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UN Secretary General concerned about developments in Cuba

Nationnews Desk
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UN Secretary General concerned about developments in Cuba

United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, Wednesday said he is “extremely concerned” about the humanitarian situation in Cuba, which will worsen, if not collapse, if its oil needs go unmet.

Cuba had been heavily reliant on Venezuela  for its oil supply but ever since the United States launched an invasion of the South American country, detained its leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife and placed on trial in New York on drugs and weapons charges, Havana has not been receiving its daily quota of oil.

Further, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that would impose a tariff on any goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba, a move that could further cripple an island plagued by a deepening energy crisis.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez and a number of other Cuban officials condemned Trump’s executive order. Rodríguez called it a “brutal act of aggression against Cuba and its people … who are now threatened with being subjected to extreme living conditions.”

Speaking at the daily press briefing on Wednesday, Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said he had been asked about the current situation in Cuba and that “I can tell you that the Secretary-General is extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Cuba, which will worsen, if not collapse, if its oil needs go unmet.

“He notes that for more than three decades, the General Assembly has consistently called for an end to the embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba,” Dujarric said, adding “the Secretary-General urges all parties to pursue dialogue and respect for international law”.

Since the Venezuela operation, Trump has said  the Cuban government is ready to fall. (CMC)

Sourdough, sprouted grain bread worth voting for

Nationnews Desk
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Sourdough, sprouted grain bread worth voting for

As Barbadians are into election mode, I guess it is fair for me to ask readers to do thorough research.

Why should they do thorough research? You are required to do this research because I will be introducing two candidates for better health.

The two nominees which have paid their deposit fees are sourdough and sprouted grain bread.

Voters are required to choose the bread which meets their specification. Indeed, this is a healthy and powerful moment. I will now present the candidates sourdough and sprouted grain bread.

Sprouted grain bread is made from whole grains which are allowed to germinate (sprout).

These sprouts are then mashed or milled into flour.

This type of bread, in comparison to white bread, is nutritionally enhanced through the added sprouts.

Further, it is more digestible and has greater fibre content.

Shoppers can choose this bread because it offers a higher protein and lower carbohydrate option.

It offers a lower glycemic level. The web page heathline. com states: “Sprouted grain bread is an especially good choice for individuals living with diabetes or high blood sugar levels.”

Additionally, people who make homemade cassava and other flours can experiment with sprouted grain flour.

Regarding the other candidate, the webpage prevention.com quotes Stephani Johnson, DCN, RDN, adjunct professor, Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences at Rutgers University School of Health Professions, as saying: “Traditional sourdough is made with just flour, water, salt, and a sourdough starter, which contains naturally occurring bacteria and yeasts. The microbial composition of each starter is unique, contributing to the bread’s distinct flavours.”

Sourdough bread provides very impressive health benefits. Research indicates that it improves digestion and supports heart and gut health, causes less bloating, is good for blood sugar control and improves nutrition absorption.

It is important to conduct further research before you vote. You can also watch YouTube videos and scroll other social media platforms. Your impression about the two breads is important. You can also have your personal and real time contact with the candidates through experimenting with them by mixing and baking them at your home.

Finally, I have voted. My vote is not a spoilt vote.

Instead, it was made after I implemented all the recommendations that I have made to you. Vote for either bread for better health and love for self. The winner will be declared on February 12.

Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted via silentdoctors@gmail. com or by telephone 828-1565.

DISCLAIMER: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific claims for any products. Any attempts to diagnose or treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care provider.

Japan cherry blossom festival cancelled over badly behaved tourists

Nationnews Desk
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Japan cherry blossom festival cancelled over badly behaved tourists

Japanese authorities in a town near Mount Fuji have cancelled this year’s cherry blossom festival, saying a surge in tourist numbers is unmanageable for locals.

The influx of tourists to the town of Fujiyoshida has led to chronic traffic congestion and litter, while some residents say they’ve experienced tourists trespassing or defecating in private gardens.

The area is a popular destination during spring because Japan’s world-renowned cherry trees are in full bloom, and can be admired with Mount Fuji in the background.

But Fujiyoshida’s picturesque scenery threatens “the quiet lives of citizens,” the city’s mayor explained, adding: “We have a strong sense of crisis.”

