Discover Top Posts Tagged with #barbadosadvocate

Bajan Newscap February 16th 2015

Good Morning #realdreamchasers. I hope that everyone had a great weekend and that you are ready for a productive week but first let me just commend the Royal Barbados Police Force on really getting a handle on crime in this country. We often knock the police but so far for 2015 our policemen have been investigating crimes and making serious breakthroughs in number of murders, robberies and drug related offences we have been having. The police are working to regain the trust of the public by reminding us that they are here to "serve & protect" and deserve our full cooperation. Let us hope that the 'arms of the law' stretches to upper echelons of society where "white collar crimes" occur and often go unpunished. Here is your daily newscap.

DON'T PANIC THE POLICE ARE ON THE BALL - DON’T PANIC! Police have the crime situation in Barbados under control. That assurance came from Acting Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith yesterday as concern grows about the more than 20 violent incidents since the beginning of the year. These include five murders, four shootings, two instances of shootings at police, a kidnapping, an armed bank robbery and a schoolboy being stabbed. Admitting that the public might be fearful given the upsurge in crime, Griffith said the force had responded effectively and, in the case of the murders, had solved three, while making significant progress in the other two. At press time, the latest statistics said there had actually been breakthroughs in four murders, with three people – a businesswoman and two brothers – being charged in relation to last week’s killing of Lamar Devere Carter in St Thomas.

TWO BROTHERS + ONE WOMAN CHARGED - Two brothers and a woman have been charged in connection with last week’s killing of 22-year-old Lamar Carter of Spring Farm, St Thomas. Fidel Nkomo Alleyne, 36, of #116 Denton Road, Grazettes, St Michael and Malissa Carla Griffith, 25, of Rochester Way, Grazettes have been charged for the murder that was committed sometime between February 9th and 10th. Fidel’s brother, Javed Riad Alleyne, 31, of Rockley Village Road, Rockley, Christ Church will be hauled before the court for assisting the offenders.

SPECIAL CONSTABLE CHARGED - POLICE SPECIAL CONSTABLE Jimmy Thorne has been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. According to a police media release, this charge arose as a result of an investigation into a report made by a member of the public. Thorne, 37, of Coach Hill, St John, was granted bail on February 5 to the tune of $35 000. His 80-year-old grandmother was the surety.He and brother Jamal Thorne, as well as businessman Ross Ashton had been remanded to HMP Dodds on various drug charges. Jamal Thorne and Ashton are currently on bail.

MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED - Motorcyclist Hallon Price of Lodge Terrace, St Michael remains in serious condition at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) after being involved in an accident last night. Police say the 30-year-old was riding the motorcycle when it was involved in a crash on the Errol Barrow REMM9306section of the ABC Highway at about 8:15. The motorcycle was extensively damaged, and Price complained of injuries to his left hand, head and face. He was taken to the QEH by ambulance.

NO TEARS FOR LEROY PARRIS -LEROY PARRIS is getting no sympathy for his claim of hardship after revealing in court documents that he owned about $20 million in cash and assets.The former CLICO president and executive chairman filed an application to the High Court asking it to reverse an order to freeze $4.5 million of his assets and those of his company Branlee Consulting, as the CLICO judicial manager tries to get back $3.3 million it claimed Parris got in a fraudulent transaction. Parris said the freezing order did not make provision for the living and business expenses of him and his company and the former executive contended that he was now facing hardship. But June Fowler, chairperson of the Barbados Investors and Policyholders Alliance, said she was flabbergasted by Parris’ claim.

SWISS FUNDS LINKED TO BARBADOS -BARBADOS WAS RANKED 44th among the countries with the largest dollar amounts in Swiss bank accounts, according to leaked files that were made public last week. In all, 14 clients and 33 bank accounts were attributed to Barbados, accounting for about US$1 billion. Seventeen of those accounts were opened between 1997 and 2006, with the maximum amount of money associated with a client connected to the island being US$804.3 million. However, none of the clients was actually a Barbadian citizen or possessed a Barbados passport. Rather, six of them were associated with offshore companies here, while the other eight were linked to personal and numbered accounts.

