Boost Powered Queen’s College (QC) have been crowned the new Champions of the Co-Operators General Insurance National Sports Council Under-19 Basketball Competition after they crushed the 2023 winners, Harrison College (HC), by a massive 44 points on Wednesday evening at the Wildey Gymnasium.

In a game that began with both teams playing careless basketball, QC were able to calm the nerves first, as they outscored HC 20-9 at the end of the first quarter.

Tyler Forde, the hero of the semifinals with 26 points, came off the bench once again to provide instant offense as he scored 10 second-quarter points to open the lead for the Warriors at halftime 44-25.

Not to be left out, Zane Gaskin went on a tear, scoring 11 of the first 17 QC points after half time as the Warriors ran all over their opponents with a dominant 31-point scoring outburst in the third quarter to control the game 75-47.

The lads from Husbands showed no mercy on their rivals in the final period, as they pressed on the gas pedal to outscore HC 19-3, push the final score to 94-50, and complete the undefeated season, taking the 2024 title home to St James.

Tyler Forde was named finals most valuable player (MVP) with his 24 points off the bench while the league MVP Zane Gaskin scored 22, Derreon Griffin also scored 14, with Nathan Scott adding 12 for the Warriors.

The lone player in double digits for HC was Zane Cox with 14 points.

Individual Awards:

Top 5 Players of the Tournament

• Ari Mottley-Squires, The St Michael School
• Nathan King, The Lodge School
• Walton Yarbrough, Harrison College
• Derreon Griffin, Queen’s College
• Zane Gaskin, Queen’s College

League MVP: Zane Gaskin, Queen’s College

Finals MVP: Tyler Forde, Queen’s College

(ZM)

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Relief is finally on the horizon for frustrated communities battling uncollected garbage, as 12 of 26 newly purchased trucks arrived in Barbados on Thursday. The Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) is aiming to have these vehicles operational by late next week, promising a cleaner start to the New Year.

SSA Chairman Ramon Alleyne told Barbados TODAY that the first batch of trucks is currently at the Bridgetown Port. “The hope is that they will be cleared early next week and possibly pressed into service… I would imagine by late next week, they should be in service,” he said.

Alleyne noted that bin lifters need to be added to the vehicles but assured they are “pretty much ready to go”.

In recent weeks, residents across several parishes have complained of overflowing bins and unsightly pile-ups due to a decline in garbage collection services. Acknowledging the challenges faced by affected areas, Alleyne assured that the SSA remains focused on improving service frequency as the New Year approaches.

“The intent is to be in a position to offer improved frequency of service in the New Year. We have plans to bring the fleet up to the numbers that would allow that increase. Once we settle the logistics, we will announce what the increased frequency will look like within the first quarter of next year,” he explained.

Alleyne highlighted that an optimum fleet size of 50 or more trucks is required to adequately service all parishes. With the new arrivals, the SSA’s fleet now stands just shy of 50 vehicles, and an additional 12 trucks are expected by early next year.

He said: “The optimum plan is to bring the fleet to 50-plus. That will allow us to implement the increased frequency across the island. We recognise that we will need in the region of 50-plus to be able to deliver that kind of frequency.”

The SSA chairman also emphasised that the new trucks, varying in size to accommodate different road conditions, will ensure an islandwide improvement. 

He said: “We have areas that have been feeling the pinch. The idea is that we have brought in varied sizes, such that we have the trucks available to go into the different districts depending on road size and space, which has been a problem previously. So, it’s islandwide; this is not for any one particular area. The idea is islandwide improvement.”

The remaining 14 trucks are expected to arrive in two batches—ten by month’s end and the final two in the New Year—in a bid to bring much-needed reinforcement to the SSA’s waste management efforts. 

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

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The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is undergoing significant reforms to modernise its operations, with chief executive Neil Clark suggesting the roles of medical consultants will be updated to enable the hospital to shift towards a 24-hour operation.

He told a town hall meeting on the hospital’s 2025-2028 strategic plan that the current system governing consultants is outdated, highlighting inefficiencies in job planning and resource utilisation that hinder the hospital’s ability to deliver timely care.

The proposed changes aim to create a seamless, round-the-clock healthcare system that ensures efficiency, responsiveness, and better outcomes for patients. Clark stressed the importance of involving consultants and junior doctors in shaping these reforms, promising a collaborative approach to addressing their concerns while meeting the hospital’s evolving needs.

At the core of the reforms is QEH’s move toward a 24-hour model, a process he described as essential to meeting the demands of modern healthcare. Currently, the hospital operates with uneven staffing and resource allocation across departments, which often results in delays in patient care and inefficiencies in service delivery.

“We’re moving toward a 24/7 operational model to better meet the needs of our patients,” Clark explained. “This isn’t just about having a hospital that is open all the time—it’s about ensuring that we are fully operational at all hours. It means having the right people in place, the right systems, and the right resources to deliver care whenever it is needed.”

Elaborating further on the vital role consultants will play in this transition, he noted that their availability and expertise are essential for the hospital’s continuous operations. “To deliver 24/7 care, we need consultants to be an integral part of this process,” he said. “It’s about flexibility, responsiveness, and making sure we can meet the needs of our patients at all times.”

Clark detailed the inefficiencies of the current system governing medical consultants, calling for an overhaul to align their roles with the hospital’s strategic goals. He emphasised that outdated job planning processes and inconsistent resource allocation are significant barriers to achieving optimal patient care.

