Carib Scope

标签： Barbados

巴巴多斯

  • Thorne says DLP will not be distracted

    Thorne says DLP will not be distracted

    Democratic Labour Party (DLP) leader Ralph Thorne has emphatically dismissed the emergence of the Friends of Democracy (FOD) political group, asserting his party’s undivided commitment to confronting the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP). Thorne’s remarks came during the DLP’s weekend rally and comprehensive islandwide bus tour, where he addressed media inquiries regarding the new political movement.

    The FOD, led by president Karina Goodridge, recently formalized its political ambitions by submitting election deposits at the National Housing Corporation. Goodridge declared the 12-member group’s intention to establish itself as Barbados’ primary opposition force. Nevertheless, Thorne characterized such developments as peripheral distractions that would not divert the DLP from its central objective.

    “The fundamental struggle for Barbados citizens remains against the Barbados Labour Party,” Thorne stated unequivocally. “We stand united with the people in this confrontation. External political entities will not fragment our concentration.” The opposition leader further emphasized the DLP’s organizational cohesion and strategic focus, suggesting any attempts to fracture or diminish the party would prove unsuccessful.

    Thorne outlined the party’s ground strategy, revealing that all 30 DLP candidates are actively campaigning within their respective constituencies. The political movement included extensive motorcades and community walk-throughs, facilitating direct voter engagement, distribution of campaign materials, and candidate support. Thorne reiterated that the party’s paramount priority remains presenting their platform to the electorate ahead of the impending polling day through persistent constituency-level mobilization.

  • Winifred Holder joins her mother in the century club

    Winifred Holder joins her mother in the century club

    The Vauxhall Methodist Church in Barbados became the setting for a landmark celebration this past Saturday as community members gathered to honor Winifred Holder on her 100th birthday. The event recognized not only her personal milestone but also her profound legacy of service, echoing the longevity of her mother who also reached centenarian status.

    Described as a community matriarch, mentor, and devoted church member, Holder’s life was celebrated by a diverse assembly of friends, neighbors, relatives, and political figures. Church representative Joseph Hope delivered a heartfelt tribute, highlighting her lifelong dedication. “Ms. Holder is a woman who loves the Lord, enjoys reading her Bible, and gives much to the church here. She served as the church sexton and was instrumental in all fundraising activities,” Hope remarked. He also noted her role in community childcare, recalling, “She kept many children back in the day when parents had to run errands.”

    The celebration attracted notable political attention, including Chad Blackman, a Barbados Labour Party candidate for St James North, who reflected on being cared for by Holder during his childhood. Blackman advocated for the preservation of her life story, particularly her early education alongside Shirley Chisholm, who later became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. Incumbent representatives Adrian Forde and Ryan Straughan were also present to pay their respects.

    In a significant honor, President Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic attended the ceremony, officially designating Holder as a “national treasure.” The President concurred on the urgency of documenting oral histories from the island’s centenarians and hinted at special plans to recognize this demographic in November.

    When asked about the secret to her longevity, Holder attributed it to a quadrumvirate of principles: unwavering faith in God, consumption of good food, maintenance of a positive mindset, and consistent respect for others. Holder, who has one son and two grandchildren, continues to be revered as a living testament to a life of service and faith.

  • DLP launches campaign with islandwide motorcade, constituency stops

    DLP launches campaign with islandwide motorcade, constituency stops

    The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) initiated its official general election campaign on Saturday with a comprehensive islandwide motorcade designed to traverse all 30 electoral constituencies across Barbados. The campaign launch commenced from the party’s George Street headquarters in Bridgetown, signaling the formal beginning of their electoral mobilization efforts.

    According to party media representative Sue Harris, the meticulously planned tour incorporates strategic constituency stops, brief candidate addresses, and scheduled breaks throughout the journey. The motorcade features musical elements and public engagement opportunities designed to generate campaign momentum.

    “Our motorcade will originate from the George Street Auditorium and comprehensively cover all 30 constituencies nationwide,” Harris stated. “We have arranged music speakers, and our candidates will deliver introductory remarks in each constituency, outlining their specific commitments and proposed contributions to their respective electoral districts.”

    The predetermined route included designated rest stops at Folkestone and Farley Hill, with an additional planned pause at King George V Memorial Park before the convoy’s return to George Street headquarters later in the evening.

