The Barbados national team will face Mexico, Nicaragua, Belize, and the Commonwealth of Dominica in the Concacaf Under-17 Men’s Qualifiers next year. The official draw was conducted by Concacaf on Friday.

Drawn in Group C, the Young Tridents will play their games in Mexico, traditionally one of the strongest teams in the region at this level. Los Niños Héroes have been U17 World Champions in 2005 and 2011, and made the finals in 2013 and 2019.

Whereas the Mexicans will be rank favourites playing at home, Barbados’ boys will look to build on recent successes at the youth and senior level. The national team won the Caribbean Football Union Under-14 Tier 2 Boys Challenge, and the Tridents men have gone unbeaten in the Concacaf Nations League.

According to the schedule on the Concacaf website, Barbados will play Nicaragua on Friday, February 7 at the Sede de la Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, before meeting Dominica on Tuesday, February 11. On Thursday, February 13, they will face the hosts, before closing their campaign against Belize on February 16.

The latest Concacaf Under-17 men’s rankings have Barbados rated as the 24th best side out of 41 national teams in that age group. Mexico are at the top of the rankings, with Nicaragua 14th. Behind Barbados, Belize are 29th and Dominica 37th.

The region’s FIFA U17 World Cup qualifying competition will take place from February 7-16, 2025, across six venues and include the participation of 35 Concacaf Member Associations.

The new Concacaf U17 Men’s Qualifiers consist of a single round, in which the participating Member Associations are split into eight groups. After round-robin play, where each team will play against each team in its group once, the eight group winners qualify for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, which will be played in Qatar

The eight groups are as follows:

Group A: Canada, Bermuda, Curacao, Anguilla, and Turks and Caicos Islands

Group B: Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, British Virgin Islands, and Sint Maarten

Group C: Mexico, Nicaragua, Barbados, Belize, and Dominica

Group D: Honduras, Puerto Rico, Bonaire and Saint Martin

Group E: Haiti, Guatemala, Antigua & Barbados, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Group F: United States, Cuba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and US Virgin Islands

Group G: Panama, Dominican Republic, Aruba, and Grenada

Group H: Jamaica, El Salvador, Cayman Islands, and Saint Lucia

(TF)

The post Young Tridents to play U17 World Cup qualifiers appeared first on Barbados Today.

Telling a man who raped a 14-year-old schoolgirl, that his actions were “abhorrent” and deserving of the strongest condemnation, Madam Justice Wanda Blair on Friday jailed him for the 2017 crime.

She imposed a starting sentence of 10 years in prison on Jermaine Christopher Ellis but with several deductions made, he has four years and seven months to spend behind bars.

Sentencing him, Justice Blair said: “You violated her when she was in her school clothes, when she should have been at school, and you tried to cover your tracks by giving her tablets to abort her baby which resulted in physical and psychological trauma to her. This is a particularly aggravating factor which cannot be minimised.”

Ellis, of Hindsbury Road, St Michael, had admitted that between October 1 and 31, 2017, he had sexual intercourse with a girl who had attained the age of 14 but had not yet attained the age of 16. He was 30 at the time.

“I daresay you are fortunate that this is the only charge you are facing,” the judge told Ellis as he stood in the dock of the No. 3A Supreme Court.

“Sexual offence with a minor is one of the most serious offences that can be committed against a child and therefore the penalty should be commensurate with the serious nature of the offence,” Justice Blair continued, noting the profound harm and long-lasting effects of such a crime.

She insisted that only a custodial sentence would meet justice in the matter and maintain the public’s confidence in the system.

The judge agreed with the aggravating factors of the offence outlined by Principal State Counsel Joyann Catwell who prosecuted the matter and King’s Counsel Andrew Pilgrim who represented the now-convicted man.

These included the complainant’s age, her vulnerability, the force used during the incident, that the intercourse was unprotected, the emotional and physical trauma experienced by the girl during the offence and in aborting the pregnancy, and the prevalence of such offences in society.

Ellis’ early guilty plea, previously clean record, low risk of reoffending and below-average risk of sexual recidivism were considered mitigating factors.

His early guilty plea, time spent on remand, mitigating factors and the delay in the matter being brought to trial were taken into account in the final sentence.

The post Jail for man who raped 14-year-old; then forced her to abort baby appeared first on Barbados Today.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) collaborated with Frederick Smith Secondary School on Friday to give 12 students a memorable experience in the fishing sector.

The project, A Day in the Life of a Fisher in Barbados, saw students visiting the Berinda Cox Fish Market in Oistins, Christ Church where they interacted with vendors, took a tour of a fishing boat, and had a walkthrough of the market’s facilities and an interactive session with personnel from the Fisheries Division.

Veronica Millington, a representative from the UNDP Accelerator Lab, said the project was an extension of the organisation’s partnership with the school. During a career showcase at the Frederick Smith Secondary School in February, the UNDP Accelerator Lab and the Fisheries Division produced a video showcasing women in the sector who deep fish and harvested fish. Those persons featured in the video also got the opportunity to speak about the role that women play in the industry.

