标签： Barbados

A festive evening in the Checker Hall community of St. Lucy, Barbados, descended into tragedy on Sunday night following a brazen drive-by shooting. The Barbados Police Service has officially identified the deceased victim as 28-year-old Romario Archer, a resident of Pie Corner, St. Lucy. The violent incident, which unfolded at approximately 10:50 p.m. in the Fryers Well area, also resulted in nine other individuals sustaining gunshot wounds.

According to preliminary investigative reports, the attack targeted a social gathering where attendees were engaged in a karaoke event at a local bar. Preliminary investigations indicate that the assailants arrived in a dark-colored vehicle, from which multiple shots were indiscriminately fired into the crowd before the car fled the scene.

Emergency services responded promptly, transporting all nine injured victims to medical facilities for urgent care. Despite efforts to save him, Mr. Archer succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to a private medical clinic. The remaining victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, though their specific conditions have not been publicly disclosed.

Law enforcement officials from the Crab Hill Police Station have launched a comprehensive investigation into the shooting. Authorities are actively appealing to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information about the vehicle, its occupants, or the events leading up to the shooting to come forward. Individuals can provide tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1800-8477, or contact the Police Emergency hotline at 211, or the Crab Hill Police Station directly at 419-1730 or 419-1747.

Authorities in Barbados have confirmed the identity of the individual fatally injured during a single-vehicle incident in St. Philip over the weekend. The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Keimar Collymore, a resident of Bath Land, St. John.

The tragic event occurred along the Thicketts roadway this past Sunday at approximately 3:10 p.m. Preliminary reports from law enforcement indicate that Collymore was operating his vehicle when it left the roadway and collided with a stationary utility pole. The impact of the crash resulted in fatal injuries.

Emergency services and medical personnel were dispatched to the location; however, a attending physician officially pronounced Collymore deceased at the scene. No other vehicles or individuals were reported to be involved in the collision.

The District ‘C’ Police Station has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Officers are working to determine the precise cause, which may include factors such as road conditions, vehicle mechanics, or driver error.

In an effort to gather comprehensive evidence, law enforcement officials are appealing to the public for assistance. They are particularly interested in speaking with any potential witnesses who might have observed the events leading up to or immediately following the collision. Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact the investigative team at District ‘C’ Police Station by calling 416-8200 or 416-8201.

A tragic motor vehicle accident in the Thicketts area of St. Philip resulted in a fatality on Sunday afternoon, with local authorities now actively seeking public assistance in their investigation. The collision transpired at approximately 3:10 p.m. along the roadway leading toward Three Houses Park. Preliminary reports indicate that the male operator of the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of control, leading to a catastrophic impact with a stationary utility pole. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the location following alerts from nearby residents. A attending physician officially pronounced the driver deceased at the scene, foregoing transportation to medical facilities due to the severity of injuries sustained. The Barbados Police Service has confirmed that comprehensive investigations remain ongoing to determine the precise causation factors behind the devastating incident. Law enforcement officials are urging any potential witnesses or individuals with relevant information to immediately contact the District C Police Station at telephone numbers 416-8200 or 416-8201 to aid investigative efforts.

The Barbados Landship Association is embarking on an ambitious expansion and modernization strategy, planning to grow its school program from 16 to 25 units this year while aligning its mission with global development frameworks. Under President Colonel Wayne Worrell’s leadership, each landship unit will adopt specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, transforming the century-old cultural organization from primarily performance-based activities toward substantive social impact projects.

During the South-East Fleet’s quarterly service at St Bartholomew Church on Sunday, Worrell outlined the strategic pivot emphasizing that ‘It has to be more than just dance.’ Each unit will now address critical social challenges including crime reduction, poverty alleviation, and agricultural development. This new direction will be visually represented through color-coded uniform designs that reflect each ship’s designated mission.

The association also announced the summer launch of a landship marines unit specifically designed to increase male participation. This innovative program will feature structured, military-style performances using replica equipment, creating an appealing alternative for young boys less interested in traditional landship routines.

The service itself demonstrated the organization’s vibrant traditions, beginning with ceremonial bell ringing as members marched into the sanctuary accompanied by a combined band. Reverend Canon Wayne Isaacs’ sermon on ‘new life, new beginnings, and new possibilities’ set the tone for the day’s proceedings, which included the surprise promotion of Khloe Parker to sub-lieutenant. Admiral Lorraine Sealy and Captain Charles Sandiford formally elevated Parker from surgical nurse rank in recognition of her dedication, community outreach work, uniform production assistance, and emergent leadership qualities.