GOVERNMENT PARTLY TO BLAME - GOVERNMENT HAS to take some responsibility for breaches of labour regulations by companies seeking shortcuts on state-awarded contracts. General secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), Toni Moore, made this charge yesterday while addressing the union’s mid-term meeting at the BWU’s Harmony Hall, St Michael complex. In the wide-ranging address covering developments in industrial relations over the last six months, Moore complained of “a lack of governance” regarding some contracts. She charged that “far too many people” were working in conditions where “even the most minimal provisions covered in our labour laws” were not being adhered to. She spoke of “exploitative elements in this society” seeking to “utilise any loophole” to avoid doing what was right.

NO SAFETY NET FOR WORKERS - GENERAL SECRETARY of the Barbados Workers’ Union Toni Moore today voiced concern about some questionable labour practices in the country. Addressing the Union’s mid-term meeting, she charged that far too many companies were not making National Insurance Scheme contributions. Those contributions are needed for workers to qualify for sickness and maternity benefits, as well as pensions. Moore also complained that company owners – in many respects – were happy to avoid the costs associated with hiring by contracting out work at a cheaper cost, giving little or no attention to the social protection and health and safety of workers. Moore said too many people were working in conditions where even the most minimal provisions covered in the labour laws were not being adhered to.

COTTON PICKERS SCARCE - THE NON-PAYMENT of last year’s cotton picking incentive has been blamed as one possible reason why interest in this year’s harvest is so low. This is the view of project agronomist with the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (BAMC) Nayah Nyhathu as the BAMC seeks to recruit about 100 more workers to augment the 20 who are currently in the fields. He was speaking to the DAILY NATION at the conclusion of the first symposium, held at Harrison College on Saturday, for workers in the cotton industry. Five people turned up and one more came after it had ended. Acreage under cotton production has increased from 286 acres in 2014 to less than 400 this year.

FOOD LABELING - FOOD products need to have clear and simple labelling on them so that consumers would know exactly what is in the products and would therefore make wise buying decisions. This is the call being made by Humphrey Metzgen, President of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados (HSFB), who spoke with The Barbados Advocate at the Red Dress Gala 2015 on Saturday night at the Barbados Concorde Experience. Unfortunately, this is not the current situation. “What we have at the moment is that most of our food products are labelled, but you need a computer and a magnifying glass to read them. That is not good enough.” He said that consumers want to know about the ingredients before they purchase products and the message must be clear just as they are on the cigarette packages.

OIL PRICES VS THE COST OF AIR TRAVEL- AS energy prices remain low, there is the expressed opinion that no one knows for sure just how long they are going to stay that way. Still, suggestions that countries, businesses and individuals make full use of them, are very much in line with expectations in these difficult economic times. Every one who benefits from the reductions, whether these be lower petroleum prices, reduced charges for electricity and in the case of companies, falling input costs, will have an opportunity to determine how they intend using the savings. Perhaps they will tell you that they have important things to do with the savings. However, reduced oil prices and those of other energy products, once they have the trickle down effect, should create options for consumers. They could either spend the savings which enhance the performance of retailers and other business, or they can put it on bank accounts. Quite recently, there were press reports quoting a leading private sector representative as saying that it is for businesses to make the call as to how they choose to allocate their savings from the lower charges arising from the oil price reductions. It was felt that having endured a torrid time with the high costs of inputs used in their operations, and faced also with lower revenues from depressed sales, companies will see the lower costs for electricity and other energy based products as some respite to their operations.The private sector leader therefore could not pinpoint how companies should react whether by passing on lower prices to consumers. Still many are asking why airfares are not coming down because of the lower fuel costs. The press report said that airlines and cruise lines are accumulating savings from the reduced energy charges. Are these being passed on to travellers and cruise passengers? Not really as far as is known although this can change. As for countries, this will also present some opportunities for savings. For example, Barbados’ energy import bill was down five per cent in 2014, thereby creating some savings however slender. Not so long ago, the bill was running at close to $700 million annually. That was a huge amount for a country very short of cash, struggling with high deficits and debt, and trying to conserve foreign exchange by putting the brakes on spending. Whether the present situation presents government with some elbow room will only be known from the authorities. This, however, is unlike the situation with oil companies which will experience falling incomes as a consequence of the collapsing oil prices. Earnings of these companies will be affected and as a result this could force the decision makers to cut jobs, trim budgets, and take other defensive measures to cope with the situation facing the energy companies.

