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Officials: Take extra care against measles

Carlos Atwell
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Officials: Take extra care against measles

Barbados is being urged to tighten its defences against measles as the Americas confront their worst outbreak of the highly contagious disease in more than two decades officials are reporting almost 47 500 confirmed cases and 44 deaths so far for the year.

The warning comes as regional health authorities sound the alarm over the rapid spread of measles, while local paediatricians and medical practitioners are urging parents not to become complacent about childhood vaccination.

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has also called on governments across the region to intensify vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance and emergency outbreak preparations as transmission continues in several countries.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Arthur Phillips said Barbados was closely monitoring the regional situation and warned that the island remained vulnerable to imported cases.

“The ministry is aware of the PAHO alert and continues to closely monitor the regional measles situation. We take the increased transmission in the region seriously, particularly given the highly infectious nature of measles and the potential for imported cases,” Phillips told the Sunday Sun.

He said mass gatherings such as Grand Kadooment brought thousands of people from the Caribbean and further afield into close contact but stressed that vaccination remained the country’s most important line of defence.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging parents and guardians to ensure their children are fully vaccinated, particularly with the two recommended doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Phillips said Barbados had a strong routine immunisation programme and that MMR coverage improved in 2025, including a narrowing of the gap between children receiving their first and second doses.

He acknowledged, however, that coverage remains below the 95 per cent level considered necessary to maintain strong community protection, with first-dose uptake still higher than second-dose coverage.

“Our message to Barbadians, therefore, is simple: check your vaccination status and make sure you and your children are up to date,” Phillips said.

He urged parents whose children had missed an MMR dose to contact their usual vaccination site or health care provider.

The nearly 47 500 confirmed cases recorded so far this year have already tripled last year’s total, according to regional health officials.

Against that backdrop, the Paediatricians of Barbados, in a statement signed by 23 paediatricians, issued an endorsement of childhood vaccination and the Ministry’s immunisation schedule.

“In light of recent international discussion regarding childhood vaccine schedules, the paediatricians of Barbados wish to reaffirm, clearly and unequivocally, our continued support for the vaccination of children according to the Barbados Ministry of Health and Wellness (MHW) Immunisation Schedule.

“Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in modern medicine for protecting children from serious and sometimes fatal, infectious diseases. The scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of combination vaccines, including the MMR vaccine, is extensive, consistent, and has been gathered over several decades across millions of children worldwide. We continue to recommend that parents and guardians in Barbados follow the MHW’s established immunisation schedule, administered at the appropriate ages and intervals, without unnecessary delay or separation of combined vaccines,” it stated.

The group said its first duty was to the health and well-being of the children of Barbados and, as such, it would continue to base its clinical guidance on the best available scientific evidence, not on policy debates in other jurisdictions.

“We encourage all parents with questions or concerns about vaccination to speak directly with their paediatrician or family doctor, rather than relying on social media or unverified sources,” it stated.

The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) also urged the public to seek credible information as it recognised the resurgence of opinions, unsubstantiated anecdotes, and false information related to vaccines currently in the public domain.

In a statement signed by president Dr Lynda Williams, the group said: “While this may reflect perceived issues in other countries reported in foreign media, BAMP wishes to highlight that in the Barbadian context, our national immunisation programme has not only improved the standard of our public health and prosperity over decades but also saved the lives of many of our children. 

“The protection provided by our national immunisation programme has not only caused a significant decrease in childhood mortality, but also spared us the sad consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases. BAMP restates our professional support for the current Barbados childhood immunisation schedule.” (CA/PR)

Circus likely for Garrison

Carlos Atwell
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Circus likely for Garrison

It appears as if the Suarez Circus is headed to the Garrison Savannah, St Michael.

After days of speculation, Government officials and management of the circus were seen at the Garrison yesterday (at right) inspecting the site.

Earlier yesterday, Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Turf Club Rosette Peirce said she was told the move was imminent.

“I would say yes, it is confirmed – verbally confirmed. I don’t have written confirmation as yet, but I have been given verbal confirmation by representatives of the Government. The NHC (National Housing Corporation) has the responsibility for the land and we’ve received the assurance from them that they’re moving forward, that they have given the permission,” she said.

