DJ Puffy, the trailblazing disc jockey from Barbados, has
once again made history by winning the coveted International DJ of the Year award at the
Caribbean Music Awards. This marks a significant milestone not only for DJ Puffy but also for
the entire Caribbean region, showcasing the immense talent and global influence of Caribbean
artists.

In a heartfelt speech, DJ Puffy dedicated his award to everyone who has supported him
throughout his career, stating, “I want to dedicate this award to everyone who has been rocking
with me from day one—my management team and agents, family, my friends, and of course, the
people who show up and show love no matter where I am in the world.”

DJ Puffy also shared an exciting announcement about his absence from the award ceremony,
revealing, “I don’t think I’ve ever announced this officially but the reason I am not able to attend
tonight is because I’m performing at my Residency in Las Vegas. A huge accomplishment for a
Caribbean DJ and just a small example of how far we can go. For a kid from Barbados, this is
more than I’ve ever imagined.”

The International DJ of the Year award is a testament to DJ Puffy’s relentless dedication to his
craft and his ability to break barriers on the global stage. His victory is a beacon of inspiration
for other Caribbean DJs, as he encouraged them to “keep hustling, keep grinding, and keep
believing in your craft. The Caribbean is an incredible training ground for DJs and is filled with
so much talent. We are a force to be reckoned with! Let’s continue to elevate our sound, our
culture, and each other.”

DJ Puffy’s journey from Barbados to the world stage is a story of perseverance, passion, and the
power of Caribbean culture. His Las Vegas residency, a major achievement for any DJ,
underscores the heights that Caribbean talent can reach when given the opportunity.

He extended his gratitude to the organizers of the Caribbean Music Awards and expressed his
admiration for his fellow nominees, stating, “Big up to the organizers of this amazing event and
to all the nominees—being in the same category as you all is a privilege. This award isn’t just
mine; it’s for every DJ out there who is passionate about what they do.”

DJ Puffy’s historic win is not only a personal triumph but also a victory for the entire Caribbean,
shining a spotlight on the region’s rich cultural heritage and its influence on the global music
scene.

IMPORTANT LINKS:
Caribbean music awards post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C_VeP5NuuSB/
About Caribbean Music Awards: https://caribmusicawards.com/about/

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Pelican Village, once a quiet craft hub, has been transformed into a thriving centre for small business development under the guidance of Export Barbados. This strategic initiative has created a vibrant ecosystem where approximately 50 small businesses are receiving crucial support to grow and potentially expand into global markets.

Mark Hill, chief executive officer of Export Barbados, emphasises the comprehensive approach taken to foster entrepreneurship in the village. The focus extends beyond providing operational space, encompassing essential tools, training, and support necessary for success in an increasingly competitive world.

“We’ve worked hard to make Pelican [Village] a place where small businesses can not only survive but thrive,” Hill told Barbados TODAY. “We want these entrepreneurs to think big, to see beyond the local market, and to understand that with the right foundation, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”

The transformation is rooted in a strategy that prioritises practical, hands-on training. Regular town hall meetings address critical business aspects such as pricing strategies, customer presentation, and marketing. International experts conduct workshops on branding and design, highlighting their importance in today’s market. 

“We want these small businesses to understand that good design and effective branding can make all the difference. It’s not just about having a great product—it’s about presenting that product in a way that resonates with consumers, both locally and internationally,” he explained.

Export Barbados’ initiative aims to establish a solid foundation for these businesses, enabling them to scale up and eventually enter global markets. Comprehensive training in essential business skills, including accounting, auditing, and supply chain management, is provided. An AI tool is being developed to assist with tasks like managing national insurance contributions, further supporting business growth and sustainability.

The success of the Pelican Village initiative is evident in the growing number of businesses and the jobs they create. Hill noted that even during the low season, each business employs between three to four people, contributing significantly to local employment and economic development.

Pelican Village was one of the fan zones during the recent Cricket World Cup.

“When we talk about small business development, it’s not just talk. We’re creating real opportunities for employment and economic growth,” he said.

The village has fostered a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs share ideas and support each other. This sense of community is a key factor in the project’s success, creating a dynamic and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The diversity of businesses, ranging from food stalls and craft shops to tech startups, further enhances this ecosystem. 

“We’ve created an environment where entrepreneurs can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and support each other,” Hill said. “This sense of community is one of the things that makes Pelican [Village] so special.”

Looking ahead, Export Barbados plans to expand the number of entrepreneurs at the location and continue enhancing the training programmes offered. Hill aims to have at least 100 entrepreneurs in training at any given time. Moreover, there’s a vision for Pelican Village to become a model for small business development across the Caribbean.

“We believe that the success we’ve had here can be replicated in other parts of the region,” the Export Barbados CEO boasted. “We want Pelican [Village] to be seen as a blueprint for how small businesses can grow and succeed in a competitive global market.” (RG)

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Bangladesh cruised to a six-wicket victory in the second Test against Pakistan on Tuesday to complete a 2-0 series sweep and provide a welcome healing touch to a nation recovering from a political upheaval.

Chasing 185 for victory, Bangladesh’s Tigers rode a string of cameos to seal their third Test series victory away from home with more than one session left at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Opener Zakir Hasan (40), skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (38) and Mominul Haq (34) chipped in with useful cameos.

