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BHL and dairy report losses

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Banks Holdings Limited (BHL) and its main subsidiary Barbados Dairy Industries Limited (BDIL) are reporting millions of dollars in losses for 2025.

Company directors attributed the decline mainly to lower investment values and increased costs at subsidiary BDIL at a time when management opted not to increase prices.

This information is shared in BHL’s unaudited financial results for Banks Holdings Limited for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.

“The group has continued to be consistent in revenue with 2025 being in line with corresponding period of 2024. However, it is important to note that there was a two per cent drop in sales volume compared to the prior year’s performance mainly driven by a decline in export juices and beer,” the beverage conglomerate reported.

The director’s report said that profits from operations for the parent and subsidiaries “saw significant decreases, declining by $20.88 million to a loss of $5.5 million”.

“This decline is primarily driven by reduction in the fair value of investments of $9.54 million and increases the cost of sales at the diary, which were not matched by increased selling prices as the company tried to maintain pricing to trade,” it noted.

“The loss from operations for the parent and subsidiaries stood at $6.38 million, declining from a profit from operations of $14.72 million in the prior year. After a taxation charge of $0.72 million, the net loss for the period from continuing operations was $7.09 million.”

BHL said that at December 31 its total equity was $227.81 million, compared to $235.51 million at the end of December 2024.

“The company’s financial position remains solid, providing a stable foundation for future operations and strategic initiatives,” the report added.

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ending December 31, 2025, was $21.84 million, while cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period stood at $88.39 million.

The report said that the BHL board continued to “focus on prudent cash management to support our operational needs and investment plans”.

“We remain focused on driving revenue growth, managing costs effectively, and enhancing shareholder value,” the directors shared.

“The economic environment presents both opportunities and challenges, and we are committed to navigating these with strategic foresight and operational excellence.”

In a separate financial report for BDIL, better known as Pine Hill Dairy, that company’s directors were pleased with revenue growth despite the challenging operational environment.

There was, however, an operating loss on the books.

“Sales for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $54.57 million, a notable increase from $52.29 million in the corresponding period of 2024 driven primarily by dairy product volume increases. Despite this, there was an increase in operating loss of $1.25 million over the same period,” the report stated.

“Despite a challenging environment with uncertainties in raw material supply and costs we continue to balance absorption of these costs without passing on the full impact
to consumers.

“This continued approach was taken to maintain our competitive pricing, preserve customer loyalty, and ensure the continued stability of our market position, which we believe is essential for long-term value creation for our shareholders.

“Shareholders’ equity stood at $28.42 million at the end of 2025, compared to $33.66 million at the end of 2024. The decrease from the $33.66 million at December 31, 2024, is attributable to the total comprehensive loss for the period of $5.24 million.”

Regarding cash flow, the report said that net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $1.03 million.

“Net working capital changes contributed negatively, decreasing by $1.99 million mainly driven by increased holding level of inventories,” it stated.

“Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period stood at $2.56 million, a decrease of $2.57 million. The board continues to focus on prudent cash management to support our operational needs and investment plans.”

The directors said 2025 was “demanding with significant challenges” but that management would “continue to address the factors that impacted our performance”. 

“Milk availability continues to be a concern despite some improvements noted over prior year period. We remain focused on continuing to increase revenue generation and operational efficiency in the last quarter,” they stated. 

Pending SurePay fee ‘a burden’ for some

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Some members of the public are surely upset about SurePay Barbados Ltd’s decision to introduce a 30-cent (VAT inclusive) fee on all over-the counter transactions.

The transaction fee, announced in an advertisement on Page 6A of the last SUNDAY SUN, will be introduced at all SurePay outlets from March 16 as a way to “offset rising processing costs”.

In Bridgetown yesterday, several SurePay users voiced discontent at the prospect of having to fork out a fee when paying their bills.

Maureen Wilkinson told the DAILY NATION the change in policy was enough to push her towards seeking alternatives in paying her bills.

“Operational fees? No, I don’t believe that,” she declared. “Sometimes in an operation you have to absorb and no, they don’t give a high enough service for that. I will find another method to pay my bills.”

