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BUT President raises concerns over conditions for teachers

Josue Ramirez Nelson
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BUT President raises concerns over conditions for teachers

President of the Barbados Union of Teachers Rudy Lovell highlighted a number of concerns affecting teachers around the country.

While he praised The Ministry of Educational Transformation for its reinstatement of terms leave, a number of challenges remained, from environmental health problems, delays in salary payments, a need for adequate teaching resources, and Violence at the schools.

Lovell called on The Ministry of Educational Transformation to Adress these challenges and count on the collaboration from the BUT, stressing the need for consistent discussions with unions.

He charged that with the increased workload faced by educators in the current educational space, greater focus must be placed on the mental health of Teachers.

This also exemplified the union’s push for the reinstatement of terms leave.

Praises were made for the Government’s push for inclusive education, teacher training, literacy programmed and special needs support. He Affirmed the Union’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry. (JRN)

Jaidan Jordan wins Mr Executive Challenge

Tre Greaves
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Jaidan Jordan wins Mr Executive Challenge

Jaidan Jordan emerged as this year’s Mr Executive Challenge winner, earning a 237 points and captivating both judges and the audience alike.

His crowning moment took place on Sunday night at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St Michael, during the senior boys’ business pageant.

A student of The Alexandra School, Jordan not only impressed with his business acumen and public speaking skills but also shone with confidence and charisma on stage. His performance earned him several special prizes, including the challenge trophy, a commemorative plaque, approximately $1,500 in cash, a $1,000 scholarship, a tablet, the Top Saver and Best Business Pitch awards and more.

Jordan’s closest rival was Kemani Maynard of Queen’s College, who amassed 230 points. He was followed closely by Christ Church Foundation’s Jaden Bakker, who put up a strong fight and secured third place with 228 points.

Azari Deterville of St Leonard’s Boys’ School and Elias Duncan of Ellerslie rounded out the top five, earning 222 and 216 points respectively.

Launched in 2017, the Mr Executive initiative was designed to instil business ethics and entrepreneurial skills in young men, preparing them for work while encouraging gentlemanly attitudes and respectful relationships.

This year’s challenge also placed particular emphasis on dress, punctuality, academics, and service. (TG)

PM Browne elected leader of ruling party

Nationnews Desk
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PM Browne elected leader of ruling party

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has been re-elected leader of the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) promising to build upon the socio-economic policies over the past years as it gears up for the April 30 general election.

Browne addressing a convention of the party held on Sunday which he was re-elected, said “this convention is not just an ordinary convention; this is a defining moment for the country and a defining moment for the executive members and delegates attending the convention to re-commit to the values of the organization”.

He said that the convention is also being used by the ABLP to finalise plans for the general elections.

Browne, who is seeking his fourth consecutive term as head of government,  said the election, which he called nearly two years ahead of the constitutional deadline, is one where ABLP’s  experiences in steering Antigua and Barbuda through troubled times to emerge as a progressive state in the Caribbean.

He praised the efforts of the former executives of the party, including Sir V.C Bird, considered the “Father of the Nation” saying they laid a solid foundation and a deep commitment to advance the well-being of the ordinary men and women in Antigua and Barbuda.

“It’s not about status or individualism; the ABLP has always been about people. It’s a movement of the masses created to protect and to promote the interest of the working class people and all the people of our nation in general.

“An institution led by competent, committed and courageous leaders. There’s no doubt that Sir Vere and Sir Lester were courageous leaders and all who have led this institution and have served in the various ministries of government have been and continue to be courageous leaders,” Browne told the convention, adding that same courage calls on the current leaders to be courageous to left ordinary people out of poverty to extraordinary possibility.

“Today, that same courage calls on us to continue to fight for the working class people; to fight to protect the renaissance that we have created,” Browne added.

Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P Chet Greene, the party’s chairman, also made a strong for the party to be re-elected to office at the end of the  month.

Greene told the convention that the state of unrest in the international sphere calls for steady and experienced leadership at the levels of power in the country.

“We stand here with clear eyes. Because the world is changing. And it is not changing for the better. It is becoming more uncertain. More unstable. More dangerous. Wars are driving up prices. Supply chains are under strain. Tourism is exposed. Small states are vulnerable,” he added.

