Carib Scope

标签： Barbados

巴巴多斯

  • Ellerton win key game as Premier League season winds down

    Ellerton win key game as Premier League season winds down

    On a tense Wednesday night at the Wildey Technical Centre, the penultimate round of the Barbados Football Association Premier League delivered a dramatic result that reshaped the final league table standings, as Ellerton claimed a thrilling 2-1 victory over Brittons Hill United to climb temporarily into third place.

    Fresh off an upset blowout win against Paradise just seven days prior, the St George-based outfit continued its strong late-season form by taking down another top-three contender in what proved to be a tightly contested match from kickoff to full time. The deadlock was finally broken in the 62nd minute, when Marco St Hill found the back of the net to put Ellerton ahead, giving his side the momentum heading into the final quarter of play. However, Brittons Hill responded quickly, with T’shane Lorde notching an equalizer just 11 minutes later to level the scoreline, setting up a tense final stretch that would decide three crucial league points.

    As the clock ticked down toward full time, Ellerton captain Shakille Belle stepped up to convert an 88th-minute penalty, slotting the ball home to secure what would prove to be a game-winning goal for his side.

    With both Ellerton and Brittons Hill having now completed their full 18-match regular season schedules, the table offers a clear snapshot of where things stand heading into the final day of competition. Defending runners-up Brittons Hill currently sit second in the overall standings with 35 points, trailing already-crowned champions Weymouth Wales. Weymouth Wales locked in its fifth consecutive league title last week, holding a five-point lead over second place at 40 points with one remaining fixture left to play.

    After the Wednesday win, Ellerton climbed to 34 points in third place, but its final position for the season remains far from settled. Thursday’s concluding fixture between fourth-placed Kickstart Rush and fifth-placed Paradise will decide where all three sides end the campaign. Both teams currently enter the match on 33 points, with Kickstart Rush holding a narrow one-goal advantage in goal difference (38 to Paradise’s 37), while Ellerton only has a goal difference of 15. Even a share of the points between the two sides would see both jump above Ellerton in the standings, dropping the St George club to at least fourth.

    A win for either Kickstart Rush or Paradise would push the victor to 36 points, which would not only bump Ellerton down but also knock current second-placed Brittons Hill to third. In that scenario, the loser of the Thursday showdown would take fifth place, while Ellerton would slot into fourth.

    The season will wrap up with a 9 p.m. nightcap on Thursday that sees newly crowned champions Weymouth Wales face off against Eyre’s Meatshop Pride of Gall Hill. A win for Weymouth Wales would extend their already dominant lead at the top of the table, while a shock upset victory for Gall Hill would lift the Christ Church-based side into sixth place, jumping ahead of UWI Blackbirds. Both sides currently enter the final match level on 19 points.

  • CDEMA targets communication gaps ahead of hurricane season

    CDEMA targets communication gaps ahead of hurricane season

    As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, set to officially begin on June 1, the Caribbean’s top disaster management body has outlined sweeping upgrades to regional response frameworks, shaped directly by hard-won lessons from last year’s Hurricane Melissa. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) used its annual pre-season regional press conference to emphasize that closing critical coordination gaps and reinforcing fragile communication systems will be the cornerstone of this year’s disaster preparedness push, with officials confirming the first 14 days after a storm strike remain the highest-risk window for life-threatening response failures.

    CDEMA Executive Director Elizabeth Riley explained that a full post-event review of the 2025 Hurricane Melissa response, completed in March 2026, identified a series of operational weak points spanning cross-border coordination, logistics management, emergency communications, rapid damage assessment, relief distribution, and the handover process from immediate emergency response to long-term recovery. While Riley emphasized that the region’s core coordination mechanisms held up well during the critical early activation phase of the Regional Response Mechanism during Melissa, she noted that consistent operational bottlenecks emerged during the transition between response and recovery, concentrated in the first two weeks after a disaster makes landfall.

