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stephaniefchase · 7 years ago

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Bajan Newscap 7/28/2017

Good Morning #realdreamchasers. Here is your daily news cap for Friday 28th July 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 a Weekend Nation Newspaper (WN).

MEETING MOVED UP, BUT UNIONS STILL NOT HAPPY – Not enough! That is the stance of the island’s four major trade unions to the news that Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has set a new date for the meeting of the Social Partnership. Yesterday, through written correspondence from the Prime Minister’s office, the trade unions and the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) were notified that the planned meeting of August 18 had been moved up one week to August 11. The news comes three days after Stuart had promised while speaking in Parliament that a meeting would be forthcoming. (WN)

AUGUST GATHERING: PM TO HOLD IN CAMERA MEETING WITH SOCIAL PARTNERS NEXT MONTH – Barbadian workers will have to wait until August 11 to hear whether they will be granted any relief from the controversial National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL). Thursday, Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) Charles Herbert confirmed that he had received written confirmation from the Office of the Prime Minister of the date for the tripartite meeting, which was previously set for August 18. However, following this week’s massive protest led by the BPSA and the country’s four major trade unions in a bid to get the Government to hold immediate dialogue with them on the vexed issue of the NSRL, Herbert said the Prime Minister had now agreed to move up the planned meeting of the Social Partnership by one week. “I am assuming that [this] is the Prime Minister’s concession for dialogue,” said Herbert, whose relationship with Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has been noticeably strained over this week’s demonstration, which attracted over 20,000 people. In fact, the Prime Minister has gone as far as to indicate in Parliament this week that the upcoming talks would be nationally televised so that “Barbadians can hear what the Government is about, what the Social Partners are about, both the labour movement and the private sector”. However, Herbert told Barbados TODAY that he had not been officially informed that this particular event would be nationally televised. In any case, he said he only had one objection to having such a meeting take place in the full public glare. “I believe that if the right discussion happens in that meeting, it would be good for it to be televised. [However], I think if televising it makes it an opportunity for political grandstanding, then that would be a shame it is televised,” he told Barbados TODAY Thursday afternoon. “I don’t expect that we are coming to a meeting to be attacked for having a march or to defend why we had a march. Our intention is to come to a meeting to talk about the country’s fiscal strategy,” he said. However, the two sides remain at odds over their accounts of the circumstances leading up to Monday’s protest, which attracted support from Barbadians of all walks of life, including leading members of the business community. (BT)

MIA SHOULD HAVE STAYED AWAY, ARGUES SCANTLEBURY – The leader of one of Barbados’ newest political parties believes that local trade unions have too much power, and has also questioned the presence of Opposition Leader Mia Mottley at Monday’s massive march by public and private sector workers, which was said to be non-political. Apostle Lynroy Scantlebury of the New Barbados Kingdom Alliance (NBKA), in an interview with Barbados TODAY, further argued that the country needed to be fixed and that it could not be done “by doing the same thing over and over again”. “I think there is a right way to do things and a wrong way to do things,” he said in response to the march organized by the trade unions and the Barbados Private Sector Association to press their case for dialogue on the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL). “ I do not think that it is a very good idea to destabilize the country at a time when it is on the ropes,” he said, while taking a shot at the organizers for claiming that the demonstration was not political with Mottley and other Opposition members in attendance. “I say that it was political because the Leader of the Opposition, Mia Mottley, and other members of the Barbados Labour party were very visible in the march,” Scantlebury argued. “ I think both the union and the private sector should have said: ‘Mam, this is not political,” the 46-year-old apostle said, while contending that the organizers should have told Mottley ahead of time that while they appreciated her support, it was best for her to stay away. He also questioned whether the march was successful in sending a message to the Freundel Stuart Government. The apostle also voiced concern over what he saw as “the tremendous disrespect” for the leadership of the country. Scantlebury said the Office of the Prime Minister had to be respected even though he acknowledged that Stuart refused to entertain a delegation of four trade union leaders at his office in Parliament on July 11. At the time the leadership of the Barbados Workers’ Union, the National Union of Public Workers, the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union and the Barbados Union of Teachers were seeking to deliver a letter to the Prime Minister which included an ultimatum for him to grant relief for their members from the NSRL or else. However, after they were turned away by Stuart, the trade unionists proceeded to the Office of the Opposition Leader in the West Wing of Parliament where they hand-delivered a copy of their correspondence to her. Turning to the upcoming general election, the NBKA candidate who officially kicked off his campaign to replace incumbent and former Prime Minister Owen Arthur in St Peter, said he was in the process of meeting with several individuals who have expressed an interest in running under his party’s banner in the poll. Scantlebury gave Barbadians the assurance that if he assumes office he will get rid of the Government’s $15 billion debt in two years. (BT)

