Lennox Devonish News Today

The Barbados Fire Service has observed an increase in fires for 2023 and is urging homeowners to be especially vigilant this holiday season. Firemen responded to 1 294 fires from the start of year through December 10, an increase from 949 in 2022. Although house fires decreased by four to 62, there was also loss of life. A message from Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard urged practices to make it …

For the first time in 57 years, Barbados held the Independence Day Parade at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex (UBSC) in Black Rock, St Michael yesterday morning. Scores of Barbadians were decked out in their best ultramarine, gold and black outfits and filled out the 5 000 seat stadium to celebrate their nation which Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley described as the “best little rock that this world has ever seen”. …

Veteran masquerader Betty West has won the coveted Best Festival Designer – The Robert Weekes Award in this year’s Grand Kadooment. West, with her portrayal of “Soca in de Mas” also copped Large Band of the Year – Heritage. The seven sections were themed after some of the iconic calypso hits. Didi Winston, from the same band, was named Flagperson of the Year, followed by Justin Poleon of Fifth Element …

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley says that the reimagining of the local education system is a function of national development. Mottley was making this point during her feature address at the Caribbean Association of Principals of Secondary Schools’ 29th Biennial Conference at Accra Beach Hotel yesterday. Outlining the current education system was predicated on the 1940s British education system, which changed drastically after the 1944 Education Act was passed, Mottley …

A vehicle crashed into a house in Rices, St Philip on Friday, and the driver fled the scene, leaving behind two injured children and extensive property damage. Harriet Davis, owner of the property, recalled that she was having breakfast as normal when she realised something was not quite right. “I was there having my breakfast,” she began, “and I just see the car piling towards the house and next thing …

The 2023 sugar harvest is targeted to commence on Monday after successful discussion with all the stakeholders, including the Barbados Workers Union (BWU) and Sugar Industry Staff Association. The Research team at the Agronomy Research Department conducted a briefing on Tuesday for all cane farmers under the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (BAMC) and the Barbados Sugar Industries Ltd on the results of the Brix Survey, said a release from Minister …

Devout Christians were glad for the opportunity to mark Ash Wednesday yesterday. At St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Black Rock, St Michael, the congregation was marked with the traditional cross on the forehead and also took communion, all while reaffirming their faith. Canon George Harewood said Lent was a time to reflect on life and the Christian journey prior to Easter, which represents the victory of Christ over sin. He said …

One house was destroyed and two damaged by a fire at Military Road, Bush Hall, St Michael. Fire fighters were at the scene battling the blaze. More details as they come. (TG)     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Nation Barbados (@nation246)    

Within a week, Barbadians should benefit from the savings of a second Social Compact between Government and the private sector. This was disclosed today by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds, who brokered the deal among stakeholders. He said that he expected the proposal, which was now over to Cabinet, would be signed off within a week. In the meantime, business entities agreed to maintain the parameters …

Stating their efforts were solely to protect the elderly in Barbados and “not about politics”, attorneys at the centre of a dispute with Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, are demanding he issues a public apology. Led by spokesman Corey Beckles of CBL Chambers, fellow attorney Kaviar Callender and legal assistant Anthony Hinds say they reached out to schedule meetings to discuss the 53-page document which they …