Young people have been urged to remain steadfast in climate justice advocacy and continue to push for a fairer deal for small island developing states.

The encouragement came from Minister of Labour, Social Security, and the Third Sector Colin Jordan as he delivered the feature address at the Third International Study and Training Session for the Promotion of South-to-South Cooperation for Youth Leaders on Tuesday.

Hosted by the Caribbean Youth Environment Network, the event focused on empowering young leaders to address pressing global challenges, particularly climate change.

Jordan said that although larger carbon-emitting countries have been slow over the years to recognise the importance of giving support to smaller countries on the front line of climate change, it was important for countries like Barbados to continue their advocacy.

“In order to get reaction, response, to get what is necessary for us to survive, we have to talk, we have to engage, we have to push, we have to metaphorically fight for what we want. Engagement does not produce all that you want when you want it, but you have to keep engaging,” the minister said.

“Young people need to be fully a part of addressing climate and climate justice. It will affect food security, water security…. This matter is existential. It’s not just for the Global South, but one day the Global North will wake up and recognise that this matter of the climate crisis is also existential for [them]. It is your responsibility to keep educating them. We have to keep engaging them because we have to get ourselves out of the situation that we are in. The world is not on a sustainable trajectory.”

Describing the climate crisis as a predominantly man-made issue, Jordan addressed the impact of policies from the global north on civil society organisations in the Global South. He added that caution must be taken against relying solely on external assistance, stressing the importance of regional self-reliance and collaboration.

“Now there are all kinds of things and all kinds of pressures brought to bear on small civil society organisations because of rules made in places where people are not as impacted as we are. Rules from the Global North [are] significantly impacting our organisations in the Global South. We have to be a little bit more self-reliant. While we call on the Global North to do the repair work for the damage they have caused in reparations, we have at the same time to make sure that our organisations are sustainable so that they can be effective in doing the work that is necessary,” he said.

“We are not to believe that there is a saviour coming from the global north to help us with our issues. South-to-South has to be high on our agenda.”

The post Youth urged to keep pushing for climate justice appeared first on Barbados Today.

As a disaster preparedness programme for young people came to a close, the head of the organisation that led that initiative called on the government to integrate disaster education into the school curriculum.

Ashley Lashley also wants to see a Disaster and Emergency Preparedness (DEP) Club in every school within the next six years.

The director of the Ashley Lashley Foundation made the call as the Safe Coast BIM Youth Disaster Preparedness Programme concluded, highlighting the resilience and leadership of 34 young participants from six schools and youth organisations across Barbados.

Over the course of four weeks, students from Darryl Jordan Secondary School, Springer Memorial, Princess Margaret, The St Michael School, The Lodge School, and the Barbados Youth Advanced Corps engaged in workshops, training sessions, and field trips, gaining critical skills in disaster mitigation, emergency response, and community resilience building.

The programme was supported by key partners, including the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS), and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). “Here’s where I challenge the government. I call on you to allocate the necessary resources and integrate disaster education into our national school curriculum,” Lashley said.

“Let’s aim for every school in Barbados – not just the ones involved in this pilot programme – to have a Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Club by 2030. Through this programme, we’ve recognised that many schools lack disaster and emergency plans, or even awareness of their existence among students. This must change. Together, let’s set an ambitious target: at least 75 per cent of schools engaged in disaster preparedness activities by 2030. This is a commitment to our youth, their safety, and the resilience of our nation. We cannot wait. We must act now.”

During the closing ceremony, the Safe Coast BIM Youth Disaster Preparedness Programme’s legacy was further solidified with the announcement of $3 000 in microgrants to establish DEP Clubs at participating schools, fostering long-term youth engagement in disaster risk management.

The ceremony also celebrated exceptional participants, with special awards recognising commitment and engagement, and applauded partner organisations for their indispensable contributions.

Deputy Director at the DEM, Captain Robert Harewood said the programme demonstrates the critical role of youth in building a culture of preparedness, “a priority for Barbados given our vulnerability to natural and man-induced hazards.”

The Ashley Lashley Foundation is looking to take the programme islandwide, envisioning a future where every Barbadian student is equipped with the knowledge and tools to face disasters with confidence.

(PR/BT)

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The government’s decision to convert 6.35 acres of a government agricultural station’s land in St James into housing has ignited fierce debate, with the administration’s parliamentary critic warning of a blow to food security while government lawmakers defend the move as critical to addressing the island’s housing crisis.

As the House of Assembly debated a resolution vesting the lands in the National Housing Corporation (NHC), Minister of Housing and Lands Dwight Sutherland told the chamber the aim was to address the island’s urgent housing needs. But he faced fierce opposition from Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne who expressed concern about the preservation of farmland and its implications for food security.

The resolution is set to create a new residential development featuring 36 housing units, a children’s home, and an entrepreneurial centre. The housing minister suggested the decision was necessary to tackle a national housing crisis, with over 20 000 applications pending for affordable homes.

Sutherland outlined the Mia Mottley administration’s commitment to making homeownership accessible for all Barbadians: “That dream that every Barbadian adult carries in his or her heart is to own their own home. Furthermore, to leave a start for their children or loved ones. So, in essence, homeownership is the essence of what we refer to as the Barbadian dream.”

He highlighted the administration’s record, noting that 1 323 houses have been built since 2022, with plans to construct an additional 1 500 homes by the end of 2025.

The St George South MP sought to dispel concerns that the government was arbitrarily converting agricultural land for housing.

“We don’t just pick up land arbitrarily and put it in housing, agricultural land,” he said. “A thorough assessment is done by the technical teams, not only within the Ministry of Finance, where we have town planning and development but also within the Ministry of Agriculture…. Careful studies are done.”

Sutherland emphasised that the government’s approach prioritises balancing housing development with sustainable land use.

“The site at Bullen’s Agricultural Station has therefore become ripe for infill development,” he explained, adding that the project aligns with the principles of the Physical Development Plan. He also noted that significant tracts of agricultural land had been preserved elsewhere on the island.

However, Thorne strongly opposed the government’s decision, questioning both the timing and the rationale.