“Our consultants have operated under a system that, frankly, hasn’t been reviewed or updated in years,” Clark said. “We need to modernise how consultants’ time and expertise are utilised, ensuring their roles are clearly defined and aligned with the hospital’s objectives.”

One critical aspect of the reforms is improving job planning to provide consultants with clear expectations and structured schedules. “We need to ensure that consultants have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities,” the CEO explained. “This includes defining job plans that are aligned with the hospital’s strategic goals and making sure that resources are allocated in a way that maximises efficiency.”

He also acknowledged the uneven workloads that consultants often face, pledging to create a more balanced system. “This isn’t just about operational efficiency; it’s about creating a better working environment for our staff,” he added.

Clark pointed to the importance of ensuring consultants are deployed in a way that optimises patient outcomes. “When consultants are working more efficiently and are better supported, it directly translates to better outcomes for our patients,” he said.

Another key element of the reform strategy is engaging consultants and junior doctors in the decision-making process. Clark stressed that their insights are critical to shaping policies that address both the hospital’s needs and the challenges faced by medical staff.

“We’re not going to impose these changes from the top down,” he insisted. “We’re working closely with consultants and junior doctors to ensure that the new policies are practical, effective, and responsive to their needs.”

Clark added: “We need their input to understand what works and what doesn’t in their day-to-day roles. Their feedback will help us design a system that supports them and enables them to deliver the best care possible.”

He noted there was significant value in collaborating to achieve the hospital’s goals. “This isn’t about consultants versus management,” he said. “It’s about all of us working together to create a hospital that works for patients and staff alike.”

Clark acknowledged that moving to a 24/7 operational model presents challenges, including resource allocation, maintaining work-life balance for consultants, and ensuring continuity of care across shifts. However, he described these challenges as opportunities to build a more efficient and patient-focused system.

“Our length of stay is higher than international best practice,” he noted. “We’ve got opportunities to improve this by having more consistent care delivery and ensuring that patients aren’t waiting unnecessarily because key resources aren’t available.”

The CEO also stressed the need for improved coordination between departments to support 24/7 operations. “Every part of the hospital has to work together seamlessly,” he said. “From diagnostics to administrative processes, everything must align to ensure continuity and efficiency.”

The ultimate goal of these reforms, Clark emphasised, is to improve patient care by ensuring that consultants are deployed in a way that supports timely and effective treatment. “This is all about improving the patient experience,” he said. “A 24/7 hospital means that no matter when someone comes through our doors, they can expect the same level of care.”

Clark also highlighted the importance of reducing delays in treatment and ensuring access to specialised care: “When we have consultants available and systems in place that allow them to work efficiently, patients benefit directly. This means faster diagnoses, quicker treatments, and ultimately better outcomes.” (RG)

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By Sheria Brathwaite

The chicken shortage in Barbados is officially over, Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir said Friday, giving an assurance that there will be an abundance of fresh poultry on supermarket shelves for Christmas.

Weir told Barbados TODAY that since November 18, poultry stock was gradually being replenished, but as of this week, there was so much chicken available that at least one retail outlet had to delay an order.

He said: “From the 18th of November we would have seen a significant improvement in the availability of fresh chicken on the supermarket shelves and that has remained constant. We have more chicken available to the supermarkets than they anticipated. I was told that one supermarket had to put off one of its orders because the shelves are so packed that they can’t keep up.”

There were low supplies of chicken in retail outlets since mid-August, and the situation worsened as weeks passed. Industry officials announced that the sector was experiencing challenges associated with the sweltering heat and other production problems.

Scores of consumers complained about sourcing poultry on radio programmes and social media. Food vendors and the management of many supermarket chains also vented their frustrations about the unavailability of chicken, with the latter, in some cases, putting restrictions on how many chickens customers could buy. The shortage affected the fast-food industry, and some chains were forced to close periodically.

Weir said that this development should alleviate any fear that there would be a chicken shortage for the holidays and for the government-sponsored We Gatherin’ celebrations that are intended to attract Barbadians overseas.

“Consumers will have chicken consistently going into Christmas; there should be no talk about shortages of chicken anymore. I sincerely hope that this situation continues as we go into next year and as we supply for ‘We Gatherin’ throughout the year.”

Weir added that the meat on the shelves was not imported.

“All of the chicken on the shelves are locally labelled; we don’t put imported chicken on supermarket shelves.”

The minister said he was pleased about the rebound the poultry industry was making.

Weir said: “We have to give and take; I find that many times we are often too fast to criticise and don’t take time to understand the issues and this is not a good thing for our country. The poultry producers, whilst it is true that they should be held accountable for what took place, you cannot rule out the climate crisis. It is just not impacted Barbados, it is impacting the region and it is having a global impact. The poultry industry was impacted by the climate crisis where the mortality rates were higher than they have ever been. Then there were issues as it relates to management practices and feed and other variables that none of us were able to control.

“While people were not happy that there wasn’t a consistent supply of chicken on supermarket shelves, you cannot blame the government for those kinds of things. This is strictly all private sector operation and my role is to facilitate and support them as much as I can and that is what we [as a government] have been doing. We have made funds available for people to transition their businesses to be able to adapt to climate change, support them with training and put structures in place that they can benefit from.”

