Carib Scope

标签： Barbados

巴巴多斯

  • Equity push to help small biz growth

    Equity push to help small biz growth

    Financial leaders across the Caribbean are issuing a compelling call to action for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to embrace equity financing as a vital alternative to traditional debt. This movement, highlighted at the recent Innovation Growth Market (IGM) 200 workshop in Barbados, argues that over-reliance on borrowing is a significant constraint on the region’s economic potential.

    The two-day event, a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Energy and Business, the Barbados Stock Exchange, and the Small Business Association, was designed to forge new pathways for business expansion, investment, and community development. Unlike debt financing, which requires repayment with interest, equity financing involves raising capital by selling a stake in the business, offering a more flexible growth model.

    Daniel Best, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), delivered a powerful keynote, positioning SMEs as the indispensable backbone of the Caribbean economy. Accounting for over 70% of all businesses and a substantial portion of employment, these enterprises are the region’s primary innovators and employers. However, Best highlighted a critical paradox: despite their importance, many SMEs are chronically undercapitalized, burdened by debt, and stuck in a ‘financing gap’—too large for microfinance yet too small or informal for conventional bank loans.

    ‘Debt alone will not finance the Caribbean’s development,’ Best asserted. ‘We need patient, risk-tolerant capital that allows SMEs to grow, modernize, digitalize, and scale.’ He elaborated that equity is more than just money; it represents a strategic partnership. This infusion of capital provides entrepreneurs the crucial breathing room to invest in research and development, adopt new technologies, and explore new markets without the immediate pressure of loan repayments. Furthermore, equity investors often bring invaluable expertise in governance, operational management, and market access.

    In a region highly vulnerable to climate shocks, such as hurricanes, and global economic volatility, Best emphasized that equity also serves as a critical tool for building resilience by strengthening corporate balance sheets. To unlock this potential, he outlined a comprehensive regional agenda including modernized regulatory frameworks, tax incentives for angel and venture capital investments, the creation of regional equity funds, and the use of blended finance instruments where public development banks like the CDB help ‘derisk’ projects to attract private capital.

    Best also pointed to innovative models, such as the contingent recoverable grants pioneered for the Nevis geothermal project, where grant funding converts to equity upon project success. The agenda also includes formalizing SMEs to meet investor standards, enhancing corporate governance, and building digital platforms to connect investors with promising businesses across national borders, including leveraging diaspora investment.

    Concluding with a rallying cry, Best stated, ‘If we are serious about building resilient, inclusive, future-ready economies, then we must be equally serious about mobilizing equity at scale… When we invest in our SMEs, we invest in our people, our economies, and our collective future.’

  • Caribbean stock market urged as key to business growth

    Caribbean stock market urged as key to business growth

    A prominent financial consultant has endorsed proposals for establishing a consolidated Caribbean stock market, asserting that the current fragmentation of national exchanges significantly impedes regional economic expansion and cross-border business scalability. Maria Daniel, Managing Director of EY Parthenon Caribbean, emphasized that a unified securities exchange would simultaneously empower companies to broaden their operational footprint throughout the region while offering investors substantially diversified portfolio opportunities.

    Speaking at a two-day Innovation Growth Market workshop in Barbados, Daniel articulated the compelling economic rationale for integration: “We must acknowledge our individual limitations—small populations and confined territories. True scalability in the Caribbean necessitates unification: harmonized regulations, a single stock exchange, and ultimately a common currency.”

    The consultant elaborated that a regional exchange would attract capital from both within the Caribbean and international markets, noting that technological advancements now render implementation more feasible than ever. Digital trading platforms and streamlined online reporting mechanisms, she explained, effectively eliminate historical logistical barriers that previously hindered such initiatives.

    Daniel particularly highlighted the transformative potential for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), stating that a unified market would “distribute risk across larger populations while amplifying corporate narratives to broader investor audiences.” She cited Jamaica’s Junior Stock Exchange as a proven success model, where prohibitively high debt costs forced companies toward equity financing, ultimately stimulating economic growth.

    Beyond regional benefits, Daniel emphasized that standardized regulations and a single exchange would significantly boost foreign investor confidence by eliminating the complexity of navigating multiple regulatory frameworks. She concluded with an urgent call to action: “We possess the necessary tools, technology, and expertise. What remains essential is political will and intergovernmental collaboration to transform this vision into reality. A Caribbean stock exchange transcends mere concept—it represents an imperative stride toward regional economic development and integration.”

  • Home in ruins leaves St Michael man facing Christmas in squalor

    Home in ruins leaves St Michael man facing Christmas in squalor

    A resident of St Michael, Barbados, is confronting a dire housing situation as Christmas approaches, living without basic utilities in a severely deteriorated wooden structure. Terry Austin, 58, has endured more than twenty years in a home that now lacks electricity, running water, and waterproof integrity, leaving him with no dry place to sleep.

