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Nurses still ‘under pressure’

Colville Mounsey
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Nurses still ‘under pressure’

President of the Barbados Nurses Association, Dr Fay Parris, says nurses are still battling long hours, emotional stress, limited resources and the need for stronger support systems to sustain the profession.

Speaking during the association’s Nurses’ Week service at Sanctuary Empowerment Centre yesterday, Parris said while there had been encouraging developments within the sector, much more was needed to improve working conditions, morale and retaining nurses.

While agreeing that nurses were the backbone of health, offered critical care, compassion and advocacy, Parris said there were challenges.

“We need to acknowledge that nurses work long hours, experience emotional stress, have limited resources, and that there is a pressing need for stronger support systems. Empowerment means giving nurses the tools, respect and authority to make impactful decisions, ensuring that they save lives effectively.”

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Eight explore story illustrations at Olympus Theatres

Josue Ramirez Nelson
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Eight explore story illustrations at Olympus Theatres

The theatre room of the Olympus Theatres in Sheraton Mall was transformed into a space fit for the world of story book readers on Friday at the launch of the inaugural Barbados Children’s Book Illustrator and Author showcase.

At least eight primary schools were invited to the showcase sponsored by the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust and featuring live readings and presentations of works from authors such as Cherisse Harris, Ruth Amanda, and Yolanda T. Marshall.

Internationally acclaimed award winning author and illustrator Amanda hoped the showcase will shed light on what people in Barbados can do to create literacy projects that children will love to read.

“We hope that children will learn that creating stories is a very fun way to use their words and their skills and their imaginations. So we are hoping to inspire a whole new generation of literary creators, authors, illustrators, combinations,” Amanda said.

To help, Amanda created a step by step guide to help children make their own illustrated stories, noting that current digital illustration methods were becoming more popular in the digital space.

“You still have the computer-drawn images where people are using Procreate and other programmes, that are not AI, to create their own art using digital means with the brighter colours. So there is so much out there. So my advice to children wanting to learn

illustration is to keep practising. “I created a step-by-step how to draw, so the students will be able to follow the steps . . . take an inspiration, take a photo, recognise the shapes, draw the basic shapes, add the details after,” she said. The showcase was hosted by Bookspace Studio, which is focused on developing book illustrations and puppet making workshop services. Harris hoped that the showcase will drive an interest into the creation of these books.

“Our mission for this event is to spark an interest in how books are made, highlighting the important role of reading, writing and illustrating in that process, as well as inspire Barbadian children to be creative thinkers in any field they pursue,” she said.

(JRN)

20 certified for careers in digital marketing

Nationnews Desk
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20 certified for careers in digital marketing

Twenty young Barbadians are now better equipped for the modern digital economy after successfully completing the Liberty Caribbean Foundation’s Introduction to Digital Marketing, a five-week initiative facilitated by leading telecoms provider Flow.

The course culminated with a presentation ceremony at Flow Windsor Lodge Corporate Office and represented an investment of more than $20 000 in youth development through training, technology, and educational support.

Delivered as part of the Liberty Caribbean Foundation’s ongoing mission to promote digital inclusion and empowerment across the Caribbean, the programme provided participants with practical, industry-driven digital marketing training aimed at improving employability, entrepreneurship, and career readiness.

Participants were selected through partnerships with the National Organisation of Women (NOW) Barbados and the Men’s Empowerment Network Support (MEN), while each participant was also provided with a laptop to support learning and accessibility throughout the course. At the closing event, they were gifted the laptops along with the completion certificate.

Speaking during the presentation of certificates closing event, Xavier Jeffrey, senior manager, retail sales at Flow, said the initiative reflects Liberty Caribbean’s commitment to investing in people and creating meaningful opportunities for the youth.

“Over the past five weeks, these young adults have gained skills that are not only relevant, but critical in today’s business environment. From understanding digital platforms to building strategies and engaging audiences, they have taken important steps toward expanding their opportunities,” said Jeffrey.

