#LizThompson

[fanfictiondreamscape]

Polaroids

Request: Like I already told you for my Liz Thompson x Boyfriend! Reader where the two of them are going on a road trip and the reader has to take photos of the trip and LIz: The eldest of the Thompson sisters request. I would like this request written as an one-shot

Title: Polaroids

Genre: I hope you don’t mind the request being marked as a fluffy and romantic piece! 

Pairing: Liz Thompson X Boyfriend!Reader

Notes: Fair warning before I begin, I want to preface everything I say with this: the work is cheesy, the work will be very cliche, but I do hope that it comes off as cute and acceptable. Thanks for the request!

(Also, I took some small liberties and made the characters older for the idea to work. I hope you don’t mind that!) 

Below the cut! 

Death City was sparkling under the sun, the heat pounding on the walkways and buildings. People were walking around from ice cream stand to cafe, and the weather was making itself obvious on their faces. 

The rushing crowd was big, but nonetheless, Liz and (y/n) had managed to sneak away for the time being. You had dragged Liz on a date, and it was a time spent trying to get Kid to let Liz go for the day - “He needs his weapons, and he had to have symmetry!”

Safe to assume, Liz was able to be free of the teenage reaper for the day (as long as she was prepared to come by if a kishin were to show up), and she was as happy as could be. In typical fashion, she was complaining, but (y/n) and her wouldn’t have it any other way.

The couple were holding hands, a safer way to go through the town without dealing with heatstroke, when an idea hit the male. “Weird idea, how about a road trip? Maybe later this week, possibly even today?” 

The dirty blonde blanched before responding, “Kid would flip, babe.It would take a lot of convincing.” (Y/n) groaned at the realization - his girlfriend’s right, Kid wouldn’t allow it. That is, unless...

“What if we invite them to come with? Or, at least give them the warning?” he inquired. Liz had stopped for a second, trying to deliberate the idea quickly. (Y/n) found the image of her pouting just the slightest super cute, though he knew he had to hold off from doing that if it meant the thought would come somewhat to fruition. 

She smiled after a few seconds, “Tell me about the plan over coffee, and we may have a deal.” 

(Y/n) snickered at the compromise, rolling his eyes with a grin, but gently tugged her to the nearest Deathbucks. “First things first....”

...

Overall, the idea deliberation went fairly well, but the fact of the matter was: the rest of the group would be a hazard to a peaceful experience. 

The couple had come to this conclusion by the time their date had come to an end, and this led to a compromise in which (Y/n) and Liz would do the trip themselves, and if needed, could allow the team reason to find them in the case of a kishin attack. 

It seemed to flow pretty well, and the idea was considered and confirmed. After all, a meister needs their weapon, and with Kid you had to be careful. Luckily, the plan went by well with him (Patty was flipping out throughout the whole pitch) and Liz had already started to get her stuff together. Once you got the confirmation, you did the same. 

It took a few days to pass, but everything was prepared and you two left at an ungodly hour (4:30 AM to be specific). Liz was extremely tired, so she didn’t last too long with the softer music playing from the speakers of the taller male’s vehicle. Though he was also tired, (Y/n) had to stay alert if the drive was to be safe.

The specialized playlist had continued to play throughout the time on the road, as well as when (Y/n) had peeked over at his girlfriend in the passenger’s seat. Her hair was strewn about the headrest despite being tied into a ponytail, her jacket had slipped off her shoulder, and her eyelashes were casting shadows on the top of her cheeks.

“An opportunity, perhaps...?” the male had inquired under his breath. His own thought overwhelmed him and he pulled off at a nearby rest stop.

(Y/n) had to get the picture, and what Liz didn’t know was that her boyfriend had brought a polaroid camera with his stuff. And it was sitting in the bigger pocket of his travel bag in the backseat of the vehicle.

Given the scenario and the photo op, he quietly leaned back and grabbed the camera. After checking to make sure she was still asleep, he snapped a picture and waited for the photo to come out. 

Once it was in his hands, he put the picture in his wallet and slid the camera back into his bag. ‘I’ll tell Liz later, she’ll have a field day if I tell her now.’

He had checked the time once more, and with it now hitting 7:30, hunger pains were bound to strike them soon enough. With no food, the couple (on both fronts) would definitely be angry. 

“:Liz? Hey, Liz, baby?” He had started to shake the sleeping female, which only elicited a groan. “Liz, come on.” Still shaking her, still shaking her, still shaking her.... “Baby, come on. We need to eat.” 

The mention of the food was what caught her attention, and she opened one eye while muttering about food under her breath. “Food?...Mmm, I’m getting up....”

The male deadpanned and watched as she lethargically pulled herself up, making eye contact and smirking just the slightest as she flung the vehicle door open energetically. 

“What the- you weren’t asleep were you?” Liz giggled as she was able to recount the photography moment. The male’s jaw was on the floor, but he trailed after his girlfriend and partook in mutual teasing throughout breakfast. 

...

Eventually the two had to switch out. There was a plan, after all (courtesy of (Y/n)), and they had to keep it going strong if they wanted to make it to their predetermined destination before 2 PM. 

Now, seeing as it was pushing time for the two to leave from breakfast, they had to hurry. Guess whose job it was to drive this time? 

That’s right, Liz’s. And boy, oh boy, was she hesitant. 

That being the case, though....

(Y/n) had taken the liberty of paying, so that left Liz to start the car up. That also left her some time to snag the polaroid and snap a picture or two. So, snag she did.

‘He’ll never know~.’

Either way things worked out, as he left she snapped a picture of him in the sunlight. The wind had been flowing, he was shielding his eyes from the light, and he was fair distance away so the chances that he would suspect she had taken a picture was very low. 

Thought the walk wasn’t that short, she had rummaged around in her bag and hid the camera behind it as the photo processed and came out. When it was out, she had hid it in a compartment in her stuff and grabbed her sunglasses before moving the camera into the blanket in between their stuff. 

Liz, looking posh with her dark sunglasses and pristine white tank top and denim shorts, had noticed the taller male looking at her through the windows of the vehicle.

Fake ogling, ‘aah’ing, and a  raised eyebrow were a result of that. He had encouraged her to strut even more than she already was and was dead set on making his jaw drop on the floor before the end of the night. 

She was already working there, and (Y/n) had burst out laughing when she had opened the door and her smirk lifted into a goofy Grinch face. She eventually broke out into belly laughs after he sent one back at her. 

Yes, little words were exchanged, but the whole scene was refreshing for them (considering they deal with kishins fairly often). 

...

The sun had only gotten brighter as the time had passed by. When they had gotten stopped at a light from time to time, too - well, prime time to listen to her hilarious rants of anger regarding life in general. 

