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Police gearing up for the season 

Josue Ramirez Nelson
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Police gearing up for the season 

As the Christmas holiday season nears, the Barbados Police Service is gearing up for its Yuletide operation, intensifying efforts to maintain a safe environment for citizens.

Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce recently disclosed that with an influx in visitors, longer opening hours and increased traffic, the service will focus on bolstering police presence in commercial areas and using security camera surveillance to complement the officers’ presence.

“All levels of society would like to go and must go about their duties with a level of satisfaction and lack of fear to know that they don’t have to look behind their shoulders at every turn and there will be the presence of the police officers in these particular areas, he said.

The Commissioner made his remarks during the police’s recruitment fair held at the Police Sports Club, in Roebuck Street, St Michael.

Boyce said the Yuletide Operation will target malls and other locations where heavy foot traffic is likely to nullify the possibility of criminal activity. 

Additionally, they have identified ‘hazard spots’ where there is an absence of lighting.

“Already, we have identified some commercial areas that are in need of cameras and right now, our men, who have been tasked to install those cameras, they are out and about making those areas safe and having the eyes out there for us, because we cannot provide the level of manpower we would like but the cameras will do the work for us.

“We are fully entrenched to begin with the Yuletide session,” he assured noting they will “determine re-deployment, do their re-assessment, reengagement and move things forward to have that security posture that would make the country safe,” he added. (JRN)

Lashley joins BLP

Colville Mounsey
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Lashley joins BLP

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley last night confirmed that former Democratic Labour Party MP for St Philip North, Michael Lashley, has joined the Barbados Labour Party – a dramatic development announced as the party gathered in St Joseph to install engineer Ryan Brathwaite unopposed as its candidate for the next General Election.

Ending speculation about the current political affiliation of Lashley, who was in the audience, Mottley addressed him directly with an invitation to put on a red shirt handed to him. He, however, kept it in his lap.

“I would like to formally welcome Michael Lashley as a member of the Barbados Labour Party,” the Prime Minister said.

Addressing a large crowd at Grantley Adams Memorial School, Mottley said she deliberately chose the “ancestral home of the Barbados Labour Party” to begin the party’s preparations for the next General Election.

Her revelation about Lashley comes four weeks after he made a surprise appearance at the BLP annual conference on October 25. Two days, later he resigned with immediate effect from the Opposition DLP citing attacks on his family. At that time he said he was not a member of any party.

Ex three-time MP

Lashley, a former three-time Member of Parliament, served as a minister during the DLP 2008 to 2018 term in office and was ousted in the 2018 wipe-out by the BLP. He was again beaten in the 2022.

On the St Joseph nomination, Mottley said: “I always feel good when I can walk with a pep in my step and a smile on my face. By the time we leave here, we are going to start a movement straight across this country… a movement grounded in service, commitment and people.”

Mottley praised the St Joseph branch for being the first constituency to lock in its candidate.

She described Brathwaite as “a man of the people” with the character and professional grounding required to lead a constituency grappling with infrastructure challenges, land slippage and climaterelated pressures.

“He is not one of those who climbs the ladder and kicks it away. He climbs the ladder and finds more ladders for others. Ryan Brathwaite is ready,” she noted.

Turning to outgoing MP Dale Marshall, Mottley delivered a deeply personal tribute.

“If it were possible to delay the election to keep you, I would – but I suspect your people in St Joseph want me to hurry up and do the other thing.”

Although most of the night’s programme focused on tributes from senior party figures, Brathwaite in brief remarks thanked residents and reflected on the moment.

“This is the parish that gave me my start, the place that shaped me. I am humbled by your confidence and I promise to serve every district, every family, every young person and every elder with respect and dedication.

“I have walked these hills all my life and I intend to walk them with you – not ahead of you,” he told supporters.

Brathwaite turning to the outgoing MP beside him said: “Well done, my brother… well done for all you have done and continue to do for this great constituency.”

Marshall, who has represented the constituency for 22 years, revealed that on October 17 he wrote “perhaps the hardest letter I have ever written”, informing BLP president Senator The Most Honourable Reginald Farley that he would not contest the next General Election.

“It was a letter whose time had come,” he said. “When I came to St Joseph, I found constituents. I leave St Joseph with friends,” he added.

