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‘Overturn this’ – Belgium taunt US and say Trump move fired them up

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‘Overturn this’ – Belgium taunt US and say Trump move fired them up

Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin said his team felt a “sense of injustice” over United States striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban being suspended by Fifa shortly before their World Cup last-16 match.

Balogun, 25, appeared certain to miss the tie in Seattle after being shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round.

But on Sunday Fifa suspended the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, leading to widespread criticism, with Uefa, Belgium and England boss Thomas Tuchel among those speaking out against the ruling.

On Monday US President Donald Trump said he asked Fifa to review Balogun’s ban, which he said would have left a “big stain” on the tournament.

But, despite the American star striker being cleared to play and starting the match, Belgium convincingly beat the tournament co-hosts 4-1.

“A lot has happened off the pitch over the last two days,”said Belgium and Rangers midfielder Raskin.

“There was a sense of injustice within the squad, and we were determined to respond on the field.”

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans insisted the affair had boosted his side.

“We told ourselves we had to respond on the pitch. That’s what we did,” he said.

After Belgium scored their fourth goal several of their players were pictured dancing in a style similar to the ‘Trump dance’ – where he rocks his hips and slowly pumps his arms – which gained notoriety during the 2024 US presidential campaign.

The official Instagram account for the Belgium national team also appeared to mock the debacle, posting a picture of striker Romelu Lukaku cupping his ear with the caption “overturn this”.

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia told reporters that Balogun “came to talk” after the game.

“I really liked that,” he said. “It’s not his fault, he’s not the one to blame and that’s what I told him.”

Asked how the affair affected his team, Garcia said: “Regardless of the US starting line-up, what really mattered to us is our game plan.

“The group is very mature. I told them what matters the most is us.”

Iran also took a swipe at the US and the Balogun incident, posting a screenshot of their draw with Belgium beside the US’s heavy defeat on their official website.

The screenshot was accompanied by the message: “Now the whole world is dancing for the humiliating defeat of politics against football”.

The US’ head of homeland security Markwayne Mullin previously said he “danced a happy dance” when Iran was eliminated in the group stage, as Iran had their own World Cup participation marred by visa and travel issues because of the US’s war in Iran. (BBC News)

AOPT questions electric bus delay

Carlos Atwell
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AOPT questions electric bus delay

The Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) is questioning Government over its seeming inability to allow the association’s members to import disabled-friendly electric public service vehicles (PSVs).

“We are hoping to give persons with disabilities greater access to our vehicles. We are still waiting on the Ministry of Energy to okay the $3 million for us as we wait to buy those electric buses. Right now, we have around 15 people applying for the energy loan and five persons were approved so far to bring in electric buses, but we can’t get any further,” AOPT chairman Roy Raphael said in a telephone interview.

He explained that part of the reason for this was also due to internal issues within a lending institution which was supposed to sign off on the deal.

“Right now, it means those who have applied are in limbo. Our cut-off point for getting these vehicles from China is in October, so if we don’t get permission for those fellows to get the money to buy the buses . . . .

“If we are to work in conjunction with the Barbados Council for the Disabled, we are hoping that those buses will be a hallmark to us moving forward in a new direction in relation to providing public transport for the disabled community,” he said.

Efforts to reach Minister of Energy, Business Development and Commerce Kerrie Symmonds were unsuccessful.

Raphael said the electric vehicle idea was part of AOPT’s upcoming ten-point plan to help improve transport in Barbados and curb some of the lawlessness. He added they will soon be delivering it to the relevant authorities.

“We want to bring a ten-point plan system to Government to resolve some of the issues related to public transport. The plan basically will be to look at how do we carry forward public transport within the next year or so.

Ten-point plan

“The ten-point plan will involve all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transport, the police, the Transport Board, the Transport Authority, the Mass Transit Authority and everyone else,” he said.

He pointed out that the plan will include a proposal that PSV operators who went before the court for minor offences be issued a ticket immediately, pay the fine and move on. This system would also apply to passengers who “continue to violate the laws of the land”.

The chairman said schools also played a major role in the plan and there is a proposal for school visits by the alliance.

