Blackman: Loan about ‘fixing sewers, securing futures’
A government-backed $600 million sustainability-linked loan, touted as a lifeline for ailing infrastructure and debt woes, was defended in the Senate on Friday as a bold step towards economic stability, with Senator Chad Blackman claiming it would overhaul the South Coast Sewage Plant and refinance costly debt without adding to the nation’s financial burden. […]
Mother remanded, father on bail on charges related to teen daughters
A 47-year-old mother is now on remand at Dodds Prison after being charged with causing serious bodily harm to her teen daughters, while their father, accused of neglecting them, has been placed on $10 000 bail. Appearing before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes, the accused woman was not required to plead to two indictable charges […]
Finance deal murky, say senators
The government’s $600 million deal in loans and grants to upgrade Barbados’ sewage systems, including a controversial debt-for-climate swap, came under further scrutiny in the Senate on Friday. Independent Senator Dr Crystal Drakes and Opposition Senator Ryan Walters raised concerns about transparency and accountability. The resolution under Section 2 of the Special Loans Act […]
New law to tackle water scarcity, embraces treated wastewater
In a groundbreaking move to combat water scarcity and build climate resilience, new legislation has introduced strict measures to regulate the safe use of treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes. Officials stressed the reused water is not for human consumption but is intended for specific non-potable uses, such as irrigation, washing roads and buildings, and aquifer […]
Culinary stars shine bright as regional training plans unveiled
A Caribbean-wide training programme for aspiring chefs is set to be launched, following the stellar performance of chefs at a regional culinary competition in Miami, a Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) official revealed Friday. Tessalee Moore, BHTA special projects manager, made the announcement as the victorious Barbadian team returned home on Friday as […]
More focus on local cuisine, farmer support for Agrofest 2025
Agrofest 2025 has officially been launched, with stakeholders promising an expanded and more engaging showcase next year, centred on the theme, Saving the Future through Agriculture. It will highlight greater inclusion of authentic Bajan cuisine and enhanced support for farmers. Speaking at the launch of the national agricultural exhibition on Friday, Chief Executive Officer […]
Half-centuries for Louis and Athanaze put the home team in a solid position
A career-best knock from Mikyle Louis, and a near-best from Alick Athanaze helped the West Indies close the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh at 250-5 on Friday at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in North Sound, Antigua Barbuda. “I think we’re in a strong position,” reflected Louis at the close. […]
Benefits for bondholders from debt-for-climate deal – Straughn
Government bondholders will not face losses despite a new $600 million debt-for-climate swap deal with commercial banks, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn assured Friday. The arrangement, touted to deliver $300 million in savings, will involve buying back some of the most costly bonds, including those held by the National Insurance and […]
Economist praises debt-for-climate swap but warns about risks
A groundbreaking $600 million debt-for-climate swap deal has drawn both praise and caution from a leading economist. The arrangement, which will fund a $240 million upgrade to facilities including the South Coast Sewage Treatment Plant, was hailed by Professor Justin Robinson as a “forward-thinking approach”. But he also cautioned about potential risks. The Principal […]
Will Bajans be forced to “Come ‘Long Home”?
The jubilation of a surprisingly ardent group of Donald Trump supporters in Barbados may be subsiding after his win in the United States presidential election earlier this month. The reverberation from the second Trump victory is still being felt with many G20 countries assessing how they are likely to handle relations with the American […]