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No sign of larger hantavirus outbreak, says UN health agency

Nationnews Desk
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No sign of larger hantavirus outbreak, says UN health agency

There is “no sign” of a larger hantavirus outbreak after the evacuation of the last passengers from a disease-stricken cruise ship, the head of the UN health agency has said.

But the World Health Organization’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned “the situation could change” and there could still be more confirmed virus cases.

The MV Hondius left Spain’s Tenerife island on Monday and is sailing to the Dutch port of Rotterdam. Two flights with the final group of 28 passengers landed in nearby Eindhoven on Tuesday.

Three people have died after travelling on the ship. An American and a French national who previously returned home have tested positive. Overall, seven cases have been confirmed.

Twelve employees at a Dutch hospital are now in quarantine over possible exposure to the virus after treating one of the evacuated passengers.

The hospital in the city of Nijmegen said on Monday this was a precautionary measure, as the workers did not follow strict protocols while handling the patient’s blood and urine samples.

At Tuesday’s press conference in Madrid, Ghebreyesus said: “At the moment, there is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak.

“But of course the situation could change and, given the long incubation period of the virus, it’s possible we might see more cases in the coming weeks.”

And he stressed that “our work is not over” to contain the outbreak from the cruise ship.

Hantaviruses are usually carried by rodents, but human transmission of the Andes strain – which the World Health Organization (WHO) believes some of the ship’s passengers contracted in South America – is possible.

Symptoms can include fever, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and shortness of breath.

WHO officials previously said the risk of a major outbreak is very low.

The Dutch-flagged vessel is expected to take six days to sail to Rotterdam and provisionally arrive on the evening of 17 May. Exact procedures upon arrival remain under discussion, the ship’s operator Oceanwide Expedition said, but the vessel will undergo sanitation.

The final six passengers – four Australians, one Briton and one New Zealander – and some crew members left the ship on Monday.

Overall, 122 passengers and crew of the MV Hondius have been repatriated to the Netherlands and their home countries on government-chartered flights over the past few days.

As of Monday evening, Oceanwide Expeditions said 27 people remained on board the ship – 25 crew members and two medical staff.

These included 17 people from the Philippines, four from the Netherlands (including the two medical staff), four from Ukraine, one from Russia and one from Poland.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry said the Ukrainians on board would help with the ship’s transfer to the Netherlands and would quarantine at a medical facility on arrival. It added that they had shown no signs of illness.

Seventeen Filipino crew members arrived in the Netherlands on Tuesday morning, according to the Philippine Embassy.

Spain’s health ministry earlier said one Spaniard who is quarantining in Madrid after being evacuated from the vessel had also provisionally tested positive for hantavirus on Monday.

French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said a woman was isolating in Paris and that her health was deteriorating, with 22 contacts being traced.

In a separate development, the US health department said a second American national on Sunday’s repatriation flight had also shown mild symptoms, adding that both passengers had travelled back in “biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution”.

Two British nationals with confirmed cases are currently being treated in the Netherlands and South Africa.

An elderly Dutch man was the first passenger who died on board the MV Hondius on 11 April. He had earlier developed symptoms and is believed to have been the first infected in the outbreak, but died before he could be tested.

His wife left the ship on 24 April on the island of St Helena and flew to South Africa. She died two days later in a clinic in Johannesburg.

A German woman died on board the cruise ship on 2 May.

Both women were confirmed cases.

The MV Hondius had been carrying 147 passengers and crew from 23 countries after departing from Ushuaia in Argentina on 1 April. (BBC News)

Fast bowling trio put Red Force on top against Pride

Nationnews Desk
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Fast bowling trio put Red Force on top against Pride

Trinidad and Tobago’s fast-bowling trio of Anderson Phillip, Terrance Hinds and Jayden Seales wrecked Barbados Pride’s normally dependable batting lineup to put their side in the ascendancy in their West Indies Championship playoff match after the second day.

