#The Chase Files Daily Newscap

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 18/2/2020

Good Morning #realdreamchasers ! Here is your daily news cap for Tuesday 18th February, 2020. There is a lot to read and digest so take your time. Remember you can read full articles via Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS), Barbados Today (BT), or by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN).

VAUXHALL IN, GRAYDON SEALY OUT –Students of Vauxhall Primary School will be back in the classroom today, but staff and students at Graydon Sealy Secondary School will be at home. Classes ground to a halt last Wednesday after parents and staff raised concerns about an infestation of rats, termites and cockroaches at the Christ Church primary school. Parents said their children were constantly ill and were out of classes for extended periods, while teachers complained of respiratory complications. After a walk-through by Parent-Teacher Association president Adrian Husbands, parents decided not to allow their children back in the classrooms until the issue was addressed by the Ministry of Education. Last Wednesday, Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw, Acting Chief Education Officer Joy Adamson and other ministry officials toured the compound for three hours and said classes would be closed for the rest of the week to allow for the start of refurbishment works, beginning with the female bathrooms, which would extend over the weekend. (DN)

MILLIONS DOWN DRAIN –The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) will be working around the clock to repair a 16-inch burst main at Searles/Woodbourne that apparently is the reason why customers in Christ Church and St Philip have been without water for the past three days. Described as one of the “worst burst mains”, engineers at the BWA unearthed the massive leak yesterday morning while carrying out an investigation of the entire system linked to the Hampton Pumping Station, to determine why the water levels had not returned to normal, following repairs to the pump last Thursday. Taking the media on a tour of the waterlogged area yesterday evening, Minister of Water Resources Wilfred Abrahams lamented that millions of gallons of water had already been lost before the leak was detected. As a result, he said management had taken a decision to shut off the water supply at 7:30 last night in order to give customers time to store water. However, he pointed out that it would take time to repair the main since the wooded area had to first be cleared of trees and bush, then the water which had created a large swamp had to be pumped off before work crews could access the main. “It is not going to be an easy fix,” the minister said as he warned that “to actually do the fix is going to cause significant disruption to service. It cannot be avoided”. (DN)

MORE WATER OUTAGES FOR CHRIST CHURCH & ST. PHILIP – Residents in Christ Church and parts of St Philip who were experiencing sporadic service will be without water for a few more days. Earlier today, a crew from the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) discovered a massive 16-inch burst main in the region of  Woodbourne/Searles, Christ Church. The magnitude of the leak created a huge swampy area, from which workers at the BWA will first have to clear wood and debris and then pump off the excess water before repairs can be effected. As a result, the water will be turned off at 7 p.m. today. Minister of Water Resources Management Wilfred Abrahams says they had a crisis meeting with management and the engineers and decided to explore every option because they could not understand why the levels were not returning. “Millions of gallons of water is being lost out here, but to actually do the fix will cause significant disruption for customers,” he said. Work started immediately and they are getting assistance from several companies. The BWA will put contingency plans in place, including sending out water tankers, but residents in those areas are being urged to do what they can to deal with their own situation. Some parts of St Philip and Christ Church have been without water for the last three days. Last Thursday, after a disruption in electrical power, the BWA suffered pumping equipment failure at Hampton, and later that night, one pump was repaired and another replaced. There was also a 10-inch burst the following night at Pilgrim Road, Christ Church, and it was repaired that same day. (DN)

ISOLATION CENTRE POSES NO RISK TO PUBLIC – The Ministry of Health and Wellness has assured schools, businesses and residents in the vicinity of the Isolation Centre at Enmore, Collymore Rock, St Michael, that the area remains safe. Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kenneth George, was responding today to concerns raised by some members of the public after the Centre was identified as the facility where anyone arriving in Barbados with symptoms related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) would be placed in isolation and treated. Dr George explained that in the construction of the facility, which has been in place since the public health threat posed by Ebola in 2014, special emphasis was placed on safety and security. “There is a double filtration system that involves HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration, as well as UV (ultraviolet) filtration. These systems combined make sure that all the air emanating from the facility is safe.” He shared that the Centre had also been recognised by the Pan American Health Organization as being representative of “best practice”, and posed no risk to the public. The Chief Medical Officer emphasised: “This type of facility was so designed to not only treat Ebola, but also to treat any new and emerging respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19. “In addition, there are bio-security features which relate to the movement of staff and patients into and out of the building,” he assured. He said that the Ministry was committed to providing the public with up-to-date information on this public health challenge and to putting all necessary measures in place to protect residents. (BGIS)

MET OFFICE MONITORING SAHARA DUST MOVING INTO REGION – People with respiratory ailments are being asked to take precautions this week. The Barbados Meteorological Services is monitoring the progress of a thick concentration of Saharan dust haze located in the central Atlantic. The Model data indicates that the plume of dust haze is forecast to affect Barbados as early as Wednesday morning, with an improvement expected around Friday. Impacts will vary due to the sensitivity of individuals and extent of exposure. People with respiratory ailments such as asthma and sinusitis could be affected. Symptoms include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, sneezing, wheezing and coughing. Precautions should be taken to reducing exposure to this dust. (PR/SAT)

DEMOLITION STARTS ON FIRE STATION IN THE CITY –Demolition of the Barbados Fire Service complex on Probyn Street, The City is underway. Work men started around 8:30 a.m., excavated a wall and demolished a small building in the yard. An official estimated that the main building would be taken down around noon.  To accommodate the work, traffic on Probyn Street has been reduced to a single lane, but all surroundings roads, including Fairchild Street are unaffected.  The removal of the station is the first stage of government’s plan to develop Golden Square Freedom Park. The temporary market and the old National Insurance Scheme building are also scheduled to be demolished. (DN)

PROBYN STREET NOW ONE LANE DURING DEMOLITION – As part of the demolition of the old National Insurance Scheme (NIS) building and the Bridgetown Fire Station, the Ministry of Transport Works and Maintenance will be making some changes to traffic flow. Workers will be removing the traffic signal mast arm from the Probyn Street section of the Fairchild Street/Bridge Street junction today. The other traffic signals at this junction will remain in operation. Motorists are advised to observe the directions and signage of the contractors and workmen on site and road users should also note that Probyn Street will be reduced to one lane only. The old NIS building, Fire Service headquarters and temporary market located along the street are being demolished to make way for the Golden Square Freedom Park. (DN)

COPS ‘IN HIGH GEAR’ ON MURDER CASES –There is a great chance police will soon crack another murder case, says Acting Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce. During a press conference at the police headquarters in Roebuck Street, Bridgetown, yesterday, he said three out of five murders for 2020 had been solved as far as bringing charges. He added this was a testament to investigators who were relentless in their efforts. “We have never taken off our gloves in the fight of crime and we will never take off our gloves in the fight of crime. The ones that have not been solved are actively being pursued. In some instances, there is light at the end of the tunnel for some.  “Three were solved and the possibility exists that we might solve a fourth in a not too distant time,” Boyce said. In relation to the record 49 murders in 2019, the senior lawman said that 60 per cent of them had been solved, and once Barbadians continued to offer them support, police would be able to do their jobs. (DN)

PERFUME THEIF SEND FOR EVALUATION – The details of how a 57-year-old man made off with a $209.99 cologne belonging to a popular Broad Street store will be given in court in three weeks before his sentencing. But that is all based on what doctors at the Psychiatric Hospital have to say in a report requested by Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant, about Richard Carmichael Best, of no fixed place of abode. Best was sent to the Black Rock, St Michael institution after he appeared before the magistrate and pleaded guilty to stealing the item from Cave Shepherd on February 15. “I want to pay back in a week,” Best said before he was given a March 9 date to return before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court. (BT)

DEPORTATION FOR WOMAN CAUGHT STEALING – Jamaican Marjorie AnnMarie Campbell is to be placed on the next available fight home. Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant today ordered that the 46-year-old babysitter who resided at Charles Rowe Bridge, St George be deported after she admitted to theft. Campbell, who had been in the country since February 2013 and was given a six-month stay but failed to regularise her status after it expired pleaded guilty to stealing a number of food items including, chicken, lamb, cheese, pigtails, salt fish and chocolate mix from Popular Discounts on February 15. They were valued at $129.40. She apologised for her actions in the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court. Police prosecutor Victoria Taitt revealed that Campbell entered the store around 11 a.m. and was kept under observation by a security officer. She went through the aisles picking up the items as well as to the area of the meats. At one point she was seen putting some of the items in a green Popular Discounts reusable bag. The convicted woman then went to the cashier and paid for some items and when she tried to leave, a search was requested and the groceries that she had not paid for were found in the reusable bag and in another plastic bag. (BT)

ASSAULT CASE ADJOURNED UNTIL MAY – Teenager Keon Kenrico Waithe was granted bail today in connection with an offence against a female teen. The 17-year-old Waithe, of Bosvigo Gap, Eagle Hall, St Michael is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Jammie-Ann McConney on February 15. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of $1,000. Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant has ordered him to stay away from McConney until the matter is adjudicated. The case comes up again in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on May 11. In the meantime, the accused must report to the Black Rock Police Station every Wednesday by noon with valid identification. (BT)

BULLETS FOUND IN SOCK – When police executed a search warrant at the home of a St Joseph man in 2015 they discovered five rounds of ammunition under his mattress. Today, Kevin Jamar Parris, of Bissex Housing Area, pleaded guilty to the almost five-year-old charge, which occurred on August 26. Crown Counsel Rudolph Burnett told Justice Christopher Birch in Supreme Court No. 5A that lawmen ventured to Parris’ home around 6:25 a.m. After speaking to him and handing over the necessary documents they executed the search. The court heard that in a bedroom under a mattress was a green plastic bag containing a white sock in which there was another green plastic bag. In there was a Styrofoam crate with the illegal ammunition. “I went to a party at St John about two weeks ago and find them up there,” Parris allegedly told police at the time. However, when he was arrested and taken to the police station he denied possession of the bullets. A pre-sentencing report has been ordered on the first time offender who is being represented by attorneys-at-law Amilcar Branche and Sherise King. Parris remains on bail until April 27 when he returns to the High Court. (BT)

NOT DOING ENOUGH – Businesses and charitable organisations are still not doing enough to assist with the reintegration of ex-criminals into society, according to Home Affairs Minister Edmund Hinkson. As he addressed Sunday’s Prison After Care Committee’s Church service at a Nazarene congregation at Westmorland, St. James, Hinkson noted a large number of former prisoners are trapped in a cycle in which they end up behind bars just four years after their release. Citing an InterAmerican Development Bank (IADB) study conducted last year, Hinkson disclosed that 61 percent of the approximately 760 prisoners at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Dodds had already been in prison. The average time between their previous release and their current arrest, according to the study, is just 44 months and according to the Home Affairs Minister, the business community in particular has a massive role to play. “Coming out of Dodds, there’s a challenge with reintegration into our communities and their involvement in the socio-economic life of this country. The issue, as we said, is that a lot of employers don’t wish to give these people an opportunity and that therefore speaks directly to the issue of the police certificate of character and the Attorney General has stated this is an issue that we will have to take another look at,” Minister Hinkson acknowledged. But he stressed: “The problem is not one for the prisons or the Minister of Home Affairs or the Government. It is a problem for all of us in this society when these issues are our reality. The prison has done a fine job over the last five years for its programming for the reintegration and reformation of its prisoners including the expansion to those who are on remand.” Turning his attention to the aftercare committee, the Home Affairs Minister suggested the organisation’s role is critical in any attempt to strengthen the relationship between ex-convicts and the private sector. “We must look to strengthen the relationship between the private sector and the employers in this country, service organisations, community service organisations, the lions club of Barbados. We have to look to strengthen our links between these types of organisations and business organisations, as well as community service organisations in terms of giving everybody a stake in the rehabilitation and reform of those who have unfortunately come into conflict with the criminal justice system. Because we are all in this together,” Hinkson said. As part of government’s efforts to address the problem, the administration has extended its rehabilitation programmes to incarcerated persons who are on remand. He added that the recent appointment of five new judges and the hiring of judges to deal exclusively with criminal trials would assist in keeping innocent persons out of the system. Preventative measures he added could be found in Government push toward education reform along with initiatives like the youth advance scheme, the building blocks initiative, and the national training initiative. “Prisons can’t be looked at in a vacuum or in a unique situation. All of this is tied up in how we seek to programme and address our societal issues,” said Hinkson. (BT)

ST LUCIA ZOUKS SOLD TO INDIAN COMPANY – The St Lucia Zouks have been sold to a group of investors with extensive experience in high-profile cricket, says principals of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL). According to a media release issued today, K.P.H. Dream Cricket Private Limited is based in India and has “knowledgeable owners who have a track record of success on and off the field in major events. They will bring a huge amount of experience to the tournament and to the St Lucian team”. The Zouks have been part of the CPL since the league’s inception, making the playoffs during the 2016 season. They play their home games at the Daren Sammy International Cricket Ground, a stadium named after the man who has captained them for six of their seven seasons. Last year the Zouks team featured Sammy, Fawad Ahmed, Rahkeem Cornwall, Andre Fletcher, Colin de Grandhomme and Thisara Perera. Speaking about the purchase of the St Lucia Zouks, Mohit Burman of K.P.H. Dream Cricket Private Limited said: “We are excited at the opportunity to invest in one of the most exciting sporting tournaments in the world, and we have been impressed by the vibrancy of CPL over the last seven years. We visualise taking the franchise to the next level and showcasing St Lucia in the best possible light over the coming years.” Pete Russell, Chief Operating Officer of the Hero CPL, said: “We are hugely excited to welcome this ownership team to the CPL family and we are looking forward to seeing where they take the Zouks during the upcoming season and beyond. They bring with them a wealth of experience, which is fantastic news for both the CPL and St Lucia as a whole. During the 2019 tournament the CPL made a positive economic impact of US$13 670 260 in St Lucia and this new ownership group will be working hard to see this figure increase.” St Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastenet welcomed the new owners amidst the hope “new energy and drive will inspire the team to excel”. He added: “Saint Lucians continue to root for the Zouks and we are encouraged by the confidence that Mr Mohit Burman and his team have placed in the players and Saint Lucia. The Government of Saint Lucia looks forward to working closely with the new owners to create a team we can all be proud of.” (DN)

AMAZON SAYS IT WILL START COLLECTING 17.5% VAT – After several false starts, the Mia-Mottley administration appears to have made a major breakthrough in a controversial bid to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) on online purchases from some major retailers. The “Amazon” tax as it has become known, is to be implemented next month according to multinational e-commerce giant, Amazon. The company on Monday informed customers that effective March 1, 2020, “Amazon World Service (AWS) would begin to charge Value Added Tax at a rate of 17.5% to Barbadian customers. The Seattle-based company detailed its intention in an email correspondence titled “Important Announcement” in which it noted that the new measures are consistent with tax legislation which came into effect on December 1, 2019. The company said that a tax compliant invoice would be issued to Barbadian customers from April 1 this year. The email was reportedly sent to all customers whose records indicate that their Billing Address or Contact Address is in Barbados. It explained to customers that the website calculates taxes based on the customer location, which is determined by Amazon’s Account Location hierarchy. To ensure compliance, Amazon has urged Barbadian residents whose accounts are not listed in Barbados, to update their details by visiting the Billing Address and Contact Address page of the AWS Billing Console. “Tax invoices will appear in the Bills page of the AWS Billing Console along with your anniversary and subscription summary invoices starting on April 1, 2020,” the email further explained. “If you receive your anniversary or subscription invoices via email today, you will also receive tax invoices via email starting on April 1, 2020,” it added. Barbados TODAY’s efforts to reach Minister in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs Ryan Straughn for a comment on the developments were unsuccessful. The measure known as the “Amazon tax”, announced during Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s June 2018 budget was initially to begin in October of that year but was shifted two months later to December 1 and then to December 15th. The following year, legislation was introduced to allow the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) to outsource tax-collecting powers to an online third-party and the measure was to be introduced by July 1. This also was unsuccessful. When first introduced, numerous businessmen including former Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) President, Eddy Abed praised the move for placing local retailers and wholesalers on a level playing field with their overseas counterparts. Smaller businesses, however, complained that the measures could cripple their chances of survival by significantly increasing their costs. Nevertheless, changes were made to the Value Added Tax Act last December adding further scrutiny to the VAT collection process. Shortly after, current BCCI president Trisha Tannis expressed concern about compliance from popular international online companies like Amazon, Wal-Mart, Alibaba. Amazon’s expression of an intent to comply therefore suggests a major breakthrough in the Government’s efforts to implement the tax. It is still unclear if other international retailers will follow suit. (BT)

There are 318 days left in the year Shalom!  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps #bajannewscaps #newsinanutshell

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 1/3/2019

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Thursday 3rd January 2019. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purchasing a Daily Newspaper (DN).

OPERATORS NEW DRIVE – Some fed up public service vehicle (PSV) drivers and conductors have ditched both the Association of Public Transport Operators (APTO) and the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT).  There is now another association in play, formed yesterday and yet officially unnamed, following a work stoppage which was not sanctioned by either organisation.  Rumblings about a strike circulated with a WhatsApp voice message earlier this week calling for such action to occur yesterday in protest of the proposed new Transport Authority uniforms as well as other issues.  This prompted an impromptu meeting on Tuesday called by Minister in the Ministry of Transport, Peter Phillips, with the Transport Authority and the two bodies. Afterwards, the ministry released a statement saying the strike was called off while negotiations continued. However, this did not sit well with some members of the PSV community who gathered near the Flour Mill on Spring Garden yesterday and refused to work.  The assembled ZRs and minibuses plied routes including Bowmanston, St John; Bush Hall in St Michael; Fairy Valley, Newton, Silver Sands and Rendezvous, Christ Church; Melrose, St Thomas; Greens, St George; Wanstead, St James, and Speightstown in St Peter. (DN)

PSVS UNITE – Declaring they had scored two major victories from today’s shutdown of transit service, Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers and conductors have formed their own association. Following a six-hour strike by operators that culminated with a meeting at the National Union of Public Workers’ (NUPW), Dalkeith, St Michael headquarters, scores of workers voted to form the PSV Workers Association . During those elections,  Shawn Best was elected as president while Ricardo Forde was elected vice-president. The workers were welcomed by the country’s largest public sector union, with leader Akanni McDowall pledging the union’s assistance in helping the workers address a list of grievances. The developments brought an end to the operators’ strike that began just after 9 a.m. before being officially called off at 3:15 p.m. PSV operators in Bridgetown as well as those in Speightstown took their vehicles off the road in protest of the Transport Authority’s decision to require drivers and conductors to buy clothing that carried its logo, among other issues. In delivering a brief statement after the meeting which was attended by chairman of the Transport Authority Ian Estwick, as well as chairman of the Authority’s Public Relations Committee Tim Slinger, spokesperson for the new association Fabian Daddy Fabian Wharton told journalists that a meeting with the Transport Authority had been set for next Monday to deal with the workers’ issues. Until then, PSV operators would return to work, he said. “As you are all aware sometime this morning PSV workers in Barbados would have withdrawn their services. This action is not an action on the part of the AOPT [Alliance Owners of Public Transport] or the APTO [Association of Public Transport Operators], the two representative bodies of PSV owners in Barbados,” Wharton said. “Members of the Transport Authority attended that meeting and they received the feedback directly from the drivers and they have asked for a couple days in order to take back that information and feed it back into their systems to have a discussion and then to get back to us.” In disclosing that the strike had been called off with immediate effect, Wharton apologized to members of the public. “We do apologize to the travelling public, but sometimes you have to take a stand for the things that you believe in. As of 3:15 p.m. today all public service vehicles will return to normal duty,” he said. “We also understand that there are some of us who are not extremely happy with the turn of events, in terms of returning to work immediately, but what we can say is that if there is any disruption in our services tomorrow it will be insignificant.” Speaking to the media moments later, McDowall told reporters the NUPW was willing and able to fight on behalf of PSV workers. “We just observed what happened here today and we were not fully apprised of all of the issues effecting the PSV workers. Today we heard some of the issues and we said we would follow through with them to make sure that some of the concerns they expressed are resolved. “Once they allow us to be that voice, we will make sure that all of their issues are resolved in a timely manner,” the NUPW president said. But McDowall expressed shock at some of the issues that the PSV workers faced. “I don’t agree that some of the issues that they have should be existing in 2019. I don’t want to trivialize the issues because it might seem small to me but it would be big to them, but I’m hoping that a lot of the issues which are affecting them are resolved soonest. “When and if given the opportunity to represent them we will do so vehemently,” McDowall declared. The NUPW president also noted that several PSV operators, although working for private concessionaires had expressed an interest in becoming members of the public sector union. (BT)

PSV OPERATORS TOLD TO GET BACK ON ROUTES – Stop the strike! This is the plea of Public Relations Officer of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) Mark Haynes who was speaking on Starcom’s Down to Brasstacks today as PSV operators went on strike and parked their vehicles.  The operators are currently gathered at the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) headquarters on Dalkeith Road, St Michael as negotiations take place. Members of the Transport Authority, including chairman Ian Estwick, director Alex Linton and chairman of the public relations committee Tim Slinger and NUPW president Akanni Mcdowall are all present. At the center of the dispute is the issue of uniforms which have been mandated by the Transport Authority and a law which states that if found guilty of two traffic convictions and suspended, they will be unable to work for six months. This development has left scores of commuters stranded in various districts of the island. When a Nation team visited the Constitution River Terminal there were hardly any operators in the line. Many were however, stationed outside the terminal engaged in conversations. The Association of Public Transport Operators (APTO) has issued a statement on the situation, calling on Government for fair treatment while outlining a number of grievances.  (BT)

GIVE US A SECOND CHANCE – Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators across the island are ready and willing to clean up their act and improve the public’s perception of them, but they need the support of authorities to make it happen. President of the newly-formed Public Service Vehicle Workers Association, Shawn Best gave the assurance after members stopped working around the island on Wednesday morning, stranding passengers in some of the island’s busiest arteries at Speightstown in the north and in the City. The passionate bus driver with over 20 years under his belt, was the first to admit that PSV drivers had earned a bad reputation over the years for reckless driving, loud music and sloppy attire, but said they were ready to improve their image. “We are looking to make a change. If the ministers are working with us, we are willing to work alongside them in getting things done. Right now we have a transportation issue in Barbados. We don’t have enough buses, but you know any thriving economy needs transportation to get people to and from their jobs. “It is a fact that they are people who do nonsense in the industry, but this is a new year and the men would like a change and the men want to change this whole system,” said Best. Indicating Tuesday’s work stoppage was not intended to hold government to ransom, he stressed that, “they [government] also have to work with us.” Best took issue with the lack of dialogue on a number of policies recently implemented, including the new uniforms, harsh penalties being handed down in the country’s courts and an excessive number of permits which were wildly distributed under the previous administration. “There are new laws that if you get reported twice, your licence will be taken away for six months to one year. If I come out here and get reported for having my shirt tail out or stopping at places other than a bus stop, that is six months I am at home. Now my family is going to suffer for six months. People are asking if there’s nothing else we could do, but people are being laid off everyday in Barbados. “If I go to court tomorrow and I go before a particular magistrate in the Bridgetown Magistrates’ Court, I may have to pay $1000 forthwith or spend 100 days in jail. A man may go in front of the same magistrate on a gun charge and he gets bail,” he said while arguing that often times Transport Board bus drivers were not being held to the same standard as PSV operators. As it relates to the new uniform, Best again stressed that drivers had no problem with wearing a uniform, but complained that the new ones were two expensive and potentially uncomfortable for drivers. “We want uniforms that will make us more comfortable. We have no problem with the transport authority selling a PSV crest costing $15-$20 that each man could buy a crest, put it on his grey shirt and when you’re coming out, you are a PSV worker along with your badge. If you don’t wear your crest, then you are not a part of this association and police can tell you to step off of the van,” he added. In addition, Best also appealed with authorities to use better judgment with the granting of PSV permits. He said under the previous DLP administration, already heavily-serviced areas were flooded, creating a “glut” on these routes. “One of the things that the ministry needs to do is to redistribute some of the permits. “Other places in Barbados are lagging badly in relation to transportation. They just took three ZR’s and sent them up Horse Hill (St Joseph) and they have no problems…The ministry can improvise and try to ease the men by taking some of these overcrowded routes and ease the situation which is making the men hustle even harder to make the extra money.” (BT)

DEES DO OR DIE – The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) could face extinction in coming years if its leaders do not undertake strong rebuilding efforts and come up with a set of strategies to reclaim confidence in the party. This assessment from lecturer in Political Science at the University of the West Indies Dr Kristina Hinds, who told Barbados TODAY that although there were still ardent DLP supporters, confidence in the party took a massive hit this year and would require major rebuilding. Taking a look back at 2018 and what the country could look forward to in the coming year, the political analyst insisted that there was no guarantee the DLP would remain a political force although it has been around some 60 years. She said the rebuilding process should also include the rallying of constituents and gathering of new support. “Otherwise, it is possible for another political party, I would say the UPP (United Progressive Party) in particular, to perhaps gain some of the ground that the DLP may have lost. But it (the UPP) too would have to do a lot of building and strong messaging and get candidates out there, some faces, apart from [its leader] Lynette Eastmond,” explained Hinds. “I think that the DLP has a large task ahead of it because the party was unable to secure any seats and it really does have to rebuild and find a way to gain a level of public confidence. I think the DLP really needs to do this quickly if it wants to have a future and not be a defunct political party. I think that the Democratic Labour Party ceasing to exist is definitely a possibility if they don’t use the next year or two very wisely and find some new and vibrant candidates and some messaging that resonates with people,” she warned. By the same token, she told Barbados TODAY that the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) had some work of its own to do. While Hinds agreed that the BLP would not suffer any major damage as a result of ongoing austerity measures, she believed some candidates, who were “fortunate” in the last general election, would have to build a good reputation over the next four years in order to hold on to their seats. “So in some ways, there are members of the Barbados Labour Party who would have to keep campaigning even though they are in power. I think they are just fortunate to have been washed in by the tide of discontent and similarly they can be washed out,” she said. However, she said with no elections around the corner, the BLP had the opportunity to complete some of the most difficult tasks and hope that they pay off over the next couple of years so that by the time it’s campaigning season, they have some successes that they can ride on going in the next election. In her assessment of 2018, the politics lecturer said it was quite mixed with a lot of anticipation leading up to the general election, followed by euphoria after the BLP captured all 30 seats, and then optimism and a level of sobriety “now that we have realized what the strategy is for economic recovery”. In a separate interview, veteran political scientist Peter Wickham told Barbados TODAY he believed this year heavy emphasis would remain on the rebuilding of the economy. He believed the restructuring of the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) and Transport Board “will take a lot of political energy”. Wickham said he was also anticipating the promised constitutional reform this year. As for the DLP, the pollster said he was looking forward to hearing who the “spokespeople” for that political party would be. “I think that will be the key initiative that I am looking for on their side. I think the spokespeople, especially the ones in economics, will tell us a bit about how the DLP is shaping up as an institution,” he said, pointing out that the party would require “people with economic muscle” in order to regain the confidence of the population. “I think that really is the DLP’s major deficiency now that they have to identify a candidate or spokesperson that has the kind of economic backbone that could match up to Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Struaghn, Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs Marsha Caddle, Economic Advisor Clyde Mascoll and Avinash Persaud, which is fairly awesome,” said Wickham. So far only businessman Ryan Walters has expressed an interest in running for a St Michael constituency. Wickham said he would assume that the new DLP President and former Christ Church West candidate Verla De Peiza would also be interested in running for a seat in the future. “Whether she would go where she was before or change to St John is another matter. Wickham said while he did not see the ongoing restructuring having an adverse impact on the BLP’s chances in future elections, he believed the party’s popularity would “wax and wane” in between, which is normal. Taking a look back at 2018, Wickham told Barbados TODAY he believed it was a “turbulent” year for politics. “It was turbulent and novel. I have not seen a political year with as much activity as this; that was as impactful as this, especially when we consider that it was not only Barbados, but Guyana, Antigua, Grenada. So it was a heavy year politically,” he said. (BT)

‘A TIME TO HEAL’ – After taking serious hits to its membership last year, in 2019 the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), has declared it’s embarked on a mission to consolidate and heal divisions in the labour movement. CTUSAB president Edwin O’Neal suggested the umbrella union body was concerned about its show of strength in the new year. “In this year CTUSAB is concerned about healing and growing and that is something that I am really serious about,” said O’Neal. Last month, the Barbados Prison Officer’s Association (BPOA) broke away from CTUSAB on the same day that a prominent critic urged the fire and police associations to also quit CTUSAB. Following the court appearance of BPOA president Trevor Browne on a charge relating to allegedly “endeavouring to seduce four prison officers from their duties”, the association’s consultant, Senator Caswell Franklyn, declared that the prison officers had pulled out of CTUSAB. He contended the move was designed to protect Browne and other prison officers from liability under a 1982 amendment to the Prison Service Act, which prohibits prison officers from belonging to a trade union. At the time General Secretary of CTUSAB Denis Depeiza told Barbados TODAY that such decision must come from the membership of BPOA and not from a single individual. Depeiza added that CTUSAB had not received any word from BPOA indicating its intention to leave the congress. Three months earlier, the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) publicly threatened to sever ties with CTUSAB over differences with the hierarchy. Back in February the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) held a vote on whether or not remain in CTUSAB. O’Neale revealed this morning that his organization is still not aware of BPOA membership taking a vote to leave CTUSAB and has seen no sign that others may be leaning towards severing ties. “No one else has indicated that they want to leave but I did not go out and ask a question to the membership about that and one does not normally ask that type of question. So, for all intents and purposes, all of the members of CTUSAB are in good standing. It is difficult to say if the BPOA is still a member of CTUSAB but if the spokesmen are saying that they are not then I don’t see how I can say that they are,” he said while drawing the analogy that an official divorce is not necessary for a marriage to be over. But O’Neale declared: “Regardless of any differences, we intend to make sure that our organisation remains strong. Our job first and foremost is to look after the welfare of the workers and that must always remain our primary focus.” Five years ago, the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) quit CTUSAB, contending that the umbrella body and the Ministry of Labour were conspiring against the union. Then BWU General Secretary Sir Roy Trotman said the union’s decision to cut ties with CTUSAB was “an effort to prevent a deliberate effort to marginalize the Barbados Workers’ Union and to prevent this trade union . . . from exercising the voice we have used effectively over more than 70 years to develop the cause of workers in both the public sector and in the private sector”. (BT)

‘FAIR TO MIDDLING’ CRUISE EARNINGS, SAYS FCCA – Cruise tourism generated some $142 million (US$71.03 million) for the Barbados economy last year, putting its performance half-way between 36 Caribbean destinations, according to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). But while the island scored high in visitor satisfaction, just over four in ten cruisers who called at Barbados don’t intend to return to the island. The latest FCCA cruise analysis survey placed Babados 18th among the 36 destinations participating in the survey. It reported that among all destinations, the industry generated nearly $6.8 billion (US$3.4 billion) in direct spending by passengers, 79,000 jobs and $1.8 billion ($903 million) in employee wages. The data, which was collected up to October 2018, looks at the economic impact of the cruise industry on each destination, passenger attributes and satisfaction and passenger, and crew and cruise line spending, among other things, for the 2017/2018 cruise year. The cruise industry employed 2,351 Barbadians, the 10th highest employment numbers, the survey said. While arrivals to Barbados for the year reached 730,900 passengers and 330,000 crew, only 630,800 passengers and 127,800 crew members disembarked their ships – a total of 757,800 onshore passengers and crew. On average, each passenger spent  $166.24 (US$83.12), leaving $104.86 million (US$52.43 million) in Barbados. Average spend per crew was $109.8 (US$54.90), totalling $13.88 million (US$6.94 million), while total cruise line spending reached $23.32 million (US$11.66 million). In a 2015 study, the total passenger spend was US$43.30 million and crew total spend reached US$4.5 million – a 21.1 per cent and 54.1 per cent increase respectively for the 2017/2018 period. The survey said 56 per cent of transit passengers bought a tour and some 51.6 per cent of those surveyed said it was their first time visiting the island. On average passengers spent 4.02 hours onshore during their cruise visit here. Cozumel led all 36 destinations with US$474 million in cruise tourism contribution, followed by the Bahamas with US$406 million, Jamaica with US$245 million, the Cayman Islands with US$225 million and the USVI with US$185 million. Combined, these five destinations, with US$1.5 billion in direct expenditures, accounted for 46 per cent of the total cruise tourism expenditures among the 36 destinations. The Bahamas, with 2.97 million combined passenger and crew visits, had the second highest volume of visits in the Caribbean. Thus, each visit generated an average total expenditure of $136.53 across all passenger and crew visits. “Only five of the top eight destinations can be considered high volume destinations with more than one million passenger visits during the cruise year – Cozumel (3.5 million) the Bahamas (2.4 million), Jamaica (1.8 million), the Cayman Islands (1.6 million) and Puerto Rico (1.1 million). The remaining three – St Kitts (979,000), USVI (944,000) and St. Maarten (784,000) each had under 1 million visitors in the 2017/18 cruise year,” said the 110-page document. It pointed out that direct expenditures per passenger across all destinations remained virtually unchanged from $133.78 during the 2014/2015 cruise year to $133.25 during the 2017/2018 cruise year. This slight decline in the average per passenger spend was largely due to “a decrease in the watches and jewelry category”. “In addition, fewer passengers spent money on taxis and local transportation this year compared to 2014/15 – 18.7 per cent versus 23.7 per cent – resulting in an overall weighted average decrease of about $0.61 per passenger,” it added. “These decreases were only partially offset by increases in the average expenditure per passenger for shore excursions, and local crafts and souvenirs which increased by 8.3 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively,” said the findings. The report also noted that damages from hurricanes Irma and Maria resulted in nearly two million fewer passenger visits to St Maarten and the USVI – the top two destinations in terms of average per passenger spend in both studies. “Had these two destinations received a similar number of onshore visits as in the 2014/2015 study, the overall year-over-year average per passenger spend would have actually increased,” it explained. The Caribbean remains the world’s most popular cruise destination, with the 36 destinations welcoming 29.5 million passengers and 11.3 million crew arrivals during the review period. “Of these, just under 39 per cent of the crew, 4.4 million, and 85 per cent of the passengers, 25.2 million, disembarked and visited the destinations,” it explained. On a scale of one to ten, Barbados received one of the highest scores, 8.20, for overall satisfaction among guests, with 93 per cent satisfied and seven per cent not satisfied. This placed the country 7th on the satisfaction scale, behind Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Curacao, Aruba, St Kitts, Mazatlán. But only 57 per cent indicated that they were likely to return to the destination while 43 per cent were not likely to return. Passengers to Barbados were also highly satisfied with their purchased tour, knowledge of their guide, professionalism of their guide, value of their tour, taxis and/or local transport. (BT)

NO CAN DO CHRISTMAS DAY SHOPPING, SAYS ABED – The idea of Bridgetown being opened on Christmas and other public holidays is a non-starter for prominent businessman Eddie Abed – unless Bridgetown is made a duty-free zone. Abed was responding to concerns raised by Minister of Tourism Kerrie Symmonds after cruise ship visitors found City shops closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Although closed stores has been the norm during the holiday season, the minister declared that the practice must end. Symmonds told Captain Bart Vaartjes of the cruise ship Zuiderdam, which made an inaugural call at the Bridgetown Port on Monday: “I want this to be the last year, captain, that folks like you come here bringing thousands of people to our shores at Christmas time and the streets of Bridgetown are dead. I think that we all have to understand that tourism is our business and we all must seriously be playing our part.” But Abed told Barbados TODAY that such an arrangement under the current business construct was simply not feasible, declaring that businesses cannot meet the expenses associated with opening on holidays. The Holidays with Pay Act governs the overtime employers are required to pay workers on bank holidays. “To open a shop on a Sunday and a bank holiday requires tremendous overheads because it is not only a staffing issue and the overtime to go with it, but there is the question of the other inputs that go into running a shop. So, one must first make sure that there is enough activity to cover that overhead but historically there has not been,” Abed explained. The former head of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) argued that Barbados was not among the most competitive shopping jurisdictions on cruise ship routes. “The reality is that the tourist coming into Bridgetown to shop, want to do so at competitive prices. By that I mean that prices must not only be competitive to what they get in their home country but also the other islands they have already visited or will visit. We have so few players in tax-free merchandise in Barbados that the offerings tend to be limited and from what I heard, the competitiveness is not as good as it could be. The other retailers do not have the merchandise nor the pricing that would attract the tourist, hence they do not open,” he said. The fabric merchant called on Government to declare Bridgetown a duty-free zone in a bid to increase the port of call’s competitiveness which would ensure that shops open during holidays. “Let us make Bridgetown a duty-free center so that not only tourist could purchase duty-free but also locals with foreign currency. Once we have a basic market into which we can sell, you can find many new players coming and the question of opening on holidays will be a moot point because the demand will outstrip the need,” said Abed, who revealed that he and other business owners have tried to open at Christmas in the past but those attempts “failed miserably”. “This question of Bridgetown opening on Sundays and public holidays is one that has been around for a while. One of the driving forces for opening shops in the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal was to mitigate that issue. You would find that those retail outlets that cater to duty-free merchandise also have a store in the cruise terminal and for them there is no need to duplicate that resource,” he told Barbados TODAY. (BT)

BEACH NOT BLOCKED – A beach bar has taken over a significant section of the popular Batts Rock, but its French owner is denying it is barring Barbadians from the beach. Jules “Papa Jules” Gualdoni is dismissing a WhatsApp message which was being circulated over the weekend, indicating that a foreign entity had been given a licence to operate at Batts Rock, St Michael, and that it had “effectively taken over the Bajan people’s beach”. La Cabane, which was opened four months ago, features a bar and cooking area while several tables, chairs and benches occupy the beachfront under white umbrellas. Gualdoni said he was given permission to operate by the National Conservation Commission (NCC).  He maintained he was not seeking to privatise the beach, pointing out that the bar was open to both locals and tourists, and there was no restriction of access through the area, located next to the lifeguard station. “It’s a beach; we are just renting the space. People can walk through,” Gualdoni told the DAILY NATION yesterday. (MB) 

RESPECT THE FORCE – Respect for law enforcement must be maintained at all cost. This firm assertion comes from Deputy Commissioner of Police, Erwin Boyce, in wake of reports that his officers were shot at in the wee hours of New Year’s Day. “It is a major concern to us and we will put all the energies required for such an investigation into it. All of the investigative energies to bring the culprit or culprits to justice will be brought to bear,” warned Boyce. It was reported that two of three occupants of a fleeing vehicle escaped after police responded to a burglary in progress at Rendezvous, Christ Church around 3:45 a.m.Acting police public relations officer Sergeant Michael Blackman reported that lawmen were acting on a tip-off when they ventured to the location. On arrival they intercepted a blue motorcar, which sped off towards Forde’s Road.Officer Blackman said shots were fired at the police from the fleeing vehicle before it was abandoned near Forde’s Road. The underbody of the police vehicle was damaged. The “getaway” car was also damaged. There were no reports of injuries. However, this afternoon Boyce told Barbados TODAY that while it was not the first time officers were allegedly attacked in the line of duty, the shooting was clear indicator that respect for law enforcement must be given close attention. “We will be naïve if we were to say that we do not expect that people would not challenge us from time to time. Because of the nature of policing, which deals with the correction of behaviour, people will challenge us. But we must monitor the level of disrespect for authority and disrespect for law and order. We need to take corrective, preventative action early in order to stop any developing trend,” he said. The Deputy Commissioner made it clear that there was no reason to push the panic button just yet; as such attacks on police were rare. However he contended that whenever such incidents rear their head, they must be nipped in the bud. “This is not a regular activity or something that we encounter very often but when it is done we look at all of the issues so that we could respond or pre-empt any such activity,” he added. The force’s second-in-command also told Barbados TODAY that the police were always working on new deterrent measures and he therefore expected that efforts would be ramped up in coming weeks. “We are always revising and relooking our legislation. We are always looking at the way that we do things.  This includes our public relations because we are always looking at the force’s image within the society. These adjustments are necessary to fine-tune our responses and to make our organization as current as it could be,” he pointed out. Tuesday’s incident was a fiery start to 2019, on heels of growing concerns over gun violence last year. At the end of 2018, Barbados recorded close 30 murders with a large number involving the use of a firearm. (BT)

FAMILY STILL AT A LOSS – A St. Michael family is still seeking answers regarding the killing of their loved one. Almost four months after the bodies of Daniel Griffith and his friend Dario Yearwood were discovered in an apparent double murder on a visit to Jamaica, Griffith’s family said they were no closer to information regarding who killed the father of two. It was reported that in early September last year, the burnt and partially decomposed bodies of the Barbadians were found in some bushes two days after arrival. In an interview with the DAILY NATION, Petra Fenty, Griffith’s eldest sister, said that since news of the murders, her family had received no information from either local or Jamaican police officials with respect to whether they were closer to apprehending the murderer(s), or obtained any further knowledge surrounding what led to the deaths. (DN)

NO SURETY, SO OFF TO DODDS – A 34-year-old man landed on remand for the next 28 days after he was unable to get a surety to sign his bail. Damian Ricardo Connell, of No 39 Piedmont Park, Long Gap, St Michael is charged with assaulting and resisting police constable Troy Mason on December 30 while he was executing his duties. He pleaded not guilty to the two offences and also to stealing two cellular phones worth $700 belonging to Terry Jordan on the same day. Magistrate Douglas Frederick remanded the accused until January 30 to reappear in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court. (BT)

NO OBJECTION TO BAIL FOR MAYERS – A St Thomas man who allegedly wounded another on Christmas Day will make his next appearance in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on April 11. When McPherson Lee-Anderson Dacosta Mayers, of Church Gap, Hillaby, appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick today he denied unlawfully and maliciously wounding Wilbert Stoute. There was no objection to bail from prosecutor police constable Kevin Forde. Mayers was granted $3,000 bail, which he secured with one surety. (BT)

ACCUSED TO STAY AWAY FROM BABY’S MOTHER – A water quality officer charged with wounding the mother of his child was granted $2,500 bail when he appeared in court today. It is alleged that Wesley Andrew Devere Walcott, of Foursquare Valley, St Philip unlawfully and maliciously committed the act against Joy Ann Brathwaite on December 31. He was not required to plead to the charge as it allegedly occurred in the District ‘C’ jurisdiction. He will make his next appearance in that court on January 10. In the meantime, Magistrate Douglas Frederick ordered that he stay away from the complainant and not go to her workplace. “To tell the truth I don’t want to see she. I will send somebody for my child and when I have to take her back send the same person . . . . To get my child money every week, I will put money in one of my accounts and give her the bank card to access it,” Walcott told Frederick in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court before he was released. (BT)

HOSPITAL REALITY CHECK FOR ADDICT – Cocaine addict Chaquan Taurell Shawniko Pilgrim will know in three weeks whether he qualifies for drug rehabilitation.The 23-year-old, of Lot 200 Rendezvous Gardens, Christ Church was remanded to the Psychiatric Hospital until January 23 for observation after pleading guilty to having an apparatus in his possession for the misuse of the illegal drug. He told Magistrate Douglas Frederick that he uses cocaine as a “means to escape from reality”. The magistrate however pointed out that the drug had “landed you hard and right back to earth”. Pilgrim responded: “At one point in time I got that escape that I wanted. I am trying to stop.” His mother also addressed the court telling the magistrate that “I was struggling with him for the past three years. . . . I would like help for him.” According to the prosecutor police were on patrol along Golf Club Road, Christ Church when they saw Pilgrim crossing a nearby street while fidgeting and acting suspiciously. He was approached and a search was requested to which he consented. In his pocket was a hard, transparent plastic bottle with a hole at the top containing cocaine residue. (BT)

ASHBY REMANDED UNTIL JANUARY 30 – Accused Jamar Leon Ashby will make his next appearance before this island’s chief magistrate in another 28 days for allegedly stealing most of the contents from another man’s house. The Montrose, Christ Church resident is accused of entering the home of Luther Mayers between September 23 and October 1, 2017  and stealing over $24,000 in items including a $12,000 living room set worth, $2,900 in tables and a $1,000 television set. Ashby was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which allegedly took place in the District ‘B’ jurisdiction. He is also accused of stealing a $1,500 motorcycle belonging to Anthony Hoyte on December 18, 2018. Among the objections to bail raised by police prosecutor Constable Kevin Forde was that the accused he had a propensity to commit such offences. “I have nothing to say right now,” Ashby said when asked by District ‘A’ Magistrate Douglas Frederick whether he would like to make an application for bail. He was remanded and will make his next appearance before Chief Magistrate Christopher Birch on January 30. (BT)

‘INTOXICATED’ – After taking one look at Magistrate Douglas Frederick today, 55-year-old Richard Dacosta Jordan decided to plead guilty to a criminal charge in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court. “I came here and plead guilty because I don’t want to waste the court’s time. I see your face don’t look right. You don’t look pleased. I know you, you are usually a handsome fella but it look like you stressed out already for the year,” Jordan of no fixed place of abode told Frederick, causing those in court to erupt with laughter. The accused admitted to the charge that being a reputed thief he loitered at Capri Condominiums located in Christ Church on December 16 with intent to commit burglary. Prosecutor Police Constable Kevin Forde said a resident encountered Jordan near the pool area and asked him his reasons for being there. He reportedly replied that he was waiting for a guest who had gone upstairs. The apartment owner also confronted him but he fled the scene by climbing over a metal fence and onto Rockley Beach. He was confronted later that same day but again fled. However, video footage showed Jordan trying to open several doors near the pool area with no success. On his arrest he was shown pictures of his deeds taken from the footage and he admitted to the crime. However he gave the magistrate a different account today. “The complainant came to Worthing Police Station and I was on an identification parade. He did not pick me out he picked someone else,” Jordan said to which the magistrate then said that he could not accept the plea if that was the case. “Then sir I did it. I did it. I did it,  I don’t want to go to St Philip,” the accused said, declaring that he was “intoxicated” when he first entered the dock. Frederick replied: “I must vacate the plea and give you a chance . . . for sober reflection.” Jordan was remanded to Dodds and will return to the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on January 30 when he tells the magistrate whether he is guilty or not guilty of the crime. (BT)

HOLDER IS NUMBER TWO – West Indies captain Jason Holder has started the new year as the number two-ranked all-rounder in Tests and in the top 10 of the bowlers’ rankings. In the latest rankings announced Monday by the International Cricket Council, Holder has risen two places in the bowlers’ rankings to 10, placing him among the elite bowlers in the longest format. As a result of his progress, he also jumped two places in the all-rounders’ rankings, and is only now behind Bangladesh captain Shakib-al-Hasan. His rise comes despite missing the recent tour of Bangladesh through injury. Holder had an outstanding year with the ball, claiming 33 wickets from six Tests at an amazing average of 11.87 – the best by any bowler in a calendar year for the last hundred years. The 27-year-old seamer picked up 12 wickets during Sri Lanka’s three-Test tour of the Caribbean and followed up with 16 scalps in a two-Test home series against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Seasoned all-rounder Deandra Dottin is the only West Indies player to make it into the ICC Teams-of-the-Year. The 27-year-old was named in the One-Day International squad but missed out on a spot in the Twenty20 International XI. Team selection was based on performances during the calendar year 2018 and Dottin managed to post only modest numbers, with 114 runs in five ODIs with one half-century, while bagging 11 wickets with her sharp medium pace. She also failed to really spark in the T20 format where she underwhelmed during the historic ICC stand-alone tournament last November in the Caribbean, gathering 121 in five innings. Dottin snatched a career-best five-wicket haul during the championship to end with 10 wickets. There was no place in the ODI squad for 20-year-old West Indies opener Hayley Matthews despite her maiden hundred against South Africa last September. She finished 2018 with 164 runs at an average of 32. And her captain Stafanie Taylor was also snubbed despite averaging 50 in ODIs this year and taking seven wickets with her off-spin. (BT)

FERDINAND ON THE MEND – Barbadian cricketer Jeshua Ferdinand is almost out of the woods as he battles a rare autoimmune disorder. Ferdinand fell ill while playing cricket in East Sussex, England in 2017. He only managed to play two games before he became ill and had to be hospitalized. He was diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome which is a rare autoimmune disorder which is characterized by rapid onset of muscle weakness caused by the immune system damaging the body’s nervous syndrome. The twenty-five-year-old told Barbados TODAY that he was back home in Barbados and his recovery was going smoothly thus far. “It has been up and down. I am now back from England. Right now, it is all positive. It has been positive for the most so I cannot complain,” he said, adding that undergoing therapy with Jeffery Gay Jr. at Halos Health had resulted in vast improvement. “I came out of Queen Elizabeth Hospital and I was working with my personal trainer but unfortunately I had to stop and I started working so the times were really difficult. So, a guy I used to play cricket with does massages and at the time I needed a massage so I met [Jeffery] through him. I asked him about the gym that he had and I decided to take a leap and told him I wanted to work with him as a trial and this is two months that I was with him and it has been great improvement since then,” Ferdinand told Barbados TODAY. The former Lodge School student and passionate cricketer said that both his legs were affected by the autoimmune disease. However he now generally has mobility in his legs though with limitations in his ankles. “Both legs were affected but the right side of my body was affected more. But, right now I have full motion except for my ankles to my toes the movement is minimum. But from my waist down to my ankles,” he said, adding that his family was thankful that he was alive and well. “From the time I came home they were thankful even though I had to spend a couple weeks in the QEH. They were thankful for life. Now that I am walking that is a major thing that I have come so far,” Ferdinand said, adding that since being diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome he had a new appreciation for life and faith. “For sure [I appreciate life] and faith. You know God has brought me through a lot. You know a lot of people have been praying and it has been a major help as well. I am thankful for life. Because reading up on Gullian-Barre Syndrome it can be life-threatening and thankfully I did not reach that point. Although I was not able to walk and was bed-ridden for a while, the fact is that I am still alive and there is no need to be in an induced coma like a lot of people I read about. I am thankful for that,” Ferdinand said, adding that at the moment he was not in need of any financial assistance as his medical bill had been cleared. “Right now, no, I would not need the funds right now. I am past the worst. The hospital fees have been paid in full. It is just a matter of rehab and continuing therapy that need to be paid right now,” he said, adding that he hoped to return to England and continue his passion which was playing cricket. “That is my hope. I hope that I would be able to play cricket again. For sure I will be back in England,” Ferdinand said, noting he would like to thank everyone who has assisted him. (BT)

MAXIE TAYLOR PASSES ON – Musician Maxie Taylor has passed. Taylor, who was a drummer with the group Ivory, is said to have suffered a heart attack. He is the writer of two well-loved Barbadian songs Things Fall Apart and When You're Not Around, penned when he was still a teenager. More recently, Taylor showed a lighter side with his “Pastafarian" weather reports on Facebook. His tongue-in-cheek forecasts, delivered in full Bajan dialect, were done with a colander on his head. (DN)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 362 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 11/22/2018

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Thursday 22nd November 2018. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN).

