A devastating road accident in Mount Standfast, St James, has left a family in mourning after 18-year-old Josiah Carmichael lost his life in a fatal collision on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. along Garden Road, involving two vehicles traveling from Speightstown towards Holetown. Josiah, a passenger in one of the vehicles, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Acting Inspector Ryan Brathwaite of the Holetown Police Station confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with forensic teams working to determine the cause of the crash. Josiah’s mother, Natalie Carmichael, described her son as a kind, helpful, and promising young man who was the backbone of their family. She recounted their final moments together, expressing her grief over the sudden loss. Inspector Brathwaite urged motorists to practice defensive driving and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies. Witnesses to the crash are encouraged to contact the Holetown Police Station as investigations continue.
标签： Barbados
巴巴多斯
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Beach soccer makes big return in Barbados
After a prolonged hiatus, beach soccer made a spectacular comeback in Barbados with the launch of the inaugural Barbados Beach Soccer Championship last Sunday. Organized by the Sports Development Unit under the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, the tournament commenced at Brighton Beach and is set to continue until November 16. The championship will feature 28 teams competing across three iconic beaches—Brighton, Brandons, and Browne’s—with over $20,000 in prizes up for grabs, including a grand $10,000 cash reward for the champions. The opening day delivered an electrifying start, with six action-packed matches showcasing skill, intensity, and breathtaking goals. Among the standout performances, the Sundown Ballers dominated Trident Spurs with a commanding 9-2 victory, thanks to braces from Eric Joseph and Duan Best, along with contributions from Clairmonte Callender and Jayden Mayers. The Beach Blitzers also impressed, overpowering Island Fusion 7-3, with Rashad Smith scoring four goals. Other notable matches included the Sunset Chasers’ 6-2 triumph over Soca Stormers, Full Volley’s 6-1 rout of Crop Over Kings, and a nail-biting penalty shootout victory by the Tiki Tacklers over Bajan Heat. The championship promises to be a thrilling showcase of beach soccer talent and passion.
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CWI restarts coaching courses in Leeward Islands and SVG
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has reignited its commitment to nurturing a robust pool of high-quality cricket coaches across the Caribbean by launching the second round of its Foundation Level and Refreshers Coaching Courses. This initiative, which began in Antigua and Barbuda on October 2 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, is strategically timed to align with the anticipated restart of primary schools and community-based grassroots cricket programs. The sessions are scheduled to continue in Montserrat, the British and US Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten, Anguilla, and conclude in St Vincent on October 30.
Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, ‘The continuation of these courses underscores CWI’s dedication to enhancing coaching talent and fortifying cricketing infrastructure throughout the region. By investing in coaching education at this foundational stage, we are laying the groundwork for the sustainable growth and future success of cricket in the Caribbean.’
Bascombe further highlighted the broader impact of this effort, noting that well-trained coaches are essential for flagship programs like the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Five for Fun Cricket and the Girls Under-16/19 Territorial Cricket Hub initiatives. These programs are pivotal in inspiring the next generation of cricketers and fostering mass participation in the sport.
The coaching courses are led by Brendon Ramlal and Keshava Ramphal, both Level 3 certified coaches with extensive experience in age-group cricket development and education systems in Trinidad and Tobago. Their expertise spans critical areas such as child protection, analytics, tactical awareness, physical fitness, and effective communication.
In a move to prioritize the safety and well-being of young players, all participants are required to complete the UNICEF Child Protection Course and attend a virtual Cricket Safeguarding and Child Protection Workshop before commencing the program. These measures ensure that coaches are equipped to create a secure and supportive environment for player development.
Previously, CWI successfully conducted these courses in Dominica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Grenada (including Carriacou), Jamaica, and Barbados, engaging over 150 participants. These efforts are designed to empower current and aspiring coaches with the skills necessary to cultivate young talent and drive the growth of cricket at the grassroots level.
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Mount Gay marks historic full-circle moment with Single Estate Series launch
Mount Gay, the world’s oldest rum producer, has unveiled the third and fourth editions of its Single Estate Series, marking a historic return to its Barbadian roots. The dual launch event, held at the historic St Lucy estate, brought together company executives, mixologists, industry leaders, and guests to celebrate the full-circle journey of rum-making—from sugarcane fields to the tasting glass.