Despite a stellar lower order fightback that featured half centuries by Leniko Boucher, Shamar Springer and Joshua Bishop, the Pride ended the day on 262 for nine, still 71 runs adrift of T&T’s first innings score of 333.

Their performances with the bat rescued the Pride, who at one stage looked as though they might be skittled out after slumping to 47 for six at one stage.

They suffered a nightmare start when Seales bowled Pride captain Kraigg Brathwaite for a duck with the third ball of the innings without a run on the board.

Phillip added to their misery by prising out Jonathan Drakes for 11, before Seales had the in-form Kevin Wickham caught for three, to leave the Pride struggling at 19 for three.

Phillip wasn’t done yet, as he added the scalps of Roston Chase for eight and Shayne Moseley for 15, while Hinds trapped Kyle Mayers lbw for one to make the score 47 for six.

Boucher and Springer halted the slide of wickets during a partnership of 88 that featured attacking play from both batsmen.

But just as they looked to be carrying their side out of trouble, Springer gifted a return catch to Phillip to be out for a well-played 51 off 55 balls, consisting of eight boundaries.

At 135 for seven, the Pride were still in dire straits. However, Boucher found another reliable partner in Bishop with the two featuring in another crucial partnership of 108.

Similar to the previous partnership, the two scored quickly, with Bishop especially not afraid to go over the top.

They carried the score to 243 for seven and gave the Pride hope that they might somehow gain a first innings lead.

Hinds brought an end to that dream, though, when he had Boucher lbw for an impressive 80 off 121 balls that featured 10 boundaries.

Hinds then wasted little time in disrupting the stumps of tailender Johann Layne after he had scored just four with six runs added to the total.

T&T were unable to wrap up the tail, however, with Bishop finishing unbeaten on 80 off 89 balls, with nine fours and four sixes, while last man Jomel Warrican is not out on two.

Phillip was T&T’s leading bowler with 4-51, while Hinds has so far taken 3-48 and Seales 2-58.

Earlier, after resuming the day on 298 for seven, the Red Force added 35 valuable runs for their last three wickets.

With the score on 303, they lost the wickets of Phillip for a duck, while captain Joshua Da Silva added just five runs to his overnight total of 65 before being dismissed by Springer.

Their total was boosted by a last-wicket partnership of 30 between Bryan Charles and Jayden Seales.

Springer was the Pride’s best bowler with figures of 3-40, while Kyle Mayers (2-39), Johann Layne (2-58) and Roston Chase (2-66) claimed two wickets apiece. (CMC)

CXC says AI approach based on fairness and human judgement

Nationnews Desk
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CXC says AI approach based on fairness and human judgement

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is assuring students, teachers and parents across the region that its approach to artificial intelligence (AI) in School-Based Assessments (SBAs) is grounded in fairness, human judgement, and confidence in the desire of Caribbean learners to do well in demonstrating their knowledge and competence.

CXC’s Director of Operations, Dr. Nicole Manning, in an eight minute video statement released on its website and social media channels, spoke candidly about the opportunities and challenges that AI tools present for student’s academic work and SBAs, offering direct reassurance to students and educators navigating the digital landscape.

In directly addressing concerns about the reliability of AI detection tools in assessment as provided for in the CXC Standards and Guidelines for the Use of AI in Assessments. Manning said that AI detection software will not be used as the sole basis for decisions about a student’s work.

“The teacher-student relationship built over months of observation, drafts, conversations, and guidance remains central to how SBAs are moderated and assessed,” she said, adding “AI checkers are one input.

“They are not the verdict. There will be human interventions right through the process to ensure fairness”, Manning said.

CXC, established in 1972 by Caribbean governments to manage regional examinations, replacing the British O-Level exams with curricula tailored to the region, said it has been clear on the guidance for schools in the use of AI, which may be used to understand concepts, brainstorm ideas, explain difficult terms, or generate structural suggestions.