“Is this the time to close our agricultural spaces and not only close them but to condemn them under concrete?” the opposition leader asked. “This is the time when there are young Barbadians out there who are appealing to this government to allow them some land space to grow food. And here this government comes to the people of Barbados and tells the people, ‘We are closing an agricultural station and we are going to place concrete on it’.”

He further argued that the repurposing of Bullens was a blow to the country’s food security, especially given global concerns about sustainable agriculture. “Several acres of an agricultural station will disappear forever when there are other parcels of land across Barbados which are suitable for housing,” he said.

The Christ Church South MP suggested that the government use smaller parcels scattered across the island instead of large agricultural tracts.

“We call it rab land upon which houses can be constructed. But the word is rationalisation. Let us rationalise our land use in this country,” Thorne said, adding that prioritising agricultural preservation is essential for the long-term well-being of Barbados.

He also warned of the social implications of high-density housing developments: “When you congregate several people into a limited land space… you are not just housing people, but you are condemning people almost to the pains of their existence.”

While acknowledging the urgent need for housing, Thorne stressed the importance of agricultural preservation, particularly as global food security becomes increasingly precarious.

“No one denies that housing is needed,” he said. “But we must rationalise our land use to ensure we meet housing needs without sacrificing our agricultural future.”

Sutherland rebutted this, asserting that the project reflects the government’s ability to address multiple priorities simultaneously.

“We don’t just build houses; we build communities,” he said. “This government has a stellar record of providing for its people while safeguarding the resources of our nation.”

The post Debate sparks over govt farmland use appeared first on Barbados Today.

Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has sounded what he referred to as “an early warning” over the Business Barbados Bill, cautioning that its provisions risk creating “administrative confusion” and undermining Barbadian talent by prioritising external expertise.

Speaking during debate in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, he urged the government to ensure that leadership positions within the newly proposed entity are filled by capable individuals from either Barbados or the Caribbean.

Business Barbados is designed to streamline operations and address inefficiencies in the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO). It will integrate CAIPO’s responsibilities into a wider business facilitation network, allowing companies to interact with agencies like the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA), Customs, and Immigration through a single digital platform.

Drawing attention to the inclusion of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) within the structure of the entity, Thorne argued that the move could marginalise existing legal and administrative professionals.

“We have inserted into this department a chief executive officer, and that chief executive officer, within the organisational structure, is the boss of the person who used to head the legal department [of CAIPO],” he said.

Thorne questioned whether the government intended to promote local registrars or import external expertise, drawing parallels to past appointments at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), and other entities.

The opposition leader called for the CEO role to be filled by a qualified Barbadian national, emphasising the wealth of talent available locally.

“If you are going to name a CEO, find one of the 10 000 people who are well-qualified in Barbados. This is a recognition of our worth as a people, and we have spent too much time denying to our people their worth,” he said, noting what he described as the sacrifices made to educate Barbadians to the highest levels.

He also criticised the structure of the bill, particularly its provisions for the delegation of executive functions. Referring to Sections 8 and 9 of the legislation, Thorne argued that the bill assigns duties to the board, only to later allow them to be delegated to individuals such as the chairman or CEO.

“Let me accuse this government of creating confusion, of bringing legislation here which is saying to a chairman of a board that he can ask his board to delegate executive functions to him as chairman. That is dangerous. That is very dangerous,” he said.

Thorne went on to claim that such provisions reflect a pattern toward centralising authority.

He also accused the government of retaining undue ministerial control over the corporation’s operations, arguing that this undermines its supposed independence.

“You tell this country that you’re corporatising, You’re not corporatising, you are colonising. You are continuing to keep your long political tentacles deep within the organisation…,” he said, further urging transparency in the implementation of the bill.

Earlier, in piloting the bill, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Sandra Husbands said Business Barbados would reduce delays and improve services for local and international businesses.

The new structure separates CAIPO’s corporate registry and intellectual property units, allowing each to focus on specific responsibilities with new leadership and additional staff.

“We will now have dedicated service to our businesses, local and foreign, small and large,” Husbands said.

She further described Business Barbados as a small but powerful initiative that will energise the economy and improve the ease of doing business.

“This work that we are doing here today, in terms of the Business Barbados Bill, is going to make a tremendous difference in the lives of charities, small businesses, big businesses, to allow us to create an environment that is easier, more supportive, more friendly, to enable us to do business in Barbados,” the minister said.

She emphasised that the initiative is not just about creating a new entity but about building a more efficient, business-friendly environment that benefits all Barbadians.

“That is why every Barbadian must understand that Business Barbados is everybody’s business,” Husbands said.

The post Thorne criticises Business Barbados legislation appeared first on Barbados Today.

The public is advised that printed tickets for the Independence Ceremonial Parade, at Kensington Oval, will be available from noon tomorrow, Thursday, November 28, at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael.
Additionally, tickets are still available for park and ride at the following locations:
Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael; Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall; PriceSmart, Warrens; Massy Stores Super Centre, Warrens; Dome Mall, Warrens; Wildey Gymnasium, Wildey, St. Michael; Queen’s College, Husbands, St. James; and Golden Square Freedom Park, The City.
The following links for the park and ride, specific to each location, will produce an electronic ticket, which will grant patrons access to the parking location, as well as to the event.

Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre – https://bit.ly/4g3mLxD
Sky Mall – https://bit.ly/40WU4xN
PriceSmart – https://bit.ly/3Zngczh
Massy Stores Warrens – https://bit.ly/3Z2hqzJ
Dome Mall – https://bit.ly/40TYwxs
Wildey Gymnasium – https://bit.ly/495Nyqv
Queen’s College – https://bit.ly/4ifVR7F
Golden Square – https://bit.ly/4eHE06f

The post More printed tickets for the Independence Parade available from noon tomorrow appeared first on Barbados Today.

The name Bernie Madoff is forever etched in the dark side of America’s corporate world as the mastermind of possibly the largest Ponzi scheme in that country’s modern history.

The former Wall Street investor used his position as a trusted advisor to tank a staggering US$50 billion of investors’ money by the time the FBI and the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) discovered what was happening right under their noses.

For 20 years, Madoff used his successful company, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities, to lure wealthy investors into his scheme.