“Hopefully, next year, or later this year, we’re going to be visiting some schools to sensitise the public about their behaviour because we are still not very happy about the number of school children in some of these buses, particularly at some of the secondary schools. We are still seeing these buses are overloaded. Despite warning these children . . . about the possibility of overturning, we still continue to see the practice.

“So the alliance, along with the Barbados Road Safety Association and other stakeholders, will be looking to visit the schools so we can actually sensitise the children about the danger of doing those things and encourage schools to report any bad behaviour from PSV operators to us,” he said.

Another major component of the plan is the Safe Bus App. However, Raphael said he did not want to reveal too much as yet, but said it should be ready in a couple of weeks and be available for download.

“We want to see more people going to the bus stops. So when we do meet again with the minister, we are hoping that this ten-point plan will be engrafted into public transport and see if we can get everybody on board.”

(CA)

Commissioner Boyce presents letters of appointment to new senior police officers

Nationnews Desk
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Commissioner Boyce presents letters of appointment to new senior police officers

Commissioner of Police Sonia Boyce has presented letters of appointment to the newly appointed Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners of The Barbados Police Service.

The presentation followed the appointments of Barry Hunte and Adrian Broomes as Deputy Commissioners of Police, effective July 3, 2026, and Stephen Herbert, David Welch and John Boyce as Assistant Commissioners of Police.

Addressing senior officers at Police Headquarters, Commissioner Boyce described the occasion as “a joyous morning”, noting that the Service was celebrating both her elevation to Commissioner of Police and the appointment of the new senior command officers.

She said while some of the officers had previously acted in their positions, it was important that they were now formally appointed.

Deputy Commissioner Adrian Broomes was absent from the ceremony as he was overseas participating in a police executive training course.

Commissioner Boyce congratulated the newly appointed officers and thanked them for their continued service and commitment to the organisation.

“The Barbados Police Service is not a one woman or one man show,” Commissioner Boyce said, emphasising that the senior command team must move forward as a united group, “hand in hand,” to take the organisation forward.

She said the goal of the leadership team was to continue building The Barbados Police Service into an organisation that is among the best in the region and the world.

Deputy Commissioner Hunte has served in several senior leadership roles, including responsibility for special operations and management services, while Deputy Commissioner Broomes has held key roles in disaster response and coordination.

Assistant Commissioner Herbert has responsibility for Human Resources and Administration, Assistant Commissioner Welch oversees change management and technology services, and Assistant Commissioner John Boyce has served at senior command level, including responsibility for crime.

The Barbados Police Service said the appointments strengthen its senior command team as it continues to focus on operational priorities, public confidence, professional development and organisational effectiveness.

BESCO to sever 10 employees after 2026 sugar harvest

Nationnews Desk
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BESCO to sever 10 employees after 2026 sugar harvest

The Barbados Energy and Sugar Company Inc. (BESCO) will sever 10 employees following the conclusion of the 2026 sugar harvest.

The company said the move is part of a limited restructuring aimed at aligning its staffing and operating costs with current commercial realities.

BESCO said the decision followed sustained operational and financial pressures affecting both the company and the wider sugar industry.

Since the divestment of Government’s sugar operations, BESCO has operated as a private company without a Government subvention. It said it must fund its operations through commercial revenues while meeting the costs of factory operations, cane processing, maintenance, labour and other obligations.

“This is a painful decision for the company because it affects people who have contributed to BESCO and to Barbados’ sugar industry. At the same time, BESCO has a responsibility to make decisions that protect the viability of the business and preserve the possibility of continued operations in future crop years,” a company spokesperson said.

The company said affected employees have been informed and will be guided through the applicable severance process by management and its Human Resources department.

BESCO said the restructuring was not a reflection of the value of the affected workers but a necessary step to support a more sustainable operating model.

“The decision is not a reflection on the value of the individuals affected. It reflects the commercial reality facing BESCO and the need to ensure that the company is not carrying cost structures that it cannot sustain. Our priority is to handle this process respectfully, lawfully, and with as much care as possible,” the spokesperson said.

The company said it remains committed to the future of cane processing and will continue working with farmers, suppliers, regulators, employees and other stakeholders to improve efficiency and strengthen the long-term viability of the sector.