The cultural significance of the landship movement was celebrated through performances featuring legendary musician Desmond Weekes, one of the original Draytons, who performed a tribute to the tuk band tradition. Weekes acknowledged the landship’s profound influence on Barbados’ musical heritage, including the development of spouge music. The intergenerational nature of the organization was further highlighted through Maypole dance performances by students from Mount Tabor Primary and St George Secondary Schools following the senior members’ demonstration.

With the South-East Fleet currently comprising approximately 150 members under Admiral Sealy’s leadership—the association’s first female admiral—the organization is positioning itself as both a cultural guardian and progressive force for social development in Barbados.

The University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill Campus has reinforced its reputation for academic distinction after Barbadian student Liyee Su achieved the highest honors in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) final examinations. This marks the second time in three years that a Cave Hill student has claimed top regional honors, following Nathan Lovell’s similar achievement in 2023.

In the November/December 2025 assessments, Su demonstrated exceptional proficiency across both theoretical and practical components, securing the highest programme grade point average among candidates from all UWI campuses. She excelled in written examinations and clinical performance evaluations (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), graduating with distinction.

The 2025 Cave Hill cohort, comprising approximately twelve Medical Sciences students, delivered an outstanding collective performance. They achieved the highest aggregate scores in written papers and OSCE components, while also earning the top GPA among all university campuses. This accomplishment proved particularly impressive as students completed their clinical training at Trinidad’s St Augustine Campus—an unfamiliar environment for the Barbadian cohort.

Professor Clive Landis, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, highlighted these achievements during his recent report to the Campus Council, emphasizing the significance of cultivating academic excellence as Caribbean nations strengthen their healthcare infrastructure. All graduating students have now earned the title of doctor.

These successes emerge amid evolving geopolitical challenges in the region and underscore the value of robust, locally-developed medical education programs. The five-year MBBS programme at Cave Hill remains instrumental in training the region’s future physicians, equipping graduates like Dr. Su with skills to make meaningful contributions both within the Caribbean and internationally.

Since 1967, the campus has trained medical professionals through its partnership with Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the country’s sole training hospital. Additionally, Cave Hill offers a collaborative 3+3 medical degree program with the University of Ghana, where students complete preclinical studies in Barbados before undertaking clinical training in Ghana. This accredited program grants graduates a BSc from UWI and an MB ChB from Ghana, enabling professional practice in both countries.

The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, witnessed a groundbreaking political initiative on Saturday as student leaders inaugurated the Caribbean Parliamentary Assembly (CPA), establishing a simulated parliamentary platform designed to amplify youth voices in regional policy discussions.

This innovative program, conceived by the UWI STAT Vice Chancellor’s Ambassador Corps’ Cave Hill chapter in collaboration with the Cave Hill Guild of Students and campus associations, represents a strategic effort to institutionalize youth participation in governance matters. The assembly’s organizational structure features representatives nominated by island associations, comprising two delegates from each territory, three guild representatives, and four members from the Vice Chancellor’s Ambassador Corps, with the law society president presiding as Speaker.

The inaugural session focused on examining emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and their potential impact on Caribbean development. Joshua Harris, Prime Minister of the CPA, outlined the assembly’s operational framework, indicating plans for quarterly sessions with potential virtual meetings during summer months when students return to their home countries.

Notably, the initiative has attracted participants from diverse academic disciplines including economics, law, political science, and sports studies, creating an interdisciplinary approach to policy analysis. The program gained additional support through incorporation of the Rotary Club of Barbados, strengthening its civic foundation and community connections.

Senator Shane Archer, Minister of State for Youth and Culture, enthusiastically endorsed the initiative, recognizing it as a significant advancement in youth civic engagement after years of absence of such platforms. He encouraged participants to expand their dialogue beyond formal debates to include direct public interaction, potentially evolving into a recognized regional advisory body that could provide recommendations to the CARICOM Secretariat.

Archer further advocated for reinstating parliamentary outreach programs for younger students, previously suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions and parliamentary renovations, emphasizing the importance of early civic education. The proceedings were live-streamed, enabling broader regional accessibility and transparency in this pioneering educational endeavor.

