Sunday, May 31, 2026
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Grand Carifta Games opening

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Spectators were treated to a vibrant display of Grenadian culture during the opening ceremony of the 53rd CARIFTA Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium, where music, dance, and local traditions took centrestage before the athletes took to the track.

The annual games, a flagship regional youth athletics competition, officially opened with a colourful cultural presentation that thrilled those gathered at the stadium. The performances celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Grenada, infusing the event with a uniquely local spirit that reflected the island’s traditions.

Spectators enjoyed live music and traditional dance performances, as dancers and musicians filled the stadium with rhythmic showcases blending Grenadian rhythms and Caribbean flair.

The Barbadian contingent showed up in their aquamarine and yellow, on the field and in the stands.

The ceremony was not only about the spectacle, but also marked an opportunity for key figures to speak on the significance of the event. In his address, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell spoke about the importance of the CARIFTA Games, highlighting the role they play in shaping the future of athletics in the region. He stressed on the island’s pride in hosting the games, noting how it provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and compete on the world stage.

Greatness

“We are honoured to be your hosts for this prestigious event,” Mitchell said. “As the birthplace of Olympic champion Kirani James, Grenada has always been a proud supporter of athletics, and we continue to support our young athletes as they pursue greatness. The CARIFTA Games are not just about competition, but about fostering unity and celebrating the Caribbean spirit.”

Value of sports

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture, Ron Redhead, also addressed the crowd, reinforcing the value of sports in shaping young lives. “The CARIFTA Games represent more than just athletic excellence; they represent the hope, dreams, and future of our youth. The athletes who will compete over the next few days are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion that exist within this region.”

A highlight of the evening was the speech by Lord Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics. Coe, a former Olympic champion and a staunch supporter of youth athletics, praised the Caribbean’s contribution to global sports, particularly track and field. He noted that the CARIFTA Games

have long served as a breeding ground for elite athletes, many of whom have gone on to achieve international success.

“The CARIFTA Games are an essential stepping stone in the careers of many of the world’s top athletes,” Lord Coe stated. “The talent that emerges from this region is truly remarkable. From the tracks of the CARIFTA Games

to the world stage, we have seen athletes from the Caribbean dominate and inspire generations to come. These games embody the spirit of unity, excellence, and the power of sport to bring people together.” (JC)

Residents put out by BWA road works

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Residents of Half Moon Fort, St Lucy, have voiced growing concerns over the ongoing roadworks in their community, raising issues with the lack of communication about the repairs and the inadequate provision of detour routes.

The project, which began in January, involves the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) replacing water mains in the area. However, many residents claimed they were not informed about the road closures and the limited access routes to their homes.

Ian Griffith, funeral director and owner of Earl’s Funeral Home, expressed his frustration with the lack of public notification and the disrupting of access to his business.

He told the Sunday Sun that while he had been informed about the roadworks in Checker Hall during a meeting at the Salvation Army last year, no details were shared regarding the start date for the Half Moon Fort and Sherman’s sections of the project.

Griffith said he had inquired about the plans for the area and was told by BWA officials that arrangements would be made, but as the work began, it became clear that those plans were not effectively communicated.

“I asked about the plans because this section of Half Moon Fort and Sherman’s is very small. The response was that they would put things in place,” Griffith said. “But there has been no real coordination with the residents and it has affected my customers.”

At the scene, Griffith himself had to divert several cars and direct motorists around the “Road Closed” sign.

Direct traffic

He suggested that BWA personnel should be stationed at key points to direct traffic more efficiently.

“Several people had to stop their cars and walk to their destinations because they didn’t know where to go,” Griffith said. “We need better communication.

“The Ministry of Transport and Works should be properly coordinating these works, especially in a residential area like ours.”

He also proposed an alternative route from Clinketts back to Half Moon Fort to ease the congestion caused by the closures, an idea that some residents, including his customers, have also supported.

