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Injury to Simmonds opens door to fellow pacer Jediah Baldes

Philip Spooner
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Injury to Simmonds opens door to fellow pacer Jediah Baldes

Barbados Pride have been forced to make a change to their 13-member squad for the first match of the revamped Regional Four-day First-class Championship.

Jediah Baldes, the rookie left-arm seamer, has been called up to replace Ramon Simmonds, another fledging left-arm pacer.

It was a like-for-like replacement, said chairman of selectors Hendy Broomes.

The need to make the change came after Simmonds complained about discomfort in his hip.

Blades has played three One-Day Internationals and six T20 Internationals for the West Indies but is yet to represent Barbados. He is expected to debut in the first match at Chedwin Park starting on April 12, three days before his 24th birthday.

The second and third matches will be played at Sabina Park on April 19 to 22 and then April 26 to 29.

“Ramon is one of the very good young fast bowlers we have here in the Barbados set-up and it is really tough that he can’t make the upcoming trip to Jamaica. He was bowling really well in the build-up but, unfortunately, he is now unavailable due to this injury. We want to wish him well with his rehabilitation,” Broomes told NATIONSPORT yesterday.

‘Impressive’

“This opened the door for Jediah, and we welcome him to the travelling squad. He has played at the regional level before in all three formats and has also played for West Indies in white ball cricket – at home and overseas – so he has experience and should be able to move seamlessly into the Barbados Pride system.

“He is another one of the good young players in the system. He was impressive in the recent trials. We had several others who were also impressive in the trials, but with Blades being a left-arm quick bowler, we see him as a like-for-like replacement for Simmonds; we see him as the ideal replacement.”

The players will assemble next week for training sessions before they travel to Kingston on Thursday, April 9. They will then have two days in the nets before the start of the opening match.

Last year, Barbados defeated Jamaica at Kensington Oval and finished second in the tournament, being narrowly edged out by Guyana Harpy Eagles. The seven-match tournament went down to the final hour of play as teams pursued the Headley/Weekes Trophy and the top purse of US$250 000.

CWI described its decisions to revamp and reduce the number of regional four-day first-class matches as “part of CWI’s broader strategy to strengthen player pathways, improve performance outcomes, and ensure the sustainable management of resources across regional cricket”.

FULL SQUAD

Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Joshua Bishop, Leniko Boucher, Shian Brathwaite, Johann Layne, Kyle Mayers, Jair McAllister, Shayne Moseley, Jediah Blades, Shamar Springer, Jomel Warrican, Kevin Wickham; Vasbert Drakes (head coach) TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE: Bi-Lateral Round: Match 1 – April 12 to 15 Match 2 – April 19 to 22 Match 3 – April 26 to 29 Windward Volcanoes vs Guyana Harpy Eagles in Antigua Jamaica Scorpions vs Barbados Pride in Jamaica Leeward Islands Hurricanes vs Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in Antigua Play-off Round: (May 10 to 13)

2nd place vs 3rd place in Antigua 1st place vs West Indies Academy in Antigua Grand Final: (May 17 to 20 – 1st place vs play-off winner in Antigua. (PS)

Judge dismisses most of Blake Lively’s claims in harassment lawsuit against Baldoni

Nationnews Desk
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Judge dismisses most of Blake Lively’s claims in harassment lawsuit against Baldoni

A federal judge has dismissed most of the claims in a sexual harassment lawsuit that actress Blake Lively filed against her It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni.

Judge Lewis Liman threw out 10 of 13 allegations in Lively’s case, including harassment and defamation.

He left in place three claims against Baldoni – breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation – which will now go to a civil trial in New York on 18 May.

The Hollywood legal battle began in 2024 when Lively sued Baldoni, accusing him of harassment and a smear campaign on the set of their hit movie. He denied it and counter-sued.

A member of Lively’s legal team, Sigrid McCawley, told the BBC’s US partner CBS the case “has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy” the actress’ reputation.

She noted that the sexual harassment claims were dropped, “not because the defendants did nothing wrong”, but because of a technicality.

Lively plans to testify during the trial, McCawley said, and would continue “to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation”.