Barbados fire authorities have issued a stern warning following a destructive weekend house fire that displaced four residents in Bank Hall, St Michael, marking the 17th such incident this year—a trend officials describe as deeply concerning.

The Saturday morning blaze, which erupted around 8:58 a.m., required a substantial emergency response with three fire appliances, two water tenders, and one tanker dispatched from the Bridgetown Fire Station. Thirteen fire officers battled the flames that completely gutted one home and caused extensive damage to an adjacent property.

Divisional Officer Marlon Small confirmed two individuals sustained non-life-threatening burns in the incident. While praising community members for their swift actions in containing the fire and alerting authorities, Small emphasized the urgent need for improved fire safety practices among residents.

“This reinforces the need for vigilance and good housekeeping,” Small stated. “We urge persons to ensure they shut down all appliances when leaving home, and even when at home, avoid cooking activities when feeling tired.”

The fire has left 41-year-old Keith Trotman and tenants displaced from properties owned by his father, who resides in the United States. Trotman expressed profound distress over the destruction of the homes his father had worked diligently to acquire and build.

“If it is one thing that I always wanted,” Trotman lamented, “was when he comes back from overseas, for him to see his place good, but it gone contrary. That is the part that hurts.”

Although the property was insured, Trotman lost all possessions in his two-bedroom wood and wall structure and will temporarily reside with family members while determining next steps.

Representatives from the Social Empowerment Agency and local MP Chris Gibbs’ office provided on-site assistance to affected residents. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities.

Barbados law enforcement officials have successfully concluded a missing person investigation with the safe location of Vaneta Trotman, a 52-year-old resident of Rockhampton Road in the Grazettes area of St. Michael. The search, which commenced after Trotman was reported missing last Friday, reached a positive resolution when authorities confirmed her safety and wellbeing. The Barbados Police Service has formally expressed gratitude to both the general public and media outlets for their cooperative efforts and valuable assistance throughout the investigation. While specific details regarding the circumstances of her disappearance and subsequent recovery remain undisclosed to protect her privacy, authorities have emphasized the critical role that community engagement played in the successful outcome of this case. The incident highlights the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and citizens in addressing community safety concerns.

A 22-year-old inmate who briefly evaded authorities in Barbados is now back in police custody following a voluntary surrender. Jadon O’Neal Branker, a resident of 6th Avenue, Kendal Crescent in Christ Church, turned himself in at the Oistins Police Station on Saturday, just one day after his escape from judicial premises.

The incident began on Friday when Branker managed to escape while being processed at the Oistins Magistrates’ Court. Following the breach, the Barbados Police Service promptly issued a public bulletin seeking assistance in locating the fugitive.

In a statement released after the suspect’s surrender, law enforcement officials confirmed that Branker is currently cooperating with ongoing investigations regarding his temporary escape. The police department extended formal gratitude to both media outlets and the general public for their swift response and collaborative efforts that contributed to resolving the situation.

While specific details surrounding the escape methodology remain under investigation, authorities have emphasized that court security protocols are being reviewed to prevent similar incidents. The case highlights the continuing challenges faced by Caribbean judicial systems in maintaining secure prisoner transportation and processing procedures.

Authorities in Barbados have launched a public search operation for 52-year-old Vaneta Trotman, a resident of Rockhampton Road in the Grazettes area of St. Michael, who was reported missing on Wednesday, March 20. According to an official bulletin from the Barbados Police Service, Trotman was last observed at approximately 2:00 p.m. on the day of her disappearance.

The missing individual is described as being approximately 5 feet 7 inches in height with a stout build and brown complexion. Distinctive physical characteristics include thick lips, square shoulders, and hair styled in cornrows. Police have noted that Trotman has a known psychiatric condition and typically maintains a very erect posture while walking. At the time she was last seen, she was wearing a distinctive multi-colored dress featuring blue, red, and white patterns, accompanied by grey slippers.

Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with potentially relevant information regarding Trotman’s whereabouts to immediately contact authorities through multiple channels. These include the Central Police Station at telephone number 430-7676, the Police Emergency hotline at 211, or the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-TIPS (8477). Alternatively, citizens may provide information at any nearest police station. The investigation remains active as community efforts intensify to locate the missing woman.