Liberty Caribbean are the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC.

President of NOW, Melissa Savoury-Gittens, praised the initiative and the positive impact it had on participants.

“This programme gave young people access to knowledge, tools and opportunities that can profoundly change the direction of their lives. Partnerships like these are critical in helping to empower communities and create pathways for growth and independence,” she said.

Founder and executive director of MEN, Fabian Sargeant, also commended the programme and its focus on youth development.

“This is . . . a milestone in that it has brought a men’s group and a women’s group together at this level. We are proud to have partnered on this. The sessions helped to build confidence and ambition among our young people. The impact of programmes like this extends far beyond the classroom,” said Sargeant.

The programme officially commenced on March 21 at the YMCA in Bridgetown and was facilitated by digital marketing professionals Thaddeus Harris and Janelle Germain. The initiative was supported by several partners, including Massy Stores Barbados and Banks Holdings Limited. (PR)

Saint Lucia Jazz builds momentum ahead of finale

Nationnews Desk
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Saint Lucia Jazz builds momentum ahead of finale

The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival continued over the weekend with Caribbean Fusion and World Beats drawing large crowds to Pigeon Island National Landmark for two nights of performances.

Friday’s Caribbean Fusion featured performances from Skip Marley, The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, Kes and Dexta Daps. The event also highlighted Saint Lucian talent through the Saint Lucian Mélange segment led by reigning Groovy Soca Monarch Nerdy.

Saturday’s World Beats showcase included performances by Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems and British R&B artiste Ella Mai, alongside regional acts including Princess Lover, Lu City, X-Man, Les Aiglons de Guadeloupe, October 4, Christopher Neil, Werner “Semi” Francis and TC Brown.

Festival organisers also noted that international media outlets and influencers, including Billboard, Essence, TheGrio, BBC Radio, Jazz FM and BlogTO, were on island covering the event and showcasing Saint Lucia’s tourism and cultural offerings to global audiences.

The festival concludes today with “The Ultimate Celebration”, headlined by Brandy, Monica, Billy Ocean and Beverley Knight. Saint Lucian performers Mervin Wilkinson & Friends and Kyle Ernest are also scheduled to appear. (PR)

$1.05 million in payouts from NCF

Natanga Smith
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$1.05 million in payouts from NCF

A full review of the National Cultural Foundation’s 2026 Crop Over competition framework shows that the state-backed cultural calendar carries a combined prize and structured payout of just over $1.05 million, spanning both music and costume competitions across Grand Kadooment, Junior Kadooment, Pic O De Crop, Power Soca, Sweet Soca and Junior Monarch.

The consolidated figure was calculated from official prize schedules, finalist payouts, appearance fees and special awards.

At the heart of the system is the music competitions, which account for the largest share of direct payouts. Together, Pic O De Crop, Power Soca, Sweet Soca and Junior Monarch will dish out an estimated $847 650 in prizes and related payments.

Premier show

Pic O De Crop, widely regarded as the premier calypso competition of the festival, carries the most structurally extensive payouts, with an estimated total distribution of $311 500. This includes a $100 000 top prize or vehicle alternative, which normally carries a higher value when vehicle insurance and other allowances are included. The second placed finalist earns $40 000, third place $20 000, fourth place $15 000 and fifth place $10 000.

Layered payouts are then accorded to positions six through ten, each receiving $8 000, and 11th down to 18th place netting $6 000 each. Added to that is an appearance fee for all finalists of $2 000 as well as $2 500 for the reserve performer.

Power Soca and Sweet Soca – operate on identical financial structures, each with a total estimated payout of $253 900. In both competitions, the winner receives $100 000, but the runners-up surpassing those in the Pic O De Crop, with second place earning $50 000, third place $40 000 and fourth $20 000.

Positions five through eight each receive $10 000, while reserves and songwriting awards add smaller but notable additional payments. While more top-heavy than Pic O De Crop, these competitions concentrate significant value among the highest-placed performers.