TUDOR FIRED – Chief executive officer (CEO) of the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC), Shawn Tudor, has been given his walking papers. It is understood that Tudor, the brother of defeated Democratic Labour Party candidate Kim Tudor, was informed on Wednesday that his contract with the BADMC was terminated with immediate effect. His sacking comes mere weeks after Tudor expressed his shock to the media that more than a quarter of the workers at the corporation had been laid off. He also claimed his signature was attached to more than 60 letters of retrenchment for workers without his knowledge or say-so. In the termination letter dated November 20 and signed by board chairman and former Government minister Anthony Wood, a copy of which was obtained by the DAILY NATION, it charged that Tudor had committed four acts of “gross/major misconduct” in breach of the corporation’s policies and procedures manual. (DN)

RELIEF IN SIGHT – Vendors at Grantley Adams Memorial School breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday after learning that a resolution to the impasse between them and the school’s management was on the horizon. Alistair Alexander, president of the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN), met with them at lunchtime and assured them the issue had been resolved. This after Prime Minister Mia Mottley told this newspaper on Tuesday there was a place at the school for both the canteen operator and the vendors, and that she would be asking Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw to intervene. “It has already been resolved. The Prime Minister has spoken on the matter,” Alexander said, pointing out that he had received communication from the Ministry of Education yesterday morning informing that he would be further contacted. “I am sure the details will soon be rolled out.” (DN)

BWU VETTING CBC LIST – The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) will be examining the list of names on the chopping block at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). During that time, any “challenges” which arise will be addressed before any cuts are made. General secretary Toni Moore told the media on Wednesday outside the Pine, St Michael offices of the state-owned corporation that they spent just over an hour meeting with board representatives. “Right now the union is in possession of that list and we are in discussion with the persons likely to be impacted to see whether there are any grey areas, before communicating to the company so that a final clean list can then be drawn up.” (DN)

THIRTY-THREE JOBS SAVED; RADIO STATION TO CLOSE –The state-run Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is shutting down one of its three radio stations as the company prepares to retrench 78 workers from across all departments by the end of this month. Following talks today between management, staff and the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) at CBC’s Pine, St Michael studios, Special Adviser to the BWU Sir Roy Trotman told reporters that radio station 94.7 FM will be closed while announcing that 38 fewer employees will be retrenched than the original 116 proposed. Sir Roy also noted that an additional 17 workers had agreed to accept voluntary separation packages. He said that during negotiations with the corporation, the union accepted its position that the CBC is not currently a viable undertaking and it therefore needed to cut staff in order to facilitate growth. “We have thought to go along with the CBC in the hope that we could rebuild it and then move ahead on a sounder footing…and on that basis, we have managed to get down the involuntary separations which were intended to be 116, and those involuntary separations have gone down now to almost to late in the 70s. Some of that has been brought about because of voluntary retirements of course,” he said. Sir Roy, a retired general secretary of the BWU, told reporters that when the union met with the staff, they were advised to scrutinize the list of those going home to ensure it reflects the last-in first-out policy agreed to by both parties. He said the BWU also told the employees they must check the list for those with special skills and if they found hardship cases, both the union and CBC should be informed. “Because there are institutions which the Prime Minister has put in place to deal with those hardship cases to make sure that we don’t get destitute persons or destitute homes resulting from the programme that she has had to embark upon,” the veteran trade unionist stressed. Sir Roy said the union had been making staff aware that there will be temporary job opportunities being made available at the CBC as well as for contract arrangements and casual labour. “We are not putting that forward as viable alternatives, but we have been having to explain what the possibilities are for everybody,” he said, adding that lots of the workers are still worried about what their termination would mean for their families, their mortgages and the resulting pain. Sir Roy said the BWU has therefore offered to help the retrenched staff in any way it can to mitigate the losses taking place. The union adviser noted that every department will be affected by the retrenchments and he listed for example, the television department, 94.7FM radio, the production division and News and Current Affairs. He revealed that the other radio stations will be restructured. Sir Roy said even though the union had been able to get CBC to reduce the original number of retrenched employees, he was still not happy with the current level. “Still not as much as we should have liked because anybody who is leaving work at a time like this is in a position that brings some level of precariousness into that person’s household,” he lamented, adding that some workers have already gone home, while certain others have expressed a desire to leave tomorrow. He is of the view that those leaving should part ways in as smooth and hospitable a manner as possible and refrain from “burning any bridges”. (BT)

BWA STAFF GETTING INCREASES – The near-800 workers at the state-run Barbados Water Authority (BWA) will soon start receiving a five per cent increase in their wages and salaries. In making the announcement late last night following more than seven hours of talks with management at the BWA’s Pine, St Michael headquarters, General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union Senator Toni Moore also revealed that agreement had been reached on how outstanding merit increments would be paid out as well. “We’ve reached agreement on the five per cent increase being applied to staff of the water authority,” Senator Moore told reporters while flanked by special adviser and predecessor Sir Roy Trotman, president of the BWA’s union division Carl Boyce and other members of the workers’ delegation. Two weeks ago, when Sir Roy led the union’s team to negotiations with management in the absence of the General Secretary who was overseas, he reported progress on pay talks including performance increments which go back about ten years. “We are also looking at the matter of harmonization of scales and salary points where there have been variations over the period. There is also the question of application of the five per cent that the public service generally received with effect from April,” Sir Roy told Barbados TODAY back then. However, when she spoke with reporters last night, Senator Moore did not spell out the details of the wage and salary raise or when workers would start seeing it in their pay packets. In a separate statement issued two weeks ago, the BWA said the meeting with Sir Roy was cordial and covered a number of outstanding items, most of which arose out of an agreement settled between the last administration and the BWU in March 2016. “These included among other matters, staff compensation, the provision for retroactive pay in relation to back pay for the periods 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 in relation to bargaining unit 1 and the period 2006/2007 through 2018/2019,” the statement said. The company said that in addition to discussions on those long outstanding matters, there was consensus on the five per cent salary increase retroactive to April 2018. “The meeting acknowledged that the BWA is not a contributor to the Severance Fund and therefore uniquely had to source funding for the in-cash payment of the severance.” the BWA’s press release confirmed. As far as the outstanding increments are concerned, the BWU leader said last night that agreement had also been reached, but she did not say when that payout would take place. “There was agreement reached two years ago on merit increments that were owed to staff. However, the implementation of those still had to be finalized especially at a time where the position of the management of the water authority has been that it cannot afford a payout of any large sum of money in cash,” said Senator Moore. “So we have been working through the rudiments of how the agreement would be met…and I think that it is pretty safe to say following our discussions, that we have a clear position on that,” she added. Turning her attention to the ongoing retrenchment of public officers as part of Government’s restructuring programme under the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) plan, the BWU boss said the union and the BWA now have to meet again to thoroughly discuss the layoff issue. “The context for the discussions has not been set, so determinations on numbers have not been made. What the Authority has signalled is that, like other state-owned enterprises, they would be looking first and foremost at the rudiments which have been established at the level of the Social Partnership. They have signalled an intention to look at voluntary separation,” she added. Senator Moore said the water works company has also pledged to honour the last-in first-out policy when the issue is raised during follow-up negotiations.  (BT)

EMPTY PROMISES’ – Psychiatric Hospital nurses say they are at wits’ end over pay issues which has not been settled despite assurances by Minister of Health and Wellness Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic. It was back in October at a church service held at Abundant Life to celebrate Mental Health Month that Lt. Col. Bostic assured the workers at the Psychiatric Hospital that they would receive overdue their wages by month-end. “Let me assure you that we have requested a list of all such persons throughout the entire health sector. This has reached me I have looked at it and I have forwarded it to the Ministry of Finance. “On Thursday, a copy of that list will be delivered to the Prime Minister and we intend to resolve those issues by month end,” Bostic then said, to loud applause from the congregation which included management and staff of the Psychiatric Hospital. Now in November, a nurse who said she was speaking on behalf of her hospital co-workers said that the situation was reaching  boiling point with some nurses ready to walk off the job. Speaking to Barbados TODAY on condition of anonymity, the nurse said that some nurses were frustrated that they have not received their salary in six months nor have they been appointed to permanent posts. “If you are not getting any salary for six months then you cannot come to work . . . . What we are tired of is not getting the salary and getting promises of appointments and right now the nurses cannot take it anymore. It is either [the Director of the Psychiatric Hospital David Leacock] goes or we go,” the nurse said. The nurse then levelled withering criticism on behalf of the nurses at the hospital administrator. “He is not managing the hospital properly and we cannot take it anymore. The Minister needs to rid the Psychiatric Hospital of the Hospital Director and get our salaries straight and give us our appointments or we are going to walk off the job,” the nurse, who claimed authority to speak on their behalf said. The nurse claimed that the situation was so dire at the Psychiatric Hospital that some members of staff were coming to work hungry with nothing to eat. “What you can do? There is nothing you can do. The nurses in the Psychiatric Hospital [are] suffering greatly,” said the nurse who claimed the pay issue had forced some nurses to leave for Bermuda. “It is not like we do not want to be here and work in Barbados but it is that we cannot take the management at the Psychiatric hospital no more.” Absenteeism is high because the workers are not being paid, the nurse told Barbados TODAY. Some of the nursing staff of the hospital reportedly had their children removed from day care for being unable to pay the fees, the source added. “We even had situations where the nurse’s children are being turned back from nurseries because you cannot pay the nursery and if you open your mouth and say something you are getting victimized by management. Management … [victimizes] you for asking questions.  Imagine going to your senior supervisor and saying to them, ‘I have not been paid in months; what am I going to do? Is there anything?’And you are being told, ‘I [have not] received my acting salary yet.’ It is really disrespectful,” the nurse said. The source also reported some colleagues have been forced to do additional jobs, in violation of civil service rules, so that they can make it to work and feed their children. “It is not fair that you are working in a Government job and you have to work an extra job to get money to go to a Government job. Because, even so, it is against the law,” the nurse told Barbados TODAY. Another vexing issue for the nurses is appointments, said the source, who noted that despite working at the hospital for years, some have not yet been appointed to permanent positions. “A lot of us have been in the hospital training for years. Every six or so months they are asking you to bring in qualifications for the hospital and a CV and the nurses are tired. The nurses have been acting in those positions for years, we should not have to go through this interview process,” the nurse told Barbados TODAY. The workers also claimed they were being unfairly handled by at least one senior nurse, who reportedly told nurses that they did not deserve to be appointed and that if she had her way none of the current staff would be appointed. A union official confirmed the nurse’s claims that some have not been paid in up to six months despite the assurance which was made back in October. When contacted, the Psychiatric Hospital’s director, David Leacock, told Barbados TODAY he could not speak to some of the concerns raised. He suggested that the nurses should report their concerns to the Ministry of Health. “I really cannot speak to any of the concerns that [have] been raised until I am made aware of them  other than  to say that appointments are not in our remit and we would wait until such time until the necessary things are done and I cannot speak to anything else on that matter,” he said. (BT)

RETRENCHED WORKERS COULD BENEFIT FROM TAX CUT, SAYS ECONOMIST – A well-known local economist is suggesting that Government’s decision to slash Corporation Tax by 80 to 90 per cent, could help the private sector absorb recently retrenched public workers. University of the West Indies lecturer and former president of the Barbados Economic Society (BES) Jeremy Stephen, contends that businesses now have the fiscal space to either raise salaries or hire more workers. “The hope would be that since the private sector has all of this [fiscal] space now, they could pick up the slack from the public sector, given that the Government has sent home all of these persons. You now have an 80 to 90 per cent reduction in tax rate. The unions definitely must now ensure that the private sector cannot argue that they don’t have the fiscal or profitability space to hire people or at least raise salaries,” Stephen told Barbados TODAY this afternoon. On Tuesday Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the massive reduction in corporation tax from 25 per cent to a rate between 1 to 5.5 per cent. Mottley also made it clear that she wants businesses to share the benefits with Barbadians. The Prime Minister outlined that as of January 1, 2019 all corporate entities in Barbados would be taxed on a sliding scale. Businesses with taxable income of up to $1 million will pay 5.5 per cent. Corporations with taxable income up to $20 million will be charged a rate of 3 per cent while those that earn up to $30 million will pay 2.5 per cent. Those with taxable incomes of more than $30 million will pay 1 per cent.  Currently Barbados’ corporation tax ranges from five to 25 per cent. This afternoon Stephen noted that while some pundits may argue that Government was risking a major reduction in its tax revenue, it was in fact a well calculated gamble. He pointed out that Government only earned ten per cent of its tax revenue from the Corporation Tax and this shortfall could be made up and even surpassed should the tax base be increased as a result of the cuts. “The potential for widening the tax base is there because Barbados now seems attractive with its low tax jurisdiction and the fact that it is in line with the OECD requirements. Those rates that Government came up with will not result in a major loss in tax revenue. Even if it did, the losses will not be substantial enough to dampen tax revenue because Corporate Tax revenue is only 10 per cent of the total taxation. The biggest intake for Government is VAT and personal income tax,” he explained. The economist also revealed that he also expects a bump in this country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a result of the new tax regime. “Now that these firms have been brought onshore it means that GDP automatically should go up. As a matter of fact I could almost guarantee that GDP will rise simply because when you take the activity of these offshore companies and bring them onshore, their activity will be considered as part of our GDP,” he explained.  (BT)

MARINE INDUSTRY SET TO CASH IN ON TAX CUT, SAYS HUMPHREY – In just 24 hours of Prime Minister Mia Mottley announcing an 80 per cent reduction in Corporation Tax, there is already increased interest in building new businesses within the fishing and marine sector. This revelation came from Minister of Maritime Affairs and Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey, who told Barbados TODAY that already people, who were previously deterred by Barbados’ tax regime, are now reconsidering the country as a destination for business ventures. “The Prime Minister described it in a way as being brought to this moment because we were signed onto it without even being ready for it, but the way the Government has responded is amazing and persons are seeing Barbados in a new light practically overnight,” said Humphrey, who gave an example of the new-found keenness to do business under Barbados’ new low tax regime. In an interview with Barbados TODAY on the sidelines of a Sargassum symposium at the 3Ws Oval, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, the Minister revealed “as soon as I finished speaking this morning, a young man came to me and said that they’re looking at creating a regional body for tackling the sargassum issue because the Government of Barbados has now lowered the taxes so much that while they were not looking at Barbados at all, overnight Barbados has become the place where they want to house that regional body.” Yesterday Mottley gave local businesses an early Christmas present, announcing a massive reduction in corporation tax from 25 per cent to between 1 to 5.5 per cent. The development means that local businesses will now be operating here on a level playing field with their international counterparts following Government’s decision to overhaul the tax regime to be compliant with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This morning, Humphrey predicted that the interest he has seen since the announcement will be widespread in the business sector in the coming months. “This is an example of what will happen, not only in the fishing industry but in all sectors. There are going to be people who want to come to Barbados because it is now a low tax jurisdiction and do their businesses,” he said. However the Minister warned that there was still significant work to be done to make Barbados the ideal destination for doing business including making it easier to set up and operate businesses. “It wasn’t only the tax rate, it was also the time it took to set up a business in Barbados. It took too long or it was just too bureaucratic and too cumbersome. Some people had ideas to work in Barbados and they left. So, yes, we’re going to lower the tax rate because it makes sense, but also we have to make it easier to do business in this country, he added. (BT)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE SPEAKS ON E. COLI LINKED TO ROMAINE LETTUCE – The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is aware of the outbreak of E. coli infections linked to romaine lettuce in the United States and Canada. As of November 20, 2018, there have been 32 confirmed cases of E. coli illnesses in the United States and 18 confirmed cases in Canada. The United States Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centre for Disease Control, are coordinating with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in investigating this outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in the United States and Canada. People infected with E. coli can have a wide range of symptoms appear within one to ten days after contact with the bacteria. These symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, headache, mild fever, severe stomach cramps and watery or bloody diarrhoea. Although some persons may not get sick at all, they can still spread the infection to others. Others may feel as though they have a bad case of upset stomach, and, in some cases, individuals may become seriously ill and must be hospitalised. Most symptoms end within five to ten days. There is no real treatment for E. coli infections, other than monitoring the illness, providing comfort, and preventing dehydration through proper hydration and nutrition. People who develop complications may need further treatment, like dialysis for kidney failure. You should contact your health care provider if symptoms persist. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is recommending that consumers avoid eating romaine lettuce and salad mixes containing romaine lettuce until more information on the source of the contamination and the status of the outbreak can be determined. (BGIS)

ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICE CLOSING FOR CLEANING – The public is advised that the office of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment, located on the 3rd Floor, Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St Michael, will close at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 22, and all day on Friday, November 23. The office will again be closed on Thursday, November 29, to facilitate industrial cleaning. Any inconvenience caused by these closures is regretted. (BGIS)

PROTECT US – The organization representing policyholders and investors of the collapsed Clico International Life Insurance Limited is asking the High Court to shield bonds set aside for its successor company from the Government’s bond restructuring process. The Barbados Investors and Policyholders Alliance (BIPA) is asking the High Court to prevent any possibility of the Government altering the terms of the bond which had been set aside for its successor company – New Life Insurance Company (NLICO). BIPA president June Fowler said when her organization and the Clico judicial managers appeared in court this afternoon, the matter was adjourned for two weeks so BIPA officials can get documents from the lwayers of the judicial managers that were pertinent to the case. “The judge also wants to have other parties present . . . so he gave us two weeks to December 7 when we should have everything in place,” Fowler told Barbados TODAY. “The NLICO bond that was set aside to pay the EFPA [Executive Flexible Premium Annuity] policyholders, we are seeking to determine that that bond should not be included in the BERT [Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation] programme. It should be separate from the other bonds that the Government is restructuring. So we are challenging that,” she explained. Under the BERT plan the Mia Mottley Administration has embarked on a debt restructuring programme in which it exchanged the old bonds of pensioners for new instruments, but with more unfavourable conditions. But the move which saw bond maturity payouts stretching to 15 years and interest payments significantly slashed, sparked an outcry by pensioners and their organization – the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP). This caused Government to intervene after most of the bondholders had signed up to bring relief to the affected pensioners. Just last week, Government made good on its promise under the domestic debt restructuring programme and pensioners 60 years and over were to have started receiving a cash payment of up to $20,000 since Monday. This disclosure came from Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, who said Government had amended the repayment terms for those individuals 60 years and above in receipt of pension benefits as of September 1, 2018. Straughn explained that the new terms for pensioners would bring relief and would be a cash payment of up to $20,000, and a cash payment of up to $30,000 would be made in March 2019. (BT)

CHILDREN HURT IN ACCIDENT – Two young children are nursing injuries after being struck by a truck on their way home from school. According to reports, around 3:27 P.M., two students of the Hilda Skeene Primary School ages nine and five were walking home along Union Road, St Phillip from the direction of Duncan Road. Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Michael Blackman could not give an update on the condition of the children. However, the blood-spattered road, broken glass and vehicle damage gave some insight into the incident. Sergeant Blackman said a group of dogs in the area, appear to have contributed to the accident. “On reaching a residence in the area which has three large dogs, the dogs started to bark and the students ran across the road, crossing traffic. A truck travelling along the same road struck both students causing head and other body injuries.” The children were transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Police has asked that anyone with information about the accident should contact the nearest station. (BT)

GUNMAN PLEADS GUILTY – St James resident Amandeo Kephar Henderson Yearwood today pleaded guilty in the High Court to gun, ammunition and wounding charges. Yearwood, of No. 5 St Catherine Close, Haynesville admitted before Madam Justice Pamela Beckles to using a firearm without a valid licence on May 3, 2014 as well as unlawfully and maliciously wounding Damien Reece on the same day. He also entered a guilty plea to possession of a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and possession of 17 rounds of ammunition on May 4, 2014. In accepting Yearwood’s plea, Senior Crown Counsel Krystal Delaney went on to outline the facts in the No 5 Supreme Court. The prosecutor revealed that on the first mentioned date Reece was at a shop at Halls Village, St James with other persons when a car drove up with three people who got out and started to shoot. People on the scene reported hearing between ten and 15 gunshots. Reece she revealed recognized “Kephar” as one of the shooters and so too did eyewitnesses who noted the vehicle’s licence plate. Reece fled the scene when he heard the shooting and only later realized that he had been injured in the hand. He was taken to hospital where he was treated for a gunshot injury to the upper left arm. A warrant was executed at Yearwood’s residence, which he shared with other family members the following day. The illegal gun was found in a laundry basket, containing a magazine and 15 rounds of ammunition. Lawmen then asked him to hand over the clothes that he was wearing the day before and contained in his jeans were another two rounds of ammunition. Yearwood who was 26 years old at the time was detained and under caution, police asked him about the gun and he replied: “That is the gun you find at my house this morning.” Justice Beckles ordered a pre-sentencing report into Yearwood’s life and adjourned the case to January 16, 2019 for the sentencing phase after the prosecutor also gave details of Yearwood’s statement to police on his arrest.  (BT)

SHOOTER’S CONFESSION – The sentencing phase of a wounding case against a St Michael man will continue in the No.5 Supreme Court on January 16, 2019. This after Madam Justice Pamela Beckles ordered a pre-sentencing report into the life of Fabian Nathaniel Bourne of Brown’s Land, Black Rock, after he pleaded guilty today to unlawfully wounding Corey Francis with intent to do him serious bodily harm or to maim, disfigure or disable him on September 13, 2012. Senior Crown Counsel Krystal Delaney in reading the facts revealed that Francis was playing a game of dominoes near a shop at Alkins Land, Black Rock with his friends on either September 9 or 10 when Bourne approached selling fish. Francis informed him that no one was interested in getting the fish, as it was too expensive which enraged him and resulted in him spewing expletives at Francis. Three days later – on September 13 – the men were again at a game of dominoes at the same spot when Francis looked up and saw Bourne coming towards the group on a bicycle. He threw the bike on the ground and stood about ten feet away, held out a gun and fired in Francis’ direction causing him to flee. Francis was later transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment after he realized that he had been injured in the back. Bourne, who was 23 years old at the time of the offence, was later taken into police custody and informed of the report made Francis. “Yes I shoot he because he beat me and unfair me a couple of days before,” Bourne told lawmen when questioned. He further stated: “I pelt it [the gun] in de sea down by the Flour Mill. I get it [the gun] from a man name Eric house when I used to live wid he . . . but he dead now.” Bourne also gave police a statement detailing what took place on that day six years ago. He detailed some of the facts given by the prosecutor but added that on a night in 2012 Francis who he referred to as “sister” pushed him out the shop after telling him that the fish was too expensive. They then had an exchange of words. “I put my hand in my bag to get money to buy a drink and sister run round de shop and come back wid a piece of wood and hit me on my back,” Delaney read. The accused statement revealed that as a result one of the bags of fish burst and his catch fell to the ground. Bourne said he rode home after and contemplated whether to make a report to police or handle the situation himself. “I tell myself ‘do he something’. So I went in Eric bedroom and tek up he 22 gun and wrap it in a scarf and had it in my right hand,” the statement read. Bourne went on to detail that he rode back to the bar where the men were still playing dominoes. “De men start running [and] sister run down de side of de shop. I walk de side sister was running, see he . . . point de gun at he and pull de trigger and a shot fire off. “I tek up my bicycle, went home, change my clothes, ride down by my mother, went down by the Flour Mill and pelt the gun in the sea,” the statement read. (BT)

LEGENDS: WINDIES WOMEN FOR TITLE –Two of the greatest players in the game’s history have thrown their full support behind West Indies Women, in their bid to win the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup on home soil. Sir Viv Richards, who is listed among the top cricketers of all time and Clive Lloyd, regarded worldwide as one of the best captains of all time, have given their backing to Stafanie Taylor’s team as they go in search of their second global title. “Congrats to captain and members of the team for reaching the semis and wishing them all the best in pursuit of a second consecutive World T20 title. So far, they have shown great skill and professionalism. Even when they were in tight situations they fought well and battled back,” said Lloyd, who oversaw West Indies’ capture of the 1975 and 1978 50-overs World Cup in England. “We have seen grit and determination to be the number one team in the world. They’re unbeaten (in this tournament) at the moment, and to win the title they will have to play unbeaten throughout . . . that would be a remarkable feat.”  (DN)

GLORY BECKONS – West Indies Women and Australia face off in tomorrow’s semifinal of the ICC World Twenty20 Tournament with victory the only option for both. It makes for a tantalizing encounter. West Indies Women have played unbeaten in the tournament, and have been imbued with the spirit and support of thousands of West Indian fans who have flocked to their games in unprecedented numbers in Guyana and St Lucia. More of the same is anticipated when they take to the field tomorrow afternoon in Antigua. Through its sudden flaring up at the back end of the group stage, the Women’s World T20 is now certifiably a blockbuster. Tomorrow’s semifinal is a straight rematch of the 2016 final. Back then, Australia were the team coming into the final without any losses in the tournament. Tomorrow, West Indies will be that team, but barely. England gave them a scare and questions about their middle order that they’ll be grateful to have had time to think about. While it wasn’t as resounding as Australia’s 48-runs thrashing at the hands of India on Saturday, it was the wake-up call they needed. Australia will be the better-rested team, heading into this fixture with six days of no cricket and time to re-energise in Guyana, which has been far more pleasant over the course of the tournament than rain-hit St. Lucia, where West Indies played all their games. They had some issues with their top and middle order against India, but will know their strength lies in the pace duo of Ellyse Perry and Megan Schutt. Perry is three away from 100 wickets in T20Is, and 52 away from 1,000 runs. There are many ways to view this contest, and in most of them, the best-case scenario for Australia depends on this question: how quickly can they dismiss West Indies’ engine room that is Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, and Stafanie Taylor at the top of West Indies’ batting? These three fired together only once during the group stages against Sri Lanka and it resulted in their biggest score of the tournament of 187. Kycia Knight has also shown form during the tournament providing a number of important runs at critical stages. Taylor is West Indies’ most prolific batter, but she’s not had a great year with the bat. The captain and No. 3 has one fifty in 12 innings in 2018, and has largely been a bowling all-rounder in this tournament based on her numbers. She has two ducks in four innings so far, and if West Indies ever needed her to step up, now is the time. They felt severe tremors when Matthews and Taylor fell in the space of three balls against England, and she’ll be keen to not only prevent that from happening but to join the openers among the runs. West Indies have been rescued from shaky situations by their bowlers, spearheaded by Dottin, and some spectacular ground fielding and catching. If they can add a consistent batting performance tomorrow to these efforts they could bring broad smiles to the anticipated crowd of over 11 000 at the grounds and thousands watching from their televisions across the region. West Indies have made a change only once in this tournament, and that was right at the start against Bangladesh when they brought in Anisa Mohammed for Chinelle Henry. They don’t have injury worries and should field the same team as the England game. Australia’s batting has centered around Alyssa Healy. She was Player of the Match in the first three matches and could have made a big difference at least to the start of Australia’s chase against India if she hadn’t suffered a concussion. The word from Australia’s camp is that she has been training during the break, which is an encouraging sign. Healy has recently emerged as one of Australia’s most consistent batters, and has got them off to quick starts routinely over the last two months or so. Should she be back to full fitness, Australia’s batting will hinge on whether she can keep her epic run of form going when the stakes are raised even higher. Healy was in the nets in the lead-up to the game and should walk back into the team. They could also bring Georgia Wareham back in place of Tayla Vlaeminck, who made her debut against India. The venue at North Sound hasn’t hosted a T20I in five years, but results in other formats suggest it will not be an easy pitch on which to make runs. India failed to chase 190 in a 50-over match last year, and Bangladesh lost a Test by an innings and 219 runs earlier this year. Teams:West Indies women (possible XI): 1 Hayley Matthews 2 Deandra Dottin 3 Stafanie Taylor (capt) 4 Shemaine Campbelle 5 Natasha McLean 6 Britney Cooper 7 Kycia Knight (wk) 8 Chinelle Henry 9 Afy Fletcher 10 Shakera Selman 11 Shamilia Connell Australia women: (possible XI): 1 Beth Mooney 2 Alyssa Healy (wk) 3 Meg Lanning (capt) 4 Ashleigh Gardner 5 Elyse Villani 6 Rachael Haynes 7 Ellyse Perry 8 Sophie Molineux 9 Delissa Kimmince 10 Georgia Wareham 11 Megan Schutt (BT)

KOLIJ SWEEP AGAIN – No Danielle Titus, no problem! Harrison College dominated the pool yet again, even without the country’s best backstroker, having swept the girls’ and boys’ titles of the Secondary Schools’ Swimming Championships for a seventh successive year on Wednesday at the Aquatic Centre. It was as if Titus never transferred to St Michael, as Kolij were still more than 100 points better than their crosstown rivals to cop a seventh straight girls’ crown. Yet Harrison College were made to work for their eighth boys’ cup after long-time adversaries Queen’s College presented a real challenge in the 13-14 division behind Christopher Pollard, Niel Skinner and Kai Trotman. But CARIFTA multi-gold medallists Nkosi Dunwoody and McCallum Clarke proved to be too much as the Kolij lasses amassed 284 points to QC’s 210.  (DN)

SENATORS TO BISHOP-DESIGNATE: STAY WITH US -  Newly named as Anglican Bishop of Barbados, Reverend Michael Maxwell has been urged not to resign from his position as an Independent Senator. The call came from several of his colleagues in the Upper House today, including President of the Senate Sir Richard Cheltenham and Opposition Senator Caswell Franklyn, as they congratulated him on his elevation to the head of the former state church. Maxwell had signalled his intention to discuss his position with Governor General Dame Sandra Mason before making a decision on his future in the Upper Chamber. The 47-year-old Rector of Holy Trinity Church was chosen by the House of Bishops in the Church of the Province of the West Indies last Friday to head the island’s largest religious denomination. This follows months of deadlock as the Anglican Synod could not choose one of two contenders. But, while praising his achievement during the first sitting of Senate since his appointment, Sir Richard told Maxwell he believed he would better serve his country while continuing as a Senator. He said that although Maxwell was coming into his religious office at a challenging time, his role as a Senator would allow him to address critical issues at a national level. “He comes into office at a time when the country is facing many crises, including the financial and economic ones of which we are all aware of. Of greater importance in my view is the crisis of values which we are experiencing. “Bishop, you have an opportunity to fill a gap; the voice of the church, and provide a message that is uplifting, inspiring and relevant. I hear that you are considering whether or not to resign from the Senate and I urge you not to do so, for this is one of the many platforms that you have for delivering the church’s message,” Sir Richard said. “We value and enjoy your company and so do not lightly decide to leave us.” In his brief congratulatory message, Senator Franklyn also encouraged Senator Maxwell to stay on. “We are fully constituted as the Lord Temporal and the Lord Spiritual. We now have the spiritual aspect… and I pray that the good Senator would see it fit to stay among us, because although I only met him six months ago, I have been impressed by him so far and I would like to continue to be impressed by him,” Franklyn said. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but I hope that he stays among us for the duration.” In thanking his colleagues, Senator Maxwell said he would need more time before making a decision “At this stage I cannot tell you yet. I know that you are praying that it is possible so I can stay on, but I am going to need a little bit more time to think about it, but I will be willing and ready and if God desires me to continue I will indeed continue to serve. “It has been a pleasure serving you thus far,” Maxwell said. He said while he never imagined he would have become a Senator, he believed God put him in that position to prepare him for his role as an Anglican Bishop. “Becoming a Senator was nothing I dreamt of and nothing I aspired to be in this island of ours. Not that I wouldn’t want to serve our nation of course, but to this high level I never expected that such a calling would come my way. “But it is pretty much unfolding now as to why I would have been called by Her Excellency to serve in this capacity, because maybe God was preparing me for yet another step to be taken in my life and so even though I might not have understood it then, I am believing that the picture is now becoming a little more clearer for me, recognizing that the Bishop has to be in touch at the national level with what is going on, especially as it relates to offering guidance and responding to certain issues affecting our people,” he declared. (BT)

DEYAL NEWEST RHODES SCHOLAR – Zubin Deyal is the latest Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholar. The 20-year-old University of the West Indies graduate says his focus is on improving the economies of Caribbean countries after he completes his dual masters in economics and development, and financial economics. The announcement was made by Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, who is also chairman of the Commonwealth Rhodes selection committee, yesterday at Government House. While hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Deyal was born to a Trinidadian father – NATION columnist Tony Deyal – and a Guyanese mother in Barbados. He spent one year here before moving to other Caribbean countries such as Belize and Antigua and Barbuda, before returning to Barbados for school. Deyal said these experiences gave him a greater understanding and appreciation of Caribbean cultures. “In the future, I hope to work on developing the capital markets of the Caribbean,” he said. “So that we may actually have well-functioning economies that encourage growth within our countries and our region.” Corporate secretary of the Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Trust, Peter Goldson, said this year’s ten candidates came from Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica. (DN)

“O HOLY NIGHT” – The 23rd annual Carols by Candlelight which comes off December 9, promises to be an enchanting show which should get all patrons in the Christmas spirit. The assertion came from Chief Executive Officer of First Citizens Bank Carole Eleuthere-JnMarie who said the annual event has become a staple on Barbados’ Christmas calendar. “The Rotary Club Carols by Candlelight event has very nicely embedded itself into the Bajan Christmas calendar of must-see events. Quite frankly, it is my opinion that this event is becoming a true Bajan Christmas tradition uniting thousands of people in celebration of good cheer as the event emphasizes the magical feeling that only Christmas can convey,” Eleuthere-JnMarie said, adding that the lighting of candles at the event symbolizes the theme of peace, generosity, and kindness. President of the Rotary Club of Barbados Shawn Franklin said all monies collected from the event will be disbursed into the community through the many programmes that the Rotary Club supports during the Yuletide season. “You could rest assured that every single cent from the event goes back to the community and it is money well spent for sure,” he said, adding that Carols by Candlelight is one of the biggest events for the Christmas season. President-elect of the Rotary Club of Barbados Peter Williams said that given the harsh economic climate of Barbados the organizing committee decided to lower the ticket price from $40 to $35 BBD – which allows one adult and two children. Meanwhile, Past President of the Rotary Club of Barbados Norman Barrow said the performers were making contributions as well. “All the [performers] who give their services [to Carols by Candlelight] do it for free and do not charge us anything to do so,” Barrow said. This year, Carols by Candlelight which will be held on December 9, 2018 at Ilaro Court shall have performances from Poonka and the Ruk a Tuk International Band, Dance Group Ascending Stars, Ki’ann Browne, Dance Group- Powerhouse Studio, Mr Dale, Kite, Trinity and Kareen Clarke, John Yarde, Natahlie Burke, Natahlie and Tamara Marshall, Blood and the Darryll Jordan School Steel Orchestra. The event is sponsored by First Citizens International Bank which has been sponsoring the event for the past four years. (BT)

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 11/8/2018

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Thursday 8th November 2018. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN).

SHADOW CABINET – During its five-year tenure, the incumbent Government of Barbados led by the island’s first female Prime Minister Mia Mottley, will be closely monitored by citizen organization, The Shadow Cabinet. The recently formed group which is led by youth and community activist Corey Lane, also includes social development and community activist Kemar Saffrey, community worker Melissa Savoury, social commentator and the first youth Prime Minister of Barbados’ Youth Parliament Jason Carmichael and leadership specialist and missionary Imran Richards. The organization was established because of the changed political landscape following the May 24 election, with the Barbados Labour Party recording a landslide victory and securing all 30 seats. For the first time in the island’s history, there was no Opposition. The frontbench position normally left to the Opposition has been assumed by Lane and his team of young independent thinkers who seek to not only scrutinize the policies and actions of Government but also provide sound alternatives and educate the masses as well. Interim chairman of the Shadow Cabinet, Corey Lane told Barbados TODAY that the body sought to use social media and traditional forms of media to reach the public. They will also be employing the use of an app, Cit View, where Barbadians can receive real time information on policies passed in Parliament and ask questions. Lane said the organization had no political preferences and would not serve to act as a mouth piece for Government or other political institutions. “I have fundamental problems with adversarial politics because at every step of the development of a small nation like Barbados you have 50 per cent of itself fighting against itself. A nation against itself cannot stand which is why we are saying let us have some intellectuals, let us have some independents, let us have some voices both young and old analyzing what is happening,” said the interim chairman. However, as the island embarks on the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) Plan, there has been much debate about its last in first out approach. “Simultaneously with modernizing Government, you are using the last in first out which mainly displaces young people. So you are going to modernize the Government system with the older people in the system. Obviously that cannot be the best way going forward. “I believe that a good mix of experience and youthful creativity and exuberance could augur well for the Barbadian economy and society,” Lane said. The community activist also commended the Mottley administration for its quick response and carefully thought out policies during their 164 days in Government but said the ball was dropped in its delivery. “Where my disappointment comes is really in the implementation, the nuts and bolts of the engine room. I think that is where they are falling down,” Lane said. Lane also expressed concern over the lack of youth engagement and conversation on the country’s changes and the public’s reluctance to educate themselves on the country’s economic future. “A lot of people listen to rumor and heresy so that is why this body needs to come, do the reading, do the research and do the unbiased analysis as much as possible,” he said. The Shadow Cabinet will be made up initially of ten members and will seek to have a full slate of 21 Shadow Ministers by January 2019.  (BT)

‘IN POOR TASTE’ – LASHLEY ON ‘SICK MP’ COMMENT – Former St Michael South East MP Hamilton Lashley has described as being in “poor taste” a call by Democratic Labour Party (DLP) General Secretary Guyson Mayers to gear up supporters for a possible by-election because of a sitting MP’s illness. The comments were an apparent reference to his successor as MP Santia Bradshaw, who has gone public with her fight against breast cancer. “I would not be part of any talk of a by-election as a result of [anyone’s] health because I want them to get better and that would mean that the individual would continue to fulfil their role. Right now at this moment any talk of by-election is out of synchronization with reality and in poor taste. I believe all parties should be wishing the [sick person] well,” said Lashley. It was during a meeting of the DLP’s three St. Philip constituency branches last month that Mayers told  the party faithful: “We do not have five years put down; we have a Member of Parliament who is very ill, and no one knows if or when there will be a by-election in that constituency, and we hear there are rumblings in the party with one of your (St. Philip) candidates whose head is on the cutting board, so we have to be in a state of readiness in case things fall apart, as they sometimes do.” The DLP General Secretary did not state the constituency or the name of Members of Parliament to whom he was referring. But Lashley told Barbados TODAY that while he is not clear to whom his former party colleague was referring to, such talk could be seen as insensitive to anyone fitting the bill, which may include Bradshaw. Back in August during a meeting with her constituents in the presence of Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Bradshaw announced that she had been recently diagnosed with the early stages of breast cancer. “I come to you tonight in the spirit of openness… a few weeks ago I discovered a lump in my breast… the good news is that it is treatable because they have found it early,” she said at the time. On Tuesday, Bradshaw returned to Parliament for the first time since beginning treatment for illness. She received a rousing welcome from her colleagues in the Lower House. Lashley extended best wishes to his successor and implored all political parties to do the same. “First of all, I want to wish Bradshaw a very speedy recovery and believe everyone across the political divide should wish well. We cannot let politics get in the way of how we treat one another and how we behave to each other as human beings,” Lashley stressed. (BT)

CANCER MEDS DELAY – SOME CANCER PATIENTS in Barbados are having difficulty sourcing vital chemotherapy drugs. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) says there is no shortage, but there are problems with equipment which mixes the drugs and a temporary solution has been put in place. Reports reaching the DAILY NATION indicated the hospital had run short of the required medication, with some people turning to Trinidad to source them. Management at local pharmacy Collins declined to comment, while president of the Barbados Cancer Society, Dr Dorothy Cooke-Johnson, said they were offering assistance. “We are aware the QEH is having difficulty with the medication so we have been providing some for a few patients, those we already have been assisting in some way. I do not know why this is happening as I have not enquired, but I hope it can be rectified soon. It’s too difficult a situation for a country to cope with, not to have chemotherapy drugs,” she said. Hospital chairman Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland sought to allay any fears, saying the hospital was not short of drugs as this would be catastrophic. (DN)

20 YEARS TO FIX HOUSING MESS – Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development George Payne fears it will take 20 years to fix the housing “mess” he said was left by the last Government. Payne said the National Housing Corporation (NHC) was grappling with millions of dollars in losses at housing projects across the island. The St Andrew MP also told the House of Assembly yesterday that while the authorities could “point fingers at individuals” regarding some unspecified financial matters in housing, “we just do not have the evidence to go further and it is a loss that we will have to accept”. He noted there was an NHC waiting list for Barbadians seeking housing, but the country’s housing stock was “depleted”. Payne did not foresee this problem being solved within the next five to ten years. The minister was wrapping up debate on a resolution to vest Crown lands at Chancery Lane, Christ Church, in the National Housing Corporation. The resolution was passed. “We have a situation now where in the present economic situation, notwithstanding how we might feel in terms of the Government being responsible for housing everybody, it is more or less an impossible task,” he said. “What we have seen in the past ten years is a number of structures. You may call it a so-called housing programme by the Democratic Labour Party. Some of us have been critical of the National Housing Corporation but obviously even the National Housing Corporation has been sabotaged by the last Government.” He said the NHC lost $4 million on the first phase of houses built at Lancaster, St James, and a $1 million loss on the second stage. This was in addition to about $500 000 lost on the housing project in Parish Land, St Philip. “As I speak, Constant [St George housing project] has just been completed and . . . the average cost per house is something like $270 000 and the houses were sold at $100 000,” he added. The attorney also referred to “a situation during the past ten years where contractors were assigned to various developments [and] the National Housing Corporation was not at all involved. “I am not saying that the minister was the person who personally selected those contractors, but you have situations where the contractors were selected, the ministry had no knowledge with respect to the selection of the contractors, none of the contracts went out to tender, the National Housing Corporation at the level of the chairman and the management of the National Housing Corporation did not know about the contractors,” he told the Lower House. The NHC’s challenge also included people not paying rents owed, and the minister said there were situations at the NHC “where tenants were specifically told not to pay rents, and rents have accumulated to the tune of $59 000”. In such circumstances, said Payne, “it is difficult for us to figure what we will do with respect to those persons who have applied to National Housing Corporation for housing because . . . the housing stock has been depleted.  (DN)

