Kraigg Brathwaite will return to the Barbados Pride Squad this Wednesday for the second round of the 2025 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Championship against the West Indies Academy at the historic Kensington Oval.

The Pride will hope to bounce back in the regional four-day competition after conceding their opening match on Friday to the defending champion Guyana Harpy Eagles. This in spite of encouraging returns from the likes of Matthew Forde on debut, and strong batting in the first innings on Wednesday.

Their hopes of so doing will be bolstered by the addition of another West Indies player, Jomel Warrican. Shaquille Cumberbatch and Jamar Ifill will also be joining the squad for the upcoming series. Cumberbatch, 30, played four matches last season, grabbing 15 wickets in eight innings. Ifill, meanwhile, is a 27-year-old fast bowling all-rounder who played club cricket in England last year.

Left out of the squad are Raymon Reifer, who led the squad against Guyana. Also omitted are Chaim Holder, Chemar Holder, and Matthew Jones.

First-Class cricket returns to the Oval with a day/night pink-ball fixture. The scheduled playing times for this contest are 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 3:40 p.m.-5:40 p.m., and 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

The Academy squad includes six exciting young Bajan players. In the opening round against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, the boys endured a 400-run loss in Antigua & Barbuda, despite Barbados’ Joshua Bishop picking up 10 wickets for the Academy.

Barbados Pride Squad:

• Kraigg Brathwaite (captain)
• Leniko Boucher
• Shaquille Cumberbatch
• Jonathan Drakes
• Matthew Forde
• Jamar Ifill
• Javed Leacock
• Jair McAllister
• Zachary McCaskie
• Demetrius Richards
• Ramon Simmonds
• Jomel Warrican
• Kevin Wickham

Management Team:

• Vasbert Drakes (Head Coach)
• Ryan Hinds (Assistant Coach)
• Colin Bowen (Manager)
• Dr Jacqueline King (Physiotherapist)
• Alexander Forde (Strength and Conditioning Coach)
• Jamar Layne (analyst)

(TF)

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The government is accelerating its training of teachers to manage mixed-ability classrooms, as part of a major initiative to integrate students with special needs into mainstream schools soon, Minister of Education Kay McConney has said.

It is hoped that by doing so, she said, the stigma associated with having different learning abilities will dissipate and those students would not fall by the wayside.

She said: “From the government’s perspective we have said that students who have special needs and special exceptionalities, that we want to ensure that we create a space for every single child . . . the intention is that across all schools we will be able to integrate all students in mixed ability classes where all students are able to learn and where we are able to provide the right types of interventions for them. When we say interventions this is dependent on how a child learns the pace at which a child learns that we’re able to make sure that our teachers are properly equipped to be able to work with them.

“That is why we have put such significant investment in the training of teachers to make sure that all schools are able to create the right kind of environment. I believe that over the last 20 months or so, more than 3 000 teachers and school leaders have been trained. Erdiston Teachers Training College is ramping up its effort towards training teachers who can not only deal with students with special needs but who now can handle classrooms where you have students with mixed abilities because some teachers and some environments are such that . . . We recognise now that we need to prepare our learning facilitators because they’re not just teachers, teachers must become learning facilitators able to facilitate the learning of any child in a classroom where those children in there have mixed ability.”

McConney said children with learning challenges were often deemed as “slow learners”, which carried a negative and degrading connotation. She said that with the new approach to learning the ministry was implementing, that way of thinking would eventually phase out.

“I think we all have to have individual responsibility for how we treat each other,” the education minister said. “There’s public education that has to [teach that] people are not slow learners, they just learn differently. I think too we have to build the confidence within those students so that those students understand that there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. It is that the system needs to learn how to cater to the way they learn because all of us can learn; it is just a matter of creating the system that is sensitive to the way whether you learn visually whether you are an auditory learner whether you’re a kinesthetic meaning that you touch and feel [as part of learning].

“We often say in our everyday lives: ‘This person, he’s really good with his hands or she’s really good with her hands.’ But you put a book in their hand and then tell them memorise all this stuff they’re not necessarily good at it but take the same concept and make it practical and they excel. These environments, as well as the project-based approach to how we want to go forward doing education, means that you let them work on real things where you figure out those people who are really good by getting involved with it and using their hands and their minds and applying, those who will be able to read about it and those who can discuss and get it better; we all learn differently and I think that it has to start with us as adults governing our own towns and the way in which we refer to our children.”

The minister added that developing self-esteem programmes at schools was also necessary.

“We [also] have to build self-love within these students that when people say cruel things, and they can’t control the tongues of those who, I will say are ignorant, that they do not get their self-esteem destroyed.”

She added that the ministry was implementing a new initiative to ensure school children show greater appreciation towards students with special needs.

“The Chief Education Officer has started meeting with some of the persons of different schools [and] school children. What we’re asking the schools around here is when these children are on the school bus. We need to be inculcating in the other children travelling on the school bus an understanding and a love for each other and the way we treat each other so that they are not carrying out what they hear.

“I say it over and then children live what they learn. A lot of these children will say what they say and they will treat others in an unkind way because that’s what they learned. Let us teach them differently . . . It (change) will take time because we’re dealing with a culture. (SZB)

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The government is ramping up road rehabilitation projects across Barbados in the coming weeks, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works Santia Bradshaw has announced.

As the island prepares for an increase in roadworks, she urged the public to exercise patience and caution while travelling through affected areas.

