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Kettle Appeal $420 000 short

Josue Ramirez Nelson
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Kettle Appeal $420 000 short

The Salvation Army is $420 000 short of its Christmas Kettle Appeal target of $850 000.

Speaking during yesterday’s annual Christmas luncheon at its headquarters in Reed Street, The City, Divisional Commander Major Robert Pyle said their main fundraising drive was slightly behind what it was around this time last year.

“That could be attributed to a number of reasons. It could be the economic situation because the cost of living has gone up since last year. It could be also because quite a few of the donors have given to Jamaica [hurricane] relief, or it could also be that people decided to give less this year for other personal interests.

“Nevertheless, we’re about six per cent behind from this time last year, which is not bad,” he said.

Pyle added that each year comes with its own set of challenges and circumstances that may prevent a person from contributing in the same way. Nevertheless, he offered thanks to anyone who donated what they could, noting that every penny and dollar counts.

“Five dollars, ten or $100 . . . the money is handy and it will be used for the less fortunate and most vulnerable in our communities, so we’re grateful. The mail appeal goes into next year January so we still have time to combine, because the kettle target is a combination of the kettle stands in locations in The City and also mail appeal, so there’s still hope.”

Yesterday, meals were prepared for 400 people, with jug jug, macaroni pie, baked chicken, turkey, ham and other delights on the menu.

The major said the numbers indicated an increase from last year, signalling the public’s growing pleas for help in light of the increasing cost of living.

“Last year around this time we started, all the tables weren’t taken up, but as we started all the tables were taken up. Either we were very good in promoting this event and we got more people coming, or it’s just an indication of the economic situation in the country that people are responding to.

“We offer this luncheon and perhaps this may be the best or the only Christmas meal that many of them will partake in for the season,” he said. (JRN)

Wanted Man: Anthony Bishop

Nationnews Desk
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Wanted Man: Anthony Bishop

Police are seeking the assistance of the public in locating Anthony Julian Bishop, who is wanted for questioning in connection with serious criminal matters.

Bishop’s last known address is Chapman Village, St Thomas. He is described as being about 5 feet 7 inches tall, of brown complexion and slim build. He has a rectangular-shaped tattoo under his left eye and the letters “MOB” tattooed on his right wrist.

Police have advised that Bishop may present himself to the Criminal Investigations Department (Central), Pinfold Street, Bridgetown, St Michael, accompanied by an attorney-at-law of his choice.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Anthony Julian Bishop is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (Central) at 430-7189 or 430-7190, Police Emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or the nearest police station.

Members of the public are also reminded that it is a serious offence to harbour or assist a wanted person, and anyone found doing so can be prosecuted.

Hodge’s dogged century leads WI resistance against New Zealand

Nationnews Desk
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Hodge’s dogged century leads WI resistance against New Zealand

Kavem Hodge scored a resilient, unbeaten century as West Indies made New Zealand toil for the entire day in a rare show of commitment by their batsmen, to leave the third Test interestingly poised after three days.

Hodge ended the day on 109 not out, his second Test century and first in over 17 months, to help propel the visitors to 381 for six at the Bay Oval, still some 194 runs in arrears of New Zealand’s massive first innings total of 575 for eight declared.

However, what is worrisome for the Windies is the fact that they may be without the services of both the inspirational Shai Hope and Kemar Roach.

There has been no sign of Hope yet, their best batter, who is reportedly unwell and holed up in the team’s hotel since Friday, while Roach’s availability for the remainder of the match is questionable after he suffered a hamstring injury on the opening day while bowling.

If they are unable to bat, it would mean only Jayden Seales remains.

Luckily for the Windies, Hodge’s efforts along with those of the top and middle order, ensured they avoided the follow-on, although they will be hoping to make further inroads when play resumes on Sunday’s fourth day.

Despite their commendable performance with the bat thus far, several West Indies batsmen would have been disappointed not to have pushed on after getting promising starts.

Resuming the day in a strong position of 110 without loss, New Zealand struck early when pacer Jacob Duffy had John Campbell caught at second slip in the day’s third over, with the left-hander failing to add to his overnight score of 45.