It said where AI has been used in any form, students must clearly cite their sources in the submitted SBA with a required Disclosure Form and Originality Report.

CXC said in cases where AI is not used, no Disclosure Form or Originality Report is required. It said submitting work generated wholly or significantly by AI is deemed by CXC as academic dishonesty and is handled under established irregularities procedures in collaboration with the candidate, the teacher, and the school principal.

Manning acknowledged the weight of responsibility on the Caribbean’s teaching community, committing CXC’s support to teachers with resources and training to navigate the AI landscape with confidence and consistency.

“You are not alone in this,” she remarked. “Engage your students in honest conversations about how they use these AI tools. Guide them on what they can do, what they cannot, and why academic integrity matters beyond the examination room.”

Manning is encouraging to make the right choices about their education, saying “integrity is not about whether a machine can detect what you did. It is about who you choose to be”. (CMC)

Jordan: Legal guardrails soon to protect workers from falling

Maria Bradshaw
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Jordan: Legal guardrails soon to protect workers from falling

Concerned by a disturbing number of incidents where workers have fallen from heights, Minister of Labour Colin Jordan says Government will soon introduce specific legislation to address this issue.

He made the announcement yesterday while delivering the feature address at the Barbados Employers’ Confederation’s (BEC) 70th anniversary celebrations launch at its headquarters in Deighton Road, St Michael. The new regulations are expected to be enacted by September.

“We’ve had too many . . . people falling from heights, either seriously injuring themselves or worse, losing their lives. So under the Safety and Health at Work (SHAW) Act, we will be, we’ve started already, developing a work at height regulation,” Jordan said, adding that drafts of the legislation will be shared with the BEC for comments and input.

Unsafe practices

He explained that the new regulations will focus on mandating the use of safety equipment such as restraints and harnesses, citing the continued prevalence of unsafe practices.

“We still have too many people working at height without guardrails, without protection. We recognise that it is not just the responsibility of the employer, it’s also the responsibility of the worker.”

Acknowledging that human error plays a role, the minister added: “We know that people, we take chances. You know, we figure nothing can happen and sometimes we take chances, but every now and then somebody is injured badly, somebody dies. We believe that as a Government, we have a responsibility to make sure that we do all that we can to prevent that from happening. We’ve got to help people.”

Recalling recent incidents, Jordan said it was only by “large mercy” that there have not been more fatalities. He stressed that Government could not become complacent simply because there had been a lull in accidents recently.

“The fact that nobody has fallen in the last two months is not sufficient for us to take our foot off of that . . . . We still have to make sure that it doesn’t happen again in the future,” he insisted.

With the island currently undergoing significant infrastructural development, he emphasised the timeliness of the regulations.

“Especially when Barbados is a construction site, as we know it, and it will be for many months and possibly years to come. There will be a lot of construction. People will be working at height and we have to make sure that we put in place those regulations.”

While the existing SHAW Act speaks to the provision of a safe environment, the minister said the new legislation would provide the necessary specificity. He drew parallels to recent regulations implemented for gas station workers.

“Just as we were very specific with respect to PPE (personal protective equipment), very specific with respect to gas station workers . . . while there is legislation that says gas station workers should be protected, we enacted a regulation, which says that they must be allowed to have medical examination, annually, at no cost to themselves because we need to be as specific as that,” he explained.

Jordan called on contractors, particularly in the construction industry, to ensure workers were safely equipped, reminding them of the human cost of negligence.

“The people who depend on that person for support, both financial support and emotional support, expect that person to come back home. They do not expect that they have to look for $10 000 or $12 000 to bury the person. They do not expect to have to be fighting up to get some disability benefit.

“We’ve got to make sure that employers, contractors, see the workers as human beings, and just as themselves, would not want to put them in a situation where they’re at some elevated risk of injury or death.”

He cautioned that stiff penalties would be in place for non-compliance, though he expressed a preference for voluntary adherence.