    “Our after-action review confirmed that the most significant operational constraints consistently arise within that initial 14-day window, particularly as we shift from urgent life-saving response to early recovery planning,” Riley said. The storm also underscored the critical value of pre-positioning emergency supplies at strategic regional hubs, including the shared CDEMA-World Food Program logistics facility in Barbados, while highlighting the urgent need to strengthen cross-border transportation arrangements and streamline regional supply chain coordination, she added.

    Riley also highlighted the underrecognized but indispensable role that private sector entities play during large-scale emergency responses, particularly in providing last-mile transport and warehousing capacity that government and regional bodies often lack. One of the most pressing priorities to emerge from the post-Melissa review, she said, is the need for more reliable, regionally harmonized emergency communication systems and resilient information management infrastructure. While digital and telecommunications systems performed as designed during Melissa’s response, siloed information sharing between different agencies and sectors created unnecessary coordination delays and confusion.

    “Our shared goal is to build a more integrated regional data system and standardized cross-sector information sharing protocols that will enable faster, more accurate decision-making when disasters strike, and we are working closely with our partner organizations to deliver that,” Riley added.

    In a major update ahead of the season, Riley confirmed that multiple specialized regional response teams are already fully trained and on standby, following months of large-scale training exercises across Caribbean island nations. As of the press conference, 168 personnel have been pre-vetted and are ready for rapid deployment through the CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit, while 60 trained specialists are available to support urban search and rescue operations in storm-damaged urban areas. A further 38 experts are prepared to join rapid needs assessment teams immediately after a strike, 12 personnel are trained to backstop the CARICOM Operational Support Team, more than 100 medical professionals are ready to deploy to field medical facilities, and more than 75 power grid technicians from regional energy association CARILEC are available to support critical power restoration efforts. The roster also includes trained emergency telecommunications staff and dedicated mental health and psychosocial support teams to assist affected communities in the aftermath of a storm.

    Riley noted that these numbers are expected to grow in the coming weeks as additional training and orientation sessions wrap up, adding that expanding the regional roster of trained technical specialists was a key lesson from 2024 regional response efforts, when demand for skilled personnel outstripped available supply.

    “At CDEMA, everything we do centers on people: protecting the safety of our families, the security of our communities, the stability of livelihoods, and the long-term resilience of our member states,” Riley said. “Every plan we develop, every preparedness exercise we run, and every partnership we build is oriented toward one core mission: saving lives and reducing economic and human loss when hazards strike.”

  • CDEMA warns region to be on guard despite prediction of less active season

    CDEMA warns region to be on guard despite prediction of less active season

    Even as leading climate agencies forecast a below-average 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, Caribbean disaster management officials are sounding a clear call to action: regional nations cannot let their guard down against a wide range of climate hazards that threaten communities year-round. The warning came from Elizabeth Riley, Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), delivered during the agency’s annual pre-season regional press conference held ahead of the official start of the hurricane season on June 1.

    While the Atlantic hurricane season is formally defined as running from June 1 to November 30, Riley emphasized that Caribbean countries face multiple climate threats beyond this six-month window, meaning preparedness efforts cannot be limited to this narrow timeframe. Entering the 2026 season, the region has built up substantial capacity through past disaster experiences, refined emergency response protocols, and strengthened cross-regional and international partnerships, but Riley cautioned that shifting climate patterns remain inherently unpredictable and capable of causing severe disruption.

    Released on May 27, the latest seasonal outlook from the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) projects the 2026 season will produce approximately 12 named storms, five hurricanes, and two major hurricanes—putting it on track to be less active than the severe seasons the region has seen in recent years. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) echoed this projection, forecasting an eight to 14 range for named storms, three to six hurricanes, and one to three major hurricanes, classifying the season as below normal. Both outlooks cite ongoing El Niño conditions as the primary factor expected to suppress tropical cyclone formation and intensification across the Atlantic this year.

    Despite the muted overall forecast, Riley outlined multiple overlapping threats that demand urgent preparedness. Warmer than average sea surface temperatures around the northern Caribbean, she explained, can still supercharge storm systems to produce extreme rainfall, even for weaker tropical cyclones. This abundant precipitation translates to elevated risks of severe flooding and flash floods across much of the Caribbean, putting low-lying and coastal communities at particular risk.