Jeffrey Howell, another resident, also spoke out about the lack of detour options for the community. He lives at the bottom of a hill and was unable to access his home due to the impassable roads.

“How am I supposed to get home?” he asked.

“They should leave an access road so people who live here aren’t inconvenienced.”

He said that he wasn’t upset about the work itself but was merely asking for proper road access to his home.

Meanwhile, one resident of Crab Hill, who was walking along the road, said she had to walk a long distance to catch a van for work, as the bus no longer passed through the area because of the roadworks.

Despite the inconvenience, she expressed understanding, acknowledging the long-term benefits the project would bring in alleviating the water issues in the community.

Marcia Greaves, a worker at the Half Moon Fort Fish Market, echoed those sentiments.

“We want the water fixed, so we have to live with it. Yes, it’s a little inconvenient, but we’ve had brown water for years. Now that it’s getting fixed, I’m not complaining,” she said.

In response to the complaints, the BWA said it had posted updates on its social media accounts.

It confirmed that the section from Judge Gap to Half Moon Fort Primary School would be reopened daily from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and afterward, work would continue between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the remainder of the project period.

Additionally, the BWA issued a public notice about work in St Lucy and St Peter, explaining that traffic diversions would be in place, and access to the affected roads would be limited to local residents, public transport, and emergency vehicles.

The notice also confirmed that work would continue until April 12, excluding Good Friday, today and tomorrow.

The BWA apologised for any inconvenience caused by the works, saying it understood the frustrations of residents and would strive to improve communication.

(AJ)

CTO remains “cautiously optimistic” about growth of regional tourism sector this year

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The Barbados-based  Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) says it remains “cautiously optimistic” that the regional tourism sector will transition into a phase of more moderate, stable growth as global travel patterns normalise.

“While growth is expected to continue, the pace of expansion may ease as the industry navigates a shifting global environment,” said Aliyyah Shakeer, CTO’s Director of Research.

“Maintaining a steady focus on strengthening air connectivity, particularly intra-regional connectivity; enhancing product offerings; and diversifying source markets will be important to supporting sustained growth and resilience over the longer term,” Shakeer said.

Last year Caribbean tourism continued its expansion recording a 2.5 per cent increase in international stay-over arrivals to an estimated 35 million visits and the CTO said notwithstanding current travel and tourism challenges, it projects that stay-over arrivals will increase between three and four percent in 2026.

It said the increase will  be supported by steady demand from North America and continued expansion in select emerging markets. Cruise tourism is also expected to grow further with projected increases between five and seven per cent.

However, ongoing global uncertainties, including economic conditions, travel costs and external geopolitical developments, may continue to influence travel demand and performance across destinations.

“Caribbean tourism continues to demonstrate its resilience in the face of evolving global conditions, but this is no time for complacency. We must remain vigilant and proactive, working together as a united region to navigate uncertainty and sustain our momentum,” said  CTO Secretary-General and chief executive officer, Dona Regis-Prosper.

“By strengthening collaboration, enhancing air connectivity and advancing responsible tourism practices, we can ensure long-term growth that benefits our people and economies,”

Regis-Prosper said, noting that the Caribbean remains well-positioned as a highly desirable destination, supported by its diverse tourism offerings, strong brand appeal and continued commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism development.

According to the CTO last year’s  performance when an estimated 900,000 more tourists visted than in 2024,  reflects the region’s sustained recovery and resilience with arrivals once again surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

It said that despite a complex global environment marked by evolving economic conditions in key source markets, heightened geopolitical tensions and weather-related disruptions, including the passage of Hurricane Melissa, the region maintained steady tourism demand throughout much of the year.

“Caribbean tourism in 2025 demonstrated continued resilience and adaptability even as the global landscape presented a number of challenges,” said Shakeer, adding that strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, sustained marketing efforts, and incremental gains in airlift connectivity helped support growth and maintain the region’s competitiveness.