“To protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens, we have decided to bring the curtain down on the 10-year-old festival,” Fujiyoshida mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said when making the announcement on Tuesday.

In April 2016, authorities announced they would be opening the gates of Arakurayama Sengen Park to host tourists during the sakura (cherry blossom) season.

The park offers a panoramic view of the city from its pagoda, with several picture-worthy and “Instagrammable” spots.

Fujiyoshida authorities began hosting the annual event at Arakurayama Sengen Park with the hope to enhance the area’s appeal and increase the numbers of visitors by creating “a lively atmosphere in the area”.

However, authorities say the number of visitors in recent years has “increased dramatically, exceeding the city’s capacity and resulting in overtourism, which is having a serious impact on the living environment of local residents”.

Now, as many as 10,000 visitors flock to the town daily during the peak blossom season, Fujiyoshida authorities add in a statement.

This increase is “due to factors such as the weak yen and explosive popularity fueled by social media”.

The town’s authorities report that tourists were “opening private home doors without permission to use the restroom,” trespassing, littering and “defecating in private yards and raising a fuss when residents pointed this out”.

Although the festival will not go ahead, the city is preparing for an increased number of visitors during April and May.

It is not the first time Japanese authorities have had to take measures to address photo-keen tourists.

In 2024, officials blocked one of Japan’s most iconic photo spots in Fujikawaguchiko with a big black barrier in a bid to deter badly behaved tourists.

Residents of Fujikawaguchiko had accused foreign tourists of littering and parking illegally as they searched for the perfect picture.

Japan is not alone in its efforts to deter overcrowding caused by tourists.

On Monday, Italian authorities introduced a €2 fee to access the viewing area of Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain, which had previously been free to visit. Authorities say the fee will go towards helping to manage the number of tourists, and raise funds for the monument’s upkeep.

In Venice, day trippers hoping to visit the Italian city on certain days between April and July will have to pay €5 if they book in advance, or €10 if they book last-minute. (BBC)

‘Caricom trade reset critical’

Shawn Cumberbatch
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‘Caricom trade reset critical’

Barbados and other CARICOM economies must this year pursue regional cooperation as a strategic response following “a tumultuous year in regional and global trade”.

That reality has been outlined by Ambassador Wayne McCook, Assistant Secretary-General, CARICOM Single Market and Trade.

He said that the rules-based international system that underpinned decades of global economic growth was undergoing more than a stress test.

“Trade tensions, supply chain disruptions and a surge in economic nationalism and protectionist policies are driving global fragmentation and creating uncertainty for governments and businesses alike,” the senior CARICOM official noted.

“In looking at these challenges CARICOM Heads of Government have stressed the importance of enhancing our intra-regional trade, safeguarding the region’s trade relations with its major trading partner the United States, and deepening and diversifying our bilateral trade relations.”

McCook was a panellist discussing Prospects For International Trade In 2026 In The Context Of The Changing Global Geopolitical And Economic Landscape – Impact On Trade And The Challenges And Opportunities For The Caribbean And Latin America.

The discussion was held last Wednesday at the World Trade Centre in Georgetown, Guyana.

McCook said that CARICOM member states must pursue a multi-pronged approach in response to the major trade upheaval. His specific recommendations were: Reinforcing internal markets: We must diversify our supply chains and strengthen intraregional trade. Global diversification: We are exploring new circles of trade and economic integration, looking beyond traditional alliances to Brazil, India, and the African Union Members.

Strengthen existing relationships: We have existing trade arranges partners including the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Cuba Individual Members have partial scope agreements with partners including Chile, El Salvador and Brazil to name a few.”

Effective market presence

McCook stated: “We must turn these market access opportunities into real and effective market presence. This will demand serious work on our supply side and a determined push for innovation, productivity and competitiveness.

“Address competiveness and supply side challenges by addressing non-tariff barriers and accelerating our regional and national agriculture and industrial policy initiatives in close partnership with the private sector.

On the need to strengthen regionalism as a strategic response, McCook said that “the push for expanded production and competitiveness in agricultural and industrial products is being supported by serious policy efforts” “We must at the same time continue to strengthen our intraregional trade arrangements. This will include completing the updating of our Common External Tariff and Rules Of Origin and aligning the industrial and agriculture policies with our trade policy in intentional ways,” he said.