“We are depending on the good nature of people and the work of organisations at the BEC to help with that, so that we don’t have to resort to these stiff penalties. Stiff penalties come in when something has happened. We want a change in the culture, change in approach, a change in how safety, especially workplace safety, is viewed.”

During his address, Jordan also highlighted the broader role of the BEC in maintaining professional standards. He referenced a highly-publicised incident from a few years ago where an employee was paid close to $150 in coins by her employer following a dispute.

“It is important that organisations like the BEC become the voice of employers and bring the order that I spoke to. One of the things that dismayed us a bit was when an employee at a petrol station was paid her final payment in all coins. Now, that is not something that the BEC condones.

“That is why we need to continue to work together to make sure that those not-so-good employers are able to come to a forum where they can have some of that bad behaviour addressed,” he added. (MB)

Pine Hill in $20m plant upgrade

Diara Springer
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Pine Hill in $20m plant upgrade

Pine Hill Dairy (PHD) is undertaking a $20 million modernisation of its entire plant operations.

This was announced recently at the unveiling of a 60th anniversary commemorative mural in the car park of The Pine, St Michael company.

“We have embarked on a total overhaul of our equipment,” general manager of SLU Beverages, Shafia London, told those in attendance.

“We are going to be modernising our entire plant operations at over US$10 million (BDS$20 million).”

The works, already under way in partnership with global packaging giant Tetra Pak, are expected to transform the facility into a fully modern plant by year’s end.

However, London acknowledged the road ahead will not be without difficulty.

“The next few months are going to be challenging for us, but it is a necessary investment in the future of this business. Once stabilised, the transformation will allow us to deliver even higher standards of quality and quantity,” she stated.

The announcement comes on the heels of a difficult period for the company. Last year, PHD faced significant supply chain disruptions, with powdered milk shortages among the hardest-hitting challenges, but London said those were now behind them.

“We’re pleased to confirm that that issue has been resolved. We have been able to find suppliers and backup suppliers and since then we have been having a steady supply of our dairy products,” she noted.

Supply of raw milk from local farmers has also rebounded, aided by a dedicated farm improvement programme that brought in world-class agricultural experts to work directly with Barbadian dairy farmers, she pointed out. London added that milk supply from farmers has already surpassed last year’s levels and was now in line with figures from over five years ago.

With stability restored, PHD is turning its attention to bringing back some products that were discontinued during the crisis. Chocolate milk has already been reintroduced, and a lactose-free option is expected to return shortly.

Looking regionally, the company has ambitions well beyond Barbados. PHD products are currently imported across most CARICOM territories, where the brand ranks in the top three for juice and dairy milks.

The modernised plant is expected to bolster that reach significantly, with London sharing that growth into new export markets will also mean greater employment opportunities.

Trump: Iran ceasefire is on massive life support

Nationnews Desk
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Trump: Iran ceasefire is on massive life support

US President Donald Trump has said the month-long ceasefire between the US and Iran is on “massive life support”.

He told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday that while the ceasefire remained in place, it was “unbelievably weak”.

Iran laid out its demands to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in a counter-offer sent to the US on Sunday. Trump rejected the proposal, calling it “totally unacceptable” and a “piece of garbage”.

Esmail Baghaei, a foreign ministry spokesperson for Iran, responded by saying Tehran’s proposals were “responsible” and “generous”.

Tehran’s offer includes an immediate end to the war on all fronts – a reference to the continued Israeli attacks against Iran-supported Hezbollah in Lebanon – a halt to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and guarantees of no further attacks on Iran, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.

It also reportedly includes a demand for compensation for war damage and an emphasis on Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump criticised the proposal, writing on Truth Social on Sunday: “I have just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it – TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.”

In response to Trump’s comments, Baghaei said Iran would act “in any way necessary to secure our interests”.

Speaking in the Oval Office later on Monday, Trump addressed the ceasefire between the two countries which has largely been observed since April despite occasional exchanges of fire.

