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Caribbean countries urged to be prepared as region enters increased influenza season

Nationnews Desk
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Caribbean countries urged to be prepared as region enters increased influenza season

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging countries in the Americas, including the Caribbean, to adjust their health service preparedness and response plans as the Northern Hemisphere enters the season of increased influenza and other respiratory virus circulation.

PAHO said based on a recent  epidemiological alert, the combination of vaccination, surveillance, hospital preparedness, timely access to diagnosis and treatment, and personal preventive measures are crucial to reducing disease burden, protecting vulnerable populations, and avoiding potential strain on health systems. It said global influenza activity, driven by influenza A viruses, continues to rise and that a  sustained increase is being observed, particularly in North America, while activity remains relatively low in the rest of the Americas.

In the Caribbean and Central America, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 predominates, while in Canada and the United States, there is greater circulation of the A(H3N2) subtype, including a progressive increase in subclade K, already widely detected in Europe and Asia.

PAHO said that although no significant increase in severity has been observed so far, A(H3N2)-dominated seasons tend to affect older adults more severely and that preliminary evidence suggests that the current vaccine maintains protection levels similar to previous seasons, particularly in preventing severe cases and hospitalisations.

PAHO is urging countries to strengthen surveillance for influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, ensure continuous data reporting, and maintain regular sample submission for sequencing to detect variants that could alter virus transmission or severity.

It is also reminding countries that unusual respiratory events—such as severe cases with no identified cause or outbreaks outside expected circulation periods—should be promptly investigated and reported under the International Health Regulations (IHR).

PAHO recommended reviewing and updating national clinical management guidelines as needed, strengthening access to early diagnosis, and ensuring the availability of antivirals for those at higher risk of complications.

Health services should prepare for a potential increase in hospitalizations during the winter months when multiple respiratory viruses circulate simultaneously.

PAHO reiterated the importance of vaccination against influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, especially for older adults, people with chronic conditions, pregnant women, young children, and healthcare workers.

For COVID-19, priority groups are recommended to receive booster doses every six to 12  months.

PAHO said simple measures such as handwashing, respiratory etiquette, and staying home when experiencing fever or symptoms are essential to limit transmission. (CMC)

PM Mottley pays tribute to veteran journalist Albert Brandford

Nationnews Desk
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PM Mottley pays tribute to veteran journalist Albert Brandford

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has extended condolences following the passing of veteran journalist Albert Brandford, whose career in Barbadian media spanned more than five decades.

Below is the full statement issued by Prime Minister Mottley:

Like many Barbadians this evening, I learned of the passing of veteran journalist Albert Brandford, a man whose work and contributions to journalism spanned over 50 years.

From his early years at The Advocate on Broad Street, to his time with the Caribbean News Agency, Albert established himself as a true journalist, pursuing news with passion and a desire to give the public clear and credible information.

It was at The Nation where he firmly established himself as a steady and authoritative voice, developing a knack for telling it like it was with hard-hitting columns that made him compulsory reading for any politician and keen student of politics.

As a journalist, he was well respected for carrying out the remit of the media as the fourth estate. On behalf of our nation, I thank him for his commitment to Barbados’ post-independence development in this critical sphere, that is absolutely essential for a vibrant and healthy democracy.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and four sisters Felicia, Margaret, Esther and Delores, his friends and members of the media fraternity during this time of mourning.

May his soul rest in peace.

Barbados gives OECD assurance

Shawn Cumberbatch
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Barbados gives OECD assurance

Government has told the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that it will continue advancing key reforms so that Barbados can more effectively exchange tax information on request.

This includes “the implementation of measures to enhance the availability and accessibility of beneficial ownership information, and to further improve the effectiveness of its exchange of information framework”.

The promise of improvement came as Barbados’ Enhanced Monitoring Report on the Implementation of the Standard on Transparency and Exchange of Information on Request (EOIR) 2025 recommended that the jurisdiction take action in several areas.

Barbados is among OECD Global Forum members who are part of “an enhanced monitoring process to efficiently and effectively monitor jurisdictions’ compliance with the EIOR standard on an ongoing basis”, the report published on December 2 reminded.

