#Ryan Hinkson

[nashishphotography]

Interview with Ryan Hinkson of Eat Famous!

http://www.madebynashish.com/eating-famous-with-ryan/

[tasksweekly]

[TASK 175: SAINT LUCIA]

In celebration of December 13th being Saint Lucian National Day, here’s a masterlist below compiled of over 210+ Saint Lucian faceclaims categorised by gender with their occupation and ethnicity denoted if there was a reliable source. If you want an extra challenge use random.org to pick a random number! Of course everything listed below are just suggestions and you can pick whichever faceclaim or whichever project you desire.

Any questions can be sent here and all tutorials have been linked below the cut for ease of access! REMEMBER to tag your resources with #TASKSWEEKLY and we will reblog them onto the main! This task can be tagged with whatever you want but if you want us to see it please be sure that our tag is the first five tags, @ mention us or send us a messaging linking us to your post!

THE TASK - scroll down for FC’s!

STEP 1: Decide on a FC you wish to create resources for! You can always do more than one but who are you starting with? There are links to masterlists you can use in order to find them and if you want help, just send us a message and we can pick one for you at random!

STEP 2: Pick what you want to create! You can obviously do more than one thing, but what do you want to start off with? Screencaps, RP icons, GIF packs, masterlists, PNG’s, fancasts, alternative FC’s - LITERALLY anything you desire!

STEP 3: Look back on tasks that we have created previously for tutorials on the thing you are creating unless you have whatever it is you are doing mastered - then of course feel free to just get on and do it. :)

STEP 4: Upload and tag with #TASKSWEEKLY! If you didn’t use your own screencaps/images make sure to credit where you got them from as we will not reblog packs which do not credit caps or original gifs from the original maker.

THINGS YOU CAN MAKE FOR THIS TASK -  examples are linked!

Stumped for ideas? Maybe make a masterlist or graphic of your favourite faceclaims. A masterlist of names. Plot ideas or screencaps from a music video preformed by an artist. Masterlist of quotes and lyrics that can be used for starters, thread titles or tags. Guides on culture and customs.

Screencaps

RP icons [of all sizes]

Gif Pack [maybe gif icons if you wish]

PNG packs

Manips

Dash Icons

Character Aesthetics

PSD’s

XCF’s

Graphic Templates - can be chara header, promo, border or background PSD’s!

FC Masterlists - underused, with resources, without resources!

FC Help - could be related, family templates, alternatives.

Written Guides.

and whatever else you can think of / make!

MASTERLIST!

F:

Helen DeMacque (1958) Afro-Saint Lucian - singer.

Jacqui Boatswain / Jacqueline Boatswain (1962) Afro-Saint Lucian - actress.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste (1967) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Antiguan - actress.

Angellica Bell (1976) Afro-Saint Lucian - tv presenter and radio presenter.

Nicole Fiscella (1979) Saint Lucian [Afro-Saint Lucian, Indian, Possibly Other] - actress and model.

Karlyn Percil (1979) Afro-Saint Lucian - instagrammer (karlynpercil).

Tara Edward (1987) Afro-Saint Lucian - director, model and Miss Universe Saint Lucia 2012.

Annaliese Dayes (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian, Afro-Vincentian, Afro-Grenadian, Afro-Barbadian / Afro-Jamaican - model, DJ, tv personality, tv host, and radio host.

Joy-Ann Biscette (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - model, Miss Saint Lucia Universe 2011, and Miss Saint Lucia World 2008.

Yasmin K. / Yasmin Knock / K-ass / Yasmin Knoch (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian / German - actress and singer.

Tara Edward (1987) Afro-Saint Lucian - model, director, and Miss Saint Lucia Universe 2012.

A.Dot / Amplify Dot / Dotty / Ashley Charles (1988) Afro-Saint Lucian - rapper, tv presenter, radio presenter, and DJ.

Nathalie Emmanuel (1989) Afro-Saint Lucian, English / Afro-Dominiquais, English - actress.

Ciarra Nevitt (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian, Afro-Jamaican, English - actress.

Roxanne Didier Nicholas (1992) Afro-Saint Lucian - model, dancer, and Miss Saint Lucia Universe 2014.

Angella Dalsou (1994) Saint Lucian - model and Miss Saint Lucia 2018.

Bebiana Mangal (1996) Afro-Saint Lucian - model and Miss Saint Lucia 2019.

Rosemary Mathurin (?) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Jamaican - actress. 

Gabrielle Ryan (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - actress. 

Louise Victor (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model and Miss Saint Lucia 2017.

La Toya Moffat (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model, radio host, and Miss Saint Lucia 2016.

Francillia Austin (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model and Miss Saint Lucia Earth 2014.

Oneka McKoy (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model, tv host, Miss Saint Lucia World 2012, and Miss Saint Lucia Earth 2007.

Aiasha Tierra Rebecca Gustave (?) Saint Lucian - model and Miss Saint Lucia 2010.

Chrystal Rose (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - tv personality.

Annabel Rollins (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model and Miss Plus Size Universe 2019.

Nicole David (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - singer.

Chelsea Reject (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - singer.

Marie-Claire Frederick (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model.

Ayanna Irish (?) Saint Lucian, Montserratian, Jamaican, Barbadian, Panamanian - rapper.

Heather Noone (?) Afro-Saint Lucian / Korean - singer (instagram: swixxyheather).

Laura Beee (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - instagrammer (laurabeee_xo).

Tor (?) Afro-Saint Lucian, Laotian - instagrammer (_4en).

Nardia (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model (instagram: iamnardia).

Valene (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model (instagram: stluciasfinest).

Cinelli (?)  Afro-Saint Lucian - instagrammer (themaneater_).

Kayla (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - instagrammer (amirahml).

Shika Chica (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - instagrammer.

F - Athletes:

Verena Felicien (1964) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Eugena Gregg (1966) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Nadine George (1968) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Philipa Thomas (1968) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Glenicia James (1974) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Vernetta Lesforis (1975) Afro-Saint Lucian - sprinter.

Michelle Baptiste (1977) Saint Lucian - long jumper.

Pamela Alfred (1978) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Perdita Felicien (1980) Afro-Saint Lucian - hurdler.

Beth Lygoe (1981) Saint Lucian - sailor.

Sherri Henry (1982) Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Erma-Gene Evans (1984) Afro-Saint Lucian - javelin thrower.

Geva Mentor (1984) Afro-Saint Lucian - netball player.

Levern Spencer (1984) Afro-Saint Lucian - high jumper.

Natasha Sara Georgeos (1987) Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Makeba Alcide (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian - hurdler.

Danielle Beaubrun (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Ellaisa Marquis (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jeanelle Scheper (1994) Afro-Saint Lucian - high jumper.

Stephanie Devaux-Lovell (1995) Saint Lucian - sailor.

Qiana Joseph (2001) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Mikaili Charlemagne (2003) Afro-Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Roselyn Emmanuel (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

M:

Rick Wayne (1938) Afro-Saint Lucian - singer, author, and bodybuilder.

Joseph Marcell (1948) Afro-Saint Lucian - actor and comedian.

Leee John (1957) Afro-Saint Lucian - actor and singer-songwriter.

Paterson Joseph (1964) Afro-Saint Lucian - actor.

Trevor Nelson (1964) Afro-Saint Lucian - radio personality and DJ.

Andrew T. Lee (1968) Saint Lucian [Chinese] - actor.

Denys Baptiste (1969) Afro-Saint Lucian - saxophonist and composer.

Merwin Mondesir (1976) Afro-Saint Lucian - actor.

Bunji Garlin (1978) Trinidadian [Afro-Saint Lucian / Venezuelan] - singer-songwriter and producer.

Jordan Kensington (1981) Afro-Saint Lucian / Cameroonian - actor, tv presenter, radio presenter, songwriter, artist, and entrepreneur.

Cesár Sampson (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Trinidadian - singer-songwriter, model, dancer, and producer.

Dudley O’Shaughnessy (1989) Afro-Saint Lucian, Irish / English - actor, model, and boxer.

Monét X Change / Kevin Bertin (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian - drag queen, singer, and tv personality.

Rasta Marcus Theo (1991 or 1992) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Dominiquais - model, singer, and personal trainer (instagram: m___nathaniel).

Joey Bada$$ / Joey Badass / Jo-Vaughn Scott (1995) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Jamaican - actor, rapper-songwriter, singer, and producer.

DJ Cameo (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - radio host and DJ.

Boo / Ronald Hinkson (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - guitarist.

Arthur Allain (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - singer. 

Kayo / Kayo Guevarra (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - singer. 

Cairo Nevitt (?) Afro-Saint Lucian, English - actor, speaker, and personal trainer. - Trans! 

Lucian Jay (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - presenter. 

Aimran Simmons (?) Saint Lucian - pianist.

M - Athletes:

Bryan Mauricette (1946) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Earl Fraites (1953) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Sylvester Mittee (1956) Afro-Saint Lucian, British - boxer.

Cornelius Henry (1956) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Ignatius Cadette (1957) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Stuart Charles-Fevrier (1959) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Julian Charles (1961) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Kingsley Armstrong (1962) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Terrence Caroo (1964) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Ken Charlery (1964) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Les Ferdinand (1966) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Carlos Remy (1968) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

John Eugene (1970) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Warren Hackett (1971) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Éric Fanis (1971) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Ricardo Blanchard (1971) Saint Lucian - footballer.

Earl Jean (1971) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Edwin Ferdinand (1971) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Maxwell Seales (1972) Afro-Saint Lucian - sprinter.

Francis Lastic (1972) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Ivan Jean-Marie (1972) Afro-Saint Lucian - sprinter.

David Flavius (1972) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Maxime Charlemagne (1974) Afro-Saint Lucian - sprinter.

Titus Elva (1974) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Ron Promesse (1974) Afro-Saint Lucian - sprinter.

Zepherinus Joseph (1975) Afro-Saint Lucian - middle-distance runner and long-distance runner.

Dominic Johnson (1975) Saint Lucian - pole vaulter.

Francis McDonald (1975) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Danny Mitchell (1975) Saint Lucian - footballer.

Cyrille Charles (1977) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Guy George (1977) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Rio Ferdinand (1978) Afro-Saint Lucian / Irish - footballer.

Marcus Charlemagne (1978) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Alderman Lesmond (1978) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer and footballer.

Anton Ferdinand (1978) Afro-Saint Lucian / Irish - footballer.

Alvin La Feuille (1978) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Liam George (1979) Afro-Saint Lucian / Irish - footballer.

Alleyn Prospere (1979) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Cleaveland Simon (1980) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Darel Russell (1980) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Cornelius Butcher (1980) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Nathan Justin (1981) Saint Lucian - footballer and sprinter.

Giovanni Deterville (1981) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jarvin Skeete (1981) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Leon Knight (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Jamaican - footballer.

Cletus Mathurin (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Hanif Dolor (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Alain Providence (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Germal Valcin (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jamie Peterkin (1982) Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Enderson George (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Rickson Augustin (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Chabbie Charlery (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Michael Husbands (1983) Saint Lucian [Afro-Saint Lucian, Unspecified White, Possibly Other] - footballer.

Shervin Charles (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Darren Sammy (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Cowin Mathurin (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Garey Mathurin (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Sergio Fedee (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Guyanese - cricketer.

Leon Legge (1985) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Troy Prospere (1985) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Andreas Willie (1985) Saint Lucian - footballer.

Xavier Gabriel (1985) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Hiram Hunte (1985) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Fabian Joseph (1985) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Iran Cassius (1985) Saint Lucian - footballer.

Darvin Edwards (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - high jumper.

Shervon Jack (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Cliff Valcin (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Zaccheus Polius (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Craig Emmanuel (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Randy Poleon (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Philip Ifil (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Mervin Wells (1987) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Vernus Abbott (1987) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Bradford Worrell (1988) Afro-Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Keddy Lesporis (1988) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Caddius Emmanuel (1988) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Albert Reynolds (1988) Afro-Saint Lucian - javelin thrower.

Jahvid Best (1989) Afro-Saint Lucian / African-American - sprinter and footballer.

Johnson Charles (1989) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Junior Stanislas (1989) Afro-Saint Lucian / Macedonian - footballer.

Bernard Edward (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Dalton Polius (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Teran John (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Lester Joseph (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Kurt Frederick (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jamil Joseph (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Audley Alexander (1991) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Tremain Paul (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Pernal Williams (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Kevin Edward (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Pessius Polius (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Marland Yarde (1992) Afro-Saint Lucian - rugby player.

Melvin Aurélien (1992) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Christopher Gibson (1992) Saint Lucian, English / Finnish - ice hockey player.

Melanius Mullarkey (1992) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jonel Scott (1992) Saint Lucian - basketball player.

Troy Greenidge (1992) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Dominic Poleon (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Andrus Remy (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Chris Boucher (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian / French - basketball player.

Janoi Donacien (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

David Henry (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Zaine Pierre (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jean-Luc Zephir (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Eden Charles (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Myles Hippolyte (1994) Afro-Saint Lucian, Afro-Grenadian, English - footballer.