He told reporters: “I would say the ceasefire is on massive life support… when the doctor walks in and says, ‘Sir, your loved one has approximately a 1 percent chance of living’.”

The US president said Iran’s leaders were “very dishonourable people”, adding: “Look, I’ve had to deal with them four or five times – they change their mind.”

“That piece of garbage they sent us – I didn’t even finish reading it,” he said.

Trump also accused Iran of going back on an agreement to allow the US to remove its supply of enriched uranium. He insisted that Iran would “never have a nuclear weapon”.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency quoted a source close to the negotiating team as saying: “There is no such thing in Iran’s proposal as accepting taking out enriched nuclear material.” (BBC)

Walcott delivers record throw

Stefan Walker
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Walcott delivers record throw

Three-time Polish Olympian Konrad Bukowiecki and Barbados’ rising field star Jayden Walcott stole the spotlight at the 2026 May Classic on Saturday, producing headline-grabbing performances in the shot put at the Usain Bolt Sport Complex. 

Bukowiecki launched 20.31 metres in his season opener, while Walcott shattered the Under-18 meet record with a massive 20.21 metre effort to underline his growing reputation as one of the region’s brightest young talents.

Opening his 2026 outdoor campaign in Barbados, Bukowiecki comfortably dominated a three-man field, finishing well clear of Kevon Hinds, who placed second with 14.23m, and Kasim Connell, third with 12.07m. Though not fully satisfied with his mark, the 29-year-old Polish star was pleased to begin his season in solid fashion on Barbadian soil.

A seasoned international competitor with personal bests of 22.25 metres outdoors and 22.00 indoors, Bukowiecki’s glittering résumé includes World Under-20 gold, European Indoor gold, European Outdoor silver and two European Under-23 titles. Currently ranked 15th in the world, he said Barbados was a destination long on his competitive wish list.

“I love to compete in different places. I have already competed in 34 countries, and Barbados was always on my bucket list,” Bukowiecki said.

If the Olympian delivered class, Walcott delivered power. Representing Elite Distance Programme, the CARIFTA Games gold medallist overwhelmed the Under-18 Boys’ competition with a record-breaking throw of 20.21m – a mark that comfortably surpassed the qualifying standard for the NACAC Under-18 Championships.

Kamaal Armstrong, of Coleridge & Parry School, was second with 15.01 metres, while Ashurn Richardson, of Bosen Academy, finished third on 11.96 metres.

Elsewhere in the field events, Zaria Knight topped the women’s shot put with 10.79 metres ahead of Kianna Connell (10.48m), while Chloe Blackman captured the Under-18 girls’ crown with 11.86 metres. Nyema Taylor won the women’s long jump with 5.49 metres and Micah Shepherd claimed the men’s title with a leap of 6.69 metres.

High jump honours went to Nathan King (1.95m) and Nailah Browne (1.60m), while the track events also produced strong performances. Kristin Cummins clocked a wind-assisted 11.04 seconds to lead the men’s 100m ahead of Jordyn Adams (11.08) and Ethan McCollin (11.17). In the women’s sprint, Alika Harewood and Saraya Nicholls shared top honours in 11.97 seconds, with Afia Greenidge third in 12.08.

The 400-metre winners were Dania Lewis in 58.30 and Amir Gustave in 47.80, while middle-distance victories went to six-time CARIFTA medallist Ashlyn Simmons in the women’s 800 metres (2:13.95) and Jyamarian Mallet in the men’s race (1:58.80), capping an action-packed day of athletics. (SW)

‘Concerning’ spread of TB in detention facilities

Nationnews Desk
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‘Concerning’ spread of TB in detention facilities

KINGSTON – The Ministry of Health in Jamaica has expressed grave concern over the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in state detention facilities, particularly at the Hunts Bay Police Station lock-up in the Corporate Area, where two inmates have died from the disease between August 2024 and April 2026.