Veterans Mushfiqur Rahim (22) and Shakib Al Hasan (21) combined to guide the visitors to a memorable victory.

“It means a lot, I can’t express it in words,” an emotional Shanto said at the presentation ceremony.

“We were looking to win here and I’m very happy with the way everyone has done their job.”

All-rounder Mehedy Hasan Miraz dedicated his player-of-the-series award to a victim of the recent anti-government protests in Bangladesh, which culminated with ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing to India last month.

The country’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus called Shanto to congratulate the team on their series victory.

Bangladesh arrived last month having failed to beat Pakistan in a Test match in their previous 13 attempts and then went on to win two in a row.

They won the series opener by 10 wickets , their first ever Test victory against Pakistan, after the home side had declared their first innings on 448-6.

Bangladesh showed similar resilience in the second Test when they slumped to 26-6 in the first innings before player-of-the-match Litton Das smashed 138 to rescue them.

For the first time, Bangladesh seamers claimed all 10 wickets as they skittled out Pakistan for 172 in the second innings to lay the foundation of their victory.

(Reuters)

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With just over a week to go before their first home game at historic Kensington Oval, the  Barbados Royals have announced a special incentive for tertiary level students to be part of The Greatest Party In Sports.

The 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will return to Barbados when the 2022 runners-up go up against the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons on Wednesday, September 11, from 7:00 pm local time. They play 2023 finalists Trinbago Knight Riders on September 13, defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors on September 14, and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on September 17.

Committed to enhancing accessibility and simplifying ticket purchases for young fans across the island, the Royals have announced that they are offering university students an exclusive opportunity to experience the electrifying live action.

As part of the “University Special” promotion, students can purchase Grandstand tickets for just 10 USD, ensuring they can enjoy world-class cricket at an unbeatable price by presenting their Student ID.

In addition to purchasing tickets at the box office, students can also buy them from mobile ticketing agents at four different educational institutions across the island, including the University of West Indies (UWI), the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI), the Barbados Community College (BCC), and the Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) Students studying at UWI can secure their tickets on the spot starting on Wednesday, September 4, during the UWI Science Expo to be held at the UWI Cave Hill Campus. The promotion is designed to make the matches more accessible, bringing the excitement of the CPL closer to the youth of Barbados.

With a lineup featuring stars like Jason Holder, Rovman Powell,  Rahkeem Cornwall, David Miller, Quinton de Kock and more, the Royals promise an action-packed week of cricket.

Jake Lush McCrum, Chief Executive Officer, Royals Sports Group, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative: “We all saw the incredible passion from our fans last season, creating an incredible atmosphere at the Kensington Oval.

“I did however receive feedback from a number of university students when I visited them last year that they would have loved to join the fun, but the tickets were outside their budgets. We’ve therefore created this new category to make attending a Barbados Royals match even more accessible and to take the fan and player relationship to another level. We want to have the loudest crowd in the entire CPL, cheering our team on to many victories.”

(PR)

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The Barbados Football Association (BFA) has announced the national senior men’s squad and their management team who will travel on Thursday to Saint Croix in the US Virgin Islands to compete in the Concacaf Nations League (CNL) 2024-25.

Head Coach Kent Hall said he was encouraged by the foundations that were being laid with the National Tridents, and that he remained optimistic about their performance at the upcoming Nations League.

“Our preparations for the Concacaf Nations League are a continuation of the work that we began during the World Cup Qualifiers a few months ago,” he said. “We are slowly laying the developmental building blocks for our team to grow as a unit, and consciously making tweaks and modifications as we go to strengthen the formation of our new team core.

“It’s a long journey to reach the performance outcomes that we aspire to, and we are still in the process of establishing and refining the way we play. I’m excited to have a few new fresh faces in the squad who have never been selected for the Senior team before, and we are all just really looking forward to getting out there and giving it one hundred percent.”

Barbados endured a torrid 2023-24 CNL campaign. The Tridents played in League B, and were drawn in Group B, along with Trinidad & Tobago, the Dominican Republic, and Montserrat. Trinidad & Tobago was later replaced by Nicaragua, which was relegated from the League A.

Barbados suffered a come-from-behind 3-2 loss away to Montserrat, then lost 4-2 at thome. They were beaten 5-1 away and 4-0 at home by Nicaragua. And they lost 5-2 and 5-0 to the DR. Consequently, the national team has been relegated to League C.

The Concacaf Nations League will continue to be played in a three-league format, with Barbados to play in League C, Group A. The top-ranked team in the group, Barbados will host games in November, The Bahamas will host games in October, And the USVI, will host the two games in September.

Team Barbados’ first match at the Bethlehem Soccer Complex in Saint Croix will be against the Bahamas (Saturday 7th September), followed by the US Virgin Islands (Tuesday 10th September).

Notably absent is 22-year-old Thierry Gale, the second-generation Barbados international, who plays as a forward for Austrian club Rapid Wien.

Up front as well, the Tridents will do without Hallam Hope, who plies his trade with EFL League Two club Morecambe. The 30-year-old last played for Barbados in October 2023.

Also out, after appearing in the World Cup Qualifiers in June, is Nicoli Brathwaite, a 23-year-old midfielder with ACS Progresul Ezeriș in Romania’s Liga III.

