Legendary boxer Mike Tyson is currently at the National Tennis Centre, watching his daughter Milan Tyson compete at the very first Under-18 International Tennis Federation Tournament being played at the Raymond Forde Tennis Centre.
Participants from various countries including the United States of America, Canada, France to name a few are currently on the island competing for a chance to advance to the playoffs. (ML)
Update
One man has died and three others were injured following an incident at a quarry in St Michael on Wednesday morning.
Police said the incident occurred around 9:57 a.m. at a quarry at Lears, where a group of individuals were setting up a piece of equipment when it collapsed.
The collapse resulted in injuries to four persons. One male succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while another was transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The remaining two individuals sought private medical attention.
A medical doctor visited the scene and pronounced death.
Investigations are ongoing.
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Earlier story
Police and emergency personnel are on the scene at Lears Quarry where it is reported that one man was crushed to death.
Two others with serious injuries were rushed to the hospital.
More details as they come. (NS)
The Courts must make it “unmistakably clear” that illegal possession of firearms “will be met with severe consequences”.
So, declared Justice Donna Babb-Agard, as she ordered Shakkell Anthwon Dyall to pay a total of $31 000 in fines for an illegal gun and ammunition.
“This court must make it unmistakably clear that the unlawful possession of firearms will be met with severe consequences. Firearms pose a significant threat to public safety even when they’re not actively in use,” the judge said in the No. 4A Supreme Court.
“Such weapons are, far too often, used with devastating results, leading to loss of life, serious injury and widespread fear within our communities,” she added.
Justice Babb-Agard pointed out that the maximum penalties under the Firearms Act for both offences were stiff and reflected Parliament’s intention that anyone who committed any of the offences should face a lengthy custodial sentence.
Tossed from car
Dyall, of Brathwaite’s Gap, Dayrells Road, Christ Church, had pleaded guilty to having a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and six rounds of ammunition on August 13, 2023.
He was represented by attorneys Rachelle Ward and Shadia Simpson, while Senior State Counsel Tito Holder and State Counsel Eleazar Williams prosecuted.
The court told Dyall that he had been found in possession of a 9 mm semi-automatic weapon which he had tossed from the car in which he was travelling.
“Our present environment is ripe with the prevalence of guns in the hands of citizens who refuse to make the choice to be law-abiding citizens by failing to obtain licences and permits from the Commissioner of Police to use, have or carry firearms or rounds of ammunition,” the judge said.
“There is a culture in this country that has to be seriously addressed by the criminal courts. For this reason this court has considered a much higher fine than the amounts contemplated by the prosecution,” she noted.
The judge said she had considered Dyall’s age at the time of the offence; his initial lack of cooperation with police, as well as his subsequent guilty pleas.
Justice Babb-Agard said she had also considered that Dyall had taken responsibility for the firearm and ammunition, thus sparing the female driver “because it’s very easy to blame someone else”.
The judge continued she had also considered the time Dyall had spent on remand and that he had no prior convictions.
“The fact that the firearm was tossed from the car means exclusive control by you and the inference of knowledge and possession. You were caught red-handed in the presence of police officers who pursued that vehicle in which you were a passenger.
“Although you are a first-time offender, these offences are very serious. This was not a harmless item. A semi-automatic pistol of this caliber is a lethal weapon designed to fire multiple rounds in rapid succession and the presence of six rounds of ammunition highlights that it was ready for use,” the judge said.
Justice Babb-Agard said she had considered that nine years was the appropriate starting point for the firearm and four years was appropriate for the ammunition.
She then deducted one-third for the guilty pleas, as well as two years for mitigating features.
Financial penalty
She further deducted the 969 days Dyall had spent on remand.
The judge then told Dyall the court was satisfied that a substantial financial penalty would be appropriate “given that the mitigating factors substantially outweigh the aggravating factors”.
“This is your first firearm conviction. However the fine imposed by this court must be meaningful and not mainly merely nominal,” the judge said.
She then fined Dyall $25 000 for the firearm and ordered him to pay $10 000 of it immediately.
