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BCEN calls for review of FTC

Carlos Atwell
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BCEN calls for review of FTC

The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) wants a regulatory and legislative review of the Fair Trading Commission’s (FTC) mandate following the latter’s published stance on the introduction of a 30-cent end-user convenience fee by SurePay (Barbados).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FTC said it had completed its review of the fee and determined it related to the pricing of a payment service and therefore did not fall within the commission’s authority to regulate under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). The FTC also stated that alternative payment channels remained available to consumers without the imposition of a service charge, and that there has been no breach of the requirements administered by the Utilities Regulation Act.

“In reaching its conclusion, the Commission also engaged with relevant stakeholders, including senior representatives of SurePay and the Barbados Postal Service (BPS). The Commission examined the availability of alternative payment options for consumers and confirmed that bill payments may be made without incurring the convenience fee through the following channels: The SurePay online platform and mobile application; Online banking platforms offered by financial institutions; and BPS locations across the island,” the statement read.

Precedent

In response, BCEN issued its own statement, warning the FTC’s position could set a concerning precedent, “opening the door for similar fees across other payment services” and “increasing the cost of everyday transactions”.

As such, the body is calling for a review of the FTC itself.

“The organisation is now calling for urgent regulatory and legislative action, including a review of the FTC’s mandate and amendments to the CPA to ensure that payment intermediaries are subject to appropriate oversight. BCEN insists that consumers should not be penalised for using the most accessible means for them to pay their bills. Fairness and access must remain at the centre of Barbados’ consumer protection framework,” it stated.

Significant gap

BCEN is accusing the FTC of a narrow interpretation of the CPA, which it said exposed consumers to “unfair costs”.

“While acknowledging the commission’s engagement, BCEN argues that the FTC’s narrow interpretation of the CPA leaves a significant gap in consumer protection, particularly in relation to modern payment services.

“Payment platforms like SurePay now function as essential service providers, facilitating bill payments for utilities and other critical services. So when consumers must use these platforms to access basic services, they should not be subjected to fees that are neither reviewed nor regulated,” it stated.

The consumer body also challenged the FTC’s reliance on alternative digital payment options, pointing out that many Barbadians, especially the elderly, low-income, and those without reliable internet access, remained dependent on over-the-counter transactions.

“As a result, the convenience fee places a disproportionate burden on the most vulnerable.

BCEN believes that transparency alone is not enough, and that a fee can be clearly disclosed and still be unfair. Consumer protection must address not just awareness, but equity,” it stated.

Beginning this month, SurePay has introduced a 30-cent VAT inclusive convenience fee on all cash and cheque payments made over the counter at their physical locations.

(CA)

Five Caribbean countries to benefit from new IICA initiative

Nationnews Desk
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Five Caribbean countries to benefit from new IICA initiative

 The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has introduced a new initiative designed to strengthen the competitiveness, operational efficiency and market access of agricultural micro and small enterprises (AgriMSEs) in five Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

It said that the AgriMSE Business Development and Regional Market Integration Project funded by the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will include Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Representative of the IICA Delegation in Trinidad and Tobago, Diana Francis, has underscored the importance of strengthening AgriMSEs as key drivers of agricultural value chains, rural livelihoods and food security.

She said  that integrating AgrMSEs into the economy and markets required strong and continuous partnerships among regional institutions, development partners, the private sector, and most importantly, the consumers.

The IICA official said the engagement and support from distribution, marketing and logistics firms will also be critical to ensure that products from the AgriMSE sector can be successfully moved within domestic markets and to markets across the region and abroad.

The AgriMSE Business Development and Regional Market Integration Project will be implemented over an 18–24-month period.

“This has to be seen as more than just a project. While it is similar to several past and possibly future projects, it is overpoweringly focused on ensuring that agri-food products from micro and small agribusinesses (AgriMSEs) meet the quality and price competitive requirements to enter and establish presence in domestic and export markets,”  she said, adding that the project also intends to strengthen the base for continued organized and collaborative engagement in support of AgriMSEs through the IICA-CPSO partnership and other like-minded collaborators.

IICA said that while the initiative is being implemented through three specialized consultancy streams designed to deliver targeted technical support to participating enterprises, it will ensure team integration and coordination and provide technical backstopping, stakeholder outreach and engagement support.