“Over the next couple of weeks, Barbadians can expect to see heightened activities in road work across the island,” Bradshaw said, adding that this new phase builds on last year’s Accelerated Mill and Pave Programme, which brought relief to several roads.

“In most cases, these were roads that did not require major rehabilitation. They didn’t require the utilities to be changed, and for the most part, they were quick in terms of being able to have a relatively good turnaround on the road improvement.”

Bradshaw revealed that the latest road assessments were influenced by public concerns raised through social media, parliamentary representatives, and the government’s Parish Speaks initiative, which allows Barbadians to share urgent issues in their communities.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works, Santia Bradshaw, along with Parliamentary Representative in MTW, Dr Romel Springer, during a site visit to view the start of roadworks at Chelston Avenue, St Michael. (MTW)

She said: “Over the last few months, we’ve spent a lot of time at MTW doing the assessments on a number of roads across the island. Many of these roads have come up out of complaints on social media. They’ve come about as a result of representations from the members of Parliament. Also, in relation to Parish Speaks, which has served as a vehicle to be able to raise awareness about a number of roads across Barbados that are in dire need of rehabilitation.”

With the dry season providing favourable conditions, work will commence in multiple areas, complementing ongoing projects in the Scotland District and under the programme funded by CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.

“We’ve taken all of that into account, and across the various programmes, we’ve placed a number of these roads so that we can start again in the dry season and a number of road works programmes across the entire island,” she said.

One of the first areas to see improvements is Chelston Avenue, St Michael, with additional locations to follow.

The minister acknowledged the temporary disruptions but assured that the long-term benefits would outweigh the inconveniences.

“Yes, there will be diversions, but the end result, as you saw last year with the Mill & Pave Programme, is that Barbadians and certainly all visitors to the island will have a smoother access across the road network of the country,” she said. 

(SM)

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Tributes have been pouring in for one of the nation’s respected and dedicated public servants, Inspector Rodney Inniss of The Barbados Police Service (TBPS).

Inspector Inniss, who was the Communications and Public Affairs Officer of the TBPS, died suddenly at his St Philip residence on the evening of Saturday, February 1.

In her tribute, Prime Minister Mia Mottley described the senior officer as a pillar of professionalism and compassion as she expressed deep shock and sadness at the officer’s passing.

“Inniss endeared himself to Barbadians by showing a high level of dedication and compassion, no matter the circumstance. At any hour of the night, he was willing to take calls to provide clarity, and reassurance, and ensure that our country was not in undue alarm when incidents occurred.

“Indeed, his service to our nation and The Barbados Police Service was nothing short of exemplary and his absence will be deeply felt,” Prime Minister Mottley said.

Inspector Inniss was widely recognised for his dedication to ensuring that accurate information reached the public in a timely and reassuring manner.

In his role, he was often the bridge between the police service and the public, responding to media inquiries at all hours with clarity and composure.

The Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS) also paid tribute, recalling Inniss’ professionalism and unwavering commitment to his work.

“Inspector Inniss was an outstanding lawman who performed his assignment as The Barbados Police Service’s Communications and Public Affairs Officer with aplomb and humility,” it said. “Inspector Inniss was a real gentleman who was able to balance the demands of the media with confidentiality as a police officer, and his calm demeanour was an asset to TBPS.

“He appreciated the urgency of getting information to the public, regardless of the particular incident, and made himself available at any hour of the day to be present at any scene. While doing so, he ensured that the information gathered was accurate so that it could be relayed to the media promptly. We at the BGIS who worked closely with him all agree that we are richer for having known him. Inspector Inniss will truly be missed.”
The Barbados Association of Journalists & Media Workers (BARJAM) joined in expressing their condolences, remembering Inspector Inniss as a “gentleman” and a “consummate professional”.

They highlighted his ability to engage with media workers respectfully, even in challenging situations, and his steadfast commitment to ensuring that the public received accurate information.

“Even when media and police have not always agreed on an issue, Inspector Inniss was one who was steadfastly committed to dialogue and mutual respect. He has long been a stickler not only for getting important information out to the media and the public in a timely manner but also for ensuring that any such information was accurate.

“News of his sudden passing has already started to significantly impact members of the media who have been sharing fond memories of their interactions, having forged lasting friendships over his many years of service,” BARJAM said.

We at Barbados TODAY also pay tribute to and salute Inspector Inniss, a true gentleman and the epitome of a policeman.

His assistance to our media house throughout the years was unmatched and we are the richer for having worked with him, and the poorer for his sudden passing. Indeed, these words are apt: “Gone too soon.”

We extend our condolences to Inspector Inniss’ immediate family, friends and his colleagues at TBPS.

May he rest in peace.

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The Daryll Jordan Secondary School in St Lucy opened its doors on Monday to primary school pupils and their families, aiming to dispel misconceptions and highlight its academic strengths.

The open day event showcased the school’s diverse programmes and state-of-the-art facilities, challenging the notion that it lags behind other institutions on the island.

Principal Ken Layne told the visiting students from such schools as Ignatius Byer, All Saints and St Lucy Primary that Daryll Jordan continues to be an institution of excellence: “Our vision is to be a beacon of quality, innovative education, with curriculum responsive to global needs.”

He acknowledged that while public perception of the school may not be entirely positive, he emphasised that the creativity and academic accomplishments of both current and former students should not be overlooked.