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Mum removed as surety for son

A woman who stood as surety for her son several years ago was relieved of that responsibility by a High Court judge yesterday morning, after the court said it was not satisfied that the surety met the necessary criteria.

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Snowstorm disrupts thousands of flights across the US

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A major storm hit the US east coast on Monday, bringing record-breaking snow that caused disruptions for millions and thousands of flight cancellations.

Parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts have seen nearly 37in (94cm) of snowfall, with more than 19in in New York City’s Central Park, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

Weather warnings stretched from North Carolina to northern Maine, with some in place further north in parts of eastern Canada.

More than 600 000 properties on the US east coast endured power outages, while the Boston Globe – a major US newspaper – said it will not go to print for the first time in its 153-year history due to the storm.

Travel across the region has been severely limited, with some states and cities implementing travel bans during the worst period of the storm.

The so-called “nor’easter” is forecast to move away from the US on Tuesday and across coastal parts of eastern Canada, though strong winds are expected to persist, according to the NWS.

Snow accumulations were anticipated to reach 1-2ft (30-61cm) near the north-east coastline, meanwhile.

Rhode Island, the smallest US state, appeared to have received the most snow during the storm. In fact, it has become the worst snowstorm to ever hit the state, according to local media.

Providence, the state capital, received 36in (91cm) of snow, dwarfing the existing record for the single greatest snowstorm: 28.6in (72.6cm) set in February 1978.

“It completely smashed it,” Candice Hrencecin, an NWS meteorologist in Boston, told the New York Times. “We were just as shocked as everyone else.”

A ban on non-essential travel was implemented in Rhode Island and also in neighbouring Connecticut.

Later in the day, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also imposed a travel ban.

“White-out conditions are making travel extremely dangerous,” she said in an online post. “If you get stuck, help will have a hard time reaching you… I strongly urge everyone to stay off the roads no matter where you live.”

A white-out is when snow significantly reduces visibility.

Boston resident and avid walker Bradley Jay said the storm had made him feel like a “prisoner”.

“I won’t be able to really walk around town for another ten days. So I’m stuck inside,” he told news agency Reuters. (BBC)

Kemar Roach signs for Durham, switches from Surrey in County Championship

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Kemar Roach signs for Durham, switches from Surrey in County Championship

Barbados and West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach has signed to play for Durham in the English County Championship four-day first-class competition later this year. 

The tournament is due to start in early April. The 37-year-old, who is closing in on 300 Test wickets, will join up with the Durham squad ahead of the season-opener against Kent at Riverside ground and will be available until mid-June. 

Therefore, Roach will be unavailable to represent Barbados Pride in the West Indies four-day championship which is set for April and May.

Roach brings proven pedigree as a pace bowler in English conditions as a three-time County Championship winner with Surrey. 

“I can’t wait to join Durham for the 2026 season. Having played in the County Championship for the past five years, I know how serious a side Durham are, so I plan to join and add great value. I hope to help Durham push for a trophy this summer and I think the group Durham have is very close to doing that. We know how much of a tough season it is with the county grind, but the rewards are there when you win and I hope to add that winning mentality to the Durham side,” Roach was quoted on the club’s website.

Roach, who made his Test debut in 2009, has claimed 12 five-wicket hauls for West Indies. 

He has 294 wickets in 88 matches and is fifth highest in the West Indies all-time list of wicket-takers behind fellow legends Lance Gibbs (309), Malcolm Marshall (376), Curtly Ambrose (405) and Courtney Walsh (519).

“We’re delighted to welcome Kemar to Durham He is a world-class performer in Test cricket and his experience playing county cricket makes him a perfect fit for our group,” said Durham director of cricket Marcus North.

In a separate post, Surrey thanked Roach for his five years of service to the club. (PS) 

Wanted man Jamar Greene now in police custody

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Jamar Marco Greene, 34, also known as “Blackie,” “Black Crayon” and “George,” of Rock Hall, St Thomas, who was the subject of a “Wanted Man” bulletin issued on Friday, February 20 is now in police custody.

Earlier today, Greene presented himself to District ‘E’ Police Station, accompanied by an attorney-at-law, and is currently assisting police with their investigations into serious criminal matters.