Brandon Sumpter, a 21-year-old goalkeeper with South West Queensland Thunder in New Zealand, has been left out.

With more than 150 caps between them, the Weymouth Wales trio of midfielder Hadan Holligan, defenders Mario Williams and Ricardio Morris will rejoin the team.

Khalil Vanderpool-Nurse will be hoping to see the pitch. The 19-year-old Dubai City FC winger played four games and scored two goals at Under-20 level this year.

24-year-old Canada-born central defender Nathan Walters has received a maiden call-up. Into his third season with Altitude FC in the League1 BC Men’s competition, Walters is an imposing figure at 6’3″.

The Concacaf Nations League features the region’s 41 men’s senior national teams and takes place during the FIFA Match Windows of September, October, and November 2024. The Concacaf Nations League Finals are scheduled for March 2025.

National Senior Men’s Squad:

• Andre Applewhaite
• Ackeel Applewhaite
• Zachary Applewhite
• Nicoli Brathwaite
• Khimani Cox
• Jaylan Gilkes
• Justin Griffith
• Carl Hinkson
• Hadan Holligan
• Sheran Hoyte
• Kevon Lucas
• Jireh Malcolm
• Ricardio Morris
• Shay Prescod
• Kishmar Primus
• Niall Reid-Stephen
• Nathan Sealy
• Ethan Taylor
• Khalil Vanderpool-Nurse
• Nathan Walters
• Justin White
• Mario Williams

Management Team:

• Head Coach – Kent Hall
• Assistant Coach – Marlon Harte
• Manager – Ortis Williams
• Equipment Manager – Orlando Mapp
• Sports Therapist – Johann Lashley
• Trainer – Chad Bynoe
• Goalkeeping Coach – Bernard Howell
• Press Officer – Anmar Goodridge-Boyce

(PR/TF)

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Fire officers have been battling a blaze at the Builder’s Value Mart warehouse on Reed Street.

No one has been injured, but the fire that started around 9: 28 a.m., has so far extensively damaged the roof and structure. At the scene, loud explosions could be heard inside the building, possibly resulting from flammable items inside the warehouse, officials said.

Speaking to the media, Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard said, “We responded initially with three water tenders…we also augmented that with the CLP, that’s the ladder truck, and a couple of small appliances. The fire is approximately 50 per cent contained. The building [partially] collapsed during the suppression exercise. No one has been injured.”

Business owner Ram Merchandi described the incident as a major setback but assured there would be no job losses. (SB)

(Read full story in today’s epaper)

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On Monday, September 9th and Tuesday, September 10th, 2024, there will be no sittings at the Criminal Division of the Supreme Court of Barbados, including Criminal Courts 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 4, 4A, 5, and 5A. Additionally, no hearings will take place at any magistrates’ courts across the island during this period. However, the offices of the respective magistrates’ courts and the other departments of the Registration Department will remain open.

These changes to the court’s schedule are necessary to facilitate the attendance of the Judiciary, Magistracy, and the Registrar at a Workshop on the Draft Criminal Procedure Rules, 2024 in Barbados. This workshop will be hosted at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

The Registration Department regrets and apologises for any inconvenience these closures may cause. 

(Registrar of the Supreme Court) 

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A 38-year-old painter convicted of cannabis offences has 12 weeks to pay the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court $1 000 if he wants to avoid three months in prison.

Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes imposed the sentence on Dwayne Ricardo Elliott of Signal Station Road, Flagstaff, St Michael after pleading guilty on Wednesday.

Elliott was reprimanded and discharged for the offences of possession and possession with intent to supply the illicit substance.

Sergeant Randolph Boyce told the court that police on patrol on Tuesday in Harwood Alley kept Elliott under observation and subsequently approached and requested a search to which he consented. When asked to account for the vegetable substance, later determined to be cannabis, he said: “It is mine”.

Before the chief magistrate, Elliot stated among other things that he used the drug to relax.

“All of you’ll have to smoke to be relaxed?” questioned Chief Magistrate Weekes who added: “That sounds nonsensical.”

The drugs weighed 56.59 grammes and had an estimated street value of $284.60.

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A fire at the Builder’s Value Mart warehouse in Bridgetown on Wednesday morning has reignited concerns about fire safety in the area, almost 14 years to the day since the tragic Campus Trendz blaze that claimed six young lives.

The fire, which broke out just before 10 a.m., on Reed Street, The City and threatened to spread, was quickly brought under control by the Barbados Fire Service (BFS). Errol Maynard, the chief fire officer, reported that 25 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze, which had already caused significant damage to the building’s roof.

“We responded initially with three water tenders and augmented that with the ladder truck and a couple of small appliances,” Maynard explained. 

He noted that while the building had partially collapsed during the firefighting efforts, no injuries were reported.

The incident has brought renewed attention to fire safety measures in the densely populated area. Barbadians were thrown into a state of shock, pain and anger on September 3, 2010 when news quickly spread that two would-be robbers had thrown an explosive device into the single-entry and exit Campus Trendz clothing store on Tudor Street in The City.

Business owner Asha Ram Mirchandani.

The building went up in flames taking the lives of Shanna Griffith, Nikkita Belgrave, Pearl Cornelius, Tiffany Harding, Kellishaw Olivierre and Kelly Ann Welch. Three of the women were employees at the Campus Trendz Boutique, and the other three were customers. They were apparently trapped when they ran to the back of the store to escape the smoke and flames.

