Friday, May 29, 2026
Subscribe
Search here...
Home Blog Page 196

Some employers unaware of planned minimum wage increase

Maria Bradshaw
-
0
Some employers unaware of planned minimum wage increase

The proposed increase of the national minimum wage announced yesterday seems to have caught some employers by surprise.

When contacted by this newspaper, many indicated that they needed to discuss the matter with their teams before they could comment on its impact.

The minimum wage was last increased in June. Yesterday, the Barbados Government Information Service sent out a public announcement indicating that the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector had advised that it “intends to increase both the national minimum wage and the sectoral minimum wage for security guards by two per cent, effective January 21, 2026, under the Minimum Wage Act, 2017-4.”

The current national minimum wage of $10.50 will increase to $10.71 per hour, while the wage for security guards will move from $11.43 to $11.66.

The ministry further informed that the draft Minimum Wage (National and Sectoral Minimum Wage) Order could be accessed on the ministry’s website, as well as the Barbados Government Information Service’s website. It advised that members of the public who wished to submit objections had until January 18, 2026, to do so, adding that each objection must include the grounds for objection, the objector’s interest in the matter and any recommended additions or amendments.”

When contacted, a manager at one of the security companies said: “We just found out, really, just a couple of hours ago. I shared with the team that this is what we discovered. I saw it on a website. Internally, we’re going to have to sit down and have an assessment and see how this is going to impact us again. That is something that the entire management team is going to have to look at.”

He added: “We have to assess what the impact will be on our operations, in terms of customers or clients. That’s a discussion, so I think it is early days yet before we can make an assessment as to how this is going to impact us.”

Prominent businessman and supermarket owner, Andrew Bynoe, also indicated that he could not comment on the increase at this time.

“I won’t comment on this case because I need to discuss it fully in terms of what impact it would have. Also, from a Chamber’s point of view, I would speak with (the Chamber of Commerce) to see what is the overall feeling within the Chamber.”

Asked if he was aware that there was going to be a second increase six months later, Bynoe said: “Frankly, I didn’t know.”

Paul Inniss, president of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) confirmed they were made aware of the increases.

“I have not received any concerns but that is not to say there are none. I would have to consult with the membership to get their views before I respond to your questions,” was his response when reached.

Similarly, Tisha Peters, president of the Human Resources Management Association of Barbados (HRMAB) indicated that they would be issuing a statement on the matter later this week.

The DAILY NATION also reached out to the Barbados Employers Confederation, but up to press time, no responses were forthcoming.

Back in May, Sheena Mayers-Granville, executive director of the BEC, had expressed concern about the time allocated for companies to adjust to the increase.

“We have consistently said that employers need adequate notice of changes to the minimum wage. We have to consider the fact that businesses do budgeting, forecasting they engage in, contract negotiation and therefore telling anyone that your rates are going to change in the next two, three or four weeks . . . we don’t think that is adequate notice,” she said at the time. (MB)

Pay blues back 

Maria Bradshaw
-
0
Pay blues back 

Following three years of stability, some staff at the University of the West Indies Global Campus at The Pine, St Michael, are up in arms once again over the delay in the payment of salaries.

They have not been paid for November as yet and they are getting uneasy about the possibility of December’s payment not making it in time for them to enjoy the Christmas season.

A spokesperson for the staff told the MIDWEEK NATION recently that they started to get concerned when the payment was late in October.

Back in 2020 to 2022 the Global Campus (Open Campus) experienced chronic delays in the payment of salaries almost on a monthly basis to the extent that it led to industrial action by other campuses throughout the Caribbean.

There were even suggestions that the campuses which operate in several Caribbean territories were bankrupt. The campus depends on finance from its students and also from the main universities such as the Cave Hill Campus. 

In December 2022, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley advanced funds to the Global Campus here in order for the staff to get their salaries for Christmas.

The spokesperson said October’s salary was received in November and then staff were sent two emails from Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal Francis Severin, indicating that their salaries would be late for November.

In the first email which was sent out on December 4, Severin advised that the November payroll was “scheduled to reach the relevant regional headquarters accounts by December 8, with subsequent allocation and routing to facilitate the processing of salaries on December 9.”

However, recently he sent further correspondence advising that the payment of salaries was further delayed.

“Following our urgent enquiries today [yesterday] with ministry officials, we were advised that the funds scheduled to be sent last Friday, December 5, were unfortunately delayed in their internal processing and were only completed today.”

He noted that November payroll would now be completed “within the next two days at most”, adding “please be assured that we are closely monitoring the situation and remain confident in the revised timeline”.