Granted, (Y/n) did the same, but his angry rants never matched up to her’s if they were to pop up out of the blue. 

They had spent a good hour belting along to songs blasting through the speakers as well, and given the chance that (Y/n) had reached behind to the backseat to grab a water bottle, he had also grabbed the camera. 

Though it was becoming a game of back-and-forth with a camera, he wasn’t bothering to hide the fact that he was down to take a picture (or five) of his glowing girlfriend. 

In fact, when she was singing along to some obnoxious road-trip rock, they had been going along a forest road after leaving the city. The trees letting in small glimpses of sun through their branches framed her face perfectly, and the little wisps of hair that had popped out of her ponytail were visible. 

The perfect, aesthetic, and beauty capturing photo of Liz Thompson. A woman he is proud to call his girlfriend. 

As he lifted the camera to the light and took the picture, his nimble fingers froze when Liz peeked over at him and rolled her eyes. (Y/n) let out a short giggle when she looked away and continued belting the notes out of tune. 

A quick snap sound didn’t phase her as she just chuckled and continued on her action as he waved the photo to see it better after it was ejected. 

“You are loving that camera aren’t you, babe?”

“Hmm? Oh, I’m loving the camera? Are you sure you aren’t, princess - cause it definitely loves you.”

“Oh, shut it. I could say the same for you, you loser.”

The laughter that filled the room following the banter was contagious, though that moment allowed it to be reserved for the two of them alone. 

...

Yet again, as lunch began to loom over the two, the sun had continued to beat down upon the couple. They were able to determine that they wouldn’t last much longer without any filling food, as well. 

Yeah, they needed to find a restaurant or rest stop soon, or else their angry rants and singing would become more obnoxious and annoying. The conversations they were having were also beginning to cut themselves a little short. 

That, though, was not going to be allowed throughout the course of the trip. (Y/n) had pointed out where things were as they were nearing a small town en route to their destination. The quickest place to go just so they could maintain time happened to be a small hometown diner. 

It was bustling with life, seeing as it was lunchtime, and people were smiling excitedly over coffee and homemade hamburgers as the couple observed the scene through the window. Liz was pulling into the decently sized parking lot, and as she did so, the male beside her had reached behind him to grab his wallet from his bag. 

The sound of her moving the gear shift to ‘P’ alerted the male as the car stopped. He held his leather wallet in his hand as Liz pulled the keys out of the ignition and tossed them to him - they hit him in the shoulder when he tried to dodge. 

“Oh my Death, what the-”

“You of all people should’ve seen it coming, babe.”

“Oh yeah? Well, I was going to pay for both of our meals, but if you don’t want food, I guess...”

“Fine!”

(Y/n) chuckled at his girlfriend’s antics before opening the car door and leaving the vehicle. Liz pouted and rolled her eyes before doing the same.

While they were walking to the front door, Liz snatched the camera from her boyfriend’s hands and snapped a quick picture of his shocked face before waiting for the photo to come out. He laughed and snagged it right back. 

“Had to get your fill of payback, didn’t ya, princess?”

“Okay, you seriously need to stop calling me that.”

“No can do, princess.”

...

The both of them had been seated by a sweet middle-aged woman who then took their order. She had a huge smile on her face, and (Y/n) was beginning to find it addicting. 

As the woman went back to get their drinks of choice, Liz had sent a look towards her boyfriend after noticing the look that settled on his face. He had a simper that stretched to his eyes as he held the camera up and grabbed her hand that had been resting on the table in front of them.

With a playful glint in his eyes, he raised a question. “So, who’s taking the picture?” As he finished his inquiry, Liz rolled her eyes.

“You really are a romantic, aren’t you?”

“So I guess it’s me, then.”

She let out a snort and gestured to their intertwined hands on the table. “Go ahead, you idiot.”

A calm smile made its way onto the male’s face as he snapped a picture of their hands from above, the light hitting their flesh through shadows that were cast from the condiment bottle set up beside other consumer-used additions. 

They (read: (Y/n)) had continued to snap photos of extra cheesy moments shared between them over lunch.

One photo consisted of Liz, a burger in her one hand and her other reaching to cover the lens. Another consisted of (Y/n) stuffing his face with his food, which Liz found hilarious and couldn’t resist the urge to take a photo of. The final photo in the ever-growing stack of their lunch endeavor was one in which there was a kiss - a short peck on (Y/n)’s cheek on the way out of the establishment. 

As they left the diner, Liz tossed the keys to the towering male and slid into the passenger’s seat as soon as the doors were unlocked. (Y/n) slid the camera to Liz as he entered the vehicle, and she took another picture of him from the seat beside him. 

He just shook his head with a loving smile on his face, watching as she waited in clam delight for the picture to come out so she could see it. He then directed his attention from his girlfriend in the passenger’s side and to the vehicle, turning it on and leaving the lot in favor of the road. 

There wasn’t much more time until they reached their destination.

...

Given the scenario ((Y/n) behind the wheel, Liz holding the camera in the passenger’s seat), it wasn’t shocking when they both went on about their day as they had been - off-key singing and taking charge of the other’s road rage. 

While the upbeat music had continued to play throughout the surrounding speakers, Liz had the polaroid up against the sun. She had snapped a few pictures of the passing skylines through the trees, of the clouds in the sky at just the right angle. And the best ones? Well...

In her mild frenzy of photography, she had snuck multiple photos of the male beside her while he was driving. Some were funny (sometimes catching him pretending to belt out a high note, sometimes catching him holding up a finger to the driver in front or behind them with a disgusted grimace on his face), others were just beautiful. 

His silhouette was outlined by the afternoon sun, his sunglasses glinting in the light, and everything reflected just perfectly. ‘Yeah, I regret nothing.’

“Hey, princess, you done admiring those photos of me you took?”

Liz rolled her eyes at (Y/n) as he smirked at her expression. “You mean your mug? Yeah, right...”

“...mhm, be honest.”

“Fine - yeah, I was. Happy you cocky loser?” Liz uttered sarcastically, a smile sweeping across her features. (Y/n) had a similar joking smirk cross his face as she finished her statement. 

Soon, they reached a stoplight. It was here that Liz snapped another picture of the male and waited for it to eject from the camera as (Y/n) had checked the street signs. 

“Hey, Liz. We’re almost to the peak.” Her ears seemed to perk up at the statement. 

“Really? We’re almost there?” she questioned excitedly, her boyfriend observing her reaction from his peripheral vision. A smirk began to rest itself on his face, and he chuckled just the slightest. 

“Give it a few minutes, okay? If you’re thirsty, we can stop somewhere and get something to drink before we get there so we don’t die of dehydration.” 

