Carib Scope

标签： Barbados

巴巴多斯

  • Combermere honours Bostic with carriageway

    Combermere honours Bostic with carriageway

    In a ceremony rich with symbolism and tradition, Combermere School has permanently enshrined the legacy of its distinguished alumnus, Lieutenant Colonel the Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, by naming its main thoroughfare in his honor. The newly christened Jeffrey Bostic Carriageway was officially unveiled during a formal gathering at the Waterford, St. Michael campus last Friday, an event school administrators hailed as a landmark moment in the institution’s storied history.

    Deputy Principal Timothy Barrett underscored the school’s long-standing practice of recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and achieved the highest levels of excellence. This tradition is visibly embedded across the campus, which already features landmarks named after notable figures such as the Frank Worrell Playing Field, Jack Adams Playing Field, Drax Square, Major Noot Hall, and the Jebodhsingh Weather Station.

    Principal Robin Douglas articulated the profound symbolism behind selecting the carriageway for this honor. He described the school’s entrance and exit as a metaphor for the educational and life journey undertaken by every student—from their initial steps in the lower forms to their progression into life beyond the school’s gates. Connecting this imagery to a phrase frequently invoked by President Bostic himself, Douglas noted that the location powerfully represents the concept of ‘from humble beginnings.’ He elaborated that each student’s passage through this gate marks the start of their personal contribution to the enduring legacy of Combermere, an institution whose influence across Barbados and the wider region has been both ‘persistent and unshakable.’ The daily act of entering and leaving the school grounds was presented as a poetic parallel to the lifelong journey of all Combermerians, affirming that the school’s motto, ‘ever a Combermerian,’ represents a profound and lasting identity.

    Errington Shurland, Executive Director of the Regional Security System, addressed the assembly to celebrate, honor, and recognize an alumnus who has ascended to the nation’s highest office, bringing immense pride to himself and his alma mater. Shurland highlighted the significant coincidence of President Bostic’s inauguration on November 30, 2025, which aligned perfectly with the school’s 330th anniversary, describing the dual celebration as a uniquely fortuitous event. He chronicled Bostic’s formative years, beginning with his enrollment at Combermere on September 9, 1971, at the age of ten, through his academic accomplishments and extensive extracurricular engagement in the cadet corps, hockey, table tennis, and football. It was the cadet programme, Shurland emphasized, that proved most instrumental, instilling in him the core values of ‘selfless service, integrity, duty, honour, and loyalty.’ These principles were later echoed in President Bostic’s own installation speech, where he credited Combermere as the place ‘where horizons were expanded and leadership was shaped,’ and paid tribute to the mentors pivotal to his development.

    The official citation further detailed Bostic’s advanced education and training at prestigious institutions including the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, and the Inter-American Defense College in Washington, DC. It outlined a decorated career featuring senior leadership roles within the Barbados Defence Force, the Regional Security System, and significant diplomatic assignments overseas. Shurland also commended Bostic’s extensive national service beyond the military, including his tenure in the House of Assembly and his steadfast leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplified by his resolute rallying cry, ‘No retreat, nor surrender.’ The dedication of the carriageway was presented as a tangible and enduring tribute to this lifetime of service, serving as a powerful exemplar for current and future students. Concluding with a poetic reflection, Shurland reminded the student body that ‘the heights of great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight,’ inspiring them to pursue excellence through perseverance and dedication.

  • Jones pledges accountable representation for Christ Church East Central

    Jones pledges accountable representation for Christ Church East Central

    In a compelling address at the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) candidate presentation in Oistins, first-time political contender Quincy Jones articulated his vision for transformative representation in Christ Church East Central. The DLP’s second vice-president, who is making his inaugural bid for public office, presented a comprehensive governance framework centered on constituent engagement and accountability.

    Jones emphatically declared that parliamentary representation constitutes a profound responsibility rather than a privilege, committing to establish regular constituency clinics, maintain open communication channels, and implement a transparent advisory structure. “This seat does not belong to any individual,” Jones asserted before the assembled crowd. “It belongs to the people of Christ Church East Central.”