    Following the departure from party headquarters, the motorcade proceeded through central Bridgetown, making a significant stop in the City area where constituents engaged directly with party leader Ralph Thorne, City candidate Dale Rowe, and other senior party officials. Numerous bystanders paused to observe, wave, and record video content as the campaign convoy moved through the urban landscape.

    Harris noted the remarkable energy surge among party members since the election announcement, characterizing George Street headquarters as a “hive of activity” in recent days. She additionally referenced Friday’s successful walk-through along Swan Street following candidate deposit payments, indicating the public response had been overwhelmingly encouraging for party prospects.

  • St Michael man remanded on $65 000 blackmail charge

    St Michael man remanded on $65 000 blackmail charge

    A resident of St Michael, Barbados, is now in custody at Dodds Prison following serious allegations of extortion totaling $65,000. Robert Dacosta Walker, whose residence is listed as McCleans Gap in Brittons Hill, faces formal charges brought by the Criminal Investigations Department (South) of the Barbados Police Service.

    The case centers on accusations that Walker attempted to blackmail an individual identified as Graham Allen during a three-day period between January 15 and January 17, 2026. The specific nature of the alleged threats and the relationship between the accused and the complainant have not been disclosed to the public.

    Walker made his initial court appearance at the District ‘A’ Traffic Court on Saturday, where Magistrate Alison Burke presided over the hearing. As the charge constitutes an indictable offense—a more serious category under Barbadian law—Walker was not required to enter a plea at this preliminary stage.

    The judicial proceedings have now been escalated to a higher court. The case has been formally transferred to District ‘A’ Criminal Court No. 1, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 20, 2026. This transfer indicates the gravity with which the Barbadian judicial system is treating the allegations.

    The remand to prison service custody pending trial suggests the court considers Walker a potential flight risk or that the allegations are sufficiently severe to warrant detention until the formal judicial process begins. The case continues to develop as authorities proceed with their investigation.

  • Two new medicinal cannabis centres could open this year, says licensing chief

    Two new medicinal cannabis centres could open this year, says licensing chief

    Barbados’ regulated medicinal cannabis sector is poised for significant expansion in 2026, with two new facilities advancing toward operational status, according to official statements from the island’s regulatory authority. Shanika Roberts-Odle, Acting CEO of the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority (BMCLA), confirmed the developments during a public open day event at Island Naturals Medical Centre in Sheraton Mall, marking the organization’s fifth anniversary.

    The forthcoming facilities will operate within the pharmacy and therapeutic categories, providing supervised medical access to cannabis products under Barbados’ strict regulatory framework. This expansion follows the successful launch of two businesses in 2025, demonstrating what Roberts-Odle characterized as ‘tangible progress’ in an industry that requires long-term development strategies.

    Currently, the BMCLA has issued approximately 12 licenses spanning the entire value chain, including cultivation, manufacturing, retail, transportation, security, and research—with one license held by The University of the West Indies. While some licensees are already operational, others continue navigating substantial business, financial, and logistical challenges.

    Roberts-Odle identified international banking restrictions as the most significant obstacle facing the industry, directly linking these constraints to the continued federal prohibition of cannabis in the United States. ‘We do not exist in isolation,’ she emphasized. ‘Because the U.S. maintains federal prohibition, our local banks—which all maintain U.S. correspondent relationships—are reluctant to engage with cannabis businesses.’

    Despite these hurdles, the acting CEO urged collaboration and persistence, noting the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience. She advised prospective entrepreneurs to ‘work together as a group of individuals’ and emphasized the BMCLA’s willingness to facilitate problem-solving dialogues.

    The open day event formed part of a broader public education initiative addressing decades of stigma associated with cannabis use. Roberts-Odle stressed that changing public perceptions requires sustained exposure and open discussion, contrasting regulated medical facilities with illicit market operations.

    At the Sheraton Mall facility, patients can access diverse medicinal products including locally cultivated cannabis flowers, creams, oils, tinctures, and vaporizer products—some imported from international sources. This differs from the Island Therapeutics facility in Worthing, which focuses primarily on Barbados-grown flowers and pharmacist-compounded products.

    Roberts-Odle clarified that the authority does not interfere with doctor-patient relationships or restrict conditions eligible for cannabis treatment, trusting Barbadian medical professionals to make appropriate decisions. Common applications include cancer-related pain and nausea, multiple sclerosis symptoms, arthritis, endometrial pain, and sleep disorders—though she emphasized that ‘cannabis is not snake oil’ but rather ‘another tool in the toolbox’ that may not be suitable for everyone.

