标签： Barbados

A 27-year-old woman from St Michael, Barbados, has been formally charged in connection with the importation and trafficking of cannabis valued at over $35,000. Krystal Debra Harewood, residing at 2nd Avenue, Parris Gap, Westbury Road, was arrested by the Narcotics Unit of the Barbados Police Service following the alleged offenses on October 29, 2025. Harewood faces multiple charges, including possession of cannabis, trafficking of cannabis, intent to supply, and importation of cannabis. Authorities reported that the seized drugs weighed approximately 4.4 kilograms, with an estimated street value of $35,200. Harewood appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the District ‘F’ Magistrates’ Court on October 31, where she pleaded guilty to all charges. She was granted bail set at $4,000, and the case has been adjourned to the District ‘B’ Magistrates’ Court, with proceedings scheduled to resume on February 12, 2026.

The vibrant fishing community of Oistins became a beacon of national pride on Thursday evening as residents, fisherfolk, and government officials convened for a momentous event. The Berinda Cox Fish Market hosted the unveiling of a ‘Wall of Honour’ and the launch of a new publication titled *Oistins: Its History & Evolution Residents’ Perspective*. This book meticulously documents the community’s profound history and its pivotal role in Barbados’ development. The occasion was part of the *We Gatherin’ 2025* initiative, with Christ Church taking center stage to celebrate its heritage. Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the event’s significance in honoring the unsung heroes of Barbadian society. She described it as a milestone that underscores the contributions of ordinary individuals who form the backbone of the nation. Dr. Munro-Knight announced two major commitments: making the Oistins Heritage Tour a permanent fixture on the national cultural calendar and distributing the new book across schools and libraries to preserve and share the community’s stories. Minister Wilfred Abrahams, Member of Parliament for Christ Church East, highlighted Oistins’ historical and economic importance, calling it the commercial capital of Barbados. He stressed the need to invest in the fishing industry, which sustains the nation’s economy and food production. The Wall of Honour, featuring generations of fishing families and those lost at sea, stood as a poignant tribute. Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Chief Fisheries Officer, praised the community’s dedication to preserving its heritage. The event concluded with attendees reflecting on Oistins’ enduring legacy as a cornerstone of Barbadian identity.

The Friends of Democracy (FOD) political party has called on the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) to implement a 50 per cent discount on water bills for residents of St Lucy, who have been grappling with a severe water crisis for over five years. During a community outreach event in Durham, St Lucy, on October 25, party members engaged with locals who reported that their tap water was discoloured, foul-smelling, and unfit for consumption. One resident likened the water’s appearance to ‘the colour of mauby’ and shared that drinking it often led to nausea and stomach discomfort. Others revealed that bathing caused skin irritation and that household water filters turned dark brown within days of use. ‘We’re paying for water we can’t use for drinking or cooking,’ a resident lamented. ‘It’s unjust that we have to buy bottled water while still paying full water bills.’ FOD President Karina Goodridge emphasized that clean water is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and condemned the situation as a failure in essential service delivery. The party urged the BWA and the government to act swiftly, asserting that the lives of St Lucy residents should be valued equally to those in other parishes. They also demanded that the proposed discount remain in place until the crisis is resolved, highlighting the financial burden of purchasing bottled water alongside high water bills. The FOD expressed disappointment in the lack of action from local representatives and the opposition, stating, ‘It’s deeply troubling that after five years, no meaningful steps have been taken. The people of St Lucy deserve leadership that prioritizes their health and dignity.’ The party vowed to continue advocating for a resolution until all affected communities receive the same clean, safe, and reliable water supply enjoyed by other Barbadians. ‘Water is life,’ the FOD concluded, ‘and the people of Durham and St Lucy have waited long enough.’

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has escalated its alert from a Flash-Flood Watch to a Flash-Flood Warning as a tropical wave intensifies its impact on the island. Authorities have cautioned that persistent heavy showers throughout Friday, October 31, 2025, could trigger flash floods in vulnerable low-lying and flood-prone regions. The warning, issued at 9:05 a.m., remains active until 6 p.m. or until conditions stabilize. The BMS predicts rainfall of two to three inches today and into the night, with weather improvements anticipated by Saturday, November 1. The department highlighted potential risks, including soil erosion on exposed or sloped terrain, water accumulation on roads and fields, traffic disruptions, and rising water levels in ponds and drainage systems. Minor flooding on roads and properties is also expected. Residents are urged to stay informed via official channels such as the BMS, the Department of Emergency Management, and the Government Information Service, accessible through websites, social media, and local news outlets. The BMS emphasized that a Flash-Flood Warning indicates ongoing or imminent flooding, typically within two hours. For further details, visit www.barbadosweather.org or contact 976-2376 or 535-0022.

The Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA) has initiated a phased restoration of vehicle inspections and the issuance of roadworthy certificates at its Pine, St Michael headquarters, following a week-long disruption caused by a malfunctioning online platform. The issue began on October 20 when the BLA’s outdated vehicle registration system experienced a critical failure, rendering the server inoperative. Andre Lashley, the Authority’s IT consultant, stated, ‘The legacy system managing vehicle registrations suffered a severe breakdown, necessitating the replacement of the old IT infrastructure with a modern platform.’ Immediate efforts to resolve the issue involved collaboration between the IT consultant, BLA staff, and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Smart Technology (MIST). Due to the system’s complexity, restoration is still ongoing. However, a strategic approach was adopted to prioritize essential services, such as weighbridge operations and vehicle inspections. An interim solution combining manual processes and a partially online platform has been implemented to resume critical vehicle services while the new system undergoes testing. BLA staff are also addressing a backlog of pending inspections and registrations. Chief Licensing Officer Treca McCarthy-Broomes assured Public Service Vehicle (PSV) permit holders that permits expiring during the outage will remain valid until full system functionality is restored. To manage the anticipated surge in demand, the BLA plans to enlist approved private garages to assist with vehicle inspections, with a list to be published soon. McCarthy-Broomes urged agents and customers to ensure all required documentation, including application forms, insurance documents, and inspection certificates, is complete before attempting vehicle registration.

The Caribbean Vegan Conference, a groundbreaking event held on October 25, 2025, at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, united legal experts, environmental activists, and plant-based advocates from across the Caribbean, the Americas, and Europe. Co-hosted by the Caribbean Vegetarian-Vegan Charity (CVVC) and the British Vegan Society, the conference spotlighted the intersection of animal rights, environmental sustainability, and dietary choices. Chief Justice Leslie Francis Haynes, a keynote speaker, framed animal rights as “the new legal frontier,” challenging attendees to rethink societal norms regarding animal treatment. He questioned, “If a being can feel, express, and emote, does it not deserve legal rights?” Haynes also critiqued societal conditioning that distances children from the origins of their food, stating, “We desensitize them by renaming pigs as pork and cows as beef, obscuring the reality of consumption.” Lalu Hanuman, a CVVC trustee, emphasized veganism as “the diet of the future,” citing Albert Einstein’s belief in the transformative power of plant-based diets for human health and survival. Hanuman highlighted the meat industry’s devastating environmental impact, including deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and antibiotic overuse, which contributes to antimicrobial resistance. He criticized selective animal welfare advocacy, noting, “Animal welfarists often champion only ‘cuddly’ animals while consuming meat and fish without hesitation.” Cheryl Haynes, CVVC co-trustee, celebrated the nutritional potential of Caribbean herbs and plants, urging attendees to embrace the region’s natural bounty. The conference concluded with an inspiring video of the late Benjamin Zephaniah, leaving participants motivated to align their lifestyle choices with their values and their impact on the planet.