IICA said that these consultancy streams include EconoTech Ltd., leading on AgriMSEs business and production operational efficiencies for scale-up and market access, Jai Rampersad, leading on intra-regional marketing and export facilitation, and GBest Consulting, leading on AgriMSE credit worthiness, readiness and financing accessibility.

“Working inclusively with national entities, these workstreams are expected to improve enterprise performance, enhance export readiness and facilitate greater access to financing and investment opportunities for AgriMSEs in the participating countries,”  IICA added.

Agricultural Health, Food Safety and Quality Specialist for the Caribbean at IICA in Barbados, Janet Lawrence, who made a presentation on complementary initiatives funded by the European Union  (EU) noted that the Europe has been a longstanding partner in supporting agricultural development in the Caribbean, providing funding for projects addressing sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues and related capacity building initiatives across the region for more than a decade.

She said that the EU projects complement the IICA-CDB project and will support stakeholders across the wider Caribbean region.

These initiatives will provide additional resources to support not only AgriMSEs themselves but also policymakers and institutions responsible for strengthening the enabling environment necessary for agricultural enterprises to thrive.

The EU projects also focus on areas such as agricultural health, food safety, quality assurance and regulatory frameworks, all of which are essential to enabling AgriMSEs to compete effectively in regional and international markets.
Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director of the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO), Patrick Antoine,  spoke of the importance of stronger collaboration between small agricultural enterprises and larger regional firms to address common constraints related to scale, logistics and processing.

He said that the CPSO is establishing a Regional Agribusiness Working Group which will support the continuation of the project’s objectives beyond the life of the consultancy.

“The intention behind the Regional Agribusiness Working Group is to bring together the experience, networks and technical capabilities of larger regional enterprises to directly support the growth of AgriMSEs.

“Through collaboration in areas such as shared processing, logistics and packaging, we can help smaller enterprises overcome scale constraints and position themselves more effectively for regional and even international markets,” Antoine said.

He said that the participation and support of distribution, marketing, and logistics companies will also be essential to ensure that AgriMSE products can be successfully marketed in domestic markets, as well as in regional and international markets.
Antoine noted the growing engagement between Caribbean and African private sectors, making reference to  the recent announcement by the Egypt -based African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) to increase its investment commitment to the Caribbean from three to  five billion US dollars.

He said  this signals expanded financing opportunities for regional enterprises and that the Working Group will allow the CPSO to leverage partnerships such as these, alongside tools like the Regional AgriMSE Database being developed under the project, providing targeted support to enterprises beyond the project’s lifespan while contributing to the CARICOM 25 by 2025 plus five food security agenda. (CMC)

Top appointments may be historic

Maria Bradshaw
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Top appointments may be historic

Significant changes are on the horizon for law enforcement agencies, with the Barbados Police Service and the Barbados Prison Service both expected to undergo major management restructuring before the end of the year.

Most notably, sources indicate that history could be made in the Police Service, as a female officer is in contention for the post of Commissioner of Police.

The top positions at the Police Service will soon be vacant, as Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce and Deputy Commissioner Ian Branch are both set to retire later this year. Former Deputy Commissioner Erwin Boyce, who was once tipped for the Commissioner of Police position, went on preretirement leave last year and has since offficially retired.

While Minister of Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice Michael Lashley offered no comment on the pending vacancy, a memo circulated on February 26 from the Director General of Human Resources in the Ministry of the Public Service advertised the post. The application process closed on March 13.

Qualifications include successful training in management executive development at a recognised police college or academy; a degree; and successful completion of the Strategic Command Course.

Among the front-runners for the job are Acting Assistant Commissioners Barry Hunte and Sonia Boyce, who were both promoted last July following their graduation from the UK’s renowned College of Policing’s Executive Leaders programme.

If selected, Sonia Boyce, who has worked alongside former Commissioners Darwin Dottin and Tyrone Griffith as well as Richard Boyce, would become the first female Commissioner of Police in the island’s history.

Hunte oversees special operations and management services, while Boyce heads administration and human resources.

Simultaneously, the Barbados Prison Service is moving to fill a critical void in its leadership structure. Minister of Home Affairs Gregory Nicholls confirmed that consideration was being given to filling the post of deputy superintendent. While the post was created in 2024 – marking a first in the institution’s 167-year history – it has never been filled.