To significantly reduce the possibility of another shortage, Weir said that the industry, in association with the ministry and the Barbados Agricultural Society, launched an app to keep industry players well informed about the goings-on in the sector.

“We have an app in place that will be used for the poultry industry and generally for agriculture as well,” the minister said.

“It will tell us on a daily basis what is happening in the poultry industry so that we can get ahead of any challenges that may be presented and we can also monitor the daily hatches, the quantity of orders from small farmers, and how many have dropped out. That type of critical data we are now going to have to hand and that should help us to mitigate a repeat of the shortage we just saw.”

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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Police have confirmed the discovery of skeletal remains belonging to two men in a bushy area of Henley, St John, in a potential breakthrough to a longstanding missing persons investigation.

The discovery, made on Thursday, has raised hopes of providing closure to a case involving two local men who disappeared in July 2023. Police Communications and Public Affairs Officer Inspector Rodney Inniss revealed that medical experts have confirmed the remains are those of two adult individuals, with a post-mortem examination scheduled to determine the precise cause of death.

Although the identity of the remains has not been confirmed, police described the development as a “sensitive matter of a historical nature”. This raised speculation that the bodies could be those of two missing men from Blades Hill, St Philip, Junior Taitt, 49, and Randy Brathwaite, 47, who disappeared last year.

The area where the remains were found was cordoned off by police while forensic teams conducted their initial investigation.

Inspector Inniss stressed that investigations remain active, urging anyone with potential information to contact the authorities. Members of the public can reach out to the District ‘C’ Police Station at 416-8200 or 416-8204, call Police

Emergency at 211, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or visit their nearest police station.
The Major Crime and Forensic Scenes of Crime units are leading the investigation into the discovery which has gripped the communities seeking answers.

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The Barbados Dairy and Beef Association has sparked debate with its bold decision to import 180 pregnant heifers from Canada, a move aimed at revitalising the island’s struggling dairy industry.

Despite criticism over the feasibility of rearing cold-climate cattle in the tropics, the association remains confident in the adaptability of the Holstein breed.

In an interview with Barbados TODAY on Friday, dairy association president Patrick Butcher stated there was no error in importing the animals from a cold country to the tropics, as the animals—particularly the Holstein breed—are adaptable to most climates.

He was responding to critics who questioned the feasibility of rearing cattle here from a country known for its bitterly cold weather.

“It may be true that the animals are coming from a more temperate climate, but most animals are adaptable, and the Holstein is used throughout the world,” he said.

“They are not only used in tropical climates but also in Australia and South Africa, where temperatures tend to be even harsher than ours. Even places like the United Arab Emirates and India, for example, use them. The Holstein is just not an animal selected for North America and Europe.

It’s the most popular of all the dairy breeds and is adaptable.”Butcher took a Barbados TODAY team on a tour of CO Williams Dairy in Kendal, St John, to provide a first-hand look at the animals in quarantine. Veterinary restrictions prevented the team from taking photos or getting too close to the animals. The animals were observed grazing peacefully, showing no signs of heat stress such as panting or drooling.

Butcher emphasised that these animals were essential to rejuvenate the struggling dairy industry. He said two main challenges significantly impacted the sector, and with these new genetics, farmers could now focus on addressing the problems.

One challenge, he noted, was the sweltering heat, which had intensified over the past few years. He urged farmers to transform their farms into climate-adjusted facilities to ensure maximum efficiency from the animals. This includes investing in cooling mechanisms such as fans and increasing shaded areas on farms.

Nutrition was another critical factor, Butcher said. Milk producers must ensure the animals have adequate supplies of quality hay, vitamins, and minerals.

He highlighted innovative solutions, such as Claybury Plantation’s wrapped grass silage, which stays fresh for up to a year, and Armag Farms’ provision of king grass (pearl millet) to supplement animal feed. He also mentioned collaboration with a local fish processing company to create a fish offal-based productto supplement rations, with plans to scale up production.

The heifers were imported through a joint venture involving the government, farmers, the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), and the Royal Bank of Canada.

The 180 heifers were sourced from Canada as a contingency when the initial plan to import them from the United States fell through due to a ban on American cattle after bird flu outbreaks.

In recent years, local dairy farmers have struggled to produce even three million kilogrammes of milk annually—50 per cent below acceptable levels. Butcher identified another significant issue: fertility challenges among cattle.

“One of the major challenges with reproduction on the farms would be the quality of semen and its source. Previously, two of the most reputable companies—Semex in Canada and Semex Sires in North America—were our go-to for artificial insemination. For some reason, there was a move away from these companies, and during that time, we observed a decline in the quality of our livestock. This likely contributed to the milk shortage.”

He said farmers previously benefited from AI services provided by Semex, which included animal evaluations, consultations on breeding strategies, and training in insemination techniques.

After the Semex programme was discontinued, farmers were encouraged to use sexed semen to select the desired offspring.

However, Butcher explained that this method has limitations.

“The challenge with using sexed semen is that you get the highest conception rates with virgin heifers. Using it on mature cows yields lower rates, as they are more likely to experience post-calving issues,” he said.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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Former senator and retired principal Alwyn Adams on Friday reignited calls to scrap the Barbados Secondary School Entrance Examination, commonly known as the 11-Plus, describing it as an outdated relic of educational segregation that stifles the potential of the working class.

While delivering the keynote address at Speech Day of St Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary School where he was once principal, Adams criticised the island’s education system, declaring that it was failing the people and urgently needed reform.

