The road at St. Elizabeth Village in St. Joseph will be closed today, Friday, September 13, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., from the junction of Quarry Road and Gaggs Hill.

This will allow a team from the Haggatts Depot of the Ministry of Transport and Works to repair a damaged culvert.

Transport Board buses and residents coming from Joe’s River will be diverted onto the first entrance of Quarry Road, however, all other traffic will be diverted onto the second entrance of Quarry Road.

All traffic except Transport Board buses from Cox Hill seeking to travel beyond Joe’s River will also be diverted at Quarry Road.

Signage and MTW personnel will be on location to guide motorists through the diversion route. (PR/MTW)

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The Barbados Community College is welcoming scores of freshers to its campus. The college hosted a convocational ceremony to introduce the new students to the management of the school and to impart important tips.

During the ceremony, principal Annette Alleyne shared her personal experience of battling mental health issues and encouraged the students to look deep within to overcome challenges.

She also said that BCC was an institution where students in need of a second or third chance could strive and achieve their goals. (SZB)

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Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey on Friday rubbished claims circulating on social media that the Welfare Department is not helping citizens in need.

He said that so far this year, the department has spent more than $1 million on back-to-school support.

“There has been a video in circulation and in which the accusation is made that the department has not been responding to the request for assistance from the public. And I wish to state categorically that is not the case,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the ministry’s annual National Well-Being & HIV Commission Man Aware (Free Haircuts) session at the Church of God in Chelsea Road, St Michael.

Humphrey noted that while there is always room for improvement in terms of fast tracking assistance, the department had done exceedingly well.

“And I say so because we … made it very clear that people who are known to Welfare, the clients who are known to Welfare, instead of having to do the interviews to see what the circumstances are, we give them a green light. Persons who would come traditionally every year, they get a green light so they would get Welfare straight off the bat,” the minister said.

Read full story in Friday’s e-Paper.

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Barbados is set to make history on Tuesday with the launch of the world’s first vehicle powered by renewable natural gas (RNG), derived from Sargassum seaweed, Blackbelly sheep manure and rum distillery wastewater.

The groundbreaking initiative comes after over a year of preparation, led by the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill researchers who extracted the biogas.

The project, spearheaded by Rum and Sargassum Incorporated and Supernova Lab of Future Barbados, has garnered more than $1 million in investments. The unveiling of Test Drive Zero is set to take place at Guinea Plantation, St John in what is being touted as a significant milestone in the island’s renewable energy efforts.

Technical advisor Dr Heidi Jack told Barbados TODAY the key areas to be revealed at next week’s “game-changing” RNG launch include cooking, electricity generation, a drive of an electric vehicle powered by RNG, and RNG-ready vehicle showcases.

Project founder Dr Legena Henry, a mechanical engineer and lecturer in renewable energy at UWI Cave Hill, emphasised the initiative’s potential to halve fuel prices and drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

“Bio-CNG [compressed natural gas] is an inexpensive solution that can help Bajans slash their gas bill by 50 per cent,” she said. “You do not need to part with your car. For car owners, we have an inexpensive solution. You can now halve the fuel bill on your current car using our renewable bio-CNG, made from cheap, locally sourced waste products like rum distillery wastewater, Blackbelly sheep manure, and Sargassum seaweed.”

A biogas refuelling station is also on the cards, and according to Dr Henry, the venture could boost the natural gas supply, augment the electricity grid, and even supply liquified natural gas for export.

The venture aims to tackle mounting accumulations of Sargassum on beaches, support Barbados’s goal of becoming fossil-fuel-free by 2030, and tackle waste management through the reuse of distillery wastewater.

The project could potentially remove 103 000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, if vehicles transition from gasoline to Sargassum Bio-CNG, said Dr Jack.

Funding for the project has been secured from various sources, including $200 000 from the Blue Chip Foundation and another $200 000 from Venture for Climate Tech, both based in New York City, as well as $600 000 from the European Union.

Looking ahead, Dr Henry revealed plans for a network of eco-stations across the island, allowing motorists to refuel with biogas in a manner similar to conventional petrol stations.