One account of the fraudulent programme outlined: “One of the most puzzling aspects of the Bernie Madoff case is the question of why he ever committed the fraud. Madoff’s legitimate brokerage business was wildly successful, making him and his family extremely wealthy. He certainly had no financial need to bilk thousands of clients out of billions of dollars.”

It was described as “a classic” fraud that was “frighteningly simple”. It detailed: “Madoff attracted investors by promising them extraordinarily high returns on their investments. However, when investors handed over the money, Madoff just deposited it into his personal bank account . . . . He paid “returns” to earlier investors using the money obtained from later investors. Clients’ trading statements, showing their alleged profits, were complete fabrications.”

Closer to home, was the charismatic, high-spending American businessman Allan Stanford, who wined and dined his way into the Caribbean through his underwriting of cricket in the region.

Madoff has died, but Stanford, the former chairman of Stanford International Bank, was sentenced to 110 years in prison in 2012 for orchestrating a 20-year investment fraud scheme in which the US Justice Department said he misappropriated US$7 billion.

Stanford, the larger-than-life businessman, flaunted his wealth and influence in Antigua, his Caribbean base, while socialising with the most influential personalities in regional and international cricket.

It is alleged that to this day, some well-known cricket legends lost substantial funds after they were convinced by Stanford to reinvest some of the cricket largess into his businesses.

As the BBC put it in its production The Man Who Bought Cricket, it was all about “money laundering, the FBI, drug cartels, Ponzi schemes, extramarital affairs, offshore banks, and of course some cricket”.

This is all interesting background for those who are still fascinated by the desire for a quick buck, even if they place themselves at great risk of losing what little they have.

Even closer to home was a recent scheme that most people were not alerted to until the Financial Services Commission (FSC) placed an ominous warning about the risks of such arrangements.

The fact is that by the time most people were fully aware of the mess they had placed themselves in, the operations of TKY had collapsed leaving several counting thousands of dollars in losses.

It had the characteristics of a typical pyramid scheme. You solicit “investors” who obtain the first set of attractive dividends, and they then recruit others who seldom receive similar gains, and the scheme continues until it eventually collapses because it is not a real investment, but a way for its operators to benefit from others’ desire for a quick return.

What is a Ponzi scheme? It is an investment fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors. Ponzi scheme organisers frequently promise to invest the money and generate high returns with little or no risk.

So, it was a valuable piece of advice from the General Manager of the Barbados Cooperative & Credit Union League (BCCULL), Anthony Pilgrim about these unregulated sham investment schemes.

“Before you make such a decision, you must do your research on the institution to determine whether it is credible. Are there financials that are available that you can analyse? What is its track record as an institution? Use age-old wisdom, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is not true,” the experienced finance boss said during the launch of the BCCULL’s public education campaign on Tuesday.

“You must interrogate the data that is put before you, and do not ask the questions of persons who are basically trying to create the situation; you may find that you may not recover that investment. You need to find your own sources of information,” he wisely cautioned.

In the current conditions where there are extremely low or no returns on commercial bank savings and few short-term investments around, people are expectedly vulnerable to schemes like TKY. However, caution is the watchword.

The post Hunger for quick get-rich schemes presents risks appeared first on Barbados Today.

Printed tickets for the Independence Ceremonial Parade at Kensington Oval, will be available from noon on Thursday, November 28, at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St Michael.

Additionally, tickets are still available for park and ride at the following locations: Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St Michael; Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall; PriceSmart, Warrens; Massy Stores Super Centre, Warrens; Dome Mall, Warrens; Wildey Gymnasium, Wildey, St Michael; Queen’s College, Husbands, St James; and Golden Square Freedom Park, The City.

The following links for the park and ride, specific to each location, will produce an electronic ticket, which will grant patrons access to the parking location, as well as to the event.

• Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre – https://bit.ly/4g3mLxD
• Sky Mall – https://bit.ly/40WU4xN
• PriceSmart – https://bit.ly/3Zngczh
• Massy Stores Warrens – https://bit.ly/3Z2hqzJ
• Dome Mall –  https://bit.ly/40TYwxs
• Wildey Gymnasium – https://bit.ly/495Nyqv
• Queen’s College – https://bit.ly/4ifVR7F
• Golden Square – https://bit.ly/4eHE06f

The post More printed tickets available for Independence parade appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) on Wednesday issued a dire warning: the healthcare system is at breaking point due to an exodus of nurses seeking better opportunities abroad.

BNA President Fay Parris called on the government to act urgently, highlighting that unresolved grievances are driving Barbados’ healthcare professionals away.

“The mass departure of nurses to greener pastures globally has left Barbados facing severe shortages in nursing staff,” Parris said at a press briefing. “This trend underscores the importance of creating an environment that encourages local nurses to stay and thrive in their home country.”

Parris pointed to unresolved issues, such as unpaid allowances and substandard working conditions, as key factors in the growing dissatisfaction among nurses.

“One area that is causing some unrest at this moment is the lack of uniforms and the non-payment of uniform allowance,” she told reporters.

Additionally, some nurses who worked on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic have yet to receive hazard allowances.

“Some of the nurses would have indicated that they did not receive the COVID hazard allowance during COVID time,” Parris said. “So that is one of the issues that we are also putting on the table so that everybody feels recognised and that they are rewarded for their service.”

The BNA is also calling for immediate action on longstanding environmental concerns within the healthcare sector. Recent work stoppages at two polyclinics were triggered by these unresolved issues, which Parris noted are affecting both staff and patients.

“I know that the Ministry of Health has a long-term plan to manage the environmental issues at the polyclinics, but what we really want to see is how we can manage it in the interim,” she said. “We want to see [work stoppages] minimised and that health personnel are not subject to illnesses because of environmental issues and, by extension, the patients who visit.”

Challenges in nursing education were also highlighted, including the shortage of educators and limited training resources. The BNA president stressed that maintaining high pass rates for the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration (RENR) is becoming increasingly difficult under these circumstances.

“The existing shortage of nursing educators poses a significant challenge to training current and new nurses. High levels of stress among the current teaching staff make the situation unsustainable in the long term,” she explained. “Adequate physical resources and appropriate facilities are crucial to ensure the success of the nursing students.”

The BNA has called on the government to address these issues by enhancing nurses’ remuneration, improving working conditions, and expanding educational resources.