The BBC has contacted Baldoni’s lawyers for comment.

A judge last year dismissed Baldoni’s $400m (£295m) counter-lawsuit against Lively, which alleged civil extortion, defamation and invasion of privacy.

The case stems from interactions between Baldoni and Lively on the set of It Ends With Us, an adaption of a best-selling Colleen Hoover novel.

The film features Lively as the main character, Lily Bloom, a young woman who grew up witnessing domestic abuse and finds herself in the same position years later.

Lively’s legal team have accused Baldoni and his film studio, Wayfarer, of planning to wreck her reputation, including by social media manipulation and using friendly journalists to sow certain narratives.

She shared details of the allegations in a New York Times article published before her lawsuit.

Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios in December 2024, alleging he sexually harassed her on set and retaliated against her for bringing those complaints, among other allegations.

In his 152-page opinion on Thursday, Judge Liman listed a host of reasons for dismissing the many allegations against Baldoni.

For one, he said, harassment claims Lively brought against Baldoni under California law did not hold up because the filming – where the misconduct allegedly occurred – took place in New Jersey.

“None of these acts or occurrences provides the ‘substantial connection’ to California needed to sustain Lively’s sexual harassment claims,” Liman wrote.

The judge also said Lively was ineligible to bring certain claims of harassment and retaliation because she was an independent contractor rather than an employee.

Lively had also accused Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, of defaming her in a series of statements.

But Liman said that because those statements and others directly referred to the allegations Baldoni was facing in court, Lively’s claim of defamation did not hold up.

“To be sure, much of what Lively complains about is not actionable. The Wayfarer Parties were entitled to engage public relations and crisis management specialists to protect their reputations,” Liman wrote. “However, certain conduct at least arguably crossed the line.”

The judge said some of the retaliation claims Lively brought, in which she accuses Baldoni of engaging in a “co-ordinated campaign” to attack her character and reputation, were worthy of trial.

Shortly after Lively’s lawsuit, Baldoni brought defamation cases against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds and their publicist, claiming they were aiming to ruin his career and reputation with the allegations, as well as the New York Times.

He alleged that Lively “stole the film” from him and Wayfarer by threatening not to promote it, and that she and others perpetuated a false narrative that Baldoni had harassed her and launched a smear campaign against her.

But in June, Liman dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuit, saying his team had “not adequately alleged that Lively’s threats were wrongful extortion rather than legally permissible hard bargaining or renegotiation of working conditions”.

Evidence in the legal battle has involved texts between Lively and Taylor Swift about Baldoni. (BBC News)

Gunman’s jail time amended

Heather-Lynn Evanson
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Gunman’s jail time amended

From 686 days to 199.

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PM calls for reflection amid ongoing challenges on Good Friday

Nationnews Desk
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PM calls for reflection amid ongoing challenges on Good Friday

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley is urging Barbadians to reflect on national values and unity as the country observes Good Friday.

In her message, the Prime Minister pointed to ongoing social challenges, including gun violence, and called for a renewed commitment to peace, responsibility and community support. She noted that the observance comes at a time when many families and communities continue to be affected by crime.

Below is the full statement:

On this solemn Good Friday, I join Barbadians here at home and across the diaspora, as well as the wider Christian community, in marking this sacred day of reflection, sacrifice and hope.


Good Friday calls us to pause and remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the ultimate act of selflessness, love and grace. It is a moment not only to reflect on faith, but also to reflect on ourselves, on the kind of country we are building, and on the values by which we live.


In recent months, we have continued to confront challenges that test the very fabric of our nation. Unfortunately, the persistence of gun violence has left too many families and communities grieving. In this context, this day speaks to us with even greater urgency.


The message of the cross is also a message of transformation. It reminds us that even in pain and difficulty, there is still room for redemption, renewal and a better path. That path demands something of all of us. It demands that we turn back to one another, that we protect the vulnerable, and that we accept our shared responsibility for the peace and safety of our communities.


On behalf of my Government, I wish every Barbadian a peaceful and meaningful Good Friday.

 May God bless you, and may God continue to bless Barbados.