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Young talent takes the stage at Worthing Square
On Wednesday, Worthing Square in Barbados transformed into a vibrant stage as students from across the island showcased their musical talents during the Ministry’s Lunchtime Concert Series. This event marked the opening of a series of performances celebrating Education Month, highlighting the artistic prowess of young Barbadians. The concert kicked off with the St Bartholomew Primary School choir, whose harmonious voices set the tone for the afternoon. They were followed by the St Lawrence Primary School vocal ensemble, whose renditions of ‘Doxology’ and ‘The Blessing’ captivated the audience with their melodic beauty. The spotlight then shifted to solo performances, featuring Christina Edwards of Harrison College, who mesmerized the crowd with her piano renditions of ‘Copacabana’ and ‘Sweet Life.’ Romario Herbert-White from St Leonard’s Boys’ School delivered a smooth performance of George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper,’ while Jahzareo Bourne offered a soulful take on Rihanna’s ‘Unfaithful.’ Despite a sudden downpour, Daniella Hansen’s passionate performance of ‘Goodness of God’ kept spirits high. Nicholas Murrell of Harrison College added a creative flair with his trumpet rendition of Tyla’s ‘Water,’ earning enthusiastic cheers. Joshua Osbourne and AJ from Blackman and Gollop Primary energized the stage with their dynamic solos. The grand finale was led by the St Leonard’s Boys’ School Steel Orchestra, whose lively medley of upbeat tunes had the audience dancing and clapping along. Randy Eastmond, the event organizer, emphasized the importance of the Lunchtime Concert Series as a platform for nurturing young musical talent in Barbados. ‘This initiative is open to all young people, helping to develop the next generation of artists,’ he said. The series promises more performances throughout Education Month, offering further opportunities for young musicians to shine.
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Agriculture minister plans to give update on sugar sector
The Barbados government is poised to unveil a critical announcement regarding the future of the sugar industry, as tensions among workers and unions reach a boiling point. This development follows the collapse of a major cooperative initiative and mounting pressure from labor groups demanding long-overdue benefits for employees. Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir hinted at an impending outline of the industry’s next phase, stating, ‘When I’m ready to speak to the public, I will, but I’m not going to pre-empt what I have to say by just giving snippets of what is yet to come.’ His remarks came during a visit to the Mount Gay Distillery in St Lucy on Wednesday. The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has urgently called for clarity on the restructured sugar industry and the fulfillment of promises to workers, particularly those who labored in the cane fields. Union officials, including Deputy General Secretary Dwaine Paul, have emphasized that worker frustration has escalated to a critical level. The situation worsened after the collapse of the Co-op Energy arrangement with the government in August, which aimed to establish a cooperative framework for the industry and secure worker ownership stakes. The failed initiative, which began with a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2023, sought to transfer control of state-owned sugar assets to two new companies: ABC Ltd for farmland and BESCO (Barbados Energy and Sugar Company) for the Portvale mill. However, tensions arose when Co-op Energy, led by Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Browne, was accused of failing to provide the required $16.5 million in investment capital. Browne countered that financial disclosures were withheld by the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (BAMC) and the ministry, preventing the deal’s execution. Originally, the agreement promised workers a 45 per cent share in the restructured industry, but this was later reduced to 20 per cent. The partnership’s collapse has left over 1,100 workers and retirees without promised ownership, reigniting industry uncertainty and union demands for clarity and compensation.
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Govt ties car rental reclassification to ‘green’ commitment
The Barbados government has announced that the reclassification of car rental companies under the tourism sector will depend on their commitment to transitioning from fossil fuel vehicles to hybrid and electric models. Finance Minister Ryan Straughn emphasized this during a recent statement, clarifying that no incentives will be provided for the importation of petrol or diesel vehicles.