Jordan Augier (1994) Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Emmery Edward (1994) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Kieran Monlouis (1995) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Taryck Gabriel (1995) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Malik St. Prix (1995) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Caniggia Elva (1996) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jevick Macfarlane (1996) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Nick Joseph (1998) Saint Lucian - sprinter.

Chaim Roserie (1998) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Zacherinus Simon (1998) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Josh Solomon-Davies (1999) Afro-Saint Lucian / English - footballer.

Jayhan Odlum-Smith (2002) Afro-Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Patrick Wilson (?) Saint Lucian - boxer.

Sherwin Emmanuel (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer. 

Carson Millar (?) Saint Lucian - footballer.

Vic Charles (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - karateka.

Hollis Bristol (?) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Cassim Louis (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Winston Mauricette (?) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Decoursey Simon (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

[thechasefiles]

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 5/2/2020

Good Morning #realdreamchasers ! Here is your daily news cap for Wednesday February 5th, 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 MidweekNation Newspaper (MWN).

ECONOMIST: POSTAL FEE HIKE A BIG BLOW TO SMALL BUSINESS – Government’s decision to raise processing fees for packages coming through the postal service by 660 per cent, should be cause for concern in the small business community, a respected economist has warned. University of the West Indies lecturer in banking and finance Jeremy Stephen contends that the hike in user fees from $1.50 to $10 was discriminatory against small businesses which are most likely to use the postal office. The economist further noted that the poor are also likely to be affected, as they often use the post office to have low-cost items shipped to them. Stephen told Barbados TODAY: “I understand the reason for the fee and that Government wants to go on a user fee basis, but I believe it will impact the cost of doing business significantly on the island. “This is especially going to be the case for small businesses, not necessarily the larger ones. “It really can be reviewed as a regressive tax on small businesses because of lower volumes that they bring through the post office per week. “So that would be an increase in cost to customers, contributing to the already abysmal inflation we are facing in a slow economy.” Stephen called on Government to clarify whether the new fee would be for each item processed. The economist further warned: “For small businesses and poor people this can result in a contraction of consumption. “Maybe that is part of the general plan, but it shouldn’t be if you are promoting business growth. “Maybe it is isn’t intended, but it is discriminatory towards larger businesses who would not use the post office to import the inputs for their businesses.” The Postal Service announced that effective January 20, the cost of the Advice Fee for processing all parcels and letter packets at the post office would be increased.  This prompted a response from consumer advocate Malcolm Gibbs-Taitt, who argued that the hike was onerous, adding that “poor people just cannot afford it”. But in defending the Government’s decision, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn argued: “The reality is that [we need] to come to some reasoning with respect to the fact that the fees being charged by some agencies in Government need to reflect the cost of doing those services.” He declared that the changes in fees were necessary to allow Government to “better deliver the service that the people want”. He suggested that if those fees were not changed over time then it would most likely come in the form of more taxes. Barbados TODAY contacted Minister responsible for Small Business Dwight Sutherland who promised to comment on the issue after further dialogue with Cabinet colleagues. Stephen pointed out that the move should come as no surprise, suggesting it was par for the course in the current IMF-sanctioned budget austerity, during which state-owned services must pay their own way. He added: “State-owned enterprises such as the post office were a drag on public financing and everybody agreed that it was time to go to the IMF. “So for the last two years, the Government has been pushing fees, such as in the case of the hospital, which they claim is self-sustaining at this point. “The same goes for the airport and there are other examples. “One could argue that they could have sent home persons but that may have had a lot more repercussions in the short run.” (BT)

NO BAN – Minister of Health Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic is defending Government’s decision not to ban travel from China, which is currently severely impacted by the deadly Coronavirus, even though six CARICOM countries have taken the decision to do just that. Speaking at a press briefing to update the public on recent CARICOM discussions to combat the global pandemic, Bostic made it clear that Barbados was keeping faith with its prevention protocols, which have been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO). He explained that Barbados has covered its bases as it relates to additional medical personnel at the ports of entry, installation of temperature scanners and quarantine facilities at an undisclosed location. He noted that given the rigorous screening of passengers before getting to Barbados as well as the fact that there are no direct flights between Barbados and China, the risk to the country remains low and this could be further reduced when prevention protocols kick in. “We have six Caribbean territories placing a ban on passengers coming out of China. There were some discussions there and it was agreed that this was more than a health decision as there are other things involved. We in Barbados made the decision based on evidence, based on science, based on history and everything we have seen happening over last several weeks, that we were not going to go this route. We will follow the WHO instructions not to inhibit trade or travel,” Bostic said. “There has been about a dozen international incidents of this nature over the last 15 years or so and Barbados has never closed its borders. We have always relied on our people, the competence and collaborative skills of the people that we have at our ports of entry to keep the country safe and we are still confident with this,” he added. In fact, the Minister revealed that this policy was put to the test this weekend, as Barbados gave safe harbor to the AIDA Cruise Ship, which was turned away by St Lucia and other OECS countries on Saturday due to some guest presenting with respiratory illness. “When the cruise ship AIDA was here, some countries in the Caribbean denied entry but we did not. We based our decision on procedures and protocols and when port health went on the vessel which was carrying about 4,000 people, there were 40 people that were ill onboard including persons with gastroenteritis and other illness not related to the coronavirus. “The numbers were way below the required number for quarantining a vessel. So, we took the decision to allow the vessel to dock and allow passengers to disembark but those ill passengers had to remain onboard,” said Bostic, while acknowledging that a major outbreak of the illness in Barbados could be beyond the capabilities of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. “When we did our analysis of the situation, we determined that the airport was the most vulnerable area because the international regulations governing cruise ships coming into ports of entry are very strong and we have been doing this for a very long time. These cruise ships have their own hospitals on board, their own medical staff, their own quarantine station and we get information on the cruise ship up to four hours before they arrive. Port health officials then go onboard and scrutinize the medical data so that we can make certain determinations,” the Minister explained. (BT)

GOVT 'ON BALL' WHILE BAJANS STOCK UP – Health officials say they are “on the ball” regarding preparations for the coronavirus should it land here, but Barbadians appear not to be taking any chances and are flocking to stores buying up masks and hand sanitisers. Pharmacist-in-charge at Massy Pharmacy Warrens, Bernard Bailey, said they had sold more than 700 masks over the past three weeks. He said these, along with hand sanitiser, were in great demand. “It’s a good thing because people are being proactive; you don’t want the virus to arrive and you’re scrambling,” he said. A representative of Pharmacy Sales Caribbean Inc., based in Friendship Terrace, St Michael, said Barbadians had been demanding the masks in such great quantity they had to order more, adding another shipment was in the Bridgetown Port waiting to be cleared. Another pharmacist also reported last night that Collins Pharmacy was also out of masks. During a media conference yesterday, Minister of Health Jeffrey Bostic gave an update on Barbados’ position concerning the virus following an emergency CARICOM ministers of health meeting on Monday. (MWN)

TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST LANDFILL FIRE – Persons with respiratory illnesses living in the vicinity of the Mangrove Landfill, in St Thomas, are being advised to leave the area until conditions caused by a second fire, which broke out in the tyre section at the landfill, improve. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has advised persons with asthma and other respiratory illnesses that if they are feeling unwell, they should also seek immediate medical attention at the nearest polyclinic or their private doctor. The Sanitation Service Authority and the Barbados Fire Service are currently on site at the Mangrove landfill dealing with a fire which has re-ignited in the tyre section. (BGIS)

CRACKING DOWN ON DRUG COCKTAILS – A new legislative framework is on the way to crack down on pharmaceuticals being used to concoct hallucinogenic and psychoactive drugs. After the launch of a workshop on synthetic drugs at the Regional Police training Centre last week, Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson announced that his ministry, along with the Ministry of Health and representatives from the Barbados Drug Service and National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) were working in collaboration to advise Cabinet on drafting legal policies to deal with the matter. “Government will act on the advice after the consideration of those technical proposals on how else to reform and modernise legislation,” he said. “This is an issue that is evolving. the ill effect of illegal substance abuse is changing every year and it’s a question of modernising and keeping up to date.” (MWN)

BODY FOUND AT HALLS ROAD – The body of a male was discovered this afternoon at the Mencea Cox roundabout, Halls Road, St Michael. Police are currently investigating the matter. (MWN)

ACCUSED ADMITS DAMAGING CHURCH PROPERTY – Renison Isaiah Prince says he broke 19 windows and a plant pot at the historic St Mary’s Church because, “God tell me to do it”. That’s the explanation the 26-year-old Fairfield, Black Rock, St Michael resident gave to police when he was arrested over two years ago. Before committing the criminal act on October 22, 2017 Prince ventured to Lucky Horsehoe where security officer Edwin Norgrove saw him. He was removed from those premises after drinking pepper sauce from the bottle, Senior Crown Counsel Olivia Davis said in reading the facts of the case. Prince left the establishment and Norgrove, who knew him for four years from seeing him, said Prince stated that someone was calling him from the churchyard. Norgrove told him that was not the case. Five minutes later the guard said he heard glass breaking from the direction of the church and subsequently saw Prince jumping over the southern wall, covered in blood. The police were called and Prince was arrested. The following morning around 5:45 a.m., the caretaker came in with the intentions of opening the church but instead discovered the windows broken and debris on the ground along with stones. The police arrived with a handcuffed Prince soon after. Photographs were taken of the scene and Prince was questioned about how he sustained the laceration on his left forearm. “I brek out windows in the church. God tell me to do it. I mean St Mary’s Church,” he told police. Under caution he then pointed to the windows he damaged and again stated: “I brek out them. God tell me to do it . . . and the plant pot inside.  I don’t want no lawyer, I is who brek out the windows. I tell you what happen, I ain’t giving no statement.” The prosecutor told Justice Randall Worrell, the cost to repair and replace the windows was estimated at BDS$51,180. The judge remanded Prince to the Psychiatric Hospital for the next three weeks to be evaluated. He is currently serving time at Dodds,. Prince, who was unrepresented, returns before the No. 2 Supreme Court for sentencing on February 28. (BT)

SWORD ATTACKER TO KNOW HIS FATE NEXT WEEK – A 49-year-old landscaper who pleaded guilty to wounding another man is expected to know his fate on February 13. In the meantime, David Anderson Roach, of Dayrells Road, Christ Church is on $3,000 bail with a warning to stay away from the complainant. Roach had pleaded guilty to committing the offence against Hussain Hinds on December 30, 2019 causing him actual bodily harm. Addressing Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court Roach said: “I raised the sword to frighten him, not to hit him. I sorry I hit him, I am very sorry.” He told the magistrate he had the weapon for his trade as a landscaper. When Roach appears in the Bridgetown Court next Thursday, the complainant is also expected to be present to address the magistrate. (BT)

JAMAICAN PLEADS GUILTY – Jamaican labourer Nigel Oraine Bailey was handed over to immigration officials today after pleading guilty to a criminal charge. Bailey, who lived at My Lord’s Hill, St Michael admitted to entering the premises of Sabenar Joseph on January 20 and behaving in a threatening manner. Magistrate Douglas Frederick convicted, reprimanded and discharged the 28-year-old on the charge after hearing the particulars of the case. (BT)

BTC NOT TAKING BLAME – OPINION may be divided but the Barbados Turf Club (BTC) is taking none of the blame for last weekend’s tragic incident at the Garrison Savannah when five-year-old chestnut gelding Ranak snapped his left front leg in the final race of the day. BTC chief executive officer Rosette Peirce told the MIDWEEK NATION yesterday there was nothing dangerous about the conditions of the track, adding that the incident was unfortunate. “People are making assumptions and accusations but I am not aware of any issue of that part of the track. Anyone is welcome to come down here and check the track. “I am issuing an open invitation for photos to be taken where the incident occurred and maybe people can have a look and tell me what it is there that would have caused the horse to break his leg,” she said. (MWN)

PM: BIG PROJECTA COMING ONE BY ONE – Government is anticipating the start of some major projects in the coming weeks. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said people who were calling for investments would be able to count them “one by one”. She was speaking yesterday as officials of Chefette Restaurants Ltd broke ground for the fast food chain’s new ice cream and meat processing plants and corporate offices at Lears, St Michael. (MWN)

