Home Blog Page 138

Mental health strain

Carlos Atwell
-
0
Mental health strain

Thousands of Barbadians are seeking help from the Psychiatric Hospital, says Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Wayne Webster.

Addressing the third annual Psychiatric Hospital Awards and Recognition Ceremony on Saturday night at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, in Long Bay, St Philip, he said the figures taken from 2024 showed the important role the psychiatric hospital played.

“In 2024, there were 919 admissions of inpatient care at the Psychiatric Hospital. Add to this the 2 199 visits made to the assessment unit. This suggests the hospital impacted the lives of [more than] 3 000 people in 2024, whether through admissions or through assessment at the unit,” he said.

Webster said the hospital’s outpatient clinic recorded 10 286 attendances in 2024, while 22 264 clinic visits were recorded at the speciality health clinics located in each polyclinic, as well as the St Andrew and St Joseph outpatient clinics. In addition, he said there were 6 695 recorded home visits.

“These visits play a pivotal role in reinforcing patient adherence, early intervention, and support for recovery within familiar settings. The consistently high levels of engagement reflected in these visits reinforce the important role played by the community services in maintaining continuity of care for vulnerable clients,” he said.

The permanent secretary outlined a growing area of concern regarding the mental health of children and adolescents, especially in light of the need for more staff in this area.

Increase staffing levels

“Mental health services geared to children and adolescents are another speciality area to which dedicated employees are assigned. The growing need for these services to protect the mental health of our children and adolescents is of immediate concern. As the Ministry of Health and the Psychiatric Hospital endeavour to increase staffing levels required to meet the needs of the population group, these needs are in part demonstrated by the number of presentations to the hospital assessment team,” he said.

Webster said in 2025, from June to December, 295 young persons between the ages of six and 17 presented to the 24-hour assessment unit but added maintaining their care was dependent on the availability of psychological and occupational therapy services that were currently inadequate due to the low staffing levels. On the positive side, he said the employment of four counselling psychologists and the decentralisation of their services to polyclinics had made an impact.

However, recognising the stigma associated with mental health, Webster reminded the public that there was more to it than institutionalisation.

“Admission to the Psychiatric Hospital is only one critical aspect of care that is provided when an individual requires [help to] stabilise and manage mental illness. Like general health services, mental health care is not only provided in the hospital setting, but is also delivered at the Outpatient Clinic . . . and also through targeted programmes delivered in schools, churches and workplaces within the wider community.

“What is equally important to remember is that mental health services provided are delivered by a team of professionals who diagnose illness and provide appropriate interventions according to the level of severity being experienced by the affected persons.

“These professionals include psychiatrists, nurses trained in mental health, psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers. It is also very important to recognise that each group . . . [helps to] support the hospital’s clinical operations. Without them, it would be impossible to effectively function in the clinical and community settings,” he said.

Webster praised the work of the hospital and thanked the awardees for their commitment and dedication. He said they were in a unique position to ensure the people in their communities and households could get help should they need it, and assured them their work was making a difference.

The ceremony included awards in areas such as long service, being a team player, innovation, patient satisfaction, safety and more. The Grace Bailey Star Award Of Excellence was won by retiree Carson Haynes, while the Award Of Excellence was won by Dr Joy Sue. (CA)

RF mutual funds boost returns

Shawn Cumberbatch
-
0
RF mutual funds boost returns

RF Bank and Trust is reporting increased returns for three Barbados-based mutual funds that have a combined $73.3 million in assets.

The $33 million Premium Income Fund, which is primarily invested in fixed income instruments, gained 2.2 per cent in the fourth quarter of last year, boosting overall returns for 2025 to 5.2 per cent.

This “compares to benchmark returns of 0.5 per cent and two per cent over the same periods”, the report noted.

The $31 million Select Balanced Fund also had an improved performance in 2025, with higher returns from its equity and fixed income investments.

“In quarter four 2025, the fund returned 1.1 per cent, bringing full-year performance to 3.3 per cent. This compares to benchmark returns of 1.2 per cent and 5.7 per cent over the same periods,” the Select Balanced Fund report stated.

Benchmark returns

RF also shared details on the performance of the Strategic Growth Fund, which had $9.3 million in assets at the end of last year from its investments in equities.