“I know that there’s consideration being given to the creation of the post of a deputy superintendent in the prison,” Nicholls said, while pointing out that such appointments fall under the purview of the Protective Services Commission.

“So I am not privy to that internal process… I don’t have all the information,” he told the Sunday Sun.

Superintendent DeCarlo Payne is assisted by two Assistant Superintendents, Major Ryan Smith, seconded from the Barbados Defence Force, and Vincent Alleyne. Reports suggest that a senior police officer is being considered for the Deputy Superintendent role, which will focus on administrative and human resources duties.

Following a recent tour of the penal institution at Dodds, St Philip, Nicholls emphasised the need to modernise the service, shifting the focus from incarceration to rehabilitation.

“We have to modernise the Prison Service into a correctional facility given the change in the nature of crimes,” Nicholls said.

“The Victorian thing of locking up people in a cell, a primary key as a punishment cannot work within the context of what we’re going to do . . . So those are things that I have to deal with.”

While the minister declined to divulge specific details citing national security, it was clear that both the Police and Prison Services are preparing for a new era of leadership. ( MB)

Staying in the Game – Rockley Golf Club celebrates 100 years

Julia Haynes
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Staying in the Game – Rockley Golf Club celebrates 100 years

Hitting the 100-mark is no small feat. In the world of sports, it is an achievement that tells a story of big wins, tough losses, and a deep determination to stay in the game.

That is the story of Rockley Golf Club. Known as the “home of golf,” this challenging nine-hole course began as a wild swamp that was never actually intended for the “gentleman’s game.” But thanks to the vision of three partners who laid the groundwork, the facility evolved to play a leading role in the development of the sport in Barbados.

Over the decades, these 70 acres have transitioned from a seasonal bird-shooting pasture into a bustling resort community that remains a landmark on the South Coast.

General Manager Orlando Crichlow says what makes Rockley special goes far beyond the green fairways. It is the “good vibes” that have drawn in everyone from international icons and national heroes to the local families who call these fairways home. As the club looks toward the next century, Crichlow is hoping even more Barbadians will visit the course, learn the history, and “play a knock” or two.

As Rockley marks this historic milestone, we invite you to go behind the scenes of a century of memories. Don’t miss our special 8eight-page feature in this week’s Sunday Sun. Pick up your copy and celebrate 100 years with Rockley.

Car fire in Bush Hall, St Michael

Nationnews Desk
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Car fire in Bush Hall, St Michael

The Barbados Fire Service was on the scene of a car fire in Bush Hall, St Michael earlier. No injuries were reported.

More details as they come to hand.

Austria becomes latest to propose social media ban for children

Nationnews Desk
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Austria becomes latest to propose social media ban for children

Austria has announced plans to ban social media for children aged under 14, becoming the latest country to consider introducing restrictions for children online.

It follows lengthy negotiations within the conservative-led three-party coalition government, but it is not yet clear how or when the ban will be implemented.

Announcing the plans, Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler of the Social Democrats said the government could not stand by and watch as social media made children “addicted and also often ill”.

He said it was the responsibility of politicians to protect children and argued that the issue should be treated no different to alcohol or tobacco: “There must be clear rules in the digital world too.”

In future, said Babler, children under 14 would be protected from algorithms that were addictive.

“Other information providers have clear rules to protect young people from harmful content.” These, he said, should now be implemented in the digital space.

Austria is the latest among a growing number of countries to consider restricting social media access for children, citing concerns about potentially harmful content made available to them on the platforms.

In a landmark case in the US on Wednesday, a jury found two social media giants had intentionally built addictive algorithms that harmed young people’s mental health.

Social media companies point to under-13s being disallowed from joining their platforms – though questions remain about how strictly this is enforced – and versions of their sites with parental controls when challenged on questions of harm.

Australia introduced a ban for under-16s in December, becoming the first nation to do so.

France’s lower house approved a ban for under-15s in January. In a post on X French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Austria for “joining the movement”.

The UK government has launched a consultation on banning social media for under-16s, while Denmark, Greece, Spain and Ireland are also considering similar moves: Spain and Ireland for under-16s, and Denmark and Greece for under-15s.

