Category: CANA News

The Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) Wednesday said that the island’s overall economic outlook for 2026 and the medium term remains favourable, anchored by strong fundamentals and a clear transformational agenda.

‘Continued momentum in tourism, construction, and business services, supported by sustained public and private investment, underpins this outlook. Meanwhile, continued disciplined fiscal management, low and stable inflation, and robust external buffers provide resilience against external shocks.’

But the CBB in its review of the Barbados Economy from January to December last year, said that the challenge now is execution. ‘Sustained public- and private-sector collaboration, continued productivity gains, and timely implementation of reforms under BERT 2026 (Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation) programme. will be critical to converting stability into higher growth, stronger resilience, and lasting improvements in living standards.’

The Central Bank said stable economic growth and low inflation prevailed during 2025, even as global trade tensions intensified during the year. Tourism, business and other services, construction, and agriculture supported real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2.7 per cent.

The unemployment rate ended the third quarter at 6.6 per cent, while jobless claims increased modestly during 2025. Lower international oil and freight costs eased inflation pressures despite higher global tariffs, and the 12-month moving average inflation rate slowed to 0.7 per cent by November 2025.

Higher housing and utility costs, together with stronger demand for dining services, lifted point-to-point inflation to 1.7 per cent in November,’ the CBB noted.

CBB Governor, Dr. Kevin Greenidge, told reporters that economic growth is expected to remain solid in the near term and strengthen modestly over the medium term. He said real GDP growth is forecast to remain around 2.5 to three per cent percent in 2026, reflecting continued momentum in tourism, construction, wholesale and retail trade, and business and other services.

‘Over the medium term, growth is expected to trend toward about 3.5 per cent per year, supported by sustained public and private investment, productivity reforms, and economic diversification under the BERT programme 2026.’

Greenidge said that a broad investment pipeline underpins the medium-term growth outlook, referring to the ongoing and planned investment in airport and seaport infrastructure, road networks, water distribution, sewage treatment, renewable energy, and housing should sustain construction activity and ease capacity constraints.

Greenidge said public sector upgrades, together with private investment in tourism, real estate, and energy, are expected to crowd in further investment and lift productive capacity across the economy.

He told reporters that tourism, construction, and business services should continue to be the major sources of growth.

‘Expanded airlift, improved connectivity, and scheduled events should support long-stay arrivals, while high vessel occupancy and an active cruise itinerary pipeline should sustain cruise tourism.

‘Planned expansion and upgrades at Grantley Adams International Airport will increase capacity, improve passenger flow, and support higher tourist arrivals over the medium term, reinforcing Barbados’ position as a regional hub. Spillovers from tourism and related infrastructure investment should continue to benefit accommodation, dining, transport, and cultural services.’

Greenidge said that the labour market conditions are expected to remain tight, while supporting household incomes and domestic demand. He said employment gains in tourism, construction, utilities, and services should underpin private consumption, as skills development and productivity initiatives under BERT 2026 aim to ease capacity constraints and support medium-term growth.

The CBB Governor said that global growth conditions have softened but remain broadly supportive of Barbados’ outlook.

According to the IMF’s January 2026 World Economic Outlook, global growth is expected to hold steady to around 3.3 per cent in 2026 and moderate to 3.2 per cent in 2027, with growth in Latin America and the Caribbean near 2.2 per cent in 2026 and 2.7 per cent in 2027.

Greenidge said that while trade policy uncertainty and elevated tariffs keep risks tilted to the downside, gradual global disinflation and resilient consumption in key source markets should continue to support tourism flows and external demand for Barbados’ services.

He said that inflation is expected to remain low and stable, though subject to external risks. Easing international oil prices and lower freight costs should keep imported inflation contained, while stronger domestic demand may place upward pressure on the prices of selected services.

Overall, inflation is expected to remain near the lower end of the forecast range, broadly between one and 2.5 percent over the near term.

Greenidge said that the external position should remain resilient, though regional geopolitical developments warrant close monitoring.