Artemis II leaves Earth’s orbit on track for far side of the Moon

Nationnews Desk
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Artemis II leaves Earth’s orbit on track for far side of the Moon

The four astronauts on the Artemis II mission have now left the Earth’s orbit, after their Orion spacecraft fired its main engine for a final push towards the Moon.

The five minute and 55 second engine burn, known as the translunar injection (TLI), went “flawlessly”, Nasa’s Dr Lori Glaze said afterwards.

And from the Orion capsule, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen said the crew was “feeling pretty good up here on our way to the Moon”.

Artemis II is now on a looping path that will carry the crew around the far side of the Moon and back again. It is the first time since 1972 that humans have travelled outside of the Earth’s orbit.

On the livestream from Orion, Earth is slowly shrinking, as the capsule moves further and further into space.

Hansen, who is the first non-American to travel to the Moon – told Nasa’s mission control that the crew “firmly felt the power” of those who have persevered and worked so hard on this mission.

“Humanity has once again shown what we are capable of,” he said. “It’s your hopes for the future that carry us now on this journey around the Moon.”

After spending roughly a day in a stretched‑out “high Earth orbit”, Orion’s engines, navigation and life-support systems were checked, while the capsule looped our planet.

At last, the final approval was given, and the engine burn could begin – the mission’s last, big move towards the Moon.

Behind the crew’s seats, the service module lit its single main engine in a long, steady push that added thousands of kilometres per hour to Orion’s speed.

The TLI propelled the spacecraft on a journey that is expected to carry the crew farther from Earth than anyone has been before – more than 4,700 miles (7,600 km) beyond the Moon – before gravity swings them back.

Nasa estimates that this could edge past the record set by Apollo 13 in 1970, depending on the fine details of the timing and trajectory.

In the first public video conference with the crew since the launch, Commander Reid Wiseman said as the spacecraft moved away from Earth they were afforded “a spectacular view”.

“You can see the entire globe from pole to pole… It was the most spectacular moment and it paused all four of us in our tracks,” said Wiseman.

TLI is not a point of no return for Orion – even after the big burn to the Moon, controllers can still carry out the equivalent of a handbrake turn in space and bring the crew back to Earth if something goes seriously wrong.

In the event of an emergency, the U-turn is the fastest way home in the first 36 hours after the TLI. After that it can be just as quick, and often simpler, to stay on course around the Moon and fall back to Earth, Orion programme manager Howard Hu said before the launch.

He added that the team have “run hundreds of thousands of [simulations] to ensure that we are able to get the crew home safely.”

At a briefing after the successful engine burn, he was all smiles, telling reporters: “What a great couple of days!”

As Orion surges into deep space, the views through its windows will become steadily more inspirational: the Earth shrinking to a small blue and white marble behind them, while the Moon grows from a bright disc into a heavily cratered world filling the frame.

The astronauts said in their maiden video call they had been “glued to the window” as the view changed before them.

On about the sixth day of the mission, as Orion cruises beyond the Moon, the astronauts will get to see a total solar eclipse.

The Moon will slide directly in front of the Sun so its bright face is completely covered to reveal its normally concealed shimmering halo, with Earth hanging off to one side.

There’s a lot of astro-jargon involved in space missions, and TLI is the latest space lingo many of those following this mission have come to know. Hopefully it will be remembered as the giant push that took humanity one small step closer to walking on the lunar surface again. (BBC News)

Barbados described as one of safest destinations in the Caribbean and the Americas

Nationnews Desk
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Barbados described as one of safest destinations in the Caribbean and the Americas

 The chief executive officer of  the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, Andrea Franklin, says the international recognition of the island as one of the safest destinations in the Americas and Caribbean for 2026 is both welcomed and reassuring.

“This recognition comes at a particularly significant time in the global tourism environment, as travellers are increasingly discerning and mindful of their choices amid a complex geopolitical landscape.

“This recognition helps to further position Barbados as a destination that offers a safe, stable, and reliable experience.  As a destination we must remain committed to maintaining the standards that continue to earn the trust of those who travel here,” she said in a statement following the announcement by Travel & Tour World.