According to a report published by Jamaica Gleaner, more than 30 TB cases have also been recorded in correctional and police detention facilities across Jamaica during the same period.

Several detainees at Hunts Bay are currently undergoing treatment.

The health ministry said the first case at the Hunts Bay facility was identified in August 2024. By December that year, ten cases had been confirmed.

Between February and September 2025, another 14 cases were identified, including one death, while 11 additional cases and a second death were recorded between January and April this year.

“Hunts Bay remains the facility of greatest concern,” the ministry said in response to questions from the Sunday Gleaner.

The ministry warned that overcrowding, poor ventilation and delays in accessing medical care have increased the risk of transmission within cells. Officials said inmates suspected of having TB are generally transferred to the National Chest Hospital for treatment and isolation.

Health Minister Christopher Tufton described the issue as one involving national security, public health and institutional management.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs and spreads through the air when infected persons cough, sneeze, speak or sing. (CMC)

Project aims to get youth active

Jonteau Coppin
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Project aims to get youth active

In an attempt to combat childhood inactivity, the Barbados Physical Therapy Association has launched an initiative designed to encourage children to become more physically active through fun and engaging activities.

The programme, entitled Project Active, was developed in collaboration with the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition. It began at St Lucy Primary School, which is the first stop in a planned islandwide school tour.

Speaking at the school, physiotherapist with the Physical Therapy Association, Marita Marshall, said the initiative aimed to promote healthier lifestyles among children, while reinforcing the Ministry of Education Transformation’s existing School Nutrition Policy.

“Today we are having our launch day for Project Active, which is a campaign that we are running in Barbados, going around primary schools to encourage physical activity and exercise in fun ways for kids,” Marshall said. “This is our first school stop, St Lucy Primary School. We’ll be going to two other schools, and we’re hoping to get the whole of Barbados and all children involved by launching an online competition very soon.”

Marshall, who is also the project coordinator, added that Project Active was intended to complement healthy eating initiatives already being promoted in schools by highlighting the importance of physical activity in overall health and wellness.

“We are really trying to support and strengthen the School Nutrition Policy, which is already in place, by letting children, parents, teachers and everybody understand that there is a physical activity component to improving health and wellness and well-being, and also helping children to learn healthy habits,” Marshall said.

The former Combermere School student also expressed concern about the increasing amount of time children spend on electronic devices and said the initiative hoped to show young people that exercise could be an enjoyable alternative.

“We really want to get away from children sitting on their phones playing all day, getting them to understand that exercise and physical activity can be fun, it is good for you, it is healthy,” Marshall said.

The project is expected to continue at Irving Wilson School on June 5 and Blackman and Gollop Primary School on June 25, whilst also featuring at a National Sports Council camp in August. (JC)

FSC to regulate micro financiers

Shawn Cumberbatch
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FSC to regulate micro financiers

Micro finance companies and other unregulated non-bank financial activities in Barbados are on the Financial Services Commission’s (FSC) radar.

The FSC is proposing a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework for the sector to close “significant gaps in consumer protection, financial integrity, and supervisory visibility”.

Development of a micro finance framework was a focus of the FSC’s 15th anniversary Industry Stakeholder Consultation On Legislative Reform Project at Hilton Barbados Resort last month and the regulator has published a paper to receive feedback on its proposals.

“The proposed reform is intended to formally expand the regulatory perimeter to include micro finance and other currently unregulated non-bank financial activities, ensuring that oversight is fit for purpose while preserving access to credit and supporting financial inclusion,” the FSC explained.

“At present, the micro finance landscape in Barbados is fragmented and unregulated, comprising a diverse range of providers, including payday lenders, finance companies and informal credit operators.

“The absence of a clear regulatory framework creates significant gaps in consumer protection, financial integrity and supervisory visibility. This reform seeks to address these deficiencies by introducing a proportionate, risk-based regime that balances access to finance with appropriate safeguards.”