Pointing out that this was affecting staff from the top to the bottom, including administrative and technical staff, the spokesperson revealed that immediately upon receiving this information on Monday night, they contacted representatives at the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU). 

“Staff in Jamaica only got paid last Friday because they withdrew their services. We reached out to our industrial relations officer at the BWU but we were informed that the decision to withdraw our services would have to go to the executive council.”

The spokesperson said staff at the Global Campus were still haunted by the period of 2020 to 2022 when the payroll was chronically late, leaving several of them in a financial dilemma, unable to pay their mortgages and meet other financial commitments. She recalled that even back then, staff at the Barbados Global Campus remained on the job while those at other campuses took industrial action.

“We thought things had settled down but in October it creep back up. The demon creep back up,” she said.

“We got paid for October in November. Then we were promised that we would get paid today for November’s payroll but last night we received correspondence,” she said, adding that based on the correspondence they did not anticipate being paid until the next two weeks.

“They still have to send it to Cave Hill bursary because they do our payroll and then they have to send it off to the bank and then the credit unions.

“They have not told us anything as yet about the December payroll which is due next week Tuesday on the 19th. So I would hope that they are also begging for our money for December. We have no idea why this is happening again. We had three good years and that’s what is perplexing – it’s happening again,” she lamented.

This newspaper reached out to Severin via email but up to press time there was no response to our query. 

NCF pays tribute to veteran broadcaster Maurice Norville

Nationnews Desk
-
0
NCF pays tribute to veteran broadcaster Maurice Norville

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) today remembered late broadcaster Maurice Norville who served as Master of Ceremonies for several of the body’s marquee events.

These include the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) as well as Junior Kadooment and Grand Kadooment during the Crop Over Festival.

“As we reflect on Maurice’s life, we remember the warmth he brought to our events, the joy he spread through his engaging commentary, and the way he made every spectator, viewer and listener feel closer to the magic on stage,” the NCF said in a release.

The full statement follows:

Today, we remember and celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Maurice Norville, a true icon in the Barbadian broadcasting industry whose presence shone bright for over half a century.

For many of us, his beloved ‘Green Back Moment on Health’ interlude on Voice of Barbados was not just a feature of our morning commutes; it was a cherished companion, offering both valuable insights from the dictionary on health and wellness and a gentle reminder of our time as we journeyed to work each weekday.

Maurice was a pillar of excellence and elegance in our community. He began his career at Barbados Rediffusion Service Ltd, the island’s only radio station at the time, where he was fortunate to be mentored by broadcasting legends such as Frank Pardo, Carl Scott, Olga Lopes-Seale, and Alfred Pragnell. These early influences shaped the exceptional broadcaster he would become.

Throughout his journey, Maurice embraced evolution, working with Voice of Barbados and Starcom Network, always remaining a steadfast voice in our lives. In addition to his broadcasting work, he explored advertising, life insurance, and real estate, yet his passion for sharing stories and connecting with people through the airwaves never wavered. His time with the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) saw him hosting the afternoon programme “Moving On” and anchoring nightly news, further solidifying his impact in our hearts and minds.

Maurice’s voice was synonymous with culture, resonating alongside fellow professionals like Margaret Allman-Goddard, Carol Roberts, Allison Sealy-Smith, Patrick Gollop, and Antoine Williams.

His role as MC and compere for several of the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) marquee events from the 1980s to the present era including the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) and the Junior and Grand Kadooment during the Crop Over Festival, left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. In 2023, along with Allman-Goddard, he hosted the 50th anniversary of NIFCA, embodying the class and enthusiasm that made every event extraordinary.

As we reflect on Maurice’s life, we remember the warmth he brought to our events, the joy he spread through his engaging commentary, and the way he made every spectator, viewer and listener feel closer to the magic on stage.

The Board of Management and Staff at the NCF extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, and to the vibrant creative and cultural communities throughout the island. His legacy will forever remain in our hearts, and we will continue to celebrate the extraordinary contributions he made to all of our lives. Thank you, Maurice, for sharing your voice, your talent, and your spirit with us. You will be sorely missed.  (PR/SAT)

Woman charged with trafficking ganja on $10 000 bail

Nationnews Desk
-
1
Woman charged with trafficking ganja on $10 000 bail

Shanece Atkinson was granted bail with one surety when she appeared in the District “B” Magistrates’ Court today.

Atkinson, 32, of Charnocks Land, Charnocks, Christ Church, pleaded not guilty to the four charges and Magistrate Douglas Frederick set bail at $10 000 with one surety. She is scheduled to reappear on March 12, 2026.