HART IS SPECIAL ADVISER TO UN SECRETARY-GENERAL - Former Barbados Ambassador to the United States, Selwin Hart, has been appointed special adviser to United Nations secretary-general António Guterres and assistant secretary-general of the Climate Action Team. Guterres made the announcement earlier today. Climate change remains at the top of the secretary-general’s priorities and one of the core priorities of the Decade of Action to Deliver the Sustainable Development Goals.  In ensuring enhanced levels of ambition on climate change within the Decade, Hart will lead the Climate Action team, focusing on Member State support, coalition-building, UN system engagement and public mobilisation necessary to implement the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and achieve a successful 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, United Kingdom in 2020.  His job is to also ensure delivery of the Secretary-General’s priorities on climate change, from enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), fossil fuel and coal phase-out, ensuring public and private finance shifts and the transitions necessary to shift the world’s energy, transportation, land and natural systems in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. Hart is currently the Executive Director for the Caribbean region at the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). He was previously the Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States for Barbados and Director of the secretary-general’s Climate Change Support Team, leading the delivery of the 2014 Climate Summit and the secretary-general’s engagement in the process ahead of the signing of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Throughout his career, Hart has served in several climate change leadership positions, including climate adviser for the Caribbean Development Bank, chief climate change negotiator for Barbados as well as the coordinator and lead negotiator on finance for the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS), a coalition of 43 islands and low-lying coastal states in the Caribbean, Pacific, Africa, Indian Ocean and South China Sea.  He was a member of the Kyoto Protocol Adaptation Fund Board from 2009 to 2010 and was elected by the United Nations General Assembly to serve as vice-chairman of the 2nd Committee of the United Nations General Assembly (Economic and Financial) during its 60th Session. (MWN)

MOTTLEY LAUDS STAFF AT CARICOM SECRETARIAT – The staff of the CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana were lauded by the movement’s chairman, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, as critical frontline soldiers in the war for a better region for all its people. Speaking during a one-day visit to the headquarters complex of the regional integration movement in Georgetown on Monday, Mottley also urged them to use this year to perfect their vision for the deepening of relations among member states and their people. “Let me say how pleased I am to be here in Georgetown in this building that really represents the hopes and aspirations of our people,” Barbados’ Prime Minister said. “Earlier, I was asked to sign the [visitor’s] book, and I said then that I was very conscious that 2020 is known for perfecting the finer vision, and therefore it has not escaped me that in this year 2020 we have an obligation to so do, building on the legacy of our founding fathers… “I am conscious now more than ever that ours is a responsibility to carry the baton, to hold it as firmly as we can … and to make sure that we can use this innings to add runs to the board, but conscious that others will come after us.” Mottley, who is preparing to host CARICOM’s Inter-sessional Heads Meeting in Barbados in just over two weeks, added: “To that extent, how do we progress and thrive, amidst all the challenges and crises that we face, amidst those who believe that by 2050 we run the risk that the Caribbean could be the poorest region of the world…, or by those who recognise that the climate crisis we face has put some real existential issues before us … and has created a category of persons we never thought would exist in our lifetime — climate refugees. “Then you then add the public health crises, and to those who think I am referring to the coronavirus, I am not., I am referring to the violence in our societies that would see from Jamaica with 101 murders in January, in Trinidad 46 and in my own country three, which may seem small to you, but is most disturbing to us.“When I look at these things, plus the other public health crisis of chronic NCDs that are cutting down too many of our people in the prime of their lives, then you begin to ask: How is it that what we are doing can make a difference to change the course of the destiny of not just our countries, but of individuals, individual families, individual communities?” Barbados’ Prime Minister then told scores of CARICOM employees: “It is for that reason that I believe that our ability this year, 2020, to pause and use the metaphor of the year to perfect that finer vision where we can allow our people to dare to dream, to be determined to do at all times, to be disciplined to do, to be able to recognise that the instant gratification …. of our time cannot be the thing that guides us as we go forward and that in almost every other aspect of serious human progress it requires discipline and capacity to stay the course and to stay focused. “And it is that that requires us therefore to engage our people and not just our governments. I have come here therefore conscious of the fact that the people who come to work every day to make this reality our reality, are primarily you in the secretariat. “I, therefore, thank you for your continued commitment to a project that many had doubted was capable of surviving; a project that many, even if they don’t doubt it, are sometimes prepared to be indifferent and more consumed with the affairs of others than with our own affairs. We have a responsibility to build on that legacy.” (MWN)

HISTORIAN KAMAU BRATHWAITE DIES AT 89 – Barbadian Edward Kamau Brathwaite, the noted poet and historian has passed. He was 89 years old. Kamau, as he was familiarly known, was educated at Harrison College, the University of Cambridge Pembroke College and the University of Sussex. He was an education officer in Ghana from 1955 to 1962 before he returned to the Caribbean to teach in St Lucia and later at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica. He also lectured at New York University.   Some of his works include Rights of Passage (1967), Masks (1968), Islands (1969) and Barabajan Poems in 1994. Among his honours include an honorary doctorate from the University of Sussex, the Casa de las Americas Prize for Literary Criticism, the WEB Du Bois Award in 2010 and the Bussa Award. (MWN)

PM: KAMAU WAS WIZZARD WITH WORDS – The following statement was submitted by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley on the passing of Barbadian cultural icon, Kamau Brathwaite, who passed away yesterday at age 89. Kamau Brathwaite was easily one of the titans of post-colonial literature and the Arts. His chronicling of our past through his magnificent works, shone a powerful light on the realities of our present and in turn, guided our sense of self and national identity. One of the highlights of my tenure as Minister of Culture was Barbados’ excellent presentation at CARIFESTA in Trinidad and Tobago, featuring Kamau’s seminal work "Barabajan".  But his reach and influence were not limited to his beloved Barbados and the Caribbean.  His tenure as an educator at institutions from Ghana to America allowed students of every ethnicity and background to experience his wizardry with words. Ultimately however, Kamau’s legacy and timeless gift to us all is his powerfully poignant body of work.  From “Odale’s Choice” and “The Arrivants” to “Mother Poem” and “Born to Slow Horses”, he leaves us priceless literary treasures that will delight and shape our minds for generations to come. The numerous stellar awards for his work are testament to the global acclaim and respect earned for decades of exceptional literary craftsmanship. Kamau Brathwaite espoused the very best of the Barbadian personality and I wish him safe journey to the next realm. On behalf of the Cabinet, Government and people of Barbados, I extend heartfelt condolences to his wife Beverley, sister Joan, other relatives and friends. May he rest in peace. (MWN)

There are 331 days left in the year Shalom!  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps #bajannewscaps #newsinanutshell

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TRIBE – The Ultimate Carnival Experience for the Greatest Show on Earth. At TRIBE, we pride ourselves on providing the Ultimate Carnival Experience in Trinidad and Tobago Carnival – one of the largest and most popular Carnivals in the world, and commonly referred to as “the greatest show on Earth”. From our humble beginnings in 2004, TRIBE’S mission has been to deliver the quintessential masquerader experience every year by matching the greatest show with the greatest service. In our inaugural year alone, we established a new standard of industry service by becoming the first all-inclusive Carnival band in Trinidad and Tobago. Since then we’ve grown from strength to strength each year, by consistently improving our already unparalleled service to always meet (but typically exceed) your increasing demands and expectations. Over a decade later, TRIBE has completely revolutionized the Carnival landscape, quickly becoming the largest Carnival band in Trinidad and Tobago and surpassing others that came long before it. In spite of such rapid growth, TRIBE never compromises quality over quantity, and we continue to perfect our product by keeping the masquerader at the fore and core of our operations. This unwavering consumer-driven mantra allows TRIBE to boast a consistent ‘sold out’ track record every year since our inception. A true industry pioneer, TRIBE always delivers from our band launch to our Las’ Lap, and we have you covered from registration to the road. Now approaching our 14th year and showing no signs of slowing down, we’re well on our way to one day earning the title of “the greatest band on Earth”, if we haven’t already.General InformationBand Leader: Dean Ackin 2018 Design Team: Monique Nobrega, Gail Cabral, Ruana Evans, Shawn Dhanraj, Solange Govia, Rhion Romany, Richard & Anthony Concepts & Designs Section Leaders Solange Govia | Anya Elias | Anya Ayoung-Chee | Sandra Hordatt | Samantha Ammon | Ruana Evans Marketing Affiliates SCORCH | Air Committee | Illusions Mas | TriniJungleJuice | Corah Ann Sylvester | BOOM Jamaica | UK TRIBE | Euphoria Carnival UK | Xaymaca Carnival (Jamaica) | ICEBOX Entertainment | The Golden Pineapple TRIBE Committee Members Andrea Deoseran . Angele Mark . Aquille Ali . Ashley Adams . Avinda Bansee . Briana Schwapp . Cassie Lindsay . Chelsea Rogers . Cherisse Chan Attong . Chevonne Attale . Chike Philip . Chris Carim . Christian Gittens . Crystal Ng Chow . Daniel Conochiarri . Daniella Townsend . Dominique De Verteuil . Elysee Gilbert . Gabby Gonsalves . Jade Cabral . Jazz Singh . Jediel 'Fish' Harewood . Jessie Boissiere . Kandace Price . Kanika Clarke . Kelly de Gannes . Kerrie Kirton . Khama Philip . Kris Donaldson . Kristopher Maharaj . Kryztien Sharpe . Kwesi 'Jep' Allen . Kyle Delzin . Kyrelle Lee Foon . Marcus Rowley . Marvin Carmino . Meiling Mack . Mercedes Prevatt . Michael Saunders . Naomi Gomez . Natalia Garcia . Nathan Dookie . Nicholas Gill . Nicholas Patrick . Pascale Bell . Rachel Wharton . Rebecca Elias . Rebecca Walcott . Ryan Henrique . Sabrina Ali . Samantha Birbal . Samantha Walcott . Sebastien Cabral . Shane Baird . Sharisse Rhyner . Sherayne Welch . Sheryssa Gowrie . Sinead Camps . Siobhan Miles . Soliel Patterson . Sommer Oliviere . Sophie Navarro . Stephan Homer . Steven Luk Pat . Tamika Hinkson . Tishanna Mitchell . Zikomo Townsend . Zoe Sudan Affiliate Companies Rogue Carnival | BLISS Carnival | The Lost Tribe | Red Ants Carnival | Harts Carnival | Ultimate Events | Red Xpress

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5 Tips to Instagram-worthy food pics from Ryan Hinkson

5 Tips to Instagram-worthy food pics from Ryan Hinkson

Instagraming your meal isn’t a new phenomenon; in fact, it used to be a joke that many sophisticated foodies would laugh about when discussing social media over a fine meal. Now, it’s one of the most common Instagram posts – there are over 228 million #food post and 26 million #foodstagrams (and counting) on this visually focussed social media platform. We all do it. And why not? After all,…

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 7/16/2019

Good Morning #realdreamchasers. Here is your daily news cap for Tuesday, July 16th, 2019. There is a lot to read and digest so take your time. Remember you can read full articles via Barbados Today (BT), or by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN).

LIAT TALKS HIT SNAG – Antigua is playing hard ball with the Barbados Government over the LIAT issue. That country’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Antigua and Barbuda was prepared to acquire further shares in the cash-strapped regional airline, but was unwilling to pay an estimated US$44 million being asked by Barbados for the sale of its shares in the airline.The two countries have been holding discussions on the acquisition of the shares, and last week Browne said the talks were still ongoing despite media reports that they had broken down.Prime Minister Mia Mottley in a Ministerial Statement delivered last month in the House of Assembly said Barbados was reducing its financial involvement in LIAT. (DN)

PENSION PAYMENTS STILL NOT SETTLED – More than a month after Government said it would reverse the decision by the Treasury Department that stopped medically unfit people from receiving pensions, nothing has been done. And a check with Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn Sunday revealed there was no timeline for when those monies would be reinstated.“Unfortunately, it is taking longer than we would have liked but hopefully it will be resolved soon,” he said.One of those affected is Janice Harris of Bayville, St Michael, who used available media outlets in May and June to complain and mounted public protests outside the Parliament Buildings and other areas highlighting her plight. She got the attention of the public, Government ministers and the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW).(DN)

BLOW TO DIGICEL – Digicel is struggling to climb out of a deep financial hole, with debt on its books now estimated to be seven times more than earnings. The telecommunications group, which operates in Barbados and 30 other markets, has been trying to reduce a US$6.7 billion debt burden, and late last year reached agreement with investors to delay the payment of bonds worth US$3 billion.While having access to US$279 million in cash and its US$100 million revolving credit facility (RCF) available at the end of March, Digicel’s financial performance declined further.The company has now suffered a major credit rating downgrade from Moody’s Investors Service.(DN)

WORKPLACE WELLNESS POLICY ‘APPROVED’ –Cabinet has approved a new policy for maintaining health and safety in the workplace, Minister of Labour and Social Partnerships Colin Jordan has announced. In his speech to launch Occupational Safety and Health Week under the theme A Safe and Healthy Future of Work, Jordan said: “ Cabinet has just approved the Barbados Workplace Wellness Policy. “We are now in the process of establishing the National Committee for Wellness in the workplace that will drive the incentives across workplaces. “Safety and Health Committees at workplaces will be integrally involved in executing wellness initiatives. We recognize that we must move beyond the thinking [of] safety and health and embrace wellness as its natural corollary necessary for fulfilled, motivated, happy and productive workers.” Telling the gathering at Accra Beach Hotel that the labour ministry will be focusing on mental health in the workspace, Jordan said the Occupational Safety and Health Week of activities will target mental health at a session facilitated by the Psychiatric Hospital. With the increase of migrant workers in the labour force Government has established a protocol for how employers are to treat migrant workers, the Labour Minister added. “The protocol stipulates the working conditions that must be provided by employers for migrant workers, the rights and responsibilities for those involved in migrant labour matters, migrant workers must be treated with equity and respect. “To be clear, migrant workers are entitled to the same protections that are afforded to citizens and can avail themselves of the services of the Labour Department if they feel that their rights have been infringed.” Some 2.8 million people have died due to occupational related injuries and illnesses, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Minister noted. Jordan said: “The ILO report finds that the largest share by far of work-related deaths is associated with occupational diseases; 31 per cent of deaths are related to circulatory diseases, 20 per cent are work-related cancer, 17 percent of respiratory diseases. “Workers now use more technology and 36 percent are working excessively long hours defined as more than 48 hours per week.” General Secretary of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations (CTUSAB) Dennis De Peiza in delivering his brief remarks on the theme said a safe and healthy future of work can only be derived if there is a commitment to providing employment and decent work for all which protects the labour rights. (BT)