“In quarter four 2025, the fund returned 0.6 per cent, bringing full year 2025 performance to 2.9 per cent. This compares to benchmark returns of 1.9 per cent and 9.4 per cent over the same periods,” the fund reported.

The individual reports for the three mutual funds, which are all sub funds of the RF Investment Fund, all highlighted Barbados’ improved economic performance in 2025, calling it evidence of the country’s “firmer economic footing, supported by 2.7 per cent growth in 2025, record tourism arrivals, easing inflation at 0.7 per cent, and unemployment at a multi-year low of 6.6 per cent”.

Reinforcing stability

“Strong international reserves of $3 billion and a primary fiscal surplus helped reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 94.6 per cent, reinforcing macroeconomic stability as global market conditions evolve,” RF added.

The Premium Income Fund’s fourth quarter report for last year observed that “fixed income markets posted strong returns in 2025 as borrowing costs fell and investors moved into riskier bonds seeking higher yields”.

“Emerging market debt led the way with a 13.5 per cent return, benefiting from solid economic growth and a weaker US dollar. Latin American bonds were particularly strong as currencies rallied, with the Brazilian real and Mexican peso each gaining over 11 per cent against the dollar,” it stated.

“Corporate bonds returned 10.3 per cent, with currency moves adding 3.2 percentage points to returns for US investors holding unhedged international bonds. US high yield bonds delivered 8.6 per cent, their third straight year of strong gains.

“Government bonds showed mixed performance as concerns about rising debt levels pushed long-term interest rates higher in most countries.”

The Select Balanced Fund report for the fourth quarter of 2025 explained that the fund’s balanced strategy “provided exposure to both global equity markets and fixed income opportunities throughout the year”.

“International equities delivered strong returns, outperforming US markets by 13 per cent, the largest margin since 2009,” it reported.

“Corporate bonds returned 10.3 per cent, with currency moves adding 3.2 percentage points to returns for US investors holding unhedged international bonds. Government bonds showed mixed performance.”

Strong corporate earnings

The Strategic Growth Fund’s fourth quarter report for 2025 shared that “equities around the world finished the quarter higher, supported by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, strong corporate earnings, and a September rate cut by the [US] Federal Reserve”.

“Markets overcame significant uncertainty in 2025, including tariff announcements that triggered a 19 per cent decline in the S&P 500 before de-escalating trade tensions and AI enthusiasm paved the way for recovery,” the publication stated.

“Technology and communication service benchmark returns led US sector returns for the third straight year, each gaining more than 25 per cent, while robust AI investment supported economic growth.

“The S&P 500 posted its third consecutive year of returns over 15 per cent.” (SC)

Trump says King will be ‘very safe’ during US visit after security talks

Nationnews Desk
-
0
Trump says King will be ‘very safe’ during US visit after security talks

Donald Trump has said King Charles III will “be very safe” during his state visit to the US, which is due to begin later on Monday.

Further security talks took place between the White House and Buckingham Palace after a gunman gained access to an event attended by Trump in Washington DC on Saturday.

Asked about the security implications for the royal visit, the US president told CBS’ 60 Minutes on Sunday that the grounds of the White House, where King Charles will visit, are “really safe”.

The King and Queen’s programme will go ahead largely as planned, Buckingham Palace said, with the UK government hoping it could ease diplomatic tensions.

The UK’s ambassador to the US, Sir Christian Turner, said the visit would be about “renewing and revitalising a unique friendship” between the two countries.

He said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had spoken to Trump on Sunday, and the trip would proceed largely as expected.

The King and Queen privately reached out to the Trumps to give their sympathies after the attack, during which a Secret Service agent was lightly injured and the president and his wife were rushed to safety.

The four-day state visit will begin in Washington DC, with the King and Queen being greeted at the White House by Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump.

The president said on Sunday: “I think it’s great, he’ll be very safe… the White House grounds are really safe. This area of not very many acres is really safe.

“And he’ll be staying here, I believe he’s going to a couple of other locations because he’s here for a few days.

“He’s a great guy. They called him and they are so looking forward to being here. We spoke this morning.”

There are British and US flags flying in the streets around the White House, ahead of what will be several days of political theatre.