Marshall shared memories of meeting Brathwaite as a shy teenaged Combermerian during a 2002 canvass, a first encounter that sparked quiet mentorship over the years.

Handing over the baton, he pledged: “I will be far enough behind him, so the spotlight is always his but close enough to reach out a hand to support him.”

Party CEO, Senator Pat Parris, delivered one of the evening’s most forceful endorsements, cataloguing the BLP’s record in the constituency, from ending the “water wars” with the Castle Grant reservoir, to reopening the Horse Hill outpatient clinic, to completing the Hillcrest Community Centre and improving the road network.

“This is not a constituency neglected by the Labour Party. Tell them the facts,” she said.

Parris endorsed Brathwaite as a grounded, peoplefocused young leader.

“Ryan is a people’s person… he is ready to serve,” she said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport & Works Santia Bradshaw, who worked closely with Marshall on Scotland District engineering projects, assured residents that Brathwaite was already deeply familiar with the constituency’s road failures, slippages and design challenges. ( CLM)

Shallow may have to resign if he becomes MP, says Perreira

Nationnews Desk
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Shallow may have to resign if he becomes MP, says Perreira

Retired cricket commentator, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira believes that Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr Kishore Shallow might have to step down from the position if he is successful in the upcoming general elections in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Dr Shallow, a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP), is contesting the North Leeward seat in the November 27 elections.

However, speaking during an interview on Saturday on Isports i95.5 FM, Perreira suggested that if Dr Shallow becomes a Member of Parliament he may have to resign as president due to a conflict of interest.

“I think right now that is his focus, becoming a Member of Parliament… but it could be a conflict of interest.

“He will probably have to make a decision, and the Directors will probably have to play a role, because I’m not too sure the ICC was happy recently when Sri Lanka tried to bring politicians into the board and I think that is a question that has to be asked,” Perreira said.

“I think there might have been a case where we had a president that was a Senator; Julian Hunte was never in politics when he became president.”

The issue was previously raised by Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, who also argued that it would be a conflict of interest for Shallow to be a political candidate while serving as CWI President.

But Dr Shallow, who has served as CWI President since 2023, has always maintained that there is no conflict. (CMC)

Jamaica receives support from IDB

Nationnews Desk
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Jamaica receives support from IDB

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group President Ilan Goldfajn joined Caribbean heads of state in a visit to Jamaica’s devastated areas to offer solidarity and support in the country’s urgent response and recovery efforts.

The IDB Group is supporting this effort not only with financing, but with technical expertise, to help turn recovery into long-term resilience.

Within a package totalling US$1.26 billion in financing and US$4.7 million in technicalcooperation grants, the Bank has made available rapid financing tools and technical-support planning and coordination across two phases — emergency and reconstruction.

For the emergency phase, Jamaica’s Contingent Credit Facility was recently expanded, with US$300 million available for parametric events — helping the country mobilise emergency relief, while protecting fiscal space. In addition, the Bank has made available US$500 000 in emergency humanitarian support, together with US$2.15 million in technical cooperation grants.

For the recovery and reconstruction phase, the IDB Group is working with the government, the World Bank, and other partners on priority areas where its technical experience and long-standing engagement can deliver sustained impact.

Grid modernisation

The support package includes up to US$960 million in sovereign financing and US$2.05 million in technical-cooperation grants.

The focus is on health with plans to rebuild hospitals and health centres in high-impact areas, including relocation, retrofitting, and digital upgrades.

As it relates to housing the Bank plans to supporting Jamaica in rebuilding the housing sector, including technical assistance and financing for the three phases that the government of Jamaica is planning, which includes emergency, temporary housing, short-term shelters, and long-term reconstruction for the thousands of people who have lost their homes in the western parishes.

In energy it will be preparing a joint publicprivate proposal for grid modernisation, building on IDB Invest’s existing engagement with Jamaica’s power utility and partnering with the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation.

The Bank also plans to be coordinating with the National Water Commission to restore services, assess damage, and develop a sector-wide resilience plan using HydroBID.

“Coming here straight from COP30 is a reminder: resilience isn’t tomorrow’s agenda; it’s crucial today,” said Goldfajn.