The remaining $15 000 must be paid in six months or Dyall will spend 491 days in prison.
The judge further ordered Dyall to pay $6 000 for having the ammunition with time served in default of nonpayment. (HLE)
The Asthma Association of Barbados is warning that burning vegetation and garbage is placing people with respiratory illnesses at risk.
President Rosita Pollard voiced the organisation’s alarm following complaints from members of the public, especially asthmatics, who have been affected by smoke from frequent grass fires and household fires in recent weeks.
“We know smoke is one of the major triggers of asthma. Once it gets into your lungs, it can cause you to have an attack. So these people who are burning, they need to stop this burning,” she said.
Grass fires
Her comments came after the Barbados Fire Service released figures showing there were 242 grass fires and 137 rubbish fires this year, many of which have been linked to dry conditions as well as human activity, including the burning of leaves, garbage and overgrown vegetation.
While Pollard noted that the association had not recorded a significant surge in people directly seeking assistance, she acknowledged growing unease among the public based on social media posts.
“I haven’t heard from anybody who said, ‘You know, this is affecting me’ but, as I said, I read some things on Facebook, on social media where people were complaining about the smoke bitterly.”
Despite the absence of formal reports, Pollard stressed that the risks remained very real and should not be underestimated.
“The major thing is the asthma and people don’t understand that asthma can actually kill you, especially in young children whose lungs are very small. Once that smoke gets into your lungs and you use your inhalers and they don’t work, then you end up in the asthma bay,” she warned.
Pollard expressed particular concern about the impact on children, noting that their smaller airways make them more vulnerable.
“We don’t want to see an increase in asthmatics, especially children. Children suffer more than adults. Their airways are smaller and it may take longer for the medication to actually work.”
She explained that individuals experiencing severe asthma attacks often required urgent medical attention, including repeated nebulisation.
Nebulised
“You have to spend hours in there but one thing about the asthma bay is that as soon as you go in, you go straight in. You don’t have to wait, but you still have to get nebulised at least three times,” she said.
Pollard added that the effects of smoke were not limited to asthma sufferers, as there were other respiratory and sinusrelated conditions.
“It’s not only asthma, its sinusitis. Some people get headaches from this smoke,” she added.
Pollard also questioned the cultural practice of burning yard waste.
“It’s a cultural thing that we came up seeing our grandparents do and people still continue doing it. You put your leaves in a bag, you put them outside for the garbage collection. Why do you have to burn them? You have to think about your neighbours.”
Pollard was also concerned about fires being set to clear cow itch grass, particularly near residential communities and schools.
“I was wondering if there’s another way to get rid of the cow itch besides the actual burning of it. Somebody must have some idea of what they can do to get rid of this cow itch. Why do they have to burn it?” she asked.
Pollard warned such practices could have serious consequences for students.
“Some schools are near to these places and it’s affecting the schoolchildren. Schools are going back in very soon and there are just too many fires in one day. It’s a lot of fires.”
Beyond the environmental and health implications, Pollard urged people to take precautions to prevent house fires.
“I ask people to be careful if you’re leaving the house. Make sure you unplug your stuff, your fans and your stoves.” (TRY)
A 26-year-old man has been shot and killed in St Michael late Tuesday night.
Daquan Roberts, of Church Hill Road, Gall Hill, Christ Church, died after being shot along Spruce Street around 10:50 p.m.
Police said Roberts was standing outside a residence with two relatives when a white motor van approached from the Beckwith Street area. A number of gunshots were then fired, striking him.
Investigators said he ran from the scene but collapsed further along the street. He was transported by private vehicle to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigations are ongoing. Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department or Crime Stoppers at 1800-8477, Police Emergency at 211 or the Criminal Investigations Department at 430-7189 or 430-7190.
This year the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will bowl off on Friday, August 7 in St Vincent.
The tournament organisers announced on Wednesday that Arnos Vale will be the neutral venue for the first three matches.
They noted that this move is a “historic milestone that marks an exciting expansion in host venues for the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ and reinforces the tournament’s commitment to bringing world-class T20 cricket to fans across the Caribbean.