“Similarly to how you can walk up to the dispenser at the gas station and get gasoline, it’s as simple as walking up to the bio-gas dispenser instead and getting our fuel,” she said. “It will be the same technology as CNG in terms of the hardware. The hardware is the same as the CNG hardware, but the energy inside of it is renewable.”

Her ongoing research at UWI focuses on sustainably generating usable power output from natural resources of the Caribbean Sea, such as Sargassum seaweed and ocean waves.

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

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The Welfare Department has spent more than $1 million on back-to-school support this year, according to Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey who rubbished social media claims that the department is failing to assist citizens.

“There has been a video circulating in which the accusation is made that the Welfare Department has not been responding to requests for assistance from the public, and I wish to state categorically that is not the case,” he said on Friday on the sidelines of a back-to-school haircut session organised by the ministry’s National Well-being and HIV Commission at the Church of God on Chelsea Road.

Humphrey acknowledged room for improvement in processing speed but highlighted significant progress.

He detailed measures to streamline the application process, particularly for existing welfare clients.

“We have made it very clear that people who are known to [the] Welfare [Department], instead of having to do the interviews to see what the circumstances are, we give them a green light. Persons who would come traditionally every year, they get a green light so they would get welfare straight off the bat,” the minister explained.

He attributed improvements to proactive government measures, including additional staff hires and early application encouragement through social media and call-in programmes. He said the department has processed more applications and assisted more students in 2024 than in the entirety of 2023.

Figures provided by Humphrey show that in 2023, there were 2 818 applications for educational assistance, benefiting 3 286 students. As of Thursday, the department had processed 1 989 applications, aiding 3 853 students. The minister anticipates these numbers will increase by the end of September, noting that many applications typically arrive close to the start of the school term.

Comparing year-on-year data, Humphrey pointed out that while only 15 students received assistance in July 2023, with $3 650 disbursed, this July saw 140 students benefit, with a total of $37 200 distributed. August saw a significant increase in processed applications, totalling $661 000 compared to $132 000 in the same month last year.

Acknowledging occasional delays, Humphrey assured the public of ongoing efforts to enhance the department’s efficiency.

“I want to get to the point where we process everybody faster,” he said, revealing plans to implement a new computer system for quicker processing.

(LG)

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As Barbados and other Caribbean territories grapple with the implications of recent poor CXC English and Mathematics examination results, former Central Bank governor Dr Delisle Worrell argues that mastery of these subjects is crucial for economic development.

Dr Worrell, in his September monthly economic letter, recommends improvements to educational outcomes: “For reasons of both social and economic development, the Caribbean needs to improve educational outcomes. That effort has to begin with well-informed strategies to provide all students graduating from primary and secondary schools with competency in Maths and English.”

The independent international economic consultant emphasised that while “Maths and English are not the be-all and end-all, they are the essential pillars on which our system of knowledge is built”. He added that students proficient in these subjects “may take full advantage of opportunities to further their knowledge and expertise, on the path to productive and fulfilling lives”.

Dr Worrell’s comments follow a statement made last month by Dr Wayne Wesley, chief executive officer of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), who warned that the lack of proficiency in Mathematics and English could have long-term socio-economic consequences. Just over 50 per cent of students achieved a passing grade in both subjects in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams this year.

The CXC CEO argued that English and Mathematics are fundamental to functioning in today’s world and form the foundation on which anything else can be acquired, learned or achieved.

But Dr Worrell, who founded the Central Bank of Barbados’ research department in 1973, contends that the problem is more extensive than the CXC results suggest. He proposes that the number of students failing to reach passing grades should be augmented by those who dropped out of secondary school or did not take these crucial subjects.

He also highlighted Dr Wesley’s reminder of poor results among Barbadian primary school students in the 11-plus exam which assesses proficiency at the start of secondary school. Most Barbadian students were found to lack acceptable competency in Maths and English at this stage.

Dr Worell, a former consultant to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), argues that proficiency in these subjects is key to improving the Caribbean labour force’s skills, quality, and productivity. “Improved labour productivity in turn plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the international competitiveness of Caribbean exports, tourism, and other foreign earning activities,” the economist said.