    Regarding regulatory compliance, Roberts-Odle explained that legal access requires a prescription from registered medical practitioners, either private doctors or on-site physicians at approved facilities. She specifically addressed misconceptions about membership cards, noting that prescription labels—not cards—provide legal protection. While some patients have been stopped by authorities, she reported that issues were promptly resolved upon presentation of proper documentation.

    The regulatory framework explicitly prohibits smoking medicinal cannabis, permitting only vaping, oils, creams, and tinctures as approved consumption methods.

  • Efforts underway to cut mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, HIV

    Efforts underway to cut mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, HIV

    Barbados is confronting a significant public health emergency as health authorities report a concerning surge in syphilis infections nationwide. The Ministry of Health has issued urgent advisories, calling for sexually active individuals to undergo immediate testing. While specific case numbers remain undisclosed, officials confirm an upward trend that demands proactive public engagement.

    Syphilis, a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact, presents a unique public health challenge due to its frequently asymptomatic nature in early stages. The ministry emphasized that many carriers remain unaware of their infection as initial symptoms can be mild or absent entirely, allowing silent transmission to continue unchecked.

    The infection’s progression poses severe health risks if left untreated. After initial presentation as painless sores on genitals, anus, or mouth, the disease can manifest as skin rashes—particularly on palms and soles—accompanied by swollen glands, fever, fatigue, and body aches that are often misdiagnosed as other conditions. Crucially, even when visible symptoms disappear, the infection persists and can cause irreversible damage to brain, heart, and other organs over years.

    Most alarmingly, syphilis presents grave dangers during pregnancy. Untreated infections can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital syphilis in newborns, resulting in severe lifelong complications. Health authorities stress that these outcomes are entirely preventable through early prenatal testing and prompt antibiotic treatment.

    The ministry recommends consistent condom use as primary prevention and urges testing for all sexually active individuals, particularly those with new or multiple partners. Those testing positive are encouraged to begin immediate treatment and notify recent sexual partners to facilitate contact tracing and prevent further spread.

    This health alert emerges as Barbados pursues World Health Organization certification for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B. A recent Pan American Health Organization assessment recognized Barbados’ strong maternal health systems while identifying areas for improvement. Achieving certification would place Barbados among eleven Caribbean nations already recognized for preventing vertical transmission of these infections, following Cuba’s pioneering success in eliminating both HIV and syphilis transmission to newborns.

    The health ministry is concurrently working to expand testing accessibility, ensure treatment availability, and reduce societal stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections to encourage more people to seek care without hesitation.

  • PSV pair honoured for rushing sick passenger to clinic

    PSV pair honoured for rushing sick passenger to clinic

    In an inspiring ceremony at the Speightstown terminal last Friday, two public service vehicle operators received formal recognition from Barbados’ Transport Authority for their heroic actions during a medical emergency. Christopher Barker and Jamal Gibson, who operate the Speightstown to Bridgetown route, demonstrated exceptional professionalism when an elderly passenger fell critically ill aboard their van last Wednesday.

    The urgent situation unfolded as the woman suddenly became unwell during transit. Witnessed by Barbados TODAY journalist Sheria Brathwaite at Maurice Byer Polyclinic, the operators’ vehicle arrived swiftly with the distressed passenger and an accompanying police officer. Medical personnel immediately responded with a stretcher, rushing the patient into the clinic for emergency treatment.

    Transport Authority Director Ruth Holder praised the duo’s actions as exemplary of the often-unrecognized professionalism and compassion within the public transportation sector. ‘It’s my great pleasure to acknowledge and recognize the good deeds that both of you did,’ Holder stated during the presentation ceremony.

    The recognition included both symbolic and practical rewards. The operators received gift vouchers from Pier One restaurant alongside certificates granting access to the comprehensive Public Service Vehicle Training Programme. This specialized training covers first aid, customer care, defensive driving, insurance protocols, and business management—components specifically designed to enhance emergency response capabilities.

    Holder emphasized that while the operators responded admirably, formal training could further improve response times in future emergencies. The director also addressed broader industry perceptions, noting that approximately 80 percent of operators demonstrate excellent compliance with regulations, despite a minority damaging the sector’s reputation.

    In accepting the recognition, Barker and Gibson expressed gratitude and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining professional standards while contributing to elevated service quality within Barbados’ public transportation network.

