A community in Smith Road, Pinelands, St Michael was shaken by gunfire, resulting in damage to a property and minor injuries to a female resident.

At approximately 2:07 a.m., police responded to reports of shots being fired in the neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a house was damaged. A female occupant of the residence suffered a facial injury after being struck by a fragment, caused by the gunfire.

Police are continuing investigations into the incident and are appealing to the public for assistance.

Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information should contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, Police Emergency at 211 or the District ‘A’ Police Station at 430-7242 or 430-7246.

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The inclusion of smaller contractors in road construction projects has boosted the capacity of the Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) to carry out much needed upgrades to the road infrastructure, drainage, and accessibility in urban and rural residential communities.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works, Santia Bradshaw the importance of their inclusion “can’t be overstated enough”. Under MTW’s ongoing focused roadworks programme which started at the end of January 2025, a few small contractors have been working on some of the 29 roads identified for upgrades in St. Michael.

Speaking during a tour of Eden Lodge Main Road, 3rd Avenue Goodland, and 2nd Avenue Park Road, Bush Hall in St. Michael yesterday, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Minister Bradshaw explained that a variety of approaches have been used, with smaller contractors either independently carrying out work on smaller roads, or working in conjunction with larger firms to either mill or pave roads. With this approach, she said, “People are happy that these long-neglected roads are finally seeing some love.”

To date, seven of the 29 roads have been completed. They are 10th Avenue New Orleans; 3rd Avenue Free Hill, Black Rock; Chelston Avenue; Deighton Road; Jessamine Avenue; Seclusion Road, Black Rock, and Villa Road. Fifteen roads in the parish are under construction and work will begin on another seven roads when the ongoing work is finished.

Emphasizing that this programme is being expanded to other parishes, the Minister said, the ministry is systematically addressing complaints and concerns raised by residents. She said

29 roads in the rural parishes are also being assessed and work will start shortly in residential areas. “This particular program really recognizes that in a number of the communities, particularly residential, what we tend to find is that because it’s not a main road, it has not been given the same priority that would have been given to a highway in previous years. So, what we’ve tried to do [under this focused initiative] is to address the issues of flooding by ensuring that we have the adequate drainage systems implemented, thereby digging wells if they are necessary; [and by] making sure that even as the contractors and our technical teams go through [these roads] that the water courses and the drainage systems are clear. We also recognize that people require sidewalks, or at least kerbs in small access roads for vehicles to mount the kerb to gain access or pull off the road. With a lot of these communities, you have elderly people who need the type of accommodation work to gain access in and out of their homes. So, the improvements are many.”

David Straughn, a consultant and partner with Alpha Omega Construction, explained that his company was responsible for work at Eden Lodge Main Road, Sorrel Avenue, and DaCosta Drive, both in Eden Lodge; in addition to 3rd Avenue Goodland in St. Michael. He said the scope of work at 3rd Avenue Goodland includes the complete reconstruction of the road. This involves excavating the existing roadbed, and refilling it with compacted marl fill to stabilize the road before repaving. The road width will be increased to five metres with a sidewalk on either side wherever possible. Another major improvement will be the installation of stormwater wells to minimize flooding issues in the area. Mr. Straughn praised the positive cooperation of residents throughout the process. “They are very, very happy that we are here to do this, and they understand the price of progress.”

He said the work on the Eden Lodge roads has been progressing well. Slipper and kerb, sidewalks as well as ramps are being built. Milling and paving are expected to start very soon. Also highlighting the benefits of MTW working with smaller contractors, he said, “We are happy that the administration has seen it fit to accommodate and put work like this in the hands of small capable contractors…. A lot of the machinery you see here is from small private individuals, and so the work is proliferating down to have that multiplied effect going through the different communities. So, I’m really happy about that.”

Over at 2nd Avenue Park Road, Bush Hall, Leslie Weekes, Project Manager with Lot One Developments Inc., said work on their sites was progressing steadily. The small construction firm is responsible for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Avenue Park Road, Bush Hall; Grant’s Gap in Westbury; and Wavell New Development.

Project Manager of Lot One Developments Inc., Leslie Weekes explains the status of work at 2nd Avenue Park Road, Bush Hall to Minister Bradshaw

Stating they did encounter a few challenges, Mr. Weekes explained that in Park Road the subbase material is a very dense mud, causing the scope of work and design to be more complex than initially planned. “Those changes have necessitated deeper excavations and a greater collaboration with [utility] services like the National Petroleum Corporation and the Barbados Water Authority. We had some bursts and they have always responded very, very quickly,” he said, adding that Lot One Developments Inc. sought to keep residents informed by maintaining frequent communication largely through WhatsApp groups.

Praising the use of small contractors, Mr. Weekes underscored that the inclusion provided valuable opportunities to showcase and promote their capabilities. He further highlighted that by using smaller contractors there is an increase in collaboration among other small businesses. “Using small contractors allows those funds to trickle down to ensure that everybody gets a little piece of the pie…. As a small contractor, I may not own all of my heavy equipment, so it forces

me, in a good way, to engage with other small contractors or with those who specialize in equipment and such, so it has been a good thing for all involved.” (SP/MTW)

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In a blend of emergency services and motorsport expertise, ambulance crews are now among the most skilled emergency drivers following specialist training at the island’s premier racing facility.

The serene surroundings of Bushy Park racing circuit in St Philip have recently played host to the sounds of ambulance sirens as emergency responders traded their typical urban environment for the controlled conditions of a world-class driving academy.

“The transformation has been remarkable,” says Steve Deeks, chief instructor at the Bushy Park Driving Skills Academy (DSA), who designed the bespoke training programme. “The engagement and commitment from the dedicated and professional team who make up the Barbados Emergency Ambulance Service has been second to none.

When I wrote the training [plan] back in the UK, I could only dream that the delegates would take the material and run with it in the manner they have.”

The four-week intensive course, which concluded in early March, saw approximately 70 emergency medical technicians and paramedics from the Emergency Ambulance Service (EAS) develop advanced driving techniques that blend precision with urgency – skills critical when racing against time to save lives.

Crew members from the Barbados Emergency Ambulance Service during a classroom session with instructor Steve Deeks.

Participants were divided into nine groups, each experiencing a comprehensive curriculum that began daily with 90-minute classroom sessions before moving onto practical applications. The hands-on training included four specialised modules: closed road dynamics with racing line techniques, evasion manoeuvres, precision handling, and accident analysis.

Dr David Byer, medical consultant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with special responsibility for pre-hospital emergency care and the EAS, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “On behalf of the Emergency Ambulance Service, it was a pleasure working with the team at Bushy Park. The feedback from our team at all levels has found the knowledge and experience exceptional.”

The training utilised both EAS ambulances and the academy’s Suzuki Swift Sport and Celerio models for circuit exercises, before taking ambulances onto local roads for real-world application through commentary drives.