He pointed out that in addition to its crucial contribution to the quality of the workforce and international competitiveness, a sound education contributes directly to the development of society, as reflected in the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Index. (EJ)

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The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) says the majority of hotels are not contributing to a crucial tourism fund, despite it being a requirement of membership.

Speaking at the association’s third quarterly general meeting at Stade’s Rum Visitors Centre in Brighton on Friday, BHTA Chairman Javon Griffith revealed that participation in the fund, established in 2003 to bolster tourism-related initiatives, has plummeted to a mere 26 per cent of hotel members.

“This is despite participation in the fund being a requirement of hotel membership via our articles of association. I cannot stress enough that this fund benefits the entire membership, but it’s being supported by a minority of hotel members,” Griffith said. “This situation is fundamentally wrong, and something which we will address over the coming weeks.”

The fund has historically financed various projects, including the restoration of the Holetown bridge, improvements to the Garrison Historic Area, and support for COVID-19 facilities. Contributions are primarily collected through a voluntary charge on hotel guests’ bills at checkout.

Griffith illustrated the potential impact of wider participation, stating that a 75-room hotel with typical seasonal occupancy could generate $59 000 annually for the fund, based on a US$2 ($4) per night contribution.

“I wish to see this fund grow to a level where the BHTA can make an even more significant contribution towards the tourism industry in collaboration with our partners at the BTMI,” he said, urging non-contributing members to contact the secretariat for information. (SB)

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The island’s tourism plant is receiving a significant boost as hotels and resorts undergo extensive renovations and rebranding in a bid to position the island for year-round visitor appeal, according to the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA).

BHTA Chief Executive Officer Ryan Forde highlighted a transformation of the island’s tourism landscape as he addressed the BHTA’s third quarterly general meeting on Friday.

“Years ago, the period of high arrivals and occupancy was just six months, but due to the great investment in the product by you the BHTA [members] and the diversity of that product offering, as well as from the IHB [Intimate Hotels of Barbados] membership and the great marking of our partners, the BTMI and the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, we are now able to attract persons in high numbers to the destination for at least nine to ten months of the year,” Forde said.

The CEO pointed to ongoing upgrades at Wyndham Sam Lords, Atlantis Hotel, O2 Hotel and Spa, Hilton Barbados Resort, South Gap, and Pirates Inn, as evidence of the sector’s commitment to enhancing the island’s appeal to both visitors and nationals.

Membership growth within the BHTA further underscores the industry’s vitality, said the CEO. 

“To think we had a record year of 18 new members last year, and we are already at potentially 35, and we are only in September of 2024. We must be proud of our Barbados product and the remarkable upgrades. We must be boastful and loud with the positive and not just the negatives,” he said.

In a bid to cater to an increasingly diverse visitor base, the BHTA is also focusing on language skills development. Forde revealed plans to collaborate with the Venezuelan Embassy on business Spanish training for the tourism industry, with an eye towards future exchange programmes across Latin America.

The association is also pushing the island’s sports tourism profile, citing a 2021 report by Professor Dr Rudolph Alleyne that showed the sector contributed between $102 million to $154 million annually to the economy in 2018-2019. Forde stressed the importance of investment in this area, noting the global growth trend and Barbados’ suitability for sports-related travel. (SB)

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The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has launched an initiative to tackle the island’s long-standing issue of unaccounted-for water by installing 130 district metres to monitor water flow and pinpoint losses. 

The project forms part of the BWA’s wider strategy to modernise its infrastructure and reduce water wastage, which has been a persistent challenge.

Head of the BWA’s Water Resources and Environmental Management Unit, Alex Ifill explained on Thursday that the new district metering initiative aims to provide real-time data on water flow into various areas, improving the accuracy of water monitoring and facilitating the faster detection of leaks.

“We are installing 130 metres to ensure we know exactly how much water is being delivered to each district and what our actual losses are,” he said.

This effort builds on previous work by the authority, which has successfully reduced unaccounted-for water from 60 per cent in 1997 to 40 per cent today. In addition to the metering system, the BWA has replaced approximately 23 kilometres of old pipes in its ongoing efforts to overhaul the island’s water infrastructure.