Hodge joined Brandon King at the crease, and the pair looked comfortable until Duffy bowled the latter off his pads with an inswinger for 63 to reduce the visitors to 140 for two.

Hodge, who started nervously, began to find his rhythm and when pacer Michael Rae served up three poor deliveries, he was hit for three successive boundaries, the last, a crunching pull that raced away to the midwicket boundary in the blink of an eye.

He brought up his half century just before lunch, and together with Tevin Imlach, shared a 66-run partnership to take the score to 206 for two at the break.

But as has been the case throughout the entire series, the West Indies lost a wicket almost immediately after the restart, with Imlach being caught behind chasing a wide delivery from Rae to be out for 27.

Alick Athanaze looked in superb nick in his knock of 45 off 57 balls, dominating a 61-run stand for the fourth wicket with Hodge.

However, with a half century imminent, Athanaze was unlucky to be bowled by spinner Ajaz Patel by a wide delivery down the leg side that ricocheted off his leg and onto the stumps, to leave the score 267 for four.

Hodge all the while continued to trudge on, and by the tea interval he had reached 83, with the Windies 310 for four.

Similar to Athanaze, Justin Greaves look untroubled during his innings of 43, combining with Hodge to add 81 crucial runs for the fifth wicket.

In search of a bowler to break the partnership, New Zealand captain Tom Latham turned to part-time spinner Daryl Mitchell, and he responded by trapping Greaves lbw with a full, straight delivery that the batsman played all around.

And when skipper Roston Chase’s nightmare tour continued when he was trapped lbw by Patel for just two, the West Indies were in danger of not avoiding the follow on at 351 for six.

Hodge. who survived some nervous moments in the 90s, including being hit in the groin and having to seek medical attention, eventually reached three figures with an audacious pull of Rae for four.

His unbroken 30-run partnership with Phillip took the Windies past the follow-on score of 375, but they will be hoping for much more come Sunday, including the services of Hope and Roach to carry on the fight.

Hodge has so far faced 254 balls and hit 14 boundaries in his unbeaten knock. (CMC)

CARICOM urges quick resolution to visa issue with United States

Nationnews Desk
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CARICOM urges quick resolution to visa issue with United States

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders Friday night uregd a quick resolution to the decision by the United States preventing or limiting the entry of nationals from three CARICOM countries from entering the North American country.

“ The Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has noted with concern the proclamation issued by the Government of the United States on 16 December 2025 imposing partial entry restrictions on nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth of Dominica,” the leaders said in a statement late Friday night.

The Bureau, comprising the prime ministers of Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica, with the CARICOM Secretary-General serving as an ex-officio member, said it  recognises the right of countries to implement policies regulating entry to their borders.

“Nevertheless, the Bureau expresses concern that this decision was taken without prior consultation, especially in circumstances of its potential adverse effects on legitimate travel, people-to-people exchanges, and the social and economic well-being of these small states.”

On Tuesday, President Trump in his latest executive order said that apart from Antigua and Barbuda, nationals from Dominica and Haiti would also be affected by the immigration policy.

Trump  said some of these countries identified in an earlier proclamation, had offered Citizenship by Investment (CBI) without residency, which poses challenges for screening and vetting purposes.

Under the CBI programme,  several Caribbean countries including Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica offer  citizenship  to  foreign investors in return for  making a substantial investment in the socio-economic development of these countries.

Trump said both Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica have “historically had CBI without residency”  and that the entry into the United States of nationals of these two countries as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

He said consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica “to the extent permitted by law.

Trump said in its latest executive order justifying the action taken against the Caribbean countries that “as an example, a foreign national from a country that is subject to travel restrictions could purchase CBI from a second country that is not subject to travel restrictions, obtain a passport in the citizenship of that second country, and subsequently apply for a United States visa for travel to the United States, thus evading the travel restrictions on his or her first country.

“ Additionally, United States law enforcement and the Department of State have found that, historically, CBI programmes have been susceptible to several risks.  These risks include allowing an individual to conceal his or her identity and assets to circumvent travel restrictions or financial or banking restrictions,”  he said.

