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$5m fund will be ‘tightly structured’

Colville Mounsey
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$5m fund will be ‘tightly structured’

Faith-based organisations seeking access to Government’s new $5 million annual fund have been put on notice: bring strong, resultsdriven programmes or risk being left behind.

Minister of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector Colin Jordan made it clear yesterday that the Faith-Based Social Programmes Fund will be tightly structured, with accountability and measurable impact at its core.

Delivering remarks at the opening of the third annual Faith-Based Symposium at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, he cautioned that the initiative was not designed to supplement offerings or provide easy financing.

“This is not to add to your collection . . . . It is about programmes that impact our communities,” he said, stressing that organisations must demonstrate clear outcomes tied to the use of public funds.

He said that while the Government recognised the value of faith-based organisations, access to funding would depend heavily on the quality of proposals submitted and their ability to deliver real, measurable change.

“Good intentions must be translated into well-designed programmes where vision is supported by planning and passion met with measurable targets.”

Jordan told stakeholders that the Ministry had already drafted a framework for the fund, which has been circulated for feedback ahead of Cabinet’s consideration, signalling Government’s urgency to roll out the programme.

Not every idea would be funded, he noted, warning that organisations must be able to clearly articulate their vision and expected results.

“You do not want to be in a situation where you have an excellent idea, but it is not well enough crafted . . . , that those making decisions are not able to recognise the value in your idea,” he pointed out.

The symposium, held under the theme Building Our Young People, Our Future, Our Legacy, brought together leaders from churches, ministries and other faith-based bodies to strengthen their capacity to access the fund and deliver sustainable programmes.

Central to that effort was training in grant writing and proposal development, with featured presenter Karen Phillips of Kainos Caribbean guiding participants on how to convert ideas into structured, fundable initiatives.

Jordan said the emphasis on structure and accountability was critical, particularly as taxpayer dollars would be used.

“There must be that alignment of output with the promise . . . . We must be able to look back and see whether our expenditure has been met with the results we expected,” he said.

Greater access

He outlined a series of outcomes the Government expects to see from funded programmes, including increased youth participation in structured activities, greater access to skills training and employment pathways, and reduced involvement in crime and antisocial behaviour.

However, the Minister stressed that the real measure of success would be long-term transformation.

“Impact is the goal, transformation is the goal,” he reiterated, noting that the country must be able to point to stronger families, safer communities and more responsible young citizens in the years ahead.

Jordan also made it clear that faith-based organisations would not be left to navigate the process alone, as there would be support from his Ministry and training opportunities designed to build their administrative and strategic capacity.

“We are here to ensure that faith-based organisations are equipped not only spiritually but socially, also administratively and strategically.”

At the same time, he reminded participants that the responsibility for shaping young people could not rest with Government alone.

“Building our young people requires intentional collaboration . . . . Government, faith-based organisations, families and communities must work together in unison.”

He urged those in attendance to use the symposium as a working session rather than a ceremonial gathering, encouraging open discussion, critique of the proposed framework and the sharing of best practices.

Jordan challenged stakeholders to rise to the moment, framing the fund as both an opportunity and a test of the sector’s ability to deliver meaningful social change.

“Years from now, we must be able to say that we made deliberate choices, invested wisely and created systems of support that changed the trajectory of our young people,” he added.

(CLM)

Coachella kicks off with Sabrina Carpenter and surprise guests

Nationnews Desk
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Coachella kicks off with Sabrina Carpenter and surprise guests

The Coachella music festival has kicked off with surprise guest actor Susan Sarandon featuring in pop star Sabrina Carpenter’s headlining performance on Friday.

The actor delivered a monologue as an older version of 26-year-old Carpenter in the middle of her set. Other stars who featured in the singer’s classic Hollywood-themed gig were comedian Will Ferrell and actor Sam Elliott.

The massive festival in the California desert draws more than 100,000 people daily over two weekends, according to police from the city of Indio.

This year, weather agencies have warned of wind and dust in the area, with strong winds forcing the festival to cancel a set by DJ Anyma after Carpenter’s performance.

“Due to strong wind conditions affecting Anyma’s stage build, he is unable to perform tonight,” the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival said in a statement on Instagram on Friday. “Coachella and Anyma have made this decision together with your safety as the priority.”

The National Weather Service had said wind gusts were expected to reach around 25 miles per hour on Friday.

An air quality advisory is also in place in the Coachella Valley from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning because of windblown dust that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

“Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections,” the National Weather Service warned.

