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Key Points: Budget 2026-27

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Key Points: Budget 2026-27

Key Points of the 2026-27 Budgetary Proposals and Financial Statement as delivered by Minister of Finance Ryan Straughn on March 16, 2026.

  • This is the first Budget being presented by this Government while not in an IMF programme. Barbados has regained control of its economic future. The country is on a stronger economic footing.
  • Barbados remains in a stand-by arrangement with the IMF.
  • Debt to GDP ratio was at 99.8% at October 2025; at January 2026 now 93.3%.
  • Barbados is now off everybody’s lists – it meets international standards for transparency and financial regulation.
  • Adjustments were made to Budget to respond to current global challenges – for example, corporation tax assumptions reduced by $200 million.
  • Unemployment rate at all-time low of 6.1% at end of December 2025.
  • Central Bank expected to report next month 19th consecutive quarters of growth.
  • $728.5 million spent in fuel imported last year.
  • In past two weeks Brent crude has risen from US$64 per barrel to just under US$106.
  • Over next 3 months, hedge for Bajans with oil price locked in at US$92 per barrel – 80 000 barrels per month.
  • From April 1, Government will absorb 50% of increase in Fuel Clause Adjustment for next 3 months. It will cost Government $7.9 million.
  • Government cutting VAT and excise tax caps on fuel. From April 1, cumulative reduction of 15 cents per litre at the pump.
  • They are not permanent but to deal with the current crisis.
  • To businesses: Identify your energy wastage and fix it.
  • During COVID-19 in 2020, country imported $519m in fuel. Last year it imported $728.5m.
    • From April 1 to March 31, 2027:
  • To extend Excise and CAT holiday on electric vehicles
  • Cost of replacement batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles will be eligible for the five-year personal income tax deduction
    • Shipping bunker surcharges:
  • For 20-foot containers – from US$200 per container to US$700
  • For 40-foot containers – from US$400 per container to US$1400
  • From April 1, Customs and Excise Department to cap value of 20-foot container at US$3000 and US$6000 for 40-foot container.
  • Reverse tax credit to increase from $1300 to $1700 from April 1 for those earning up to $25000 per year.
  • Eligibility threshold to increase to $35000 and those beneficiaries will receive $750 in reverse tax credit.
  • Two dedicated Gun Courts coming – one dealing with offences committed in the last year and the other with the backlog of cases.
  • All purchases of GPS and dashcams systems for vehicles to be duty- and VAT-free on importation to Barbados for one year.
  • Customs duties and VAT to be removed for one year from importation of CCTV/security systems.
    • Goods imported for personal use through registered couriers:
  • • Tax-free amount raised from $60 to $150
  • • From $150.01 to $199.99, duty-free and only VAT payable
  • • Anything over $200 in value, Customs duty and VAT apply
  • Excludes items like alcohol, cannabis products, cigars and cigarettes
  • A $500 fine for false declarations or under-invoicing
  • Government announced the launch of the Green Industrial Gateway Advantage (GIGA) – to create thousands of new, high-value jobs.
  • This is projected to raise the country’s foreign earnings from US$700m to between US$4-6 billion annually within a decade.
    • Multi-birth cash grant:
  • • $300 per month for twins (up to age five)
  • • $600 per month for triplets and more (up to age five)
    • Barbados Republic Child Wealth Fund
  • • $5000 in trust per child born after November 30, 2021.
  • • The just-concluded Estimates have set aside $52.1m to cover current amounts. It is estimated to cost $10m-$12m per year going forward

DLP General Council suspends Steve Blackett

Sherrylyn Clarke
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DLP General Council suspends Steve Blackett

The General Council of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) tonight voted unanimously to suspend general secretary Steve Blackett.

The announcement was made by assistant general secretary, Pedro Shepherd, whose elevation to fill the post, was also confirmed at the same meeting.

In a statement issued from the George Street, St Michael headquarters, Shepherd said the General Council “unanimously moved and adopted a motion to refer complaints regarding the general secretary Mr Steve Blackett to the Disciplinary Committee of the party. Mr Blackett has been suspended from his office of General Secretary, pending the conclusion of the investigation”.

A call to political leader, Ralph Thorne, who is also Opposition Leader, was unanswered. 

On April 21, Blackett moved a motion of no-confidence in Thorne and one of confidence in president Dr Ronnie Yearwood.

“This party existed and was making good way for the past six years and we did not have a political leader. This party can exist without a political leader but it can’t exist without a president, or I dare say, a general secretary,” Blackett said at the time.

