Home Blog Page 6

Bajan women’s hockey team bounce back against Bermuda

Stefan Walker
-
0
Bajan women’s hockey team bounce back against Bermuda

The women’s hockey team took pride of place as Barbados scored some victories at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo yesterday.

The team enjoyed a come-from-behind 3-2 win against Bermuda in a game where the opposition dominated possession.

Bermuda they took a 2-0 first quarter lead thanks to a goal from Robin Stempel and a penalty from Elizabeth Davidson.

 Barbados regrouped and scored their three goals in the third and fourth quarter thanks to a double strike from captain Ayanna Wilson and a third from Nakira Downes.

In golf, Xzavier Wiggins had a much better time on the course in the men’s individual tournament.

He is still 13th, but recovered to have a much better day with a carded score of 76.

“Today was good. I had two birdies again and these birdies were pristine. My irons were ironing. I was hitting the greens, I was hitting the fairways too. First day was 81, today was 76 and that’s only because I had a double bogey coming down the home stretch,” Wiggins said.

“I had an unfortunate break on one of my shots, but today was definitely more like the golf I’m used to. I go into the next two days encouraged, knowing that I do have the game to play well on this course. It’s just to stay patient and keep giving myself chances.”

Badminton player Monyata Riviera flew the Bajan flag high after she was victorious in her round of 32 women’s match in straight sets.

Unfortunately, teammate Kennie King lost his round of 32 match against Ricardo Torres from Venezuela.

Riviera was unable to translate her personal success to the doubles competition after she teamed up with King in mixed doubles, but they were defeated by the Venezuelan team of Torres and Maria Rojas. Sabrina Scott later lost to Juliana Giraldo.

Stephen Slocombe and Kaipo Marshall produced an outstanding performance to book their place in the semifinals of the men’s tennis doubles tournament.

In the women’s doubles quarterfinals, Gabrielle Leslie and Hannah Chambers were defeated, but their run to the quarterfinals was a commendable effort against a strong field.

In rugby, Barbados lost to Bermuda 21-12 in their opening match in Pool B on Saturday, but returned to the field to soundly defeat Guatemala 42-12.

Yesterday, they lost 29-5 to Venezuela, and in the quarterfinals, lost to Trinidad and Tobago 19-10.

In rowing, Kyle Spenard won the men’s singles sculls M1X final in a time of 7:34.14 minutes. (SW)

Centenarian’s life ‘a blessing’

Carlos Atwell
-
0
Centenarian’s life ‘a blessing’

It is not usual to find a centenarian still be married, but Esther Lilian Wickham certainly is.

At their Cadogan Road, Grazettes, St Michael home yesterday, her husband, 94-year-old retired professor Edcil Wickham, had nothing but praise and love for his wife of 49 years.

“Esther has been a treasure; what she’s done for me has been amazing,” he said.

As President The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic listened, Edcil told a tale of how his wife, a fellow academic, was vital in helping him with his career.

“I was a professor from about 1971. I knew the literature, but Esther knew how to deliver it. She was an inspiration as a teacher and made me a better professor. She taught me how to problem-solve, and I became the first president of the Wilfrid Laurier University union in Canada because of her. I got several awards during my time, and I gave them all to her,” he said, adding she continued to be helpful and supportive.

However, that was not the end of the amazing revelations.

Even Bostic said he had never known a centenarian to have not one, but two university degrees: a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies and another Bachelor’s Degree in Arts from the University of Bristol in England.

Esther was a teacher at St Giles Primary School, St Clements Primary School and a deputy principal at Erdiston Teachers’ Training College. Her children, Cheryl Austin, Margaret Austin-Knight and Jeffrey Austin, said their mother was strict when it came to schoolwork.

“She is very gentle and very funny but stern too. When you step out of line, she would give you the look. She was very strict about homework, and we were afraid to bring home a grade less than an A,” said Austin-Knight.

