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IDB Invest announces strategic partnership to support Caribbean growth

Nationnews Desk
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IDB Invest announces strategic partnership to support Caribbean growth

IDB Invest, the private-sector arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB Group) says it has entered into a strategic partnership with the Trinidad-based ANSA McAL Group to support investments in key productive sectors across the region.

The Washington-based financial institution said that the collaboration with one of the Caribbean’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, will help expand industrial capacity, strengthen supply chains, and support economic growth.

It said as part of this new partnership, IDB Invest has approved financing of up to US$500 million for ANSA McAL Group, with an initial commitment of US$200 million. It said the initial commitment comprises US$150 million from IDB Invest, including a US$100 million term loan and a US$50 million revolving credit facility, as well as US$50 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through its Trust Fund Achieving Development of Latin America and the Caribbean (TADAC).

The IDB said  that the funding is IDB Invest’s largest-ever financing in the Caribbean.

“The Caribbean’s future competitiveness depends on thinking beyond individual markets and investing in regional businesses that connect the region,” said James P. Scriven, IDB Invest’s chief executive officer.

“By supporting investment in manufacturing, logistics, distribution, and supply chains, this financing helps strengthen the productive links that underpin regional growth.”

The chief executive officer of ANSA McAL, Anthony N. Sabga III, said this partnership reflects confidence in ANSA McAL, in the strength of Caribbean enterprise, and in the opportunities that exist within the Caribbean region.

“The financing will support investments that expand capacity, strengthen our operations, and enhance the competitiveness of the businesses we have built over the last 145 years. We are proud to partner with IDB Invest in advancing initiatives that contribute to economic development, job creation, innovation, and opportunity throughout the Caribbean,” he added.

IDB said that the financing will support investments in manufacturing, logistics, recycling, distribution, and supply chain infrastructure. These initiatives are expected to generate quality employment opportunities and enhance the competitiveness and resilience of productive sectors.

The IDB said that for  Trinidad and Tobago, where expanding non-energy economic activity remains an important national priority, the project will deepen regional trade linkages and support productive investment.

It also creates a platform for future collaboration, broader access to international capital, and strategic relationships. The partnership aligns with IDB Invest’s Originate-to-Share model, which seeks to mobilize private capital into key development sectors across Latin America and the Caribbean.

IDB said that in addition to financing, IDB Invest and Ansa McAL will collaborate on initiatives focused on circular-economy solutions, digital transformation, sustainability reporting, and energy efficiency. These programmes will support the ANSA McAL Group’s investment agenda, enable knowledge sharing for local people, and reinforce its commitment to responsible long-term growth.

SSA wants proper disposal of dead animals

Josue Ramirez Nelson
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SSA wants proper disposal of dead animals

The Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) has urged the public to properly dispose of dead animals reaching out to their Pet Patrol services for assistance.

SSA Public Relations Officer Carl Padmore urged the public to report roadkill via 262-5326/27 while homeowners can have an animal removed for a small fee. Farmers are guided to reach out to the Ministry of Health and Wellness for the removal of other animals.

“A lot of people are not doing this. They prefer to dump the remains of the animals in gullies and the remains of them in other places,” Padmore said.

“Only recently we had part of a dead pig in a bag along Constitution Road. And from time to time we are seeing this behaviour happening where persons are neither calling the pet patrol nor taking the decomposed animal to our landfill,” he added.

Padmore appealed for the public to follow the correct procedure given that resources are stretched during the present rainy season.

(JRN)

Owner upset as derelict vehicles removed

Josue Ramirez Nelson
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Owner upset as derelict vehicles removed

Scrapyard owner Mohammed Adam felt aggrieved after 16 of his derelict vehicles were removed from his property yesterday under orders from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Adam, who owns a scrapyard business and car rental company, stood by helplessly as police and members of St Mark’s Trucking and Rental descended upon the property in Lakes Folly, The City, crushing and collecting whatever shells remained of the derelict vehicles.