“Barbados will be safer for it,” Deeks asserts. “The ambulance drivers will be the new standard on the highway – and patients can be sure they are in the best of hands.”

While acknowledging his role as course designer and chief instructor, Deeks credits the success to “the fabulous Bushy Park instructors and the venue itself that made this a reality”, along with sponsors Nassco and ICBL, the QEH and EAS, “which are all committed to improving driving standards”

The initiative aligns with Bushy Park DSA’s mission to reduce road accidents across Barbados by offering advanced driving skills to both professionals and the public. The academy’s programmes were developed with Deeks’ expertise as an English super-licence instructor who has spent over two decades training drivers and creating performance programmes for leading manufacturers, race circuits, and driver academies worldwide.

As ambulance crews return to their regular duties with enhanced skills, Barbadians can take comfort knowing their emergency responders now have the driving capabilities to match their medical expertise – a combination that promises to save more lives when seconds count.(BT/PR)

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Skilled professionals at the island’s sole sugar factory, Portvale, on Wednesday, sounded the alarm over what they describe as a crisis, citing mismanagement, low worker morale, and ongoing operational failures. Their allegations come amid conflicting statements from government officials and industry leaders over the mill’s management and future.

But Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir has pushed back against these claims, acknowledging some hiccups at the Blowers, St James factory but insisting that allegations of a crisis are exaggerated and only serve to undermine the industry.

Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Browne, the head of the Barbados Sustainable Energy Co-operative Society Limited (Co-op Energy), declared that he could not account for the current state of affairs at Portvale, as the government has yet to complete the transfer of ownership to the cooperative.

“Government has not yet handed over this operation to us, so they are still running it,” he said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity for a group of frustrated workers, an industry expert, with decades of experience at the factory, told Barbados TODAY that concerns are mounting over deteriorating factory equipment, unresolved labour disputes, and a lack of clarity regarding worker ownership shares in the sugar industry. 

A major point of contention is the apparent absence of leadership from the newly established Barbados Energy and Sugar Company (BESCO) Ltd.

“This is supposed to be a new company, but we’re not seeing any representation. The same old management team from BAMC (Barbados Agricultural Management Company) is still in place,” the source said. “Workers feel abandoned. There’s no one to address our concerns or provide any sense of direction.”

The transition from the state-owned BAMC to BESCO has also been marred by contractual confusion. Initially, workers were presented with agreements almost identical to their previous BAMC contracts, only to receive a second version later, causing uncertainty.

“Many workers didn’t sign because the union advised us to hold off until negotiations could take place,” the source explained. “The new contract reduced working hours from 56 to 40 per week, with overtime beyond that, but these changes were never properly communicated.”

The expert criticised the handling of labour relations, pointing to ineffective union representation and ongoing disputes over pay, working conditions, and contract terms.

“The union met with management, but nothing meaningful came from those discussions. Workers are in limbo, and resentment is growing,” the source said. “People are being promoted based on connections rather than skill or experience. The integrity of factory equipment is also in question, raising serious health and safety concerns.

“Many people are frustrated and leaving. Morale is at an all-time low. We don’t even know who we’re working for because there’s no visible presence from the new company. We also have a severe shortage of skilled personnel like engineers, mechanics, and electricians.”

Co-op Energy was set to take control of the sugar industry in January 2024 following BAMC’s divestment. Two new firms under Co-op Energy were established—BESCO to manage the factory and Agricultural Business Company (ABC) Ltd to oversee 4 500 acres of farmland. In a landmark move, workers were promised a 20 per cent stake in ownership.

Adding to workers’ frustrations is the lack of transparency regarding their ownership shares in the company.

“No one has explained how the worker-ownership model will function. We haven’t had a single meeting to discuss this,” the source said.

Retrenched workers also told Barbados TODAY that they have received no information on their shares, their value, or the status of pension plans held with BAMC.

Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir.

The controversy surrounding Portvale comes as Co-op Energy and the government disagree over ownership. On Tuesday, both Weir and Browne gave conflicting statements about who is managing the industry.

Co-op Energy insists the government remains in control, while the government maintains that Co-op Energy is responsible—despite the cooperative’s failure to meet its financial commitment of at least $4 million as part of a $16 million investment agreement.

On Wednesday, Weir acknowledged the workers’ concerns, but said that he had not been made aware of any labour issues.

He said: “Those HR issues have not been brought to my attention. From what I know, all those matters were settled before. Of course, in any organisation, there will be people who want to make it seem as though all is not well because they are dissatisfied with something. But that doesn’t mean it’s the general case.”

As the harvest season progresses, operational problems at Portvale persist, Barbados TODAY was told.

A worker said: “We have serious boiler issues—both are malfunctioning. Steam pressure keeps dropping, making it impossible for the machinery to function properly. We’re out of fuel, we’ve run out of bagasse, and the remaining materials have deteriorated due to rain damage. The little bagasse we have is wet, making it difficult to burn. The decision was made to use diesel on the materials but that led to thick black smoke covering Holetown and surrounding areas, prompting complaints from residents.”

The workers also allege that the government rushed the start of the crop season despite the factory being unprepared.

“The factory wasn’t ready, but we were forced to start anyway. Now we have thousands of tonnes of cane sitting in the yard, deteriorating and spoiling. This is not how you run a factory. We are paying good money for cane at a loss.”

But Weir rejected claims of a systemic failure.

“These comments are oftentimes erroneous,” he said. “The factory did have problems with material. The bagasse got wet in all the rain we were having. And it doesn’t burn well when it’s wet. So that resulted in some slowdown. But there are no mechanical problems with the factory that have been reported to me.” 

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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The Barbados Sustainable Energy Co-operative (Co-op Energy) has accused the government of reneging on key commitments in the sugar industry divestment deal, leaving the $16m investment plan in limbo and threatening the industry’s future.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Browne, the cooperative’s chairman, accused the government of making significant alterations to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in May 2023 and failing to meet agreed-upon obligations.

Lt. Col. Browne’s statement came on the heels of a dispute over ownership.  Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir and Browne have conflicting statements about who is managing the industry.

Co-op Energy insists the government remains in control, while the government maintains that Co-op Energy is responsible – despite the cooperative failing to meet its financial commitment of at least $4m as part of a $16m investment agreement.

But Lt. Col. Browne’s statement revealed the series of changes that transpired since the initial agreement.

“On 18 December 2023, the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (BAMC) severed all staff, closed its sugar operations, and began the handover process,” said Browne in the statement. But, he noted, the process had been marred by government-backed alterations to key terms of the MOU.

The changes included the government’s decision to retain a 25 per cent stake in the new operation, instead of fully divesting as originally agreed, Browne said. Moreover, Browne said, the employee share offer, designed to allow sugar workers a stake in the new entity under a worker/owner model, was put on hold, denying them representation on the boards of the new companies.