It will be a charm offensive by the UK, attending ceremonial events in Washington and making a symbolic show of solidarity at the 9/11 Memorial in New York.

For Trump, it will also be a chance to be seen on the world stage next to royalty and might be a welcome diversion from his own political battles. And he told the BBC that he thought the visit could help repair relations with the UK, saying: “Absolutely, the answer is yes.”

Sir Christian said the royal visit would emphasise the “shared history, shared sacrifice and common values” of the two countries and would show that the partnership meant both peoples were “safer, richer and happier”.

It is understood that diplomats no longer use the phrase the “special relationship”, but this visit comes at an unusually difficult time for the US and UK partnership.

Trump has criticised Starmer over not supporting the US in its conflict with Iran, and there have been disagreements between the two allies.

The state visit, which will include events in Washington DC, New York and Virginia, will show that the “partnership ranges well beyond the government of the day”, said the ambassador.

Following the event at the White House on Monday, during which the King and Queen will have tea with the Trumps, they will then attend a garden party with guests who have connections to the US and the UK.

State visits are carried out on behalf of the government and Sir Christian identified three strategic priorities – investment, military co-operation and encouraging “people to people” connections, including tourism and education.

But this visit has faced some criticism, including from Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, who called for it to be cancelled, describing the US president as “unreliable”.

The diplomatic centrepiece will be the King’s speech to the US Congress on Tuesday, in which the King will have to achieve a balancing act between asserting the UK government’s positions and also maintaining friendly relations with Trump.

The US president will make his own remarks at a state dinner at the White House.

Trump has remained an enthusiastic fan of the monarchy and in an interview with Fox News on Sunday, he praised King Charles, saying: “He’s really a fantastic person and a tremendous representative.”

The UK government will be hoping that some of that warmth will translate to the political relationship.

But Labour MP Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, said she remained “anxious” about the potential diplomatic implications of the visit.

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It is a really high-wire act and the president is so unpredictable, you just don’t know what he’s going to say.”

Speaking to Times Radio last week, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage rejected the suggestion Trump could embarrass the King, saying the president “just won’t do that”, and that he has an “extraordinary respect” for the royals.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has also backed the visit, while other opposition parties have been critical of it.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has repeatedly called for the visit to be cancelled, pointing to Trump’s threat of tariffs against the UK, as well as his party’s opposition to the war against Iran, describing the president as an “unreliable” ally.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski told BBC 5 Live Breakfast that he “feels sorry” for the King ahead of the trip, and that the UK should seek to improve relations with the US by “taking a sterner line, not by sending a monarch to be paraded”. (BBC News)

Economic performance across the region remained subdued last year – CDB

Nationnews Desk
-
0
Economic performance across the region remained subdued last year – CDB

The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Friday said economic performance across the Caribbean remained subdued in 2025 as global uncertainty, climate shocks, and domestic structural challenges weighed on growth.

“While the Caribbean continues to demonstrate resilience, the region’s growth prospects remain constrained by external uncertainty, climate-related shocks, and longstanding structural challenges,” said Christine Dawson, CDB’s Acting Director of Economics.

“Strengthening institutions, accelerating reforms, and improving project execution will be critical to unlocking higher, more inclusive, and more sustainable growth across the region.”

The CDB in its latest Caribbean Economic Review and Outlook 2025-2026, said that regional growth, excluding Guyana, slowed to 0.6  per cent in 2025 from 1.4 per cent, the previous year, as activity weakened across most of the Bank’s 19 Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).

The CDB said that including Guyana, regional growth was 4.7 per cent, down from 8.3 per cent in 2024, with Guyana continuing to be the primary driver of regional performance.

Caribbean economies faced heightened geopolitical uncertainty, evolving trade and tariff policies, weaker external demand, and intensifying climate-related disruptions during the year. Tourism activity continued to support growth, albeit at a slower pace in several service-exporting economies, while commodity exporters recorded mixed performances.

Suriname experienced moderate growth supported by offshore energy-related investment, while Trinidad and Tobago saw flat growth amid weakness in both the energy and non-energy sectors. Jamaica and Haiti were affected by climate-related disruptions, including Hurricane Melissa, which dampened economic activity and tourism demand. Haiti’s economy contracted for the seventh consecutive year as insecurity continued to suppress growth.