Liz rolled her eyes at him, snapping a picture of his overdramatic expression - a hand, positioned on his forehead, in a woeful pose. He let out a chesty laugh after the image was taken and continued on the road to the peak. 

...

Time had seemed to slow down as Liz’s adrenaline started to kick in. She had suggested that they go to the peak, but she wasn’t sure that (Y/n) would agree with the idea. He’d never been the most romantic type, nor had she, but she wanted to try to be. 

It seemed that he wanted to as well, because he had told her what he had originally planned. Liz was ecstatic when she became aware of his romantic sunset-date that he had thought of. 

While the time was starting to get to her, especially after (Y/n) had run in a gas station and picked up something for the two to drink other than warm water. Things did come to a head when they made it to the destination, though.

This image in front of them made the two of them become quiet.

The both of them had only ever imagined what the view would look like, though (Y/n)’s was much more gorgeous than the setting sun in front of them. Liz, lit up by the purple and orange glow of the sun with the shadows of trees behind her acting as a frame, made his cheeks flush and his eyes flash with hearts.

Liz had left the polaroid in the vehicle in her rush, and the male had noticed it. The amount of joy he had when he realized that, had he not grabbed it, this moment couldn’t and wouldn’t be captured was through the roof.

He had to get a picture. Now. So he did.

The sound of the camera shutter drew Liz’s attention away from the rocky, glowing landscape. “What was that for, you loser? You distracted me.”

With a laugh to start, (Y/n) uttered a statement that made her cheeks flush tomato red. “I couldn’t help it, you were glowing. That, and the angle was perfect - you literally made the landscape so much more beautiful.”

Her boyfriend’s words shocked her, but she knew that this wouldn’t last long and her blushing face would be the target of teasing if she didn’t do something. So, she leaned up and kissed him quickly.

He froze at the action, and kept a tight grip on the camera as he stood still. ‘Okay, not happening.’

With almost superhuman speed, he had turned Liz’s body to face him and pressed his lips to hers gently. She had responded quickly, and in the moment, he had taken a picture of their lips intertwined.

The setting sun had made the whole scene take on a purple hue and, as it continued to set, everything throughout the day fell into place. All of the words settled into the chilly night air, their hands seemed to fit together even better than before, and the way that their heartbeats seemed to beat in time got even more synchronized.

The kiss got very passionate, and once the picture was taken, the hand holding it was dropped to the male’s side while his other went up to cup Liz’s cheek. She had a grip on his wrist and her other hand was resting on the back of (Y/n)’s head, and she had begun to push it into the base of his head as the kiss continued.

Before time had picked up, they had pulled away from the other and stared into the other’s eyes. Smiles slid onto their faces, but that was swapped for a look of surprise as Liz snagged the camera and took a picture of (Y/n)’s blushing face.

The fun continued to play out for another minute or so before they reached into the vehicle and set up a small rest spot. Liz had the blanket and pillows they had brought while (Y/n) had the drinks and leftover snacks. 

Five minutes passed as they set up, and the rest of the night passed by with stargazing, constellation games, and more teasing and kisses. 

By the time they had finished their items, their phones indicated the time, and they both packed up and got ready to head home or find a motel to crash at for the night. 

...

Morning had already struck, and Liz was behind the wheel while (Y/n) slept in the passenger’s side seat. His hair hit the headrest in a certain way, the coffee that was sitting in the cupholders halfway empty an indicator of a caffeine crash he had a couple hours back.

‘6:45. Great, it shouldn’t be too much longer until we get back home.’

She smiled lovingly at the (h/c) beside her before redirecting her attention to the road and continuing back to Death City. 

[mothgutz]

« 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. » ______ Kiddo makes a return (swipe for a bit closer)! Remember when I said I was gonna post consistently LMAO;; These first two weeks have been incredibly busy and I miss everyone on the west coast but college has been pretty good so far! @ east coasters, please give me boba places to try,, I’m in NEED (´°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥ω°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥｀) . Also, thank you for giving so much love to my recents! They’ve been doing really well and I appreciate it sm (*´∇｀*) . QUESTION: Would you guys rather me post more on weekends or week days? I wanna try to figure out a new posting schedule! ______ Photography/editing: @kat.sumii ______ From Instagram

[ocanna24]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ocanna | Fashion Styling | Dirección Creativa (@ocannaramos)

@baoziyibob , @liz.thomps & @brammermia walking for @rickowensonline Spring Summer 2020 Tecuatl womens during Paris Fashion Week / #fashion #rickowens #tecuatl #tecuatlwomens #baoziyi #lizthompson #Model #miabrammer #TopModel #SuperModel #Supermodelo #parisfashionweek #parisfrance #rickowensss20 #RickOwensspringSummer2020 #springsummer2020 #spring2020 #avantgarde #fashionnews (en Paris, France) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3IiR6TFN67/?igshid=1e0phi05fh00x

[creationsbykd-blog]

Some old anime drawings of mine. #lizthompson from #souleater (signed by her voice actress!), #sebastianmichaelis from #blackbutler , and #shizukanekonome from #rosariovampire

[instadw]

the Chagos Archipelago — Global Issues

[notoriginal1111-blog]

Soul Eater Edit, for Liz and Patty

[twiztidskull]

Liz and Patty Soul Eater cosplays anime usa 2016 cosplayers: Rintare (Liz) and Lilitare (Patty) of @tare.tare.tare #lizandpatty #souleater #ausa #animeusa2016 #ausa2016 #animeusa #lizthompson #pattythompson #cosplay

[thechasefiles]

In 1995 then MINISTER OF HEALTH and the Environment Liz Thompson decked in a Sanitation Service Authority spent 4 collecting on a SSA TRUCK collecting Garbage. Fast Forward to 2018 Independent Candidate for The City of Bridgetown Miss Natalie Harewood did it on her own without pomp or pageantry. Neither were there state run trucks at her disposal or government workers to assist. Decked in a skinny jeans, boots & a white t-shirt she put on her protective gloves & mask before getting to the task. Ably assisted by her campaign manager Charlie Spice they removed old cars and piles of garbage from the City she is seeking to represent. What elected MPs failed to do in 10 years she did in a day. Well if that’s not a good start I don’t know what is. Good job Miss Harewood. Continue to keep your head up. #missharewood #natalieharwood #cityofbridgetown #cleanupcampaign #lizthompson #whenyuhbackbroadyouremainfocused #ilovetheunderdog #theysaidsheisntrelevant #isaysheisVERYrelevant #poorpeopleprincess

[unownzone]

Liz as #pokemon #nursery #sister #souleater #lizthompson #crossover #cowboyhat #denimjacket #jeans #daycare #rude

[godlywitchstudent]

""Anime, and books and kiss, and, and it's not real!" - from Soul eater lemon/ SoMa (on Wattpad) http://my.w.tt/UiNb/Yi2ATpaQiE

[alex-waddles]

#i couldn't have been the only one who heard this

#anime #souleater #deku #lizthompson #izukumidoriya #bnha #myheroacademia

[stephaniefchase]

Bajan Newscap 12/8/2017

Good Morning #realdreamchasers. Here is your daily news cap for Friday 8th December, 2017. There is a lot to read and digest so take your time. Remember you can read full articles via Barbados Today (BT), or by purchasing Weekend Nation Newspaper (WN).