    The political newcomer reframed conventional perceptions of inexperience as positive attributes, characterizing his approach as “fresh commitment” and “freedom from baggage.” He positioned his lack of political history as an opportunity to implement innovative solutions and approach governance with renewed discipline and integrity.

    Jones detailed critical concerns gathered through extensive constituency outreach, identifying pressing issues affecting residents’ daily lives. These include the escalating cost of living that strains household budgets, inadequate road infrastructure and drainage systems that receive attention primarily during election cycles, and concerning youth underemployment despite adequate training and qualifications.

    Additional challenges highlighted encompass small business viability amid economic pressures and deteriorating community safety in previously secure neighborhoods. Jones emphasized that these are not abstract policy matters but tangible realities requiring practical solutions beyond political rhetoric.

    The candidate concluded by positioning the Democratic Labour Party’s full slate of candidates as prepared to deliver effective governance following the February 11th election, presenting the party as equipped to address Barbados’ most pressing socioeconomic challenges through dedicated representation.

  • Flash flood watch issued for Barbados

    Flash flood watch issued for Barbados

    Barbados remains under an official Flash Flood Watch following persistent overnight rainfall, with meteorological authorities forecasting continued precipitation through Friday morning. The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) reported that moderate to heavy showers commenced after 1:00 a.m. on January 30, with certain regions already recording approximately two inches (50mm) of rainfall. Forecast models indicate an additional one to two inches (25mm-50mm) could accumulate within the coming hours.

    The meteorological agency has elevated flood risk assessments to moderate levels, highlighting several potential hazards including significant soil erosion on unprotected terrain, substantial water accumulation on roadways and agricultural fields, elevated water levels in natural waterways and irrigation canals, and possible overflow incidents involving storm drainage systems affecting both transportation routes and adjacent properties.

    Civil protection authorities have issued urgent advisories for citizens to maintain continuous monitoring of official communications from the Barbados Meteorological Services, the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), the Government Information Service (GIS), and accredited media organizations. A Flash Flood Watch designation signifies that atmospheric and ground conditions have become conducive to potential flooding events developing over extended periods exceeding two hours, though actual flooding remains probabilistic rather than certain.

    This weather advisory, originally disseminated at 3:00 a.m. on January 30, is scheduled for reassessment at 8:00 a.m. the same day, with provisions for earlier updates should meteorological conditions deteriorate. Residents seeking localized information are advised to consult the BMS official website, monitor verified social media channels, or utilize the emergency hotline numbers 976-2376 and 535-0022 for real-time guidance.

  • QEH performs Barbados’ first TAVI procedure

    QEH performs Barbados’ first TAVI procedure

    Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has achieved a transformative milestone in cardiac care with the successful execution of the nation’s inaugural Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) within its public healthcare system. This minimally invasive procedure, performed in the Cardiac Suite at the Lion’s Eye Care Centre, marks a significant leap forward in treating aortic stenosis—a dangerous narrowing of the heart valve predominantly affecting elderly patients who are often unsuitable for traditional open-heart surgery due to age and co-morbidities.

    A multidisciplinary team of specialists, led by Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Christita Powlett and supported by Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Jose Lugo, Head of Cardiology Dr. Dawn Scantlebury, and Anesthesiologist Dr. Sherry Lashley, pioneered the procedure. The TAVI technique involves threading a catheter typically through the groin or a minor chest incision to deploy a new valve over the malfunctioning one. With an international success rate exceeding 98%, the procedure offers rapid symptom relief and dramatically reduced recovery periods, frequently enabling discharge within 72 hours.

    This achievement is particularly notable as it brings a advanced treatment modality previously available only in private sectors regionally—such as in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana—into the public health domain. To date, QEH has successfully completed two TAVI procedures despite significant infrastructural challenges. The hospital is currently operating with reduced theater capacity due to issues with the central air-conditioning system affecting six operating rooms.