    Beyond storm-related flooding, the region is already grappling with persistent drought across several CDEMA member states, and conditions are expected to either hold steady or expand in scope by the end of 2026. While seasonal rainfall from tropical systems may temporarily ease localized water shortages, Riley noted that long-term drought pressures will remain a key concern for public water supplies and agricultural production through the rest of the year.

    A growing underrecognized threat is also taking center place this year: extreme heat. The CIMH outlook predicts unusually intense heat across the Caribbean during August and September, with more frequent heat waves and warmer than average temperatures through both day and night. These conditions will drive higher rates of heat-related illness and heat stress for vulnerable populations, a hazard Riley said the region has only recently begun to prioritize for emergency preparedness after years of rising heat risks linked to climate change.

    Riley closed her remarks by reinforcing the core lesson the Caribbean learned from Hurricane Melissa last year: even a season projected to be mild can turn devastating if a single major storm makes landfall. “It only takes one hurricane hitting a populated area of the Caribbean to create a catastrophic disaster, regardless of how many total storms are predicted,” she said. “That is why thorough, year-round preparedness is non-negotiable every single season, no matter what the forecasts say.”

  • West Indies coach confident of winning fifth-straight ODI home series

    West Indies coach confident of winning fifth-straight ODI home series

    For nearly three years, the West Indies men’s One-Day International side has built an unrivaled record of dominance on home soil, and head coach Daren Sammy is adamant that winning momentum will hold firm when the team kicks off a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka next week.

    The Caribbean side heads into the contest carrying a four-series winning streak in home ODIs, with their most recent home defeat dating back to August 2023 at the hands of India. In the years following that loss, the team has put together a string of impressive results: they secured a 2-1 victory over England in both December 2023 and 2024, swept Bangladesh 3-0 in 2024, and notched a historic 2-1 win over Pakistan late last year.

    This upcoming series marks West Indies’ first ODI action of 2026. The side last appeared in the 50-over format during a late 2025 tour of New Zealand, where they suffered a lopsided 3-0 defeat at the hands of the hosts. Regardless of that away setback, Sammy remains optimistic that the team’s strong home form will hold when the opening match gets underway at Jamaica’s ground on June 3.

    “In ODI cricket we’ve made home a fortress for us, and to see the guys coming in and putting in the work I’m happy with what I’m seeing in the camp,” the head coach told reporters ahead of the series opener.

    Sammy went on to break down the key strengths that have powered West Indies’ home success in recent years. The team’s spinners have consistently delivered critical wickets in the middle overs of matches, while the pace attack led by Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph has put opposing batters under immediate pressure by taking early wickets. Most importantly, Sammy noted, the West Indies batting unit has adapted perfectly to home conditions, consistently putting up big totals. “Every series I think we’ve had one or two hundreds and we have to continue that,” he added.

    While Sammy acknowledged that Sri Lanka is familiar with the warm, humid Caribbean conditions that mirror its own home venues, he framed the series as a test of two key matchups: how well West Indies handles Sri Lanka’s spin attack, and how effectively his own fast bowlers can get on top of the visitors’ batting line early in innings. Ending his press briefing, the coach reaffirmed his confidence, saying: “I’m looking forward to the series where we will continue our dominance at home.”

  • BAM: Sponsorship critical for smaller bands

    BAM: Sponsorship critical for smaller bands

    As one of Barbados’ most iconic summer cultural celebrations continues its steady expansion and transformation, industry leaders are calling on the country’s private sector to expand their support beyond the most well-known masquerade groups to uplift emerging smaller collectives. The call to action was delivered by Anthony Layne, vice-president of the Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM), during Thursday’s official launch event for the Flow Grand Kadooment, which is powered by local media outlet TV 8.

    Layne emphasized that corporate sponsorship and investment in the festival must not be concentrated exclusively among the largest, most high-profile masquerade bands, which have long dominated industry support. “We ask you to continue supporting our bands, not only the large recognizable names, but also the smaller and emerging bands that contribute just as meaningfully to the richness, creativity and diversity of this festival,” Layne said during his remarks.