CELL PHONE BAN WAS A 'MISTAKE', SAYS JONES – Minister of Education Ronald Jones says his 2009 decision to ban cell phones in schools was a “mistake”. “In Barbados, sometimes out of fear, we are caught up in discussions over whether we should have mobile phones in schools, and I admit banning the use of technology was a mistake I made. “In all honesty, the envelope is being pushed open more than in the past, and if our students are to learn effectively, it is important that they are connected not only to the knowledge flow emanating from the teacher in the classroom, but that they get exposed to information from across the world,” he told the launch of the Caribbean Examinations Council��s CXC Connect new mobile app at Sky Mall Wednesday afternoon, adding that he would have more to say on the matter in a few weeks time. While likening some aspects of the worldwide web to “the Wild West”, the Minister of Education said these elements could be tamed and put to more positive use. He commended CXC for the “dizzying pace” at which it was embracing information and communications technology. Jones admitted that Government was indeed moving in that direction, but said there was still some fear on the part of stakeholders who “feel they will have to take their hands off, but in truth, the hands and technology have to become one”. He made reference to passport applications, which were now done online and delivered to the customer’s door, but pointed out that immigration officers would still be required to stamp them at the island’s ports of entry. Just two months ago, the President of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) Mary Redman stepped up her warning to the Jones-led ministry not to allow cell phones in schools, saying these devices will only exacerbate the problem of gang activity and pose a major security threat to schools. (BT)

DIGITAL DIVIDE – A new survey shows that resistance to change is the single biggest impediment to companies achieving digital success. The results of the second annual Harvey Nash/KPMG 2017 CIO Survey were presented Thursday at a Chief Information Officer (CIO) Forum at the Hilton Barbados Resort. Over 20 Caribbean companies participated, including 11 from Barbados in the global survey, carried out in 86 countries among 4,500 respondents. However, the KPMG Island Grouping (KIG) component specifically looked at the operations of close to 70 companies in nine countries. Presenting a snap shot of responses from the KIG component, Manager of IT Advisory KPMG (Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean) Mariette Simmons-Browne said low budget was a major challenge facing IT professionals, who were generally pessimistic about an increase in their IT budgets over the next 12 months, with only 35 per cent of respondents expecting an increase. (BT)

CHANGES COMING TO TELECOMS ACT - With the introduction of a third player in the local telecommunications space, Government has given advance notice that changes are coming to the Telecommunications Act. The indication came from the Minister responsible for Energy and Telecommunications in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Darcy Boyce, as he addressed attendees recently at the launch of Canadian wireless company, Ozone Wireless Incorporated’s flagship store and corporate offices at Manor Lodge Complex, Warrens, St Michael, recently. Boyce revealed that the act would be amended to address service standards as well as landline service. However, one of the main changes expected will deal specifically with the acquisition of telecom companies by others within the same space. (WN)