‘Strong tourism receipts and capital inflows linked to investment projects are expected to sustain international reserves above prudential benchmarks. However, heightened geopolitical tensions involving Venezuela and the increased U.S. military activity in the southern Caribbean could introduce uncertainty around regional airspace, shipping routes, insurance costs, and travel logistics. Any sustained disruption could affect tourism flows and import costs, though Barbados’ strong external buffers provide protection against short-term shocks.’

Greenidge said that fiscal discipline is expected to remain intact, even as public investment accelerates.

He said the government’s intensified capital programme for the financial year 2025/26 ‘reflects a deliberate strategy to support growth through increased investment in infrastructure, while remaining on track to meet its primary surplus target of 4.1 per cent of GDP.

‘Sustaining this balance between higher capital spending and fiscal discipline remains central to achieving medium-term debt objectives and supporting economic expansion. At the same time, policy actions under BERT 2026, including reforms to modernise the financial system and encourage private investment, are expected to reinforce fiscal sustainability and growth outcomes,’ the Central Bank Governor said.

A high-level delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has ended a visit to Haiti and the Dominican Republic underscoring the importance of food security.

The delegation, led by FAO Deputy Director-General, Beth Bechdol, said that food security in the Caribbean is a shared regional challenge, requiring both life-saving, emergency agricultural action to respond to acute needs as well as cutting-edge prevention and preparedness systems to protect food supply chains.

The FAO said that during the visit, the mission advanced a coordinated approach, reinforcing agriculture as a frontline humanitarian response in Haiti, and biosecurity, disaster preparedness, and market stability in the Dominican Republic.

It said amid Haiti’s severe hunger crisis, where over 5.7 million people face high levels of acute food insecurity, much of the rural population continues to rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.

‘Building on this, FAO’s Emergency Food Production approach enables highly vulnerable families to grow food within just 90 days, even amid a crisis. In 2025, FAO supported more than 140,000 people by distributing over 210 tonnes of seeds to 76,000 farmers, resulting in more than 7,500 tonnes of food produced across 4,300 hectares,’ the FAO said.

It said that in the Dominican Republic, discussions focused on safeguarding agrifood systems from major shocks, including transboundary animal diseases, climate-related hazards, and supply chain disruptions, while reinforcing regional trade and market integration for the wider Caribbean.

The OAS said that over the past two years, it has strengthened food system defenses by certifying 25 pig farms, sharply reducing viral circulation, and raising biosecurity compliance from 35 percent to nearly 80 per cent, enhancing pork export potential and foreign exchange earnings.

‘Travelling to both countries, I am deeply convinced that agriculture is not just a lifeline in today’s crises, it’s the foundation for stability and food security. In Haiti, where families endure relentless shocks, farming remains the daily anchor sustaining households and the seedbed for rebuilding resilient livelihoods,’ said Bechdol.

‘In the Dominican Republic, robust biosecurity measures safeguard farmers, protect markets, and sustain vital regional trade. These parallel efforts demonstrate a powerful truth: strategic, sustained investment in agriculture-tailored to local realities-builds resilience, even across borders. We cannot afford to treat this as optional; the time to double down is now,’ she added.

The FAO said that to build on these efforts, it is seeking US$108 million to support 860,000 people in Haiti through emergency food production and livelihood protection.

In the Dominican Republic, FAO is working with partners to mobilize additional resources to expand biosecurity coverage, strengthen livestock systems, and safeguard national and regional food supply chains.

‘A scale up in funding and support is urgently required to allow FAO to save lives and dignity through delivering tangible results for farmers and communities,’ said Rein Paulsen, the Director of FAO’s Office of Emergencies and Resilience.

West Indies Under-19s elected to field after winning the toss against Australia Under-19s in the seventh match of the Super Sixes at the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup here at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

West Indies Under-19s have made two changes with Kunal Tilokani and R’Jai Gittens replacing Aadian Racha and Shamar Apple.