Co-op Energy was set to take control of the sugar industry in January 2024 following BAMC’s divestment. Two new companies were established – Barbados Energy and Sugar Company (BESCO) Ltd to manage the factory and Agricultural Business Company (ABC) Ltd to oversee 4 500 acres of farmland. In a landmark move, workers were promised a 20 per cent  stake in ownership.

Additionally, two members of the BAMC board, the chairman and deputy chair, would now represent the retained 25 per cent interest of the government and sit on the boards of the new companies, according to Browne.

Furthermore, Lt. Col. Browne pointed out the government’s failure to provide the independent management and financial reports that were stipulated in the MOU. Instead, Co-op Energy was pressured into making substantial financial commitments without the necessary information to assess the risks properly, he asserted.

“We are still awaiting critical financial and operational reports,” Browne said in the statement, “and these are necessary for the co-op movement to attract potential credit union investors and evaluate their investment options responsibly.”

He argued that without full financial disclosure, including past failures and how they will be addressed, it would be irresponsible for any cooperative to move forward with such an investment.

Lt. Col. Browne continued to outline the agreed-upon process for the divestment, which had been outlined in the MOU.

“This process includes the offer of sale, provisional acceptance, verification of the asset’s value and legal status, final agreement on terms, and the transfer of ownership,” he explained.

Despite the understanding, Co-op Energy’s directors have found themselves at an impasse, with their involvement in operations stalled since June 2024.

In light of the government’s continued failure to respond to numerous written requests from Co-op Energy, Lt. Col. Browne stated that the situation had reached a “Catch-22”, effectively stalling progress on the handover and leaving the cooperative in a state of uncertainty.

“We are not willing to buy a pig in a bag,” the Co-op Energy chairman declared. “While we are prepared to purchase the agreed-upon shares at a fair market price, sound business practice requires that we perform the necessary due diligence to determine the true value of these assets, as stipulated in the MOU.”

Barbados TODAY sought to reach the Minister of Agriculture, Indar Weir, for further comment but was redirected to the government’s Senior Economic Advisor, Ambassador Dr Clyde Mascoll, who declined to comment on the matter.

On Tuesday, Weir said: “My stance remains. The period for their investment has passed and that must be addressed immediately. Finding excuses to prolong this investment situation is unacceptable and nothing will change until their financial obligation is met.”

Lt. Col. Browne said: “With our international co-op partners, we are fully convinced of the project’s viability, provided that it is managed on a professional and business basis, and that it is free of the various influences that previously plagued the industry.

“However we continue to await government’s response, and we continue to wish for a proper, timely and reasonable conclusion to this matter.” 

(SZB)

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Gordon Walters Primary School in Bright Hill, St Patrick’s, Christ Church suspended classes again on Wednesday over a severe rodent infestation, sparking outrage among teachers and parents who demanded immediate action from the Ministry of Education.

Despite the school’s reopening on Wednesday, many classrooms remain unusable as teachers refused to conduct lessons indoors, citing serious health concerns.

Following an initial closure on Monday, students were given lessons online the next day, only to return on Wednesday and be sent home once more.

When Barbados TODAY visited the St Patrick’s school, health officials were on the school compound conducting investigations.

A parent who requested anonymity added: “Rat urine and faeces are dangerous. Teachers and students should not be subjected to this environment. It is troubling that members of the Ministry of Health and Wellness are only just arriving now. They should have been involved long before now.”

She called attention to the long-standing nature of the problem, noting that rats were dropping through the ceiling of the rooms on the top floor of the school blocks.

“The rats have been here for some time, and the condition of the school is deteriorating. Students’ work has been destroyed by rodents, and the infrastructure is rotting. The wooden cupboards are being eaten by woodworms, and children’s books are being ruined,” she added.

The situation is compounded by other environmental hazards, the parent added.

“There are frogs, centipedes, and other pests in the classrooms. I’ve heard reports of rats falling from the ceiling onto students. This is completely unacceptable. The entire school is affected—this is not isolated to just one section of the compound. The roof rats are impacting the upper floors, while the tree rats infest the lower levels.”

The disruption is not only confined to the teachers’ and students’ immediate safety but extends to the broader issue of the school’s infrastructure. The absence of proper storage means that students’ assignments and educational materials are at risk of further contamination, and the rotting conditions of the school’s furniture only exacerbate the problem.

A teacher at the school, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the ongoing difficulties, stating that “we can’t even store books properly anymore. The cupboards are rotting, and the materials we use for lessons are being destroyed.”

Rudy Lovell, president of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), noted that environmental concerns at Gordon Walters have been raised with the Ministry of Education, but no concrete solutions have been implemented.

DLP spokesperson on education Felicia Dujon (right) and DLP candidate for Christ Church East Amoy Gilding-Bourne.

“We have communicated the staff’s concerns, but we are still waiting for the ministry to act. It’s clear that these issues have been ongoing for a while, and it’s time for the ministry to take decisive action,” Lovell said.

The Ministry of Education did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The teacher also raised the need for improved school infrastructure, stating, “There’s an urgent need for new furniture. Teachers and students are operating without proper desks and chairs. The environment is not conducive to learning, and we cannot have our children subjected to these conditions.” 

Felicia Dujon, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) spokesperson for education, condemned the situation, urging the Ministry of Education to prioritise the safety of students and teachers.

“The teachers have the right to refuse to work in these conditions. It’s a matter of safety,” Dujon said. “We need to hear from the ministry about what is going on because, as far as I know, the school has been closed since Monday. Students were sent home on Tuesday, and again on Wednesday. This is unacceptable.”

Dujon criticised the lack of communication from the Ministry of Education: “Parents have a right to be updated on the status of this situation. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a health hazard.”

Amoy Gilding-Bourne,  DLP candidate for Christ Church East whose child attends the school, echoed Dujon’s comments, highlighting the immediate health risks posed by the infestation.

She said: “It is very important that we get this situation rectified immediately. The parents and the teachers are extremely concerned. The teachers should not be made to operate within this type of environment and the children certainly should not be made to operate in this environment. Rat urine and rat faeces is dangerous.” 

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) has seen its operating budget plummet by 70 per cent since 2010, forcing the organisation to launch an innovative “Make Change” fundraising campaign to restore its ability to support crucial tourism infrastructure and heritage projects across the island, its chairman said on Wednesday.

The TDC, a not-for-profit organisation supporting the tourism industry through private sector funding, focuses on diverse projects, such as museums, heritage sites, and infrastructure improvements to ensure their long-term sustainability.

TDC Chairman Mark Thompson revealed the agency’s plight at the corporation’s 37th annual general meeting at the Savannah Beach Hotel in Hastings.

