English Language, Literature, and Theatre Arts, shares his perspective on independence. “For me, Independence is a time of unity,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate our progress and achievements over these 59 years. While some may see it as just another day, we must recognize its cultural significance and how we can build on our independence to propel the nation forward.”
Originally from England, where he taught for a decade, Boyce reflects on his 15 years of teaching in Barbados and the moment he truly felt he was making a difference. “In my second year, I was teaching English Language at CSEC for the first time. That year, 17 out of 25 students achieved Grade Ones. It was then I felt I was contributing something meaningful — the students were learning, and we were moving forward.”
As Barbados reflects on its journey since 1966, Boyce is focused on the role of education in shaping the nation’s future. “My hope is that we develop our students into global citizens,” he explained. “They should know they’re not limited to working only in Barbados. I envision a more comprehensive education system, especially at the tertiary level, with more opportunities and choices, enabling them to secure well-paid jobs here.”
However, Boyce also voices concerns about the uncertainty many young people face. “Many of our students are unsure about their future paths,” he noted. “We can do more to expose them to colleges and universities, allowing them to spend a day there, observe operations, and speak with lecturers. I believe this could make a significant difference.”
Despite these challenges, Boyce’s classroom remains a beacon of hope. Fifth form students often visit during their free periods, a testament to the strong connections he has fostered with them.
This Independence season, Boyce’s classroom at Christ Church serves as a microcosm of the broader national aspiration — one of progress, purpose, and pride in nurturing the next generation of Barbadians.
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Remembrance ceremony draws solemn crowds in City
Under the radiant morning sun, hundreds assembled at National Heroes Square in Barbados on Sunday for the annual Remembrance Day service. This year’s event commemorated the 107th anniversary of the end of the First World War and the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of the Second World War. The ceremony honored not only those who served in these global conflicts but also Barbadians who have contributed to peacekeeping missions worldwide. The event was marked by a solemn procession featuring both armed and unarmed units, including the Barbados Prison Service, Barbados Fire Service, and various youth organizations. The parade, led by Captain Samuel Boyce, showcased the precision and discipline of the Barbados Regiment, Coast Guard, Police Service, and Cadet Corps. The service was enriched by the choir of St Michael’s Cathedral, creating a poignant atmosphere. Key dignitaries, including Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and President Dame Sandra Mason, paid their respects. A two-minute silence was observed to reflect on the sacrifices of those memorialized on the cenotaph, including 39 Barbadians who lost their lives in the Second World War. The ceremony concluded with the laying of wreaths and the stirring strains of ‘Beautiful Barbados,’ as the President and Prime Minister inspected veterans before the units executed a precise march-past.
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Barbados, Africa urged to seize trade and investment opportunities
Barbados and its Caribbean neighbors have been called upon to explore untapped trade and investment opportunities with Africa, as senior officials convened in Bridgetown for the inaugural GUBA Awards and Trade and Investment Forum. The event, which began on Monday, aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean, celebrating the achievements of individuals and organizations from both regions. Lady Dentaa Amoateng, CEO of the GUBA Foundation, emphasized the vast potential for growth, noting that intra-African trade accounts for only 16% of the continent’s total trade, while intra-Caribbean trade stands at around 14%. She highlighted the combined GDP of over $3.5 trillion and a population exceeding 1.4 billion as a testament to the untapped potential. Amoateng called for structured partnerships, including industrial and investment networks, to unlock the trade corridor between the two regions. She pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy as key platforms for fostering growth. Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw of Barbados underscored the historical connections between the Caribbean and Africa, highlighting Barbados’s efforts to deepen engagement with African nations such as Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda. She noted the signing of bilateral agreements, including an air services agreement with Rwanda, and efforts to attract pharmaceutical manufacturing to Barbados. Bradshaw also emphasized the island’s transparent policies, double taxation agreements, and strategic partnerships as factors making it an attractive gateway for African investment into the Americas. The foundation’s chartered flight from Africa to Barbados is set to arrive tomorrow, symbolizing the growing collaboration between the two regions.