The OECD wants Barbados to submit the next self-assessment in 2028 under the second round of enhanced monitoring process.

Assessed the actions

On EOIR, Barbados has been rated “largely compliant” overall following peer reviews but had ten recommendations to improve in relation to elements A.1 (availability of ownership and identity information), A.2 (availability of accounting information), A.3 (availability of banking information), B.1 (access to information), and C.5 (effective exchange of information).

The new OECD report assessed the actions taken by Barbados to address the recommendations issued in its Supplementary EOIR Peer Review Report, and the peer input received for the monitoring period 2023 to 2024.

The latest conclusion is that eight recommendations are “in the process of being addressed”, and two recommendations “have not been addressed”.

“Barbados reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes and fully supports the objectives of the Enhanced Monitoring process,” local authorities stated in their response in the report.

“The jurisdiction remains actively engaged in strengthening its legal and regulatory framework and ensuring the consistent and effective implementation of the Exchange of Information on Request standard.

“This reflects Barbados’ dedication to the cooperative and collaborative approach to international tax matters that has become a hallmark of engagement with global partners.”

Government added: “In preparation for the next reporting cycle, Barbados will continue to advance key reforms, including the implementation of measures to enhance the availability and accessibility of beneficial ownership information, and to further improve the effectiveness of its exchange of information framework.

“These efforts underscore Barbados’ resolve to uphold the highest standards of transparency and international cooperation in tax matters.”

Barbados has been a member of the OECD Global Forum since 2009 and last month the island hosted the Global Forum’s 21st Automatic Exchange of Information Peer Review Group Meeting.

The EOIR standard requires the island to provide other countries with “all

information that is foreseeably relevant for the administration of their domestic direct tax laws or for their fight against tax fraud”.

Under element A.1, the OECD said that Barbados has made progress to improve the availability of accurate and up-to-date beneficial ownership information; the implementation of supervisory and enforcement measures to ensure compliance with identity, legal and beneficial ownership filing and record keeping obligations; expansion of supervision and enforcement actions to cover smaller companies and general partnerships; and the availability of legal and beneficial ownership information on inactive companies.

Regarding element A.2, the report said Barbados had progress in ensuring adequate oversight over entities’ compliance with accounting record keeping obligations; and on the availability of accounting information on inactive companies; but noted that no progress was reported on the application of sanctions to ensure availability of accounting information.

Beneficial ownership information

For element A.4, the OECD publication Barbados has taken preliminary steps to address the recommendation the lack of specified frequency to update beneficial ownership information, “but no material progress has been reported. It is urged to make substantive progress before the next self-assessment”.

Barbados was found to have made progress on the application of compulsory access powers and imposition of sanctions, which is part of element B.1.

The OECD also said that Barbados had made progress on implementing improvement for element C.5.

Over the 2023 to 2024 monitoring period, Barbados “received 23 requests and sent one request”, mainly from Canada, Colombia and the United Kingdom. Barbados reported providing full and final responses in 83 per cent of all the received requests and indicated 17 per cent as pending requests.

“Out of the five members that provided peer input, three indicated having EOIR exchanges with Barbados during the monitoring period. They reported general satisfaction in respect of their EOIR experience with Barbados,” the report noted.

“However, one peer indicated concerns about missing information and the lack of a status update. There is a pre-existing recommendation on the issue of systematic provision of status updates, and in light of the peer input, Barbados is recommended to ensure status updates are systematically provided where required.” (SC)

China medical ship to visit Dec. 20

Natanga Smith
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China medical ship to visit Dec. 20

Barbadians will have access to a wide range of free medical services later this month when the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship, Silk Road Ark, makes its overseas humanitarian mission stop.

The ship, currently in Jamaica as part of its Mission Harmony 2025 series assisting in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, is due here from December 20 to 27 The state-of-the-art medical vessel is equipped with five major treatment zones: casualty transfer, triage, outpatient, inpatient and evacuation.