SHAME ON THE BANKERS, CRIES CLARKE – Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Credit Bureau (CCB) Grady Clarke has launched a verbal attack on the Barbados Bankers’ Association (BBA), saying it should stay out of the credit bureau business and stick to banking. Clarke has also strongly hinted at moves to stop to the association’s plan to have an international credit bureau set up business in Barbados. At a town hall meeting on Tuesday night, at which Clarke was present and voiced objections, BBA Vice President Ian De Souza announced that the association was currently examining the proposals of two international entities to decide which one it would be allowing to establish the local credit information sharing system. Requests for proposals were sent to five companies, including the CCB, which was the only company not to respond. However, in defending that decision, Clarke said the requirements alone were purposely designed to eliminate his firm. Bruised by the news that an international firm would be brought in to do the job, an animated Clarke told reporters at a media conference today that his 24-year-old firm was more than capable of providing the required service. As he prepares to step up his resistance to the plan with a campaign on social media, he warned the bankers that he would be behaving just like United States president Donald Trump. He is also appealing to the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for support in his cause. Clarke argued that an international firm would only drain the island’s foreign exchange and send jobs overseas. Pointing out that he had some long-serving employees, Clarke cried shame on the commercial banks. The CCB, which offers training and consultation services, currently operates with about ten employees, as well as a number of volunteers. (BT)

SAGICOR LOOKS TO DISRUPT CAR INSURANCE MARKET – Insurance company Sagicor General has introduced a new bundled insurance package aimed at disrupting the industry and capturing the young professionals market. Sagicor on Wednesday launched its Young Professional Insurance Scheme, targeting professionals between the ages of 16 and 40. Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Mark Blakeley said the new package was introduced after an assessment of the existing motor insurance portfolio revealed “heavy demand” for such a policy. Sagicor said the policy comes with a number of benefits, including a $50,000 personal accident limit, coverage of up to $3,000 for personal possessions, and the same for medical expenses, as well as a $10,000 content coverage. Vice President of Underwriting Wanda Mayers said Sagicor General’s business had grown significantly within the last year and the new product was another opportunity for further growth. The benefit package is open to third-party policyholders, except for vehicle repairs where the policyholder was found at fault. The Sagicor officials said they did not foresee the new policy taking away from the company’s existing business. (BT)

JAPAN KEEN TO ASSIST BARBADOS WITH DISASTER MANAGEMENT – Japan is willing to lend its expertise to help Barbados improve its disaster management, so as to allow the island to recover in the shortest possible time after a major disaster. Japan’s Ambassador to Barbados, Teruhiko Shinada, gave this undertaking today during a courtesy call on Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs, Adriel Brathwaite, at his office in Webster’s Business Complex. Ambassador Shinada disclosed that his country had experienced many natural disasters, and was happy to collaborate on any area of disaster management as identified by Government. “Japan is one of the countries that have suffered the effects of many natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons, so we have quite a lot of experience in the damage [that is caused by these disasters] and we have the knowledge and experience that we can share with Barbados,” he stated. Additionally, the Ambassador also mentioned that disaster experts from Japan would be visiting Barbados in 2018 to assist the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) with its capacity building efforts. He pointed out that the experts’ work would not be limited to Barbados alone, but would also involve other countries in the region. In turn, the Attorney General welcomed the gesture of assistance with disaster management from Japan, adding: “We look forward to any assistance for CDEMA and for Barbados in disaster management. You do have my commitment that we will do all that we can to ensure that this [collaborative effort] occurs.” Ambassador Shinada also disclosed the provision of approximately US $1 million in equipment grant aid, in collaboration with the Department of Emergency Management. He explained that the funds would go towards the procurement of disaster damage management equipment - some of which should be in the island as early as the last quarter of the year. The two officials also discussed areas of cooperation in culture and sports, and possible assistance with water harvesting or other water conservation techniques. Barbados and Japan established diplomatic ties on August 29, 1967. (WN)

LIMING SITE A DUD – It is not easy going for Daniel DeSouza but he is not prepared to give up yet. The founder of cariblime.net, a social media platform geared towards Caribbean people, said the support was not there yet and he finds this slightly puzzling. Cariblime has not been around that long, having launched in April, but the offerings are already distinctly Caribbean and DeSouza is wondering if people were even aware it existed. “We do have more subscribers than before, more than 150 now, but we are still lacking that support from the local and regional organisations or from Government, I don’t know if they even know we exist. Besides, 150 in a Caribbean of more than eight million people is hardly anything,” he said. (WN)