Some of the students expressed interest in pursuing a career in the sector and Millington said that it was therefore fitting to give them direct exposure to what takes place.

Keisha Carrington, one of the few female captains in Barbados, said she was honoured to be part of the video and tour with the students.

“Teaching young people is very important. Getting exposure from a young age gives you more confidence to handle any situation. Out there is not a sport place and sometimes you get rough seas. There is nothing wrong with wanting to go out but safety first,” she said.

As it relates to being one of the few females who participate in the fish-catching process, Carrington said: “As a woman in the industry, it is not challenging; I love it. It gives me a drive being that it is only a few ladies who go out there and try to challenge the men and show them that we too can get it done. I love being out there being among the guys, and the men are very supportive.”

School counsellor from the Ministry of Education, Laurel Springer said it was a great experience for the students and she was pleased about the enthusiasm of the participants.

(SZB)

The post Students learn about a day in the life of a fisher appeared first on Barbados Today.

Barbados is the only Caribbean destination on National Geographic’s list of the 25 best places in the world to visit this year.

Following a robust nomination, research and reporting process, the island was chosen as one of the 2025 Best of the World travel destinations handpicked by National Geographic’s explorers, photographers, and editors.

Barbados made the list for taking new initiatives to revisit the island’s involvement in the slave trade centuries ago. It made reference to the Barbados Heritage District slated to open next year on the grounds of Newton Plantation where several enslaved people were buried.

“Encounter a new perspective on slave trade history,” National Geographic said, noting that the role that Barbados played in the story of slavery in the Americas is easily overlooked and the “ambitious” heritage district project seeks to change that. 

The Barbados Heritage District has been designed by David Adjaye, the Ghanaian-British architect behind the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

“The new complex features a global research institute with access to the Barbados National Archives and a memorial with 570 timber poles in remembrance of the enslaved people buried below,” the publication notes.

The Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc. (BTMI) said it was “extremely honoured and proud” that National Geographic had put Barbados on its highly regarded Best of the World 2025 list.

BTMI’s USA director, Peter Mayers said: “This inclusion is a testament to the tireless work of our tourism stakeholders whose commitment to showcasing the unmatched beauty, culture and hospitality of our island is unwavering. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners who represent the best of the island, as well as the Caribbean, with their passion and excellence.

“Together, we have demonstrated to the world that Barbados is not just a destination but an experience of a lifetime rich in history, culture and beauty.” 

(BT)

The post Barbados on National Geographic’s list of 25 best places to visit appeared first on Barbados Today.

Bushy Park Barbados will host the second Caterham Caribbean Cup next December, bringing the British sports car manufacturer’s special brand of wheel-to-wheel racing back to the island.

The date is set for December 5-6 and will complete the St Philip facility’s 2025 season.

In 2023, Caterham Motorsport rounded off the company’s 50th Anniversary year in the island, supported by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI), bringing the biggest-ever single shipment of racing cars from the United Kingdom (UK) to Barbados, 27 in all. More than 40 drivers competed, as many cars were shared, and the 130 visitors, including service crews, family and friends, clocked up in excess of 1200 visitor nights.

Caterham’s 2025 calendar was announced by press release in the UK earlier this month, with a news story also published in Apex, the quarterly magazine of the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC), host club for its five championships. The Academy, Seven 270R, Seven 310R and Caterham Seven Championship UK will feature around 200 competitors at nine race meetings across the UK’s major circuits.

New for 2025 is a two-hour non-championship event at Snetterton in August, dubbed the Caterham Grand Prix, while CCC25 at Bushy Park will also be a non-championship event, falling two months after Caterham Motorsport’s season has ended, allowing time for race cars to be shipped across the Atlantic.

BPCI Operations Director Amy Willis said: “We are really excited to welcome Caterham back to Bushy Park and Barbados next year. There is a lot of excitement from the Caterham drivers to return, as they all enjoyed not only the racing but everything that Barbados has to offer. We are equally excited to welcome new drivers to Bushy Park as the event is open to more of the Caterham classes – we are expecting an even bigger shipment of cars next year!”

Last year, there were more than 500 racing laps in 15 Sprint and Enduro events at CCC23, which was organised by Bushy Park Motorsports Inc (BPMSI) along with a team of senior officials from Caterham Motorsport. James Emson and son Tom won the Caterham Seven 270R title, Tom Cockerill and Taylor O’Flanagan the 310R crown, while Barry Benham and Stephen Lyall were the rather surprised winners of 420R.

(PR)

The post Caterham Caribbean Cup returns to Bushy Park appeared first on Barbados Today.

A mere 14 per cent of fishing vessels damaged during Hurricane Beryl will be seaworthy for the start of the 2024/2025 fishing season in November, as Barbados’ fishing industry continues to grapple with the storm’s devastating impact, Barbados TODAY has discovered.