“We understand the national significance of sugar and the concern that any workforce decision will create. BESCO’s objective is not simply to reduce costs, but to make the adjustments required to give the business a stronger chance of continuing to serve farmers, customers, workers, and Barbados in the years ahead,” the spokesperson said. (PR)

Flash flood watch in effect for Barbados

Nationnews Desk
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Flash flood watch in effect for Barbados

A flash flood watch is now in effect for Barbados as the island braces for heavy rainfall associated with an approaching tropical wave.

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) said generally wet conditions are expected today and tomorrow, with an additional one to two inches of rainfall possible tonight as the system moves across the island.

Forecasters warned that excessive rainfall could lead to flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Possible impacts include water settling on roads and fields, isolated diversions, rising water levels in ponds and other water bodies, and minor flooding affecting properties. The BMS noted that the watch could be upgraded to a warning if conditions deteriorate.

The island has already recorded up to two inches of rainfall over the past 12 to 24 hours.

The public is urged to monitor updates from the Barbados Meteorological Services, the Department of Emergency Management and official Government information channels, and to exercise caution in flood-prone areas.

The flash flood watch was issued at 12:30 p.m. today and remains in effect until further notice. It will be updated by 6 a.m. on Tuesday or sooner if conditions warrant. (BGIS)

Man fatally shot in Belfield, St Michael

Nationnews Desk
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Man fatally shot in Belfield, St Michael

The family of 40-year-old Deon Pilgrim is grieving after he was fatally shot on his doorstep early this morning. 

His 82-year-old grandmother Gloria Williams heard him shout “gran, gran” and by the time she and his mother Harriet reached him he was unresponsive in front of the house in Belfield, Black Rock, St Michael.

More details as they come to hand.

Fatal domestic dispute in St George

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Fatal domestic dispute in St George

Update

Police have confirmed a fatal stabbing of a man whose body was discovered in Ashford, St John. 

The man, of Jericho, St George was reportedly killed during a domestic dispute at his residence between last night and this morning.

More details to come

****

Earlier story

There are reports of a fatal domestic dispute in St George.

More details as they come.

Drinks spill causes traffic delays on Errol Barrow Highway

Nationnews Desk
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Drinks spill causes traffic delays on Errol Barrow Highway

Motorists experienced traffic delays along the Errol Barrow Highway at Wildey this morning after dozens of pallets of drinks fell from the back of a truck.

The incident occurred near the former BET building. Initial reports indicate the truck’s rear doors were not properly secured and opened as the vehicle travelled uphill, causing more than three dozen pallets of beverages to spill onto the roadway.

The spill partially obstructed the highway, resulting in traffic congestion in the area.

More details as they come.

India orders Meta to remove ads promoting child sexual abuse

Nationnews Desk
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India orders Meta to remove ads promoting child sexual abuse

The Indian government has directed Meta to immediately disable advertisements and content on Instagram that promote or facilitate child sexual abuse material, a senior official said.

It comes after a BBC Eye investigation found that Instagram has been running paid adverts promoting child sexual abuse material in India, some of which linked users to Telegram channels where the material was offered for sale.

The government has also sought an explanation within a week on how advertisements containing such material were allowed on the platform, the official said.

Meta has said it has a zero-tolerance policy on child sexual abuse material and is continuing to strengthen its detection and defences.

Telegram said it had removed more than 274,000 groups and channels related to child sexual abuse material in 2026.

“The government has issued a stern notice to Meta over child sexual exploitative and abuse material appearing in paid advertisements on Instagram,” a senior official in India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology told the BBC.

The official further said the federal ministry had “ordered Instagram to disable all ads and content promoting or facilitating access” to such material.

“The government has sought a detailed explanation from Meta within seven days,” the official added.

On being asked about the government’s notice, a Meta spokesperson said the company has “a zero-tolerance policy for soliciting or sharing” child sexual abuse material, including in ads.

“We use advanced AI technology to proactively detect violating content and individuals, but we are in a constant battle with criminals who hide among our 3.5 billion users and try to evade our detection,” the spokesperson said.

The government notice has been issues days after the BBC Eye Investigation was published.

However, neither the government nor Meta confirmed whether the notice was issued specifically in response to the BBC’s film.