WEST INDIES U19s: Joshua Dorne (captain), Tanez Francis, Zachary Carter, Jewel Andrew, Kunal Tilokani, Jonathan van Lange, Shaquan Belle, R’Jai Gittens, Micah McKenzie, Jakeem Pollard, Vitel Lawes.

AUSTRALIA U19s: Oliver Peake (captain), Will Malajczuk, Nitesh Samuel, Steven Hogan, Alex Lee Young, Jayden Draper, Aryan Sharma, Hayden Schiller, Naden Cooray, Ben Gordon, Charles Lachmund.

The Bahamas government says it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Canadian based multinational energy holding company, Emera Incorporated relative to the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC).

Prime Minister Phillip Davis told a news conference that the MoU reflects a shared commitment to explore a new path forward for energy in Grand Bahama and that when completed, this would mark the first time The Bahamas government ‘could control the power company since the Hawksbill Creek Agreement was signed. The Hawksbill Creek Agreement signed on August 4, 1955, is a 99-year contract between the government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) to develop 50,000 acres in Grand Bahama into a free trade zone, known as Freeport.

The agreement, which spurred the island’s industrial growth, grants significant tax exemptions, which ha since been extended to 2054 on income, capital gains, and property to licensees in exchange for building infrastructure.

Prime Minister Davis told reporters that the MoU is important because it will result in universal electricity rates across The Bahamas, ending a long standing disparity between Grand Bahama and the rest of the country.

‘It matters because it strengthens national energy planning. And it matters because it directly supports our broader energy reform agenda aimed at bringing down the cost of electricity for Bahamian households and businesses.

‘This is not about control for its own sake. It is about fairness. It is about affordability. And it is about aligning energy policy with the needs of the people and the modern economy we are building. ‘

Davis said that energy reform is one of the most important pillars of his administration’s work and that lower energy costs mean lower costs of living.

‘They mean more competitive businesses. They mean a stronger foundation for investment, job creation, and long term growth in Grand Bahama and across the country,’ he said, adding that the MoU represents progress.

‘It reflects careful work, serious engagement, and a willingness to do what previous administrations avoided. We are moving deliberately, responsibly, and in the public interest.

And we are doing so because accepting the status quo was never an option.

‘Additionally the government has mobilised Polycon, the construction company carrying out works for the Grand Bahama International Airport, and Polycon has engaged Bahamas Hot Mix to commence on-site preparation works’

Prime Minister Davis said that this marks an important transition from planning into physical activity on the ground, and it reflects our commitment to moving this project forward in a responsible and orderly way.

He said this progress comes at a moment when Grand Bahama’s tourism performance is demonstrating real momentum.

Prime Minister Davis told reporters that in 2025, air arrivals to Grand Bahama increased by more than 30 percent compared to 2024, and exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2019 by a similar margin.

‘Even more striking, sea arrivals have expanded dramatically, with more than a 90 percent increase in 2025 compared to 2024, and more than a 100 per cent increase over pre-pandemic arrivals in 2019. These figures make Grand Bahama the fastest growing tourism destination in the country, and the economic impact is already being felt across transportation, hospitality, services, and small businesses.’

He said the first phase of the Grand Bahama International Airport redevelopment represents a critical part of this growth strategy.

‘With a capital expenditure of over US$100 million, Phase One will deliver a new modern terminal designed to accommodate demand of up to five hundred thousand passengers annually with ability to expand to one million.

‘The facility will include an international and United States pre-clearance, with a terminal footprint of approximately 100,000 square feet, alongside new taxiways, expanded apron space, and upgraded roadways and parking,’ Davis said.

He said that over the years, the Grand Bahama International Airport has experienced flooding multiple times and that addressing this reality is not optional.

‘It is essential. As a result, the environmental and flood mitigation work associated with this project is extensive. Environmental impact assessments, geotechnical studies, and flood mitigation surveys are currently being finalised to ensure the airport is built with long-term resilience in mind.