Of the 312 active boats at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex, the island’s largest landing site, 220 sustained extensive damage when the Category 4 hurricane’s passage on July 1, crippling the fishing fleet.

Despite boat owners working intensively to repair their vessels ahead of the November to-August season, reports indicate only about 30 boats will be ready to set sail next month.

The majority of vessels are expected to resume operations in January due to the severity of the damage.

The return of the long-line and ice boats represents the first significant deployment of large fishing vessels in months, following a period where the island has relied heavily on cold storage supplies and catches from small day boats.

When a Barbados TODAY team visited the temporary boatyard on Harbour Road on Friday, veteran fisherman and boat owner Steven Bourne said that most boats should be ready by January due to the extent of the damage.

Asked to weigh in on prices when the boats return from their voyages, Bourne said: “We still have to feel for the consumer so I can’t say the prices will be hot. Right now, fish are still selling at a reasonable price; I don’t think anything will change. But remember, fishermen don’t change the price. Hawkers change the price . . . and we the fishermen get blamed for price hikes. If I sell hawkers at $10 per pound, they may sell at $15. They will be getting a whole $5 while the crew and captain will only get three cents.”

Bourne added that fishers were currently selling jacks at $4 per pound and kingfish at $11 per pound from the boat.

Vanroy Jordan said that despite fishermen’s intentions, the price of fish next month would depend on the quantity available. He explained that if 15 or more of the 30 boats returned around the same time and there was a bounty, the price of fish would drop. However, if the boats returned far apart with low quantities, the markups on those catches would be higher.

“When there is a glut, the price falls, but when fish is scarce, the price goes up; that’s how the market goes . . . . I don’t feel the prices should escalate. I feel this will be a good season and fishermen wouldn’t take advantage of Barbadians. We can’t take advantage of our own.”

The fishermen said they sold fish factoring in the voyage expenses, which include ice, fuel, and groceries costing between $5 000 and $15 000, depending on the boat’s size.

However, they noted that not all trips were successful, as they do not always recoup overhead costs and often have to dig into their pockets for subsequent trips.

Another fisherman, who gave his name as Anthony, said he would be ready for the start of the season and hoped for a bountiful catch.

Regarding prices, he said: “We have to bear in mind that there are a lot fewer boats, and consumers would have to prepare themselves for how the boats return, and that would determine if the prices decrease or fluctuate. If you have less than half of the fleet going out, consumer demand is high, and fish stock is low, you will pay a little more for fresh fish. But we have to wait and see what the season presents and go from there.”

Another fisherman, who requested anonymity, said several boat owners were sceptical about getting repairs done to their boats, which is a major reason why so few boats will be ready in November.

“The Bridgetown Fisheries Complex is not in a state to facilitate boats; going back there is a big risk. Some people are hesitant and don’t want to experience that catastrophe again,” he said.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

The post Few fishing boats ready for new season after Beryl devastation appeared first on Barbados Today.

A man has died and another is in custody following a stabbing at a funeral home on Friday, police say.

The victim has been identified as Trevor Devere Bradshaw, 63, of 3rd Avenue, Deanes Village, Hindsbury Road, St Michael.

Around 6:15 p.m. officers from District ‘A’ Police Station responded to the Paramount Funeral Home at Hindsbury Road in St Michael, where there was a report of a stabbing incident. 

Police say investigations so far revealed that about 5:40 p.m., Bradshaw, other family members, and other persons were at the  funeral home to view the body of his brother, Erwin Bradshaw.

Whilst inside the parlour, a verbal dispute ensued between members of the family and continued on the outside. Police say the dispute escalated into a physical altercation, which resulted in Bradshaw being stabbed twice in his torso. He was taken to the QEH where he died.

Police say they have in their custody a male family member who is assisting with investigations. He is Romel Andre Williams, 42, son of the late Erwin Bradshaw.

The post Man dies after stabbing at funeral home appeared first on Barbados Today.

Marrodon Bend smashed 123 runs in 87 balls as Fushionz Boutique Spartan scored 339 for five declared against SigniaGlobe Financial BCA Youth at the end of Day 2 of the sixth series of games in the Barbados Cricket Association Elite three-day competition. 

Playing at Waterford A, Bend batted for 151 minutes and recorded 10 fours and eight sixes during his unbeaten knock against the Youth. He was well supported by Akeem Springer and Jonathan Drakes who both scored half centuries, 66 and 50 respectively.

After the declaration the Youth team batted nine overs and are 39/0 as they trail by 48 runs heading into the final day’s play. 

Scores: SigniaGlobe Financial BCA Youth 252 all out (67.5 overs) (Zion Brathwaite 85 – 99 balls, 9 fours, 3 sixes; Reviera Cottle 38; Andre Marshall 5-55) and 39-0 (9 overs) (Micah Greenidge 34 retired hurt).

