Firemen are on the scene of a blaze at Simmons Land, Rendezvous, Christ Church.
One house appears to be on fire.
More details as they come.
Most tourists spending one week
Most visitors to Barbados are spending no more than a week.
The majority of them are arriving from the United States (US) as most tourists from the United Kingdom (UK) spend up to two weeks on island.
That is the indication from data published by the Barbados Statistical Service (BSS) for the period ended September 30.
The BSS Visitor Arrivals Statistical Bulletin for September stated that there were 537 897 stay-over arrivals
in the first nine months of the year, the majority staying here for four to seven days.
“Most of the persons who travelled to the island, visited for a maximum of four to seven days, 232 080, followed by those who preferred a two-week stay (153 744). The average number of days spent in Barbados among stay-over visitor arrivals was approximately 11.78 days over the review period,”
the BSS said.
This followed a similar pattern of January to September last year, when 208 279 of the 509 673 people who visited in that time visited for a maximum of four to seven days. The minority – 145 368 – were on island for eight to 14 days, the state agency reported.
Based on the BSS information, of the 191 024 people who arrived from the US between January and September, 121 171 were here for four to seven days.
On the other hand, 81 861 of the 160 749 UK visitors who journeyed here stayed for eight to 14 days.
Closer to home, the majority of people from CARICOM are either visiting Barbados for four to seven days or two to three days.
Of the 76 068 people from CARICOM visiting Barbados between January and September, most of them, 27 036, were in the four to seven days category followed by the 17 768 people from CARICOM who were in Barbados for two to three days. The third highest amount from CARICOM were the 11 461 people visiting for eight to 14 days.
The BSS bulletin also reported on the reasons why people visited Barbados in the first nine months of the year. Most of them, 409 821, were on island for recreational purposes.
“Business/conference visits numbered 41 227; 12 739 persons visited either to honeymoon or get married. Study visits totalled 6 488, We Gatherin’ visits were noted at 2 806,” the publication detailed.
Central Bank of Barbados analysis, as published in the January to September economic review shared recently by Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge, shared that tourist accommodation and visitor spending strengthened alongside the rise in arrivals.
“Increased airlift, marketing campaigns and cultural events boosted tourist arrivals. During January to September 2025, long-stay arrivals rose 5.5 per cent to 537 897,” Greenidge reported.
“The United States led growth, supplying approximately 36 per cent of visitors and increasing 12 per cent as airlines added flights from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.
“Europe increased 15.5 per cent with demand supported by ongoing marketing, and CARICOM markets grew 8.2 per cent on added service by Caribbean Airlines and InterCaribbean Airways.
“Arrivals from the United Kingdom and Canada fell 2.6 per cent and 1.1 per cent, respectively, because carriers reduced seating capacity. Major cultural events, including Crop Over and CARIFESTA reinforced summer demand,” the Governor stated.
He noted that “heightened demand lifted average hotel occupancy 2.2 percentage points during the first nine months of 2025”.
“Average revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased 16.4 per cent as stronger bookings and higher room rates improved performance across properties. In the sharing economy, occupancy climbed four percentage points, while RevPAR fell 4.2 per cent because hosts lowered daily rates to attract price sensitive travellers,” Greenidge said.
“Cruise arrivals strengthened, reflecting increased vessel occupancy rates. In-transit cruise passenger arrivals increased 31.5 per cent to 496 256 visitors during the first nine months of 2025.
“Higher vessel occupancy offset an 8.4 per cent decline in cruise calls to 262 as ships operated with larger passenger loads.”
Greenidge also said that “based on data up to July, Barbados recorded the strongest growth in cruise visitors in the Caribbean, increasing by 33.5 per cent and surpassing other reporting countries within the period, which collectively expanded by 5.1 per cent”.
“Tourism sector growth translated into higher output and broader economic gains. The combined increase in long-stay and cruise visitors lifted tourism value-added nine per cent during the review period,” he said.