    In response, hospital CEO Neil Clark and medical teams have implemented an innovative extended rotating theater schedule, utilizing three functional theaters for prolonged hours throughout weekdays and weekends. This contingency measure has enabled the continuation of urgent surgeries, addressed critical demand, and begun reducing the procedural backlog.

    While repairs are ongoing, QEH has procured a new air-conditioning unit scheduled for installation in March, which will serve as the permanent solution to restore full operational capacity. The hospital administration has extended apologies to patients experiencing delays and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing specialized medical services while ensuring safe, effective, and timely care for all Barbadians.

  • Economy faces pivotal test after year of stability, economist warns

    Economy faces pivotal test after year of stability, economist warns

    While Barbados has achieved remarkable macroeconomic stability, a leading economist cautions that these gains have not yet translated into broad-based improvements for workers and households. Professor Troy Lorde, Dean and Acting Director of the University of the West Indies’ Shridath Ramphal Centre, analyzed the 2025 Economic Review, revealing both significant achievements and underlying vulnerabilities.

    The review demonstrates substantial progress with real GDP growth of 2.7%, inflation slowing to 0.7% on a 12-month moving average, a primary surplus of 3.3% of GDP, and international reserves holding at approximately $3 billion—equivalent to 27.4 weeks of import cover. These indicators reflect sustained fiscal discipline and favorable external conditions that have supported economic recovery.

    However, Professor Lorde emphasized that statistical improvements don’t necessarily equate to shared prosperity. The decline in unemployment to 6.6% partially reflects demographic shifts including increased retirements and higher school enrollment rather than robust job creation alone. This distinction matters for understanding true labor market conditions.

    Similarly, while inflation control appears impressive, Lorde noted this achievement stemmed primarily from external factors like lower international oil prices and falling freight costs rather than domestic productivity gains or increased competition. Recent point-to-point inflation rose to 1.7% by November, with essential categories like housing, utilities, insurance, and food experiencing heightened price pressures that disproportionately affect lower-income families.

    Tourism continues driving growth but reveals concerning market concentration. Arrivals from the United Kingdom declined nearly 6%, while recovery patterns show increasing reliance on US markets, heightening exposure to American economic conditions and policy decisions.

    Debt reduction presents another complex picture. The debt-to-GDP ratio declined to 94.6%, but this improvement reflected GDP rebasing—which mechanically lowers ratios by updating economic measurement—alongside strong nominal growth and maintained fiscal surpluses. Meanwhile, gross financing needs rose sharply as the government undertook early repayments of Eurobonds and IMF obligations, with debt service increasing to 12.9% of GDP.

    Professor Lorde clarified that GDP rebasing represents improved measurement rather than sudden economic expansion, warning against misinterpretations that might overstate actual performance. External risks including geopolitical uncertainty, trade policy shifts, and weather-related shocks remain significant threats to stability.

    The central challenge, according to Lorde, has evolved from achieving stabilization to converting this stability into higher productivity, rising wages, and greater economic resilience—a more demanding phase that now confronts policymakers, businesses, and households alike.

  • Ryan Walters: Excessive taxation worsening living costs

    Ryan Walters: Excessive taxation worsening living costs

    In a vigorous address to constituents at St Stephen’s Hill, Democratic Labour Party candidate Ryan Walters launched a comprehensive critique against the ruling Barbados Labour Party administration’s fiscal policies. The St Michael North West contender asserted that since assuming power in 2018, the government has systematically diminished workers’ disposable income through multiple revenue-generating measures while failing to honor campaign commitments.

    Waters articulated a direct connection between taxation levels and citizen purchasing power, contrasting current policies with the BLP’s previous stance that nations cannot tax themselves out of economic recession. He particularly highlighted the Health Services Contribution Levy implemented shortly after the party took office, characterizing it as an immediate reduction in take-home pay for all National Insurance Scheme contributors.

    The opposition figure provided substantial financial estimates, claiming the health levy has extracted approximately $530 million from workers between 2018 and 2025. This substantial sum, Walters emphasized, represents missed opportunities for households to address essential needs including groceries, education expenses, and basic survival costs.