‘This airport will anchor the Grand Bahama economy-consolidating the relaunch of Grand Bahama. It supports tourism, expands cargo, increase investment, and strengthens environmental resilience.

‘The redevelopment of the Grand Bahama International Airport is central to the island’s growth, and this administration will continue to move it forward with discipline, clarity, and a clear focus on delivering lasting value for the people of Grand Bahama,’ Prime Minister Davis added.

He said that since September 2021, Grand Bahama has seen over US$3.5 billion in investments and commitments across tourism, maritime, health, logistics, energy, education, entertainment, and community development.

He said earlier this week, the government signed and advanced another major step in the relaunch of Grand Bahama’s economy, through MSC’s major cruise terminal investment in Freeport Harbour.

‘This is a serious expansion with real scale. MSC Cruises, through its affiliate and development company, will develop a new cruise ship pier complex and berthing area at the Billy Cay property in the City of Freeport, alongside new visitor and commercial infrastructure. The plan also includes upgrades to the existing Port and Retail Village area of the Freeport Harbour. ‘

Prime Minister Davis said that the estimated capital investment is US$450 million, with US$400 million allocated to the Billy Cay port and related infrastructure and US$50 million allocated to a Beach Club and the refurbishment of the existing Retail Village refurbishment.

‘This includes new cruise berths, a welcome plaza, retail and food and beverage, entertainment areas, transportation staging, and supporting amenities designed to increase visitor flow, expand local business opportunities, and strengthen Grand Bahama as a competitive cruise destination.

‘The project is designed as a multi user facility, supporting operational flexibility and positioning Grand Bahama to capture greater cruise activity, higher passenger volumes, and wider economic spillover into transportation, hospitality, culture, and small business,’ Prime Minister Davis told reporters.

Australia Under-19s defeated West Indies Under-19s by 22 runs in the seventh match of the Super Sixes at the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup here at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

Scores

AUSTRALIA U19s 314-7 in 50 overs (Oliver Peake 109, Nitesh Samuel 56, Will Malajczuk 48. Alex Lee Young 45, Jayden Draper 29; Jakeem Pollard 2-37, R’Jai Gittens 2-45).

WEST INDIES U19s 292-9 in 50 overs (Zachary Carter 64, Joshua Dorne 62, Jewel Andrew 44, Kunal Tilokani 35, Tane Francis 27, Jonathan van Lange 26, Shaquan Belle 13; Charles Lachmund 4-66, Aryan Sharma 2-47, Hayden Schiller 2-54).

Government and opposition leaders provided contrasting views on the failure of the Zones of Special Operations Bill (ZOSO) in the Senate on Tuesday night, three days before a state of emergency (SoE) that has been in place since last year, comes to an end.

The Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration had needed at least four independent legislators to support the legislation that had been modeled on the Jamaica ZOSO bill, but when the matter was put to a vote after several days of debate in the Senate, eight of the nine independent legislators voted against with the other abstaining.

The six opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) legislators had voted against the measure, while the government’s 15 members voted in favour. Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles in a post on Facebook praised the legislators ‘who stood up for the people’ adding that the ‘collapse of the Zones of Special Operations Bill in the Senate. proves that democracy is alive and well in Trinidad and Tobago’.

She said the defeat on Tuesday night had been ‘a good night Trinidad and Tobago. No to ZOSO. No to this wicked Government’.

But Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, who prior to the debate in the Senate had launched a scathing attack on the independent legislators appointed by President Christine Kangaloo, said she was not surprised at their vote.

‘Why would I be disappointed?,’ she said, adding ‘they have shown the entire country that I was right about them. I am quite satisfied that they have proven me right.

‘The people that are happy are the local drug mafia and gang members who stand to benefit from the votes of the nine bootlickers,’ she said, adding that independent senators have done ‘irreparable damage’ to their bench.

‘They have not an iota of credibility now in the eyes of the population,’ she said.

