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Speedier trials ‘the aim’

Barry Alleyne
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Speedier trials ‘the aim’

Barbados yesterday made the official move to establish a dedicated Gun Court for the first time in its history, as Government seeks to fast-track firearm-related cases amid growing concerns over gun violence and a mounting backlog in the criminal justice system.

Introducing the Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the House of Assembly, Minister of Criminal Justice and Legal Affairs Michael Lashley described the creation of a Firearms Division of the High Court as a “historic amendment” that would allow gun-related offences to be heard by specialised judges, with the aim of delivering swifter justice and at the same time strengthening public safety.

Accused people can determine if they want a judge-only trial or one by jury.

Lashley said the new division, also known as a Gun Court, would be empowered to hear cases involving illegal firearms, ammunition and other offences connected to the use of guns.

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Drought persists as wet season begins with limited relief, BMS reports

Nationnews Desk
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Drought persists as wet season begins with limited relief, BMS reports

Barbados is still in drought conditions despite the official start of the wet (hurricane) season, with rainfall patterns continuing to fall short of what is typically expected at this time of year, according to the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS).

The BMS said it is actively monitoring both current and projected conditions, noting that while tropical waves have passed over the island in recent weeks, they have provided only brief and limited relief to ongoing dry conditions.

Rainfall to the end of May stood at 278.4 millimetres at Charnocks, just below the 30-year average of 280.9 millimetres. However, much of that total was recorded in short bursts during January and March, when rainfall temporarily surged above normal levels before dry conditions resumed.

Vegetation stress remains visible in several parts of the island, particularly in southern and south-western areas, where prolonged dry spells have been most pronounced.

The BMS said El Niño conditions remain present across the Pacific Ocean, with a strengthening phase expected between July and August. That development is likely to keep rainfall near or below normal for much of the next several months.

Monthly projections from June through October show rainfall ranging roughly between 30 and 150 millimetres, with most periods leaning below average. The Met Service cautioned that even within a generally dry outlook, short-duration heavy rainfall events remain possible and could lead to localised flooding.

Temperatures are expected to remain above normal, though not at the record levels seen in 2023 and 2024. The agency said the combination of heat, humidity, and reduced rainfall could increase heat stress risks, particularly during warmer nights and humid spells.

Agricultural and hydrological drought warnings remain in effect for June and July, with conditions expected to ease only to drought watch levels from August through October. The Met Service said the outlook will continue to be updated monthly as conditions develop. (BMS)

Lady Elba spotted reading Nation on Barbados visit

Nationnews Desk
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Lady Elba spotted reading Nation on Barbados visit

While on a family getaway in Barbados, Lady Elba picked up a copy of the Daily Nation featuring a photograph of herself and husband Sir Idris Elba.

The model, activist and wife of the newly knighted actor included the image in a recap post following the couple’s visit to Barbados late last month.

The newspaper’s front page, taken by Nation photographer Reco Moore, showed the couple after a lunch meeting with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley at the Sea Shed Beach Club in Mullins, St Peter.

Sir Idris was officially knighted by King Charles III on June 2 for his services to young people.

Lady Elba and Sir Idris Elba after meeting Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley at Sea Shed. (Picture by Reco Moore)

Police investigate collision at Free Hill, Black Rock

Nationnews Desk
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Police investigate collision at Free Hill, Black Rock

Police were on the scene of an accident along Free Hill, Black Rock, this morning involving a car and a motorcycle.

More details as they come to hand.

Wanted Man: Dwayne Marlon Drakes

Nationnews Desk
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Wanted Man: Dwayne Marlon Drakes

The Barbados Police Service is seeking the assistance of the public in locating a man wanted for questioning in connection with serious criminal matters.

He has been identified as Dwayne Marlon Drakes, also known as “Oily,” with last known addresses at Denny Road, Thorpes, St James, and 1st Avenue, Park Road, Bush Hall, St Michael.

Police describe him as approximately 5’7” in height, slim build and dark complexion, with a scar on the right side of his forehead. He also has a tattoo reading “for the wages of sin is death” on his left hand and a cross on his right hand.

Drakes has been advised that he may present himself to the Criminal Investigations Department at Black Rock Police Station accompanied by an attorney.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the CID at Black Rock Police Station at 417-7505 or 417-7500, Police Emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or the nearest police station.

Police have also warned that it is a serious offence to harbour or assist wanted persons.