Thompson explained that funding has been affected by economic downturns and the COVID-19 shutdowns, dropping from $1 million before 2010, reducing its current annual budget to $300 000.

“Pre-2010 I would say we were operating with about a million dollars a year. That’s a little less than when we started out with. We were doing a pretty good job covering everything we needed to do, after the removal of the 150 per cent tax rebate, we dropped pretty precipitously to $600 000 roughly.”

He stated the importance of funding to TDC’s relevance: “In order to remain relevant, we must have the funding right. The funding is absolutely important.”

The TDC Chairman added: “We really can’t operate under those circumstances and make a real, meaningful impact. So we’ve got to think about ways, how we are going to do that.”

Thompson further explained that TDC is a supporting organisation to tourism organisations: “We don’t take the lead on marketing Barbados, that’s the BTMI’s position. And then you have the hotel and tourism association. So we are basically a conduit where private sector entities can funnel money through us in order to help Barbados in general, in terms of the growth of this tourism sector.”

He stressed that to continue having a significant effect, TDC must return to an annual budget of at least $650 000, with an ideal target of $1m.

“We are not immune to the economic times,” he said. “You know, we had some bad economic times, so definitely, we are dependent on funding from our members. If our members are affected, then we are affected. So we’re now looking at ways where we can raise funds separate and distinct from our members to have to continue to have the same impact, or in fact, have a real impact.”

Key stakeholders at Wednesday’s TDC AGM. (LG)

In June, the TDC will launch the ‘Make Change’ campaign to raise funds to support it, “essentially a round-up at the cashier”, said Thompson, who declined to give further details pending an official launch and advertising. The funds raised will go directly towards national projects, he said.

He added: “I think what one point I want to make clear [is] that TDC is a not-for-profit organisation. It’s a philanthropic private sector organisation. We are not in it for profit in any way, shape or form. We’re here to help Barbados. That’s the original mandate of TDC from the very beginning. And we, of course, the world changes, so we have to change how we do things.”

The first beneficiary of the Make Change campaign will be the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary project, which Thompson described as “a fairly significant national treasure” and “a critical component…like a national park”.

“We are looking to make 650 [thousand] in the first year, but we are not necessarily going to run the Graeme Hall project for the entire year. So let me just clarify that all of those funds wouldn’t necessarily go to Graeme Hall, but it would go a part to Graeme Hall and then any other project that we come up with within the next year.”

Over the years, the corporation has funded diverse projects, including heritage initiatives such as the Newton Burial Ground signage, the upgrade of Gun Hill Signal Station in collaboration with the Barbados National Trust, and the beautification of the island’s highways with palm trees. It has also backed sports tourism initiatives, including the Open Water Swim Festival, and continues to support the Barbados Trailway project—a two-kilometre stretch for cycling, running, and walking along the route of the 1881-1937 Barbados Government Railway. (LG)

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Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Lisa Cummins, has strongly refuted claims that the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) government has obstructed the work of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), insisting that at no point has the administration opposed its function.

Her comments come amid heightened scrutiny over the PAC’s role in government oversight, with opposition figures and Independent senators questioning the pace of its investigations and the release of reports.

“It is incorrect, it is misleading, and bordering on something perhaps even more problematic to suggest that this government has at any time objected to the functioning of the PAC,” Cummins declared during Wednesday’s Senate sitting.

She noted that the government remains committed to transparency and that records from the Parliament of Barbados confirm its participation in PAC meetings. 

She laid a document before the Senate—the official record of public accounts meetings held between 2018 and 2024—demonstrating that the government had actively engaged in the committee’s work.

Cummins provided a detailed timeline of PAC meetings, noting that between 2018 and 2023, the first session of Parliament saw multiple discussions on key matters, including the Transport Board and the Barbados Water Authority. 

After the 2022 general election, which began the second session of Parliament, three PAC meetings were held in 2024: on June 3, June 24, and July 8. 

She stressed that all three meetings were in-camera sessions, meaning they were not publicly broadcast.

She further explained that the opposition had representation at these meetings, with former Senator Tricia Watson attending the first session and her successor, Senator Ryan Walters, present at the subsequent ones. 

According to Cummins, the government’s position has always been to complete unfinished work before moving on to new matters.

Addressing public speculation over the controversial HOPE report, she clarified that it was never before the Parliament when the PAC met in 2024 and, therefore, could not have been considered at that time. 

However, she assured that once the report was properly laid, the PAC would be free to examine it.

“The government was very clear as well in those meetings that we had no objection once the report was laid that it would be considered by the PAC as a properly laid and presented document of this chamber,” she said.

Cummins also accused the former Democratic Labour Party (DLP) administration of attempting to abolish the PAC when current Prime Minister Mia Mottley chaired the committee as opposition leader. 

She claimed that between 2015 and 2016, the DLP government had refused to attend PAC meetings.

In response to accusations that the BLP government has hindered the committee’s work, she pointed out that no PAC meetings have been called since July 8, 2024.

“The Government of Barbados, this Barbados Labour Party government, cannot be accused of frustrating the work of a committee that does not call meetings at all,” she said. 

(SM)

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After a turbulent period of leadership changes, administrative shakeups, and growing concerns over inefficiency, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is embarking on a major transformation under its new president, Daniel Best.

Acknowledging past challenges and outdated processes, he unveiled a bold plan to modernise the institution, restore its credibility, and ensure a faster and more effective and innovative approach to delivering development funding.

“As we look forward to the future, with all its uncertainties but even greater opportunities, I can think of no better word to define my vision for this bank than rebirth,” Best declared during the bank’s annual news conference on Wednesday.

While regarded as the premier financial institution for regional development, the CDB has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years. The sudden departure of former President Dr Hyginus Gene Leon last year only deepened concerns about governance and efficiency; with some member states turning to alternative institutions for funding.

Best made it clear in his address that the CDB cannot afford to remain stuck in outdated processes, noting that it must modernise, move faster, and deliver better results for the Caribbean.

A key part of the transformation includes three new financial products launching in 2025, designed to unlock capital at scale, support the region’s energy transition, and de-risk private sector investment.

While details are still emerging, Best assured that these new mechanisms would remove barriers to access and make financing more agile.

“This has already begun in earnest,” he said, noting that discussions are underway with regional leaders and financial partners. “We need to be far more agile as a bank.”

The new tools, he explained, will accelerate project funding, ensuring that critical initiatives in energy, infrastructure, and economic development are not stalled by red tape.

Beyond new financial products, Best is leading an internal overhaul of the CDB to strip away bureaucratic delays that have plagued the bank for decades.

“We can’t go into 2025 with the same policies and processes we’ve had for over 50 years,” he said bluntly, noting that many have been in place since he was a boy. “The world has changed, and we must change with it.”