STATE OF THE QEH - THE TRUE EXTENT of the financial challenges at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and the impact on health care will come under scrutiny from doctors this afternoon.That’s how the meeting between the executive of the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) and its membership on the operations at the hospital is being billed. That meeting, which is slated for the QEH auditorium, comes nearly two months after Government promised to pay $25 million to suppliers owed by the hospital, and thereafter pump $2 million a week into the facility to prevent a recurrence of supply shortages there.

THUMBS UP FOR BARRITEAU - THE LOSS TO THE University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus is a significant gain for Cave Hill. That, in essence, was the reaction of Professor Nigel Harris, the retiring UWI vice chancellor, to the appointment of Professor Eudene Barriteau, until recently the head of the Open Campus, to be the new principal of Cave Hill in Barbados. The Grenadian-born academic who has lived, studied and taught in Barbados since she first came to the country when she was 12 years old, was chosen recently by the University Council to succeed Sir Hilary Beckles who is leaving the Barbados campus in April to replace Harris. “It is an excellent appointment by the Council of the University,” said Harris. “She is a distinguished and hard-working academic and administrator and is well suited to take over the leadership of the Cave Hill campus where she has served with distinction.

FAKE A$$ BAJANS - Former schoolteacher and journalist, Olutoye Walrond yesterday criticized Barbadians for imitating others and living in self-denial. Addressing a Christ Church Foundation Parent-Teacher Association meeting in observance of Black History Month, Walrond said, “The racial self-esteem of the African Barbadian is probably the worst victim of Westminster’s chains. It would probably not be a reckless statement to say that the average Barbadian, black Barbadian that is, regards his blackness as an affliction which he would readily jettison if it were possible”. Speaking in the topic Rising Above Our Ethnic Challenges – our Skin, our Hair and our Future, the social commentator went on to suggest that the condition is a colonial legacy of the entire Caribbean. “In these islands, the less you look like an African, the more appealing your appearance is in the eyes of yourself and others,” he argued.

LOVE, POETRY & SONG - It was all about love last night at the annual Love, Poetry and Song event held at the Old Fort at the Hilton Barbados Resort. The show, which is all about love for those suffering or affected by HIV, fell of Valentine’s Day. Hundreds of residents, many of them couples and families, packed the venue and brought along their DSC_0398$25 contributions and food items for the HIV/AIDS food bank. They were treated to the sweet sounds of music from the likes of Biggie Irie, Imani, Dj Simmons, Simon Pipe, Nexcyx and many others. Not even intermittent showers could stop the vibes. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the show and patrons even got up and partied when instructed to do so by Biggie Irie, who performed a repertoire of songs including his 2014 hit Pankatang.

DOLLY LOOKALIKE SPREADS LOVE -IT WAS TRULY A love experience for patrons who turned out for the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Valentine’s Night gala at the Concorde Experience on Saturday night. In a room dotted with splashes of red and white all around, Cupid’s wand was being waved and hearts were stirred by the music, particularly the love ballads belted out by Shelly Gordon of California. The entertainer’s impersonation of the country music star Dolly Parton was close to the real thing – voice, dress and all the rest – and she strutted her stuff as she worked the room.