The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) thanked the general public and the media for their assistance in this matter.

Former Guyana Education Minister Rupert Roopnarine dies at 83

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Former Education Minister in Guyana Rupert Roopnarine died early Monday morning at the age of 83, according to reports from political colleagues.

Roopnarine was a professor, parliamentarian and government minister who served in the Ministries of Public Service and Education. He also led the Working People’s Alliance, where he played a prominent role in the country’s political life for decades.

His passing was confirmed during a broadcast by WPA Co-Leader David Hinds, who described Roopnarine as “one of the leading voices of our post-colonial experience” and a figure whose contributions spanned political activism, academia and public service.

Hinds reflected on Roopnarine’s decades-long involvement in Guyana’s political development, noting his role in the WPA since returning to Guyana in 1977. He highlighted Roopnarine’s advocacy for multi-ethnic politics and national unity, recalling his belief that the country’s progress depended on all communities advancing together. Hinds described him as a proponent of coalition politics and national government arrangements, referencing his involvement in discussions that later influenced the formation of A Partnership for National Unity.

Beyond politics, Roopnarine was also regarded as an intellectual and cultural figure. A trained scholar in English and literature, he taught at the University of Guyana and was known for his work on the poetry of Martin Carter. He was also involved in filmmaking and public scholarship and, according to Hinds, remained committed to Caribbean radical thought and working-class advocacy.

Hinds noted that Roopnarine endured periods of detention during the political struggles of earlier decades and at one point left academia to become a full-time activist.

In his tribute, Hinds said Guyana was “better in many regards because of Rupert Roopnarine,” describing him as a man who combined intellectual rigor with political conviction. While Roopnarine had been ailing in recent years, Hinds said his name and legacy continued to carry weight in national discourse.

Tributes are expected from across the political spectrum as the country reflects on the life of a figure who played a significant role in its modern political history. (CNW)

Turvy Frederick remanded on firearm and robbery charges

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Turvy Frederick, 28, of no fixed place of abode, has been remanded to the Barbados Prison Service (Dodds) after appearing before Magistrate Manila Renee in District ‘A’ Criminal Court No. 2 this morning.

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Man remanded on firearm and affray charges

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Peter MacFarren Rouse, 30, of Lot 3D2 Scotts Terrace, Grazettes, St Michael, has been arrested and formally charged with affray and unlawful use of a firearm.

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Hetmyer leads Windies in massive World Cup win over Zimbabwe

West Indies posted the second highest total in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history and massacred Zimbabwe by 107 runs in their opening Super 8s match on Monday night.

West Indies blasted a whopping team record 254-6 off 20 overs – just six runs from the all-time T20 World Cup high of 260-6 by Sri Lanka against Kenya in 2007.

Shimron Hetmyer smashed 85 off 34 balls with seven sixes, and Rovman Powell hit 59 off 35 balls after being asked to bat first on a good pitch at the Wankhede in Mumbai. The West Indies batsmen counted 19 sixes – the most ever in a T20 World Cup match. In all, 31 sixes were hit during this game, another record in men’s T20 World Cups.

Zimbabwe were then bowled out for 147 in 17.4 overs. Left-arm spinners Gudakesh Motie (4-28) and Akeal Hosein (3-28) did most of the damage in the emphatic win which saw the Windies go top of their group.

Earlier, Hetmyer’s blistering half century came off 19 balls, which is the record for the fastest 50 by a West Indian at a T20 World Cup. Powell hit four sixes in his 59 runs off just 35 balls. Powell and Hetmyer put on 122 for the third wicket after the West Indies were 54-2 in the sixth over. Their partnership came off just nine overs in a sensational period of power-hitting.

After they fell, there was more six-hitting in store. Sherfane Rutherford blasted 31 not out off 13 balls with two sixes, Romario Shepherd scored 21 off 10 balls with three sixes, while Jason Holder thumped two massive maximums in a cameo 13 off four balls.

West Indies have so far played unbeaten in the global marquee event. They topped Group C with wins over Scotland, England, Nepal and Italy. This is their first Super 8 match. Next up are South Africa on Thursday evening and then India on Sunday night. (PS)