Carib Scope

标签： Barbados

巴巴多斯

  • Graduates raise the bar as community training stirs up new opportunities

    Graduates raise the bar as community training stirs up new opportunities

    In a significant stride toward workforce development, Barbados has celebrated the inaugural graduation of 19 individuals from a groundbreaking community-based hospitality training initiative. The ceremony, held at Courtyard by Marriott in Garrison, St Michael, marked the successful completion of the Satellite Programme’s first Bartending/Mixology and Cookery 1 courses.

    The programme, formally titled ‘Facilitating Inclusive Development in Communities,’ represents a collaborative effort between Pinelands Creative Workshop, the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, and the Maria Holder Memorial Trust. The graduating cohort comprised 17 women and 2 men who underwent intensive hands-on training, with 11 specializing in Bartending/Mixology and 8 in Cookery 1.

    Sophia Greaves-Broome, CEO of Pinelands Creative Workshop, emphasized the programme’s design to eliminate traditional barriers to education. “We created this to cut through red tape and barriers that often prevent people from accessing training,” she stated during her address to graduates. Greaves-Broome highlighted that the certificates represent “a beginning to your future” in an evolving job market where “the new currency is skills.”

    The Satellite Programme specifically targets young adults aged 18-35 who left formal education without qualifications, single parents, and those unable to meet conventional tertiary education requirements. The initiative reflects the post-pandemic recovery needs of Barbados’ hospitality sector, with training content adapted to industry demands.

    Notably, the Bartending/Mixology course pushed creative boundaries, with students developing over 30 original cocktails using unconventional ingredient combinations. The Cookery curriculum condensed two training levels into an accelerated format. Instructors Sir Sheen McClean and Angela Gittens-Holland received special recognition for their transformative teaching approaches.

    Graduate Dionne Currency-Griffith, speaking on behalf of her cohort, described the experience as “demanding but fulfilling,” noting significant improvements in time management and professional confidence. Her newly acquired certification will enable her catering business to expand into full bar services.

    Two exceptional students received special recognition: Roshania Manning (Cookery 1) and Currency-Griffith (Bartending/Mixology), both achieving scores of 85%. Since its 2022 establishment, the programme has trained 52 Barbadians, with many graduates advancing to entrepreneurial ventures including product bottling and retail operations.

    The ceremony concluded with an empowering message for graduates to leverage their credentials as launching points for continuous professional development and global market opportunities.

  • ICC suspends Jones for breaching corruption codes

    ICC suspends Jones for breaching corruption codes

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed an immediate provisional suspension on Barbadian-American cricketer Aaron Jones following serious corruption allegations. The 31-year-old batsman, who recently represented the United States at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, faces five distinct charges related to anti-corruption code violations.

    The charges stem primarily from Jones’ participation in the Bim10 tournament during the 2023-24 season, which falls under Cricket West Indies’ jurisdiction. Additionally, two charges pertain to international matches under the ICC’s purview. The allegations include match-fixing during the Bim10 competition and multiple failures to report approaches about engaging in corrupt activities.

    Beyond the corruption allegations, Jones stands accused of obstructing the official investigation by concealing or tampering with potentially relevant information. He also allegedly failed to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s reasonable investigation requests.

    The ICC confirmed this case represents merely one component of a broader ongoing investigation, indicating that additional charges against other participants are anticipated in the coming weeks. Jones now has a 14-day window from January 28, 2026, to formally respond to the allegations.

    This suspension effectively eliminates Jones from selection for USA’s 15-member squad for next month’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted across India and Sri Lanka. The immediate suspension mandates that Jones cannot participate in any form of cricket while the investigation proceeds.

  • President launches national youth mentorship drive during Graydon Sealy school visit

    President launches national youth mentorship drive during Graydon Sealy school visit

    In a significant address at Graydon Sealy Secondary School, President The Right Honourable Jeffrey Bostic unveiled a transformative national mentorship program designed to create pathways for youth from economically challenged communities. The initiative, named the Chapman Challenge in honor of the President’s childhood community of Chapman Lane, represents a cornerstone of his presidential legacy, focusing on breaking cycles of disadvantage through structured support systems.