Peirce said while the planning was in motion, she could not speak on the execution.

“While I have no doubt it’s happening, they were meant to start moving the stuff to the Garrison [yesterday] but I haven’t seen any kind of development yet, so I really don’t know,” she said.

When contacted, manager of the circus, Reuben Suarez, said to call him back today and he would give details as to their next step.

The circus, originally located at the Belle in St Michael, has been embroiled in controversy after being shut down by health officials last Sunday over a disputed lack of a water connection. (CA)

100 digital stethoscopes donated to boost health care system

Nationnews Desk
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100 digital stethoscopes donated to boost health care system

The Bridgetown-based American University of Barbados (AUB) School of Medicine has helped to boost the country’s healthcare system by donating 100 state-of-the-art digital stethoscopes.

The advanced medical devices that convert traditional body sound waves into electronic signals were handed over to the Government of Barbados during a ceremony which took place at Parliament Buildings this week.

President of the AUB Meesam Ali Khan, who flew to Barbados to make the presentation, said the generous donation is in keeping with a promise the University made to Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley.

“We are pleased to be able to deliver these digital stethoscopes for the poor and needy. The needy people who are on the outskirts, who are in the countryside. We have seen them being used in India far and wide,” Mr Ali Khan said.

Meanwhile, Barbados’ Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Lisa Cummins, says the donated devices will assist with developing the country’s tele medicine sector.

“Everyone has heard us talking about the need for us to be able to reduce the incidents of illness because of the failure to be able to monitor or to know what your numbers are.

“Therefore, this is an important donation for us. Therefore, frankly, when we have persons in our mobile clinics and our communities, we have persons who are predisposed to certain types of illnesses.

“Through these donated stethoscopes, our medical professionals will be able to monitor them from where they are or to be able to receive information on their vital signs, from where they are, while they are en route to hospital, or en route to another medical facility,” Minister Cummins said.

The Government Minister also announced that students from the AUB are now interning at the country’s lone tertiary healthcare institution, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The private medical school founded in 2011, continues to play a significant role in helping to improve the health and wellness of Barbadians.

This is through the much-talked-about free community medical clinic, which the University operates from its Wildey, St Michael Campus, Monday through to Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The clinic provides free medical consultations and basic health services from Monday through Friday, as part of the institution’s social responsibility outreach.

Services provided are medical consultations and general advice, blood pressure and hypertension screening, diabetes blood sugar screening, nebulization and wound dressing, basic counselling, health certificates and food handling certificates.

“And we are going to expand that clinic also for all the patients,” Mr Ali Khan announced.

The Barbados Accreditation Council has registered the AUB as a tertiary provider of education.

The Educational Commission also recognizes the University for Foreign Medical Graduates. The recognition grants students the right to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination to become a practising physician in the United States.

The AUB has honoured scores of students with medical degrees, including 70 this year, marking a significant milestone in their academic and professional journeys. (PR)

Twin fires kill two, forcing hundreds to flee Greek island

Nationnews Desk
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Twin fires kill two, forcing hundreds to flee Greek island

Two people died and and hundreds were evacuated after two fires broke out “almost simultaneously” on a Greek island near Athens, fire officials said.

About 200 firefighters were working to keep the twin fires from converging on the island of Salamina, which was under a high wildfire risk on Sunday.

The first blaze was reported at 14:40 local time (11:40 GMT) near the island’s south coast and spread rapidly due to high winds, followed by the second some 20 minutes later in the east.

More than 360 people have so far been evacuated by sea, Greek media report.

Five patrol boats have been sent to the area and several other private vessels are being made available for assistance, he added. A number of aircraft and 50 fire engines have also been deployed.

The first fire broke out in a mixed residential and forested area in Peristeria, a southern city on the island, chief fire officer Vasilios Vathrakoyannis said in a statement, followed by the second in the eastern town of Selinia.

Firefighters attending the first blaze found two bodies at the scene, he said.

At least four people have been taken to a local health centre with burns.

Salamina Deputy Mayor Thodoris Zannis said firefighters were trying to keep the fires from burning over a mountain on the island and meeting to form a single blaze.

The operation is being assisted by water tankers and construction machinery.

Salamina sits just west of Athens and has some 37 000 residents, many of them elderly.