Franklin said that the recognition reflects years of deliberate investment in building and promoting a destination that is safe, secure, and centred on the delivery of exceptional experiences for all who engage with the island.

She said that at the heart of this achievement are the people of Barbados, whose “warmth, professionalism, and unwavering hospitality define the Barbadian experience and continue to set us apart on the global stage.

“This recognition is therefore one that all Barbadians should take pride in—particularly those across the hospitality and wider tourism sector who contribute daily to ensuring that every visitor, feels safe, respected, and genuinely welcomed.

“While we are encouraged by this acknowledgement, we remain mindful that safety is not a static achievement—it is a shared and ongoing responsibility. It extends beyond our visitors to the well-being of our citizens and communities.”

Franklin said  that the focus continues to be on maintaining the highest standards, from well-regulated experiences and strong community partnerships to world-class hospitality frameworks, supported by effective governance frameworks that benefit both Barbadians and visitors alike.

In 2025, Barbados achieved a record-breaking tourism year, welcoming over 729,000 long-stay visitors, marking a 3.3 per cent  increase over 2024, with significant growth driven by the United States market. (CMC)

Cops urged to lead strategically

Tonisha Rock-Yaw
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Cops urged to lead strategically

Senior law enforcement officers from across the region were yesterday reminded that the future of policing rests not only on operational skills, but on their ability to strategically manage political expectations, safeguard public trust and lead institutions through increasingly complex security challenges.

Delivering the feature address at the closing ceremony of the Regional Security System (RSS) Training Institute’s International Leadership and Management Gold Course 2026, Commissioner of Police of the Royal Grenada Police Force, Randy Connaught, told graduates that the course marked a deliberate shift into the highest tier of policing responsibility at the strategic command level where decisions intersect national security, public policy and public confidence.

For three intensive weeks at the RSS Training Institute at Paragon, Christ Church, participants, including assistant commissioners, division commanders and senior superintendents, completed the region’s most advanced leadership curriculum facilitated by the Durham Constabulary in the United Kingdom.

Connaught said the programme was designed to refine, not introduce, the leadership qualities of officers already carrying significant authority.

“For the past three weeks, you have immersed yourselves in the Durham difference. You have dissected your own leadership styles, grappled with the complexities of gold command and crafted strategies designed not just for today, but to futureproof your organisations. You did so not as aspiring leaders, but as established executives who already carry the weight of your offices,” he said.

He cautioned that gold commanders must now shift their focus away from frontline operations where their decisions must balance law, policy and national expectations.

“My charge to you as you leave this hall is to master what is perhaps the most delicate and critical skill of executive leadership managing the expectations of the political directorate. This is not about being political. It is not about partisanship. It is about managing a relationship that is constitutionally vital, operationally impactful and perpetually challenging.”

He added that leaders must be willing to challenge ministers respectfully and professionally, especially when political demands conflict with operational realities.

Create safety

“When a minister calls for a rapid crackdown on a complex issue, your job is not to simply salute and execute. You must have the courage to say, ‘Minister, your priority is my priority. Here is what we can achieve and here is the multi-agency, problemoriented plan that will create sustainable safety not just the appearance of it,” he said.

Connaught referenced two current issues facing regional security forces – accepting third-party refugees at the request of the United States, and the debate over marijuana use within disciplined services.

“In both cases, your role is not to oppose the political directorate, but to ensure decisions are informed by operational realities and ethical imperatives. Do not be a yes-person. Be a trusted strategic advisor,” he urged.

He also pressed officers to remain non-partisan, warning: “Politicians come and politicians go, but the police service is an enduring institution. Your loyalty is to the office, to the law and to the people you serve.”

Delivering the student perspective, Assistant Superintendent Theodore Horne of the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force said the course represented “a decisive shift from operational competence to true strategic leadership”.

“This experience challenged not only what we know, but how we think, decide and lead at the highest level. The value of a shared doctrine and a unified leadership philosophy across the region cannot be overstated. This course is not just training; it is capacity building at the highest level,” he said.