“These are the steps we are taking to reduce unaccounted-for water. It will not happen overnight, but we are consistently working on it,” Ifill noted, highlighting the significant costs involved in laying new pipelines, which amount to around one billion dollars per kilometre.

Addressing concerns from the public about the roadworks that often accompany these upgrades, Ifill reassured residents that these disruptions are a necessary part of improving water services.

“People complain about the road getting dug up when we replace mains, but this is the work we’re doing to service our customers better. Like most things, it takes money and time,” he said. He also emphasised that while the BWA is striving for greater self-sufficiency, government funding remains crucial to achieving its pipe replacement targets.

In addition to its metering and pipe replacement efforts, the BWA has partnered with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) under the Water Sector Resilience Nexus for Sustainability in Barbados (WSRN S-Barbados) project to educate the public on water and energy conservation. 

The first in a series of Water-Energy Nexus Conservation Community Meetings, which took place on Thursday at the St John Parish Church, is intended to raise awareness about the link between water conservation and energy efficiency.

“This is the first of several consultations across Barbados where we aim to sensitise the public on water conservation and the critical water-energy nexus,” said WSRN S-Barbados Project Engineer Alex Harewood during the meeting.

Felicia Cox, a renewable energy specialist, also emphasised the role of energy in water production. 

“Electricity is crucial for water pumping, chlorination, and distribution. The Barbados Water Authority is the largest user of electricity on the island,” she said.

Cox further explained that the project introduces solar energy to help the BWA reduce electricity costs and improve resilience: “With backup generators, we can ensure the water system remains functional, even during grid failures.”

Meantime, the BWA has sought to assure St John residents that steps are being taken to address persistent concerns over murky water flowing from their taps, especially after heavy rainfall.

Residents have long reported repeated issues with water quality in the parish, and the BWA acknowledged that the source of the problem lies in the unique characteristics of the Bowmanston underground aquifer, which serves the area.

Unlike other wells where water filters through rocks, Ifill said, Bowmanston’s supply combines surface streams with underground sources. This combination allows surface water to flow directly into the system, leading to muddiness, known as turbidity, particularly after periods of heavy rain.

Ifill said the BWA has started mitigation efforts, including lining parts of the cave system to prevent overland water from entering. But he admitted that has not fully solved the problem.

“We’ve done some significant work there that has reduced it a bit, but not enough,” Ifill acknowledged.

The BWA is also planning to introduce a more advanced filtration system, though Ifill stopped short of offering a concrete timeline for its implementation. “I cannot tell you that it will be done tomorrow, but we are making progress,” he said.

To further assist in resolving the issue, the BWA has called on residents to report any caves or sinkholes that could be contributing to the water quality problems. 

“If you know any, please call the [Barbados] Water Authority and tell them,” Ifill urged.

The BWA has installed a turbidity monitoring system at the Bowmanston pumping station to improve the prediction and management of rainfall events. This system will enable the authority to shut down the pumping system ahead of potential problems, helping to reduce the risk of muddy water entering the distribution network.

“You might be out of water for a time, but it will not be as prolonged as if you had dirty water through the pipes,” Ifill explained. (SM)

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With growing concerns about road safety, Sagicor General Insurance is taking proactive steps to promote responsible driving habits. The company has launched the Sagicor Drive feature within the Sagicor GO app, which rewards clients for safe driving behaviour.

General Manager of Sagicor General Insurance Inc for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Patrick Hinkson emphasised the motor insurance provider’s commitment to improving road safety.

“We believe that by incentivising good driving habits, we can significantly reduce road accidents and encourage greater responsibility among drivers. Our aim is to make the roads safer for everyone, while offering tangible benefits to those who consistently practise safe driving. This initiative is more than just a rewards programme—it’s a vital step towards creating a culture of road safety,” he stated.

The Sagicor Drive feature within the app is designed to recognise and reward safe driving practices. Using a mobile phone’s sensors, the app tracks various driving behaviours, including speeding, distracted driving, hard braking and even harsh cornering, and nighttime driving. After each trip, users receive personalised feedback on their driving habits. Drivers can earn badges, renewal discounts, and reward points, which can be redeemed for coupons, free merchandise, and other exclusive offers.