SYMMONDS NOT BUYING INNISS’ RESPONSE TO EU BLACKLISTING – Opposition Shadow Minister Kerrie Symmonds said he was not at all satisfied with Minister of International Business Donville Inniss’ response to this week’s blacklisting by the European Union (EU). In fact, Symmonds is challenging the suggestion made by Inniss that the Freundel Stuart administration had done all in its power to prevent Barbados from being included on the dreaded list of 17 global tax havens. At the same time, the Barbados Labour Party legislator said there was absolutely no reason for Inniss to be “shocked” over the development since the island had been warned over and over again since 2008 that its regime for fiscal incentives needed to be amended or removed in order for it to be deemed compliant with world trade rules. “I think he is being very disingenuous, and if Inniss is in fact shocked then he has been absent from his desk and his mind has been wandering,” Symmonds told Barbados TODAY this morning after the minister held a news conference on Wednesday denouncing Barbados’ inclusion in the EU blacklist, which was announced a day earlier. During that event, Inniss described the EU’s decision as both “unfortunate and unfair”, while suggesting to reporters that the island was a fully cooperative jurisdiction on taxation matters. (BT)

THOMPSON NOT RULING OUT A RETURN TO CABINET – She was fired from the previous Owen Arthur-led Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Cabinet back in 1999, but with Mia Mottley currently at helm of the main Opposition, former Minister of Health Elizabeth LizThompson is not ruling out the possibility of a full political comeback. However, with the BLP having already confirmed its full slate of 30 candidates for the next election that could be called any moment now by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, Thompson, who is currently employed as an international consultant, said her immediate focus was on helping the BLP get back into Government. “I am passionate about politics and I will always think of myself as a politician or a recovering politician. I remain sufficiently interested in politics that if the Labour Party asks me to help with the upcoming election campaign I would, and they have asked and I have said, ‘yes’,” she told Barbados TODAY in the tiny Dutch Caribbean island of St. Eustatius where she delivered the keynote address at the sixth Statia Sustainability Conference. However, in view of her decision to quit active politics back in 2010 after serving for over 12 years in various ministerial capacities, including health, housing and lands, physical development, energy and environment, Thompson did not dismiss the idea of making such a return, even though she pointed out that “we have not had an election that is won by the Barbados Labour Party [and] I have not been given any invitation to come back into the Government or any political role”. Pressed by Barbados TODAY on the issue, Thompson, who currently lives between Barbados and the United States, said: “I deliberately did not choose to run [as a candidate this time around]. “I could have come home and contested a nomination if that was where my interest was, but political office, the kind of position you are talking about, is within the gift of a prime minister and no prime minister has offered me a gift . . . so I only see myself as somebody helping to secure a Labour Party victory because Barbados needs urgently a change of Government. That is my priority,” she stressed. Without giving anything away in terms of the BLP’s strategy for the upcoming poll, constitutionally due by the middle of next year, Thompson said the party would be kicking its election campaign into high gear come January 2018. “The Barbados Labour Party will fight a clean, vigorous campaign focused on the issues and our vision for taking the country forward, because we believe that we are the only party in Barbados at the moment with a very clear vision of what needs to be done and, critically, with the largest number of experienced candidates to get the job done and get it done quickly,” she said. “There is no other [political] party in Barbados that can say that it has a slew of candidates who together worked successfully to turn the country around after 1994 and to bring it to where we did; only the Barbados Labour Party has that. So that is the kind of basis [on which] we are going to be asking people to vote,” she added. Thompson, an attorney-at-law, also cried shame on the Freundel Stuart administration, saying the country was now “in a mess”. “There isn’t any aspect of society, economy or environment that is being properly addressed or well-managed or on which there is any vision or which people feel any sense of hope or that the current Government has solutions or interest in finding solutions,” she said. However, the ex-minister was reluctant to predict the outcome of the next election since she said Barbadians tended to vote on the basis of emotion and not rationality. “I think people do want a change and you can feel it on the ground . . . [but] I don’t want to make any predictions,” she told Barbados TODAY, adding that “I would like to see a large and comfortable Barbados Labour Party majority Government, because that is what the country needs and that is what I am hoping for and praying for and what I will work towards”.  (BT)

INTERNET DOWN FOR SOME FLOW CUSTOMERS – Customers across Barbados are experiencing internet outages. In an announcement on its Facebook page, Flow Barbados said an ongoing issue was affecting broadband services. “Please know our engineers are at this moment working assiduously to restore connectivity in the shortest possible time frame. “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding,” the company said.  (BT)

BRACE YOURSELF! SCIENTIST CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE – Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean can expect more powerful hurricanes, an increase in vector and water borne diseases, more flooding and hotter temperatures if urgent action is not taken to mitigate against climate change. The strong warning was issued by climatologist Cédric Van Meerbeeck during a presentation to the Sixth Annual Sustainability Conference in St Eustatius on Wednesday in which highlighted the impact of the changing weather patterns on tourism. “A lot of our tourism product is based on the beautiful ecosystems of the islands, so when we think of sea level rise what we can expect is that there is going to be an increase in coastal flooding, especially when there are hurricanes,” he said. Speaking on the topic Looking Back and Thinking Ahead – Climate Change, Van Meerbeeck, who is employed at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, also zeroed in on the devastating impact of last season’s category five hurricanes on the Caribbean, while urging the region to prepare for the likelihood of even more powerful storms. (BT)

BAJANS HOME SAFELY – Fourteen passengers who were originally scheduled to enjoy a seven-day cruise aboard the Carnival Glory beginning last Saturday from Miami arrived safely at the Grantley Adams International Airport yesterday afternoon. While those approached declined comment, frustration was visibly etched across their faces. At the time of their arrival there were four international flights – British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and Air Canada – and one regional flight – LIAT – on the ground, and one woman was overheard saying she “just wanted to get home”. Thirty-three passengers had previously registered with travel agent Joycelyn Austin-Roberts for the cruise, paying fees in excess of BDS$4 000 for the week-long tour. However,  when they checked out of the hotel on Saturday in anticipation of boarding the vessel, they were informed by Austin-Roberts that there would be no cruise as a result of her having only paid a deposit to the cruise line. The schedule, according to Carnival cruises, would have taken them from Miami to Grand Cayman, Mahogany Bay, Belize and Cozumel before returning to Miami. After the cruise did not happen for the Barbadian passengers,  they had been feverishly searching for avenues to ensure their safe passage home. On Wednesday, Barbados’ Consul General Colin Mayers, his deputy, Gail Thompson, and Consul Joseph Hunte intervened, and were able to negotiate with American Airlines to waive the almost US$200 it would have cost to change their tickets. Four passengers were able to pay their own fare and returned on Wednesday, while two remained in Miami to visit with family and friends. The remaining 13 passengers were expected to return at 10:52 p.m. last night.  (WN)