It houses eight operating theatres, 14 clinical departments and seven diagnostic units. A helicopter on board enhances emergency response capacity, and the ship offers more than 60 medical and surgical procedures, all performed under strict safety and efficacy standards.

During its port call, the ship will open to the public from Sunday, December 21, to Friday, December 26, with visiting hours from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Departments available include cardiology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopaedics, ENT (ear, nose and throat), ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, dermatology, stomatology, imaging and traditional Chinese medicine.

Surgical procedures range from routine gastrointestinal endoscopy, appendectomies and hernia repairs to orthopaedic fracture fixation, cataract extraction, ENT surgeries, Caesarean sections, and acupuncture and cupping treatments. (NS/BGIS)

Veteran journalist Albert Brandford passes away

Gercine Carter
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Veteran journalist Albert Brandford passes away

The media fraternity is mourning the passing of one of its stalwarts veteran journalist Albert Brandford.

Brandford, who was 73, died at his Christ Church home yesterday.

His was a journalism career spanning about a half-century, during which he worked with the Barbados Advocate, Caribbean News Agency and the NATION.

A graduate of the Lodge School, he was prolific in his writing on politics, an area in which he displayed deep insight and understanding, based on his years of covering sittings of Parliament.

After retirement, he returned to the NATION from January this year on a part-time basis, working on the Copy Editing Desk, up until two weeks ago. (GC)

Two Independent Senators resign

Maria Bradshaw
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Two Independent Senators resign

Independent Senators Monique Taitt and Dr Crystal Drakes have resigned from the Senate.

Reports indicate that Taitt, an attorney, and Drakes, an economist, tendered their resignations following the appointment of new President The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic.

The two were appointed by President The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason whose term in office came to an end on November 29.

In a news report, Taitt, who was first appointed in 2018 when Dame Sandra served as Governor General and then in 2022 in her capacity as President, said it was the appropriate thing to do under the Constitution, referring to Section 36.

Drakes said she tendered her resignation to give the new President the opportunity to make his selection.

There are seven Independent senators appointed by the President, but so far there has been no indication of any further resignations. (MB)

Powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake strikes Japan’s northeast

Nationnews Desk
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Powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake strikes Japan’s northeast

A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake shook northeastern Japan late on Monday, prompting orders for about 90,000 residents to evacuate and tsunami warnings that hours later were downgraded to advisories.

The Japan Meteorological Agency initially said a tsunami as high as 3 metres (10 feet) could hit Japan’s northeastern coast after the earthquake struck off the coast at 11:15 p.m. (1415 GMT).

Tsunami warnings were issued for the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate, and tsunamis from 20 to 70 cm (7 to 27 inches) high were observed at several ports, JMA said.

In the early hours of Tuesday the JMA downgraded the warnings to advisories, meaning it now sees lower estimated wave heights and less risk of inundation.

The epicentre of the quake was 80 km (50 miles) off the coast of Aomori prefecture, at a depth of 54 km, the agency added.

On Japan’s 1-7 scale of seismic intensity, the tremor registered as an “upper 6” in Hachinohe city, Aomori prefecture — a quake strong enough to make it impossible to keep standing or move without crawling. In such tremors, most heavy furniture can collapse and wall tiles and windowpanes are damaged in many buildings.

As of 1700 GMT, there was little information of major damage or casualties from public broadcaster NHK. It cited a hotel employee in Hachinohe as saying a number of people were injured and taken to hospital, but that all were conscious.

“As of now, I am hearing that there have been seven injuries reported,” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters early on Tuesday morning.

East Japan Railway suspended some services in the area, which was also hit by the massive 9.0-magnitude quake in March 2011.

“There is a possibility that further powerful and stronger earthquakes could occur over the next several days,” a JMA official said at a briefing.

Following the tremor, the JMA issued an advisory for a wide region from the northernmost island of Hokkaido down to Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, calling on residents to be on alert for the possibility of a powerful earthquake hitting again within a week.