The opening match will see newcomers Jamaica Kingsmen making their debut against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons at 7pm. The following night on Saturday, August 8, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will face defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders. The final match will be on Sunday, August 9 when the Falcons come up against Saint Lucia Kings.
Russell, CEO of CPL, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing Republic Bank CPL to St Vincent and The Grenadines for the first time. Expanding into new territories is an important part of our vision, and Arnos Vale is a fantastic venue with a proud cricketing history. We know the fans are passionate about the game, and we can’t wait to experience the energy and atmosphere they will bring.”
This year Barbados will host the playoffs and finals for the first time. Kensington Oval is slated to stage the matches from Wednesday, September 16 to Sunday September 20.
There will be seven teams participating. These are: Barbados Royals, Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Saint Lucia Kings, Trinbago Knight Riders, Jamaica Kingsmen, Guyana Amazon Warriors. (PS)
American livestreamer Johnny Somali, who caused outrage in South Korea by kissing a statue representing World War Two sex slaves, has been sentenced to six months in jail.
Seoul authorities charged him for public nuisance in November 2024 after he posted a clip of himself kissing and performing lap dances on the statue while visiting South Korea. He has been barred from leaving the country since then.
The 25-year-old, whose real name is Ismael Ramsey Khalid, is known for his provocative content which has led to him being banned from several streaming platforms.
He has also been accused of harassing people while travelling in Japan and Israel.
On Wednesday a South Korean court convicted Khalid of multiple charges, including for being a public nuisance and distributing sexual deepfakes.
“The defendant repeatedly committed crimes against unspecified members of the public to generate profit via YouTube and distributed the content in disregard of Korean law,” the court said, according to South Korean media.
Prosecutors had sought a three-year prison term, but the judges handed down a lower sentence while noting the “absence of severe harm to victims”, The Korea Herald reported.
Khalid has also been barred from working with organisations that serve minors and people with disabilities when he is eventually released.
During World War Two, an estimated 200,000 women around Asia were forced to be wartime sex slaves for Japanese soldiers. Many of them were Korean, while others came from China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan.
There are several statues across South Korea, usually depicting a young woman seated in a chair, which have been installed by activists to remember these “comfort women”. The statues have in the past caused diplomatic tensions, as South Korea has long called for reparations from Japan for these women.
Khalid, who has around 5,000 followers on YouTube, had apologised in November 2024 saying he “didn’t understand the significance of the statue”. But many users expressed scepticism of his sincerity.
While investigations were ongoing in South Korea, Khalid had challenged locals to fight him. Several videos on social media show him being punched and chased along the streets.
Earlier he had caused a scene on public transportation, vandalised a convenience store, and streamed obscene videos in public.
Earlier in 2024, Khalid was detained at a protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, for making inappropriate remarks towards a female police officer, but later released.
While in Japan in 2023, he taunted locals with, among other things, his comments on the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the final days of World War Two.
He was later fined 200,000 yen ($1,400) after disrupting business in a restaurant by playing loud music. (BBC News)
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has urged major changes to the global financial system, warning that current measures fail to account for the realities facing vulnerable countries like Barbados.
She made the appeal during a high-level discussion in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, held as part of Spring Meetings week and focused on debt, development and global instability.
Mottley argued that traditional indicators such as debt-to-GDP and income levels do not reflect the true exposure of small states to external shocks, including climate change, rising energy costs and global conflict. She said vulnerability must be recognised as a key factor in determining access to financing.
She also stressed the need for long-term, affordable funding for critical sectors such as education, water and health care, noting that these areas are essential to national development and stability.
The Prime Minister linked ongoing global conflicts and supply chain disruptions to increasing economic pressures in small open economies, including higher food and fuel prices and reduced fiscal space.
Pointing to Barbados’ recent economic performance and reform efforts, she said practical solutions are achievable with strong leadership and political will.
Mottley maintained that vulnerable countries should not be forced to struggle for support, calling for faster action and a more equitable system that allows them to plan and develop with stability and dignity. (Nationnews)
Financial Services Commission (FSC) chairman Sir Patterson Cheltenham has served notice that the agency will be enforcing its regulatory mandate “without fear or favour”.