The Junior Monarch will see the smallest financial allocation at about $28 350 in prizes and awards. Despite its lower monetary value, the competition plays a critical developmental role for young performers aged seven to 18.

Winners in both calypso and soca categories receive $3 000, with prizes through to eighth place, in addition to themed awards for social issues such as road safety, HIV/AIDS awareness and anti-bullying messaging.

The costume and mas’ segment accounts for a further $203 700 in prize money across Grand Kadooment, Junior Kadooment private bands, and Junior Kadooment schools and community bands.

Grand Kadooment remains the flagship event and cultural centrepiece of Crop Over. It carries an estimated $80 000 in direct prize money, including the $20 000 Best Festival Designer award, and major payouts for individual performers and band categories.

However, its financial footprint extends beyond prizes. Participating bands are also eligible for subventions of up to $20 000 for heritage bands and $27 500 for party bands, positioning Grand Kadooment as both the most visible and one of the most heavily-subsidised cultural productions in the festival.

The big day also carries a special award for an artiste whose song is the most played at the judging stages. Currently, first place in the Tune Of De Crop, also known as Road March, earns $7 500, the first runnerup $5 000 and third place $2 000.

The junior costume competitions also carry significant financial weight. The Junior Kadooment private bands category distributes about $85 400 in prizes, while the schools and community bands segment gets $38 300. (NS)

Fogging Schedule: May 11 to 15

Nationnews Desk
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Fogging Schedule: May 11 to 15

The Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Vector Control Unit will concentrate its mosquito reduction efforts in St. George, St. Peter and St. James next week.

The Unit will tackle areas in St. George on Monday, May 11, including Bourne’s Village, Locust Hall Terrace, Locust Hall No.1, Applewhaites, Roach Village, Paradise, Paradise Village Nos.1 and 2, Market Hill, and Jericho.

 The team will turn its attention to communities in St. Peter and St. James on Tuesday, May 12. They are Cemetery Lane, Sweet Home Road, Road View, Mullins Terrace, 1st to 3rd Avenues Mullins Terrace, Crescent Drive, Mullins, Gibbes Road, Gibbes Glade, Sunny Shaft Avenue, Ascot Avenue, Piedmont Road, 3rd and 4th Avenues Lower Carlton, and surrounding districts.

On Wednesday, May 13, the following districts in St. James will be targeted for fogging: 1st and 2nd Avenues Lower Carlton, Carlton Link Road, Carlton Road, Carlton View, Lower Carlton, Douglin Road, Weston, Crick Hill, The Garden, Taylor Road, and Terrace Road.

The Unit will remain in St. James on Thursday, May 14, when it sprays The Garden, Fox Club Road, Reid Gap, Husbands Road, Mount Standfast, Porters, Storehouse Road, Patanne Gardens, Mount Standfast Park, Haynes View Close, Willow Heights Drive, Pavilion Road, and environs.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude on Friday, May 15, in St. George in Retreat, Greens, 1st and 2nd Avenues Drax Hall Hope, Waithe Road, 1st and 2nd Avenues Drax Hall, William Drax Close, and James Drax Street.

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 Unit will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time. (BGIS)

Iran warns against complying with US sanctions as Gulf attacks reported

Nationnews Desk
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Iran warns against complying with US sanctions as Gulf attacks reported

Iran has warned its Gulf neighbours that complying with US sanctions would lead to their ships face difficulties crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

Military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said vessels passing through the vital trade route would face “severe consequences” if they did not co-operate with Tehran first, Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA reported.

Meanwhile, a commercial vessel has been hit by an unknown projectile off the coast of Qatar, and both the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have reported foiled drone attacks.

The incidents come two days after a clash between Iran and US naval destroyers trying to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports.

US President Donald Trump has insisted a ceasefire reached last month remained in place, while Iran says is considering a White House proposal to end the war.