Esther and the president had a lively interaction, conversing about things such as cooking and travel. He said it was always a pleasure to visit centenarians.

“Congratulations on reaching such a significant milestone. People may think this is just a ceremonial duty, but it is much more than that. You are one of Barbados’ treasures, and when I visit, I represent the whole of Barbados. A 100 years is not 100 days, and you must have stories I cannot find in any history book,” he said.

Esther credited her long life to good genes, as her father passed at 98 and a sister passed at age 97, adding she did not feel like a 100-year-old.

Her children, who live in the United States and Trinidad, said she remained in good health except for the loss of her sight to glaucoma.

They said she has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Edcil also has two children from a previous marriage. (CA)

Fogging Schedule: July 27 to 31

Nationnews Desk
-
0
Fogging Schedule: July 27 to 31

The Ministry of Health and Wellness’ fogging programme will be concentrated in St. John when the Vector Control Unit carries out its mosquito reduction efforts next week.

The Unit will begin on Monday, July 27, in Glenburnie, St. Margaret’s, Martin’s Bay, Zores, Clifton Hall, Church View, New Castle, and environs.

The team will go to Cliff Cottage, Coach Hill, Welch Town, Pothouse Hill, Eastmont Road, Cheshire, Small Hope Tenantry, Gall Hill Terrace, Gall Hill Nos.1 and 2, and Glebe Land, on Tuesday, July 28.

On Wednesday, July 29, it will be the turn of Cherry Grove, Henley, Bowmanston, Small Town, Ashbury Tenantry Road, Lemon Arbor Village, Knight’s Land, Lower Four Roads, Spooners, and Pool Land Nos. 1 and 2.

The Unit will turn its attention to Haynes Hill, Haynes Hill Tenantry, Sargeant’s Street, Society, Sealy Hall, Consett Bay, College Savannah Nos.1 and 2, Fortescue, and Blades Hill on Thursday, July 30.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude on Friday, July 31, in Stewart Hill, Massiah Street, Rosegate, Guinea, Ashford, Wilson Hill, Mount Tabor, Venture, Sherbourne, and surrounding areas.

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.

Industry star David Jonsson to play Black Panther in Marvel sequel

Nationnews Desk
-
0
Industry star David Jonsson to play Black Panther in Marvel sequel

The British actor David Jonsson has been unveiled as the new Black Panther by the film’s director, Ryan Coogler.

Jonsson, 32, known for roles in Industry, The Long Walk and Alien: Romulus, will play the son of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa in the third Black Panther movie.

He joined Coogler on stage at Marvel Studios’ Comic-Con International presentation to announce the news on Saturday, alongside co-stars Letitia Wright and Winston Duke.

Coogler, who won the Oscar for best original screenplay for his vampire film Sinners earlier this year, said: “The last time we got to make a movie, we introduced a character who is the son of the character that the great Chadwick Boseman played – our T’Challa – in that film.

“And today, I want to tell you that in this next film, he grows up, he comes of age.”

Born in London, Jonsson began his career in the West End. He made his screen debut in 2018 in two episodes of the British detective drama Endeavour before being cast as Augustus “Gus” Sackey in the first two series of Industry from 2020 to 2022.

He appeared in the 2025 adaptation of Stephen King’s thriller The Long Walk and in the same year won the Bafta rising star award.

Jonsson, who also has roles in the upcoming films The Chaperones, Benn/Eubank and Scandalous, said: “Thank you to this family that I have the honour and the blessing to join. I don’t want to say too much, because I want to let the screen do the talking.”

Black Panther III will be released in US cinemas on 15 December 2028. A UK release date yet to be confirmed.

Boseman died in 2020 aged 43, four years after being diagnosed with colon cancer. (Guardian UK)

CG ups support for blood collection

Barry Alleyne
-
0
CG ups support for blood collection

Almost two months after launching its Fuelling Hope Blood Drive, CG United has expanded its support for the National Blood Collecting Centre, reinforcing efforts to boost voluntary blood donations and improve the country’s blood supply.