In its statement, the CARICOM Bureau said it is concerned about the lack of clarity regarding the status of existing visas after 1 January 2026.

”The Bureau urges an early engagement by the United States with the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica to clarify the proclamation and address outstanding concerns, consistent with the strong and longstanding partnership between the United States of America and CARICOM.

”CARICOM remains committed to dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect, shared interests and the rule of law as we seek to secure the prosperity of the region and its citizens.”

On Friday, both Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda said that Washington had agreed to suspend the implementation of the proclamation following discussions between them and the United States.

“This applies to all visa categories, including B-1, B-2, J, and M visas,”  said Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, adding that “for the avoidance of doubt, this includes tourist, business, student, and other valid United States-issued visas.

“Second, there will be no revocation of any existing visas issued to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda prior to 31 December 2025,”  he said in a statement.

He said with regard to new visa applications submitted after January 1, 2026 “these will be subject to new arrangements that are still to be worked out with several Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Barbuda.

“These arrangements relate specifically to the collection of biometric information of Antigua and Barbuda passport holders to ensure full compatibility with United States biometric systems.” (CMC)

Father must pay for beating

Heather-Lynn Evanson
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Father must pay for beating

A father, who beat his son’s mother after he tried to talk to her about the child’s maintenance, was fined and placed on a bond when he reappeared in the No. 5 Supreme Court yesterday.

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Franklyn defends new appointments

Natanga Smith
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Franklyn defends new appointments

Trade unionist and former senator Caswell Franklyn has defended the legislation passed to regularise the appointment of more than 2 000 public officers.

He said while critics question the Prime Minister’s motives, the law is a practical response to decades of administrative failure in the Public Service and a problem created long before the current administration took office.

Franklyn, in a media statement in the wake of Parliament’s approval of legislation to appoint temporary and acting public officers who have served for three years or more prior to January 1, 2026, said the move should be viewed against the long and troubled history of Public Service appointments in Barbados.

“On the face of it, the goal of the legislation appears laudable,” he noted, pointing out that thousands of public servants will now enjoy greater security of tenure and the ability to “move on with their lives”.

He acknowledged that some commentators have suggested ulterior political motives behind the move, particularly as it was introduced by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. As a long-standing trade unionist representing public workers, Franklyn said he felt compelled to add historical context often missing from the debate.

He recalled that a similar situation arose in the final days of the Owen Arthur administration, when Parliament passed the Public Service Act, which came into effect on December 31, 2007. That legislation paved the way for the appointment of more than 5 000 temporary or acting officers who had served for three years or more.

Amending the Constitution

Franklyn said that at the time, many, including himself, believed the provision was unconstitutional, given a High Court ruling that Parliament had no authority to appoint public officers without first amending the Constitution. Despite those concerns, he added, no objections were raised because workers were more focused on the outcome than the process.

“No such constitutional amendment was made in 2007,” Franklyn said, yet the appointments were carried out under the subsequent Democratic Labour Party administration “with nary a whimper from any of the constitutional purists”.

He added that the 2007 Act also sought to prevent a recurrence by stipulating that no established post in the Public Service should remain vacant for more than three months.

That provision, he said, was later extended to 12 months at the urging of the Personnel Administration Division, which argued the original time frame was too short.

“Even with the extension, the public officers who were supposed to manage the process steadfastly refused or neglected to process the appointments,” he said.

By October 2020, the backlog had again ballooned into the thousands, prompting the Mottley administration to pass the Public Service (Appointments) Act, 2020. This time, Franklyn said, Parliament “did the right thing” by first altering the Constitution to lawfully effect the appointments.

Despite that intervention, he argued, the same pattern of administrative failure persisted. By 2025, the backlog had once again exceeded 2 000 officers.

Franklyn questioned what realistic options were open to the Government. While the most correct response might have been to bring charges against those who failed to comply with mandatory provisions of the Public Service Act, he said doing so would be impractical.

“The list of persons involved ranges from permanent secretaries to heads of department and personnel officers across ministries,” he noted. “Bringing charges against all these persons would be a logistical nightmare.”