Fusionz Boutique Spartan 339-5 declared (52.4 overs) (Marrodon Bend 123 not out – 87 balls, 10 fours, 8 sixes; Akeem Springer 66 – 89 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes; Joshua Drakes 50 – 48 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes; Akil Greenidge 37).

Toss: BCA Youth.

 Wildey hold a 203-run lead with eight wickets in hand against IGS Brokers Yorkshire heading into Day 3 behind a strong bowling performance by left arm spinner Deswin Currency on their home field at SJPIT.

Currency began the day from the northern end with the score on 43 for two, he removed four straight batters as Yorkshire fell to 114 for six. Yorkshire was bowled out for 139 in the 48th over, trailing by 113 runs.

The in-form opening batter Athelbert Brathwaite scored 54 in 131 balls.

Currency ended with figures of 6 for 53 in 16.1 overs while Off spinner Tariq Oneale picked up three for 38 runs from his 12 overs.

In their second innings, Barbados opening batter Zachary McCaskie lost his wicket first ball, but Wildey were able to recover and end the day on 90 for two after 18 overs.

Scores: Wildey 252-4 declared (49 overs) (Nimar Bolden 90 – 78 balls, 9 fours, 1 six; Shane Parris 80 – 129 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes; Jofra Archer 46 not out) and 90-2 (18 overs) (Craig St. Hill 29 not out)

IGS Insurance Brokers Yorkshire 139 all out (48.1 overs) (Athelbert Brathwaite 54 – 131 balls, 5 fours; Deswin Currency 6-53, Tariq O’Neale 3-38).

Toss: Yorkshire.

Deswin Currency grabbed six wickets for Wildey vs Yorkshire.

ESA Field Pickwick struck back late in the evening when they picked up four quick wickets to leave Superb Blend Gladiola reeling at 38 for four at the Rices playing field in St. Philip. 

Gladiola began the day looking to push for early wickets with Pickwick resuming on nine for one, Pickwick found resistance in their wicket keeper batter, Shamar Forde, as he scored a patient 67 in 142 balls to lead his team to 179 all out.

Giovonte Depeiza, who scored a century on Day 1, bowled superbly to pick up five wickets for 50 runs in a marathon spell of 25 overs. Michael Agard chipped in with three wickets for 55 runs.

Heading into the final day Gladiola hold a 70-run lead with six wickets in hand as both teams will be looking to force a much needed result from this encounter.

Scores: Superb Blend Gladiola 210 all out (60.5 overs) (Giovonte Depeiza 107 – 156 balls, 198 minutes, 7 threes, 4 fours; Rondre Yearwood 4-58) and 38-4 (13 overs) (Rasheed Edwin 2-5, Jatario Prescod 2-15).

ESA Field Pickwick 179 all out (62.3 overs) (Shamar Forde 67, Micaiah Simmonds 37; Giovonte Depeiza 5-50, Michael Agard 3-55).

Toss: Gladiola.

Shamar Forde (Pickwick) scored 67 against Gladiola.

In other scores:

At Dayrells Road: UWI 193 all out (36.5 overs) (Kadeem Alleyne 69 – 51 balls, 6 fours, 5 sixes; Ian Boyce 4-23, Seth Agard 4-51) and 102-2 (20 overs) (20 overs) (Tremaine Dowrich 34 not out, Daniel Willings 28 not out).

Wanderers 300-6 declared (51.5 overs) (Jared Lovell 72 – 101 balls, 11 fours; Kraigg Brathwaite 66 not out – 51 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes; Shayne Moseley 47, Seth Agard 40; Shaquan Cave 4-105).

Toss: UWI.

At Beckles Road: Empire 160 all out (40 overs) (Hakeem Perryman 42, Nathan Sealy 26; Shamar Marshall 3-27) and 120-8 (26 overs) (Shian Brathwaite 32; Kemar Smith 3-21)

Bayview Hospital YMPC 121 all out (36.4 overs) (Kemal Smith 34; Jomel Warrican 5-28)

Toss: YMPC.

The post Bend scores 123 for Spartan, Currency grabs 6 for Wildey appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Vector Control Unit will concentrate its fogging exercise in St Lucy and St Peter for most of this week.

On Monday the team will visit communities in St Lucy, including Trent’s Road, Hannays Road, Swampy Town, and Hope Bridge Road.

The Unit will focus on areas in St Peter on Tuesday when it goes into Speightstown, Queen Street, Bovell Road, Mango Lane, Chapel Street, Gooding Alley, Major Walk, Sand Street, Church Street, Golden Mile with avenues, and environs.

Wednesday will see the team return to St Lucy, where the following areas will be sprayed: Pie Corner, Little Bay, Upper Salmond, Josey Hill, Rock Hall, Mount View, Chance Hall, Cave Hill, and Bishops.