Firefighters across Europe have been facing a series of wildfires this weekend, including officers in Belgium spending a third day beating back flames in the country’s largest nature reserve, Hautes Fagnes.

The wildfire – described as the largest in the country’s recent history – has more than doubled in size in 24 hours.

Meanwhile, at least one person died and dozens were injured in a wildfire that tore through Croatia’s coastline overnight on Friday.

It was described by Croatia’s fire chief Slavko Tucakovic as “one of the worst” blazes in the country’s history and saw around 1,200 residents and tourists evacuated. (BBC)

Escaped prisoner in custody

Nationnews Desk
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Escaped prisoner in custody

Tyrese Leroy Farrell, who was the subject of an “Escaped Prisoner” bulletin issued yesterday, is now in police custody.

Farrell, alias “Twin”, of Ealing Park South, Christ Church, escaped from Hastings/Worthing Police Station around 11:25 p.m. on Friday.

This morning, he turned himself in and is currently assisting personnel with their investigations. (PR)

Scholarship to carry on legacy of late track and field coach

Nationnews Desk
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Scholarship to carry on legacy of late track and field coach

KINGSTON – The government has announced plans to establish a scholarship for a student-athlete at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) in honour of late track and field coach Stephen Francis.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange announced the initiative on Saturday during a thanksgiving service celebrating the life of the renowned coach at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew.

Francis, affectionately known as “Franno,” died on July 4 following a period of illness. He was 63.

Grange said the government would hold discussions with UTech and Francis’ family to determine the details of the scholarship and ensure there is a lasting tribute to the veteran coach.

“The Government will have discussions with UTech and with Paul [Francis] to see how we can ensure that there is a lasting tribute to Franno,” Grange said.

She said further details would be announced following consultations with the university and Francis’ family.

UTech President Dr. Kevin Brown welcomed the initiative and thanked the government for establishing the scholarship in Francis’ memory.

“We look forward to giving that scholarship to a worthy recipient in the new academic year,” Brown said.

Francis was one of Jamaica’s most influential track and field coaches and played a significant role in developing several of the country’s elite athletes through the Maximising Velocity and Power (MVP) Track Club, helping them achieve success on the international stage. (CMC)

Kingsmen chase down record score to get first CPL win

Philip Spooner
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Kingsmen chase down record score to get first CPL win

Jamaica Kingsmen had their first win of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) when they outplayed Trinbago Knight Riders on Saturday night at Sabina Park. The home team, in their first season, recorded victory by five wickets with eight balls to spare. They batted with tremendous confidence and assuredness to reach 183-5 off 18.4 overs. This is the highest score in the tournament’s history to win batting second. It was in reply to a challenging 182-6 off 20 overs by the defending champions.

Kirk McKenzie, the left-handed opener, 69 off 25 balls – with 60 of those runs coming in boundaries – six fours and six sixes. He added 93 off just seven overs for the first wicket with Reeza Hendricks who made 37 off 29 balls. It provided the perfect platform and afterwards skipper Rovman Powell (29 not out) and Andre Russell (27) added 48 off 22 balls to ensure the home fans finally had something to celebrate. The result has given the Kingsmen a boost after three previous defeats, as they hope to get their season on track and push for one of the four playoff spots.

Earlier in the night, TKR were led by skipper Nicholas Pooran and veteran Kieron Pollard who both made 44 in a third wicket stand of 67. Pooran faced 32 balls and struck four sixes – including a fabulous switch-hit off a goolgy from left arm spinner Vital Lawes. The giant Pollard was characteristically powerful with three boundaries and four sixes off Lawes – who was taken to the cleaners and conceded 51 runs off his four overs.

The tournament continues on Sunday night when Barbados Tridents return to action for their second match. They face Saint Lucia Kings at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet. Play starts at 7 p.m.

Traffic diversions in place for Bournes Village main road

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Traffic diversions in place for Bournes Village main road

As a result of a road traffic collision, Bournes Village main road, St George is impassable, but should reopen around 4 p.m.

The Barbados Light and Power Co. Ltd has deployed a crew in the area to carry out urgent utility pole repair work after one was damaged by the accident. It is estimated repairs should be completed by that time.

In a message on its social media platforms, Light & Power also urged motorists to drive with care and stay fully alert on the road.