    He went on to highlight that the vast majority of smaller masquerade groups are led and operated by a new generation of young entrepreneurs, independent costume designers, skilled artisans and local creatives. These cultural workers share deep passion for the traditional art of masquerade and are dedicated to building long-term, sustainable businesses within Barbados’ fast-growing cultural economy.

    According to Layne, consistent sponsorship remains an indispensable lifeline for small bands, which struggle to absorb the steep rising costs associated with crafting intricate costumes and staging large-scale festival presentations. “Your sponsorship and investment can make the difference between an idea remaining a dream or becoming a successful part of the Crop Over experience,” he explained. “Sponsorship is vital because it helps to offset the true cost of costumes, materials, labour and production. Without that support, participation can become financially difficult for many Barbadians.”

    Central to BAM’s broader mission, Layne added, is expanding access to masquerade participation, making the tradition affordable and accessible for ordinary Barbadians. “We must continue working together to make masquerade more accessible and affordable to the average Barbadian because Crop Over belongs to all of us,” he stressed.

    Beyond its role as a beloved cultural celebration, Layne noted that the annual Crop Over festival generates far-reaching economic benefits that ripple across multiple sectors of the Barbadian economy. “The festival is more than feathers, music and celebration. It is an important part of our national identity and a major contributor to economic activity across several sectors from entertainment and tourism to fashion, food, transportation and small business development,” he said.

    In positive news for the 2026 Crop Over season, Layne shared that the festival is seeing a notable resurgence in masquerade band participation, a trend he called an encouraging indicator of the tradition’s enduring popularity. “The renewed interest and participation this year are encouraging signs that mas continues to thrive and evolve,” he said, adding that the overall growth in the number of participating bands reflects the “passion, resilience and creativity” of bandleaders, designers, artisans and masqueraders across the island.

    Layne also celebrated the return of two fan-favorite events, Cohobblopot and Party Monarch, to the official 2026 Crop Over calendar, noting that their re-inclusion amplifies the excitement and cultural depth of the entire festival season. “These events have long been important parts of the festival experience and their return adds to the energy, entertainment and cultural richness that Barbadians and visitors alike look forward to every season,” he added.

  • Flow increases sponsorship for Grand Kadooment

    Flow increases sponsorship for Grand Kadooment

    Barbados’ annual iconic cultural celebration, the Crop Over festival, has received a major vote of confidence from local telecommunications leader Flow Barbados, which announced a more than 20 percent increase in its sponsorship investment for this year’s flagship event, the Flow 5G+ Grand Kadooment, during the official launch event Thursday at Pelican Village.

    Speaking to assembled media at the launch, Desron Bynoe, vice-president and general manager of Flow Barbados, confirmed the firm’s third consecutive term as title sponsor of the island’s largest public cultural spectacle, with total sponsorship for the 2024 Crop Over season exceeding $300,000. The increased investment covers both official events organized by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and independent private events across the festival calendar.

    In his remarks, Bynoe emphasized that the expanded commitment reflects Flow’s decades-long commitment to nurturing Barbados’ creative sector and cultural heritage. “For decades our company has supported Crop Over and the creative industry,” he stated, noting that the company also holds the official title of telecommunications partner for the full Crop Over festival. Sister brand Liberty Caribbean continues its role as associate sponsor for Fusion, a popular event that centers the innovation and artistic skill of local Barbadian creators. Bynoe also highlighted the integration of the firm’s latest infrastructure milestone into the event name, rebranding this year’s celebration as the Flow 5G+ Grand Kadooment to mark the rollout of the island’s fastest mobile connectivity launched the previous year.

    During the launch, Liberty Caribbean CEO Inge Smidts formally presented a $160,000 cheque to the NCF to support event operations.