Police arrested and charged Atkinson with trafficking, possession, intent to supply and importation of 2.5 kilogrammes of cannabis with a street value of $40 000.

All offences are alleged to have been committed last Monday, December 8, 2025. (PR/SAT)

NCF urged to rethink timing of Food and Rum Festival

Sherrylyn Clarke
-
1
NCF urged to rethink timing of Food and Rum Festival

Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) Javon Griffith is urging the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) to rethink the timing of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival.

Traditionally hosted in October, one of the down periods on the tourism calendar, it was this year held from November 6 to 9. A quick search has November 5 to 8 as the dates for 2026, while last year, it was held on October 17 to 20.

“This festival has grown into a world-class celebration of our culinary excellence, our rum heritage and our creative talent, one that generates significant international attention and delivers tangible economic benefits to our tourism and cultural sectors,” Griffith said this morning as he addressed the BHTA’s 4th Quarterly General Meeting at Sandals Royalton.

“The Food and Rum Festival was designed to stimulate demand during one of the softest periods for accommodation arrivals, providing a vital boost to hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses at a time when occupancy levels have historically been at their lowest. For many of our members, large and small, its timing has played a critical role in driving room nights, visitor spend and employment stability ahead of the winter season.”

Griffith said keeping the festival in October would have greater economic impact deeper partnerships and participation from the sector as compared to November when occupancy was on the increase.

“We simply believe that maintaining its timing in October is essential to preserving the festival’s strategic intent and maximising its contribution to the tourism economy. A return to its proven placement will ensure even stronger alignment, greater industry mobilisation and a more meaningful uplift for the accommodation sector,” he added.

The Barbados Food Wine and Rum Festival was introduced in 2009, but wine was dropped from the title in 2016. It returned in 2022 after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic years and was named the Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival in 2023 and 2024.

St Gabriel’s and St Mark’s win primary schools’ football titles

Jonteau Coppin
-
0
St Gabriel’s and St Mark’s win primary schools’ football titles

St Gabriel’s School and St Mark’s Primary were the winners of this year’s Barbados Football Association (BFA) Primary Schools Girls’ Football Festival at the BFA Technical Centre in Wildey on Tuesday.

The Under-9 category belonged to St Gabriel’s after they recorded 1-0 and 3-1 wins over St Philip’s Primary School A and Charles F Broome A, respectively, while drawing 0-0 with Wills Primary.

St Mark’s Primary School was the winner of the Under-11 age group after they secured 3-0 wins over St Philip Primary B and St Jude’s, and a 1-0 win over Charles F Broome B.

Speaking at the conclusion of the event, BFA President Randy Harris said he was pleased to see it so well attended, lauding the Festival as a great success.

“As the BFA continues its commitment to advancing women’s football in Barbados, this Festival makes a welcome addition to our growing local female football landscape. It feeds into the Association’s long-term development strategy to increase participation in the women’s game, starting at the youth level,” he said

“It was great to see so many girls come out to play football today, and it is my sincere hope that this momentum continues as we seek to realise the vision of progressing the game for girls here in Barbados.”

Harris said the initiative was developmental, aimed at encouraging girls aged eight to 11 to get involved in football.

The seven-a-side festival had eight participating teams, ten girls on each side, playing 12-minute matches divided into the two zones – Under-9 and Under 11.

Wills Primary School, St Gabriel’s School, St Jude’s Primary School and St Mark’s Primary School took part in the Festival, along with St Philip Primary School and Charles F. Broome Memorial Primary School, both of which fielded two teams.  

Colour, culture and cha cha take to floor

Nationnews Desk
-
0
Colour, culture and cha cha take to floor

Ellerslie Secondary was unrecognisable recently as the Rhythmic Ballroom Dance Club splashed the campus in a dazzling tide of blue, yellow and black for their annual Independence Variety Show and Dance.

The auditorium pulsed with national pride and glittering costumes as beginners, intermediate and advanced members – joined by their instructors and guest performers from Modern Ballroom, Mark Burgess Academy and Starlite Dance Club – hit the floor in full celebratory flair.

Setting the tone for the night, vocalists Kathy Ann Ash Diva Jones and Olivia Yearwood brought sweet nostalgia with their renditions of beloved classics, I Hear A Love Song and Love Is the Key, pulling the audience straight into a Bajan memory lane singalong.

From there, the pace never dipped. A spirited line dance medley cracked open the programme before a carousel of ballroom favourites took over. Malcolm Graham and Linda Williams delivered a crisp Quickstep; beginners glided through social rhythm; and Graham returned with Vivian Kellman for an effortless foxtrot – social rhythm fusion. Andre Miller and Beverley Andrews offered tango intensity, while David Adams and Deanna floated through a dreamy waltz in sweeping, elegant gowns.