LASHLEY: ENFORCEMENT OF NEW TRAFFIC LAW WILL HELP DETER DRINK DRIVING – Minister of Transport and Works Michael Lashley is suggesting that the newly-increased penalties for drink driving will not by themselves be enough to prevent the unwanted practice. However, he expects that along with greater enforcement of the recently passed Road Traffic Amendment Act 2017, fewer people will drive while under the influence of alcohol. Under the Act, road offenders, including drink drivers, face fines of $5,000 or two years imprisonment or both on the first conviction and $10,000 in fines on the second conviction. Lashley said there was not enough data to conclude that drink drivers were responsible for the near trebling of road fatalities so far this year – which total 27, as compared to ten for all of last year. However, he told Wednesday’s launch of the Massy United Insurance Driving Skills Academy at Bushy Park racing circuit in St Philip that there was a high degree of concern about drink driving, therefore the increased fines were imposed to act as a deterrent. Under the new traffic law, drivers have up to 24 hours to produce their driver’s licence after an accident. Lashley said this was to limit the amount of time they would have had to manipulate the system and mislead the police. Lashley also said he had accepted a proposal to have magistrates use their discretion to order anyone convicted of road traffic violations to attend a driving skills academy. He said this would give offenders an opportunity to “rehabilitate themselves in terms of driving skills on the road”.   (BT)

ABRAHAMS MAKES APPEAL ON BEHALF OF ‘ILLEGAL’ VENDORS – Opposition Senator Wilfred Abrahams is warning Government that its proposed legislation to combat praedial larceny is likely to “criminalize” unregistered vendors, including “younger people who may just be selling a few ackees to make ends meet”. “I am concerned that every single breach of the law will result in criminal charges, no matter how small,” the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) spokesman said in the Upper Chamber yesterday when the Protection of Agricultural Products and Livestock Bill, 2017 came up for debate. “For example, if a vendor is unregistered, he is subject to a criminal penalty, and if he doesn’t carry a certificate to prove where he obtained the produce from, he is also subject to criminal charges,” the attorney-at-law said. He suggested that if anything, the vendors should be made to pay a small fine instead of having their actions deemed “a criminal offence that will go against their record and jeopardize them [when they go for a Certificate of Character], especially younger people who may just be selling a few ackees to make ends meet”. Abrahams further complained that the bill was too burdensome and was likely to create more bureaucracy with the high number of certificates workers in the agricultural sector would be required to produce. “Farmers need certificates, vendors need certificates, if you get someone to transport the items for you, that person has to get a certificate too. Has anyone looked at this process carefully?” Senator Abrahams queried. He also suggested that the new law would be difficult to police, while questioning why the Minister of Agriculture had to be involved in appointing wardens and determining the uniform they would wear. The Opposition spokesman was equally concerned that in some respects wardens would wield more power than police officers, as “they can stop and search people without a warrant [and] they can check anything they find on that person, even if it doesn’t pertain to farm produce”. Yet, Abrahams pointed out “there is nothing in the law indicating how these wardens will be trained”. He also highlighted several vague aspects of legislation. For instance, he said “there is no word on what the registration fees will be, and if a person registers as a farmer and a vendor, will they get a discount? “There should also be a minimum quantity of items requiring a certificate. I shouldn’t need one if I am only selling ten oranges, but if I have 100, then it’s a different story,” Abrahams said, while questioning whether all parties in the sector were consulted in the drafting the legislation.  (BT)

LEGAL PUSH: BLP NUDGES SOUTH COAST RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES TO TAKE ACTION – As the public outcry over the worsening south coast sewage mess intensifies, two frustrated business operators today said they were ready and willing to take legal action against the state-run Barbados Water Authority (BWA) for losses incurred over the past year. This is in keeping with the free legal advice dished out to them this afternoon by Queen’s Counsel and Opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate for Christ Church South Ralph Thorne, who strongly advised the affected residents and businesses to seek legal redress, amid the out-of-control situation, which now poses a health hazard. “I am ready to take legal action along with other businesses and residents,” said businessman Ray George, who has been forced to shut down his catering company at Worthing, Christ Church due to the sporadic overflows of effluent, which have flared up at various points over the past 12 months. However, he made it clear that he was not about to mount a legal challenge on his own but said he was quite amenable to being part of a class action suit against Government. “I can’t do it on my own,” he said, while complaining that quite apart from the impact on his commercial operations, life for him and his wife was simply unbearable as they were now virtual prisoners in their own home. In fact, reporters were able to experience first-hand their misery as George’s wife sought to beckon photographers to her home, but this proved impossible due to the amount of sewage water that is currently settled in front of their residence. With the situation as it is, George said he was forced to use a man-made hole to get in and out of his home. He also told reporters that his wife had been experiencing frequent bouts of unexplained diarrhea and itching. Another upset resident, Carey Plant, said he and his wife feared the impact that the situation was having on the country’s vital tourism sector. However, businessman, Keith Turton, who owns apartments on the south coast, was more concerned about the impact the situation was having domestically and said he had no problem with being part of a class action suit against the BWA. In fact, Turton was adamant that something had to done about the awful stench which he said was getting worse by the day. Describing it as a “national disaster”, Christ Church West candidate Dr William Duguid, who is a dentist by profession, warned of serious health implications not only for those who live and work in the area, but those who traverse the Worthing and Hastings districts. “This is a major health problem. Exposure to sewage gives you a significant risk of gastroenteritis, Hepatitis A, significant enterovirus problems, significant retrovirus problems, estracoli bacteria and a whole host of problems with diarrhea and all sorts of issues that can be a major health issue,” he said, adding that it was small wonder Barbados was experiencing serious gastroenteritis problems. “When people are walking by, people are being splashed. You get the bacteria and the virus on your car and your car wheels and you carry that home. A child touches it and they get all sorts of problems, and this has been an issue that has been going on for 12 months,” Dr Duguid stressed. While pointing out that the sewage concerns were first raised by Opposition Leader Mia Mottley back in 2015, Dr Duguid noted that there had been several pronouncements by Government officials since then that the problem had been fixed. Yet, he said, it continues. “This is no longer crisis management. This is disaster management, and it is an absolute disaster for the residents and the businesses in this community,” he said. Echoing the sentiment expressed by former BLP minister of health and the environment Elizabeth Thompson in a Barbados TODAY interview yesterday, the BLP’s Christ Church East candidate Wilfred Abrahams said current Minister of Health John Boyce, Minister of Water Resource Management Dr David Estwick and Minister of the Environment Dr Denis Lowe should all be sacked over the Government’s failure to bring the situation under control. However, unlike Thompson, he did not recommend firing Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler or Minister of the Tourism Richard Sealy on account of the sordid mess. Nonetheless, Abrahams said he had no confidence in the BWA’s diagnosis of the problem. “This is not one we can delay until after elections. This is not one we can kick down the road. This is one that needs a fix and needs a fix now. This is a serious environmental disaster. Today, with the awful stench of sewage ever present, and strong signs of overflows still visible in patches along the streets, Thorne urged residents and businesses to contact their attorneys with a view to taking legal action against the BWA, which is responsible for the overall management of the sewage system. “I would suggest that business houses, not only residents, business houses should contact their lawyers,” he said, adding that “it is clear that BWA is not intending to do anything and the first order of business resides with courtesy. “I think they are obligated to have some courtesy and tell Barbadians what stage we are at and how long this problem is going to persist. They haven’t done that. . . . [and] I am inviting residents and businesses who are directly affected by this scourge, to speak to their lawyers as urgently as tomorrow and get a letter off to them [BWA],” he said. He explained that in the same way the Ministry of Transport and Works is culpable when drivers’ vehicles are damaged by potholes, the BWA was also culpable with respect to the sewage leaks, which he said had caused people on the south coast to suffer economic and financial losses as well as loss of good health. Just two days ago, Estwick had reported that the country was seeking outside help in a bid to resolve the situation. At the time, he said he had already apprised Prime Minister Freundel Stuart of the seriousness of the situation. He also said he would seek the support of Cabinet for the construction of an ultramodern sewage plant to replace the current system, which he described as aged. Health Minister John Boyce had also indicated to Barbados TODAY on Tuesday as he prepared to enter Parliament, that his ministry was working to identify the trouble spots in an effort to keep people away from them while Sealy said the BWA had advised that it was doing all it could to address the situation. (BT)