BAD PATH TO TAKE – Every effort must be made to ensure some public transportation remains in Government’s hand, and not allow the private sector to control it all. That was the call from the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) yesterday, as it gears up for a meeting with Transport Board workers on Sunday to discuss the organisation’s future. “We have been meeting with the Transport Board and it has put forward an idea of the vision, which the ministry and the chairman of the board together have for the future of transport,” Sir Roy Trotman, consultant to the BWU general secretary, said during a Press conference at Solidarity House. “And my concern is that we have to guard transport systems. If there are three important things in which a Government in office has to treat as a first social obligation [they] are medical care, education and transportation. (DN)

NEW ROUTE – Route taxi and minibus owners have delivered a fresh wish list – including a long-standing call for a bus fare increase – to Prime Minister Mia Mottley, the bus owners’ spokesman said today.  “That [bus fare hike request] is still very much on the table,” Mark Haynes, the AOPT public relations officer told Barbados TODAY.  The president of the Association of Public Transport Operators (APTO), Morris Lee, said the proposals followed the Prime Minister’s instructions to the body.  Industry stakeholders, including chairman of the Transport Authority Ian Estwick and Director Alex Linton met recently at Parliament Buildings to discuss progress on the proposals. But officials have continued to decline spelling out their details. “[The meeting] was just an update on what the Prime Minister has asked us to do, that we have done and sent back to her. We are waiting to hear what the Prime Minister’s response is going to be,” Lee told Barbados TODAY. “The Prime Minister told us to prepare a proposal that speaks to improvements in the sector. We did that. She further had instructed that when it was done, to pass it onto the Minister of Transport and have further discussions with him, which we have completed. And she indicated that after those discussions were completed that the Minister of Transport would report back to her,” he said.  The APTO president said that after this process was concluded, the Prime Minister would then summon another meeting to discuss the state of the transport industry.  “We have done what we were supposed to do in terms of compliance and therefore we are awaiting a response to the compliance that we have essentially participated in,” he added. Back in late August, one of the groupings of PSV owners insisted it still wanted a fare rise following talks with Prime Minister Mottley and Minister of Transport, Works and Maintenance, Dr William Duguid. Amid reports of a likely increase in fares from two to three dollars, the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) has said it would continue to demand an increase for ZRs and minibuses until an agreement was reached with Government.  “The cost of the fuel tax [which took effect on July 1] has really placed a burden on the sector. We have that still on the table and we are in talks with the Government on an increase. We have been asked to submit proposals and we acceded to Government’s request,” Haynes stressed. The PSV owners have also complained that the new fuel tax of 40 cents per litre on diesel and gasoline, and five cents per litre on kerosene, was having a devastating impact on their businesses with spending for route taxis increasing to $6,741 from $2,250, while minibus operators are paying out $10,861, up from $3,625. Following the July 10 talks with the Government, Lee had said the owners were optimistic that their cries would be heard.  “We had a very productive meeting. Essentially the Government recognizes the significance of transport to Barbados and the contribution it has made over the years. We have agreed to come together on this because we understand that it would take more than one meeting. We have been given a blank sheet on which to draw on in terms of what we want to bring to reality,” Lee said then. The operators have also been seeking duty-free concessions on new vehicles. Despite calling for a bus fare hike, Lee expressed confidence that a solution could be arrived at that did not increase the burden to commuters or put additional drain on the public purse. (BT)

ROAD CHECKS VITAL – If Barbados undertook proper inspections of its major roads and highways it would save the country some valuable money when it came to road repairs. So says consultant engineer to Government, Grenville Phillips II, who is responsible for overseeing the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance’s ongoing roadworks on the ABC Highway. He was speaking to the DAILY NATION Tuesday night as crews from C.O. Williams Construction were digging up asphalt on the section from West Road to the streetlights at the top of Hinds Hill, St Michael, in preparation for repaving. During the process, they discovered a number of deep cracks that had penetrated the underlying surface. Phillips said a continuous road inspection programme would also cut down on the time it took to fix them. (DN)

CONCESSIONS LEAKING REVENUE? – A top official of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suggested that Barbados and other Caribbean islands review the tax incentives they currently grant individuals and businesses. Deputy Division Chief in the Caribbean Division 1 of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department Dr Arnold McIntyre, expressed concern that regional governments could be losing millions of dollars in revenue from these concessions. This, he said, was not healthy given that the region was struggling economically. “When we look at what is underpinning these large deficits and we look at the revenue side, we have pervasive tax incentives,” McIntyre told the 33rd Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture at the Grande Salle of the Central Bank of Barbados on Tuesday night. He said IMF estimates suggested that legislative and discretionary tax incentives being granted by some Eastern Caribbean states were leading to revenue losses of between four and nine per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). “We have significantly undermined our revenue base. In many ways, the granting of tax incentives has been seen as a single panacea to overcome the widespread distortions and inefficiencies in the countries. That is, we have provided a solution but we haven’t tackled the problem,” he said. Pointing to Mauritius, McIntyre said that country’s parliament had decided some time ago to remove the ability to grant tax incentives from the authority of the minister, adding that “there is a lesson there” for the region. He said Caribbean economies also had weak expenditure controls, pointing out that there was especially “significant” fiscal risk in relation to state-owned enterprises. He explained that in the region central government finances amounted to about 8 per cent of GDP, compared to the five per cent of GDP in emerging markets. However, the economist said when government expenditure extended beyond central government to include the non-financial public sector, that wage bill could reach up to 20 per cent of GDP. “We have built up a very large state and what has happened, it has become costly and we don’t have the growth rates and associated revenue streams to maintain it,” he said.   (BT)

JOB SEARCH – Scores of displaced Government workers have been interviewed by recruiters from Ross University, which is set to start operation in Barbados from January next year. The interviews were held at the Warrens Office Complex, between 9 am and 4 pm. on Wednesday. Many of those interviewed had submitted their application letter and resumes online. There were also those who received word the interviews were taking place and turned up at the location, with their qualifications, asking for a chance to be interviewed. “Ross put out their vacancies and anybody can apply to those vacancies. Given the fact that we had persons displaced, she [the Prime Minister] had made the arrangement with Ross to interview Government workers and give them an opportunity to get their foot in the door,” Acting Director of the Barbados Employment and Career Counseling Service, Yvette Walcott-Dennis, told a Barbados TODAY team. The Acting Director said she was happy displaced workers were given a chance to be employed once again. She said her department was happy to be able to facilitate the process. “I think the interviews are going very well. Initially they had said they would interview about 75 persons, but today we had around 90 workers that we entered to be interviewed, and some persons still turned up anyways because they would have heard from a friend or something, and we asked that they be accommodated. “But, understandably, we know that we cannot accommodate everybody. The whole process though is a Ross initiative, they are filling their vacancies, we are just coordinating this end to assist the displaced public workers,” Walcott-Dennis said.  (BT)

CHILD CARE BOARD HEADQUARTERS TO CLOSE EARLY TODAY – The Child Care Board has advised that its headquarters, located at Cheapside, Bridgetown, will close at 12:30 p.m. today, Thursday, November 8. This closure is to facilitate attendance at a funeral for a former employee. Director of the Child Care Board, Joan Crawford, has advised that this closure will only be applicable to its headquarters and all other departments will remain open. (BGIS)

FRAUD OF NIS CHECKS – The National Insurance Department is reminding businesses that before they disburse cash for National Insurance Scheme (NIS) cheques, they should enforce strict procedures to verify the validity of cheques and the identity of the recipients of the funds. The department issued this reminder today, and indicated that it had received reports of fraudulent activity involving pension cheques. “Businesses are cautioned that banks, credit unions and post offices are the authorised institutions for the encashment of National Insurance cheques, therefore honouring such cheques would be at your own risk,” the department warned. (BGIS)

CCJ PRESIDENT RESPECTS THE OUTCOME OF REFERENDA IN ANTIGUA, GRENADA – President of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders, said that the court would continue “ongoing initiatives with justice sector bodies” in Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada despite the population in those two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries voting in favour of retaining the London-based Privy Council as their final court.  “While the news is not what we hoped for, we respect the people of both nations and their decision,” Justice Saunders said in a statement following Tuesday’s referenda in the two countries. “One of the positives that came out of this exercise is that there was sustained public education in both nations and the conversation about the CCJ intensified. We can see the fact that there was more interest in our website, ccj.org, and on our social media platforms, on LinkedIn and Twitter.” “As we begin to implement our strategic plan for the 2019-2023, which includes a renewed focus on public education, we will certainly be taking advantage of the increased audience, and the interest that has been piqued, to provide more information about the work of the Court,” Justice Saunders said. The governments in Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada had hoped to join Belize, Barbados, Dominica and Guyana as the only CARICOM countries that are full members of the CCJ that was established in 2001 to replace the Privy Council as the region’s final court. The CCJ, which has both an Original and Appellate Jurisdiction, also functions as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs the 15-mdmber regional integration movement. Justice Saunders said despite the defeat, the CCJ “will naturally continue ongoing initiatives with justice sector bodies in each of these countries, and the wider Caribbean, through the JURIST project and otherwise”. The turnout in the referendum in both countries were low. In Grenada, of 21 979 votes cast, some 9 846 persons voted to adopt the CCJ as the final Court of Appeal, while in Antigua and Barbuda, there were 9 234 votes against and 8 509 votes in favour of the adoption of the CCJ.“These results will not, of course, deter us from serving with distinction those nations that currently send their final appeals to us. As well, the Court will also continue to process and hear applications from all CARICOM States, and from CARICOM itself, in our Original Jurisdiction, and our justice reform work in the region will also continue,” Justice Saunders said. The CCJ noted that Grenada has an Original Jurisdiction case currently before the Court and that the JURIST Project, which is a multiyear justice reform project being implemented by the CCJ on behalf of the Conference of Heads of Judiciary of CARICOM states, is working on a Sexual Offences Model Court to be housed at the High Court of Antigua and Barbuda in 2019. The CCJ Academy of Law is also hosting a legal conference in Jamaica in December 2018 at which jurists from both countries, as well as the wider Caribbean, are participating, the CCJ added. (DN)

JUDICIAL REFORM A MUST – Opposition Senator Crystal Drakes says with a price tag of over $30 000 a year to house an inmate in HMP Prison Dodds, Barbados has to look at “serious judicial review and reform”. She is also suggesting Barbadians should engage in self-examination to discover the motivation behind the kind of violence sweeping across the island. In her contribution to debate on the Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2018 earlier today, Drakes was worried about the rampant gun violence plaguing Barbados as well as the high level of incarceration at Dodds. She noted the Barbados Prison Service 2016 report put that figure at the end of December of that year at approximately 919 offenders, and argued because of what it was costing taxpayers to keep prisoners behind bars, “we now cannot simply say lock them up and throw away the key”. The Opposition Senator commended the Government on moving “towards a more holistic approach to sentencing” in amendments being made to sections of the existing laws. Government Senator Crystal Haynes supported the Amendment stating Government was taking meaningful action to address the crime situation. With 950 cases awaiting trial, it was appropriate she said, to have appointed three judges to address the backlog. “We really have to have a deeper conversation on how we as Barbadians see justice; how we administer it along with enforcement of penalties such as fines, community service, curfews,” Haynes said. She also suggested restorative and rehabilitative programmes should be discussed “openly and frankly”. (DN)

SENATOR MCCONNEY: START CRIME PREVENTION PROCESS EARLY – Government Senator Kay McConney has said if we use the current systems we have in place to deal with deviant behavior among school children more effectively, we should see a difference in the levels of criminal activity on the island. She made this point during her contribution to the debate on the Offences Against the Person Bill Amendment, which seeks to do away with the mandatory death penalty in murder cases. She mentioned the success of the Royal Barbados Police Force’s Juvenile Liaison Scheme, which caters to children up to the age of 16. “That scheme not only deals with the child but also their parents. Police officers charged with looking after it do not only deal with children who end up in trouble, but they also speak to principals about any potential ‘problem children’ in their midst. The last statistics I got from them date back to 2010, and showed that only about 20 per cent  of the children they were tracking found themselves back in the penal system after coming under the programme, which meant that 80 per cent of them stayed on the straight and narrow path.” Another programme she mentioned was the Princes Trust, which she said has reaped considerable success in its two years in existence here. “We have had  four cohorts with 12-15 young people between the ages of 16 and 25 and there are residential and community projects associated with it. So far, some 70 per cent  of the students who have passed through it have either gone back to school, vocational training, or found jobs.” Senator McConney said, “This level of primary intervention is important, and we should also consider studies determining the levels of peer contagion among our youth, that is, the people our children associate with influence their behaviour for better or worse, as this might be helpful in the long run.” Senator Lindell Nurse agreed with her suggestions, adding that “Every child should be involved in some sort of extra-curricular activity, whether it is Cadets, Scouts, Brownies, Guides, music, dance or sports, as these will keep them busy and bring about a level of discipline that will help them to resolve conflicts.” He also said a bigger issue was at hand. “We are fixing the legislative part of it, but you cannot legislate behavior and there are a lot of psychological issues behind criminal activity. Unfortunately Barbadians still stigmatize mental health conditions, but seeing specialists in that field may be helpful to people who find themselves in these situations.” (BT)

TIME WASTING – A prominent local attorney-at-law is fuming over what he sees as blatant time-wasting in the Barbados court system. This morning a frustrated Andrew Pilgrim QC questioned the logic of scheduling cases for dates that the magistrate is on vacation, thereby adding to the slowdown of an already overwhelmed system. Noting that that the issue is by no means new, Pilgrim, an outspoken and respected lawyer, expressed fresh annoyance in statement sent to Barbados TODAY. The release came after his clients, businessman Arthur Charles Herbert and Christopher Glenn Rogers, had their matters adjourned until March 27, 2019 when they appeared at the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Sitting Magistrate, Douglas Frederick is currently on vacation. Meanwhile, co-accused Walter O’ Neal Prescod, a sailor, will return to court on December 4, this year. “Almost every media house yesterday referred to the fact that Charles Herbert, Chris Rogers and Walter Prescod will have to return to court for a new date and they will have to wait to have their matter resolved. I just wonder if anybody in Barbados is getting the bigger picture here that we adjourn matters to dates when we know there will be no hearing, deliberately wasting the time of litigants,” said Pilgrim, who argued that the occurrence only served to delay justice. In his four-minute lament, the attorney contended that it was not only his clients whose time is being wasted but he predicted that for the remainder of the month close to 40 litigants per day will turn up to the court in question in vain. “On every day probably during this month 40 or more Barbadians will turn up to the District ‘A’ Court Number one. There will be no magistrate and their time will be wasted for the entire day and their cases will not be advanced whether to be dismissed, tried or otherwise. It is a complete waste of our time that was avoidable,” he pointed out. This morning Barbados TODAY contacted the office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court Barbara Cooke-Alleyne QC, but efforts to get a comment on the claims were unsuccessful. However Pilgrim made it clear that there could be no reasonable excuse as vacations were planned in advance so therefore provisions should have been made. “ Either those cases should have been adjourned to a period when the magistrate would have returned or they should be dealt with by a magistrate who was put on while he is not there. Is it so hard to work out when the magistrates are going to be on vacation so that you could have someone holding on for them? If that is the case, then adjourn the matters to a date outside of the vacation,” he stressed. Pilgrim said “This is a whole month that is going to be a waste of time for 40 litigants everyday. This is time that Barbados does not have to give. We need our people to be productive instead of standing in a line outside of a court to get a date on which nothing will happen.” (BT)

NEW COURT DATES FOR DEATH ROW CONVICTS – Almost a dozen inmates who are currently on death row at Dodds prison will have to be resentenced once the Offences Against the Person Bill 2018 is amended. That is the word from Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Senator Dr Jerome Walcott, as he spoke today during debate on the amendment which seeks to repeal the mandatory death sentence for persons convicted of murder in Barbados. He said the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the island’s highest appellate court, had already ruled that it was unconstitutional. “They are currently 11 persons who are on death row in Barbados and based on this ruling, they will now have to be resentenced because their sentences are now considered by the CCJ to be unconstitutional,” Dr Walcott said. “There are 62 persons awaiting trial for murder and six for manslaughter. If we were not to pass this bill today, it would put our judicial system in a quandary. You would have 68 persons who are there to have trials done and at the back of that, at the end of it all, judges will know that they are confined by the mandatory death sentence, but if they convict someone and sentence them at the end of the day they know that the CCJ has already ruled that that is unconstitutional.” Dr Walcott explained that the amendment was not about removing the death penalty from the statute books. However, he contended that Barbados had signed on to several conventions which clearly state that a mandatory death sentence was not lawful. “I believe that we are in a bind. We have survived over the years. We have discussed and we have utilized our mandatory death penalty and we have debated it. We have made promises to amend it. We’ve made promises to the UN and we’ve made promises to the Inter-American Court of Justice, but I think our reckoning time has now come.  (BT)

REPORT ORDERED – The Magistrate’s Court has asked for a probation report on a 26-year-old man who pleaded guilty to drug possession. When Chad Aaron Lynton, of Corner of 4th Avenue, New Orleans, St Michael appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant today he admitted that he had five grammes of marijuana in his possession yesterday. Police were on duty in Lynton’s community when he was seen riding along a footpath. He jumped off the bicycle when he saw the police and began walking back in the direction from which he came. He was detained when he entered a nearby shop. Lynton was given a February 1, 2019 date to return to the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court after his $1,500 bail was accepted. (BT)

BAIL ON ASSAULT CHARGE – A 26-year-old Guyanese man accused of assaulting his wife is now on $5,000 bail. Khayum Kharoon Nazmoon who lives at No. 2 Apartments Villa Road, Brittons Hill, St Michael is alleged to have committed the offence against Premawattie Katwaru on October 22 occasioning her actual bodily harm. The prosecutor had no objections to bail but asked Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant that the accused surrender his passport to the District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court and requested that he stay away from his wife. The order was made and Nazmoon, who was represented by attorney-at-law Samuel Legay, was released after his surety was accepted. The accused will make his second appearance in court on January 29, 2019. (BT)

COSTLY TRIP – Drug trafficker Tyrique Kheele Michael Cuffie who arrived in Barbados on Monday with more than his personal effects in his suitcase is facing two years in prison. The 21-year-old Canadian from Lombard, Toronto, was sent to HMP Dodds today after he was unable to pay a $20,000 fine by the end of the day’s sitting at the Oistins Magistrate’s Court. Cuffie arrived at the Grantley Adams International Airport on around 3:39 a.m. Station Sergeant Glenda Carter-Nicholls said he then proceeded to customs where his suitcase was searched and 20 vacuum-sealed packages containing a vegetable substance were found. “I know drugs in my suitcase,” Cuffie allegedly told police when asked to account for the 7.6 kilogrammes of marijuana which had an estimated BDS$60,800 street value. Addressing Magistrate Elwood Watts, Cuffie apologized for his actions before the fine was imposed on the charge on importation. He was convicted, reprimanded and discharged on the charges of possession, possession with intent to supply and possession with intent to traffick the illegal substance. (BT)

NSC LIGHTS STILL OFF – THERE was still no light at the end of the emergency meeting, as the floodlights at a number of National Sports Council (NSC) facilities will remain off for the time being. A furious NSC chairman Mac Fingall says the issue of tampering and vandalism of token boxes must come to an end, following the thousands of dollars which the sports council lost due to illegal usage of the lights. It comes after a more than two-hour long meeting on Tuesday night at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium chaired by Fingall, at which players, coaches and administrators of local sports took the opportunity to voice their concerns about the situation. General secretary of the Barbados Football Association (BFA), Edwyn Wood, director of cricket at the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), Stephen Leslie, and president of the Barbados Road Tennis Association, John Chandler, were all present. Two weeks ago, Fingall revealed that Barbadians had cheated the NSC out of a large sum of money. He said at least $560 000 was lost in lights last year.  (DN)

SENIOR FAILURE – Despite an abysmal international record after 10 years in West Indies colours, middle-order batsman Kieron Pollard’s place in the team has been justified by outgoing coach Stuart Law. Speaking after the Windies’ loss in the second Twenty20 International against India yesterday, Law said Pollard was a motivator in the dressing room and quite capable of performing on his day. Pollard has made 20 runs in two innings so far and his solitary over in a tight situation in Kolkata went for 12 runs and shifted momentum towards the hosts. India were reeling at 57 for 4 at one stage. But Law said Pollard brought much more to the table, and not just on the cricket field. “Pollard brings a lot, both on and off the field. With the youngsters in the squad, it’s someone like Pollard who motivates them in the dressing room. “He’s a senior member of the squad, and we all know what he’s capable of when he gets going. But yeah, Pollard isn’t in the side only because of what he brings inside the ground. He’s one of the biggest motivators of the youngsters, and he’s just a game away from reminding us why he’s such a T20 force. Look, Pollard himself would not be pleased with his show on the tour so far, and he’ll be itching to finish the series in a blazing manner.” After 101 One-Day Internationals, the burly Trinidadian has managed just 2 289 runs at an average of 25.71 with three centuries and nine fifties. The white ball specialist’s record in T20I is even worse, having played 58 matches, scored 788 runs at 19.70 with just two fifties. His List A record is just slightly better with 3 134 runs at an average of 26.55 with three centuries and 15 fifties. In 433 T20s played across the globe in franchise cricket, Pollard has amassed 8 531 at 30. 14. Law addressed the potential of the squad, noting there were a number of fantastic cricketers in the team “We have got some fantastic T20 players. But, now it’s just about playing for pride. It’s time for them to dig deep and play for pride, and give it everything in the last game. If we play anywhere near to our potential, we can beat any team on the day. We need to improve a lot to get to that stage.” “The team does have a lot of potential, and ‘potential’ is a horrible word because talk is cheap and actions speak louder. But it’s the experienced guys who need to stick their hands up and do the bulk of the work. They’re supposed to usher the youngsters in, but they’re not quite doing that. It’s a young team, though, and they’re learning on the job. Regardless of being the current T20 champions, we don’t have the same team here and learning on the job against India in India can be mighty tough.” The West Indies will now travel to Chennai earlier than the hosts as the India players embark on a two-day Diwali break. But with the series already decided, there’s an opportunity for them to field left-handed hard-hitter Sherfane Rutherford possibly in place of Pollard, and the left-arm quick Obed McCoy in the final T20I to see what those two bring to the table. Captain Carlos Brathwaite bemoaned the fact that West Indies were without two designated opening batsmen. Brathwaite said that the makeshift approach taken by the management – with regards to their opening pair – had forced the West Indies to always have a rocky start with the bat in the series. In the first game in Kolkata, West Indies’ opening pair of Denesh Ramdin and Shai Hope – neither batsmen are regular T20I openers – lasted all of 15 deliveries, scoring only 16 runs between them, while in Lucknow, a new opening pair of Hope and Shimron Hetmyer fared only marginally better with a combined tally of 21 runs in 22 deliveries. With Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis opting out of the series due to personal reasons, Brathwaite said that the team was simply trying to make do with the resources that were available to them. “We didn’t come to the tour with an out-and-out opener, so we are still trying to find our best opening combination. There were a few theories in the first game and also this game, on how we wanted our batting order, for different reasons. Ultimately neither worked, because we failed to get a good start. But we’re working with the players we have on tour, and it’s difficult to choose the best batting pair, but we’re trying. Up until a theory works out, it will look bad and give the pundits something to say,” Brathwaite said. While expressing disappointment at the team’s bowling in the second T20I – including his own – Brathwaite heaped praise on right-handed batting all-rounder Fabian Allen, who bowls left-arm orthodox spin. Alleyne has bowled well in both matches so far. “The way Fabian Allen bowled in the middle, and he kept the openers under wraps and eventually got Shikhar out. It is hard to look at the negatives sometimes, just need to take the small positives and go away with them.”  (BT)

HOME BOYS BOW OUT – Predictably, mighty United States ruled the pristine conditions and waves on the East Coast at Bathsheba yesterday, but not a single hometown boy advanced to the quarter-finals of the Live Like Zander Pro surfing event at the Soup Bowl. Jacob Burke, Caleb Rapson and Ocean Gittens all failed to make it through to the quarters of the event named in memory of Barbadian surfer Alexander Venezia, who died last September. The United States landed 14 of the last 16 spots, with Japanese-American Taro Watanabe, delivering the best wave score of the day, an impressive 9.5, that comprised four impressive manoeuvres.  Burke was arguably the best of the Barbadian juniors on show, but he had to settle for third place in Heat 5 behind Crosby Colapinto of the United States and Thomas Debierre of France. This event for entrants under the age of 18, carries a first prize cheque of US$2 500.  (DN)

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 10/29/2018

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Monday  29th October 2018. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN).

GOD CHOOSE BLP – A church leader yesterday declared it was God who chose the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to lead the country at this time. However, Reverend Stephen Gittens has warned the governing party that it must stamp out corruption, or else the same God would find someone else to do it. Delivering the sermon on the final day of the BLP’s 80th annual conference at The Lodge School in St John, he told party faithful they had reason for celebration as they had found favour with God during the May 24 General Election. “No matter how well your campaign machinery performed, no matter how brilliantly your strategies were implemented, it was God’s favour upon this party,” Gittens said. “The political scientists might say it was a swing vote. The people may say it was a vex vote. But the priest will say it was God’s vote. God chose you. God picked you. God elected you.” But while offering congratulations and blessings to the party which swept the Democratic Labour Party out of office 30-0, he urged the Government to adequately deal with recent revelations of corruption. “There’s been a lot of talk about corruption. I believe the Barbadian public has heard enough and had enough talk as it relates to corruption. Barbadians need justice to be served and served with all its weight and grace. (DN)

NEW BLP EXEC – THE TOP BRASS of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) remains unchanged. Following internal elections today on the final day of the 80th annual conference, Prime Minister Mia Mottley remains president and George Payne chairman. Senator Jerome Walcott will also continue as general secretary. Meanwhile, Davidson Ishmael was elected as treasurer after former treasurer Reginald Farley was appointed as High Commissioner-designate to Canada. First vice-president is Minister of People Empowerment Cynthia Forde, second vice-president is Minister in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance Peter Phillips, while third vice-president is Minister of Maritime Affairs Kirk Humphrey. (DN)

PM MOTTLEY PRESENTS GOVERNMENT'S REPORT CARD – Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Saturday presented her Government’s five-month report card, on the progress made on its mission critical agenda, even as she urged supporters to stay focused. Delivering the feature address at the Barbados Labour Party’s 80th Annual General Conference at The Lodge School auditorium, the political leader said her party was given a mandate like no other in the history of the county. However, she explained that her administration had been methodically going through the task of rebuilding the country since assuming office following the 30-0 victory in May 24 general election. “This is our moment in time to stay focus. This is a relay race. We have to get each leg of the relay right. We have to deal with our debt . . . and I have to tell you that we are on our way to dealing with it,”  Mottley told the packed school auditorium, pointing to decisions made on the domestic debt exchange and the suspension of the international debt payments on June 1. “Many thought that we were doing the wrong thing by suspending the payments. They have now come to recognize as we conclude the domestic debt exchange successfully I may say, by having 97.6 per cent of those eligible to vote, voting and by having 99.6 per cent of those voting, voting in favour of the new bonds. “. . . And while some are uneasy, we have done that domestic debt exchange while leaving no financial institution in this country insolvent. We have done it by asking everybody to help us bear the burden and the savings to the country will be significant,” she said. In the coming weeks and months she said her Government would focus on the external debt exchange. “The meetings are taking place but I could assure you that in the case of Grenada and St Kitts the debt exchanges took one to two years – I remind you today is five months that the Government has been sworn into [office]”. Against the backdrop of  “perilously low” foreign reserves the country’s first female Prime Minister said that her administration had to face the International Monetary Fund “more so for a prognosis that others would trust because going to them was more about locking access to other forms of capital”. The IMF’s October 1 stamp of approval on the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme has given the country access to capital from other financial bodies, with the Caribbean Development Bank being the first to come on board, she explained. “The magic is not in signing the loan, the magic is in the confidence that the board of the Caribbean Development Bank has displayed in the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation plan because nobody lends you money if they don’t believe in what you are doing. Within a few weeks the Inter-American Development Bank will have the opportunity to cast their judgement on that plan,” she added. Mottley then turned her attention to Government’s handling of other “mission critical” issues, citing the removal of the National Social Responsibility Levy, the road tax, the “iniquitous” tax clearance certificate, the south coast sewage issues and others, saying, “promise made, promise delivered”. “I am happy that I can stand before you today to be able to report progress on the mission critical agenda. Have we gotten a hundred per cent? Not yet, but . . . six months is not over yet either, the BLP leader stated. Mottley revealed that there was a possibility the Government may . . . need to ask for two or three more months on the mission critical agenda “because of the depth of what [we] have found and what [we] continue to find. “But what we have done is to gain substantial progress in the task of dealing with our debt, the task of dealing with our reserves that have been stabilized by the continued assistance of the international financial [community]. . . having confidence in our programme and recognizing that this transformation programme requires stability of our foreign reserves if we are to garner the confidence of those who want to invest either locally or internationally,” the Prime Minister explained. “I say to you . . . that we have not reached where we want to reach . . . it is five months, but we are well on our way . . . .We will not forget ever that we were elected to solve the people’s problems mission critical or otherwise . . . to transform the people’s lives [and] by extension the nation,” she added. (BT)

TRAVEL BITE –Government is mandating its senior officials cut back the cost on overseas travel. Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Jerome Walcott said this was one of the sacrifices being made to share in the efforts to get the country back on good economic footing. He told the Nation the Mia Mottley administration was very mindful of the difficulties some Barbadians, particularly retrenched workers, were facing through the ongoing debt restructuring exercise. At the October 18 meeting of Cabinet, it was decided that effective last Monday, October 22, officials would be relegated to fly a particular class when travelling overseas on Government business. For instance, according to the official circular of the notice, ministers as well as permanent secretaries and officers of related grades would now fly economy class for flights of four hours or less. For flights in excess of four hours, it would be business class.  (DN)

PAYNE VOWS GOV’T WILL PURSUE THOSE WHO ‘RAPED’ THE TREASURY – Barbados Labour Party Chairman, George Payne, last night vowed that the government led by his party will be “relentless” in pursuit of those who he said “raped the Treasury” among wrongdoings. Addressing the opening session of the BLP’s 80th annual conference at Lodge School, Payne accused the past Democratic Labour Party government of leaving “this country on the 24th of May 2018 is a tale of sadness that has left us all in tears”. Using strong terms such as “plundered” and “pillaged” in describing what he contends the Barbados economy and society have suffered, the party’s second highest office bearer said, “the premature renewal of contracts; appointment of incompetent functionaries; the mysterious invoicing, and exorbitant payments to professional associates; the free allocation of housing to lackeys; the illegal award of contracts to underlings; the victimisation of Opposition supporters and relatives; the shredding and disappearance of documents and equipment; the rape of the Treasury, all on the eve of a general election speak for itself”. He said that boosted by the “resounding mandate to rescue the country” his party received when it won all 30 parliamentary seats in the elections, “we will be relentless in our efforts to gather all evidence to assist in the prosecution of those persons who have put us in this position”. (BT)

CONTRACT PROBE –A plumbing company formed in February, 2016 was able to land a $5 million contract with the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) five months later even though it had tendered the highest bid. NATION investigations revealed that Dr David Estwick, the then Minister of Water Resource Management sent an email to former chairman Dr Atlee Brathwaite, on July 31, 2016, recommending that Ortus Plumbing and Plumbing Supplies, be granted the contract totalling $5 288 025.34, to provide pipes and fittings for 36 months to the BWA as part of its mains replacement programme. That decision was made less than a month after the board had short-listed three other tenders out of ten local and overseas companies; and recommended that the BWA enter into negotiations with two - HD Supply Water Works, an American company with over 80 years experience, which had submitted a bid for US$1 588 825.00 and SCL Sales and Services Inc. a local company in operation since 2009 and which submitted a bid for US$1 683 099.50. (DN)

DISBURSEMENT OF 2017 TAX RETURNS TO COMMENCE THIS WEEK: PM – Prime Minister Mia Mottley has assured residents that the long wait for the disbursement of their 2017 tax returns is over. “. . . Next week [you will] start to receive your 2017 income tax refunds on time for the first time in years . . .” Motley said to loud applause as she delivered the feature address at the Barbados Labour Party’s 80th Annual General Meeting at The Lodge School auditorium on Saturday. “You will hear me on November 8 outline the deal that we have as I promised that I would do for the pensioners of Barbados, as we move even to remain current in the payment of our bills, because when you next week start to receive your 2017 income tax refunds on time for the first time in years you will understand  . . . that we continue to be true to our word.” Meantime, Mottley said her Government will on Wednesday launch a Trust Loan Programme. She said there are too many people in Barbados who cannot open a bank account or apply for a loan from a financial institution. “The things that does humbug me . . . the layoffs. Who feels good about layoffs? But we have reduced it to a minimum,” Mottley said, adding that the Government is conscious of the need to create opportunities and enterprise even if a person is laid off. “When the others were laid off in 2014, they had to wait one, two and three years for their money and some I am told still didn’t get. I asked the country and public servants to make sure that persons can go home with cheques, in many instances they have, in some instances they have not and I want it corrected. If it isn’t corrected in a day or two it will be corrected in a week or so,” Mottley promised even as she revealed coming plans in other areas. But the Prime Minister raised concerns about the gun violence plaguing the country. “We need a Barbados where people can sleep easier when the night comes . . . because you see what happens when idle hands have nothing to do and I will not sleep easy . . . when there is shooting with gun play all about Barbados, that humbugs me at night,” Mottley said. “I understand the realities of life . . . but those realities on this 166 square miles cannot include automatic guns.” (BT)

WEDNESDAY DEADLINE –Most of the staff have gone, and now they have only two more days before the free food runs out. There is still no electricity and running water, and some are still waiting to be refunded thousands of dollars while the head of the institution sits in jail awaiting trial. That is the latest predicament facing about 35 to 40 students of the controversial Washington University of Barbados, housed at Casa Grande hotel in Oldbury, St Philip. Earlier this month, the chief executive officer of the university, Gopi Venkata Rao, was charged with four counts of issuing bad cheques to Casa Grande. It was also revealed that he owed nearly $3 million inclusive of the use of the facility. “People are moving out. They are going to India, Guyana, St Lucia and European countries. There are only about 30 or 40 people left,” one student, who requested anonymity, told the Nation over the weekend.  (DN)

ALL LESTER VAUGHAN STUDENTS TO RETURN TO SCHOOL TODAY –The Ministry of Education Technological and Vocational Training is informing parents that all classes of the Lester Vaughan School will return to school today Monday 29 October This includes the first and second formers who were home last week. (DN)

FOGGING SCHEDULE FOR OCT 29 – NOV 2 – The Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness will be in St Philip, St James, Christ Church and St Lucy this week, as it continues the fogging programme aimed at controlling the mosquito population in the island. On Monday, Oct 29, the team will fog Harrismith, Bequest Tenantry, Bequest with Avenues, Shrewsbury Drive, Shrewsbury Garden with Avenues, Harmony Hall, Content Cot, Coles Terrace, Blue Dolphin Drive, Coles Crescent, Coles Close, Coles Road, Merricks Tenantry Road and surrounding areas in St Philip. On Tuesday, Oct 30, the areas to be sprayed in St James will be Lower Carlton with Avenues, Bairds Road, Weston, Douglin Road, Crick Hill, Taylor’s Gap, Garden Tenantry, Garden, Fox Club Road, Reid’s Gap, Husbands Gap and neighbouring districts. On Wednesday, Oct 31, the targeted areas are Highway 7, Hastings, Rockley, Casa Blanca, Rendezvous Hill, Worthing Main Road, Worthing with Avenues, Bamboo Road, Beckles Road, St Lawrence Gap, Paradise Village and surrounding areas in Christ Church. Districts in St Lucy will be visited by the fogging team on Thursday, Nov 1, among them Rock Hall, Rock Hall Drive, Jemmotts, Durham’s, Mount View Road, Alexandria, Mount Gay, Mount Gay Village and the environs. On Friday, Nov 2, the Vector Control Unit will return to St James to spray Orange Hill, Hope Road, Jackmans Alley, Walcott Gap, Boyce Gap, Whooping, Beckles Gap, Gilkes Village, Baywoods and neighbouring districts. The fogging exercises will be carried out between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. each day. Householders are reminded to open their doors and windows to allow the spray to enter.  (BT)

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO RECORDS ANOTHER EARTHQUAKE – Another earthquake was felt in sections of Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday. The Seismic Centre at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine Campus says the 4.1 magnitude earthquake occurred at 11:36 a.m. (local time). (BT)

LILIAN WILLIAMS IS BARBADOS' NEWEST CENTENARIAN – Retired vendor Lilian Williams celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends at her Bibby’s Lane, St Michael home. The mother of two and great-grandmother of three was bubbly as she enjoyed the company of Governor General Dame Sandra Mason. Her daughters Eileen Bryan and Norma Sobers described her as a hard worker. “It was just myself and my sister, so we had to do the same things that boys would have done. Get up and get some work done before we go out to school and we had to come home in the evenings and do the same thing again. [We would] do things to help them as they were always out working,” Sobers said. She was joined by her sister Eileen who said that their mother was a vendor as she sold sweet potatoes and other ground provisions in and around the environs of St Michael. “She was self-employed. She used to sell potatoes and things. She had her mule cart and she would get up and go 5 o’clock in the mornings,” Bryan said. Bryan said their mother was a devout Christian and grew up attending the St Matthew’s Resurrection but she now attends Bibby’s Lane New Testament Church of God. “My mother, she went to St Matthew’s all her early years but after both of us went away [to England] she had a problem with her feet so she stopped at New Testament Church of God,” she said. Dame Sandra Mason presented Williams with a bouquet of flowers as well as a birthday card from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a card from herself as well as toasted and sang Happy Birthday to Williams who was born on October 28, 1918. (BT)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 64 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 10/12/2018

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Wednesday 17TH October 2018. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purcha sing a Midweek Nation Newspaper (MWN).

MORE MAY GO HOME – Government has identified 1 500 public sector workers for imminent retrenchment, but more jobs could be cut, depending on the outcome of restructuring efforts at some key state-owned enterprises (SOEs). However, Government’s senior technical adviser Dr Kevin Greenidge on Tuesday stressed initiatives, including the public sector digitisation programme, outsourcing of services and private sector projects, were likely to provide job opportunities for the affected individuals. He also said the fact the majority of stenographer/typists and clerk/typists expected to lose their jobs were female, did not mean the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme was targeting a specific gender. On Monday night at a National Union of Public Workers meeting, general secretary Roslyn Smith had charged that a major part of those earmarked to be cut were stenographer/typists and clerk/typists, posts dominated by women. She added it was an attack on women in the workforce.  (MWN)

UP TO 2,500 ‘TO GO BY NEXT FISCAL YEAR’ – As many as 2,500 public workers will be jobless when the dust settles on the Government’s restructuring exercise, the Barbados-born International Monetary Fund economist embedded as the Government’s senior economic advisor has announced. The figure of 1,500 announced by the Prime Minister on Monday is only the start, Dr Kevin Greenidge told journalists at the Central Bank in an update on the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) plan. And he’s hinted that those who are sent home will be among the first to be tapped for a massive scheme to digitize mountains of paper in the Government in the first steps towards creating e-government in which services and payments will be accessible via smartphone and computer. The first batch involves central government workers, mostly temporary employees in those Government departments and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that are easier to restructure, Dr Greenidge suggested. But additional retrenchments amounting to no more than 1,000, would be next in line in what the economist described as larger and more complex entities – the Transport Board, the Barbados Water Authority and the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) among them. “The 1,500 mentioned . . . of course, the Central Government will send about 800 . . . . The remainder will come from the SOEs for the restructuring for the remainder of this fiscal year. But I also mentioned that we got to do some “heavy lifting” which can’t be done this year,” said the senior economic advisor. He referred to a recent online survey of 5,000 users that identified out of 93 state-owned enterprises and government agencies which ones are deemed essential, highly desirable, optional and optional but delivered elsewhere. “And that gives a sense of those institutions that we can tackle in this fiscal year…the Caves [of Barbados], KOMI [Kensington Oval Management Inc] . . . those that we think we are going to get efficiency right away. And then there are some that we all know, we don’t have to do any survey . . . if you have to restructure [them], you would have to do some heavy lifting. Transport Board, [Barbados] Water Authority, BADMC. You can’t do them in one [this year]. So they must go over to the next fiscal year . . . to modernize and bring them up to speed,” Dr Greenidge told reporters. “So that the 1,500 . . . of course, the 800, we have already started to cover, but the remainder now will come when we start when we deal with those that we can, and they are online. So when you start to deal with Transport Board and Water Authority over the next fiscal year too, [it] is heavy lifting. You have to address all; it makes no sense stopping,” he argued. But the IMF economist was quick to add that with the job cuts will also come reemployment in the next fiscal year of those who were retrenched in the first place. He assured that with the full digitalization of Central Government starting early next year, most of the 800 being retrenched from Central Government would be reemployed. “Those persons would also be getting – we discussed this with the Social Partnership – a form with options before they do . . .what you want to do, here are the options that are available . . . . The digitalization project we hope to start by the beginning of next year, most of those persons will be back in, and that is financed by IDB [Inter American Development Bank]. Those persons would also be trained in areas to help them provide services long after that [digital] project is over,” he stated. Dr Greenidge said job opportunities which would become available through the training include medical transcription, medical coding and legal transcription. (BT)

‘NO GENDER BIAS IN JOB CUTS’ –The Mottley administration has rejected claims by the main public sector trade union of gender bias in the job cuts phase of the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) plan. Last night, General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) Roslyn Smith told a press briefing at its Dalkeith Road headquarters to update members on Government’s plan to retrench 1,500 workers that the majority of those targeted – 955 in Central Government – were single mothers and other females with mortgages and rents to pay. But this morning the Government’s senior economic advisor Dr Kevin Greenidge – a Barbadian on secondment from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – denied the union’s claims. “There clearly could be no specific policy to look for gender,” Dr Greenidge told journalists at the Courtney Blackman Grande Salle of the Central Bank of Barbados, while stating that 814, not 955, were going home from Central Government and that the majority of them were actually males. He noted that the selection process only considered posts which were not necessary and not the holders of the positions themselves. But Greenidge outlined some posts to be eliminated which were held predominantly by one gender or the other. “If you look at the overall Central [Government], among the 800, I am sure that most are males because MTW [Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance] is the largest component . . . Post Office and one or two in there. If you look at the only category of stenotypists, clerk typists, it would happen to be females. But the answer you could clearly see . . . that’s the nature of the position,” he said. “Stenotypist, clerk typists tend to be a post which we would not have in a modern day, but by default they tend to be a post mostly held by women. But that’s . . . 219,” he said. The number to be cut from MTW is 293. “Those tend to be mostly males, lifting concrete [and so on],” suggested the Government senior economic advisor. The Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance, Barbados Postal Service, School Meals Department, security guards, stenotypists, and clerk typists are the departments and posts earmarked for the job cuts. Stressing that the job cuts programme was not a numbers game, Dr Greenidge contended that if it were so, Government could have merely sent home people without addressing the root problem. “Even take [the] Post Office. The structure of the Post Office we had when it was first established . . . when last have you received a personal letter from anyone? So is that the right structure that we need, given the technology that we currently have? E-billing is possible . . . . Pay your bills online and your taxes et cetera. So the delivery of this service may have to be relooked,” he added. General Secretary Smith said she was disappointed with the way in which the Mottley Administration went about introducing its job retrenchment programme. “Yes, we recognized that there will be layoffs, but at the same time, we believe that we should have had more time for consultation on such a sensitive issue . . . .Females as the householders, they are the single parents, they have to look after their children, they have mortgages and rents to pay.  When you do like that . . . to them . . . just cut them off, despite the fact that they’re saying they have been doing their best, they have been straddling more than one job in the department,” an emotional union leader said. “So I am a little bit disappointed in the way that things went, and you just cannot hand the union your decision and that’s it? So I maintain that we should always have a place within the collective bargaining arrangement. That is what we are here for, and I don’t want anybody to be side-lining the NUPW,” she declared. But in an apparent move to clarify the General Secretary’s comments, union president Akanni McDowall, who shared the press briefing with Smith and other members of the executive, told reporters that balance must be brought to bear on the issue. “There were steps . . . when we requested information and we received that information. You have to bring a balance to this thing. We had meetings with the Social Partnership. There was information that was given at the Social Partnership and the union requested additional information as the General Secretary said, and the information was given to us,” McDowall said. “I believe that the process is a difficult one. It is going to impact each of us differently. I mean, for us who have to deal with it up here [at NUPW headquarters] of course we are concerned about those workers who have to go home. None of us really want to see any worker being put on the breadline . . . although we understand this is a difficult discussion, we have to make sure that we manage it in the best possible way because workers are really depending on us,” the union president said.  (BT)

BARBADOS CREDIT RATING ‘TO RISE BY YEAR-END’ - After lingering in ‘junk’ territory for years, Barbados’s investment grade is projected to begin rising again by the end of this year, the Government’s senior technical adviser Dr Kevin Greenidge said today. Before the end of the year, Barbados’ sovereign credit rating will start to go back up again in face of 22 credit downgrades during the past decade, he told journalists. “I don’t have that as a major concern,” he declared. Suggesting that confidence in the economy will soon return, Dr Greenidge said he did not share the concerns that investors will in future avoid Barbados Government securities because of the financial fallout being experienced by pensioners, other citizens, firms and commercial banks who bought debentures, treasury bills and treasury notes. “It comes a point in time if you don’t pursue proper policies, that fundamentally will ruin your ability to pay [debt]. In all of those cases, confidence will return and people will eventually invest in Government again. Because when you are going to make an investment decision now, emotions are high . . . but when you are going to make an investment decision, you look at fundamentals . . . you look at the ability of the person you are investing in to repay,” Dr Greenidge said. And he is certain that over time, the IMF-funded Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme would restore and correct all the fundamentals that existed before. He reminded Barbadians that the country could not repay in the past because the debt was too high, running fiscal deficits that averaged seven and a half per cent of the Gross Domestic Product, the sum of goods and services produced in the country. “Confidence is being restored…just as the international community is investing, locals will find it necessary because[of] the excess income and wealth you have to start to invest again. And unlike what you are thinking, I have no concern that people would be coming after Government paper,” the economist told reporters. He added that the investment community is already looking and evaluating what Government was not doing. (BT)