“Visitor spending rose on stronger arrivals, higher hotel occupancy, and longer average stays, while airlift improvements supported the flow of passengers through Grantley Adams International Airport.
“The sector remained the main driver of foreign exchange inflows, reinforcing the growth in reserves and sustaining employment across hospitality and supporting industries.”
Tourism growth is expected to continue. Greenidge said in the Central Bank’s economic outlook for the rest of this year that “tourism, construction, and business services should continue to lead the next stage of expansion”.
“Scheduled events, improved connectivity, and additional airline capacity from the United States, Europe, and CARICOM should lift long-stay demand, while high vessel occupancy and an active itinerary pipeline will support cruise traffic,” he said.
“Spillovers will benefit accommodation, dining, transport, and cultural services.”
US to terminate deportation protection for Myanmar nationals
The United States announced it was ending deportation protection for those from civil war-torn Myanmar, the latest nation to have Temporary Protected Status terminated amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination of TPS for Myanmar on Monday, saying it will be in effect in 60 days, on January 26.
Some 3 670 Myanmar nationals were in the United States under the TPS programme, according to the National Immigration Forum nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.
The previous Biden administration designated Myanmar for TPS in May 2021 in response to civil conflict that erupted in the country following the February 1, 2021, military coup. The designation has been repeatedly renewed until Monday.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners in Myanmar, the junta has killed at least 7 488 people, with 30 013 others arrested, and nearly 22 700 still detained.
Since the coup began, more than 275 000 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge or asylum in neighboring countries, according to United Nations statistics.
In terminating deportation protections for those from Myanmar, Noem said the situation in the country “has improved enough that it is safe for Burmese citizens to return home” and conditions no longer meet TPS statutory requirements.
“Burma has made notable progress in governance and stability, including the end of its state of emergency, plans for free and fair elections, successful cease-fire agreements and improved local governance contributing to enhanced public service delivery and national reconciliation,” she said in a statement.
The announcement comes less than a week after the United States co-sponsored a resolution on the situation facing minorities in Myanmar, with Michael Heath, US senior adviser for East Asian and Pacific affairs, stating they “remain deeply concerned” by evidence of human rights violations and abuses continuing to be committed by both the military and other armed groups engaged in the civil war.
The Trump administration has sought to end TPS for nine country, affecting more than 675 000 immigrants in the United States, according to Carolyn Tran, executive director of Communities United for Status and Protection. (UPI)
Trump moves to blacklist Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organisation
President Donald Trump has directed his departments of Treasury and State to consider designating chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organisations as he seeks to sanction the transnational Sunni Islamist group.
The executive order, signed by Trump on Monday, gives Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio 30 days to submit a joint report evaluating whether any chapter of the Muslim Brotherhood should be designated as a foreign terrorist organisation and as a specially designated global terrorist entity.
The chapters in Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt were specifically named in the order.
“The order’s ultimate aim is to eliminate the designated chapters’ capabilities and operatives, deprive them of resources and end any threat such chapters pose to US nationals and the national security of the United States,” the White House said in a fact sheet.
The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in the 1920s, renounced violence in the 1970s and now provides a mixture of religious teaching with political activism and social support, such as operating pharmacies, hospitals and schools, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
The Trump administration has accused the Muslim Brotherhood of fueling terrorism in the Middle East, highlighting actions by alleged members following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
It said members in Lebanon launched rockets at Israel alongside Hezbollah. A leader of the group in Egypt “encouraged violence against US partners and equities in the Middle East.” And the order cites reports that state leaders in Jordan “have long provided material support to the military wing of Hamas.”
If designated as both a foreign terrorist organisation and specially designated global terrorists, the Muslim Brotherhood would be subjected to significant financial penalties, including sanctions, blocking them from the US financial system and barring US persons from doing business with them.