Greene said that under these circumstances, the electorate of Antigua and Barbuda must be intentional in their voting,

“It cannot be handed over to inexperience. It cannot be risked on those who have already shown us what their failure looks like. We have seen that path. We have lived that path. And we will not return to it! Instead, we choose prog ress. We choose stability. We choose advancement, we choose the renaissance!” Greene told supporters.

He said the party will release its 2026 election manifesto on Friday providing further details of its plans and objectives for the next five years.

In the last general election, held on January 18, 2023, the ABLP won nine of the 17 seats with the remainder going to the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) and a lone independent candidate. (CMC)

Woman charged with malicious communication granted bail

Nationnews Desk
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Woman charged with malicious communication granted bail

Update

Educator and well-known social media commentator Sherriann Dione Norris has been released on bail and ordered to stay away from the complainant when she appeared in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court today.

Norris, of 6th Avenue, Austin Drive, Eden Lodge, St Michael, denied she used a computer to send an electronic communication that was obscene in character, to wit: ‘Send a lawyer; get your friends to write up the f******cease and desist. All now I waiting for ya r*******, ya p****. Send them. I am going drag your ******* *** until you decide to sue me. You think I frighten for you. Wunna should know by now I ain’t frighten for nobody. Mia Mottley, God, the devil, Easter, Lent. I ain’t frighten for a boy. So don’t call my f****** name pon the Instagram’, with intent to cause, or was reckless as to whether she caused annoyance, inconvenience or distress to Akhenaten Burrowes, whom she intended it to be communicated with, between March 1 and April 7.

There was no objection to bail and Acting Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick released her on $3 000 bail with a surety.

He ordered Norris to stay away from the complainant, including on social media, and adjourned the matter until July 14. (HLE)

****

Earlier Story

A 40-year-old St Michael woman has been charged with malicious communication in relation to alleged offences committed between March 1 and April 7, 2026.

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St Lucy folk cry for relief

Ashada Joseph
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St Lucy folk cry for relief

Some residents in Hope Road and River Bay, St Lucy are lamenting longstanding issues in the parish – slow road repairs, discoloured water and the pungent odour from the sargassum seaweed.

Tired of little to no progress, they are demanding immediate action to rectify these issues.

Rawdon Broomes, who lives in River Bay Road, said the road needed to be repaired immediately, noting repairs started last year and were taking too long to be completed. He added that the dust from the road often left his vehicle chalk white when he drove through it.

“You have to put up with the dust. Every day you have to be washing your vehicle, especially when the rain fall and the marl stick up all underneath the vehicle and tyres,” he said.

He also said the pungent smell from the sargassum seaweed didn’t bother him but it was strong in the air when it was being carried away.

Another resident in River Bay Road, who asked not to be named, said he didn’t have reason to complain about the roadworks because issues were bound to arise when these things occurred.

Seaweed

He said he was not impacted by the odour from the sargassum seaweed, except when the rain fell heavily. Additionally, he said some big pick-up trucks usually collected the seaweed once a month.

“Some trucks come and carry it out on Saturdays and Sundays once a month. I live down here all my life and down here was not always like this with so much seaweed. They had something called spring tiding when the sea cleaned itself and it would come and wash away all the seaweed. You never saw it in such a big amount as today,” the man said.

Hope Road resident Keisha Griffith expressed concern about the length of time it took to get everything completed on the road, also noting that road was very narrow and it appeared as if two vehicles could not pass at the same point.

She also pointed to flooding caused by the structure of the road when light rainfall recently caused it to become impassable.

Griffith also complained that dust from the road affected her vehicle and her health. “Our vehicles are being compromised. You wash them today and then they’re white again today. Health-wise, it’s concerning because as you can see, my eyes are swollen because of the dust and my allergies.”

She said the issue with discoloured water was a work in progress, acknowledging efforts to have pipes in the parish changed out.

However, not having clean water led her to constantly replace the inners of her toilet and change fillers in her pipes once a week. She is even considering replacing her washing machine because of all the damage it sustained.