Akraminia said in his warning to regional states on Sunday: “The Americans will never be able to turn this vast expanse in the northern Indian Ocean into a real blockade by covering it with their fleet.”

He added: “Our maritime trade continues to flow smoothly.”

Earlier, the UK’s Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) – which monitors international shipping routes – said a bulk carrier had been “hit by an unknown projectile” about 23 nautical miles (43km) north-east of Doha in Qatar, causing a small fire but no casualties.

Iran’s Fars news agency later cited an unidentified source as saying that vessel had been “sailing under the US flag and belonged to the United States”.

Also on Sunday, Kuwait said drones had entered its airspace and that the military had “dealt with them”.

Hours later, the UAE said its air defences had intercepted two drones coming from Iran.

The US has a significant military presence across the Gulf, with bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

In Friday’s incidents, the US said Iran had launched missiles, drones and small boats against three of its warships, in what it called an “unprovoked attack”.

Iran’s top military command, meanwhile, alleged the US had targeted an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel approaching the Strait of Hormuz and carried out “aerial attacks” on several coastal areas.

Tehran has leveraged its effective control over the waterway – through which around a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas usually flows – in the war, which began with US and Israeli strikes on 28 February.

Both the US and Iran have attempted to implement rival blockades in the strait, as negotiations on ending the conflict have so far failed to reach a resolution.

As well as blockading Iranian ports, the US has told other nations not to pay a toll imposed by Iran for safe passage through the strait.

Defence ministers from more than 40 nations will meet on Monday to discuss UK-led plans to protect shipping in the strait.

John Healey and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin will co-chair the meeting, where the coalition partners are expected to outline how they might police maritime traffic once hostilities cease.

Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on 6 May that if Iran did not agree to a deal, “the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before”.

But despite the recent rise in tensions, he has sounded positive about the prospects of peace. He told a French reporter on Saturday that he “expects to hear very soon” from the Iranians.

Last week, the Iranian foreign ministry said the latest US proposal was being considered and that Tehran would share its views with Pakistani mediators.

Iran’s nuclear programme has been one of the key sticking points between the two sides. (BBC News)

Rule of law ‘must extend to high seas’

Maria Bradshaw
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Rule of law ‘must extend to high seas’

Minister of Labour Colin Jordan has thrown his full support behind the Seafarers’ Bill, describing it as a critical legislative step to protect Barbadian workers on the high seas and enforce the rule of law in international waters.

Speaking in the House of Assembly Friday on the Maritime Areas (Jurisdiction and Rights) Bill,

Jordan emphasised that small states like Barbados rely heavily on the rule of law for survival. He argued that this legislation reinforces the principle that rights must be protected even in the maritime space, especially given current global instability in shipping lanes.

“This bill is Barbados’ contribution . . . to say to the world that even on the high seas there must be rule of law,” Jordan said.

“A small state can only properly survive in a situation where there is rule of law.”

Focusing on the Seafarers’ Bill, the minister highlighted that it gives the force of law to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 for Barbadosflagged vessels. He noted that this ensures the country cannot associate its flag with ships that fail to comply with international standards for decent work.

“Decent work is not just a catchphrase,” Jordan said, pointing to specific provisions in the over-300page

bill that address occupational safety and health, mandatory medical examinations and the prohibition of child labour and discrimination.

A key feature of the legislation, according to him, was the integration of social protection. He praised the requirement for seafarers to be registered with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to obtain identity documents. This, he said, closes a gap that historically left many seafarers without a financial safety net in their old age.

The minister also spoke of the importance of the bill’s repatriation clauses. Reflecting on Barbados’ humanitarian assistance to stranded cruise ship workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jordan noted that the new law mandates that workers cannot be abandoned in foreign ports, with heavy penalties for non-compliance.

“We value their labour, we value their contribution, and we are prepared to use the law to ensure that our workers are not mistreated,” Jordan said. (MB)

OAS highlights progress in Haiti support efforts

Nationnews Desk
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OAS highlights progress in Haiti support efforts

Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, has updated member states on the organization’s ongoing support for Haiti, citing progress in political facilitation, electoral preparations, security cooperation, international coordination, and strengthening the OAS’s institutional presence in the country. 