Parris also acknowledged the recent recruitment of nurses from Ghana to ease shortages but described this as a temporary measure.

“We support them and encourage them to join BNA so that we can assist them during their period here,” she said. “Barbados is in a crisis, and we need that manpower. But we also need to fix what we have to fix here so that we don’t need to continually go for assistance.”

The association said it remains committed to supporting nurses and ensuring their contributions are valued.

“We really want to be there for our nurses,” Parris declared.

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb

The post BNA says exodus of nurses causing severe shortages appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) is intensifying its decade-long campaign for urgent changes to the retirement age for nurses and protective services personnel, with plans to submit a formal resolution to the government in the coming weeks.

President Ryan Phillips described the reforms as essential to addressing workforce shortages and alleviating burnout among fire officers, prison officers, police officers, and nurses.

“This is not just a policy review but a call to justice, fairness, and sustainability for those who give so much to Barbados and dedicate their lives to safeguarding our nation and caring for our people,” Phillips said.

“It is time we reevaluate the retirement age for our protective services personnel and nurses, not simply as a legal formality but as a crucial step toward honouring their sacrifices, sustaining their well-being, and securing the future of our national systems,” he added.

Phillips pointed out that the call for reforms is not new, noting that CTUSAB has been advocating for changes to the retirement age since 2013, and urging the government to recognise the demands of protective services and the severe nursing shortage.

“For our protective services personnel, the physical and mental demands are immense,” he said. “As they grow older, their ability to meet these rigorous requirements naturally declines. This is not a reflection of their dedication or skill but a simple reality of the human condition.”

Phillips further described how the healthcare system is being strained by senior nurses retiring faster than replacements can be trained.

The loss of their expertise, he said, has left significant gaps in mentorship and patient care.

With the current retirement age being 67, with the possibility of early retirement at 60 in unique cases, CTUSAB proposes a reduced pensionable age for protective services personnel, allowing them to stop working earlier without financial penalties, and a flexible system for nurses that would allow experienced professionals to extend their service voluntarily during times of critical need.

Phillips noted that these reforms are necessary to protect the health and well-being of workers while maintaining the effectiveness of the country’s security and healthcare systems.

“This is about recognising the sacrifices these workers make and ensuring they can continue to contribute without jeopardising their own health,” he said.

The CTUSAB president pointed out that the push for retirement reforms was first raised with the former administration and was part of the congress’ advocacy efforts alongside the successful establishment of the Protective Services Commission, which oversees issues relating to police officers, fire officers and prison officers.

The trade unionist noted that while some progress has been made, the issue of retirement age adjustments remains unresolved.

“We have met as a collective… and we have a combined resolution which has been passed. It’s time the government takes this issue seriously and acts in the interest of those who dedicate their lives to serving Barbados,” he said.

CTUSAB plans to formally present its resolution to the government in the coming weeks, urging swift action to address these challenges.

In what he described as a call to action, Phillips said: “Let us commit to reforms that not only address immediate workforce challenges but also secure a resilient future for our systems of security and healthcare.”

The post CTUSAB: Reform pension age for nurses, protective services appeared first on Barbados Today.

Dario Hollingsworth told police in an interview that he never fought with Dave James, and only touched him to break up a fight between him and another inmate.

Police Constable Rhyson King, the lead investigator in the serious bodily harm case against Hollingsworth, read this into evidence on Wednesday in the No. 4A Supreme Court.

Hollingsworth, of Golden Rock, Pine, St Michael, is charged that on August 11, 2019, he unlawfully caused serious bodily harm to James with intent to do him serious bodily harm or to maim, disfigure or disable him; and that he unlawfully and maliciously inflicted serious bodily harm on James.

Constable King told the nine-member jury that during the interview, Hollingsworth said that James had attacked Shaquon Stafford for his canteen as his own had been stolen. He said he considered both of the men to be his friends.

“So when I see the two of them fighting, at first I tell them ‘stop fight’, so they stop. I end up getting off de bed, pushing Shaquon, pushing James. So from dey, James bore back Shaquon,” Hollingsworth said. The door was opened, an officer came and told them to stop fighting but “James had de upper hand on Shaquon”. The officer started shouting and another officer called the Emergency Response Team. Hollingsworth said everyone was taken out of the dorm and both men had injuries.

“Shaquon had stab wounds to he face, nose and thing. James had stab wounds to he back and thing,” Hollingsworth told police.

He said he touched James to part the fight.

Asked if he fought or hit James, Hollingsworth replied, “No”. He gave the same response when asked if he owned a ‘grain’ – a long metal object sharpened at the top to a point – had stabbed James with one or saw anyone else doing so.

Also taking the witness stand, Applon Parris told the court that the night before the alleged incident, he and James shared some Weetabix and Lasco from each other’s canteens to celebrate Parris’ birthday. He said there was no security in the dorm as it was an open space. The next day when they awoke, the food items were gone.

Parris asked who ate his food and he saw the Weetabix in front of Hollingsworth’s and Stafford’s bunks. He observed James talking to an officer who came and locked down the dorm after telling them to sort it out. The witness said Stafford cuffed James in his face, and when they began to fight, he said, ‘It didn’t have to come to that’ and stepped forward. Parris said Hollingsworth slapped him in his face and told him to let the other two “have it out”.

Later that evening, he saw Hollingsworth and Stafford collecting something from a guy at the back of the dorm. After the 7.30 p.m. shift change, the main lights were switched off and the ambient lights came on, Parris said, adding that he could see clearly.

As he sat on his bunk and James sat on a bucket in front of it, the two inmates approached with ‘grains’ in their hands and took up his toiletries and items belonging to James.

“They dumped all of our stuff on the ground and started to distribute it amongst themselves. Shaquon started to approach us again, and he had a flat metal grain in his hand sharpened to a point about an inch and a half in length. Dario Hollingsworth approached Dave James with a three-inch long grain – a long piece of thick wire fence that was broken off and sharpened at the tip. Shaquon stabbed Dave James in his face, and Dario Hollingsworth was making stabbing motions at James. I saw a lot of blood. Blood was all over the place,” Parris testified.

He saw Hollingsworth make four stabbing motions at James before he was able to push him off James.