UWI STUDENTS TO ‘GIVE BACK’ – Cabinet has approved the Give Back Programme for students of the University of the West Indies to repay with service their taxpayer-funded tuition, Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson has announced. Under the programme, UWI students will be required to complete 150 hours of community service over the three to four years that they are at university, and give back to Barbados. Hinkson said Government believed that it was important for university students to give back to their society through volunteerism in this country. There was already a list of organizations, entities and non-Governmental organizations that were waiting to come on board, he said. As the Government’s national summer camps got underway today, Hinkson also pointed out the camps were an avenue for university students to volunteer. “This is what being a Barbadian is about. Being a Barbadian is not only about what you can get out of your country… but also about what you can do for your country. “We have to encourage and inculcate in you and your people and your contemporaries the concept and notion that you have to volunteer in communities, to the elderly, to people with disabilities; to the DEOs (District Emergency Organizations), which are a part of the Department of Emergency Management, which also needs volunteers during this season,” he said. Young people are also needed to volunteer to clean up communities in the event of a disaster, and to ensure the people in the communities were safe, he said. “These are the kinds of actions of citizenry that we require of our young people, especially in this country going forward. The Government cannot do it alone. We need the support of everyone, especially young people to volunteer,” Hinkson urged. He noted that initiatives such as the Junior Cadet Programme gave young people the tools to be able to volunteer in society and to develop the kind of citizens that Barbados required.(BT)

MUSIC TUTOR GUILTY OF ASSAULTING STUDENT- A music lessons teacher who resides in St Philip has been found guilty of indecently assaulting one of his male charges. The boy who is now 14 years old was an 11-year-old first form student at a secondary school located in St Michael on January 7, 2016 when the incident occurred. In his testimony the teen explained that tutor unbuckled his belt, pushed his hands in his pants and squeezed his testicles when he was unable to give an answer to a question. However, the 24-year-old tutor in an unsworn statement told the No. 5 Supreme Court that the touching of a minor’s groin area was an “accident”. This morning the eight-member jury who heard the evidence in the case over the past two weeks returned a unanimous guilty verdict after Madam Justice Pamela Beckles gave her summation of the case. Pre-sentencing and psychological reports have been ordered on the tutor in preparation for sentencing in the case which was prosecuted by Senior Crown Counsel Krystal Delaney. The tutor remains on bail and will make his next appearance in court on October 23. (BT)

BAG GRABBER JAILED – In the wee hours of July 12 when “all law-abiding people who were not on duty” were asleep a 57-year-old landscaper crawled through the living room window of a woman’s house. Anthony Bernard Herbert, of Well Gap, Cave Hill, St Michael took a bag and its contents worth $140 from the residence after he pulled a garbage can, placed a block on top of it and trespassed in the house of Lee-Ann Dawe around 3:30 a.m. He was seen committing the act and the police were called in. He fled the scene at Grazettes Gardens, St Michael when police arrived but was subsequently caught. Around 6 a.m. the same day lawmen returned to the location and found a black handbag on the outside of the residence near a guard wall. A further search around Dawe’s property discovered a yellow pair of slippers and the can used to enter the house. She identified the items as hers.Outlining the facts Station Sergeant Peter Barrow disclosed that Herbert admitted to removing the handbag from the property and leaving it behind in a attempt to evade police. He also admitted that the slippers belonged to him and explained where he took garbage can and the block from which he used to gain entry to the house.“It is not a pleasure to renew our acquaintance,” Chief Magistrate Christopher Birch told Herbert while pointing out that the accused’s criminal career began as far back as former head magistrate Frank King.“I was working towards looking to get these charges expunged,” said the well-known convict who went on to say that he was being “pestered for some money that I owe someone.” Herbert then asked for leniency and mercy.“Where was your leniency and mercy for that woman? At 3:30 a.m. when all law-abiding people not on duty should be asleep . . . where was your leniency and mercy then?” Chief Magistrate Birch asked as he sentenced Herbert to 12 months in prison.(BT)

BAJAN GEMS THRASHED BY DEFENDING CHAMPIONS AUSTRALIA –The Bajan Gems were annihilated 91-22 by defending champions Australia as the Vitality Netball World Cup 2019 continued today in Liverpool, England. Once again goal shooter Shonica Wharton shone bright for Barbados netting 20 goals from 24 attempts while goal attack Sheniqua Thomas scored two from six.For Australia, goal shooters Caitlyn Thwaites (20/20) and Caitlin Bassett (26/30) led the way to victory and were assisted by goal attacks Steph Wood (20/23) and Gretel Tippett(25/26) respectively. Quarter scores: (23-5, 23-2, 25-8, 20-7)It’s now the third straight defeat for Barbados. The Gems started off their campaign with a 69-34 win over Singapore but were defeated 78-25 by New Zealand and 65-41 by Malawi. (DN)

That’s all for today folks there are 167 days left in the year Shalom! #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #bajannewscaps #newsca psbystephaniefchase

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 9/29/2018

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Saturday September 29th 2018. Remember you can read full articles by purchasing Saturday Sun Nation Newspaper (SS), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

TAIL HITS HARD – Frantic cries for help as scared residents of Wotton, Christ Church, watched rising flood waters encroach their homes. A pregnant woman rescued from her home on the shoulders of a Barbados Defence Force (BDF) soldier. A young asthmatic whisked from harm’s way. Cars stalled in roads, abandoned in waist-high waters by their drivers. A downed electricity pole in Josey Hill, St Lucy, and scores from St Philip to St Joseph left without power. These were the scenes as the island took a rainy beating from the tail end of Tropical Storm Kirk Thursday night. (SS)

BAJANS FORTUNATE – Barbadians are being assured that the flood and storm threats have passed and the work of the National Emergency Operations Centre at the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) is over for now. Acting Prime Minister Dale Marshall informed a press briefing this morning that all roads were clear and flood waters in most areas had receded. Marshall said he was happy with how Barbadians had survived the passage of Tropical Storm Kirk without death or serious injury. “We have been very fortunate that there is no level of devastation . . . anywhere near a level of devastation. And therefore while we still have to be mindful of the possibility of flooding up to midday today, I think that it is fair to say that Barbados is in decent shape,” he said, adding it would take a little while to return to normal. “I am able to say to you that most of the flooding that Barbados experienced has actually receded. A number of areas surrounding Bridgetown, Halls Road, River Road, London Bourne Towers, parts of the south coast, those areas are absolutely clear and those districts where there was significant flooding . . . has been reduced,” Marshall said. He stated that perennial problems areas such as Holetown and Speightstown were clear. “The roads of Barbados are clear. There have been no reports of downed power lines. No reports of fallen trees and therefore the situation on the roads of Barbados is simply not so hazardous as would require any national shutdown.” The Acting Prime Minister tied his comments to the decision to keep the public service open for business, considering that many Barbadians depended on access to the services today in order to survive the weekend financially. He also said the decision to suspend the storm warning was a wise one so Barbadians could return to normal. At the same time, Marshall stoutly defended the Government’s decision not to institute a national shutdown yesterday and today despite calls by some to do so. “I am aware that a small number of Barbadians have been clamouring for what would effectively be a national shutdown. The fact of the matter is that at no time would it have warranted a national shutdown. A national shutdown would have resulted in the closure of the airport. It would mean that flights could not land . . . flights could not take off, our closure of the seaport, and only essential services would be available to Barbadians, and clearly the situation did not warrant that,” he contended. Marshall said a guard wall at Government House fell during the flooding and immediately Barbados Defence Force soldiers were on the scene to add security to the official residence of the Governor General. He said the debris that spilled onto the road has since been cleared and at no time was the Governor General Dame Sandra Mason at any risk. Marshall was also quick to admit that his Government learned from how the country responded to the passage of the weather system. “This has certainly been a test of our readiness and a test of our structures. We will certainly be conducting a review. I can say to you that there have been some weaknesses that were very evident. That being said though, there was a level of gallantry that was exhibited certainly by the BDF, the Fire Service and the Police Force in terms of rescue efforts. If there is one thing that this has shown us…we do have first-class capacity in those areas,” he added. Marshall said those lessons learned would point authorities in the right direction in the future. He thanked all the emergency service personnel and public officers who worked through the passage of Kirk to ensure that the country was prepared to deal with any impact and respond accordingly. Acting Attorney General Edmund Hinkson, who shared the press briefing with Marshall, expressed gratitude that the country had been spared the worst of the storm. (BT)

MARSHALL ON TOUR AFTER KIRK – Acting Prime Minister Dale Marshall is currently on tour with Department of Emergency Management officials in the wake of the passage of Tropical Storm Kirk. He is visiting the Princess Alice Pumping Station in the City; the Bayland, St Michael and Wotton, Christ Church. Earlier this morning, he had revealed 11 people had to be rescued from rising flood waters – three in Lowlands, Christ Church, one in Wotton, two in Kirtons, St Philip, two in Chapman Lane and three senior citizens at Rockley, Christ Church. The Acting Prime Minister further defended government’s decision not to shut down the island. He said it cost millions of dollars whenever the island was shut down for days like bank holidays, and a shutdown would have meant closing the Grantley Adams International Airport, preventing flights from arriving and leaving. He also praised the members of the emergency services and teams from the Royal Barbados Defence Force, the Barbados Defence Force and the Fire Service for their “gallantry” in their rescue efforts. (SS)

THREE SAVED BY BDF TEAM – Thursday night will remain in the minds of residents of Cherry Wood Circle, Wotton Terrace, for years to come. That Christ Church community was left at the mercy of nearly five feet of flood water after Tropical Storm Kirk dumped over seven inches of rain on Barbados between Thursday night and early Friday morning. And in the darkness and thundering rain, the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) was rushed into action to rescue three residents from the late-night flash flood. When a NATION team visited the area on Friday, flood waters were still high enough to make some roads impassable by car.  (SS)

RECOVERY PLANS – Flood mitigation plans are coming for those communities most seriously impacted by heavy rainfall. Speaking this morning to reporters at the end of tours of the Princess Alice Pumping Station at Pelican Village, Clarke’s Road, Bayville and Chapman Lane, St Michael, as well as Wotton, Christ Church, Acting Prime Minister Dale Marshall assured residents whose lives were disrupted by flooding caused by the passage of Tropical Storm Kirk, that short and long-term measures would be implemented as a matter of priority. While at Wotton, where flooding has been the norm since the early 1980s due to inadequate drainage, Marshall said a plan was in the works to bring an end to that persistent problem. “The Ministry of Public Works has indicated to us that they expect with new technologies they are going to be able to effectively do drainage wells in this area. So as long as Minister [Ryan] Straughan can find the funding, and I think he is very incentivised to find funding to allow MTW to do this, we hope that we can put the residents of Wotton in a situation where they wouldn’t expect to have this again,” Marshall said. As an immediate response, he revealed that a damage assessment team was seeking to determine which of the more than ten households dislocated by rushing waters of chest-high levels, were in need of assistance. “We are doing a damage assessment. I believe that damage assessment has already started. We will get a better idea who those individuals are. I can say to you we opened six shelters last night and not a single shelter has been used. So what that tells us is that individuals have actually made arrangements for their own accommodation,” Marshall said. He also disclosed that the Ministry of Health would be working on an initiative to take care of residents whose health was threatened by contaminated flood waters. “Some of our big fears here [at Wotton] really are also health concerns because, as we can see, a lot of the wells for the toilets were flooded and individuals had to go through water during the course of last night and this morning. And obviously when toilets are flooded you now have a health risk to be concerned with. I have sent a message to the Acting Minister of Health and we are going to be having a discussion there with them,” Marshall told reporters, while adding that a similar situation happened in Bayville where the five or six houses impacted had pit toilets that were flooded. He expressed delight that the level of flooding which last night necessitated soldiers from the Barbados Defence Force rescuing several Wotton residents from their homes, had subsided to mere pockets of accumulated water. He revealed that islandwide, 11 people were rescued from five locations and apart from one householder being injured, there were no other incidents of note. While he spoke, a tanker from the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance pumped off water at Cherry Wood Circle in Wotton where flooding was most severe. It was there that 32- year-old mother of one, Alija Hall, related a harrowing experience last night. Stating that the flooding was the worst ever for her and her 15-year-old son Thierry Gittens, Hall recalled that the water appeared to have suddenly rushed through her home reaching above waist level and causing her fears of drowning. She said the soldiers in the area who responded to her cry for help needed to use a lifeboat in order to rescue her as the water continued to rise. “Other lifeboats were out…they were waiting on lifeboats…then after the water started to fill the areas where the electricity plugs were, they had to take off their life jackets, put it on my son, put it on me, put me on their shoulder and swam out with us because the water came to the level of our necks,” she told reporters as she sought to fight back the tears. Hall expressed gratitude to the soldiers and Wotton resident Joseph Holder. When the Acting Prime Minister and his team arrived later in Chapman Lane, he was greeted by a lake at Murphy Pasture and streams of murky water running between the narrow alleys that separated the congested lines of mostly low-income wooden houses. Residents told Marshall they had been complaining to both Governments for decades about the serious flooding in the community. Marshall was accompanied there by Cabinet colleagues, Minister of Transport, Works and Maintenance, Dr William Duguid and Acting Attorney General, Edmund Hinkson. Marshall also addressed the issue of the shortage of functioning pumps at the nearby Princess Alice Pumping Station. “The situation at the pumping station that we visited earlier continues to be a challenge. The Ministry of Public Works is busy getting the two pumps that are not working fixed and money is being put into next year’s Estimates that we can acquire a new pump. It is not good enough that people in this district have grown so accustomed to flooding that every house has a couple of pairs of boots. This is not how Barbadians are supposed to be living. So this is going to be one of the priorities of the Ministry of Public Works going forward,” Marshall promised, noting the new pump would cost taxpayers $350,000. He explained, however, that in the meantime the two non-functioning pumps were being repaired as a short-term measure while in the future Government would construct a larger canal at Chapman Lane to facilitate the increased water volume. Marshall also told reporters that Prime Minister Mia Mottley who is overseas on official business would be cutting short her stay to return tomorrow to deal with related issues considering that the hurricane season still had two months to go. (BT)