    NCF chair Dr. Jasmine Babb framed Grand Kadooment as the cornerstone of Barbados’ annual cultural calendar, describing it as the cumulative culmination of months of collaborative work from thousands of creatives and stakeholders across the island. “Grand Kadooment is not only the penultimate event of this Crop Over season, but the grand expression of months of creativity, planning, craftsmanship and cultural energy,” Babb explained. “It is where masquerade bands, designers, musicians, dancers, revelers, vendors, service providers, and communities all come together to present Barbados at its most vibrant.”

    Dr. Babb added that the event aligns directly with the NCF’s core mandate, which extends far beyond just organizing public events. For the foundation, the work of building platforms like Grand Kadooment is critical to preserving, promoting, and sustaining Barbadian national identity for future generations. “Our role is not only to produce events, but to create platforms that allow Barbadian culture to be seen, experienced, respected and sustained. Grand Kadooment does exactly that,” she said.

    This year’s celebration carries extra cultural weight as Barbados marks the 60th anniversary of its independence, a milestone that deepens the meaning of the festival’s public display of heritage. “This year, as Barbados marks its 60th anniversary of independence, Grand Kadooment carries even greater meaning. It reminds us that our culture is one of the strongest expressions of who we are,” Dr. Babb noted. “The colour, movement, music and artistry on the road are not simply entertainment; they are part of our national identity and part of the story we continue to tell as a people.”

  • Predictable West Indies Women’s World Cup squad named

    Predictable West Indies Women’s World Cup squad named

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially named its 15-player squad set to compete at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place across England and Wales from June 5 to July 5. The selection was built around three core pillars: aggressive powerplay strategy, deep batting lineup, and adaptive performance in the cool, variable conditions common to British cricket, following weeks of comprehensive assessment by the national selection panel and senior team management.

    In an official media statement released Thursday, CWI confirmed that every selection decision was made after careful alignment with the specific tactical and technical standards required to deliver consistent, high-impact results on English pitches. Head coach Shane Deitz emphasized that the final squad is the product of a targeted strategy tailored exclusively to the unique challenges of hosting international cricket in England.

    “We know that in English conditions, powerful powerplay batting and consistent run scoring through the middle overs are non-negotiable for winning matches,” Deitz explained. “Our own performance analysis shows that when we post more than 45 runs in the powerplay, we put ourselves in a far stronger position to control the entire match. Defensively, our priority is to limit boundary concessions both in the powerplay and across every stage of the opposition innings.”

    He went on to outline the strategic logic behind individual selections: “To meet these goals, we’ve picked a group that offers massive flexibility at the top of the batting order. Every player selected can handle both pace bowling and spin effectively, and crucially, our batters are capable of maintaining an aggressive approach even after early wickets fall. We’ve also prioritized batting depth to keep up attacking play deep into the final overs. With our bowling unit, we’ve selected athletes who can push for wickets when needed, but can also switch quickly to defensive modes and execute under pressure at any point in an innings.”

    Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, detailed the months of intentional preparation work that has already gotten underway to help the squad acclimatize to English conditions, build consistent form, and build momentum heading into the tournament. “We’ve been extremely deliberate in how we structured preparation for this World Cup,” Bascombe said. “Our recent training camp in Wales was designed to immerse players in conditions nearly identical to what they’ll face throughout the tournament, giving them time to fine-tune their technical skills and tactical decision-making in that environment.”

    “Just as important as technical preparation is giving the group time to build team cohesion, confidence, and consistent chemistry together over an extended period,” he added. “The upcoming tri-nation series in Ireland is another critical piece of our preparation plan, because it gives the squad valuable competitive match experience against top-tier international opposition just days before the World Cup kicks off. Every single element of our preparation has been planned intentionally to make sure players arrive at the tournament fully adapted to conditions, clear on their individual roles, and carrying positive team momentum.”

    Before the main World Cup gets underway, West Indies Women will first compete in the Evara Women’s International tri-series against Ireland and Pakistan, which runs from May 28 to June 3 in Ireland. Following the tri-series, the squad will return to England for two warm-up matches: against India on June 8 and defending champions Australia on June 10. Their first official group stage match of the 2026 World Cup is scheduled for June 13 against New Zealand.