    Further criticism targeted the garbage and sewage contribution levy, described as an additional financial burden on both households and small businesses totaling an estimated 570 million Barbados dollars. Walters maintained these combined fiscal measures have significantly exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis while the administration attributes economic challenges solely to global factors.

    The address specifically condemned the government’s unfulfilled manifesto promise to reduce Value Added Tax, noting the rate has remained stagnant at 17.5 percent since May 2018. Walters characterized VAT reduction as the most effective immediate relief mechanism for consumer expenses, particularly regarding supermarket purchases and daily expenditures.

    Concluding with policy alternatives, the DLP candidate pledged his party would implement VAT reduction upon assuming office, positioning this commitment as a central component of their strategy to restore citizens’ spending power and alleviate financial pressures.

  • ‘Ghost ship’ runs aground off Sam Lord’s Castle

    ‘Ghost ship’ runs aground off Sam Lord’s Castle

    A derelict cargo vessel, adrift for months as a maritime ghost in the South Atlantic, has finally grounded on a coral reef near Sam Lord’s Castle, Barbados, prompting an extensive inter-agency operation to mitigate environmental risks and secure the ship.

    The MV Christina Debora, abandoned by its crew last year following critical engine failure, was discovered lodged approximately one nautical mile offshore after a local fisherman alerted authorities. Deputy Director of Barbados’ Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Major Robert Harewood, confirmed that initial investigations traced the ship’s origins through digital research, revealing its prolonged unmanned drift across international waters.

    Emergency protocols were immediately activated upon discovery, mobilizing a coordinated response from the Barbados Coast Guard, Barbados Defence Force (BDF), Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), Environmental Protection Department (EPD), Ministry of Health, and Barbados National Energy Company Limited (BNECL). Initial concerns regarding potential oil leaks were dispelled after aerial drone surveillance conducted by the BDF provided critical visual intelligence showing no evidence of hydrocarbon contamination.

    Diver teams from the Coast Guard and CZMU have conducted preliminary assessments of the hull’s integrity to determine viable extraction methods. While the vessel’s internal condition remains unknown due to its prolonged abandonment, health authorities have cleared personnel for boarding operations when necessary.

    The current operational priority involves carefully refloating the vessel from the reef structure and towage to a designated secure location, with final destination discussions ongoing between maritime authorities. Environmental safeguards including absorbent booms and dispersion systems will be deployed during movement operations as precautionary measures against potential leakage.

    Major Harewood explicitly ruled out permitting further drift, acknowledging potential threats to Barbados and neighboring territories. International maritime legal frameworks are being consulted regarding the unusual circumstances of the vessel’s arrival in Barbados’ territorial waters.

  • Upgrade cybersecurity systems, warns expert

    Upgrade cybersecurity systems, warns expert

    A senior cybersecurity executive has issued a stark warning to corporations and governments, urging a fundamental reassessment of digital defense strategies as cyber threats undergo a dangerous evolution. Matt Castonguay, Chief Revenue Officer at Hitachi Cyber, addressed industry leaders at the Hitachi Cybersecurity Leadership Summit 2026 in Barbados, revealing that malicious actors have shifted their focus from traditional data theft to directly targeting operational infrastructure.

    According to Castonguay, the cybersecurity landscape has transformed dramatically from the era of simple ransomware attacks where organizations could pay to retrieve encrypted data. Modern attackers now employ sophisticated tactics designed to cripple entire business operations, creating cascading financial and reputational consequences. ‘We’re seeing more deliberate attacks at operations, trying to shut down operations entirely,’ Castonguay explained. ‘They’ll shut down your systems, and now you have to pay to regain operational control.’

    The expert identified identity-based attacks as the predominant vulnerability despite technological advancements. ‘After all this sophistication, so many breaches stem from someone clicking on the wrong link, compromised credentials, or password reuse across platforms,’ Castonguay noted, emphasizing that stolen credentials frequently surface on dark web markets before being weaponized against corporate networks.