“I will not stand idly by and allow Mister Ralph Anthony Thorne to continue to drag our party down. His presence here has brought nothing positive to this party. All it has brought to this party is confusion, destruction, turmoil and conflict.”

The Nation understands Blackett did not attend the meeting, while Yearwood reportedly left and it was suspended without completion of the other items on the agenda. Yearwood also did not answer a call after

Ralph Thorne crosses the floor and is new Opposition Leader

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Ralph Thorne crosses the floor and is new Opposition Leader

Government backbencher Ralph Thorne has crossed the floor to become Leader of the Opposition in a stunning move.

The Christ Church South Member of Parliament visited the President of Barbados yesterday and declared his intention in a development that comes two years after the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) was returned to office in another clean sweep of the 30 parliamentary seats.

Reacting to questions from this newspaper on the development, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, who was at the helm of the BLP’s historic wins in 2018 and 2022, simply stated: “Easy come, easy go.”

She confirmed what reliable sources had told the Saturday Sun, saying that the President had written her indicating that Thorne visited her and informed her he was no longer sitting with the Government and would become the Opposition Leader. (AC)

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Rowe removed as Deputy Speaker

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Rowe removed as Deputy Speaker

Member of Parliament for St Michael North West, Neil Rowe, has been removed as Deputy Speaker.

Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business, Santia Bradshaw, moved the motion moments ago in the House of Assembly.

It was passed and he was replaced by MP for St Thomas, Cynthia Forde.

MP for St Philip North, Dr Sonia Browne, rose to query the motion, saying they had “all of 0.2 seconds to respond”.

However, Speaker Arthur Holder said the only thing up for consideration was the selection of Forde.

Rowe is before the courts, charged with rape. He has been committed to stand trial. (SAT)

LPG prices drop

Sherrylyn Clarke
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LPG prices drop

Effective midnight, August 2, consumers will be paying less for liquefied petroleum gas.

The 100-lb cylinder will retail at $180.13, a reduction of $2.68, while the price of the 25-lb cylinder will drop to $50.13, a saving of 67 cents. The 22-lb cylinder will decrease by 59 cents to $44.28,whilethe 20-lb cylinder will go down by 53 cents, and now cost $40.26.

The price of LPG was increased in both June and July.

No changes were announced in the gas prices which remained unchanged since May 17.

Gasoline continues to retail at $4.01 per litre and diesel at $3.21 per litre, while the price of kerosene is $2.56 per litre. (PR/SAT)

Antigua & Barbuda wants review of US visa restrictions

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Antigua & Barbuda wants review of US visa restrictions

St John’s – The Antigua and Barbuda government has launched a fresh diplomatic effort to persuade the United States to remove the twin-island nation from recently imposed visa restrictions and the newly established U.S. Visa Bond Programme.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has written to U.S. President Donald Trump requesting a review of the measures affecting Antiguan and Barbudan nationals under Presidential Proclamation 10998, related visa restrictions and the permanent Visa Bond Programme.

At the same time, Antigua and Barbuda’s Embassy in Washington has submitted a diplomatic note to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio seeking an early review of the country’s continued inclusion in the measures.

According to the government, its appeal is based on the U.S. State Department’s own explanation that the Visa Bond Programme is intended to encourage countries to strengthen information sharing, identity verification, document security, immigration compliance and other security measures.

The government said Antigua and Barbuda has already implemented significant reforms that address those objectives.

Among the measures highlighted are tougher residency requirements under the Citizenship by Investment Programme, biometric cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to improve identity verification and screening, continued cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in accepting nationals removed from the United States, and a willingness to assist with third-country nationals within the country’s capacity.

The government also pointed to Antigua and Barbuda’s low visa overstay rate of just over one percent, noting that no citizen has sought refugee status in the United States.

It also highlighted the country’s status as a stable parliamentary democracy and an upper-middle-income economy recognised by the World Bank. (CMC)

WestJet workers on strike, flights grounded

Sherrylyn Clarke
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WestJet workers on strike, flights grounded

Flight attendants at Canada’s second-largest airline WestJet have gone on strike during one of the busiest summer holiday weekends in the country.

As of early Sunday morning, some 600 flights have been cancelled, according to the airline.

The industrial action centres on issues related to pay, specifically compensation for work they do when the plane has yet to take off – known as ground pay in the airline industry.

