标签： Barbados

The Barbados Landship Association commemorated its 162nd anniversary with a vibrant church service at St Mary’s Church, blending reverence for its rich history with a forward-looking emphasis on youth involvement. Under the theme ‘Moving Upstream Still,’ the event highlighted the crucial role of young people in preserving and rejuvenating this quintessentially Barbadian cultural institution. Wayne Worrrell, coordinator of the Barbados Landship Programme, paid tribute to stalwarts like Admiral Vernon Watson and Commander Leon Marshall, whose unwavering commitment has sustained the organization. He underscored the significance of generational continuity, stating, ‘Over the past few years, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure the Landship remains accessible to a new generation of youth. Without these dedicated individuals, we would have had nothing to build upon.’ The celebrations saw members of the Barbados Landship Association parade to Jubilee Gardens, joined by a robust contingent from the Barbados Youth Advance Corps (BYAC). Worrrell expressed gratitude to the BYAC, saying, ‘Thank you for always showing up and representing.’ Canon Sonia Hinds, officiating minister and chaplain of the Barbados Landship Association, lauded the youth’s participation, remarking, ‘These are the young people we believe, through God, will carry the Barbados Landship Association forward for the next 15 years and beyond.’ The event culminated in a display of the Landship’s signature maneuvers at Jubilee Gardens, symbolizing both tradition and renewal. Canon Hinds added, ‘We are thrilled that instead of staying home with tablets and cellphones, you are here worshipping and giving thanks for 162 years of the Barbados Landship.’

The vibrant ‘We Gatherin’ celebrations have officially commenced in the parish of St Michael, Barbados, with a spirited multifaith service held at Golden Square Freedom Park on Sunday morning. The event saw the participation of parliamentary representatives, local residents, and well-wishers, united in a shared sense of community and cultural pride. The service began with blessings from Father Clement Paul of the Roman Catholic Church and members of the Sons of God Apostolic Spiritual Baptist Church, setting a tone of inclusivity and reverence.

A 40-year-old Jamaican woman, Tashana Roselyn Brown from West Prospect, Bog Walk, St Catherine, is set to appear in court on Monday, facing four serious drug-related charges. The Barbados Police Service Narcotics Unit arrested Brown on November 1, 2025, and subsequently charged her with possession of cannabis, trafficking of cannabis, intent to supply, and importation of cannabis. Authorities reported that the seized cannabis weighed 6.7 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of $53,600. Brown’s case will be heard in the District ‘B’ Magistrates’ Court, marking a significant legal proceeding in the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes in the region.

A tragic shooting incident in Kendal Hill B, Christ Church, has left one person dead, sparking an urgent appeal for information from local authorities. The event unfolded on Sunday afternoon at approximately 1:40 p.m., when two masked individuals emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on a stationary car, critically injuring its occupant. Emergency medical teams rushed to the scene but confirmed the victim showed no signs of life. A physician later officially declared the individual deceased. Law enforcement has launched a full-scale investigation into the matter and is urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with potential leads are encouraged to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-8477, the Police Emergency line at 211, or the Oistins Police Station at 418-2612. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of gun violence in the region and the critical need for community cooperation in solving such crimes.

On Saturday evening, Independence Square in Barbados was alive with patriotic fervor as hundreds gathered for the 2025 Sagicor Life Inc. Lighting Ceremony. The event, themed “Celebrating Communities: Reengaging, Reigniting, Reimagining,” marked the nation’s 59th year of independence with a vibrant showcase of culture, music, and community spirit. The evening kicked off with a mesmerizing saxophone performance by Kieshelle Rawlins, followed by soulful renditions of original pieces by Shernell Clarke and Akea Barton. FuZion the Band further energized the crowd with a medley of folk tunes, setting the tone for a night of celebration. A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of pioneers from the 1995 Community Independence Celebrations Programme, who were honored with a guard of honor as they flipped the switch to illuminate the lights. The spectacle was enhanced by dancers and stilt walkers in glowing costumes, captivating the audience along the route. Paul Inniss, General Manager of Sagicor Life Inc., emphasized the deeper significance of the event, stating, “This lighting ceremony is a reflection of our national soul, reminding us that Barbados will always find the light, no matter the challenges.” Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith addressed the issue of youth crime, pledging the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges. The second segment, The Bajan Brew, showcased local talent, including powerful spoken-word performances and nostalgic sing-alongs led by veteran entertainers. The night concluded with a dynamic finale by Mikey, as parish ambassadors joined him on stage, leaving the crowd in high spirits.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact across the Caribbean, preliminary assessments reveal a grim scenario. The storm has claimed 49 lives as of Thursday, with infrastructure and housing damages exceeding an estimated $500 million. The scale of this dual humanitarian and infrastructural crisis has prompted the establishment of the official Hurricane Melissa Regional Relief Fund. This initiative aims to channel financial aid to the hardest-hit regions—Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Authorities are urgently appealing to the Barbadian public and local businesses for immediate contributions to bolster recovery efforts. These funds are critical for delivering emergency supplies and restoring vital infrastructure. For local donations, contributors are directed to use the Central Bank of Barbados’s official banking details, ensuring funds are allocated correctly to specific relief accounts for each country. International donors are also encouraged to follow detailed wire transfer instructions to support the relief efforts effectively. The collective response will play a pivotal role in mitigating the disaster’s long-term effects on the affected communities.

The University of the West Indies Confucius Institute in Barbados recently celebrated the achievements of students from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions with the prestigious Chinese Ambassador Scholarships. This event highlights the island’s deepening engagement with Mandarin Chinese and its culture. Dr Che Leon Corbin, the local co-director of the Confucius Institute, emphasized the institute’s global standing, ranking among the top 10 of 500 Confucius Institutes worldwide. He noted that the program fosters cultural connections, making China feel closer to Barbados. The scholarships, funded by the Chinese Embassy in Barbados, provide financial support for students excelling in Mandarin studies, enabling them to cover educational expenses. Tyrone Yearwood, a Chinese teacher at the Institute, clarified the distinction between the Ambassador Scholarship and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) government scholarship, with the latter offering full financial support for studying in China. Professor Nie Lu, the Chinese Director of the Institute, praised the students and teachers for their dedication, emphasizing the importance of language learning in strengthening international ties. The ceremony recognized students from various schools, including St George Primary, Harrison College, and others, as well as tertiary students like Genesis Chester and Richellia Stuart. The event underscored the role of cultural exchange and language learning in building global friendships. Professor Nie encouraged the students to continue their efforts in mastering Mandarin and embracing Chinese culture, calling them pioneers in this transformative process.

Farmers in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, are grappling with catastrophic losses estimated in the millions of dollars after Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, ravaged the region earlier this week. The hurricane decimated agricultural fields, destroying vital crops and leaving a trail of devastation in one of the country’s most important farming areas.