    Artificial intelligence has dramatically escalated the threat landscape, particularly in phishing campaigns. Castonguay detailed how AI enables attackers to create convincing chatbots and automated agents that initiate benign conversations before transitioning into sophisticated phishing attempts. ‘The English is no longer flawed – the sophistication has stepped up dramatically with AI,’ he observed.

    Supply chain vulnerabilities represent another critical concern, with Castonguay warning that third-party vendor breaches often result in reputational damage to primary companies despite their robust security measures. ‘Companies have great cybersecurity policies, but then they use a third-party vendor that might have limited access to customer data but isn’t secure,’ he explained.

    Illustrating the real-world consequences of security oversights, Castonguay cited the Colonial Pipeline breach where an inactive VPN account with administrative privileges enabled a devastating network compromise. ‘A simple cybersecurity assessment would have identified inactive accounts,’ he stated, noting the incident resulted in tens of millions in damages from ransomware and operational disruption alongside severe reputational harm.

  • Over 100 families in St Peter to be given opportunity to own land

    Over 100 families in St Peter to be given opportunity to own land

    In a landmark move addressing historical injustices, the Barbadian government has initiated the formal transfer of land ownership to 132 families in the Six Men’s community of St. Peter. This initiative, known as the Six Men’s Life Improvement Project, represents a significant step in correcting decades of land tenure insecurity.

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the progress during a Barbados Labour Party meeting in Speightstown, revealing that 37 households have already received formal offer letters. The remaining qualified tenants are undergoing property surveys to facilitate complete title transfers through the Tenant’s Freehold Purchase program—a policy originally established under former Prime Minister Tom Adams.

    The government is maintaining the original purchasing terms established decades ago, offering land at just 10 cents per square foot without inflation adjustments. Mottley emphasized the extraordinary opportunity this presents, noting that prospective landowners can acquire property for less than the cost of premium sneakers—approximately US$250 for a standard plot.

    Mottley framed the initiative as a form of historical reparation, stating: ‘The people who were treated as beasts of burden for centuries have already paid for this land over and over through your blood, sweat and tears. Today we ask you simply to consummate that relationship.’

    Colin Jordan, BLP candidate for St. Peter, highlighted that this resolution addresses a half-century-old community concern. He specifically rejected the term ‘squatters’ for residents who have occupied the land for decades, expressing offense at such characterizations.

    The comprehensive project includes surveying the entire area and making necessary adjustments to ensure proper road access for emergency vehicles, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fully integrating these communities into formal infrastructure networks.

  • Mahon loses My Lord’s Hill home to fire

    Mahon loses My Lord’s Hill home to fire

    In a devastating turn of events, Roger Mahon, a 63-year-old sanitation worker, faced the complete destruction of his home just two days before his scheduled retirement from the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA). The fire erupted Wednesday evening at his Proute Road residence in My Lord’s Hill, St Michael, reducing his lifelong home to ashes.

    Mahon recounted receiving a frantic call from his son while he was briefly away from the property. Returning immediately, he encountered an overwhelming blaze with three fire trucks and multiple police vehicles already on scene. The lifelong resident expressed utter disbelief at the scene that greeted him.

    Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have originated from a toaster oven left operating with its timer engaged—a common practice for Mahon who stated this was the first incident of its kind. The intensity of the conflagration prevented salvage of any personal belongings or household items.

    Despite losing everything, Mahon expressed gratitude that adjacent properties sustained only minor damage. Divisional Officer Tremelle Perch confirmed the fire response involved three water tenders from Bridgetown and Barbados Port fire stations under the command of multiple officers who successfully contained the blaze.

    The incident has left Mahon, who lives alone and manages diabetes, without essential medication and too distressed to eat. Both major political parties have pledged support, with candidates Trevor Prescod (Barbados Labour Party) and Ensley Granger (Democratic Labour Party) offering assistance for rebuilding efforts.

    Neighbor Lionel Brewster, 84, described the event as terrifyingly unexpected, noting his property suffered only minor exterior damage including cracked glass panes and some board damage. A vehicle parked between residences sustained damage to its rear windshield and roof structure.