Calgary-based WestJet, which flies to more than 130 Canadian and international destinations, says it “remains at the table and committed to achieving a negotiated tentative agreement that recognises the important contributions and professionalism of WestJet’s Cabin Crew”.

Here’s a breakdown of what the disruption could mean if you’re travelling.

The 72-hour strike notice announced by the union ran out on Sunday at 2:01 a.m. EST, in the middle of a long weekend across most of the country.

It comes after union members voted 99 per cent in favour of the strike mandate last month.

The airline began parking flights on Friday in preparation even as negotiations continued.

Both sides are in continued negotiations on Sunday even as the labour action began.

Patti Hajdu, Canada’s jobs minister, called the strike a “disappointing development” in a statement on X on Sunday and urged the parties to continue working towards a deal.

She did not say that Ottawa would intervene to end the dispute, which it has done in the past, including with an Air Canada strike last year.

WestJet said on Sunday that all impacted guests will be refunded or reaccommodated, as applicable.

WestJet said 600 flights had been cancelled by Sunday morning. They have asked passengers to check the status of their flight before leaving for the airport.

WestJet Encore flights booked on a Q400 and WestJet codeshare flights will not be affected by any potential labour disruptions, the carrier says. (BBC)

Traffic Management: Grand Kadooment 2026

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Traffic Management: Grand Kadooment 2026

Members of the public are asked to plan their routes carefully on Monday.

The National Cultural Foundation will be hosting Flow 5G+Grand Kadooment, and from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., some roads may be impassable for have restrictions.

Officers from the Barbados Police Service will be on hand to assist motorists.

Road Closure

On the relevant date during the relevant period, the following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic:

  1. Wharf Road
  2. Hincks Street
  3. Princess Alice Highway
  4. Redman Drive
  5. Prescod Boulevard
  6. Fontabelle Road
  7. Holborn Circle
  8. President Kennedy Drive
  9. Eagle Hall Road
  10. Black Rock Road
  11. Mighty Grynner Highway

NB: Only vehicles used in the Kadooment Day parade and by the Festival Committee are allowed access.

No Parking

On the relevant dates during the relevant period, no person shall park or allow a vehicle to remain stationary on any of the following roads, except for the purpose of picking up or setting down passengers:

  1. Cheapside
  2. Broad Street
  3. Charles Duncan O’Neal Bridge
  4. Fairchild Street
  5. River Road
  6. Martindale’s Road
  7. Halls Road
  8. Country Road
  9. Roebuck Street
  10. Passage Road

Offences

Any person who contravenes these rules or fails to comply with any order given by a member of The Barbados Police Service in uniform, is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction, to a fine of five hundred dollars ($500BDS) or to imprisonment for a term of three (3) months.

These rules do not apply to vehicles used by The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Defence Force, and the Barbados Fire Service, or any emergency vehicle.

Police Officers will also be deployed on the day, to assist with all traffic management.

The Barbados Police Service thanks the members of the general public for their understanding and cooperation in this matter and apologises for any inconvenience these traffic changes may cause. (PR/SAT)

Fogging Schedule: August 4-7, 2026

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Fogging Schedule: August 4-7, 2026

St Philip and St John will receive the attention of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Vector Control Unit when it conducts its fogging exercise next week.

There will be no fogging on Monday, August 3, which is Grand Kadooment Day, a public holiday.

The Unit will begin in St John and St Philip on Tuesday, August 4, in the following districts: Cliff Tenantry, Kendal, Featherbed Lane, Halton, Breezy Hill, and Chapel Land Nos. 1 to 6.

The team will focus on communities in St Philip for the remainder of the week.

On Wednesday, August 5, the Unit will spray Cox Hill/Cottage Vale, Web Hill, Church Village, Church Village Tenantry, Clifden, Garner’s Land, Church Village Housing Area, Lashley Drive, Mandeville Drive, Glebe, and environs.

It will be the turn of Culpepper, Hill View, Marley Vale, Clarke’s Hill, St. Catherine, Eastpoint, Sealy Hill, Ragged Point, Industry Hall Road, and Sealy Hall on Thursday, August 6.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude on Friday, August 7, in Supers, Blades Hill Nos.1 to 3, Bayfield, Skeete’s Bay, Wiltshire Avenue, and surrounding areas.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Children should not be allowed to play in the fog.

The public is advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the team will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time. (BGIS)

A neon state of mind

Tre Greaves
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A neon state of mind

It was a Foreday Mornin’ unlike any other.