According to the OAS, Ramdin said the organization remains focused on supporting Haitian-led solutions while improving coordination among local, regional, and international stakeholders under the Roadmap for Stability and Peace in Haiti. He noted that the next phase will centre on implementation and will require sustained political commitment and stronger operational coordination. 

Ramdin pointed to the OAS’s diplomatic engagement during the period surrounding February 7, 2026, when Haiti faced heightened institutional uncertainty. Through quiet diplomacy and collaboration with Haitian and international actors, the OAS said it helped maintain executive continuity and prevent a deeper political crisis. 

On the electoral front, Ramdin said the adoption of Haiti’s Electoral Decree in December 2025 allowed authorities to move toward a more structured electoral process. The OAS, through its Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation, continues to work with Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council on matters including electoral technology, information systems, and institutional strengthening. 

The Secretary General also highlighted expanded security support, including assistance for the civilian component of the Gang Suppression Force, as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening policing, infrastructure, specialized training, financial investigations, and maritime and port security. 

Ramdin further outlined progress on the Haiti Roadmap Dashboard, a platform designed to improve transparency and tracking of international assistance to Haiti. He said the first phase, focused on OAS projects, has already been completed, while a second phase will incorporate information on support provided by member states. 

Haiti’s Permanent Representative to the OAS, Jean Josué Pierre, welcomed the report, saying there are “modest but very real signs of hope” that stability, peace, and security are gradually returning to the Haitian capital. He stressed the need to consolidate recent gains and intensify support efforts. 

Pierre also announced that Haiti has submitted a draft resolution titled “Support for Haitian-Led Stabilization and Strengthening Coordination of Hemispheric Assistance,” which is expected to be debated at the OAS General Assembly in Panama City in June. 

Ahead of the June 22-24 General Assembly, Ramdin said a new meeting of the Group of Friends of Haiti will be convened to review progress and mobilize further support around Haiti’s priorities. 

During the session, Ramdin also introduced Alberto Föhrig as the OAS Secretary General’s Special Representative for Haiti and Head of the OAS Special Mission. The appointment, he said, will strengthen continuity and oversight of the organization’s work in support of Haiti’s stabilization and democratic restoration efforts. 

Ramdin said the OAS remains committed to supporting Haiti through dialogue, coordination, and implementation efforts, while the Permanent Council reaffirmed that the Roadmap for Stability and Peace in Haiti remains the central framework guiding regional and international support for the country. (CMC)

Holder stars again as Titans win fourth straight match

Nationnews Desk
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Holder stars again as Titans win fourth straight match

Jason Holder continued his superb start to the Indian Premier League (IPL), with his three-wicket haul propeling Gujarat Titans to a comprehensive 77-run victory over Rajasthan Royals here on Saturday and up to second place in the standings.

Led by a destructive opening partnership of 118 in under 11 overs by captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, the Titans compiled a competitive 229 for four in 20 overs after being sent in at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Gill topscored with 84 off 44 balls, inclusive of nine fours and three sixes, while Sudharsman clobbered 55 from 36 deliveries, hitting six fours and two sixes.

Holder made seven runs before becoming the second of Brijesh Sharma’s two wickets (2-47).

However, he made amends with the ball by polishing off the Royals’ tail to see them bowled out for 152 in 16.3 overs and give the Titans their fourth straight win.

Holder accounted for the last three wickets to fall by dismissing fellow Barbadian Jofra Archer for five, Dasun Shanaka for 16 and Tushar Deshpande for just one to finish with figures of 3-12 in 2.3 overs.

Player-of-the-Match Rashid Khan was the main destroyer though, claiming 4-33 from his four overs.

With the result, Titans moved up 14 points, the same as leaders Sunrisers Hyderabad, who they trail due to an inferior run rate. (CMC)

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