The insurance company recently returned to the Centre to replenish the stock of $50 gas vouchers offered to eligible voluntary donors under the initiative. It also donated a printer and shredder to help streamline the Centre’s daily administrative operations and improve service to donors.

The Fuelling Hope Blood Drive, which began on June 1, offers qualifying voluntary donors a $50 gas voucher for every unit of blood donated. The programme was designed to encourage more Barbadians to give blood while helping to maintain a reliable national blood supply.

Committed

General Manager for Property and Casualty at CG United, Tessha Myers, said the company remained committed to supporting both the Centre and the wider community through practical initiatives that could make a meaningful difference.

“One pint of blood has the potential to save multiple lives. By providing the additional incentive of a gas voucher, we hope to encourage greater public participation in voluntary blood donation,” Myers said.

She noted that the response to the campaign had been encouraging and said CG United was pleased to continue providing support that benefits both staff and donors.

The initiative was launched with personal blood donations from CG United employees, who also provided refreshments and tokens of appreciation for donors and Centre staff.

Manager of the National Blood Collecting Centre, Wendy Lorde, welcomed the company’s continued partnership, saying it comes at an important time for the country’s blood donation programme.

“We are seeing an increase in persons willing to donate for themselves and their loved ones, but we would like to see more persons contributing more consistently,” Lorde said. “We welcome this support from CG United and hope that it encourages more voluntary contributions to improve our blood supply.”

The Fuelling Hope Blood Drive will continue until December 31.

(BA/PR)

Germany says Berlin Pride ramming was terrorist attack and hunts Islamist suspect

Nationnews Desk
-
0
Germany says Berlin Pride ramming was terrorist attack and hunts Islamist suspect

Germany pledged to bring ​to justice those responsible for Saturday night’s deadly crowd-ramming near a Pride event in Berlin, calling it a terrorist attack and identifying the suspect as ‌a known Islamist militant sympathiser.

A white minivan ploughed into pedestrians in the Tiergarten park near the Brandenburg Gate at about 10 p.m. (2000 GMT), not far from one of Europe’s biggest annual LGBTQ Pride celebrations, Christopher Street Day. One person was killed and 29 injured, eight seriously, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said.

“Everything we see here indicates that we are dealing with ​an Islamist terrorist attack,” he told journalists in Berlin.

The suspected perpetrator had “attracted attention in the past through a high degree of ​criminal offences, through radicalisation, through membership of the Islamist scene”, Dobrindt said, adding that he had a Lebanese ⁠background and was born in Germany in 2005.

Berlin police said overnight they had identified a suspect, naming ​him as Abdul B and publishing his picture.

They asked the public to help find him, describing him as slim, around 1.90 m (6 foot 2 inches) tall, ​with black hair, and last seen wearing a black hooded top and white trousers.

But they also warned people not to approach him, saying he was “possibly armed and dangerous”.

Security sources told Reuters that the suspect had been released from juvenile detention only two months ago.

They said he had sought contact with the Islamic State militant group, that he was known to ​domestic intelligence and was among the hundreds of people classed as potentially dangerous, a label that usually leads to scrutiny or monitoring.

Of the ​29 people who were wounded in Berlin, some suffered stab wounds, Dobrindt said. The fire service said three of the injured were in a life-threatening condition.

Christopher Street Day organisers ‌cancelled the ⁠remainder of the events.

Much about the incident remained unclear, including whether the perpetrator acted alone, since police said more than one person may have got out of the van.

Reuters TV footage from the scene on Sunday morning showed a white minivan crumpled into a tree. The mass-circulation newspaper Bild said it was a Citroen delivery vehicle that Abdul B had rented, adding that police had searched his apartment.

The attack comes at a sensitive ​time for conservative chancellor Friedrich Merz’s ⁠unpopular coalition government, which is going through a bruising cabinet reshuffle as critics accuse it of being ineffective.