Against that backdrop, he rejected the notion that the Prime Minister should be faulted for choosing the legislative route.

“The Prime Minister is a politician who must return to the electorate intermittently to renew her mandate,” he said. “What is wrong with her doing the right thing by over 2 000 public officers and expecting to reap the gratitude of those benefiting? This is what politicians do.”

He maintained that the legislation should be seen less as political opportunism and more as a necessary if imperfect solution, to a chronic administrative problem that successive governments have failed to resolve.

(NS/PR)

Vybz Kartel makes Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay Top 5

Nationnews Desk
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Vybz Kartel makes Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay Top 5

King of the dancehall Vybz Kartel made the Top 5 for the first time in his career on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart.

He is featured on Travis Scott’s PBT, which glides from #7 to #5. The song also features singer Tyla.

PBT gives Vybz Kartel his fifth entry on a Billboard song chart. His previous song entries were
Pon De Floor with Major Lazer, which peaked at #41 on Billboard’s Dance Digital Song Sales chart in 2010; Ramping Shop with Spice, which topped out at #76 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart; and Fever, a certified-gold hit that stalled at #36 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip Hop Airplay and #23 on Rap Airplay charts.

Vybz Kartel is also featured on the collaborative charting single You Remind Me by DJ Khaled and featuring Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, RorystoneLove, and Kaylan, which reached #25 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart two months ago.

TBA is featured on the 17-track Jackboys 2 compilation album, which was released on July 13 via Cactus Jack Records and Epic Records. Other artistes featured on the compilation include Future, Playboi Carti, NBA Young Boy, Glo Rilla, 21 Savage, and Bun B.

Moving now to the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, Bob Marley and the Wailers log 309 non-consecutive weeks at #1 with Legend.

Meanwhile, Best of Shaggy: the Boombastic Collection by Shaggy remains at #2, Dutty Classics Collection by Sean Paul re-enters at #3 while his Dutty Rock set is #4.

World on Fire by Stick Figure inches up to #5, while Greatest Hits by UB40 creeps up to #6.

Stick Figure has the next three spots, Set in Stone at #7, Wisdom at #8, and Free Flow Sessions at #9.

Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailes re-enters at #10.

Over on the Rebel Vibez Top Ten Canadian Reggae chart, Neto Yuth and Anthony B take over the #1 spot with So Long. Feels Like Home by JUNO-nominated Celena is #2, Wheel and Come Again by SkyStar holds at #3, Loving You Forever by Tesharah remains at #4, and Show Us the Way by Eddie Bullen featuring Kandice K.A.S.H., Tasha T and Mel Dube rises to #5.

Where Do I Fit In by Kashief Lindo rises to #1 on the South Florida Reggae chart, while Trench Town Legend by Alborosie steps up from #13 to #12.

Your Grace and Mercy by George Nooks moves up from #20 to #18, while Mental Health Awareness by Hopeton Lindo and Anthony Malvo debuts at #23.

For a second week Richie Stephens is on top of the New York Reggae chart with Special Lady, while We Need Love by Johnny Osbourne and Tarrus Riley is #8.

All Over the World by Lila Ike and Protoje rises from #12 to #10, while Distant Lover by Kehv is #16.

Feel Good by Royal Sounds is the sole new entry at #28. (Jamaica Observer)

Doctor receives BARP scholarship

Nationnews Desk
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Doctor receives BARP scholarship

Family physician Dr Charla Corbin was named the 2025 recipient of the BARP Charitable Trust Scholarship, receiving a grant of $10 000 to advance her research into cognitive impairment and early signs of dementia among older adults.

The award was presented to Corbin at University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, by Clyde Williams, secretary of the BARP Charitable Trust.

A graduate of Harrison College, Corbin earned an Associate Degree in Biology and Chemistry at the Barbados Community College in 2000. She went on to study at Cave Hill where she received a bachelor of science (Hons.) degree in 2004 and a bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery degree from UWI Mona in 2009.