Maynard acknowledged that while progress had been made, there were still a number of one-door shops in the vicinity, reminiscent of the conditions that contributed to the Campus Trendz tragedy. However, he emphasised that fire officials conduct regular inspections and provide training to operators and workers in these buildings.

“There are some one-door shops in Barbados, and I believe that until all of them are retrofitted, we will basically continue to have one-door shops,” the chief fire officer said. “What we do though, we work with the proprietors to put in mitigating factors like early warning systems, fire alarm systems, and teaching the staff to recognise an incident and also what to do when an incident occurs.”

Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard speaking to reporters.

A major issue faced by firefighters tackling the Builder’s Value Mart warehouse blaze was the lack of water in nearby hydrants. This forced the BFS to request assistance from the Barbados Water Authority, who provided a water tanker and personnel.  While a disaster was averted, the lack of water in the hydrants, some close to Baxter’s Road, amplified the concerns about fire safety in the area.

“We have to do investigations to see if these hydrants are on an abandoned main, because although they are dry, they are in Reed Street, but some of the ones in Reed Street also have water,” Maynard explained.

MP for the City of Bridgetown, Corey Lane, visited the scene and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve fire safety education in the community. He stressed the importance of residents and business owners knowing how to minimise damage in case of fires, particularly given the close-knit nature of the neighbourhood.

Fire officers had some difficulty getting water in the area after two hydrants were found to be dry.

Damage to neighbouring properties was minimal, though one home on the western side of the warehouse sustained minor roof damage, which was promptly addressed by the firefighters.

Asha Ram Mirchandani, the owner of Builder’s Value Mart, expressed distress over the incident but remained optimistic about recovery. “The bond only was [damaged], the main building is still here,” Mirchandani said. “God will help us.” 

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb

Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard (right) speaking to Deputy Chief Fire Officer Henderson Patrick (centre) during the suppression operation at Reed Street.

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The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has sought to put pressure on the Ministry of Education to address concerns and provide clarity on its plans for the academic year ahead.

A DLP shadow minister on Wednesday voiced “deep” concern over the state of school preparedness as the new academic year begins.

With several educational institutions already in session ahead of the opening of primary and secondary schools on September 16, opposition spokesperson on education Felicia Dujon criticised the Ministry of Education for failing to address the readiness of school buildings, teacher and principal appointments, and the announcement of scholarship and exhibition winners.

Speaking on Wednesday, Dujon emphasised the urgent need for improved communication from the ministry. “We cannot allow a situation where students, parents, and teachers are left in the dark regarding crucial educational updates,” she said.

The DLP spokesperson described the delay in announcing scholarship and exhibition winners as “unacceptable”, particularly as other academic institutions have already begun their year. “It is imperative that the Ministry addresses this immediately to ensure that deserving students are recognised and that their academic journey is not hindered by unnecessary delays,” Dujon declared.

She also called for decisive action on education reform, urging the ministry to reassess the current system “to better serve the academic and developmental needs of our students”. The DLP is demanding “clear and transparent plans” on the implementation of these reforms, including the restructuring of the educational system and curriculum.

Dujon highlighted concerns over the failure rates in CXC and common entrance examinations, insisting these statistics must not be ignored. “The public deserves to know if the ministry will implement educational interventions to improve the academic standings of students and provide the necessary support for teachers,” the DLP executive member said.

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Employers have defended the use of zero-hour contracts amid sharp criticism from the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), which has condemned the practice as exploitative.

Speaking at the BWU’s 81st Annual Delegates’ Conference at Solidarity House over the weekend, general secretary Toni Moore strongly criticised the use of precarious employment arrangements, particularly targeting the hospitality industry. She singled out Sandals Resorts, accusing the hotel chain of taking advantage of workers despite benefiting from significant government concessions.

“What makes it obscene is that Sandals is one of the hotel establishments that gets some of the most concessions in this country, and you can’t be delivering and treating our people so casually,” Moore charged.

She further explained that zero-hour contracts, which do not guarantee workers any hours or income, leave employees vulnerable.

“A zero-hour contract gives you more hours. On a particular day, a manager might tell you to come in at 12 o’clock, and we ain’t tell you when you ain’t come. So it really is a contract that guarantees you no hours and no pay, therefore,” she said.

The Barbados Employers’ Confederation (BEC) pushed back against Moore’s position. President Gail-Ann King acknowledged that while there is no data on the current prevalence of zero-hour contracts in Barbados, the practice is not new and is typically used in casual or on-call work situations.

President of the Barbados Employers’ Confederation
Gail-Ann King.

“Historically, it has been used for jobs where work is not constant or required on an ‘as and when needed’ basis, such as delivery drivers, care workers, or professionals like plumbers who choose to be on call,” King told Barbados TODAY.

King argued that zero-hour contracts offer flexibility for both employers and employees, particularly in industries where workloads fluctuate throughout the year.

“ZHCs offer a flexible option for both employers and employees who may have varying workloads at different times of the year and for some types of work in an organisation that is not constant – such as delivery, hence it allows for a flexible workforce.”