With bright, dazzling colours lighting up the darkness, the vibes were set for a fantastic night of nonstop revellery as thousands of partygoers travelled to Vaucluse Raceway in St Thomas for Neon Carnival jouvert.

Since launching a couple of years ago, Neon Carnival, staged by the teams behind Aura, Turnt, and We Ting, has quickly become a staple “private” Foreday Mornin’ event. Some patrons have come to know and love these brands, and said they were glad to show their support at this year’s event.

The massive crowds arrived just after midnight, ready for the action.

People from far and wide, including the United States, Canada, and Colombia, descended on the venue, joining locals to celebrate together. Following thorough security checks, the patrons received cowboy hats rimmed with lights, glowing bunny ears, and illuminated frames.

Even the cups joined in on the spectacle. Once drinks were poured, the cups lit up, making it easy for everyone to know when it was time to refill.

As the revellers made their way around the track, cool breezes swept across the St Thomas hills and valleys surrounding the raceway, adding to the chill atmosphere. The raceway became a sea of twinkling lights beneath clear skies, as people threw powder and paint, revelling in the swirling clouds of colour.

Numerous drinks and music trucks lined the track to accommodate the crowds, giving guests the freedom to switch up the tempo and their drinks whenever they wished.

There were also live performances from Lastacia and Jagwa De Champ, each keeping spirits high and fueling the energy of the night. Lastacia continued her “Active” Crop Over tour, getting the crowd moving with her hit, while Jagwa De Champ played and performed as patrons crossed the stage.

By sunrise, the paint was still swirling in the air, but the neon lights were fading; partygoers left Vaucluse Raceway satisfied. (TG)

Final Points: Pic-O-De-Crop 2026

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Final Points: Pic-O-De-Crop 2026

The National Cultural Foundation today released the final placings in the 2026 Courtesy Garage Pic-O-De-Crop Finals powered by Q100.7FM.

In addition to the top four places previously announced, former monarch Quon finished fifth.

Half of the field failed to get 100 points.

PositionTentCalypsonianSongScore
1De Big ShowAdrian ClarkeLegends from the Grave330
2House of SocaKid SiteTalk Like Mia264
3De Big Showi-WebColours in B236
4De Big ShowMr. BloodAin’t Leaving179
5House of SocaQuonCodes173
6De Big ShowChrystalAI Gine Win De Crown139
7All StarsNiqaDon’t You Think That’s A Crime113
8De Big ShowJamal SlocombeTalk Bout Dat109
9House of SocaSir RuelHome Don’t Feel Like Home101
10House of SocaBillboardBlame Game62
11Shining Stars Calypso TentQueen TLacking Intelligence60
12All StarsYahandjeChain Reaction55
13De Big ShowTaeBlame Game54
14De Big ShowSkung YungI Had A Dream47
15House of SocaRaheemTriggers46
16All StarsColin SpencerObedient Colin41
17Shining Stars Calypso TentDe AnnouncerThe People’s King37
18All StarsJ. DiamondTeacher’s Tale32

The NCF also released the preliminary results for all contestants who faced the judges. Adrian Clarke was leading at that stage.

