Church leaders representing three major religious organizations here agree on the need for community intervention as a significant way of helping to arrest violence in this country, particularly the current upsurge in gun-related crime.

Head of the umbrella Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies (PAWI) Bishop Gerry Seale is adamant that making pronouncements in the media will not make any difference to those who are carrying out the violence, neither will calling on them to stop shooting.

“I think there needs to be an initiative that reaches out to those in whose interest the violence is being carried out and work with those people to find other ways to resolve the situation,” Bishop Seale told Barbados TODAY this afternoon.

“Are we willing to take steps to find the people who are leading these gangs and begin initiatives that would make a change in what is happening?” the PAWI leader asked.

He argued that if the country was not able to find ways to engage those who are leading the violence to bring about a resolution, the situation would get worse and Barbados could find itself in a position similar to some other crime-riddled Caribbean countries.

Stating that he views the current situation in Barbados with a lot of concern, Bishop Seale revealed that his church organization has decided to partner with founder and director of Drug Education Counseling Services Pastor Roger Husbands in seeking solutions outside the four walls of the church.

“Under our umbrella he has developed an assembly to cater specifically to young people coming out of the gangs and drug cultures. So we have a positive input there . . . that's another young man who has started reaching out in another area to young people who are being caught up in the same drug and gang culture,” he said.

General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Holiness Churches in Barbados Rev. Joel Cumberbatch also supports the church operating out of the box and placing more focus on community outreach initiatives.

“Certainly as we approach the new year, we have to talk peace. I think one thing we have to do though . . . not the church alone . . . we have to link up with other organizations; getting into the communities, whether it is townhall meetings or small groups; fellows on the block, whatever...try to use our influence to talk to people; hear from them what the issues are...but above all we have to prayer and act,” Rev Cumberbatch suggested.

While dismissing a school of thought that the church has failed the nation's youth, the Wesleyan Church leader agreed that it can do more to reach young people.

“The church has always been working with young people. I wouldn't say that we have failed. I would say we can do more. Maybe we need to do some new and creative things. I am sure there is not a denomination or church in Barbados where you don't have some measure of outreach,” he added.

“One of the things I would like to see the church get involved in a more dynamic way though is empowering people,” added Rev. Cumberbatch. “Empowering people educationally; empowering people in terms of skills. The Christian faith is not just theory nor is it just going to church and jumping and dancing and having a good time. That has its place. But it is about empowering people for life,” the Wesleyan Church head told Barbados TODAY.

He suggested that the church must work more with families and youth and teach them confict resolution skills.

He defended young people against much of the violence seen and experienced in the country noting that when he moves around the island he has been witnessing most of the verbal violence coming from adults including the road rage.

According to Rev. Cumberbatch, everybody seems to be in a mad rush, lacking in tolerance and thinking only about themselves. “I think this is where we have failed badly,” the church head stated.

“We have to use the resources and skills that we have to help the down-trodden, the disenfranchised, the poor and dispossessed. It is very easy to run ahead and leave the other person. It happens in church too you know,” added Rev Cumberbatch.

And Diocesan Administrator for the Anglican Church Canon Wayne Isaacs is also backing the idea of getting out into the community and touching people where they are.

“We prayer that the Government and the police will be able to find a solution for the evil which we need to eradicate from our society. The Diocese of Barbados, is willing to join forces with anyone or any group that desires to work to bring a solution to the problem,” Canon Isaacs told Barbados TODAY.

He questioned whether the violence and the murders can be attributed to the current economic situation.

“It seems that there is some evidence that what is happening is the result of conflict between groups...drugs seem to be part of the problem. But what is worrying is the ease with which persons are able to get guns and commit these deadly violence against persons in the society,” the Anglican cleric lamented.

Noting that it is a problem that concerns the church, state and society generally, the Anglican Church leader is suggesting that all concerned come together “to arrest this evil which permeates all sectors of our society”. emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

The post Crime call appeared first on Barbados Today.

As Barbadians come together with friends and families to celebrate the Christmas season, Prime Minister Mia Mottley is urging retrenched public sector workers not to lose hope.

At the same time, Mottley has announced that come 2020 Barbadians could be joining in a grand Christmas celebration, which would involve Barbadians home and abroad.

In her Christmas message the Prime Minister urged citizens to remember the less fortunate, and to take this time to reflect, celebrate and honour religious and cultural traditions.

“We must remind ourselves every day how blessed we are as we thank God for each other and for the blessings we have received over this past year,” said Mottley.

“We ourselves, even with the challenges that beset us as a nation and as individuals, are encouraged to listen for and to receive good news with acceptance and a determination to turn it to our advantage,” she said.

Pointing out that many of the decisions that her administration took over the past six months “seemed harsh and unpleasant”, Mottley said they were “absolutely essential” for the country’s good health.

“I wish especially to address those who are directly affected, in particular those public officers who were identified over the past three months, for separation from the public service. Very often in life the burden of protecting the well-being of the majority falls on the shoulders of a minority. It may seem to you now that there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but I give you my assurance that your sacrifices shall not be in vain.

“Our country shall forever owe you a debt of gratitude. I want you to make use of the opportunities that have been offered to you whether it is retraining for new job prospects or starting your own businesses or even accessing land because we are going to make sure that we create a framework in which you can support yourselves and your families,” said Mottley.

The Prime Minister said it was her intention to transform Barbados into a place of choice to live, work, recreate and to retire, while acknowledging traditions and embracing change.

“It is with that in mind that those Barbadians, those born here or those with Barbadian roots, have been invited by our Government to return home in 2020 for The Gathering 2020,” she said.

“We have designated it so, because we believe that this is an opportunity for all Barbadians, parish by parish, to be able to come home and to be able to embrace their roots but at the same time, to help us refine a more perfect vision for the Barbados that we want for ourselves and our children and our grandchildren. Parish by parish, we will embrace our people and we will showcase through traditional sports, music, food, other social activities, as well as marrying the opportunities for business, a Barbados that will make us all proud and from which we will determine our future,” she explained.

Pointing to her anticipation of a “vintage Barbadian Christmas event” in the Queen’s Park on Christmas Day, Mottley said the role of every Barbadian was to invite friends and family home for the “momentous” occasion in 2020.

The post Don’t lose hope appeared first on Barbados Today.

With just hours to go before Christmas Day, Barbadians were rushing around doing last minute shopping in the City many trying to secure final gifts for those on their holiday lists.

Outside Cave Shepherd on Broad Street Barbados TODAY caught up with Jamilla Sealy, the Queen’s Young Leader recipient 2017 whose only wish was that there would be no violence to interupt the peace of the Yuletide season.

“My Christmas wish is that everybody would keep calm because right now almost every day I am hearing about somebody
dying from a shooting. Let everyone try to get along at least for the season into the New Year,” she said, adding that persons should try to save some funds to take them through the New Year.

“There are hard times right now so I just really hope that people learn to cut back a bit and don’t spend all their money for Christmas and then don’t have anything for January,” she said.