State elections take place in two months, with the far-right opposition party Alternative for Germany (AfD) campaigning on issues including immigration and ​security in a bid to secure leadership of a regional government for the first time.

The AfD was quick to ​comment on the attack.

“We ⁠will not allow religious extremists to divide our country with violence and intolerance!” AfD co-chief Tino Chrupalla said on X.

Germany has experienced a series of vehicle attacks on crowds in recent years.

In May, a man believed to have mental health issues drove into a pedestrian zone in Leipzig, killing two people ⁠and seriously ​injuring three.

In 2016, Anis Amri, a Tunisian failed asylum seeker with links to Islamist ​militants, hijacked a truck, killed its driver and drove it into a busy Christmas market, killing 11 people and injuring dozens. He was shot dead by police in Italy ​four days later. (Reuters)

Govt should fast track legal opinion, says DLP

Antoinette Connell
-
0
Govt should fast track legal opinion, says DLP

Government should be moving with urgency to get a legal opinion on the deduction authorisation for public officers that is creating anxiety among hundreds of workers, insists Senator Ryan Walters.

The Democratic Labour Party spokesman on finance and economic affairs issued a statement recently in relation to the public officers, who he said were left in limbo following the recent decision by the Accountant General to temporarily suspend the signing of salary deduction authorisations for them.

It was creating anxiety among hundreds of workers who depend on loans, lines of credit and other financial arrangements to make ends meet, he said.

“Over the past several days, several frustrated public officers, from different Government departments, reached out and expressed deep concern about the impact this decision is having on their families.

“Many have asked to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation, but their stories share a common theme: they are ordinary workers who rely on these facilities to meet essential family needs, particularly during the back-to-school period.

Distress

“For many public officers, salary deductions provide access to financing that may otherwise be unavailable through traditional banking institutions, where stricter lending criteria often prevent lower- and middle-income workers from qualifying for small loans. These facilities have helped these families purchase school supplies, pay medical expenses, meet unexpected emergencies and manage the increasing cost of living,” the Opposition Senator said.

He added that the timing of the suspension only heightened the distress, with parents planning to secure financing for uniforms, books, transportation and other educational expenses now having limited options.

“Some describe feeling overwhelmed, while others are unsure how they will meet commitments they had already begun planning for. No one disputes the Government’s responsibility to ensure that its administrative processes comply with the law.

“If legal clarification is genuinely required, then seeking that advice is entirely appropriate. However, public servants should not be left bearing the consequences of administrative uncertainty without clear communication or interim arrangements to minimise hardship,” Walters said.

He pointed out that questions also arose as to whether the relevant stakeholders, including the National Union of Public Workers and Unity Workers’ Union, the affected financial institutions and representatives of public officers, were adequately consulted before the measure was implemented with such significant consequences for workers.

The Government, he said, should move with urgency to obtain the necessary legal opinion and communicate a clear timeline for resolving the matter so that if changes to the existing process were ultimately required, appropriate transitional arrangements should be put in place so that public officers were not unfairly disadvantaged.

“The people affected by this decision are asking for fair access to financial services that have long formed part of the practical reality of public sector employment. They deserve clarity, certainty and, above all, consideration.

“The Democratic Labour Party, therefore, calls for a prompt and compassionate response. These workers deserve nothing less,” Walters said.

He stated that as more public officers shared similar concerns, it was evident “that this is not an isolated issue affecting a handful of individuals”.

“It is a growing concern with the potential to impact many families across Barbados at a time when household budgets are already under considerable pressure,” Walters noted. ( PR/AC)

Advocacy group in Jamaica calls for sex offenders registry to be made public

Nationnews Desk
-
0
Advocacy group in Jamaica calls for sex offenders registry to be made public

 The non-governmental organisation – Fi We Children Foundation,  has joined calls for the sex offenders registry to be made public, following the rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl in the northern parish of Trelawny last week. Shani Coke in Trelawny.

The man accused of killing Shani Coke  – Delroy Coke, was killed by angry residents.