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Broadcaster’s dismissal not due to controversial calypso – Starcom
Starcom Network Inc. has firmly stated that the dismissal of Ronnie ‘De Announcer’ Clarke, its former Programme Manager, was not linked to his performance of a contentious calypso at this year’s Pic-O-De-Crop competition. Instead, the decision followed a formal disciplinary process concerning internal company matters. Anthony Greene, Starcom’s General Manager, emphasized that while the public may associate Clarke’s termination with his controversial calypso performance at the National Carol Festival, the action was rooted in concerns about his role within the organization. Greene expressed gratitude for Clarke’s 25 years of service and acknowledged his contributions to the company. The termination, effective last Friday, was the result of a disciplinary process aligned with internal protocols and national labor laws, involving legal representation from both sides. Clarke, a veteran calypsonian and broadcaster, has contested his dismissal, citing ‘serious misconduct’ as the stated reason. He met with the Labour Department on Monday to present his case and has until Friday to file an appeal with Starcom. His attorney, Hal Gollop, has communicated with the Labour Department and is confident the appeal will be submitted before the deadline. Clarke plans to address the public at a freedom of expression march on Saturday, where he intends to reveal additional details. The termination letter, signed by Noel Wood, CEO of Starcom’s parent company, the Nation Group, cited Clarke’s remarks on the Marcia Weekes Show on July 16 as breaches of company policies. Specifically, three of his statements were deemed false, malicious, and detrimental to Starcom’s interests. One such statement criticized the company’s lack of transparency, describing it as a failure to address ‘the elephant in the room.’ Clarke’s case continues to draw public attention as he seeks to challenge his dismissal and defend his professional reputation.
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Taxi drivers urged not to join Uber
Barbados taxi representatives have issued a stern warning to local operators, urging them to resist joining the global ride-hailing giant Uber. They argue that Uber’s entry into the market poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of thousands of taxi drivers whose businesses have been built over generations. Anthony Harewood, a representative of the taxi fraternities at the airport and the Barbados Transport Co-operative Society Limited, emphasized the need to protect their hard-earned industry. ‘Do not sign up with Uber,’ he declared. ‘Protect what is ours.’
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Taxi body claims Uber defying Port restriction
Taxi operators at the Bridgetown Port have raised serious concerns over Uber and its franchise owner, Go Capita, allegedly breaching a government-imposed restriction that prohibits Uber pick-ups around the port area. This violation, they argue, is threatening their livelihoods and has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of taxi regulations. Adrian Smiley Bayley, president of the Bridgetown Port Taxi Co-operative, highlighted the issue during a press conference, stating that Prime Minister Mia Mottley had explicitly instructed Uber to cease operations near the port during a recent meeting with taxi operators. Despite this directive, an Uber-registered driver was reportedly seen picking up passengers directly outside the port gates last week. Bayley presented photographic evidence and emphasized that the incident occurred just six days after the meeting with the Prime Minister. He also revealed that an official report of the incident has been forwarded to Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw, who serves as the Minister of Transport. Raymond Gill, a representative of Go Capita, acknowledged the complaint and assured that the company would investigate the matter, suggesting that a technical glitch might have caused the breach. Bayley, however, remains steadfast in his demand for a fair resolution, vowing to continue advocating for a level playing field for all taxi operators. He also accused Go Capita of betraying its long-standing partnership with the taxi industry, particularly in relation to the Harbour Lights nightclub, which has benefited significantly from the collaboration with taxi operators over the years. Bayley concluded by urging the government to exert pressure on franchise owners operating in Barbados to ensure compliance with the established regulations.
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Man killed in Weston shooting identified
Authorities have confirmed the identity of the individual fatally shot during a violent confrontation in Weston, St James, over the weekend. The deceased, 26-year-old Doniko Avery Gaskin from The Garden, St James, lost his life in the early hours of Saturday, November 8. The incident unfolded around 1:30 a.m. when three masked, armed men approached a licensed firearm holder as he was exiting a business establishment. According to police reports, the armed men confronted the individual and opened fire. In response, the licensed firearm holder reportedly drew his weapon and returned fire, injuring two of the assailants. Gaskin succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the other injured man was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for medical attention. Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the incident and have urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Holetown Police Station at 419-1700, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477), or Police Emergency at 211.