The BBC set up a new alias Instagram account in India after noticing the platform was pushing sexually suggestive content even when users had not searched for it.

The account followed 10 such profiles and, in less than a week, Instagram began showing the alias account paid adverts featuring adult pornography.

Days later, it was also shown adverts promoting child sexual abuse material, some of which linked users to Telegram channels.

In its response to the BBC Investigation, Meta had said that “child exploitation is a horrific crime” and that it works aggressively to fight it on its apps.

The company, however, called it “categorially inaccurate” to suggest it knowingly and deliberately targeted ads featuring children to users with an inappropriate interest in such material and denied prioritising revenue over safety. (BBC News)

Barbados tops CDB evaluation

Shawn Cumberbatch
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Barbados tops CDB evaluation

Barbados has stood out as the strongest performers among five Caribbean countries benefiting from policy-based loans (PBLs) provided by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

That is the finding of an Evaluation of Policy-Based Lending Operations at the Caribbean Development Bank 2017-2025 published by the CDB’s Office of Independent Evaluation.

The analysis, which also included Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia and The Bahamas concluded overall that the CDB “should continue using PBLs but ensure clear policy and institutional additionality through complementary operations grounded in technical assistance”.

A section of the report focused on Why Barbados Worked – Lessons From A High-Ownership Model, and it noted that “the Barbados case stands out as the strongest performer among the five PBL countries evaluated”.

“Several factors differentiated it from other cases and offer transferable lessons for future PBL design,” the report stated.

In this regard, the following takeaways were outlined as transferable from Barbados to other countries using CDB PBLs.

A home-grown reform programme with a medium and long-term vision preceding the PBL.

Having a multi-partner coordination framework.

A programmatic design with built-in continuity. Strong technical specificity in prior actions. Dedicated technical assistance from specialised partners complemented the PBL.

Benefiting from a Social Partnership oversight mechanism.

Combine budget support

“PBLs achieve strongest results when they support nationally-owned reform programmes that pre-exist the financing request, operate within multi-partner coordination frameworks, combine budget support with dedicated technical assistance, and embed oversight mechanisms that extend beyond the Ministry of Finance,” the section dedicated to Barbados stated.

Barbados’ PBL efforts were anchored on the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme.

“BERT was developed by the Government of Barbados before seeking international financial institutions’ support, not in response to donor conditionality,” the evaluation report noted.

“Prior actions reflected policy commitments embedded in the Government’s own reform agenda, rather than measures introduced primarily to meet external financing requirements.”

In terms of geographic distribution, the CDB publication said the institution’s PBL resources were concentrated among the smallest and least developed CDB members, except for Guyana in 2025, which totalled US$125 million.

“The Bahamas accounted for the largest volume of approved funding, with two programmatic operations – each consisting of two tranches – totalling US$265 million, followed by Barbados – one programmatic operation totalling US$150 million, St Lucia – two PBLs totalling US$61.9 million, and the British Virgin Islands – one PBL totalling US$50 million,” the report shared.

Sustained reforms

The evaluation indicated generally that PBLs are more likely to contribute to sustained reforms when they are cross-sector integrated from the outset, rather than primarily economics-led; anchored in coherent reform trajectories coordinated across sectors and development partners; designed around broader reform pathways rather than discrete prior actions; and supported by grounded technical assistance designed alongside the operation and focused on institutionalising reforms beyond disbursement.

“The analysis further shows that reliance on ex post evaluation and limited post-disbursement follow-up constrains the depth of reform and organisational learning. This insight points to the need for a more systematic engagement that builds on CDB’s comparative advantage, learning, and adaptation,” the report stated.

It added that such an approach should enable sector-integrated course correction during implementation; strengthen PBL governance and incentive arrangements that support reform continuity and sustainability; and prioritise development impacts rather than speed of disbursement.

“In practical terms, this would require institutionalising structured post-disbursement engagement through ongoing evaluation and a diversified set of monitoring, evaluation, and learning methods embedded within dynamic learning loops,” the evaluation report advised.

“These systems would enable continuous feedback, adaptive course correction, and sustained policy dialogue beyond loan closure.” (SC)

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