The cars were previously spray painted with the “MOH” tag, traditionally used by the Ministry of Health to identify structures marked for demolition or removal. While Adam acknowledged that he was slow in maintaining the upkeep of the area, he insisted that he always intended to clean up the site.

“I don’t mind that. That is their right. I was cleaning it on my own but indeed, I was slow. I put the cars there one day because I brought them out here to scrap them out and the very next day they came and put MOH on it,” Adam said.

“One of the cars that was here was completely sealed, and the Ministry of Health told us that once the vehicle is completely sealed and it has all doors, water cannot get in, rats cannot get in. It is no problem. I always maintained the area and the cars were never an issue, those that were a health hazard were being dealt with,” he added.

The scrapyard owner’s main grouse, however, was that the proprietor of St Mark’s Trucking was the person conducting the removal.

He claimed there was a personal issue between them and he preferred if another contractor was assigned to the job..

“We asked them to move one of the vehicles and while I was getting my vehicle to come and move it, the man crushed the vehicle right in front of me.

Tell me if this is not a conflict of interest. I told the police, I don’t mind you moving the vehicle, because that is your right, but send somebody else,” he stated.

The proprietor of St Mark’s Trucking, who was on hand, however denied any bad blood between him and Adam saying he had never met the man before yesterday, nor did he ever visit that area prior to yesterday.

“This is my job moving old cars and old houses. This is the first time I move vehicles around here. Since I came here nobody had any issue or quarrel with me,” he said.

A resident who lived next to the junkyard said that the vehicles were a cause of concern for well over a year.

“The main issue is that these derelict vehicles are not covered, they are totally opened, parts are strewn all over the area and of course they are susceptible to rainfall, mosquitoes, rodents, usual things. “If you have elderly people living around you it’s a big risk, especially with dengue fever and other things,” he said.

( JRN)

Calypso finalists announced

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Calypso finalists announced

The calypsonians who will challenge Mr Blood in the 2026 Courtesy Garage Pic-O-De-Crop Finals, powered by Q100.7 FM, were announced this morning.

Barbados confirmed as host of 2028 CARIFTA Games

Nationnews Desk
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Barbados confirmed as host of 2028 CARIFTA Games

Barbados has been confirmed as host of the 2028 CARIFTA Games, while Guyana will stage the 2027 edition, following decisive support from the CARICOM Heads of Government to secure the future of the regional competition.

The announcement comes after the two member federations that had expressed interest in hosting the 2027 Games withdrew, just days before the CARICOM Heads of Government neeting held July 5 to 8.

North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) appealed directly to the CARICOM Heads on the urgent need to secure a host and on the broader value of sport to the region’s young people.

“On behalf of the NACAC Athletics Council, officials, and athletes of the NACAC Athletics family, I wish to thank the CARICOM Heads for their swift and positive response in support of the CARIFTA Games,” said Mike Sands, president of NACAC Athletics.

“I especially thank President Ali of Guyana and Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados for agreeing to host CARIFTA 2027 and 2028. This secures the immediate future of what is arguably the world’s premier junior athletics event.”

NACAC Athletics also extended its appreciation to the Government, member federation, Local Organising Committee, and people of Grenada for hosting the 2026 CARIFTA Games on short notice. It was the second time Grenada stepped up as host within a three-year period.

“Grenada’s willingness to host twice in three years speaks to its commitment to youth development, but it also reminds us of the real demands hosting places on our smaller island states,” Sands said.

“Sustaining the CARIFTA Games will take continued partnership between our governments and sporting bodies.”

From July 10 to 12, NACAC Athletics staged its Under-18/Under-23 Championships in Tlaxcala, Mexico, with 512 athletes from 26 member federations competing. Athletes from 20 of the 26 participating federations reached the medal podium and 20 championship records were broken. The Under-23 age range was expanded to give Under-20 athletes an additional opportunity to qualify for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, next month. (PR/NM)

NCF mourns passing of veteran photographer David Crichlow

Nationnews Desk
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NCF mourns passing of veteran photographer David Crichlow

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) is mourning the passing of veteran Barbadian photographer David Crichlow, whose lens captured the people, culture and defining moments of Barbados for generations.