SHOCK AUDIT – An independent auditors’ report has revealed an appalling finance and accounting mess at the state-owned Transport Board from as far back as seven years ago. And there has been an absence of audited financial statements at the cash-strapped, state-owned, bus company since then, according to the financial probe. The audit, which inspected financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2011 and conducted by accounting firm Ernst & Young last year could not confirm the source of $48.9 million the Transport Board received. When Barbados TODAY reached out to the Chairman of the Transport Board Gregory Nicholls tonight, he confirmed that the auditors had an issue with the source of the $48.9 million which was received by the bus company. “I can confirm that the $48.9 million of which you speak, the issue the auditor had was that there was no substantiated information to confirm the revenue. But it was money the Transport Board received from transfers to Crown Government for subsidies for paying for pensions, school children et cetera. But that money has already been spent, so it is not an issue. It is that there was no ability of the auditors to confirm that the money came into Transport Board. So they had issues with that,” Nicholls, an attorney at law, said. He noted that when the auditors checked with the Government, which is the usual source of funding, they did not get a satisfactory response. The auditors seemed to face problems of one kind or another in being able to dig deeper to ascertain the basis for a series of financial transactions, according to the report dated December 6, 2017. The Ernst & Young investigators issued a “disclaimer opinion”, citing five key areas in which they found difficulty in accessing critical information from Transport Board management, preventing them from carrying out their responsibility to express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with international financial reporting standards. Auditors give a disclaimer when they are unable to give a definite opinion. A lack of properly maintained financial records or the absence or insufficient support from management usually prompts this opinion, one of four possible opinions in audits. A disclaimer opinion may be issued if an auditor has not had the opportunity to fulfill crucial tasks, such as observing or reviewing certain procedures or operations. Under the sub-heading of Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion the auditors said they were unable to access the inventory application and therefore could not perform their audit procedures on the inventory balance of $4,410,902 (2010:$3,704,495). “We were also not able to audit the associated income statement accounts,” said the report. The chartered accountants also revealed that they could not verify clearance of a significant portion of the balances in the Board’s accounting records for cash, which are supposed to match the corresponding information on the bank statement. This, the investigators reported, related to the bank’s information which is supposed to support an overdraft balance of $9,922,328 (2010: $4,659,916). “Consequently, we were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence for the overdraft balance as of 31 March, 2011 and revenue amounting to $48,973,325 (2010: $46,716,228) for the year ended 31 March, 2011,” the auditors disclosed. The Ernst & Young officials outlined other cases in which they experienced stumbling blocks in doing the job they were hired by the Board to do. “We were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence for additions to leasehold buildings and buses amounting to $77,437 (2010: $244,966 and $3,652,221) respectively,” the report stated. The auditors recorded repeated hurdles at the state-run bus company in trying to do a thorough inspection of its books. “We were unable to confirm Government contributions included in equity capital amounting to $37,242,870 (2010: $18,393,480) and consequently we could not opine on the fairness of equity capital of $452,416 384 (2010: $415,173 514),” the probe added. The independent auditors said, too, they were unable to examine the associated comprehensive income statement accounts. “We were unable to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence for accounts payable and accrued liabilities amounting to $937,969. As a result of these matters, we were unable to determine whether any additional adjustment to the financial statements might have been required,” the report noted. The Ernst & Young chartered accountants also drew attention to Note 2 in the financial statements, which recorded a net loss for the Board of $59,745,448 for the year then ended March 31, 2011 (2010: $64,682,167). And as at that date, the report pointed out, the bus company’s deficit amounted to $108,750,951 (2010: $86,248,373). “These conditions indicate the existence of material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the Board’s ability to continue as a going concern without the support of the Government of Barbados,” the auditors concluded. It was the management’s responsibility for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with international financial reporting standards, the auditors stressed. “And for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error,” the independent audit report said. Nicholls told Barbados TODAY the board had indicated to auditors Ernst & Young dissatisfaction with the absence of audited financial statements going back to 2011. “They have told us what is the problem in terms of the production of each financial statement and we have put the necessary arrangements in place to complete the audit to bring us into compliance with the requirements of the law,” the board chairman said. He said the Board was working “assiduously” to complete reports for the years 2012 to 2015.  He said the auditors have agreed what they would put into those reports according to their professional assessment of the situation. “They have also told us that they are in a position, because of the review of the financials in ‘15,’16,’17 to do those. We are putting that in place so that the Transport Board could be brought up to compliance,” the attorney added.  (BT)

LIFELINE FOR NEAR 100 000 – Barbadians who have savings and loans with two of the island’s largest credit unions are being assured they will not face user fees, or an increase in interest rates for loans.  And some of those who are likely to lose their jobs in the coming weeks, as Government cuts its workforce, have been offered a lifeline by the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Ltd (BPWCCUL). Group chief executive officer of the Barbados Public Workers Group of Companies, Glyne Harrison, said the credit union would be rolling out the service for its near 100 000 members this week. “We have a financial relief centre . . . that is geared just towards that, looking to see how we can help stressed-out members in terms of persons who may be impacted either by direct layoffs or the threat of feeling the harder times,” Harrison said.  (MWN)

PROSPERING DURING ‘SUFFERATION’ - We are the victims of an intense propaganda campaign, designed to mislead us into thinking that mass-suffering is the only economic solution for Barbados. It is not. It is like an overweight person being advised by surgeons that the only method of losing weight is to traumatise the body by surgically removing excess fat. There is a proven non-traumatic solution of diet and exercise. The proven non-austerity methods of lowering taxes, eliminating corruption and properly managing public services, can conservatively achieve a surplus of over $1B in the first year. However, despite the Prime Minister’s promise that all ideas would be allowed to contend, only the severe austerity methods proposed by the BERT economic surgeons were allowed to contend. So, families need to prepare to survive. The advice that I am sharing in this week’s column was to be shared with the approximately 3,000 sent home under the DLP administration. However, the all-aboard unions would not allow me anywhere near their laid-off members. Now that it is the BLP’s turn to send home a similar number in two phases, let me bypass the unions and make the offer public. Whether you have left school with many or no academic certificates, or whether you have been laid-off, fired, or never worked, this advice is for you. We are offering a four-month employment-preparation workshop, where you will be practically finished to be a productive employee or self-employed person. Our training assumes that you dropped out of school in first form. Therefore, regardless of how poorly you performed at school, you can achieve a practical standard of competence and confidence in: reading, writing, speaking, drawing, calculating, reasoning, planning, managing, innovating and creating. You will also be trained to conduct business in Barbados, and to take advantage of favourable tax treaties with the US. It will be an intense four months of training where results are guaranteed to those who do the work. Therefore, only participate if you are serious. If you are participating, but there is no improvement, then the fault is not yours, but ours. The aim of the training is that every graduate will find employment, or become self-employed and earn foreign currency. You may register anytime during October 2018 for a start date of Monday November 5, 2018.  Register by sending an e-mail to NextParty246@gmail.com giving your name. There is no cost for the first batch of persons who register, and there is no size limit for the first batch – we will train all who register. Parents whose children are not working should encourage them to register. Persons who recently got out of prison and cannot find a job should register. Employers who have unproductive but honest employees that they wish to retain should encourage them to register. Anyone who plans to pursue illegal acts because they think that that is the only way to make money is encouraged to register. Those that were sent home under the DLP, and those preparing to go home under this administration are encouraged to register. Every unemployed person on a block should register. It is time to prosper during this manufactured and unnecessary ‘sufferation’. I will be responsible for your training. My approximately 30-year diverse engineering career, together with my eight years of formal teaching as President of Walbrent College, prepared me to take highly complex information and explain it in a simple manner, so that everyone can understand. As the 2014 winner of the National Innovation Competition and a successful business owner, I do not just talk the talk. Grenville Phillips II is a Chartered Structural Engineer and the founder of Solutions Barbados.  He can be reached at NextParty246@gmail.com (BT)

‘BAJAN ALERT’ APP JOINS UP ESSENTIAL SERVICES – In the wake of “fake news” emanating from anonymous sources regarding natural disasters, crime and other serious events, a new app has been launched to ensure Barbadians get accurate and timely alerts directly from the agencies responsible for handling them. The Bajan Alert app was launched today at the Barbados Water Authority’s Pine headquarters. “Apart from the passion I have for helping people in emergency situations, the real reason for developing the app was that over the years we have seen a lot of fake news in and around Barbados. I remember as recently as Tropical Storm Kirk two weeks ago, people were putting up videos of flooding that occurred two years ago in other countries and crediting it to Barbados, and we need to nip these practices in the bud early before they cause Barbadians to panic unnecessarily,” Director of Bajan Alert, Kemar Saffrey, said. The Bajan Alert app brings together all of Barbados’ essential services, including the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Barbados Ambulance Service, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Water Authority, Transport Board, Barbados Port Inc., GAIA Inc., the Department of Emergency Management, the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the island’s major media houses and other agencies. “Presently, most of the essential services have their own platforms but people, especially younger ones, do not really follow them, so we thought of developing an app where all of the services are under one umbrella so they can reach the same number of people,” Saffrey explained. The app is free to download for the general public and all essential services and provides quick alerts, he added. “For example, if the BWA says there is a ruptured main, they would key in their code from a phone or laptop, and send out an alert based on the type of alerts they can send out. A logo will come up, they can pin the location and then send it out to the public. They can add details where necessary also.” But, he stressed that these alerts would be sent out only for matters that would affect a significant portion of the population, such as “hurricanes, tsunamis, gas leaks, mass casualty incidents”. In the event that the island’s main telecommunications providers are “knocked out of commission” during a storm, alerts can be sent via the SMS messaging format. Alerts are available for 24 hours unless the relevant agencies need to update them. Best known as the head of the Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society, Saffrey, who along with Wendell Beckles developed the app, said they hoped to have 30,000 subscribers on board before yearend, and over 100,000 before the start of next year’s Atlantic hurricane season in June. He commended the corporate entities represented on the app for “powering the app under their corporate social responsibility banner, and that is how we have been able to offer it free”. The app developer said the duo has been approached about offering the service elsewhere in the Caribbean and are “looking at partnering with CDEMA in order to facilitate that”. Bajan Alert is accessible on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/warningbajans/) and is available for download as a smartphone app in the Android (Google Play Store) and iPhone (iTunes) environments. (BT)

BARBADOS BLACKLISTED – The forum of the world’s richest nations has placed Barbados on a blacklist of 21 countries whose so-called “golden passport” schemes are deemed a threat to efforts to combat tax evasion. While Barbados does not have a citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programme, this country was placed on the list because of its provisions for a Special Entry and Residence Permit, according to the report. The Freundel Stuart administration had offered High Net Worth Individuals the option to be granted indefinite Special Entry Permits.  The Special Entry Permits allow non-nationals to enter and depart from the island as they wish, as well as stay for indefinite periods of time. According to several offshore finance and expatriate advisory websites promoting the initiative, non-nationals with a net worth of over US $5 million were to find “making a living, working and retiring in Barbados easy”. “A high net worth individual (HNWI) may apply for a Special Entry Permit (SEP) which gives him/her the right to reside, but not to work in Barbados,” according to local advice website, businessbarbados.com. The Immigration Department has Special Entries listed among its services on its website but makes no mention of what the holder is entitled to. In the list released on Tuesday, Barbados is among seven Caribbean territories, with the remainder comprising European and South American countries running with citizenship by investment or residency by investment (CBI/RBI) schemes. Among the neighbours listed are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis, which has sold 16,000 passports since relaunching its programme in 2006. The Paris-based organization analyzed the residence and citizenship schemes operated by 100 countries and named those jurisdictions that they believe attract investors by offering low personal tax rates on income from foreign financial assets, while also not requiring an individual to spend a significant amount of time in the country. Those wishing to “hide assets held abroad” could misuse these passports, the OECD argued. Pointing out that citizenship by investment scheme had ballooned into a US$3 billion industry, the OECD warned that the ease with which the wealthiest individuals can obtain another nationality is undermining information sharing. “Identity Cards and other documentation obtained through CBI/RBI schemes can potentially be misused to misrepresent an individual’s jurisdiction(s) of tax residence. Potentially high-risk CBI/RBI schemes are those that give access to a low personal income tax rate on offshore financial assets and do not require an individual to spend a significant amount of time in the location offering the scheme,” the OECD explained. Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson, who holds the responsibility for the Immigration Department, promised to provide a response after investigating the development, he told Barbados TODAY. Over the years Barbados has remained vehemently opposed to the citizenship by investment programme. As recently as last year, then Prime Minister Freundel Stuart raised concerns that its occurrence placed pressure on the freedom of movement among CARICOM nationals. Stuart reported that nationals of non-Caribbean countries took advantage of a Citizenship by Investment programme offered in a CARICOM member country to obtain passports of that territory and exercised their right to remain in Barbados for least six months without question as guaranteed under the CARICOM freedom of movement provisions. But he made comment on the impact that multiple entry visas afforded by Barbados own programme for rich non-nationals might or might not have had on the issue. At the time, Stuart spoke of the powerless position that the immigration authority found itself in when two such persons had opted to remain on the island after the United States Embassy for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, refused their applications for visas to travel to the US. “The American Embassy turned down the applications for the visas, but the persons involved said ‘we are not going back to where we came from, we have a right to six months stay in Barbados and we want to stay here under our six months stay under the freedom of movement regime,’” Stuart said. The former Pirme Minister said that the distress brought upon Barbados because of the uncertainty of the motive of these two CARICOM ‘nationals’ who are not welcomed in the United States is precisely what he was fighting against when in the past he objected to the citizenship based on investment programmes offered by sister territories. “I have fought them [heads of governments] at CARICOM over those programmes … because I say to them, when you grant these people citizenship of your country and Barbados is not a part of the transaction, those people become CARICOM citizens and have, based on our freedom of movement arrangements, the right to come into Barbados when they like and how they like although we don’t know them,” he said at the time.  (BT)

LAWMAKERS EYE CRIMINAL FORFEITURE – Laws are coming to help the Government go after the proceeds of crime, Attorney General Dale Marshall has revealed. Government is in the process of developing stronger legislation for criminal asset forfeiture, said Permanent Secretary Yvette Goddard in a speech delivered on Marshall’s behalf at a Mutual Legal Assistance workshop at Courtyard Marriot this morning. “Barbados is critically reviewing current legislative frameworks. The Cabinet of Barbados recently agreed to revisit its legislation relating to persons who benefit from criminal conduct. The Proceeds and Instrumentalities of Crime Bill is currently under study,” he said. Among areas to be considered are: the confiscation of terrorist assets, establishment of formalized asset-sharing abilities between countries, a Specific Asset Recovery Division in the Attorney General’s office and the creation of a dedicated confiscated assets fund established in accordance with the provisions of Part V of Transnational Organized Crime (Prevention and Control) Act 2011-3. Government was also considering the introduction of civil forfeiture legislation and strengthening criminal confiscation regimes against those who have been reasonably suspected of having gained assets through illegal means, it was revealed. Many criminal networks use cutting-edge information technology to orchestrate their criminal activities, to the extent that they have been able to develop prosperous business from their ill-gotten gains, the Attorney General said in the speech. The workshop, which draws together law enforcement officers from across the region, was reminded that Barbados was by no means alone in this thought process. Based on the recognition that crime has the potential to jeopardize the region’s stability as well as its investor confidence, most Caribbean territories were moving towards strengthening their laws to grapple with the increasing sophistication and complexities of crime, the Government’s chief legal advisor said. It was for this reason Marshall praised the forum as an additional opportunity to “strengthen linkages while serving as a precursor to formulating joint policy and legislation”, he said. “Let us not overlook the fact that criminal activity can damage the stability, confidence and reputation of countries within the region. It is recognized that such activities as human trafficking, fraud, insider trading, identity theft, money laundering, terrorism financing and security issues, have the potential to present the region with new challenges. “We must remember always that investors are monitoring our activities. Correspondingly, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) recognizes that this is also important to develop laws and protocols to strengthen regional responses to some of these activities,” the Attorney General’s speech continued.  (BT)

AULD LANG SYNE IN JAIL – A 35-year-old mason will spend Christmas and the New Year at HMP Dodds. Shane Omar Grazettes, of Phillip’s Road, St Stephen’s Hill, St Michael, was sentenced to nine months in prison today when he appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick. Grazettes who is known to the law courts pleaded guilty to destroying a shed to an unknown value, belonging to Marva Layne on October 14, as well as resisting and assaulting police constable Pedro Morris in the execution of his duty on the same day. Police were responding to the report made in relation to a damaged shed when the complainant identified Grazettes. As officer Morris approached the suspect he allegedly stated: “I have nothing to say to you” and then attempted to walk away. As the officer tried to detain him Grazettes started to struggle and struck the officer in the face. Grazettes was eventually subdued. “I apologize to the officer. I was under the influence of alcohol. I did not know about his face [but] I had a little spliff on me and I was trying to get away,” Grazettes told the magistrate just before he was sentenced to three months in prison on each offence. The sentences will run consecutively. (BT)

NO BAIL FOR ALLEGED CAR THIEF – Theft accused Jamar Kevin Lee Blackman, of no fixed place of abode, has claimed that while his fingerprints were found in a stolen motorcar he was not the one who took it. Blackman was not required to plead to the indictable charge that he stole the $40,000 vehicle and a $300 key belonging to Debra Nicholls on August 27. Station Sergeant Carson Henry objected to his bail based on his antecedents which showed he had a history of committing such offences, fears that he would interfere with the witness whom he knows as well as the seriousness of the offence. In his application for bail, Blackman told Magistrate Douglas Frederick that he has appeared in court every time he was granted bail although he did not have any matters pending at this time. “I tell them who it is that take away the car . . . because the people that do it does come around me. I end up borrowing the car to go for ice . . . that is how my fingerprints get on the car,” Blackman told the magistrate before he was remand to HMP Dodds until November 13. (BT)

‘HUNGRY’ TEEN GETS SIX MONTHS – Nineteen-year-old Selwyn Brian Miller does not have to wonder where his next meal is coming from for the next six months. The 2nd Avenue, Newbury, St George resident told Magistrate Douglas Frederick this afternoon that he committed a criminal offence because he wanted “something to eat”. The teenager made the comment after he pleaded guilty to loitering in David Cave’s yard on October 13 with intent to commit burglary. Cave was at home on the aforementioned date when he heard the neighbour’s dogs barking. He looked out and saw Miller on his property carrying a fruit picker and a bag containing paint cans. Miller ran away towards Collymore Rock when the homeowner came out to investigate. He was later apprehended by police. “I duh want something to eat that day. I was stealing paint to sell,” Miller revealed this afternoon. His guilty plea also triggered a six-month bond imposed back on July 6, which carried a one-month prison sentence. He was then sentenced to five months at HMP Dodds, which will run consecutive giving him a six-month prison term. (BT)

CHRONIC BOOZER – A self-confessed excessive drinker must be on his best behaviour for the next 12 months if he wants to avoid spending six months in prison. Gregg Sylvester Sealy, of No 75 Galloway Path, Waterford, St Michael found himself in trouble with the law when he committed three offences while under the influence of alcohol. When Sealy first appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick three weeks ago he pleaded guilty to having possession of cannabis on September 23. He had however denied assaulting and resisting special constable Kerryann Burnett in the execution of her duties on the same day. Station Sergeant Carson Henry said the special constable was at Rockley Beach when she noticed Sealy entering a car. He then reversed hitting her car which was parked nearby. As she approached he was seen smoking a cigarette with a pungent odour. She spoke to him and tried to retrieve the cigarette but instead, Sealy held on to Burnett’s waist and spun her around. They were subsequently separated. “To be honest with you I don’t even remember getting into my car. I woke up in the police station . . . and don’t know how I got there. Everybody told me I can’t control my drinks but I just like to drink,” Sealy, who was represented by an attorney today, previously said in his defence. The magistrate also ordered that Sealy attend and complete the walk-in drug rehabilitation programme at the Psychiatric Hospital. He will return to the No.1 District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court for a progress report on January 16, 2019. (BT)

HISTORY OF COLLAPSING – When Timothy Leroy Daniel left home around 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 15, his common law wife, Marva Green, patiently waited for him to return. He never did. On Monday, Green heard her daughter, Sofia, calling out at the gate of her home in Suttle Street, The City. Thinking she had brought Daniel home, her joy was shattered when she was told his body had been found along the ABC Highway. Earlier that day, C.O. Williams Construction workers stumbled across the decomposed body in a bushy area around 9:40 a.m. while debushing the Cummins section of the highway at Hinds Hill, St Michael. Police later revealed that Green’s national identification card was found on the body. “I had feel real hurt,” Green told THE NATION last night at District “A” Police Station, Station Hill, St Michael. “When my daughter told me, I broke into tears.” When a NATION team visited Daniel’s former place of residence in Sion Hill, St Patrick’s, Christ Church, his brother Hasley Stuart, nephew Ryan Daniel and cousin Harriott King were not aware he had passed away. (MWN)

‘BUMPY’ GONE! – Police appear close to formally identifying a badly decomposed body found yesterday near Hinds Hill, St Michael as that of Suttle Street pensioner Timothy Daniel. The body appears to be that of a male, clad in a T-shirt and boxers. A national registration card found in the boxers bears the name Timothy Leroy Daniel, aged 70, police said in a statement today. Daniel was reported missing since September 25. When Barbados TODAY visited The City community, some residents said they were hoping it was not Daniel, fondly known as Bumpy. Friend Walter Thomas said that Daniel was a retired worker of the Ministry of Transport and Works attached to the Eagle Hall depot, who was fond of “rum, beer, and Guinness”. Thomas recounted he saw his friend acting strangely in September, shortly before his disappearance. “A morning I saw him [with] shirt on his feet, short pants and a bag on his back acting strange through the alley there. In the night time when I came out by him, he had two white plastic bags to go to St George. The wife tell me that Bumpy put on a green shirt and run through the gate and gone. I ain’t saw him since then,” he said. “She went to the police station and made a statement that she husband is missing and she do not know where he is. Next thing they said that he was in Holetown as he used to like to follow the cricket,” Thomas told Barbados TODAY. Another friend, Anthony Collins, described Daniel as an ardent cricket fan. “I just know that he was a jovial guy, a fun-loving guy. He was an ardent cricket fan of the West Indies and YMPC. He was a lover of Collis King especially and he was the kind of man that would follow YMPC anywhere all over Barbados,” Collins recalled. Collins said that it would be devastating if police confirm that his friend has met such a tragic end. “It is sad to hear what happened but this is what happens in life and life must continue but it is sad he was a good guy,” Collins said, adding that now Bumpy had retired, his routine was drinking rum and making people laugh. “Normally he would be out here at the shop on a morning early; he would come and drink some rum with the guys. That was just his routine: just being out here and talking and making fun.” “I will miss that spirit, that kind of jovial kind of guy He [would] cuss and get on bad sometimes but he meant nothing by it,” Collins said. Other residents who spoke to Barbados TODAY echoed the description given by the two friends of an elderly man who enjoy talking about cricket and drinking rum. A road crew from C.O. Williams Construction stumbled upon the body believed to be that of the missing man atop a well while debushing an area off the Cummins section of the ABC Highway near the Hinds Hill junction. (BT)

LAW SUSPENDED BY ICC FOR OPENING TWO ODIS – West Indies head coach Stuart Law has been slapped with a two-match suspension by the International Cricket Council after being found guilty on a disciplinary charge of making “inappropriate comments” to officials. Law also received a 100 per cent fine in addition to three demerit points and with an accumulated four demerit points in a 24-month period, will now miss the first two One-Day Internationals of the five-match series in India which bowls off Sunday in Guwahati. The incident occurred on the third day of the final Test in Hyderabad on Sunday when Law entered the TV umpire’s room following the dismissal of opener Kieran Powell in the second innings, and made inappropriate comments. Law also visited the fourth umpire’s area where he also directed similar comments at the official, within the earshot of players. “Law was found guilty of breaching Level 2 Article 2.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in an International Match or any Player, Player Support Personnel, Match Official or team participating in any International Match, irrespective of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made’,” the ICC said in a statement. “As Law had received a 25 per cent fine and one demerit point during the final day’s play in the Dominica Test against Pakistan in May 2017, with the addition of these three demerit points, he has reached the threshold of four demerit points, which, pursuant to article 7.6 of the Code, have now been converted into two suspension points.” The Australian pleaded guilty to the charge and accepted the sanction set out by match referee Chris Broad. West Indies lost the match by ten wickets inside three days to suffer a clean sweep in the two-match series. Law made headlines earlier last month when he announced his intention to quit the Windies side at year end, following two years in charge.  (MWN)

PRIMARY SCHOOLS SHIFT NORTH STARS – President of the Barbados Cricket Association, Conde Riley, may not have given up on the North Stars Cricket Ground in St Lucy, but officials of the Guardian Group Herman Griffith Primary School’s Cricket Competition have. This was revealed by competition coordinator Sherwin Campbell at Tuesday’s launch of the 38th annual tournament at the Guardian Group headquarters. “This year, there will be no matches at North Stars due to a request from school officials. No one is comfortable playing at North Stars at this particular time. In the distant future, we will have games there,” said Campbell, the former Barbados and West Indies opening batsman. “Parents don’t want to take their children to a ground that isn’t safe. They want to feel comfortable with them being there. It is important at this level. At the senior level, it might be different because obviously they are adults, but at the junior level, you don’t want to take that sort of risk,” he said.  (MWN)

EATING PROPER SEES DAISY TO 100 – If you live a full life and eat to your heart’s delight, you may live to see your 100th birthday, says Barbados’ latest centenarian, Gwendolyn “Daisy” Mayers. She celebrated her milestone yesterday surrounded by relatives, friends and neighbours at her Savannah Road, Bank Hall, St Michael home. Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, who brought Daisy a bouquet, champagne and two birthday cards, was enjoying her company so much that she told her aide-de-camp and security officers she wanted to stay on a while longer. She also invited Daisy to Government House, adding she was free to stop by whenever she wanted. The centenarian said life was not only about working hard, but being happy and sharing that happiness with others. When asked what she thought contributed to her longevity, Daisy, who is diabetic, replied sharply: “Eating proper. I eat everything. I must have something proper and I would advise the youth to do the same too.” Although she suffers from pain in the knees, Daisy stays active. She said she enjoyed baking, washing clothes and cleaning her house, as those activities kept her independent. A day and night nurse tend to her weekly. She had two children but the eldest, Colin Mayers, passed away in April. She has five grandchildren and seven great-grands. Daisy grew up in Hillaby/Turners Hall, St Thomas, and later moved to Jackmans, St Michael. In 1966 she emigrated to the United States, where she stayed for over 20 years, before returning to Barbados. The devout Christian, a member of St Matthew’s Anglican Church, thanked God for allowing her to reach 100. She later dined with loved ones at a hotel. (MWN)

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 10/5/2018

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Friday 5th October 2018. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purchasing a Weekend Nation Newspaper (WN).

PENSION PINCH – Already heavily in debt, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) finds itself in a position where contributions alone can no longer cover benefits, with the Government’s debt crisis expected to eat into its investment returns and cash reserves even further, a financial service expert has warned. Actuarial consultant Lisa Wade has called for the NIS to issue its 2017 official report, suggesting that it would spur discussion on reforming the social security system. She said that up to 2012, contributions were ahead of benefits. But although this ended in 2014, the scheme was earning enough from its investments to cover the shortfall. She explained: “Up to 2012, we had $570 million in contributions, and $515 million in benefits. In 2014, we hit a tipping point with $530 million in contribution and $560 million in benefits. However, there was significant investment income earned every year, which is what NIS is using now to pay its benefits. Once again, in 2014 in terms of investment income and contributions we had $772 million, and all payments amounted to $584 million, so there was a surplus of $188 million.“Investigations carried out in 2014 showed that 2034 was a key year in which contributions plus investment would be less than benefits plus expenditure, so there has been some need to examine the system to see what we should do, because by 2034 it was projected this reserve fund would be drawn down on to meet benefit payments, and it was projected it would cover six years of expenditure and would be fully depleted by 2054. “But what has happened then is that prior to debt restructuring, it looked like we would have eight-and-a-half years of expenditure in the fund, but post restructuring it’s looking more like six years.” The consultant said Barbados’ ageing population held serious implications for the future of the 51-year-old scheme, now mired in $430 million in debt. “A significant number of Barbadians are now over 55 years old, so the proportion of the population not working and contributing to the NIS is growing. So, you have a situation where more people are drawing benefits, but fewer people are keeping it going with their contributions. Now what does this mean for society in terms of resource allocation? Do we focus on the younger people or the retirees?” she queried. The actuary, from the Canadian actuarial consulting firm of Eckler, was addressing participants at the firm’s investment policy review at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. She spoke on the subject of the debt restructuring plans’ impact on pension funds. Wade called on the NIS to complete its report for the period ending last December 31 as quickly as possible to give a better picture of its present state. “Given the multidimensional nature of pension schemes, we must have consultations on its future with all parties involved and reach a broad-based consensus on any proposed pension reform.” (BT)

PUBLIC WORKERS CREDIT UNION ‘UNDER SCRUTINY’  - The island’s largest credit union is coming under intense scrutiny from a group of concerned members calling for an urgent special general meeting to get answers from the board to what they consider some troubling issues. But the directors of the Barbados Public Workers Cooperative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL) plan to bare all to the membership in an attempt to prevent “a totally false picture” of impropriety from emerging at the billion-dollar credit union, Barbados TODAY has learned. With tomorrow being the deadline given by the group for the directors to respond to their request for the meeting, spokesperson for the concerned members, Marsha Hinds, said their agenda includes discussion on the forensic audit which the credit union’s supervisory committee had urged since last year. “We clearly said [in a letter to the board] that we wanted to discuss the changes to the governance structure of the credit union; that we wanted to discuss the suggestion by the supervisory committee for a forensic audit to be done and that we wanted to discuss any and all other matters relating to the financial management and prudence of the credit union,” Hinds-Layne told Barbados TODAY this afternoon. But a top official of the credit union dismissed the group’s claims regarding the forensic audit, suggesting that they gave an incorrect impression that something was amiss at the credit union. “The question of an audit: these are things being thrown about which paint a totally false picture. People are saying things without any evidence. It is not good, giving an impression that there is something there to be hidden,” said the source who declined to be identified as he was not authorized by the board to speak on the matter. Hinds-Layne had charged the board appeared to be dragging its feet on having the meeting to deal with their concerns. But in a swift rebuttal, the official told Barbados TODAY that the meeting will be held in two weeks, with updates on the group corporate redesign and the supervisory internal audit on the agenda. “We are going to come with a full presentation . . . . All members can come and ask whatever they want to,” said the executive, adding that nothing will be hidden as there is nothing sinister going on in the credit union. Since the cooperative financial institution was formed in May 1970 with the savings of civil servants and public sector workers, it has grown into one of the nation’s financial powerhouses with more than $900 million in assets from 73,000 members. In an historic move in 2010, BPWCCUL acquired Capita Financial Services Inc., a mortgage and finance company which operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary in Barbados and St. Lucia. (BT)

PAY DELAY – The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) is pressing for a speedy end to the “exploitation” of Psychiatric Hospital nurses who have not been paid for up to six months, General Secretary of the NUPW Roslyn Smith said tonight. The top civil servant in the Ministry of Health is said to be looking into the case, Barbados TODAY has been told. Smith sent the names of the nurses to the Personnel Administration Division which were then placed in the Government’s electronic payroll system, she said. “But there are other persons that I understand, that it has something to do with the appraisal of the workers in order that the information can be sent on for them to be paid,” she said. The appraisal is a personnel function within the Psychiatric Hospital which, Smith said, has to be addressed urgently. “When it comes to workers working six months, nine months and not being paid, it is an area of concern because persons are then expected to be at work, appearing in the appropriate uniform,” she told Barbados TODAY. “You have [to buy] toiletries and other things that make you fit for work. And you are just going and you still have you mortgage and your rent to pay and no money. I don’t take that lightly. That is like exploitation,” she added. The union leader said she will be pushing for the nurses to be paid especially considering that other public sector employees have been given their salaries complete with the Government’s five per cent increase while the psychiatric nurses have not even received their normal monthly pay. “It is a lopsided affair. So, I am trying to bring balance to the whole thing that those workers be paid their salary. Other persons have received the five per cent and looking towards receiving the back pay . . . so we are trying to have a level playing field,” the NUPW general secretary said. “You can’t be working that length of time and people [employers] now trying to get you on to the system to be paid because you are prompted. People are paid to do that job and I am quite sure those persons who are given that task and they fail to do it and you had to hold back their salary until that is done, it would be another story. So it is a thing of looking after your brother,” Smith contended. She expressed concern about the sloth with which administrative personnel logged the unpaid nurses into the payroll system so they could be paid. “You getting paid and you know that their destiny is in your hands to be paid and you are not making an effort to have it done. That is fundamentally wrong,” she said. The Barbados Nurses Association said it was also looking into the case of the unpaid caregivers. “We will be investigating the matter,” said president Joannah Waterman. The director of the Psychiatric Hospital David Leacock told Barbados TODAY the matter was being addressed by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health. (BT)

D-DAY FOR BONDHOLDERS – If you hold Treasury Notes, Treasury Bills and Debentures in the name of the Government of Barbados, you have until five o’clock Friday evening to accept the proposal for restructured debt, the IMF official attached to the Government has said. The official, Barbados-born economist Dr Kevin Greenidge, who has been embedded in the Government as a senior technical advisor, issued the reminder while accepting that the proposed haircut and drawn-out payment terms would be difficult for many Barbadian citizens holding Government paper. Government recognized that the terms were difficult ones, as individuals and pensioners were being asked to stretch out the repayment of their debt to 15 years, and accept reduced interest rates, he said in a Government Information Service release. “But these changes have become necessary because the debt burden is otherwise unsustainable, and continued repayments would only further undermine the Barbados dollar,” he noted. The Central Bank is to tally the responses to the offer letters and an announcement should be made on the final decision a week from Friday, he announced. “After that, the Central Bank will place the new bonds in accounts for each person and input the bank payment information it receives. As part of the modernizing process, the Central Bank will no longer send out physical certificates for the new bonds, and will need to collect previously issued certificates for Notes and Debentures. Interest payments will be made on December 31, 2019, for the new bonds,” he explained. (BT)

WISHLIST FOR BOOSTING SMALL BUSINESS – A 50-million-dollar war chest and a guaranteed market for entrepreneurs are included in a three-prong wishlist to boost small businesses that their association wants Government to implement. And the President of the Small Business Association (SBA), Dean Straker, has urged an end to “piecemeal” approaches and broken promises in boosting money, markets and management for small and medium business enterprises (SMEs), if they are to help rebuild Barbados’ economy. Speaking during the Association’s 25th Annual Awards Ceremony, Straker called for greater access to capital, access to markets and training and education of entrepreneurs. “For some time we have been lobbying for improved financial resources for the sector, not the piece-meal responses we have seen in the past, but a significant effort that will impact the volumes of SMEs needed to create economic activity.” While the association welcomed the new administration’s trust loans initiative, Straker did not think it would be enough to “drive the kind of growth needed within the economy. “So the Government may need to look at the small funds available and establish one major fund that can be leveraged to create a pool of $50 million or more to finance entrepreneurial development in the next two years,” he said On access to markets, Straker called on Government to make good on a past promise to procure more of its products and services from SMEs. “The previous administration promised to dedicate 40 per cent of their purchases to us but that never materialised. Since Government is a major buyer of goods and services, it represents an opportunity for SMEs to capture markets.” Beyond that, however, SMEs must seek to export, and in that respect, “export schemes that have been dormant in some agencies need to be revived and technical assistance provided through whatever mechanism is most capable, to build capacity among SMEs to make their products more internationally viable.” On the third prong – regarding training and education for entrepreneurs – Straker cited the success of the SBA’s community training programme in association with the Rural Development Commission over the last 15 years. But, the SBA president said, “We must also ensure entrepreneurs can manage their resources properly or they will fail to achieve sustainable growth.” Straker stated that as Barbados embarks on its recovery process, “the SBA will have to explore greater alliances with policymakers, the donor community, business support organisations and academia, to network on development strategies that will catalyse SME growth.” The big winners on the SBA’s awards night included the Copyright Society of Artists, Composers and Producers (COSCAP), which received the Group Member Sectoral Award, while O’s Inc. won an award for Agro-Processing as well as the Minister’s Award. “Caribbean Dreams” magazine won the President’s Award, while the R.L. Mark Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award and the coveted Small Business of the Year prize went to ten-year-old food and beverage firm Terasu Inc., formed by chef Michael Hinds. (BT)

‘STOP WASTING VISITORS’ TIME’, REGION TOLD – If time is money, then one hospitality industry specialist believes Barbados and other regional tourist destinations are losing significant sums each year due to time wasted at certain points along travellers’ journeys. Tourists visiting the Caribbean could spend less time going through fast tracked processes like clearing immigration and checking in at hotels, according to Vice President of Sales and Head of Marketing in the Americas for Busy Rooms Ltd, Casey Davy. He argued that if the time spent on those activities could be reduced, regional destinations could witness a jump in their revenue intake as tourists find more time to enjoy the destination and spend more on entertainment, food and shopping. “One of the most underrated concepts is time. You travel for three hours to get to the airport and you are ready to spend money because you are ready to enjoy your time, but you spend an hour in immigration or an hour checking in. That is money the destination is not getting,” Davy told participants during the annual Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2018 here. Davy, who was part of a panel discussion on modernizing visitor experiences, could not give an estimate of the revenue that destinations could be losing as a result of delays. But he later suggested to Barbados TODAY that the visitor’s trips could be enhanced, especially for inter-regional travellers, given that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was considered one region. Busy Rooms Ltd describes itself as a revenue, marketing and distribution service company, which connects accommodation providers with online distribution outlets. “Individuals have to be spending time in lengthy lines when they could be spending more money in the destination and or get into where they need to quicker. It is a huge issue in terms of revenue that the economy is not getting,” he said. “So the issue of fast tracking through immigration is something that needs to be handled very quickly and efficiently within the Caribbean especially for inter-Caribbean travel. Individuals travel from one destination within the Caribbean to another and still have to go through lengthy processes in immigration [this] could be between an hour to an hour and a half at times,” he stressed. Government recently installed more than a dozen automated passport kiosks at the Grantley Adams International Airport under a pilot project aimed at fast tracking the immigration process. In addition to automated passport control kiosks, governments could consider introducing the registered travel service, in order to allow CARICOM nationals to have faster entry through each island’s border. “Individuals can easily swipe a card and fast track themselves through the immigration process. It is not just an [issue] that needs to be solved by technology, it requires the interaction, communication and collaboration with governments and it can only start there. The technology will come in to assist and enhance that procedure that is agreed upon,” he explained. During the panel discussions on Wednesday, officials also raised concern about the slow pace in which the region was moving to embrace technology in order to help modernize and enhance the visitor experience. And while members of the audience raised concern that technology could displace some jobs, panelists argued that new jobs could be created, while using Uber and blogging as examples of opportunities that were created from new technologies. (BT)

AIR SPACE – Just as Barbados added more taxes to airline tickets, Caribbean governments are being told lower taxes and a single airspace would “free up the Caribbean skies” and encourage more intra-regional travel. High taxes and a lack of cohesive legislation continue to be the major hindrances to the expansion of the airline industry and inter-regional travel within the Caribbean, say industry experts, who placed the long-standing issues back on the table during the State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2018 here. Among those leading the charge against the high taxation was the island-hopping airline LIAT, which is part owned by Barbados. LIAT’s Legal Counsel Diane Shurland challenged participants in a panel discussion on regional aviation to book a LIAT ticket online to realize that government taxes accounted for approximately half the airfare in many instances. “I challenge you to go on liat.com and search for flights let’s say between Barbados and Antigua or St Lucia and Antigua and then when you pull up the fare, look at it closely . . . it is a rap sheet of taxes,” she said. “It is near impossible to encourage people to travel to support the tourism industry if you have growing taxes, fees and charges. It is near 50 per cent of your ticket cost and look at the description of the charges and judge for yourself. It makes the industry extremely difficult,” she added. When Barbados TODAY searched for a ticket between Bridgetown and St John’s for travel for one week from January 20, the cheapest price found was US$379.70. Of that amount there were eight Barbados taxes and fees amounting to US$141.95. The airfare alone was merely US$80. On the return leg from Antigua and Barbuda there were six charges amounting to US$77.75, while LIAT’s price was also US$80. Barbados, the majority shareholder in LIAT, has long been criticized for its high taxes associated with travel going back over successive administrations. But that did not stop Government from introducing a fee of $70 (US$35) on travellers within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and $140 (US$70) on international travel, which took effect October 1, as part of a wider revenue-raising austerity package. Agreeing that ticket prices were simply too high because of the various government taxes, Chief Executive Officer of InterCaribbean Airways, Trevor Sadler, suggested that governments charge regional travellers only a portion of the tax rate that they apply to international travellers. “Air service is a critical component. Unfortunately, many governments have seen it as the cash cow. The airport is like Las Vegas . . . and naturally you just keep trying to extract a little more and a little more,” he said. By taxing the regional travellers less than international travellers, economies in the Caribbean could experience an increase in tourist spend, Sadler argued. “People are going to put that money in taxes back into the economy be it one more night at an hotel, two more beers, three more dinners, four more t-shirts. “You just might not be able to measure it in the same way. This is how we can address inter-Caribbean travel, by reducing taxation. It will surely stimulate a greater amount of travel,” said Sadler. He declared that his company would be introducing a new flight from one of its destinations to Barbados this coming winter. But he declined to say from where the Turks and Caicos-based airline would fly to Barbados and when the exact commencement date would be. He would only disclose that it would be “a couple flights per week and then we would build frequency with the potential to connect to other markets”. LIAT’s Shurland also welcomed movement in relation to the CARICOM Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA) with the signing on of several of the 15 member-states earlier this year. But she said implementation of the agreement was simply too slow, suggesting it was time regional governments “free the Caribbean skies”. “We have no domestic flights. All LIAT’s flights are international flights in one Caribbean. That is something that really must change,” she said. Pointing to the experience of travel during the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean, Shurland added that this was “the best time for Caribbean travel”. “We moved freely, we moved frequently and we moved without restrictions. Was there any crisis, any security issues out of that movement? No. Why then in the Caribbean must we treat our travelling public, locals and tourists alike, as if they are flying between New York and London every day, why can you not move freely?” she asked. The experts’ comments came as they participated in a panel discussion on the topic Aviation: The Sky is the Limit, as SOTIC continued here at the famed Atlantis resort.  (BT)

NO BEDBUG INFESTATION – While bedbugs are a public nuisance, they are not a public health problem. Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth George said Barbados does not have a bedbug infestation, only isolated reports, most of which they could not confirm following investigations. However Chief Environmental Health Officer Francina Bascombe advised anyone who suspected they had bedbugs in their home to seek professional help, as they were resistant to conventional insecticides. (WN)

GIVE YOUR BEST, STUDENTS TOLD – Being the “brightest” in your class is great. But that will not always help you to land the job. Chief Research and Planning Officer Ricardo Norville made these remarks to several secondary school students today at the Queens Park Steel Shed during the EDUNATION Forum. “You could be the brightest person in the pack but if you can’t communicate and if you have an attitude, you still won’t have a job,” he said. During his presentation, he also encouraged students to work on improving their attitudes and deportment. Norville, who sits on several panels which select scholarship winners, said according to studies conducted, some school-leavers were lacking in good conflict resolution skills as well as innovative skills. “Some people would walk into an interview with a T-Shirt, bag on the side smelling musty. “So work on your game, you’re not going to get very far if you do that because we have to keep international standards too. “When you work for us and you have to go outside there and work. You don’t represent only yourself, you represent the country of Barbados,” Norville advised.  (WN)

QEH LABOUR WARD TEMPORARILY RELOCATED – The public is asked to note that the Labour Ward of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has been temporarily relocated to Ward B2, located on the second floor of the main building. This provisional relocation was prompted by the malfunction of the air conditioning unit used to cool the ward, and took effect from yesterday, and will continue until Friday, December 14, to allow for the necessary repairs. The QEH regrets any inconvenience caused. (BGIS)

BTPA TO CLOSE AT NOON TODAY -  The Barbados Tourism Product Authority (BTPA), located at Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St. Michael, will close at noon today, Friday, October 5.  This is to allow staff to attend a funeral.  Normal business hours will resume on Monday, October 8.  (BGIS)

NATIONAL DISABILITIES UNIT CLOSED UNTIL MONDAY –The National Disabilities Unit, located at the NUPW Headquarters, Dalkeith, St. Michael, was closed today, as a result of an electrical problem.  The office will re-open on Monday, October 8. (BGIS)

MISSING: KISHMAR COLLYMORE – Police are seeking the assistance of the public in locating a missing boy.  He is Kishmar Collymore, 16, of Apartment 1 Ronn Court Apartments, Rendevous, Christ Church.  He was last seen yesterday around 6 p.m. by his mother Keisha Holmes of the same address. At the time, he was wearing a baby blue short pants, a burgundy, dark blue and cream ¾ shirt and a pair of brown Adidas slippers. Kishmar is of slim build, with a dark complexion. He is about five feet eight inches tall, and he has a longish head and face, normal forehead and protruding ears.  His right ear is pierced once and his left ear is pierced twice.  He has dark brown eyes; a medium nose with flared nostrils and his teeth protrude slightly.  He has a tattoo of clasped hands on the right side of his chest with the word “Victor” written under it.  Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kishmar Collymore is asked to contact police emergency number 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800 -TIPS (8477), District ‘A’ Police Station at 430-7246, or 430-7242 or the nearest police station. (WN)

TRUCKER’S BRUSH WITH DEATH – Coleridge Parris was visibly shaken by the moment that could have been his last. The 65-year-old freighter was driving along the Graeme Hall stretch of the ABC Highway when a white SUV came flying towards his blue truck. If not for the jersey barrier separating the dual-carriage way highway, the jeep driven by 64-year-old Orlando Cozier would have crashed directly into his truck. Stunned by the sight that was unfolding in front of him, a startled Parris slammed into a pole, damaging the fender of his vehicle. Cozier of Kingsland, Christ Church, who was removed from the overturned vehicle by firefighters, was taken to hospital. Speaking to Barbados TODAY as police closed off the highway to investigate the accident, Parris was still in disbelief. It all happened so suddenly that he still could not process the details, he said. “I was coming down the road on the right lane and I just see the jeep come around a corner, little past a white van, and the guy . . . went airborne,” Parris recalled. He went on to reveal that vehicle bounced into the barrier once before flipping over and landing on the side of the road. “I glad he didn’t come over the bar because he would have had me good,” he added. As Parris spoke to Barbados TODAY, Cozier’s son, who declined to reveal his name, appeared distraught at the scene. No further details of the condition or injuries of the elder Cozier were available up to news-time. (BT)