‘GIVE MAGISTRATES MORE POWER TO DEAL WITH MURDER CASES’ – Minister of Transport and Works Michael Lashley is recommending increased powers for magistrates and the appointment of special prosecutors as a means of speeding up murder trials. Addressing the launch Wednesday morning of the Massy United Insurance Driving Skills Academy at Bushy Park racing circuit in St Philip, Lashley, who on occasion acts as attorney general, seemed concerned about the number of people facing murder charges who are out on bail. Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite expressed similar concerns yesterday during his contribution to the debate on the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) (Amendment) Bill, 2017. Today, Lashley stressed that in addition to giving the magistrates increased sentencing powers and powers to hear these matters, “we can also contract a private practitioner who is experienced in criminal law to then deal with these cases. “Give the police time, say about two months to get all of these files together,” he said. (BT)

STUDENT UNSCATHED AFTER JUMPING OVER BALCONY – A first form student at a secondary school who took a daredevil plunge over a 12-foot balcony did not suffer any injuries. Reports indicate that the incident occurred last Monday just before morning assembly at Queen’s College.  A concerned parent called the NATION about the incident. When contacted, principal David Browne said the child had received medical attention. “He was sent for a detailed physical examination,” Browne said, adding that his parents were also advised that he should receive psychological treatment. The principal explained that the boy jumped over the balcony after some children dared him to do it.  (WN)

JOHNSON SURPRISED BY DRUG CHARGE – A 61-year-old man, who was “amazed” over the fact that he was hauled before the court on a drug related charge, has been placed on a bond for a year. Anthony Curtis Johnson, of St Stephen’s Hill, Black Rock, St Michael, pleaded guilty to having an apparatus in his possession on December 5 for the misuse of cocaine. According to Sergeant Cameron Gibbons, police searched Johnson after he was detained while on Black Rock, Main Road. A cigarette box containing a small bottle with a piece of plastic pipe, as well as a lighter was found. “Yes it is a pipe and I know what it is used for, but I found it in the cigarette box and put it in my pockets,” Johnson allegedly told police at the time. Today he further explained that he was walking along the road after leaving a Chinese restaurant in the area where he had purchased his dinner when he “kicked the cigarette box, but it resisted”. He said he took it because a few months ago he had found over $300 in a similar cigarette box. “So up and in my pocket I put it,” he said, adding that a police van was passing at the same time and “all I heard was ‘whop, whop’. “I don’t know if they saw me going down [to pick up the box] or not,” Johnson told the court. However, he said the police had told him that they were investigating a robbery and “I say, ‘skipper what?’” However, Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant stopped Johnson just as he was about to become even more animated with his story, which proved quite amusing to those present in the No.2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court. At that point, the bond was imposed on Johnson. If he breaches it, he will have to pay a $750 fine or spend four months in jail. (BT)

COPPIN CAUGHT WITH WEED UNDER HIS CELLAR – A 34-year-old man, who pleaded guilty to several drug charges, has two months to pay the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court a $1,500 fine. If Travis Rondell Coppin, of Valerie Lane, Upper Collymore Rock, St Michael, fails to pay the fine he will spend eight months at HMP Dodds. Coppin was charged with possession, possession with intent to supply and trafficking of $175 worth of cannabis which was found in two containers under the cellar as police executed a search warrant at his residence. “That is my weed. I pelt under there when I hear wunna coming,” Coppin allegedly said at the time. The fine was imposed on the traffic charge, while he was reprimanded and discharged on the other two offences. (BT)