The Trump administration has used repeatedly taken action against individuals and organisations, both foreign and domestic, that have criticized Israel over its war in Gaza, including revoking visas from students studying in the United States and fining universities over alleged failures to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestine protests that erupted on their campuses.
Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said he supported Trump’s executive order, saying “this battle has been over a decade in the making.” (UPI)
Dorne leads WI U-19 to victory
West Indies Under-19 captain, Barbadian Joshua Dorne, led from the front as his team hammered the England Under-19s by 98 runs in the fourth Youth One-Day International series.
Playing at the National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada, the visitors won the toss and elected to field.
Zachery Carter and fellow opener Tanez Frances (51) combined for an opening stand of 55 before Carter departed in the eighth over for 34. Dorne, batting at number four, top-scored for his side with a patient 80 from 104 balls after his team was in some measure of trouble on 121 for four in the 28th over.
The skipper combined with Jonathan van Lange to share in a fifth wicket partnership of 120 before Dorne departed in the 47th over, off the bowling of Luke Hnads. Van Lange also smashed 80 from 68 balls, inclusive of four fours and four sixes, as the Windies ended on 280 for seven in their 50 overs. Hands captured three for 63 and Farhan Ahmed three for 37.
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Overgrown property owners getting notice
Government has started sending out notices to owners of properties with overgrown vegetation who could face a $300 penalty, plus clean-up costs, if they fail to clear their surroundings.
The enforcement measure, which officially began on November 1, was launched by the Ministry of the Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
During a media briefing yesterday at the Ministry of the Environment at Warrens Towers II,
Warrens, St Michael, Ronald Chapman, a former deputy chief environmental officer who is now project lead for the removal of overgrown vegetation, outlined the “carrot and stick” approach.
He said environmental health officers had already begun issuing 21-day notices to property owners with overgrown vegetation. However, when asked how many had been given out so far, officials stated the amount will not be available until next week.
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Trial adjourned as lawyer says witness dead, another mentally ill
The murder trial of Rackeem Shaquille Alleyne and Keshawn Leroy David Greene was adjourned yesterday as a lawyer for one of the accused claimed a witness had died and another had become mentally incapacitated.
Alleyne, of Combermere Street, The City, and Greene, of Shepton Lane, The Pine, St Michael, who were in the No. 5 Supreme Court, are accused of murdering Scherno Rose on May 26, 2016.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Krystal Delaney appeared for the prosecution.
Senior Counsel Andrew Pilgrim, who is out of the jurisdiction, is representing Greene, while attorney Lalu Hanuman appears for Alleyne.
Yesterday, Hanuman told the court the matter was almost ten years old; one witness has since died and another “has developed a psychiatric illness and is sleeping rough on the streets”.
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Volleyballers create history by stopping Dominican Republic in straight sets
Barbados’ Young Volleyballers created history with a straight sets victory over Dominican Republic to advance to play for the fifth position when the NORCECA Under-17 Continental Championships entered the penultimate day on Saturday in Managua.
The historic victory placed the Under-17 boys to match or better the senior team’s sixth position gained at the NORCECA final in 2007 in Anaheim, United States. However, the young team has become the first group of Barbadian volleyballers to win more than one game in the same tournament at this level as well as scoring their first victory in straight sets.
In 1991 Barbados men beat Dominican Republic at NORCECA in Puerto Rico, they defeated Colombia at CAC in San Salvador in 2002 and scored a win over Mexico in 2007 in the United States. All of those matches went to five sets.
Coach Elwyn Oxley, who was a member of those senior teams, opted to start the same six for the entire game, reverting to pint-sized Liam Yearwood playing outside along with leading attacker Jordan John. The livewire Joshua Ashby returned to the middle with Adriano Als while captain Pierre Gill was opposite setter Ralani Crichlow.
Yearwood enhanced Barbados’ passing and defence game in tandem with libero Mykhail Gooding. In addition, Yearwood confounded their opponents with light serves which enabled the Bajans to offset the Dominican Republic’s passing and attacking game.
