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Thousands of flights disrupted as several states declare winter emergencies

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WASHINGTON – More than 670 000 customers in the US as far west as New Mexico were without electricity and almost 10 000 flights were canceled on Sunday ahead of a monster winter storm that threatened to paralyse eastern states with heavy snowfall.

Forecasters said snow, sleet, freezing rain and dangerously frigid temperatures would sweep the eastern two-thirds of the nation on Sunday and into the week.

Calling the storms “historic”, President Donald Trump on Saturday approved federal emergency disaster declarations in South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia.

“We will continue to monitor, and stay in touch with all States in the path of this storm. Stay Safe, and Stay Warm,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have declared weather emergencies, the Department of Homeland Security said.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, at a news conference on Saturday, warned Americans to take precautions.

“It’s going to be very, very cold,” Noem said. “So we’d encourage everybody to stock up on fuel, stock up on food, and we will get through this together.”

“We have utility crews that are working to restore that as quick as possible,” Noem added.

The number of outages continued to rise. As of 8:30 a.m. EST (1330 GMT) on Sunday, more than 670 000 US customers were without electricity, according to PowerOutage.us, with more than 100 000 each in Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee and Louisiana. Other states affected included Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia and New Mexico. (Reuters)

Gold Cup shaping up early

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Barbados’ most prestigious horse race is already shaping up as a clash of proven champions and ambitious challengers, as powerhouse owners Gay Smith and Kenneth Ramsey spearhead early entries for the XLIII Grade One Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, set for Saturday, March 7, at the historic Garrison Savannah

With seven Gold Cup victories between them, the two racing heavyweights headline a compelling first list of nominations for the Caribbean’s premier flat racing event.

When nominations closed on Friday, January 7, at the first subscription stage, 13 horses were entered for the Barbados Turf Club’s flagship race. Leading the field is Smith’s formidable three-horse contingent, headed by defending champion Portfolio Company, alongside 2024 runner-up Smokin T and Jerry The Nipper, all set to race in her signature shocking pink silks with blue stars.

Smith’s illustrious Gold Cup résumé includes victories with Thady Quill (2003), Sharp Impact (2006), Zoom (2011) and Portfolio Company. Equally decorated is international racing mogul Kenneth Ramsey, whose red-and-white silks will again be carried by Abrumar (USA) in the 1 800-metre contest. (LY)

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Thorne again slams EBC, but PM hits back

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While political leader of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Ralph Thorne has again pointed fingers at the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) about the integrity of the voters’ list, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley insists the matter of registration of persons was a continuous process.

Thorne, speaking to the media during a break in an island-wide motorcade yesterday at the newly opened office of the candidate for St James South, Pedro Greaves, in Code One Plaza, Thorpe’s Main Road, St James, charged that some people were left off the voters’ list, including relatives of the late Prime Minister David Thompson.

“They live in Barbados and they’ve been taken off the list. Of course, [the EBC has] until Monday to have that rectified . . . Something is rotten in the state of Denmark – Shakespeare said that, and I extend it to Barbados. Something is rotten in the state of Barbados today,” he said.

Mottley, however, quickly fired back with a response during her canvass yesterday in St John with Barbados Labour Party candidate for the constituency, Charles Griffith, hours after, stating that in every election since 1991, there have always been anomalies. (SG/CA)

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BL&P customers paying less due to low oil prices

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Barbados Light & Power Company Limited (BL&P) customers are paying lower electricity bills thanks mainly to lower international oil prices.

BL&P is also attributing the lower power costs partly to “the mix of generation assets . . . utilised in the production of electricity during the period”, but it is unclear how much longer the trend will continue.

This comes as the company reports a one per cent decline in electricity demand by local households.

The lower electricity bills customers are now paying is based on the Fuel Clause Adjustment (FCA) through which the cost of fuel used in the production of electricity is passed on to customers.

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DLP stages islandwide motorcade

The Democratic Labour Party took part in a motorcade on Saturday. 

The large contingent travelled in a music truck, two coaches and several smaller vehicles. 