“We’re supporting Jamaica to rebuild stronger, avoid future losses, and protect lives. That’s what resilience means,” he added. (PR)

New partnership agreement between interCaribbean Airways and Virgin Atlantic

Nationnews Desk
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New partnership agreement between interCaribbean Airways and Virgin Atlantic

A new partnership agreement has been signed between interCaribbean Airways and Virgin Atlantic, a move that will enable travellers to easily navigate the Caribbean.

The arrangement uses Barbados and Antigua as key connection hubs between interCaribbean’s regional routes and Virgin Atlantic’s long-haul services to London and other international destinations.

The development comes amid persistent travel challenges in the Eastern Caribbean, where limited flight schedules, high fares, and the collapse or downsizing of several regional carriers have made inter-island movement difficult. 

According to the CEO of interCaribbean Airways Trevor Sadler, the new partnership is meant to ease some of those burdens.

“This agreement with Virgin Atlantic represents another milestone in our mission to enhance Caribbean connectivity,” Sadler said. “By partnering with a world-leading airline, we create additional options for Caribbean travellers to reach international destinations while also welcoming Virgin Atlantic customers to experience the beauty and diversity of the Caribbean across our network.”

Virgin Atlantic passengers flying into Barbados or Antigua will now be able to transfer directly onto interCaribbean flights to destinations including the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St. Kitts Nevis, Grenada, St Lucia and others, without the need for separate bookings or re-checking luggage. 

This change is expected to improve reliability during the region’s busy tourism months.

The agreement is also expected to benefit Caribbean diaspora communities in the United Kingdom, offering more straightforward connections home during peak periods such as Christmas, summer breaks, and major cultural festivals. (CMC)

Over 8 000 names to be cut from voters’ list

Colville Mounsey
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Over 8 000 names to be cut from voters’ list

A total of 8 291 names have been earmarked for removal from Barbados’ voters’ register as the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) enters the final stage of the most comprehensive clean-up of the list in more than 30 years.

Of these, 4 923 people have been identified as living overseas for more than five continuous years, while 3 368 have been confirmed as deceased, chairman of the EBC Ramon Alleyne, KC, announced yesterday during a press conference at Warrens Tower II.

Months-long exercise

He said the figures emerged after a monthslong enumeration and verification exercise, which began in August and saw enumerators and postal workers attempt to visit every household. The names will be published in the print media this weekend and next, and would simultaneously appear on the EBC’s website for public scrutiny.

“We want persons to check these lists and let us know if there are any mistakes,” Alleyne said.

“If your cousin is actually still in Barbados, or if your mother should still be on the register, this is your opportunity to tell us. We can only get it as clean as possible with the assistance of the population.”

Alleyne stressed that Barbados had not carried out a national enumeration in more than 30 years, leading to outdated addresses, mis-assigned polling districts and longstanding concerns about deceased individuals remaining on the list.

“This was the most intensive exercise in three decades. Our staff alone could not effectively cover the country, so we brought in postal workers who knew the areas well,” he said.

After enumeration ended in September, the commission opened registration centres and issued circulars to every household, urging people to verify their constituency and polling district information, particularly if they had moved. He underscored that no one would be removed simply because they did not see an enumerator.

“We are still asking persons who may not have seen an enumerator to go to the website and check their status. No one is being deleted because of that,” the EBC chairman said.

Website

The lists of the 8 291 names would remain on the EBC website and citizens would be given a defined period to contest any inaccuracies. Once this window closes, the removals would be finalised.

Alleyne said the effort was aimed at ensuring the commission met its statutory requirement to present a fully sanitised register by January 31.

“Once these deletions take place, we will meet our statutory obligation,” he said, noting that the voters’ list stood at roughly 260 000 individuals as of January 2025.

While the flagged names represent a small percentage of the list, he described the numbers as “still significant”.

The chairman acknowledged there was some hesitancy from members of the public, who feared scammers and fraudsters posing as officials.

“We tried to give our people proper identification and given today’s society, the hesitance is understandable,” Alleyne explained.

He praised the dedication of enumerators, postal workers and additional support staff who processed the large volume of data.

Alleyne declined to speculate on whether the clean-up could affect voter turnout analysis or constituency boundaries until all data is fully processed.

However, he stressed that updates to the register would continue right up to the next General Election.

“This process will continue going forward until whenever an election is called,” he said.