It’s alleged that the man had a history of committing sexual assaults and had recently been released from prison.

In a statement, the foundation said making the registry public would allow parents, guardians, schools, child care institutions and communities to identify convicted sexual offenders living in their neighbourhoods and take appropriate steps to protect children.

The foundation said Coke’s death underscores the urgent need to strengthen Jamaica’s child protection system through legislative and policy reform.

It is calling for a comprehensive review of the child care and protection act to better safeguard children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

The foundation is also advocating stronger prevention and early intervention measures to identify children at risk, along with increased investment in child protection services, including investigations, victim support and community based prevention programmes.

“While  Jamaica has enacted important child protection laws and policies, implementation remains a persistent challenge, adding that intervention too often comes only after a child has suffered irreparable harm,” the organisation noted.

In condemning acts of vigilante justice, the foundation said accountability must be pursued through the rule of law to ensure justice is served while protecting the integrity of criminal investigations.

The foundation also urged the media to carefully consider the ethical implications of publishing photographs of child victims, saying reporting should preserve the dignity of children and avoid causing further harm to grieving families.

Currently, the Sex Offenders Registry can only be accessed by certain categories of people.

These include the police, professional counsellors of the offenders, prospective employers and employees as well as relatives of the offenders, among others.

It’s managed by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).

In May last year, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness disclosed that the government would review aspects of the sex offender registry to prioritise public safety over offender confidentiality.

Over the years, there’ve been repeated calls for the registry to be made public, with supporters of the call arguing that confidentiality protects perpetrators more than it safeguards potential victims.

Meanwhile – Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison has noted that Sani’s murder is a painful reminder of the grave danger posed by sexual predators.

In a statement, Gordon Harrison noted that the incident points to the collective responsibility of Jamaicans to protect children from abuse, exploitation and violence.

She also condemned the reported mob killing of the accused man. (CMC)

T&T experts to assess ship

Carlos Atwell
-
0
T&T experts to assess ship

Barbados is bringing in outside help to deal with the MV Christina Debora.

The ghost ship is currently situated off Barbados’ south-eastern coast after running aground. Since then, efforts to remove the ship have proved difficult.

On Wednesday, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, David Leacock, said they were contracting outside experts.

“The [ministry] is taking the lead on it and we are seeking an assessment by a salvage team out of Trinidad. Once we have that assessment we will be better placed in saying what we can do regarding the vessel,” he said.

There have been social media posts from those who were performing diving expeditions by the ship, which was last seen listing to one side. Leacock advised the public it was not safe to dive around the vessel.

“It’s not advisable as we are unsure as to the stability of the vessel. The precautions in effect when it first beached should continue to be observed,” he said.

According to international news reports, the MV Christina Debora, a standby guard/emergency response and rescue vessel registered in Zanzibar, needed rescuing when on June 8 last year, it experienced “catastrophic clutch failure”, completely losing propulsion while it was around 300 nautical miles northwest of St Helena Island in the South Atlantic Ocean, 1 200 miles from Africa. Seven crew members were on board at the time.

The vessel remained adrift despite numerous rescue attempts. By June 21, it had drifted about 450 nautical miles from St Helena, nearing Ascension Island, both in the South Atlantic, with no towing capabilities available from either location.

On the night of June 23, the crew abandoned ship and was safely taken aboard the container ship The Theseus.

The ship was left adrift, becoming a ghost/phantom ship, but in January it was seen near Barbados’ south-east coast, off Sam Lord’s Castle, St Philip, where it ran aground on the reef.

(CA)

Last lap hope for Crop Over bounty

Natanga Smith
-
0
Last lap hope for Crop Over bounty

With more than 70 events still to come before Grand Kadooment, some Crop Over promoters are banking on Barbados’ well-known last-minute buying culture to fill fetes and jouverts.

The final week of the Sweetest Summer Festival gets underway today with eight events, including the National Cultural Foundation’s Crop Over Folk Concert, Soca on The Hill and the sold-out UV Breakfast.