After leaving the George Street headquarters, the motorcade travelled through the Garrison and Bridgetown, St Michael, St James, St Peter, St Lucy, St George, St John, St Philip, Christ Church and back to George Street.

One of the major stops was in the City, where the entourage, led by political leader Ralph Thorne and candidate Dale Rowe, walked through Broad Street, Marhill Street and Roebuck Street before showers drove them back inside the vehicles. 

Another stop was at the newly opened office of St James South candidate Pedro Greaves along Thorpe’s Main Road, St James. (CA)

Pictures by Sandy Pitt

Missing: Kyle Callender

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Police are appealing to the public for help in locating 24-year-old Kyle Antonio Callender, also known as ‘Dadas’, of Robinson Land, St. Philip.

He was last seen on Thursday, 15th January 2026.

Callender is described as six feet tall, dark-skinned, and slim, with an oval-shaped head, low haircut, pointed chin, small pierced ears, a small nose, thick lips, and a tattoo on his left forearm reading ‘Maureen’. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts, and black sneakers.

He is known to frequent Nelson Street, Bridgetown, St. Michael, and has previously left home for extended periods.

Anyone with information on Callender’s whereabouts is urged to contact District ‘C’ Police Station at 416-8200 or 416-8204, Police Emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477), or any police station.

Update: English visitor dies at beach in St James

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Police have identified the man who died at Sandy Lane Estates Beach, St James earlier today as Jonathan Agnew, 84. He was an English visitor who was staying at Sandy Lane Estates.

Initial investigations indicate that Agnew had been in the water when relatives realised he was floating. They entered the sea, brought him ashore and medical assistance was rendered. However, he was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical doctor.

Investigations are ongoing.

Man fined $2,000 for cannabis and cocaine offences

The Barbados Police Service has arrested and formally charged Chad Roosevelt Elija Chase, 30, of #137 6th Avenue, West Terrace, St. James, with multiple drug offences committed on January 23.

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UWI Cooperative Credit Union reaches new milestone

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The University of the West Indies Cooperative Credit Union Limited (UWICCUL) this year marks a proud and significant milestone with 40 years of service to its members and the wider community.

Founded in 1986 on the principles of cooperation, financial empowerment, and mutual support, UWICCUL’s journey from a small, member-driven institution to a trusted financial partner reflects both resilience and vision.

Over four decades, the credit union has played a pivotal role in improving the financial well-being of thousands of members, particularly within the UWI community. By offering accessible savings options, affordable loans, and tailored financial products in the form of scholarships, UWICCUL has helped individuals achieve key life goals from pursuing higher education and building homes to launching businesses and securing their futures.

The 40th anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity; it is a testament to the organisation’s commitment to adapting in an ever-changing financial landscape. Through the adoption of modern banking technologies, enhanced member services, and strong governance practices, UWICCUL has remained relevant while staying true to its cooperative roots.

This milestone also highlights the strength of its membership. As a cooperative, UWICCUL’s success has always been driven by the active participation and trust of its members, whose collective contributions have shaped its growth and sustainability.

As it looks ahead, UWICCUL is poised to build on its legacy of empowerment and innovation, reaffirming its mission to support financial inclusion and community development. Celebrating 40 years is not only a moment to reflect on past achievements, but also an opportunity to chart a bold and inclusive path for the next generation. Read the full feature telling UWICCUL’s story in this weekend’s Sunday Sun.



Unnatural death reported in Holetown, St James

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Update

Police have identified the man who died at Sandy Lane Estates Beach, St James earlier today as Jonathan Agnew, 84. He was an English visitor who was staying at Sandy Lane Estates.

Initial investigations indicate that Agnew had been in the water when relatives realised he was floating. They entered the sea, brought him ashore and medical assistance was rendered. However, he was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical doctor.

Investigations are ongoing.

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Earlier story

Police are investigating a second death on a beach today.

The body of a man was discovered floating in the water at Holetown, St James.

The discovery comes hours after a similar incident at Crane Beach in St Philip, where a visitor to the island died earlier this morning.

More details as they come to hand.