Indio is listed as one of the potentially impacted areas, although the local air quality management district said levels of polluting particles were measured as good to moderate since noon on Thursday.

To kick off the globally renowned festival, Carpenter – headlining for the first time – turned the stage into the Hollywood Hills, nicknaming it “Sabrinawood”.

She began her set by appearing in a short film where she was pulled over while driving at night by the actor Elliott. He lets her go, and afterwards she emerges on stage. Comedian Ferrell appeared later on stage pretending to be an electrician.

Other performers on Friday included global girl group KATSEYE and British artist Disclosure.

On Saturday, Justin Bieber will headline the festival, followed by Karol G on Sunday.

A number of UK artists are also on the bill – including Wet Leg, Lambrini Girls, Little Simz and FKA Twigs. The line-ups will repeat next weekend.

The festival, held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, has been running since 2002. (BBC News)

Labour Department to boost inspections

Nationnews Desk
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Labour Department to boost inspections

The Labour Department will be increasing inspection visits to workplaces across Barbados as part of a renewed push to improve compliance with labour legislation and strengthen labour-management relations practice.

Acting Chief Labour Officer Wayne Sobers said the initiative will focus on public and private sector entities, and is intended to address growing concerns about non-compliance, lack of awareness, and actions by employers and their agents that run counter to the provisions of labour legislation.

He said labour officers, and safety and health officers are legally allowed to enter and inspect any workplace, request records, and assess the working environment and other conditions of employment to ensure that workers are aware of their rights and responsibilities, and that employers are meeting their obligations under the law.

Under the Labour Department Act, Cap 23, officers may enter and examine premises at any time – day or night – and request the production of documents relating to wages, hours and working conditions.

Sobers noted that while the Department’s role

includes enforcement, its primary focus remains dispute prevention and resolution.

He expressed concern about recent instances where employers failed to cooperate with labour officers during inspection visits, stressing that such actions are offences under the law.

“Employers are required to provide information when requested and to allow officers to carry out their duties. Hindering an inspection not only delays the process but also diverts valuable time and resources,” he added.

Sobers emphasised that while the Department is fully prepared to pursue prosecution, its preference is to foster a culture of compliance through education and engagement and effective social dialogue. (BGIS)

Guyana President reiterates support for regional integration movement

Nationnews Desk
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Guyana President reiterates support for regional integration movement

President Irfaan Ali of Guyana Friday defended the 15-member regional integration grouping,  CARICOM, and reiterated his support for the reappointment of Dr.  Carla  Barnett as the grouping’s Secretary General for another five year term.

Ali, who arrived here to deliver the feature address at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry & Commerce business meeting, told reporters that CARICOM founded on August 1, 1973, has an important role to play and “like any other movement, like any other family, there will be challenges, there will be opportunities.

“…over the last five years, we, CARICOM, has operated on the different challenges. We had COVID.We had the global supply chain crisis. We had a food crisis with rising costs. We saw it was not easy.

“We had a very tough season. But what I believe is necessary is a move towards the bridging, creating that bridge where the bureaucracy, that style needs to develop, but from within countries themselves, like trade, expands the economic opportunity.

“So people, CARICOM citizens, can feel the value of CARICOM when you travel. You can feel the value of CARICOM when you eat. You can feel the value of CARICOM when you seek attainment. So that is the space that we should be working for,”  Ali told reporters.

The regional leaders were meeting virtually on Friday to discuss several issues including the controversy surrounding the re-appointment of Barnett, a Belizean economist, whose five yeear terms comes to ane end in August.

Trinidad and Tobago had been calling for a meeting of CARICOM to deal with the re-appointment  insisting that it was “deliberately uninvited” to the meeting where the agreement had been reached in St. Kitts and Nevis in February.

The country’s CARICOM and Foreign  Affairs Minister, Sean Sobers earlier this  week that Port of Spain would be seeking a meeting of CARICOM to challenge the reappointment and that fresh elections could also be placed on the table.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has already condemned the “surreptitious and odious process” used regarding the reappointment of Barnett, saying it could have long term effects for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

In a brief statement late last month, the CARICOM chairman and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew, said that Barnett had attained the “required majority” from among regional leaders regarding her re-appointment at last month’s CARICOM summit held in Basseterre.

Ali, who had earlier this week defended the procedure used to re-appoint Barnett, reiterated his position here on Friday, telling reporters “we made a decision to support the re-election of Secretary-General, and that is something that we stand by”.