Asked what happened to the ‘grains’ after the incident, Parris shrugged and replied, “Disappeared.”

Principal State Counsel Joyann Catwell and State Counsels Eleazar Williams and Anastacia McMeo-Boyce are prosecuting the matter while Madam Justice Wanda Blair is presiding.

The trial continues on Thursday.

The post Accused denies fighting with dorm mate in prison appeared first on Barbados Today.

In a furious rebuke of public policy, Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) James Paul on Wednesday accused authorities of jeopardising national food security by acquiring six acres of a government agricultural station’s prime farming land at Bullens, St James for housing development. 

He blasted the move as a “land grab” and warned it could deepen Barbados’ reliance on imports while undermining efforts to protect scarce farming resources.

“This is a land grab, plain and simple,” the BAS CEO declared. “At a time when government says food security is important and we are already below the acreage considered adequate for a truly sustainable agricultural sector, this decision to take additional lands out of agriculture is beyond troubling.”  

He noted that while nations worldwide are re-evaluating their farm policies to ensure domestic food security – amid rising global uncertainty in food supply chains caused by the war in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East and ongoing climate challenges – Barbados seems to be moving in the opposite direction.  

“The world’s population is expanding, and there will be increasing demand on the remaining land to produce food,” he told Barbados TODAY. “Technology is not the panacea people think it is. In our case, the loss of agricultural land will only deepen our dependence on imports, leaving us vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.”  

Paul expressed frustration at what he sees as a lack of long-term thinking in government policy. “If we are serious about food security, then agricultural land must be treated as sacred. Instead, the government’s actions suggest that it is not important enough to preserve what little we have left.”  

The situation, according to the BAS boss, is dire, noting that decades ago, Barbados boasted a robust agricultural sector with approximately 45 000 acres of land under cultivation. Today, that figure has plummeted to less than half.

“It’s close to 20 000 acres now and dropping further,” Paul revealed. “Every time agricultural land is sold, there are all kinds of justifications to convert it for real estate. It’s driven by speculation, not necessity, and it’s just not right.”  

He stressed that the government’s actions are eroding a critical resource: “Agricultural land is not just land—it’s a lifeline for food production, for environmental stability, and for future generations. We’re not treating it with the respect it deserves.”  

The BAS CEO also questioned the necessity of acquiring more land for housing developments, pointing out that many existing housing projects remain unoccupied. 

“In St Philip, in St John, there are houses that were built and have been left vacant. Even in some urban areas, you see empty homes,” he said.  

Barbados is facing a declining population, Paul noted, which undermines the rationale for continuous housing expansion. 

“Exactly who are we building these houses for?” he asked. “If the population isn’t growing fast, why are we taking up more land to provide for housing? This doesn’t add up.”  

He suggested that financial incentives, rather than genuine housing needs, may be driving these decisions. 

“The banks and financial institutions are making quick bucks off this, and it seems that’s what is dictating policy—not what’s best for the country,” Paul charged.

He called for immediate reforms to protect agricultural land from speculative practices. “We need a moratorium on the transfer or change of use of these lands,” Paul further urged.  

In his view, Barbados should adopt stricter regulations similar to those in larger countries: “Even in capitalist economies like the United States and the UK, there are limits to how agricultural land can be repurposed. If you buy agricultural land, you can’t just convert it because you know someone in power. That is unacceptable.”  

He proposed that when agricultural land becomes available, it should be prioritised for farming.

“Some families inherit agricultural land but have no interest in farming. There should be systems in place to transfer this land to people who want to farm, not to speculators looking to destroy a precious resource,” he argued.  

Paul also criticised what he sees as inconsistency in Barbados’ environmental policies. 

“We talk about protecting the environment and championing sustainability, but our actions as a nation tell a different story,” he said. “You can’t claim to care about the environment while undermining agriculture and food security.”  

“We are good at making speeches, but speeches won’t protect us when food prices rise and our shelves are empty,” Paul added.

The CEO further expressed concerns that the government’s actions set a worrying precedent. “This recent land grab by the government sets a bad example for others in the economy,” he said. “If the government can do it, why wouldn’t private developers follow suit?”  

He also cautioned that these actions could erode public trust. 

“People watch what the government does. If they see agricultural land being treated as expendable, it sends the message that nothing is off-limits,” Paul contended.

For him, the solution lies in valuing agricultural land not just as a commodity but as a critical component of national resilience.  

“We need to come to terms with what we’re doing,” he said. “This isn’t just about today—it’s about the survival of our country in an increasingly uncertain world. If we don’t act now, it may be too late.” (RG)

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The national umbrella of trade unions on Wednesday demanded faster progress on critical reforms, including the establishment of a long-promised Teaching Services Commission and urgent safety measures to protect schools. 

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) warned that delays could undermine confidence in the education system and leave students and teachers at risk.

CTUSAB intensified its call for inclusion in shaping the structure and operations of the Teaching Services Commission, which the government has pledged to establish by the end of 2025. 

General Secretary Dennis De Peiza also underscored the importance of involving the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) as the voice of educators in these discussions.  

“We believe that we should have the opportunity to have an input into anything that is coming online which caters to the [human resources] aspects of the profession,” De Peiza said after a meeting with the Ministry of Education earlier this week.  

Unlike other commissions under the Ministry of Public Service, CTUSAB insisted, the Teaching Services Commission must function independently. “We also want to make it clear that the commission should not serve as an arm of the Ministry of the Public Service. It should be standing on its own as an independent body,” he asserted.  

The push for this commission comes amid what De Peiza described as a “long-awaited” meeting with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to address longstanding concerns. 

“We were able to get some favourable traction on some of them,” he noted. However, despite past promises from successive governments, De Peiza acknowledged that concrete progress on the commission remains elusive.  

He said: “We’ve had governments promising to have the reenactment of the commission, and to date, we are no wiser as to where they are, outside of the fact that our meeting with the MOE reminded us of the promise of the prime minister to have the commission up and running before the end of 2025.”

The Ministry of Public Service states on its website that consultation for the commission is ongoing and “provisions have been made for the eventual establishment of a Teaching Service Commission to treat matters specific to the Teaching Service”. 