The environmentalist who is also the regional chairperson of Caribbean Youth Environment Network said that she would like Barbadians to be mindful of the garbage they accumulate this year as they celebrate during this holiday season.

Trying to complete her last minute shopping, Sealy said she was looking forward to maintaining the “potluck” tradition in her family when each member brings dish and gather at one home for food and merriment.

Meanwhile, Shamar White said that his one Christmas wish was to ensure that his close relatives are happy.

“I just want to make sure that my family members are happy especially my mother; my close relatives are actually set in terms of food and all of that so that they could enjoy the holidays,” White said, adding that this year he brought so many gifts that he has no money left.

“I bought more gifts,” White told Barbados TODAY, adding that a traditional Christmas in his family begun on Christmas eve with the opening of one gift. “We open one gift the night before because the suspense builds up. We enjoy it and just have fellowship together,” he said.

Shanel Murphy said all she wants was to spend time with her family and friends and especially enjoying sharing at home with her sibling and mother

“Normally I would spend time with my mom and my brother. We just come over and eat, drink, have a good time. It is on the quieter side,” she told Barbados TODAY.

The post Christmas wish for no violence appeared first on Barbados Today.

The arrivals lounge at the Grantley Adams International Airport was enlivened with Christmas cheer and emotional reunions this Christmas Eve.

Hundreds gathered at the doors of the arrivals concourse awaiting their loved ones’ exit this afternoon from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and neighbouring Caribbean states. The anticipation was high, the mood festive, as the sounds of a tuk band echoed throughout the airport. The band was accompanied by a traditional stilt man and female masqueraders in colourful carnival garb. But the star of the homecomings was a Bajan Santa Claus who, though dressed in the customary red and white of Old Saint Nick, was not afraid to do a jig, jive and wuk up with the arriving passengers.

Couples reconnected with kisses and families with hugs but it was the joyous noise from the Maorodore-Martindale family that caught the attention of Barbados TODAY. It was a family reunion as relatives arrived from London and American cities on Monday afternoon after 3 p.m.

Janelle and Juliette Morodore were coming from New Jersey while Ria and Amar Morodore, Andrea Yearwood and Linda Morodore-Collins arrived from London.

[caption id="attachment_286026" align="aligncenter" width="600"] From left, Ria Morodore, Janelle Mordore, Andrea Yearwood, Juliette Morodore, Linda Morodore, Justina Martindale and Anmar Morodore arrived from the USA and London to reunited for the holidays.[/caption]

When the group arrived, matriarch Justina Martindale engulfed her family in warm embraces. Speaking to Barbados TODAY, Ria Morodore said it was great to be back home.

“I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. We are all excited to be here to see our family,” said Ria. She said she had been anticipating the trip back to Barbados for weeks.

“It is going to be just a big family gathering for Christmas because we came to see my gran . . . . We all live very far away so it is good to just meet up and make sure that everyone is okay,” she added.

After freezing in New Jersey for the last couple of weeks, Janelle was excited to hit the beach and enjoy the holidays with her family. Upon landing, she indicated she was eager for a sumptuous Bajan Christmas dinner.

“I’m not looking forward to anything else. I’m ready to eat right now,” she said.

Canadian Barry Parris was also eager to get a taste of his family’s Barbadian cooking. The Toronto native said he was visiting for three weeks and nothing back home could compared to the taste of home.

“The food here is crazy crazy nice. It is just good food compared to what I get in Canada - it’s good stuff,” said Parris.  He revealed he was kicking off his Christmas Day celebrations with a beach outing.

The post Many, many happy returns appeared first on Barbados Today.

Good morning all in Barbados today.

Christmas is always a very special time for Barbadians. It is a time for celebration, a time to honour our traditions, both cultural and religious, and a time for inward reflection.

We must remind ourselves every day how blessed we are as we thank God for each other and for the blessings we have received over this past year. As we give thanks, let us remember the lessons which the story of Christmas has taught us. As we exchange gifts among our family and our friends, let us also remember the less fortunate among us and hold true to the tradition of our willingness to assist others who are in need. We must also remember the Christmas story, the Angels who brought glad tidings of great joy as they announced the good news and the shepherds who received that good news with absolute disbelief. We ourselves, even with the challenges that beset us as a nation and as individuals, are encouraged to listen for and to receive good news with acceptance and a determination to turn it to our advantage.

Our people are our greatest resource and we must never ever forget this. As we Barbadians, here at home and in the diaspora, come together among our families and our friends to celebrate during this festive season, let me take this opportunity to invite you to participate in the mission to transform Barbados into that place of choice for us to live, to work, to recreate and to retire. A Barbados where you would want to raise your children because you believe it is safe and that their aspirations can be expressed and fulfilled, a Barbados which is clean and allows us to revel in its beauty.

As I reflect on the past year, I am deeply honoured to have been given such an overwhelming mandate to govern the affairs of this fair land, but with this honour also comes great responsibility. My colleagues and I have taken the approach to confront head-on the challenges with which we are faced, and as such, many of the decisions that my Government has taken may sometimes seem harsh and unpleasant but are absolutely essential for our good health.

I wish especially to address those who are directly affected, in particular those Public Officers who were identified over the past three months, for separation from the Public Service. Very often in life the burden of protecting the well-being of the majority falls on the shoulders of a minority. It may seem to you now that there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but I give you my assurance that your sacrifices shall not be in vain. Our country shall forever owe you a debt of gratitude. I want you to make use of the opportunities that have been offered to you whether it is retraining for new job prospects or starting your own businesses or even accessing land because we are going to make sure that we create a framework in which you can support yourselves and your families.

Our cultural values and community spirit have always helped to keep us grounded and strong. We must hold fast to our traditions, those things that make Barbados the best place to be in the world, while at the same time recognizing that we must embrace change for if we fail to embrace change, we will not be able to adapt to the world in which we live.

I am sure that many of you can remember, and some of us still do enjoy, Christmas Eve and Christmas morning religious services, followed by, for some, Christmas in the Park. We need to preserve the fellowship that embraces all of that and that has become an integral part of our culture. But at the same time, we need to open our minds to embrace those opportunities that the world offers us, recognizing that the way in which it has always been done, may not be there for us.

It is with that in mind that those Barbadians, those born here or those with Barbadian roots, have been invited by our Government to return home in 2020 for The Gathering 2020. We have designated it so, because we believe that this is an opportunity for all Barbadians, parish by parish, to be able to come home and to be able to embrace their roots but at the same time, to help us refine a more perfect vision for the Barbados that we want for ourselves and our children and our grandchildren. Parish by parish, we will embrace our people and we will showcase through traditional sports, music, food, other social activities, as well as marrying the opportunities for business, a Barbados that will make us all proud and from which we will determine our future.

I look forward to, for example, what December 25th in 2020 would look like when we gather in Queen’s Park to participate in what would be that ultimate vintage Barbadian Christmas event. But until then, our role is to invite our friends and our family home for that momentous occasion in 2020.