LANDSLIDE WORRY – Despite the incessant rain and winds from Tropical Storm Kirk overnight, homes in the hills of St Andrew and St Joseph appeared unscathed, but residents are fearful that land slippage could result. White Hill, St Andrew resident, Carlitha Andrews continuously thanked God for sparing her parish the worst, as the district has been plagued by ongoing road issues. She said while residents were thorough in their hurricane preparations, it was impossible to prepare for a landslide. “I have to thank God for sparing us because the country and the world know that we can’t take no more, so he has blessed us by not letting nothing at all happen to us,” said Edwards, who suggested that St Andrew should be designated a special disaster zone. Her comment was met with agreement from Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training Senator, Dr Romel Springer who was touring the district to see which communities had been affected by Kirk. He indicated that the parish was in danger of being completely isolated due to land slippage and poor bridge infrastructure. “We have to be vigilant in this area. For the persons living in this community it is still a very active and vibrant community; we don’t want any further displacement. When we get weather systems like the one that passed through yesterday with the amount of rain that was dumped on Barbados, then we have to be even more concerned because that type of water can do even more severe damage to a normal, stable road [furthermore] here in the Scotland District where the land is compromised,” Springer said. Although it was relatively quiet in Lakes, St Andrew, resident Jalisa Skeete informed Barbados TODAY that members of the community were susceptible to being trapped in their homes during a hurricane. “We have Dacosta Edwards Primary School as a hurricane shelter but in Lakes there is East Coast Bridge and there is Lakes Bridge, so if the bridge brims over we can’t get to the hurricane shelter because we are trapped up here. We have to cross the bridges and they were flooded last night,” she said. However, the 28-year-old resident revealed that her household of eight was well stocked and prepared for any major hit. She was alerted to Kirk’s presence just after 7 p.m. when there was a heavy downpour, but it was when the gusty winds howled through her peaceful neighbourhood that she was stricken with fear. “About 11 p.m. the wind blow, and boy the wind blow! I thought the roof was going to come off and I was scared. I woke everybody in my house,” Skeete recalled. Vendor Esther Headley, from Spring Hall, St Lucy, was delivering fruits and vegetables to residents today, having resumed business after waiting for the all-clear to be given. “Some people are still looking for their stuff and it is still a normal day. Thank God for the fair break that he gave us,” she said as she made her way through sprinkling rain to deliver a batch of tomatoes to a resident. Over in Sugar Hill, St Joseph, store manager of Mumus Supermarket, Dawn McIntosh, disclosed that having experienced the devastation and turmoil of Category 1 Hurricane George in Tortola in 1998, she was on high alert whenever any system passed. She had taken the necessary precaution to ensure the store was shuttered and bolted. Thankfully, St Joseph was safe and sound. “I don’t take these things lightly anymore after seeing the devastation down there,” McIntosh shared. Concerned about the flash flooding occurring across the island and the safety of her employees, McIntosh opened the supermarket around 10 a.m. after the Met Office gave the all-clear. “I wasn’t going to let them come out if it was any worse. I would have done it myself. I’m not going put anybody’s life at risk like that,” McIntosh stressed. (BT)

SOUTH COAST SEWAGE SYSTEM UNAFFECTED BY STORM – The 13-hour downpour experienced by Barbados as the tail end of Tropical Storm Kirk lashed the island most of last night into this morning, has not further compromised the already beleaguered south coast sewage system. That assurance came from Minister of Energy and Water Resources Wilfred Abrahams, who told Barbados TODAY that measures implemented by the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) had handled the massive amounts of storm water. “I am pleased to report that the precautionary measures for the sewage system appear to be successful. Both the Bridgetown Sewage Treatment Plant and the South Coast Plant stood up well and there are no overflows or any issues related to sewage spills,” said Abrahams. The Minister acknowledged that there would have been concerns about the ability of the South Coast Sewage Plant to handle the significant rainfall, in light of the fact that the Government was still in the process of finding a permanent fix after more than two years of consistent sewage spills onto the streets. Last month, he revealed that excavation work which began in June on sewer lines in the vicinity of the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, had brought the BWA closer to finding the source of the problem. This morning, Abrahams explained that his Ministry has been busy creating contingencies to ensure that the hard work was not undone, and he said he was happy that proper planning had paid off in the end. “We took the precaution of clearing a number of canals around the Graeme Hall swamp and the sluice gate was opened. That proved to be a very wise decision because the levels of the swamp rose as expected with the heavy rainfall and the water progressed nicely out to the sea, so we had no issues. We are quite pleased with how everything went and it shows that a stitch in time saves nine,” Abrahams stressed. However, he pointed out that some manhole covers were dislodged. Concerned that this occurrence would be mistaken for sewage overflows, the Minister sought to explain that it strictly related to rising ground water and, therefore, presented no reason for panic. “For a long time our ground water has found its way into the sewer network, so every time we get that amount of rain you would see some of the manhole covers coming off. We are just waiting for the floodwater to subside and then we would replace those covers,” Abrahams assured. (BT)

BWA BOSS GIVES KUDOS TO STAFF – The Barbados Water Authority is reporting tonight that it was well prepared to respond to the passage of Tropical Storm Kirk. And General Manager Keithroy Halliday is attributing much of its readiness to the commitment of BWA staff who “manned the stations they should have throughout the night.” While admitting that being 100 per cent ready is always a challenge, Halliday told Barbados TODAY this afternoon that the company’s staff, some of whom were on call, responded without hesitation. “And we believe that this really contributed to minimizing what would have possibly happened in terms of us scrambling and getting to do what we had to do. Granted, we did have some stations that were down . . . with the exception of one because of some electrical outages,” the BWA boss said. Halliday explained that workers moved quickly to put generators into operation, adding that the BWA had the foresight to acquire a number of generators ahead of time. He said the BWA and the Barbados Light & Power Company even competed against each other in a race to get each other’s generators up and running first. “I am happy to report that in some instances they beat us to it and other instances maybe we beat them to it. But we have had an excellent relationship with the Barbados Light & Power Company over the years and that sort of jovial jostling over the last couple of hours also demonstrated that type of unique relationship that we have enjoyed over the years,” Halliday noted. In the meantime, he said his technical staff continue to work on repairing those stations which were down to get them operating as soon as possible. The waterworks company boss reported that the Bowmanston Pumping Station was deliberately offline as normal practice during weather events, but was now back in operation. “So our decision to take it off early at 3.30 this morning was a wise one because we were able to minimize the disturbance in that particular area. So we were able to put that back online to restore water in that particular area,” he stated. Halliday said that Hampden Station which supplies Rising Sun which in turn supplies Providence and a number of areas was also down for a short period affecting several areas. “But we were able to get Hampden up and running. Therefore we have seen some advancement in that system . . . and therefore those areas are beginning to receive water supply,” he said. He also reported deploying a number of water tankers to several parishes such as St Lucy, St John, St James, St Thomas and St Andrew, not withstanding the fact that “we felt relatively comfortable that we could get the supplies back up and running. We just wanted to make sure that residents experienced minimum  disruption.” A He said the largest tank also went to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) because that institution had a problem with its pump. “And I think that is going rather well,” he added. Halliday was also pleased that the sewage treatment plant withstood the impact of Tropical Storm Kirk without any real incident. However, he noted that there were three manholes which were dislodged due to the water pressure from the flooding, but were quickly resealed.  (BT)

GIVE US A SEAT – One of the groups representing public service vehicle (PSV) operators is calling for representation on either the Transport Board or the Transport Authority, saying that lack of communication with the latter resulted in some minibus and ZR vans putting the brakes on their operations early, ahead of Tropical Storm Kirk. The explanation came as Maynards, St Peter resident Cynthia Husbands expressed concern that PSVs had stopped plying their trade too early last night. She told Barbados TODAY she was surprised that while PSV operators had an interest in operating on more routes across the country, they were quick to park their vehicles as soon as bad weather was approaching. The elderly woman said she was satisfied that officials at the Met Office and Government officials “did the right thing by communicating”, but “the only thing that was disgusting was the minibuses and ZRs: “How could you want to ply a whole island and yet still you gone home at 6 o’clock or 5 o’clock off the road and left the bare Transport Board buses? How could you? It is not acceptable,” said Husbands. Following the passage of the storm, there were also noticeably fewer public transport vehicles operating. In fact, our news team spotted only two Transport Board buses and a handful of minibuses and ZRs while traversing the usually busy west coast for several hours. Acknowledging that PSVs pulled their service a little early yesterday in anticipation of the storm, Chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) Roy Raphael blamed the situation on the lack of adequate communication from the Transport Authority. He told Barbados TODAY the operators recently met with the Authority about formulating a policy for emergencies and national shutdown. “They did not involve us in the discussions as it relates to the public transport and we move about 75 per cent of the public. I think it is unfortunate what happened yesterday that everybody engaged the Transport Board,” he said. Raphael argued that if PSV operators had a seat on the board of the Transport Authority or the Transport Board, then what happened yesterday could have been easily avoided. “We need to collaborate and that is why again we will renew our call for us to sit with the Transport Board. We were calling for a seat on the Transport Board because we find that there is no seating for the PSV on the Transport Authority. For us going forward, especially in the case of emergencies, I believe we need to collaborate more. What happened yesterday is very unfortunate,” said Raphael. “I believe going forward we must either set up a committee working collaboratively with the Transport Board or we have to ask the Minister [of Transport] to allow us to have a seat on the Transport Board where we can work together,” he said, adding that this was important as they implemented the route rationalization and integration project.  (BT)

BUSINESS AS USUAL IN THE NORTH – It was business as usual in the north of the island this morning, following heavy rains and strong winds associated with the passage of Tropical Storm Kirk overnight. When a Barbados TODAY team visited some communities in St Peter and St Lucy, several residents were going about their usual shopping and other errands while most businesses were up and running. Those who shared their experiences said they were spared the worst, with most of them saying they were mostly concerned about the strong winds. Northumberland, St Lucy resident Linda Jordan, who was shopping in Speightstown, St Peter on Friday afternoon, told Barbados TODAY that when the rains started last night she was at work in Porters, St James. She said she was very concerned because her 87-year-old grandmother was at home and the electricity was off. When she returned home, the elderly woman was “fine”, but power was not restored until about midday. Jordan said she believed schools should not have been closed yesterday. “The people said it would happen about nine the morning but it was nine the night, for example. So I don’t know why these people are getting mixed up with the time difference,” she said. “But then this morning, we saw the Defence Force, Barbados Light & Power and everybody was out on the road doing their work, which is a good job.” Jordan said she was very concerned that during storms, people were taking to social media to spread inaccurate news. “We cannot afford that. In these times we cannot,” she said. Meanwhile, Loftus Roach, who hails from Aston Hall, St Peter, said he wasn’t too bothered about the strong winds. However, he said he had to do periodic checks to see if water was entering his house. Explaining that he understood forecasters sometimes got it wrong or weather systems sometimes changed quickly, Roach said he was satisfied the authorities were being proactive. “I always give the authorities a chance. They are only working on what they see and what they are told. It is not a definite something. They might tell you 2 o’clock but it could be at 10 o’clock. You have to give them a chance,” he said. Friendship, St Lucy resident Melford Edghill said his electricity went off when the rains started last night and was not back on until about 2 p.m. today. The farmer said he was thankful the system was not bigger or stronger, and pointed out that his crops and animals were spared the worst. One man from Mango Lane in Speightstown, St Peter told Barbados TODAY he was also glad Tropical Storm Kirk was not stronger.  (BT)

