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LIVE: Barbados Grand Prix – Athlete Enrichment Panel Discussion

Sherrylyn Clarke
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LIVE: Barbados Grand Prix – Athlete Enrichment Panel Discussion

A Panel Discussion featuring Regional Olympians, a conversation with some of the Caribbean’s top athletes as they share insights and lessons to inspire the next generation.

Hear from:
• World Championship 400m Bronze Medalist, Sada Williams of Barbados
• Olympic 400m Gold Medalist, Sir Kirani James of Grenada
• Olympic 800m Finalist, Natoya Goule-Toppin of Jamaica
• 800m National Record Holder, Shafiqua Maloney of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Moderated by The Nation’s Associate Sports Editor, Nick Maitland.

Govt to expand dialysis capacity

Shawn Cumberbatch
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Govt to expand dialysis capacity

Government will significantly expand the availability of facilities for Barbadians who have kidney disease and need regular diaslysis treatment.

Minister of Health and Wellness Senator Lisa Cummins said while the ministry was “focusing first and foremost on prevention and on screening as perhaps the most important tool that any health system can make”, it was also committed to giving “persons additional access to dialysis support”.

She was speaking in the Senate Wednesday while leading debate on the Human Tissue Transplant Bill, 2026.

Cummins said that “at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital now, we have . . . [about] 340 [patients] on dialysis, and they’re there in a 24-chair facility . . . at the QEH”.

“And then we also have smaller facilities in partnership with a private sector provider at three different locations, one location in Belleville, one in the . . . polyclinic in St John servicing that part of the country, and then we have another facility in the Maria Holder Trust building in Warrens, where you go, obviously, because of the connection . . . between uncontrolled diabetes, and kidney disease,” she said.

“But we’re now looking to do more. There are people who are having two treatments of dialysis when they should be having three, simply because the wait time and the capacity is growing faster than the facilities are providing the support. We need to be able to meet people’s needs where they are.”

Cummins explained that while the ministry would continue to focus on providing services, including dialysis, so that people could stay where they lived to access care, “one of the things that we have agreed as a ministry is to expand the capacity for care and to ensure that no person who needs dialysis is without access to care”.

“So, in different locations across the country, we will continue to support that, but it is our intention to expand significantly the capacity in a central location to give persons additional access to dialysis support,” she said. “If it is two treatments . . . a week and you need three, then we want people to be able to have three, because from what I’ve seen and heard from the doctors and the professionals, that improves outcomes. So we want to be able to give that additional support.”

Cummins underscored the importance of detection and prevention of serious illnesses.

She said the Ministry of Health was developing a life course screening framework “to normalise screening, because it’s important for us to get detection and prevention so we can get in front of these illnesses”. (SC)

Plans for small business centre

Ashada Joseph
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Plans for small business centre

Young entrepreneurs in the St Michael South constituency could soon have a dedicated space to develop their skills as Government moves ahead with plans for a new business empowerment centre in Jessamine Avenue, Bayland, St Michael.

This was according to Minister of Transport and Works and Senior Minister coordinating infrastructure Kirk Humphrey who outlined plans for the constituency following its annual general meeting at Graydon Sealy Secondary School on Sunday evening.

The project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, will see young entrepreneurs hired and conducting their various trades at the centre.

“Five young entrepreneurs will be able to do their different trades there. We’ve identified a few persons who are doing hairdressing, barbering, mechanical work and sewing. Those funds have been approved, the drawings have been finalised, so that work should start soon in the next few months,” Humphrey said.

He also shared plans to implement a community centre at the corner of Britton’s New Road and Villa Road, which was significant as he said the St Michael South constituency did not have its own community centre and shared a space with Valery, in St Michael Central and Christ Church West in Bonnetts.

“If you know how communities work, young people from one area don’t go in the other area. It’s just to be able to give the young people a chance to do things. If you realise, most of what I’ve been focusing on are opportunities and avenues for young people to be engaged,” he said.

Humphrey also spoke about an agreement to rename the Bayland Court after the Banfield sisters who made a significant contribution and impact in netball.