    During recent flood conditions on the island, Austin revealed the harsh realities of his daily existence at his Pounder’s Gap residence. The two-bedroom wooden house exhibits catastrophic structural failure: the roof has collapsed significantly, flooring is largely absent, and rainwater inundates the interior during storms. Austin described adopting desperate measures for rest, including sleeping in corners or wearing raincoats for protection from moisture.

    The property’s decline began following Hurricane Tomas and has progressively worsened through subsequent years. Despite appeals to multiple government administrations—both Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and Barbados Labour Party (BLP)—Austin claims he has received no substantive assistance. Working as a painter and landscaper, he lacks sufficient income for repairs and lives alone, with his adult children also facing financial constraints that prevent them from offering support.

    The situation has profoundly impacted Austin’s mental health, particularly due to chronic sleep deprivation. He expressed willingness to accept even minimal shelter, stating that any secure structure would represent an improvement over his current circumstances.

    In response to inquiries, recently appointed Housing Minister Chris Gibbs, who represents St Michael West, confirmed official awareness of Austin’s predicament. The Urban Development Commission is now actively engaged in seeking a housing solution for the resident.

  • Govt ‘to turn derelict buildings into climate-resilient homes’

    Govt ‘to turn derelict buildings into climate-resilient homes’

    Barbados is accelerating innovative strategies to transform derelict structures and vacant lands into sustainable housing solutions, positioning urban renewal as a cornerstone of climate adaptation policy. Acting Prime Minister Dr. William Duguid unveiled this initiative while addressing the 34th general assembly of MINURVI, the Forum of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Housing and Urban Development of Latin America and the Caribbean.

    Dr. Duguid delivered a compelling argument for rethinking urban infrastructure in the era of climate change, stating that existing systems were designed for environmental conditions that no longer exist. “As we build for the future, we must build for the new climate reality,” he emphasized. “This means constructing with greater emphasis on resilience—not just in roads, but in buildings and housing infrastructure as well.”

    The minister connected recent extreme weather events, including Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in Jamaica and Cuba, to the urgent need for adaptive urban planning. He highlighted how strategic reuse of underutilized assets could simultaneously address housing shortages, attract private investment, and create more robust urban environments.

    Barbados’s Ministry of Housing, Lands and Maintenance is already advancing several policies in this direction. In collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank, officials are conducting technical studies on repurposing vacant lots and abandoned buildings within urban corridors for future housing development.

    Housing Minister Chris Gibbs reinforced the critical timing of these initiatives, noting that climate impacts have become a “global equalizer” leaving all nations operating with heightened vulnerability. He emphasized the alignment between these urban adaptation strategies and recent climate discussions at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

    The regional significance of these efforts was further underscored by José Manuel Salazar Xirinachs, executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. In a pre-recorded address, he warned that housing deficiencies across the region leave millions exposed to climate risks while exacerbating existing challenges of inequality and weak governance structures.

  • Spain retain Women’s Nations League with convincing win

    Spain retain Women’s Nations League with convincing win

    The Spanish women’s national football team successfully defended their UEFA Women’s Nations League championship with a commanding 3-0 victory against Germany in Tuesday’s final second leg at Madrid’s packed stadium. This decisive performance followed a goalless first-leg stalemate in Kaiserslautern last Friday, ultimately securing Spain’s back-to-back tournament triumphs.

    While Germany had controlled proceedings during the initial match, squandering multiple scoring opportunities that would later haunt them, Spain reversed the dynamic on home turf. The hosts launched aggressive attacks from the opening whistle but initially struggled to penetrate Germany’s defensive organization and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger’s resilience.

    The match’s turning point arrived in the 61st minute when Barcelona forward Claudia Pina broke the prolonged deadlock that had persisted across both fixtures. Demonstrating exceptional awareness, Pina exploited a momentary defensive lapse by Germany’s Giulia Gwinn. After combining with teammate Esther Gonzalez on the left flank, Pina created just enough space to unleash a powerful strike that deflected off Berger’s touch into the net.

    Seven minutes later, rising star Vicky López doubled Spain’s advantage with a spectacular individual effort. Cutting inward from the right wing, the young midfielder expertly curved a precision finish beyond Berger’s reach, sending the home crowd into euphoria.

    Pina cemented her Player of the Match performance in the 74th minute with a breathtaking solo goal. Collecting possession at midfield, she surged through Germany’s defensive lines before firing an unstoppable long-range missile that sealed Spain’s championship retention.