Repeating a call made two years ago, he argued that the common entrance examination is an antiquated mechanism designed to limit the academic advancement of Barbados’ working class and perpetuate educational segregation. He said then that with Barbados having transitioned to a republic, the country ought to get rid of the current educational system which he has described as “a preservation of British rule”.

During his speech, he said that there was a segment of the public who wanted to maintain the status quo of the old grammar schools and that was why there was a substantial amount of pushback to the reforms the Ministry of Education announced will soon be introduced.

Adams told the audience: “The tremendous intellect of the working class in this country was being stifled. . . what we call the newer secondary schools were seen as a dumping ground for the children of the working class.”

The former senator pointed to a segment of the population resistant to reform, particularly those who sought to preserve the traditional grammar schools, which he claimed was driving substantial pushback against planned changes announced by the Ministry of Education.

Adams also linked the education system’s shortcomings to broader economic challenges, noting that Great Britain abolished the 11-plus in 1969 after recognising its negative impact on the economy.

“And we in Barbados pretend that there is no other alternative. The idea that you can have an 11-plus and say that there is no alternative is really a form of obeah. Something that is strangling you adversely, people are saying that there is no alternative when across the world all the industrialised countries abolished the 11-plus.”

He warned that Barbados could not evolve into a modern society while retaining the examination.

The ceremony also celebrated students for their achievements across various disciplines. Among the awardees were Rovaldo Massiah, who received the Principal’s Award and the Sportsman of the Year Award; Husain Piprawala, recognised as the most outstanding CSEC 2023-2024 student; Kaiden King, named the most outstanding CAPE 2023-2024 student; and Jonathan Dowlat, awarded Student of the Year.

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A St Michael man who was a minor when he fatally stabbed another boy has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The convict who is now 23 years old appeared before Justice Randall Worrell and acting Madam Justice Donna Babb-Agard on Friday and said he was not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter in the death of the then 14-year-old, also from St Michael on November 1, 2013.

“I am sincerely sorry for what happened,” the 23-year-old told the No. 2 Supreme Court, adding: “We were all friends. I’ve made a mistake. I was very young at the time, and I hope that this can past so that I can move on with life,” he said in the presence of his attorney Angella Mitchell-Gittens SC.

After accepting the plea, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC outlined the facts. Seale revealed that school was dismissed early on the mentioned date due to inclement weather. The two boys along with another friend went to a shop in The City for food before going to a nearby area to eat.

While eating, the young convict was laughing at a joke which resulted in him spitting his food in the deceased’s face. This subsequently led to an argument between the two later that day with the 12-year-old teasing the 14-year-old saying: ‘That is why I spit the chow mein in your face’. When asked whether he had done it purposely he replied: ‘Yes’ and the deceased chucked him.

Eyewitnesses said the convict went home and returned to the scene soon after.

“[The 12-year-old] returned about four minutes later however, he was now bareback and barefooted as he was walking towards us and his hands were behind his back,” said a male witness who was also a minor at the time.

He told police the deceased picked up an old chair leg from inside an abandoned car, and the convict pulled a knife from behind his back and stabbed the 14-year-old repeatedly. The 14-year-old was able to hit his attacker with the chair leg causing him to drop the knife.

The 14-year-old was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by private vehicle, where he died from his injuries.

A post-mortem determined that his death was due to cardiac tamponade resulting from a stab wound to the chest.

The case continues on Thursday.

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The Boy From Barbados, Zane Maloney, will be in the thick of things this weekend, when Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship kicks off at the iconic Anhembi Sambadrome in São Paulo. The event marks Brazil’s debut as the Formula E season opener, and Maloney’s debut in Formula E, after hanging up his gloves in Formula 2.

“I’ve had an amazing two years with Rodin Motorsports,” said the 21-year-old rising star via his Facebook page. “They’ve done an amazing job,all the mechanics, engineers, the media, everyone’s been so welcoming. It feels like a family here for me.

“So I’m looking forward to the next journey in Formula E. I hope that a lot of you continue the journey and continue to follow me to Formula E. But thank you everyone for the support over the last two years. I’m now starting my professional career in racing, and I’m really looking forward to it. So thank you for the support, and see you guys soon.”

Whilst his former Formula 2 rivals battle it out in the final round on Saturday and Sunday, Maloney will be the only full debutant on the 2024-25 Formula E grid.

As announced in September, the Sauber F1 junior will drive for the Lola-Yamahapowered Abt team, alongside Formula E’s most experienced driver, Lucas di Grassi.

“It’s not really about performance for us right now – it’s about understanding where we need to improve and where are the biggest jumps that we can make from the very beginning,” said Maloney. “It’s a new manufacturer coming in, so it’s difficult to say how good or how bad it’s going.”

Maloney ended the F2 season in fourth position. He took points in the sprint and feature races last weekend in Qatar, despite starting at the back of the grid due to an issue with his machine in qualifying. He also ended the season with a win in Bahrain, and pole position in Monza, with which he proclaimed himself “happy.”

Now it’s on to the next for Maloney, starting this weekend. Known for its long straights, heavy braking zones and challenging mix of corners, the 11-turn, 2.93km São Paulo street circuit has a reputation for producing thrilling wheel-towheel action and plenty of overtakes.