MAN INJURED IN HIGHWAY ACCIDENT– One man was injured in a serious accident on the Barrow section of the ABC Highway around 3:10 this afternoon. He is 64-year-old Orlando Cozier of Kingsland, Christ Church, who was the driver of the lone vehicle involved in the accident. Cozier was extracted from his vehicle by personnel from the Barbados Fire Service and taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.  (WN)

WOMAN CHARGED WITH THEFT – Police have charged 29-year-old Erica Sabrina Chandler with theft. Chandler, of #2 Erdiston Hill, St Michael, was accused of stealing items today, while at Sunset Crest, St James. She appeared before Magistrate Wanda Blair at the Holetown Court where she pleaded not guilty. She was granted $2 000 bail with one surety and is scheduled to reappear on February 12, 2019.  (WN)

MESSAGE LEADS TO 100 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE – The woman who was charged last month under the Computer Misuse Act, has been ordered to serve 100 hours of community service. Kimberly Natasha Stuart, 29, of 5th Avenue Marshall Gap, New Orleans, St Michael, was not required to plead to using a cell phone to send an electronic communication that was intended to be obscene and intended to cause Keisha Mitchell annoyance, distress or anxiety on September 20. Stuart admitted to the offence when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Christopher Birch on September 27. She remains on $750 bail, and is scheduled to reappear before Magistrate Wayne Clarke in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court on January 15. (WN)

SUSPENDED JAIL TERM FOR PAYNE – A 57-year-old painter was handed a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to having four cocaine rocks in his possession. Police found the contraband on Harold McDonald Payne, of Ashdean Village, St Michael, while they were on patrol at Black Rock, St Michael yesterday. They spotted him riding a bicycle while holding two pieces of lumber on his shoulder. According to Acting Station Sergeant Cameron Gibbons when Payne saw the officers he dropped the lumber. He was stopped and questioned about the items and a search of his person was requested to which he consented. The drug worth $40 was found in a cigarette box. He was sentenced to eight months in prison which was suspended for a year. (BT)

DRUG OFFENDER TO GET AN ASSESSMENT  - A 47-year-old man will spend the next three weeks at the Psychiatric Hospital being assessed by doctors. Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant sent Ricardo Orlando Streaks, of no fixed place of abode, to the institution after he pleaded for help for his drug addiction. He had moments before pleaded guilty to having two cocaine apparatus in his possession. He will return to the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrate Court on October 31. (BT)

ACCUSED GUNSLINGER REMANDED – A 27-year-old man got an automatic 28-day stay at HMP Dodds when he appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court today. Raphael Monroe Trotman, of Munroe Village, Dash Valley, St George, is accused of entering the home of Junior Phillips as a trespasser on August 8 and inflicting serious bodily harm on him while he was armed with a firearm. He is also accused of using a firearm on the same day while allegedly committing the crime of aggravated burglary. Trotman, who is represented by attorney-at-law Shadia Simpson, was not required to plead to the indictable charges. He has been remanded to return before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant on November 1.  (BT)

CONTEMPTUOUS! – If accused David Nathaniel Lynch thought an apology for his “extreme” expletive-laden outburst in the District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court 24-hours prior would suffice, he was sorely mistaken. Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant today sentenced the 24-year-old, of Roger’s Road, The Ivy, St Michael, to a one-year jail term for contempt of court. It’s the first time since being called to the bench, that Cuffy-Sargeant has ever had to impose such a sentence as she has previously admonished or ordered that the offender be removed from the court as prescribed by law. This afternoon, Lynch who explained that he had been “on remand for four calendar years” apologised for yesterday’s outburst. “It pains my brain that I am in jail so long, four calendar years, and nothing is being done with my matters, not even a file ma’am . . . and the prosecutor saying one thing every month,” Lynch, who is charged with several offences under the Firearms Act said. “This playing with my mind ma’am because it seems to me that I am being unfaired by this court, ma’am. So I am asking for your forgiveness for using disrespectful language towards you, ma’am. I am also asking you for your sympathy from your heart to forgive me,” said Lynch, who had told the magistrate, among other things, to “carry your r******,” as he left the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court yesterday. However, that apology fell on deaf ears today as Cuffy-Sargeant explained to Lynch that she had been “working very hard” and “trying my best” to get his matters going but they were time-consuming as he was charged for “several very serious matters” including those under the Firearms Act that involved not only different co-accused but also several complainants. She further explained that he had previously mentioned that one of the complainants in a 2014 case was no longer interested in her case but that person had not given the court any such indication while others had said that they wanted their matters to go to trial. “So it is unfair to say to the wider public that nothing is being done. These are complicated matters . . . and as a result of a simple request . . . you turned on the court and utterly disrespected the court.” Making it clear that it was her duty to safeguard the court the magistrate informed Lynch that he was not the only one with rights as an accused person but that the complainants also had rights. “When you come to court . . . certain protocols . . . must be followed. You did not only disrespect the court but you also disrespected the prison officer . . . and the prosecutor who were trying to calm you down yesterday. “That type of behaviour cannot be overlooked as . . . [it] was extreme. It is also not the first time that you have behaved that way and this court has accepted several apologies from you and tried to work with you,” the magistrate explained as she handed down the sentence on the grounds that Lynch used violent, insulting, indecent, abusive language in court and to a sitting magistrate. Cuffy-Sargeant further explained that she had admonished Lynch on several occasions in the past for his behaviour and had also ordered him to be removed from the court. The other penalty for such an offence is the imposition of a fine. However, the magistrate made it clear that the sentence was for contempt in the face of the court and not on the charges that Lynch currently faces. Those cases, which include the use of a firearm with intent to commit the indictable offence of wounding with intent and engaging in conduct that placed six people in danger of death or serious bodily harm, will come up again for hearing on October 31. (BT)

OVAL PITCH BLACK –The resumption of play after lunch in the Super50 contest between Barbados Pride and Leeward Islands Hurricanes, has been delayed due to an issue with the lights. Barbados posted 181 for nine after winning the toss and opting to bat, but a technical issue with the lights has delayed the response from the Hurricanes for more than 90 minutes. Chief executive officer of Kensington Oval Management Inc. (KOMI) Ben Toppin told the media that an additional generator is being brought in to power the lights at the southeastern end of the ground. The remaining light towers are currently working. According to Toppin, the problem seems to be related to a burst main earlier in the day that may have flooded the underground connection due to the high water table following the recent rains. (WN)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 88 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

[thechasefiles]

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 10/4/2018

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Thursday 4th October 2018. Remember you can read full articles by purchasing Daily Nation Newspaper (DN), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

POLICE: SAY SOMETHING – If you know someone who is keeping a gun or carrying one, report it to the police. That is the appeal from Deputy Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce, as officers were called to investigate yet another shooting on Wednesday. The morning quiet of Garden Land, Country Road, St Michael, was shattered by four gunshots. Police said Renico Murray, a resident, was shot around 10:30 a.m. and taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by private vehicle. “We are always asking people for any information that can lead to offenders or persons who commit crime. That public appeal is not limited to those recent events. It is a very general appeal where if you know something, say something,” Boyce told THE NATION. “If you know somebody who is holding a firearm, who is keeping a firearm, who is carrying a firearm, you can identify a police officer and share the information with them,” he said. (DN)

PRIESTS READY TO HELP PARENTS – Chairman of the Barbados Christian Council, Canon Noel Burke, is urging parents with troubled children to reach out to the church for assistance. Speaking against a background of the current spate of gun violence across the island, the Anglican priest said churches were “open morning, noon and night and persons must avail themselves of the opportunities to speak to pastors, since many churches had people trained to deal with children, young people and their issues”. Over the last week, there have been a number of incidents involving the use of guns, with one resulting in death. Observing that young people were often the perpetrators of violent crime, Burke urged parents to be aware of what was happening with their children. “From early, parents have to learn to supervise what their children are doing, what their friends and what their linkages are,” Burke said.  (DN)

FIRE LEAVES FAMILY OF FIVE HOMELESS – A Christ Church family of five is now homeless after fire destroyed their home at Silver Hill this afternoon. Forty-year-old Junior Lowe, 27-year-old Shanice Am, 60-year-old Abdul Am and two children ages 12 and eight lived at the wooden house. Seven fire officers and two fire tenders responded to the blaze, which occurred around 1:15 p.m. Police are continuing investigations.  (BT)

POLICE INVESTIGATE COUNTRY ROAD SHOOTING - Police are currently on the scene of a shooting in Country Road, St Michael. Reports are that an unidentified male was shot and was taken to the hospital by private vehicle. Residents in the area told THE NATION that just before 11 a.m. four gunshots rang out, followed by loud screams.  (DN)

CHEESE THIEF GOES HOME – Forty-year-old Gaylan Alphonso Marshall is a free man. Marshall, of no fixed place of abode, who spent the last 28-days on remand at HMP Dodds was today sentenced to time served. He recently pleaded guilty to stealing $57.85 worth of items from Massy Stores when he appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant in the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court. Marshall, took four blocks of cheese from the store’s Worthing, Christ Church branch and was observed by a security guard. (BT)

PRESCOD ON WOUNDING CHARGE – A 27-year-old mechanic has been banned from venturing into Nelson Street and its environs until a wounding charge against him is fully ventilated in court. Rasheed Kamal Prescod, of Bartletts Tenantry, Sargeant’s Village, Christ Church, who was granted $5,000 bail, must also report to the Worthing Police Station every Thursday by noon with valid identification. Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant imposed the conditions after Prescod pleaded not guilty to a charge of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Anthony Mapp on October 1. Prescod who pleaded not guilty to the charge will return before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant on January 17, 2019. The accused is represented by attorney-at-law Marlon Gordon. (BT)

STICKY FINGERS DUO – Two homeless burglars, 47-year-old Richard Ricardo Jordan and 27-year-old Damien Shamar Griffith, have been sentenced to over two years at HMP Dodds. The duo, who were both recorded as having no fixed place of abode and have a long history with the court, appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant today. Both men admitted that they entered De House Bar and Grill as trespassers between September 24 and 25 and stole an assortment of alcoholic beverages as well as 14 empty cases of bottles and a cooler bag with a total value of $2,748.50 belonging to Kimberly Neblett. Jordan also admitted to returning to the bar and grill between the 27 and 29 September, this time on his own where he stole two cases of beer, a bottle of petroleum gas, a case of chicken and a tent valued $1,015 in total, also belonging to Neblett. The two burglars also hit the offices of Power by Four during the same period and stole a bag, a CCTV monitor, a remote control and $216 worth of drinks with an overall total of $606 belonging to Chetwyn Stewart. Jordan also returned on his own and stole a jacket, three t-shirts, two bags and a paddle tennis racket worth $521. Griffith also struck on his own on September 29 and stole a cellular phone worth $400 belonging to Fabian Durant also from the Power By Four office. In all the burglaries the owners of the establishments secured their businesses but returned the following day to find one of their doors damaged and their property missing. Both men asked for help for their drug addictions when they were given a chance to explain their actions. “Ma’am, I suffer from short-term memory loss,” Griffith, who is described as having quite a history for committing similar offences, revealed as he pointed to a scar to the back of his head. “Your Worship, after all this Ma’am . . . I still face a problem that I really wanted help for . . . . I still believe that there is a God and no one can’t take that from me . . . . I will just like some help,” Griffith explained while Jordan who the magistrate said had an even longer history before the court said: “I was given 27 months before and I was awarded the [drug rehabilitation] programme and not one day that I was in jail that I get the rehab programme. I left jail and still didn’t get it. I would like to come back before you when I finish this sentence so you can send me to a programme.” The two were sentenced to two years in prison and two nine-month sentences to run consecutively. (BT)

NO UBER! – Bridgetown Taxi operators today shouted a loud no to the suggestion that ride-sharing phenomenon Uber could soon reach Barbadian shores. When Barbados TODAY visited the Independence Square Taxi stand this morning, drivers said they feared Uber would deprive them of their livelihoods. Taxi operator Steve Yarde said that the industry was already unsustainable, adding that drivers only enjoy five flourishing months a year. “The island is saturated with taxis as it is now and the amount of work that is sustainable cannot sustain everybody. There are probably five good months in a year and then it is ‘dog eat dog’ out here to get a job,” Yarde said, adding that with the ailing economy some Barbadians, were unable to afford to take a taxi opting instead for a minibus or route taxi. “The economy is sluggish at the moment. There are a lot of people who cannot afford and I am talking locals now; who cannot afford to catch a taxi. So, they catch ZR’s or buses.  So, if [Uber] were to come here now I do not know how it would work really. I think having local people using their cars to pick up other people obviously would affect everybody that is in the taxi business in a negative way,” he told Barbados TODAY. Yarde was of the opinion that Uber would be a waste of time as most taxi operators receive work from trusted clientele, some of whom have been transported by a particular taxi for years. “You find the guys that are working in the local market have their own clientele and these people are faithful to them because they can trust work. Females that want to go out feting would prefer to drive with their own taxi guy that they know for years, he said, adding that some days taxi men could operate an entire day an only receive a minimum of $10 or $20. “Uber has a good representation in the international market as it is right now; I do not know if bringing it to Barbados will make any sense as it is a waste of time. All it is going to do is confuse the whole [taxi industry] in Barbados with the amount of taxis we got that laying idle because you could be you there whole day and only make $10 or $20 a day, Yarde said. “I think it is a backward step as far as I am concerned where the Government has decided to grant these people a permit to operate in Barbados,” he said. Another taxi operator, who wished to be unidentified, expressed ominous feelings of the impact the San Francisco-based peer-to-peer transport company could have in Barbados but also suggested it would fail. “I don’t feel good. Things out here hard already and then when they come it will be harder. Well, it will not only affect my one it will affect other people. I do not feel it will last long in Barbados a lot of people will not want to catch that,” he said, adding that tourists already preferred to catch the PSV’s which they refer to as the “Reggae Bus” and are not keen to take a cab. “Up to the other day, I was driving some tourists and they said they would prefer the ‘reggae bus’ and the Transport Board bus because they like the music playing in their ears,” he said. The taxi operator said that Government’s announcement that they would explore Uber would not benefit cab drivers whose main income is from the number of fares they receive per day. “If Uber come, it is not going to benefit we that out here hussling trying to get a dollar to feed we family; that is [taking] bread out of we mouth,” he said. Minister of Tourism Kerrie Symmonds appeared to share the taxi operators’ lack of enthusiasm for the ride-sharing firm’s entry into Barbados, saying he wanted to meet with taxi operators. “We want to meet with taxi operators within the next week or two with a view of discussing options on how to improve business. We’re not enthusiastic about Uber generally because that will allow persons with deep pockets to become dominant so we are trying to make the small man get a greater share,” the Minister said as Tourism Week began last week. But in Broad Street, the minister’s words were met with the loud expletives of furious taxi men who were fearful of Uber’s impact on their industry while saying they were convinced it would fail here. “Do not bring that ‘bout hey we don’t want [no] Uber; we want money. Do not bring Uber, bring ships, bring tourists that spending money,” said a taxi operator who called himself ‘Dragon Slayer’. Another opined that as some Barbadians do not have credit cards, they would not be able to use the Uber service. “Everybody ain’t got a credit card to book a taxi. For the very few people who goin’ benefit is the companies like Foster Ince and them, not the single man working. Them [taking] the bread out of we ‘mout’ every single day, every day. Men out here cannot see a $100 when the week come and got families to support that is nonsense. People want to see money in their hand first before you think of bringing anything else in Barbados,” he said. Still another taxi operator, identified as ‘PG’ said that Uber’s implementation would be disadvantageous to Barbados as it would come on top of higher fuel prices which the taxi drivers say have already bitten into their daily take-home pay. “My first job was a little after 10 and that was just a $10 job. Come across here and looking again to see if anybody would need a taxi and see if I get a job…. When you do get a job and it is just a $15 or $20 it goes back in gas and you have nothing on your hands,” she said, adding that day to day operations would become rougher if Uber were to set up shop here. “It is going to be real rough because it is very, very,, very tight,” she said. “You cannot expect to bring outside life or outside living to run Barbados the same way. Because things are real rough here, you have to be making money to going to the store to buy things,” said PG. But fellow taxi operator, Ian, noted that the taxi operators already have a system similar to Uber’s meter system as they deem their rates based on the distance traveled. “If Uber come here what we are offering is the same thing as a fare thing. So it will be a competition between us and Uber,” he said, adding that taxi operators may have to pay Uber a fee, which may not beneficial to operators. “Another thing is that we would have to give Uber a fee; I feel it is not going to work,” he said. In Heroes Square, one taxi operator said that he was hurt that after voting for the Barbados Labour Party administration it had announced a fuel tax and allowed the possibility of Uber which he believes is unfair to taxi operators. “It is not fair to we! We now have to pay more for gas. We have too many taxis on the road already. Everybody got to live but if you bring in Uber the taxi men in Heroes Square are not for it!” he sternly told Barbados TODAY. But taxi operator John Nelson said that he believed Uber would bring change to public transport. “I do believe it would change the transport system in Barbados. I believe there will be some fallout as it relates to taxi operators and so on but I do not know. It has never been tried here before. I do not think that Taxi drivers will be willing to be incorporated with Uber. To be honest, I do not know,” Nelson, said. (BT)

PLEA TO GOV –  Senior insurance executive Edward Clarke is urging Government to reconsider the “punitive” debt restructuring terms it has offered pensioners and other individual bondholders. He is also concerned financial institutions are so “severely impacted” by the domestic debt exchange programme there will be “some negative impact on the capital funding in Barbados”. Clarke, who is executive vice president and general manager of Sagicor Life Inc.’s Barbados operations, told THE NATION that while domestic creditors had until tomorrow at 5 p.m. to respond to the debt offer, it was important for Government to find a way to ease individual investors. “The individuals who have invested in Government bonds [face] significant impact and I believe that there is a need to review . . . how people will be impacted,” Clarke said. (DN)

40 BUSES AFFECTED BY TROPICAL STORM KIRK – The Transport Board issued a statement today informing the public of some of the challenges the authority is facing. The release stated that due to the passage of Tropical Storm Kirk “a number of buses which traversed areas with rushing and/or high water levels experienced damaged panels and electrical issues”. This resulted in about 40 out of the Board’s 110 buses having to be removed from service. Seventeen of those buses are now back on the road. The Board is also waiting to receive a replacement for a shipment of parts that was damaged at the port in Jamaica, and this impacted those vehicles awaiting inspection at the Ministry of Transport Works and Maintenance. The Board offered apologies for the inconvenience and asked the travelling public to remain patient as the issues are addressed. (DN)

SEWER FIX SOON – A race against time is on to fix the outstanding sewage issues on the South Coast – with the finish line being the December 15 start of the vital winter tourist season, the Government acknowledged today. “I appreciate the urgency… and we have started the process of the fix and we aim to have this rectified as soon as possible,” Minister of Energy and Water Resources Wilfred Abrahams has told Barbados TODAY. Promising to provide the country with a more detailed update later, Abraham made the brief comments amid queries by prospective and regular visitors who have been writing Barbados TODAY from overseas to find out when the Worthing Beach in Christ Church would reopen. One visitor said she and her family were planning to come to Barbados for the winter season and stay near the Worthing Beach which they were interested in enjoying. Back in August a would-be visitor asked: “Please would you let us know what’s going on at Worthing Beach again?” And last month, another writer wrote: “When did it close? What’s affected? When will it reopen? What hotels are affected? We plan a visit in the Fall. How bad is the beach at Worthing? What has caused the beach to be closed for months?” In mid-August, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Beautification closed the beach for the repair and restoration of the South Coast sewerage network. It said that the continued closure comes as a result of wastewater entering the Graeme Hall swamp, aided by the heavy rains. In an effort to protect the swamp and its environs, in addition to keeping the wastewater from again surfacing on the streets of the south coast, the sluice gate at Worthing was opened to allow the overflows to exit via Worthing Beach during low tide, the ministry said. The Ministry also informed the public that the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) will conduct daily nearshore testing and will continue to monitor conditions on the beach. The National Conservation Commission (NCC) was expected to ensure that warnings remained in place for the duration of the closure. The closure of the beach has adversely affected business for the two beach bars at Worthing with their owners telling Barbados TODAY sales have plummeted while still having to pay rent to the NCC. General Manager of the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) Keithroy Halliday has said that engineers and other workers were hard at work trying to repair the sewage network and was hoping it could be finished within a month or earlier. (BT)

BWA ‘TO FILL HOLES, FIX ROADS’ – Short of cash, but the state-run Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is moving to resurface the roads it dug up to fix to burst mains. A BWA team, led by Corporate Communications and Rapid Response Manager Joy-Ann Haigh, visited the affected areas to start restoration work on the trenches, which potentially pose a danger to motorists and other road users, particularly at night. “We recognize there is a major problem with road reinstatement after the trenches are dug in an effort to repair these mains. We have some financial challenges as everybody should know by now. The BWA is cash-strapped. So there are some delays in getting this done,” Haigh said while standing next to an open trench at Rollins Road, Brittons Hill, St Michael this afternoon. She said the authority is working on a plan to ensure all of the open trenches are restored faster. “In the meantime, we will be taking pictures of all of the reinstatements and post them on our Facebook page, share with [Government Information Service] and all the media houses as a public service announcement. We are going to make sure the public is aware there are trenches in specific areas and you must proceed with caution,” she said, adding that this would be done until repairs can be completed in a timelier fashion. Saying that the BWA’s priority was the safety of the travelling public, Haigh said securing the holes was a necessity in addition to the erection of more easily visible signage for night-time road users. “We normally secure, but we recognize that we may need to improve some of the areas with lights and that is what we are going to do. So we are out here [Rollins Road] reinstating some of them,” said Haigh. Trenches were excavated at Oldbury, St Philip, White Park Road in front of the Supreme Court, Cummins Road [Brittons Hill], and Royal Westmoreland, among “a number of areas”, the BWA manager said. She conceded that the open trenches have been a concern to the public, adding that the concerns had reached the BWA’s line minister – Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Wilfred Abrahams who she said is looking at how best the reinstatements can be done. “We certainly don’t want any injury or loss of life as a result of good work being done, but we need to make sure the trenches are reinstated. And left me repeat, we are going to secure them better and we are going to put public notices on our social media…you must like our page to get that information, as well as GIS and all of the reputable media houses will be assisting us in getting this information out as best as possible,” Haigh said. Acting Senior Superintendent of Works with the BWA Randy Phillips, who accompanied Haigh, said restoration work could not be started today on the trench at Rollins Road. “The reason why we can’t get this hole backfill right now at Rollins Road, Brittons Hill, St Michael is because it has a lot of water in it and then there is some excess material that came back in, that we need to get the [backhoe] to come and clear it out properly so we could get a good base. Then we could put in our two-down and be able to compact it, then it would be done in the required way,” Phillips told Barbados TODAY. “But hopefully by tomorrow, I assure you this job would be done,” the BWA official stressed. The team then journeyed to nearby Cummins Road to assess a similar problem. (BT)

ACCRA BACK FROM BLACKOUT – One of the most popular South Coast hotels is back in business today following a series of electrical problems that began with Tropical Storm Kirk last Friday. The Accra Beach Hotel and Spa at Rockley, Christ Church was forced yesterday to give its guests the option to check out or stay on after a badly damaged mains transformer forced the hotel to run its generator which eventually gave out. “We had the storm. First our transformer was damaged severely and then we run it with the generator… because it is always heated…it runs 24 hours a day… then we had an issue yesterday because of that,” general manager Suresh Mohickoraja told Barbados TODAY this afternoon. “Unable to restore, we gave the guests option – if they want to check out or remain in the hotel. And today, we have a new generator and the hotel is back on stream,” Mohickoraja said. He was responding to reports which claimed that the Barbados Light and Power Company had disconnected the hotel’s electricity because of a $200,000 unpaid bill. The general manager challenged anyone to bring proof of the unpaid bills while at the same time pointing out that the damaged mains transformer which sparked the outage can still be seen at the front of the property. He said the storm also knocked out the pool’s pump so the pool is now out of order.   (BT)

MAKE ‘CARIBBEAN GLOBAL TOURISM CENTRE’  - Barbados and other Caribbean tourist destinations are being challenged to transform the region into a global centre for tourism excellence that drives innovation in the industry Bahamas Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has urged regional officials to explore “ground-breaking” ways to improve the tourism product, saying that he was confident Caribbean tourism would continue to be the leading engine for economic growth and development. “We must broaden our Caribbean brand in tourism. Our region must be known for extraordinary visitor experiences and services. We must also be known as a global centre of excellence for all aspects of tourism development. In so many ways the potential of our region is untapped,” he said. The Bahamian leader urged industry figures to ensure “greater retention of more tourism earnings within our region and a greater dispersion of wealth within our economies”. He made the call on Tuesday night during the official opening ceremony of the State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2018 at the Atlantis hotel resort here. “Tourism continues to evolve at a pace that requires us to constantly innovate in order to maintain market share and to meet the expectations of our visitors. We must keep pace with such innovation. But we must also be the drivers of global innovation,” said Minnis. Highlighting employment opportunities within the industry, Minnis pointed out that travel and tourism was one of the largest and fastest growing sectors of the global economy, but questioned why the region was still falling behind despite a rich heritage and culture that could be better marketed. “Why, then, has the Caribbean never really attracted many of the tourism-related businesses outside of our region which rely on our region for their profitability, why are we so narrowly focused on servicing our local visitors only instead of also focusing on providing tourism services to the wider world?” the prime minister queried. Calling on the region to ensure “greater ownership” of tourism, the leader told the packed room of delegates, which included Minister of Tourism for Barbados Kerrie Symmonds and fellow regional ministers, that for far too long a brain drain has been allowed to sap the region. “Would we not retain far more of our talent within our region if we engaged architects, engineers, accountants, artisans, attorneys, interior designers, energy specialists, new media communication specialists, software developers, and others in providing tourism services to countries and destinations across the wider world instead of focusing only on personal services in our own individual countries?” he said. Insisting that the Caribbean should be more than a place to visit, Minnis said Caribbean leaders therefore had a two-fold mission to make the region a place for the rest of the world to also “relish and delight in”. “We must ensure that we deliver the very best range of exceptional personal services to our own visitors. We must also become far more focused on providing global tourism services. In the short run, this might require our attracting to our region subsidiaries or units of some of the existing global travel companies,” he explained. During the ceremony, which was dotted with cultural presentations from this northernmost CARICOM member nation, Minnis also called for “one of the core objectives” of the region to be to help create “economic benefits from tourism for micro- small- and medium-sized businesses”. “This means greater diversification across various tourism platforms as well as greater linkages with other economic sectors,” he said. “Let our region become a global centre where tourism talent will cluster to the benefit of the people of the Caribbean,” he added, while describing the Caribbean brand as one of the most powerful.  (BT)

RELOCATION OF COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE OFFICE – The offices of the Community Legal Services Commission have moved to Building No. 2, Manor Lodge Complex, Green Hill, St Michael. The contact number is 535-9900. (BGIS)

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING CLOSED FOR THE WEEK – The Town and Country Planning Department will remain closed for the rest of the week. George Browne, the acting Chief Town Planner told THE NATION that a decision had been made to close the Garrison St Michael offices, which has been plagued by environmental issues, for the remainder of the week. Staff walked off the job yesterday complaining about the state of the building which has been leaving a number of them falling ill with respiratory problems. Browne said he was awaiting a decision from authorities on the next move. That department falls under the Prime Minister’s office. It now joins the growing list of government buildings plagued by environmental problems. (DN)

TRAFFIC EASE COMING TO ST. MICHAEL DISTRICTS – Government is taking efforts to improve the flow of traffic around the Ivy and Welches, St Michael area. During a town hall meeting at the Springer Memorial School last night, Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance technical officer Lorraine Graham informed residents of plans to make a number of roads in the area one way to ease traffic woes along Government Hill and My Lord's Hill. The roads up for this treatment are Martinique Road, Welches Terrace, Mayer's Road and Back Ivy Road. (DN)

BAJANS GRAB SIX MEDALS – Barbados captured three silver and three bronze medals at the Caribbean Table Tennis Championships in Jamaica. President of the Barbados Table Tennis Association Dale Rudder told THE NATION it was the largest medal haul over the last decade. “This is our biggest medal haul in the last ten years and we will not rest on our laurels as training resumed [Monday], one day after returning from Jamaica. I’m extremely proud of our overall performance,” said Rudder. Tyrese Knight gained silver in the Men’s Under-21 Singles, while Rudder and Angela Reid both obtained silver  in the Men’s and Women’s Over-45 categories, respectively.   (DN)

BEACH GAMES LIKELY – A Caribbean Beach Championships may be on stream for 2020, says Cameron Burke. The chairman of the Barbados Independence Invitational Games (BIIG) was speaking to THE NATION after the official launch of the third edition of the November games on Wednesday at the Barbados Olympic Association headquarters. “We are still in the embryonic stage as far as the Caribbean Games are concerned. Our beach festival this year is the testing ground for expansion of what we will do in the future. Volleyball is the marquee sport that we are using and they are trying to build back up their Sizzling Sands [Beach Volleyball Sunsplash series] competition. If that happens, that brings in Antigua, St Kitts, Trinidad and Tobago and a lot of the other Caribbean countries will come in for that. “We are also pushing beach football to get involved. That is another area where we can bring in other Caribbean countries. Once we are able to build the brand and get people interested, then we can step up our game. Maybe in the next two years we should be focusing on the Caribbean Festival. That will be out of the BIIG Games. We may have a Caribbean Festival by itself and then the BIGG Games to follow,” he said. (DN)

AN ICON PASSES – The death of outstanding Trinidadian steel pannist and arranger, Ken Professor Philmore, has not escaped the fraternity in Barbados. Philmore who was involved in a car accident on September 24, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. He was driving his Toyota Hilux north along the Solomon Hochoy Highway in Trinidad when he picked up a skid near Claxton Bay. The vehicle flipped several times and Philmore was thrown out of the cabin. He suffered severe internal injuries in the crash which occured Trinidad & Tobago’s Republic Day holiday. He sustained broken ribs and his lungs had collapsed. The 58-year-old arranger for Fonclaire Steel Orchestra began his love affair with the instrument at a young age. He was responsible for hits such as Pan By Storm, Pan Ecstasy and Pan In the Party. Philmore amassed international fame, performing on stages such as the Apollo Theatre, Carnegie Hall and The Royal Albert Hall. Barbadian pannist David ZigE Walcott last stood on stage with the Professor in 2015. The Professor was an iconic character he grew up hearing about from teachers and fellow performers. It was during his interactions with Philmore that Walcott was captured by his generous and kind spirit. “Professor was a very loving, energetic man. He wasn’t necessarily the type that was calm and just settled. He was very loving, a people’s person and that also translated into his music, the way he was passionate for music,” said Walcott who described the Professor’s death as a very sad loss for the regional fraternity. Walcott recalled Philmore’s performances with legendary calypsonian Lord Kitchener and his trademark beret that he wore during the early stages of his career. Cultural officer for Music Ronald Davis relayed his condolences on behalf of the acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation, Wayne Webster. “We recognized the passions he had for steel pan, not only in Trinidad but throughout the world. He would have made…  invaluable contributions towards pan music,” stated Davis. Philmore was also known for advocating for the fusion of pan with jazz music and due to his ingenuity he would have performed at Pan Fusion at the Prime Minister’s residence in 2012. Having interacted with Philmore on the numerous occasions he came to Barbados, Davis reminisced about his willingness to impart advice and instruction to local pannists. “Without even being prompted, he would offer help and assistance by way of advising our youngsters on how to hold the sticks. If he saw that people were playing wrong notes, he would offer to correct them,” said Davis who also described Philmore as caring and selfless. (BT)

NIFCA KICKS OFF – Bridgetown and Warrens came alive with pops of colour, culture and creativity last Saturday as stakeholders in the island’s creative economy gathered to commence celebrations for the 45th National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA). Throngs of Barbadians gathered in The City to see the spectacle entitled NIFCA Pun De Road. From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., the road show featured an array of cultural talent from literary artistes such as DJ Simmons, Winston Farell, Janine White, dancing from Dancin’ Africa, Barbados Dance Centre, the Pinelands Creative Workshop and the Livy and Betty Alleyne Dance Centre. There were theatrical presentations in the middle of The City from Jennifer Walker and Yolanda Holder-Capandeguy and performances from Crystal Cummins-Beckles and Sistaz. It was followed by a 45-minute concert in Warrens. The road show travelled from the headquarters of the National Cultural Foundation in West Terrace, St James to pit stop at several points in Bridgetown before heading to Massy Stores Centre at Warrens, St Michael. It featured seasoned artistes and young, up-and-coming awardees who owe their careers to the recognition they received on the NIFCA stage. (BT)

EXCEPTIONALLY COMPELLING – Mahalia’s Corner last Sunday wasn’t for those who sought to sit down and just listen to the music.  The finale of the eighth season of spellbinding musical talent ended with the crowd on their feet, singing and having a good time. Kerwin Du Bois’ stellar 40-minute performance was not to be missed. Du Bois was itching to jump around on the stage as he performed some of his greatest soca singles from throughout the years. At the end of the show, the Trinidadian soca artiste was dripping in sweat, his bandana remained intact but his white t-shirt was off and he stood in front of the packed Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre auditorium in his black vest and one hand in the air. He instructed the crowd to raise their hands and party as one as he belted Circles. From start to finish, DuBois was exhilarating, lively and dynamic. Accompanied by a live band with the crowd as his chorus, he rattled off No Apology, Too Real, Feteland, Unforgettable, Baccahnalist, Monster Winer, Ah Thing and more. He manoeuvred the stage expertly much like the Pied Piper and had the audience focused on his every word and note. The young and the old were out of their seats and jammin’. For their last acoustic performance, 2 Mile Hill catered to the eclectic group gathered with some old school hits like After The Love Is Gone by Earth, Wind & Fire and Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing to Lauryn Hill’s Ready or Not, Just One of Those Day’s by Sizzla and their 2018 release Conversation. Aside from the headliner, some of the brightest stars shone during the Open Mic segment when Frederick Smith Secondary student Theres Lambert received a standing ovation. Lambert’s performance of I’m A Weirdo by Lonely Island was mesmerizing and exceptional. Rhea Layne’s mixture of reggae, soca and R&B fused with her playful onstage personality also revved up the crowd. Layne sang her single Speakah, Allez by Teddyson John and also did a medley of familiar reggae hits to the delight of the audience. When the show closed, a sense of riveting energy remained in the air, with high anticipation of what patrons can expect for the Christmas edition. Speaking to Bajan Vibes, Mahalia Cummins said she was overjoyed at the success of the month-long season and revealed that Christmas preparations were already in process. “I continue to be blown away by the talent that Barbados has and the fact that people are still hungry for a different type of event to attend,” said Cummins.  (BT)

AND I AM TELLING YOU – Shontae Alleyne-Clarke dominated the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Competition with her powerful renditions of Jennifer Hudson’s And I Am Telling You and Bridge Over Troubled Waters. The 11-year-old student of Combermere School showed her sass as she passionately sang the two songs delivering astonishing runs.  She received a standing ovation, screams, cheers, and whistles from the audience as they sat and watched a superstar performance emerge from the body of an 11-year-old. Some members of the audience shouted – ‘Shontae now win!’ There was huge jubilation after the delivery of And I Am Telling You as persons were shocked that Clarke could hit and in some cases surpass the notes sung by internationally renowned artiste Jennifer Hudson. She was eventually declared the winner of the 6-12 competition, thereby creating history as the first contestant in decades to score above 900 points. Clarke amassed 937 points to the delight of her family, friends, and the audience who jumped, cheered and cried as they watched her take the coveted trophy. However, it was not an easy walk in the park as she was keenly challenged by seven-year-old Kenaz Bit Bit Walker who expertly delivered Unchained Melody and Please Give Bit Bit The Crown. Young Bit Bit has a voice that surpasses his age with a crystal clear tone which is absolutely beautiful. He received a well-deserved second place as he amassed 856 points for his renditions which left the audience screaming, whistling and cheering at the quality of singing emanating from the seven-year-old. Let’s not forget the stellar performance by Crayshanda St Hill. From her first note, it was evident that she came to win as she sang with confidence and grace which was met with her killer vocals. St Hill expertly delivered the song No More Rain, receiving screams, whistles, and cheers from the audience at the amount of vocal range that she possessed. But it was her performance of Hallelujah that left the audience speechless as they sat and listened to her beautiful runs and riffs which highlighted her powerful voice. At this time, the audience noted that they were unsure as to who had placed 2nd in the competition as both Walker and St Hill had given their all to their performances. However, St Hill had to settle for a well-deserved third place with 821 points. At the end of the night, Chief Judge Sheldon Hope credited the parents for allowing their children to look like they were children competing in a junior competition. He also took the time to acknowledge the individual that placed 4th in the competition. That person was nine-year-old Roneisha Alleyne who wowed the audience with her vocal range as she effortlessly hit the high falsetto notes in Rise Up and The Climb.  She is definitely one to watch as she matures. Her voice is mind-blowing at the tender age of nine. Special mention was also made of seven-year-old Tykairi Sargeant who truly dramatized all the elements of his Michael Jackson songs to the point that it could be said that it was a tribute to the late King of Pop. In the first half as he sang Ben he came onto the stage holding his pet rat and passionately sung about his friend Ben who a lot of persons did not understand. In the second half, Sargeant not only sang another Michael Jackson song but came out dressed in the full Michael Jackson ensemble matched with the white sparkling gloves. He entertained the audience with his beautiful voice and his moves which involved him throwing the hat off the stage just like MJ did in his concerts. The contestants and members of the audience were treated to a surprise guest performance by young Barbadian Trinity Clarke. The audience screamed and shouted; some took out their phones to capture the moment as she sang Wings Beneath My Wings and God is Good. It must be noted that all seventeen performers did an excellent job and must be commended as they made the show held on Sunday the spectacle that it was. Next week, it is the turn of the Teen Talent semi-finals. The first preliminary kicks off on Sunday at Divi South Winds at 7 p.m. (BT)

BUDDING TALENT – The annual series of lunchtime concerts put on by the Ministry of Education during Education Month got off to a good start this afternoon in the Food Court at Sky Mall. Patrons at the mall took time out from their shopping and lunch breaks to take in some of the musical talent coming out of Barbados’ primary and secondary schools, with the performers in today’s concert hailing from some of the schools located close to the popular shopping facility. Three pupils from the Luther Thorne Primary School performed Beautiful Barbados while twelve members of the Grantley Prescod Memorial Primary School sang My Help a cappella style. Young Kenaz Bit Bit Walker, who is now building a reputation for himself in a variety of genres, truly touched the audience, including Minister of Youth Affairs Adrian Forde when he sang Amazing Grace without missing a beat. Three students from the Springer Memorial Secondary School took the advice they got from yesterday’s Founders Day service at their school to “add to their school’s goodly heritage” with their classy solo performances. First-formers Crayshonda St. Hill and Sarai Gaskin did justice to No More Nights and Hallelujah respectively, while senior student Kaley Alexander’s strong alto voice was on point when she performed Little Me. Weslon Samuels from Parkinson Memorial Secondary School, who was a crowd favourite last year, put his own spin on Lionel Richie’s Hello, and his two schoolmates, Rashad Boyce and Selwyn Sivers, handled themselves well with Tarrus Riley’s Don’t Come Back. While taking in some of the action, Minister of Youth Affairs Adrian Forde was impressed with what he saw and gave a brief address in which he stated, “I see some great talent here, and since the Government of Barbados has committed to using the creative culture of our young people to take this nation forward, I urge you to keep on developing your skills, not only in music but in other areas of the creative arts as well.”  (BT)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 89 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 9/24/2018

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Monday September 24th 2018. Remember you can read full articles by purchasing Daily Nation Newspaper (DN), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

NURSES TAKING FLIGHT – The Psychiatric Hospital is losing its most precious commodity. And the country’s loss is quickly becoming Bermuda and The Bahamas’ gain. Dozens of registered nurses specially trained to work at psychiatric facilities have chosen to take their talents to the northern Caribbean instead, mainly because they have been unable to be appointed to the more than 100 vacant posts available at the Black Rock, St Michael institution. The DAILY NATION has learnt that morale was at an all-time low at the hospital, with almost 100 temporary nurses not knowing when their next pay cheque would come. The temporary nurses make up almost half of the hospital’s entire staffing complement. (DN)

STOUTE, COSCAP IN MONEY ROW – Veteran entertainer and Teen Talent pioneer Richard Stoute is singing the blues. He laments he has never received “one red cent” in royalties for his music from COSCAP, the Copyright Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. The author of Goodbye Bajan Girl, Rocksteady Christmas, Mr Rich Man and Unity, among “a whole lot of other original songs”, says he feels very hurt. “I became a member of PRS [Performing Rights Society] in 1985 and they would send me money for my music played in Germany, England and Holland. “My attorney wrote CBC [Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation] years ago and asked them why I had not received any royalties from them for my music played in Barbados,” Stoute told the DAILY NATION in an interview. (DN)

GOVERNMENT EXPLORING UBER TAXI SERVICE – Governement is exploring travel options for Barbadians utilising the Uber service with taxi operators. Speaking during the service in celebration of tourism week at The Church of St John the Baptist, Holder Hill, St James, Minister of Tourism Kerrie Symmonds said this was one of the ways that the Mottley-led administration intended to take Barbados into the future. After the service, he elaborated to the NATIONNEWS on what the plans were. “We want to meet with taxi operators within the next week or two with a view of discussing options on how to improve business. We’re not enthusiastic about Uber generally because that will allow persons with deep pockets to become dominant so we are trying to make the small man get a greater share,” he said. Symmonds explained Uber taxi was a mobile app where potential customers could contact participating taxi operators in their area and would have access to information pertaining to that operator. He said it would prevent taxi operators from waiting around “hoping and praying” for customers. (DN)

PLANS PROGRESSING FOR TRUST LOANS, JOB PROGRAMME – Budding Barbadian entrepreneurs can look out for the promised trust loans by year-end. And hopefully, by the first quarter of next year, the First Jobs Initiative will be officially ready for roll out. Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Investment Marsha Caddle made this disclosure tonight.  Caddle who is also the Member of Parliament for St Michael South Central was speaking at her Tweedside Road office after a new executive was elected. She reminded members about the Barbados Labour Party's campaign promises made during the election. Despite next year’s tentative rollout timeline, the minister said they have already been doing some work in this regard. “MPs are not waiting for the initiative to start. We are trying on our own to partner with private sector companies in our communities to pair them with young people,” she said. During her address, she mentioned youth empowerment as one of their focuses. Though Caddle suggested employment levels could be better, she said that there was more to empowerment than that. “We know there are high levels of unemployment. When I first came to St Michael South Central and started working I realised we had an entire generation of young people who had never worked before.... And evidence shows that the longer you stay out of the job market, the greater the chances that you will never work and so for me that group of people is extremely important. That’s one of the reasons why we established the trust loan and we will have that programme available before the end of the year. “And the truth is a lot of young people don’t mind working for themselves. There are a lot of talented young men. Some of them build their own shops and are tradespeople and have other kinds of skills so the trust loan will give them up to $5 000 on the first occasion to be able to invest in their own businesses,” Caddle said.  (DN)

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK LAUNCHED – The Small Business Association (SBA) kicked off its 2018 week of activities with its church service at the First Baptist Church this morning. Under the theme The Role of SMEs in Building Sustainable Economies, the organisation will host several other events throughout the week. On Tuesday, the SBA will host their Youth Forum at Bagnall Point Gallery in Pelican Village. Thursday will feature a bus tour and community outreach and the SBA will host their annual general meeting and Award ceremony on Friday at the Savannah Hotel in Hastings, Christ Church. (DN)

YOUTH WEEK KICKS OFF – The Ministry of Youth is committed to creating safe spaces for the island's young people. Minister of Youth and Community Empowerment Adrian Forde said this was the ministry’s main focus during this year’s National Youth Week and beyond. “We are focusing on creating safe spaces where young people can express themselves as young people. As I said the creative element of our country must be that element that drives our economy. “The pool of creativity lies within the depths of our young people so we have to create spaces and environments where their talents are exposed, where their thoughts, creativity, innovation and imagination are exposed,” the minister explained. Forde was speaking at a church service yesterday morning at Bank Hall Church of the Nazarene to mark the beginning of National Youth Week, an annual celebration of youth development in Barbados. This year’s theme is Save Spaces for Youth and the week will run from September 23 to September 30. Forde said the government must walk hand in hand with the young people so their visions and dreams could be made a reality. (DN)

NEW MEDIA TEAM FOR US EMBASSY – The US Embassy recently introduced its new media team in the Public Affairs section to members of the Barbados media at a reception at Radisson Aquatica Resort. Public affairs specialist Kwayne Sanchez and social media assistant Nikisha Toppin socialised with representatives of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, Nation Publishing, Barbados Today, Loop News, the Barbados Advocate and other representatives of local media. In her welcoming address, Ambassador Linda Taglialatela restated the importance of a good rapport between the Embassy and the media, while toasting the new Embassy employees.  (DN)

CLERGY TOLD TO SAY 'NO' TO GAY MARRIAGE – Do not give in to performing gay marriages, Pentecostal senior pastor Edwin Bullen is telling his fellow clergymen. He urged them to be as resolute as their counterparts in St Vincent, who rejected that government’s attempt to have a conversation with them about same-sex marriages. The senior pastor at Christ Is The Answer Family Church in Battaleys, St Peter, was just back from a trip to Mustique, an island in the St Vincent and the Grenadines chain. “In St Vincent the government called the pastors to sit down and have a conversation on same-sex marriages and the church told them we have no conversation because God said . . . we have no conversation. It is a waste of time having a conversation about what God has already settled. It is a waste of precious time,” he said.  (DN)

THREE INJURED IN ACCIDENT ON ABC HIGHWAY – Three people suffered injuries in an accident on the ABC Highway around 1:50 a.m. According to police, two cars collided at the junction near the Deighton Griffith Secondary School and one vehicle overturned. The driver of the overturned vehicle was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by ambulance. His injuries were not disclosed. The other driver was accompanied by a female. They both suffered injuries to the head and feet and opted to seek private medical attention. Police are continuing investigations. (BT)

ONE INJURED IN SHOOTING INCIDENT IN NEW ORLEANS, ST MICHAEL – One person was injured in a shooting incident at New Orleans, St Michael around 9:30 last night. Police have recovered a large number of spent shells from various types of weapons. The victim sought private medical attention. Police are continuing investigations.  (BT)