The CDB said that despite slower economic activity, labour market conditions remained broadly stable across the region, with unemployment declining in most reporting BMCs. However, longstanding youth and gender disparities persisted, alongside labour shortages in some sectors. Inflation also moderated across the region, supported by lower global commodity prices, although it remained above pre-pandemic levels in most economies.

The report further notes that fiscal performance across the region was mixed. Excluding Guyana, the regional primary surplus narrowed to 1.3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025 from 1.6 per cent in 2024, reflecting slower revenue growth and rising expenditure pressures.

It said debt levels remained elevated in several economies, with nine BMCs recording central government debt-to-GDP ratios above 60 per cent.

Meanwhile, the region’s financial sectors remained broadly stable, supported by adequate capitalisation, high liquidity, strengthened credit growth, and continued regulatory reforms.

Looking ahead, the CDB projects that regional growth excluding Guyana will remain subdued at 1.1 per cent  in 2026. It said including Guyana, growth is expected to rise to 6.2 per cent, largely reflecting continued expansion in Guyana’s oil sector.

However, the outlook remains clouded by significant downside risks, including slower global growth, geopolitical tensions, commodity price volatility, climate shocks, and fiscal vulnerabilities. (CMC)

Lashley: DLP’s spirit unbroken

Antoinette Connell
-
0
Lashley: DLP’s spirit unbroken

The spirit of the 71-year-old Democratic Labour Party remains unbroken, said acting president Stephen Lashley yesterday on the anniversary of its founding.

The party which governed Barbados in the past has failed to win any of the 30 seats in the last three elections between 2018 and 2026.

“Though we have faced recent challenges, the spirit of the Democratic Labour Party remains unbroken. Our mission endures with you the people of Barbados as our anchor. Our purpose is clear. The call now is for unity, for re-commitment, and for action guided by the clear wishes of our people,” said Lashley who recently took up the position following the exit of former Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne after the party again lost the February 11 General Election. (AC)

Subscribe now to our eNATION edition for the full story. For the latest stories and breaking news updates download the Nationnews apps for iOS and Android.

Humphrey wants ZR men in violent incident charged

Tonisha Rock-Yaw
-
1
Humphrey wants ZR men in violent incident charged

A disturbing viral video showing a ZR van ramming into another in Warrens, St Michael and a man hurling a rock through one of the vehicles, has drawn strong condemnation.

The incident, which reportedly occurred in the busy commercial area and involved passengers, has reignited debate about discipline and led a Government minister to call for the two public service vehicles (PSVs) to be removed from the road.

Minister of Transport and Works Kirk Humphrey, after viewing the footage, made it clear that firm action must be taken against those involved.

“Both vehicle [drivers] need to be off the road immediately. The driver or the drivers or whoever else that was involved in it, they need to be held accountable – particularly the one who rammed the vehicle into the other vehicle. That’s clearly a criminal offence and the police, I hope they’re doing their job and having those persons charged appropriately,” he said. (TRY)

Subscribe now to our eNATION edition for the full story. For the latest stories and breaking news updates download the Nationnews apps for iOSand Android.

Israeli strikes leave 14 dead, 37 hurt in Lebanon

Nationnews Desk
-
0
Israeli strikes leave 14 dead, 37 hurt in Lebanon

Israeli strikes killed 14 people and wounded 37 on ​Sunday, Lebanon’s health ministry said, as the Israeli military warned residents to leave seven towns beyond the “buffer zone” ‌it occupied before a ceasefire that has failed to fully halt hostilities.

Sunday’s death toll included two children and two women, the health ministry added in a statement. Israel said one of its soldiers was also killed as a fragile ceasefire came under further strain.

A spokesperson for the Israeli military ​said in a statement on X that Lebanese armed group Hezbollah was violating the ceasefire and that Israel would ​act against it, telling people to head north and west away from the towns.

The towns are ⁠north of the Litani River and the zone in southern Lebanon occupied by Israeli troops, who have continued military operations despite the ​ceasefire. The military said that it struck Hezbollah fighters, rocket launchers and a weapons depot.

“From our perspective, what obliges us is the ​security of Israel, the security of our soldiers, the security of our communities,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem.

“We act vigorously according to the rules we agreed upon with the United States, and also, by the way, with Lebanon.”