Ashby displayed his blocking skills with three monster stops at the net on six-foot fiveinch Castillo Ledesma, who was the Dominican Republic’s primary weapon. In contrast, the attack from John, Gill, Ashby and off-speed hits by Yearwood saw the Bajans establishing dominant leads of 18-9 in the first set and 12-5 in the second.
With the ignominy of a straight sets defeat staring them in the face, the Dominican Republic grabbed their first lead of the match 4-2 in the third set. Barbados reignited to power to 9-5 and from 13-9 the Bajans jumped
to 15-9, thanks to back-toback aces from John.
With Oxley giving court time to all of the reserves, the Dominican Republic sought to rebound to carry the game into another set after the Bajans moved closer to the finish line on 16-9. Edging from 12-20 to 14-20, the Dominican Republic were then silenced by that monster block from Ashby.
An ace from Jaelan Grant at 22-14 forced Dominican Republic to call a time-out. But, their too-late flurry ended disappointingly with a serving error at game and match point, 18-24. John led Barbados with 14 kills and two aces, Yearwood contributed six kills, two aces and one block, with Ashby and Pierre adding eight and six points respectively.
Yesterday Barbados were to meet Costa Rica for fifth spot. The Bajans lost their preliminary encounter to Costa Rica who defeated hosts Nicaragua 25-15, 25-15, 25-8 in the qualification match on Saturday. Both Nicaragua and Dominican Republic ended last in their pool play.
The semi-finals’ matches played on Saturday saw the previously unbeaten United States toppling to archrivals Cuba 22-25, 25-27, 25-12, 20-25. Puerto Rico edged Mexico 16-25, 25-23, 25-21, 17-25, 15-12. Yesterday Cuba were to meet Puerto Rico for the gold.
The Barbados team will return home today at 2:25 p.m. via Panama. (KB)
Guyana to export fresh produce directly to CARICOM
The Guyana government says that within the next 12 months it will begin transporting fresh produce directly from the interior to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states.
President Irfaan Ali says the initiative is set to revolutionise regional trade, expand hinterland agriculture, and open a new export market for Guyanese farmers.
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony for the new airport terminal at the Bartica aerodrome, President Ali said that the initiative forms part of a wider national strategy to strengthen food security, ease transportation challenges, and position Guyana as a major supplier of fresh foods within the Caribbean.
He said improved air connectivity will significantly cut transport time from farm to export point, enabling farmers and producers in Region Seven and neighbouring regions to access new regional markets.
President Ali said the government is working closely with air operators and regulatory agencies to establish the logistical framework needed for the seamless movement of agricultural produce from the hinterland to CARICOM destinations.
“Within 12 months, we will fly food out from the interior, directly into CARICOM countries,” he said, adding that this will open new income streams for mining communities that are now expanding into agriculture and agro-processing.
President Ali said this export push aligns with the regional objective to reduce CARICOM’s food import bill by 25 per cent, and gives farmers across Guyana the chance to scale production and value-added processing while earning higher returns.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that development is not confined to the coast but is shared across every region.
“This will ensure that hinterland producers participate fully in the national and regional economy. We are creating opportunities where people live,” President Ali said.
Meanwhile, Ali described the sod turning for the new BK airport terminal on Sunday in Bartica as a transformative milestone for Region Seven and another major step in advancing national connectivity, tourism and economic diversification.
He said the project reflects “the continuous reinvestment of local wealth back into national development”, lauding the BK Group for consistently expanding its footprint and creating new opportunities across Guyana.
He said that Bartica is undergoing rapid change in line with the government’s wider development strategy, noting that the new terminal will become a critical link in opening up the region by air, expanding tourism offerings, lowering transport costs and improving services for communities and businesses.
He said the new terminal is expected to cut travel time and significantly reduce operational expenses for interior operators, while creating the space for innovations such as drone logistics, medevac support, and direct export of food products from the interior into CARICOM markets.
