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Trump touts new oil deal as uncertainty looms

Nationnews Desk
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Trump touts new oil deal as uncertainty looms

President Donald Trump has said that Venezuela is going to use funds from a new oil deal with the United States to buy “ONLY American Made Products” amid uncertainty over the oil agreement and his administration’s plan for the South American country.

“These purchases will include, among other things, American Agricultural products and American Made Medicines, Medical Devices and Equipment to improve Venezuela’s Electric Grid and Energy Facilities,” Trump said in a statement published Wednesday to his Truth Social media platform.

“In other words, Venezuela is committing to doing business with the United States of American as their principal partner — A wise choice, and a very good thing for the people of Venezuela, and the United States.”

Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves, which have been the focus of the Trump administration since Saturday when the United States seized the country’s former authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife in a military operation that killed dozens in Caracas. Maduro is indicted in the United States on narcoterrorism and other drug-related charges.

As the United States increased military pressure on Venezuela ahead of the covert efforts to abduct Maduro, and enforced a naval blockade that effectively halted its ability to export oil, Trump repeatedly criticised Caracas over its handling of the petroleum sector. He accused Venezuela of having “stolen” oil and oil assets from US companies, seemingly referencing the country’s decades-old nationalisation of its oil industry.

On Tuesday, Trump announced that Venezuela will be turning over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States that it will then sell at market price. He said the proceeds from the sales will be controlled by him for the benefit of the United States and Venezuela.

However, no deal actually seems to be in place — at least not yet.

Venezuelan state-owned oil and gas company Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., better known in English as PDVSA, confirmed in a statement distributed by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons on Wednesday that it is “in negotiations with the United States for the sale of crude oil volumes, within the framework of the commercial relations that exist between the two countries.”

PDVSA also attempted to project an image that the deal was ordinary, saying it included arrangements “similar to those currently in place with international companies” and was “based on a strictly commercial transaction, with criteria of legality, transparency and benefit for both parties.” (UPI)

Hoyte hoping to make football mark in T&T

Jonteau Coppin
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Hoyte hoping to make football mark in T&T

Paradise forward Sheran Hoyte says his move to Central FC in the Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League is the next big step in a career he believes is gathering serious momentum.

The 25-year-old Barbadian international, who completed the move alongside fellow national player Romario Small, reflected on the significance of the transfer following two highly productive domestic seasons.

“Signing for Central FC is a wonderful feeling because the goal is to always move up the ladder, and it is a stepping stone in my journey,” Hoyte said. 

“I am mostly looking forward to the experience, the exposure, the intensity and the different level
of competition.”

Originally a midfielder, Hoyte has emerged as one of Barbados’ most consistent attacking threats
in recent years. He registered 26 goals in all competitions in 2024 and followed it up with a 20-goal haul last season.

His 2025 campaign reached its peak in last year’s Prime Minister’s Cup, where he scored seven goals and earned the Best Forward award. He finished as joint top scorer alongside Weymouth Wales’ left back Andre Applewhaite and delivered a standout performance in Paradise’s 6-1 victory over Wotton FC in the $15 000 third-place playoff at Kensington Oval, scoring a hat-trick in the process.

Recalling his mindset entering the tournament, Hoyte said he embraced responsibility and self-belief.

“Before the cup started, I told the management I am wearing the number 10 jersey because I will carry the team on my back and [be the] star [of] the show,” he said. 

“Recently, I have been scoring a lot of goals and the coach gave me a new role as a striker. So I knew
I had one job and that was to be the best, even if I am not at my best, and to score in every game I play.”

The forward said the tournament reinforced his confidence and sense of momentum.

“After the tournament, I felt unstoppable. My confidence has always been high, but now I am feeling very unstoppable.”

Hoyte also credited his time with the Barbados national team for shaping his maturity and tactical versatility.

“Playing with the national team a lot made me see how important I am to the national program. It helped me to stay disciplined. Even if I am not starting, I try to encourage my team and make an impact when I come on. And being a utility player helped me develop a lot because it is not easy playing multiple positions at the national level.”

He added that becoming a father had strengthened his personal motivation and long-term ambition.

“The last two years for me were very successful, and going into the new year, I told myself I had to take advantage and sign a contract that also makes sense. I am also a new father, and I want to be a great footballer in my son’s eyes.”

As he prepares for life in Trinidad and Tobago, Hoyte has set clear performance goals.

“I am hoping to be very fit, score a lot of goals and be the main man for my new team,” he said, noting that his ambitions extended even further. “By the end of 2026, I will sign another contract, but this time outside of the Caribbean.”

Central FC Reboot currently lie in fifth position in the Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League after ten matches with 17 points; five wins, two draws and three defeats.

CXC sets target for all digital exams

Nationnews Desk
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CXC sets target for all digital exams

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has challenged itself to have students sit all its examinations digitally over the next three to five years.