No irregularities were reported at nuclear power plants in the region run by Tohoku Electric Power and Hokkaido Electric Power , the utilities said. Tohoku Electric initially said thousands of households had lost power but later lowered that number to the hundreds. (Reuters)

Free concert a musical treat

Nationnews Desk
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Free concert a musical treat

A star-studded cast of entertainers filled Golden Square Freedom Park with the sounds of Christmas, delighting the scores of people attending Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Union Ltd’s (BPWCCUL) annual free concert last Friday night.

Titled We Season: Night Of The Stars, from the pre-show entertainment comprising a strolling trio of musicians delivering tuk music, the Mother Sally who gave dance lessons, the Grinch and Santa right down to The Most Honourable Stedson Red Plastic Bag Wiltshire singing Boat Ride, it was an awesome event.

With the festive lights and décor adding to ambience in The City space, the audience settled in early to enjoy the lineup of performances that included the NIFCA award-winning dance group Dimension Elite whose choreography to Ariana Grande’s Santa Tell Me which was well received.

Singer Nikita opened the show with two beautiful renditions of Someday at Christmas and Do You Hear What I Hear? She was followed by the awardwinning St Leonard’s Boys’ Steel Orchestra which brought the energy with their lively renditions.

People nodded their heads, tapped their feet, swayed in time to beats of the set which included Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Give Love on Christmas Day, Little Drummer Boy with a solo from their drummer, Natahlee’s Carolling Carolling and John King’s Put Christ In Your Christmas. People not only cheered and applauded after each song but some of them recorded.

Creative

After the award-winning poet Akeem StonedwithCupid Chandler’s creative take on the popular holiday song It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year was filled with humour, satire and relatable Barbadian occurrences and accuracy tickled some people, Raanan Hackett, a member of De Big Show (calypso tent), sang Give Love on Christmas Day and This Christmas. Both artistes were well received.

As usual, the award-winning boys from Britton’s Hill evoked cheers of delight.

Their performances started with the band playing Silver Bells and a fusion of Crazy’s Put Jesus in Your Christmas and Piece Ah Pork by Scrunter. Immediately following was the choir – not the full complement – who sang the Caribbean flavoured O Come, All Ye Faithful and Biggie Irie’s Little Drummer Boy with some chanting people loved.

The reigning Scotiabank Junior Soca Monarch Kymani Mr Showman Devonish gave a great rendition of O Holy Night and a reggae version of Mary, Did You Know? which he released last year before Nicovia sang one of her favourite hymns Angels We Have Heard On High in a Caribbean style and Grown Up Christmas List originally done by the late Natalie Cole but popularised by Amy Grant.

Vocal powerhouse Paula Hinds thrilled with her renditions of Love Lifted Me joined by the audience and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Pastor John Yarde also had people singing along during his performances of his songs Caribbean Christmas and Christmas Is Here which he recorded with Mikey.

Mr Blood, also known as Mr Christmas because of his love for the holiday, spread his cheer around liberally. He sang what he said was one of his favourite Christmas songs It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year and then treated the audience to his two new releases, Sharing Christmas in the reggae genre, and Christmas Mood, which is soca.

Then it was time for Red Plastic Bag’s performance. At the mention of his name by MC Paula Ann Jackman, cheers of excitement rang across the park; he did not disappoint. He sang the ever-popular Maisie, I’m Alive which the audience eagerly joined in and then Boat Ride where he was joined at the front of the stage by some boys from St Cyprian’s Boys School who paid tribute to him at NIFCA this year.

Besides the performances, people had multiple chances to win BPWCCUL prizes after answering questions posed by Jackman.

There were also welcoming remarks from president of the 55-year-old credit union Lindell Earle who said the annual Christmas concert was not “just about music and celebration” but “unity, generosity and gratitude”. He said the event was a reminder of why the financial institution exists which was to “support, uplift and empower” its members and the communities it served.

He gave a special welcomed to the children of the Child Care Board saying the credit union was “delighted” they were there and that their presence “remind us of the importance of compassion, care and creating spaces where every child feels valued, supported and able to shine”.

Earle also said they were pleased to have the union’s philanthropic arm the Legacy Foundation whose volunteers were collecting donations from the audience which would go to fulfilling their mission of “improving lives and building stronger communities”.