MOTTLEY CALLS FOR AID ON CLIMATE CHANGE – Abandoning a prepared speech which she could not read because of extensive floods back home, Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley has made an impassioned appeal to the United Nations to aid the world’s small states deal with the worst effects climate change. “Events have happened in the last 24 hours in the world in which we live that cannot be ignored,” said Mottley at the General Assembly on Friday. “Whether in my own country, the passage of a tropical storm that we thought had passed us, only to have floods in too many of our communities overnight or for it to hit our sister country St Lucia; whether an earthquake off the shore of Martinique and Guadeloupe and Dominica this morning , not affecting land but destabilising; whether an earthquake off Indonesia earlier today or a tsunami or whether a typhoon that is about to deal with the people of Japan, these events are of concern because the world in which we live is a very different world.” Mottley reminded the UN during its open debate that just last year Dominica's head of government had taken to the UN podium “within days of the passage of a category five hurricane” that left billions of dollars in damage across the Caribbean in its wake. The “reality” confronting the world now, she said, was that the issues of climate change were very serious for people everywhere, placing the inhabitants of several regions, including the coral islands of the Caribbean “at risk” largely because of an inability by the international community to act decisively. “For us it is about saving lives. For others it is about saving profits,” Mottley said. “We have reached the stage where we ask the global community to recognise what is at stake is simply not an academic debate; it is simply not the profits of multi-national corporations. But the evidence is clear and decisive that it is the lives and it is the living of our people.” Mottley, who was scheduled to go to Europe for discussions on key financial issues confronting the country, has cut short her travels to return home to survey the flood damage and to see how people’s lives could be returned to a state of normalcy. She said “time was running out” for the international community to take decisive action to protect the lives and the environment of countries and regions around the world. What was needed, Mottley said in her first speech as Prime Minister was funding to stop the “worst aspects of climate change”. (SS)

DELAY IN TAX ON ONLINE TRANSACTIONS – Government will delay the introduction of value added tax on online transactions by two months. This disclosure came today from acting Minister of Finance, Ryan Straughn, who explained that Government was in the process of bringing legislation that would allow the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) to delegate authority to a third party for the collection of taxes online. “That legislation is currently being prepared and once it is laid in Parliament, we will have the legal authority to collect taxes for online goods and services consumed in Barbados.  Secondly, the procurement process to select the vendor is also still ongoing, given than the BRA does not possess the technical capacity to collect such taxes.  “We are working towards a December 1 implementation date, by which time we should have the legislation, the appropriate vendor and technology in place to allow Barbados to collect taxes in the online space for those goods and services that are consumed in Barbados, but sold through the various digital platforms,” he stated. The Minister, however, gave the assurance that Barbadians would not be taxed twice for any of the online purchases because the technology allowed for validation between Customs and the BRA. He noted that the Health Service Contribution, in which employees and the self-employed would pay one per cent and employers 1.5 per cent, and the Airline Travel and Tourism Development tax would still be coming on stream on October 1. Regarding the Health Service Contribution, Straughn said legislation was being drafted so that once the money was collected by National Insurance, it would go to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and not to the Consolidated Fund. “So we had to make that amendment in the legislation to bring that initiative into effect.  We certainly anticipate that by mid-October the legislation could be passed in Parliament that would give the legal authority for the collection of the money,” he stated. With regard to the Airline Travel and Tourism Development tax or departure tax, Minister Straughn explained that it was currently collected through ticketing, and stressed that this would continue. In the Budgetary Proposal and Financial Statement 2018, which was delivered in June, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced several revenue collection initiatives, which have been implemented at different stages. (BGIS)

SQUATTING THE PRESSURE – Some of the residents of Welch Village/Bath Land, St John, say they are confused about the process of squatters acquiring land in that area and want to have another town hall meeting with their parliamentary representative Charles Griffith. But while they are making that request, Griffith, who is the Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Rural, is warning people who are clearing land and erecting structures on property owned and managed by the Crown, that they should cease immediately. On Thursday when THE NATION visited the rural district, head of the Welch Village/Bath Land community group, Myrico Morris, said that villagers were still optimistic about owning the land they resided on, but they did not understand the technicalities of doing so. “Based on what we were told at the last meeting in July, we were supposed to fill out a Tenanatries Freehold Purchase Act form,” he said.  (SS)

COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR SMALL – A labourer has to mix 80 hours of community service with his work schedule if he wants to keep his record clean. Magistrate Douglas Frederick imposed the sentence on Calvin Rommell Small recently in the District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty to possession of a small quantity of cannabis. Police were on patrol at Greenfield, The City, on September 26, when they spotted Small walking with a backpack. His actions at the time prompted them to request a search which revealed a jar containing the vegetable substance. “I grow a little thing that’s all I got,” Small told lawmen when asked to account for the contraband. In mitigating for a lenient sentence, attorney-at-law Shadia Simpson pointed out that her client was a first-time offender who had not wasted the court’s time but pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. “He has no previous convictions, no pending matters in any other jurisdictions and is an ideal candidate for community service in order to keep his record clean,” Simpson said. Magistrate Frederick agreed and imposed the sentence that must be completed by November 23. Small’s record will be kept clean if he performs the service to the court’s satisfaction. In the meantime, he is on $750 bail.  (BT)

ALLEGED ROBBERS REMANDED – Two men are now on remand at HMP Dodds after they appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court on a robbery charge. They are 31-year-old Andre Omar Mullin, of no fixed place of abode and 26-year-old Ramon Akeem Quarless, of Dr Kerr Land, Hindsbury Road, St Michael. The accused are charged with robbing Ricardo Agard of a cellular phone worth $100 and $30 cash on September 20. Both men denied the allegation when they appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick recently. The accused also put forward several arguments for bail after prosecutor Sergeant Rudy Pilgrim objected to their release. Their applications were unsuccessful. The duo will return to the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court on October 19.  (BT)

MAYNARD BAILED ON DRUG, WOUNDING CHARGES – An auto body technician was granted $3,000 bail when he appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrate Court recently on several charges. Dave Devere Maynard, of Lot 71 Clapham Park, St Michael, said he was not guilty of possession of cannabis on September 21. No plea was taken to charges that he had no insurance and driver’s licence on the same day while allegedly riding a motorcycle on Dalkeith Hill. These matters were transferred to the Traffic Court. The accused also entered a not guilty plea to the charge that he unlawfully and maliciously wounded David Greenidge on May 6. Sergeant Rudy Pilgrim objected to bail for the accused on the grounds that he was already on bail for an offence involving violence and that one of the charges now before the court had an aggravating feature attached as well as the fact that investigations had not yet been completed. “A security guard was on duty in uniform when the accused and others wounded him . . . on duty at the Rubis service station in Wildey at 5 a.m. a vulnerable time,” the prosecutor said adding that it was the prosecution’s fear that Maynard would reoffend if released. However, the accused submitted that he was not a threat to society and should be granted bail. “The last time I got charged was six years ago . . . I am no threat to the security guard in any way. This charge [involving Greenidge] happened three months ago and I sleep at home every night . . . at least give me the benefit of the doubt,” Maynard submitted. After weighing the arguments Magistrate Douglas Frederick ruled in the accused’s favour and granted him bail, which he secured with one surety. He will make his next appearance before Magistrate Frederick on December 4. But before that he will appear in the District ‘A’ Traffic Court on October 9 to answer the traffic offences. (BT)

CONTROLLING JOSEPH – A surety laid down several conditions yesterday in the District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court before she signed off on the $10,000 bail offer a 25-year-old accused fraudster. “He must stay out of Nelson Street . . . he must stay out of the Bayland and report to the District ‘A’ Police Station on Wednesdays and Fridays by 10 a.m.,” the surety said, after Magistrate Douglas Frederick asked her whether she could handle the responsibilities of surety to  Aaron Franciso Joseph, of Baycroft Road, St Michael. Joseph who is accused of committing two fraud offences on January 8 was not required to plead to the indictable charges and had been on remand at HMP Dodds awaiting a surety. Asked by the magistrate the reason for those conditions, the surety replied: “I want him out of these two places . . . [because] when he goes up there he gets the wrong influence.” Joseph who was asked whether he could adhere to those conditions said: “She can control me from now until whenever . . . I am not going back to jail.” The cases against the accused, who is represented by attorney-at-law Shadia Simpson, has been committed to the assizes. (BT)

OUT WITH A WIN – Caribbean figure queen Ramona Morgan will be seeking to bow out of the amateur ranks with a victory at Saturday’s Darcy Beckles Invitational Classic slated for the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. Morgan is on a high after capturing the overall title at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships in Mexico in July, where she earned a pro card. Nothing less than a victory will please the tall, elegant Morgan, who has had a lengthy career. On the men’s physique stage, Nicholas Smith and former athlete Tyrell Forde, both of whom are fresh from tasting success at the CAC Championships, will lead the charge. (SS)

MARTIAL ARTS ACTION – Hollywood actor Wesley “Demolition Man” Snipes and former martial arts star Hwang Jang-Lee (Silver Fox) are coming to Barbados next month. They will be among several martial arts celebrities who will be here as part of the Pan Caribbean International Martial Arts Games. This came from coordinator Altab Aziz during an interview with THE NATION to announce the competition set for October 14 at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex. “This will bring in celebrities such as Snipes, Hwang Jang-Lee and Cynthia Rothrock. It has been happening in Trinidad for the last 12 years. This year makes the 13th year and we are actually stepping out from Trinidad to come to Barbados,” he said. (SS)

COVER DRIVE TAKING A BREAK – Local band Cover Drive is taking a break but definitely not breaking up. The four-member group – made up of lead vocalist Amanda Reifer; guitarist/keytarist Barry “Bar Man” Hill; bassist Jamar Harding and percussionist/back up vocalist Thomas “T-Ray” Armstrong – have performed far from these shores. They have made waves in the United Kingdom and opened for Barbadian megastar Rihanna as well as being the featuring artistes in the hip hop and electronic music group Far East Movement’s hit single Turn Up the Love which can be viewed on YouTube. THE NATION caught up with Hill after the Alexandra School’s recent Founder’s Day service, where he was the guest speaker as a former student. He said the band was taking time to recharge. “We’ve been touring now for six to seven years and everyone is tired. We’re taking the opportunity to get a breather and then come back fresh,” he said. Even though the band is not performing together, they are still working together, helping each other on their projects. Hill said he had just finished working on Reifer’s solo effort for Trinidad Carnival. As for himself, he said he was also working with other artistes. “T-Ray is also doing a solo project while I am focussing on music production. I’ve been working with Mikey and doing some international work,” he said. Hill said their whirlwind success had been “an eye opener” and “a great experience”, with travels all over the world. He said it was a far cry from school days’ expectations. “I remember the days just chilling in the music room. I didn’t expect I would be in a position where people would look up to me,” Hill said. As for his words of advice for the current students of Alexandra, Hill told them not to take their time at school for granted; to persevere through rejection; to get a strong support team and enjoy their journey. He also thanked teachers Evelyn McClean, Julian Bowen and Leslie Lett.  (SS)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 94 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

[thechasefiles]

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 6/19/2018

Good Morning #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Wednesday June 20TH 2018. Remember you can read full articles by purchasing Mid-Week Nation Newspaper (MWN), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

HOUSE MOVES TO SCRAP NSRL – There was nothing social or responsible about the former Government’s most controversial tax policy and it had to go. Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, yesterday gave that justification as the House of Assembly moved to repeal the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL). However, based on the legislation, NRSL will not disappear totally immediately. That’s because the amendment said “the provisions of the principal act relating to the collection, payment and assessment of the levy shall continue in force until all liabilities incurred under the act are discharged”. Also, it added that “relating to the refund of overpayments shall continue in force until those liabilities have been discharged”. The legislation also said the minister could issue exemptions for liabilities incurred. In her Mini-Budget last week, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mia Mottley announced NSRL would be repealed effective July 1, which would cost Government about $145 million. Straughn said NSRL “was flawed from inception” and Barbadians “suffered tremendously” after its introduction. The Christ Church East Central MP said: “We have listened to the people of Barbados, we have listened to the business interests in Barbados and it is absolutely clear that nobody in Barbados benefited from the introduction of this NSRL. “At every opportunity the previous administration sought to inflict hardship and increase the . . . cost of living on Barbadians. We will be removing the shackles from the people of Barbados that they have experienced over the last two years with this dreaded [NSRL].” Straughn also pointed out that contrary to the promise that NSRL money would be used to help fund the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, buy garbage trucks and help in other areas, this did not take place. The minister said the imminent repeal of NSRL, coupled with the measures announced in the Mini-Budget, showed that Government intended to focus on more equitable tax policies.  (MWN)

SEWAGE FIX SOON – The South Coast sewage crisis is nearing an end, Minister of Energy and Water Resources Wilfred Abrahams has promised Barbadians. He and several high-ranking officials responsible for fixing the critical issue, including Barbados Water Authority (BWA) general manager Keithroy Halliday, updated the public yesterday.