“I am sure many of you would have interacted with students from the Daryll Jordan Secondary School, and you would have seen them on the street, and sometimes you would have seen them misbehaving, but a lot of the time, people do not see the good that is Daryll Jordan Secondary School. They don’t see the helpfulness of our student body [and] they don’t see the creativity of our student body.

“Not that we are hiding these things from the public, but you know sometimes people focus on the negative things rather than the positive. That is why we are opening our house for today so that you can see who we are and what we do.”

He emphasised that while the St Lucy school may not always be regarded as one of the “top” institutions, its strong curriculum and highly experienced teachers ensure that no student is left behind.

“We are not lagging behind any school anywhere in this island Barbados. We are on the cutting edge of technology in all of our programmes. In robotics, computers, in sciences [and] vocational education. We are up there with everybody else,” he said.

“We don’t play school. We are serious about what we do here at the Daryll Jordan Secondary School. So whatever endeavour you decide to pursue, Daryll Jordan Secondary School is an option for you.”

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The Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute (JNHHI)  is set to embrace cutting-edge global tourism trends, including data analytics and accessible tourism, as it celebrates its 28th anniversary.

The institute, which has produced 6 000 professionals since its inception, is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the island’s tourism sector amidst a rapidly evolving global market.

Dr Allyson Leacock, chair of the Barbados Community College board of management, reaffirmed the JNHHI’s commitment to charting a course to a brighter future at a commemorative church service at St Matthias Anglican Church on Sunday morning. She emphasised the ongoing refinement of the curriculum to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

“As a teaching hotel, the Institute has been an integral pillar in shaping the future of Barbados’ tourism and hospitality sector,” she said. “Over time, we had some short-term courses that have expanded to include villa management, events management, preserves, jams and jellies for the cottage industry, food and beverage management, ice and fruit carving.”

Dr Leacock further highlighted the institution’s role in developing skilled professionals for the industry: The institute is serving as a nursery, equipping students with the skills to serve this very dynamic sector. In an island where tourism is the bedrock of our economy, the work done by the Hospitality Institute is therefore not just important—it is essential.”

Reflecting on its impact, she noted the institution’s growth from an initial enrolment of 600 students to producing 6 000 professionals over the years. She credited them with making a distinction in the industry and enhancing Barbados’ reputation as a world-class destination.

Looking ahead, Dr Leacock urged the institution to embrace global expertise and industry standards to ensure students are well-prepared for a rapidly evolving sector.

She said: “It is an ideal time for us to upgrade our own offerings to add personalisation through data analytics, integration of advanced technology, sustainable and eco-friendly practices, health and wellness tourism — whose expenditure globally surpassed $1 trillion in 2024. Accessible and inclusive tourism, we have 1.3 billion people with disabilities globally and their spending power is $13 trillion.”

Addressing the students, she said. “I encourage you to strive for excellence. Hospitality is more than a profession; it is a calling. It is a calling that reflects our character as individuals and our culture as a nation. It requires passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to service. You are the future of this industry.”

Dr Leacock also took the opportunity to commend the staff for their dedication: “Your roles in mentorship and guidance are key to shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders.”

During the upcoming week, an appreciation day will be hosted. Joy-Anne Taitt-Taylor of Hotel Operations underscored the importance of recognising staff contributions. “Sometimes people feel like they are not being seen, and it’s important sometimes to stop, to pause, and let people know we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you,” she told reporters.

There will also be a gourmet dinner under the theme The Past Meets the Future which is open to the public.

She said: “We only have about 40 covers for the night because it’s actually the students’ first session.” The month of activities includes a hike followed by beach activities and concludes with a panel discussion. Taitt-Taylor said, “It is an opportunity for us to network with our industry players, our partners in the industry, and just to have that intellectual discussion on where we are and what we really need and what they expect from us going forward in the future.”

Reverend Brian Thompson delivered the sermon. Among those in attendance was Javon Griffith, chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association.

(STT)

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If you feel weighed down by the load of social problems, rising crime, partisan political turmoil and challenges within your relationships, and want relief – at least temporarily – there is now a great opportunity to ‘laff it off’.

But there are some details I cannot go into at this time because ‘Nuh Name, Nuh Blame, Nuh Lock Up‘ is the very theme of the 40th-anniversary1 edition of the 2025 Laff-it-Off season.

The event, which had its second showing last Saturday night, is currently playing to jam-packed audiences at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC) every Saturday from eight o’clock sharp.

If the last two weekends are anything to go by, patrons are warned to strap down their bellies and strengthen their jaw muscles because the comic performances of cast members Angelo Lascelles (director), Janine White, Asha Elcock, Vilmore Johnson and Ishiaka McNiel, have been bursting bellies and locking jaws from laughter.

The satire and tongue-in-cheek treatment of the issues of the day, including spotlighting Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne and expelled Democratic Labour Party president Dr Ronnie Yearwood with the DLP in-fighting, Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s overseas travels, a Barbados Labour Party candidates’ selection committee meeting, and impersonations of National Cultural Foundation chief executive officer Carol Roberts-Reifer, former Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, and CBC TV’s My Community presenter Sherwood McKaskie, had patrons bawling.

The top-drawer acting gives life to the script, which addresses – among other things – rising violent crime, the recent controversy related to the TKY pyramid scheme, a particularly hilarious jab at insurance coverage of road accident claims, and the likely deportation of Barbadians from the United States under President Donald Trump’s new immigration policy.