It will be the turn of Graveyard, The Risk, Date Tree Hill, Boscobelle, Collins, Diamond Corner, Moore Hill, Castle, and Gays in St Peter, on Thursday.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude on Friday in the following St Michael and Christ Church districts: Deighton Road, Gooding Road, Brathwaite Gap, Dayrells Road, Plum Close, Rockley New Road, Ventnor Gardens, and Golf Club Road.
Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Children should not be allowed to play in the fog.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time.

The post Northern parishes targeted for fogging appeared first on Barbados Today.

Parents of children with Down Syndrome have started to receive the highly anticipated disability grant promised by the government, President of the Barbados Down Syndrome Association Asha Alleyne-Renwick has reported.

In addition to welcoming the assistance as the association recognises Down Syndrome Awareness Month, she said the current emphasis on disability rights in Barbados augurs well for the improvement of the lives of people here with Down Syndrome.

In March this year, as she presented her Budget, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the expansion of the disability grant to include individuals with Down Syndrome.

Alleyne-Renwick said the parents of children and adults with Down Syndrome are pleased to see the promise come to fruition, especially as it is costly to care for their loved ones with the genetic condition.

“This much-needed assistance will aid in the efforts of our families who often struggle to provide the best possible care for our loved ones with Down Syndrome. The reality is that children and adults with Down Syndrome often have additional medical expenses among other challenges,” she said.

Noting that early intervention, as well as lifelong support services, are key to an individual with Down Syndrome reaching their full potential, Alleyne-Renwick added: “The cost associated with the provision of these necessary services and interventions make them unattainable for many parents, thus leading to less than desirable outcomes for persons with this condition. These circumstances have a domino effect whereby the vast majority of adults with Down Syndrome are unemployed. We however know that persons with Down Syndrome are capable of achieving much more than society has come to expect of them.

This can only be achieved when parents and caregivers are supported and empowered in ways that can actually make a positive difference in their lives.”
Alleyne-Renwick added that the ongoing education reform as well as the soon-to-be legislated National Policy for Improving the Lives of Persons with Disabilities signal major advancement for disability rights in Barbados. (PR)

The post Down Syndrome Association welcomes disability grants appeared first on Barbados Today.

Police have arrested and formally charged Zico Ricardo Harewood, 21, of #15 Oakway Lane, Pinelands, St Michael, with murder.

Harewood has been charged in connection with the death of Ricardo Rohan Gill at Newton Crescent, The Pine, St Michael, on Tuesday, October 15. 

Harewood appeared before Magistrate Cuffy-Sargeant in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ on Saturday and has been remanded to Dodds. 

He is scheduled to reappear in District ‘A’ Court #2 on Friday, November 22.

The post Zico Harewood charged with murder of Ricardo Gill appeared first on Barbados Today.

Police are investigating the death of a man who was shot in Black Rock.

Around 8:15 p.m. on Thursday, police at the Black Rock Station received a report that a male was shot while sitting in his car at Deacons Court in Black Rock.

On arrival, police learned that Shakeil Goodridge, 27, of #39 Upper Crescent, Gall Hill, Christ Church, was at the time dropping off his girlfriend when a lone gunman came up to the vehicle and fired a number of shots hitting him.

Goodridge was transported to the QEH and was being treated for his injuries. He died Friday evening, police say.

The Barbados Police Service is appealing to anyone who can provide any information pertaining to this incident to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (Central) at 430-7189/90, Black Rock Police Station at 417-7500, police emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477) or any police station.

The post Police investigating death of man shot in Black Rock appeared first on Barbados Today.

A leading regional hotelier is urging the private and higher education sectors to play a greater role in tackling youth deviance and violence.

The call has come from veteran hotelier Ralph Taylor who also lauded The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Cave Hill campus for being an agency of change in the region and urged it to explore opportunities to further burnish its legacy of service to the Caribbean Taylor, who was conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree for his work in tourism by The UWI, at Cave Hill’s just-held graduation ceremony, was addressing a dinner in honour of himself and three other distinguished regional citizens who were recognised for their outstanding contribution to society.

While he lauded the campus for offering a deeper understanding of the myriad social issues affecting the region since its inception more than 60 years ago, he told the audience there were other areas where it could continue to fulfil its mission to serve the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In this regard, he put forward a proposal for greater investment in three areas: tourism, entrepreneurship, and addressing youth violence, the latter being a growing source of concern for law enforcement and education officials.

Since the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, there have been several incidents of violence in schools, including stabbings at two secondary schools and reports of a primary school student wielding a knife.

Taylor pointed to the devastating effects of increasing youth violence on families and communities across the Caribbean, which he said is often rooted in economic disenfranchisement, social inequality, and lack of opportunities, which threatens the fragile tourism industry.

“Our education system has served us well in developing our youth and better preparing them for the world of decent work. However, there is a need for policies, strategies, plans and practical programmes to help these youth and as much as possible, to pull them back into the mainstream of society, functioning as positive citizens either employed or running their own businesses. I challenge our private sector to come forward and make even more meaningful contributions to assist in resolving the problem of youth crime and violence,” he said.