ABANDONED IN ST. ANDREW – In response to numerous calls and complaints, the WEEKEND NATION has brought this series looking at abandoned Government buildings that are eyesores and health hazards. This is the final edition of the eight-part series. THE PEOPLE of Belleplaine, St Andrew are less than pleased with what they see as the mass exodus of Government entities. Over the years, they have seen the exit of the community centre, courtroom, police station, the Elayne Scantlebury Centre and Ministry of Transport and Works depot, some of which have been left derelict. When a WEEKEND NATION team stopped by the Elayne Scantlebury Centre, four men – Winston Ramsay, Keith Newton, Ralph Morris and Jeffrey Blackman – were shooting the breeze nearby. The men said they felt abandoned. (WN)

HORROR STORIES FROM WESTMORELAND – Westmoreland, St James, has been the scene of carnage on numerous occasions, causing the Ministry of Transport and Works to be galvanised into action to implement safety measures. The WEEKEND NATION spoke to two residents, Sandra Clinton and Bridgett Griffith, who gave heart-breaking testimonies of fatal accidents. SANDRA CLINTON will never be the same. On far too many occasions, the 58-year-old has been awoken from sleep by the spine-chilling sound of car brakes squealing only to stumble and struggle to get outside to see what fresh hell awaited her eyes. Sometimes she is so shaken that she can barely dial the numbers for the Ambulance Service. Clinton’s story is one filled with pain, death and scenes she will never forget. “I am constantly getting up in the night to rescue people. I saw three accidents in one evening; the police were investigating one car and another car ran into the first car under investigation,” she said. (WN)

JESHUA’S HAPPY TO BE BACK – Jeshua Ferdinand is back on Bajan soil and resting comfortably at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The 24-year-old cricketer was playing on the professional scene with Mayfield Cricket Club in the Sussex Premier League when he was suddenly struck down with the paralysing Guillain-Barre syndrome in May. When a WEEKENDSPORT team visited him at the hospital on Wednesday, he was in high spirits, sitting up and surrounded by family and friends. “It is nice to be back home among family and friends. It was a bit challenging to readjust to the conditions, both in the hospital and the climate; it’s very hot here,” he said. (WN)

AMERICAN WOMAN MISSING – Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing American woman, identified as 22-year-old Lauren Asele Broomes who has been residing at Maxwell, Christ Church. She was last seen by her grandmother Ruth Dorinal sometime around 9:20 p.m. on Monday, July 24. At the time she was wearing a pink or peach coloured dress, a pair of gladiator sandals and carrying a brown coloured bag. Broomes is 5ft 5 inches height, stoutly built, of dark brown complexion, has a round face, brown eyes, large nose, normal mouth, thick lips, short neck, full breasted, erect appearance, square shoulders, pleasant manner and has an Afro hair style. Lawmen are asking anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact the District ‘C’ Police Station at telephone 416-8200 or 416-8201; police emergency number 211; Crime Stoppers at 1-800 –TIPS (8477); or the nearest police station. (BT)

FRIGHT NIGHT – The sounds of gunfire shattered the still of Wednesday night, causing residents of Black Rock, St Michael and surrounding areas to throw themselves on the ground in fear. Sources say shots started close to midnight and continued for what some said was half an hour, with a power blackout occurring during that period. “It just so happen that a generator went out at that time and came back on just about the time it ended,” one resident said. Reports indicate the sounds were of automatic fire as well as powerful booming shots, perhaps from hand cannons. (WN)

POLICE LOOKING INTO REPORTS OF GUNSHOTS AT DEACONS – Police are conducting investigations into reports of gunfire being heard in the area of Deacons, St Michael after 11 p.m. yesterday. Police public relations officer Acting Inspector Roland Cobbler said on responding to the report, no one was seen engaging in the activity. However, he said evidence suggested that gunshots were fired in the area. There were no reports of injury or damage. “As we work assiduously to rid our streets of illegal firearms, we are appealing to anyone who can provide any information to assist with the investigation to contact the Black Rock Police Station at 417-7500, 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800 –TIPS (8477), or the nearest police station. All information received will be strictly confidential,” Cobbler said. (WN)