In explaining how the app works to clients, Assistant Vice President of Innovation and Business Solutions Andre Barrow pointed out that as people drive, they will be able to earn additional discounts on their motor insurance policy.

“We’ve made this fun and easy with challenges every month and many different ways for our clients to be rewarded. They will be able to earn vouchers and prizes throughout the year. Clients will also be able to earn an additional discount on their motor insurance policy at renewal. The best part? This is a no-penalty programme—we are solely focused on recognising and rewarding safe driving,” Barrow said.

To get started, clients can download the Sagicor GO App and activate Sagicor Drive.

(PR)

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Three people have died while eight others have been injured following a shooting in St Michael this morning.

Police say the shooting happened just before 2 a.m. at Majestic Bar on Nelson Street.

Three people died at the scene while six others sustained gunshot wounds and are receiving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).

Police say two other males with injuries are being treated at the scene.

According to police, a number of people were patronizing the bar when three masked men armed with firearms entered and fired a number of shots.

Police Commissioner Richard Boyce has extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a full and speedy recovery.

He said police are determined to have the culprits brought to justice for this heinous attack on people who were violently ambushed while enjoying a night out.

The Barbados Police Service said the investigations are in the early stages and they are asking for the assistance of any member of the public who may have any information that may help to arrest those responsible for the shooting.

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The Ministry of Education’s latest initiative to elevate teaching standards across the country has seen an overwhelming response, with new training courses offered in partnership with Columbia University already fully subscribed ahead of the September 24 start date.

The certificate programme in Teacher Efficacy and Leadership, developed with the prestigious US institution, aimed to enrol 100 educators in each of its two-year-long courses. But Minister of Education Kay McConney reported that one of the courses has exceeded its capacity, while the other is fully subscribed.

“This response shows the eagerness of our educators to improve and grow,” she said. “We will continue to invest in the continuous professional development of our teachers, our school leaders, and all those who are part of the community.”

The new Columbia University courses are part of a broader push by the ministry to transform the education system by prioritising the professional development of educators at all levels.

McConney revealed that over the past 18 months, the ministry has provided training opportunities for more than 3 000 education sector partners, including teachers, principals, social workers, school counsellors, and board members.

“Every child can learn with the right teacher and the right approach that suits their needs and those who teach need the training and the support to help them continuously improve,” she said.

The training sessions, which were held throughout the year, including during the summer holidays, covered a wide range of topics, including lessons on self-care for educators, trauma-informed care, leadership and team building, teaching students with special needs, and leadership training for student councils.

“Teachers cannot do their job alone. It’s the entire in-school support system that must be strengthened in our effort towards professional development,” McConney said.

She noted that the partnership with Columbia University was born out of a recognition that local institutions like Erdiston Teachers’ Training College cannot, by themselves, meet the demand for ongoing training.

“This partnership allows us to bring world-class training to our educators right here in Barbados,” the minister said.

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A judicial review aimed at overturning the suspended sentence of a man convicted of drowning his dog is set to begin on Monday, in what is being seen as a landmark case for animal rights.

The case revolves around Davino Shakell Howard, 28, who pleaded guilty to drowning his dog, Sparky, at Pebbles Beach in September 2022. 

Howard was sentenced to 12 months probation and mandated to attend counselling after Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes found him guilty of wantonly ill-treating and causing unnecessary suffering to the animal. The sentencing followed a pre-sentencing report from the Probation Department, which recommended a non-custodial penalty.

But in filing for judicial review, animal rights lawyer Lalu Hanuman called the sentence “unreasonable”. 

He argued that the suspended sentence was effectively a “non-sentence”.

“He hasn’t been fined $1. He hasn’t been sentenced to one day in prison,” Hanuman said, expressing frustration that the punishment did not match the severity of the crime.

In addition to the animal cruelty charge, Howard was also sentenced for owning a dog over the age of six months without a licence and for withholding information from police. All three sentences were to run concurrently, meaning Howard faced no additional penalties for cruelty towards Sparky.

The judicial review seeks to challenge the legality and fairness of the sentence. 

“It’s not an appeal; it’s a judicial review of a chief magistrate’s sentence,” Hanuman explained, differentiating between the two legal approaches. In judicial review, a court decision is challenged on the grounds of procedural unfairness, legal errors, or unreasonableness.