Austrian Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr, from the liberal Neos party, stressed the “harmful” nature of social media, adding: “People need to learn how to use it responsibly.”

The state secretary for digitalisation, Alexander Pröll, from the conservative ÖVP, said that a draft bill codifying the ban would be presented by the end of June.

The bill is expected to contain technical details of an agreed mechanism to verify people’s ages when accessing social media platforms. Babler said Austria could use an EU system if it was ready, but that it would pursue a national plan if not.

The general secretary of the far-right opposition Freedom Party, Christian Hafenecker, condemned the plans as “a direct attack on young people’s freedom of expression and freedom of information”.

However, Austrian political analyst Thomas Hofer said the proposed ban seemed to be proving popular.

“The government is trying to evoke the feeling that, in turbulent times, they have at least something under control,” he told the BBC.

“Such a ban is very popular, also among parents. So, it’s one of the easy points that they can make across party lines.

“In most other fields, the governmental parties are on the defence, though, be it the economy, the budget deficit or rising prices.”

The coalition government’s proposed social media ban has been agreed alongside controversial reforms to secondary schools, which include more lessons on democracy and artificial intelligence, and a cut in the number of Latin lessons. (BBC News)

Person of Interest now in police custody

Nationnews Desk
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Person of Interest now in police custody

Shane Callender, 43, of Lammings Park, St. Joseph, is now in police custody after being the subject of a “Person of Interest” bulletin issued on Friday.

Police said Callender presented himself to District ‘B’ Police Station on Saturday, accompanied by a relative. He is currently assisting officers with their investigations.

The Barbados Police Service thanked the public and the media for their assistance in the matter.

Victim in Bank Hall fire identified

Nationnews Desk
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Victim in Bank Hall fire identified

Shanell Smith, 51, of Bank Hall Main Road, St. Michael, has been identified as the victim of a fatal house fire in the area.

The blaze occurred around 2:45 p.m. on Friday, March 27. Fire officers responded and extinguished the fire before the unresponsive woman was discovered inside the building.

A medical doctor later pronounced death at the scene.

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire are ongoing, and anyone with information is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, Police Emergency at 211, or the Black Rock Police Station.

Bandleaders stand firm on decision about models’ skin tone

Tonisha Rock-Yaw
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Bandleaders stand firm on decision about models’ skin tone

Amid some public criticism that a number of Crop Over bands are relying heavily on fair-skinned women and Trinidadian models for their costume photoshoots and band launches, local bandleaders and industry representatives are defending their practices, arguing that logistics, cost factors and creative direction heavily influence those decisions.

Those interviewed also stressed that several black Barbadian models have been featured in band launches so far this season.

President of the Barbados Association of Masqueraders, Bryan Worrell, said the issue was more complex than it appears from the outside.

Best photos

“Bands have their prototypes made in Trinidad, a lot of them, and because you want to get the best possible photos for your costumes before you ship them, it is much easier to shoot them on location there. The costumes are already on the ground in Trinidad, so it reduces the risk of damage and you get immediate access to designers, photographers and materials,” he explained.

Worrell added that while some Barbadian bands rely on Trinidadbased models, others did the reverse.

“There are some bands that actually fly models from Barbados down to shoot their costumes. In the reverse, there are some actual Bajan models that model also for Trinidadian bands. So, it’s a dynamic where each band has its flavour and they do things a certain way. I think what’s concerning to people is that they see the same models, but that is tied to the photographer being used. If they use the same photographer, the photographer may have a set of models they’re accustomed working with. They know how to take direction and it’s easier for them to get to the shoot.”

He acknowledged calls for more diversity but maintained that the market was wide and varied.

Worrell, who has attended only one band launch so far, noted that both foreign and local black models were seen on stage.

“I would agree that we can tap into more of our local talent,” he said. “There are young ladies out here who have the physiques to model costumes and I think we can tap into that more. Some bands appeal to a market that may be looking for certain types to draw eyes, but I have no objection to bands finding local talent first. For my band, I always use local models.”

He pointed out that raw materials for costume production were not locally sourced.

“Barbados doesn’t produce these things. Neither does Trinidad. Most of the raw materials come from India or China. Trinidad simply has a larger stockpile and there are stores you can pop into to grab materials. Some designers are based there and many bands either buy finished prototypes or hire designers in Trinidad,” he said.