One standout scene of impersonation characterised Dr Yearwood – played by Johnson – seeking advice from his former party leader Stuart – performed by Lascelles – on how to get back into the DLP.

You have got to be there to hear the advice but suffice it to say Lascelles was excellent in capturing the idiosyncratic verbal expressions and body language of the former prime minister.

The Nook and Cranny Bar, which is synonymous with the Laff It Off scenarios, continues to be the centrepiece of this now iconic cultural showcase that has always attracted massive audiences and has never run long enough to satisfy the insatiable appetites of local patrons who crave to ‘laff it off’.

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GALLE – A reinstatement of Galle’s early-year weather patterns coupled with an additional day of preparation time means Australia are expecting an even barer, drier pitch for the second Test against Sri Lanka starting Thursday.

The lead-in to the series opener – which Australia won by an innings and 242 runs inside four days – was plagued by daily monsoonal downpours which meant the pitch at Galle initially sported a ‘tacky’ surface and only began to take spin on days three and four.

By that stage, Australia had piled on their highest-ever Test innings total in Sri Lanka – 654 for six declared – and were able to attack the home team’s batters relentlessly as conditions became more challenging.

From what Australia gleaned upon turning up for their main pre-Test training session yesterday, which was also Sri Lanka’s Independence Day holiday, the track for the next game will likely take spin earlier in proceedings after being best for batting on day one.

It has been prepared under fine conditions since the first game ended a day earlier than scheduled, with the welcome sunshine helping to bake a hardness into the surface that was lacking in last week’s fixture.

As newly crowned Allan Border Medallist Travis Head noted following a quick inspection of the surface which was baking under more cloudless Galle skies this morning, it appeared even more barren than the closely-shaved strip used in the series opener.

But as Australia have discovered on previous visits to Sri Lanka including their most recent in 2022, the nature of Test pitches can alter markedly in the 24 hours before the coin is tossed.

“It probably looks a little bit dry but looks a really good wicket still,” Head said yesterday, not-quite-so-fresh from his Medal-winning celebrations last night.

“As we know, over the next couple of days we’ll see how that plays out and where we get to on the first morning.

“It probably looks like it’s got a little bit less grass on it than the previous Test.

“It looks like it will spin earlier, but it looks at the moment like the first couple of days will be good for batting and then it will spin.

“Like we’ve said in the last couple of weeks, it’s just being able to adapt when that moment, that shift (happens).

“And what we saw in the first Test was probably that day three moment where it shifted to heavy spin, and we were able to capture the moments.”

The Australians are also aware of the certain symmetry at play when they recall that 2022 tour, on which they also recorded a hefty victory in the first of two Tests at Galle only to be greeted by a vastly different pitch that brought an innings defeat in the second.

Having suffered the biggest defeat in their 43 years as a Test-playing nation, Sri Lanka are unlikely to leave any stone unturned in the search for a more competitive effort from Thursday.

There had been speculation within the Australia camp the home team might even use the same pitch for both Tests, but that was scotched when Sri Lanka employed that surface for centre-wicket ‘naughty-boy nets’ on what should have been day five of the first match.

(CA)

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The Bridgetown Port’s prioritisation of cruise ships has led to severe cargo delivery delays, sparking outrage among private truckers and business owners who are facing mounting financial losses, Barbados TODAY can reveal. 

The situation has prompted calls for urgent government intervention, as frustrated drivers report waiting up to seven hours for a single container.

While admitting that cargo delivery would be delayed on Tuesday, port management officials explained that their efforts have had to be focused on handling the influx of cruise ships docking at the Deep Water Harbour.

But the frustrated truck drivers contend that the issue has been ongoing for some time now, and called on either Prime Minister Mia Mottley or Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works Santia Bradshaw to step in and help resolve an issue that is costing their businesses dearly in extra charges.

“It’s ridiculous,” declared a trucker parked outside the port on Tuesday. “This is something that has been going on since last year, since tourist season started. It is ridiculous. You have all this equipment, and you telling you short of drivers. It is not good enough. You supplying the tourist ships with containers; but when it comes to the outside truckers to deliver their goods to the customers, we can’t get containers.”

“You getting one in a day. Sometimes you don’t get any at all. Something needs to be done. You have to pay for a truck every month. Every truck has to be paid for every month, or it cannot work in the Bridgetown Port…and this service is ridiculous,” argued the trucker, who preferred to remain anonymous.

The man, who has been in the trucking business for 40 years, complained that when the owners call the port to be updated on the cargo delays, they are told “the port is working. We are doing deliveries.”

He added: “That is why the business owners have to come to the Bridgetown Port and stand up and see the situation that is going down here. So, when we tell you, yes, we are trying to get your container from since 7 o’clock this morning and you leave at 3:30 with the first container, whose fault that is?”

The trucker said owners will feel this in their pockets because drivers have to be paid daily and if the port decides to work late, the driver must be paid overtime. “So, eventually you [business owners] are going to feel it. Then you can’t say, ‘I am going to push this on to the consumer,’ because you can’t push it there. So, the loss is at you,” the driver suggested.

He claimed that since the port was upgraded and computerised with modern equipment, instead of it going forward, it is regressing.

Port officials say business hours will be extended to 11 p.m. on Wednesday to ease the delays. (HG)

The veteran trucker recalled that “back in the day”, upwards of eight cargo containers could be delivered in a day by one driver alone, but now, he may only get two.