    The full 15-member West Indies Women’s 2026 ICC T20 World Cup squad is: Hayley Matthews (captain), Chinelle Henry (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack and Stafanie Taylor.

  • CARICOM envoy hails Barbados-Guyana ID-only travel

    CARICOM envoy hails Barbados-Guyana ID-only travel

    A new travel agreement allowing cross-border movement between Barbados and Guyana using only national identification cards is being hailed as a landmark step toward realizing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s long-held vision of full free movement across the regional bloc, Barbados’ top envoy to the organization confirmed Wednesday.

    Ambassador David Comissiong told local outlet Barbados TODAY that this new bilateral arrangement, paired with the October 2025 launch of full free movement between four founding member states – Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines – marks a transformative breakthrough for regional integration. He emphasized that the smooth implementation of the four-nation free movement scheme, combined with the new ID-only travel policy announced by Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, represents one of the most encouraging developments for CARICOM in recent years.

    “The pleasant experience thus far of the full free movement along with the recent announcement of this new initiative to facilitate movement between our citizens simply with the national ID card, I think it’s a very positive development,” Comissiong said.

    Since the new ID-travel policy was made public, the ambassador revealed that regional leaders have already reached out to express interest in expanding the framework to other CARICOM territories. Comissiong shared that immediately after the announcement, a fellow ambassador from one of the four full free movement nations reached out to ask why a similar ID-based system could not be rolled out across all four participating countries. He added that Barbados has long supported the principle of ID-enabled travel across the Caribbean bloc, viewing it as a practical way to cut red tape for regional citizens.

    While Comissiong acknowledged that extending the arrangement to Belize could face initial hurdles, as the country lacks direct air links with Barbados, he said regional officials remain confident that a practical, functional system can be developed over time.

    Beyond travel liberalization, the envoy pointed to promising shifts in regional labor mobility, highlighting migration flows from Jamaica to Barbados as a model of mutually beneficial movement. Historically, most migration from Jamaica to Barbados consisted of skilled professionals or Barbadian students returning home with spouses after completing studies at the University of the West Indies. But Comissiong noted that recent migration patterns have seen more working-class Jamaicans filling critical unmet service roles in Barbados, particularly in caregiving and domestic support.

    “From what I can see, they have really fitted in well, they have found a niche, and they are responding to a real need in Barbados, especially in the area of caregivers and home helpers,” he said.

    New data from Barbados’ Ministry of Home Affairs, obtained by Barbados TODAY, shows that between the launch of the four-nation free movement scheme in October 2025 and April 2026, roughly 14,758 nationals from Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize have entered Barbados under the new liberalized rules.

    Comissiong also disclosed that multiple other CARICOM member states are already in the process of preparing to join the free movement framework launched by the four pioneering nations. He explained that the four founding participants always intended their initiative to be a starting point for broader regional integration, not a closed group.

    “The idea always has been that the others would join us,” he said. “All the signs we are seeing with the movement of people across the Caribbean community seem to be positive [and] moving in the right direction.”

  • Defending Rally Barbados champs set to compete following accident

    Defending Rally Barbados champs set to compete following accident

    One week after a dramatic, rollover crash at a pre-event shakedown competition, defending Rally Barbados champions Kyle Gregg and co-driver Kreigg Yearwood are confirmed to line up for the start of BICIC Rally Barbados when the iconic motorsport event kicks off this Friday with the Riddara Bushy Park Super Special stage.

    Rumors had swirled in local motorsport circles over whether the pair would be able to compete, after widely circulated footage of their high-speed crash at last Sunday’s First Citizens King of the Hill event showed their vehicle overturn and sustain severe chassis damage – though both competitors walked away from the incident completely unhurt. Sources close to the team have confirmed to Barbados TODAY that rapid repair work on their Ford Fiesta Rally2 has proceeded on schedule, clearing the way for their entry.

