Corporate tax windfall raises urgency for faster reforms

Barbados has collected more than $150 million in extra corporate taxes under OECD Pillar Two rules, boosting government finances. But business leaders warn the island must modernise public services, especially by digitising CAIPO and cutting bureaucracy, or risk losing companies to faster, more efficient jurisdictions despite current investor confidence.

By Ricardo Roberts

Retrieved about 7 hours ago

Underage drinking concerns raised at Crop Over events

The National Council on Substance Abuse says underage drinking at some Crop Over events shows weak ID checks are putting Barbadian minors at risk. Counsellor Mosiah Hoyte urged promoters to enforce the law and parents to supervise children more closely, warning that early alcohol use can lead to risky behaviour and longer-term substance abuse.

By Shamar Blunt

Retrieved about 8 hours ago

NHC looks to youth to fill construction skills gap

A shortage of skilled construction workers is pushing the National Housing Corporation to speed up recruitment and training of young Barbadians as housing projects expand, general manager Ian Gill said at the start of a 34-home development in Deanstown, St James. The NHC is also upgrading its planning section with digital tools and aims to become the planning agency for central government and state-owned enterprises.

By Lourianne Graham

Retrieved about 8 hours ago

Bay Primary School to be renamed after Sir Garry

A proposal to rename Bay Primary School after National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers has already gathered more than 300 signatures and is headed to the National Honours Advisory Council, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Friday. The government also plans a pocket-sized book, *365 Not Out*, to pass on lessons from Sobers’ life to schoolchildren, as Parliament paid tribute to the cricket legend’s legacy in Barbados.

By Shanna Moore

Retrieved about 9 hours ago

President of Barbados commends efforts of students and supporters during BSSEE

Barbados President Jeffrey Bostic said the Common Entrance Examination is a difficult challenge, noting that many students overcame personal obstacles to succeed. Speaking at the Barbados Association of Professional Social Workers’ Resilience Awards, he praised the ministries, parents and guardians who supported them, and urged students to remember that help and support others in turn.

By Grace-Anne Smith

Retrieved about 10 hours ago

Anwar Nana appointed to Transport Authority Board

Anwar Nana, president of the Association of Public Transport Owners, has been appointed to the Transport Authority Board, where he will help guide efforts to provide safe and reliable island-wide transport. He thanked Senior Minister and Transport Minister Kirk Humphrey for the appointment and said he will fully support the Authority’s work.

By CBC Barbados

Retrieved about 10 hours ago

Push to rename Bay Primary School after Sir Garfield Sobers

Support is growing to rename Bay Primary School in Bayland, St Michael, as Garry Sobers Primary School in honour of National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers. Prime Minister Mia Mottley said more than 300 signatures have backed the proposal, which has been submitted to the National Honours Advisory Council and Cabinet Office. Bayland residents have welcomed the move.

By CBC Barbados

Retrieved about 10 hours ago

Credit union partners with NHC to build 34 homes

The City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union and the National Housing Corporation are partnering to build 34 homes at Deanstown Heights, St James. The project adds to efforts to increase housing supply and expand homeownership options in Barbados.

By CBC Barbados

Retrieved about 10 hours ago

New St James housing project to deliver 34 homes

A new 34-home affordable housing development in St James, Deanstown Heights, is already drawing interest from more than a dozen buyers as COB Financial Services moves to offer land, mortgages and insurance in one package. Priced at about $362,500 to $571,000, the project supports government’s housing target and could help more Barbadians secure home ownership.

By Lourianne Graham

Retrieved about 10 hours ago

11 Sea Cadets head to Hong Kong for international exchange

Eleven Barbados Sea Cadets left Grantley Adams International Airport today for Hong Kong, where they will take part in a 10-day international exchange camp. The trip includes training and cultural activities, and officials say it is meant to give the cadets new experiences and exposure beyond Barbados.

By CBC Barbados

Retrieved about 11 hours ago

Boisterous visitors must pay for damage

Two New York visitors, Shawn Shakeel Shepherd and Ajani Shaw, were reprimanded and discharged after admitting they assaulted a security officer at an automart in Worthing, Christ Church, and damaged a shelf. Magistrate Jared Richards ordered them to pay $2,470 in compensation, saying they would not receive damages for injuries caused by their own actions. The case highlights court handling of visitor misconduct and restitution in Barbados.

By Sherrylyn Clarke

Retrieved about 11 hours ago

AG: Bid to block extradition failed

Jason McEdwin Forde lost a last-minute habeas corpus bid in Barbados on July 30 and was extradited to the United Kingdom, where he appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on eight sexual offence charges. The case has drawn attention in Barbados because it ended years of legal battles over his removal and involves alleged abuse of a mental health patient in a UK hospital more than 20 years ago.