The arrangement can be beneficial to workers who need flexibility in their schedules, such as students and caregivers, or those seeking additional income, King added.

“It also gives them the freedom to have multiple jobs and/or employers as suits them.” 

The BEC president also noted that individuals who provide high levels of service could potentially benefit from zero-hour contracts by charging a premium for their skills.

“For persons who might otherwise be unemployed or persons choosing to be a stay-at-home mum, or prefer to run their own businesses, it provides a temporary source of income, allows persons to gain valuable work experience or to take on work if and when they choose,” King suggested.

While acknowledging the potential downsides of unpredictable work hours and income, the employers’ spokeswoman pointed out that many use these contracts to supplement their income as part of a “side hustle”.

“In an economy that is fast changing and with a growth in the gig economy – where persons want to freelance – it provides earning potential, so it does add to employment options and our economy. This is not a new form of work and it often provides income or supplemental income for persons,” King argued.

She also noted that all workers, including those on zero-hour contracts, have the right to unionise and are protected by laws such as the minimum wage.

As the debate continues over changing employment terms, Moore has reiterated the importance of collective action in combatting exploitative practices and called on workers to unite by joining the BWU.

“What they can do with one, they can’t do with many. United we stand, divided we fall,” she said, urging workers to use the power of collective bargaining to safeguard their
rights. 

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

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Rentokil Initial Barbados has introduced a new eco-friendly termite prevention product, Termifilm, aimed at addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional pest control methods. The launch took place on Tuesday at the Courtyard Marriott resort, where Paula Jackman, general manager of the pest control agency, highlighted the need for greener solutions in the pest control industry.

During her presentation, Jackman acknowledged the widespread apprehension regarding chemical usage in pest management and its potential impact on the environment. She expressed the company’s commitment to developing sustainable solutions that property owners can implement to prevent pest infestations.

Termifilm is designed as a pre-construction termite treatment, applied before the foundation of a building is laid. The product consists of a polyethylene film treated with 2.5 per cent permethrine, which acts as both a physical and chemical barrier against termites and moisture. This innovative approach aims to pre-emptively tackle termite issues, which can lead to significant damage if left unchecked.

Jackman pointed out that termites are among the most destructive pests, often going unnoticed until visible damage occurs. She estimated that Barbadians spend approximately BD$1 million annually on home repairs due to subterranean termite damage.

“Termifilm is a fraction of the cost of home repairs and is essentially an investment in future savings,” she said.

The product has been approved by the FCBA, a European-based non-governmental organisation that oversees technical and industrial certification in wood preservation and termite treatments.

Termifilm is touted as the only eco-friendly termite treatment available in Barbados, with Jackman emphasising its suitability for sensitive environments, including allergen-free housing. Unlike traditional methods that require drilling or chemical injections, Termifilm’s application does not involve soil disruption, reducing its environmental impact.

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Global Finance magazine has named Sagicor Bank (arbados) the ‘best consumer digital bank’ in Barbados in its 2024′World’s Best Consumer Digital Bank Awards’ for the Latin America region.

The prestigious financial publication, renowned for its industry leadership, recognised Sagicor Bank with 10 awards across several categories, including “Best Information Security and Fraud Management”, “Best in Lending”, and “Best Consumer Digital Bank” in Barbados.

“We are thrilled to be recognised for the innovative work we are doing here at Sagicor Bank,” stated Sagicor Bank CEO, George Thomas. “As the country’s first digital bank, we have been operating in uncharted territory, and though it has been challenging navigating these unchartered waters, we remain committed to providing Barbados with a better banking experience.”

The awards panel, comprising experts from global consulting firm Infosys, evaluated entries based on criteria such as the banks’ strategies for attracting and serving digital customers, the success in getting clients to use digital offerings, the breadth of product offerings, and the tangible benefits gained from digital initiatives.

“The rapid advancements in fintech, the rise of digital currencies, and the increasing importance of cybersecurity are continually redefining the benchmarks for exceptional digital banking services,” said Joseph Giarraputo, founder and editorial director of Global Finance. “This year’s winners are leading the way with innovative digital solutions and setting new standards in the industry.”

The full list of awards won by Sagicor Bank (Barbados) Limited includes several country-level and regional accolades, such as Best Online Product Offerings, Best Bill Payment and Presentment, Best User Experience (UX) Design, and Best in Innovation.

(PR)

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A route taxi driver is likely to have his licence suspended for 14 days after a viral video showed him driving dangerously along Lower Collymore Rock, transport officials have said.

The video, which circulated on social media, shows a ‘ZR’ van approaching the traffic lights at the Lower Collymore Rock-Culloden Road junction. The vehicle drives down the right-hand lane, then veers over to the left lane behind a line of vehicles to proceed to the junction. It then crosses into a lane of oncoming traffic.

Minister of Transport and Works Santia Bradshaw condemned the incident on Starcom Radio on Wednesday, describing it as “dangerous and reckless”.

She said: “I want to condemn the action of what I saw being displayed by the driver in this particular video, and certainly to let it be known that the Transport Authority and certainly the Ministry of Transport and Works condemn this type of reckless behaviour on our roads.

“The process for investigating these matters has already commenced. The owner and the driver will be informed of the serious nature of the incident, and what will follow is a suspension of at least 14 days, during which time that investigation will take place.”