“In simple terms, when places are easier to reach, they become easier to grow,” he said, adding “there is no way the aviation sector cannot, at this time, reduce air transport costs by at least 15 per cent”. (CMC)
Yvonne Weeks: From 13 pills to thriving at 73
For many, receiving a diagnosis of diabetes and high blood pressure marks the start of major challenges.
In 2007, Yvonne Moore was facing that reality in her mid-50s. She was also coping with high stress, battling depression and taking 13 different tablets every single day for her chronic conditions and not seeing any progress.
She decided to take action to turn around her health and revamped her lifestyle. She is now thriving, active and enjoying life.
Yvonne remembers the heavy physical and mental toll of her conditions before she got the help she needed. Despite taking 13 medications daily, she was anxious, exhausted and depressed; especially after her husband passed away.
“I felt terrible. I felt like it was the end of the world for me. I used to feel so tired. I was going to doctors and not seeing any results.”
Her wakeup call came after one doctor advised that she needed to start insulin. She was adamant that she wouldn’t, and searched for an alternative.
“I said no way, nobody is doing that to me. I know my mother used to take it [insulin], and I remembered she went into a coma and passed away when she didn’t get the medication. So then I decided that I would try everything to improve my health.”
She found Dr Kimberley King and immediately underwent testing that gave her a comprehensive picture of her internal health.
“They put me on a screen that they could look at, you know, like a television. They took my blood, and it showed everything that was going on in my body. And they saw a lot of white stuff in my stomach. I remember that I used to get a lot of burning in my stomach.”
Dr King outlined a clear path forward: a complete lifestyle change, and Yvonne was ready.
First came changes to her diet, and Yvonne said it was easy. She eliminated sugars and excess salt, replacing them with whole, natural foods.
“I eat a lot of fruit, and use a lot of stuff like greens, lettuce, a lot of vegetables. It wasn’t hard because those are the types of things that I love to eat. Now I could eat food all day long.”
Her current diet is a model of healthy eating. She starts her day with lemon and ginger tea to “clean her stomach”, followed by boiled eggs, sometimes toasts, oatmeal, Weetabix or little dinner rolls and crackers for breakfast.
She says fresh produce and whole foods are key. “I have to spend every cent I have to buy healthy food. I make sure they [family] bring good fruits. It’s all about taking care of yourself.” Yvonne has also stopped frying her food and now bakes most of her dishes. Her preferred beverage is: “Water, water, and more water.”
Her diet is buttressed by exercise. “I go to the gym. I exercise. The days that I don’t get to go to the gym to exercise, I would walk up and down. I make sure to engage in physical activity every day.
Yvonne saw positive results within “weeks”. “I felt so much better, lighter.”
Today, at 75, Yvonne remains committed to the programme and says she has no intention of reversing her lifestyle.
“I have more energy. I can get up and move around and do things that I couldn’t do because there were times I couldn’t even make my own breakfast. Before the programme, I struggled with sleep; now I sleep like a baby.”
Moreover, Yvonne says her depression and anxiety are gone, replaced by a sense of well-being. Her biggest achievement is reducing her pill count from 13 a day to just five (plus three natural supplements: vitamin C, vitamin B, and chromium). Her blood pressure is also well-controlled. “I had a full check-up just weeks ago, and my doctor is happy. No issues.”
When asked how she handles the temptation to indulge, Yvonne says: “I can look at certain foods and choose to eat what I know I should eat. I have come a long way. I don’t want to go back there.”
She recently travelled to Panama and Miami, enjoying good health without chronic fatigue or fear. Yvonne encourages anyone facing a similar situation to look for natural options and holistic care. “There are herbalists out there, and I can tell you about Dr King. Go to them and let them help you. Natural stuff is good. This programme is a commitment to myself and my health. I wouldn’t change anything that I am doing for the world,” she insists. (Better Health)