By Maria Bradshaw

Retrieved about 12 hours ago

Waldrond eager to defend her BRTO title

Sheldene Waldrond says she is training hard to defend her Barbados Road Tennis Open women’s title when the tournament begins on August 15, with first prizes of $20,000 for the men’s and women’s champions. The fifth-year event also adds an Under-18 competition, highlighting efforts to grow the sport and build opportunities for young players across Barbados.

By Kurtis Hinds

Retrieved about 12 hours ago

Minister Nicholls calls for greater recognition of Sir Garfield Sobers’ legacy

Minister of Home Affairs and Information Gregory Nicholls says Barbados should do more to honour National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers, including attracting top schools from around the world to the Sir Garfield Sobers International Under-19 Cricket Competition each summer. He also wants Kensington Oval completed with a special addition in Sobers’ honour, strengthening the venue’s tribute to the cricket great.

By CBC Barbados

Retrieved about 14 hours ago

Minister Griffith calls national holiday in honour of Sir Garfield Sobers

Minister of Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith has suggested making July 28, the birthday of National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers, a national holiday. He made the proposal in Parliament while paying tribute to the cricket legend, underscoring Sobers’ lasting importance to Barbados and the wider Caribbean.

By CBC Barbados

Retrieved about 14 hours ago

Crackdown on Two Sons

Barbados’ Ministry of Health won a Supreme Court injunction that temporarily closed Two Sons Funeral Home in St. Michael for six weeks amid complaints that embalming chemicals were affecting nearby residents. The shutdown leaves the Government trying to move 17 unclaimed bodies and highlights growing concerns over mortuary standards at one of the island’s oldest funeral homes.

By Maria Bradshaw

Retrieved about 14 hours ago

This Week In Barbados: Walkers Reserve’s journey to restoration

Walkers Reserve in St. Andrew, Barbados, has transformed from a sand quarry into a thriving 300-acre ecosystem on the island’s northeastern coast. The restoration is being highlighted in the latest edition of *This Week In Barbados*, where Chynna Haynes and Patrick Murray examine how the site became a leading example of ecological restoration.

By CBC Barbados

Retrieved about 16 hours ago

Proposal to rename Bay Primary School after Sir Garfield Sobers

Prime Minister Mia Mottley said a proposal has been sent to the National Honours Advisory Council to rename Bay Primary School in Bayland, St Michael, as Sir Garry Sobers Primary School. More than 300 signatures supported the move, and Government also plans to publish and distribute a pocket book, Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Not Out, to schoolchildren nationwide in his honour.

By CBC Barbados

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

Bayland school set for Sobers name as Government unveils legacy plans

Bay Primary School in Barbados is set to be renamed Sir Garry Sobers Primary School, after Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the move in Parliament and said more than 300 people have already backed it. The government also plans a pocket book, 365 Not Out, to pass on lessons from Sir Garfield Sobers’ life and legacy to schoolchildren.

By Shanna Moore

Retrieved about 17 hours ago

Agri-Business Day focuses on future of food production

More than 40 young farmers gathered at Sky Mall in St Michael for Agri-Business Day, an IICA and Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme initiative focused on strengthening food production in Barbados and the Caribbean. IICA representative Allister Glean said the event is meant to equip the next generation with sustainable farming and agribusiness skills.

By CBC Barbados

Retrieved about 18 hours ago

Rise and Reign cricket programme moves to practical training

Phase Two of the Rise and Reign Cricket Coaching Programme has moved to the Pickwick Club, where participants are applying classroom lessons on the field. Backed by the Government, Supernova Lab, the UWI Academy of Sport, Barbados Tridents and UNICEF, the initiative trains coaches and youth leaders in child-centred mentorship to strengthen youth cricket development.

By CBC Barbados

Retrieved about 18 hours ago

Goodridge raises penalty ‘mismatch’ in new ownership law

Opposition senator Karina Goodridge is urging Parliament to strengthen penalties for leaking confidential information under the Beneficial Ownership Transparency and Register Act, saying the proposed $40,000 fine or one year in prison is too weak. She argued the law should match the tougher sanctions in the Data Protection Act, which allows fines up to $500,000 and three years’ imprisonment.

By Shamar Blunt

Retrieved about 19 hours ago

Efforts underway to ensure Barbados’ beaches are more accessible

Barbados’ government plans to build a new coastal pathway to improve access to the island’s beaches. Transport and Works Minister Kirk Humphrey said the project is intended to make the shoreline more enjoyable and accessible for everyone, highlighting continued efforts to expand public use of coastal areas.

By CBC Barbados

Retrieved about 19 hours ago

Barbadian trio advances to World Under-20 semis

Three Barbadians reached the semifinals at the World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Oregon: Shamari Greenidge-Lewis and Kadia Rock in the 400m, and Rashad Gibson in the 400m hurdles. Greenidge-Lewis ran 46.34 seconds, Rock 53.32, and Gibson 51.74, keeping Barbados in contention for medals.