Affectionately known as “Pepsi”, Crichlow was a familiar presence at national events and was widely recognised for his documentation of the Crop Over Festival and the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA).

The NCF said his work provided an invaluable visual record of the island’s cultural heritage, while his generosity, humility and willingness to mentor fellow photographers left a lasting impact on the creative community.

Crichlow also documented Barbados through print and digital media and preserved countless personal milestones for families across the island.

The organisation extended condolences to his family, friends, colleagues in the journalism, media and photography communities, and all those who knew him.

The NCF said his legacy will live on through the thousands of images he captured, which will continue to tell the story of Barbados for generations to come. (PR)

CWI announces 15-member squad for Test series against Pakistan

Nationnews Desk
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CWI announces 15-member squad for Test series against Pakistan

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, with the team retaining the core group that secured a 1-0 series victory over Sri Lanka earlier this month.

The series will be played in Trinidad from July 25 to August 6, with the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy marking the venue’s first-ever men’s Test match.

The squad includes a maiden Test call-up for Barbados Pride left-arm orthodox spinner Joshua Bishop, who has impressed in regional cricket, claiming 91 wickets for the Barbados Pride and West Indies Academy across the last three West Indies Championship seasons.

Jamaica Scorpions batsman Kirk McKenzie has also returned to the Test squad after last featuring in 2024. He replaces opener John Campbell, who has been ruled out after suffering a left hamstring strain during the recent One-Day International series against New Zealand.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was unavailable for selection due to personal reasons.

West Indies captain Roston Chase will lead the side, with Jomel Warrican serving as vice-captain.

The squad is:

Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Joshua Bishop, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Kirk McKenzie, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.

The first Test will be played from July 25-29 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, while the second Test will take place from August 2-6 at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain.

Update: Missing St Thomas man traced

Nationnews Desk
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Update: Missing St Thomas man traced

Richard Rudolph Cumberbatch, 53, of Ayshford, St Thomas, who was reported missing on Tuesday, July 22 has been traced and is safe.

The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) thanked members of the public and the media for their assistance in locating Cumberbatch.

Warm welcome for Sunrise

Carlos Atwell
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Warm welcome for Sunrise

Barbados welcomed its newest airline partner at Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) yesterday.

The inaugural Sunrise Airways nonstop flight from Antigua and Barbuda touched down around noon to a steel pan welcome, stilt walkers, Mother Sally and executives from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., GAIA, and the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport.

Accompanying the passengers aboard the flight, piloted by Captain Earl Athill, were executives from the airline and Antigua’s tourism ministry and tourism authority.

Chief executive officer of Sunrise Airways, Gary Stone, said the airline connection was a new beginning, noting every destination represented families reuniting, businesses expanding, cultures connecting and new opportunities for their people.

“Today, we’re doing much more than inaugurating a new air route. We are strengthening commercial tourism and cultural ties while promoting economic growth and deeper integration as a Caribbean community.

“Indeed, the combined presence of the Government officials of both Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda, who are joining us to celebrate this inaugural flight, sends a powerful message about the region’s ability to work together to achieve shared objectives,” he said.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism Michael Freeland said connectivity was vital.

“While our beaches, heritage, cuisine, festivals and warm hospitality continue to attract visitors from around the world, we also recognise that the strength of our tourism industry depends on one critical factor: connectivity.

“Without reliable and affordable air access, the Caribbean cannot fully unlock its economic potential. Every new route opens new doors for tourism, trade, investment, education, sporting events and family connections. It allows our people to travel more conveniently while creating opportunities for business on both islands to grow.

“The relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados has always been a special one. We share common histories, common values and a common vision for regional progress.

“Our people have long travelled between our islands for business, education, leisure, sports and family. Today’s inaugural flight strengthens those bonds and makes those connections even easier,” he said.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill said the partnership with Sunrise Airways formed part of their tourism strategy. “We continue every year to strategise what we want to accomplish within our markets. This is another example of our strategy at work, which has worked well for Barbados and we continue to grow our arrivals. Of course, we have the challenge now with increasing fuel costs, which is a significant contributor to operating expenses. But notwithstanding that, we have to ensure that we continue to drive our arrivals.