He noted that this decision was already approved both in Parliament and at Cabinet, adding that the formal naming ceremony will be held in the middle of July.

Addressing constituents, Humphrey stressed that leadership should be guided by “people over politics”, explaining that public service should prioritise the needs and interests of citizens above party or personal gain.

He reflected on how this principle shaped his approach to public life, noting while the phrase was initially questioned, it ultimately represented his belief that every aspect of governance should centre on people.

(AJ)

Uncertainty over Commonwealth Games squad for Scotland

Jonteau Coppin
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Uncertainty over Commonwealth Games squad for Scotland

There appears to be some confusion surrounding the announcement of the 21-member Commonwealth Games contingent which will represent Barbados this summer in Glasgow, Scotland.

The Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) released the squad just before midday yesterday with the notable exclusion of jumper Akela Jones, who recently returned to high level competition, attained the qualifying standard for the women’s long jump and subsequently won the event at the National Championships on June 21.

When contacted by the Weekend Nation yesterday evening, Athletics Association of Barbados (AAB) president Noel Lynch said he was unable to comment on the squad due to the ratification meeting which was still to be held.

Lynch said: “Right now, we are ratifying matters so I don’t have a comment.”

Right squad

However, immediately after, BOA general manager Glyne Clarke insisted that the squad issued to the media will be the one representing the island from July 23 to August 2.

“That (ratification) meeting was held and a team which was ratified by the AAB was sent, so as far as the BOA is concerned, we received a team that is ratified and confirmed by the AAB, and that is the team we are going with. That is our official team.”

Defending 400-metre champion Sada Williams headlines the squad and she is joined by other experienced campaigners, including 2023 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games silver medallist Kyle Gale and CARIFTA gold medallist Rasheeme Griffith. Swimmers Adara Stoddard and Luis Sebastien Weekes are returning for their second consecutive Games.

Conversely, there are some

Commonwealth Games debutants in the form of world athletics Under-20 silver medallist Kishawna Niles, weightlifter Daniel Griffith and paraswimmer Antwahn Boyce-Vaughan.

Glowing praise

President of the Commonwealth Sport Barbados, Sandra Osborne, spoke glowingly of this side, which is much smaller than the 65-member contingent which was taken to Birmingham, England in 2022.

“Our squad represents a powerful blend of veteran expertise and fresh talent, and we are particularly proud that these Games mark a historic milestone for Barbados with the inclusion of our first para-athlete,” she said in the BOA’s release.

“Although the 2026 Games have been scaled down compared to previous years, Commonwealth Sport Barbados remains especially keen to participate and is fully committed to supporting our athletes as they prepare to excel in Scotland.

We eagerly anticipate seeing their performance and determination on the world stage.”

Chef de mission Shelley-Ann Griffith echoed her sentiments. “We are keen to participate in the upcoming Games and fly Barbados’ flag with pride. Our priority right now is ensuring that the management and medical teams have everything in place to support the squad. We want to make sure our athletes can focus entirely on their events and perform to the best of their abilities.”

Squad:

Athletics – Sada Williams, Adeyah Brewster, Maya Rollins, Kishawna Niles, Kelia Bentham, Kuron Griffith, Desean Boyce, Kyle Gale, Rasheeme Griffith, Julian Forde.

Gymnastics – Erin Pinder.

Judo – Deann Walton.

Para-Swimming – Antwahn Boyce-Vaughan.

Swimming – Adara Stoddard, Jaiya Simmons, Toria Alleyne, Christien Kelly, Victor Ashby, Joshua Ross, Luis Sebastian Weekes.

Weightlifting – Daniel Griffith.

Officials: Shelley-Ann Griffith (chef de mission), Paula Jarvis (team manager), Dr Carl Ward (chief medical officer), Phyllis Burnett (physiotherapist) Sharon Coppin (massage therapist), Rondell Griffith (massage therapist).