TEEN GETS WINGS CLIPPED FOR CROP OVER – A teenager who pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting his mother, will not be allowed to attend any night events for the balance of the 2017 Crop Over season. Eighteen-year-old Roeul Anderson Lavine Husbands of Knights Land, Westbury Road, St Michael committed the offence against his mother, Carla King on July 25, 2017. However, it was the mother who appealed to Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant in No.2 District ‘A’ Criminal Court Thursday to get her son some help. In outlining the facts of the case, Sergeant Cameron Gibbons explained that King came home on the day in question and found her house in an untidy state. When she attempted to speak to her son about the mess, he poked her in the left side of her face. “When that clock strikes six you know where you supposed to be? You must be at home, you will not be attending any Crop Over events,” the magistrate said as she imposed a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on Husbands. The teenager, who was released on $2,000 bail with one surety, must also report to the probation office for a pre-sentencing report. He returns to court on September 29, 2017. (BT)

WRONG ROAD – A 27-year-old, first-time drug offender came close to being jailed Thursday. Ronaldo Ramon Irvin Browne of Block 3E, Factory Avenue, Wildey, St Michael pleaded guilty before Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the No.1 District ‘A’ Criminal Court to possession of nine grease paper wrappers of cannabis on July 26, 2017. A remorseful Browne said he used the drug at night to help him sleep, but was trying to quit his marijuana habit. “I got to stop using it. I got seven years working and I can’t afford to lose my job,” he told the magistrate after he was nabbed during a police patrol of the Pine, St Michael on the day in question. However, Frederick was not moved by the accused man’s show of penitence and threatened to make him feel the full weight of the criminal justice system. “You didn’t know that you wanted to keep your job before you started using drugs. You are destined to be a paro. You can’t see it? Look at yourself. Continue on this path and you would end up eating from the garbage. “Your face is already starting to show it. It seems that you have been working very hard to get to this court, so congrats you have arrived. You want to see what being a criminal is all about? Have a seat and let me see if I am going to send you up,” Frederick said. In response, Browne promised the magistrate that his drug use days were behind him and pleaded with Frederick to show leniency. Instead of jail time as threatened, the magistrate ordered Browne to 120 hours of community service and promised that if he did it well, no conviction would be recorded when he returns to court on October 20, 2017. (BT)

RAPE ACCUSED GETS BAIL – A Christ Church man, who is accused of rape, has been granted bail in the amount of $5,000. Owen Oscar Bowen of 1A, Regency Park appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the No.1 District ‘A’ Criminal Court Thursday morning charged with having sexual intercourse with the complainant, knowing that she did not consent or was reckless as to whether she consented. Bowen, who is represented by attorney-at-law Vonda Pile, was not required to plead to the indictable offence. He was ordered to return to court on October 25, 2017. (BT)

ZR CONDUCTOR GETS BAIL ON WOUNDING CHARGE – A ZR conductor was released on $9,000 bail with one surety Thursday afternoon on a wounding charge. Rico Jamal Antonio Forde of Haynesville, St James, appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant in the No.2 District ‘A’ Criminal Court, charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Everet Branch with the intent to do serious bodily harm. The offence allegedly occurred on September 9, 2016. Forde, who is represented by attorney-at-law Shadia Simpson, was not required to plead to the indictable offence and is due to return to court on October 18, 2017. (BT)

MAN FINED $40 000 FOR COCAINE TRAFFICKING – A Christ Church man has until January 31, 2018 to pay a fine of $40 000 or he will spend two years in prison. David Alphonso Harry, 39, of Bourne’s Land, Silver Sands pleaded guilty to four cocaine-related offences when he appeared in the District “B” Magistrates’ Court today before Magistrate Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell. Harry arrived in the island by air from Trinidad on Tuesday and was stopped an interviewed by police. A search of his luggage revealed two transparent packages containing cocaine concealed within false compartments in a portfolio in his luggage. A further check revealed three more packages concealed in his underwear. Police say the cocaine weighed one kilogramme and had an estimated street value of $50 000. Harry was subsequently arrested and charged for unlawful possession of cocaine, possession with intent to supply, trafficking and importation. He was fined $40 000 for the offence of trafficking and convicted, reprimanded and discharged for the other offences. (WN)