The 2024 São Paulo E-Prix will be the third edition of the Formula E race in Brazil, which debuted in 2023 during Season 9. (TF)

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Serena Edwards, Destiny Layne, Ronald Rice, and Jonathan Alleyne are representing the national colours in San José, Costa Rica, this weekend. On Friday they began competition on the sand courts of La Sabana Metropolitan Park, which is hosting the ninth and final stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour December 6-8.

Over three days of competition, the top men’s and women’s duos from the North, Central America, and Caribbean Confederation will battle for top honors.

The women’s pair of Edwards and Layne met the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and Costa Rica in the opening round of play.

The USVI had the better of their earlier encounter, Austin and Buckner winning 2-0 (21-9, 21-11). The second-seeded Costa Rican team of Aguilar and Quesada defeated the 10th-seeded Bajans 2-0 (21-11, 21-14). El Salvador are the fourth team in Pool B.

The men, Rice and Alleyne, were set to take on USVI, as well as Nicaragua and Mexico, in Pool C. The Nicaraguan duo of López and López, seeded third, won 2-0 (21- 10, 21-16) over 11 seed Barbados. Bucklin and Penberthy of USVI, seeded sixth, also won 2-0 (21-13, 21-10).

The event also features women’s teams from the United States of America (USA), Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.

On the men’s side, teams from Saint Kitts & Nevis, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Canada, and the USA are entered.

A total of 31 teams registered for the event, 16 in the men’s division and 15 in women, divided into four pools per gender.

This marks the second time in history that Costa Rica is hosting a NORCECA Tour stage, having previously hosted the 10th stage in 2013, also at La Sabana Metropolitan Park.

Among the standout athletes, Nicaragua’s Dany López, who won gold in the sixth stage in Puerto Cortés, Honduras, alongside Rubén Mora, is partnering Dennis López in San José.
From Canada, Luke De Greeff, who earned bronze in the eighth stage in San Salvador and the seventh in Bonaire alongside Martin Licht, will now partner with Guillaume Rivest.

Mexico returns to the tour after missing several 2024 stages, fielding four teams. The host, Costa Rica, will present three women’s teams and two men’s teams. (TF)

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Springer Memorial School marked its 60th anniversary with a lively HYPE Day and Extravaganza, blending fun and education to tackle the growing issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among students.

From energetic fitness sessions to health checks and nutritious food sampling, the event underscored the importance of healthy living for Barbados’ youth.

Teacher Nicole Elliott said HYPE Day and Extravaganza was the perfect opportunity to get the students moving.

She said: “HYPE Day is ‘Health for Youth through Physical Activity’, and it is a day where we all come together to do physical activity because children now are usually very sedentary, outside of those who do physical activity for competitive sports. Because of that, the ministry decided that this was an initiative that would be very good for children, and it also encourages them to come to school, have camaraderie, and find ways to be physically active.”

This year, the school invited radio stations Hitz and Slam, soca artists Salt and Cooper Dan, and fitness instructor Spinny to join the event, helping to energise the students through music, dance, and fitness activities.

Elliott said the students were eager to attend the day’s event. “The response was so good that we had students who were at home ill, and they would send us emails requesting a ticket for HYPE Day. So even that was very intriguing to see because imagine that you are at home but you are still interested in being here just to be a part of today’s event.”

A medical team from the Diabetes Association was also at the school to test and counsel students. “Parents were able to sign up students for testing, to get their BMIs checked, and to speak with some of the nutritionists and interns from the McGill School.”

She explained: “That testing is for those students who may already have issues so that we can help them and guide them in ways to manage what they may have or prevent what they may be close to having, in a timely manner. The earlier we catch something, the better it is for the student,” she added. “So they can get their blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol checked, but only with the permission of the parent.”

Elliott believes that of the nearly 1 000-strong school population, most students were in attendance today.

Acting principal June Moe emphasised that activities like HYPE Day are crucial in promoting well-rounded individuals, particularly when it comes to health, as NCDs continue to be a significant issue in Barbados.

To help address this, the school chose several activities to get the students active. “We have things such as rollerblading and Jenga,” Principal Moe said.

“Young children have NCDs as well, and it can put a strain on the public purse. So if we can try to stem that in some way by getting our young ladies very involved in their health, they will know their numbers. They’ll understand their blood pressure, high blood sugar, and the importance of moving their bodies, which will go a long way in alleviating the high incidences of NCDs in this country.”

Moe also encouraged students to sample healthy snacks, offering them alternatives to sugary, high-fat foods. “There are a lot of companies that are sampling healthy alternatives to the sugary, high-fat foods that we, unfortunately, have become so used to out of convenience. So they are sampling them so that these children’s taste buds, I believe, will adapt to those options.”

She stressed the importance of returning to natural, whole foods: “We want to get away from the ultra-processed foods, especially, and go back to what we know—food that comes right from the ground, that is healthy and full of all the vitamins and minerals, micronutrients that have been provided for us through photosynthesis.”

(LG)

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What was a patient ride by Rey Williams sitting off the pace paid off as Lovely got up just in the nick of time to defeat (6-5 in the betting) Show Time in the Run Barbados Sprint Cup on Friday Night.

Late night showers made the Garrison course soft, but that made no difference as the Sir Geoffery Cave-owned, Stephen Bynoe-trained Lovely made it three wins in a row.

Marvel, from the Edward Walcott Jr barn, left the gates to the lead followed by Show Time, Major Dan, Lovely and Leah in last in the five-horse field.