That shift, he said, means rethinking how the bank operates—from how projects are appraised to how funds are disbursed. The goal is to move money to borrowing member countries faster, ensuring that crucial projects don’t remain stuck in administrative limbo.

“We are taking a sobering look at how we develop new processes, how we remove value-depleting layers, and how we get resources to our countries faster,” Best added.

His vision extends beyond the walls of the CDB. He outlined major regional challenges that the bank must address head-on, including food security, energy access, and disaster risk financing.

The Caribbean, he said, must not remain vulnerable to external supply chain disruptions, recalling the food shortages seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDB will support efforts to reduce the region’s reliance on imports, with a target of cutting food imports by 25 per cent through stronger agricultural production and supply chains.

Energy security is also high on the agenda. Best said the bank would focus on delivering affordable, sustainable energy to underserved communities while ramping up climate financing to help countries build resilience against natural disasters.

“The region is seven times more likely to be impacted by a natural hazard event than a larger country,” he noted. “We can no longer be surprised when these events happen. We must prepare, and we must finance that preparation properly.”

Best acknowledged that the biggest test for his leadership will be whether the CDB can regain the trust of its members after years of delays and inefficiencies. Some governments have already begun looking elsewhere for development funding, frustrated by the bank’s slow pace.

As he put it, the expectations are clear.

“As one prime minister said to me, the CDB must do more, better, faster. And we accept that challenge. The good people of this Caribbean region deserve nothing less.”

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb

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The proposed $10 per day charge on the rental car sector has drawn sharp criticism from Independent Senator Andrew Mallalieu, who fears the measure could push legitimate businesses underground. 

During Wednesday’s debate on the government’s Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals in the Upper Chamber, Senator Mallalieu, who disclosed his own financial investment in a rental car company, called for the Mia Mottley administration to revise the tax.

Mallalieu argued that the rental car sector is uniquely disadvantaged, being the only direct tourism service that does not receive state concessions. He expressed concern over the significant increase in revenue the government expects to generate from this new tax.

“This $10 per day being added to the rental cars, I would now like to give an estimate so we can compare what we are talking about removing,” Mallalieu stated. He estimated that the government currently collects approximately $300 000 per year in license fees from visitors renting cars. 

“Ten dollars per day, 6 000 rental car permits. A rental car permit, to get one, costs $3 500 the first time and it costs $1 000 every time you change that car. So generally, about every three years, they would change the car. But just going on the average rental across the industry, that $300 000 is going to $14.4 million. With 6 000 rental cars with an average occupancy…and we know how many times they are rented, and it’s at $10 per day it’s rented,” he elaborated.

The senator further highlighted the tax burden on the rental car industry. “To give you an idea in percentage terms…the average daily rate for rental cars in Barbados is about $80 per day. When you add $10 per day, you are adding 121/2 per cent to that cost. On top of that, there is a 17.5 per cent VAT. So, for every rental car, there is a 30 per cent tax that government is going to collect. Plus the fuel tax.”

Mallalieu also pointed out a potential issue with existing contracts. 

“It is that you have people who have rented cars,” he explained, “and you have contractual obligations for the next nine to 12 months. So, that is going to have to be addressed because you have fixed prices on that. How you add a tax after the fact is…we have had this before, so I am sure we will figure it out.”

He lamented that Barbados already has some of the highest rental car costs in the region. 

“We cannot afford to become uncompetitive in this area. This is just unnecessary. I cannot see the justification for moving from $300 000 a year in revenue to $14.4 million,” Mallalieu argued. 

He stressed the lack of concessions for the industry, noting, “They pay everything. There is no concession for this.”

Addressing the issue of unregistered rental car operators, Mallalieu expressed skepticism about the government’s ability to enforce regulations. 

“I am not aware that there has ever been a single instance, that a private operator has been brought to justice on this. There has not been one instance to date. So, maybe in the future, we are going to see a lot of it. Maybe not. My fear is that all we will do with this tax, is that we will drive legitimate hired car operators underground because it will make them uncompetitive,” he warned.

Concluding his remarks, Mallalieu urged the government to reconsider the tax. “I do encourage government to consult with the industry, recognise that it pays full duty on the cars, recognise it pays full VAT, and recognise the difference in the revenue and perhaps revisit it, which I am sure a reasonable government will do.” (EJ)

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ANSA Motors Barbados has expanded its services to local businesses by introducing a commercial division featuring Iveco and Yale vehicles. The move aims to provide a comprehensive range of transport solutions, from light-duty trucks to heavy-duty hauliers, supporting construction, logistics and waste management.

At a launch on Wednesday at the company’s Wildey headquarters in Wildey, officials hailed the development as a significant advancement in the commercial vehicle and material handling trade.

Jane Wright, general manager of ANSA Motors, expressed the company’s commitment to serving the business community. “I couldn’t be more elated to have Iveco and Yale as part of our brand. One of the things that we try to pride ourselves on is not only the valuable brands, that we have here today, including Kia, Proton Ford and Mazda, but also having the service component and the sales component,” she remarked.

The company prioritises customer service, expert guidance, and comprehensive after-sales support. Wright believes this partnership will usher in a new era of service for Barbados.

Commercial supervisor Billie June Langdon highlighted the company’s dedication to supporting Barbadian businesses.

“We are not just about products, we are about partnerships, providing tailored solutions and expert after-sales service to keep businesses running smoothly.”

With established operations in Trinidad and Guyana, ANSA Motors’ expansion into Barbados aims to enhance regional trade and transportation.

Technical service manager Kyle Dhoray outlined Iveco’s business model in Barbados: “Classes above the rest within the commercial transportation industry … Its ergonomic designs bring a new era of transportation solutions to the business community. Within Barbados, introducing the most powerful trucks in their respective tiers, along with the other benefits of alternative fuels such as CNG, LNG and electric options, Iveco continues to lead the way through the integration of the latest technologies safety and efficiency.”

Iveco, established in 1975 through the merger of five European commercial vehicle manufacturers – Fiat Veicoli Industriali, OM, Lancia Special Vehicles, Unic, and Magirus-Deutz – has a rich history in the industry.

Regional manager Sajid Ali-Baksh provided insight into the company’s international affiliations: “150 years working together with customers and distributors of high-performance vehicles, they still convey the message of reliability and technology innovation support.”

(LG)

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Trident Insurance is delighted to announce the appointment of Alex Knaggs to the role of General Manager, Trident Insurance – Barbados, effective March 1, 2025.

Alex brings ten years of experience in the insurance industry and throughout his career, has worked with some of the leading insurance broking firms in Trinidad and Tobago.

This includes his most recent role as area vice president at Gallagher Trinidad and Tobago.

As a key member of Gallagher Caribbean’s leadership team, Knaggs demonstrated exceptional ability in managing complex insurance needs for large regional and multinational clients.