“Sometimes the water is swamp water and it carries a rusty odour. Sometimes you’re even taking a risk bathing with it.

“I don’t think the authorities fully appreciate what we are going through. It goes beyond drinking water. Yes, they have given us a concession of $30 off on the water bill but it goes deeper than that. There’s so many other ways that it has affected us,” she said.

Another resident in the same area said she had to constantly clean her vehicle when she drove through the white marl road.

“I had to get two washdowns of the vehicle by the engine, ’cause the dust just keep on going and going. I can’t wash my car today and it look decent tomorrow. It will look like it come through a quarry,” she said.

The woman also said flooding was a new issue and blamed it on how the road was built.

She also lamented the smell of the seaweed and said she did not know what could be done with it but hoped that issue would be rectified soon.

She said some days the water was normal and others it would switch from white to brown, leaving her unable to wash or cook as she normally would.

The woman said she was forced to buy large bottles of water to use for cooking and drinking, which came at an additional expense as she bought five large bottles every week. (AJ)

No immediate disruption to forward bookings from Iran war

Barry Alleyne
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No immediate disruption to forward bookings from Iran war

Tourism players are entering the summer season with cautious optimism, even as worldwide uncertainty linked to the ongoing Iran military conflict raises concerns about travel costs and increasing economic pressures.

While international tensions have historically influenced travel patterns, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association Ryan Forde says there has been no immediate sign of disruption to visitor arrivals or forward bookings.

Barbados, he added, is experiencing the “usual pace” associated with the transition from the high winter season into the slower summer months.

“I haven’t had any flags raised by members to say business has dropped off or they’re seeing any unusual challenges,” he told the DAILY NATION. “Summer is typically slower than winter, so what we are seeing right now is consistent with that trend.”

At the secretariat level, there have also been no formal concerns raised, he said, though industry stakeholders remain alert to the evolving global situation. The conflict’s potential to drive up oil prices, and, by extension, airline ticket costs, remains a key worry, particularly for long-haul markets.

“I think everybody’s concerned, not just tourism. It affects agriculture, manufacturing, trade, everything. We’ve seen these ripple effects before, whether from geopolitical tensions or pandemics, so we are monitoring it closely,” Forde noted.

Despite those uncertainties, Barbados is leaning on strategic airlift expansion and regional travel initiatives to maintain momentum heading into the summer. Continued service from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in the Netherlands has already contributed to increased European arrivals, while additional capacity from the United Kingdom and Canada is expected to support steady inflows from those key markets.

At the same time, policymakers are seeking to stimulate regional travel across the Caribbean and from the Americas.

Forde cited as important, recent fiscal measures announced by Government aimed at reducing the cost of intra-Caribbean flights, a move designed to encourage island-hopping and short-stay visits during the traditionally quieter months.

Further south, expanded connectivity through Copa Airlines is positioning Barbados to tap into growing demand from Latin America. However, the CEO cautioned that it was still too early to measure the full impact of these initiatives.

“The Budget changes were only a few weeks ago, so we haven’t yet seen a clear shift in bookings, but we expect that to build as we get closer to June and July.”

Seasonal travel patterns are also expected to play a significant role. Caribbean family travel typically peaks in late June and July, while Latin American markets operate on different holiday cycles that could boost arrivals during the same period. The island’s premier summer festival, Crop Over, is also anticipated to drive visitor numbers into early August.

Beyond leisure travel, Barbados is intensifying efforts to attract group business and event-driven tourism. Forde said collaboration with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc is ongoing to secure major sporting events, conferences and weddings during the summer and early autumn months.

“We are still seeing strong interest in group bookings for the summer period. That’s encouraging, because it shows there is still demand for Barbados as a destination.”

He said Barbados’ approach was rooted in adaptability rather than alarm. With established markets holding steady and new ones emerging, the country is aiming to navigate external shocks by strengthening regional ties, enhancing value-driven packages and capitalising on its year-round appeal, he pointed out. (BA)

Man charged with murder and multiple firearm offences

Nationnews Desk
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Man charged with murder and multiple firearm offences

A 34-year-old St Michael man has been charged with murder and several other serious offences following investigations by police.