He said he would  not make pronouncements as to  what transpired during the meeting in Basseterre adding “I can just speak about my role.

“I was at the caucus when this was taken, and I am a supporter,”  he said.

Guyana and Venezuela have a long standing border dispute now  before the International Court of Justice (ICJ)  and Ali also spoke of  the visit on Thursday to  Grenada by the Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriquez,

“I’m open to meet any leader globally, any leader in this region.  As a responsible leader, we know that development of our countries, development of our people, they’re integrated.

“And we stand firmly on the side of democracy, the rule of law. We will take like any threat to the sovereignty of Guyana, and that is why I want to also thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad- Bissessar  for her very strong words and decisive position on Guyana, on our sovereignty, on our territorial integrity.

‘We value that deeply. We value our friendship with Trinidad and Tobago. We see Trinidad and Tobago as a brotherly, sisterly country, and part of that community,”  Ali said.

In his  address to the private sector grouping, President Ali called for  Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana to come together for at least 72 hours to fix the problems which currently stop the two countries from finalising a strong economic partnership, noting that it was important for the two countries, which are propelled by oil and gas.

“If we care about partnership, if we care about building consortiums. We care about building a joint economic front between Guyana  and Trinidad and Tobago then we must care about fixing the problem and let’s get in that room, lock ourselves up for 72 hours and fix the damn problem,” said Ali.

He told the meeting that there were prospects outside of energy where both countries could develop through partnership pointing to Guyana’s export of soya beans and Trinidad and Tobago’s famous cocoa plant.

While he praised the Trinidad-based regional conglomerate, ANSA McAL,  for leading the way through its investments in Georgetown, Ali  said he was equally disappointed that there was no Trinidad and Tobago consortium that had taken the opportunity to invest in Guyanese gold.

Ali also  highlighted the sectoral distribution of credit to the private sector, noting that in Trinidad and Tobago the banking sector placed minimal emphasis on the agriculture sector. He said in his country,  the banking sector supported activities across all critical sectors, including agriculture meaning that the private sector is actively partnering with the government to develop these sectors in the economy.

President Ali called for economic diversification, saying “we must not think of agriculture in the traditional sense but to understand it has great financial gain”

He said infrastructure is also important and there is a massive investment in roads, bridges and airports to position Guyana as a regional hub. (CMC)

Hope wanes for the safe return of missing fishermen

Carlos Atwell
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Hope wanes for the safe return of missing fishermen

Hope is running out for the safe return of fisherman Othneil Harewood and Chinese national Zhi Cai Su.

The men left Barbados on March 14, reportedly heading into waters described by fellow fishermen as dangerously rough, and have not been seen since.

In Oistins, Christ Church, recently, Harewood’s cousin, Charles Harewood, described him as stubborn and as someone who did not give up.

“If there was any opportunity for him to get back, he would take it. So the fact he’s not back yet, something has gone grossly wrong,” he said.

Charles said his cousin was an “all right” fellow who had some issues in the past but was trying to be a better person. He said he was holding on fiercely to hope that his cousin was alive, but admitted it may be time to face reality.

“It’s not a good feeling, but it’s getting to the point where I may have to accept the fact that it is what it is,” he said.

Su, known as “Chinee”, has lived in Barbados for decades. He met his wife, Lee Hong Su, in 2000. Yesterday, she was selling food along the Princess Alice Highway, St Michael, at The Juice Spot Bar.

“I don’t know why he went out to sea. He liked to go out, but he’s not a fisherman; the other man was a regular fisherman. He left that Saturday and said he would be back the Sunday. Now everyone says he’s gone,” the still distraught woman said.

Lee Hong said she was keeping busy, plus she had to work to earn income for herself and their five children, one of whom is taking part in an internship and the others attending either tertiary or primary school.

She said she was tired of talking about it and hoped not to be approached any longer, as “it happened and I can’t do anything”. 

Neglect tops child abuse cases

Nationnews Desk
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Neglect tops child abuse cases

The Social Empowerment Agency (SEA) recently launched its annual Child Abuse Awareness And Prevention Month with a stark warning that neglect remains the most pervasive and damaging form of abuse affecting children across Barbados.

The launch, held in the HIV/AIDS Conference Room at the Warrens Office Complex, St Michael, brought together Government officials, social care specialists and partners who all urged Barbadians to treat child protection as a national duty rather than a bureaucratic process.