Knaggs is deeply committed to ongoing professional development and insurance education. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tampa and has earned several prestigious industry designations, including the Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII), Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), and Associate in Risk Management (ARM). He is also a chartered insurance practitioner and is currently advancing his expertise by pursuing the Fellowship of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FCII) and an Associate in Reinsurance (ARe) from the American Institute of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters.

Musa Ibrahim, managing director of Tatil & Tatil Life, welcomed Knaggs and said: “We are thrilled to have Alex join our team. He has a unique skill set and a wealth of experience to bring to the table and we look forward to continuing our journey of growth and business development with him at the helm.”

(PR)

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The ambitious goal of expanding the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep industry to a population of one million sheep remains viable despite public scepticism, according to Dr Leroy McClean, consultant for the Blackbelly Sheep Expansion Project.

Addressing farmers and stakeholders at an open day held at the Animal Nutrition Unit on Wednesday, McClean reaffirmed the project’s objectives, dispelling misconceptions and underscoring its critical role in bolstering food security in Barbados and the wider Caribbean.

McClean stressed that reaching the 1m target is not an overnight undertaking but a carefully structured long-term strategy.

“When people hear about a million sheep, they say you’re crazy,” he acknowledged. “But when we analyse the numbers, we see that it is entirely possible.”

The expansion is directly linked to the St Barnabas Accord, a partnership between Barbados and Guyana aimed at strengthening regional food security. Under this agreement, Barbados committed to sending 1 000 Blackbelly Sheep to Guyana, leveraging that country’s extensive land, water and grazing resources to accelerate industry growth.

“This is not about Guyana or Barbados—it is about Guyana and Barbados,” McClean emphasised, noting that the joint project was a success. “There have been false claims that all our sheep have been sent away and that none remain in Barbados. That is utter nonsense.”

The expansion of the sheep population in Guyana is being facilitated through the Guyana Livestock Development Agency, which has already distributed animals to 140 farmers. Notably, 30 per cent of recipients have been women, in line with the Guyanese government’s policy of ensuring equal distribution to women, youth and people with disabilities.

McClean highlighted Barbados’s heavy dependence on imported lamb, revealing that over a six-year period, the country imported an annual average of 1.3m kilogrammes of sheep meat at a cost of approximately $14m per year. When combined with local production, the total retail market for lamb in Barbados exceeds $24m, presenting a lucrative opportunity for farmers.

“If we are spending $24m annually on lamb, why aren’t we positioning our farmers to capture that market?” he questioned. “Our objective is to reduce and ultimately eliminate our import bill.”

Beyond meat production, he underscored the potential for a high-value leather industry, citing previous tests that confirmed the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep hides produce some of the finest-quality leather in the world. However, to realise this potential, achieving a critical mass of sheep is essential.

One of the primary challenges to profitable sheep farming in Barbados is the high cost of feed, which McClean described as unsustainable under traditional rearing methods. To counter this, the project is promoting domestic feed production using agricultural byproducts such as cassava skins, river tamarind and cottonseed.

“Farmers cannot achieve a good return on investment if they rely on expensive commercial feed,” he stated. “By developing alternative feed options using local inputs, we can significantly reduce costs and enhance profitability.”

(SZB)

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Opposition Senator Andre Worrell has called on the government to reassess its investment in the healthcare sector, arguing that more funding is needed to address the growing health challenges, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking during debate in the Senate on Wednesday, Worrell raised concerns about a decline in government spending on healthcare over the years. 

“There is stated within these Estimates [of Expenditure and Revenue], that at one point, the objective was to reduce the government’s contribution to health and transfer more of the payment to patients in terms of upfront costs,” he said.

However, Worrell contended, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, that this spending pattern needs urgent revision, as has been done internationally. 

“As a result of COVID, you recognised that there are more persons with healthcare challenges. That is why you hear Barbadians complaining about the quality of service at the QEH, and then you hear the QEH begging Barbadians not to come to their Accident and Emergency Department, especially now that it’s facing an influx of persons due to vehicular accidents, the shootings and the stabbings as a result of criminal activity,” he said.

The opposition senator stressed the importance of increasing healthcare investment, pointing to global post-pandemic trends where governments are investing heavily in their healthcare systems to better prepare for future health crises.

“What I am suggesting is that we really need to look at the amount of spending in the healthcare sector,” he said, noting that while the global post-COVID standard is for countries to invest nine to 11 per cent of their GDP in healthcare, Barbados is spending only 2.71 per cent of our GDP on healthcare.

Worrell noted that this underinvestment is contributing to issues such as long wait times at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department and patients having to make multiple visits to polyclinics to obtain necessary medications.

While Worrell welcomed the planned upgrades to the David Thompson Polyclinic, including the introduction of ultrasound services, he stressed that similar investments must be made across the island’s polyclinic network to reduce pressure on the QEH.

“If you really want patients not to go to the Accident and Emergency Department at the QEH, they must be able to go to the polyclinics and get comparative treatment, and not be told when they get there, ‘you have to go to the QEH and get an X-ray, or you have to go to the QEH to do a blood test’,” the opposition senator argued. (SB)           

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A leading endocrinologist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has described diabetes as a “scourge that is plaguing our nation”, crippling the healthcare system.

With nearly half of the hospital’s patients admitted due to diabetes-related complications, Dr Michael Krimholtz, painted a dire picture of a national crisis exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyles and economic constraints. Despite the challenges, he advocated for simple yet effective lifestyle changes and improved access to medication to combat the disease.

Speaking on the hospital’s Pulse Radio Show, Dr Krimholtz described the situation as a national crisis, emphasising that most of these hospitalisations are due to unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, which could be prevented with better choices.

He said: “Last time we counted, which was about ten years ago, we published a paper showing that between a third and half of the patients in the hospital were there for diabetes. The vast majority of those were there for complications related to diabetic foot. All of this should never be in a hospital. Diabetes should be managed and can be managed outside of hospital. So when it’s dominating our workload as an inpatient speciality, which is the most expensive way to treat people, they say $1 500 a day to be an inpatient, and patients are spending weeks and even months there with complications.

He pointed to diabetic foot and kidney disease, and other associated problems with diabetes, such as strokes and heart attacks, and even heart failure, causing the hospital to be past capacity.

“Diabetes should be managed in outpatient clinics and primary care, but instead, it is dominating our hospital workload,” he said.

Dr Krimholtz, a consultant at the QEH for 21 years, recalled that there was no structured diabetes service at the hospital when he first arrived. He established the programme from scratch, training a dedicated team—including diabetes specialist nurse Deborah Knight—to provide care for patients.

Nurse Knight, who works closely with diabetes patients at the outpatient clinic, stressed that a major challenge in controlling the disease is behaviour change. She said: “A lot of people tend not to listen, and that’s why they end up back at your doors, apologising for not following the regimen.”