Among the announcements were:

• Since the diversion of filtered waste water into the six injection wells from last Thursday, there have been no overflows on the streets.

• Excavation starts today to fix the breached lines by the entrance of the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary.

• A week later, more excavation will begin around the corner at Worthing by the old Scotiabank building.

• Work will be on a 24-hour basis to meet the estimated four to six-week deadline.

• Over 1 000 sewerage connections are being investigated to see if they are legal. (MWN)

GO AFTER TAX DODGERS – A Government minister wants the island’s two main revenue collection agencies to go after self-employed professionals who willfully avoid paying their fair share of taxes. Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson today suggested that a number of such professionals, particularly lawyers linked to the ousted Democratic Labour Party, were dodging taxes and contributions to the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and he implored the two state agencies to examine their books to force them to comply. “I would wish to reiterate  . . . in terms of [BRA] officers and NIS officers being more diligent in terms of going to self-employed persons and professionals and looking at their books. They have that authority under the law. The impression I get is that they do not use that legal authority as much as they should,” Hinkson told his parliamentary colleagues during debate on the amendment to the Barbados Revenue Authority Act. The amended removes the clause which required those seeking to obtain a tax clearance certificate to facilitate a conveyance of land, to pay all taxes, interest and penalties accrued under the Land Tax Act, Cap 78A. Emphasizing the need for everyone who qualifies to pay taxes, Hinkson said those who dodged taxes were depriving the country of much needed revenue. And without pointing fingers at anyone in particular, the minister suggested there were several lawyers partial to the last administration who were “beneficiaries of the fatted calf” who might not have paid their taxes. “The Barbados Revenue Authority may very well have a very fertile territory in going and examining the books of some of these beneficiaries of the fatted calf under the last Government. These attorneys-at-law who got exorbitant legal fees, charging six, and eight and ten times what they should have charged. That is fertile territory. Go and examine their books . . . the VAT [Value Added Tax] too, whether they have paid the requisite amount of taxes. “So BRA needs to do its job in terms of collecting taxes from those persons who are beneficiaries of the fatted calf . . . dished out by the Democratic Labour Party among its members, supporters, shareholders to the detriment of the people of Barbados and we will certainly support BRA in that effort,” he said. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Dale Marshall made a similar call, while pointing out that the Income tax Act made provision for the BRA to enforce a judgment for taxes against self-employed individuals by presenting a memorandum at the high court registry. Stating that the BRA had no excuse to allow delinquent self-employed individuals get off scot-free, the attorney-at-law pointed out that once a judgment had been registered there were several methods of enforcing it. “I would urge the Minister in the Ministry of Finance [Ryan Straughn] to have a discussion with the BRA about how they can use the law to try to go after taxes, try to go after people . . . who do not pay, and they can be identified. You sort of know them by the car they drive, that is a good place to start, and the house that they live in and the kind of lifestyle they enjoy,” Marshall explained. While lauding the Barbados Labour Party administration for the amendment to the Act, Opposition Leader Joseph Atherley urged Government to go after the few “notoriously delinquent” private sector operators who avoided paying their taxes. “My understanding is that when it comes to the avoidance of tax obligations there are a notoriously delinquent few in the business community of Barbados who believe that they have a right to conduct themselves in the way that they do. So while the Government moves with haste today to repeal this measure in an effort to facilitate business and to provide an environment in which growth can be spurred, I believe the Government should see it equally as it responsibility to look into that mischief,” he said. (BT)

WELL DONE PM – An Opposition senator has lauded renewed efforts by Prime Minister Mia Mottley to work with the Eastern Caribbean countries to ease travel among nationals of the sub-region.    Caswell Franklyn this morning threw his support behind Mottley, who yesterday told leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) who had issued a special invitation to the Barbadian leader to attend their 65th summit in St Lucia, that she intended to deepen regional integration and free movement of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals. Franklyn told Barbados TODAY free movement was never an issue in pre-independence days, but countries had become insular after they gained political independence. “Before we were independent, we had free travel. When every country became a state within itself, everybody started to put on restrictions on the same people who were able to travel freely and live in this place. We were integrated . . . from the bottom up. They [governments] imposed top-down integration and put restrictions on people who were making it work,” the Opposition senator said. Franklyn, a trade unionist, insisted that all the existing restrictions should be removed and every Caribbean national ought to be allowed to “come and go as they please”. “Cut out all of these foolish restrictions. It is unnecessary . . . .We are one people,” he stressed. There was also support for Mottley from political scientists Christina Hinds and Tennyson Joseph, both of whom suggested that free movement of CARICOM nationals was long overdue. “If we are serious about regionalism, these are things that should have happened a long time ago,” Hinds told Barbados TODAY. “People may have some security concerns relating to allowing people to enter the country more easily. But, really, I don’t know how a passport provides that added level of security that people seem to believe that it does,” Hinds added in support of a call by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines for Barbados to replace its passport requirement for OECS citizens with a photo identification card. The University of the West Indies political scientist argued these efforts would be welcomed in pushing integration at the regional level considering that the OECS has gone much further in its integration process than the wider CARICOM grouping. Meantime, while praising the renewed attempts by Mottley to reach out to the Eastern Caribbean, Joseph said he would wait and see if the Prime Minister’s concrete proposals would be implemented. Joseph said Mottley’s efforts were not new since former BLP leader and Prime Minister Owen Arthur had made similar overtures, but the Democratic Labour Party had adopted a different approach over the past ten years. “I am hoping that it is not a one-off thing that comes when there is a new Barbados Labour Party Prime Minister for the region. That is something we have seen before . . . and I guess our attention would have to turn to see if it goes beyond just a set of nice announcements to something more concrete,” he said. The political scientist also told Barbados TODAY this afternoon that Mottley’s initiatives augured well for Barbados’ role in terms of regionalism and the part this country has historically played in fostering integration. During Mottley’s address yesterday she proposed that travellers who are in transit at Caribbean ports-of-entry for more than two hours should no longer be prohibited from leaving the airports. “I am conscious that wherever I go in the Eastern Caribbean, there are those who are concerned about the manner in which they are allowed to move within our ports-of-entry and in particular also my own. And that with respect to those who are traveling in transit the inability to be able to clear immigration if you are there for longer than two hours, continues to be of major concern to many of our citizens. It makes no sense,” Mottley complained, adding that such a practice limits the extent to which those who visit are capable of adding to the economic activity in the various countries. The Prime Minister had said that before leaving Barbados for the OECS meeting, she sought to find out what legal obstacles were preventing in transit regional neighbours from leaving the airport and she was yet to receive an answer that made sense. She said that as a result, she wanted the OECS leaders to make this matter a priority, “because our people are precluded from doing that which is most natural. If you are in a port of entry for more than six or eight hours there is no reason to be treated like a prisoner of war”. Barbados TODAY also reported exclusively yesterday that Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson had revealed that Barbados had abolished the visa requirements for Haitian nationals entering this country. (BT)

SANDALS TAKE ON PEDDLERS OF ‘FAKE NEWS’ ABOUT THE RESORT – The Gordon Butch Stewart-owned Sandals Resorts International has come out swinging against those it said were engaged in another attempt to spread misinformation and unsubstantiated claims about the Jamaica-headquartered hotel chain. In a three-and-a-half page written statement issued today from its Montego Bay base, Sandals suggested that this latest “fake news” included a “totally sensationalized” headline regarding recent remarks by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who last week told the annual general meeting of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association that the current system of managing concessions under the Tourism Development Act (TDA) was anything but fair. It did not indicate which headline to which it referred, or which newspaper carried the headline. Mottley had told the gathering of industry stakeholders that what the concessions had essentially done was to create three classes of hoteliers in the country. “Those like Sandals that get everything without consultation . . . those who have to come to the Ministry of Tourism, and I believe every two weeks the Ministry of Tourism is taken up with having to push paper, which is nonsense, and then those who don’t even get anywhere near the Ministry of Tourism or anywhere near the concessions because their cash flow has been such that they had difficulties in being able to meet basic statutory requirements and as a result therefore they are precluded from being a beneficiary of any of those concessions,” Mottley said. She also said to loud applause that “one of the early things the Ministry of Tourism will be looking at is how to bring about greater equity as well as fairness and transparency in the management of those concessions under the Tourism Development Act”. However, in response, Sandals said it was not, and had never been deterred by “fake news”, but rather appreciated the opportunity to set the record straight. “First, we have, and have always had an amicable relationship with Prime Minister Mottley. The Prime Minister is aware that Sandals is completely open to working with her Government – as we have worked with governments throughout the region – to help move Barbados into a better and brighter future, because that ultimately is what is best for all of us,” the statement said, while going on to dismiss suggestions that it did not pay taxes. “That is totally untrue. Sandals pays significant taxes in Barbados, including Value Added Tax,” the internationally-recognized hotel enterprise said. In order to attract the renowned Jamaican hotel chain here, the then Freundel Stuart administration offered a 25-year tax holiday that included waiver on all imported duties, taxes, impost and levies on capital goods, such as building materials as well as food and beverages. The controversial deal also included waiver on duties on the importation of motor vehicles and personal and household effects for senior hotel staff and non-Barbadian workers. When the tax holiday period is over, Sandals will only be required to pay half the “applicable rates and taxes prevailing” for another 15 years. The hotel chain in its statement today, defended the concessions. “Our negotiations on concessions have always been completely transparent and open. It is because of these very same negotiations that many hoteliers have now been able to access concessions of their own for refurbishment and upgrades in what was a highly overtaxed sector,” Sandals emphasized, adding that it had been assured that in the last two years more refurbishments and modernization had been done in Barbados than in the last decade. The hotel chain also sought to make out a case for its loyalty and commitment to Barbados. “It is Sandals that has given the clearest signal to the world that it is good to invest in destination Barbados at a time when many others are intent only on singing songs of gloom and doom,” it said. (BT)

FISHERFOLK WARN FUEL LEVY COULD LEAD TO HIGHER PRICES – Fisherfolk across Barbados are anxiously anticipating a meeting with Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy Kirk Humphrey, for whom they say they have lots of questions. Among the issues high on the agenda for the fish vendors and boat owners is the potential impact of the impending fuel levy on fish prices, and long awaited repairs to some of the markets, including the boatlift and jetty at the Berinda Cox Fish Market in Oistins, Christ Church. The new tax, which takes effect on July 1, replaces the road tax and is expected to raise $80 million annually for Government’s coffers. It is to be levied at a rate of 40 cents per litre of petrol and diesel and five cents per litre of kerosene. One boat owner at the Berinda Cox Fish Market told Barbados TODAY he wants Government to clarify its position on the fuel tax as it relates to the fishing community. “I got a boat and I don’t pay road tax, so I want to know if the money going on pon my boat too,” the boat owner, who requested anonymity, said. He said unless they were offered concessions, the tax would severely affect small boat owners. “All of them little boats can’t survive, so I wonder if we would still get commercial diesel and would not have to pay that 40 cents.” Fellow boat owner Kim Harris, who is also a vendor, said her concern was about the broken lift and dilapidated jetty at the market, especially in the hurricane season. “I would like that he [Humphrey] to address the slip away by the market so that we can get a crane, so that the boats can be hauled up instead of us having to pay $3,000 to $4,000 to haul the boats,” Harris said, adding that she also looked forward to hearing the new minister’s plans for the market and the industry. Over at Six Men’s in St Peter, a fish vendor who gave his name only as Reudon, said he was hoping for a satisfactory result in order to avoid a possible increase of the fish prices. “The fellas would have to get a meeting with the minister to see if they can get that problem solved,” he said. However, 83-year-old fish vendor Lucil Clarke was not at all worried about the pending tax, nor did she believe it would lead to a significant rise in prices. “I don’t think that it will affect the cost of fish. People have to wait and see what is going on. The fish might go up or the fish may go down, it all depends on how high the diesel goes,” she said, adding that “people always buy fish once the fish is plentiful”. Clarke also complained about what she said was neglect of the market by the previous Freundel Stuart-led administration, adding that she was hopeful that Humphrey would deliver on the promised repairs. “The last Government took all the money and you don’t know what they do with it. The fish market went to ruin and now we got to try to build it back up,” Clarke said. (BT)