My friends, Barbados may be a small nation, but our size has never restricted the magnitude of our vision. Over the past six and a half months, we have sought also to strengthen ties with our Caribbean brothers and sisters and we have recommitted to the CARICOM Single Market and Single Economy. There are sure signs for us of our resilience and our determination in the last six and a half months that have caused confidence to return to our people because we believe that we can propel Barbados to a place of prominence internationally. And we believe that Barbados can provide for all of its citizens, but we must retain our discipline; we must be prepared to be tolerant; we must be prepared to be compassionate and we must be prepared equally to understand that Rome was never built in a day.

Once again, I thank each and every one of you for joining my Government on this journey of putting Barbados back where it belongs to be able to punch above its weight.

On behalf of my Government and my family I wish you, my friends, all the very best wishes for a Joyous and Happy Christmas and for God’s continued blessings for the New Year ahead. I ask us each to rest as we come to the point of recognizing that the journey is a long one, but it is one that we can make always, together.

God Bless you and God Bless Barbados.

Thank you.

The post PM offers hope to retrenched workers appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Barbados Today family wishes all a very merry Christmas.

May you unwrap the gifts of love, joy, peace and happiness this season. 

The post Merry Christmas appeared first on Barbados Today.

Queens Park has been transformed into a fashion runway as locals dressed to the nines for the annual Christmas in the Park concert.

From 7 a.m. the Royal Barbados Police Force Band led the joyous proceedings as families trickled into the venue for the annual Bajan tradition.

The post Bajans celebrate Christmas in Queens Park appeared first on Barbados Today.

Meet Barbados’ first Christmas baby, Kal-El Fagan.

Proud mom Crystal Fagan delivered her bouncing nine-pound baby boy at 12:40 a.m. at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital

The excited mom told Barbados TODAY her son was due four days ago and she is happy to finally meet him.

[video width="640" height="352" mp4="https://barbadostoday.bb/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/BABY.mp4"][/video]

The post Barbados welcomes first Christmas baby appeared first on Barbados Today.

By Kareem Smith

Several unexpected Christmas gifts were delivered at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today, in the form of bouncing babies.

When Barbados TODAY visited the public hospital, delivery ward C3, was a hive of activity as two baby boys had already been delivered.

The first Christmas baby was welcomed by 34-year-old Crystal Fagan at approximately 12:40am. His name is Kal-El,  named after the fictional superhero character, Superman. He weighed in at approximately nine pounds.

[caption id="attachment_286069" align="alignnone" width="650"] Crystal Fagan and baby Kal-El[/caption]

Speaking to reporters at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, his mother Crystal Fagan revealed that she did not expect to give birth on Christmas day.

“I wanted to get him before Christmas, actually, because I wanted to be home with my family, but he came when he wanted to,” she chuckled, revealing that Kal-El was due to be born four days before on December 21.

She said the labour process began around 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

“I was driving and when I got home, I realized the pain kept coming back all the time, so I knew I was in labour. I called my mum and she just told me to hold off a little bit and I came to the hospital and they told me yes, I was four centimetres dilated,” she said.

The mother of two said Kal-El’s birth felt like she was having a first child, who was born 16 years ago.

“Honestly, I wasn’t planning to get anymore [children], but he came, and it was ok…and I’m glad he’s here,” she said.

The second Christmas surprise was born at 3:45 a.m. to thirty-nine-year-old Emma Wharton. Her bouncing baby boy weighed just six pounds and wasn’t expected until well into the new year. Though the child has not yet been named, he joins a household of five other siblings including one sister and four brothers.

[caption id="attachment_286064" align="alignnone" width="650"] Emma Wharton and her son.[/caption]

Nurses and mid-wives in the delivery wards were expecting a busy day today. They revealed that nearly half a dozen other mothers were expected to give birth.

“I believe it’s a joyous occasion to have your baby born on Christmas day. After all it’s a special day, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I believe that many women would be happy to partake in that event.,” said Nurse Nakiesha Scantlebury, a first-time midwife.

“It’s a bit tedious…It is a lot of work. But to share with the patients…it is good to share in their experience,” she said.

Kaffyann Harewood, Brand Manager of Massy Distribution was also on hand to share in the joy on Christmas day. She presented a number of hampers to the happy mothers.

[caption id="attachment_286065" align="alignnone" width="650"] Brand Manager of Massy Distribution Kaffyann Harewood makes a presentation to Emma Wharton.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_286067" align="alignnone" width="650"] Brand Manager of Massy Distribution Kaffy Ann Harewood makes a presentation to Crystal Fagan.[/caption]

“We from Massy distribution, just want to give a token of appreciation to the mothers [in the form of] a basket with Huggies products, showing them that we care… it is a pleasure actually going forward every Christmas and giving the moms a token of our appreciation,” she said.

The post Joy for new parents as babies arrive on Christmas Day appeared first on Barbados Today.

By Kareem Smith

Bold fashion statements and the sweet songs of the Christmas season provided the right atmosphere for yet another memorable Christmas in the Park.

The numbers were modest, but the spirit of good cheer was still very much alive as dozens converged on the grounds of Queens Park to carry on the annual tradition.

As is customary, many left early morning church services clad in their finest to ring in another Christmas celebration, in style. The dresses, suits, high heels and ‘square mouth’ shoes were extremely unique.

Some stuck to their usual Christmas colors of red, white and green, while others displayed more adventurous fashion choices including several African styles.

Serenaded by the sweet sound of the Royal Barbados Police Force Band, accompanied by Soca sensation Biggie Irie and Kelly Cadogan, patrons danced the morning away from as early as 7o’clock, sharing with others the warmth and joy of Christmas.

The police band was followed by the group, Promise who wowed the crowd with traditional Christmas selections, before switching to more contemporary styles.

Patrick Waithe who was at the park with his wife, Jewel Waithe and his godson, Shea Thorne said they considered it a blessing to be together for the special occasion.

“This is the first time in the park for my wife with us, [but] my godson and I come every year, so this is like a tradition to us.

“To me, it gives you a feeling of Christmas and what Christmas is all about. All the dressing up and how friendly the people are. It all just gives you the feeling of Christmas,” said Patrick, while for his wife Jewel, “ [Christmas in the park] kind of sets the tone for the day.”

The happy couple, whose outfits complimented each other quite nicely, said that the Christmas spirit of Barbadians is very much alive.

“I think we Bajans still have Christmas at heart, it’s just that depending on the economy, we downsize accordingly,” said Jewel.

While Patrick’s godson, Shea was a little shy about sharing his Christmas wish, the adults were a lot bolder, saying they were hoping to see an improvement in the country’s ailing economy.

“I would like the economy to turn around so we can spend more…so that we could enjoy a bit more and do more of things that we want to do…this year, we had to make sacrifices, but hopefully things will turn around and we can go back to enjoying everything about Christmas that we want to,” said Patrick.

Meanwhile, Lorna “Ms Claus” Bryan was one of the show stoppers on the day. Ms. Clause revealed that her dress was made from “a new panel of window curtains.”

“I wanted something totally different, I made this outfit and I trimmed it with the green,” she said.