Another trucker said he and several other of his colleagues were waiting outside the port for more than seven hours on Tuesday to access containers for delivery. “I would like Auntie Mia to come down and see what is going on down here,” he declared, as a second trucker chimed in: “And Santia could come too.”

“Sometimes,” the driver claimed, “you got a lot of machines in there, sometimes you don’t have any labour…sometimes you don’t have any men to work them…this is unacceptable.

The head of one of the country’s leading trucking and lifting companies, whose business was adversely impacted by the cargo delivery delay, said this has been happening for weeks now.

Managing Director of Hinds Transport Services Limited Dave Hinds recalled that about a year ago, the port blamed a lack of equipment for the cargo delays, but he contended that even with new equipment, the problem still remains.

Hinds told Barbados TODAY that of his 12 trucks which are licensed to bring containers out of the port every day, only about half found work on Tuesday.

“We have 12 trucks, we have to pay a monthly fee to take trucks into the port to bring out containers. We have 12 trucks licensed and registered to go into the port on a daily basis. We have had to send people on holiday because work is so slow,” the managing director of the 68-year-old company disclosed.

He added: “Our guys got one container per truck today, and of the 12 trucks there were only about five or six trucks in there today. One container per truck. Guys were there from 7 o’clock this morning, and got out after 2 o’clock with a single container; and then they expect people to work overtime. People aren’t motivated to work overtime. They are tired, they are sitting down in the sun for a whole day.”

Asked if he expected the situation at the port to improve on Wednesday, he said he didn’t think so.

Hinds described the service at the port as totally unsatisfactory.

In a statement, the port explained that “while resources are concentrated on vessel discharge operations, container deliveries will be slow. Truck wait times,” it said, “may therefore be extended.”

While apologising for the inconvenience, officials assured that opening hours would be extended to 11 p.m., on Tuesday, to accommodate for the shortfall.

The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), the bargaining agent for port employees, said the situation is not an industrial relations issue.

“Since this matter falls within their [port] operational remit, we will allow the port to address it accordingly,” BWU Communications and Information Manager Cheyne Jones told Barbados TODAY. 

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

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Barbados Pride will be looking to bounce back from last week’s demoralising defeat to reigning champions Guyana Harpy Eagles, when they take on West Indies Academy in a pink-ball encounter at Kensington Oval starting on Wednesday.

The multiple-times champions made a poor start to their West Indies Championship campaign when they slumped to a 10-wicket loss at the Guyana National Stadium.

However, the side has been boosted by the return of West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, along with fellow international teammate, left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, with Shaquille Cumberbatch and Jamar Ifill also being called up.

All-rounder Raymon Reifer, who captained the side in the first round, has missed out along with Chemar Holder and Chaim Holder.

“The biggest challenge is starting under the lights with the new ball. I think before that period starts … it’s a lot easier so it’s pretty much just opening up your eyes and expecting for a shiny pink ball to be coming down on a good length early on,” Brathwaite said.

“That’s the biggest challenge because obviously it’s normally a time with the red ball so other than that, the ball moving around is almost normal to first class cricket. I think the guys are pretty much accustomed to that. It’s just with the pink ball and starting at night, it’s important to be on it from ball one.”

He added: “It’s important not to give up and [that] we have a good all-round game in both innings. This group is very talented and will do very well.”

All-rounder Matthew Forde, middle order batsman Jonathan Drakes and opener Zachary McCaskie all got half-centuries in the first innings as Pride piled up a healthy 346 in their first innings.

However, after trailing Harpy Eagles by 36 runs on first innings, Pride were bundled out for 112 in their second innings, leaving the hosts with an uncomplicated target.

Head coach Vasbert Drakes said Pride had taken valuable lessons from the opening round defeat, and would be boosted by the return of the senior players.

“We’re really looking forward to this game playing on Barbados soil. I’m also happy to have the captain Kraigg Brathwaite back in the side and leading from the front, and also happy to have Jomel Warrivcan as part of the group,” said the former West Indies player.

“We’re disappointed from the last game so we’re just going to take the learning out of the situation and definitely you will see an improvement because guys understand what it takes not only to represent Barbados but what it takes to win competitions.”

West Indies Academy are also coming off a crushing first round defeat after suffering a heavy 402-run drubbing at the hands of Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Six Barbadians will feature in the West Indies Academy squad led by impressive left arm spinner Joshua Bishop, who grabbed 10 wickets in the opening round defeat to Hurricanes.

Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, who lives in Nevis, is Barbadian by birth.

The match bowls off at 1 pm each day.

SQUAD – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jamar Ifill, Javed Leacock, Jair McAllister, Zachary McCaskie, Demetrius Richards, Ramon Simmonds, Jomel Warrican, Kevin Wickham, Leniko Boucher, Shaquille Cumberbatch, Jonathan Drakes, Matthew Forde

(BT)

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A 43-year-old man, Rommel Cadell, was killed in a shooting incident at 2nd Avenue, Vauxhall, Christ Church, around 1:30 a.m today. Two other men were injured in the incident, and their condition remains unknown.

Police are investigating the incident.

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Barbados is set to present a comprehensive Energy Transition Investment Plan at an upcoming international forum, detailing the investments, timelines, and sector-specific requirements needed to achieve its ambitious goal of 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

Minister of Energy and Business Senator Lisa Cummins, delivering the keynote address at the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (BCCI) Third Green and Renewable Expo on Tuesday, said the plan, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Special Envoy for Energy, will offer a clear roadmap for the island’s transition.