    Head coach Sonia Bermudez praised her squad’s resilience in post-match comments to RTVE: “This represents a truly special day to celebrate. Our performance in Germany didn’t reflect our identity, but we understood the significance of our supporters’ energy here today. This ambitious group has mobilized 70,000 spectators—a testament to their dedication against formidable opposition.”

  • Serena Williams registered but not returning

    Serena Williams registered but not returning

    Tennis legend Serena Williams has generated widespread speculation after officially re-entering the sport’s drug testing registry while simultaneously declaring she has no intention of returning to professional competition. The 44-year-old American, who holds 23 Grand Slam singles titles, formally retired following the 2022 US Open after an illustrious career spanning decades.

    The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed to BBC Sport that Williams’ name appears on their most recent registered players list published October 6th, placing her back in the mandatory drug testing pool. This administrative move typically signals preparation for competitive return, as athletes must be available for out-of-competition testing for six months before eligibility to compete.

    However, just hours after this development became public, Williams took to social media to unequivocally state: ‘I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.’ This contradictory situation presents a mystery within tennis circles, as voluntarily submitting to drug testing without competitive intentions is highly unusual.

    Williams has historically rejected the term ‘retirement,’ preferring instead to characterize her 2022 departure as ‘evolving away’ from tennis. Her final US Open appearance three years ago became a celebrity-studded event featuring former President Bill Clinton, Billie Jean King, Tiger Woods, and Mike Tyson in attendance. Though her singles run ended against Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round, Williams delivered an electrifying performance that included saving five match points during a memorable night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

    The timeline of Williams’ re-registration remains unclear, but if processed from October 6th, she would technically become eligible for competition by April 2025. This development coincides with her sister Venus Williams’ recent comeback after 16 months off the tour, where the 45-year-old reached the women’s doubles quarterfinals at this year’s US Open alongside Leylah Fernandez.

    With the Williams sisters having previously captured 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals together, this administrative move fuels speculation about a potential doubles reunion, particularly with the 2026 season looming. Serena’s record of seven Australian Opens, three French Opens, seven Wimbledons, and six US Opens remains the most major singles titles by any woman in the Open era, surpassed only by Margaret Court and Novak Djokovic in overall Grand Slam achievements.

  • Weymouth Wales crush Kickstart 8-3 to claim PM’s Cup

    Weymouth Wales crush Kickstart 8-3 to claim PM’s Cup

    In a spectacular display of offensive dominance, Weymouth Wales Football Club secured the prestigious Prime Minister’s Cup on Monday night with an emphatic 8-3 triumph over Kickstart Rush at Kensington Oval. The commanding victory, which earned Wales a substantial $100,000 prize, culminated their exceptional 2025 season with an unforgettable performance that underscored their supremacy in local football.

    The match quickly evolved into a personal showcase for tournament Most Valuable Player Andre Applewhaite, who delivered a breathtaking hat-trick with goals in the 10th, 45+2, and 79th minutes. Applewhaite, who also claimed the best defender award, formed part of Wales’ formidable attacking trio that included Jaheim Neblett with two crucial goals and additional strikes from Romario Harewood and Armando Lashley.

    Wales established their dominance from the opening whistle, with Neblett initiating the scoring parade just two minutes into the match—replicating his decisive performance from their previous BFA Champions Cup encounter. The team entered halftime with a commanding 4-1 advantage under the strategic guidance of Captain Hadan Holligan and Coach Asquith Hamlet-Howell.

    Despite facing overwhelming pressure, Kickstart Rush demonstrated resilience with goals from Diquan Adamson (36th minute), Tekyle Alleyne via penalty (65th minute), and Demar Linton (70th minute). However, their defensive unit featuring Captain Sekani Mayers struggled to contain Wales’ relentless offensive pace and precision passing.

    In the third-place playoff, Paradise FC delivered their own impressive performance with a 6-1 victory over Wotton, powered by Sheran Hoyte’s remarkable hat-trick. Hoyte, who received the tournament’s best forward award, found the net in the 13th, 76th, and 90+6th minutes, supported by goals from Captain Jomo Harris, Christian Gill, and Khimani Cox.

    The evening’s individual honors were distributed among both teams, with Kickstart’s Ben Everett recognized as best goalkeeper and Jamarco Johnson as best young player. Ackeel Applewhaite of Wales received the most outstanding midfielder award, with all exceptional players receiving $2,000 bonuses for their achievements.

  • Manchester City Survive Fulham Fightback

    Manchester City Survive Fulham Fightback

    Manchester City’s Erling Haaland etched his name in Premier League history books on Tuesday night, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goals while spearheading his team’s dramatic 5-4 victory over a resilient Fulham side. The Norwegian striker achieved the milestone in just 111 appearances, surpassing Alan Shearer’s previous record by 13 games with a blistering 17th-minute strike from Jeremy Doku’s cross.