“The white stands for peace, the green stands for prosperity, and of course there is a lot of love around and I have a lot of it to share,” she said laughingly.

“For me, I’m keeping it real, it’s marvelous. I keep my spirit alive, no matter what. I love me, and I love life. I don’t do stress or worry; I have no time for that.”

The post Festive celebrations on Queens Park appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Barbados Meteorological Office says today will be fair to partly cloudy and breezy with a few brief isolated showers.

The post Today’s weather appeared first on Barbados Today.

Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean is grossly under-insured, says one senior insurance official, who is suggesting that regional governments develop national policies in order to ensure basic insurance needs are taken care of.

Group Chief Operating Officer of Sagicor Financial Corporation Ravi Rambarran told a recent media breakfast meeting that if regional economies did not urgently put measures in place to cover insurance needs they could continue to struggle due to the impact of natural disasters and people generally living longer.

“Yes, it is a huge task, but it is an absolutely necessary one because natural disasters can really shock the entire region. That is a shock that is manageable.”

He disclosed that Sagicor would be making efforts in the new year to ramp up coverage in “the three key areas of our region that are under-served – pensions, [life] insurance and on the property side”.

“So we intend in the beginning of next year, to also have our own public education campaign on the benefits of insurance and pensions. This is not just a Sagicor issue, this is a fundamental public policy issue in the entire Caribbean,” said Rambarran.

“First and foremost, we will play our role at Sagicor because we believe we have solutions for that problem and at the same time we will partner with those who share that same vision. So we remain open, but definitely we would say to you that a lot of energy has been focused on productivity, a lot of energy has been focused on economic growth, but no country and by extension the Caribbean region cannot have sustainable economic growth without its population being protected through insurance and pensions. It is a foundational issue for sustainable economic growth,” he cautioned.

It is not immediately known how many individuals in Barbados or the Caribbean do not have pension, life or property insurance.

Rambarran stressed it was time for residents to take the necessary steps to ensuring they could rebuild after a natural disaster.

In relation to life insurance and pension, the Insurance executive expressed concern that too many “young families” were still without such coverage.

“The unfortunate part is that people don’t voluntarily buy insurance. The equally unfortunate part is when they don’t they are subject to these shocks in their lives, whether it be illness, premature death, living too long or natural disasters,” he said.

“Certainly, throughout the Caribbean there is significant under-insurance in terms of coverage for the largest asset, the homes of individuals. The next front there is also significant under-coverage for retirement. Current studies demonstrate that individuals can and should expect to live to 80 or 90 years-old. If you are retiring at age 65 or 70 that is a quarter of your life that you are going to spend typically not working. So it is important to make such a provision.”

He stressed that citizens have to improve how their manage their expenses and take greater responsibility for their retirement. (MM)

The post Barbados and Caribbean grossly under-insured appeared first on Barbados Today.

Guests at Bougainvillea Barbados and Sugar Bay Barbados enjoyed a Bajan Christmas yesterday.

A local tuk band transformed the atmosphere at the two properties as it played the favourite tunes of the season.

Not only did adults and children enjoy the rhythmic sounds but they were all smiles as stilt walkers and dancers enticed them to have fun.

Guests also enjoyed competing in the Christmas Sandcastle and Christmas Beach Umbrella competitions.

A big hit was the arrival of Santa Claus, who made his appearance on the beach with his Christmas sack loaded with goodies and for all the boys and girls.

Santa also brought an extra special delivery for guest Donna who received a ring and a proposal from her boyfriend Chris. She said yes to her happy husband to be.

The post A Bajan Christmas at Bougainvillea and Sugar Bay resorts appeared first on Barbados Today.

By Anesta Henry

A momentous general election aside, the political scene in 2018 saw strange and tumultuous events, from a crossing of the floor of Parliament unique in the annals of political history, to a former Minister of the Crown finding himself facing criminal charges, to the resignation of a party leader following an unprecedented defeat at the polls.

The scene was also marked with anxious moments, as Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw announced to the nation that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and required treatment.

On May 31, as the newly-elected St Michael West Member of Parliament, Bishop Joseph Atherley severed ties with the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP). In a brief statement, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley revealed that she was informed by letter from Atherley of his intention to serve in Opposition to the Barbados Labour Party Government.

This historic crossing of the floor took many by surprise and was on the lips of Barbadians, with some suggesting that someone was needed on that side of the aisle, others proposing that he may have done it for his own selfish intentions, and still others questioning whether he was still a member of the BLP which won all 30 seats in the May 24 General Elections.

But in an astonishing twist, the Opposition Leader suggested that he has no immediate plans to quit the BLP.

And Atherley refused to rule out the possibility of contesting the next general election on a BLP ticket. The Opposition Leader informed that his party membership was moot since crossing the floor was tantamount to severing ties with the governing party. He went further to suggest that what people have been harping about is whether he had written a formal letter of resignation to the BLP or whether the party had written a 'dismissal' letter to him.

Atherley was quick to note that constitutionally, political parties are not recognized within the halls of Parliament.

But he was also quoted in the Sunday Sun newspaper as indicating a willingness to hand in his resignation, providing that it was the will of his constituents - a report which he later said was a mischaracterisation of his statement.

Atherley did not reveal details of a discussion he had with constituents but he assured that they were firmly in his corner.

When questioned about whether he planned to contest the next general election as part of the BLP team, the ordained bishop said he would await a call from Heaven, noting that he would go where God leads him and listen for the call of the people.

In response to rumours that his decision to cross the floor was orchestrated by former Prime Minister Owen Arthur, Atherley said: "Don't even raise that.... It is nonsense. It is insulting to me. I think it is really insulting to the former Prime Minister who held office for 14 years and did a fantastic job."

Prime Minister Mottley suggested that constituents should have the right of recall, and suggested that if crossing the floor was Atherley's intention, he should have communicated that to his constituents before Election Day. The Prime Minister also said the decision raised the issue of trust, and noted that it must be asked whether "we are doing a disservice by allowing this to fester rather than treating to the right of recall for those who cross the floor".

In a televised interview, the Prime Minister also questioned the manner in which Atherley went about the process, especially in light of the fact that he was elected a BLP representative, after having campaigned heavily on the party's platform.

During a budget debate, St Andrew MP George Payne lashed out at Atherley for making the move, asking the Opposition leader whether or not he was still a member of the BLP. Payne, the Chairman of the BLP, asked Atherley whether he resigned from the party, while suggesting that he was not prompting the man of the cloth to do so, but would rather leave it to his conscience.

In the interim, the BLP had already started the process of selecting a new candidate to replace the current MP.

At the party's 80th annual conference at The Lodge School, St John, in late October, members gave their political leader, Prime Minister Mottley, the go-ahead to select a future candidate for the St Michael West Constituency.

A resolution to this effect received unanimous approval and support of conference delegates attending the three-day meeting, according to a statement from the BLP.

The BLP's constitution provides that the party leader, in exceptional circumstances, can select a candidate to represent the constituency. The resolution authorizes Prime Minister Mottley to select the candidate after consultation with the executive of the constituency branch.