Mya celebrating miracle of life

Nationnews Desk
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Mya celebrating miracle of life

Back in February 1998 she was given 24 to 48 hours to live. Her parents, Reverend Trevor and Eslyne Daniel, were told to call family members and friends so they could say their goodbyes to their first-born child. In an exercise of radical faith, their first response was to call on the name of the Lord. And so they reached out to Barbadians far and near and to friends across the globe, and beseeched their prayers. Those prayers saved their daughter.

That daughter, now Reverend Mya Daniel (Piggott), was 21 years old at the time. Come July 6, Mya will celebrate her 50th birthday, and on the eve of this special day, will stage a huge celebration at the People’s Cathedral, Bishop’s Court Hill, St Michael. It will bring together choirs, gospel artistes and more, as Mya thanks God for the breath of life and her journey through the years.

Sitting down this week with Buzz, Mya, one of Barbados’ top gospel artistes said: “It’s important that I celebrate. When I think of where God has brought me from – which is really from death’s door, and what He has done in my life, I cannot help but celebrate Him and His miraculous power. I cannot celebrate my 50th birthday without celebrating Him. The two are inextricably linked. It is because of Him that I am still here. I have to acknowledge Him and who He is. Having been given back then a maximum of 48 hours to live and making it to 50, I know it is only because of His love, grace and healing power that I am here.”

Representing a unique intersection of spiritual and professional leadership, legal experience, and historic gospel music ministry, Mya is known for her profound strength, grace, and pursuit of excellence. She has built a decades-long legacy of local, regional, and international influence. Whether standing before a court of law, addressing a congregation, or ministering on a global concert stage, her life stands as a testament to purpose, resilience, and faith.

Professionally, she is an accomplished legal practitioner with 22 years of experience. To complement her legal skills, she qualified as a certified professional mediator, utilising her skills to foster reconciliation and balanced counsel in personal, professional and corporate environments, which has proven to be an asset in her managerial position at the Student Revolving Loan Fund.

This former Queen’s College head girl, who has been singing from the age of two, starting at the Kirtons New Testament Church where her dad was pastor, recalled that back in 1998, a year after she had embarked on her law studies at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, she fell ill. At that time, bacteria had entered her bloodstream and was releasing poisonous toxins which were causing her organs to shut down one by one. Concerned people had turned up at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), supposedly, to say their farewells after the news broke. Others huddled together in prayer in various churches and businesses both locally and abroad as the news broke. Mya was hospitalised for six weeks, four of which were spent in the intensive care unit.

Following her miraculous healing, she went on to complete her law degree at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad in 2003, and a year later, married her sweetheart, Robert Piggott. Today Mya is mother to daughter Genesis, who will celebrate her 17th birthday on July 8, two days after that of her mum’s. Following their ordination two years ago, both Mya and her mum assist with pastoral work at Trinity Ministries, where her dad is senior pastor.

Grand idea

As she approaches her 50th birthday, Mya who previously entertained thoughts of becoming a broadcaster, recalls how she had the opportunity at the invitation of the now late veteran broadcaster Vic Brewster, to enjoy a taste of broadcasting behind the scenes. She also spent many years as a voice over in radio and television advertising, thanks to entertainer, Alan Sheppard of Spice & Company, who “discovered her” and launched what eventually became a successful career in that arena. “A few years leading up to my 50th, I had this grand idea of doing something at Kensington Oval. I wanted to invite all my favourite international gospel artistes, but I soon let that go. Along the way, people were telling me I needed to do something. I talked to God and He said that this thanksgiving celebration concert with some of the persons who have been instrumental in my journey is what I should do and that we should “give back.” Once I got that clear instruction from Him, I started the journey. I didn’t have all the details, far less how I was going to pull it off, but we are here.” Mya, who will also take to the stage come Sunday evening, has released several songs over the years. Her debut album, Save The World, was produced in 1994, by Queen’s College teacher Beverly Griffith. Commissioned as an official souvenir for delegates attending the United Nations Global Conference on Sustainable Development hosted in Barbados, the project featured socially-conscious tracks such as “Part of You and Me” and “You Can’t Tell by Looking” an early, vital HIV/AIDS awareness anthem.