Director of the Social Care Delivery and Support Directorate at SEA, Roseann Richards, revealed that more than 600 cases of suspected child abuse were reported over the agency’s last reporting period, affecting over 800 children.

This is a slight decline from the 2023-2024 period where officials revealed that 677 child abuse cases were reported.

“We collect data every day, every week, every month. Once a report is made, there is a process that must be followed because every reported case does not mean it will be substantiated,” Richards said. 

“When a report comes in, the Child Care Unit carries out a full investigation and only after that assessment can a matter be categorised as a substantiated case.”

She disclosed that for the 2024-2025 period, “we had about 639 reported cases and those cases affected about 811 children. Of those reported cases, most came from St Michael and Christ Church. Of the categories of abuse, neglect was the highest incidence.”

The majority of those impacted were girls.

“There were more females than males who experienced or were impacted by neglect, particularly under-supervision. That is one of the major reasons behind the high number of neglect cases. Once there is neglect, it flows off into every other area of abuse physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal.”

Richards said the public often misunderstood what constituted neglect.

“Neglect occurs when a child is left unsupervised and according to our law, children under the age of 12 should not be left alone in a house or anywhere by themselves. There must be adequate supervision,” she noted. “If you leave a child unsupervised and that child has to take care of younger siblings, it compounds the neglect. We also see cases where unsupervised children end up misusing phones or digital devices.”

Asked whether long-standing backlogs in the court system continued to hinder the resolution of child protection cases, the director said the issue must be understood as a multi-agency challenge.

“When we do the investigation, the judiciary handles the charging and what goes before the court. There are many factors that impact the backlog. If the court is waiting for a psychological report, a police record or a medical report, any one of these can delay matters.

“The concern, however, is that these children are abused in their early years and the matter only gets before the court in adolescence. That is the major concern. We have new legislation to help expedite cases, but it still requires many agencies working together to resolve matters,” she added.

Richards said they will be engaging in a month-long programme of outreach, education, media appearances, school engagement and specialised workshops. 

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Adrian Forde said the scars of child abuse, whether physical or emotional, can last a lifetime.

“Whether we are talking about physical scars or the internal scars from emotional and sexual abuse, the effects can manifest as maladaptive patterns of behaviour throughout a person’s life.”

He stressed that while Government must lead the fight, “we can only do so much. That is why we are asking every single Barbadian to have the visual acuity, the appreciation, the vigilance and the responsibility to recognise abuse or threats to our children, and to act”.

Forde reminded that new child protection legislation, passed on January 2, makes mandatory reporting a legal requirement.

Executive director of the SEA Collen Walcott urged Barbadians to recognise their own role in safeguarding children not just through legislation, but by everyday vigilance.

“The issue of child abuse has expanded from the family to the community and now to the digital space, a space we cannot fully control but in this business of protecting the vulnerable, we cannot give up. We must commit, rededicate and use every resource we have.”

She added: “Broken children become maladaptive adults, so today is not just another calendar activity, it is a call to action.” (TRY)

Barbados under drought watch

Diara Springer
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Barbados under drought watch

Barbados is under a Hydrological Drought Watch for April and May, even as rainfall figures for the year remain above average, the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has confirmed.

The warning comes midway through the dry season, which officially runs through May. Residents are also being cautioned to “be aware” of the possibility of agricultural drought – a separate but related concern that speaks to the stress being placed on the island’s soil and crops during the prolonged dry spell.

The drought watch may come as a surprise to some, given that rainfall totals for 2026 are currently tracking above the historical average. However, the BMS said that figure is heavily skewed by a single weather event – a low-level trough that swept through the island on January 29th and 30th, producing approximately 82 per cent more rainfall than typically recorded for the entire month of January.

The station at Charnocks, Christ Church, has already surpassed its climatological average for March, but the BMS is cautioning against complacency. With dry spells, defined as at least seven consecutive days recording less than 1mm of rainfall, common at this time of year, the service says the public must remain alert to changing conditions for the remainder of the season.

Adding to the dry season picture is a dominant high-pressure system, which the BMS describes as typical for this time of year. The system is responsible for the brisk trade winds currently being felt across the island, which have in turn led to frequent agitation of the seas and prompted the BMS to issue a series of marine advisories in recent weeks, including small craft and high surf warnings.

Those same winds may also be behind what many Barbadians are interpreting as unusually cool conditions. Overnight temperatures are, in fact, still running about two degrees above the historical norm, but successive days of strong winds are making conditions feel more comfortable than they have in the last two to three years, creating the perception of a coolerthan- normal season. The BMS also said that periodic intrusions of Saharan dust into Barbados and the wider Eastern Caribbean are a feature of this time of year, and can affect air quality across the region.