When contacted, branch president John Bancroft said the consultation had already taken place. When pressed to say whether the new candidate had been selected, Bancroft replied "no, not as yet, we are in the process now".

And while the BLP prepares to present the people of St Michael West with a fresh face, the people have had their say on the matter. Some constituents believe they currently have no representation, with some people saying they have not seen Atherley since the May general election.

Some constituents appeared upset at Atherley's decision to cross the floor in the way he did, but there were a few who said they were backing the Opposition Leader.

The defeated Democratic Labour Party (DLP) suggested that Bishop Atherley has proven himself to be neither fish nor fowl as far as his functioning as Opposition Leader is concerned.

The DLP said it was looking into the appointment owing to the phenomenon that the Leader of the Opposition is still a member of the BLP.

Then came another unprecedented event - the indictment of a former cabinet minister on criminal money laundering charges.

Defeated on May 24 as St James South MP and Minister of Industry, Donville Inniss would also made his mark on the political scene when he was indicted for money laundering bribes in Brooklyn, New York, on August 6.

The indictment, sealed on March 15, more than two months before Inniss and the DLP were swept out of office, alleges that in 2015 and 2016, the minister took part in a scheme to launder into the United States approximately $36,000 in bribes that he received from high level executives of a Barbadian insurance company, which was not named in the indictment, but later revealed to be the Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL).

In return, Inniss would use his office to cause the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation, a state-owned enterprise under his ministerial portfolio, to renew insurance contracts of almost $1 million with the local insurance company.

US law enforcement officials charged that to conceal the bribes, Inniss arranged to receive the funds through a US bank account in the name of a dental company, which had an address in Elmont, New York.

In a release issued by the Department of Justice on August 6, assistant attorney general Brian A. Benczkowski of the US Department of Justice's criminal division said: “As charged in the indictment, Inniss abused his position of trust as a Government official.”

Inniss, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, is confined to New York and wears an electronic monitoring bracelet.

Inniss is due to return to court soon, but Attorney General Dale Marshall urged Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith, to launch an investigation into the allegations of bribery involving Inniss and the Bermuda owned ICBL.

But Commissioner Griffith said someone would first have to report a crime to the police to trigger an investigation by white-collar crime unit detectives.

And while the Attorney General cannot legally instruct the police to press any criminal charges - a job reserved for the independent Director of Public Prosecutions - he described Griffith’s attitude as unfair. Marshall noted that the alleged victims in this case are the people of Barbados who paid their money into the insurance company.

Weighing in on the developments, which he said were negative publicity for Barbados, former Prime Minister Freundel Stuart said the DLP must wish Inniss well, respect the fact that the matter is sub judice, and do or say nothing to imperil his entitlement to a fair trial.

The former Prime Minister addressed the issue at the 63rd annual conference of the DLP, held at the party’s George Street Auditorium on August 12.

Stuart stressed that like every other accused person, Inniss is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Noting that issues of corruption have always been discussed across Barbados’ political landscape, Stuart reminded the packed auditorium that throughout his entire incumbency as Prime Minister, he had always exhorted the people of the country to set high standards for themselves, and with resolve pursue those standards.

Stuart, who frankly accepted full responsibility for the DLP's defeat, announced that he would be stepping down as party president.

Stuart, served as president for eight years, said that with courage and commitment, the DLP will get its act together to come back and become the "potent, credible and influential political force that it has always been known to be".

Attorney-at-law and defeated Christ Church West candidate, Verla De Peiza was voted in as the new president of the DLP, three months after Stuart announced that he would stepping down.

De Peiza, who was elected unopposed, said while the party is recovering from the 30-0 defeat, it is preparing to unveil a new face soon. The newly-elected President defended her party's legacy, saying that while the message Barbadians sent to the DLP on May 24 was clear, no one could disregard the progress the party haf made for the country over the last ten years.

But Depeiza admitted the philosophies of the 63-year-old party needed to be properly critiqued and analysed for its future. She said the party was in the process of reshaping to ensure that the DLP can be the 'people’s party of choice' once again.

Commenting on her ascent to party power, political scientist Peter Wickham contended that Depeiza possesses the qualities to weather the storms of taking the party forward at a low ebb in its history, noting that among the most important attributes of the new leader are her youth and relative inexperience in politics.

Wickham also contended that De Peiza was also sufficiently distanced from the “gang of 16” - parliamentarians and Cabinet ministers who all lost their House of Assembly seats.

But, veteran observer Dr George Belle said the party had to elect someone to the presidency given the timing of the annual conference and did not view her ascension as significant.

From a gender perspective, Depeiza’s election as DLP leader is a landmark for women in politics, which comes three months after the first female opposition leader became the first women to lead the country as Prime Minister.

Then came another bombshell. Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw revealed to her constituents on August 19, that doctors have discovered she had breast cancer in its early stages.

The 42-year-old minister has the backing Prime Minister Mottley and cancer survivor Dame Billie Miller in her vow to stay on the job and beat the illness. In an upbeat tone, Bradshaw declared she would beat cancer and urged her constituents not to worry as she considered the disease no less challenging than her political foes. Stressing that cancer was not a death sentence, Bradshaw told constituents that while she wanted them to be able to hold her hand as she has held theirs, she sought no sympathy.

The St Michael South East MP noted that she now had the responsibility to be the voice of men and women and families who are going through similar issues to be able to let them know that even as a servant of the public that politicians fall down too.

A 25-year breast cancer survivor, BLP stalwart Dame Billie Miller, in a pep talk to the stricken MP’s supporters, reinforced the notion that breast cancer need not be a death sentence. The Prime Minister praised Bradshaw for her extraordinary display of courage and supported the minister’s intention to stay at her post.

Former St Michael South East MP Hamiliton Lashley was not amused with DLP General Secretary Guyson Mayers’s call to gear up for a possible by-election because of Bradshaw’s illness. Mayers told party faithful at a meeting of the DLP’s three St Philip constituency branches that a MP is very ill and the party should be in a state of readiness should a by-election is called.

But Lashley contended that any talk of a by-election is out of sync with reality, and is in poor taste. He said he believes that all parties should be wishing the sick person well.

The post Year in Review: Politics appeared first on Barbados Today.

General Secretary of the Barbados Workers' Union Senator Toni Moore has assured that the union will continue to represent the country's workers and lend all support to recently retrenched workers.

Below is the full text of the BWU's Christmas message.

Christmas approaches: soon 2018 will be over.

This is the season of reflection; when we celebrate the greatest gift of all – the gift of peace, love, hope and goodwill. This is the season in which we are reminded that even though the world never allows us perfect circumstances, we can celebrate God’s perfect gift -Jesus.

For the Executive Council of The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), this Christmas Season is one where tensions are heightened and where circumstances have caused us all to take more seriously the Christmas message of care and concern.

This year has been one in which our mission of improving the “quality of life for all" has been put to a very rigourous test. I say this because the BWU is a family, it is a community which regards itself as being as strong as our weakest member; we all hurt when even one member hurts and we only do better when we all do better.