The plan is to be revealed at the Sustainable Energy for All Global Forum to be held here later this year.

“We can now tell you, by sector, how much investment it will take, how long it will take, and what quantum of the transition we expect to be completed by 2030,” she said.

She explained that the plan assesses three possible scenarios: maintaining the current pace of transition, accelerating the timeline to achieve full renewable energy by 2030, and adopting a longer-term transition extending to 2035.

The document, according to the minister, will provide the government, investors, and stakeholders with precise projections for costs and infrastructure needs across key sectors such as transport, heavy industry, and utilities.

Senator Cummins assured that the government’s commitment to renewable energy remains steadfast, but acknowledged that further work is required.

She said the Global Forum, hosted in Barbados later this year in collaboration with Sustainable Energy for All, will serve as a platform to finalise and launch the transition plan.

The energy minister, addressing business leaders and renewable energy stakeholders, also signalled a shift in focus towards incentivising more fixed-capacity and baseload renewable energy projects, which would provide a stable and reliable power supply beyond intermittent solar generation.

“We want to begin the process of incentivising more fixed-capacity projects,” she said.

“What does that look like? What does the business community have an appetite for? What does the business community want to see? And then, how do we frame a response to the investment community?”

She noted that the government would engage in consultations with investors and industry stakeholders to explore viable projects and ensure the energy transition aligns with market demand.

The expo, held to highlight and focus on the island’s renewable energy goals while providing an overview of the current status of achieving full transition by the next five years, was held under the theme Getting It Right for 2030.

Delivering the welcoming address, the Chairman of the BCCI’s Green Committee, Andy Armstrong, outlined the economic and health benefits of renewable energy, emphasising the urgent need to move away from fossil fuels.

“The World Health Organisation estimates that seven million people die each year from diseases linked to air pollution—the same number of global deaths recorded from COVID-19 since 2019,” he said.

Armstrong, who recently returned from a visit to Vietnam, compared the hazardous air pollution levels in Southeast Asia to Barbados’ relatively clean air.

He noted that Hanoi, one of the world’s most polluted cities, recorded air quality levels “over 1 000” in December, compared to Barbados’ average of “20 to 30”, describing the local atmosphere as “far superior” despite challenges.

It was not immediately clear what air quality measurement Armstrong referred to but according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Barbados is rated 20–49 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), which is considered fair. This means that the air is generally acceptable for most people, but sensitive groups may experience minor to moderate symptoms over time. By contrast, Hanoi recorded air quality levels over 1 000 on some indices, which suggest severe pollution.

Armstrong said: “The main cause of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels. If we phase out fossil fuels and move all vehicles to zero emissions, that will have a positive impact on global health and the environment.”

He argued that beyond these benefits, renewable energy makes economic sense, as the cost of wind and solar generation, when coupled with storage, is now cheaper than power generated from fossil fuels in many markets.

Noting that international investors have been keeping a close eye on Barbados’ progress, Senator Cummins stressed that the forum will provide a platform for strengthening partnerships and attracting new investment into the sector.

She described the transition as a “common journey” that requires participation from all stakeholders, including government, businesses, utilities, consumers, and international partners.

“Today is a call to action that sees the demarcation in the sand from 2019 to 2023 and a commitment that we have a new way forward,” Senator Cummins said.

“[One that prioritises] storage, generation, new investments, regulatory frameworks, and new local and international collaboration and sees everyone walking together toward a 2030 target of transitioning to 100 per cent renewables.”

 (SM)

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Barbados is still considered a safe tourist destination despite the recent spate of gun crime, Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill has insisted, appearing to push back on concerns expressed by Central Bank Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge that the growing violence in society could significantly harm the island’s main money-spinner.

“Based on all reports and all indicators, we have not been experiencing any significant rise in crime against visitors in Barbados, and that’s a very good thing for the destination, in fact I believe for the year I don’t think we’ve had any reports at all,” Gooding-Edghill said on Tuesday. “Certainly last year we did very well as a tourist destination and we always benefit from the support of the Barbados Police Service, of course, the hoteliers and other persons within the accommodation sector who have their own security arrangements in place.

“Barbados still remains a very safe destination for visitors and we’ve had no evidence at this point in time [of any violence towards tourists]. Of course, I suspect what the governor perhaps indicated is that in the future [it was a possibility] but I can assure you that the systems that we have in place will continue to ensure that we manage this visitor experience in Barbados, and that is what we’re about.”

The minister added that he was not aware of any visitor apathy being experienced.

“We have thousands of visitors who come to Barbados, the good thing about Barbados, and I must say this with all sincerity, is that Barbadians always welcome visitors to the destination and they always go out of their way to help visitors, and that is an outstanding trademark in respect of the Barbados brand and we believe that will continue into the future.

“So at this point in time, I have no concerns whatsoever. I am pleased with the visitor experience; I am pleased with the ratings, of course, that the visitors are reporting to us during our surveys, during our interaction with staff at the hotels, and of course with other tourism officials.”

He continued: “There’s no need to worry, and I must tell you that Barbados has a wonderful brand. The success of that brand is due in particular to the people of Barbados who hold hospitality in very high regard, and I’m confident that Barbadians going forward will continue to hold hospitality in high regard and treat every person, every visitor to Barbados, the way they’re accustomed to experiencing Barbados. So I have no concerns at this point.”

Last week, Dr Greenidge said he was worried about the potential negative impact of crime on tourism.