Hezbollah said it would not ​cease its attacks on Israeli troops inside Lebanon and on towns in northern Israel as long as Israel continued its “ceasefire violations.”

The ​Iran-backed group added in a statement that it would not wait for diplomacy that has “proven ineffective” or rely on Lebanese authorities that had “failed to ‌protect ⁠the country”.

Earlier on Sunday, Hezbollah said it had attacked Israeli troops inside Lebanon as well as the rescue force that came to evacuate them. The Israeli military said one soldier was killed and six more were wounded.

The Israeli military said it had intercepted three drones before they crossed into Israeli territory on Sunday, after sirens sounded in northern Israel.

The US-mediated ceasefire, which started on ​April 16 and has been ​extended to mid-May, has brought ⁠a significant reduction in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, though both sides have continued to fire at each other, trading blame over breaches.

More than 2 500 people have been killed in Israeli strikes ​since the most recent war between Hezbollah and Israel began on March 2, days after the ​US and Israel launched ⁠strikes against Iran.

The toll includes 277 women, 177 children and 100 medics, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

The ministry does not otherwise distinguish between militants and civilians, and Hezbollah has not announced a total toll of its fighters. The group has buried dozens of fighters in ⁠group funerals ​in recent days.

Hezbollah attacks have killed two civilians in Israel while 16 Israeli ​soldiers have died in Lebanon since March 2, Israel says. (Reuters)

Fogging Schedule: April 27 to 30

Nationnews Desk
-
0
Fogging Schedule: April 27 to 30

The Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness will concentrate its mosquito eradication programme for three days this week in several St Michael and Christ Church districts.

On Monday, April 27, the team will start in the following communities in St Michael: Corner of Brittons Cross Road and Upper Collymore Rock, Brittons Cross Road inclusive of McClean Road and gaps, Weir’s Gap, Scotts’ Road, Valerie A, B and C, Valerie Link Road, Forde’s Road, Layne’s Road, Perkins’ Gap, Mill Yard Road, Brydens Avenue, Brittons New Road to the Corner of Villa Road, Villa Road, and Upper Collymore Rock.

There will be no fogging on Tuesday, April 28, Heroes Day, a public holiday.

The following day, Wednesday, April 29, the unit will resume in several St Michael and Christ Church districts. They include Pinder’s Gap, Back Ivy Road, My Lord’s Hill, corner of Howell’s Cross Road inclusive of Proute Road, Mayers’ Road, Deane’s Land and Rogers’ Road, Highgate, Ifill Road, Flagstaff Road, Streats Road, Gas Products Road, Clapham Close, Clapham, and surrounding areas.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude on Thursday, April 30, in Hinds Hill, Hinds Hill Road, Castries Road, Well Gap, Airlie Heights, Lodge Hill, Rock Dundo Heights Nos.2 to 5, Emerald Avenue, and Rock Dundo Park Road to the junction of White Hall Main Road, along Cave Hill.

There will be no fogging on Friday, May 1, Labour Day, another public holiday.

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.

Portvale repairs still incomplete

Carlos Atwell
-
0
Portvale repairs still incomplete

Grinding at Portvale Sugar Factory remained on pause yesterday as work continued to fix a mechanical failure since Thursday.

A spokesman for the Barbados Energy and Sugar Company (BESCO) Inc., operators of the Blowers,
St James factory, said engineers were working “around the clock” to complete repairs to one of the mills.

No set timeline was given for this to be completed, but chairman of the Barbados Sugar Industry Ltd, Mark Sealy, said they were expecting normal operations to resume by tomorrow.

“We couldn’t deliver canes yesterday (Friday) and today (Saturday), but they said they should be able to start back (grinding) on Monday. We understand that they had a mechanical issue and we know that they’re working very hard on it and we expect to restart delivering canes on Monday,” he said.

Yesterday afternoon, a large truck was seen leaving the factory laden with about 20 huge sacks of sugar, which a source said was being transported from the silo to one of the warehouses operated by BESCO, prior to being sold. 

The 2026 sugar harvest, which finally got going in early April, has been beset with delays related to industrial action by Unity Workers’ Union (UWU) over what it said was the failure of BESCO to recognise it as the rightful bargaining agent for the majority of Portvale workers, as well as working hours of factory personnel. 