HOLETOWN FESTIVAL OPENS -A LARGE GATHERING of locals and visitors filled the Massy Stores car park in St James yesterday for the opening ceremony of the 39th Holetown Festival. They were treated to a varied entertainment package including performances from the St Leonards’ Boys’ School Choir, Dance Strides, G-Syndicate, Mikey and junior calypso monarch Raanan Hackett. One of the exciting presentations came from dramatic poet Janine White. The Zouave Band of the Barbados Defence Force also put on a thrilling performance. The chief executive officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), William “Billy” Griffith, said it was the longest running festival and over the years the feedback about the quality of craft, arts, food and entertainment had been positive. He added the BTMI was committed to supporting events that had the propensity to increase visitor numbers, as well as those that provided an excellent product offering in which all visitors could participate. The festival continues with a gospel concert today.

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY - Audiences were more than curious to check out the big-screen adaptation of the racy phenomenon Fifty Shades of Grey this weekend. The erotic R-rated drama sizzled in its debut, earning an estimated $81.7 million from 3 646 theatres in its first three days, distributor Universal Pictures said on Sunday. In addition to destroying Valentine’s and Presidents Day weekend records, Fifty Shades of Grey has also become the second-highest February debut ever, behind Passion of the Christ’s $83.9 million opening in 2004. The chart-topping film cost a modest $40 million to produce. Starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey, it could be on track to earn over $90 million across the four-day holiday weekend. “Our fondest wishes were realised,” said Universal’s President of Domestic Distribution Nick Carpou. “This is one of those moments where I can speak for the entire studio and say we’re celebrating.” Carpou was especially pleased that audiences in large, mid-size, and small markets turned out to see the film despite weather challenges in the Northeast. According to Universal, North American audiences were 68 per cent female. Internationally, director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s adaptation of E L James’ book earned an estimated $158 million from 9 637 locations in 58 territories.

100TH ODI FOR DWAYNE SMITH -There was no fanfare, guard of honour or even a cake, but Dwayne Smith celebrated a milestone yesterday that made him extremely happy. It was his 100th One Day International – a feat he thought he would’ve celebrated as Test cricketer someday and not a One Day specialist. When the West Indies faced Ireland last night at the Saxton Oval in Nelson during the ICC Cricket World Cup, Smith who made his debut against South Africa in Cape Town back in 2004, reached a mark that brought a smile to his face even though he frowns about his low average of 18.80 runs after 83 innings. “No doubt about it, my biggest disappointment is my average but I am not letting that keep me down because I have also made an impact as a fielder and bowler to a lesser extent,” said Smith.

RED FORCE CHASE BARBADOS PRIDE - Trinidad and Tobago Red Force were 17 without loss at the close of play on the third day of the WICB Professional Cricket League match against Barbados Pride at Kenginston Oval in pursuit of a victory target of 336. The not out batsmen were Imran Khan on 12 and Marlon Richards on 1. Earlier in the day, Barbados made 278 for five declared with the middle order batsman Shai Hope making his maiden first class century. Hope made an unbeaten 111, including eight fours and two sixes, while Carlos Brathwaite made 59. Roston Chase added 46. At the start of the Trinidad and Tobago second innings, opening batsman Evin Lewis was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the box by a ball from left arm spinner Jomel Warrican.

WAWRINKA WINS TITLE - Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland beat defending champion Tomas Berdych for the sixth straight time, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to clinch the World Tennis Tournament for his ninth career title. The fourth-seeded Wawrinka, who beat the Czech in the semifinals on the way to winning last year's Australian Open, secured crucial breaks of serve at the end of the second set and the start of the third. Bidding for this 11th career title, the third-seeded Berdych won 92 percent of his points on first serve and saving the only break point he faced in the first set, where he broke Wawrinka's serve once. But the 29-year-old Wawrinka broke for a 5-3 lead and broke again and held for 2-0 at the start of the third set.