The Chairman and CEO of Arcadia Hotels & Resorts told the audience that while the work of The UWI’s Institute of Criminal Justice and Security is a step in the right direction, there is a need for further integration with the wider society and community groups.

“I support and encourage further community-based studies to get to the root causes of the growing youth deviance and violence, and to work collaboratively with social partners in finding solutions to the problem,” he stated.

Noting that entrepreneurship has the power to transform Caribbean economies, Taylor congratulated the Cave Hill campus on the expansion of its curriculum to include an entrepreneurship component and advocated for a further broadening of the programme to allow for more significant projects to be considered for assistance.

“….I am proposing a more applied focus on the entrepreneurship programme such that participants could be more centred on developing realistic business projects for assessment as part of the degree programme. These projects can then become part of the entrepreneurial activities of the graduates,” he said.

Acknowledging that funding will be an issue, Taylor contended that any investment in entrepreneurship will yield benefits for the local communities and the university in the areas of economic development, economic diversification, job creation and viable new businesses, as well as enhance the income and prestige of the university.

He also called for greater investment in youth entrepreneurship: “I do not think that we have fully utilised or exploited the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem, and urge the University to lead this process through your entrepreneurship programme and the Cave Hill School of Business and Management.

“It is my opinion that it is only when all these stakeholders are aligned, we will see the practical benefits to the youth, especially the at-risk youth.”

Regarding the campus’s contribution to the development of the tourism and hospitality sector, Taylor, a former chairman of the Barbados Tourism Authority and Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, hailed Cave Hill as a beacon for graduate students seeking certification in that field. He recalled that the former Almond Resort, which he operated, played an integral role in facilitating the practical component of the master’s programme.

Taylor also shared his vision for the campus to take the next step in the development of its tourism programmes, through the establishment of a commercial operation, as part of its financial sustainability model. He suggested it take the form of a four or five-star resort modelled after Cornell University’s Statler Hotel, which is owned by that university and run by students.

“There is tremendous potential that can be developed by such an initiative for the benefit of the region and the University. Academics visiting for conferences, and travellers seeking a different kind of experience would be the key market for this initiative.

“This proposed model can, over time, attract thousands of students from around the world for exposure to our unique type of hospitality, very much like the medical school’s concept,” Taylor stated.

He added that this model would also enhance the competitiveness of Barbados’ tourism product.

“I argue that due to the critical importance of tourism and hospitality globally, we must ensure that we develop, recruit, and deploy our best thinkers and most highly competent at the leadership and managerial levels in tourism. I think this is necessary if we are to be globally competitive and among the leaders in tourism and hospitality worldwide.”

Over the past few decades, Taylor has distinguished himself as a leader in the tourism sector and has been widely recognised by his peers for his contribution to the development of Caribbean tourism.

The three other individuals who were conferred honorary doctorates were Governor General of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dame Susan Dilys Dougan who was awarded a Doctor of Laws (LLD) for the development of Education; Sir Trevor Hassell, who was awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc) for his work in public health; and the Most Honourable Elton Deighton ‘Elombe’ Mottley, who was awarded a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) for his contribution to the development of Arts and Culture in Barbados. (PR)

The post Businessman urges concerted effort to tackle youth violence appeared first on Barbados Today.

It is accepted that a school is an institution of socialisation. It is a place where teaching and learning take place. Few tend to recognise that a school is a workplace for teachers as well. Some members of our wider community do not recognise that schools are places of business. As a place of business, there is an employer. The teachers, administrative and support staff combine to make up the pool of employees. With this being the case, an employer-employee relationship is established.

Employing all categories of staff requires that their engagement starts with a contract of employment. This employment contract sets out the terms and conditions of work, including job title, duties, employment status (whether full-time, temporary, or part-time), wages or salary to be paid, and work hours. The employment relationship requires that the employer has certain obligations and responsibilities to discharge. It is understood that employees also have obligations to their employers. Both parties have rights and responsibilities, and so it is anticipated that this understanding would be reflected in the honouring of the terms and conditions of engagement.

Like all other employees in workplaces, including those who work in schools, teachers have the constitutional right to join a trade union of their choice to represent their individual and collective interests. Where a trade union holds the majority of members in a workplace, based on the principle of 50+1, that union forms the collective bargaining unit. However, this does not prevent any minority trade union from representing its members. What should be known is that the trade union which forms the collective bargaining unit does not only represent the interests of its members, but by extension, all members of staff, whether unionised or non-unionised, or those holding membership with another trade union. This pertains because whatever agreement is negotiated or agreed upon applies to all employees in the workplace.

Many of the industrial relations issues in schools tend to be associated with poor working conditions tied to environmental issues. Occupational safety and health in the workplace are widely promoted as essential aspects of workplace life, to which priority must be given. International Occupational Safety and Health standards impose on the employer the responsibility to provide a safe workplace. Employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from serious hazards and must follow all OSHA safety and health standards. Employers must identify and correct safety and health problems.