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Howard could have faced up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $1 000. Hanuman lamented that despite the law, no substantial penalty was imposed. 

He said: “We are saying that amending the legislation to increase the sentence or the fine isn’t the answer. What is required is that legislation be implemented, and somebody is sent to prison for cruelty to animals.”

As part of the judicial review, Hanuman is seeking for Howard to be retried and resentenced, stating that the convicted man has been served with court documents but has yet to respond. 

He believes that a successful outcome could set a legal precedent in Barbados, encouraging courts to take animal abuse cases more seriously.

“It would set a precedent and . . . change, in effect, judicial attitudes to the current situation of animal abuse in Barbados,” he said.

The lawyer highlighted that since the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act was passed in 2007, no one has been sentenced to prison or fined for animal abuse. He suggested that failure to enforce animal cruelty laws could have broader implications, potentially damaging the island’s reputation. 

“Tourists coming to Barbados, seeing that abuse is happening and nobody’s being punished for it, distracts them from coming to Barbados,” he warned.

When asked if Barbados is doing enough to protect animal rights, the animal rights activist-attorney noted that the case had been in the court system for several years, with multiple judges recusing themselves from hearing it. He hopes that the current judge will not follow suit.

While new legislation, the Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health Act, was introduced in 2023, increasing penalties to up to two years in prison or a $100 000 fine, Hanuman believes tougher laws alone are insufficient. 

“Raising the fines and raising the imprisonment terms is an exercise in futility if nobody’s being sentenced to prison or nobody’s being fined,” he said.

The attorney also linked the issue of animal rights to broader themes of justice and human rights, likening the mistreatment of animals to the historical wrongs of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid. 

“Any cruelty, any oppression, any exploitation—we need to take a stand against,” Hanuman said.

With Monday’s hearing representing a significant moment for the future of animal rights enforcement in Barbados, he offered this plea: “We, in the Caribbean, should be in the vanguard of the struggle for rights—human rights and animal rights.” (RG)

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A 43-year-old man has died following a collision in St Philip on Friday.

A family member has identified the victim as Mohammed Abdul Ali of Greenidge Close, Union, St Philip.

Police say the collision happened along Congo Road around 5:45 p.m. It involved a motorcyclist and another motor vehicle resulting in the death of the motorcyclist at the scene.

Investigations are ongoing.

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The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has responded to the overnight shooting in St Michael that left three people dead and eight others injured.

Verla De Peiza, the DLP’s Spokesperson on Crime and Chair of Commission on Crime, said it is time to take the matter of violent crime seriously.

Below is the complete statement:

Barbadians are waking up to the news of a massacre in the city last night. Three young Barbadian men shot dead.

There is no clearer imagery to show that that this administration has failed to safeguard us. The steady stream of blood on our streets is all we need to know to demonstrate that the Attorney General and the government have failed in their mandate to protect the citizens of Barbados.

It is time to take this matter of violent crime seriously. The Democratic Labour Party renews its call for the removal of the Attorney General and the Minister of State, responsible for Crime Prevention. The DLP recommends strong policing coupled with meaningful community initiatives to arrest this slide into anarchy.

Our suggestions to deal with this upsurge in serious crimes, will be shared with the public very soon, when the party unveils its findings and solutions in the interim report of our Commission on Crime.

Verla De Peiza

DLP Spokesperson on Crime

Chair of Commission on Crime

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In 2025, the beautiful island of Barbados will transform into the epicentre of strategy and skill as it hosts the prestigious Femundo World Dominoes Championships.  The launch of the tournament took place on Friday at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, where organisers, government officials, and visiting delegates gathered to discuss the upcoming event.

The anticipated attendance is approximately 600 players expected to compete. Each participant often brings family members, amplifying the impact on local tourism. The competition will not only highlight the unique style of Caribbean dominoes but also introduce participants to the Latin American variations of the game. “We can learn a great deal from those who play at a world level,” said Fumondo’s Second Vice President, Rodney Inniss, illustrating the spirit of camaraderie and growth inherent in sports.

The format of the international game is the 200-point format and Inniss pointed out that they have been training more of the Bajan players to play this style of game.