This was put forward by registrar and chief executive officer of the council Dr Wayne Wesley during a press conference held in Jamaica and streamed regionally via Zoom yesterday.

In a wide-ranging session, Wesley reassured stakeholders that CXC understood its assignment to the people of the Caribbean as it provided globally-recognised certification services “to advance the
futures of learners of all ages . . . executing this mission for over 50 years as a Treaty Organisation of CARICOM”.

“It is with this sense of certainty and confidence that over 10 000 candidates are currently sitting the January 2026 CSEC [Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate] examinations . . . . We are pleased to say that we are administering these January examinations, employing our digital e-assessment and hybrid-assessment approach. It is our intention to offer all exams digitally in the next three to five years,” he said, while noting the importance of inclusivity to people with disabilities. (JS)

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Rescued woman thanks God

Josue Ramirez Nelson
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Rescued woman thanks God

For 12 chilling hours on Monday afternoon, 72-year-old Lolene Rawlins lay trapped in the depths of an 87-foot well, holding out faith for every minute she spent in darkness.

It took two hours for the members of the Roving Response team and the Barbados Fire Service to rescue the Goodland Gardens, Christ Church resident, who fell deep into a hole hidden by bush and located under a dunks tree in an open pasture in the same area that she usually traverses on mornings and evenings.

The senior citizen is now back safely at her home, counting herself fortunate to have escaped with her life, only suffering a banged up knee, lacerations to her left foot and two fingers on her left hand.

Recounting the incident with the DAILY NATION, Rawlins viewed her survival as a mixture of coincidence and a reward of faith as she offered thanks to God for lending her strength in the trying 12 hours.

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.

PNP urges Caricom to help restore Caribbean as zone of peace

Nationnews Desk
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PNP urges Caricom to help restore Caribbean as zone of peace

KINGSTON – The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is calling on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to ensure the restoration of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, following last Saturday’s military invasion of Venezuela by the United States and the seizure of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on drug related charges.

The PNP is also  calling on the Jamaica government to “stand up for and unequivocally support” the “well-established principles which have long guided Jamaica’s stance and reputation in international affairs”.

In its statement, the PNP said that in keeping with the Charter of the United Nations as the source of world peace and stability, it wanted to reassert its “commitment to a system of rule-based governance of international relations, in which the use of force is kept strictly within the limits permitted by international law.

“We uphold each nation’s right to self-determination, and to autonomy over its natural resources, even as we encourage adherence to democratic norms and the protection of human rights.

“We recognise that the use of force to effect regime change or to secure other political or economic interests in the Caribbean threatens our region’s peace and security, and risks broader conflict and the further descent into a more dangerous and insecure world, to the common detriment of mankind.”

The PNP said that it is also reasserting that smaller nations “must of necessity rely on and stand by the rule of international law to protect our independence, sovereignty and legitimate interests, and must join in collective solidarity to preserve our common interests by steadfastly upholding these principles.

“The PNP affirms that this moment requires CARICOM to similarly reassert its commitment to these principles and to the restoration of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, recognising that these principles have been the firm foundation on which our regional organisation has operated for many years, to our mutual benefit and in furtherance of our mutual interests,” it said.

Last weekend, the United States military invaded Venezuela and seized President Nicolas Maduro on allegations of being involved in the illegal drugs trade.

Maduro and his wife, appeared in a Federal Court in New York on Monday, where they both pleaded not guilty to the charges. The matter has been adjourned March 17 this year.

The 25 page indictment accuses Maduro and others of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the US. They could face life in prison if convicted.

Both the United Nations Security Council and the Organization of American States (OAS) met this week against a sharply altered diplomatic backdrop, with member countries split over whether Washington’s move upholds accountability or undermines a foundational principle of international order. (CMC)

Bethell’s maiden ton keeps England alive

Nationnews Desk
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Bethell’s maiden ton keeps England alive

Jacob Bethell’s stunning maiden first-class century gave England an Ashes silver lining but could not prevent the tourists from sliding towards defeat in the fifth Test against Australia.

The 22-year-old Barbadian, playing in his sixth Test, announced himself as England’s long-term number three with a fabulous unbeaten 142 at a sun-kissed Sydney Cricket Ground.

However, wickets late on the fourth day left England 302-8 in their second innings, leading only by 119 at the close.

It will take a significant contribution from Bethell and the tail, followed by a perfect bowling performance on a wearing pitch, to prevent Australia from ending as 4-1 winners on Thursday’s final day of the series.

Without Bethell’s breakthrough knock, England would have been beaten on a fourth day that began with captain Ben Stokes leaving the field with a right groin injury.

England were still able to take the final three wickets of the Australia first innings for 23 runs, including Steve Smith for 138. The hosts’ total of 567 gave them a lead of 183.