MAN FINED $5,000 FOR GROWING WEED – A 32-year-old St Michael man was Thursday fined $5,000 for cultivating marijuana in his backyard. Edward Ricardo Kellman, of Number 32, Lodge Terrace, pleaded guilty when he appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant in the No.2 District ‘A’ Criminal Court to growing the illegal drug on July 27, 2017. Kellman also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and trafficking the controlled drug. In outlining the facts of the case, Sergeant Cameron Gibbons told the court that police conducted a search of the accused’s home on the day in question and found one marijuana plant growing in a pot, as well as several others in a fish tank in the backyard. On the cultivation charge, the first time offender was ordered to pay a fine in seven months or face 12 months in prison. He was reprimanded and discharged for the other offences, but is required to return to court on February 28, 2018. (BT)

SPRINTERS’ BAD BLOOD – 2015 World 200 metres champion Dafne Schippers has admitted to having a cold relationship with Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson. The Dutchwoman and the Jamaican share perhaps one of the fiercest rivalries in track and field and it has seemingly worked against them being friendly to each other. The two sprinters now rated among the very best to run the sprints in the modern era have had stirring battles over the past two seasons but while they have been cordial, Schippers admits the relationship between the two has been frosty. “It’s very bad,” Schippers says of their relationship. “I don’t know why. Maybe because we are both big talents. If she says ‘Hi’, I will say ‘Hi’. I am more of an easy person,” she said in an interview with the Daily Mail. “With the European athletes, I can have fun with them. I am an easy person to talk to. If she won’t do that, then OK.” When Schippers won the world title in Beijing in 2015, she ran Thompson down to cross the line in 21.63, the third fastest time ever by a woman. Thompson was timed in 21.66, the fifth fastest time ever. At the Olympic Games in Rio a year later, Thompson turned the tables on her Dutch rival, winning the Olympic 200m title in 21.78 seconds to Schippers 21.88. Thompson (10.71) also won the 100m, a race in which Schippers was fifth in 10.90. The two are expected to meet next month in the final of the 100m at the IAAF World Championships in London where Elaine Thompson is the overwhelming favourite to claim her first 100m world title. (BT)

BLAZING RUN BY BAJAN JETBLUES TO TITLE – Barbados JetBlues male rugby 7s team defeated the Morris men to claim victory in the recently concluded Blazing 7s Rugby Tournament in New Jersey. The Bajans also finished second in the Saratoga 7s Invitational Tournament in New York. George Nicholson, manager of the local organising committee for the Rugby Barbados World 7s, said the results were a huge credit to the standard of rugby in the island. “We could not have asked for a better result. Not only does it motivate our local teams to continue to strive for excellence, but it also shows the world that despite being a small island, Rugby Barbados is a force to be reckoned with,” he said. (WN)

RAVENS DO THE DOUBLE – RAVENS DARTS ACADEMY are celebrating a double success. After recently capturing the Barbados Darts Association’s league title, they retained their knockout crown by defeating A Enforcers in the final at Molly’s Bar in Flint Hall on Tuesday night. By dominating their opponents in most of the categories, Ravens emerged 6-2 winners. In block 1 men’s doubles, the Ravens pair of Anthony Forde and Tahir Sargeant defeated Enforcers’ Roosevelt Drakes and Sylvan Graham in 26 and 19 darts with Forde scoring a maximum of 180. (WN)