Then the night shifted gears – into pure Latin heat. Arlington Hunte and Caslene Hewitt flirted their way through a cheeky cha cha, followed by a sultry Cuban-style salsa with Patricia Worrell Alleyne. The beginners’ merengue kept the hips rolling, but it was Kelly Henry, Thracia Forde and Steve Myles’ high-voltage paso doble-cha cha mashup that had jaws dropping and fans fanning themselves. Even celebrity guest dj don ditched his mixing board to take a spin with Jeanne Alleyne to a beloved “oldie goldie,” earning loud cheers.

Group routines kept the energy high, including a lively Bachata set featuring couples Monica Jackman and Trevor Burrowes, Olivia Yearwood and Andre Miller, Cedric and Shamika Best and others. In one of the evening’s most striking moments, the all-ladies ensemble – Kelly Henry, Patricia Worrell Alleyne, Vivian Kellman, Monica Jackman, Maxine Harris and Thracia Forde – took the stage in sleek black for a powerful Viennese waltz line dance that combined grace with quiet strength.

But the night’s showstopper? The fashion segment. Models strutted the runway in bold casual pieces – halter tops, lace, bright denim, and colourful pants – before elevating the room with formal couture complete with top hats, swizzle tails and a dramatic director’s cane. Each look drew bigger screams than the last.

A packed house of ballroom lovers from clubs across the island – Modern Ballroom, Jahbulani, Concordia, Wagon Wheel, Timeless, Mac3, Progressive, Black Diamond, Christ Church Parish Dancers, Livy & Betty Alleyne Dance Club, Starlite and more – cheered on every act. Audience members snagged prizes for their knowledge of Bajan sayings and for rocking the best Independence outfits and later indulged in a spread of local delicacies.

By the end of the evening, president of Rhythmic Ballroom Dance Club, Myles, was beaming. “Everything was fantastic,” he said. “It was truly an entertaining event.”

And with the energy still buzzing long after the final bow, few would disagree. (KH)

QEH not a disaster zone, says Ishmael

Shawn Cumberbatch
-
1
QEH not a disaster zone, says Ishmael

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Davidson Ishmael has rejected the opinion that the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is a “disaster zone”.

Responding to an assertion of such by Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne, Ishmael said Government was making substantial investments in the hospital plan, equipment and staffing to increase service delivery to Barbadians.

He was speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday during debate on a resolution seeking Parliament’s approval for Barbados to borrow $313.6 million from China SINOPHARM International Corporation to expand the QEH.

“The QEH is not a disaster zone and the investment that has been made in the QEH, and in our health care services by extension, since this administration has come in 2018 has been significant. And it demonstrates a government that is putting the health care, the health of its nation, the health of its people, first,” the minister said.

He said the loan would be invested to expand the QEH onto its neighbouring Enmore complex over
42 months “to be able to build out two buildings . . . that will house many services that would
improve health care in our country”.

“We are improving and adding an outpatient clinic, a patient’s ward, a burns unit, an improved and expanded laboratory, an oncology centre and, of course, administrative offices as well. When this facility is built out, we will expand the existing QEH capacity by 40 per cent,” he said.

Ishmael also said the buildings would include a gym, child care facilities and so on “to allow our staff to be better treated and to allow them to be able to better function within the environment, which is a very difficult environment to operate in, 24 hours a day”.

Calling the new investment significant, Ishmael reminded that Parliament previously approved
a $185 million loan from the Saudi Fund For Development, some of which would be spent on the renovation of seven polyclinics and the construction of two new polyclinics.

Another 250 additional posts would also be created at the QEH over the next three years, including nurses, consultants, doctors and orderlies for a cost of $17 million.

The Member of Parliament for St Michael North also recalled that Government “invested significantly in the expansion and the enhancement and the improvement of the existing Accident and Emergency”.

“Yes, we hear the criticisms, you cannot have an institution like a hospital with . . . 3 000 employees and not have some complaints here and there. We are not deaf. We are not blind to the issues that exist within the institution,” he said.

“There are significant areas of improvement that are required, and we are working assiduously on those at the policy level. We’re working on those at the operational level on a daily basis to see how we can weed out those negative instances, those negative circumstances.”

Ishmael added: “Whilst I can agree and appreciate that everybody will not have a satisfactory experience when they go to any institution across Barbados, I must say that the constant and negative attacks, when it comes to our Queen Elizabeth Hospital, I believe in many cases are unmerited and unwarranted.