Cry for help

Ashada Joseph
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Cry for help

Seventy-seven-year-old Maria Jordan is in urgent need of assistance after watching helplessly as her home and all its contents went up in flames.

The wooden house in Weston, St James, was destroyed last Saturday morning, leaving Jordan and three other members of the household – an adult and two children – without a place to stay. Ten fire officers with two water tenders responded but could not save any of their belongings.

Jordan was at her neighbour and family friend Arlen Reid when the blaze began.

Reid told the DAILY NATION she was preparing to take a shower when her sister yelled for her to alert Jordan that her house was on fire. When she went outside, she saw the thick black smoke and told Jordan to see if it was her home that was on fire. She said the elderly woman could only watch it burn to the ground.

Reid described Jordan as a generous, caring person who always looked out for others. In the aftermath of the fire, she said she opened her home to the elderly woman.

However, due to limited space, Jordan has been sleeping on a bench in Reid’s backyard. Her immediate food and clothing needs are being met.

“I do the same thing I do every day. The only thing I had to do the evening of the fire was look for clothes for her. I had to bathe her and everything because she would usually do that when she got home. I had to look for clothes for her and make sure she was comfortable because she said she wasn’t going anywhere,” Reid recalled.

She added that Jordan was in need of adult pampers, food St James fire victim, 77, in dire need of assistance items, clothes and shoes.

Neighbour Eleanor Griffith said she awoke around 7 a.m. to the smell of smoke.

“When I come out and I get up here and I look across, oh my God, I see the fire burning down the house and the wind was blowing. I feared that it would cause it to spread. This thing had me frighten. My chest start to feel fluttery and heavy and I got scared. The fireman who knew me offered to take me to the ambulance to get my heart checked out because I does take things hard,” she said. Griffith said several of her windows were damaged while the sides and back of the home were singed by the intense heat. She added that a neighbour’s house received extensive damage to its windows and exterior.

Another neighbour, who was still visibly shaken by the ordeal, said she never witnessed a fire spread so fast.

“I was getting ready to go to work and I feel this strong heat. I look outside and all I could see was thick black smoke, so now I wondering where this smoke come from,” she said.

In a panic, she explained that she ran to the back of her home to get her mother to safety. However, by the time she returned, the heat from the blaze prevented her from re-entering through the front and she was forced to go through the back gate.

The woman said she ran and stored her documents safely in a bag to protect them.

She noted this was the second time a house burnt on the same property and expressed concern about another structure being built there, fearing a similar tragedy.

“I honestly feel no house should be built back here. The first one burned down and now this is the second time. It’s really scary,” she said.

(AJ)

Update: Woman stabbed in Bridgetown

Nationnews Desk
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Update: Woman stabbed in Bridgetown

Police at Central Station are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Monday, at the junction of Nelson Street and Fairchild Street in Bridgetown, St Michael.

Investigators say a dispute between a man and a woman escalated, resulting in the female sustaining multiple stab wounds.

The victim was transported by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she is receiving medical treatment.

Police confirmed that a suspect is in custody assisting with investigations.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Department (Central) at 430-7189 or 430-7190, Police Emergency at 211, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.

Man killed in late-night collision on Codrington Road

Nationnews Desk
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Man killed in late-night collision on Codrington Road

A man died following a collision involving two motor vans along Codrington Road, St Michael, late Monday night.

Police said the crash occurred around 11:15 p.m. as the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions.

Emergency ambulance personnel responded to the scene and found one of the drivers unresponsive. A medical doctor later pronounced him dead.

The driver of the second vehicle reportedly sustained minor injuries.

Police are continuing investigations and are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to contact District ‘A’ Police Station at 430-7242 or 430-7246.

Somali referee Artan barred from entering US

Nationnews Desk
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Somali referee Artan barred from entering US

Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals, has been dropped from the list of officials after he was denied entry to the United States.

Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football (Caf) men’s referee of the year, was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.

No reason for Artan’s repatriation has been issued by US immigration authorities, but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.

After speaking to the US authorities, world governing body Fifa said Artan will miss the tournament.

“Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” read a statement.

“Fifa is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.

“In line with previous Fifa events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”

Referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina has created a training hub for the tournament’s 52 referees and 88 assistant referees, in Miami.

All on-pitch officials must stay at the base in Florida for training, preparation and security.

It would therefore not be possible for Artan to stay outside the United States and only referee matches played in Canada or Mexico.