    During the school’s 50th anniversary celebrations, President Bostic emphasized that socioeconomic circumstances should never determine a young person’s potential. ‘Your circumstances must not stop you from achieving your goals,’ he declared to assembled students, drawing from his personal journey to underscore leadership’s responsibility to inspire future generations.

    The comprehensive program features multiple tiers of support, with schools serving as primary identification hubs for participants as young as twelve. Among its most immediate benefits are academic scholarships to Jordan’s prestigious King’s Academy, secured through President Bostic’s diplomatic engagement with King Abdullah II during his November 30 installation ceremonies. These scholarships specifically target academically qualified students from low-income households.

    Beyond educational support, the initiative adopts an inclusive approach extending to vulnerable populations outside traditional education systems. The government will collaborate with the Barbados Prison Service to develop rehabilitation frameworks using mentorship to facilitate societal reintegration for incarcerated individuals.

    A nationwide mentorship framework will leverage partnerships with religious organizations, athletic associations, and national institutions. Sporting icons will play pivotal roles in shaping youth development, utilizing athletics as a vehicle for instilling discipline and positive values.

    The presidential visit featured cultural performances that received standing ovations and concluded with an interactive dialogue where students engaged the Head of State on leadership, career development, and constitutional responsibilities.

  • Central Bank cautions against sweeping VAT cuts

    Central Bank cautions against sweeping VAT cuts

    The Central Bank of Barbados has issued a stark warning against implementing sweeping reductions to the nation’s 17.5% Value Added Tax (VAT), cautioning that such untargeted fiscal measures could undermine economic stability while failing to deliver meaningful assistance to populations most severely impacted by rising living costs.

    Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge articulated the Bank’s position during a Wednesday press conference reviewing the country’s 2025 economic outlook. His comments directly addressed campaign promises from opposition parties contesting the February 11 general election, who have pledged significant VAT reductions as a primary mechanism for addressing cost-of-living pressures should they form the next government.

    Dr. Greenidge, drawing upon his extensive experience from the International Monetary Fund, presented a detailed economic analysis questioning the wisdom of broad-based VAT cuts. He emphasized that such blanket reductions would provide financial benefits across all economic segments, including affluent demographics who don’t require assistance, rather than concentrating support where it’s most needed.

    The Governor highlighted implementation challenges, particularly the uncertain ‘pass-through effect’ where merchants and wholesalers might not fully transfer tax savings to consumers. Using automotive taxation as an example, he explained how importers could retain savings rather than reducing consumer prices, especially in economic environments where prices demonstrate downward rigidity.

    Dr. Greenidge advocated for precisely targeted policy measures instead of across-the-board reductions, stating: ‘If your objective is addressing cost of living, you must identify which specific groups you’re trying to impact. Well-designed, targeted measures for vulnerable populations deliver significantly more effective outcomes than broad fiscal changes.’

    He noted that VAT reductions typically prove most effective when the tax system is performing optimally and the objective involves stimulating productive sectors, rather than addressing immediate cost-of-living concerns. The Governor concluded that implementing monitoring mechanisms to ensure merchants pass on tax savings would likely incur administrative costs exceeding the actual benefits delivered to consumers.

  • PSV culture ‘damaging’ children, warns acting DPP

    PSV culture ‘damaging’ children, warns acting DPP

    Barbados’ Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating moral environment within the nation’s public service vehicle (PSV) sector, asserting that the pervasive culture of violence and vulgarity is directly harming schoolchildren and eroding societal values. Speaking during sentencing submissions for convicted murderer Shakira Blackman, Seale delivered an impassioned critique of the PSV industry’s negative influence on youth development.

    The veteran prosecutor described how continuous exposure to violent content, abusive language, and inappropriate behavior on minibuses and ZRs creates psychological distress that impedes children’s educational progress. “They cannot listen to maths; they cannot understand Pythagoras’ theorem,” Seale stated, emphasizing that students arrive at school already overwhelmed by the “ignorance” they encounter during their commutes.