The recent period of austerity and particularly, public sector retrenchment under the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation Programme has however raised suspicion in the minds of many regarding this Union’s capacity to:

• Create better conditions for our members;
• Make our communities stronger and;
• Ensure that we all prosper together.

However, as we shared a meal with our retired members only last Sunday, we were suitably reminded by their presence, their testimonies and their experiences that the hallmark of this organisation, now in its 77^th year, has been the fact that through all the difficulties and the challenges which we have encountered over the years, our solidarity and the support of each member has bolstered our capacity to come through victoriously, even in circumstances which may have seemed impossible.

Difficulties, just like the darkness, are sometimes necessary for us to appreciate the light even more when we see it. Barbados, we will see the light and The Barbados Workers’ Union will endure the course with you, taking each difficult step when it can’t be avoided and paving a smoother pathway, wherever it is possible for us to do so.

Like our forebears, we will not seek an escape from the challenges, nor will we cower from our responsibility to serve you.

Our warmest thoughts are with each member who continues in the struggle at the shop floor level; special love goes out to our shop stewards who remain the lifeblood of our movement. We have been heartened that in spite of challenging circumstances, we have seen a number of members come forward for the first time to serve as shop stewards or bargaining committee members, putting themselves in the line of fire to protect a fellow member in a time of need. You are the reason we do the work we do and you, typically, make difficult times much easier for us to bear.

To all who would read this message, I take this opportunity on behalf of the Executive Council and Staff of The Barbados Workers’ Union to extend our warmest wishes for a peaceful season. May we make a special effort to reach out to others who, due to loss of one kind or another, are going through a difficult time. May we also be renewed by the Christmas message of love, peace, goodwill, but most of all by the message of hope.

May we allow Christmas to live on in our hearts, remembering always that it is when we give and when we give of ourselves that we truly give.

A Blessed Christmas to All.

The post Christmas message: BWU says it will stand by retrenched workers appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Yuletide season is a festive time of the year.  It is usually associated with joy and merriment. As a pre-Christian festival it is a time when families and members of the wider community focus on the religious aspects of the season. Christmas time is traditionally associated with the receiving of and the giving of gifts.

This Christmas many workers across the public and private sector, have had their joy eroded by the nightmare of having been retrenched, laid off or severed from their employment.

As a caring community, it is important that we share a thought for those who were once employed but now find themselves unemployed, and for those who have been actively seeking employment without any success.

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) contends that the displacement of workers across the employment sectors of Barbados, could not have come at a more inopportune time. It is for this reason that the CTUSAB empathizes with those workers and their families, whose Christmas celebration has been negatively impacted upon.

It is an indisputable fact that this Christmas, the lingering memories of the impact of the government’s retrenchment programme will rest on the psyche of remaining work colleagues. While declining worker morale is an emerging issue, the psychological doubts and fears which exist amongst workers who are left behind, is increasingly evident.

They are left to struggle in a world of uncertainty regarding their job security.

The bearing of bad news of retrenchment, and the manner in which it may have been conveyed, would have done little to engender a spirit of good will in the hearts of the recipients. The pain, agony and suffering which affected workers have endured, can not be overstated.

It is to be understood that these are challenging times for all Barbadians. Our nation is forced to struggle with the severity of both fiscal and economic woes, declining disposable income, excessive taxation measures, and growing inflation.

Against the backdrop of this gloom and doom, the recourse left to our workforce is to take solace in the teachings of Jesus Christ whose birthday we celebrate. As a nation, we must continue to live in hope, and in doing so, have an abiding faith that there will be a better tomorrow.

CTUSAB looks toward the return of a stable economy which allows for displaced workers to readily access opportunities for employment.

Christmas is about goodwill. The first Christmas was about the hope of a nation, and an anticipated liberation from an armed occupying force. In fact, the birth of the Christ Child ushered in a new paradigm an example of humility of care and fortitude. The humble circumstances of a lowly birth did not detract from a royal entrance.

May all workers in this country experience the lessons which the first Christmas has felt for us, these are; the triumphs of the human spirit are adversity, a fulfillment of prophecy, care, compassion, and concern.

As we celebrate Christmas 2018, let us resolve to pay homage to the dignity of the human spirit, share of our possessions with those less fortunate, bind up the broken hearted and pour healing balm on the wounded spirit.

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados conveys its best wishes to the nation for this Christmas season.

The post Christmas message: CTUSAB urges unity as country faces challenges appeared first on Barbados Today.

Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association Edward Clarke encourages Barbadians to share love, joy and gratitude despite the challenges facing  the country.

Below is the full text of the BPSA's Christmas Message

The Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) extends Season’s Greetings to all of our members, social partners, stakeholders and affiliates.

2018 has been a challenging and eventful year for the country and for many of us, nevertheless, we are grateful to have reached the season of thanksgiving, gift-giving and celebration. We understand that given the present economic realities, there may be a sense of reservation, containment and even trepidation as we count down to Christmas and the New Year.

Nevertheless, we can be encouraged as we remember that the true gifts of the Christmas season are freely available to each of us. In so doing, there will be no limitation to the giving and sharing of the true and sacred gifts including, love, peace and goodwill. Let us all recommit to liberally and abundantly sharing these sacred gifts within our businesses, communities and especially with those in need.

May the joy of Christmas fill each heart with hope, courage and determination to embrace every opportunity to show the true reason for the season.

From all of us at the BPSA, Merry Christmas!

Edward Clarke

Chairman

Barbados Private Sector Association

The post Christmas Message: BPSA urges citizens to share the true gifts of the season appeared first on Barbados Today.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Henderson Patrick has raised concern about the number of fires recorded this year and has urged Barbadians to adhere to strong fire prevention measures.

Below if the full text of the message 

Fellow citizens and visitors to Barbados, the Christmas season is traditionally a time for happiness, joy and celebration. It is a time too when everyone is urged to be more watchful as the hustle and bustle of the season lend to complacency and compromise. These factors lead to carelessness and accidents which impact safety and health which, in some cases, require an intervention from the Fire Service.

Like most organizations and individuals in Barbados, the Fire Service was faced with challenges which required some reorganizing and remodelling of its operations and approaches. However, it continues to be committed and dedicated to duty and exemplary customer service.

The efforts of the Service during the year at maintaining fire safety and prevention awareness have been relentless. Community outreach and commercial business engagement were steadfast, yet this has not translated into the reduction in fire calls among the major categories of fires for the year so far. As seen in the table below, with the major categories of fires over the last three years, more has to be done by all citizens to ensure that this tide of fires is stemmed.

Citizens should be especially cautious during the Christmas holidays and it is customary for people to celebrate the spirit of the season with friends and loved ones by having events which entail consuming alcoholic beverages, cooking, baking and decorating - all of which have the propensity to increase risk and hence exposure to fire and other life impacting accidents.

The Barbados Fire Service is cognizant of this reality and takes the opportunity at this yuletide season to remind you to take the necessary precautions to avoid the occurrence of disaster by fire or any other debilitating accident.