“Right up to election time, people will still have the opportunity to correct mistakes.” ( CLM)

Three-way battle for St Thomas

Colville Mounsey
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Three-way battle for St Thomas

The internal race is heating up in St Thomas as three contenders seek the Barbados Labour Party’s nomination ahead of the December 7 vote at the Lester Vaughan School, marking what insiders say is the most vigorously contested internal battle the constituency has seen in decades.

With long-serving Member of Parliament Cynthia Forde retiring, attorney-at-law Anderson “Andy” Yearwood, political scientist Dr William Chandler and Senator Gregory Nicholls are contesting the nomination.

Yearwood, who grew up in Edghill Terrace and lived for more than 30 years in the parish, said his decision to step forward was grounded in a lifelong connection to the constituency and years of service through the BLP.

“My story really begins in St Thomas. I’ve lived here for over 30 years of my life and in that time I’ve been able to witness the representation of the Barbados Labour Party first-hand. We’ve had a lot of good days and a lot of good representatives and I’ve been shaped by that entire experience,” he said.

Yearwood, who is also an accountant, said his professional skills allow him to contribute meaningfully to residents outside of traditional political activity.

“As an attorney, I’ve been able to provide legal services to people in the community for free, writing letters, drafting documents, even representing some of them in court,” he noted.

He pointed out that his work in the constituency did not begin with the election but involved a soccerama, a clean-up of kiosks and beautifying areas.

Yearwood said his slogan “BLP St Thomas: Traditions, New Vision” reflects his intention to honour the legacy set by past MPs, including Forde, Tom Adams and Sir David Simmons.

“I have embraced the legacy. This is not about stepping into anyone’s shoes or taking fresh guard. It is not a new beginning, it is an evolution of what has come before. I’m not looking to tear down anything,” he said.

On whether Forde endorsed him, he made it clear there is no such commitment.

Blessing

“When I first considered offering myself, I spoke to her to ask if she would be against it. She said she wasn’t supporting any candidate and that I was free to go and let the people decide. That’s always been her position.”

Meanwhile, Chandler said his candidacy began after residents approached him earlier this year asking him to offer himself. He sought Forde’s blessing before beginning his canvass.

“I want to be very clear: I have her blessing to canvass the constituency. It is not an endorsement,” he stressed.

“I asked permission to walk in her constituency because she is still the sitting MP and she told me that I have her blessing to go ahead.”

Chandler said his canvassing efforts since July have taken him across almost every major district.

“I’ve been walking everywhere and wherever I went, I asked people ‘Have you seen the other people?’ And the answer was no. For many people, this was the first time they had seen anyone, and I was that person.”

Infrastructural gaps

Chandler outlined a development plan for St Thomas, which he described as both urgent and long-term.

“We need St Thomas to be resilient regardless of which [party] is in power. That means creating a community development corporation made up of respected residents that can monitor public services, support implementation of projects and make sure St Thomas does not get left behind,” he said.

He added that the constituency suffers from infrastructural gaps that cannot be addressed in isolation.

“You cannot get around the road situation. We need short-term, mediumterm and long-term plans for roads and utilities. It’s not just roads, many areas don’t have bus shelters. Elderly people, young people, workers, they need somewhere to stand when the sun is hot or the rain is falling,” he said.

“We also have deep, open gutters that people can fall into. We have to start covering them but it must be done in a coordinated way with water, electricity, fibre, everything.”

He also pointed to tenantry land issues, special concerns in Allen View due to its proximity to Harrison’s Cave and his proposal for “roving constituency services” to reach residents more easily.

“St Thomas is a parish, not just a constituency, so expecting people to travel too far to one office is not ideal. We need to bring the services to them.”

Chandler said he was already working on bringing economic activity to a section of the constituency and that the response from residents has been “overwhelming”.

Earlier this month, Nicholls officially threw his hat into the ring for the nomination, stating in an interview that while others were now coming out of the woodwork, he was doing the legwork for the last two years. (CLM)

Ryan Brathwaite selected as BLP candidate for St Joseph

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Ryan Brathwaite selected as BLP candidate for St Joseph

Ryan Brathwaite was this evening selected as the Barbados Labour Party candidate for St Joseph.

The nomination process took place at the Grantley Adams Memorial School, where Brathwaite was the lone nominee.

He will contest the next General Election when it is constitutionally due as incumbent, Attorney General Dale Marshall, is bowing out of elective politics. (SAT)

Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80

Nationnews Desk
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Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80

Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe has died in London aged 80.

