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Dwight Rouse passes away after illness

Nationnews Desk
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Dwight Rouse passes away after illness

One of Barbados’ best and most beloved basketball players has passed away.

Dwight Rouse, 66, who represented the country before switching gears to coaching died today, weeks before his birthday in July.

He fell ill last week and was hospitalised.

Rouse, who grew up in Dayrells Road, Christ Church, gravitated to basketball, lured by the dirt court next to his home.

“Being from that area it was natural for me to gravitate towards the game because it was basketball territory,” he said in an interview.

Standing 6’7” tall, he represented Barbados from 1978 and was captain of the men’s team when the island won the CARICOM Championships in 1994. He was also part of the unit which went to Argentina the following year for pre-Olympic qualifications and continued playing at the national level until 1996.

He was one of the country’s most beloved players, making the outdoor court at the YMCA his stomping ground as the premier defensive player, leading the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association’s Premier League competitions in blocks and rebounds throughout his career.

Rouse’s play for Senators for over three decades coincided with local basketball’s best days, with standing-room only nights at the YMCA on Pinfold Street. There were intense rivalries with local clubs Springfield, Royals, Hawks, Clapham Bulls and the Station Hill Cavaliers.

He stopped playing competitively in 2014.

Rouse, the father of one, worked at the National Sports Council for more than 25 years, honing the skills of successive generations of basketball talent. He coached both the men’s and women’s national basketball teams. (SAT/BA)

Flash flood watch in effect as tropical wave affects Barbados

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Flash flood watch in effect as tropical wave affects Barbados

The Barbados Meteorological Services issued a flash flood watch today as excessive rainfall could generate flooding across low-lying areas the island.

These conditions are predicted to persist this afternoon and tonight, with some improvement tomorrow.

A tropical wave, enhanced by a favourable upper-level pattern, is generating cloudy to overcast skies, light to heavy showers and periods of rain. Parts of the island have already recorded up to an inch of rainfall in the last 12 to 24 hours and an additional one to two inches is possible this evening and into tonight.

A flash-flood watch is issued when heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time (generally less than six hours) could result in flash flooding within the watch area, but does not mean that flooding will occur.

This flash flood watch was issued at 4:30 p.m. today and will be terminated at 6 a.m. tomorrow, or sooner if conditions warrant. (PR/SAT)

Speeding Jamaican fined and deported

Nationnews Desk
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Speeding Jamaican fined and deported

by Sandra Downes

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Mikey and Blood have double shot at Party Monarch

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Mikey and Blood have double shot at Party Monarch

Michael ‘Mikey’ Mercer and Mr Blood are the only artistes who have made it to finals of both segments of the Banks Party Monarch Powered by Hitz 106.7 FM.

Mikey will perform Like a Bajan in the Power Soca and Real Feters in Sweet Soca, while Mr Blood, the reigning calypso monarch, will render Include Me and Crop Over Forever, respectively.

The Party Monarch makes a return this year and will be staged at the National Botanical Gardens on July 12.

The eight finalists in both categories were announced last night at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre.

They are:  

Power Soca

Lil Rick – Best Ting

Mikey Mercer – Like Ah Bajan

Mr Blood – Include Me

Nikita – Extraordinary

Roof Deck Symphony – Pass De Glass

Shanta Prince – Festival Calling

Shaquille – After All

Walkes – Road Way

Reserve: Mole & Hypasounds – Verified (Where We From)

Sweet Soca

Aza – Soca Heaven

Khiomal – Back To When

Mikey Mercer – Real Feters

Mr. Blood – Crop Over Forever

Ross – Come And Go

Saddis – Skyfall

Skung Yung – Chemistry

SugahRhe & Freshie – Show Me Uh Motion

Reserve: Iamjusd – Best Friend

‘Locals First’

Barry Alleyne
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‘Locals First’

Barbados has been making sure citizens of the country are not losing out on employment opportunities.

The assertion came yesterday from the country’s Chief Immigration Officer Margaret Inniss, who revealed that nearly 1 700 people entered the island under the CARICOM free movement regime during the past eight months.

Speaking before Parliament’s Joint Select Committee (standing) examining the Barbados Citizenship Bill yesterday in the Upper House, Inniss disclosed that between October 1 last year and the end of May, 1 696 people arrived from participating CARICOM member states under the free movement arrangement.

Inniss stressed that the Immigration Department played an active role in scrutinising work permit applications to ensure that Barbadians and eligible CARICOM nationals were not unfairly overlooked.

She explained that where employers sought work permits for foreign nationals, immigration officials required evidence of recruitment efforts and examined the reasons local or regional applicants were rejected.

“If you submit an application and you are denying a Barbadian or a CARICOM person, we will ask to see the applications and the rationale for denying the person,” she said.

Officials also review applicants’ qualifications and experience before any decision is made. Inniss noted that not every employer who advertised a position and subsequently applied for a work permit would automatically receive approval.

At the same time, the Chief Immigration Officer acknowledged concerns about declining skills in some sectors and said Government was examining ways to address labour shortages while maintaining protections for local workers.