The ZOSO legislation was passed in the House of Assembly nearly two weeks ago and unlike the Lower House, where the government enjoys the necessary two-thirds majority to have ensured its passage, the government needed support at least from four independent legislators for the measure to become law.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar had caused a major national outcry before the bill had been debated in th Senate when she had been critical of the independent legislators, referring to them as ”bootlickers and brown-nosers’

‘These shameless President’s senators had no courage to contest any election to sit in that Parliament, they are not there because of the will of the people. The entire country knows that these people were appointed because they are bootlickers and brown-nosers,’ she told the Trinidad Express newspaper, when asked if she regretted her earlier comments of the nine legislators appointed by President Kangaloo, who she described as a ‘low-level PNM functionary.

‘It is obscene that these nine people, whose only special ability is bootlicking and self-promotion on the local cocktail and conference circuit, and who no one voted for, can decide on legislation brought to Parliament by a Government who was voted for by the electorate.

‘And the most egregious ones have absolutely no shame standing in front of Parliament to defend their eating ah food. Yet they won’t stand in front of the electorate and ask for a vote to be in Parliament,’ Persad-Bissessar told the newspaper.

Persad-Bissessar said her Government has comprehensive plans to address crime should the ZOSO bill fail to secure the required three-fifths majority for passage in the Senate.

During the debate on Tuesday, Attorney General, John Jeremie said that the ZOSO legislation was necessary for the gains obtained during the SoE not to be diminished.

Jeremie said the government would not be making any amendments to the 28 clauses in the bill and during the Committee Stage of the bill where amendments are usually considered, he said there was no time to fully ventilate the almost 50 amendments proposed by both independent and opposition benches.

‘We are maybe 72 hours away from the end of the state of emergency, and we wish to have something in place by then,’ Jeremie said, even as Independent Senator, Anthony Vieira expressed disappointment with the government’s position.

‘When I listened to you and Minister (Wayne) Sturge initially, I was under the impression that government might have been open to taking amendments,’ Vieira said.

But Jeremie insisted that the amendments proposed by the independent legislators were ‘substantial’ and should not be dismissed quickly.

‘We will not be close to that before the 31st, and something will have to be put in place on the 31st. That is what our intelligence agencies tell us. I apologise for that, because that is not the way we normally do business. But then this debate has gone on for a considerable period of time,’ Jeremie added.

One of the major amendments proposed was to insert a ‘sunset clause’ into the bill, which is essentially an expiration date. Independent Senators argued that it would allow the government and parliament the opportunity to review the law and its effectiveness.

However, Jeremie again rejected that suggestion.

‘Why no sunset clause? We say the bill does not require a sunset clause because clause 28 already provides for a review by way of a parliamentary committee. Further, the bill is not a short-term measure to address criminality and escalating levels of violence in a society.

‘There’s another reason why there’s no sunset clause on it and this has to do with the soft part of the legislation, the Social Transformation Committee. Once that starts, I’m told by my colleagues in Jamaica that that is actually a very powerful tool in terms of getting the communities to buy in to the fact that life can be better without the gangs. They are able to access services, they are able to come out of their houses, they are able to do things that they would not normally do.’

The ZOSO bill would have given the Prime Minister, in consultation with the Police Commissioner and Chief of Defence Staff, the authority to designate specific high-crime areas as ‘Zones of Special Operations’ (ZOSOs) where criminal activity is deemed serious and escalating.

Once a zone is declared, the legislation would have granted expanded powers to a joint police and military command. These included the ability to deploy combined security forces into the area, establish security cordons for up to 24 hours, impose curfews lasting as long as 72 hours, and conduct searches without a warrant under certain conditions. Officers could also detain individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activity, subject to limited court oversight.

A ZOSO could have remained in effect for up to 180 days.

The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago had also raised concerns about the legislation.

In a statement, the LATT said its views were not sought before the ZOSO legislation, raising concerns about provisions in the Bill that allow body worn cameras to be used ‘as far as is possible having regard to available resources’.

The law association said the wording weakens accountability, adding ‘the experience of our members has been that this has been used as a ready excuse not to use cameras.

