Trump announces 90-day pause on ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, raises taxes of China
President Donald Trump announced a complete three-month pause on all the “reciprocal” tariffs that went into effect at midnight, with the exception of China, a stunning reversal from a president who had insisted historically high tariffs were here to stay. But enormous tariffs will remain on China, the world’s second-largest economy. In fact, Trump said […]
BWU, Preconco reach agreement on health and safety issues; pay dispute unresolved
Industrial action by workers of concrete fabricator Preconco over health and safety concerns has led to commitments from the company to address key grievances, including compensation for safety equipment and government-led reviews of machinery. The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) and construction magnate Mark Maloney’s flagship firm reached an agreement after more than 40 employees […]
The price of progress: Education and identity in Barbados
The new Minister of Educational Transformation has publicly stated that it is his intention to take legislation to Parliament relating to education reform by the end of this calendar year, December 31, 2025. It is a tall order. Nine months is not a long time to overhaul the architecture of an entire educational edifice. Minister […]
The possibility of reindustrialisation in 2025
The recent tariffs announcement by the Trump administration in the United States has been hailed as a strategy to assist in reducing the more than US$1.2 trillion annual trade deficit of that country and to resuscitate the fledgling manufacturing sector. Many pundits argue that industrialisation is a thing of the past and modern economic development […]
Another wildcard event — but it has to lead to new solutions
By Dr Kai-Ann D Skeete By Dr Kai-Ann D Skeete We are now in a world where might makes everything conveniently right and small but powerless countries find no refuge in multilateral spaces. This world order has erased the cherished values of cooperation and solidarity and instead replaced them with notions of national interest, basic […]
Oistins Fish Festival gears up for ‘biggest year yet’
This Easter, the iconic Oistins Fish Festival returns with its most ambitious celebration to date, uniting Barbadian heritage, entrepreneurship, and community spirit under the vibrant theme Catch de Culture. Spanning 10 days from April 12 to 21, the festival promises an expanded cultural showcase and over 150 vendors, making it a must-attend event on the […]
Minister calls for urgent action on global loss and damage fund
The loss and damage fund for vulnerable nations grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change that was inspired by Prime Minister Mia Mottley ought to be fully operational and well-funded, the environment minister has told the fund’s board meeting here on Tuesday. Addressing international delegates at the fifth board meeting of the Fund […]
FSC charts bold path to strengthen $174B insurance sector
With a staggering $174 billion in insurance assets under management in Barbados by local and international companies, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) will be focusing increased attention on the sector. Oliver Jordan, chairman of the supra-regulatory body which monitors the operations of all registered financial institutions other than commercial banks, outlined a number of actions […]
UWI professor gives US tariff policy failing grade
A University of the West Indies campus principal has described US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariff policy as “reckless”, “deeply flawed”, and “economically damaging”. Professor Justin Robinson, principal of the University of the West Indies’ Five Islands Campus, said the Trump administration’s formula for calculating the tariffs is based on an uninformed approach to […]
DLP slams govt for lack of plan to counter impact of US tariffs
The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) spokesman on business is urging the government to present a clear strategy to protect citizens from the recently imposed US tariffs, which are expected to worsen the rising cost of living in Barbados. Senator Ryan Walters cautioned that the 10 per cent tariff on exports to the US, imposed […]