She is in the final year of study in the Doctor of Medicine Programme in family medicine at UWI, Cave Hill. Her area of research is the detection of early signs of dementia in the elderly. More specifically, she is looking into “the prevalence of cognitive impairment in sample population of patients 65 years and older within the Barbados population”.

Quality of life

Corbin said this was a topic that carried deep personal meaning for her.

“This work is close to my heart,” she said. “My grandparents suffered from cognitive impairment, and that experience influenced my path. Many family physicians see elderly patients affected by memory changes and chronic disease, and I want my research to contribute to improving their quality of life.”

She extended heartfelt thanks to the BARP Charitable Trust, The UWI Cave Hill Campus, and her research supervisor, Dr Euclid Morris, for their support and guidance throughout her academic journey.

During a short ceremony at the UWI Cave Hill campus, attended by Deputy Principal Professor Winston Moore; Owen Ellis, Senior Assistant Registrar School of Graduate Studies and Research; and trustee, Roxanne Brancker, Williams reaffirmed the Trust’s commitment to supporting research that enhances understanding of Barbados’ ageing population.

“It is important that we begin generating local data to deepen our understanding of the silver economy and the impact of ageing on our society,” Williams said.

“Research like Dr Corbin’s contributes directly to national development.”

Innovation

Moore, praised the partnership with the BARP Charitable Trust and emphasised the national significance of research into ageing.

“Ageing presents both challenges and opportunities,” he said. “Research helps us understand the effects on national insurance, the labour force, and innovation while also showing how the experience of older adults can be harnessed to strengthen our economy.”

Corbin is an assistant professor at the Ross University School of Medicine, where she has been employed since 2019. Prior to that, she served as a general practitioner in private practice.

This is the second scholarship the Trust has awarded to the Cave Hill Campus over the past two years. Earlier this year, Dr Eugene Gamble received the 2024 scholarship of $10 000, for his research into periodontal disease and healthy ageing.

The BARP Charitable Trust supports initiatives that enhance the well-being, dignity, and independence of older adults in Barbados. Through scholarships, outreach, and advocacy, the Trust invests in research and programmes that promote healthy ageing and strengthen the nation’s capacity to meet the needs of its growing senior population.

(PR)

$35 000 in fines for gun and ammunition

Heather-Lynn Evanson
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$35 000 in fines for gun and ammunition

Stressing that gun offences strike at the heart of public safety, a judge imposed a total of $35 000 in fines on Nachaun Jarad Forde when he reappeared in the No. 4A Supreme Court on Wednesday.

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WINAIR adding Barbados as part of new 2026 routes

Maria Bradshaw
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WINAIR adding Barbados as part of new 2026 routes

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has announced that regional carrier WINAIR will add new flight services in some of the routes which Caribbean Airlines Ltd. (CAL) is dropping.

The BVI’s Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer held a government press conference earlier this week where he reported that WINAIR would conduct services from Tortola early next year as well as flights from Tortola and Barbados.

He explained that WINAIR would introduce five weekly flights from Tortola, including three same-day services to Barbados, starting on January 15, 2026. The airline will also launch two weekly connections from Tortola to Port of Spain, Trinidad, via St Martin beginning on February 1, 2026. Introductory fares will start from $149 one way to Barbados and $159 one way to Trinidad, Rymer announced “We were recently notified by Caribbean Airlines that they will withdraw its services from the territory. We regret this development and we are working urgently with WINAIR and other carriers to secure reliable air access, renew incentives and infrastructure and minimise disruption. These services will improve connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors,” Rymer said.

He also said the BVI government had already begun working with WINAIR and other carriers to reduce the impact of the withdrawal.

The new routes are expected to provide alternative travel options through key regional hubs, particularly for passengers connecting onward to other Caribbean destinations. The services will also restore links to Trinidad and Barbados, both of which are important commercial and travel markets for BVI.

CAL recently announced that effective January 10, 2026, it was discontinuing its Tortola and Puerto Rico routes, which included a Barbados leg as part of its ongoing Network Optimisation Programme At the time, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill said: “We are monitoring the situation and if any reduction is likely, we will work with our existing regional carriers to fill any gaps”.

(MB)

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