‘Given that the creation of Zones results in the suspension of some constitutional rights, we recommend that it be made compulsory that body cameras be used or some other recording device.’

The LATT is also recommending that police officers identify themselves or provide their regimental numbers when confronting people suspected of criminal activity.

It has also sought further sought clarification on detention provisions under Section 18(3) of the Bill, which allows a magistrate to order a detainee to appear before the High Court.

The LATT questioned how long a suspect could remain in custody after being brought before the court, how long a person could be detained without charges being laid, and whether a suspect should be released if there are delays in laying charges.

The family of a 23-year-old man who died while in prison last year, has filed a lawsuit seeking general and punitive damages, legal costs and interest.

In the wrongful death suit filed against the Antigua and Barbuda government, the family of Chinlee Robinson, alleges negligence by prison and police officials in his death. The body of the 23-year-old was found dead on January 24, last year, hours after he had been granted bail on a charge of stealing a mobile phone.

Evidence heard at a Coroner’s Inquest last week highlighted conflicting accounts of the circumstances surrounding Robinson’s death.

A 15-year-old inmate told the court he heard a brief scream late on the night of January 23, before silence fell across the prison. He also described limited overnight supervision, with inmates locked in their cells from mid-afternoon.

Medical evidence presented to the inquest found Robinson died from oxygen deprivation, neck trauma and heart failure. His brother told the court Robinson was a fit footballer with no known medical conditions.

Robinson had spent about five weeks in detention and was said to be distressed after learning his release was delayed due to passport issues.

Attorney Wendel Alexander, who is representing the family, has called for a full homicide investigation.

But the police have rejected the request, with Assistant Commissioner, Clifton Cabral, saying there was no evidence of foul play.

The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour (VWA) says it has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a person from the chikungunya virus.

The death comes less than a week after the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country had confirmed an outbreak of the mosquito borne Chikungunya virus,

The VWA had said then that laboratory tests were conducted by the Central Laboratory of the Bureau for Public Health (BOG), and the laboratory of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo and that eight cases have been confirmed with none of those persons who tested positive having travelled overseas in recent times..

It said that the Bureau for Public Health was investigating the cases, tracing contacts, conducting additional testing, and has increased surveillance to prevent further spread.

In its latest statement the ministry gave no details regarding the victim, saying the BOG has launched a case investigation into the circumstances surrounding this death.

Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which is also responsible for the spread of Dengue, Zika, and Yellow Fever.

The disease is accompanied by symptoms such as sudden fever, severe joint pain and swelling, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a rash.

Chikungunya is not transmitted directly from person to person, and a past infection leads to lifelong immunity.

The ministry is advising people with fever and joint pain or swelling not to use aspirin or ibuprofen, but to take paracetamol for pain and fever. It also recommends drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen.

The ministry said that it will continue to provide the public with timely, accurate, and transparent information as more information becomes available.

The first chikungunya outbreak in Suriname occurred in June 2014, when the virus was first identified locally in the country as part of the broader spread of chikungunya in the Caribbean and surrounding regions.

Scoreboard of the seventh match of the Super Sixes between West Indies Under-19s and Australia Under-19s at the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup here at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

AUSTRALIA U19s

Will Malajczuk c +Andrew b Gittens 48

Nitesh Samuel c Gittens b Lawes 56

Steven Hogan b Gittens 4

*Oliver Peake run out 109

+Alex Lee Young c Belle b McKenzie 45

Jayden Draper c McKenzie b Pollard 29

Aryan Sharma c Lawes b Pollard 2

Hayden Schiller not out 0

Extras (b2, lb1, nb3, w15) 21

TOTAL (seven wickets; 50 overs) 314

Did not bat: Naden Cooray, Ben Gordon, Charles Lachmund.

Fall of wickets: 1-73, 2-84, 3-169, 4-238, 5-285, 6-293, 7-314.