“What you’re witnessing here today is the result of behind-thescenes negotiations and people in the boardroom strategising to come to Barbados, recognising the growth of Barbados.

“As we continue to increase our room inventory, it is also necessary that we continue to fill those rooms and this initiative by Sunrise Airways will certainly allow us to continue on that mission,” he said.

Barbados is now the 20th destination for Sunrise Airways, which includes countries in the region as well as North and Central America.

(CA)

Research must drive better health care

Carlos Atwell
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Research must drive better health care

Medical research and practical medicine must meld seamlessly to the benefit of the public.

This was the consensus during the opening ceremony of the 25th annual Errol Walrond Scientific Symposium, held last Friday in the auditorium of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), Martindale’s Road, St Michael.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Lisa Cummins, delivered the feature address.

She asked the participants what their legacy would be.

“What will be your legacy? In whose shadow will you stand, and who will stand in yours?

This [symposium] is about medical ethics. This is about the future of health care. This is about how policy, ethics, empirical research, implementation, and operationalisation all collide to be able to give an outcome.

“What is the role of the people in this room in developing solutions to solve today’s problems? How do you stand in the shade of Sir Errol Walrond and pave the way – I call it institutional scaffolding – for those who will come behind you to stand in your shade?” she asked.

Cummins said change was happening fast, and medicine was at the forefront of it and asked the audience more questions they needed to answer for themselves.

“Artificial intelligence is already reshaping what we do, robotics is redefining the operating theatre and climate change is creating public health emergencies that many of our textbooks historically never considered and never conceptualised.

So let me be plain – change is happening; change is already here, and more change is still to come.

“So the only question left for you, researchers in the room, is: Where will you lead? When will you lead, and in what areas?

We have to be able to figure out what our niche areas are going to be. We can’t do everything, but let’s also look at what we have,” she said.

The minister said resources such as the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre of the University of the West Indies, the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory and the Barbados Living Laboratory were readily available and pledged her and Government’s support.

“I believe in the people that I work with. I believe in the doctors, administrators and management of this hospital because you cannot blow up the house that you are inside of.

So I am committed to working with all of you and to being able to face the challenges that we need to be able to solve while being able to rebuild and to reform and to transform and to give something new to those who will come after us.

“We have the ingredients. We have them right here. They may not all fit neatly together; we know that, we accept that. But we have the ingredients, and it will be my commitment to you to work together with the University of the West Indies, to work together with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, to work together with all of our professionals across the way to be able to knit them together deliberately, intentionally, cohesively, and strategically into a single-built ecosystem,” she said.

Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dr Damian Cohall, said the symposium was a way to show the public their research and how it could be applied for practical purposes.

Cohall said his faculty remained committed towards enhancing medical education, research developments and advancements in healthcare, not only to Barbados but also to the region.

“To emphasise this commitment, we have certainly been doing a lot of things internally and externally.

Some of these are specifically related to oral programming. Of course, one of our primary areas of focus is medical education, so we continue in that space to develop new programmes that meet the needs of today’s healthcare systems,” he said.

Cohall said they recently launched a suite of programmes and currently feature a post-graduate certificate, post-graduate diploma and postgraduate master of science in digital health and innovation. In addition, he said they had re-emphasised the importance of ethics, adding their ethics conferences were now mandatory and were attracting more than just trainees.

The Dean also said they had recently received funding to refurbish their Williams annex, adding he wanted to develop it into a centre of excellence in translational and prescription medicine.

“The University of the West Indies, historically, has always been considered the academic and clinical leader in this hospital. And in my eyes, that space will be symbolic going forward, because it will now be the symbolic centre for the University of West Indies in the hospital, where we expect cutting-edge knowledge ideation to take place,” he said.

The ceremony also featured remarks from the director of medical services at the QEH, Dr Carlos Chase and UWI deputy principal Professor Winston Moore. There were also presentations of Professor Sir Errol’s book A Question of Ethics by the author himself. (CA)

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