As they came to the top of the turn for home Marvel had put a head on Show Time who had gone very wide as jockey Shane Collymore had his whip in his left hand but then switch to the right to give Show Time some reminders. But that may have caused him the race, sending Show Time further wide.

Major Dan from the Hopefield Stables was looking dangerous on the rails but Lovely made an explosive move to get up in time from Show Time.

Lovely, who is rated 66, is a granddaughter of crack sprint Perfect Waltz who at one time had won three races in a row working her way up to the top class horses.

Leah finished third and Major Dan fourth.

Rey Williams had a very good day as the only jockey to win three races as Rickey Walcott won two.

Walcott has 27 wins now and Williams 20 in the Jockeys Championship. (KL)

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Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Genadijus Izvekovas, 74, a Lithuanian visitor staying at Cobblers Cove, Road View, St Peter.

He was last seen by his daughter Lina Bard about 8:45 a.m on Friday.

Genadijus is about six feet tall, Caucasian, blue eyes, erect appearance with dark salt and pepper hair. When last seen he was wearing a tan coloured t-shirt, and a white short pants with a blue print. He suffers from Alzheimers.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Genadijus Izvekovas is asked to contact the District ‘E’ Police Station at 419-1730, Police Emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477), or any police station. (PR)

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The Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) brought festive cheer to the heart of Bridgetown on Friday night with their annual concert, Bringing It Home with BARP – Christmas Edition 2024. Held at the Golden Square Freedom Park, the event offered a sweet musical treat for the opening of the Christmas season.

Under the musical direction of Senior Superintendent Andrew Lynch, the Barbados Police Service Band delivered an outstanding performance. Renowned for their excellent musicianship, they were phenomenal with holiday favorites like Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Sleigh Ride and I Saw Three Ships. The band reimagined several classics with fresh and upbeat arrangements. They transformed We Three Kings and Come All Ye Faithful with a big band feel and skillfully incorporated some reggae elements to Give Love on Christmas Day.

Adding a Caribbean touch, they satisfied the audience with renditions of RPB’s Maizie, a spouge-infused version of Becket’s Sing Me Noel and an upbeat calypso-tinged interpretation of Happy Birthday Jesus. They even included some feel-good music from Crop Over 2024 with Generation Gap and Tomorrow.

The concert also spotlighted the individual talents of band members. Senior Superintendent Andrew Lynch demonstrated his versatility by stepping away from the conductor’s podium to join Constable Tanya Maughn on a duet of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s Greatest Gift of All. Maughn charmed with her rendition of Santa Baby and also sang Do You Hear What I Hear. Constable Brianna Weekes had fun with Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree while Cheri Bend performed Silver Bells. She joined Biggie Irie for a rendition of Drummer Boy, rivalling the original singer Natahlee with her chanting. She was so impressive Biggie Irie gave her the moniker of Cheri Banton. Biggie Irie excited the audience with his soca hits Pankatang and his title-winning song, Nah Going Home, getting them on their feet.

The Barbados Police Service Band.

BARP members got their moment to shine, showcasing their line dancing skills, one of the many activities offered by the organisation. Their quartet delivered energetic routines to Lucky Lips and Iko Iko, and Samba. Proving that age is just a number, 84-year-old Ken Farrell paired with Michelle Brandford for an elegant Rumba and Jive performance, earning admiration from the crowd.

Jennifer Walker, serving as the evening’s MC, kept the audience entertained with her relatable humor and interactive trivia. Lucky participants walked away with attractive giveaways courtesy of the show’s sponsors.

On the staging of the concert CEO Steve Alleyne said, “This is how we show our appreciation for the support we receive during the year from our partners in the NGO community and corporate Barbados. Their support has helped us to a successful year.”

Detailing some of their initiatives he indicated that BARP encouraged its members to embrace technology at their headquarters.  He said, “This is where we created a digital space that our seniors can come and learn how to use the computers and be with the digital way of life.”

Before the night concluded, Senior Superintendent Lynch shared important crime prevention tips for the season. He urged patrons to stay vigilant, avoid traveling alone, and exercise caution when wearing jewelry. Addressing recent incidents, he remarked, “It’s unfortunate, but we have to stay alert because some cowards out there want to take what belongs to you.” (STT)

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PoeTree Barbados, the island’s leading platform for spoken word and performance poetry, has announced its first-ever open mic competition, which will take place on December 19.

Organisers say the event builds on Poetree Barbados’ mission to diversify the spoken word scene through inclusive and dynamic platforms.

The Open Mic Competition invites poets, rappers, and performers aged 18 and older to showcase their talents in spoken word poetry, dramatic monologues, rap, or poetic readings. The winner will walk away with a grand prize of $150, along with the prestige of being recognised by one of Barbados’ premier artistic collectives.

“With this event, we’re extending our mission to bring spoken word and performance poetry into fresh spaces, while continuing to nurture a diverse and supportive artistic community,” said co-founder of PoeTree Barbados Akeem Chandler-Prescod. “This competition represents a new step in our journey to create innovative platforms for self-expression.”

The Open Mic Competition will be held at De Bar, Worthing, Christ Church, starting at 7 p.m. (PR)

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With only one round of the 2024 Michael Forde Memorial chess tournament to be completed, Justin Parsons has one hand on the title as he leads the event with five and a half points from the six matches played so far.