PositionTentCalypsonianSongScore
1De Big ShowChrystalAI Gine Win De Crown425
2De Big ShowACLegends from the Grave417
3House of SocaBillboardBlame Game414
4De Big ShowI-WebColours in B408
5House of SocaRaheemTriggers402
6All StarsYahandjeChain Reaction401
7House of SocaQuonCodes393
7De Big ShowJamal SlocombeTalk Bout Dat393
9All StarsNiqaDon’t You Think That’s A Crime391
10De Big ShowSkung YungI Had A Dream382
11Shining Stars Calypso TentQueen TLacking Intelligence381
12House of SocaKidsiteTalk Like Mia380
13House of SocaSir RuelHome Don’t Feel Like Home379
14All StarsJ.DiamondTeacher’s Tale378
15All StarsColin SpencerObedient Colin374
16Shining Stars Calypso TentDe AnnouncerThe People’s King373
17De Big ShowTaeBlame Game362
18House of SocaMr. ShowmanBang Bang360
19All StarsTeriDe Ruling Party359
20House of SocaTariqueThem Calling We Name355
20All StarsShane ForresterCost of Living355
22All StarsBrian Bumba PayneI Singing bout Everything354
23Shining Stars Calypso TentAnnjuliAh Tired352
24House of SocaKeerahThe New Mindset344
25House of SocaMalikaTrue Colours342
26De Big ShowClassicWuh People Gine Through340
27De Big ShowTCShine338
28Super Gladiators TentQueen KareenCrown de woman333
29Rythms of Legacy Calypso TentQ-LemarWelcome To De House332
30All StarsImaraTurn on Some Music330
31House of SocaMiss EllisLord Hear My Prayer328
32House of SocaQuinTwo Wrongs Doh Make Ah Right322
33De Big ShowMary EI Just Love Being Me318
34All StarsEric LewisRed and Ready316
35House of SocaFaith CallenderSilly Season315
36De Big ShowMarvayUnderneath The Lights311
37Shining Stars Calypso TentApacheA Failed Society310
38De Big ShowSakarahBig Pharma309
39De Big ShowRannanOustanding308
40Rythms of Legacy Calypso TentDaciiahY.O.L.O307
41House of SocaDoyenneDon’t Talk305
42House of SocaPopsicleThe Roads of Life304
42Shining Stars Calypso TentMusical ShaneMental Disability304
44De Big ShowIshiakaHow we suppose to Live299
45Shining Stars Calypso TentLady VirtureBarbados Birthday #60298
45Rythms of Legacy Calypso TentKariOutta Time298
47All StarsDarinSherri Veronica297
47All StarsCaptain SawyerMia Sweet297
49All StarsSammy DelloBajan Heroes296
50Super Gladiators TentBlankI only bout de party294
51Rythms of Legacy Calypso TentAZAWheel and Come Again291
52Rythms of Legacy Calypso TentAaron BAnother One Gone290
53Shining Stars Calypso TentFranswaaChanges288
54De Big ShowRomanciaWe are losing our children284
55Rythms of Legacy Calypso Tent3DNot A Game280
56Rythms of Legacy Calypso TentRaneshaWear it Like a Queen277
57Straycats Calypso TentBlack EagleKnow Somebody275
58House of SocaJaseSing Bout De PM274
59House of SocaYannick HooperDe Bigger Picture271
60House of SocaKerryFace Reality269
61Super Gladiators TentJaduKamala we want piece264
62De Big ShowMuziqkalWhat are we doing263
63House of SocaMr. DJI Didn’t See It Coming260
64House of SocaUzimaThe Power Within259
64All StarsRichard AntonioCraftsmen of our Fate259
66Shining Stars Calypso TentDilligentWaiting Diligently247
67Super Gladiators TentPapa CloudDe researcher246
68All StarsShar-HayaTight Rope241
69All StarsJahdielWoman240
70Straycats Calypso TentBig Boar CatOut ah Time239
70Shining Stars Calypso TentLady JDe Old Klng239
72House of SocaJimmy DanWe Are Family233
72Super Gladiators TentKaiso KimAspirations233
74House of SocaCherbzI Behaving Myself228
74House of SocaRamesesAtax228
76Super Gladiators TentRonnie MorrisLet we rise225
77Straycats Calypso TentFrank WhiteQuestions & Answers221
77Super Gladiators TentGregory GWood221
79Shining Stars Calypso TentSharkieI Ain’t Give A Buck219
79All StarsChristopher PadmoreSeat for the People219
81All StarsKing Key StarDon’t Care Fuh Call214
82Super Gladiators TentEmpress RasWatch yourself212
83Shining Stars Calypso TentDivineSweet Bim203
84Super Gladiators TentMiss MaeveA Role197
85Shining Stars Calypso TentMama AfircaBring Back Afro195
85Super Gladiators TentAndy WilliamsDon’t blame the smoke195
87Straycats Calypso TentTiger LilyTake a Good Look187
88Super Gladiators TentThe MessengerWhat the parent do the child will do too174
89Super Gladiators TentID CardA thorn in de flesh162
90Straycats Calypso TentPamela O/BlessDisrespect154
91Super Gladiators TentLady LouLicking Licks125
92Straycats Calypso TentLyrical de DeliveredHelp from God115

Centenarian Eunice celebrates with family

Diara Springer
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Centenarian Eunice celebrates with family

Eunice Kirton, one of Barbados’ newest centenarians, celebrated her 100th birthday on July 20, surrounded by the large family she raised and the community that has known her for a lifetime.

The milestone also included a visit from President The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, followed by a family luncheon in her honour.

“She had ten of us – nine girls and a boy, but a girl passed away,” Eunice’s eldest daughter Coral Price said.

“So there are eight girls and a boy alive,” she added.

“She worked for many years at Jordan Plantation as a domestic but retired in the late 1970s and she was a housewife looking after grandchildren and so on,” Price recalled.