Bradshaw added that the Transport Authority would follow up with written correspondence to insurance companies, the General Insurance Association of Barbados (GIAB), the Commissioner of Police, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Works, and the chief licensing officer.

The Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) has denounced the act, calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and regulations. Roy Raphael, chairman of the AOPT, expressed concern over what he described as a “crisis” in the public service vehicle (PSV) industry.

“This is over 30 years that we have had these issues pertaining to public transport, and we cannot get them corrected,” Raphael said. “Many ministers have attempted to do so. This minister, in her grateful way, is looking to see how best she can deal with it.”

Raphael argued that the situation has worsened over time. “We had issues with people ‘rocking de cradle’ referring to the practice of sudden braking and acceleration to cause the vehicle to lurch back and forth. But I have never seen things like this before. Doing that is basically putting people’s lives at risk.”

The AOPT chairman reiterated a previous call for the establishment of an independent body to hear matters pertaining to public service vehicles and operators.

Complaints Officer with AOPT Craig Banfield could not be reached for comment.

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Former General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) and Barbados’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Joseph Goddard, has died, just weeks after the passing of his successor, Dennis Clarke. Goddard, who led the NUPW for three decades from 1973 to 2003, died on Wednesday, aged 82.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley led tributes to the veteran trade unionist, reflecting on the loss of both prominent trade union figures in such a short span of time. Clarke, who succeeded Goddard at the NUPW, died on August 1.

“Having said goodbye to his successor at the National Union of Public Workers, Mr Denis Clarke, just a few weeks ago, receiving the news of the death of Mr Joseph Goddard today was, to put it mildly, shocking,” the PM said.

Mottley recalled first meeting Goddard while both were students in London, where Goddard was pursuing a master’s degree in industrial relations.

“By then, his was a household name in Barbados, and he was the face and voice of the NUPW,” she said. “He served the union faithfully and vigorously for 34 years, most of it as general secretary.”

She added: “He was a trade unionist through and through, having been born a mere two years before the NUPW, originally called the Civil Service Association, was formed in 1944, but eventually serving in such a manner as to become its most recognised General Secretary of modern times.”

Goddard’s contributions to the NUPW included modernising its operations, overseeing the establishment of the Public Workers Academy in the mid-1980s, and guiding the union through some of the most challenging periods in Barbados’ history. Key points include the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis and the eight per cent cut of public servants’ salaries under the Erskine Sandiford administration at the height of an economic structural programme in 1991.

Mottley noted that Goddard played a crucial role in the creation of the Social Partnership and the Prices and Incomes Protocol, which became a model for managing national crises. Even after retiring from public service, Goddard returned to contribute to the establishment of Barbados’ first minimum wage regime in 2022.

In 2010, Goddard transitioned from trade unionism to diplomacy when he was appointed as the Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations, serving for four years.

“His service to country is worthy of praise,” Mottley said. “On behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, I extend sincere condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.”

Born on August 5, 1942, Goddard’s career in trade unionism began in 1973 when he joined the NUPW. Throughout his 34-year tenure with the NUPW, he held various positions, eventually rising to general secretary.

In addition to his role at NUPW, Goddard was actively involved in the regional labour movement, serving as the general secretary of the Caribbean Public Services Association (CPSA) and as a trustee of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) since 1983. At home, his influence extended to the umbrella Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) where he was a board member.

Goddard earned a master’s degree in industrial relations and personnel management from the London School of Economics (LSE). He also held a diploma in labour studies from Ruskin College, University of Oxford, where he received a distinction in comparative industrial relations.

He received numerous accolades for his contributions to labour and public service, including the Award of Excellence from the CCL and the Pride of Barbados Award for Distinguished Service from the Democratic Labour Party. His dedication to the labour movement has been recognised regionally, affirming his status as a respected figure in both trade unionism and diplomacy.

Goddard is survived by his wife and two children.

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The privately-run public service vehicle (PSV) grouping has put forward sweeping proposals to revamp the transport system, including a pilot scheme to address long-standing bus service issues in St Andrew.

Roy Raphael, chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), revealed that the organisation has established a working committee to liaise with the Transport Authority and the Transport Board. The committee aims to implement the “St Andrew Bus Transport Project” (SABTP) and merge several underserved neighbouring routes following approval from the Transport Authority.

“We have carefully mapped out how best we can assist [the public] in terms of transportation,” Raphael told Barbados TODAY. “The project will be instituted for six months, after which we will review it with the intention of either continuing or dismantling it.”

The AOPT plans to conduct a walk-through in St Andrew to gather residents’ feedback and refine their approach. But Raphael emphasised that the success of the initiative hinges on cooperation from the regulator and the state-owned bus company.

“We would want to present it to them first, to have a discussion, and I am hoping that we would come to some kind of agreement,” he said.

In addition to addressing St Andrew’s transport woes, which were brought into the spotlight at a recent Parish Speaks town hall meeting with the prime minister, the AOPT has proposed a scenic bus route traversing the island’s north and south.

This initiative aims to encourage more Barbadians to use public transport while enjoying the island’s scenery.

“We are basically saying the bus can leave Fairchild Street, travel onto the north, St John, St Joseph, St Andrew, St Peter and terminate at Speightstown,” Raphael explained.