Performance across the year was uneven but generally positive. While the first quarter recorded a slight contraction of 0.3 per cent amid early-year uncertainty, arrivals rebounded in the second and third quarters with growth of five and 5.6 per cent, respectively. The fourth quarter remained broadly stable with marginal growth of 0.2% as late-year momentum softened.

The  CTO figures show that monthly arrivals ranged between 2.1 million and 3.5 million, peaking during the traditional high-demand periods of March, July and December. Notably, all months in 2025 exceeded their corresponding 2019 levels, underscoring the strength of the region’s post-pandemic recovery.

Across destinations, performance remained mixed. Strong growth was recorded in several destinations, including Guyana, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Curaçao, reflecting ongoing product development and market diversification efforts.

At the same time, some destinations experienced contractions influenced by external economic pressures, capacity constraints and localized disruptions. Nevertheless, a majority of destinations have now surpassed their pre-pandemic benchmarks, highlighting the region’s overall recovery trajectory.

The United States remained the Caribbean’s largest source market, with arrivals increasing 0.5 per cent to approximately 17 million visitors.

But the CTO  noted that while demand from this market remained relatively stable, performance was uneven across the year, reflecting more cautious consumer behavior and varying conditions across destinations.

Arrivals from Canada declined 5.3 per cent to an estimated 3.1 million visitors, remaining below pre-pandemic levels, as higher travel costs and increased competition from alternative destinations influenced travel patterns.

Similarly, arrivals from Europe decreased 3.3 per  cent to approximately 5.1 million visitors with recovery continuing at a slower pace compared with other markets.

In contrast, South America emerged as the strongest-performing source market with arrivals increasing 23.7 per cent to 2.4 million visits.

“This growth was supported by improved air connectivity, targeted marketing initiatives and rising outbound demand, contributing to a gradual diversification of the region’s source markets,” the CTO said, adding that intra-regional travel also showed modest improvement, increasing 5.1 per cent, although ongoing challenges related to air connectivity and travel costs continued to constrain growth.

The Caribbean hotel sector posted mixed results in 2025. According to CoStar, average room occupancy declined slightly to 63.7 per cent from 65 per cent in the previous year.

However, the Average Daily Rate (ADR) rose 2.1 per cent to US$350.37 while Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) increased modestly by 0.8 per cent to US$223.12.

The CTO said that performance varied across destinations with several markets recording growth across key indicators and others experiencing declines, reflecting uneven demand patterns and localized market conditions.

The cruise sector continued its strong expansion in 2025 with total cruise visits increasing 5.2 per  cent to an estimated 35.5 million visits. This represents a significant 16.7 per cent increase over pre-pandemic 2019 levels, confirming the sector’s full recovery and continued growth trajectory.

Growth in cruise activity was evident throughout the year with particularly strong performance in the fourth quarter driven by increased capacity and strong seasonal demand. The Bahamas remained the leading cruise destination, receiving a record 10.7 million visits, followed by several high-performing destinations across the region.

“The continued expansion of cruise itineraries, fleet capacity and port infrastructure has supported sustained growth in this segment, reinforcing its importance to the region’s overall tourism performance,” the CTO  said. (CMC)

Easter Message 2026: Rev’d Dr. Cicely Athill-Horsford

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On this Easter Day, Christian voices around the world are raised with shouts of Alleluia, the Lord is risen, indeed!

Easter is one of the glorious mysteries of the Christian faith. The celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ provides for us the message of hope, of victory over death, and divine love. It is a time to celebrate God’s ‘greatest love.”

It was the power of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead that gave power and impetus to the Apostles then, and to us today. Having been thrown into grief by seeing Jesus crucified three days prior; they now have the despair and agony removed as they see their risen Lord before them as they gather together.

As we celebrate the events surrounding our salvation we do so at a time when the world needs to hear the Good News of God’s saving actions. We have almost become accustomed to bad news in our nation, Barbados; the grave difficulties, among which there is the continued war (going on now for almost four years) in Europe between Russia and Ukraine; the war in the Middle East which involves Iran , the United States of America and Israel where the holy city Jerusalem, the place of the Resurrection, is located; and these wars are affecting the whole world and causing much suffering afield, suffering that is felt here in Barbados and in the rest of the region of the Caribbean.