    Seale identified multiple concerning elements within the PSV environment, including drivers’ and conductors’ vulgar speech, explicit musical content, and inappropriate dress standards that children inevitably emulate. He expressed particular concern about the absence of positive role models in this sphere, noting that the lack of uniforms and professional standards undermines efforts to instill discipline in young people.

    The prosecutor connected these environmental factors to broader societal problems, including school violence and future criminal behavior. He questioned contemporary approaches to discipline in the context of reduced corporal punishment, noting that alternative solutions have proven insufficient against rising classroom violence.

    Seale’s comments emerged during legal proceedings concerning Shakira Blackman, who was convicted of murdering 27-year-old Shanice Miller in November 2021. The prosecutor recommended a 40-year starting sentence, citing aggravating circumstances and premeditation. He described how Blackman pursued her victim even after initial defensive actions, ultimately causing fatal injuries near Central Police Station.

    Despite Blackman’s claims of defending a friend, Seale emphasized personal accountability for violent actions. Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell will deliver sentencing on March 20, with King’s Counsel Andrew Pilgrim representing the convicted individual.

  • Pundits split on CARICOM election observers

    Pundits split on CARICOM election observers

    Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s invitation of international election observers has ignited a scholarly debate about electoral integrity and political accountability ahead of the February 11 general election. The move comes amid opposition claims of irregularities within the voter registry managed by the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC).

    Opposition parties have characterized the early election announcement as a ‘snap poll’ and raised substantive concerns about discrepancies in the official voters’ list. Democratic Labour Party leader Ralph Thorne formally requested a postponement on Monday, citing the need to address these electoral list issues.

    Prime Minister Mottley responded by invoking Section 18 of the Representation of the People Act, stating she lacks legal authority to alter the election date. In a strategic countermeasure, she announced the invitation of independent observers from both CARICOM and Commonwealth organizations to monitor electoral proceedings.

    “Independent electoral observers will enable the public to objectively assess our election conduct,” Mottley stated. “This necessary measure protects both the integrity and international reputation of our democratic processes.”

    Political scientist Dr. Kristina Hinds endorsed the decision as a long-overdue safeguard for Barbados’ electoral system. “Observer missions will help identify procedural strengths and weaknesses while ensuring election transparency,” Dr. Hinds noted. She cautioned, however, that while observers might recommend future improvements, they cannot immediately address current voter disenfranchisement issues.

    In contrast, political analyst Dr. George Belle challenged the fundamental premise of inviting observers without concrete evidence of irregularities. “The burden of proof rests exclusively on those alleging electoral misconduct,” Dr. Belle argued. “Without substantiated evidence demonstrating material impact on voters, we risk damaging Barbados’ reputation based on unverified claims.”

    The divergent expert perspectives highlight the tension between proactive electoral transparency and the requirement for evidence-based policy interventions in democratic processes.

  • Major road repairs completed, more on the way, says Bradshaw

    Major road repairs completed, more on the way, says Bradshaw

    The Barbados Ministry of Transport and Works has unveiled an ambitious infrastructure agenda, announcing plans to initiate up to 20 road repair projects between January and June 2024. The revelation came from Santia Bradshaw, Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate for St Michael South East, during a political rally in Oistins, Christ Church on Tuesday evening.

    Bradshaw highlighted the comprehensive scope of ongoing infrastructure development, citing the substantial $250 million Scotland District road project as a cornerstone initiative. She specifically addressed longstanding concerns in Christ Church constituency by confirming Lodge Road has been prioritized for repairs after being a persistent community grievance.

    Infrastructure progress reports indicate significant achievements already underway, with 15 road projects completed in the Scotland District region, another 15 currently in progress, and 30 additional projects in advanced design phases. The minister also confirmed completion of soil stabilization work in the White Hill area.

    The extensive road rehabilitation program receives substantial funding through a BDS $100 million (approximately US$50 million) financing arrangement with the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF – Corporación Andina de Fomento). This international funding has enabled infrastructure improvements spanning multiple parishes, including Yorkshire in St Philip, Prior Park in St James, and Gibbons Terrace in Christ Church, with additional works in Cane Garden and Shop Hill.