He suggested that this service could operate every two to three hours, particularly on Sundays, at the standard fare of $3.50.
“That would encourage persons to put down their cars and go for a drive at the rate of the $3.50. So that the family can go for a ride. And I think it would encourage more people to drive in buses, particularly the Transport Board. And we would be happy to complement it, even through our TAP [Transport Augmentation Programme].”

The AOPT chairman also recommended merging certain existing routes to improve efficiency.

“When you look at Holders Hill and Eden Lodge together, you’ve got two buses going each side now, and each of them has got two or three persons. Is it economical or viable? We say no,” Raphael argued.

He highlighted several areas currently lacking dedicated Transport Board services, including Bush Hall, the Ivy, Rendezvous Gardens, and Forde’s Road. Raphael suggested that merging and extending routes could better serve these communities.

The Transport Board ceded these lucrative short-haul routes to urban districts mostly in St Michael, St James and Christ Church to the privately owned route taxis and minibuses in 1992 at the height of the International Monetary Fund-driven structural adjustment programme under the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford administration.

“You can merge both of them together and create one route,” said Raphael. “I am hoping the Transport Authority would accept us. Bush Hall doesn’t have a Bush Hall bus from the Transport Board, the Ivy doesn’t have one, Rendezvous Gardens does not have one, Forde’s Road does not have one; and most times when people want to go home, they have to use other routes. They have to use the Silver Sands route and walk in; probably have to walk up Rendezvous Hill; or they would have to use number 10, which is Silver Hill.”

Under the association’s working committee, member Shelly Inniss will coordinate engagement between the AOPT, the Transport Authority and the Transport Board.

Revealing the AOPT St Andrew proposal has been presented to Transport Minister Santia Bradshaw, “it will be with the Transport Authority and the relevant stakeholders. Just to assure the public that we have carefully mapped out how best we can assist them in terms of the transportation”.

“Also,” he said, “the association will be doing a walk-through at some time, to get information and details from them [St Andrew residents] to see how we can best assist them. This is one of the many projects that we will be looking at.” emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

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Nine men and eight women will represent Barbados at the 2024 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, October 17-19 at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown, Guyana. The South American territory will host the competition for the first time in two decades.

Headlining the team will be Julian Belgrave and Bukkiah Providence, gold and silver medalists last year in Aruba, both of whom are registered for the men’s physique competition.

Belgrave is the defending champion in the master’s category, the only gold for Barbados, and he was third in the senior men’s physique 173 cm category.

Providence, the reigning national men’s physique champion, took part in the senior men’s physique over 179 cm category in Aruba, and achieved an admirable second place.

In men’s bodybuilding, Barbados will be represented by Timon Howard (70 kg), Curtis Kirby (65 kg), Sanaj Lewis (75 kg), and Roger Streeks (75 kg).

Lewis recently repeated as Mr Barbados at the Barbados Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (BABBFF) National Championships, held at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium. He made a strong showing at the 2023 CAC Championships, earning a respectable fourth place.

Kirk Bovell and Jurad Mason will compete in the men’s classic physique. Mason, a national champion, was a 2023 silver medalist in the 175 cm division.

Tyrell Forde has been entered in the men’s muscular physique competition.

Sherri-Lyn Burke, Michelle Bryan, and Trudi-Ann Bovell are down to compete in women’s bikini fitness. Bovell had back-to-back third-place finishes in the master women’s bikini and senior women’s bikini 164 cm categories in Aruba.

Shanice Mason (169 cm), Danielle Holder, and Janelle Butcher (158 cm) are set to compete in women’s body fitness.

Mason made a remarkable debut at BABBFF Nationals, capturing the overall women’s title and the 169 cm category with her athleticism, symmetry, and stage presence.

Rashida Gill is set to go in women’s wellness, the title she won at Nationals, also competing in the 158 cm class, which she won.

Rounding out the team is Leanna Carter in women’s physique.

BABBFF officials were impressed by the national team’s showing in 2023, including one gold medal, four silver, and four bronze.

The delegation to Guyana will be led by vice president of the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Roger Boyce. Second vice president of BABBFF, Corey Morris is the team manager. IFBB Elite Pro Ramon Broomes is the head coach, accompanied by assistant coach Shakira Doughlin.

BABBFF president Dr Alfred Sparman and two judges will also accompany the team, which departs Barbados on October 16. Team members will be hard at work over the next six weeks, preparing themselves to compete against the region’s best.

Among the countries confirmed to attend are Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Panama, and Trinidad & Tobago.

(TF)

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Beach cricket in Barbados will be one of the features of the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The CPL on Wednesday announced that it had launched LIVE & LOUDER, a new and exciting events platform that will sit alongside all CPL’s current cricket tournaments, both men and women.

The new brand will see the party vibes that CPL is so famous for, expanded to include events that capture the best aspects of Caribbean culture, starting with music, but with broader plans to include other genres, such as food and fashion.

The first of these events will see world-class music artists appearing at all four Saint Lucia Kings home matches, beginning this weekend.

The games will not only feature fantastic cricket but be a chance for fans to watch some of the biggest artists from Saint Lucia performing live, all of which will be included as part of the match day ticket.

These shows will take place at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground between September 7 and 15, bringing even more focus to the venue whilst the CPL games are taking place.