The regulator noted that “a central feature of the proposed framework is the definition and formalisation of the regulatory perimeter, clearly identifying the activities and entities subject to oversight, including lending, credit intermediation, and related financial services”.

This will be supported by the introduction of a tiered regulatory structure, “ensuring that requirements are aligned with the size, nature and risk profile of providers, thereby avoiding undue burdens on smaller or community-based entities, while strengthening oversight of larger and higher-risk operators”.

The FSC said its proposed framework placed “strong emphasis on consumer protection and market conduct, including the establishment of clear rules governing disclosure, pricing, lending practices and debt collection”.

“These measures are intended to promote transparency, fairness and responsible lending, while mitigating risks such as over-indebtedness and exploitative practices. 

“In parallel, the framework will enhance financial integrity through the extension of anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and counter-proliferation financing obligations in line with international standards, particularly those of the Financial Action Task Force, and improve data collection and supervisory oversight,” the FSC said.

It added: “The reform also recognises the importance of financial inclusion, particularly for under-served individuals and micro enterprises.

“It seeks to support the development of sustainable micro finance models, including digital and fintech-enabled delivery channels, while facilitating a phased transition from informality to formalisation through simplified registration processes, clear guidance and proportionate compliance requirements.

“In addition, the framework integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG)considerations as a cross-cutting principle, with a focus on responsible lending, fair treatment of borrowers and transparency. 

“Given the sector’s direct social impact, ESG is positioned as a practical tool to strengthen market conduct and support inclusive, sustainable finance outcomes,” the regulator said.

The FSC said the proposed framework would be introduced in the context of various factors impacting the micro finance sector, including:

 Fragmented and partially unregulated landscape: The microfinance and non-bank financial services sector in Barbados includes a wide range of entities. The absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework creates consumer risks, as well as data and visibility gaps for policymakers.

 Financial inclusion versus consumer risk: Microfinance providers often serve individuals and micro enterprises that may not qualify for traditional credit. The framework must balance preserving access to credit and preventing exploitative practices.

 Need for a proportionate and tiered regulatory framework: Given the diversity of entities, a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to be effective.

 Interest rate transparency and pricing practices: A key issue in micro finance is the true cost of credit, including high effective interest rates, hidden fees and charges and non-transparent repayment structures.

 Market conduct, collections, and consumer safeguards: Unregulated lenders may engage in practices that harm consumers.
A strengthened framework should address licensing and conduct requirements; rules governing collections and enforcement; whistleblower protections; and consumer recourse and dispute resolution mechanisms.

 Data, credit reporting, and over-indebtedness: Limited integration with credit reporting systems can lead to multiple borrowing across providers, inadequate assessment of borrower capacity; and systemic over-indebtedness risks.

 Digital lending and fintech developments: The rise of digital platforms and mobile-based lending introduces faster access to credit and use of alternative data for credit scoring, but also raises risks around algorithmic bias and lack of transparency; data privacy and consent; and rapid accumulation of debt. 

 Anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and counter-proliferation financing and illicit finance risks: Unregulated financial activity can create vulnerabilities for money laundering and other illicit uses. Extending these obligations to relevant non-bank entities is critical for safeguarding the financial system.

 Institutional capacity and enforcement: Expanding the regulatory perimeter will require additional supervisory resources; enforcement tools and legal authority; public awareness and compliance outreach.

 Transition from informality to formalisation: Bringing unregulated entities into the formal system presents challenges, including resistance due to compliance costs; limited administrative capacity among small operators; and the risk of reducing credit availability if regulation is too stringent.

 Linkages with the broader financial system: Both credit unions and micro finance providers are interconnected with commercial banks, for example, funding and deposits; payment systems; and household balance sheets. Understanding these linkages is important for monitoring systemic risk; designing macroprudential tools; and ensuring coordinated regulation across sectors. (SC)

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