THIEF APOLOGIZES FOR ROBBING TOURISTS – An apology for hurting this island’s bread-and-butter tourism industry was not enough to keep a 21-year-old man from spending the next 27 months at Dodds prison. When Leroy Andrew Devere Deterville, of No. 92, Denton Road, Grazettes, St Michael, appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick this afternoon he wasted no time in pleading guilty to three theft offences. On November 11, he stole a $100 bag, a $1,000 cellular phone, a $100 purse, a $35 lipstick, a $75 powder, a $20 lotion, a $30 dress, US$2,115 and BDS$461 belonging to Lalita Ramprashad, as well as a $396 pair of sunglasses belonging to Shilendra Dhanraj. Three days later, he stole a $30 haversack, a camera worth CND$1,200, a lens worth CND$725, two memory cards worth CND$250, a cellular phone worth CND$1,000, a wallet worth CND$150 and US$5 belonging to Ramin Sabokbar. On November 21, Deterville also stole a cellular phone worth US$500, a digital camera worth US$850, a US$160 wristwatch and a US$50 wallet belonging to Roland Jindra. The victims were all visitors to the island who had ventured to beaches, such as Batts Rock, Brandons and Paradise. “He waited for those persons to go into the sea and pounced,” the prosecutor, Sergeant Rudy Pilgrim, explained. However, Deterville, who is well known to the court, said today he was sorry for all he had done. “I apologize to my country . . . because of the tourism . . . because it helps the country. “I was going through a rough time with me and my mother and I was trying to make ends meet,” he added before suggesting that he should be made to pay a fine or perform community service. However, the magistrate suggested that the imposition of a fine may only result in Deterville “resorting to more crime” in order to make the payment. He was also rejected his appeal for community service, while taking serious issue with the accused man’s apology. “You recognized the significance of [the tourism sector], yet you are damaging it because you are reckless”, Frederick said before sentencing Deterville to three consecutive nine-month prison terms for each count of theft.  (BT)

HALL ADMITS TO STEALING FOUR HANDBAGS – A 59-year-old man, who stole four handbags from a city store, must be on his best behaviour for the next two years. Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant imposed the bond on Terry Anderson Hall, of Bagatelle Gardens, St Thomas, today after he pleaded guilty to stealing the items worth $200, belonging to Deidre Thorne, on August 5. Thorne is the owner of a boutique located on Swan Street where the bags were on a display board at the entrance. Around 5 p.m. on the aforementioned day workers asked Hall, who was in the store, whether he was in need of any assistance. He said, ‘no’ and left. However, about half an hour later the storeowner was informed that a man had taken a bag off the board and left without paying. Thorne made a check of the CCTV footage and discovered that Hall, who had been in the store on two occasions, was the culprit and that he had actually left with four bags. The matter was reported to the police and Hall was arrested along Marl Hill Street, St Michael. At the time of his arrest, Hall, who has a criminal history, told police that he was having problems with rent money and had sold the bags to unknown persons at $40 each. However, today he informed the magistrate that he was “a former ambassador” and he had already spoken to Thorne who was willing to accept compensation for the items. The magistrate then imposed the bond, which carries a 12-month prison term if breached. (BT)

BRAND NAME HEIST – A pre-sentencing report has been ordered into the life of a 19-year-old man who today pleaded guilty to a theft charge. When Miguel Peter Nathaniel Mayers, of St Stephens Hill, Black Rock, St Michael, first appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant on August 14, he pleaded not guilty to stealing a Calvin Klein purse worth $120 and an iPhone worth CND$600 belonging to Hila Jazayeri and was released on $1,600 bail. However, today he returned to court in the company of his attorney, Dr Waldo Ramsay, and owned up to the offence. According to the prosecutor, Jazayeri was at Browne’s Beach with her boyfriend on August 13 when they were approached by Mayers and another man. The couple subsequently went into the water and it was at that time that Mayers took up her property and escaped onto Nelson’s Street. Police subsequently received information that Mayers was on “106 and Park” on the same street. However, by the time they got there, Mayers had fled the area, but was quickly captured. Today his attorney requested that a sentence be imposed that would not sully his clean record. “He is 19 years old and still can’t explain why he did what he did, but he has sincerely apologized for his actions,” Dr Ramsay said. Asked by the magistrate to explain his actions, Mayers replied: “I do not know what happened to me at that moment. I am sorry.” He returns to court on February 16. (BT)

SPORTS JOBS IN JEOPARDY – This season may not be so merry for some Government staff. Certain jobs appear to be on the line at the three of Barbados’ sporting agencies as part of the proposed merger of the National Sports Council (NSC), Kensington Oval Management Inc. (KOMI) and the Gymnasium Limited. Minister of Sports Stephen Lashley didn’t specify a number but did acknowledge there would be severances once the Cabinet eventually gave the merger the green light. “The proposal, once approved, will result in greater efficiencies and yes, there will be some redundancies in addition to recruitment of persons to fill key positions in keeping with the overall thrust of the integration that is to reposition sports as a key pillar for economic growth and enhancement,” Lashley said in a written statement to the WEEKEND NATION. “Under the proposal there will be savings but there will also be an enhanced functionality providing a more focused and professionalised sports development thrust. “Once the Cabinet gives the green light to the proposal, discussions are to be held with the unions and relevant parties,” he added.  (WN)

BAJAN BOXERS FOR ST LUCIA TOURNEY – BARBADOS will be looking to top the medal tally for the second straight year in third edition of the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament in St Lucia next week. The Bajans will be represented by a 19-member team during the tournament which will be held at the Beausejour Indoor Facility from December 11 to 17. Barbados, winners of 17 medals last year, will have a team of 14 men boxers and five women. Among the men will be Jabali Breedy, who competed at the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Boxing Championship in Germany earlier this year, while lightweight Caribbean boxing champion Kimberly Gittens will be among the women. The squad will be accompanied by three team officials and three technical officials. In addition, Kathy Harper-Hall, who chairs the Caribbean Working Committee for Boxing, will be in attendance to oversee the smooth running of the event. Despite several challenges, the St Lucia Boxing Association is working hard to make the event a successful one. Seventeen Caribbean countries have registered a total of 213 persons to participate in the event. The participating countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominica, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St Maarten, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and hosts St Lucia. In addition, AIBA will be staging another international course for referee/judges, as was done in Barbados in 2016. Seventeen officials from across the Caribbean have been registered to participate in this course. If they are successful, they will gain the international one-star qualification. The course will be conducted by facilitators from Canada and the United States. The two participants from Barbados are Charles “Silky” Gill and Joan Williams. Barbados team: Men: Elite: Jabali Breedy, Ajayi Jones, Brandon Lee, Justin Edwards, Kiomel Miller, Shakaun Lashley, Charles Cox. Youth: Tyree Weekes-Haynes, Donte Powlett. Juniors: Rashawn Holder, Kemar Gaskin. Novices: Rashad Holder, Peter Murray, Donovan Henry. Women: Iprecious Lythcott, Mary Fraser, Kyesha Applewhaite, Brittany Knight, Kimberly Gittens. Management: Richard Atwell (manager), Gary Bowen (head coach), Kelvin Nowell (assistant coach), Christopher Henry (assistant coach). (WN)