Parsons took the lead when he defeated the then leader Ronaldo Rochester in round four. He has then won all his subsequent games to be now entrenched as the favorite to take the title.

In the last round Parsons found himself under a withering attack by Noah Clarke, but he was able to survive and turn things around to claim an important victory.

Two players sit a point adrift of Parsons in joint second place. These are Travis Grant and Rochester.

Ronaldo Rochester.

In their last matches Grant won from Chris White in an intriguing showdown. White, ironically with the white pieces, put Grant’s king under immense pressure and many pundits thought it would have been an early win for White. However, he could not find the knock-out punch and as the game meandered on Grant was able to win a couple of pawns and going into the end game, he held a clear advantage.

However, due to his king being exposed and alone, White used his queen to harass White’s king and even won back a few pawns. It now looked that White could claim a draw by continuously checking Grant’s king but White resigned as he could not figure this out at the board.

The other player in second place, Rochester, also had his lucky stars to count as his opponent Boris Thompson misplayed his attack and eventually lost.

Other players in the round recording victories were Savion Little, Amari Blackett and Charis Stuart. Action will conclude this weekend at the Coles Building, Bay Street in Bridgetown. (KD/PR)

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Australia’s landmark legislation banning social media access for under-16s has ignited intense debate here, leaving figures, parental and youth rights campaigners divided over the potential implementation of similar restrictions locally.

The world-first law, passed by Australia’s parliament on November 28, mandates tech companies to prevent underage users from accessing social media platforms or face fines approaching AUD$50 million ($64.5 million). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese argues the legislation is crucial for protecting young people from social media’s potential harms.

Paula-Ann Moore, spokesperson for the Group of Concerned Parents of Barbados, believes the government should stage a national debate to weigh the pros and cons of implementing such a law here.

“This type of regulation can be seen as reinforcement of the parental role and the parental responsibility because obviously it’s not meant to be a replacement of that responsibility,” Moore said.

She pointed out that a ban on social media for children under 16 raises concerns about balancing parental responsibilities and government intervention.

“The dangers of social media and access to the internet. And I think the younger that children are exposed to it, the greater the risk that they may fall victim to whether it’s predators, of course, the access to porn is a huge factor,” she added.

Moore also cited research linking social media use to negative impacts on mental health: “Then all of what we’ve seen, the data and the research have come out on how those social media platforms can impact negatively on children’s self-esteem, fear of missing out, anxiety, and unfortunately cyberbullying that’s also a great risk as well.”

June Moe, acting principal of Springer Memorial Secondary School, applauded Australia’s decision and emphasised the dangers of unregulated screen time.

“As educators, we see firsthand the dangers that increased screen time, exposure to platforms that are not monitored. We see the dangers daily that it has on students under 16,” Moe said.

She praised Australia’s proactive approach: “I applaud Australia for removing devices for children whose minds are not yet fully developed. These devices not only promote a sedentary lifestyle but also lead to an anti-social one.”

The principal noted that while children may appear social online, they often struggle with interpersonal interactions. “Younger persons have lost the ability to engage one-on-one or in small groups because they’re accustomed to interacting with a screen.”

Moe urged parents to become more informed and involved. “Parents are the ones providing the devices. I urge them to read, research, and understand the dangers of excessive screen time. Many platforms expose children to harmful situations, from psychological harm to meeting strangers with dangerous intentions,” she said.

But youth advocate Caleb Brathwaite opposed the idea of a ban while insisting on greater parental control instead.

Brathwaite, the president of the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC), said: “There should be more parental control… greater rules in terms of monitoring their children’s use of social media, as well as educating them of the correct use of social media, and also to see how that information technology being taught within the educational system can also play that role, so that it is constant, and that is the correct use of social media.”

He argued that age restrictions already exist on most platforms and suggested that additional rules may not be necessary.

While Moore believes the idea of enforcing a similar ban has merit, she noted significant challenges.

She said: “For you to implement the age limit and then enforce it, there’s certain data that you would have to provide. So, the argument could be made, I think, with some success, but if already we’re having data breaches on several different elements of our life, do we wait, until we have some assurance that we are ready from a technological point of view, to ensure that those data breaches are minimised, are we even ready?”

louriannegraham@barbadostoday.bb

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The Division of Culture marked World AIDS Day on Friday with a donation of over $3 000 in food vouchers to the HIV/AIDS Food Bank and a health expo at SkyMall. 

The event, which offered free health screenings and cultural performances, highlighted efforts to combat HIV-related stigma and promote holistic wellness among Barbadians.

At a brief opening ceremony, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Dr Shantal Munro-Knight noted the division’s commitment to supporting individuals living with the disease stating, “This initiative reflects our care for those people living in our society that are living with HIV.”

Noting that culture goes beyond performances, she said, “It’s also about how we use it to educate and build awareness and make a difference within our communities and Barbados. This initiative is a practical example of that.”

During the presentation, the minister underscored the importance of well-being and cautioned against discrimination. 

Also addressing the opening ceremony was Director of the National Well-Being and HIV Commission, Lynn Armstrong who emphasised the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in addressing HIV/AIDS.

“We at the National Well-Being and HIV Commission, in partnership with the Division of Culture, take pride in having you today as we reflect on World AIDS Day and the ongoing work being done in Barbados to combat HIV-related stigma and discrimination, support those living with the virus, and ultimately strengthen the health and well-being of our island,” Armstrong said.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture Senator Shantal Munro- Knight presents vouchers valued over $3 000 to Janice Williams of the AIDS Food Bank.