She said some investors, including Barbadian business owners, had sought permission to recruit overseas workers to help ensure the success of their operations.

Inniss welcomed discussion on measures aimed at tightening aspects of the immigration system to ensure that Barbadians and CARICOM nationals continued to enjoy equal access to employment opportunities.

The chief revealed that of the 1 696 people who came to Barbados in the past eight months, 700 registered with the Ministry of Labour, suggesting that many were seeking to use their skills and qualifications in Barbados’ labour market.

“Approximately half of those persons are persons who basically are indicating that they have skill sets that they’d like to use in Barbados,” Inniss told the committee.

However, she acknowledged concerns that some employers might attempt to tailor recruitment exercises to secure specific foreign workers rather than hiring locally available talent.

“Let’s not fool ourselves,” she said. “There are persons who want their persons to work, so they design whatever they design to say, this is the person that I want to work with me.”

While accepting that employers must make operational decisions in the best interests of their businesses, she said that efforts should first be made to identify and develop local talent.

“Barbadians have a right to employment in this country,” she said. “You look locally first, and then you can look regionally.” (BA)

NCF mourns passing of Sir Charles Emile Straker

Nationnews Desk
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NCF mourns passing of Sir Charles Emile Straker

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has joined the nation in mourning the passing of Sir Emile Straker, describing him as a national cultural treasure whose influence spanned more than six decades.

In a statement, the NCF said Sir Emile’s voice and vision helped carry the sound of Barbados to the world through his work with The Merrymen, which he co-founded in 1962.

Below is the full statement

With heavy hearts, the National Cultural Foundation joins Barbadians, at home and in the diaspora, and the cultural and creative communities in mourning the loss of a true national cultural treasure, Sir Charles Emile Straker.

For more than six decades, Sir Emile’s voice and vision carried the sound of Barbados to the world. Beginning his professional journey in 1961 in Canada, he returned home to form The Merrymen in 1962 with the late Robin Hunte Stephen Fields and Chris Gibbs, and together they crafted a distinctive Caribeat that became synonymous with Barbadian spirit. From humble performances at St. Winifred’s to stages at Madison Square Garden, Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Superbowl XIII, Sir Emile and The Merrymen shared their warmth and joy across four continents and over 100 countries.

A prolific composer and consummate performer, Sir Emile gave us timeless songs — Ring Ting Ting, The Big Bamboo, You Sweeten Me, Barnabas, Nut Seller, Gary Sobers, and the beloved Beautiful Barbados, often called our unofficial anthem — among hundreds of recordings. His extraordinary vocal range embraced calypso, reggae, spouge, cadence and more; his whistling brought Christmas cheer to generations. Under his stewardship, The Merrymen helped put Barbados firmly on the world’s tourism and cultural map.

Beyond the stage, Sir Emile devoted himself to cultural development on the island: serving on the first Crop Over Festival Committee, advising the NCF and Barbados Tourism Authority, supporting charities and national celebrations. His contributions were recognized with the Barbados Centennial Honour (2000), the CBE (2013), and the Knight of St Andrew (2019), among several other national awards.

In 2023, the NCF celebrated Sir Emile’s contribution to the local and international music landscape at NIFCA Music in the Square – Icons Night held in Golden Square Freedom Square in the The City. In that same year Sir Emile published his rich story in his autobiography “My Island and Me”, edited by John Roett, which was launched at Ilaro Court with support from the NCF and the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Board of Management and Staff at the NCF extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the global music fraternity. Sir Emile was more than a musician and composer — he was an ambassador, a beacon of Barbadian culture, and a cherished part of our collective heart. May his music and memory continue to inspire, and may he rest in peace.

Central Bank explains salary payment delays amid BiMPay rollout

Nationnews Desk
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Central Bank explains salary payment delays amid BiMPay rollout

The Central Bank of Barbados has sought to reassure workers affected by delayed salary payments, stating that the issue is not a failure of the BiMPay system itself.

In a statement, the Bank said the delays were linked to incorrectly formatted account information submitted for processing through the new payment platform.

Under the previous automated clearing house system, some formatting errors could be corrected before payments were completed. However, BiMPay processes transactions in real time, requiring account information to meet validation requirements before payments can be accepted.

The Central Bank said it has been working with banks and credit unions to address account formatting and payment file requirements, while financial institutions continue to assist corporate customers in resolving any issues.

Employers submitting payroll files have been advised to check with their financial institutions to ensure account and file information meets BiMPay’s processing standards.

The Bank also stressed that employees receiving salaries through direct deposit do not need to download or use the BiMPay e-wallet to receive payments.

Apologising for the inconvenience caused, the Central Bank said it was working with participating financial institutions to ensure salary payments and other electronic transfers continue to flow smoothly.

Since interbank transfers resumed on BiMPay on June 13, the platform has processed 126,000 transactions valued at approximately $210 million.

Ambassador to the US Vic Fernandes pays tribute to the late Sir Charles Emile Straker

Nationnews Desk
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Ambassador to the US Vic Fernandes pays tribute to the late Sir Charles Emile Straker

Barbados’ Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the OAS, Vic Fernandes, has paid tribute to the late Sir Charles Emile Straker, who passed away earlier this morning.