In 2018, Kirton lost a leg to complications from diabetes, but her spirit has stayed intact.

Even now her appetite and outlook remain strong, added Price.

 “She eats well, she eats heartily,” she said.

Kirton was never one to sit still, according to her daughter, who said: “She worked hard, she liked to go and dig yams and potatoes and that kind of thing. She was always moving.”

Kirton has long been a devoted member of St George’s Parish Church, a connection that continues even though she can no longer attend services in person.

“Because of her leg and age, she can’t go to service in the way that she would like but the priests, they come once a month and visit and give her communion and so on,” Price explained.

Church attendance was simply a family expectation growing up.

“We were residing in the church, so we had to go to church,” Price said.

Kirton was educated at St Luke’s Girls’ School and spent her life in Eastlynne, St George, where she still resides and is cared for by her children.

Asked what kind of mother Kirton was, Price did not hesitate.

“She was a good mother and also fair. She never really beat us or anything. She was quite fair in that regard. We all got along well growing up,” she noted.

The celebrations for the centenarian continued the following weekend at a family luncheon held in Kirton’s honour on July 26 at Radisson Aquatica Resort. (DDS)

Armstrong, Wright lead silver surge

Stefan Walker
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Armstrong, Wright lead silver surge

Barbados enjoyed a silver-lined day at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in the Dominican Republic, with triathletes Matthew Wright and Finn Armstrong leading the way through outstanding individual and team performances.

Wright captured silver in the men’s individual triathlon, while his combined effort with Armstrong also earned Barbados a team silver.

The 34-year-old Wright crossed the line second in one hour, 46 minutes and 09 seconds, improving on the bronze medal he won in 2023.

Armstrong, competing at his first Games, finished 11th in one hour, 50 minutes and 12 seconds.

Speaking to Sun Sport, Wright said it felt special to return home with two silver medals around his neck.

“I am over the moon. I wanted to come to this race and definitely upgrade my bronze medal. Ideally, I wanted to win the race, but I’m really happy with silver.”

“The Mexican gold medallist, Aram Peñaflor, was just too strong on the run today for me but I’m really happy with my performance overall. I felt like I was in control throughout the whole race.”

Wright also praised Armstrong for helping Barbados secure the team silver with a combined time of three hours, 36 minutes and 21 seconds.

“A bonus was also getting team silver with Finn Armstrong. He’s an athlete I did some coaching with when he was 10 years old. I feel like a proud father sharing the podium with him. Overall, I’m just really happy. I think the Team Barbados triathlon team did amazingly and I couldn’t ask for more today.”

In hockey at the Estadio de Hockey, the Bajan Cherries had their gold medal hopes ended after a tough 5-0 loss to Mexico in their semi-final.

Barbados will now face Venezuela in the bronze medal match after the south Americans were beaten 6-0 by Cuba. (SW)

10 000 for Grand Kadoo

Natanga Smith
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10 000 for Grand Kadoo

Ten thousand revellers and 22 registered bands are expected to flood the streets tomorrow for the climax of the 2026 Crop Over Festival.

FLOW 5G+Grand Kadooment will once again feature both heritage and party bands with only heritage bands competing for the festival’s coveted titles, as organisers continue with changes first introduced last year to improve the flow of the parade and enhance the overall experience for masqueraders.

Festival and Events Planner at the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Stacia Bryan, said participation remained steady when compared with last year, reflecting sustained interest in Barbados’ premier masquerade event.

With so many revellers expected to take to the streets, organisers are also banking on an extensive security operation to ensure this year’s festival concludes safely. The Barbados Police Service and the Barbados Defence Force have mounted a joint security plan that includes drone and CCTV surveillance, high-visibility patrols, checkpoint screening, traffic diversions, rapid response teams and medical support along the route.

Since only the eight competing heritage bands will be assessed by judges tomorrow, the party bands will focus entirely on delivering the road experience for revellers.

The judging changes were first introduced last year following consultations between the NCF, the Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM) and independent bandleaders. Organisers concluded that removing party bands from competition would reduce congestion on the route after previous years had been plagued by lengthy delays as larger bands paused for judging presentations.

Instead of competing for prize money, party bands receive an enhanced participation subvention. That initiative, introduced last year, continues this year.

Under the NCF’s subvention programme, each registered heritage band receives $20 000 towards start-up and production costs, while party bands receive $27 500.

Although only heritage bands are judged, the competition remains fiercely contested with several prestigious awards up for grabs.

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