CTUSAB also urged the Ministry of Education to expedite the implementation of safety measures in schools following its latest discussions. Proposed steps include developing a comprehensive safety and health policy, standardising emergency drills, increasing counsellors, and bolstering campus security with additional officers and surveillance cameras.  

“We have learned from the ministry that they are in the process of establishing a structure [with] regards [to] the planning and execution of emergency drills in schools,” De Peiza said, suggesting that the trade union congress play an active role in shaping this policy, either directly or through the BUT.  

He stressed the need for urgency, warning that ongoing issues of school violence threaten mental well-being and productivity. 

“If it continues as is without something being done to help people feel comfortable, the issue of productivity will become a question that needs to be answered,” he cautioned.  

The CTUSAB general secretary commended specific measures, such as deploying security officers to all schools, but urged the government to assign additional personnel to larger campuses. 

“We are happy to hear that there is at least a presence to give comfort to those at the facility. But the government should consider having more than one officer at some schools, depending on the size of the plant,” he said.  

CTUSAB expressed the hope that the security measures will be implemented without delay, describing them as “critical to creating a secure learning environment”.

“We are hopeful that what has been said to be in train will be in reality in the shortest possible time,” De Peiza added. (SM)

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Barbados will see an uptick in cruise calls for the 2024/2025 winter season, reaching a total of 398, it was disclosed on Wednesday. 

During a brief ceremony to welcome Oceania Nautica’s inaugural call at the Bridgetown Port, Chief Product Development Officer at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Incorporated (BTMI), Marsha Alleyne expressed satisfaction at seeing the cruise industry thriving.

She said the cruise ships will bring a total of 698 580 passengers, “an astounding amount”. 

“I am very pleased, as we know that this will assist in ensuring that the economy of Barbados from a tourism perspective rebounds,” Alleyne said.

“This represents a really remarkable growth in our cruise industry, and it represents an additional four cruise calls for this season. And, of course, we know from an economic perspective, this certainly will ensure that there’s economic wealth throughout our cruise season,” she added.

The BTMI official highlighted the impact of these cruise visits on the island, specifically for taxi operators and entrepreneurs.

“There is enough for our attractions, our taxi operators who definitely benefit from these increased cruise calls, and also our entrepreneurs as well. So we are very happy with what we see is a significant increase from a cruise perspective in the tourism sector,” she said. “And we continue to lobby for increased cruise passengers.”

Oceania Nautica’s Captain Sasa Milosavljevic was excited about the visit to Barbados: “We hope it’s one of the many calls and we will be coming back in Barbados very often.”

The ship docked here with 624 passengers and 396 crew members on board.

Nautica’s current cruise is a 36-day journey from Montreal to Miami which began on October 28 and ends on December 3. (LG)

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The recent announcement of the debt for climate swap initiative has been characterised as “a pioneering step in debt management and climate action that also positions Barbados as a leader in innovative financing within the region, if not the world”. (Barbados TODAY, Nov 23, 2024). Many have spoken eloquently and fervently about the rationale for the operation and its innovativeness in creating fiscal space to address climate issues. Given the complex financial engineering underpinning the operation, the merits and demerits of this characterisation are not the subject of this analysis. An examination of the transaction indicates that there are many stakeholders involved in the structuring of this deal. Therefore, any analysis of the benefits of undertaking this transaction should assess its impact on the borrower (Government of Barbados), the investors, lending institutions, guarantors, taxpayers, the financial institutions responsible for structuring the deal and on key socio-economic indicators. This analysis specifically looks at the impact of the debt buyback from the perspective of the investors in the government-restructured debt.

Last week, the Parliament considered and approved a resolution to borrow the sum of approximately $600 million for 20 years at a rate of 3.25 per cent from CIBC Caribbean Bank (Barbados) Limited, Scotiabank (Barbados) Limited and RBC Royal Bank (Barbados) Limited via what is being referred to as a Sustainability-Linked Loan Syndicated Facility (Barbados Parliament Bills Archive | Resolution re: Sustainability Linked Loan Syndicated Facility under Special Loans 2 Act Cap. 105). The loan has a grace period of five years, three months. The proceeds of this loan are to be used to repurchase $600 million worth of higher-cost restructured domestic debt which is expected to result in significant savings in interest payment.

The operation is underpinned by a policy-based guarantee from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the European Investment Bank for US$150 million each, which is then counter-guaranteed by the Government of Barbados. These savings will be used for investment in climate-related projects, including the South Coast Waste Water Reclamation Project and Reuse Facility, which is also being funded by the IDB and the Green Climate Fund.

A debt buyback usually involves a loss of value for investors/creditors. A debt buyback can be advantageous to investors in one of two circumstances: firstly, if the investor is facing a liquidity crunch, that is, in need of access to ready cash, and is offered a better repurchase rate than available on the market/stock exchange. Secondly, if the lender has lost confidence in, or has concerns about, the borrower’s ability to meet its obligations in the future, then the offer to repurchase may be seen as a “bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”. Bondholders generally do not like a debt buyback because it could entail a significant loss of the interest income that would have been earned on the debt if held to maturity, as well as it may also involve a reduction in the face value of the amount invested/loaned when the debt is repurchased at a discount. Further, unless investors can find an alternative investment that pays a similar or a higher rate of return to place the returned funds, the investor will be forced to invest in lower-yielding assets.

In situations where the instrument being repurchased is paying a much higher rate than is available in the market, to encourage the lender to participate, the debt is usually repurchased at a premium, for example for every $100, an amount greater than this is offered. Debt buyback also disrupts the creditor/investor investment plans.

Since debt buyback involves a loss of value for the holders of the debt, one also needs to be concerned about who is bearing this loss, the size of this loss and the possible impact on the investors’ activities or operations. Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn explained that the intention was to repurchase $400 million of Series E Bonds, and $100 million each of Series B and D bonds (Down to Brasstacks on VOB on November 22, 2024). Series E bonds are to be repurchased at par (face value) and the other two series by reverse auction which was due to close last Friday. Series B bonds are held by individuals and institutions, Series D by institutions and Series E bonds are held by one investor, the National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS). According to the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure 2024-2025, $2.72 billion  Series B, $1.22 billion Series D and $2.05 billion Series E bonds were outstanding at the end of 2023. The interest rate on these bonds is currently 3.75 per cent, 4.25 per cent and 8 per cent respectively.