She went on to release her second album, With Every Breath: I Testify in 2009. This multi-genre debut solo gospel album brought together the absolute finest of Barbadian musicians and vocalists. It also yielded massive critical acclaim, and its standout track, “I’ve Got to Love Him Back,” was officially awarded Song of the Year at the 2011 Flame Gospel Awards. In addition, the album featured the hit, “ He’ll Bring the Sun,” a collaboration with international reggae-gospel pioneer Stitchie of Jamaica.

A single followed in April 2023, titled, I Am Here. In November that same year she released another single,

Love In A Christmas Way.

Throughout her artistic journey, Mya has been consistently recognised by the public and cultural institutions alike. Her list of accolades includes copping The UWI Campus Queen Pageant, where she was crowned Miss Cave Hill, sweeping the competition and taking home top honours for Best Talent and Best Costume. She also copped The Nation Publishing Cultural Awards Female Vocalist of the Year and Gospel Act of the Year, as well as The Barbados Music Awards’ prestigious Gospel Artist of the Year Award. (CH)

Venezuela quake death toll rises to 2,595

Nationnews Desk
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Venezuela quake death toll rises to 2,595

The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes has risen to 2,595, Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said Thursday.

Rodriguez told a press conference that there were no plans for mass graves for those killed in the June 24 disaster, as thousands are still reported missing from the double earthquakes. (Jamaica Observer)

Sex offender given 15-year sentence

Heather-Lynn Evanson
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Sex offender given 15-year sentence

Fifteen years. That’s the starting sentence Matthew Orlando King got for having sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl ten years ago.

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France records 2,025 excess deaths at peak of heatwave as Europe braces for more extreme weather

Nationnews Desk
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France records 2,025 excess deaths at peak of heatwave as Europe braces for more extreme weather

France has said it recorded an increase of more than 2,000 deaths during the last week of a record-breaking European heatwave in June as forecasters warn of further extreme temperatures on the continent in the next few days.

Deaths rose 29% in the last week of June compared to the week before, with French health minister Stéphanie Rist adding there had been a “clear increase” in deaths among those over 45.

France saw its hottest day ever on average country-wide on 24 June, with temperatures hitting almost 41C in Paris and half the nation placed under a red heat alert.

News of the death toll comes with parts of Europe, including the UK, braced for more searing temperatures from this weekend.

BBC Weather says a large area of high pressure is currently building from the Azores towards Portugal and Spain and that by the weekend, heat is forecast to climb across France and southern Britain.

And as Europe braces for sweltering conditions, millions of Americans celebrating the July Fourth holiday weekend are already being affected by prolonged extreme heat and high humidity in parts of the central and eastern US.

Climate change is driving up temperatures around the world – but particularly in Europe. It is the fastest warming continent, heating up twice as fast as the global average, according to the Copernicus climate service.

This is causing increased summer heatwaves, greater pressure on Europe’s water supply, and more intense wildfires.

This summer’s record-breaking temperatures have already proved particularly deadly.

Belgium recorded 1,222 excess deaths during the heatwave – 39% more than usual – with almost half being people aged 85 and over.

The country’s health ministry said the number of deaths during a heatwave was “unprecedented”.

In France, the number of deaths recorded between 22 and 28 June increased by 2,025 – nearly 30%, the Public Health France agency announced on Friday. Deaths rose by 62% in the Paris region alone.

The French health ministry said the figure was likely an “underestimate” and mortality would “therefore be higher than these initial figures”.

Drowning deaths soared during the heatwave, with French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez saying on Saturday that 72 people had died by drowning since 18 June.

Meanwhile, unprecedented heat in the Netherlands last week led to about 480 excess deaths, Dutch authorities said on Thursday – most of whom were aged 80 and older.

Temperatures reached almost 40C in parts of the country, with most of the deaths reported in the south and east of the Netherlands where temperatures were highest.

While the Netherlands is expecting a cooler week ahead, hot weather is predicted again over the weekend elsewhere.

Temperatures are forecast to reach 40C in the south of France, with peaks of 36C to 37C expected around Bordeaux, Toulouse and Agen.