Costelloe became one of the best-known names in British and Irish fashion and was personal designer to the late Diana, the Princess of Wales.

His family issued a statement on Saturday saying they were “deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a short illness”.

They added: “He was surrounded by his wife and seven children and passed peacefully in London.”

He was born in Dublin where his father ran a successful company making raincoats.

After studying at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design he moved to Paris where he took a course at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris.

He set up his own label in 1979, Paul Costelloe Collections, and presented collections at London Fashion Week, as well as in Paris, Milan and New York.

In 1983 he was appointed personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, a collaboration which continued until her death in 1997.

Costelloe often used traditional Irish fabrics and textiles in his designs, including Irish linen and tweed.

He collaborated with Dunnes Stores and was the closing designer for the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week in October this year.

He was criticised in 1998 when he said that Irish women lacked style.

“Irish women have difficulty with style because it’s not in their inner nature… like the Italians,” he said at the time

However, during an interview with Irish broadcaster RTÉ this year, he said he felt that Ireland was more European than years ago.

Taoiseach (Irish PM) Micheál Martin said he was “very saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Costelloe”.

“An icon of design, Paul elevated Irish fashion to the global stage,” he said.

Tánaiste (deputy PM) Simon Harris said Costelloe had “led a remarkable life”.

Harris added: “He built a hugely successful business through incredible talent, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

“He leaves behind a body of work that shaped modern Irish fashion and will continue to shape it in the years to come. He will be greatly missed and warmly remembered.” (BBC News)

Boyce: Confronting masked riders on illegal bikes

Colville Mounsey
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Boyce: Confronting masked riders on illegal bikes

Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce says Barbados must confront the growing trend of masked riders on unregistered motorcycles – a combination he described as “a deliberate disguise for criminals who want to move unseen, strike quickly, and vanish before the public can identify them”.

At Police Headquarters yesterday, Boyce pointed to Wednesday’s murder at President Kennedy Drive and the subsequent shootout in Goodland as an example of how the disguises are being used.

“Those two gunmen were not only armed – they were concealed from head to toe, riding a motorcycle with speed and agility. The public saw it. Our officers experienced it first-hand. This is a method now being adopted by people who want to terrorise neighbourhoods.”

Residents of both districts reported seeing the pillion rider firing while looking backwards, hoodie flapping and face covered.

Boyce said these were not random fashion choices.

“People want to say it is style but too often we are seeing balaclavas, masks and oversized hoodies being used to hide identities. When combined with an illegal motorcycle, that is a very dangerous pairing and we are dismantling it.”

The Commissioner reminded the public that the law already prohibits the wearing of facecovering items in public when circumstances suggest criminal intent.

“Under the Highways Act, Section 37, we have the power to intervene. If your face is covered in a way that prevents identification, and the situation raises suspicion, that is an offence. We cannot pretend this is harmless.”

Ski masks

He added that no new legislation was required to address the sale or importation of ski masks at this time.

“We have discussed it. Nothing is off the table. But right now, the issue is enforcement and we

are enforcing the law.”

Boyce said unregistered scramblertype motorcycles have become a feature in recent violent crimes.

“The ability to weave between vehicles, escape through narrow passageways, and accelerate rapidly gives offenders a tactical advantage but we are closing that gap,” he noted.

The Commissioner said specialised teams would now be intercepting illegal bikes aggressively.

“If your motorcycle has no plates, no registration, no insurance, and you are dressed in a way that mimics these offenders, you should prepare to be stopped. We cannot – and will not – leave these machines unchecked,” he warned.

Boyce acknowledged that the imagery of masked riders speeding through districts has unsettled many.

“When you see individuals fully covered in black clothing, racing past you, it creates an atmosphere of anxiety,” he said.

“This is why we must confront it head-on. This is why Barbadians must understand that we are not sitting still.”

He urged citizens to report the presence of motorcycles parked suspiciously in neighbourhoods.

“Vehicles used in robberies and shootings are sometimes left abandoned for days. Let us know the moment you notice something out of place.”

The Commissioner stressed that officers would be applying a fresh level of scrutiny in public spaces.

“We have entered a new policing posture.

These garments and motorcycles, when used for concealment and criminal mobility, are not welcome in Barbados. We are shutting down that pattern, and we are doing so immediately.” ( CLM)

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