FREDERICK SMITH SECONDARY SCHOOL REMAINS CLOSED TODAY – The Frederick Smith Secondary School, at Trents, St James, will remain closed today, Monday, September 24. The school was closed on Friday, as a result of an environmental issue. It will reopen on Tuesday, September 25.  The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training regrets any inconvenience which may be caused. (BGIS)

ST LEONARD’S BOYS’ SCHOOL CLOSED TODAY - The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training has advised that the St Leonard's Boys' School, at Richmond Gap, St Michael, will be closed today, Monday, September 24, as a result of environmental problems. It will reopen on Tuesday, September 25.  The Ministry thanks parents and guardians for their understanding. (BGIS)

FOGGING SCHEDULE September 24 to 28 – Christ Church continues to be the primary target of the Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, as it seeks to control the mosquito population on the south coast of the island. On Monday, September 24, the team will fog Balmoral Gap, Marine Gardens, Queen’s Way, Halls Gap, Hood Road, Exeter Road, York Road, Old Navy Road, Nelson Road, Rendezvous Hill, Rendezvous Ridge, Rendezvous Gardens, Amity Lodge with Avenues and environs. On Tuesday, September 25, the areas to be sprayed are Hastings, Rhystone Gardens, Browne’s Gap, Rockley Village, Rockley with Avenues, Bynoe Road, Dayrells Road, Rendezvous Hill, Brewster Road, Worthing with Avenues, Bamboo Road, Beckles Road, Harmony Hall, Top Rock and surrounding areas. On Wednesday, September 26, the targeted areas are Dayrells Road, Rockley Terrace, Rockley, Blue Waters, Garden, Peronne Gap, Golf Club Road, St Lawrence Gap, Paradise Village and surrounding districts. Highway 7, Hastings, Rockley, Casa Blanca, Rendezvous Hill, Worthing Main Road and neighbouring districts will be sprayed on Thursday, September 27. On Friday, September 28, the team will concentrate its efforts on the Graeme Hall Swamp and environs. The fogging exercises will be carried out between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. each day. Householders are reminded to open their doors and windows to allow the spray to enter. (BGIS)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 99 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 9/23/2018

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Sunday September 23rd 2018. Remember you can read full articles by purchasing Sunday Sun Nation Newspaper (SS), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

SWEET MOVE – The Ministry of Education is stepping up efforts to reduce child obesity in Barbados. The Sunday Sun has obtained a copy of a memo sent out earlier this month, with several guidelines that every school is expected to implement this first semester of the school year. Part of the plan is ensuring that at least two days a week, only healthy fruit and water will be allowed on more than 90 school compounds, in a large-scale effort to promote healthy lifestyles. As a result of a noted increase in weight in schoolchildren, the ministry is asking schools to introduce ‘Water Wednesdays’ and ‘Fruit Fridays’, two initiatives aimed at getting children to start and maintain healthier lifestyles.  (SS)

WORKERS BEING EXPLOITED – Barbadians who refuse to make National Insurance Scheme (NIS) payments under the guise of being self-employed run the risk of becoming destitute, say a construction magnate and a trade unionist. Their warnings come amid revelations that established construction companies are being displaced by new players in the sector because of the latter’s practice of hiring people as self-employed workers, and in so doing, not paying statutory commitments like NIS, or even liability insurance in the event the individuals are injured on the job. “This allows these companies to tender for jobs at a lower figure, yet make big profits. “None of the established construction companies are managing to secure work these days. The reason being is that they follow the law . . . . The new system for employing people in construction in Barbados is that you don’t pay any [statutory commitments],” said Allan Evelyn, the founder, president and chief executive officer of Rotherley Construction Inc. (SS)

RESIDENTS URGED TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT – Barbadians are being urged to play their part in protecting the environment from calamities such as climate change. Minister of Environment and National Beautification Trevor Prescod made the appeal during today’s National Arbor Day celebrations held at the National Botanical Gardens. Prescod not only wants residents to clean their surroundings but to protect and or plant at least two trees to help the island and by extension the National Conservation Commission (NCC) with its reforestation efforts. “The preservation of trees and the reforestation is significant to the mitigation of the challenges of climate change. This makes it imperative that we protect our own existence,” said Prescod, whose Ministry recently embarked on the second phase of the National Beautification Clean Up Campaign which saw 42 derelict vehicles removed from the Bonnetts, Brittons Hill, St Michael district. “This National Beautification Clean Up Campaign is intended to engender a cultural and psychological shift in the way Barbadians view their household space and their communities . . . . Barbados can be the cleanest country in the world . . . it is about a mindset and we can reach it,” he stated. However, General Manager of the NCC, Keith Neblett told individuals they should be mindful of areas in which they plant trees. “We must take heed as to where we plant the various tree species ensuring that their root structures do not cause damage to properties. We must ensure that they do not suffer ill health which in turn could also lead to property damage” Neblett said. Meanwhile the winners of the Primary School Tree Investigation Competition were also awarded during today’s ceremony. Phoebe Broomes of Half Moon Fort Primary copped first prize in the ages 7-9 category. (BT)

PASTOR’S WARNING – Two years after he was dismissed as senior pastor of the People’s Cathedral, Pastor Andre Symmonds is cautioning church leaders to beware of the temptations they will encounter in the course of their work. Next Sunday, Symmonds officially takes over the leadership as senior pastor of Calvary Temple Community Church, another Pentecostal assembly in St Philip. His election came after a two-year hiatus during which he underwent counselling after being accused of sexual misconduct within his former church. In a Sunday Sun interview, Symmonds conceded there might have been a semblance of impropriety on his part in the circumstances, which he suggested might have been more glaring because “I was the pastor”.  (SS)

SAMUEL JACKMAN PRESCOD MEMORIAL LECTURE NEXT WEEK – The 14th Samuel Jackman Prescod Memorial Lecture will be held on Thursday, September 27, in the auditorium of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, Wildey, St Michael, beginning at 7 p.m. It will be delivered by Vice President, Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Coppin State University in the United States of America, Ahmed El-Haggan. The topic will be: Digital Disruption and Innovation in Higher Education: Implications for Barbados. (BGIS)

MAURICE BYER MEN’S GROUP TO MEET ON MONDAY – When the Men’s Health Group at the Maurice Byer Polyclinic meets on Monday, September 24, the featured speaker will be the group’s vice president, Wayne Yearwood. Yearwood, a former senior executive at the Barbados Light and Power Company Limited, will speak on the topic: The Benefits of Incorporating Energy Solutions into One’s Lifestyle. The meeting begins at 6:15 p.m. at the polyclinic in Station Hill, St Peter. (BGIS)

TROPICAL DEPRESSION #11 FORMS – The area of low pressure just east of the Lesser Antilles has become Tropical Depression #11. At 5 a.m. Tropical Depression #11 was located near 13.0N 53.5W or about 405 miles (650 km) east of Barbados. A statement issued by the Barbados Meteorological Services at 6 a.m. today said the system is presently drifting towards the west near 5mph (7km/h). A slow westward or west-northwestward motion is expected during the next couple of days. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1007 MB or 29.74 inches. Maximum sustained winds are 35mph (55km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is expected during the next 24 hours since strong westerly shear is expected to persist and will most likely prevent the depression from getting any better organised. Thus, the depression is forecast to dissipate to an open wave/area of low pressure by Sunday night before it reaches the Lesser Antilles.  Regardless of development, some isolated pockets of moderate to heavy showers and occasional gusty winds are still likely to affect Barbados by Monday, September 24. This statement will be updated if conditions warrant. (SS)

EVELYN GREAVES PASSES SUDDENLY – Noted trade unionist and former Cabinet Minister Evelyn Greaves has died.  The 78-year-old, a former High Commissioner to Canada, died suddenly today at his home. He leaves to mourn his wife Francillia and two daughters.  (SS)

STATEMENT BY PM MOTTLEY ON PASSING OF EVELYN GREAVES –The following is a statement by Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley on the passing of E. Evelyn Greaves. It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Mr. Evelyn Greaves this morning. The circumstances of his passing are still unclear, but the suddenness will certainly be deeply upsetting to his wife and family.  I urge Barbadians to keep them in their thoughts and prayers over the coming days and weeks and give them the time and space to come to terms with his passing. Evelyn Greaves was well known on the local, regional and international political and trade union landscape, and latterly as a diplomat.  He most recently represented this country as the High Commissioner to Canada during the years 2008-2015.  Prior to that he served with distinction as a Deputy General Secretary and Head of the Barbados Workers Union Labour College, from 1974 to 1996.  As a politician, he faithfully represented the constituency of St Lucy from 1971 until 1981, and again between 1986-1994 during which time he served as a Minister in both the Barrow and Sandiford Administrations. Evelyn’s life of service to Barbados was recognised when the Gold Crown of Merit was conferred on him for his meritorious service to trade unionism.  He is an example of dedication, commitment and service to country above self.  It is worthy of emulation. To his wife, Francilia and daughters Stacey and Lauralynn, I extend condolences on behalf of my family and the country. May he rest in peace. (SS)

DLP STATEMENT ON PASSING OF EVELYN GREAVES – The following is a statement from president of the Democratic Labour Party Verla De Peiza on the passing of Evelyn Greaves. On behalf of the officers and members of the Democratic Labour Party I wish to express our deep shock and sadness on learning of the passing of Comrade Evelyn Greaves. Evelyn Greaves was an integral part of the fabric of the DLP almost from its inception. He lived his belief, that the masses of the people deserved champions devoted to their betterment. This drove him, both as a trade unionist and as a politician. That philosophy fuelled what was arguably his toughest political struggle, which saw him spend a period of sabbatical away from the limelight. He remained committed to the cause and worked behind the scenes to ensure his party was again representative of the people. When called upon, there was no hesitation in being pressed into service again, as High Commissioner to Canada, and more recently, he operated as a campaign manager. In this present rebuilding process, he again offered his services and was eager to become active again. On a personal note Evelyn Greaves, or Uncle Lyn as he was known to me, was a part of the fabric of my life from childhood. As my political career developed, he became and remained a champion and mentor. He was a proud St Lucy man, an unwavering supporter of our party and champion of the people. Our party will feel his loss acutely and our hearts go out to his wife Francilia; his daughters Stacey, and Laura-Lyn; his beloved grands and entire family. We believe Barbados is the poorer for his passing. (SS)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 100 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 8/7/2018

Good Morning #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Sunday 5th August 2018. Remember you can read full articles by purchasing Daily Nation Newspaper (DN), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

INNISS ARRESTED, CHARGED IN US – Former Minister of Industry and Commerce Donville Inniss is in hot water in the United States. The outspoken 52-year-old politician was arraigned on money laundering charges in a US court today and released on US$50 000 bond. According to the United States Department of Justice’s official website, Inniss was arrested in Florida last Friday and was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Julie Sneed in the Middle District of Florida at the federal courthouse in Tampa. Inniss has been accused of accepting bribes from a Barbadian insurance company in 2015 and 2016 when he was a public official.  According to the Department of Justice, Inniss was a legal permanent resident of the United States during the time of the charged conspiracy. Efforts to reach the former minister tonight proved futile. (DN)

MIA: BRING BACK THE ’POT – Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has indicated the Crop Over Festival needs to be re-examined for ways in which it can be improved. Sharing her thoughts on the festival when she made a stop at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s Black Rock stall yesterday, the Prime Minister said thought should be given to reintroducing Cohobblopot, which was discontinued in 2015. “I think we need to examine the festival, where we are. There are things that will always continue to be the same,” Mottley said. But she noted Cohobblopot for her was “not just a show” but “always an attitude to Barbados’ development, building the best out of us by putting all of us together and coming up with something that is unique to the Bajan.” This is why she thought it should be back on the calendar, while consideration should be given to adding new events, considering the interests of the generations of Barbadians who will be exposed to the festival in the future. (DN)

SMALL TAKES TOP AWARD – Twice is nice. Designer Kevin Small has once again taken the Robert Weekes Award for Best Festival Designer in the Republic Bank Grand Kadooment. The young bandleader for Fifth Element brought Street Talk for his theme this year. Since he won best band for Junior Kadooment he has the most value points needed to cop the prestigious award. His prize this year is a car from MQI and $7 500 cash. Small also copped 11 other individual prizes including Small band Of The Year, Traditional, Presentation Of The Year,  Most Colourful Small band, Community Costume and Best Individual Male which he wore himself, among others. He placed third in Best Band On The Road.   (DN)

LIL RICK'S MUDDA SALLY TAKES TUNE OF THE CROP – Tune Of The Crop belongs to Lil Rick. The hitmaker can claim supremacy this year in the National Cultural Foundation’s Crop Over festival. Musically that is. Apart from the Pic-O-De-Crop competition which he didn't not enter, he has placed first (Sweet Soca), tied with himself for first second and third (Foreday Morning Jam) and now can claim the Tune Of The Crop title. He placed first with Mudda Sally, earning himself $7 500. He then placed third with True Story, adding $2 000 to the tally for today. Mikey squeezed in between to take second place with Feting Family, earning himself $5 000. Mikey is also the People’s Monarch and Party Monarch for 2018. (DN)

GRAND PROPOSAL FOR ALEX AND INGRID – Visitor Alex Petalas today made a grand gesture to his girlfriend Ingrid Robinson when he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him during the Republic Bank Grand Kadooment. On top of the Aura truck, in front of hundreds of revellers, Petalas expressed his unadulterated love for Robinson before asking her the question at approximately 1:11 p.m. She responded with a loud yes, and her response was met with loud cheers and applause from those on the truck as well as those on the ground, after the deejay offered congrats over the mic. The newly engaged Robinson stood staring at her ring in awe for several minutes while wiping tears away. The couple are visiting from San Francisco and played mas with Aura today and said they thoroughly enjoyed it, as it was the perfect celebration for their engagement.  (DN)

SECURITY, SANITATION ON THEIR TOES – Security and sanitation crews were on the ball as usual yesterday during the Republic Bank Grand Kadooment. Police and soldiers were spotted all along the routes, ably supported by the men and women of the Roving Response Team. “Basically our role as emergency responders is to assist any agency, whether it be medical or logistical, through the Department of Emergency Management. We also give accurate reports on the number of bands which have passed,” said responder Stephen Niles, who was posted at the Brighton staging area. He said it had been quiet up to 1 p.m., but cautioned that things usually got hectic later in the day. “People start to get drunk and misbehave and then there are medical issues,” he said. By the end of the day and up to press time, police had reported only minor incidents. As for the annual clean-up, the Sanitation Service Authority was seen along Black Rock, St Michael, around 7 p.m. collecting the plastic bottles, pieces of costumes and general refuse. Supervisor Rudolph Bascombe estimated it would take them another hour and a half to finish but assured they were on schedule. (DN)

PM RAPPED FOR ACCEPTING UNIVERSITY – Some irate Dominicans have harshly criticised Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley for accepting the relocation of Ross University School of Medicine. One even called for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to sanction the newly elected leader for what has been termed an “act of economic aggression” against a sister nation. Last Friday, hours after Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced Ross University would be leaving Dominica after 40 years, Mottley and Adtalem Global Education president and chief executive officer Lisa Wardell were in turn revealing Barbados would be the new home of the American university. Dominicans expressed their anger and disappointment on social media. What made the cut even worse, one argued, was that it happened after Skerrit flew to Barbados and met with the new Prime Minister following the May 24 General Election, which the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) won by a clean sweep of the 30 seats at stake. (DN)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 148 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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The Chase Files Daily 7/26/2018

Good Morning #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Thursday 26th July 2018. Remember you can read full articles by purchasing Daily Nation Newspaper (DN), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

P.M.: GOVERNMENT NOT INTO VENGENCE - Government will not be going after any of its predecessors for alleged wrongdoing. Contrary to a commitment made by Attorney General Dale Marshall QC several weeks ago, Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Tuesday said her administration “will not be consumed by vengeance”. However, she said if clear information and/or evidence is brought to prove corruption, her administration intends to investigate. Indicating that some Barbadians may want “blood”, Mottley, who also serves as Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment, sympathised with those people whom she claimed felt aggrieved and angered by perceived plundering. And while she said that she struggled with those feelings, for her it was not about vengeance but rather about setting a line in the sand for accountability. Her comments were made in the House of Assembly during the debate of the Integrity In Public Life Bill, 2018. “. . . And while we must make sure that there is accountability without doubt, this Government must never become so obsessed with anything that approaches a level of vengeance that it forgets to do what it has to do to move the people of this country forward in a way that is sustainable. “And that is my job, I believe, as Prime Minister of this country: to ensure that even though we hold people accountable, that this Government must never become consumed with wanting only to achieve a level of vengeance or a level of we gine get yuh,” she said. Noting that every individual was deserving of a second chance, Mottley iterated that whatever justice is pursued it has to be done on the basis of evidence. “And if the evidence is there we will deal with it,” she stressed. Mottley added: “I have no interest in vengeance but I have an interest in making sure that Barbadians receive the full opportunity for development. “And this is not to be interpreted as the AG not going ahead with the ones for which there is clear evidence. “ . . . . If there is clear evidence of malfeasance in public office, then he must act. If there is evidence for higher [than that], then he must equally act too, and there are instances that are still the subject of investigations.” (DN)

MINISTER ISSUES WARNING –Barbadians are being warned against engaging with anyone on social media pretending to be representing the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce. This caution has come from the Minster of Entrepreneurship Dwight Sutherland who suggested that is almost ready to offer the Trust Loan Fund to the public.  “As minister responsible for entrepreneurship, I give you the assurance that my Ministry will continue to roll out innovative business solutions to continue to address the perennial challenges faced by the entrepreneurial class in Barbados. “In this regard and by way of update let me advise that the infrastructural planning to roll out the much anticipated Trust Loan Fund… is at an advanced stage and every effort is being made to give clarity and transparency to the process,”Sutherland said. He made these comments on Wednesday at Bagnall Point Pelican Village when he addressed the opening of the Barbados Manufacturers Association’s (BMA) A Guide to Costing Workshop. “This must be said, being mindful of the fact that there are already persons purporting online to be facilitators of this loan facility. Let me categorically state that my Ministry is solely responsible for this loan facility and has not given permission to anyone to act on its behalf. “The general public is therefore warned against being duped by such persons whose intention is to get you to expend personal funds to access this loan facility,”Sutherland added. The Trust Loan was one of the promises made by the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) during the last General election. The loan facility will provide unsecured loans at a very minimal interest rate and amounts of up to $5000 will be loaned to persons in the first instance and upon repayment will facilitate access to another $10,000.00. (DN)

FOUR QUESTIONED IN MILLION DOLLAR DRUG HAUL – A fourth person is being questioned by the police as the investigation continues into a drug find aboard a yacht in the Bridgetown Port on Monday. And earlier this evening Goddard Enterprises Limited issued a statement regarding police detaining two of its directors, a staff member. “At this point, we understand that no one has been charged. We are confident that the police are engaged in their usual high standard of investigation and we look forward to putting this matter behind us very quickly when the full facts are known. "In the interim our deputy chairman, Mr William Putnam is acting as chairman of the company. Our chief executive officer, Mr Anthony Ali, is currently in Ecuador on company business,” the statement read. In addition to the four people, three men and a woman, the company’s yacht is also in police custody. “The company wishes to assure all of its stakeholders that it continues to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity which have been the backbone of this organisation from its very beginnings,” the read the statement signed by Putnam. Yesterday the three crew members of the Barbados registered vessel spent the day at the Oistins Police Station after the Drug Squad carried out a raid at the Bridgetown Port on Monday. Reports are that today at least two of those detained left the police for a period of time but remained detained up to this point. (DN)

ESTACY EXPOSED – There is still no indication as to if or when police will charge two prominent businessmen and an unknown third person being questioned in connection with a $3 million drug bust aboard the luxury yacht Ecstasy, which is owned by Goddard Enterprises Limited. Charles Herbert, the chairman of Goddard Enterprises and head of the Barbados Private Sector Association, and the company’s non-executive director Chris Rogers, were transferred today from the police station in Oistins, Christ Church to the Criminal Investigation Department in Fontabelle, St Michael, where lawmen continued their probe into the discovery of the drugs on board the yacht which had returned to Barbados from Grenada. The third person of interest, who it was alleged was hired to work on the vessel, but who the company has since identified as a staff member, is still being interrogated at the Oistin’s police station. Attorney-at- law Andrew Pilgrim, QC, is representing Herbert and Rogers, while Arthur Holder, who serves as Speaker of the House of Assembly, told Barbados TODAY he was providing legal counsel for the person of interest. Neither attorney would provide any details about the investigation, which has gone past the 48-hour period during which police can legally hold people being questioned, without laying charges. In a media release yesterday, the Royal Barbados Police Force said members of the Drug Squad discovered a quantity of marijuana on the yacht about 1 p.m. on Monday and that “three crew members” were being questioned in connection with the find. “On Monday 23rd July 2018 about 1 p.m., members of the Royal Barbados Police Force’s Drug Squad unit conducted an operation on board a Barbados registered vessel at the Bridgetown Port, St Michael. “As a result of that operation, a quantity of marijuana was found. Three crew members are currently assisting police with investigations,” the release said without naming the vessel, those on board or the value of the confiscated drugs. It was not immediately known when the luxury vessel left Barbados, or if it made any stops other than in Grenada. Goddard Enterprises released a statement today in which it said the company had made some adjustments as a result of the development, naming Deputy Chairman William Putnam as Acting Chairman. It said Anthony Ali, the chief executive officer, was in Ecuador on company business. In the statement, signed by Putnam, Goddard Enterprises said it “has become aware of a situation involving its vessel, two of its directors and a staff member, who have been detained by the police”. It further stated that while no one had been charged at this point, the company was confident that “police are engaged in their usual high standard of investigations and look forward to putting the matter behind them once the facts are fully known”. “The company wishes to assure all of its stakeholders that it continues to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity which have been the backbone of this organization from its very beginnings,” the statement said. Police have yet to issue an update since yesterday’s brief statement, however, sources have told Barbados TODAY all parties who were on the yacht could be held responsible for the contraband under the doctrine of common enterprise, if no one admitted to knowledge of the drugs. “This is a private yacht belonging to Goddards. It is not a vessel that every Tom, Dick and Harry off the streets can just board and have the run of it. So those on board would have to provide answers,” a police source stated on condition of anonymity. Goddard Enterprises Limited is a publicly traded company, listed on the Barbados Stock Exchange. Its subsidiary companies are involved in airline catering, industrial and restaurant catering, meat processing, bakery operations, automobile retail and automotive parts, real estate, the manufacture of aerosols and liquid detergents, investments, rum distilling, general trading, packaging, fish and shrimp processing, property rentals, general insurance, financing, as well as shipping agents and stevedoring, the company says on its website. Goddard had revenues of $205.8 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2017, an increase of 3.7 per cent over the corresponding period in 2016, with growth registered mainly across it auto, building supplies and services division, according to its financial statement.  (BT)

TEEN REMANDED ON GUN AND AMMO CHARGES – An 18-year-old got an automatic 28-day stay at HMP Dodds today after he appeared in court on gun and ammunition charges. Shad Gabriel Orlando Slocombe, of Block one, Apartment 5, Community High Rise Towers, Country Road, St Michael, is alleged to have had a .32 revolver and five rounds of ammunition in his possession on July 18. The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charges when he appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick today. Slocombe, who is represented by attorney at law Mohia Ma’at, reappears in the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court on August 22. (DN)

HOT PHONE – A carpenter, in his 30s, had to part with $600 today after he was found guilty of purchasing a stolen cellular phone over six years ago. Damian Renaldo Weekes, of St Lawrence, Christ Church, was charged with dishonestly obtaining the $1,000 electronic device knowing or believing it to be stolen between October 11, 2011 and January 10, 2012. “That day I was walking when I saw this guy named Andre. I accustom of getting things from him. I bought the phone from him and it turned out to be stolen . . . and when I got to court I understand that it was robbed from somebody else,” Weekes said as he gave an unsworn statement today. However, Magistrate Douglas Frederick found him guilty based on oral statements he allegedly made when he was detained for the offence. Frederick explained that Weekes had told the officer back then that he knew ‘it was a hot phone because I got it at a deal’. “If you are in doubt, leave it out! Face a reputable place to get your stuff,” the magistrate said as he chastised Weekes and imposed the fine. (DN)

TOO MUCH SECRECY AT TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING, GOVT TOLD – Secrecy, a lack of transparency and lengthy delays have been identified as some of the major hurdles in the way of developers and other stakeholders in the planning process. Kim Penfold, consultant with the housing, planning and regeneration company, Penfold Associates, today complained there was too much secrecy and too many delays at Town & Country Planning, lending to a feeling, especially among the public, that the process was neither fair nor honest. “The wider public has a right to know that their interests are being considered when planning applications are being dealt with,” Penfold told the second in a series of stakeholder consultations on the planned reform of the Town and Country Planning Act at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. He said it was imperative that both the applicant and the wider public see the planning system as “fair, open, honest and efficient” if there were to be “a fit for purpose planning system”. The planning consultant argued that delays in the planning process served as a deterrent to investment, invited illegal developments and created “a contempt of the planning system”. “The system is also beset by secrecy, and I use that word deliberately because decisions are actually made that you don’t know anything about. That destroys the confidence and trust and it raises suspicion about corruption . . . whether corruption exist or not. And again this secrecy deters investment,” he stressed, adding that “transparency builds trust and confidence”. Penfold stressed the need for consistency in the granting of permission, although he admitted there would be exceptions, which he advised ought to be dealt “in a clear, opened and explained fashion”. “Finally on these cross-cutting issues is the governance point, which I hope will be applied to all the rest of the discussion. The governance point comes down simply to who will make the decision. Sometimes at the moment it is the Prime Minister, sometimes it is the chief town planner. Should the Prime Minister have to make decision about simple little things? Should the chief town planner have ultimate authority on almost every application that goes through the system? These are all things we should look at,” he advised. It was also revealed that it could take up to eight years for an appeal to be settled, with Penfold pleading for the process to be managed “so it can deliver on time, as simple as that”. “Sometimes when planning applications go to appeal and take eight years that is of no use to anybody. So those are things that need to be dealt with,” he insisted. Meantime, attorney-at-law Christine Toppin-Allahar said there was a lot of catching up to do with regards to updating the planning law in order to make it more reflective of current realities. During today’s discussions concerns were also raised about the lack of enforcement against those involved in unlawful developments, with participants recommending the penalty be increased from the current $1,000 fine. One of the other recommendations made was for the authorities to consider establishing a separate department to carry out enforcement of building codes and standards. The consultations were designed primarily for the Mia Mottley administration to discuss with stakeholders, the challenges associated with the town planning process and to come up with workable solutions. At the end of the process, which began last Monday, it is hoped that a new Town & Country Planning Act will be developed, which should go before Parliament by the end of November.  (BT)

BACTERIAL INFECTION UNDER CONTROL QEH – The state-run Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today confirmed that eight cases of the bacterial illness known as Burkholderia Cepacia Complex were diagnosed at the island’s premier health care institution over the past six weeks. However, it said several measures were taken to bring the situation under control. “There were six cases diagnosed in June, and two in early July, but since the introduction of mitigating measures to arrest the increase in incidences and reduce recurrences, there have been no additional cases of Burkholderia Cepacia complex diagnosed to date,” the hospital’s communications department said. The bacteria, said to be most harmful to persons suffering with renal disease or a weakened immune system, are usually found in soil and contaminated water. However, given the recent threat the hospital has been emphasizing the importance of hand and other forms of hygiene. In addition, patients diagnosed with the condition were separated from the general population and treated, amid stepped up health surveillance at the hospital.  (BT)

ARRIVALS UP – Visitor arrivals are up for the first six months of 2018, and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) is expecting the positive trend to continue, with more flights due here and new attractions to come on stream before yearend. In a release, the BTMI said that between January and June this year, Barbados recorded some 357,668 stay over visitors, an increase of 10,819, or 3.1 per cent, when compared to the same period in 2017. Of the island’s five major source markets, the United Kingdom is again out front with 119,241 people coming in from that market, up 2.8 per cent from 2017. However, the biggest jump of 8.8 per cent was registered in the United States market from whence a total of 107,328 visitors came, while 53,236 visitors made their way here from Canada, a 2.9 per cent increase compared to 2017. In terms of the Caribbean, Barbados attracted the majority of its visitors – 14,863 – from Trinidad and Tobago, while there was a 3.1 per cent increase in arrivals from the rest of the region. The European continent retained its 4.3 per cent market share with 18,988 visitors. While congratulating the players in the industry, Chief Executive Officer of the BTMI, William Billy Griffith, said Barbados must do more to remain competitive. “As we continue to grow the Barbados brand, we must be strategic in our efforts and now, more than ever, we must focus on our key relationships. So, over the next six months we will be working even more closely with our partners to ensure these trends continue through the upcoming winter period and beyond.” The increased arrivals can be attributed in part to greater airlift following the inauguration of Virgin Atlantic’s new twice-weekly service from London Heathrow, which started in December 2017 and continued through to April 2018. It is due to resume for the 2018-19 winter period. Thomas Cook, another carrier operating from London Gatwick, will also continue its flights to Barbados in the 2018-19 winter season following a successful debut this past winter. It is also expected that the new partnership with Copa Airlines out of Panama, which recently had its inaugural flight to Barbados, will reap significant benefits in terms of attracting new business from South America and the Caribbean. In the US market, American Airlines is adding a third daily flight out of Miami on December 19 this year, and on that same day it will launch a daily non-stop service from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Barbados. Canadian airline WestJet is increasing its seat capacity by eight per cent between May and October this year, and this coming winter, Air Canada will introduce three weekly flights from Montreal. Griffith further revealed that some new attractions would also have aroused greater interest in the country. “New attractions like Rihanna Drive and Nikki Beach, or even Hugo’s Restaurant, go a long way in showing that Barbados is committed to maintaining its position as a superior holiday destination, and looking ahead to the next six months, I am looking forward to experiencing the new Heritage Railway that St Nicholas Abbey is currently working on, which will feature a 45-minute train ride along the east coast of Barbados in a restored locomotive,” he said. “We are cognizant of the continuous need to refresh and invigorate our product offerings, while preserving the elements of the Barbados experience that keep our repeat guest rate so high,” he added. (BT)

SLINGER AND DONOVAN ON BOARD – Two new transport boards have been announced with community activist Adrian Donovan and journalist Timothy Slinger among the immediate standouts. Donovan, who is has been articulating the concerns of residents on the south coast sewage situation over the past year, has been appointed by the Mia Mottley-led Government to serve on the new board of directors at the state-run Transport Board, which is led by attorney-at-law Gregory Nicholls. The six-member board also includes David Bowen (deputy chairman), Paul Bernstein, Wanda Reid Beckles, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance or a nominee, according to the Official Gazette dated June 25, 2018. The Transport Authority meantime has appointed an 11-member board to guide its affairs for the next three years. Led by businessman Ian Estwick, it also includes Rozanne Parris-Bryan (deputy chairman), along with Slinger, Steven Williams, Arley Thorpe, Andrew Willoughby, the Permanent Secretary and the Chief Technical Officer in the Ministry of Transport Works and Maintenance or their nominees, as well as representatives of the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Transport Board and the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados, the gazette added. The changes come on the heels of the May 24 general elections in which the Freundel Stuart-led Democratic Labour Party was swept from office.  (BT)

AC DRAWS FIRST FOR FINALS -  AC will lead the charge at the Courtesy/Mount Gay Pic O De Crop finals next Friday, August 3. Following him will be Billboard at number two and Crystal Cummins Beckles. The finalists drew for their positions last night during a mix and mingle session at Courtesy Garage, Wildey St Michael. They will be seeking to dethrone reigning monarch iWeb who will perform at position number seven. There was one change amongst the finalists with Mr Blood switching with Structure. Mr Blood will sing at number six and Structure will sing at number nine. The full list in order of performance is as follows: AC, Billboard, Chrystal Cummins Beckles, Smokey Burke, Mr Blood, Donella, iWeb, Kid Site, Structure and Jude Clarke. (DN)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 159 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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The Chase Files Daily  Newscap 7/25/2018

Good Morning #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Wednesday 25th July 2018. Remember you can read full articles by purchasing Midweek Nation Newspaper (MWN), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

IMF EXPERT: STAY THE COURSE – The economic reforms are “going to bite”, but you must “stay the course”. Respected Caribbean economist Dr Wendell Samuel based his assessment on his involvement with International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes in Antigua and Barbuda and the Seychelles. The Vincentian, who is programme coordinator of the Barbados-based and IMF-operated Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre, also said it was “important to be open to all policy options”, enhance medium-term growth, keep wages in check and carefully monitor spending by state-owned enterprises. He was delivering the keynote address at the Central Bank of Barbados’ 38th Annual Review Seminar at Radisson Aquatica Resort on Tuesday. Samuel was the mission chief and resident representative for Antigua and Barbuda for part of its standby arrangement with the IMF, and he was the mission chief for Seychelles during the last two of its extended IMF facilities.  (MWN)

NO BACKING DOWN! – As Barbados moves closer to implementing an International Monetary Fund (IMF) structural adjustment programme, a regional spokesman for the IMF is warning the Mia Mottley-led administration that it must be prepared to stand by its tough decisions. “You have to have the political will to know that some of these things that you do are going to impact your supporters, but then that is where the initial conversation about what needs to be done is important,” warned Wendell Samuel, programme coordinator for the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC), the Barbados-based regional resource centre for the IMF. He also suggested that donors needed to be on board with the prescribed changes. “They are going to provide the financing because even though you are generating your primary surplus there are financing that need to come from the debt restructuring, for paying the debt that’s there,” the Vincentian economist explained. He further warned that the journey would not be a smooth one and that medium term challenges should be expected, especially when it came to the best policy options for the economy. “In a lot of instances it is trial and error. So sometimes the most technical solution is not going to be the most efficient one and sometimes the second best is probably going to be good enough,” he explained. “It is important to stay the course. Basic reforms are going to bite, people are going to lobby to have things rolled back. The important thing is to continue pushing forward,” the IMF spokesman insisted. He stressed that management and efficient implementation of the reform agenda was critical. And based on his experience in similar economies that have entered into IMF arrangements, Samuel said there would be need for strong “coordination between the ministries and with the Central Bank to ensure that things remain on track. “For that you need a cadre of skilled, committed public servants. This is indispensible. These people are probably going to be working every weekend and more than 18 hours a day at times . . . in some cases you are going to recognize that there are square pegs in round holes and they have to be removed,” he added. Samuel, who was addressing the Central Bank of Barbados’ 38th annual review seminar at the Radisson Aquatica Resort this morning, was the mission chief and resident representative for Antigua and Barbuda during that country’s standby arrangement with the IMF. He also served as mission chief for the Seychelles during the last two years of that country’s extended fund facility. During his presentation on the topic Orthodox Policies and Macroeconomic Adjustment in Small States: A Tale of Two Cities, Samuel examined the IMF restructuring programmes of Antigua and Barbuda and Seychelles, while highlighting their similarities, the policies implemented and the results achieved. He revealed that both countries had defaulted on some aspects of their debt, and had both developed homegrown programmes supported by the IMF, which were focused on  strong fiscal adjustment, comprehensive debt restructuring and structural reforms. Samuel said like those small states, Barbados would have to make sacrifices, explaining that besides taxes, public sector job cuts and other cuts in Government expenditure, there would be a need for more private sector led growth, improved business facilitation and restructuring of state-owned entities. The Vincentian national said it would also be critical for Government to build public consensus by explaining the level of sacrifice that was needed and the results that should be expected. (BT)

NO MORE TUITION WORRIES FOR BCC AND ERDISTON STUDENTS – The anxiety is over for students of the Barbados Community College (BCC) and the Erdiston Teachers Training College worried about the payment of tuition fees this academic year. Government today gave its word that it would cover those costs, along with the tuition fees for Barbadians pursuing studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training Santia Bradshaw set out the administration’s policies on the payment of tuitions fees for tertiary students in a ministerial statement delivered shortly before Parliament adjourned for lunch. Declaring that it was only “logical and fair” that there be a consistent tuition policy in education and training, she announced the “position offered to Barbadian students at the UWI should also be offered to other Barbadian tertiary students undertaking undergraduate programmes at both the BCC and the Erdiston Training College with immediate effect. “However we must bear in mind the current state of our economy and the reduced scope that Government has for spending. And therefore, all fees paid by Barbadians for the 2018/2019 academic year at either of these institutions will be credited in full during the course of the academic year 2018/2019,” Bradshaw noted, while making it clear that “both part-time and full-time students at both the BCC and the Erdiston Training College will also be required to give back in recognition of these services provided by the state”. The situation is similar for UWI students who were assured by Prime Minister Mia Mottley in her June 11 Budget that Government would resume the payment of tuition fees from September. The announcement, which sparked an increase in applications at the Cave Hill Campus, however resulted in confusion recently after parents and students had complained that they were being told by UWI they would have to meet the tuition costs themselves in the absence of official word from Government. In breaking her silence on the issue, the minister said “concrete arrangements” would be made for payment of the tuitions fees for Barbadians attending all three UWI campuses. “The Government of Barbados will pay directly to the UWI, tuition fees for Barbadians enrolled in undergraduate courses of studies. Government however will only cover the tuition fees for a second undergraduate degree if Barbadian students gained at least upper second class honours or if the second undergraduate degrees will be of significant relevance to national development,” she said. Additionally, Government will cover the tuition costs for Barbadian students seeking a legal educational certificate granted by the Council of Legal Education of the Commonwealth Caribbean. Barbadian postgraduate students may also benefit from Government’s largesse, but they must gain at least upper second class honours in the first degree, or their postgraduate degree must be of significant relevance to national development. Bradshaw revealed that a full list of national development programmes which will be considered for the 2018/2019 academic year would be released by August 3. Government has also made provisions for students to benefit from an additional year in the event of circumstances which may force a student to repeat a year. “If you are pursuing full-time studies, Government will cover tuitions fees for three years plus one, which is therefore four years and for part-time studies, four years plus one which is five years,” the minister said. Like their other tertiary colleagues, UWI students will also be required to give back by “providing 150 hours of approved community service per year, whereas part-time students will be required to give back 100 hours of approved community service per year”. And in anticipation of concern about the increased Government expenditure in lights of limited resources, Bradshaw insisted that the administration would use the savings from its debt re-profiling to fund the costs. She stressed that Government viewed the payment of tuition fees as one of the critical measures “to halt social decline, to alleviate suffering and to build the foundation for a new national growth. “A stagnant economy cannot be revitalized without a trained empowered, equipped workforce, nor can it be revitalized with heavily indebted consumers,” Bradshaw insisted. The office of the students’ guild immediately welcomed today’s announcement, saying it was extremely pleased with the move. “The guild counts it as a great victory and will now be working with the administration of the college to ensure this smooth transition for continuing students and new students,” it said in a statement.  (BT)

NEW GLOBAL MANDATE – Within the next two years the University of the West Indies (UWI) will have a presence on every continent, top officials of the learning institution are promising. Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles said in light of a recent satisfactory ranking on one of the world’s prestigious university lists, UWI would redouble its efforts to become a more globally recognized institution and to attract more international students. Sir Hilary said the plan was in keeping with the university’s Triple A Strategy 2017-2022. Earlier this year, UWI Chancellor Robert Bermudez had also expressed concern that “the traditional model of the state paying the vast majority of the economic cost [for students] is unsustainable due to the fiscal challenges in the region. “We spend too much time lobbying the governments to pay their bills and not enough time on reducing the operating cost of the university,” Bermudez had told the university, which has its main campuses in Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago and was owed close to $400 million up to last year, almost half of this by the Barbados Government. Addressing a media conference which was streamed live from the Mona campus in Jamaica on Tuesday, Sir Hilary made no mention of the indebtedness to the UWI, but said it was high time it was “pushed away from its 20th century structures and infrastructures” and made into a “very dynamic and aggressive 21st century university”. “We are aggressively ramping up the process of evolving into a more aggressive 20th century university. Therefore we are not speaking of business as normal, we are speaking about transformation. We are speaking about the reinvention of the UWI,” Sir Hilary said. “There is nothing accidental about what we do,” he added, “one of the objectives we have pursued in recent years is the aggressive globalization of this university . . . . This is why we have said that UWI is going to operate on every continent on this planet; that UWI will have a physical presence in all of these places and this is what we are pursuing”. Pointing to the university’s overall ranking of 37th out of 129 universities in Latin America and the Caribbean in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Rankings, Sir Hilary said it was UWI’s intention to improve on that ranking within the next two years. UWI’s Pro Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs Dr Richard Bernal acknowledged that UWI had significant competition from other universities around the world, adding that it was therefore critical that it strategically expands its reach. Bernal noted that UWI currently has international student enrolment of between two to three per cent, which he said should be increased to ten per cent. “[However] this is not at the expense of taking in Caribbean students,” he said. “We have the room, particularly in Barbados, to increase our foreign students. This is good for us. It provides exposure, it is a revenue aspect,” he added. Bernal also suggested that the university’s expansion plan was well advanced, given a number of partnerships with other universities and governments. “We are already in China . . .  It provides software engineering. It is a double degree – two years in the Caribbean and two years in China, including learning Mandarin and a year’s working experience,” Bernal explained. “We want to also intervene in the policy space, and so we have aligned State University of New York. We thought this would be an ideal partnership since we have 50,000 students and they have 500,000 students. This gives us access to the largest and most diverse student body in the United States,” he said. The academic said UWI had just completed its contractual obligations in Kenya and was “working on Canada and Europe”. “I would say in the next year or two we will be deployed on all continents. We are very active with UNAM (National Autonomous University) of Mexico,” Bernal added. He pointed out that the UWI had signed memoranda of understanding and entered partnerships with over 330 universities, which he said reflected the scope of the university’s ambition. “So with all that, why are we interested in global rankings? Global rankings are important because they affect the following things: “One, student enrolment . . . it affects the recruitment and retention of faculty, it affects the ability to develop local public/private partnership and international partnerships. It affects the financial support even from stakeholder governments and it certainly affects how you compete in the global quest for research funding,” he said. Bernal said it was in that regard that the university decided two years ago to make it on the Times Higher Education (THE) University Rankings. “The competition is intense among the 23,000 institutions of higher learning but there is room for all of us. The market for higher education at the global level is now worth US$70 billion. In our situation here where our governments have stood by us for many years, many of them are experiencing difficult fiscal situation. The onus is on us to become more efficient, more creative and to earn more of our income. And hence the global market is a natural thing,” he said. (BT)

PM: MAKE BARBADOS THE BEST VISITOR EXPERIENCE IN THE WORLD – “We in dis ting together.” That rallying cry to the nation by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley since she took office on May 24 was aimed specifically at the workers at the Grantley Adams International Airport today as the Prime Minister appealed for their help in making Barbados the best visitor experience in the Americas, if not the world. The Prime Minister is meeting with workers from all departments at the airport over two days to hear their challenges and suggestions for enhancing the service offered users of the airport. She lamented the fact that the tourism industry which earned $2.3 billion in 2007 only earned $2.1 billion last year. Her target, she shared, was $4 billion in five years. Mottley told the workers: “If you don’t remember anything else from today, remember four in five, because if we don’t do it, your job, your pensions , my job, my pension, our way of life, the Barbados that we know . . . that’s what’s at stake.” “I’m asking you now today and I’m not too proud to ask, I need your help. I need each and every one of you to help. And I haven’t sent a message as I could have done through the Minister or the Chairman. I’ve come myself because we need your help and out of this has to be an us . . . I need us to leave in here with a sense that we is we.” She outlined some of the steps that were needed to move the process forward. “We need to listen, we need to redesign some of the processes that we have because things that worked for us 40 or 50 years ago may not work for us today.” In this regard, she suggested that perhaps the time had come for a dedicated team of hosts and hostesses to greet passengers. “All of us must know what is required of each and every one of us and if we do simply what is required of each and every one of us, while doing it with a smile and a pep in our step, then our job becomes easier.” Prime Minister Mottley told her audience that she wished she had inherited a Government that “was flush”, but it was not. She further noted: “Far from not having money, the reason why we are restructuring debt is because the country is not capable of paying that debt. Straight and simple.” She revealed that the money that Government was required to pay in interest payments alone was more than the wages for the entire Civil Service. Government spends, she said, $780 million in wages and is spending $800 million in interest alone while the principal is close to $1 billion. Mottley assured the workers that the situation could be fixed through measures which included debt restructuring and creating additional revenue by spreading the tax burden across Barbadians and visitors. Expenditure adjustment also has to take place, she said. “You know how we feel about how we’re going to spend the taxpayers’ money. First thing we have to do is to make people safe. The second thing we have to do is to protect the public health of the country and then, your own health care, nobody should have to endure pain because they don’t have money.” She also stressed the importance of protecting the vulnerable by creating a platform to empower people through education while at the same time giving them access to money to start businesses through trust loans. Other priorities, the Prime Minister said, were protecting the beaches, fixing the roads and cleaning the gullies; financing the productive sectors such as tourism and international business; and protecting Barbados as a nation in terms of foreign policy. (BGIS)  

BARBADOS RANKS 112TH ON GLOBAL SLAVERY INDEX – An estimated 1,000 people in Barbados are said to be living in modern day slavery, even as the country prepares to celebrate Emancipation Day next Wednesday. In the 2018 Global Slavery Index, which examined 167 countries, the island was ranked at 112th, with an estimated 2.75 people per 1,000 out of a population of 275,000 living in modern slavery, and 41.90 per 100 people said to be “vulnerable to modern slavery”. Barbados was also ranked nineth in Latin America and the Caribbean, based on population size, behind Venezuela, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Guyana was ranked at 12th in the region and Jamaica 13th. Overall Guyana was ranked at 116th and Jamaica at 117th. The survey explored data on prevalence, vulnerability, and government responses. Barbados had a government response of ‘CCC’, which means Government has a limited response to modern slavery, with limited victim support services, a criminal justice framework that criminalizes some forms of modern slavery, and has policies that provide some protection for those vulnerable to modern day slavery, the report said. The rating, which carries a score of between 30 and 39.9, also means that there “may be evidence of a national action plan or national coordination body”. The report, which was released late last week, said while all countries were taking steps to tackle modern day slavery at the national and regional level, “all can do more to ensure that no one is exploited for the benefit of others”. It said there was an estimated 1.95 million people living in modern day slavery in Latin America and the Caribbean and an estimated 40.3 million worldwide, 29 per cent males and 71 per cent females. The Walk Free Foundation, which is responsible for the survey, said “modern slavery is a complex and often hidden crime that crosses borders, sectors and jurisdictions”. “The Walk Free Foundation believes that a strong, multifaceted approach is needed to end modern slavery. This includes building a robust knowledge base to inform action, driving legislation change in key countries and harnessing the power of businesses and faiths,” it said. “Through a combination of direct implementation, grassroots community engagement, and working in partnership with faiths, businesses, academics, non-governmental organizations and governments around the world, the Walk Free Foundation believes we can end modern slavery,” it added.  (BT)