BARBADOS RELAY FAIR - IN front of a huge crowd at the National Stadium, a whopping 13 records fell at the Barbados Relay Fair on Saturday. As expected the most excitement came when the Under-17 and Under-20 athletes took to the track for 4x400m relays. No records fell in these events but the crowd was on their feet all the way through as the athletes laid it all on the line for their respective teams.The team from Christ Church Foundation showed that they are a force to reckon with winning the Under-17 girls easily. However it was the Lodge School who has long been known for their quarter-mile quartet that won the Boys equivalent. Lester Vaughan was second and the Alleyne School third. In the Girls’ Under-20 4x400m, it was St. Michael that showed they were the ones ahead of the rest as Springer fought their way to second places followed by the vising Thomas Saunders team.However, in the boys’ race, the Lodge School showed who had the power with an impressive showing which gave them a two-second victory over the trailing Lester Vaughan School. In the points race, it was Springer Memorial (90) who edged out the girls from Foundation for the title by a mere three points. In a distant third place was St. Michael School. In the boys’ points race, the Lodge School came away with the victory with 76 pooints. Second place went to the Combermere school with 70, while the Lester Vaughan School was third with 55. The UWI Blackbird team featured in the Clubs and Institutions 4x400m men’s race. With the twin brothers of Fabian and Kemar Norgrove who were joined by Thomas-Lewis and anchor David Scantlebury, the set a new meet record. Second place went to the Combined team of Tamal Atwell, Levi Cadogan, Nicholas Deshong and Jude Clarke. UWI second team won their heat but the time placed them in sixth place. The records to fall came when Springer Moemorial replaced to old mark in the Under-13 Girls’ 1000m sprint medley, St. Michael girls set a new mark in the girls 1600m spring medley for Under-20, the boys from Lester Vaughan Under-20 team set a new mark in the 1600m sprint medley, while Elite Distance was in the drivers seat and set a new record in the men’s distance medley for Clubs and Institutions. Springer also set a record mark in the Girls’ 4x100m Under-13, while Freedom Striders blasted their way to a record in the Men’s 4x100m Over-45. Lester Vaughan set a new mark in the 4x100m Under-20 Boys’, while Springer Memorial was in record-setting form in the Girls’ 4x200m Under-13. Elite Distance set a new time in the 4x400m for women’s clubs, while UWI Blackbirds was the record setters in the 4x400m men’s clubs and institutions.Records also came in the field events the discus and the high jump

USAIN BOLT TO RETIRE - Usain Bolt will retire from athletics after the 2017 World Championships in London, he confirmed in an interview to a British tabloid published on Saturday.The Jamaican sprint star – who has won six Olympic gold medals and is the reigning world record holder in the 100 and 200 metres – had previously intimated he would quit the sport after the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. However, Bolt now says he will stay on for one more year but will only compete in the 100m event in London. “That was the initial plan (to retire in 2016),” he told the Daily Mail. “But my sponsor has asked me to go on for another year to 2017 and London. “I’ll be doing one event, the 100(m). I’ve already discussed it with my coach. I can concentrate on that and on retiring on a winning note.” The 28-year-old had a quiet 2014, competing in only three races. But he still took gold in the Commonwealth Games 100m relay in Glasgow, his first Commonwealth medal. He confirmed that his main focus for 2015 would be the World Championships in Beijing in August where he hoped to add to his collection of eight world titles. Bolt also said that he would be looking to beat his own 100m world record of 9.58 seconds that he set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.

Well that's all for today #newsjunkies.Here is wishing everyone a #MARVELOUS #MONDAY remember There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed. Remain Focused! Shalom <3 Steph ;).

Bajan Newscap February 16th 2015

#barbadosadvocate

Trending Tags

Recently Viewed Tags

#barbadosadvocate