As plans unfold, the tournament venue tours were set for the next few days.

Mind sports, such as dominoes, often do not receive the same acknowledgment as other physical sports, resulting in a call for greater support. The Minister of Sport Charles Griffith , emphasised this point, stating the need to elevate the status of games like dominoes.

“For the first time in the English-speaking Caribbean, we are hosting this tournament, and we want to ensure it runs smoothly,” he asserted, pointing to the government’s commitment to lend assistance wherever it is needed.

The financial aspects also play a crucial role, with a prize purse of U$ 60,000 up for grabs, including a grand individual prize upwards of U$ 10,000. Preparations are underway to iron out budgetary details, from venue costs to accommodation for incoming participants. The goal is clear: to not only host a successful tournament but to leave a lasting impression on every individual who steps foot on the island.

Team Barbados to travel to Puerto Rico 

This year, the Barbados team plans to travel with a contingent of around 45 individuals, to compete in Puerto Rico.

Last year, the Barbados contingent excelled, with Eric Lewis, placing 15th out of 400 contestants in the individual category, winning 9 out of 11 matches. There was pride as the team also became the first in history to complete all qualification requirements for the World Championships, demonstrating both skill and professionalism.

As Eric Lewis, the marketing and communications officer for the Bajan Travellers, remarked, “While we send many athletes overseas, hosting this tournament allows us to welcome international teams to our shores, opening new pathways for participation and engagement.”

The countdown to the 2025 World Dominoes Championships has begun, and with it, a new chapter in the island’s mind sports legacy unfolds.

(CG)

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The annual back-to-school drive and scholarship awards by the ThenWhat? Charity have been described as a resounding success, providing much-needed support to vulnerable students in Barbados.

This year, four students were awarded the Patsy Layne-ThenWhat? Scholarship, while two students received the Melbourne Inn-ThenWhat? Scholarship. Each scholarship provides $250 for school supplies.

The charity’s back-to-school drive saw 20 students receive essential school supplies and teachers were also gifted with bags of supplies to enhance their classrooms.

President Trustee of the organisation, Samantha Hazlewood-Ermay, expressed her gratitude for the continued support that made this year’s event a success.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide these scholarships and back-to-school supplies to students in need,” she said. “It’s an annual event that we look forward to, and we thank everyone who has contributed to its success.”

(PR)

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The National Financial Literacy Programme (NFLP) has officially launched the second phase of its school initiative, FLITE (Financial Literacy), aimed at empowering the nation’s youth. 

This year, the programme will expand to more schools and introduce new curriculums, including targeted resources for remedial and special needs students.

Addressing attendees at the launch event, programme coordinator Corey Worrell highlighted the continued evolution of the FLITE initiative. Initially piloted last year in 13 schools—six primary and seven secondary—the programme focused on Class Two students in primary schools and second formers in secondary schools. This year, all students in those year groups will have access to the programme.

One of the major changes this year is the introduction of a separate curriculum for remedial classes, following evaluations that revealed a mix of remedial and regular students in some classrooms. 

Worrell explained: “All 13 schools that participated last year are returning. However, we have split the remedial classes. Those schools with remedial classes will now participate in Term Two, which allowed us to develop a completely new curriculum specifically for them.”

In addition to expanding the programme to remedial classes, FLITE will now be extended to special needs schools. The Irving Wilson School, which contributed to the design of a new workbook, is set to implement the programme in Term One, while The Ann Hill School will join in Term Two.

Worrell projected further growth for the initiative, with the potential to include up to 25 schools by Term Two, as more institutions express interest. 

“Just yesterday, two more schools expressed interest,” Worrell said, indicating that discussions are ongoing to finalise participation.

The programme’s scope has also widened beyond the regular school year. Two new initiatives—the Post Exam Programme (PEP) for Class One and Fourth Form students, and the FLITE Summer Programme—will engage students during the summer months, with the latter set to be integrated into national summer camps next year.

Worrell commended the programme’s facilitators, noting their crucial role in FLITE’s success. This year, over 40 facilitators applied, with 16 selected to guide the schools. These facilitators are expected to begin their roles by the third week of the term. To support continuous improvement, a new 3-2-1 Review tool has been introduced, allowing facilitators to reflect on successes and identify areas for enhancement.