The Barbados Christian Council remains concerned about the high level of crime and violence in our society and where more and more young people are involved in criminal activities. We have a long way to go in terms of the way in which we treat each other. We must all take responsibility for our words and actions knowing that violent action comes from evil thoughts and speech. Jesus transforms the violence of Good Friday with the peace and calm of Easter as he breathes on the disciples and says to them “Peace be with you.” (John 20:22).

At this Eastertide we continue to lift up our nation Barbados and all of those who have answer the call to transformation, acknowledging that this is a time to “walk with Him – the Risen Christ,” focusing that our personal journey is a walk in strength beyond comfort toward justice. Let us strive for peace amidst conflict, allowing our messages to highlight Jesus as the “King of Peace” and urge the rejection of greed, poverty, violence. Let us manifest a spirit of renewal and reflection, realizing that this is a time for renewing our faith, getting our life in order, and experiencing our spiritual reparation and resurrection. 

All in all, may the miracle of Easter bring us perfect peace and renewed hope. Let us rejoice in the hope of Easter and the promise of eternal life.

On behalf of the members of the Barbados Christian Council. I wish you a blessed Easter and a joyous reminder of God’s love for us.” 

Dems: SMEs need help, not talk

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Barbadian entrepreneurs are still waiting for real backing and the time for talk has long passed.

That is the blunt assessment from Democratic Labour Party (DLP) spokesperson on small business, Jason Phillips, who is calling on Government to move beyond the current rhetoric and deliver meaningful, measurable support for the sector.

In a recently released press statement, Phillips said that after nearly a decade in office, the current Mia Amor Mottley administration continued to fall short when it came to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering “too little, too late” when decisive action was needed to drive genuine economic growth.

“The reality is that small businesses are being asked to carry the economy without the level of support required to succeed,” he said. “Entrepreneurs need more than promises. They need access to capital, opportunities to grow and a clear pathway to expansion.”

The DLP is urging Government to implement urgent and comprehensive measures to strengthen the SME sector, noting that while small businesses were referenced in the recent Budget, there was no bold or coherent plan to advance their development.

Phillips stressed that SMEs remained the backbone of the Barbadian economy, representing the resilience, innovation and ambition of the people. However, he argued that successive

commitments had not translated into tangible results for many operators on the ground.

While Government has pointed to initiatives such as trust loans and limited tax concessions, Phillips said many entrepreneurs continued to face significant barriers, including difficulty accessing affordable financing, rising operating costs and limited participation in major projects.

“The disconnect between policy announcements and real-world impact is widening,” he said. “Too many small businesses are being left behind.”

The DLP also raised concerns coming out of the 2026 Budget debate, questioning the absence of forward-looking policies to stimulate growth, meaningful investment in local enterprise, and a transparent framework to ensure SMEs had fair access to Government procurement opportunities.

Phillips is now pressing for answers on several critical issues, including the level of direct grant funding provided to small businesses since 2018, the share of Government contracts awarded to SMEs, and the lack of a mandatory quota system to guarantee their participation in public spending. (BA/PR)

Easter Message 2026: Rev. Dr. Lucille Baird

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As we commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the world finds itself at a crossroads. The dire situation unfolding globally, marked by wars, tariffs, and shifting alliances, beckons us to recalibrate our priorities. The impact of these events is felt at all levels, from individual lives to international relations.

The war in the Middle East, with bombs falling on nations, serves as a stark reminder of humanity’s vulnerability. Politicians grapple for solutions, yet the Prince of Peace remains the answer. Amidst this chaos and uncertainty, nations are being forced to rethink their direction and dependence.