“Please avoid distractions, observe speed limits and take extra care around utility poles and other roadside infrastructure. A collision with a pole can cause serious injury, damage critical electrical infrastructure and disrupt power to entire communities.”

Meanwhile, the Barbados Police Service is advising members of the public to avoid Bournes Village and seek alternative routes as traffic diversions will be in place.

Diversions:

  • Motorists travelling from the direction of Hothersal Turning towards Bournes Village, can make a right turn at the Lears roundabout, continue along Lower Estate to Charles Rowe Bridge before making a left turn onto Flat Rock and continuing to Locust Hall.
  • Motorists travelling from the direction of Market Hill towards Bournes Village, have the option of turning right onto Locus Hall Tenantry Road and continuing along Applewhites or to turn left onto Flat Rock Road.

Chapman Challenge to be launched in September

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Chapman Challenge to be launched in September

The Chapman Challenge is set to be officially launched on September 23 as a transformative national initiative dedicated to fostering youth leadership through service, discipline, and character.

The event will be held under the patronage of His Excellency, the President of Barbados The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic.

A press release explained that The Chapman Challenge is designed to provide structured pathways for Barbadian youth aged ten to 24, offering mentorship, community engagement and progressive leadership development.

The initiative is built entirely on voluntary, part-time service, reflecting the principle that true leadership is measured not by position or payment, but by contribution to community and nation.

The President underscored the importance of the Chapman Challenge, noting that it embodies the values of integrity, service and opportunity for all young people, regardless of circumstance.

The programme will operate through a three-tiered framework; Foundation, Development, and Leadership, ensuring that participants grow through mentorship, structured service and civic engagement.

The Chapman Challenge will also recognise achievements through national awards, including Presidential Awards for exceptional service and leadership, as well as Bronze to Platinum service badges. The annual awards ceremony will be held on International Youth Day, celebrating the contributions of participants and mentors.

Noting that applications and programme details were available through the Office of the President, the director of the Chapman Challenge stated: “This launch marks the beginning of a movement that places service and mentorship at the heart of youth development. By empowering our young people, we are strengthening the future of Barbados.”

The release stated: “The Chapman Challenge invites youth, parents, mentors and partners across all parishes to join in this national journey.” (PR)

Caregiving ‘about more than money’ 

Diara Springer
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Caregiving ‘about more than money’ 

Barbadians are being urged to rethink what caregiving really means, with Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Adrian Forde insisting that showing up for family and community goes far beyond financial support. 

He was speaking at the Bureau of Gender Affairs’ Pledge The Commitment Share The Care initiative, held at the Warrens Office Complex in St Michael recently.

Forde opened with what he described as a guiding mantra for the campaign. 

“I share with kindness, I give with love, and I care for others,” he said, adding that the philosophy captured the essence of the ministry’s work.

He pointed out that care did not require wealth or grand gestures, noting that something as simple as time, conversation or a listening ear could change a life. 

“Sharing and caring is the giving of one’s self value in an unreserved way,” he added.

The minister said the campaign, officially launched by the Bureau of Gender Affairs in 2025, was especially targeted at encouraging men to play a greater role in nurturing young people, adding that “caring goes far beyond financial assistance”.

He cited the Family Leave Act, which came into effect on June 1, 2025, as a landmark piece of legislation redefining fatherhood in Barbados. 

“It represents a significant shift in how we value family. It acknowledges that fathers are not merely providers. They are nurturers, caregivers, role models and equal partners in raising the next generation.” 

Citing 2024 research, Forde highlighted stark gender disparities in caregiving. The survey found that women in Barbados spend nearly two-and-a-half times more time caring for children, and almost three times more time on domestic health care work than men.

Addressing men directly, he urged them to embrace their nurturing role without hesitation. 

“It does not emasculate you to cuddle your little one at night,” he said.

He also spoke of a “care society” as a concept gaining traction globally, describing caregiving as more than a private matter. 

“It is an economic issue. It is a social issue. It is a public health issue and, fundamentally, a gender equal issue.”

Several organisations, including the Barbados Association of Retired Persons, Men’s Empowerment Network, the European Union and the Inter-American Development Bank, signed the pledge in support of the initiative. (DDS)

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