Météo-France has issued red alerts for Friday and Saturday for forest fires in the southern part of the country, warning that weather conditions meant the risk of an outbreak was “very high” compared to summer norms.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said nearly 7,000 fires had broken out since the start of the summer season, with about 8,700 hectares burned so far.

Nearly 3,000 people were evacuated after a wildfire ignited in the town of Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and spread to Canet-en-Roussillon on Thursday.

In the Iberian Peninsula, Aemet weather service has warned of the possibility of another heatwave.

Portugal’s government declared a state of alert which will remain in place until midnight on Tuesday. Temperatures are forecast to exceed 40C in some areas, with overnight temperatures above 25C.

In Spain, areas of the southwest are on orange alert as 40C is expected in some parts. (BBC News)

Portugal beat Croatia in chaotic finish to reach World Cup last 16

Nationnews Desk
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Portugal beat Croatia in chaotic finish to reach World Cup last 16

Goncalo Ramos grabbed a 94th-minute winner after Cristiano Ronaldo had scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout stage as Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia and progress to the last 16.

Second-half substitute Ramos rose above two Croatia defenders to head in from a superb Rafael Leao cross as a pulsating match looked to be heading for extra-time.

Josko Gvardiol thought he had rescued Croatia when he bundled home in the 13th minute of stoppage time, but the video assistant referee intervened and the goal was ruled out for offside.

Replays showed that Igor Matanovic got the slightest of touches on a cross that then fell to Mario Pasalic who was in an offside position before Gvardiol scored.

Portugal dominated the first half but it was Croatia who edged a frantic second period.

Ivan Perisic rifled a shot into the corner eight minutes into the second half after Ruben Dias could only half-clear a cross to the back post.

Half-time substitute Matanovic thought he had doubled Croatia’s lead two minutes later with a near-post finish, but the offside flag went up against team-mate Nikola Vlasic.

There followed a frantic few minutes during which Leao rattled the crossbar with a curling strike and Ronaldo saw a cute dinked finish ruled out for a marginal offside.

But just as it looked like he was about to be replaced, Ronaldo converted from the penalty spot after the video assistant referee spotted a foul on Renato Veiga at a corner.

Croatia responded well – and after the hydration break, Mateo Kovacic forced Diogo Costa into two quick-fire saves before Matanovic was foiled one-on-one.

Petar Sucic then ran on to a superb Kovacic through ball and finished coolly past Costa, but the offside flag went up once again.

Ronaldo was visibly unhappy to be replaced in the 81st minute, before Veiga and Mario Pasalic missed clear headed opportunities at either end.

Extra time seemed the fairest way to settle the contest before Ramos sparked wild celebrations.

In the last 16, Portugal will face European champions Spain at Dallas Stadium, Texas, on Monday, 6 July (20:00 BST). (BBC News)

Parents upset over cancelled meetings

Ashada Joseph
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Parents upset over cancelled meetings

Parents are questioning the Ministry of Education Transformation after two highly-anticipated town hall meetings were abruptly cancelled just days before they were due to take place, with no public explanation offered for the decision.

The meetings, which were scheduled for yesterday at the Daryll Jordan Secondary School and July 7 at the Princess Margaret Secondary School, were cancelled via an email circulated to stakeholders on Wednesday.

The message simply stated: “The Ministry of Education Transformation wishes to advise all stakeholders that the following town hall meetings for July 2 at Daryll Jordan Secondary School and July 7 at Princess Margaret Secondary School will no longer take place.”

One concerned parent contacted the Weekend Nation, expressing frustration over the last-minute cancellation and the absence of any follow-up communication from the ministry.

“The ministry has yet to inform the public and we as parents are concerned as to why the town halls have been cancelled at the last minute without any further update following on from the last one,” the parent said.

The town hall meetings were expected to provide parents and other stakeholders with an opportunity to engage ministry officials on education matters and receive updates on issues affecting schools.

When contacted yesterday, an official at the Ministry of Education Transformation confirmed that a notice had been sent to the affected schools advising them that the meetings would no longer be held.

However, the official said no further information could be provided at this time. (AJ)

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