She also noted the transformative role of culture in addressing health issues. 

“As we know, culture is the heartbeat of our society. It shapes our values, communicates our truths, and inspires transformation,” Armstrong said, adding that the commission’s collaboration with the Division of Culture has enabled impactful initiatives using the arts, storytelling, and poetry to spark dialogue and challenge stereotypes.

The health expo offered screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, prostate health, and breast cancer, highlighting the activity’s focus on holistic wellness. 

Armstrong also announced the upcoming launch of the fifth annual Love Safely Literary Competition, a platform for creative expression aimed at fostering empathy and challenging stigma.

The programme included performances by a spoken word artiste and a drama piece, which both reinforced messages of compassion and understanding. 

“The initiatives we undertake at the National Well-Being and HIV Commission are not just about spreading knowledge, but fostering empathy. They remind us that behind every statistic is a real person, a friend, a family member, a community member deserving of respect, dignity, and support,” Armstrong said.

The officials noted that the event forms part of AIDS Awareness Week with activities aimed at education, advocacy, and creating a more inclusive society for those living with HIV/AIDS. (SM)

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It was a day of reflection, celebration and inspiration as the Combermere School honoured its students’ achievements for 2023/2024.

Under the theme Continuing the Tradition of Excellence, the school held its annual speech day and prize-giving ceremony, at the campus on Friday, celebrating academic excellence and sporting achievements, even as it looked forward to a future of continued success.

Ryan Brathwaite, chief executive officer of Ticket Linkz and Hackleton Construction, himself a former Combermere head boy in delivering the feature address, reminded students that excellence is not determined by privilege, wealth, or social connections, but by “character, ability, and commitment to values”.

Making it clear that “excellence is not perfection” but “a commitment to constant growth,” Brathwaite urged students to embrace challenges, learn from their failures, and constantly strive to become the best version of themselves.

“Excellence is who we are, but it is evident in all that we do,” Brathwaite said. “Combermere is more than just a school; it is a tradition, a legacy, a family. Today, we reflect on the theme of Continuing the Tradition of Excellence, and we are reminded of the profound responsibility we all share to carry this theme forward.”

Chairman of the school’s Board of Management Captain Rev Al Walcott in his welcome remarks spoke of the importance of celebrating the hard work and dedication of students. He, however, reminded the students that their achievements, thus far, are not the end, but rather a foundation for even greater success.

“It is a time of celebration where we honour the students who have worked extremely hard in developing their academic careers,” he said. “I pray that this will not be the end of your endeavours to reach high academic standings but a platform upon which you can continue to build and build towards developing a life of achievement, value, and success.”

Principal Robin Douglas reflected on the students’ achievements of the past year.

In his principal’s report, he highlighted the school’s academic achievements for the 2023-2024 year.

At the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level, Principal Douglas stated that the school offered 23 subjects and had an overall pass rate of 82 per cent. Notably, 15 per cent of students earned Grade l passes, while 37 per cent achieved Grade ll passes. Furthermore, he said, subjects such as Industrial Technology, Physical Education & Sport, and Theatre Arts achieved a perfect pass rate of 100 per cent.

At the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) level, Combermere achieved a 94 per cent overall pass rate across 26 subjects. Out of 45 units offered, 36 had pass rates above 80 per cent, with 21 of those units receiving 100 per cent passes.

In addition to academic triumphs, Combermere’s sporting achievements for the year were a source of pride for the entire school community. The school dominated the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Athletic Championship (BSSACC) 2024, emerging as double champions. They also performed admirably in netball, cricket, and football.

Looking ahead, Principal Douglas said, the faculty will continue to prioritise the growth and development of students, striving to provide them with the tools they need.

“Combermere School continues to move forward with the mission to facilitate student achievement to their greatest potential,” Douglas said. “We will ensure that the tradition of excellence at Combermere is emblazoned upon the fabric of the Barbadian spirit, that it continues its contribution to society in this new world. . .”

Before the ceremony began, the school’s Steel Orchestra played a selection of popular hits creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere that had the audience tapping their feet in rhythm. There were a number of other performances by students, including dance and song.

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The Vector Control Unit will fog several districts in St James and St Michael this week, as part of its efforts to reduce the mosquito population in Barbados.

On Monday the St James districts of Sion Hill Tenantry, Hall’s Road, Rock Dundo, Bakers’ Avenue, Bakers’ Rise, Bakers’ Woods, South Drive, Upper Carlton #1 and #2, and environs will be targeted.

On Tuesday the fogging team will visit the St Michael districts of Whitehall, Mill Bank, Hillview Close, Phillip’s Road, Bristol Road, Grazettes Court, and surrounding areas.

The team will return to St Michael on Wednesday and spray Stanmore Terrace, Goddard Road, Plymouth Square, Pleasant View, University Drive, and environs.

Fogging for the rest of the week will take place in St James. On Thursday Chapel Gap # 1 and 2, Clarke Gap # 1, Derricks, Forde Terrace, Courts View, Fitts Village, and neighbouring districts will be fogged; while on Friday it will be the turn of Lashley Road, Berbice #1 and 2, Johnson Road, Prospect Road, Crusher Site Road, and environs.

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, and 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 affected communities in the soonest possible time. (PR)

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