    Rally director Neil Barnard confirmed the updated entry list in an interview with Barbados TODAY following the mandatory pre-event competitor briefing on Wednesday, adding that another driver involved in last weekend’s crash, Jamaica’s Frasier McConnell, will also compete after sourcing a replacement ride. McConnell will pilot a R5-spec Skoda Fabia this year, stepping in for his heavily damaged original Mitsubishi Evolution that was written off in the Sunday rollover.

    Beyond the last-minute entry adjustments, this year’s running of Rally Barbados brings back a fan-favorite format that hasn’t been featured on the event calendar in years: mixed day-and-night stage action. Barnard explained that through the event’s first 15 years, it was standard to run a marathon 12 to 15-stage Saturday schedule that extended well into the evening, before organizers shifted to an all-daylight format with only limited Friday night competition. For 2024, organizers are revisiting that classic format without reviving the punishing 10 to 12 hour full-day grind, adding a small set of twilight stages to Saturday’s running to bring back the unique skill challenge of after-dark rallying.

    Organizers are projecting record crowds to turn out across the island for the weekend’s racing, and Barnard shared his top picks for spectator viewing locations across all three days of competition. For Saturday’s running, Barnard highlighted the Automotive Art Padmore stages as an unbeatable option for fans, noting the large open areas south of Bushy Park offer free unrestricted access and ample convenient parking for spectators. On Sunday, multiple accessible vantage points avoid the congestion and road access issues common at popular stages, with the corridor between Cherry Grove and Culleton ranked among the best. Areas around Easy Hall and Malvern also offer solid viewing, but Barnard said the event’s closing Sunday stage – which runs from Three Houses to a finish line inside the Bushy Park circuit, directly ahead of the awards podium ceremony – offers the most comfortable experience for casual fans.

    Last Sunday’s King of the Hill pre-event, which served as a warm-up for many competitors, crowned Britain’s Joe Cunningham and co-driver Kari Bates overall champions, with Suleman Esuf and Asif Suleman taking the top spot in the two-wheel drive class.

    With defending champs Gregg and Yearwood recovering from their crash, a deep competitive field including 2024 class champions Stuart Maloney and Kristian Yearwood, and the withdrawal of leading two-wheel drive contender Roger Mayers, Barnard says this year’s event is one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. “It’s one of the most open rallies that we’ve seen, whether it’s for outright runners, four wheel drive or two wheel drive competitors, and I think that it’s going to be closely fought,” he explained.

    Forecasters are calling for dry conditions across the rally route, a factor that should level the playing field for all competitors, but even with that clarity Barnard says predicting a winner is far from certain. “The weather forecast is for a dry rally, which is a good thing, but honestly, you’d be a brave man to bet on who’s going to win,” he concluded.

  • Two charged in Easter Monday Bay Garden killing

    Two charged in Easter Monday Bay Garden killing

    A fatal public shooting that unfolded over the Easter holiday weekend in Barbados has led to formal criminal charges against two local men, authorities have confirmed. The incident, which took place on Easter Monday at the popular Oistins Bay Garden entertainment and dining hub, claimed the life of 34-year-old Raul Clarke, leaving local communities shocked just days after the holiday celebration.

    Law enforcement officials have identified the two accused as 18-year-old Jaheim Canute Collins, a resident of Inch Marlow, Silver Sands, and 29-year-old Shane Anthony Burke, who also previously went by the name Shane Anthony Greene and resides in Ashby Land along Lodge Road. In addition to the primary charge of murder, the pair face a string of other serious criminal offences linked to the shooting. These include multiple violations of national firearms legislation, charges of violent disorder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and endangering the lives of other bystanders who were present at the busy bay venue during the attack.

    Barbados Police Service confirmed that all charges have been formally filed against the two men, and the accused are scheduled to make their first public court appearance on Wednesday at the Oistins Magistrates’ Court. Investigations into the motive and full circumstances of the shooting remain ongoing as authorities work to build their case for the preliminary hearing. Local residents have called for increased safety patrols at the popular tourist and local spot in the wake of the killing, which has been marked as one of the island’s violent incidents recorded so far this year.