A senior adviser to Somalia’s ministry of youth and sports confirmed the denial of entry to the BBC and said Artan had been travelling with valid documents.

A Somali embassy official in Nairobi told the BBC that Artan’s diplomatic passport had been issued specifically to ease his travel after earlier visa difficulties.

Speaking in a statement to Reuters, Artan said that despite the circumstances he was in a positive mood and focused on the next challenge.

“I would like to thank Fifa and Caf for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future,” he said.

“I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.”

The Somali Football Federation (SFF) has contacted Fifa seeking urgent clarification.

Speaking to BBC World Service, Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, said: “While I can’t go into the derog [derogatory information] on that I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision.”

The World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July.

An official in the Somali national football league championships, Artan became a Fifa referee in 2018 and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Artan’s plight is the latest fiasco to hit the World Cup, with Iran’s football federation stating on Tuesday that their allocation of fan tickets for the group stage has been revoked.

Pundit and former England striker Ian Wright has labelled the tournament a “World Cup of chaos”, saying in a video on Instagram: “Every few hours, it’s another story about fans denied, player denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs.

“I’m laughing but it’s not funny. It’s actually not funny and something has to be said. The most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof.

“Is this how the hosts behave for the greatest game, the greatest tournament in the world? Are we not hearing more? Are we seeing how Qatar got dragged, are we not hearing more? Is this the spirit of football, really?

“I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this, how embarrassed they must be. How embarrassing for them this must be.

“This is a World Cup of chaos.” (BBC News)

CIBC Caribbean profits dip

Shawn Cumberbatch
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CIBC Caribbean profits dip

CIBC Caribbean Bank Limited has recorded a dip in its quarterly and half-year profitability but management says the financial results remain “solid”.

On the heels of recent news that it would be acquired by Bermuda’s Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited, CIBC Caribbean’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended April 30, reported a profitable period, but one where net income was lower than the same time last year.

In his review, chief executive officer Mark St Hill, noting that it would be business as usual until the Butterfield acquisition was completed, said his organisation “continued to deliver solid financial results, underpinned by steady progress on our strategic priorities”.

“The bank reported net income of US$54.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, down US$5.5 million or nine per cent from the second quarter a year ago,” St Hill said.

“Results for the first quarter a year ago included a US$3.9 million fair value loss on a non-core investment, and a US$4.4 million gain related to previously announced divestitures.

“After adjusting for these prior year’s items of note’, adjusted net income was down US$5 million or eight per cent, primarily due to higher operating expenses and higher income tax. The core business remains strong.”

Performance resilient

The CEO added that for the six months ended April 30, “reported net income was US$105.0 million, down US$10.9 million or nine per cent from the second quarter a year ago”.

“After adjusting for prior year’s items of note for the six-month period, adjusted net income was down US$19.4 million or 16 per cent primarily due to non-recurring tax items and higher operating expenses related to employee costs and business taxes, partly offset by lower credit losses,” he reported.

“Adjusted revenue performance remained resilient, with total revenues up one per cent to US$388.7 million, driven primarily by steady growth in interest-bearing assets and client activity-based transaction fees, partly offset by lower interest margins.”

St Hill said CIBC Caribbean was “focused on deepening our client relationships, enhancing digital solutions, and strengthening operational resilience, while maintaining disciplined risk management in a dynamic operating environment”.

“The Caribbean’s economic outlook remains cautiously optimistic, largely driven by a continued strong performance in the tourism sector,” he noted.

“However, challenges such as elevated import costs, climate-related risks, and exposure to global economic fluctuations persist. Despite these pressures, underlying market conditions remain stable with improving consumer confidence and increasing investment activity.”

He also commented on CIBC Caribbean’s proposed acquisition by Butterfield, a transaction which, pending shareholder and regulatory approval, is expected to conclude next year. “Until closing, CIBC Caribbean will continue to operate under the leadership of its existing senior executive team with the existing functions continuing to support the Bank’s strategic business units and operating companies across the region,” St Hill said.

Complementary banks

He reiterated that “the transaction brings together two complementary banks with deep roots and established relationships across their combined footprint with heightened capacity, greater diversification, and scalable growth to drive long-term value for all stakeholders”.

“The expanded capabilities and scale are expected to provide enhanced corporate, personal and wealth management services across the combined client bases,” the CEO said.

“Clients can expect greater ability to process cross-border payments, increased consumer and merchant banking capabilities, and continued investments in technology and digital banking infrastructure.” (SC)

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