As we reflect on these global realities, we are reminded that true security lies not in oil production, armory, or technology, but in placing our trust in the Sovereign Lord. Jesus, our Jehovah Jireh, is our provider, protector, and life-giver. He promises to keep us safe under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 91:1).

Here in Barbados, as across the wider Caribbean, we too are facing our own challenges. We are witnessing a troubling increase in violence, particularly among our youth. Too many of our young men are losing their lives in their most productive years. There is also a growing concern about attitudes of disrespect, hopelessness, and disconnection that point to a deeper spiritual need within our society.

Many believe that this reflects a drifting away from God and the values that once shaped our communities. The church, which has long played a foundational role in building this nation, must continue to be a voice of hope, truth, and restoration. We must also be intentional in reaching our young people—meeting them where they are, engaging them meaningfully, and walking alongside them without compromising the truth of God’s Word.

This Easter should not be merely a time of tradition and symbolism, but a moment of transformation—especially for the next generation. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event; it is the power of God to overcome sin, restore broken lives, and lead us into a new way of living.

As a people, let us:

  1. Pause and reflect on where we are going as a nation.
  2. Consider the future we desire for our children and young people. 
  3. Reflect on the legacy we are leaving behind.
  4. Take responsibility to change the trajectory of our homes, schools, communities, and nation.
  5. Work together—from leaders to citizens—to rebuild a culture of respect, peace, and godly values.

From the politician to the man on the street, from our churches to our schools and families, each of us has a role to play. Together, we can once again become a model of strong community, faith, and unity within the Caribbean and beyond.

In the face of turmoil, Jesus remains the answer. He is the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25), offering hope beyond death and peace beyond understanding. As the world searches for solutions, He stands as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

This Easter, let us recalibrate—placing our full confidence not in earthly systems, but in Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).

In Him, we find peace in turmoil, life in death, and hope in uncertainty. Let us trust in His provision, protection, and promise of eternal life.

“He is the Lord, our God; His judgments are in all the earth.” (Psalm 105:7)

A very blessed Easter celebration to all Barbadians and visitors to our shores.

Pope Leo calls for global leaders to choose peace in his first Easter Mass

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Thousands of worshippers flocked to St Peter’s Square on Sunday to hear Pope Leo XIV deliver his first Easter Mass address as pontiff.

Framed by white roses on the central balcony of the Vatican’s basilica, the pope called on “those who have the power to unleash wars” to choose peace.

“On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars,” he said.

The first US-born pope has become a vocal critic of the Iran war, and has used recent public addresses to denounce global conflicts and urge de-escalation.

Pope Leo waved to the crowd gathered in the square below before delivering his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing – Latin for “to the city and the world”.

St Peter’s Square was decorated with spring blooms, with rows of daffodils and thousands of purple, red and white flowers arranged for the Easter Mass on Sunday.

“We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent, indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people,” the pope said in his address.

“Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace.”

In a break with recent tradition, Leo did not explicitly name any country or conflict in his message.

He paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who gave his final address on Easter Sunday last year hours before his death.

Referring to the Easter story of Christ’s resurrection, three days after he was nailed to the cross, he said Jesus had been “entirely nonviolent” in the face of suffering.

For Christians, Easter is the most important date in the liturgical calendar, marking the resurrection of Christ – a central tenet of the faith.

As bells rang out across the Vatican and the crowd applauded, Leo concluded his blessing by offering Easter greetings in several languages, including Latin, Arabic and Chinese.

The pope also announced that he would return to the basilica on 11 April to lead a prayer vigil for peace.

Leo has repeatedly denounced ongoing global conflicts in recent weeks, using a series of Holy Week addresses to warn against what he has described as a growing indifference to war and suffering.

In his sermon during Saturday night’s Easter vigil, the pontiff urged believers not to feel numbed by the scale of global conflicts but to work actively for reconciliation.

He made a rare direct appeal to Donald Trump on Tuesday, urging the US President to find an “off-ramp” to end the conflict with Iran. (BBC News)

‘Favourites’ may return to festival

The net-throwing competition and the boat race may be making their return to Oistins Fish Festival next year.