“Additionally, work on regional services policies, removal of non-tariff barriers, addressing transport and logistics and advancing the digital agenda will help us build resilience and navigate the shocks ahead in 2026.”

He added: “On the bilateral front, starting with the US our major trading partner, we will anticipate discussions on the framework for our future trade relationship bearing in mind the fact that the Caribbean Basin Initiative remains in place despite the suspension of the tariff benefits at this time.

“We are prepared for constructive dialogue at the technical and political levels and value our consultations with the USTR on the ongoing trade relationship.

“We will continue to take deliberate steps to invigorate our bilateral trade agenda both with respect to existing bilateral trade agreements and outreach to other key partners such as Brazil, India and Africa, beginning with the completion of our negotiations with Colombia for an updated Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement,” McCook shared.

He stressed that “notwithstanding the difficult path ahead, this region is resilient”.

“We have navigated choppy waters before, and there is every confidence that in 2026 with solid partnerships and strong private sector engagement we will weather the storms and build a stronger and more resilient region contributing to a stronger and more resilient hemisphere and an effective multilateral trading system,” McCook said. (SC)

‘I kept gun for protection’

Nationnews Desk
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‘I kept gun for protection’

After pleading guilty to a gun and ammunition charge last month, Jason Anderson Phillips returned before Justice Anthony Blackman in Supreme Court No. 3A on Monday where the circumstances of the case were heard by the judge.

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Hetmyer’s visa woes cast shadow over the Windies’ World Cup preparations

Nationnews Desk
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Hetmyer’s visa woes cast shadow over the Windies’ World Cup preparations

In a concerning development ahead of the T20 World Cup, West Indies’ batting powerhouse Shimron Hetmyer finds himself stranded in South Africa, unable to join his teammates in India due to unresolved visa issues.

The delay has thrown a spanner in the works for the Caribbean side’s preparations, with their opening warm-up fixture against Scotland just two days away.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has issued a brief statement, assuring that “the matter will be dealt with soon.”

However, with the clock ticking down to the team’s first preparatory clash, the assurance is doing little to alleviate concerns within the camp and among fans.

The logistical snag is particularly frustrating given that the rest of the squad is in match mode, following their warm-up loss to Afghanistan on Wednesday.

The absence of the Guyanese left-hander is a significant blow. Hetmyer arrives in scintillating form, having just tormented the South African bowling attack on their home soil.

In the recently concluded three-match T20 series, the hefty hitter was the standout performer, amassing a series-leading 171 runs.

His knock included a top score of 75, blasted at a breathtaking strike rate of 178, reminding the world of his devastating capabilities in the middle order.

The incident raises familiar questions about administrative readiness ahead of global tournaments. For Hetmyer, who has had chequered history with team commitments in the past, this unforeseen delay is an unfortunate hurdle as he looks to cement his role as a linchpin of the West Indies’ title challenge. (CMC)

Thorne vows to bring tax relief

Shawn Cumberbatch
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Thorne vows to bring tax relief

There is so much hardship in Barbados now that the poor and middle class need an immediate ease in taxation to give them more spending power.

Democratic Labour Party (DLP) political leader Ralph Thorne said this was why an administration led by him would reduce value added tax (VAT) from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent”.

“They [the Barbados Labour Party] have indicated to you quite clearly that they are not committed to tax relief,” Thorne said in Speightstown on Tuesday night, as the DLP mounted its election platform in support of St Peter candidate Jason Phillips.

“We have told the people of Barbados, even in advance of the launch of our manifesto, that we consider it critically important that the burden of taxation must be removed from the poor and the middle [class] in this country.

“This country will not progress until the poor and the middle [class] . . . have their spending power enhanced. We believe that and we believe that tax relief in the form of [reduced] VAT must be offered to the people of Barbados. It must be done.

“I remind you that when this Government came to office in 2018, it promised to lower VAT and it has never done it and we know that VAT must be lowered. It must be, and now they’re saying . . . the reduction of VAT is not a strategy that they intend to pursue.”

Thorne added: “Why did they create a VAT-free basket of goods? They have no credibility on this issue. If that is not a measure that is intended to benefit the people of Barbados, why did they create a basket of goods that were free of VAT?

“That is their own admission to you that relief is required in this country but for some reason, they do not wish to go farther. This Democratic Labour Party will go farther and this Democratic Labour Party is committed to the fiscal policy that VAT must be reduced from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent. We are committed to that.”