Darion Alex Hackett, of Block 8E, Sorrel Lane, Eden Lodge, was charged with the murder of Mitch Boyce, along with serious bodily harm, five counts of endangering life, aggravated criminal damage, four counts of use of a firearm, and violent disorder, stemming from an incident on January 12, 2025.

Hackett also faces additional charges of possession of a firearm and possession of 21 rounds of ammunition in relation to an incident on April 1, 2026.

He is scheduled to appear in the District ‘A’ Criminal Court on Monday, April 13.

Man injured in collision at Passage Road

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Man injured in collision at Passage Road

One man was undergoing treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital tonight after being involved in a collision with a car along Passage Road, St Michael.

The accident left him pinned to a wall after people in the area reported hearing the screeching of tyres. The pedestrian was on the way to the home of a friend who lives in the area, The Nation understands.

Police cordoned off Passage Road and traffic was being diverted at the junction with Westbury Road and Baxters Road while investigations continued.

The accident occurred around 5:30 p.m. (SAT)

Fogging Schedule: April 13 to 17

Nationnews Desk
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Fogging Schedule: April 13 to 17

The Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness will concentrate its mosquito eradication programme in some St. Michael districts when it conducts its fogging exercise next week.

The Unit will start in the following communities on Monday, April 13: Corner of Brittons Cross Road and Upper Collymore Rock, proceeding along Brittons Cross Road inclusive of McClean Road and Gaps, Weirs Gap, Scotts Road, Valerie A, B and C, Valerie Link Road, Forde’s Road, Layne’s Road, Perkins Gap, Mill Yard Road, Brydens Avenue, Brittons New Road to the Corner of Villa Road, proceeding along Villa Road and back to Upper Collymore Rock.

On Tuesday, April 14, the team will start at the corner of Belle Gully and Howells Cross Road, proceed along Belle Gully Road, Rouen Road and Avenues, Edna Webster Road, Neil’s Tenantry to Barker Road inclusive of Cosy Corner and Bird Hill, Tichbourne Road, Howells Cross Road, Pinder’s Gap, Back Ivy Road to My Lord’s Hill and back to the Corner of Howells Cross Road, Proute Road, Mayers Road, Deane’s Land, and Rogers Road.

It will be the turn of Culloden Road, St Paul’s Avenue inclusive of Bay Gardens, Old Quarry Road, Water Mill Place, Walcott Avenue, Grant’s Avenue, Evelyn Avenue, Alleyne’s Avenue, Fairview Place, Laurence Avenue, Mansion Place, Bayview Avenue, Jessamine Avenue, Gullyfield, Pipers Avenue, Field’s Place, Curwen Avenue, Browne’s Avenue, Clarke’s Avenue, Luke’s Avenue and environs on Wednesday, April 15.

The following day, Thursday, April 16, the Unit will start at the corner of the ABC Highway and Wildey Road on to Parkinson Field Nos.1 to 8, Rock Avenue, Field Road, East Terrace, Wildey Gardens Nos. 1 to 4, Princess Royal Avenue, Smith Avenue, Hill Top, York Road, Blackman Field, Meadows Road, Golden Rock, Bridgeway Path, Stanley Terrace, Valley View Terrace, Stratford Hill, Shepton Lane, 1st to 4th Avenues North Wildey, Philips Road, Martin’s Road, Regent Hill and surrounding areas.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude on Friday, April 17, in St. Barnabas Heights with Avenues, St. Barnabas New Development, Middle Path, Cliff Path, Pine Primary School Road, Chapel Gap, Oliver Haynes Road, St. Barnabas Gardens, Two Mile Hill, Pine North-South Road, Pine Plantation Road with Avenues, Pine Gardens, Mount Joy Avenue, Pine Road, Croton Avenue, Pine Plantation Road, Margaret Terrace, Costan Drive, Philips Drive, Sunset Drive, Erdiston Road and neighbouring districts.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Children should not be allowed to play in the fog. 

The public is advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time.

Govt to develop pothole plan

Natanga Smith
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Govt to develop pothole plan

Motorists navigating Barbados’ roads have grown increasingly vocal about the worsening conditions, with potholes emerging as one of the most persistent and visible concerns. At the same time, questions about the pace and progress of roadworks continue to mount.