By Kurtis Hinds

Retrieved about 19 hours ago

Beneficial ownership law ‘aims to streamline compliance’

Barbados’ new beneficial ownership law will centralise information already collected by regulators into a single register, Senator Lisa Cummins told the Senate, meaning businesses should make one submission instead of repeating the same data. She said the reform will simplify compliance while strengthening anti-money-laundering safeguards and Barbados’ reputation as a transparent financial centre.

By Shamar Blunt

Retrieved about 19 hours ago

Assault case transferred to Holetown court

Cave Hill man Tre Tykel Worrell was granted $2,500 bail after appearing in Bridgetown’s No. 1 District “A” Magistrates’ Court on an assault charge involving Sasha O’Garro. Acting Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick transferred the case to Holetown Magistrates’ Court, where it will be heard on September 16, and ordered Worrell to stay away from the complainant.

By Jenique Belgrave

Retrieved about 20 hours ago

Netball boss gives revamped season passing grade

Barbados Netball Association president Nisha Craigwell says the season has continued despite indoor venue shortages, forcing matches outdoors and some divisions to be combined while Waterford and Garfield Sobers remain unavailable. She said the CAC Games is helping Barbados gauge its progress ahead of the World Cup qualifier at home in October, with hopes of improving on recent losses and still reaching the podium.

By Kurtis Hinds

Retrieved about 20 hours ago

More squash success at CAC Games

Barbados’ men’s squash team reached the semifinals at the Central American and Caribbean Games after a 3-0 quarter-final win over the British Virgin Islands, building on Margot Prow’s gold and Meagan Best’s silver earlier in the week. Elsewhere, Barbados’ table tennis duo exited in the round of 16, Ric Ann Brathwaite lost all three karate bouts, and Kelia Bentham finished seventh in the women’s 200m final.

By Kurtis Hinds

Retrieved about 20 hours ago

Convicted pair offer compensation to injured victim

Two people convicted of seriously injuring Glen Wilson at the Princess Alice Bus Terminal have said they are willing to compensate him ahead of sentencing in the High Court. Jhakira Patrice Matthews and Jurdie Miller were remanded to Dodds Prison after their convictions, and Justice Pamela Beckles has adjourned the case to Nov. 11 for sentencing submissions, with sentencing set for Nov. 18.

By Jenique Belgrave

Retrieved about 20 hours ago

West’s winning ways

Veteran bandleader Betty West overcame funding and low registration challenges to take ICONS of Crop Over onto Grand Kadooment 2026, winning several top awards, including Best Festival Designer and Best Band on the Road. The 83-year-old said the band’s success came from teamwork, youth involvement and tributes to past bandleaders, and she plans to start fundraising for next year in November.

By Jenique Belgrave

Retrieved about 20 hours ago

Fire destroys Hopewell home as firefighters avert spread to nearby houses

Firefighters from Worthing and Bridgetown contained a fierce blaze that destroyed a wooden house in Hopewell, Christ Church, on Wednesday evening, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes just feet away. The lone occupant escaped unharmed, and investigators are now working to determine what caused the fire.

By Ricardo Roberts

Retrieved about 21 hours ago

Put Emancipation themes on mas’ in Crop Over – official

Cultural official Rodney Grant is calling on Crop Over bandleaders to use large costumes to tell clearer stories about Emancipation, Independence and reparations, saying the revived wire-bent mas offers a powerful way to deepen the festival’s cultural meaning. He also urged the National Cultural Foundation to keep supporting the costly art form and to include historical storytelling in judging.

By Shamar Blunt

Retrieved about 21 hours ago

New draw for Barbados Road Tennis Open

Organisers of the Barbados Road Tennis Open have scrapped Wednesday’s competition draw after a computer input error led to incorrect seeding for several players. A new draw will be held Friday at the Ministry of Sports and Community Empowerment’s Haggatt Hall offices, with only entrants registered by the July 31 deadline included.

By Kurtis Hinds

Retrieved about 21 hours ago

Media blitz ‘to raise Barbados’ profile’

Barbados used more than 50 international journalists and content creators to promote Crop Over 2025, with the BTMI giving them behind-the-scenes access to band preparations, cultural events and local traditions. Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill said the campaign is helping strengthen Barbados’ global image, support visitor arrivals and encourage longer stays after the festival.

By Carlos Atwell

Retrieved about 21 hours ago

Woman placed on bond for wounding, damage

A 50-year-old Deacons Farm woman, Shirnelle Evadney Griffith, was placed on a six-month bond after admitting she wounded Niambi Walrond and damaged a glass window belonging to Yvonne Callender during a February 5 incident. Magistrate Jared Richards said she had shown anger-management problems and urged her to seek help. If she breaches the bond, she must pay $1,000 or serve one month in Dodds Prison.

By Jenique Belgrave

Retrieved about 22 hours ago