Opposition leader warns of crisis
Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has delivered a blistering critique of the government’s Budget, branding it a “report card” on emerging ‘tyranny’ and accusing the Mia Mottley administration of presiding over a “political apocalypse” marked by crime, economic hardship and corruption. Anchoring his response to Monday’s maiden speech by Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan […]
Thorne attacks plans to scrap 11-Plus exam
Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has sharply criticised the government’s move to abolish the Barbados Secondary School Entrance Examination – commonly known as the common entrance or 11-plus exam – demanding immediate public consultation. “When this government threatens to dismantle a system that it does not understand, then this government must stand condemned for betraying the […]
Chamber of Commerce praises resilience plan, knocks wage hike
In a mixed assessment of the 2025 Budget, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry has commended the government’s focus on economic resilience and digital transformation. But it warned against a proposed annual two per cent minimum wage hike, saying it could fuel inflation. At a post-Budget forum co-sponsored by financial services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), chamber […]
Trump’s Tariffs
By the time this article is published, the Barbados Government would have presented the Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals for 2025/2026. The wish of all in the business community is that a suite of policy and fiscal considerations are introduced not only to stimulate growth within the local economy but equally, to address any potential […]
Thorne reflects on tough year
The Barbados opposition leader says he has no regrets about crossing the floor of Parliament 13 months ago and leaving the ruling Barbados Labour Party. However, he claimed to have been unprepared for the level of assault he endured after he delivered his first Budget Reply shortly after assuming the leadership of the Opposition Democratic […]
Matthews unable to prevent MI defeat
Barbados and West Indies captain Hayley Matthews made an impact with the ball but failed with the bat as her Mumbai Indians crashed to an 11-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League on Tuesday. Matthews picked up two for 37 from four overs of her off-spin as RCB posted 199 […]
More US success for Saffie
Fresh from his success in the Sandy Lane Gold Cup two weeks ago, Barbadian Saffie Joseph Jr continued his winning momentum in the United States when he captured the US$125 000 Grade III Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs last weekend. The victory at the west Florida oval came with the outstanding […]
Manufacturers welcome Budget measures but seek clarity
The Barbados Manufacturers Association (BMA) has expressed mixed sentiments as it welcomed key measures in Monday’s Budget, while calling for greater clarity and support for domestic producers. BMA President Rakeesh Bernard said his members did not get everything they wanted, and neither was everything clear. He said the association would be in discussions with the […]
Thorne to Govt: ‘What are your words on US-Cuba medic issue?’
Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has challenged Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds to declare Barbados’ stance on the United States’ injunction against countries employing Cuban medical professionals, contrasting their silence with the clear position taken by regional neighbours. Thorne urged the government to articulate its stance with […]
Govt ‘putting housing over food’
Opposition leader Ralph Thorne has condemned the government’s land-use strategy, accusing it of prioritising housing developments at the expense of farming and proceeding with major projects without adequate public consultation. In his reply to the Budget in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Thorne highlighted the acquisition of lands at the former Bullens Agricultural Station […]