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President honours Barbadians for exceptional community service
In a heartfelt ceremony, President Dame Sandra Mason of Barbados has honored exceptional citizens with the Pride of Barbados Awards, celebrating their extraordinary contributions to their communities. These awards, a key component of the diaspora outreach initiative ‘We Gatherin’, acknowledge individuals whose efforts reflect the nation’s core values of unity and compassion. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the awards were presented to recipients who could not attend the official ceremony at State House. Among the distinguished honorees was Reverend Dr. Lucille Baird, affectionately known as ‘The Torch of St James.’ Dr. Baird was recognized for her lifelong commitment to empowering underserved youth, vulnerable women, and incarcerated men in her parish. Her visionary leadership and faith-driven service have left an indelible mark on her community. ‘This award is not just for me,’ she humbly stated. ‘It is for my church, my people, and my parish. I am deeply grateful and will continue my work until God calls me home.’ Another notable recipient, Anthony Lynch, was celebrated for his profound acts of kindness and unwavering generosity. From donating school supplies to aiding struggling families, Lynch’s selfless actions have strengthened community ties and inspired others to give back. Kim Holder of St. Andrew was honored for her over two decades of excellence in tennis. As a mentor and coach, she has nurtured future champions and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting differently abled youth. Lastly, Patrick Waithe of St. Philip was recognized for his lifelong dedication to mentoring through sports, faith, and community leadership. As the founder of the JA Cricket Academy, his passion for youth development continues to shape future generations. These awards serve as a testament to the power of individual contributions in fostering a stronger, more compassionate society.
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As blood supply dwindles, QEH appeals for donors
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has amplified its appeal for blood donations, sounding the alarm over critically low reserves and emphasizing the urgent need for donors to maintain vital emergency and surgical services. Dr. Christine Greenidge, Chief Operations Officer at QEH, underscored the indispensable role of community support during her appearance on the hospital’s Pulse Radio Show. ‘Blood is a lifeline for our doctors, especially in the Emergency Department and other critical areas where lives are saved daily,’ she stated. She further explained that trauma cases, such as gunshot and stabbing injuries, often demand substantial blood supplies, making donations a cornerstone of effective medical care. Dr. Greenidge also issued a special plea for rare blood types, including O negative and A negative, praising recent donors who swiftly responded to previous appeals. ‘We reached out to individuals with whom we have established relationships, and they stepped up immediately,’ she remarked. To bolster national reserves, several blood drives are planned across the island throughout October. Collection teams will be stationed at Ross University on Friday and Saturday, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from October 13 to 16, and Bajan Sigmas on October 23. Donors are encouraged to visit the QEH Blood Bank, located adjacent to the Winston Scott Polyclinic, where staff, including manager Wendy Lord, are prepared to assist. Both whole blood and platelets are in high demand to meet patient needs. ‘When our stock levels fall below the required threshold, it’s our responsibility to issue an appeal to ensure these units are available,’ Dr. Greenidge emphasized. She urged individuals with rare blood types to step forward, saying, ‘If you know you belong to a rare blood group and are willing to donate, please visit the blood bank.’
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Father shot dead moments after tucking daughter into bed
In the quiet neighborhood of Bayville, a serene evening turned into a nightmare for Tori Bascombe and her family. On Monday night, her partner of 12 years, Akil Blacks Hinds, was fatally shot just outside their home on Sandbox Avenue. The incident occurred moments after they had tucked their daughter, A’niyah, into bed, shattering their peaceful routine and leaving the family in profound grief.
Bascombe, struggling to hold back tears, recounted the harrowing moments when her life changed forever. She described how Hinds was lying on the bonnet of their car when a masked gunman approached around 10:10 p.m. and fired multiple shots. Hinds was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Bascombe vehemently denied rumors of a shootout, asserting that Hinds was not involved in any violent altercation. She speculated that the incident might have been a robbery, as Hinds’ chain was missing after the attack.
Hinds, a 36-year-old bridgeman at Chamberlain Bridge, was known for his calm and easy-going demeanor. Bascombe painted a picture of a devoted family man who lived for his partner and daughter. ‘He eat, sleep, and breathe me and he daughter,’ she said, emphasizing their inseparable bond. The couple had been planning a staycation for A’niyah’s upcoming eighth birthday, but now Bascombe faces the heartbreaking task of celebrating without Hinds.
The community of Bayville, though known for its history of violence, had been relatively peaceful in recent times. However, the shooting has left residents, including Bascombe, feeling uneasy and fearful. ‘I would say yes [I’m scared],’ she admitted, describing her inability to sleep or relax since the incident. She believes Hinds may have been targeted but cannot fathom why anyone would want to harm him, given his peaceful nature and spiritual outlook on life.
Hinds was an avid football enthusiast who enjoyed watching matches on weekends and had been looking forward to the Prime Minister’s Cup fixtures. His sudden death has left a void not only in his family but also in the community, where he was well-loved and respected. As Bascombe and her daughter navigate this unimaginable loss, they are left grappling with questions and a future forever altered by tragedy.