Facilitator Chief Superintendent Ian Leach of the Durham Constabulary praised the officers for their commitment, humour and honesty throughout the programme. (TRY)

Gall Hill old library ‘in a state’

Ashada Joseph
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Gall Hill old library ‘in a state’

Concern is mounting among some residents of Gall Hill, St John, over the deteriorating condition of the old branch library, which they say has fallen into more disrepair after a man took up residence on the property.

When a Weekend Nation team visited the area on Tuesday, the man, known to residents as “Patchy”, was seen sitting on the pavement outside the library wearing only a shirt and underwear, with Black Belly sheep staked nearby. The steps leading to the building’s entrance were littered with garbage, discarded clothing and other debris.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said the man has been living at the library since last year. she stressed that he has not posed a direct threat to the community.

“He needs to be placed somewhere. They have to look for somewhere to put him. I also want there to be cleaned up. it is in a state,” she said, expressing concern both for his wellbeing and the condition
of the property.

Residents say the situation has gradually worsened, with increasing amounts of waste accumulating around the building. Harriet Husbands, another resident who is familiar with the man, said she has repeatedly contacted authorities in an effort to address the issue.

“I called them three times because that inviting a lot of rats over here and I does sell food too and that has me really annoyed,” she said, voicing frustration over what she described as a growing public health risk.

According to Husbands, the man brings additional garbage to the site daily, exacerbating the problem. She also recounted an incident in which workers from the Sanitation Service Authority attempted to remove the debris but were reportedly confronted by the man.

Husbands said that on Monday, a police officer and a representative from the David Thompson Health and Social Services Complex visited the location, assessed the situation and assured residents that steps would be taken.

On Tuesday, an official from the same facility confirmed that the property falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing, Maintenance and Land. The ministry acknowledged they were aware of the issue and indicated that arrangements were being made to clean and secure the premises.

19-year-old remanded on violent disorder charge

Nationnews Desk
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19-year-old remanded on violent disorder charge

Tarrell Andre Cumberbatch will spend most of April on remand at Barbados Prison Service (Dodds).

Cumberbatch, 19 years, of no fixed place of abode, was arrested and charged with violent disorder stemming from a January 3 incident.

He was not allowed to plead to the indictable offence when he appeared before Magistrate Alison Burke in the District ‘A’ Traffic Court on Thursday.

He was remanded until April 30 to reappear in the District ‘A’ Criminal Court No. 1 after the matter was transferred. (PR/SAT)

Traffic changes for Oistins Fish Festival

Nationnews Desk
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1
Traffic changes for Oistins Fish Festival

The Oistins Fish Festival will be held in Oistins, Christ Church, from Friday, April 3, 2026 to Monday, April 6, 2026. As a result, a number of traffic changes will take effect.

Road closures
On Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Oistins Main Road from its junction with Keizer Hill, to the junction of Welches Road and Canevale Hill will be closed to the general public. Delivery, public service vehicles, residents and emergency vehicles will be allowed access.

Traffic diversions
The following traffic diversions will take effect on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.:

a) Motorist travelling westerly along Keizer Hill, Pegwell Hill and Thornbury Hill, with the intention of going beyond Oistins, will be diverted onto Church Hill.
b) Motorist travelling along Maxwell Road towards Oistins, will be diverted along Cane Vale Hill.

No parking
From Friday, April 3, 2026 to Monday, April 6, 2026, no person shall park or allow their vehicle to remain stationary on the following roads.
a) Keizer Hill
b) Oistins Hill
c) Thornbury Hill
d) Church Hill
e) Cane Vale Road
f) Maxwell Main Road
g) Welches Road
h) Pegwell Road

Parking
Parking will be provided at the following locations:
a) Granny’s car park
b) Christ Church Foundation School

Ooffences
Any person who contravenes these rules or fails to comply with any order given by a member of The Barbados Police Service in uniform, is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction, to a fine of five hundred dollars ($500BDS) or to imprisonment for a term of three (3) months.

These rules do not apply to vehicles used by The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Defence Force, and the Barbados Fire Service, or any emergency vehicle. Police Officers will also be deployed on the day, to assist with all traffic management.

The Barbados Police Service thanks the members of the general public for their understanding and cooperation in this matter and apologises for any inconvenience these traffic changes may cause.

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