Both specialists acknowledged that while lifestyle modification is crucial, economic and social factors often make it difficult for patients to adopt healthier habits.

Dr Krimholtz said: “So when we tell them to eat healthy, we have to look at that from the perspective that healthy incorporates not only diet and exercise but also other variables that prevent them from getting there. If you can’t afford to pay your bill, if you can’t afford to pay your rent, how can you then think about eating healthy? If you can’t afford to send your child to school, how can you think about eating healthy?”

Despite these challenges, he insisted that simple changes could significantly reduce the burden of diabetes.

The endocrinologist stressed the need for patients to take their medication regularly and the role of diet in managing diabetes.

“Take your medication. It works. It’s been proven in huge clinical studies with tens of thousands of people, and it’s embarrassing how many people we see who, for one reason or another, are not taking their medication. Yes, you feel well, and we’re asking you to take medications which may very well have side effects, to take them on a regular basis to stop you getting unwell,” urged Dr Krimholtz.

He acknowledged the difficulties associated with accessing affordable medication and presented some solutions that could soon benefit patients who visit the hospital to access their medication.

“There are mechanisms, but nobody uses them. They do exist; if I start a medication, it can be continued in the polyclinic using a system called the Category B drug. Nobody I know can remember the last time a Category B drug was dispensed in polyclinics. But I am working with the pharmacy at the hospital to see if we can reinvigorate that process so you don’t have to be coming to hospital for your medications because that’s wrong.”

He added: “If we start medication, you should be able to get it at any public clinic. And most of the medicines we use, let’s be honest, are widely available and inexpensive.”

He also recommends dietary changes that include reducing meat intake, increasing beans and pulses, and avoiding ultra-processed foods. He also suggests walking for at least ten minutes a day.

Dr Krimholtz said: “Meat is our highest form of calories. It’s also where we get our cholesterol from. It’s also the most expensive thing we eat. And if you just want to add an extra one, it’s the most environmentally unfriendly food that we eat. Get your calories from vegetables. Get your proteins from beans and pulses. You’ve got no cholesterol. You save money, you save the planet, and you get better yourself. It’s a win-win.”

He challenged Barbadians to use ground provisions instead of purchasing expensive foods labelled as healthy: “Get your vegetables, go to your local market. You don’t even need to go to the supermarket. You’ll get fresh, well-priced, affordable produce. I really encourage you to do that. I don’t agree with that statement that it (healthy food) is more expensive.

“Walk more. It’s not that hard. You’d be amazed how little exercise you need to do to keep yourself out of the clutches of people like Deborah and me. A 10-minute walk every day can literally halve your chance of getting diabetes if you have pre-diabetes.”

Both Dr Krimholtz and Nurse Knight reiterated the importance of being proactive about managing diabetes. “We want to help you win the battle against diabetes,” Dr Krimholtz said. “But we need you to listen and make these changes.”

(LG)

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Testifying in the trial of a man accused of raping his 12-year-old stepdaughter, a witness said she observed changes in the complainant’s behaviour and noticed thin cuts on the child’s arm.

The woman told the No. 4A Supreme Court that the girl and her younger siblings would stay at her house in the evenings, after school, under an arrangement with their mother.

She said either the accused or the mother would pick up the children after work and take them home. The witness recalled that there were times when the man would become angry and curse when he and the mother “had noise”, but “otherwise he was okay”.

The woman stated that the complainant stayed with her most evenings throughout her primary and secondary school years and she noticed a change in the girl’s behaviour after she changed schools.

“At primary school, she was one of those children who were very quiet because she had a problem with studying. When she got to secondary school, I found that even when I spoke to her, she was a bit strange. I did not understand why because I know that was not her, and then I saw she was doing strange things to her body. One day she came to me and I talked to her and did her hands like this (gestures) and I ask her what was that? She said she cut herself. So when I asked her mum, she said (the complainant) start doing this cutting thing just so. I did not know what it was for,” she told the court, describing the cuts as thin lines along the arm.

“I asked her why she was doing it and she never told me,” she added.

During the cross-examination by defence attorney Rasheed Belgrave, the witness could not recall any instance when the complainant arrived at her home around 7 p.m.

Asked whether she had ever seen the complainant’s mother and the accused physically fight, the witness stated, “I remember a time when he kept the children, it got very heated, but I cannot recall if anything physical like lashes or anything happened because it was so long ago.”

The stepfather is charged with two counts of raping the minor on December 31, 2016. He was 41 years old at the time.

Principal State Counsel Olivia Davis and State Counsel Tito Holder are prosecuting the matter.

Acting Justice Donna Babb-Agard presides.

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A new Health of the Nation Survey will be conducted this year to get a fix on Barbados’ growing non-communicable disease (NCD) epidemic, which accounts for 80 per cent of deaths on the island, health minister Davidson Ishmael has announced.

The survey aims to provide crucial data for evidence-based policymaking, addressing the urgent need for updated information on dietary habits and nutrition status.

Ishmael, the minister of state in the Ministry of Health, made the announcement during the National Nutrition Centre’s conference for Nutrition Month, themed Unpacking the Economics of Healthy Diets and Sustainable Agriculture, held at the Radisson Aquatica Resort on Wednesday.

Ishmael emphasised the urgency of the survey, stating that the last Health of the Nation Survey was conducted a decade ago.

“The last health of the nation survey was done in 2015, and therefore to effectively map and understand trends in obesity and NCDs, it is important to collect and analyse data on dietary habits and nutrition status in particular. On a positive note, I am pleased to share that the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre (GA-CDRC) is expected to commence during the course of this year a Health of the Nation Survey,” he said. “This evidence-based approach enables the development of more targeted interventions, policies, and programmes that address specific needs of communities. Ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to combat health issues and promote our wellbeing.”

The results of this study will support the development of more tailored health policies and programmes, according to Ishmael, who added that it will also ensure resources are allocated efficiently to combat the nation’s pressing health challenges. He also underscored the importance of collaboration between the National Nutrition Centre and academic institutions in tracking obesity and NCD trends through data-driven insights.

He said: “The National Nutrition Centre needs to foster partnerships with academic institutions to harness data-driven insights that can track obesity and NCD trends, thereby enabling the formation of tailored health policies and strategies. At the centre of all of this is the emphasis on research nutrition surveillance; in our current public health landscape we see a dearth in current research. The last Barbados Food Consumption and Anthropometric Survey was done in the year 2000.”

Barbados has been grappling with a high prevalence of NCDs, which account for approximately 80 per cent of deaths on the island, according to the Ministry of Health. Given these statistics, Ishmael said it was critical for stakeholders to tackle the issue from all perspectives, apart from health.