He told journalists during an economic review of 2024: “We got to get real. There is only one Barbados. Only one rock we live upon. Crime will destroy us if it’s not dealt with . . . Any crime has to be the concern of everybody. Each of us has a part to play. Crime has the potential to disrupt everything.”

Last year, Barbados recorded 50 homicides and there have been seven reported for the year thus far.

Asked if there was any concern about the recent developments taking place under President Donald Trump, Gooding-Edghill said tourism officials were closely monitoring the situation.

“Based on our projections, based on all of our internal models that we are seeing, there’s nothing at this point in time to cause us any concern,” he said. “Of course it’s a dynamic situation, we have to be monitoring it continuously and we will continue to monitor events around the globe, but I can tell you that due to the incredible hard work of the BTMI team and in respect of those who are stationed overseas, I must tell you that not only the United States but all markets are seeing the benefits of the significant efforts being put in by those officers within the external market and certainly those at headquarters.

“I can tell you at this point in time I have no concerns. I would caution that anything can happen in the world. The good thing about this is that we are building a resilient tourism sector, and we have been planning the resilience of this sector. It is not by accident that we decide, when we see certain headwinds and we see certain trends, that we adopt adaptive strategies to ensure that Barbados still remains on top of its game and therefore the increase in visitors that you’re seeing from the United States of America is really an appreciation for the tactical efforts and the strategy that we have employed.”

As it relates to this year’s outlook, the minister said he expected strong arrival numbers from Canada, Europe and the US.

“We still have very strong visitor arrivals coming out of Canada, it’s doing extremely well. We still have very strong performances coming out of the United Kingdom, albeit the political and economic situation within the UK. But we are confident that we will continue to do very well in those markets,” Gooding-Edghill said.

“This year we are seeking to even build additional capacity, more resilience, and of course, our strategy has always been to increase visitor arrivals, and that’s what we’ll be working on throughout this year. We will be intensifying our efforts on building stronger performances out of all of our source markets and of course our new and emerging markets as well.”

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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A road safety campaigner has called for urgent action to improve road safety near schools after a Westbury Primary School student was seriously injured in a collision. The incident, captured on CCTV and widely shared on social media, has sparked renewed debate about traffic management in school zones.

President of the Barbados Road Safety Association, Roland Lowe, urged road users to exercise “common sense” and “consideration” when driving near schools.

On Monday, the young student was seriously injured after being knocked down by a vehicle on President Kennedy Drive. Security footage from a nearby building, now circulating on social media, shows the student being violently flung into the air upon impact.

Lowe described the footage as “horrific” and stressed that authorities need to do more to crack down on dangerous driving, particularly in school zones.

“There is not every area [authorities] can tackle, but when a concern has been raised, then you need to address it. Especially when it involves the most vulnerable in our society. When I saw that video it was horrific,” he stressed. “It was hard to look at. We don’t want to see that happening again.”

“If you know you are in an area where school children are, [where] the children are either going to school or coming from school, come on. It does not take much to think that there might be a possibility that a child could be looking to cross the road, and then when you are dealing with young children, they might not always utilise the best practices when it comes to crossing the street. You as the adult need to be taking the responsibility…you should be driving at 40 kilometres an hour [or less] in those zones.”

Lowe suggested that in light of the recent incident, and other reports in recent years of some near misses, the time has come for authorities to re-examine road safety policies for areas around schools, which may include more visible signage for crossings.

He said: “Similar to the crossing in the area when you get to the fisheries [Bridgetown Complex], those types of crossings that have beacons in the air, so that persons can see and know that this is an area where you can expect that you should have to slow down. Those are the types of crossing that should be required in the area of school zones.”

In addition to better infrastructure, Lowe stressed the importance of educating children on how to use crossings properly. “This should be part of after-school activities or even incorporated into class sessions,” he suggested.

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A full report on the fire-damaged national archives, detailing both losses and successful restorations, is expected by the end of the first quarter of this year, Senator Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, the Minister with responsibility for Culture, has told Barbados TODAY.

Speaking after the launch of the new million-dollar Jackie Opel Residency Lab at the Queens Park Steel Shed on Tuesday, the minister explained that the intense heat from the fire necessitated immediate preservation measures, including placing the damaged records in cold storage to gradually lower their temperature before treatment could begin.

“Those records would have been hot coming from the fire, so we had to put them on ice. We actually had to have them in cold storage for a period of time to bring the temperature down,” she said. “That is not a two-day activity; you have to put them there for a little bit, sometimes a month, depending on the damage. Then you take them out and then you have to do the treatment.”

She added: “We are in that process of doing the treatment now. As we do the treatment, we can then begin to identify the records and distinguish what it is we are able to restore, from what it is that we have lost. The team is now going through that. I am hoping by the end of the first quarter of this year, I’ll have a comprehensive report. Not only because I know the public cares about what we have lost, but it’s also about what we have been able to restore.”

In addition to assessing the damage, the government is implementing measures to prevent future incidents. Following an independent investigation into the fire, recommendations have been made to enhance the safety of the new location for the archives at the planned Newton site. This includes installing fireproof cabinets, enhancing security, and establishing a direct fire alarm link to the Barbados Fire Service.

“We are in the process of implementing these recommendations, which include things from fireproof cabinets to ensuring that all rooftop areas within the archive space are secure; we’ve doubled security, and we have also instituted an immediate fire response. So no one has to call the Barbados Fire Service; now we have a direct link – in case of fire, an alarm will go off at the fire service,” she said.