Responsibility

Thorne argued that “while we keep our eyes on the foreign reserves, we must keep our hands . . . on the shoulders of the majority in this country who are finding spending difficult to do because they do not have enough to spend”.

“The economists will have to admit . . . that when spending increases, it stimulates the economy, there is growth in the economy and when you have growth in the economy, more money circulates in the economy and there’s the spill-off effect,” he said.

“Businesses benefit and when businesses benefit, employment is created.

“So that we are hearing that the economy is doing well but the reality is that the economy is doing well for the very wealthy, the economy is not doing well for us. The economy is not going well for the middle [class] and the poor.

“Taxation must be not only wise but it must be what we call progressive, and taxation is progressive when people bear the responsibility of taxation based on their means. In other words, you don’t over tax the people at the bottom and under tax the people at the top, and . . . this is what the Barbados Labour Party Government has been doing,” he asserted.

Thorne also said the public transportation system was now a burden on those who could least afford to catch two and three buses to get to and from work, adding it must be reformed.

Link

He said a DLP administration would “decentralise transport out of Bridgetown and move various transport centres . . . across the country” and “ [would] redesign a transport system to stop people from having to catch so many buses to get to work”.

“For many years we . . . have experienced the transport system that has focused on Bridgetown and movement along the south [coast], movement along the middle of Barbados and movement along the west coast,” he said.

“That transport system needs to be reformed. It needs to be restructured because there’s a link between transport and commerce. It is about moving people from their homes to work or to places of commerce where they spend money.”

His view was that over the last 30 to 50 years, “Bridgetown ceased to be the main commercial area in Barbados” but the transport system “has not recognised that”.

(SC)

Over-pressurised BNECL container safely secured

Ashminnie Moonsammy
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Over-pressurised BNECL container safely secured

One of The Barbados National Energy Company Limited (BNECL) containers transported from the Bridgetown Port became over-pressurised earlier today, prompting emergency protocols to be activated.

Speaking on the scene at Belle, St Michael, Group Health and Safety Manager Damian Caitlyn said the driver followed procedure by pulling off in a lightly populated area and alerting the Barbados Fire Service as a precaution. The pressure of the liquefied natural gas was later reduced safely without incident.

Two fire trucks, two station officers and eight fire officers responded after receiving the call around 12:21 p.m.

Election observers arrive tomorrow

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Election observers arrive tomorrow

Representatives from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Commonwealth Election Observer Missions will begin arriving in Barbados tomorrow.

The hosting of both delegations follows a formal invitation issued by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, who reaffirmed Barbados’ commitment to the highest standards of democratic practice, transparency, and the rule of law, adding that the observers’ presence would ensure that the electoral process remained beyond reproach and provided independent verification of the integrity of the polls.

During their stay in Barbados, the key objectives of the observer missions will be to:

  • Monitor the conduct of the campaign, the administrative preparations, and the environment leading up to the polls.
  • Oversee the voting process on Election Day, Wednesday, February 11, including the opening of polling stations, casting of ballots, and the subsequent counting and tabulation of results.
  • Provide an impartial assessment of the electoral process in accordance with regional and international standards for democratic elections.

The observer missions are expected to meet with various stakeholders, including the Electoral and Boundaries Commission, representatives of political parties, members of the media, and civil society organisations.

Following the conclusion of the election, the missions will issue preliminary statements on their findings before submitting final, comprehensive reports. (BGIS)

Early voting across Barbados

Josue Ramirez Nelson
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Early voting across Barbados

Thirty polling stations across Barbados were opened today to facilitate early voting for the February 11th, 2026 General Election.

Between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., special voters consisting of election officers, police personnel and other members of the public service cast their ballots, exactly one week ahead of the national poll.

At the Christ Church East Central Polling Station located at the Wildey Gymnasium, Wildey, St Michael, returning officer Michael Fields said it was a smooth flow of people who showed up to make their votes be counted.

Barbados Labour Party candidate for Christ Church East Central, Ryan Straughn, visited the polling station to observe that procedures were in place and that all voters on the list were aware that the special early day was available for them.

Some voters said the process was relatively easy but encountered some challenges in locating the room when they arrive as signage was not yet in place, however Fields assured that all the correct guides would be in place come election day. (JRN)

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