BAYLEY’S WIN FIFTH TITLE – The name of Bayley’s captain Shaquan Belle and the sound of stumps being shattered are probably still ringing in the ears of the Reynold Weekes’ batsmen. Belle rang loudly at the Empire Club, Bank Hall yesterday with a devastating spell of penetrative fast bowling as Bayley’s crushed Reynold Weekes by 84 runs in the all St Philip final of the Guardian General Herman Griffith Primary Schools Cricket Competition to take their second straight title and fifth overall. After Bayley’s were restricted to 103 for eight in their 25 overs, Belle had the amazing figures of eight for 16 in five overs – all of his victims were bowled – as Reynold Weekes capitulated for a meagre 19 runs in 10.2 overs. The brave Remere Harewood, who topscored with seven not out after retiring hurt when he was struck a painful blow on his leg by Belle and Rashad Gibson with five, were the only batsmen to score any runs for Reynold Weekes. Nine batsmen, including captain Micah Greenidge, who entered the game with two centuries, were dismissed for “ducks”. While the 11-year-old Belle, who hails from Merricks, St Philip, was wrecking havoc from the southern end, Reynaldo Bourne was keeping things quiet at the other. He delivered three maidens and took one wicket for just two runs. After Belle, whose pace and penetration, was just too much for the Reynold Weekes’ batsmen, completed his five-over allotment with nine wickets down, medium pacer Darien Harewood only needed two balls to seal the victory for Bayley’s, trapping last man Kierry Williams leg before wicket. (WN)

BECKLES’ BOOK ABOUT MORE THAN CRICKET – PROFESSOR Sir Hilary Beckles’ new book will not only attempt to answer the questions surrounding the collapse of West Indies cricket but also explore the ability of the West Indian people to move forward. This was revealed during the recent launch of his new book Cricket Without A Cause: Fall And Rise Of The Mighty West Indian Cricketers at the Cricket Legends Of Barbados. “This is not strictly speaking a book about cricket. It is about cricket in the sense that the narrative and the information in it is about the development of cricket as a culture but this book is really about whether we Caribbean people have the will, whether we have the focus and the commitment to solve our problems,”Sir Hilary said.  “This book is really the narrative of an educator who is concerned about the future of the Caribbean. “I am concerned about Caribbean people. “I am concerned about our future and I am concerned to whether we have the will and the leadership in the Caribbean to survive through these difficult years ahead,” he said. Beckles explained that one of the major questions circulating was whether or not West Indian people still had the strength to fight after having to undergo the harsh realities of slavery and further fight to gain human and civil rights, the right to vote and to independence. He added that with cricket being a major factor in bringing West Indian people together its catastrophic collapse has caused people to wonder what has happened to the West Indian society. Experienced NATION sportswriter Mike King said he found the book to be quite captivating and was a must-read for all cricket enthusiasts. Pro-vice-chancellor and principal of the UWI Open Campus, Dr Luz Longsworth, said the book spoke of the sudden loss of greatness, and how to the West Indies would return to their former state of prestige. (WN)

EARLY SHOPPERS IN HIGH SPIRITS – Trees, decorations, toys, curtains, ham and more, Bajans are hitting the stores buying for the Yuletide. With it still being early in December, the last-minute rush has not yet begun, but some early birds were spotted securing their gifts. Some say Christmas is for children, and at Deanna Dash’s Toy Shop in Sky Mall, parents were indeed scouring the shelves for the perfect gifts for their young ones. Devoted dad Shamar Trotman was shopping not only for his 18-month-old son, but for all the little ones he cared about. “I have a god-daughter, brothers and sisters, so I can’t wait until the last minute. Once they are happy then I happy too. All I need is life,” he said while selecting a stuffed animal. Dr Rose Blenman-Abange was with her daughters Tiye and Nandi buying party favours for a school Christmas party. She said Christmas was all about family for her.  (WN)

PRICIER HAMS – Barbadians with a taste for ham at Christmas season may be left with hard choices this year. This is because of a hike in the price of the traditional treat blamed on recent tax increases. The popular picnic hams are being retailed for between $70 to $100, according to size. A check with a range of shoppers yesterday revealed that many of them felt the upper end of the price range was too high for a picnic ham. Indeed, some said they were going to either cut back or opt for the cheaper Hilldale brand, a grade B meat, rather than the more popular Farmer’s Choice or Eve varieties. Premier picnic ham is going for almost $30 per kilogramme, with slight variations at different outlets, while the much larger and more expensive leg hams was around $35 per kg with one costing in excess of $280. On the other hand, the Hilldale brand, which is also local, offers picnic hams between $60 and $70. (WN)

CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY – Ashay Rollock of the Ignatius Byer Primary School was delighted to be the centre of attention as she views her school’s Christmas tree in Independence Square in the company of Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley and New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Barbados Jan Henderson.The four-year-old Christmas In The Square was officially lit up last night in the heart of Bridgetown.  The project, now in its fourth year, was designed to engage the secondary and primary schools and youth groups in Barbados in decorating Christmas trees depicting themes and emblems of the Commonwealth countries using recycled and repurposed material. There are 88 trees, each standing 12 feet and beautifully adorning Bridgetown, with many of them in Jubliee Gardens thanks to the project Christmas In The Square 2017 organised bay the Royal Commonwealth Society Barbados Branch. (WN)

That’s all for today folks there are 23 days left in the year Shalom! #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #bajannewscaps #newscapsbystephaniefchase

[ghostbananac]

I don't really know what's going on in this. @charuu as DTK and Sara as Liz. #animegirl #cute #cosplay #cosplayer #cosplaywig #cosplaygirl #instadaily #instagirl #model #fakemodel #souleater #patty #pattythompson #lizthompson #deaththekid #anime #souleatercosplay #souleateranime #funimation #me #photoshoot #photography #wig #throwbackmonday #flashbackphoto #animelove

[sharingansirencosplay]

#symmetryisbeauty Another Death The Kid photo from the shoot with @jjmphoto Hoping to bring this out again with my Patty and Liz in tow at some stage. #deaththekid #dtk #souleater #reaper #death #reaperspawn #soul #maka #blackstar #Tsubaki #Patty #pattythompson #Liz #lizthompson #thompsonsisters #anime #animecosplay #cosplay #cosplayer #sharingansirencosplay

[pegafotoshp-blog]

#Repost @that_nerdygirl with @repostapp. 😍 "Ship ship ship I totally ship! ❤️💋 (...) ✌🏻️ #tsubaki #otaku #PattyThompson #anime #soka #soma #souma #stein #scythe #souleater #soul_eater #souleaterevans #deaththekid #deathscythe #LordDeath #LizThompson #blackstar #blairwitch #maka #meister #makaalbarn #dwma #deathweaponmeisteracademy #animelove #animeship #otp #animeboy #animegirl"

[staal-the-not-quite-undefeated]

Showing off the guns with my favorite superhero!! #missmarvel #sdcc #lizthompson #cosplay #souleater #kamala #womenofmarvel #sandiegocomiccon #lizandpatty