    Addressing inevitable inconveniences caused by construction activities, Bradshaw emphasized the necessity of temporary disruption for long-term progress. “There may have been disruption, and there continues to be disruption, but Barbados must understand there is no country in the world where you can get progress without disruption,” she stated, affirming the government’s commitment to essential utility upgrades and infrastructure modernization.

    The minister credited the BLP administration’s strategic financial management for enabling these infrastructure investments, noting that despite inheriting a challenging economic situation seven years ago, the government pursued debt restructuring while simultaneously securing global financing to revitalize the nation’s road infrastructure and neglected bridge projects.

  • Economy ‘to grow again’ in 2026 despite external risks, says Central Bank governor

    Economy ‘to grow again’ in 2026 despite external risks, says Central Bank governor

    The Central Bank of Barbados has forecasted sustained economic expansion for the nation through 2026, projecting growth between 2.5% and 3.0% despite emerging global challenges. Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge announced these projections during a Wednesday briefing at the bank’s headquarters, indicating this would mark the country’s fifth consecutive year of economic improvement following a 2.7% expansion in 2025.

    The growth trajectory is primarily driven by robust performance across multiple sectors including tourism, business services, and construction activities in both private and public domains. Inflation is expected to remain moderate, with projections indicating a moving average rate closer to 1% for 2026, gradually settling around 2-2.5% in the medium term.

    Governor Greenidge highlighted several favorable factors including declining global commodity prices, particularly energy costs, which should help mitigate imported inflation pressures. However, he noted that strong domestic demand for certain services could exert upward pressure on prices.

    Fiscal indicators continue to show improvement with debt levels expected to maintain a downward trajectory through economic expansion and rising primary surpluses. The governor confirmed the country remains on track to achieve its debt-to-GDP target of 60% by fiscal year 2035-36, a key anchor of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) program initiated in 2018.

    Despite the positive outlook, Dr. Greenidge identified several risk factors including potential slowdowns in major markets like the United States that could reduce tourism demand. He also cited heightened global political tensions, particularly in oil-producing regions, which could trigger inflationary pressures through oil price spikes. Additional concerns include rising shipping costs due to global uncertainty and climate-related impacts on domestic food production.

    Conversely, the governor noted potential upside opportunities including stronger-than-expected tourism performance, accelerated infrastructure projects such as the imminent Bim Pay digital payments system, housing developments, and renewable energy initiatives that could further boost economic prospects.

  • PM Mottley: BLP has served Barbados well

    PM Mottley: BLP has served Barbados well

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley has formally initiated her Barbados Labour Party’s (BLP) general election campaign with a robust defense of her administration’s economic and social governance. Addressing a substantial rally in Oistins on Tuesday evening, the party leader presented what she characterized as an unprecedented track record of promise fulfillment amid global crises.

    The campaign launch, featuring all thirty BLP candidates, served as a platform for Mottley to showcase her government’s policy accomplishments. She unveiled a compact booklet titled ‘Red Record – A 2 Z Promises Kept’, specifically designed for portability and public distribution. “This document represents our accountability manifesto,” Mottley declared. “We want citizens to carry this evidence and make informed judgments based on documented performance rather than misinformation.”

    Economic revitalization formed the cornerstone of Mottley’s address, with emphasis on progressive fiscal measures benefiting low and middle-income earners. The administration has implemented expanded reverse tax credits reaching approximately $1,300 annually for qualified citizens and eliminated income tax for individuals earning between $2,100 and $3,000 monthly. These initiatives reflect what the Prime Minister described as a deliberate policy reorientation toward equitable economic participation.

    Mottley presented compelling macroeconomic indicators, revealing that foreign reserves have surged from three weeks of import coverage to thirty-two weeks, while the debt-to-GDP ratio has dramatically decreased from 176% to below 98%. “The fiscal stability that eluded us seven years ago now provides foundation for sustainable development,” she asserted.