OZONE DROWNING IN $8 MILLION DEBT  - The island’s newest telecommunications provider today revealed it was sending home 80 per cent of its workforce and would suspend all debt payments in a bid to survive a multi-million dollar debt. The one-year-old Ozone Wireless said it owed $8 million to over 50 creditors, and would therefore undertake a three-year debt re-profiling programme. In a clear-the-air news conference at the company’s headquarters at Pine Complex this afternoon, new head Dr Nicholas Kelly explained that the company had frozen all debt payments until January 2019, and would reduce its staff compliment from 60 to 12 employees. In addition, the Manor Lodge office will be closed effective August 3, while bill payment stations will be established at several Nature’s Discount outlets. Kelly also said while Ozone would maintain its voice over LTE service, its primary focus would be on data provision. “We have a lot of debt. We owe 52 different creditors. We owe money to our landlords for tower rentals, we owe money to Flow for towers and connections. However, the amount of money that is owed is significantly less than the money that has been invested thus far and there are people lining up to invest in Ozone because they want the third player to survive. “So I have a plan to freeze all debt payments and renegotiate the cost of doing business with all of our customers,” Kelly said, going on to reveal that almost all of the creditors had agreed to give the company six months of breathing room. However, the company has yet to meet with Flow, although Kelly expressed confidence that Flow would agree to the freeze, as Ozone’s survival would redound to the benefit of the telecommunications giant. “The CEO of Flow has indicated to me personally that they do not wish for Ozone to be crushed. They know they have the power to do it but at the end of the day if we end up with five per cent of the population we are not going to be a big thorn in the side of either Flow or Digicel, yet we would be an extremely profitable company. “We don’t need to go for half of the population to be profitable and upset the two incumbents. In fact, we are going to be one of their biggest customers because there are only two pipelines into Barbados owned by Flow and Digicel and we rent from both of them,” he added. The businessman acknowledged that the company had a lot of ground to cover before regaining the trust of customers, as a result of the reports that Ozone was being sold to Flow, as well as an unannounced three-day closure of the main branch last month. “I apologize to the public because I was in the dark too. I had no clue what was going on and after I took over I had to get all of the facts together. I couldn’t release too much information because I honestly did not know. So now that I have all of the facts I can say . . . I have touched base with all of the creditors and we still have a good structure with the billing system based in Israel,” Kelly explained, while blaming poor management put in place by his partners for the company’s current situation. (BT)

WOOD TO HEAD UP NEW BADMC BOARD – The Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) has a new board, which is chaired by former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Anthony Wood. An economist and lecturer at University of the West Indies Cave Hill, Wood also previously served as Minister of Energy and Public Utilities and Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports in a previous Owen Arthur-led Barbados Labour Party Government between 1999 and 2008, before he lost his St Philip South seat to former Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite of the recently ousted Democratic Labour Party. The deputy chairperson of the BADMC board is Wayne Lovell, and the other members are Peter Chase, Berkeley Clarke, Edwin Oneale, Ronald Greenidge, Elaine Gooding, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security or his nominee, and Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society. The appointments took effect from July 1, 2018, and are for a period of three years. (BT)

CHARGE ‘BIG-UPS’ FOR GUNS – ATHERLEY – Opposition Leader Joseph Atherley wants to know why no high ranking members of society is ever charged for smuggling weapons into Barbados. Speaking in Parliament today on a resolution “to take note” of the Governor General’s Throne Speech, Atherley said the young men on the block who were being arrested did not have “the wherewithal to get guns into this country to the extent that seems to be the case”. Instead, he suggested, it was the “big ups” who had the capacity to import the illegal guns, yet none was being made to pay. “I’ve not heard of any big-ups being brought before the courts from the world of business, and charged with having been part of the supply chain bringing these guns into Barbados; any public servants being charged with reference to that type of activity; any persons out of the political class or practising politicians before the courts in relation to any matter such as that; any priests or pastors being arrested by the police and hauled before the courts because they are found to be a part of the supply chain of illegal arms coming into Barbados,” he said. “Why is it that we cannot get a handle on his matter of illegal arms coming into Barbados and being made so easily accessible and available to minds which are then criminally disposed to the use of such for whatever purpose?” he queried. At a news conference yesterday to update the country on the crime situation for the first six months of the year, Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith said overall crime remained at a “manageable level”, while revealing that assaults and wounding accounted for 14.5 per cent of the 4,054 crimes committed during the period. The commissioner said there was an approximately 36 per cent decrease in firearms enabled crime, from 184 last year to 118 this year. Atherley today said the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) had improved its crime detection ability over the years, but expressed disappointment that there was no crackdown on gun crimes. He said following shootings involving members of working class communities, some of the young men would be jailed but “nobody goes on to say to us where the guns come from”. The Opposition Leader described the situation as presenting “a serious danger to our democracy” and warned that soon the shooters would stop shooting each other and the guns and “will perhaps one day be trained at the police authority . . . at political personalities”. For these reasons Atherley said “if we find that the police force locally here does not have the capacity to address the situation then I’m strongly suggesting we need to import the help, the capacity, from whatever recognized and capable international agency to address this matter”. He said such a move would be a worthwhile investment, while stressing that “we need to get the help for the police which is necessary, and if it should come from outside . . .  then that is in the interest of Barbados”. The Opposition Leader said police from the rank of sergeant downwards should be paid “much more than they presently earn. The nature of their work has changed over time. It is now far more hazardous, dangerous”. He spoke of the Police Commissioner lamenting that the Force was 100 members short of its optimum number, adding: “If we pay more we are likely to see an improvement in the recruitment prospects, not only of numbers but of quality persons presenting themselves to serve.” Atherley explained that this pay raise should come after Barbados emerges from the current economic austerity period. “Once we have come out on the other side of this deep, dark valley through which now tread, those for first consideration should be those who serve in the defence of this country in terms of law enforcement duties in a very hazardous world,” he said. (BT)

FORCE REMAINS HAMSTRUNG BY MANPOWER SHORTAGE, SAYS POLICE COMMISSIONER – The Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) remains hamstrung by a “significant” manpower shortage, with Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith suggesting that an additional 241 officers were needed to adequately satisfy domestic demand. Of the current compliment of 1,288 officers, there are just over 260 females. During a media conference at Police Headquarters to report on the crime situation in the country for the first six months of the year, Griffith explained that though individuals were still applying for jobs in the Force, many were proving to be unsuitable candidates. “Already we are having numbers coming to us to join the Force, but the question of suitability is important. Merely to hire people because you want to fill those vacancies will not work. In fact, you probably will end up with more problems than we can handle at this time,” he said. “That is a significant problem to fill those vacancies because you need to fill those vacancies with suitable persons,” the police chief stressed. He also suggested that the time had come “when policing has to be made more attractive if we are to get those individuals who are required to execute such a difficult and varied job”. “Police officers give so much of their time and I am sure that if there were benefits that went to better allowances for extra duty, conditions of service as it relates to health [and] housing allowance, more people would join. All those things would impact positively,” Griffith said while suggesting that if the Force could attract even half of the desired 241 officers that would “aid tremendously”. “We live in an economic space where we have to be real and so if we could merely satisfy those numbers we would be happy,” he added. It was only last month that newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce had voiced concern that young people were not attracted to the Force because the pay was not good enough. “The salaries are not as attractive as we would want them to be,” Boyce said, a sentiment that was also expressed last November by President of the Barbados Police Association (BPA) Mervin Grace. At the time, the then Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite had also pointed out that the significant manpower shortage within the Force was impacting on its operations, adding that when coupled with increased workloads, this sometimes resulted in a failure to produce files in a timely manner. (BT)

MAJOR SEIZURE – Police have launched a major investigation following the seizure of approximately $3 million worth of illegal drugs found aboard the yacht Ecstasy, which is owned by Goddard Enterprises Limited. Official sources this afternoon told Barbados TODAY the yacht returned to Barbados from Grenada over the weekend with its captain Chris Rogers, a non-executive director with Goddard’s Enterprises, and chairman of that company and head of the Barbados Private Sector Association, Charles Herbert, among those aboard the luxury vessel. Acting on a tip-off, the yacht was searched by customs officials yesterday and the contraband subsequently discovered. It is understood that both Herbert and Rogers have spent the last 24 hours between District A and Oistins police stations assisting members of the Drug Squad with their probe. Herbert slept at District ‘A’ Police Station last night. Barbados TODAY has been informed that police are also questioning a third person of interest who is alleged to have been hired to work on the yacht and might be able to provide additional information related to the contraband. Up to the time of publication, no charges had been brought against anyone aboard the yacht but sources close to the investigation stated these could be imminent. The sources told Barbados TODAY that all parties who were on the yacht could be held responsible for the contraband under the doctrine of common enterprise if no one admitted to knowledge of the drugs being on the yacht. “This is a private yacht belonging to Goddards. It is not a vessel that every Tom, Dick and Harry off the streets can just board and have the run of it. So those on board would have to provide answers,” a police source stated on condition of anonymity. A media release from the Royal Barbados Police Force earlier today said members of the Drug Squad discovered a quantity of marijuana on the yacht about 1 p.m. yesterday and that “three crew members” were assisting with the investigations. “On Monday 23rd July 2018 about 1 p.m., members of the Royal Barbados Police Force’s Drug Squad unit conducted an operation on board a Barbados registered vessel at the Bridgetown Port, St Michael. “As a result of that operation, a quantity of marijuana was found. Three crew members are currently assisting police with investigations,” the release said without naming the vessel, those on board or the value of the confiscated drugs. It was not immediately known when the luxury vessel left Barbados, or if it made any stops other than in Grenada. Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith yesterday reported that drug-related offences were responsible for 18.7 per cent of crimes committed during the first half of this year. Meanwhile, it was on April 5 of this year that the owner of a trucking company and a refrigeration technician employed at the Bridgetown Port were arrested after nearly $2 million worth of marijuana was discovered in a vehicle at the port. The businessman, Graham Bradley Johnson, 35, of Mount View, St Lucy, was jointly accused with Norris Rohan Jackson, a 43-year-old port worker, of Manning Village, St Michael, of possession, possession with intent to supply, possession with intent to traffic and conspiracy to traffic 465.74 pounds of cannabis, with a street value of over $1.8 million. The driver was reportedly trying to leave the port with a large amount of drugs, according to one employee, who also suggested at the time that at least one of the workers might have been under surveillance previously on suspicion of being involved in illicit activity. (BT)

LAWYER ON $10,000 BAIL – A 48-year-old attorney was granted $10,000 bail when he appeared in court today on five criminal charges. Marlon Markland Gordon, of No. 81 Mahogany Lane, Glen Acres, Farm Road, St George, is accused of assaulting Christina Allman, Matthew Allman and Wyatt Maynard on July 22. It is further alleged that he damaged a dress belonging to Christina Allman and entered the premises of Angelina Allman where he reportedly conducted himself in a threatening manner. Gordon pleaded not guilty to the charges when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes in the District ‘D’ Magistrate’s Court. There were no objections to bail. However, Gordon has been warned to stay away from the complainants, as well 100 yards away from the Allmans’ residence. He also had to surrender his travel documents to the court and must be off the streets from 6p.m. to 6a.m. daily. Gordon returns to court on August 8.  (BT)

EX COP BEING SOUGHT BY COURT – Police are seeking the public and the media’s assistance in locating a court witness. He is former Police Constable 1983 Denoredo Mundle, whose last address was given as #101 Warrens Terrace, St Thomas. Mundle, who is a witness in a possession of firearm and ammunition case, is asked to report on Thursday, July 26, at 9 a.m., to the Supreme Court No. 5, which is now located at the District ‘D’ Court complex, Cane Garden, St Thomas.  (BT)

WALDRON-RAMSAY PASSES –Attorney and diplomat Waldo Waldron-Ramsay Sr has passed away. The 88-year-old complained of an upset stomach Monday and went to the doctor. Ramsay passed away around 3 p.m. yesterday. He was with wife Sheila at the time. The father of Remona, Jill and Waldo Jr was a lawyer for more than 50 years. (SAT)  (MWN)

KUDOS FOR CHILD MENTORSHIP – An emotional embrace during the Supreme Counselling for Personal Development 2018 graduation ceremony became a defining moment of this mentorship organization which has seen over a thousand children pass through its programmes. When Margo Wilkinson-King was called to the front at the Accra Beach Hotel Resort Saturday evening to accept one of the four ‘Committed Parent’ awards she broke into tears after being hugged by SCPD Chief Executive Shawn Clarke, and had to be accompanied off the stage by her graduating and special award-winning grandson, David Clarke. Wilkinson-King’s expressive interaction on stage prompted the evening’s guest speaker, Education Minister Santia Bradshaw to describe it as “the essence of what Supreme Counselling means to not just the children but to the parents and the grand-parents and indeed the guardians of many of you who have come through this programme”. She said that the grandmother’s emotions help us “recognise that even with all the best efforts parents may make sometimes, there are also times when you actually need somebody else to help you raise your children”. Since 2009, SCPD has been mentoring deviance-prone children whose behaviour caused them to be recommended by their schools, taken in by parents or guardians, or volunteer themselves for tutoring on how to face challenges of society. This organisation describes itself as “a non-profit, voluntary, non-governmental organization which is a community-based, non-residential (out-patient) programme with a focus on crisis intervention. It maintains a commitment to education, counselling and mentorship services for persons experiencing substance abuse, family and behavioural problems and other issues that may arise within the community”. Bradshaw, who said she needed to engage SPCD years ago in her St Michael South East constituency, because of the shortcomings of some in the community, described its work as ‘commendable’ and ‘laudable’. “One of the things that drew me to Shawn Clarke at the time was ongoing interest that he and his team took in the lives of the young people.”  Suggesting that, “perhaps this programme has not been given the recognition that it deserves,” she said, “as Minister of Education I will do my level best to ensure that Supreme Counselling and its programmes are not just a part of the system for a few schools in this country, but that we are able to recognize that this programme is necessary for the personal development of our young people across the entire school system”. SCPD offers individual and group counselling in Anger Management, Conflict Resolution, Self-Esteem Building, Self-Awareness, Career Planning, Behavioural Modification, Gender Issues, Drug Addiction, Family Relations, Deviancy/Misconduct, Depression, Family Violence, Literacy and Educational Development, and House Visits. A graduate of this programme, Rheann Hunte, who entered at age 11 and went through the five years of mentorship, told the gathering, “I had to work on my anger and my rude attitude… eventually, my behaviour changed and my grades started to improve. I was able to graduate from the Coleridge and Parry school with seven CXC passes.” Now working while attending the Barbados Community College, she said the programme, “taught me life skills that I am using up to this day and that will be important for me to keep and use throughout my life”. “You began this supreme journey as children but you are leaving as young adults,” CEO Clarke said to his charges. “You have completed a course of self-development and self-improvement education that will serve as a platform to launch you into the future.” With the successes behind it, this child mentorship programme appears set to meet new horizons with a formal push of the Education Ministry.  “I share a similar passion as he [Shawn Clarke] does in relation to the interventions that are necessary for our education system,” Bradshaw said as she pledged support. (BT)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 160 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 7/23/2018

Good Morning #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Monday 23rd July 2018. Remember you can read full articles by purchasing Daily Nation Newspaper (DN), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

ISLAND LAGGING ON CHILD RIGHTS – Barbados is lagging behind several countries which already have modern child rights legislation. And Faith Marshall-Harris, one of the recently elected global experts on the United Nations Committee on The Rights of The Child (UNCRC), is hoping that the new Barbados Labour Party Government expedites the reformation and implementation of this legislation in order to protect children. “One of my immediate concerns, and one which I hope this administration will assume the mantle of, is that our laws relating to children are very outdated, in some cases, dating from the 1920s. They need harmonisation and reform to bring them into the modern day,” she said. Marshall-Harris said she was alarmed to discover during her campaigning “that many states with far less resources have already made this important step in terms of bringing their laws relating to children up to date and ensuring they conform with the principles of the CRC”.  (DN)

MCDOWALL SPEAKS ON UNION ISSUES – Public workers deserve better than to have their union’s business being played out the national stage, especially if what is being said is motivated by personal differences. That was the message president of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), Akanni McDowall, sent to the executive council in an email over the weekend – a copy of which was obtained by the DAILY NATION. The email followed the WEEKEND NATION’s report that McDowall faced possible disciplinary action due to an apparent rift with general secretary Roslyn Smith, his alleged failure to attend meetings, sign cheques in a timely manner, and the use of the union’s credit card. “In August, September 2017, the [Council] made a decision on an emergency credit card for use by the president when travelling overseas on union business only.  This was so that if he or she was attending business meetings, [the president] would be able to pay any associated [affiliation] fee.  On their return to Barbados, they would just have to turn back in the credit card, which to date [McDowall] has not done,” a source with knowledge of the situation explained. (DN)

SQUATTERS’ STRUGGLE TURNS VIOLENT -    Squatters at Rock Hall, St Philip, are jostling among themselves for position to erect structures. And the latest attempt by one of them turned into a brawl after she had paid a man $900 to clear a spot that she wanted and police were called. This is not the first time that squatting has resulted in tension among the occupants. Last March, one occupier sold her selected spot in frustration after thieves made off with $10 000 worth of building materials she had bought. Others have built houses and are renting them for between $50 and $75 a week to people desperate for housing. But last Friday, matters escalated between Renee Gooding (at left) and her three neighbours who tried to rob her of space that she was securing to build a home for her four children, ages ten, eight, three and one. Gooding, 33, said on Tuesday, she paid to have the piece of land behind the home cleared but less than 24 hours later, her neighbours started to erect a structure on it. (DN)

FREE HEPATITIS B VACCINE FOR BABIES AND MEDICAL STUDENTS – The Ministry of Health and Wellness has advised the public that the Hepatitis B vaccine is provided free of cost to infants and medical and nursing students. All other people are required to purchase the vaccine from the private sector. This was made clear after a complaint from a member of the public went viral on social media. The mother complained that she was given a form at the Eunice Gibson Polyclinic to purchase the vaccine, which her daughter requires for entry into the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology. A statement from the Ministry today explained that the only students who received the Hepatitis B vaccine for free at the island’s polyclinics were medical and nursing students attending the University of the West Indies and Barbados Community College.  The vaccine is also administered free of cost in the polyclinic system as part of the childhood immunisation schedule to all infants at ages two months, four months and six months.  The vaccine was introduced in June 2001 at significant cost to the Ministry of Health and Wellness to infants so as to provide lifelong protection. The vaccine provides protection to people at risk of developing Hepatitis B, which is usually transmitted by transfusion of blood products and through sexual intercourse. (BGIS)

FOGGING SCHEDULE JULY 23 TO 27 –The Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health will continue its fogging programme aimed at eradicating the Aedes aegypti mosquito next week. On Monday, July 23, the team will be in St Andrew fogging Isolation Road, Belleplaine, Jordan’s Road, Franklyn Doughlin Tenantry Road, Babylon Road, Bawdens and surrounding areas. On Tuesday, July 24, areas to be fogged in St Phillip are Four Roads, Mangrove, Mangrove Terrace, Bougainvillea Drive, Park Close, Carnation Close and environs. On Wednesday, July 25, the team will be in St Michael spraying Long Gap with Avenues, Woodstock Road, Rogers Terrace with Avenues, Pillersdolf Development and environs.  The exercise continues in St Michael on Thursday, July 26, in Station Hill, Goddings Road with Avenues, Glendairy Gap, Deane’s Village with Avenues, Bridge Road, Jones Road, School Road, Springer Road, Flint Hall and surrounding areas. St Michael will again be targeted on Friday, July 27, specifically My Lord’s Hill, Blackman’s Road, Jones Road, Licorish Village with Avenues, Odessa McClean Avenue, Odessa McClean Drive and neighbouring districts. Additionally, teams from the Vector Control Unit will continue to carry out fogging and other treatment activities in and around the Graeme Hall Swamp and other areas impacted by the sewage spills on the south coast. The fogging exercises will be carried out between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. each day. Householders are reminded to open their doors and windows to allow the spray to enter. (BGIS)

WINDIES LOSE – Hamstrung by a slow pitch, West Indies failed to fire, and Bangladesh, led by their most capped opener Tamim Iqbal and most capped bowler Mashrafe Mortaza, won the first One-day International by 48 runs on Sunday. With the Guyana National Stadium pitch in stark contrast to the surfaces they have exploited throughout the last six weeks in Tests against Sri Lanka and this opponent, the Windies bowlers gained slow bounce and little movement, to the delight of the Bangladeshi batsmen. Tamim collected his tenth One-day International hundred, an unbeaten 130, to anchor his side to 279 for four in 50 overs after they chose to bat. The home team’s batsmen, however, failed to adjust to the conditions and though there were periodic explosions from the bat, the resolve required was absent and they limped to 231 for nine in 50 overs, with Mortaza using his vast experience to collect 4-37 from ten overs. Before it was over, Shimron Hetmyer increased his value with a typically flamboyant 52 from 78 balls that included five fours; veteran Chris Gayle gathered 40 before he was run out just when it looked like he was getting into gear; and Alzarri Joseph and hometown boy Devendra Bishoo, both finished on 29, provided some tail-end entertainment in an unbroken last-wicket stand of 59. Apart from the pitch, West Indies were let down by sloppy fielding, and Tamim survived an early chance to lead the charge for the tourists. Four clear misses and several close calls blotted the Windies’ copybook, paving the way for a 207-run stand between Tamim and Shakib-Al-Hasan, whose 97 from 121 balls included just six fours. Entering the final stages, the hosts still seemed to have a rein on things with Bangladesh 211 for two, but Mushifqur Rahim arrived to blast a quick-fire 30 and put on 54 in 21 balls with Tamim to add meat to their team’s total. Lewis was caught at mid-off off Mortaza for 17, slicing a drive in the ninth over and Shai Hope departed for six after he failed to review a dubious lbw decision when he played across the line to a delivery from Rubel Hossain in the 13th over to leave West Indies 41 for two. Windies immediate past and immediate future stars Chris Gayle and Shimron Hetmyer came together and looked to be setting a foundation for a charge to the finish. Gayle, however, was run out in the 22nd over, when Hetmyer failed to respond to his call for a single to short third man, leaving West Indies 81 for three – and the innings lost momentum from this point onwards. Earlier, West Indies conceded dropped Tamim on 17 and Shakib survived three chances, as they built a foundation for their side, after Jason Holder had Anamul Haque caught at second slip for a third-ball duck in the second over. The Windies bowled with such discipline early on, Bangladesh got their first boundary, when Russell conceded the three in the ninth over to Tamim. But this also precipitated a period in which the fielders failed the bowlers, as Ashley Nurse put down Tamim, on 17, at cover in the 11th over; Nurse too, bowling his off-spin, suffered, when an under-edge from Shakib, on 15, deflected from the thigh of wicketkeeper Shai Hope and flew past Chris Gayle at slip, and next over, Joseph had the same batsman, on the same score, dropped for a second time, when Gayle, again at slip, parried a shoulder-high chance.  (DN)

BAJANS TAKE BRONZE AT CAC GAMES – Barbados has its first medal at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia. Earlier today, the equestrian team of Monique Archer, Zoe Archer and Laura Smith won bronze in the eventing section. Mexico won gold with the fewest penalty points and Guatemala the silver medal. (DN)

SUPREME COUNSELLING 2018 GRADUATION – Some 50 young people who last night graduated from the Supreme Counselling for Personal Development programme were urged to “reflect on all you have learnt, all you have been through over the past five years to prepare you for [life’s] trials”. This advice came from CEO of the volunteer non-governmental organisation, Shawn Clarke, during the passing out ceremony at the Accra Beach Hotel Resort. The CEO, of this organisation that tutors children who were recommended for mentorship buy their schools, parents or had volunteered themselves, told the graduates to “excel in everything you do. Strive for excellence in every task. “Every accomplishment you achieve is added to Barbados’ accomplishments. Your individual successes benefit our society as a whole because when you succeed, you lighten the burden of your fellow country man.” (DN)

GOOD TIMES ROLL AT WE TING –Hundreds of partygoers made the trip to the Bushy Park racetrack in St Philip in the wee hours of Sunday morning for We Ting. The jouvert event began just after 2 a.m. and finished on a high note at 7. Throughout the event the revellers heated up the track as they feted amidst paint, powder and water and jammed to their favourite soca and dancehall tunes. There were also performances by Mole and Fadda Fox who kept the vibes pumping way beyond sunrise.  (DN)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 161 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 7/21/2018

Good Morning #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Saturday 21st July 2018. Remember you can read full articles by purchasing Saturday Sun Nation Newspaper (SS), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

MAJOR UPGRADE – Five jet bridges, a rehabilitated runway, and an upgrade to several departure gates, are among Government’s major expansion plan for the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA). Minister of Tourism and International Transport Kerrie Symmonds outlined the plan today, though not providing a timeline for completion of the project. Delivering the feature address at the airport’s 80th anniversary logo launch this morning, Symmonds said Barbados had one of the best airport facilities in the world therefore the country should know its worth and capitalize on it. Warning that there was no room for complacency, he said the time had come for Government to have a “candid heart-to-heart talk” with airport officials and other stakeholders in an effort to upgrade the facility, which started commercial operations back in 1938. In that regard, said Symmonds, a carefully selected board “based on the possession of a number of skills and not the basis of any partisan political connection”, led by veteran broadcaster Vic Fernandes, and approved on July 12, had been put in place to lead the upgrade project based on a “three-pronged mandate”. “The first one is to simply deliver the very best possible visitor experience that can be found anywhere in the Eastern Caribbean. Secondly, the board will be mandated to maximize the commercial potential of this airport. And last but by no means least, to maintain the highest security and safety standards that we can possibly attain,” he said. Symmonds said the new board would embark on a “runway rehabilitation programme” in November, pointing out that the lifespan of an airport runway should be between ten and 15 years and Barbados’ 11,000 feet of runway was at “a mature stage”, which required urgent steps to redevelop it. He gave the assurance that while work would begin at the start of the busy winter tourist season, every effort would be made not to interrupt the smooth flow of passengers. “In addition to that the new board will be charged with the expansion of the regional lounge capacity . . . in a similar vein we have to upgrade Gate 14 and beyond,” Symmonds said. Adding that greater emphasis would be placed on making Barbados fully accessible to the disabled, the Minister of Tourism, whose Barbados Labour Party Government was swept to power in the May 24 general elections, which resulted in the ouster of the Democratic Labour Party-led regime, said “therefore it means we have got to stop procrastinating on the question of air bridges”. “In that regard we are going to have to take a relook at the need to have a new mezzanine floor created so as to accommodate five air bridges,” the minister announced. He said it was also critical that the airport maximizes its revenue intake through the expansion of the retail space and establishment of new cargo space. “So there is much useful work to be done with respect to the physical capacity of this airport and I am anxiously looking forward to working with this new board who I am holding accountable from today onwards on thinking out of the box, thinking creatively and working energetically towards holding Government’s hand in partnership that will make these things come to life as soon as possible,” said Symmonds, while reiterating that he would be meeting with Prime Minister Mia Mottley and all airport staff next Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss a range of issues. Adding that the pilot project of the passport information kiosks would begin next Monday in time for the increasingly busy Crop Over festivities, Symmonds said this was a strategic move to determine what load it could take and tweaks would be needed. He also pointed out that Government would be moving ahead with a planned civil aviation training school that was approved back in 2006 but did not see the light of day. This facility, he said, would be responsible for training, examination and invigilation in several areas related to aviation. (BT)

HOYTE & CBC PART WAYS – Doug Hoyte spent his last day with the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation today. The general manager is another casualty of the change in government following the May 24 General Elections. Earlier today he did a walkabout at the island’s lone television station where he bade farewell to colleagues whom he worked with since April 2016 when he was appointed under the then ruling Democratic Labour Party. “Effective immediately the General Manager and the Board of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation have agreed to a mutual and amicable separation. The Board takes this opportunity to thank Mr Hoyte for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours,” a memo addressed to the staff stated. In the interim, Deputy General Manager, Rodwell London, will act in the position. London had acted in the position prior to Hoyte’s appointment. Hoyte an experienced television news anchor was a talk show host and an Emmy Award-winning journalist. At one point he was also a news anchor on CBC TV and much later lead host of Mornin’ Barbados. (SS)

PSV OWNERS OPTIMISTIC AFTER MEETING WITH MOTTLEY – Owners of private public service vehicles (PSV) say they are optimistic about getting some kind of relief from Government, following a meeting today with Prime Minister Mia Mottley which discussed concerns surrounding the introduction of a new fuel tax on July 1. The new levy, which is to raise $80 million annually, replaces the traditional road tax. PSV owners say it is already having a devastating impact on their businesses with expenditure for route taxis increasing to $6,741 from $2,250, while minibus operators are forced to fork out $10,861, up from $3,625. Immediately following Mottley’s announcement in her June 11 mini Budget, they had also complained that they were not consulted on the tax, which has been implemented at a rate of 40 cents per litre on diesel and gasoline, and five cents per litre on kerosene. However, at the end of this afternoon’s talks, President of the Association of Public Transport Operators Morris Lee told reporters gathered outside Government Headquarters that they were optimistic that their cries would be heard. “We had a very productive meeting. Essentially the Government recognizes the significance of transport to Barbados and the contribution it has made over the years. We have agreed to come together on this because we understand that it would take more than one meeting. We have been given a blank sheet on which to draw on in terms of what we want to bring to reality,” Lee said. The operators have been demanding an increase in bus fares from $2, as well as duty free concessions on new vehicles with Lee expressing confidence today that a solution could be arrived at that does not increase the burden to commuters or put additional drain on the public purse. He did not elaborate. Also addressing reporters, Minister of Transport and Works William Duguid, who attended the talks along with Chairman of the state-run Transport Board Gregory Nicholls, said while Government understood the plight of the owners and operators, it was focused on creating a “win-win”. “Clearly the public service vehicle [operators] are our partners and they want to have and duly expect a reasonable rate of return on the investments that they would have made over the years in their vehicles and businesses as a whole. As an extension, the Government wants to see order on the roads. So once we can come to that middle ground and help them to get that better rate of return, they must in turn partner with us to give us better order and better control of their drivers. “In that way we would be getting closer to a win-win situation,” the minister said. (BT)

LESS TIME TO GET A BUILDING PERMIT – The Barbados Town & Country Planning Department is going digital. And officials are predicting that this should help improve the climate of doing business in Barbados by shaving about 13 business days off the usually lengthy processing time. Acting Chief Town Planner George Browne told a stakeholder consultation on Monday that within a matter of weeks the department would be officially launching the new e-planning platform. He said the department had been operating some aspects of the online system for the past four months and were still in the process of ironing out some of the kinks as they trained staff. The e-planning system, as it is being called, will allow applicants to submit their applications electronically and track them online. Browne added that the system will also allow staff to store applications electronically; reduce the timeline for site reporting, increase accuracy and efficiency within the department; and allow staff to do a desktop analysis before going into the field. The system will also give an indication of land changes over the last 50 years and provides land classification. To date, more than 60,000 files have been scanned as the department transfers existing files unto the digital landscape. “Within another week or so, we will launch this system. We are currently running a parallel system from our IT section which is looking at any minor problems. We want to make sure that when it is fully launched, all the issues would have been dealt with,” said Browne. “The second phase,” he said, “will allow persons who submit applications to the Town & Country Planning Department to check their applications without having to come [in]. We are currently establishing the security around this system so persons will be given a special code that they can use to access the information” he added. The town planner said it would decrease the number of calls to the department and save residents time since they no longer had to go to the office to view their applications. “More importantly, it would allow those in the office to spend more time processing the application. So we will see an improvement and based on some statistics that our IT section has provided, this would reduce the processing time by between ten and 13 working days,” he said. “We see this as a very significant step. We have also started the process of digitizing the boundaries of subdivisions and the parcels, and we would have gone back to applications that were approved in the 70’s and now that information is available electronically,” announced Browne. The last World Bank Doing Business report, which placed Barbados at 132nd out of 190 countries – a drop from last year’s ranking of 117th – said construction permits usually take an average of 442 days to be approved. This, the report said, compared with the average 191.8 days for Latin America and the rest of the Caribbean. Barbados was ranked 155th out of the 190 countries when it came to the processing of construction permits.  (BT)

ATHERLEY: PM’S CABINET SIZE, A POLITICAL SAFEGUARD – Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s decision to have a 28-member Cabinet, along with two ambassadors who can attend Cabinet meetings, could simply be a matter of self-preservation. This suggestion from Opposition Leader Joseph Atherley, who told Barbados TODAY in an interview this week that while he took the Prime Minister at her word that her large Cabinet reflected the gravity of the task ahead to rescue Barbados economically, he was mindful of the fact that too many backbenchers could make for a volatile political scenario. “It is quite possible coming into her thinking is the view that you have got to make sure that you don’t have too much fuel behind you, so that if a spark is lit, there may be an explosion in the administration. By this I mean if your front bench is reduced, which therefore means that your backbench is enlarged, and a spark is lit from your front bench, you would not want that great repository of fuel in the back. “Some may suggest that this may have certainly influenced her thinking and after all, she is a political being and I have no doubt that may have been part of her thinking,” said Atherley, in light of the Barbados Labour Party’s emphatic 30-seat victory in the May 24 general elections. This was followed by Mottley’s naming of her cabinet team, along with a senatorial team of 12, which was met with immediate criticism from defeated Democratic Labour Party St Andrew candidate Irene Sandiford-Garner, who, in a post made on the Facebook page of the St Andrew Branch, pointed out that “in her first 24 hours [as Prime Minister] Mia added 14 new ministers and three staff each”, which she calculated would cost the Treasury “$664,000 a month or $8 million a year”. In addition to her Cabinet appointments, Mottley, whose team is much larger than the 20-member Cabinet headed by former Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, has since appointed five special advisors in Dr Hugh Sealey, who will tackle sewage and environmental matters; Dr Annalee Babb, digital technology; Dr Avinash Persaud, economic matters; Ben Arrindell, the international business sector, and Jonathan Reid, youth policy. She has also hired non-national Charles Jong as her Communications Director, in addition to appointing ex-diplomat Jessica Odle-Baril as her personal aide and Pat Parris, the former executive assistant to the Leader of the Opposition, as Director of Public Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister. However, Atherley, who was not given a ministerial portfolio and subsequently crossed the floor a week after the polls to become the lone voice in Opposition, pointed out that Mottley has “maintained from the beginning that there are some critical tasks facing the Government and she wants them addressed robustly. “She believes that they need the attention of every minister focused on every aspect of their portfolio. Truth be told there are some heavy matters which they must deal with and it is therefore on that basis that she claims to have allocated ministers to specific portfolios. “[Therefore], I can’t quarrel with her over that explanation,” he said.   (BT)

TOP BILLING – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has been ranked 37th among the best 129 universities in the 2018 Times Higher Education Latin America University Rankings. The Office of the Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies received the news July 18, 2018, after two years of intense effort and strategic interventions. The UK-based company behind the world’s most influential university ranking judges world-class universities based on rigorous criteria which include performance indicators grouped into five areas: teaching (the learning environment); research (volume, income and reputation); citations (research influence); international outlook (staff, students and research); and industry income (knowledge transfer).  According to Vice-Chancellor of The UWI Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, “The UWI has been preparing itself for its first official hemispheric ranking since launching its current Triple A Strategy (Strategic Plan 2017-2022), entitled Revitalizing Caribbean Development.” During a June 2018 interview with the Times Higher Education (THE) and The World University Rankings in London, Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles discussed the sustainability of The UWI’s commitment to excellence, particularly with reference to the security of funding obligations expected of regional governments and the growing involvement of the regional private sector. The conversation followed high-level professional conceptual and technical preparatory work with the Times Higher Education team conducted by The UWI Pro Vice-Chancellors Densil Williams [Planning and Strategy] and Richard Bernal [Global Affairs].  Commenting on the University’s performance in the ranking scheme, Vice-Chancellor Beckles noted, “Entering officially into the rankings for the first time required tremendous mobilization of resolve and resources. While we are very pleased with our entry ranking, alongside the largest, wealthiest universities, private and public, in the biggest countries, we recognize that we cannot rest on our laurels, not even for ten minutes, until we have reached top ten status in the next ten years.” He added, “We know what we have to do and our team is getting on with it.”  This news of the regional ranking comes as The UWI celebrates its 70th anniversary and the University now has its sights set on the results of the global university ranking to be released in September 2018 in Singapore. “Radically enhancing the international reputation and status of The UWI is our ultimate target. To this end, we have embarked on an aggressive global strategy,” said Vice-Chancellor Beckles.  In recent years, The UWI has established centres in Suzhou [China], New York [USA], and Lagos [Nigeria] with others being discussed for Canada, the European Union, Latin America, and the UK. As a result, the University is positioned as one of the most globally engaged universities, a development that positively influenced this top third ranking in the Caribbean and Latin America. (BT)

$24.9 MILLION HOLE – The Government programme which provides loans to eligible Barbadians pursuing further studies is owed nearly $25 million by students who have not been meeting their commitments, according to the latest Auditor General’s Report. Auditor General Leigh Trotman said in his report, which examined the period April 2009 to March 2017, that the Students Revolving Loan Fund (SRLF) has $24.9 million in arrears from 1,546 outstanding loans as at March 31, 2017, with one student owing as much as $86,000. The report suggested that slackness contributed to the ballooning arrears, with the Fund failing in a large number of cases to send out reminders, and when it did, it was quite tardy. According to the Auditor General, only 56 per cent of reminder letters were sent out on time and there was “less compliance with regard to the issuance of letters at the six month and three month intervals”. Of the 48 beneficiaries who should have received reminders at the six-month stage, only 27 were notified, of which fewer than ten per cent were issued on time, he found. “The failure to carry out this process reduced the potential impact of the fund in encouraging beneficiaries to repay their loans,” the report said. The auditor general also found no evidence that action was taken to place those owing in excess of $5,000 in arrears before the court of in the hands of debt collectors, adding that on the 16 occasions that this was done three of the beneficiaries paid the same month, four paid the following month and one paid two months after contact was made. However, after the audit, the process was refined with all letters being issued in advance, while reminder text messages and emails were being sent out during the month that payment was due.    According to the report, there were 67 loans in civil proceedings as at March 2015, and by March 31, 2016, 153 loans, including those in civil proceedings, were handed over to external attorneys. However, the number had fallen to 93 as at March 31, 2017. However, the SRLF said it had implemented procedures to ensure early intervention and systems had been put in place to make sure officers were being compliant. “The SRLF is aware of the increased risk and has segregated this portfolio of loans for special attention. In addition, new measures including the use of bailiff services have been introduced to assist in its collection effort,” it said. The Fund’s resources was placed under pressure the year the then Democratic Labour Party administration imposed tuition fees Barbadians pursuing studies at the University of the West Indies. The report states that the number of loans approved skyrocketed by 236 per cent to 1,169 between April 2014 and March 2015, up from 347 the previous year. Altogether the Fund approved $24, 904,395, double the $12,477,886 for 2013/2014. “This increase resulted from a major expansion in the amount of loans approved for students attending the University of the West Indies during the same period April 2014 to March 2015, when students were required to pay tuition fees for programmes pursued at the university,” Trotman said in his report. However, with the introduction of the fees contributing to a drop in enrolment at the university, the number and value of loans approved fell steadily during the two-year period from April 2015 to March 2017. Then, the Fund approved 976 loans – down 17 per cent – totalling $23,681,284, a five per cent decrease. The number of loans fell even further in 2016/2017, with the SRLF granting 544 loans valued at $12,572,951, a decrease of 44 per cent and 47 per cent respectively.  (BT)

ILLEGAL TENDER – The island’s sole water company broke its own tendering rules when it awarded a multi-million dollar contract for the leasing and purchasing of several water tankers during the 2016/2017 financial year, Auditor General Leigh Trotman has discovered. Trotman said in his report released earlier this month, that through a public tender the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) requested bids for the acquisition, through either lease or purchase, of four tankers to assist with its water distribution efforts throughout Barbados. He concluded that the BWA had acquired the tankers “under circumstances in which the tender process did not comply with its policies, as the contract was awarded to a company which did not meet all the necessary tender conditions”. “The Barbados Water Authority deviated significantly from compliance with its procurement policies and procedures in the sourcing and tendering practices for the purchasing and leasing of the water tankers,” Trotman concluded, adding that “the tender process was compromised from the time the bid from firm 2, who did not meet the qualifying criteria, was examined”. He did not name the firm involved, or either of the two other firms that submitted tenders. Only one of the three firms met the qualifying criteria for leasing and purchasing, the auditor general said. This notwithstanding, the BWA’s evaluation committee decided to examine the proposals of the firm which met the tender conditions, as well as a firm, which he referred to as firm 2, which did not supply a lease proposal as required by the tender. Although the recommendation was made for the BWA to award the contract to firm one, the Audit, Finance and Tenders committee requested that both firms submit revised prices by February 2015. While firm 1 submitted a response within the required time frame and a revised price was disclosed at the board meeting on February 12, firm 2 submitted its response in a document dated March 13, 2015, with a lower bid, and ending up winning that tender, the audit found. Notwithstanding the decision to purchase four water tankers, the BWA board was subsequently asked to approve the leasing of eight tankers from firm 2, at a monthly cost of $60,000 plus Value Added Tax for five years. Although the approval was granted at the board meeting on November 5, 2015, the lease with the company for eight tankers had already been signed before the request went to the board. What is more, the time period agreed for the lease of the arrangement was 63 months, three months more than what the board was asked to approve. While the agreement would have allowed the BWA to stagger the payments over the five years, the purchasing of the tankers would have required an immediate outlay of $2.44 million. “Even though one of the water tankers was in an accident and has not been replaced, full monthly lease payments of $8,864.08 have continued to be made for the vehicle,” the report said, adding that “this has placed the authority in a disadvantageous position, since it is making lease payments for a tanker without being able to utilize its services, even though the insurance company had compensated the firm for the written-off tanker”. In addition, the auditor general said, the monthly payment for the eight tankers was not in accordance with the lease agreement, pointing out that there was no evidence that the board had approved the variation of more than $2,900 paid per month. The auditor general said there was no evidence of a financial analysis or evaluation of the terms and conditions of the proposal before a decision was taken. He recommended that the BWA, which was in the hot seat for its handling of the south coast sewage crisis, should adhere to its tender rules, and all firms should be required to adhere to tender requirements or have their bids rejected. “The submissions for all bidders should be opened at the same time for the sake of transparency,” he said, adding that no one should commit the BWA to any major capital procurement without the approval of the board and the ministry, or there should be consequences for such actions. “The BWA should ensure that all contracts are reviewed by an attorney-at-law before being signed, to ensure that the necessary safeguards are in place and the interest of the authority is protected,” he added. (BT)

DEADLY COCKTAIL – A medical professional here is warning a group of men seen in a video on social media drinking what they claimed to be a mixture of the disinfectant, Disiclin, and white rum, are playing with their lives, if the video is not a prank.    The minute-long video, which appeared on a popular Instagram page earlier this week, showed the men liming and drinking, with the person doing the recording stating: “This is what gine on here, the men drinking Erskine Sandiford [white rum] and friends.” One of the men in the frame said before drinking the substance: “We ain’t working with no [expletive] Fabuloso [a disinfectant], we got [explicit] Disiclin . . . . Disiclin and we going global. You got turbo, well Disiclin is what drinking now. If I die I love my children, I love my mother and I love my father.” The video has prompted a word of caution from Dr Colin Alert, who told Barbados TODAY that if true, such a cocktail could be deadly. “The toxic nature of Disiclin which is a disinfecting chemical – clearly marked on each bottle – added to alcohol, a drug that has many known psychoactive and physical effects, creates a cocktail that at worst, is lethal, and can cause permanent physical and psychological effects on those who survive,” Dr Alert said. Stating he had not heard of that combination before, the doctor presumed “the individuals use it to get a faster, higher, or more prolonged sense of euphoria”, adding that the men were engaging in a dangerous practice and were treading on very thin ice. “The active agents include quaternary ammonium compounds, which are toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or come in contact with the eyes or skin. The bottle is labelled as such, as is required in the USA.  Other potentially toxic ingredients include ethoxyl alcohol and cinnamaldehyde,” he said. “If consumed in [large] quantities it can corrode the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, and can cause further damage to the liver and kidney,” the physician explained.  (BT)

WAITING GAME AT MANOR –There have been mixed feelings over the move of the Supreme Court and the Registration Department (also called the Registry) to the Manor Lodge Complex, Green Hill, St Michael. The Registry is into its second week of operations; however, the courts officially reopened on Monday, following a temporary relocation while refurbishment work is done on the Supreme Court Complex at Whitepark Road. When a NATION team visited the complex this week, there was a gathering of people outside the Registry waiting to collect and apply for birth certificates and other documents. Inside, the scene resembled a conga line gathering, with little room to turn or twist in any direction.   (SS)

MARITIME FLEET INCREASES – The Barbados Coast Guard has a new vessel to patrol the island’s waters. It’s called the 958 series patrol craft Endurance and was donated by the People’s Republic of China’s People’s Liberation Army. At the Barbados Coast Guard HMBS Pelican this afternoon, Prime Minister Mia Mottley officially cut the ribbon at the naming ceremony to christen the newest military boat. In his welcome remarks, Chief of Staff Colonel Glyne Grannum told the audience that the Endurance will definitely help improve the work of Barbados’ coast guard unit. “Endurance will fit most appropriately into the force’s on-going modernization programme. The Barbados Defense Force is indeed gratefully appreciative of this act of kindness especially as the BDF has been the recipient of military assistance from China since the year 2000. Along with the donation of other equipment and training of BDF personnel, this vessel will help in capacity building as well as the force’s mission to defend and secure Barbados and its interests as a contribution to national and regional development,” he said. Grannum added that “ We are all aware of the many risks and threats which our island faces and among them, the increasing effects of severe weather systems caused by climate change, damage to our eco-systems and mari-time trans-national criminality.” In his brief address Chinese Ambassador Yan Xiusheng agreed that the Endurance boat would help boost the capacity of the Coast Guard. The name Endurance epitomizes the relationship between Barbados and China and is synonymous of the continued committment to maintaining strong diplomatic relations that are mutually beneficial.  The name follows the series of the family of inshore patrol and interceptor class of vessels in the Barbados Coast Guard fleet. The new vessel can travel well above 30 knots with a maximum of six persons on board. (BT)