Incoming co-chairs of the festival committee, Liesel Daisley and Susanne Downes, yesterday said the fisherfolk-favourite games were something they hoped to bring back when they were in charge of planning the event in 2027.

“We really want to go back to the basics, to the community of what the festival is . . . [and] bring back some of the indigenous things that made the festival – like the fishing village, throwing the net, having the moses [boat] races, having the big boat races, getting really back into it.

“This is what the festival is. For 50 years this is who we were, this is how we’ve grown but we really want to get a lot more of that. We also want to involve the elders who are still around who can tell us about all these things and involve the fisherfolk more than they are involved right now,” Downes said.

Daisley said vending was currently receiving much of the emphasis but they wanted to make a change and spearhead an even bigger and better festival next year, building on the excellent work by the current committee.

“We want to draw crowds from all over, not just from the Christ Church area but we want people from St George, St James, St Lucy, to come down. So it is our mission to make it more exciting, more attractive. We want to also create an area where local businesses can take advantage of the festival, promote their business and generate some income. Because the more people that you are able to attract, then the more exposure your business gets and the more sales you’re able to generate,” she said.

The official launch of the 2026 Flow Oistins Fish Festival featured a ribbon-cutting by patron Stella Lady St John and Member of Parliament for Christ Church South, Dr Shantal Munro-Knight. There was also the ceremonial parade featuring the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Cadet Corps, Dancin’ Africa, Haynesville Youth Club, St George Lions, Barbados Landship, Cheer Fusion Academy, the Mini Queens and folk characters such as stilt walkers, fire dancers and shaggy bears.

Paid tribute

In her address, Munro-Knight, the Minister of Agriculture, paid tribute to Lady St John and the organisers. She said the festival was about more than entertainment.

“This festival is very much a reflection of the people of this area. It is very much a reflection of the hard-working men and women, the fisherfolk, those that operate within the Oistins Bay Garden that is celebrating 30 years as well of operation; ordinary men and women who have made this area their own through their own sweat and blood and have continued to do so with a level of pride and dignity that we all should acknowledge.

“I’ve had the privilege to be able to walk through the constituency and to be able to talk to them and there is something about this festival for them, when you hear them talk about their own vision for it, the reason why it needs to stay and to be able to grow. It is because they feel connected to it, that there is history in the festival, and I want to encourage all of us Barbadians . . . to recommit to these traditions, to this festival,” she said.

Munro-Knight encouraged the public to continue to support the festival because it was participation which ensured it would live on. (CA)

Update: Missing man found

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Joseph Brathwaite, 85, of Gill Land, Eastmont, St John, who was recently reported missing, has been traced and is safe.

The Barbados Police Service thanked the public and the media for their assistance in the matter and noted its appreciation for the continued cooperation.

Mottley: Social media and AI regulations coming to protect youth

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Barbados will soon be implementing regulations on social media and artificial intelligence to protect young people.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley yesterday warned that technology was increasingly shaping their mental health, behaviour and sense of self in ways society did not yet fully understand.

Speaking at the official launch of the Young People’s Village at Holders, St James, Mottley said the world had reached a point where governments could no longer ignore the impact of technology on children and adolescents and regulation was now necessary to ensure balance and fairness.

“We are at a stage, not just in Barbados but across the world, where many young people sometimes feel rudderless and not rooted, where they are asked to compare themselves to what they see on screens . . . and because technology can perfect images and make unreal many things, the comparisons are very much underwhelming and undermining people,” she said.

The Prime Minister warned that technology had turned many young people into “addicts of the screen” instead of using digital tools for empowerment. She said Cabinet had already begun educating itself on artificial intelligence as Barbados prepares for the digital age.

“Our Government is very, very clear . . . regulation is absolutely necessary to ensure that there is balance and fairness in this space,” the Prime Minister said. (CLM)

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