The kitchen is a common room in the home for fires, especially electrical, because of the number of appliances located there. It is also an area which poses some of the greatest dangers to young children, in the way of hot burners, scalding water and electric shock. The most cooking equipment fires start with the ignition of common household items e.g. food or grease, paper or plastic bags, curtains, etc. The following recommended fire prevention measures will assist in you in the prevention of fires during the 2018 Christmas Season.

1. Never leave cooking food on the stove top unattended and keep a close eye on food cooking inside the oven. A flame can ignite in just seconds.
2.  Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles e.g. pot holders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging.
3. Turn pot handles inward so they can’t be bumped and children can’t grab them. Should a fire start, the flame will be confined to the stove area. This precaution will also deter a child from grabbing the handle and spilling its contents, possibly resulting in a serious burn.
4. Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.
5. For those people who will be using compressed gases such as butane to fuel their fires, be extra careful. If the canisters in which these gases are contained are abused, they can react violently and even explode causing serious harm to life and damage to property.

It is a sad reality that this time of the year which brings us the most joy is also often accompanied by tragedy. Too often we become so caught up in the excitement of the holidays that we neglect to practise the most basic fire safety. By simply following the preventive measures outlined below, you and your family can enjoy all the Christmas festivities without having them marred by suffering or disaster.

1. Inspect Christmas lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
2. Select decorative lights that have been checked for safety by a nationally recognized testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).
3. Children are fascinated with Christmas trees. Keep a watchful eye on them when around the tree and do not let them play with the wiring or lights.
4. Do not leave Christmas lights on when going to bed at night or leaving home.

During this season, do not neglect the elderly and physically challenged people who live alone and are susceptible to fire at any time. I urge family members and persons who reside within close proximity, to be vigilant and assist them whenever and wherever possible. Some of these are our nation builders and we must take special care of them and also be our brother’s keeper.

In many of our older homes, the capacity of the wiring system has not kept pace with today’s modern appliances and therefore it is recommended that owners of such properties seek advice from a qualified electrician. Electrical circuits are designed to accommodate only a certain amount of electricity. If you connect appliances to an overloaded circuit, you have all the makings for a real fire hazard. Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets. Consider plugging only one high wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time. If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.

Avoid using candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down and never leave the house with candles burning. Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees. Do not use a candle when searching for items in a confined space. Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot light or fuelling equipment such as a kerosene lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.

For those people who smoke, it is dangerous to smoke in bed when drowsy, medicated or intoxicated as this could lead to falling asleep with a lighted cigarette. Use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays to prevent ashes from spilling onto furniture and check them frequently. Do not rest ashtrays on sofas or chairs. Never underestimate your child’s curiosity about fire, or their ability to strike matches or start a lighter.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas is commonly used in most households today. If at any time you smell a strong odour of gas, leave the area immediately and call the fire department from outside the home. Make sure to have the hose or gas line connected to your stove checked periodically for leaks to prevent the occurrence of fire. LPG bottles should not be stored in cupboards.

In conclusion, I therefore urge you to take a moment to read the above mentioned safety hints and do not invite disaster into your Christmas celebrations.

On the behalf of the members of the Barbados Fire Service, I wish you and your families a safe and fire-free holiday season, good health and God’s richest blessings.

The post Christmas Message: The Barbados Fire Service urges citizens to follow fire safety measures appeared first on Barbados Today.

“History is not made by things happening the same way all the time. History is made by doing things differently”. Former Prime Minister Freundel Stuart.

Truer words were never spoken, as the May 24 general election in Barbados would prove.

And while Prime Minister Stuart was attempting to justify his decision to hold on to power for 51 of the 90 days after the automatic dissolution of Parliament on March 6, it turned out that he was accurately prophesying the outcome of the much anticipated poll.

The May 24 general election was unlike any other — it was as historic as it was decisive and intriguing.

Never before were Barbadians so forced to exercise their patience to elect the Government of their choice. And no amount of calls from ordinary Barbadians, political pundits or campaigning from a seemingly ever-ready opposition Barbados Labour Party could entice Stuart to set a date.

As the impatient wait dragged on – the situation on the ground was heating up.

Historic indeed was the March announcement from ex-prostitute Natalie Natalee Harewood that she would contest the election and bid to represent the constituents of the City of Bridgetown.

The announcement immediately triggered debate in conservative Barbadian society but the former sex worker got the backing of the head of the Adult Industry Association, Charles Lewis, while other notable figures made it clear there was no need to cast stones and that the race was indeed open to all Barbadians.

Natalee’s acceptance into the political fray seemingly emboldened a variety of players.

Lewis, who later split ties with Natalee, launched the Political Prostitute Party. For comic relief, eEnvironmentalist Kammie Holder announced the creation of the Underdog Political Party, and Maguerite Iyoka Bellamy launched the Future Generation Revoluntionary Congress

Eventually, a record nine parties, 135 candidates, 37 of whom were women, contested the poll.

It was the first time that two political parties would be led by women – Mia Mottley of the Barbados Labour Party and Lynette Eastmond of the United Progressive Party.

Interestingly, the UPP caught the country’s attention when on no less than Valentine’s Day former BLP MP for Christ Church West Dr Maria Agard declared herself Leader of Opposition Business in the House for UPP. But the much-needed boost for the UPP  came to naught as Agard pulled out of the race because of medical treatment in the United States.

Agard was not the only surprise pull out during the election.

After much speculation, St John MP Mara Thompson declared that she would not contest the next general election.  The party appeared undecided on its candidate but later named General Secretary George Pilgrim to contest the seat, a traditional DLP stronghold.

Pilgrim got the nod ahead of then High Commssoner to Britain  Guy Hewitt, Senator Andrew Worrel, amd former consul general to Toronto Dr Leroy McClean.

A bruised McClean later declared he would contest the seat as an independent.

The record number of political parties, which included Solutions Barbados, the People’s Democratic Congress, the Barbados Integrity Movement,  the Bajan Free Party and the Kingdom Government of Barbados did not lure Barbadians whom, as pundits predicted, would stand on the side of the incumbent DLP or the challenger BLP.

By then, the political giant of the Democratic Labour Party had awakened from slumber and with no fanfare or the traditional ringing of the election bell, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart announced via the Government Information Service that Barbadians would vote on May 24, while Nomination day was set for May 7.

With the all-important date finally out of the way, both parties hit the ground running.

First out of the blocks was the BLP, which months earlier, transformed Weymouth Playing Field red, and preached a message of deliverance and pulling the country back from the precipice of economic ruin.

A night later the DLP took to Mottley’s constituency at a location between the National Stadium and the Netball Stadium and speaker after speaker had one thing, or rather, one individual on their lips- Mia Amor Mottley.

Prime Minister Stuart told party faithful that Mottley had a belief that she was entitled to be the country’s next leader because of her bloodlines and that the DLP would not allow that.

“That is a set of thought processes that go back to the days of slavery. That does not belong to 21st century Barbados. We don’t do things nowadays on the basis of bloodlines. The Democratic Labour Party came into existence to end all of that,” he said,

In response Mottley sent a clear a message that her back was broad and she would not be distracted.