(GBM)

Fogging Schedule: December 8 to 12

Nationnews Desk
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Fogging Schedule: December 8 to 12

The Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Vector Control Unit will concentrate its mosquito reduction efforts in St. John and St. Michael communities next week.

Inclement weather disrupted the completion of the fogging programme in these parishes this week. As a result, the Unit will target those areas previously scheduled for fogging.

The team will focus on St. John districts for the first three days before visiting areas in St. Michael.

On Monday, December 8, the team will spray Ashbury Tenantry Road, Lemon Arbour Village, Knights Village, Lower Four Roads, Spooners, Pool Land Nos. 1 and 2 and environs.

The following day, Tuesday, December 9, 1st Avenue Redland Tenantry, Redland Tenantry, Bailey Alley, Sweet Vale, Brathwaite Road, Butcher Road, Sweet Bottom, Groves, Claybury, and Golden Ridge Village will be fogged.

It will be the turn of Eastmont Road, Cheshire, Small Hope Tenantry No.1, and Gall Hill Nos.1 and 2 on Wednesday, December 10.

The Unit will fog districts in St. Michael for the remainder of the week. On Thursday, December 11, it will target Dr. Kerr Land, Greenidge Road, School Road, Springer Gap, Hamlet Gap, Taylor Gap, Brathwaite Gap, Dash Gap, Prescod Bottom, Mottley Land, Halls Land, Headley Land, Taylor Land, Advent Avenue, and Bank Hall Cross Road.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude on Friday, December 12, in Perry Gap, Country Road, Tamarind Avenue, Laundry Road, Fordes Road, Skeetes Road, Pavilion Road, Downey Avenue, Progressive Road, Holligan Road, Fields Gap, Country Park Towers and surrounding areas.

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.

The public is advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time. (BGIS)

Early birds hit The City for Christmas deals

Josue Ramirez Nelson
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Early birds hit The City for Christmas deals

Barbadians took advantage of the start of Sunday shopping for the Christmas season in The City yesterday.

The usually quiet streets were abuzz with the chatter of customers filing in and out of stores, but a far cry from the rush and bumper crowds as Christmas Day draws closer.

For Tiffany Murray, it was the perfect opportunity to do her Christmas shopping without the congestion that comes later in the month.

“This is the first Sunday, so we try to get home before the crowd comes. Right now Town is empty today so the early birds got the fresh worm,” she said.

Murray said she and her family usually do their shopping early, following a tradition of looking for curtains and matching sheets at the start of the season.

Dian Parris also moved to avoid the rush, adding it was all about getting the essentials and spending wisely this Yuletide season.

Colleen Taylor said she likes it “when the streets are less crowded. It’s much more comfortable and it isn’t as hot and as confused”.

Steady climb

Some proprietors reported that while it was still too early to tell if the Christmas season will be a fruitful one, sales have been steadily climbing.

“Compared to last year, its kind of slow, but now it’s picking up. We have sales up to 25 per cent off and we’re looking forward to the next week,” said Abdul Kazi, owner of Kazi’s Discount on Swan Street.

“As you know, Bajans like last-minute and we expect sales coming forward,” he added.

Vendor Nicole Boyce, whose business Nikki J’s Fashion Boutique is stationed along Swan Street, said Bajans were buying but without too much fanfare.

“Today is the first Sunday but it’s not that busy. The streets are quiet still, so the next Sunday will be a bit better,” she said.

At Bridgetown Duty Free on Broad Street, managing director of Broad Street Men’s & Women’s designer wear Evans Husbands said: “It is a little after Independence and it’s a little early now to predict the amount of people we will have, but today is a trial start. We expect that customers will come to Town with our late opening hours and they can expect good service.”

Managing director of Abed’s, Eddy Abed, said the early sales were positive as customers took advantage of the slow pace to window shop before committing to a purchase.

“It resonates well with our customers, and we’re seeing more and more. It’s not a day necessarily where people purchase, but certainly they come to see, make up their minds and then complete their purchase during the week,” he said. (JRN)

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