Bethell wiped that out in stands of 81 with Ben Duckett and 134 with Harry Brook – both of whom made 42.

But after Brook was lbw on review to a sharp off-break from Beau Webster, Will Jacks joined the list of England batters to get out to a ridiculous shot on this tour.

Jamie Smith was run out in a mix-up with Bethell, a hobbling Stokes poked to slip and Brydon Carse edged the superb Scott Boland. Overall, England lost five wickets for 78 runs.

It left Matthew Potts in the company of Bethell, who rose above England’s mediocrity to remain at the close. He soaked in the acclaim of the boisterous Barmy Army as their new hero. (BBC)

Imported heifers deliver boost

Colville Mounsey
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Imported heifers deliver boost

The importation of heifers to strengthen Barbados’ dairy industry has been largely successful and has significantly boosted national milk production, despite the loss of some animals during the programme, according to Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) chief executive officer James Paul.

He said the programme had delivered tangible gains for the sector and played a critical role in stabilising milk output, even as farmers navigated challenges related to climate, animal adaptation and infrastructure.

“By and large, the importation of the animals was relatively successful. We have lost some, and I want to make that very clear, but we have also learned a lot.”

Barbados imported 180 pregnant Holstein and Jersey heifers from Canada in late 2024, a joint Government-farmer project to improve milk production and genetics. 

Paul rejected suggestions that the losses had jeopardised the programme.

“Our production will not be at the level that it is in the absence of those cows. Certainly, it will not be. We have benefited handsomely from the availability of those animals.”

While he was unable to provide the exact number of animals lost, the BAS chief insisted that the losses were not significant enough to undermine the broader objectives of the initiative.

“But what it tells us is that as we go forward, there are things we must put in place to reduce any losses in future importations.”

He said one of the major lessons emerging from the project was the need to better prepare farmers and facilities for the transition of animals from one environment to another.

“That movement can be relatively traumatic, so you have to be very careful about the physical facilities the animals are housed in and how they are managed.”

Climate-related factors, particularly heat stress, were also identified as key contributors to the challenges experienced.

“When I talk about climate change, I’m talking about heat stress and the management of heat stress, especially in countries like ours,” Paul explained. “These are things that farmers have to learn to manage if we are going to continue importing animals.”

Despite those challenges, he expressed optimism about current trends. 

“Right now, the temperatures are relatively good. The animals will be enjoying it and productivity levels should be able to jump back up.”

He noted that the programme underscored the importance of continued training and support for dairy farmers, particularly as Barbados sought to build a more resilient and sustainable milk industry.

“We need to train our farmers more so that they are prepared to take on the problems that they face. That is critical if we want to reduce losses and maximise the benefits of future programmes.”

He revealed that Barbados was currently producing about three million kilogrammes of milk annually (3 000 metric tonnes), a figure he expected to rise as younger animals matured and additional cows came into full production.

Paul said the BAS remained open to future importations as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the national herd.

“You may certainly have to do it again. At the end of the day, you’re trying to improve your milk herd so that you are able to produce a larger quantity of milk for the whole country.”

US requires bond from citizens of two Caricom countries seeking visas

Nationnews Desk
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US requires bond from citizens of two Caricom countries seeking visas

WASHINGTON – Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica are the only two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries named by the United States whose citizens will now have to post a bond of up to US$15 000 when applying for a visa to enter the North American country.

The US State Department said that the measure comes into effect from January 21, this year and the only other Caribbean country named is Cuba. The majority of the countries whose citizens would need to post the bond are from Africa.

“Any citizen or national travelling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond for $5 000, $10 000, or $15 000. The amount is determined at the time of the visa interview,” the State Department said in a statement.

“The applicant must also submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352.  Applicants must agree to the terms of the bond through the Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform Pay.gov. This requirement applies regardless of place of application,” it added.

It said that the applicants should submit Form I-352 to post a bond only after a consular officer directs them to do so.

“Applicants will receive a direct link to pay through Pay.gov. They must not use any third-party website for posting the bond. The US Government is not responsible for any money paid outside of its systems,” the State Department said, adding that “a bond does not guarantee visa issuance.

“If someone pays fees without a consular officer’s direction, the fees will not be returned,” the State Department said, adding that “as a condition of the bond, all visa holders who have posted a visa bond must enter and exit the United States through the designated ports of entry.

“Not doing this might lead to a denied entry or a departure that is not properly recorded,”  it said, naming the port of entries as Boston Logan International Airport , John F. Kennedy International Airport  and Washington Dulles International Airport.

The State Department said that in a case where the visa bond terms have been broken, the Department of Homeland Security will send these cases to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine if there was a breach”.