General manager of Aura, Rondell Jones said while their photoshoot was done in Trinidad, the band’s launch featured a wide mix of Barbadian models.

Dark-skinned

“We also had dark-skinned girls in our photoshoot, which was done in Trinidad because the designers are based there. It is more feasible to do the actual shoot there. However, the physical launch is something different and when we launched a few weeks ago, we used mostly local girls.”

Jones explained that cost remains the main factor keeping photoshoots in Trinidad.

“For the last four years or so, we’ve been doing our photoshoot in Trinidad, as with most bands in the Caribbean,” he noted. “It all boils down to cost. A band still has to support itself and try to make money, and it is very difficult when you look at everything. Doing the shoot in Trinidad is more affordable and it would be hypocritical for me to say otherwise. Unless the cost comes down, we would have to fly the backpacks to Barbados, then back to Trinidad, then fly finished costumes up again. There are a lot of additional costs to shooting in Barbados.”

Brian Corbin, bandleader of Dream Mas, said bandleaders must be allowed the freedom to choose the models they believe best represent their brand.

“Nationality is not necessarily a concern. It is more about the appeal of the model and the reference to the costume they would be wearing. You have various size models, different looks, different features and complexions to go with whichever colour or theme you’re trying to present, so it is not about using foreign models to create some grand aesthetic. It is about the look and feel and choosing the right model to match the costume.”

Corbin said his band does not source costumes from Trinidad. (TRY)

CWI responds to leaving Oval off list

Philip Spooner
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CWI responds to leaving Oval off list

Barbados has been told that it is a “preferred venue” and it will be “strongly considered” to host international cricket in the coming years when powerhouses India and England visit the region.

This assurance from Cricket West Indies (CWI) in response to authorities here who expressed great disappointment that there will be no regional first-class matches or international matches this year.

Both Dr Kishore Shallow, president of CWI, and Chris Dehring, its chief executive officer, spoke on the matter during a press conference at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua yesterday.

Earlier this week, Calvin Hope, president of the Barbados Cricket Association, and later Damien Gaskin, chairman of Kensington Oval Management Inc., expressed their public displeasure at the idea of Kensington Oval being overlooked.

Traditional value

“The reality is Barbados has and will continue to be a preferred hosting venue in the Caribbean. We understand and appreciate fully the traditional value that Barbados has played and added to West Indies cricket. We know that there are teams who love playing in Barbados and we will continue to exercise on our end and will explore whatever possibilities there are to host in Barbados,” Shallow said.

“In this year where we are obviously trying to reduce our expenditure significantly, we have no choice than to host these matches elsewhere and come up with the structure and format which we have. Every year there are countries and stakeholders who are going to be disappointed. Next year we host India and the following year we host England and I’m sure Barbados will be strongly considered.”

CWI has not officially unveiled the fixtures and venues. However, the Saturday Sun has obtained a draft copy of the itinerary which shows Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan scheduled

to tour the region from June to August. They will play 16 matches – four Tests, six One-Day Internationals and six T20 Internationals.

Dehring suggested there could be a misconception on how the matches were assigned.

Four-year cycle “The allocation of matches can’t be looked at in a single year. You have to look at the four-year cycle which is how world cricket operates . . . . It’s a four-year FTP (Future Tours Programme). There may be nuances and circumstances where we make adjustments and so on, but it is not an arbitrary allocation.

“There are circumstances that may include the financial situation, it may include the actual cost of hosting any event in a country, which in and of itself can vary from series to series,” he said.

The draft schedule of the summer home series shows West Indies will host Sri Lanka in three one-day internationals (ODIs) and three T20 internationals at Sabina Park, Jamaica from June 3 to 14. The teams will then travel to Antigua for two Test matches at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium from June 25 to July 7. New Zealand will then arrive and play three ODIs and three T20Is at the Guyana National Stadium in Georgetown from July 11 to 22.

Pakistan will be the third team to visit and will play two Tests in Trinidad. The first is at Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain from July 25 to 29. The second will be at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy from August 2 to 6. This will be the first Test match to be hosted at the facility in south Trinidad. (PS)

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