“And I believe that they are doing an admirable job and I believe that when it comes to service delivery, there [are] significant things that are being put in place to further enhance delivery of service within that institution.”

Shai Hope top scores again as Windies all out for 205

Philip Spooner
-
1
Shai Hope top scores again as Windies all out for 205

Shai Hope top scored with 48 but West Indies batting lost their way, slipping to 205 all out in 75 overs on the first day of the second cricket Test against New Zealand on Wednesday (Tuesday night Barbados Time). 

Hope, fresh from a century in the first Test last week, faced 80 balls and struck eight boundaries on a firm pitch at the historic Basin Reserve in Wellington. 

He was subjected to a barrage of short bowling by the New Zealand seamers and eventually gloved a sharp lifting delivery to slip.

At lunch, the West Indies were 92-2 and at tea 175-4, still on top, but as the pitch hardened, Blair Tickner and Michael Rae came into their own. The ball came off the pitch quicker and began to deviate a little off the seam. Three wickets fell quickly at the start of the last session and the West Indies slipped before they completely fell apart.

From their teatime position, skipper Roston Chase was bowled by an inside edge off Tickner for 29, while Rae accounted for the wickets of last game heroes Justin Greaves (13) and Kemar Roach (0), to see the visitors slide to 184-7.

Tevin Imlach was then bowled by spinner Glenn Phillips for 16, with the end coming soon after in a dramatic collapse that saw the Windies lose their last seven wickets for just 52 runs.

Hope spoke to members of the media after the day’s play and expressed some disappointment with the team’s position after a platform at the top of the innings.

“We kind of let ourselves down, especially in the back end with the kind of foundation that we had. The opener laid a very good foundation for us, but we let ourselves down by putting too much pressure in the lower order this time around. Credit must be given to the New Zealand bowlers for bowling in good areas, while we have to look at our areas where we could put on a better first innings score,” Hope said.

New Zealand fast bowler Tickner had to be helped from the field with a shoulder injury after taking 4-32, bowling well in tandem with Rae who took 3-65 on debut

He fell heavily while fielding a ball at fine leg in his first Test in more than two years and only the fourth of his career. He lay motionless while being assisted by medical staff before being carefully lifted from the field on a stretcher.

His injury adds to a growing catalogue for New Zealand who already are without pacers Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith and Kyle Jamieson. Mitchell Hay also was handed a test debut Wednesday in place of wicketkeeper Tom Blundell who has a hamstring strain. West Indies also faced an injury blow before the start of play when left-handed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul was ruled out of the contest with a side strain, sustained in the nets the day before the start.

New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham were tested in the last 40 minutes. They will resume on 24 without loss when play starts on Thursday (Wednesday 6 p.m. Barbados Time).

National minimum wage to go up, increase also for security guards

Sherrylyn Clarke
-
0
National minimum wage to go up, increase also for security guards

The national minimum wage is set to increase by 2 per cent effective January 21, 2026, says the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector

The sectoral wage for security guards is also scheduled to rise by the same amount under the Minimum Wage Act, 2017-4.

The current national minimum wage of $10.50 will increase to $10.71 per hour, while the wage for security guards will be $11.66, up from $11.43.

Overtime, in both categories, will still be calculated at time and a half, and public holidays at double the rate.

To see the full schedule: Click here.

(PR/SAT)

1...195196197...13,617Page 196 of 13,617

Follow us

Each template in our ever growing studio library can be added and moved around within any page effortlessly with one click.

Company

Latest news

Update: Man killed in Pinelands Shooting

News 0
Police have confirmed that a man was shot and...

Shooting incident at The Pine

News 0
Police have confirmed a shooting of a man at...

Matthews steers WI Women to win

Sports 0
DUBLIN – Hayley Matthews delivered a captain’s innings of...

Popular news

Steady decline in birth rates for six decades

News 0
Barbados is confronting a deepening demographic crisis marked by...

Push to protect farms

News 0
Praedial larceny and the scourge of monkeys are some...

Kenya court halts opening of US Ebola quarantine facility in the country

World 0
A Kenyan court has suspended US plans to open...

Copyright © 1997 - 2026, Nation Publishing Co. Limited • P.O. Box 1203, Fontabelle, St. Michael, BB11000, Barbados, West Indies • All Rights Reserved No unauthorized use is permitted of content produced by NationNews.com, The Nation Newspaper or any other publication or media owned by Nation Publishing Co. Limited. Unauthorized use includes framing and direct posting of content on websites other than www.nationnews.com.