Over the years, parents, guardians, and members of the general public have seemingly found pleasure in criticising, ridiculing, and condemning teachers who take any form of protest action to draw attention to environmental issues or hazards impacting the safety and health of students and teachers. Those who criticise, ridicule, and condemn teachers refuse to take a look in the mirror and consider that when their own safety and health are affected, they readily exercise their right to take some form of protest action. They too understand the importance of calling the employer’s attention to their concerns for immediate redress.

It is expected that any reasonable and right-thinking person would consider that teachers, in their role as surrogates, seek to do what is in the interest of safeguarding children from exposure to potential health risks and hazards.

Dennis De Peiza, a veteran trade unionist, is a labour and employee relations consultant with Regional Management Services Inc.

The post #BTColumn – Schools are workplaces, too appeared first on Barbados Today.

Agriculture Minister Indar Weir has called out local company BICO for withholding critical data that he says could help prevent a looming chicken shortage in Barbados. 

With the holiday season approaching and demand expected to surge, Weir explained that his ministry had reached out to BICO, asking for specific information on stored poultry that could support local farmers and stabilise supply. However, despite his written request, BICO has yet to respond.

“I picked up the phone and contacted BICO, asking them to share with me, as Minister of Agriculture in Barbados, what information they had on farmers — small farmers — for chicken in storage,” Weir stated, emphasising his intent to provide immediate support. 

“I didn’t want the information for any other reason than to assist those farmers,” he added. 

Speaking during the Barbados Agricultural Society’s (BAS) Annual General Meeting held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, he noted, “Needless to say, to this day, I have not received any information from BICO. When I spoke to the CEO, he asked me to reduce it to writing, which I did on the ministry’s letterhead. Yet, I still have not received any information.”

The minister suggested BICO’s lack of co-operation represents a troubling roadblock to government efforts aimed at supporting local farmers and strengthening the island’s poultry supply. “Were there farmers with chicken in storage that they couldn’t get sold? I wanted the information to see what leverage I could use with supermarkets in Barbados to help them get it sold,” he told farmers. “But by withholding that information, BICO did a disservice not to me but to the farmers who were looking for support and assistance.”

Weir went on to argue that open, co-operative communication across the sector is essential, especially as Barbados works toward food security and self-sufficiency. 

“If we can’t get the information needed to intervene and assist these farmers in getting their produce to market, then we’re only weakening our position as an agricultural sector,” Weir stated. “I am not here to call out any person or entity, but it’s essential for us all to play a part if we’re to avoid these types of shortages and supply chain issues in the future.”

Amid the ongoing challenges, the agriculture minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring adequate poultry supply for Barbadians, including resorting to imports if necessary. “I will not stand here and lie to you and make you believe we will not import chicken,” he clarified. “Because if I have to make sure Barbadians can eat poultry, I have to do what I have to do.” 

However, he stressed that this should not undermine efforts to bolster local production. “Local producers are at the heart of our food security,” Weir stressed. “The goal is to increase local production, but we need the data and the co-operation to ensure we’re moving in the right direction.”

Barbados TODAY is reaching out to BICO for comment.

Meanwhile, the BAS’s Chief Executive Officer, James Paul, voiced similar concerns, stressing that local farmers are willing and prepared to meet the island’s poultry demands but need equitable access to market data and support to compete effectively. 

“Our poultry farmers are stepping up to the plate, but we need all players to co-operate,” he stated. “The farmers need fair access to the market and assurance that they won’t be outmanoeuvred by imports if they ramp up production to meet local needs.”

Weir has urged stakeholders, particularly larger entities like BICO, to see themselves as partners in a broader national effort. “It’s not just about chicken in storage; it’s about building an efficient and resilient agricultural sector in Barbados that can respond to crises and grow sustainably,” he said. “If we are to transition into a 21st-century agriculture sector, we need a shared commitment to transparency, co-operation, and data-driven solutions. We can’t get there if we’re pulling in different directions.” (RG)

The post Weir accuses BICO of withholding data that could help prevent chicken shortage appeared first on Barbados Today.

The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) has raised serious concerns over unresolved grievances at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), particularly regarding delayed hazard allowance payments.

Speaking Barbados TODAY, Richard Greene, General Secretary of the NUPW, confirmed that numerous employees in the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) had called in sick, leading to a temporary reduction in staff coverage and raising questions about underlying issues impacting hospital operations.

“This morning, I received a report that a significant number of workers in the accident and emergency department of the QEH had called in sick,” he stated.

According to him, an investigation quickly revealed that a number of nurses, emergency room technicians, and orderlies were absent, possibly due to long-standing grievances regarding unpaid hazard allowances. He noted, “Further investigations determined that the possible cause of the extraordinary number of persons calling in was the outstanding payment of hazard allowances.”

The delay in hazard allowance payments, which have reportedly gone unpaid for up to six months for some staff members, has fuelled frustration among hospital employees.