FRESH GUARD – Conde Riley is the new president of the Barbados Cricket Association. The veteran cricket administrator defeated challengers Deighton Smith and Erskine King in a landslide victory when the governing body of cricket in Barbados held its elections at the Hilton Barbados Hotel Thursday night. Riley, a former senior banker, received 284 votes, Smith the former first vice-president who acted as president for the past two years, received 80 votes and King, a long-time sports administrator, garnered 85 votes. An elated Riley told the media afterwards that he was surprised but not displeased at his overwhelming victory. The newly elected president said one of his first priorities would be to tackle the issue between the BCA and the Barbados Association of Secondary School Principals. In May the final of the Everton Weekes Under-13 Championship between Combermere and Foundation was abandoned after the schools were withdrawn by their respective principals.There has been a long-running dispute where principals have objected to their best players not being allowed to play for their own schools but mandated to play for the combined schools’ team. Meanwhile, attorney-at-law Calvin Hope is the new vice president. He received 170 votes and in the process defeated Roland Butcher who got 118 votes, Maurice Gaskin who received 107 votes and young Kamal Springer who tallied 37 votes. Hope has been associated with the game for several years both on and off the field of play and as a member of the BCA. He is a former Barbados Under-19 captain and a stalwart of domestic cricket. A large number of members turned out to cast their vote Thursday night, among them were National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers, former Chief Justice Sir David Simmons, Leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley, Attorney General Ariel Brathwaite, entertainer Richard Stoute and chairman of the West Indies selectors, Courtney Browne. (BT)

DAVIS WINS BIG WITH COURTS – HARRIET DAVIS WAS chosen as the biggest winner in Courts (Barbados) Dream Cruise promotion. On Thursday at the Courts Bridgetown branch, Davis, along with about 20 other people, walked away with more than $58 000 in cash and prizes. Managing director at Courts Trisha Tannis presented Davis with her winnings, valued at $20 000. A delighted Davis said she planned to take some of hergrandchildren and her boyfriend as she sails the Mediterranean seas. (WN)

TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR JUNIOR KADOOMENT – The public is asked to note that on Saturday, July 29, a number of temporary road changes will be in place to facilitate the hosting of the Junior Kadooment, which will be held at the National Stadium, St Michael. Between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., the following roads will be closed to all vehicular traffic:

* Codrington Road from its junction with Stadium Road to its junction with Bush Hall Road, St.Michael.

* Stadium Road from its junction with Codrington Road to its junction with Bush Hall Main Road, St Michael.

During these hours, no parking will be allowed on any of the following roads except for the purpose of picking up or setting down passengers: Codrington Road, Bush Hall Main Road, Waterford Road, Bow Road and Butler’s Avenue. At the same time, no person shall park or allow a vehicle to remain stationary along the emergency route or alternate route except for the purpose of picking up or setting down passengers. The emergency route commences at National Stadium and proceeds along Bank Hall, Country Road, Roebuck Street, Halls Road, and Martindale’s Road, St Michael. The alternate route commences at National Stadium and proceeds along Butler’s Avenue, Spooners Hill, Green Hill, Everton Weekes Round-a-bout, Clyde Walcott Round-a-bout, Norman Niles Round-a-bout, My Lord’s Hill Road, Welches Road, Belmont Road and Martindale’s Road, St Michael. (BT)

NCF: BIG CROWDS EXPECTED – “The rain hasn’t stopped any of the events so far this year . . . . I am hoping it doesn’t rain as it would limit the scale of the event and also in terms of patronage as well.” Saying he was speaking subject to correction, Adisa noted that: “Judging from the Semi-finals crowd, which turned out to be one of the biggest we would have had in the last four to five years, this Finals is looking to go along that same route.” (WN)

POLICE PUT SOCA ROYALE PATRONS ON NOTICE – Patrons attending Soca Royale at Bushy Park on Sunday have been informed that a number of policies will be strictly enforced by police. Acting Inspector Roland Cobbler said every person and vehicle entering the venue will be subjected to a search. In addition, glass bottles will be prohibited and will not be allowed into the venue by either patrons or stall operators. Cobbler also pointed out that smoking in public places is against the law and therefore it will be prohibited in the venue “which will be transformed into a public place of entertainment”. (WN)

SWEET SOCA SEMI-FINALS will be broadcast tonight on CBC TV8 at 9:30 P.M for those of you who missed it live.

That’s all for today folks there are 156 days left in the year Shalom! #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #bajannewscaps #newscapsbystephaniefchase

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