The union has pointed fingers at BESCO and claimed that mechanical failures contributed to the hold-up in grinding, even as canes lay on the ground waiting to be processed.

BSIL previously stated that the best time to start the harvest was February 15, and that the delay had led to “inferior quality cane with consequent reductions in both sugar quality and tonnage”. (CA)

Night of nostalgia at the Mecca

Philip Spooner
-
0
Night of nostalgia at the Mecca

Legend it was billed and legendary it was. Reggae worshippers, casual fans of the artform and the innocent observers were treated to a night of nostalgia and ultimate throwback at this year’s edition of Legends of Reggae Show & Dance. 

The event which targets the “more mature audience” marked the opening night of the triple-header for the always-anticipated Barbados Reggae Weekend – which has grown to become a staple on the music and tourism industry calendar.

The location – the historic Kensington Oval – saw its cricket’s playing field transformed from hits with the bat on ball to an amphitheatre for hit-after-hit and tune-after-tune as late Friday night stretched into early yesterday morning. The audience which engulfed the vast field was taken through the last 40 years of signature tunes which resonated and brought back memories for older men remembering younger days and mothers and grandmothers reminiscing about their youthful innocence.

One mature lady who was dressed to impress in a black ball gown and with her dreadlocks resplendently presented was overheard saying in a strong Bajan accent: “I is a 70s baby . . . grow up in the 80s . . . and found myself in the 90s. All this time reggae was all around me . . . . I come out to enjoy myself.”

The moment of the night came in an unexpected fashion. It was a tribute by Norris Man to Freddie Hill, one of the pioneers of the Reggae On The Hill Festival which was the forerunner to the
modern-day incarnation. Hill was in the audience and was moved by the show of respect and admiration from the Jamaican artiste. Halfway during his set, he offered this address: “Persistence is to try and my message to every one of you in here at Kensington Oval is to never give up inna life. This is from the heart and I want to shout out to me brethren Freddie Hill, one of the most kind-hearted and one of the best promoters anywhere in the business . . .  a man who shows he loves the reggae music. Big up yahself me general.” 

He went on to make an impassioned plea to members of the society for an end to violence in the country. 

“This is message of unity as we are all here tonight for the authentic reggae music. This is a stage show not a recording studio and I’m here to perform and entertain.”

Before Norris Man, there was Sister Nancy, who rolled the pitch for what was to come. Famous for her smooth style and pattern she whetted the appetite with her wonderful interaction with the audience while she proclaimed herself “de ram dance daughter . . . de queen inna de area”. A Rastafarian devotee, she called guidance on the proceedings and asked: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight”. Patrons don’t clap at reggae stage shows, instead they use their hands to wave in approval, salute and gesticulate; they move and groove to the melody to show their appreciation. Sister Nancy closed out the set with the signature What A Bam Bam.

Early Saturday morning JC Lodge went down memory lane and brought a concert feeling to her hour-long performance. Backed by local band, RiteSide of Red, she showed no signs of slowing down at age 67. 

Like a true songbird, she arrived to sweeten things up and some sections of the crowd seemed moved by her old-school, old-fashioned way of delivering songs they fell in and out of love to in the 1980s. She signed off with the mega-hit Telephone Love which has as its hook line “you sound so sweet on the line . . . ”. 

After the performance, she graciously engaged the media. Asked where she gets her energy to perform, she simply said: “It’s the vibes, it’s the music . . . that’s what reggae music is. I’m passionate about it and once I’m able to get up on that stage, I will continue doing it.”

The two headliners and legendary performers Barrington Levy and Super Cat, with their catalogue of No.1 hits, somehow failed to move the crowd. Barrington delivered a taste of his latest album with Money Is The Drug, which explores the concept of being addicted to the non-stop pursuit of filthy lucre under questionable circumstances. 

Super Cat lived up to his reputation among the best dressed men in show business. He arrived on stage in an ash-grey three-piece suit. His choice of head wear was interesting – a white bowl hat with the FIFA Football World Cup 2026 logo. The Wild Apache recited his tunes accompanied by a powerful band but by the time he closed out the show at 3 a.m., a section of the audience had made their way to the exits.

1...137138139...13,719Page 138 of 13,719