“I know it reflects more on [her than me, and therefore I stand focused and remain ready to deliver the promises to the people that we know can be delivered to make a difference in people’s lives. And if taking lashes from them is what it is going to take to get rid of the DLP, measure the back,” she said

And so the rhetoric from the political platform continued against the backdrop of a poll conducted by respected Pollster and Director of Caribbean Development Research Services that suggested there was a five percent swing away from the DEMS.

For voters the issues were glaring – issue #1- the ailing economy riddled with debt, falling international reserves, repeated credit downgrades, the high cost of living, and the long-running sewage crisis on the South Coast.

But while the politicians were fighting it out on the campaign trail, another battle was playing out in the law courts.

St Lucian Professor Eddy Ventose, along with Jamaican Michelle Russell, Grenadian Shireen Ann- Tulloch and Montserratian Sharon Edgcombe-Miller, all of whom have been living here for over a decade sued the commission for excluding them from the voter’s list despite meeting the requirement of Section 7 and Section 11 of the Representation of the People’s Act.

Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson ruled that the commonwealth citizens had a right to vote. But the  electoral department failed to act on the ruling and the Caribbean Court of Justice held a special sitting on Sunday May 13 and ordered Chief Electoral Officer Angela Taylor to ensure the applicants were registered to vote or she would face imprisonment and or fines.

The applicants were granted the right to vote, so much so that even on election day, the 6 p.m. deadline at polling stations was extended by two hours to facilitate Commonwealth citizens who were added to the electoral list last in the evening.

During the day’s vote — in typical style, Barbadians flocked to the polls in droves. There were complaints about long lines, and lengthy waits but overall the process was generally smooth.

But what was historic was the unprecedented wait for the result. With baited breath, the nation waited for hours before the count got underway  just after 11.p.m. Returning officers were awaiting the boxes collected from the early voting of special groups.

The result did not take long. It was clear that the writing was on the wall for Stuart and his team from the preliminary results.

And when St John, the stronghold of the DLP was handed over to BLP’s first time political candidate Charles Grant, it  was clear that it was all over for the Dems as even the big names of Chris Sinckler, Donville Inniss, Dr David Estwick, and even Michael Lashley fell.

Still the magnitude of the defeat was still emerging and hours later it was clear that Barbadians had not only consented to Mia Mottley’s request, “to gimme the vote and watch muh”, but they had rejected the Dems' stewardship.

For the first time, in its 52^nd  year of nationhood, Barbadians elected its first woman Prime Minister who declared: “The victory is not mine, not the Barbados Labour Party; this victory is the people of Barbados victory.”

Stewart stood alone at the DLP headquarters in George Street and graciously conceded defeat accepting the burden of the bruising loss on his shoulders.

“Therefore let me unhesitatingly and unequivocally and frankly accept full responsibility for the defeat of the DLP in this election."

History was indeed created.

The post Year in Review: Elections appeared first on Barbados Today.

By Anesta Henry

Some residents from St James and St Peter are calling for a better deal from the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) after water outages put a damper on their Christmas celebrations over the last two days.

When Barbados TODAY visited several districts in the two parishes today, water had been restored but householders called for a permanent fix to the vexing problem.

In Mount Brevitor, St Peter where residents have been experiencing water issues for several days, some told Barbados TODAY the situation was untenable.

[caption id="attachment_286185" align="alignnone" width="488"] BWA personnel on the job yesterday at Ashton Hall pumping station. (BWA photo)[/caption]

One woman, who did not wish to disclose her name, said she was forced to use a bottle of stored water to shower to go to work yesterday,

An elderly woman also complained that while she had bought her ham and other foods to prepare, she was unable to do so because the tap was dry.

“To leave home, I had to bathe with some water I had in a pan. And you know you don't feel like you had a good shower unless that water running on your skin," the elderly resident said.

Householder Karen Wood disclosed she was only able to prepare a dish of macaroni pie before the water went off. Wood, who had to work on Christmas Day, said she had to shower using water stored in a bottle.

[caption id="attachment_286187" align="alignnone" width="488"] Karen Wood showing her bottle of stored water.[/caption]

“When I came back home from work it was still off. But it came back on about 12:30 this morning and I got a proper shower. But this is a real turn off especially knowing that school starting back next week and you got to wash clothes and make the children’s breakfast on mornings. I mean you don't mind if the pressure low sometimes but this going off without warning thing is a turn off. The other morning when I wake up the pipe did off. Saturday morning we didn't have any water, and it didn't come back on until Sunday morning," Wood said.

Another Mount Brevitor resident, who declined to give her name, said she had to cancel a luncheon at her home because she was unable to cook.

"That is ridiculous. I ain't get to bathe until evening when them send a water tank. You mean a day like Christmas you get up and no water there to shower and handle your business," the resident lamented.

Over in Horse Hill, St Joseph residents reported that water returned to their taps on Tuesday evening.

In Lammings, water had also been restored, but a concerned resident there said that while he was happy that water was flowing from the tap, it was unfair to residents given the recent introduction of new taxes attached to the water bill.

"Every day the water off out here", he said while declining to give his name.

"This is unreasonable. If you doing all of these things, give me water. I don't understand why it got to go off so often. Why the only parish that suffering so bad is St Joseph. I drive all about the place and I seeing other people water flowing, but you getting a problem in St Joseph all the time. You cannot got people paying more for water and not giving them a better service. Every day the pipe does go off. Every day it affecting me, not just yesterday," the concerned resident said.

[caption id="attachment_286183" align="alignnone" width="650"] A BWA tanker distributing water on Christmas Eve. ( BWA Photo)[/caption]

"I would not lie to you, before Christmas Eve them [BWA] did sending the tanks often, I like to be truthful. So all last week we were getting water from the tanks. But, I just want them to solve the problem so that we could get water from the tanks everyday, all day," the resident continued.

Barbados TODAY understands that parts of St Thomas and St Andrew were also affected by outages.

Member of Parliament for St Thomas Cynthia Forde disclosed that it had been four days since the taps in Vault Road had running water.

She warned that she would be seeking to address the matter, saying that it has been difficult to get in touch with Barbados Water Authority (BWA) officials

Barbados TODAY was unable to reach management at the BWA for comment.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the BWA’s Marketing Officer Yvette Harris-Griffith explained that the outages in St Joseph and St Thomas were triggered “because of low reservoir levels at the Castle Grant facility. Castle Grant receives water from Apes Hill and Golden Ridge Reservoirs where the water levels are now too low to pump. BWA Engineers are working to adjust the feed into Golden Ridge by pumping some extra water from Sweet Vale.”

With respect to St Peter, Harris-Griffith said a power outage between last Friday night and early Saturday morning affected four stations along the West Coast up to St Peter. These included Lodge Hill and Haymans. A pump was also damaged at Ashton Hall.

[caption id="attachment_286184" align="alignnone" width="650"] BWA workmen on the job at Ashton Hall. (BWA photo)[/caption]

The post Water woes mar Christmas festivities appeared first on Barbados Today.