LIVE & LOUDER will then move to Barbados, bringing the CPL vibe to beach cricket at the popular Brownes Beach in St Michael on September 15.

Teams will compete for the first Beach Blast Championship, with the highlight being the latter stages of the competition, where celebrities will get involved to try and help their teams lift the first ever Beach Blast trophy.

Pete Russell, CPL’s CEO, said: “LIVE & LOUDER is a great way for fans to further enjoy the CPL experience. We are excited to be creating a diverse range of events, all of which will focus on the unique and unforgettable experiences you find across the Caribbean.

The LIVE & LOUDER brand will have a year-round focus and we will be announcing more events in due course. For now, we look forward to welcoming all our amazing fans to the Saint Lucia Concerts and the Barbados Beach Blast.”

Barbados Royals, the 2022 finalists, unveiled their Fan Zone last week, ahead of four exciting matches from September 11 to 17. The Royals, who won their opening match, will have home games against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons (Wednesday 11), Trinbago Knight Riders (Friday 13), defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors (Saturday 14), and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (Tuesday 17).

(PR)

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Members of the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons and the Trinbago Knight Riders received words of inspiration from the great Sir Vivian Richards on Wednesday morning.

The former West Indies captain and batting legend, known worldwide as ‘The Master Blaster,’ spoke to both camps on the eve of their Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL)  clash — due to be played on Thursday night at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua & Barbuda, from 7:00 pm.

“I’m a part of the Falcons family, so I came here to see my team and show my support for the boys as they head into the last home game,” said the West Indies icon. “I’m really impressed with the talent I’m seeing and just wanted let them know that Sir Viv is still backing them despite the tough start.

“I spent some time with the boys at TKR as well. It’s also about helping to develop all West Indies talent, meet them and talk with them. I want what’s best for the West Indies, and these youngsters I met with today are very talented. They are the future.”

The Falcons, newcomers to the CPL for the 2024 season, have had a tough start to the season, losing four on the trot at home.

TKR, meanwhile, have played just once. The four-time champions and 2023 runners-up defeated the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots by 44 runs.

Despite the poor start, the Falcons lineup includes one of the most exciting young Caribbean players, in the person of Jewel Andrew. Just 17 years old, he has made 123 runs from just 96 balls in his first four CPL matches, averaging 41.

TKR, on the other hand, are anchored by superstar wicketkeeper-batsman Nichols Pooran. The 28-year-old Trinidadian recently surpassed Chris Gayle for the most T20 sixes hit in a single calendar year, a feat which would certainly have impressed Sir Viv.

The meet and greet events with Sir Viv were organised by Falcons director of media Philip Spooner, and TKR head coach Phil Simmons.

(PR/TF)

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Reigning Pic-O-De-Crop Calypso Monarch Adrian AC Clarke has called for the return of two prominent events to the Crop Over festival calendar, citing the increased interest from artistes and the public in the annual celebration.

Speaking at a media event on Wednesday at Courtesy Garage Wildey, where he received his Pic-O-De-Crop grand prize of a 2024 Nissan E Power X-Trail, Clarke applauded the strong support for this year’s Crop Over festivities. He suggested the time was right to reintroduce both the Cohobblopot and Soca Monarch competitions, which were once staple events of the season.

“It would be good to see the Cohobblopot style event happening again,” Clarke told reporters. “The more hands-on creatives, the ones creating the costumes for the bands and so on, would benefit from its return. People would like to see that sort of thing again because it always culminated with bands and artistes performing, which is what we mainly looked forward to.”

Cohobblopot, which last took place in 2014, was previously regarded as one of the marquee events of the Crop Over season. It was known for featuring top Barbadian acts and showcasing the Kings and Queens of the Kadooment bands on the penultimate night of the festival.

Clarke also spoke about the Party Monarch competition, which has not been held since 2019. He confirmed it will return next year in a rebranded form as Soca Rumble.

“Party Monarch for 2025 in my books will be happening,” Clarke declared. 

He added that the competition would offer one of the largest cash prizes ever. “That is as far as I will go for now. But we are definitely working on getting everything sorted. We are looking at giving the biggest prize to whoever wins that competition.”

He plans to approach corporate Barbados for sponsorship, stressing that support is crucial to making the event a success. “I will be out there making myself a pest with corporate Barbados. If you really want to see this show happen, you’ve got to get some support. I am quite sure if I speak to the NCF (National Cultural Foundation), they will come on board. It’s a win-win situation for everybody.”

He pointed to the success of the Soca 5.0 event as evidence of the potential for Soca Monarch’s revival. “Soca 5.0 was a magnificent event. It was the best event for Crop Over 2024, and the NCF will have a big job trying to better that for 2025. You had Krosfyah, Coalishun, and Square One, so it was good to see these bands on stage. Of course, we had Machel Montano from Trinidad, but I would be bold enough to say that people came to see the local performers in my opinion. People were proud to see their local acts performing on the biggest stage for Crop Over.”

The three-time Pic-O-De-Crop monarch also praised the NCF and other stakeholders for delivering a successful Crop Over season, despite some challenges.

“To put on a festival is a huge thing, and when you look at the personnel you  work with, it’s small,” he said. “Nothing is perfect, but as far as I am concerned, you take the critiques and you work with them.” (SB)

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