Bowling: Pollard 8-0-37-2, Belle 7-0-67-0, Gittens 6-0-45-2, Tilokani 2-0-16-0, Lawes 10-0-55-1, McKenzie 7-0-38-1, Carter 5-0-25-0, Dorne 5-0-28-0.

WEST INDIES U19s

Tanez Francis lbw b Lachmund 27

Zachary Carter b Cooray 64

+Jewel Andrew b Schiller 44

*Joshua Dorne b Schiller 62

Kunal Tilokani c +Lee Young b Lachmund 35

Jonathan van Lange c Draper b Sharma 26

Shaquan Belle c Sharma b Lachmund 13

Vitel Lawes c Hogan b Lachmund 3

R’Jai Gittens b Sharma 0

Jakeem Pollard not out 2

Micah McKenzie not out 1

Extras (lb4, w11) 15

TOTAL (nine wickets; 50 overs) 292

Fall of wickets: 1-88, 2-123, 3-171, 4-239, 5-246, 6-285, 7-287, 8-287, 9-291.

Bowling: Lachmund 9-0-66-4, Gordon 6-0-41-0, Schiller 10-1-54-2, Malajczuk 6-1-42-0, Cooray 10-0-38-1, Sharma 9-0-47-2.

Toss: West Indies U19s elected to field.

Player-of-the-Match: Oliver Peake.

Umpires: Graham Lloyd, Nitin Bathi.

TV Umpire: Virender Sharma.

Reserve Umpire: Russell Warren.

Match Referee: Dean Cosker.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley says she has invited observers from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Commonwealth to the February 11 general elections even as the main opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) reiterated its call to postpone the polls.

On Tuesday, Chief Electoral Officer, Sherland Turton confirmed that there had been no hiccups as political parties nominated candidates to contest the elections that Mottley called for the second occasion within at least one year remaining on her five-year term in office. Mottley, who is contesting the St Michael North East seat on behalf of the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) which has won all 30 seats in the parliament in the last two general elections, said the decision to invite the foreign observers was ‘to protect the reputation of Barbados..

‘We spend our time trying to protect the reputation of this nation, and we go to great ends to protect the reputation of Barbados and Barbadians, and I am not going to, under any circumstances, agree that it should be sullied,’ Mottley said.

She said she had already spoken to the CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett and the Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and that she ‘will do what Barbados has never had to do before, because both political parties exercise a level of sober maturity in the conduct of elections prior to this moment.

‘But I am not going to allow anybody to put this country’s reputation at risk. And I’ve therefore asked both of them, and they know it is a late request, I’ve now signed the letters to them,’ she said, adding that copies of the letters have been sent to President Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic and the chairman of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

She said the correspondence had also been sent to the opposition.

‘We do nothing in private. We do everything in public, and of course, to the Cabinet Secretary who has responsibility in the Central Government for the Electoral and Boundaries Commission,’ Mottley said, insisting that her actions were a necessary measure to protect the integrity of Barbados.

‘It is important, therefore, for us to invite independent electoral observers such that you don’t have to listen to me. You don’t have to listen to any of us. Let the independent observers cast a judgment on the conduct of elections in this country. It is an unfortunate moment, but it is a necessary moment to protect the integrity and good name of this country.’

DLP leader, Ralph Thorne warned of irregularities in the voters’ list and that citizens could be disenfranchised in the general election.

While he provided no evidence of the irregularities, Thorne, a King Counsel, said he was also not at ease with the functioning of the EBC.

He told reporters that irregularities on the voters’ list had been brought to the DLP’s attention, adding that he names of deceased people were still listed, while the names of others were not listed.

Thorne said that since last year the government had been hastening the process of placing all eligible voters on the register.

He said voting is a constitutional right for all Barbadians over 18, and not a privilege and that every citizen must be given the opportunity to participate.

‘If it is one person who is disenfranchised, that is one too many. The rights of one person are as sacred as the rights of 50 000 persons, and that one person, if denied, democracy has suffered injustice,’ Thorne said.

In the 2022 general election, 266, 339 persons were eligible to cast a ballot in the election.