“It includes, but is not limited to, these situations: The Department of Homeland Security records indicate that the visa holder departed from the United States after the date to which he or she is authorised to stay in the United States. The visa holder stays in the United States after the date to which he or she is authorised to do so and does not leave. The visa holder applies to adjust out of nonimmigrant status, including claiming asylum.” (CMC)

Traffic changes for military funeral of Constable Anisè Bourne

Nationnews Desk
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Traffic changes for military funeral of Constable Anisè Bourne

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the military funeral of Anisè Bourne Police Constable No. 2415, will be held at the St George Parish Church, The Glebe, St George. As a result, a number of traffic changes will take effect from 11 a.m. until its conclusion.

TRAFFIC DELAYS
Expect Traffic delays along the follow roads:
a) Between 11 a.m. and 11:40 a.m. – Maxwell Main Road from Top rock Roundabout to its junction with Hilton Road.
b) Between 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Charles Rowe Bridge (in the area of Chefette) along Valley Road to its junction with Walkers Road (in the area of Glebe Market).
The public is encouraged to avoid the above areas and seek alternate routes.

NO PARKING
No person shall park their vehicle or allow any vehicle to remain stationary on any of the following roads, except for the purpose of picking up or setting down passengers:
a) Charles Rowe Bridge
b) Valley Road
c) Walkers Road

PARKING
Parking will be provided at the following locations for persons attending the funeral:
a) Glebe Playing Field
b) St George Parish Church

OFFENCES
Any person who contravenes these rules or fails to comply with any order given by a member of The Barbados Police Service in uniform, is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction, to a fine of five hundred dollars ($500BDS) or to imprisonment for a term of three (3) months.

These rules do not apply to vehicles used by The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Defence Force, the Barbados Fire Service, or any emergency vehicle. Police Officers will also be deployed on the day, to assist with all traffic management.

The Barbados Police Service thanks the members of the general public for their understanding and cooperation in this matter and apologises for any inconvenience these traffic changes may cause.

Move to enforce fixed penalties

Antoinette Connell
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Move to enforce fixed penalties

Government is looking to enforce fixed penalties when it comes to traffic offences as well as curb the public service vehicle (PSV) overloading culture.

Seven months after amending the Road Traffic Act to deal with vehicle tints, Government was back in the House of Assembly yesterday to again alter the legislation, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works Santia Bradshaw stating the amendment is to make better provision for prescribing fixed penalties for certain offences.

“We believe that a fixed penalty regime is necessary, but the fact that we have had no amendments to this for such a long time is also a reflection that it is now time to pay some attention to this particular regime that allows people, once they are ticketed, to be able to pay these penalties not only a lot faster, but to avoid the situation where we are clogging up our law courts [or] we’re wasting productive time of our citizens as well,” she said.

Bradshaw admitted that the Road Traffic Act was one of the most tampered with pieces of legislation, adding the latest tinkering was to reduce the frustration encountered by traffic offenders spending long hours dealing with ticketed violations, as well as address complaints from the public.

“What we seek here to do is to make improvements, to modernise and to make the system for the payment of fixed penalties a lot more efficient than it currently is. In particular, we want to [respond to] the general public, who have been frustrated from time to time with having to have a ticketed offence . . . taking a lot of productive time out of their day.” 

Bradshaw noted that most people were familiar with the $50 penalty because of the traffic wardens issuing them. She said some have asked why it has taken so long to address certain sections, given the reckless behaviour by some road users.

“But again, this is a continuum, and you will note that we have continuously tried to address a long-standing problem regarding reckless behaviour on our roads by a number of persons – and, I would say, a small number of persons – who drive public service vehicles.”

Drivers of PSVs carrying up to five people in excess of the authorised number will pay $25. 

“In addition to the $25 charge, they would then be charged $25 for each passenger in excess of the five passengers, up to a maximum of ten passengers in excess of the five,” Bradshaw said, adding that the infractions of excess passengers being piled into vehicles, particularly schoolchildren, were obvious to many.

To those who asked about the ticketing and how many have been issued over the years, Bradshaw said that was a matter the legislation was seeking to address. 

Under Section 121 of the Road Traffic Act, a $50 penalty is attached to exceeding the speed limit and $75 for exceeding it by up to 20 kilometres per hour.

The minister said that during one of last year’s Parish Speaks town hall meetings, there arose the question of the demerit system, which has been used by the courts, but for a number of reasons, the system, which allowed magistrates to impose points on offenders, was halted.

“We have been in negotiations and consultation with the various stakeholders to make sure that we bring the necessary reform to the demerit points system. We have the draft papers in relation to what is required from Licensing [Authority] and what is going to be required from the court system’s end to make sure that we create a system . . . . 

“It allows for people to know when they commit an offence or commit several offences, that there are consequences beyond simply just a fine; that if you continue to be a habitual offender, that you run the risk of having your licence taken away or being disqualified,” she said.

While acknowledging that the fines were low, Bradshaw said that it took a long time for matters to be disposed of, but the amendment was an attempt to improve the operations and modernise systems. (AC)

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