Based on publicly available information, the debt buyback is expected to result in an overall reduction of $442 million in interest payment to bondholders; with Series E suffering losses of around $300 million; Series D, $121 million and Series B, $19 million.

This reduction in interest payment to bondholders, which is equivalent to the gross interest savings accruing to the government, is the difference between the total interest that the Government of Barbados would have had to pay if the debt was held to maturity less the accumulated interest paid at the time of the buyback. Depending on the price at which Series B and D are repurchased, the holders of these bonds can see additional losses of between $25 million to $40 million in principal. At present, it will be difficult to find alternative investment opportunities that will allow bondholders to recoup these losses.

Series E bonds were also the target of the 2022 debt buyback which resulted in estimated losses of $127 million in interest income for the NISSS. This was approximately 75 per cent of the gross interest payment avoided by the Government of Barbados due to this operation. The two debt buyback operations would therefore result in overall losses of approximately $428 million in interest income for the NISSS compounding the losses incurred in the 2018 debt restructuring. At the time of the 2018 restructuring, GOB liabilities with the NISS stood at $4.4 billion, with contribution arrears amounting to $468 million. The NISSS lost $1.46 billion in the nominal value of this debt due to the restructuring (NIS 17th Actuarial Review). This does not account for the loss of interest income due to this transaction. Approximately $3.5 billion of this debt was restructured into Series E bond with a 37.5 per cent ($1.3 billion) reduction in the face value. Overall, the NISSS could see an erosion of $1.7 billion in the value of its investment in Series E Bonds across all three debt operations. The NISSS also has holdings of Series B ($324 million) and Series D ($89 million) bonds, and if these are part of the repurchase auction this will add to the NISSS losses. The holders of Series D and Series B bonds (except the University of the West Indies) suffered no reduction in the face value of their debt, but because of the lengthening of the maturity period and a reduction in interest rate, they would have endured the loss of interest income due to the 2018 debt restructuring.

Since 2018, the government has completed two debt operations and is in the process of implementing a third, the debt for climate swap. These three operations, while they have impacted the debt metrics positively and have created fiscal space for the government, have resulted in significant erosion of the value of domestic bondholders’ assets and could weaken the financial position of the affected parties. It appears that the NISSS has been bearing an unequal share of the burden of the government’s debt management strategy. In all three debt operations, the reduction in debt and savings in interest payment have been absorbed primarily by the NISS.

Debt buyback can be an effective tool as part of the government’s debt management strategy to create fiscal space to pursue priority development objectives in a resource-constrained environment, but it must be fair to the debtor as well as to all creditors and should not compromise the financial viability of the creditors/investors and their ability to deliver on their mandate. Persons responsible for investment decisions and for the financial health of organisations affected by debt buyback therefore need to be alert and diligent in exercising their fiduciary responsibilities.

Dr Juliet Melville is a former Director of the Economics Department at the Caribbean Development Bank and a former lecturer at The University of the West Indies, St Augustine campus.

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Independence celebrations move into high gear from Thursday with key events to mark Barbados’ 58th anniversary of Independence, and Barbadians are being encouraged to attend and demonstrate national pride.

The activities will start with the opening of the Marcus Garvey Amphitheatre in Queen’s Park at 5:30 p.m.
and continue with the annual Independence Concert at the Golden Square Freedom Park.

Speaking at the park on Wednesday, Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams said he and his team of organisers are maximising the space where the setup and layout will be displayed in a way never before seen by the public.

“It is the perfect venue for this year’s concert. I’m excited to see the performers on the big stage. We are covering the gamut with the performers…. We’re having the established ones like Red Plastic Bag, and we’re having some new, upcoming artists. We’re having people that you have probably never even heard of before but who will be on your radar very, very shortly. It’s a packed programme for the Independence concert,” he said.

Abrahams said the concert, one of the highlights of the Independence celebrations, “is heading to be even bigger and even better” this year.

“There’s a lot to do. I’m telling people to come out. All of our events are family-friendly. Every single thing that we put on for the Independence celebrations has been family-friendly. Bring out your family, … bring all your friends…. There’s something in here for everybody; it is going to be epic,” he declared.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation, Carol Roberts said the public is in for a treat, with the concert showcasing the eclectic talent of Barbadian artists.

She noted that apart from Red Plastic Bag, performers include the reigning Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch, Adrian Clarke, Rupee, Tay, and entertainers from the hotel circuit such as Casheda Dottin, Shadia Marshall, and Alix Cage.

The next big event is the Independence Parade.

Abrahams said preparations are on track.

“The parade is shaping up very, very well. It is going to be what you expect. It is going to be the greatest military spectacle that we as Barbadians put on,” he said. “We’re doing it by tickets again this year – that’s just to control the seating…and I am amazed at the uptake on the tickets.”

Encouraging Barbadians to come out, the minister said: “There may be some surprises in store for Barbadians, but you know what? That’s why you call them surprises. I can’t tell you, you will see. Come to the parade.”

Another major event, the finals of the Prime Minister’s Football Cup, will take place on Saturday afternoon at Kensington Oval.

“And if we thought Independence tickets were flying out the door, then the tickets for the Prime Minister’s Cup are in high, high demand. It is amazing,” Abrahams said. “The interest this has generated in terms of local football…. There have been thousands coming out to matches, and the persons who are calling for tickets and who requested tickets, and the uptake on the tickets has been nothing short of phenomenal. I think we’re probably going to see a record attendance for any event at Kensington for the Prime Minister’s Cup.”

(BT)

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Charles Lindsay Bolden was remembered on Wednesday as a fearless advocate, a compassionate mentor, and a voice for justice whose quiet generosity touched countless lives at the official funeral service for the former Labour Party Cabinet minister, parliamentarian and Speaker of the House of the Assembly.

In a heartfelt tribute to his late friend at the Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens and Crematorium in Christ Church, Gline Clarke, Barbados’ High Commissioner to Canada, described Bolden as a man of principle, courage, and compassion who left a lasting impact on the nation.