GOVERNMENT TO LIFT BAN ON DRONES – Government has announced plans to lift a two-year-old ban on the importation of drones into the country, although a date has yet to be determined. “It has been drawn to my attention that two years ago the importation of drones was suspended and that it was suspended because of the fact that we had no regulatory framework, which we still do not have, and there was no proper training of operators of drones,” Minister of Tourism and International Transport Kerrie Symmonds said during the 80th anniversary logo unveiling at Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) today. Symmonds said the ban could not be lifted until the necessary licensing process was put in place and provision made for training. The then Democratic Labour Party administration implemented the ban in April, 2016, while making provisions for temporary exemptions on a case-by-case basis for the importation of drones meant to be shipped out of the country immediately after use. It said at the time the ban was implemented to allow for the completion of a legal framework, which it reported in September last year was “at an advanced stage”, before extending the ban by a further 12 months in May of that year. Symmonds today said the unmanned aircraft systems should not have been allowed here in the first place, without the right regulatory framework in place, while insisting that training should be offered in the use of drones,  which critics say pose risks to safety, security and privacy if not properly regulated. “There must be a point in time, and I think that point in time has now come, when we must take the lead in initiating the training of persons who are going to be using drones, and Government must set in place the regulatory framework, which this Government will now turn its mind to doing,” the minister said. In this regard, Symmonds said a planned civil aviation school at GAIA to provide training, examination and invigilation in several areas relating to aviation, for locals as well as people from the region and internationally, would also cater to the training in drone use. The number of drones in the island is unclear, a situation the minister said would change soon through the licencing process. “I am anxious to make it work because obviously from a commercial perspective there is a lot of good business that can be done by companies around Barbados using drones. They are now used around the world for delivery for a lot of things. So it makes business faster and more efficient if we can do it by air. But we need to have the framework in place to legally do it so it does not affect other users, either land or air space,” he said.  (BT)

BURROWES ACCUSED OF ESCAPING LAWFUL CUSTODY – A 59-year-old contractor, who allegedly escaped police custody, will spend the next 28 days at HMP Dodds. Herwin Llewellyn Burrowes, of Taylor Gap, Delmere Land, Belmont Road, St Michael, was arrested on June 9 for possession, possession with intent to supply and trafficking of cannabis before he allegedly escaped “with the use of force”. He pleaded guilty to the drug charges, but not guilty to assaulting and resisting police constable Jabari Mayers in the execution of his duties on the same date. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge of escaping lawful custody at Temple Yard, St Michael. Despite a bail application by his attorney, Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant remanded Burrowes until August 17, based on the seriousness of the offence and the allegation that he escaped with the use of force. (BT)

MARSHALL DENIES IMPORTING DRUGS –A 34-year-old man has denied importing 503 grammes of cannabis into Barbados. Kelvin Jamal Marshall, of Chalky Mount, St Andrew, also pleaded not guilty to possession, possession with intent to supply and trafficking of $4,032 worth of the illicit drug on July 19. The accused was granted $2,000 bail and must now report to the District ‘F’ Police Station every Tuesday before noon with valid identification. Marshall, who is represented by attorney-at-law Ajamu Boardi, is to make his next appearance before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant on November 13. (BT)

UGLY TWIST – A 31-year-old man, who assaulted his ex girlfriend, is to know his fate on Monday. When Damon Jamal Wharton, of Sobers Lane, St Michael, appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant today it was revealed that he was in a relationship with Jennlika Austin for seven years, which had ended. However, the two kept in contact via phone and other social media platforms. The prosecutor, Sergeant Edwin Pinder, said those talks turned ugly when Wharton realized that Austin had moved on and was now in a new relationship. On July 19 Austin was walking along Tudor Street, The City, when she felt a hand around her neck and realized it was Wharton’s. She tried to escaped his grasp but he continued to hold her in a headlock even he asked for her phone. She eventually escaped and reported the matter to police and Wharton was later arrested. “I didn’t do this girl nothing, I didn’t choke her or nothing so, cause she clear skin. We were walking and I was hugging her like this,” Wharton said, while demonstrating how he had held her. “I ask she for she phone, cause I tell she I calling she and she not answering she phone, but I didn’t take it or nothing,” he added, before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant adjourned the case to make way for  the complainant to appear in court. In the meantime, Wharton, who is on $500 bail, has been warned not to hug, approach or communicate with Austin in anyway.  (BT)

COAST GUARD GONE TO ASSIST DREAM CHASER – Scores of partygoers are currently stuck at sea following the breakdown of the MV Dream Chaser. Reports reaching Nation Online suggest that the patrons of Soca on De Sea cruise were issued life jackets soon after the vessel experienced technical difficulties out as it was making its way back to shore. They are reportedly awaiting the assistance of the Barbados Coast Guard. A passenger on board said she was not sure what caused the breakdown. (SS)

ALL ABOARD – The local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community says this weekend’s ‘Pride March’ is not just about gay rights, but also seeks to highlight the plight facing women, the disabled, Rastafari and other marginalized groups. “We march with the understanding that other marginalized groups need voices as well. For too long women have not been given the recognition that they deserve for their contribution to the social landscape of Barbados and have been abused, raped and killed. This Pride March is for women too,” said the director of Barbados – Gays, Lesbians and All-sexuals against Discrimination Donnya Piggott. In a statement today, the prominent gay rights activist also pointed out that “the disabled community in Barbados constantly has to navigate around poor infrastructure unsuitable to their needs and lack of opportunities for them to live productive lives, adding that “this march is for the disabled too”. She further argued that religious minorities were not exempt from marginalization, with Rastafarians still fighting for equal treatment under the law. “[Therefore] this Pride March is for religious minorities too,” Piggott stressed. Sunday’s march, which has been billed as a walk, not only for equality and inclusion, but to celebrate diversity, comes against the backdrop of strong concerns raised by local church leaders about what they see as an attempt by members of the LGBT community to force their agenda on the society. In fact, during an hour-long press briefing at the New Testament Church on Thursday, the group of approximately 20 leaders, led by Apostle Eliseus Joseph, the senior pastor of Apostolic Teaching Centre, accused LGBT people of trying to bully Barbadians into adopting the gay lifestyle. “This is a classic definition of bullying. A small segment of the population wants to bully us into accepting their values and norms,” Joseph charged, while adding that “whatever they want to do that is their business, but don’t impose it on our population, don’t impose it on our children. That is bullying. We as a nation, we oppose bullying”. However, without any reference to the church leaders’ press conference, Piggott was insistent today that “the Barbadian LGBTQ community is just as committed to the development of Barbados as the rest of the population and continues to contribute to all spheres of Barbadian life and development. “We want Barbados to thrive and live up to its fullest potential. Needless to say we need be treated as equal citizens, included and recognized,” she said, while pointing out that “for as long as we can remember lesbians, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people have been treated as secondary citizens when we contribute equally to our country and our society. “We have been bullied in our schools, denied promotions at work, neglected and sidelined by family, verbally abused on the streets and event attacked in our neighbourhoods,” Piggott added. Sunday’s march brings to an end pride month, observed here for the first time ever. (BT)

A GAY PRIDE PARADE ON SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2018?! - The LGBT community will be holding a Gay Pride March, shamefully, on a Sunday – a traditional day of worship for Christians in our Christian society. I am repulsed! Let me say up front, while I respect everyone’s right to their own sexuality, I have a major problem when they seek to violate our day of worship and to push their sexuality, which might be a private matter, publicly, in our faces. The LGBT community has unashamedly used the colours of the rainbow as their personal banner. For Christians, the rainbow is God’s solemn promise that He will never again flood the earth with water. It is a sign of the covenant between God and man and should not be used as an emblem to represent depravity. Homosexuality in any nation, from any person, on any level, is a gross violation of God’s plan for man and woman, male and female.  I am troubled by the upsurge in boldness, visibility and increased vehement and ostentatious behaviour of the gay community since the change in government.  There was a message on social media during the political campaign inviting all members of the gay community to “come out and vote BLP”. Here is an edited extract from the message: “My fellow Barbadians, citizens who are members of the gay community, the day of liberation is hours away.  We now have a real chance to finally bring this country in line with the rest of the world, by supporting and voting for the Barbados Labour Party. For years we have been struggling to have issues in our gay community addressed in a meaningful way but to no avail.  We must bring to an end this stranglehold the Christian people have on Barbados; we must turn their religion on its head.  Our time is now, and we must be vigilant.  This is our time now comrades, let us unite.”   The gay community has vehemently denied any connection with this message, strongly stating that they never use the word ‘comrade’ as this is a political term and they have dissociated themselves from this message; but strangely enough, since the change of government, they have become more vocal. It begs the question then . . . ‘Why have they become so emboldened, stoic and unabashed with their lifestyle?’ I remain prayerful of our new Prime Minister, the Honourable Mia Mottley and her government. I pray for their success and that they will resist any attempt by the LGBT community, to influence them into making any decisions that will discredit them with God and the populace who has voted for them. I want to lend my voice to that of the gathering of “Concerned Pastors” and state categorically, that we remain compassionate towards the LGBT community and as mandated by God’s Word we will love them and pray for their souls. BUT “we must resist and destroy any attempt by the LGBT community to make homosexual preferences a human right in Barbados”. We “resist also, their attempt to deconstruct marriage and reconstruct it for the entire population”; “we resist their attempt to organize rebellion against God’s command, to multiply and replenish the earth”, and to impose their rebellion on the population. “We resist their attempt to sacrifice our future population, posterity, and sustainability, for an immediate homosexual lifestyle of pleasure. We further resist any attempt by small groups to impose, on the majority of the population, an unnatural, dysfunctional sexual practice, which is a classic definition of bullying.” In the same way that the LGBT community is determined to be stoic, confrontational, strong and aggressive, we, the church of God in Barbados must stand up, speak out and remain equally stoic, confrontational, strong and aggressive, with the spirit of love and compassion for the benefit of our future generations, and the sustainability and preservation of our Christian values and morals. Why should the majority sit by and allow a minority, with a thwarted, nonbiblical agenda, to silence us and run us underground? Why are church members afraid to speak out in the face of darkness and debauchery? When we stand for God, He will stand for us. When we stand on His Word, God will defend His Word. Despite man’s quest to twist and pervert God’s word to suit his lifestyle, God’s word, the Bible, will always be the infallible, the indisputable Word of God.  The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way to salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers.  Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true and its decisions are immutable. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgement and be remembered forever.  It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents. So let the question be asked after this Gay Pride Parade… What next? Rev. Dr. Lucille Baird is the C.E.O and Founder of Mount Zion’s Missions International Inc. (BT)

CATHOLICS BACKING FESTIVAL WITH MY BODY CAMPAIGN - As the Crop Over Festival intensifies, the Roman Catholic Church of Barbados is asking revellers not to go over overboard with their feteing. This comes in connection with the launch of the My Body; Temple of the Holy Spirit; I Celebrate campaign which was came off at the St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral on Friday. Coordinator Roman Catholic Family Youth Commission Father Clement Paul explained that the campaign was the church’s way of again showing their support for the annual festival. “In previous years there have been concerns about inappropriate behaviour and exposure during the festival. Be reminded that the human body is a beautiful work of art made in the likeness and image of God. We are therefore calling on revellers and all people in our nation to treat the human body as a sacred gift from God for each person to enjoy and celebrate properly and respectfully, Father Paul said. The event was attended by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Cranston Browne, head of the Bandleaders Association of Masqueraders Chetwin Stuart and Baje International bandleader Richard Haynes among others who supported the cause. The first phase of the campaign includes a poster designed by visual artist Omowale Stewart and going forward there will also be videos disseminated to target Barbadians. “It is hoped that this message, if given coverage and support will be embraces by all stakeholders and that every effort will be made by revellers and partygoers to behave in ways that maintain their dignity and uphold decent and respectful behaviour during the festival,” Paul added. (SS)

MOUNT GAY TO HOST CHARITY EVENT – Mount Gay Distilleries is continuing to fulfil its commitment of “giving forward” to the community with the hosting of a charity fund raising event in aid of the Substance Abuse Foundation. Scheduled for Saturday, August 11, at the company’s headquarters on Spring Garden Highway, the From Inside The Circle concert will feature some of the island’s top entertainers. It starts with a Songwriter’s Circle with Dr Anthony ‘Gabby’ Carter, Emile Straker and Indra, followed by performances by Lennox and Krisirie and a cocktail reception showcasing three top executive chefs an Mount Gay mixologists serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. In addition to supporting a worthy cause the event will also provide regional exposure for the artistes as it is being filmed by a Canadian based television production company for inclusion in a new television series for broadcast by Flow TV channels in the Caribbean. Mount Gay Distilleries Managing Director, Raphael Grisoni said the company was excited to be involved in the event: “This is twofold for us. First, as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility campaign, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to spread the word and keep our Pace Yourself campaign going strong. So we are more than happy to be able to donate the proceeds from this event to the Substance Abuse Foundation and partner with them in getting this important message out to the public.” (SS)

NINE CHOSEN TO FACE IWEB -  At 1:35 a.m. the judges brought back the names of the nine who will go to Kensington Oval and there were murmurs of approval and disapproval. Cave Shepherd All Stars had four going through out of eight. All three from First Citizens De Big Show went through, House Of Soca had one out of the four that judged and Smokey Burke held firm for Super Gladiators. Facing iWeb in the Pic-O-De-Crop finals are Chrystal, AC, Mr Blood, Smokey Burke, Billboard, Structure, Kid Site, Jude Clarke and Donella. The reserve is Colin Spencer. (SS)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 163 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 7/13/2018

Good Morning #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Friday 13th July 2018. Remember you can read full articles by purchasing Weekend Nation Newspaper (WN), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

BRACE FOR FAR REACHING IMF PLAN – Barbadians should brace for a far-reaching International Monetary Fund (IMF) balance of payments support programme. The warning from President of the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) Charles Herbert, as a team from the Washington-based lending institution wrapped up a ten-day fact finding mission to the island that began on July 2. Before departing the island, the IMF team met with members of the business community today. And though very few answers were forthcoming during those closed-door talks, Herbert told Barbados TODAYthat one thing was clear  – the pending restructuring programme would have far-reaching impacts, beyond those interests represented by the Social Partnership, made up of Government, private sector and labour. Herbert therefore suggested that there was a need for a broad national conversation on the way forward. “Restructuring could be a very wide topic, which would affect Barbadians. It is something, which requires broad discussion and debate so that the wider public could be involved and have a say on what they would like to happen,” Herbert explained, while pointing out that “60 per cent of our local debt is held by National Insurance and the Central Bank, so this programme is going to affect every one”. His comments came on the heels of a suggestion made earlier this week by President of the National Union of Public Workers Akanni McDowall that job cuts may be unavoidable, even though his union wished that such was not the case. “We met with the IMF  . . . . The discussion was cordial, and we emphasized the point that we were trying to minimize, or if not prevent, job losses,” McDowall told Barbados TODAY following discussions with the visiting IMF team, adding that his union was concerned about “the social aspect of the economic recovery”. However, the BPSA president today refused to speculate on the likely recommendations from the Fund, while cautioning that it was still early days yet in terms of determining the precise cuts that would be made. “The reality is that it is far too early because the IMF is still in the fact-gathering phase,” he told Barbados TODAYfollowing today’s meeting in which he said “people asked a lot of questions because they wanted to know the time frame for negotiations with Government, as well as the type of things that the IMF is going to require in their programme. So there were broad questions that a lot of members wanted to understand, but to be honest there were no answers”. However, despite the lack of answers, the BPSA head told Barbados TODAY that his members left the meeting with a positive outlook and remain fully confident that the Mia Mottley-led Government, which is grappling with a $15 billion national debt, will successfully negotiate a palatable programme with the IMF. “I think we are very positive because we realize that the team that is here does not have authority to commit to anything. Only their board back in Washington have that authority, so this team was always going to be cautious with its answers,” he said, adding that “I don’t think that any of us have reason to doubt that Barbados can negotiate a successful programme with the IMF”. (BT)

COUNTERFEIT CAUTION – This is the season for revelry but also for forgery. The amount of counterfeit money in circulation is on the increase around this time and those offering goods and services have been told to be extra vigilant against fraudsters passing fake bills. “There are certain times a year you would see an increase in counterfeiting and this is one of those times – Crop Over followed by back to school,” said deputy director (currency) at the Central Bank, Octavia Gibson. “During Crop Over, when a lot of activities take place at night, [counterfeiters] see a prime opportunity to cheat people. They also take advantage of the fact that many of the persons collecting money, be it at fêtes, food stalls, or band houses, are not accustomed to dealing with large volumes of money,” she said on the bank’s website. This is why it is important for business people to know how to identify counterfeit bills. (WN)

MAKE PENSION PLANS MANDATORY – One local investment firm is calling for across-the-board mandatory pension plans here to help workers supplement their savings upon retirement. Royal Fidelity, a joint venture between Royal Bank of Canada and Fidelity Bank & Trust International Limited, said individual plans were not enough. Therefore, Vice President and Country Head Jillian Nunes said, employers should be made to establish pension plans for their employees. “It is a long term product that you are saving for the future and a lot of things can change in your lifetime. So it is essential to supplement whatever savings you do have. A lot of companies still don’t have pension plans and I think that’s significant. I think it should be a mandatory thing in Barbados that you have a company pension plan,” Nunes told Barbados TODAY on the sidelines of the company’s tenth anniversary customer appreciation day. “I think that is maybe something that you fall short here, making it mandatory for all companies to offer a pension plan, because you do want to have that three-pronged approach – you do want your NIS, your company and then your own personal savings,” she added. Over the years Barbadians have been encouraged to contribute to a pension plan, especially amidst concerns that the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) could be depleted in under 50 years if some fundamental changes were made, given the island’s aging population and falling birth rate. The 15th actuarial review released last September said the NIS’ reserves could be depleted “as early as 2045 under the pessimistic scenario”. The document, which gave the review based on the period 2012 to 2014, with some considerations between January 2015 and September 2016, added that expenditure would exceed contributions each year starting between 2028 and 2045. The fund’s reserves grew from a revised $3.9 billion at the end of 2011 to reach $4.7 billion at the end of 2014. Sticking to a campaign promise leading up to the May 24, 2018 general election, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mia Mottley announced in her June 11 mini Budget, that the minimum non-contributory pension would rise from $155 to $225 per week. This additional payment will come from the Treasury, costing an additional $18 million in a fiscal year. (BT)

LOW INTEREST RATES FORCING BAJANS TO INVEST, SAYS ARENDER – Driven by virtually zero interest on savings at commercial banks, an increasing number of Barbadians are putting their money in long-term investments, according to Chief Investment Officer of Fortress Fund Managers Peter Arender. “We are definitely seeing that and it brings us hope for the future because we very strongly believe that financial security is a huge and important part of life and you don’t get there by accident or on its own, it takes planning. You have to spend a lot less than you earn and you have to invest the amount you are saving sensibly for the long term,” Arender told journalists on Wednesday during the company’s second annual lunch-and-learn session at the company’s Hinks Street, Bridgetown office. “We have more young people coming to us apparently by just becoming aware of what the options are and apparently by the fact that the banks are just not paying a lot anymore,” he said, going on to state this was among the reasons the investment firm kept its Barbados funds open “for regular monthly savers up to $2,000 per month”. Since the removal of the mandatory minimum interest rate of 2.5 per cent by the Central Bank of Barbados back in April 2015, commercial banks have been offering almost zero per cent interest on deposits. While interests on loans and mortgages have also fallen, the banks have been increasing their fees and charges in several other areas. This has prompted calls for Barbadians to remove their savings from banks and deposit them in credit unions and other financial institutions that offer more favourable returns. Last week, Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Association Lynette Holder encouraged residents to transfer their savings to the credit unions. “I really would advocate that,” Holder, a Government senator, told reporters on the sidelines of a sustainable development meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott. Her comments came days after CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank announced a $3 charge for over-the-counter deposits, a $10 monthly service charge for chequing accounts, and the scrapping of its average balance requirement fee for accounts falling below a minimum amount, replacing it with a “monthly service charge” of $5 across the board. Vice President and Country Head of Royal Fidelity Jillian Nunes told Barbados TODAY Barbadians were becoming more eager to find lucrative investment options, as they come to terms with the fact that their money was simply not stretching far enough when they save with commercial banks. She said the increasing change in mindset among residents to search for more investment options was also influenced by Government’s downgrade, and by extension, the economic climate. “Certainly the climate has changed, we have to recognize that things in the economy has changed and persons’ mindset has changed as well. What we have seen is a major shift with persons coming out from their regular savings accounts from the banks and moving into more investment products. So it is no longer a passive saving but they are actively making their money work for them and so they are looking for different options,” Nunes said. (BT)

PAY BACK TIME – The world’s major universities have a significant role to play in the debate surrounding reparations for the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This is the view of one of the main people driving the global discussions on the issue, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. Speaking on the topic, Reparations: The Greatest Democracy Movement of the 21st Century, at a three-day conference jointly held by the Faculties of Law and Humanities at UWI’s Cave Hill campus entitled, Legal History and Empire: Perspectives from the Colonized, Sir Hilary noted that these institutions drafted some of the laws governing slavery, held slaves themselves or were founded using profits generated from the slave trade. He gave the example of “a slave trader who originally lived in Antigua, but fled after a slave revolt there and moved to Boston [and] provided the initial funding for the Harvard Law School. He also explained that “the people who owned Dukes Plantation in Barbados [had] split their money between Barbados and South Carolina and founded Duke University, the owners of which recently donated land to UWI for a major agricultural project. “Meanwhile, when Georgetown University was going through bankruptcy in the 19th century, it sold 200 of the more than 400 slaves it owned in order to get back on its feet,” he added. Sir Hilary, a noted historian, also pointed out that John Locke, one of the world’s leading political philosophers who acted as an adviser to many universities in England, “owned slaves in the Bahamas and was the corporate secretary for the Royal African Company, one of the major organizations involved in the slave trade”. The vice chancellor also said UWI had a significant role to play in the process since it was based in the region that bore the brunt of the slave trade, adding that the lands on which the Mona campus in Jamaica and the Cave Hill campus in Barbados were built were directly involved in the industry itself. “When we began working on a new medical complex at the Mona campus nine years ago, the construction company unearthed a lot of bones, and we discovered that the two acres of land we were using for that project served as the burial ground for the slaves at the Mona and Papine plantation.” In terms of Cave Hill, the vice chancellor said, “we have a monument here to a boy who was brought to Barbados from Guinea in 1798 when he was only three years old. He was sold to the owner of the Cave Hill estate, who recognized he was a mathematical genius and ‘showed him off’ to other people. “Ultimately that boy became the book keeper for the plantation, a Sunday School teacher, and the first black sexton in the Anglican Church in Barbados when he took up that post at the chapel on the Cave Hill estate, which eventually became the St Stephen’s Anglican Church. So we can say the first teacher on the site of the Cave Hill campus was a slave.” In terms of the reparations debate itself, Sir Hilary said “the main focus of this movement is the fact that you cannot commit crimes and just run away from them, using the excuse that it is ‘remote’; that it happened so long ago people have forgotten it. “The truth is, there are people living in the Caribbean whose great-great-grandparents were slaves and they have heard stories about the slave experience over the years.” He said debate was gaining momentum worldwide, while pointing out that recently “the Indian parliament has voted in favour of the Caribbean’s position on reparations, and the African Union has agreed to send a delegation out to the region to discuss it with CARICOM [Caribbean Community] leaders. In addition, CARICOM heads of government have sent out letters to the leaders all across Europe inviting them to hold formal discussions with us on reparations. We have not only reached out to the former colonial powers but we are also inviting Germany, Russia and Central and Eastern Europe, because as far as we are concerned, there are no minor or major players in this matter.” (BT)

MULTI-SECTORIAL APPROACH RECOMMENDED BY WHO –Assistant Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Joy St John, has urged Barbados to take a multi-sectorial approach to climate change, health and other environmental issues. She made these recommendations recently during a joint-ministerial courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr Jerome Walcott. He was joined by Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Colonel Jeffrey Bostic; Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Trevor Prescod; and other government officials. Dr St John explained that a multi-sectorial approach was critical in assisting Barbados to assume a leadership role in the areas of climate change, health and environment. She noted that this approach was beneficial, especially when seeking to access funding, suggesting that in the same way there was a clear national agenda for HIV and a multi-sectorial approach to Non Communicable Diseases, there needed to be similar collaboration for climate change, water sustainability, hygiene in health facilities and air pollution, among others.  The Assistant Director General also pointed out that climate change was a part of the Blue Economy and Barbados needed to ensure there was suitable representation when new policies were created at the international level. Dr Walcott thanked Dr St John for her advice, and stated that he was conscious of the value of an integrated approach, especially with health, the Blue Economy and the environment. He concluded that he would take her suggestions on board. (BGIS)

LASHES FOR FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS – An international organisation has taken fast food restaurants on the island to task for their role in the growing number of cases of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). While representative for the United Nation’s Children’s Fund, Dr Aloys Kamuragiye, made it clear his statement was not an attempt to kill the industry, he charged the businesses could and should play a greater role in the fight against NCDs. “They have also to think, it is a matter of social responsibility. They have to be part of the stakeholders to help Barbados [protect] its population  . . . from these non-communicable diseases. These are the key players, they have to look at what meals they serve and how they prepare the ingredients. It is not about stopping business. The human body needs some amount of fat, minerals, proteins . . . . Nutrition is about balancing what you eat,” he said. Kamuragiye’s comments came on the sidelines of the international conference on (NCDs) hosted by The Schools Against Non Communicable Diseases Barbados under the patronage of reigning Miss World Barbados, Ashley Lashley. It was in association with the American University of Barbados and held at the United Nations headquarters at Marine Gardens, Christ Church on Thursday. (WN)

MORGAN LEGACY CONTINUES WITH DONATION TO CANCER SOCIETY – The legacy of philanthropist, the late Bonita Morgan, lives on through her family. Her husband Paul Morgan and daughter Ayanna Morgan donated a number of cheques to the Barbados Cancer Society today on behalf of Bonita, a former director at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation. “She was involved in so many charities so we wanted to contribute to the Cancer Society,” he said. The funds were collected after Bonita’s memorial ceremony and will go towards the society’s client services and welfare programme, which is headed by coordinator Jacqueline Skeete. This programme primarily helps families with children who have been diagnosed with cancer. “Many parents of children with cancer are unemployed, single parents or end up becoming unemployed [due to the time needed to care for their child]. They need funds for food, transport and medication – simple things like groceries, pyjamas and things which will make their child more comfortable – and that’s where we come in,” she said. Bonita was diagnosed with cervical cancer and passed away in April while undergoing treatment in Florida. (WN)

NEW CCJ PRESIDENT TO BE HONOURED WITH SPECIAL SITTING – The new president of the Trinidad and Tobago based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders will be honoured today in the first of two special sittings for the regional court. Today’s sitting will be held at the headquarters here, while the second sitting will take place in Saunders’ home country of St Vincent and the Grenadines on July 20. The new President was installed at a ceremony in Montego Bay, Jamaica last week. The special sitting will be attended by members of the legal community and other organisations across the region. This evening the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) will host a fundraising dinner party to honour the new CCJ President, who is also chairman of the organisation.  (WN)

TRACTOR DRIVER ESCAPES SERIOUS INJURY – A tractor driver was left thanking his lucky stars after a water tank he was transporting collided with a church at Porey Springs, St Thomas, on Thursday morning. An eyewitness said she was at home when she heard a creaking sound and “ran up the gap to see what happened”.  She said she was shocked to see that the tank, which was attached to the tractor, had overturned and landed on the front part of Revival Faith Centre at Dunscombe. Although the cause of the accident could not be confirmed, another witness said it was felt the vehicle blew a tyre. The driver was said to be shaken. (WN)

ONE DEAD, ANOTHER WOUNDED, FOLLOWING POST CRUISE CARPARK AMBUSH -  One man is dead and another wounded after they were ambushed in the early hours of this morning following a boat cruise. The police say the shooting occurred about 2 30 a.m. in the carpark area east of the Flour Mill, off Spring Garden Highway, St. Michael. The two males who had attended a cruise on board The Dream Chaser had just disembarked and were making their way towards their vehicle in the said carpark when they reportedly heard a series of loud gunshots. One man received injuries to his left thigh, he was later transported by private transportation to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.  The other person, who was identified by family members as Donason Ricardo Husbands, 36 years, of Fairfield Road, Black Rock, St. Michael, received a number of wounds about his body. He was transported to the QEH by ambulance, he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by medical personnel. (WN)

CHARLES ADMITS TO STEALING PERFUME, SWEETS AND DRINKS – A well-known convict has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for theft. St Elias Charles, 47, who is a resident of St Michael, admitted today to stealing two perfumes valued at $343.98 from Cave Shepherd and Company Limited on April 6; two chocolates, two bottles of honey and a box of skittles worth $365 from No.1 Beauty Supply on May 7; and two cases of malt worth $90 from Andre Hampden on May 31. In outlining the facts of the case, the prosecutor, Sergeant Cameron Gibbons, explained that Charles entered Cave Shepherd, went to the perfume shelf and placed the items in a bag before walking out of the popular Broad Street department store. He later sold the perfumes to a stranger on Fairchild Street, The City. In much the same way, the accused entered No.1 Beauty Supply and stole the items, while the beverages were lifted from Hampden’s vehicle in a car park. “Ma’am I have a drug problem which I have been denying for the past ten years,” Charles told Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant in defence of his actions. However, the magistrate pointed out to the accused that his criminal career began “from way back”, with theft charges too numerous to count. “I am not saying that I am not wrong, I am just saying I have been living in denial for the last six years,” Charles maintained. His subtle plea for help did not fall on death ears as the magistrate sentenced him to six months for the crime committed against Hampden. This will run consecutively to his 12 month concurrent sentences for the other two offences. He was also ordered to enroll in the drug rehabilitation programme during his incarceration. However, Charles’ legal troubles are far from over as he is due to return to the District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court on August 9 where he has five more offences pending. (BT)

HURDLE HEADS BACK TO THE IVY, ST MICHAEL – A 36-year-old man, who has been on remand at Dodds prison, is spending his first night at home in almost a year. Trevor DaCosta Hurdle, of 3rd Avenue, Ivy, St Michael, who had been housed at the St Philip penitentiary since July 17 last year, was granted $10,000 bail today. Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant released Hurdle into the care of his surety after sounding a warning that he was “high risk” since he was already on bail for several other charges. Hurdle now has to report to Central Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday before noon with valid identification and stay away from all the complainants involved in the matters he has pending before the District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court. He is accused of trespassing at Carol Abrams’ home on July 13, 2017, with intent to inflict serious bodily harm on the homeowner and Jewel Johnson. It is further alleged that he had sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent, as well as forcibly removed Odessa Punch from Chase Road, Halls Road, St Michael, without her consent on the aforementioned date. Hurdle is also charged with possession of two forged $100 notes on July 14. The accused, who returns to the District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court on August 13, was not required to plead to any of the indictable offences. (BT)

BAIL FOR TWO – A Barbadian man and a Guyanese woman, charged with having sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent on June 11, have each been granted $7,000 bail after spending 28 days on remand at Dodds prison. Rape accused Raynor Leonard Thomas, 31, and Tiffany Maria Edwards, 21, both of Suttle Street, St Michael, were released from lawful custody after their attorneys, Kevin Miller and Michael Yearwood, QC, made successful bail applications on their behalf. Yearwood, who is representing Thomas, argued that while the offence was a serious one, conditions could be imposed to safeguard his client’s attendance at court, as well as to protect the alleged victim since “the strength of the evidence is largely uncontested at this time”. He also submitted that Thomas was gainfully employed and was not known to the court. Miller, who is representing Edwards, also told the magistrate that he was standing by his previous arguments made during his client’s first appearance in the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court. However, Sergeant Cameron Gibbons renewed his objections to the release of the alleged rapists. But in upholding the arguments of the defence, Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant granted bail to the accused on condition that they stay away from the complainant. The duo, which has not been required to plead to the indictable offence, returns to court on November 19. In the meantime, Thomas must report to Central Police Station every Saturday before 6 p.m. with valid identification, while Edwards must report to the District ‘C’ Police Station every Tuesday and Friday before 12 p.m. with valid identification. The court also confiscated the Guyanese woman’s passport and she must request permission to leave the jurisdiction. (BT)

YMPC ARBITRATION HOPE – Bayview YMPC are hoping that arbitration will resolve the dispute surrounding their Sagicor General Twenty20 quarter-final match against Crane Resort St Catherine. President of YMPC, Calvin Watson, told THE NATION, the club wanted arbiters to be involved in the matter that has been raging since St Catherine won the rain-shortened encounter by ten wickets via the Duckworth-Lewis Stern Method on June 4 at the 3Ws Oval. Last month, YMPC protested the outcome, contending the match officials breached the competition’s playing regulations. Watson said the club was awaiting correspondence from the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) to determine if they (the BCA) were going to arbitration.   (WN)

SANDALS HELPING FOOTBALL ACADEMIES – Just as the World Cup fever has gripped Barbados, the Sandals Foundation is playing its part to add excitement and make the summer more fulfilling for three local football academies. Last Thursday at the Luxury Included ® Resort, Sandals Barbados general manager Ferry Zievinger donated over 100 footballs to the Holford Sports Academy, Dexter’s Brazilian Football Academy and the RF Prime Academy. “Today was a special moment for us in the Sandals family as many of our team members have children who attend academies such as these during the summer break and we were able to outfit them with these soccer balls. “It’s all part of the great community work set out by the Sandals Foundation and our volunteers on resort,” said Zieveinger. The Sandals Foundation, a non-profit organization, was created to continue and expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken. The Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment. One hundred per cent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programmes benefiting the Caribbean community. Richard Forde, of RF Prime Academy thanked Sandals for their involvement with sports and the community. He said: “It is extremely refreshing and pleasing when a private sector company steps up to the plate. We met with the Sandals Public Relations Department earlier this year and explored ways in which we could form a partnership and they have delivered. I really appreciate the support from Sandals especially in these trying economic times and rest assured these balls will be well cared for and put to good use.” Dexter’s Brazilian Football Academy’s Dexter Marshall also thanked the Sandals Foundation. “I want to say thank you Sandals, you have  made a great impact on these young men and women who love football and will assist in making their football dreams come through.” (BT)

KRAIGG, SHIMRON PUT WI AHEAD – Kraigg Brathwaite struck his eighth Test hundred and second in as many matches but it was 21-year-old stroke-maker Shimron Hetmyer who left tongues wagging with a shot-filled half-century on Thursday, as West Indies took an early grip on the second and final Test against Bangladesh. Sent in on the opening day at Sabina Park, the Windies recovered from a dodgy start to reach 295 for four, with Brathwaite top-scoring with 110. Hetmyer, however, lit up the afternoon in the Jamaican capital with an up tempo unbeaten 84 while Shai Hope and Kieran Powell both chipped in with 29. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan proved Bangladesh’s best bowler with three for 90, including the wicket of Brathwaite in the final session. Looking to seal the series following their crushing innings and 219-run victory in the opening Test in Antigua last week, West Indies made a disappointing start when they lost Devon Smith cheaply for two inside the first half-hour with just nine runs on the board. The veteran left-hander was caught by Mominul Haque running back from short leg after miscuing a flick at a full length one from Mehidy Hasan. His dismissal brought together Brathwaite and Powell and they added 50 for the second wicket, to see West Indies safely through the remainder of the first hour. Powell, who has gone 23 Tests without a hundred, again looked in good touch with four boundaries in a 49-ball knock before perishing about 35 minutes before lunch, struck in front to give 20-year-old off-spinner Mehidy Hasan his second wicket of the session. On 79 for two at the break, West Indies flourished afterwards as Brathwaite and Hope put on 79 for the third wicket, leaving Bangladesh without success for the first hour following the resumption. Hope, still searching for decent form, counted two fours in a 79-ball innings that lasted just over two hours before becoming the only casualty of the session, caught by wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan running around to silly point, off left-arm spinner Taijul Islam. On 33 at lunch, Brathwaite moved to 81 at the tea interval, before raising his century three overs before the final drinks break, when he guided off-spinner Mahmudullah backward of point for a single. The right-hander faced 279 balls in 321 minutes and struck nine fours, to follow up his 121 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground eight days ago. West Indies had reached 164 for three at the final interval without any real fireworks but all that changed in the final session as the left-handed Hetmyer put his foot down to dominate a 109-run, fourth-wicket partnership with Brathwaite. He has so far blasted nine fours and a six in 98-ball innings lasting nearly two and a half hours. On 13 at tea, Hetmyer played with typical flair and aggression afterwards, in his first Test innings in seven months, after being ignored for the first two Tests against Sri Lanka recently, before falling ill for the third and final match. He took two boundaries on either side of the wicket off Taijul in the first over after the resumption, before coming down to the same bowler in his next over and hammering him to the cover boundary. He moved to 46 when he charged Taijul again and smashed him to the mid-wicket boundary and raised his second Test half-century in his sixth Test with a streaky boundary to third man off seamer Abu Jayed, in the first over after the final drinks break. Brathwaite fell a couple of overs later, uncharacteristically caught at mid-wicket attempting a big shot but Hetmyer carried on unfazed, playing with gay abandon until the close. Nothing more epitomized his dominant approach than his clean, straight six off Mehidy Hasan, in the third over before stumps, as shadows lengthened. (WN)

SERENA INTO 10TH WIMBLEDON FINAL – Serena Williams demonstrated that having a baby had not robbed her of any of her phenomenal tennis skills when she became the first mother in 38 years to reach the Wimbledon final, with a 6-2 6-4 demolition of Germany’s Julia Goerges on Thursday. Goerges had come into her first Grand Slam semi-final having belted more winners (199), more aces (44) and more unreturned serves (113) than anyone else in the women’s draw but those statistics counted for little when she came up against an opponent who is in hot pursuit of a record-equalling 24th major. Remarkably, the 36-year-old was back in a Grand Slam final just 10 months after giving birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia. “It’s crazy. I don’t even know how to feel because I literally didn’t think I’d do this well in my fourth tournament back in 16 months,” said the American, who won the 2017 Australian Open while in the early stages of her pregnancy. “When I don’t have anything to lose, I can just play so free and that’s what I’m doing. “This is not inevitable for me, I had a really tough delivery and multiple surgeries and almost didn’t make it to be honest. I couldn’t even walk to my mailbox, so it’s definitely not normal for me to be in a Wimbledon final. “I’m enjoying every moment.” That enjoyment was clear to see as she dashed Goerges’ hopes of setting up an all-German final with Angelique Kerber in 70 unforgiving minutes. The 13th seed had never taken a set off Williams in three previous meetings and unfortunately for her, the American was once again at her dominant best on Thursday as she bludgeoned down five aces and 16 winners to finish off Goerges. In both sets Goerges was broken in the sixth game, surrendering each with an error on break point. She did fight back to break Williams when the American, seeded 25th despite her laughable ranking of 181st, was serving for the match at 5-3 up in the second. However, Goerges simply did not have the firepower or belief to stop the seven-times champion, who had hoisted the Venus Rosewater Dish on her two previous appearances in 2015 and 2016, from surging to a 20th successive Wimbledon win. A jubilant Williams was back giving the crowd a one-arm raised victory twirl after reaching a 10th Wimbledon final when her opponent swiped a lob behind the baseline. Williams is the lowest ranked player to reach the women’s final but that number will fool no one, and especially not Kerber who was runner-up to the American in the 2016 final. For 29-year-old Goerges, Thursday’s outing was not completely a lost cause because despite the mauling, she had finally made it to a semi-final at one of the four majors - albeit on her 42nd attempt. “Serena is the one who you want to play, who you want to get the experience from,” said the German, whose previous five visits to the All England Club had ended in first-round defeats. “She knew how to win that match by her experience, and . . . I had no experience. “Right now I’m sitting here at a semi-final of Wimbledon where a lot of people are dreaming of. That’s something to be positive about today.” (WN)

MUSIC GAP – The ten-year ban on the playing of loud music in St Lawrence Gap after 3 a.m. is to be revisited by the new Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Government, Acting Minister of Tourism Colin Jordan has said. He made the revelation this week, while contending that a way must be found for hoteliers, residents and nightclub operators along the popular south coast strip to co-exist. Jordan, who spoke to reporters after delivering the feature address at the annual general meeting of the Intimate Hotel Groups on Wednesday, explained that St Lawrence Gap was a key peg in Government’s plan to breathe new life into the entertainment industry. “Everything is being re-looked. All legislation is being examined, because we have to make sure that in St Lawrence Gap, for example, the entertainment entities can co-exist with the accommodation entities,” Jordan said. Back in 2008, then Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin, using Section 37A of the Highway Act Chapter 289, ordered that all music to be lowered at 2 a.m., and must cease entirely an hour later in the popular party circuit. The decision came as a result of numerous complaints from hoteliers that the noise from the entertainment clubs was disturbing their guests. At the time, residents had also complained that their elderly were being kept up late at night, especially during karaoke sessions. However, the decision to shut off all music by 3 a.m. did not sit well with the club owners who predicted the death of the St Lawrence Gap entertainment industry. At the time, club owners had strongly argued that partygoers usually came out at 12:30 a.m.; therefore their businesses would suffer from the 3 a.m. shutdown. However, while acknowledging that finding a middle ground would be difficult, Jordan said a revival of St Lawrence Gap was needed. “We realize that St Lawrence [Gap] is unique in that it has both entertainment and accommodation, so one cannot drive out the other. We have to be sensitive in how we go forward and this Government must engage all stakeholders. We must listen to people and then we make decisions,” he said. In response to Jordan’s comments, community activist Adrian Donovan told Barbados TODAY he fully agreed with the need to take a fresh look at the cut off time for the playing of loud music in St Lawrence Gap. He contended that over the past decade, the Gap had lost much of its nocturnal entertainment appeal. “St Lawrence Gap has always been a party spot, but over the last ten years most of the clubs have not been doing so well. Many of them have changed ownership so many times. It really needs to be looked at,” Donovan said. Like the acting tourism minister, he suggested that consultation was key. He also suggested that Government should mandate all clubs to invest in sound proofing in an effort to curtail noise levels. “Apart from the cut off time for the music, Government has to look at parking because years ago when the Gap was swinging, people used to park on both sides of the street and even block people’s driveway. Also, we want the police outpost to be functioning again. All these things have to be looked as at well,” he added.  (BT)

UP DE MONEY – Seven-time Pic-O-De-Crop calypso monarch Anthony Mighty Gabby Carter is calling for an increase in prize money for the winner of the annual competition, in light of the relative riches enjoyed the International Bashment Soca winner. The Pic-O-De-Crop competition is regarded by many as the most important and high-profile Crop Over cultural contest, without which the annual summer festival would be sorely lacking. However, the monarch rarely receives a substantial cash prize, unlike the much newer Bashment Soca contest – rebranded this year as the International Bashment Soca competition, which began in 2015 with a first prize of $50,000, that was increased to $80,000 this year. By comparison, last year’s calypso monarch received a Nissan X Trail from Courtesy Garage valued at $125, 000, full comprehensive insurance from Cooperator’s General Insurance valued at $11,000, a trip for two on JetBlue Airways, a staycation at Divi Southwinds, along with other prizes. Gabby told journalists today on the sidelines of the Scotiabank Junior Monarch draw, this made little sense, contending that the Pic-O-De-Crop monarch was being shortchanged. “This car has been going on for about ten million years and when you go to Bashment and you give $80, 000 . . . as a first prize, what really is that?” the legendary calypsonian asked. His comments came on the heels of the announcement by 2017 Pic-O-De-Crop monarch iWeb, that he was unsure of defending his crown this year. Speaking to Barbados TODAY, the three-time monarch expressed some discontent with the prize money, saying: “You win, you sell the car, you have you cash . . . and that is it.” Gabby contended that not only were calypso monarchs being forced to become car salesmen, they had to sell the vehicles at reduced prices. More attractive prizes, he said, would lead to an influx of new artistes, as well as the return of seasoned veterans to the social commentary stage. “When you go and give somebody a car and $10, 000 or $15, 000 that is peanuts, that is foolishness . . . . The calypso monarch deserves $200,000 [in cash] as it adds value to the country. In terms of everything else, it far supersedes Bashment,” Gabby maintained. “It is a very important component of the whole Barbados economic landscape so you must value it in that way and value artistes and value culture,” he stressed. He said Government should foot the bill for the contest, and not the National Cultural Foundation or the sponsors, as Barbados reaps tens of millions of dollars from the three-month-long Crop Over festival. At the same time, the cultural ambassador bashed the growing bashment soca genre, arguing it had no export potential and would fail to grab an international audience in the manner that classics such as his own hit song, Boots, or Ragga Ragga by fellow multiple winner, Red Plastic Bag, did. The lyrical maestro bluntly stated that the genre, which is in its embryotic stage, “can’t get past Culpepper Island in its present form”, while describing it as “six-week music” which showed no diversity in subject matter, and possessed little melody. “Bashment is now beginning, nobody knows if it is going to become a pygmy baby and don’t move from where it is or if it is going to grow into something fantastic . . . but in its present stage it is a six-week music, where it becomes popular for six weeks and then you stash it away. No singer wants his song to last for [only] six weeks. We want the song to last for years or decades so that generations to come will look at it and say, ‘wow, yes!’” Gabby said. “There is no movement of the subject, it is constant . . . woman, bumpa and rum, and some go as far as to say, ‘hands in the air’  . . . and after that there is nothing else happening. “In order for the music to reach outside of Barbados, outside of St Vincent, St Lucia . . . there needs to be a focus on melody that can be played with one instrument,” the former monarch advised. (BT)

JUNIORS READY FOR FINALS – KCB will appear first on stage at the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Finals next week Saturday. As customary, the younger contestants will face the judges first and KCB, who is in her second year, will be leading them. She will be followed by Browne Star who is in his last year in this category, Master Kei, first timer Sakarah, Star Diamond, Joshua B, first timers Just Kari and Mighty Bit Bit. The latter is the youngest contestant this year at seven years old. In the 13 to 18 category, first timer Quon will be first out followed De Overcomer, Princess Make'da, Yahandje, Dynamo, first timer Symar, Miracle and Raanan, a former junior monarch. The finals will be held at the Wildey Gymnasium at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.  (WN)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 171 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles  #dailynewscapsbythechasefiles