  • Friends of Democracy enters election race with 12 candidates, pledging to restore political balance

    Friends of Democracy enters election race with 12 candidates, pledging to restore political balance

    The Friends of Democracy (FOD) party officially launched its campaign for Barbados’ 2026 general elections on Friday, presenting twelve candidates in a strategic bid to establish parliamentary opposition and prevent another unilateral government. The party’s leadership submitted election deposits at the Treasury, marking their formal entry into the political arena.

    FOD President Karina Goodridge, who will contest the St Philip West constituency, articulated the party’s social democratic orientation with emphasis on restoring public confidence in governance. “Barbadians have manifestly lost trust in their parliamentary representatives,” Goodridge stated, identifying infrastructure deterioration, crime escalation, and housing shortages as critical voter concerns requiring immediate address.

    The party’s electoral strategy consciously acknowledges political realities, focusing on securing sufficient seats to constitute official opposition rather than outright victory. General Secretary Steve Blackett, formerly of the Democratic Labour Party, outlined a targeted campaign involving twelve constituency-specific meetings, four major rallies, and eight national gatherings. “Our fundamental objective is to ensure a robust, dynamic opposition exists following the election,” Blackett explained, while acknowledging potential for expanded influence should voter sentiment unexpectedly favor the new party.

    Candidates emphasized constituency-level priorities alongside national issues. St Philip North candidate Anya Lorde, leveraging her legal background in family and domestic violence cases, pledged to implement community support initiatives and youth development programs utilizing underused public spaces. Omar Smith, St Philip South candidate and agricultural spokesperson, highlighted cost-of-living reduction through improved farming practices as central to his platform, connecting agricultural reform to public health improvement and reduced import dependency.

    The party’s emergence responds to growing public dissatisfaction with infrastructure quality, public safety, and housing accessibility, positioning itself as an alternative for voters seeking diversified representation in Barbados’ parliamentary system.

  • Man remanded after drug trafficking charge

    Man remanded after drug trafficking charge

    A 42-year-old resident of St. Michael, Barbados, has been ordered to remain in custody at Dodds Prison following his not guilty plea to serious drug-related allegations. Anthony Francis Lerius of Upper Wellington Street appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna on Friday, facing charges of undertaking acts preparatory to drug trafficking.

    The charges stem from a targeted operation conducted by the Barbados Police Service Narcotics Unit between December 1, 2025, and January 16, 2026. During this investigation, law enforcement authorities successfully intercepted and confiscated approximately 28 kilograms of substances believed to be cannabis. The seized narcotics carry an estimated street value of $448,000, highlighting the significant scale of the alleged operation.

    Following the court proceedings, Lerius was formally remanded into the custody of the Barbados Prison Service. The case has been scheduled for further hearing on Monday, January 26, 2026, when the judicial process will continue to unfold. This prosecution represents part of Barbados’ ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking activities within the Caribbean nation.

  • Thorne calls for more support for Barbados’ creative sector

    Thorne calls for more support for Barbados’ creative sector

    In a significant address delivered at a wreath-laying ceremony honoring Barbados’ Father of Independence, Errol Barrow, Democratic Labour Party leader Ralph Thorne issued a powerful call for the nation to revitalize its cultural foundations. Speaking at the Garden in Checker Hall, St. Lucy, Thorne articulated deep concerns regarding the diminishing status afforded to creative professionals and athletes within Barbadian society.

    The political leader emphasized that artists serve as essential community builders who fundamentally shape national identity through their literary, musical, and artistic contributions. Thorne expressed particular dismay about the current perception of musicians as mere commercial entities rather than cultural stewards. “Too many of our creative talents are now regarded primarily through a mercenary lens, with their artistic gifts being vulgarized and exploited by those in positions of power,” he stated, clarifying that financial success for artists remains important but should not overshadow their cultural mission.

    Thorne further expanded his critique to include sports, specifically highlighting cricket’s historical significance in forging both Barbadian and West Indian identity. He noted the sport’s concerning decline throughout the region and called for thorough examination of this cultural shift. The opposition leader proposed a return to foundational institutions—church, school, and family—as the essential framework that historically nurtured artistic and athletic excellence.

    Outlining his party’s vision, Thorne committed that a future Democratic Labour Party administration would prioritize cultural restoration, community values, and moral grounding as central governance principles. “We must reinject core values into our national fabric and reintroduce our youth to the institutions that define our character and potential,” he asserted, positioning cultural renaissance as imperative for the nation’s future.