Greene emphasised that the NUPW had initiated contact with the hospital’s Human Resources and Accounts departments to obtain confirmation on the outstanding payments and determine when they might be disbursed. However, to date, the union had not received a concrete response regarding the timeline for these payments.

“Previously, the NUPW had been informed that hazard allowance had been outstanding for as much as six months to some officers in the hospital,” Greene explained, underscoring the need for a prompt resolution. He added, “I would have contacted the HR department and the accounts department to get a confirmation on exactly what was outstanding and if and when the money would have been paid.”

In response to the current situation, the NUPW says it will be organising meetings with its stewards to comprehensively address not only the hazard allowance issue but also other grievances that may be causing unease among hospital staff.

Greene stated: “Moving forward, we will meet with our stewards to look at all of the possible grievances within the hospital that might be causing some discomfort amongst the workers.”

He further emphasised the importance of engaging hospital management directly, stating that the union would work “to resolve all the standing grievances to avoid any further actions that would compromise the patient care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.”

The general secretary highlighted the union’s commitment to maintaining smooth operations at the QEH while ensuring that workers’ rights are upheld and their grievances are addressed promptly.

“It is vitally important that the industrial relations matters are resolved in a timely and reasonable manner so that we can limit the possibilities of industrial action,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, the hospital has responded to today’s staff “sick-out,” noting it came following an unauthorised message encouraging a temporary shutdown of shifts. Shane Sealy, the QEH’s Communications Specialist, clarified, “The safety and well-being of our patients remain the QEH’s top priority, and our teams are working hard to maintain uninterrupted service.”

In a statement released to the media, he emphasised that hospital management had not received any formal grievances regarding this matter prior to the recent staff absences and stressed that patient care must remain uncompromised.

Addressing the issue of hazard payments, Sealy stated, “We understand that this action may be related to confusion surrounding COVID Hazard Payments. The payments are made in line with the Hazard Pay policy, which has not changed; however, there have been delays due to incorrect submissions.”

The QEH assured the public of a thorough investigation and a commitment to resolve any outstanding payment issues swiftly.

The post QEH hit by sick-out; NUPW sights pay grievances appeared first on Barbados Today.

Kizzianne Latavia Tudor has been found.

The 17-year-old ward of the Marina Brewster Centre in Farrs, Alleynedale Hall, St Peter, who had been reported missing last Friday, has been “traced and is safe”, according to police.

A brief statement from the Barbados Police Service did not provide any further information.

The post Missing teen found appeared first on Barbados Today.

Investigations are underway into the death of a man who was beaten to death at Jackson Tenantry Road, St Michael this morning.

He has been identified as Pedro Caddle, 43, of Bissex Housing Area in Joseph.

Police said around 9:10 a.m., they received a report of an accident in which a female was injured and the driver attempted to flee. A group of men chased him and beat him. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered his injured, unresponsive body.

Ambulance personnel were summoned but they found no signs of life.

Caddle was confirmed dead at the scene by a medical doctor.

The accident victim has been hospitalised.

The post Man beaten to death in Jackson appeared first on Barbados Today.

A 28-year-old man who was the subject of a police ‘wanted’ bulletin a week ago turned himself in to police but was released the same day.

Police said that Rackeem Shaquille Alleyne, of #7 Shepton Lane, Pine, St Michael, who was wanted in connection with serious criminal matters, went into the District ‘A’ Police Station last Friday, accompanied by his attorney.

“He . . . has been subsequently released on the same day, having been interviewed and assisted police with their investigations,” a statement from the Barbados Police Service said.

The post Wanted man questioned and released appeared first on Barbados Today.

A St Joseph man is dead after reportedly being beaten to death after knocking down an elderly woman at Jackson, St Michael, on Monday morning.

Pedro Caddle, 43, of Bissex Housing Area, was pronounced dead at the scene after being chased and beaten by several men following the collision at Jackson Tenantry Road around 9:10 am.

The Barbados Police Service said it had received a report of an accident in which a woman was injured and the driver, Caddle, attempted to flee. A group of men chased him and beat him when they got hold of him.

Acting Communication and Public Affairs Officer, Sergeant Liesl Gabriel said when officers from District ‘A’ Police Station went to the scene, they discovered Caddle’s unresponsive body with multiple injuries.

A medical doctor later pronounced him dead at the scene, where he was identified by a family member.

The accident victim, who was not identified by police, is currently in stable condition at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Jackson residents described Caddle as a “nuisance” and said he had been in a longstanding dispute with the woman and her family.

They said the woman had previously complained to him about his driving and alleged threats directed at her daughter.

Caddle, who had been the subject of police ‘wanted’ bulletins on several occasions in the past, also survived several attempts on his life, including a 2002 Boxing Day shooting and then while he was a patient at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital being treated for the injuries sustained in that incident.

He had been shot several times over the past two decades and also faced the courts on numerous charges.
(LG)

The post Vigilantes chase driver after accident, beat him to death appeared first on Barbados Today.