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The government is on track to complete the long-awaited merger of three state-owned energy enterprises—Barbados National Oil Company (BNOC), National Petroleum Corporation (NPC), and Barbados National Terminal Company Limited (BNTCL)—by April 1, according to Energy Minister Lisa Cummins.

Amidst fears of job losses, Cummins gave an assurance that the transition has been navigated without layoffs, positioning the move as a strategic step towards creating a more agile and diverse energy industry.

She told the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Third Green and Renewable Expo: “The amalgamation of BNOC, NPC, and BNTCL is in its final stages, and by April 1, we will have a fully integrated company.

“We have not been twiddling our thumbs for the last year. We have done the work, and we are delivering results.”

Senator Cummins explained that the restructuring goes beyond administrative and financial consolidation, highlighting plans to establish several spin-off companies and special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) under a new holding company. These, she said, will create investment opportunities and generate jobs by allowing private-sector partnerships in energy projects.

“We are not being prescriptive about what those companies should be, but we have completed the groundwork to make them a reality,” she said.

The decision to merge and rebrand BNOC and NPC as a “national energy corporation” has been years in the making. Initial plans for consolidation were first proposed as far back as 2017 when the government aimed to streamline operations and eliminate redundancies to improve efficiency. This vision gained momentum in 2019 as discussions about transitioning to renewable energy began.

Addressing concerns over potential job cuts from the consolidation, Senator Cummins said: “We looked at the skills on both sides of the companies. BNTCL has a low staff count, so there’s nothing to worry about there.

“With NPC and BNOC, we identified overlapping skills and put a sharing agreement in place to ensure efficiency without sending anyone home.”

Referring to the recent launch of the state business facilitation agency Business Barbados as proof of a smooth transition, she reaffirmed the administration’s position against layoffs.

“We promised there would be no job losses with Business Barbados, and we delivered. Officers had the option to stay with central government or move into the company, and the transition was seamless. We expect the same with BNOC, NPC, and BNTCL,” she said.

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The President, Executive Committee, and members of the Barbados Union of Teachers are deeply saddened by the recent road accident involving a primary school student on February 3rd along President Kennedy Drive.

While the exact circumstances remain unclear, we strongly urge all drivers to exercise extra caution, especially in and around school zones, to ensure the safety of our nation’s children.

Our prayers are with the student and his family during this difficult time, and we sincerely wish him a full and speedy recovery.

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In a significant boost to Barbados’ renewable energy ambitions, the Lamberts Wind Farm in St. Lucy is set to launch, doubling its initial projected capacity to up to 60 megawatts of clean power. The project marks a crucial step towards energy independence and includes innovative financial models designed to empower local investors.

Energy minister Senator Lisa Cummins said that after a year of intensive groundwork, data collection, and strategic planning, the project is moving forward, marking a significant step in the country’s push for energy independence.

“I’m happy to announce that Lamberts is about to be launched,” she said.

“We spent the last year slaving away on Lamberts, and what started as potentially a 30-megawatt onshore wind project is now potentially being scaled up to between 50 and 60 megawatts of inshore wind.”

She noted that the development was done in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank, expressing gratitude for their participation.

The minister explained that a wind measurement mast had been installed at Lambert’s for the past year, with data collection completed at the end of November. Discussions are expected to continue this week with the entity that mounted the wind mast regarding long-term data collection and monitoring.

In addition to Lamberts, she revealed that another wind measurement mast had been installed in St. George.

“We have a second wind mast up, which we kept a little quiet because we wanted to be able to capture the data… We expect that, with the same learnings from Lamberts, we’re also now going to be in a position to launch a second wind project onshore,” Senator Cummins said.

In addition to its contribution to the island’s renewable energy transition, the Lamberts Wind Farm project includes an innovative financial model designed to empower Barbadians. A special-purpose vehicle has been created to vest all land resources associated with the project, with multiple partners permanently involved.

Senator Cummins also shared that a unit trust model has been incorporated to allow Barbadians, both locally and abroad, to invest in the initiative, even if they do not have large sums of capital upfront.

“We have also designed another innovative mechanism to be able to empower Barbadians and Barbadian businesses and investors,” she said.

“We have incorporated a unit trust model within these investments, which will allow for shares to be allocated to Barbadians who want to come together and invest in large-scale projects but don’t have large sums of capital,” she added, describing this as an empowerment mechanism.

The Lamberts Wind Farm will feature five Enercon turbines and is expected to contribute approximately 3.4 per cent of Barbados’ annual electricity needs once operational. The IFC continues to act as the transaction advisor, and preparations are underway to launch the request for pre-qualifications later this month.

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A 32-year-old man from Fairy Valley, Christ Church, was remanded to Dodds Prison after appearing in the Oistins Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Malcolm Mandela Roberts pleaded guilty to 24 offences, including 13 cases of theft, 14 cases of criminal damage, and one case of loitering with intent.

The crimes took place in various Christ Church communities including Chancery Lane, Silver Sands, Gibbons, Ealing Park, Inch Marlow, Calendars and Enterprise between December 29, 2004, and January 23, 2025.

Roberts is scheduled to reappear in court for sentencing on Tuesday, March 4.

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Law enforcers  are investigating a stabbing incident that took place on the Barbados Community College campus this afternoon.

Early reports suggest that an altercation between two male students led to one of the students being injured.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.  (SZB)

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