“From rising incidences of NCDs to the ever-present threat posed by climate change, we find ourselves at a crucial intersection. Our healthcare system is increasingly burdened by the rising prevalence of NCDs, many of which are directly linked to poor dietary practices, high levels of physical inactivity, and a perceived lack of access to healthy affordable food options,” he said.

“It is therefore imperative that we remember that this issue is not just a health concern, but a complex social and economic dilemma as well.”

(SB)

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Classes at the Gordon Walters Primary School will be conducted online, the Minister of Educational Transformation has announced.

The school was closed this week as a result of a rodent infestation.

In an update today, the Ministry said in a statement that it has been actively working to address recent environmental concerns at the school.

“Repairs, treatment and cleaning have been conducted inhibiting the access of pests within the school compound. While most of the work has been completed, there are a few outstanding areas that will continue to be addressed over the coming days. Therefore, classes will be conducted online.”

The Ministry added that it will maintain regular open communication with staff members to update them on the progress and address any concerns which may arise.

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Badminton and Squash will have a home in Barbados by next year.

Government, through the National Sports Council (NSC) is set to construct a new indoor facility for both disciplines to the tune of $4.5 million at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Wildey, St Michael.

This was revealed during a historic ground breaking ceremony for the training centre on Wednesday.

Delivering the featured address, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith said it’s part of government plans to continue improving local sports.

“ I really welcome this. We need to have facilities for as many of our disciplines as possible and the truth is government is pouring from a single cup so we cannot build a facility for every single discipline that is on island,” Griffith stated. “As much as possible, what we would try to do is build multi-purpose facilities so we will have two or three disciplines at a particular location. I want you to take care of the facility. I am sure that at the end of the day, we will have the results we are looking for in terms of development.”

President of the Barbados Badminton Association Kevin Wood, described the news as an exciting moment which will boost the sport in a major way.

“When the facility is completed, it will give us the opportunity for our national athletes to benefit from a dedicated facility to the sport and surely this will help our athletes to reach their true potential. Our paraathletes have not been left out because the facility is fully accessible and it allows them to be involved in the sport as well, which is good,” he said.

Wood also indicated clubs can now benefit along with schools. “All those schools who don’t have a hall big enough for Badminton. The sport also benefits from having the first badminton-only facility in the Caribbean which is a big achievement. This allows us to host training camps and will boast the sports tourism product.”

President of the Barbados Squash Association, Craig Archer, said the new facility would enhance the sport’s resources.

“This will enable us to install six new courts, so effectively doubling the stock of squash courts on the island, which is a really big deal for us because one of the things that have limited the growth of the sport is the steady reduction in [the] number of facilities in the island. The squash facility has been designed to accommodate courts that will be side by side with movable walls. This will potentially help us to do well in the future. I am proud to say that over the years, we have produced worldclass players.”

The facility will feature six courts for each sport and will have the capacity to host local and regional tournaments. The new indoor facility will also have changing rooms, bathrooms, office spaces, a small conference area and a small retail space.

(BT)

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Police and health officials have launched a coordinated effort to regulate roadside vendors along the ABC Highway following warnings that the growing trade poses a serious traffic hazard, particularly in the busy Warrens area of St Michael.

A public health officer from the nearby Eunice Gibson Polyclinic visited the Warrens vending site on Thursday afternoon to ensure vendors, especially those selling coconut water, were operating in accordance with public health procedures.

The Barbados Police Service also disclosed its intention to heighten its presence in the area to enforce traffic safety regulations and compliance with an agreement reached between vendors and management of the adjoining Dome Mall.

This comes on the heels of concerns expressed in the Senate by Independent Senator Andrew Mallalieu on Wednesday during the budget debate about the potential danger which vending is posing, especially in Warrens when motorists are transacting business with the retailers next to the busy highway.

“The situation now is getting worse,” Senator Mallalieu told the Chamber, “because it seems our road side vendors have not only taken over the verge, but in the Warrens area, they have taken over the entire lane. You stop now in the left lane to collect your goods that are being produced in the verge now, you down to one lane. That is true, and I don’t know how we are continuing on to do this.”

The prominent businessman pointed out that apart from the coconut water which he likes, one can now buy watermelons, eggs, fruit, and more recently clothes from at the side of the road.

“We must really do something about this. We cannot be building tens of million-dollar highways for this to happen. It is dangerous. I would like to know what’s going to happen…God forbid that someone is killed…but there is going to be an accident, someone is going to be hurt. This needs to come to an end,” the legislator insisted.

But when a team from Barbados TODAY visited the Warrens strip on Thursday, the vendors were seen operating from the grassy area of the waterway leaving a clear path along the shoulder of the highway.

The consensus among the vendors is that the Warrens area was ideal for doing business and that they were not putting anybody’s lives in danger.

A fruit seller who preferred to remain anonymous said she was leaving everything to God when asked to respond to a suggestion that they be removed. “Massy gave us permission to sell on their property. That part there belongs to the government [pointing to the shoulder of the highway]. They [government] tell us they don’t want us selling on the road, so we selling here on the grassy area that belong to Massy,” she explained.

“We aint putting anybody’s life in danger. We could be here standing now and a car could run off the road and take our lives. We don’t have any control over who gets hurt or not,” another fruit seller declared, adding that he was only making an honest living.

“If they move we, where they’re going to put we? That don’t make any sense,” contended a coconut vendor.

Amidst public complaints that some coconut vendors were not cleaning up at the end of their business day, public health officials on Thursday put them on notice of the requirement to fix that.

Law enforcers are also on a mission to ensure law and order are maintained by the vendors.

Communications and Public Affairs Officer of the Barbados Police Service Inspector Ryan Brathwaite, recalled that three meetings were held between the senior command team of the police service and the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN), and that they had visited the Warrens site three times where police spoke to the vendors.

“They also engaged the facility manager at the Dome Mall. So, coming out of these meetings, it was agreed that the vendors would vend on that grassy bank area there by the car park as opposed to coming down on the road way. So, the verge…if people want to utilise the services of the vendors, the persons would pull off on the verge and then approach the vendors,” Inspector Brathwaite told Barbados TODAY.

“That,” he assured, “is being monitored by the police to ensure that there is compliance.” Questioned as to whether there are any particular concerns about motorists pulling off the road and back on, the police spokesman replied: “We probably should look at putting signage in the area. Also, you have to look at if people drive with utmost care and due care, use their indicators when they are about to move off…hand signals, the good old-fashioned way of driving; alert others of any manoeuvres that would be happening, then, it might be able to function safely.”

Inspector. Brathwaite explained that the signage of which he spoke, could be ‘no vending on the verge.’ “That is one of the considerations,” he added, “that we would move towards. But we will try to maintain a police presence in the area to ensure that there is compliance on what was agreed to. We will continue to monitor, and any complaints coming in from the public, we will always try to address and deal with them. But we will continue to monitor.”

Vending legislation is currently in the works.

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

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