“He was a man who spoke his mind. He didn’t use flowery language,” Clarke remarked. “Bolden did not just speak his mind for his constituents; he did the same for those in the legal profession, always standing firm on his beliefs.”

In her tribute to Bolden, Prime Minister Mia Mottley remembered him as both a dedicated politician and a mentor to many. She spoke of his deep connection to the Barbadian community and his unwavering commitment to public service.

“Lindsay was of that generation of Barbadian politicians who was born of the community he served and reflected it in everything he did. His generosity was legendary, though it wasn’t always publicised,” she recalled. “He did it quietly, not seeking recognition or a photo op in the paper. His philanthropy was seen in the way he helped others, behind the scenes.”

The prime minister also reflected on the challenging years in politics, during the party’s struggles in the years before gaining power in 1976 and in the late 1980s when the party was out of government after two terms.

She said: “I joined the Labour Party in 1986 after we had just lost the election, and as a young member, I was regaled with stories of the previous generation of politicians. Before there were the ‘three blind mice’ of 1986, there were six in 1971. Tom Adams became leader of the opposition, and with him were Burton Hinds, Lionel Craig, Sir Henry Forde, my father, Elliott Mottley, and Lindsay Bolden. These six men literally held the government to account in ways that have become legendary.”

In a moving tribute, Bolden’s daughter Carolyn expressed her deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon her father, expressing her father’s love for his family and for Barbados.

“Our father loved us dearly and delighted in each of our achievements, big or small,” she said. “He raised us to be fiercely independent, to be ourselves, and to pursue what made us happy.”

She also described her father as a man of quiet generosity and kindness. “He had a unique gift for making those around him feel special and important,” Carolyn said. “He craved human connection. Our home was always full of friends, family, and politicians from both sides of the aisle. It was loud with laughter and debate, and I learned so much from the spirited conversations. No matter how strongly he and his friends disagreed, the evening always ended with a laugh, a drink, and a promise to continue the discussion next time.”

Bolden became a prominent attorney-at-law, later being appointed Queen’s Counsel in recognition of his expertise and dedication to the legal profession in a career spanning more than 40 years on several notable legal cases.

He was first elected to the House of Assembly in the by-election of 1970, taking over the constituency of St Joseph on the retirement of BLP founding member and former premier Sir Grantley Adams. Reelected in 1976 when the BLP swept to power under Tom Adams, he served as minister of agriculture and later as House Speaker from 1984 to 1986.

Bolden, who died on November 10, leaves to mourn widow Anne Marie Bolden, daughters Carolyn and Cheryl Bolden, brother Belfield Bolden, and several extended family members, including Cyle Johnson, Barbara Connell, Monica Springer, Sybil Bolden, Kathleen Greenidge, and Gloria McConney.

(LG)

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Police are investigating a shooting incident this morning in Deacons Farm, St Michael in which a 32-year-old man was shot in the abdomen.
According to The Barbados Police Service (TBPS), the man was shot during a dispute between two family members at Rosemont, Deacons Farm around 6:30 a.m.
He was treated at the scene by personnel of the Ambulance Service and transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he is said to be in stable condition.
Anyone, who can provide any information that can assist with police investigations into the shooting is asked to call the Black Rock Police Station at 417 7500, Police Emergency 211, Crime Stoppers at 1 800 TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.
TBPS assured that all information received will be strictly confidential.

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Barbados is set to hold a high level meeting with a United States delegation on Friday, the Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has revealed.

Speaking at a news conference today, Rowley said the meeting will involve “some decision makers, high ranking members of the United States government, which is currently in transition.

‘We have a number of issues on the table, not the least in which is something called the Bridgetown Initiative. We have been fighting with the Bretton institutions to treat us more fairly in these difficult times and also to get terms and conditions…for our countries,”  he said.

“Therefore we will meet in Barbados from Friday afternoon,” he said adding “we cannot but be engaged in these issues. They have far reaching consequences,” he added.

Rowley did not name the other regional leaders expected at the meeting with the US officials or whether these officials are from the outgoing Biden administration or the incoming team from the President-elect Donald Trump. (BT/CMC)

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Noel Lynch is the new chairman of the board of The Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) Inc.

Lynch replaces Dr. The Honourable Jerry Bruce Emtage as Chairman.

In addition, the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s Chairman, Javon Griffith, has been added as a Board Member – Director.

The other Board Members are Deputy Chairman, Paul Ashby; and Directors Connie Smith, Jefferson Payne, Selena McDonald, Michael Holder, Christian-Kendahl Rock, Niska Best, Permanent Secretary (International Transport) or nominee in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance or nominee, and Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

Members of the Grantley Adams International Airport Board with Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill (centre) and new Chairman, Noel Lynch (seated to the minister’s left). (BGIS)

The Board will continue to carry out its mandate of pursuing the strategic objectives and policy directives of the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, including making the airport a world-class provider and facilitator of air transportation and related aviation services.

Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill extends his appreciation and thanks to Dr. Emtage for his work during his tenure as Chairman of the Board at GAIA Inc. (BGIS/BT )

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Barbados is ready to celebrate its 58th Anniversary of Independence with a grand parade on Saturday, with organisers confirming that all preparations are complete.

Public Relations Officer with the Barbados Defence Force, Lieutenant Shimar Gollop told a team from Barbados TODAY, who visited to take in the final preparations on Thursday, that there will be 919 participants representing 19 organisations from both armed and unarmed units taking part in this year’s parade, which follows months of planning and rehearsals.

“Today has been going quite well; persons on parade are quite eager, detachment commanders are all prepared, and you can look forward to a very good and exciting parade come Saturday,” she said.

This year’s parade commander will be the Commanding Officer of the Barbados Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Julia DaBreo. Acting Senior Superintendent Christine Stanford of The Barbados Police Service will serve as the parade’s second-in-command, making history as the first female of the Barbados Police Service to be in that position. Supporting them will be Captain Natalie Haynes of the Barbados Regiment, serving as parade adjutant.

The first troops are expected to march onto the parade square at Kensington Oval just after 7 a.m.

A key highlight of the celebration will be a tribute to Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to the US Congress and a trailblazer with Barbadian roots. Other highlights include the presentation of leadership badges to the head girls and head boys of the island’s primary and secondary schools and the presentation of national honours and awards. (RG)

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