After what is expected to be a relatively quiet Monday (tomorrow) featuring a single event, the calendar will quickly ramp up with three events on Tuesday, four on Wednesday and eight on Thursday.

One of the busiest

Friday will feature another eight events, including the Courtesy Pic O De Crop Finals, while Saturday will be one of the busiest days of the festival with 18 events, including Foreday Mornin’ and Bridgetown Market.

Fourteen events are scheduled for Sunday before Grand Kadooment on Monday, August 3, and the return of Cohobblopot on Tuesday, August 4.

Mario Turton, director of the long-running UV Breakfast, said the allinclusive breakfast fete, which began in 2010, is completely sold out.

Producer and director of Premier Event Services, Faye Wharton-Parris, said ticket sales for Panache are ahead of last year’s pace, leaving her confident about attendance.

“In terms of ticket sales, we are a little further ahead than we were at this time last year,” she said. “We have finite numbers and that is what we go to and that is our policy, so there is no cause for concern in terms of attendance.”

Wharton-Parris said Panache deliberately limits attendance to preserve its premium feel.

“Over the years we have decided not to let our numbers go over a certain range. We want everyone that comes to the event to have a really good time, to enjoy what we are offering and have space to mingle and socialise.”

However, she is keeping a close eye on the weather.

“As a responsible producer, you check the outlook every day and see what adjustments you have to make. We always make provisions for additional shade for rain or heat.”

For event producer Ryan Forde, whose calendar includes Stain’d Jouvert and Brek-Fus, the buying habits of patrons have changed dramatically.

“People are still buying. It just depends on the events,” he said, adding: “Our Stain’d Jouvert is sold out, which is positive for year one.”

Forde said Brek-Fus is also performing well with “the VIP section bout to sell out. General admission is now picking up”.

Weather also remains high on his list of concerns.

“We watch it and plan as best as we can.

We are guided by the authorities and will do what is needed to keep our teams and patrons as safe as possible.”

Behind the scenes, he said, staging an event has become increasingly complicated.

“Yes, we compete for infrastructure. Some promoters have invested in their own equipment, but you still need to rent additional bars, decking and tents. Events are not just about the entertainment. Behind the scenes there are headaches – from approvals and rising costs to waiting on setups and dealing with patrons who are super last-minute.”

Preparations

At ICE Soca, now in its third year, promoter Ryan Walters said preparations have entered the execution phase.

“Everything is progressing well. We’ve now shifted fully into execution mode, with venue setup underway from Monday [today]. The team is focused on delivering a seamless experience for patrons.”

Walters said ticket sales have been strong.

“We’re very pleased with the response so far. Ticket sales have been strong, particularly over the last few days, which is typical for major events during Crop Over. We expect that momentum to continue right up to event day.”

His team has also begun preparations early to stay ahead of any adverse weather.

“Weather is always something we monitor closely. That’s one of the reasons we’ve intentionally started venue set-up early, to stay ahead of any potential weatherrelated disruptions.”

He said no major logistical hurdles have emerged.

Richard Rollock, director of Island Mas, said both of his events – the I M UP Foreday Band and the Island Mas Breakfast Party

– are attracting steady support.

“Sales are steady and the team is looking forward to hosting a full house next Sunday.”

Rollock said weather forecasts are being monitored but believes patrons should not be discouraged.

“We remain vigilant on the upcoming weather conditions and will put the necessary precautions in place. That said, rain only stops cricket. Come rain, sun or shine, Island Mas is ready to deliver another authentic Crop Over experience.”

At LUSH Cooler Fete, director Joel Barrow said tickets continue to move steadily and preparations are well advanced.

“Vendors are being confirmed, bars are being stocked, entertainment is locked in, security and parking plans are finalised, and our operations team is working around the clock to ensure a smooth and seamless event.” (NS)

1...567...13,684Page 6 of 13,684