    The match at Craven Cottage transformed from a potential rout into a breathtaking spectacle as City established a commanding 5-1 lead before Fulham mounted an extraordinary second-half comeback. Phil Foden contributed a brace for the visitors, while Tijjani Reijnders also found the net alongside an unfortunate own goal from Fulham’s Sander Berge.

    Fulham’s remarkable resurgence featured a brace from Samuel Chukwueze and a goal from Alex Iwobi, creating a frenetic finale that left both managers acknowledging the game’s entertainment value despite defensive concerns. The victory keeps Manchester City firmly in title contention with 28 points, trailing leaders Arsenal by two points.

    Post-match reactions revealed mixed emotions from both camps. Haaland acknowledged the spectacle for neutral viewers while admitting defensive vulnerabilities, stating: ‘It was a crazy game, nine goals is a lot. In the end, we win and we’re happy but it’s not the best win.’ Manager Pep Guardiola confessed to watching his watch more than the game during the tense closing stages, though he praised both teams’ attacking mentality.

    The result extends City’s dominant record against Fulham to 19 consecutive victories across all competitions since 2012—the longest such winning streak in English football history. Fulham manager Marco Silva expressed immense pride in his team’s character, highlighting their refusal to capitulate against elite opposition despite the heavy deficit.

  • Hacking people, not systems: The rise of digital reputation as a national security

    Hacking people, not systems: The rise of digital reputation as a national security

    A recent Data Privacy Workshop in Barbados has highlighted an increasingly critical aspect of digital security that extends beyond traditional protection frameworks: the management of one’s digital reputation. The event, which featured collaborative exercises and expert presentations, served as a platform for introducing the innovative Digital Reputation Intelligence Report by Data Privacy and Management Advisory Services (DPMAS).

    While conventional data protection has historically focused on three core pillars—data protection principles, data subject rights, and cybersecurity implementation—the workshop revealed a fourth dimension gaining urgent relevance. Digital reputation intelligence provides structured assessments of an individual’s online presence, identifying risks, strengths, and opportunities within their public digital footprint.

    The dark web’s hidden ecosystem, where stolen credentials and personal data circulate indefinitely, has made digital reputation management an essential security practice. Cybercriminals now prioritize ‘hacking people’ over hacking systems, using publicly available information to engineer sophisticated phishing attacks, password resets, and impersonation schemes.

    Barbados’s digital landscape underscores the urgency of this issue. With 338,000 mobile connections (120% of the population), 226,000 internet users (80% penetration), and 193,000 social media identities, the nation maintains an extensive online presence. This connectivity creates both opportunities and vulnerabilities that traditional security measures cannot address.

    The persistent nature of digital information compounds these risks. Even removed content survives in cached pages, archived profiles, and third-party databases, creating lasting digital shadows that can support fraud years after initial posting.

    DPMAS’s report represents a proactive approach to this challenge, providing individuals and organizations with visibility into their digital footprint and actionable insights for reputation management. As Caribbean nations confront evolving cyber threats and regional data protection frameworks develop, managing one’s digital reputation has transitioned from cosmetic concern to essential security hygiene.

  • 15-year-old schoolgirl reported missing

    15-year-old schoolgirl reported missing

    Authorities in Barbados have launched a comprehensive search operation for Alicia Azariah Destiny Wiltshire, a 15-year-old student who vanished under mysterious circumstances last Friday morning. The Grantley Adams Secondary School pupil was last observed in the Grazettes area of St. Michael approximately at 7:15 a.m. on November 28, according to official police reports.

    Investigators have disseminated a detailed physical description of the missing adolescent, noting her distinctive stature of approximately six feet with a slender physique. Wiltshire possesses characteristic brown eyes, pronounced cheeks, and a petite nose, with single ear piercings and noticeably drooping shoulders. At the time of her disappearance, she was attired in her educational institution’s uniform consisting of a white short-sleeved blouse, burgundy pleated skirt, and black footwear complemented by white socks.

    Law enforcement analysis indicates Wiltshire maintains connections to several specific locations including Campaign Land, Martindales Road, and her residential address at #92 Denton Road in St. Michael. The Barbados Police Service has initiated a public appeal for information regarding her whereabouts, emphasizing the urgency of community cooperation in these critical circumstances.

    Official channels for information sharing include the District ‘A’ Police Station at telephone numbers 430-7242 or 430-7246, the Police Emergency hotline at 211, and the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-8477. Authorities have assured confidentiality for all information providers and encourage immediate reporting of any potential sightings or relevant details to the nearest police facility.