In response, the Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) has begun outlining a more structured approach to repairs while intensifying efforts to assess conditions and projects on the ground.

New Minister of Transport and Works (MTW), Kirk Humphrey, has acknowledged the frustration being experienced daily by drivers, stressing that the issue goes beyond large-scale infrastructure and speaks directly to quality of life.

“I think anybody that’s driving in Barbados now would experience the potholes and for me that’s one of the major concerns. It’s okay for us to do the big things, but the day-to-day problems that people experience are with potholes,” he said.

Humphrey has given the assurance that a national plan to address this issue is being developed as his technical team conducted a multi-day islandwide tour to assess road conditions firsthand and check on the progress of ongoing projects.

According to Humphrey, the groundwork for that plan is already underway, with teams identifying problem areas and moving toward a more strategic response.

“So the team is very well aware of where most of the potholes are. They’ve been able to identify them. I think we need a system of one, two, three, four grading the ones that we must respond to.”

Resources

The proposed system will prioritise repairs while allowing the ministry to deploy resources more efficiently, focusing on specific areas to produce quicker, more noticeable results.

“And I think what we’ve decided to get as a team is that we’re going to move all of our resources in particular areas. So that with that kind of scale, we’ll be able to address the problem at source, but then people will be able to see within a week or two weeks that the area was addressed.”

The minister also underscored the importance of transparency and public involvement, indicating that the plan will be shared and supported by community feedback.

“I want to give Barbados the assurance that we do have a plan for the potholes and that we’re going to identify that plan publicly.”

Grace

Digital tools are already being incorporated into the process to help track and prioritise complaints.

“We’ve already started using Waze. Romel [Minister of State in the Ministry, Dr Romel Springer luses it all the time, for people to identify where they come into contact [with potholes] and then prioritise that as well. So l ask the public for a little grace, but also to have the comfort that we have a plan.”

The development of the pothole plan is happening alongside a deliberate effort by the minister and his team to see the issues up close. Through a series of consultations and site visits, the ministry has been gathering both public input and technical insight.

“We started the traffic consultations. I believe that it’s very important to hear from people where their issues are, also to communicate what some of our strategies are for improvement.”

However, Humphrey made it clear that listening alone is not enough.

“I really wanted to hear the concerns and see them for myself and to be able to at least get a first-hand experience. That’s the best way to be able to understand people’s problems.”

Major works

The tour, which spanned several days and locations, allowed the team to examine longstanding problem areas as well as completed and ongoing works. “We took to the road. We’ve divided it four days, going to the north and going to the south and looking at some of the major works that we would have done as well over time.”

Among the locations reviewed were key traffic points and corridors frequently highlighted by the public.

“Then looking at some of the problems that have been identified through the course of the consultation, for example, the roundabout at Lears, any traffic along Highway 2A and so on.”

He suggested that solutions may not necessarily require external intervention but could come from within the ministry’s own ranks.

“So it’s just to get that experience for the team to be able to come and use their collective brains and resources, because they believe a lot of the solutions to the problems don’t require necessarily outside engineers, but the experience of the men who’ve been doing the work.”

Footpath

The tour also included a stop in St Joseph, where progress is being made on the Melvin Hill Bridge, a key project expected to ease pressure on surrounding areas.

Consultant George Holder explained that preliminary work was necessary before full reconstruction could begin.

“This road failed and in order to get the work started, there were some temporary works which we had to put in place… such as pedestrian footpaths, secure footpath, lights for the occupants because this is a village really and residents need to get between both sides of the bridge and also temporary utility work, removing the power poles, removing the existing water line, moving it away from the construction area.”

Demolition

With demolition already underway, the project is now transitioning into its next phase.

“Demolition has started. I’m in the process now of moving to the construction phase for the structure.”

Holder noted that the timeline for completion is estimated at four to five months. “In the end we’ll have this road back up and running and relieve some of the pressure from the other areas which are under pressure at the moment.” 

“Long coming for the residents, but at last we’re here to get some stuff done.” (NS) 

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