The former Chief Justice, who has been leading the FSC’s Board of Commissioners since March 1, said that, as it celebrates its 15th anniversary, the regulator of the nonbank financial sector will act once it finds breaches of the law.
He was speaking yesterday at Hilton Barbados Resort as the organisation started a week of consultations with representatives from insurance companies, the securities sector, pension funds, and credit unions.
“The FSC is a supervisory authority. We have a statutory mandate. And we will exercise that mandate without fear or favour,” Sir Patterson asserted in an address under theme Building Trust, Shaping the Future.
“Where we find breaches of the law, we will act. Where we find that consumers have been harmed, we will seek redress. Where we find that governance has been compromised, we will intervene. The era of regulatory tolerance for non-compliance is over.”
However, he also made it clear that compliance “is not a burden imposed by regulators on reluctant institutions”.
“Compliance is the baseline standard of operating with integrity in a licensed environment. Meeting your regulatory obligations should be the floor, not the ceiling, of your conduct,” the FSC chairman said.
Sir Patterson also underscored to industry representatives that “regulation exists not to burden industry, but to underpin the conditions under which industry can thrive sustainably”.
Smarter regulation
“Better regulation is not less regulation – it is smarter regulation. It is regulation that is riskbased, proportionate, transparent, and consistently applied. This commission is committed to a regulatory approach that is clear in its expectations, reasonable in its timelines, and firm in its consequences for those who fall short,” he said.
“Regulation without partnership is enforcement without wisdom. We at the FSC understand that the most effective regulation is not adversarial – it is collaborative.
“We are not here to catch you out. We are here to ensure that the financial system works for everyone – for industry, for consumers,
and for the economy of Barbados as a whole,” he added.
Sir Patterson told officials from regulated entities that the FSC “will be honest with you about our expectations. We will consult before we regulate. We will explain our decisions. We will be accessible. And we will be fair”.
“In return, we expect honesty from you. We expect timely and accurate reporting. We expect proactive disclosure of risks and vulnerabilities. We expect your boards and management to take governance seriously – not as a compliance exercise, but as a genuine commitment to sound stewardship,” he stated.
“Over the next 12 months, this commission will be deepening its engagement with each sector through structured consultations. We want to hear from you. We want to understand the challenges you face. And we want to work with you to design a regulatory environment that is fit for purpose in a rapidly changing world.”
FSC chief executive officer Warrick Ward told participants at the session that this week’s consultations “are not just about reform – they are about reinvention”.
“We are here to address both the foundations of our sector – insurance, occupational pensions, credit unions, and securities – and the frontiers reshaping finance: microfinance and virtual assets,” he said.
“We are shifting from a culture of enforcement to one of co-creation. For example, we must ask: How do we empower microfinance to uplift communities while safeguarding against over-indebtedness? How do we harness the potential of virtual assets without compromising our financial integrity?
“These are the heartbeats of a sector striving to serve every citizen, from the village entrepreneur to the most agile fintech innovator.”
(SC)
GENEVA – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries yesterday reiterated their call for reparatory justice for the trans Atlantic slave trade saying their position is grounded in responsibility and equity.
Guyana’s Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Steven Jacobs, speaking on behalf of the 15-member regional integration grouping, expressed “strong support” for the Fifth Session of the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent as the panel discussed Reparations, Sustainable Development and Economic Justice.
“We meet at a moment when the pages behind us are well known, but the next chapter remains unwritten,” Jacobs said, adding that the story of people of African descent has often been shaped by injustice, chapters of dispossession, chapters of exclusion, chapters whose consequences continue to dictate present realities.
Jacobs said the recent recognition by the United Nations General Assembly of slavery and the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans as the gravest crimes against humanity, places an essential truth on record.
“But acknowledgment alone does not resolve injustice. If left unaddressed, its effects will continue to shape opportunity, access, and development,” Jacobs said, noting that for the CARICOM states, this is a lived reality. (CMC)