“We recognised that our facilitators needed additional support,” Worrell added, referring to the recently launched facilitator enhancement training workshop, conducted by global leaders and the Inspired Leadership Solutions Group.

Energy and Business Minister Senator Lisa Cummins noted that the programme aims not only to boost financial literacy among schoolchildren but also to equip the public to seize business opportunities, especially in key industries like energy. She stressed the importance of fostering small business development and empowering individuals to create multiple income streams, describing this approach as part of a “new mindset” vital for Barbados’ economic future.

She reiterated the government’s commitment to integrating financial literacy across all sectors of society, starting with the youth. 

“The FLITE workbooks launched last year, and the new workbook this year, aim to teach our children how to manage their money effectively,” she said. 

Senator Cummins stressed the importance of equipping young people with financial skills from an early age, helping them navigate complex financial systems and invest in their futures.

The minister also connected financial literacy to broader economic goals: “Financial literacy is about developing an entrepreneurial economy, a growth-driven economy, and opportunities for empowerment and franchise inclusion.”

Senator Cummins further highlighted the need for Barbadians to focus on creating generational wealth, a concept that she said transcends individual success and ensures that businesses and wealth continue to grow across generations. 

“How do you make sure that you have created family trusts or family offices to ensure your business doesn’t die with you? That’s what financial literacy is about,” she said. 

(LG)

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The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has issued a flash flood watch for the island, saying pockects of heavy to intense shower activity may result in some flooding this afternoon.

Pockets of surface to low-level convergence aided by a marginally favourable upper-level pattern could trigger one to two inches of rainfall this afternoon.

Possible Impacts:

-Runoff from higher elevations.

-Delays on traffic routes with some roads becoming impassable.

-Water settlements on roads and fields at the foot of hills and coastal roads.

-Increases in water levels of existing water bodies (e.g ponds etc.).

What you should do: The public is encouraged to monitor the BMS, DEM and GIS websites and their respective social media pages along with the local media networks for further updates.

A flash flood watch is issued when heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time (generally less than six hours) could result in flash flooding within the watch area. It does not mean that flooding will occur, but it is possible.

This flash flood watch was issued at 1 p.m. and will be terminated at 6 p.m. or sooner if conditions warrant.

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Hundreds of new students were officially welcomed to the Barbados Community College (BCC) on Friday during a convocation ceremony.

They were given words of encouragement from the school’s management as well as tips to help them throughout their college life.

During her remarks, principal Annette Alleyne said undergoing tertiary education was a major milestone and it was not without challenges. 

Sharing her personal experience as a teenager fighting anxiety and depression, she said that having mental health problems did not make one less deserving of success. 

“When I was a teenager . . . I battled anxiety and depression a year just before I took my CXCs; I don’t know if any of you here have gone through that. I had lost interest in studying, in activities, in everything that I can think of; things that I used to enjoy . . . .For a whole year, things felt dark and I lived in a place that I didn’t understand,” she said. “Sometimes I think back to that period of my life and I wonder how our young people are coping because for me, it was very, very difficult . . . . It was a journey but it is something that I still remember and I’m determined not to go back to that place, but to be able to assist people who are struggling, because that is one of the experiences that has informed my life as an educator.”

BCC Principal Annette Alleyne. (SZB)

Alleyne told the story behind the popular Christian song Amazing Grace, which was penned by slave trader John Newton who later became a minister following a near-death experience at sea.

“It’s a song that tells us irrespective of what you’ve done in your life or where you’ve been or what experiences you have had, there’s always room for change. The Barbados Community College is the place of second chances, third chances, fourth chances,” she said. “I’m very happy to welcome those of you who have figured out that at this stage in your life, you want something different. It doesn’t matter what the past was, what bad decisions you made, what decisions you didn’t make. This is the time and an opportunity for you to rewrite that and to change the narrative and to change the trajectory of your life.”

Executive director of the Ashley Lashley Foundation, Ashley Lasley, and mental health consultant and creative systemic therapist Dr Janelle Chase-Mayers also chatted with the new students. (SZB) 

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