Fernandes reflected on Sir Emile’s passing earlier this morning, noting his immense contribution to Barbados’ musical landscape and his influence as a songwriter, performer and mentor to generations of artists.

He recalled Sir Emile and The Merrymen performing to packed audiences internationally, while serving as cultural ambassadors for Barbados through their music.

Fernandes highlighted Sir Emile’s songwriting legacy, saying he wrote hundreds of songs not only for The Merrymen but also for emerging artists, helping to shape and influence later Barbadian bands.

He also pointed to the importance of REC Studios at Searles Plantation, describing it as a creative hub where much of Barbadian music was produced, as well as the group’s long-standing presence at the Pepper Pot nightclub.

The ambassador recalled Sir Emile’s later work with his wife Joyce in establishing the Plantation Garden Theatre, further contributing to Barbados’ cultural and artistic development.

Fernandes also referenced the 1960s song Archie, noting its impact in Trinidad and Tobago where it was widely regarded as an unofficial road march, despite its Barbadian origin.

He said he was proud to have known Sir Emile personally, adding that he had conducted what he believed was one of the final interviews with the musician and later shared a meal with him at his family home.

Fernandes described Sir Emile as always smiling, kind and never seen in anger, calling him a caring and loving man who embodied the spirit of Barbados.

“Sir Emile Straker was a gentleman, always smiling. Actually, I can never remember any occasion that when I saw him angry at anyone or anything. A caring, loving man, a true Barbadian icon and a treasure to Barbados. Rest in peace, Sir Emil Straker, and rise in eternal glory.”ernal glory.”

Tips on care for animals during drought and heatwave

Nationnews Desk
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Tips on care for animals during drought and heatwave

Barbados is heating up and with the humidity rising, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can become a real risk for domestic animals, says veterinarian Dr Manoj Vensimal.

The veterinary surgeon and managing director of Central Veterinary Clinic gave a few tips he said could help at this time.

• Always provide shade and shelter.

• Keep plenty of cool, accessible water available to all pets and refill often.

• Walk pets early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are cooler.

• Wet your dog(s) prior to taking them on walks and then again after their walks.

• Always carry water with you when taking you pet(s) on a walk.

• Feed them frozen snacks As temperatures rise, staying mindful of heat stress can help keep your pets safe and comfortable this summer, Vensimal said.

He also gave some signs to look out for. These include:

• Brain – seizures

• Eyes – glassy eyes

• Fearful expressions

• Mouth – heavy panting

• Excessive drooling

• Red or purple gums and tongue

• Vomiting

• Excessive salivation or frothing

• Legs – collapsing or staggering Vensimal urged individuals to contact their veterinarian immediately if they suspect heat exhaustion or have concerns about their pets in the heat.

General manager of the Barbados Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Charmaine Hatcher, said livestock were more vulnerable, as domesticated animals were generally cared for by owners. However, she said all animals needed proper hydration, whether tied out for grazing or relaxing at home.

Water

“The most vulnerable ones are literally tied out, being cows and sheep. The problem would be, if livestock are left out overnight, to ensure that owners go back and water them in the morning before they go to work and immediately when they come back home from work. Mind you, sheep and cows, they are very hardy animals, but it’s not to say you should neglect them as they still do require a lot of water,” she said.

Hatcher said farm chickens were usually well provided for and wild chickens took care of themselves, but suggested people who were so inclined could build birdbaths for small wild birds, as they sometimes had a problem with finding water sources.

She also admonished the public not to waste water on gardens and lawns to the detriment of everything else.

“You will still get the odd person that wants to stay out there and water their garden and their lawn. You know, they really do have to think more sensibly and leave water sources for animal use as well. A garden will come back – yes, the plants will suffer a little bit, so go out there with a little tin tot and put a little bit of water to each of your plants – but don’t stand up with the garden hose and water a lawn that looks pristine when everything else is dead. Water is a precious resource and we’re not getting much rainfall – we’re definitely going to be in trouble without it,” she said. (CM/CA/PR)

BUT supports schools’ closure

Diara Springer
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BUT supports schools’ closure

The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) has given its blessing to the early closure of 13 primary schools to make way for a major Government refurbishment programme.

“The union does not have any fundamental difficulty with the initiative,” said president Rudy Lovell, noting that the union has long pushed for better facilities.

The BUT was not opposed to an extensive school upgrade programme aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning environment for students and staff, he said.

Lovell said that concerns would only arise if the works run past the summer break and spill into the new school year, disrupting students and teachers at the start of term.

The 13 schools shut their doors ahead of the official summer holiday to allow the Ministry of Education Transformation to kick off its school refurbishment drive.

Director of the Education Technical Management Unit, Wayne Baker, said the upgrades are designed to bring greater structural and climate resilience, improved air quality, enhanced health and safety features, and a modernised look overall.

By the time the summer break officially begins, the programme is expected to expand further, with a total of 35 schools earmarked for structural upgrades. The programme is expected to be completed before the new academic year begins in September. (DDS)

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