With the dry season set to run for several more weeks, the BMS is urging the public to monitor its latest forecasts covering rainfall, wind, dust haze and marine conditions year-round.

Man remanded on gun and ammo charges

Nationnews Desk
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Man remanded on gun and ammo charges

Tishawn Jaden Clarke was remanded today when he appeared in District ‘A’ Criminal Court #1 before acting Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick.

Clarke, 26, of Lower Carters Gap, Christ Church, was not required to plead to possession of a firearm and nine rounds of ammunition on April 5.

He was remanded to Dodds Prison until May 8 when the matter will be transferred to the Oistins Magistrates’ Court. (PR/SAT)

Strong 2025 for Cave Shepherd

Shawn Cumberbatch
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Strong 2025 for Cave Shepherd

Cave Shepherd & Co. Limited is continuing to diversify its operations following a year in which it earned a $17.5 million profit attributable to equity holders.

This income represents a 15 per cent increase over the $15.1 million profit in 2024, reflecting what management called another year of solid performance across the group, with earnings per share (EPS) increasing from $0.94 from $0.81 in 2024.

As earnings grew, Cave Shepherd announced that subsequent to the end of the financial year on December 31, it merged new subsidiary MyStorage Inc., with Store All entities to form Store All Inc. which operates a leading self-storage business in Barbados.

The Barbados business group reported improved profitability from its continuing operations, with profit before taxation of $20.6 million in 2025 compared with $18.7 million in 2024, and more than doubling the $10 million delivered in 2021.

Cave Shepherd said its audited results demonstrate resilient operating momentum, disciplined management, and consistent performance of its portfolio.

Chairman Sir Geoffrey Cave noted in the directors’ report that “the board remains focused on sustaining profitability while investing in growth, technology and operational enhancements across the Group”.

Management noted that the 2025 performance was underpinned by strong and consistent results from the group’s core financial services companies and associates, including Payce Digital, Fortress, SigniaGlobe Financial and DGM.

The group also reported improved contributions from its non-financial businesses Ganzee and PickUp Taxi Inc. and its joint ventures and financial investments, all of which supported broad-based earnings growth.

Cave Shepherd highlighted the strength of its long-term record of delivering shareholder returns, with EPS increasing from $0.43 in 2021 to $0.94 in 2025, and dividends declared rising from $3.3 million in 2021 to $7.1 million in 2025, representing more than a doubling over the period.

The company added that its financial position remains strong, supported by total equity of $120.2 million, solid working capital of $101.5 million and a return on average equity of 15.4 per cent.

Cave Shepherd’s net equity investment amounted to $8 million for an 80 per cent share of the business and involved a re-financing of the amalgamated company by CIBC Caribbean in the amount of $16 million and an issue of preference shares to the previous owner for $2 million.

The group said this acquisition, positioned the new subsidiary for continued growth and development in the years ahead. (SC)

CAL announces introduction of fuel surcharge

Nationnews Desk
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CAL announces introduction of fuel surcharge

PORT OF SPAIN – The state-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) Friday announced the immediate introduction of a fuel surcharge on all tickets saying it is to help offset a portion of rising costs due mainly to the war in the Middle east involving the United States, Israel and Iran that has led to significant increases in oil and gas prices.

CAL said the fuel surcharge of between US$15 and US$25 per sector will apply,  varying based on route, adding “it should  be noted that there is no increase in the airline’s base fares.

“The surcharge is an applicable flat rate that is added  in the “taxes/fees” breakdown on the overall cost of a ticket”.

CAL said that it is important to note that it does not fully compensate for the increase in fuel expenses and Caribbean Airlines continues to absorb a significant share of these costs to minimise the impact on customers.

It said that customers who purchased tickets prior to Friday “will not incur any additional charge” and that the adjustment comes in response to the continued increase in global jet fuel prices “which remain of the most significant cost drivers in airline operations”

CAL  said that as of this month, jet fuel prices have remained “elevated and airlines worldwide had to to implement cost measures to manage these increases”.

It said that the fuel surcharge will apply to all regional and international routes with the exception of  the domestic travel  between the two islands  “which remains unaffected”.

“We appreciate the understanding of all our loyal customers and stakeholders as we navigate these global cost pressures, while continuing to prioritise the overall travel experience,” CAL added. (CMC)

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