    The Prime Minister acknowledged delayed implementation of integrity legislation, explaining that consultations revealed the necessity for tailored approaches rather than uniform solutions that might discourage public service participation. She emphasized that effective anti-corruption measures require “legislation with teeth” while ensuring fairness in application.

    Social protection mechanisms have been substantially enhanced under the BLP administration, including elevated minimum wage standards, increased non-contributory pensions, and expanded disability support systems. Welfare benefits saw a 40% augmentation during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the government’s responsive social policy framework.

    Infrastructure advancements include the deployment of a 121-vehicle electric bus fleet, establishment of an International Food Science Centre supporting small agro-processors, modernized fish markets, and reduced agricultural water rates. Institutional modernization efforts have encompassed the National Insurance and Social Security Service, alongside comprehensive judicial reforms including expanded prosecutorial capacity and criminal record expungement provisions.

    Addressing geopolitical concerns, Mottley highlighted the necessity of experienced leadership amid regional instability stemming from US-Venezuela tensions. She concurrently condemned alleged misogynistic remarks by opposition figure Dr. David Estwick, demanding formal apologies to both the BLP and Barbadian women collectively.

  • Central Bank hails lower debt, falling inflation, stronger fiscal balance

    Central Bank hails lower debt, falling inflation, stronger fiscal balance

    The Central Bank of Barbados has announced a fourth consecutive year of robust economic expansion for the nation in 2025, with GDP growth reaching 2.7%. This sustained growth was primarily propelled by an unprecedented surge in tourism, which catalyzed widespread gains across multiple sectors of the economy.

    Central Bank Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge, presenting the annual economic review at the bank’s Bridgetown headquarters, highlighted a simultaneous improvement in key macroeconomic indicators. Inflationary pressures continued to moderate throughout the year, with the average inflation rate declining by 0.7%. The labor market also showed significant strength, as the unemployment rate dropped to 6.6%, down from 7.1% recorded at the end of the previous September.

    On fiscal stability, the government achieved a primary surplus equivalent to 3.3% of GDP, while successfully reducing the national debt-to-GDP ratio to 94.6%. The financial sector demonstrated resilience with credit expansion growing from $9 billion to $9.4 billion. Commercial banks notably improved their asset quality, reducing non-performing loans to 3.6%—the lowest level witnessed since June 2009. International reserves remained robust at approximately $3 billion, despite a widening current account deficit driven by increased imports and softer export performance.

    The tourism sector emerged as the undeniable powerhouse behind the economic performance. Long-stay arrivals soared by 3.3% to exceed 727,000 visitors, setting an all-time annual record. This influx was dominated by the U.S. market, which expanded dramatically by 8.1% and accounted for roughly 80% of the additional visitors. Enhanced air connectivity from cities including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta was a critical driver. The CARICOM market also contributed significantly with a 6.1% growth, bolstered by increased flight capacity.

    Strategic marketing initiatives yielded positive results from Canada, which saw a 3.5% increase in arrivals, and also supported growth from European markets. A notable exception was the UK market, where arrivals declined by 5.9%, a dip attributed to reduced seating capacity.

    The hotel sector reaped substantial benefits from the tourism boom. Average occupancy rates climbed by 1.3 percentage points, while the average revenue per available room surged by approximately 15%. The shared accommodation sector (e.g., Airbnb) also saw occupancy rise by 0.7 percentage points, though revenue per room declined by about 10%, indicating a competitive pricing adjustment by hosts. The cruise segment performed marginally well, with visitor numbers edging up by nearly 1% to 546,000 despite 12 fewer ship calls, reflecting higher occupancy per vessel.

    This tourism-driven growth had a multiplier effect across the economy. The agricultural sector experienced a remarkable 13.3% expansion, while construction grew by 9.2%. The business and other services sector advanced by 3.7%, and wholesale and distribution trade saw a 1.1% increase. Manufacturing remained stable without significant growth.

    Governor Greenidge concluded that the 2025 economic performance was characterized by its ‘balanced and resilient’ nature, being supported by multiple sectors rather than dependence on a single industry, positioning Barbados on a stable path of continued economic development.