CAMPAIGN BACK LASH - The grouping of local bandleaders and promoters is charging that the recent election campaign put a massive dent on the upcoming Crop Over season. The Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM) said the timing of the election forced them to play catch-up because it encroached upon time which would have been used for marketing and sales. BAM President Chetwyn Stewart told Barbados TODAY that during the campaign, which ended with the May 24 general election in which the Barbados Labour Party swept the polls, the Crop Over circuit, which normally would have been vibrant around that time, was at a virtual standstill. Stewart, whose Grand Kadooment band, Power X4, pulled out of the event last year due to financial constraints, explained that this year the popular band would once again be absent from the streets because of the late start. “We didn’t reach our target this year because while elections were going nothing was happening. Everything was at a standstill. Sponsorship for bands was very hard to come by because all of the businesses were waiting and watching to see what was going to be the outcome of the election. I know this was the story for a lot of other bands,” Stewart said. The BAM president also revealed that even though the controversial National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL), which increased by 400 per cent last July 1, will be removed on July 1 this year, the repeal may not be in time to affect prices of costumes. “The truth is that people in the entertainment business make their plans long in advance and it means that they would have brought in items since the beginning of the year. So it means that they would have already paid the NSRL and that would mean that persons cannot really expect that costume prices to go down for this Crop Over,” he said, while adding that this may not necessarily damper this year’s Crop Over atmosphere, as revellers were still eager to release some stress before Government’s austerity measures begin to bite. Bandleaders bitterly complained last year that the NSRL was an albatross around their necks, as the controversial levy, which rose from two per cent to ten per cent, resulted in depressed costume sales. At least four main bands withdrew from Grand Kadooment last year, citing financial constraints. This year frontline costumes for the more popular bands cost as high as US$1,000, while backline costumes are being sold for US$500. Stewart explained that whether or not all of these factors translate into a poorly patronized Crop Over season would depend on the marketing creativity of bandleaders and promoters. “It doesn’t necessarily mean that we are going to have a poor Crop Over season because people need a release. The reality is that people are going to have to make choices to suit their pockets. People will come out, jump and party but they need the packages that they can afford. Last year you had more tourists than locals jumping for Grand Kadooment, while many locals gravitated to the more affordable Foreday Morning jam. So, people are willing to come out and party and it is going to come down to the package you are offering the people. You might need more of the all-inclusive events or enhance the costume packages,” he contended. (BT)

CONSTITUENCY REGISTRATION CENTRES TO RE-OPEN – The Electoral Department has advised that registration services will resume at six Constituency Registration Centres on Wednesdays only, with effect from July 4. The centres are: Alexandra School, Queen’s Street, Speightstown, St Peter; Christ Church Girls’ School, Water Street, Christ Church; Princess Margaret Secondary School, Six Roads, St Philip; The St Michael School, Martindales Road, St Michael; the Valley Resource Centre, Valley, St George; and Warrens Tower II, Warrens, St Michael. According to the Electoral Department, members of the public may utilise the services at whichever centre is convenient, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. (BGIS)

OPEN HOUSE FOR SIXTH FORMERS - Harrison College (HC) will host an Open House for prospective sixth form students on Tuesday, June 26. Open House targets all students across the island, not just those from HC, who are desirous of pursuing their secondary education at the Sixth Form Level.   It gets under way at the school on Crumpton Street, St Michael, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Parents and guardians are advised that they must accompany their children or wards, who must be in uniform. Open House will provide all students with the following: information regarding HC’s academic curriculum, campus, co-curricular activities, prerequisites for specific subject study, and advice on career choice. For further information on the Open House, parents and guardians may call Year Head for the Sixth formers, Carl Applewhaite, at the school at 537-0039, or email capplewhaite@harrisoncollege.edu.bb. (BGIS)

MUMS BAWL AS TEEN SONS REMANDED – The mothers of seven boys accused of stealing over $8 000 worth of items began to bawl in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court yesterday after Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant remanded them until the middle of next month. Six boys, ranging in ages 13 to 15 from the Pine and Wildey, St Michael communities, and 16-year-old Adrico Shakur Rudder, of No. 10 Valley View Terrace, Pinelands, St Michael, admitted to criminal damage, theft and three counts of burglary. Five of the youngsters, one of whom was represented by Rhea Layne, pleaded guilty to damaging two billboards worth $4 230 belonging to the Barbados Amateur Swimming Association between June 9 and 11. Four also admitted stealing 24 bottles of cran water, 38 bottles of sparkling ice, 22 Celsius energy drinks, ten cans of pure protein shake, five premier protein shakes, five packs of mixed fruit and peanuts, and a life cycle display panel, all valued at $2 596.25, belonging to ABC Fitness Studio, located at the Aquatic Centre, St Michael, between June 10 and 11. Two of the juveniles and Rudder also admitted trespassing at the home of Charles Carrington and stealing a tablet, three cell phones, a bottle of wine, corkscrew, stove lighter, a bottle of aftershave and $400 on June 10. The items were valued at $915. On May 21, four members of the group trespassed at the ABC Fitness Studio and stole 18 monster drinks, ten bottles of water, five protein shakes, four protein bars, five wristbands, seven packs of nuts, two bottle shakers, a pair of leggings, six Celsius energy drinks, three packs of popcorn, a bottle of protein powder and six packs of protein powder, with a total cost of $683, belonging to Kenneth Griffith. And last Saturday, Rudder and two counterparts, who had previously admitted trespassing at Carrington’s home, also admitted entering the official residence of Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson with intent to steal. Prosecutor Sergeant Cameron Gibbons objected to bail. “I believe if you show young persons the path, they would try to keep away from that path,” he said, adding there was the need to protect both the public and the youngsters. Defence counsel Layne, representing a 13-year-old, said he was a student of Frederick Smith Secondary School, had no previous convictions, enjoyed football, had a history of going to church, accepted what he had done and had shown remorse. “This was simply a matter of being mixed up with the wrong crowd,” she submitted. However, Magistrate Cuffy-Sargeant chastised the young attorney and said she must not downplay the acts with the use of the word “simply”. After hearing that the boy’s grandmother wanted him to move in with her to keep a watchful eye on him, the magistrate informed them they would all be remanded. “They did not act by themselves, but in groups. There is the need to protect society, their future, instil discipline in them and to teach them to have respect for authority. There is also the need for them to learn to respect other persons’ property, and not take up what is not theirs without permission,” she said. The magistrate then sent the wailing parents out of the court. The boys all gathered on a bench awaiting transportation, mingling nonchalantly, seemingly without a care in the world, laughing and talking among themselves. The matter was adjourned until July 17 for sentencing. The Under-16s were sent to the Government Industrial School at Dodds, while Rudder was taken to Her Majesty’s Prisons Dodds.  (MWN)

TEENS REMANDED – Seven teenagers, ranging in ages 13 to 16 will spend the next 28 days at the Government Industrial School and HMP Dodds after they confessed to a spate of robberies. The seven were charged with one act of criminal damage, theft and three cases of burglary between May 21 and last Saturday. Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant remanded them, after prosecutor Sergeant Cameron Gibbons objected to bail in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court earlier.  (MWN)

POLICE CONSTABLE ON BAIL – The police constable who was involved in the May 26 accident that claimed the life of 52-year-old Owen Stuart on the ABC Highway has been released on $5,000 bail. Renaldo Jerome Goodman, of Glebe Land, St George, appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant today charged with seven offences under the Road Traffic Act. He is charged with causing Stuart’s death while driving a motorcycle in a manner dangerous to the public. Goodman is also accused of using the motorcycle after 8 p.m. which was prohibited on his learner’s permit. He is further charged with using fraudulent number plates, driving without road tax and insurance, and when the letter ‘L’ was not properly displayed on the front or rear of the cycle. The accused cop was not required to enter a plea after the charges were read to him. However, Goodman, who is represented by attorney-at-law Francis Worrell, will next appear before the District ‘A’ Traffic Court on June 25 when the charges will again be read to him.  (BT)

ALLEGED HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER GRANTED BAIL – A 25-year-old driver who allegedly failed to stop after being involved in an accident was granted $3,000 bail when he appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court today. Tre Raheem Thompson of 4th Avenue Land, Bush Hall, St Michael, is also accused driving without due care and attention and without reasonable consideration for other road users when he was in control of a motorcar on Bank Hall Road on June 18 around 2:45a.m. He is further alleged to have had no insurance and no driver’s licence. When the accused appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant today he was no allowed to enter a plea. His matters were adjourned to June 25 and will now be heard in the District ‘A’ Traffic Court. (BT)

MISSING MAN’S EX AT WITS END OVER HIS DISAPPEARANCE – The former spouse of Andrew King, the man who was reported missing in the early hours of Sunday morning at the end of a pleasure cruise, says she is at a total loss over how to cope with his disappearance. What has made King’s disappearance even more difficult for Sophia Brathwaite is the impact it is having on their 13-year-old son, Alex, a student of Princess Margaret Secondary School. “My son is in shock saying everyday he can’t believe it. He wants to know why he don’t have a father and he is asking me questions as a mother that I can’t even answer. I can’t feel good about this. My son keep getting up in the wee hours of the morning and crying for his dad,” Brathwaite told Barbados TODAY in an interview outside of King’s home. “This is a couple days that he hasn’t eaten or went outside to play. He is very withdrawn and I’m trying to get some counselling [for him], and having not a body is very hard, and that is taking a toll on him. He doesn’t talk much and is keeping it inside and I don’t want this to interfere with his learning. I don’t even know what to do. I’m lost,” she added. King, 49, is believed to have boarded the Jolly Roger on Saturday night for an 11p.m. cruise, but was unaccounted for when the boat returned to its dock just outside Carlisle House, The City early on Sunday morning. Searches by the Coast Guard and the Marine Unit of the Royal Barbados Police Force have proved futile thus far, and his disappearance remains a mystery. Brathwaite told Barbados TODAY while she and King were no longer a couple, they had maintained a friendly relationship. Therefore, she said, his mysterious disappearance was taking a toll on her. “He being missing, there are not any words to describe it. I’m mourning and crying, not only because of the type of relationship we had. Although we weren’t together, we were friends for a very long time,” she said. “He left home good and in high spirits. He don’t go on cruises – he would hardly go – so I was a little sceptical of him going. Having to deal with this for the past couple of days has been the hardest thing of my life and for my son. “Father’s Day I got up and I was on rocks with the Coast Guard looking for a body because I could not face my son that morning,” the mournful mum cried. Jolly Roger owner Allan Kinch said yesterday he was at a loss to explain what happened to King, particularly because of the level of security on board the vessel. Kinch told Barbados TODAY the boat was safe, and there was no altercation during the cruise, nor had anyone reported seeing King jump or fall off. “We have added additional ropes around the deck and above the sides and we have lights shining out into the sea as well all around the boat,” Kinch explained. However, Brathwaite refused to buy Kinch’s explanation, telling Barbados TODAY she was certain the operators of the vessel were negligent in her ex’s disappearance. “They putting more rope because the patrons are cattle, sheep, goats and cows. You put rope around animals. They also say they will put added security now. It means they didn’t have it in the first place. It is negligence on their part.  The fact that he was able to go overboard means nobody was looking. It was too easy for he to go over. It was negligence. “The people who go on the Jolly Roger pay their money to enjoy themselves and to feel safe. They are now putting measures in place now that someone has lost his life,” she complained. In fact, the grieving Brathwaite said she was certain King had fallen off the boat, and to her consternation, she said, no one found out until the cruise had ended. “The thing that hurting as well is that Andrew fell off the boat and then when the boat docked nobody knew anything. It could have been anyone. This has to send a message to all the cruise that are coming up,” she added. Equally saddened by King’s disappearance was boyhood friend Jeffrey Lee, who simply told Barbados TODAY: “I don’t believe Andrew fall off, he won’t kill himself. This has really hurt me to lose my friend like this.” Meantime, when told today about Brathwaite’s charge that the Jolly Roger was negligent, Kinch expressed his sympathy to the family, and restated that additional security measures would be put in place.  (BT)

U.S. QUITS U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS BODY, CITING BIAS VS. ISRAEL, ALARMING CRITICS – The United States withdrew from a “hypocritical and self-serving” United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday over what it called chronic bias against Israel and a lack of reform, a move activists warned would make advancing human rights globally even more difficult. Standing with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the State Department, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley slammed Russia, China, Cuba and Egypt for thwarting U.S. efforts to reform the council. She also criticized countries which shared U.S. values and encouraged Washington to remain, but “were unwilling to seriously challenge the status quo.” Washington’s withdrawal is the latest U.S. rejection of multilateral engagement after it pulled out of the Paris climate agreement and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. It also comes as the United States faces intense criticism for detaining children separated from their immigrant parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein on Monday called on Washington to halt its “unconscionable” policy. “Look at the council membership, and you see an appalling disrespect for the most basic rights,” said Haley, citing Venezuela, China, Cuba and Democratic Republic of Congo. She did not mention Saudi Arabia, which rights groups pushed to be suspended in 2016 over killings of civilians in the Yemen war. (BT)

BDFSP BOOTS STRIKE 6 TIMES – Hat-tricks by Omani Leacock and Kyle Gibson delivered a devastating 6-0 victory for Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme (BDFSP) over Claytons Kola Tonic Notre Dame in their out-of-zone clash on an exciting Sunday night of action in the Barbados Football Association’s Premier League. Dames’ Zone 1 rivals Paradise had much better fortunes against Zone 2’s Mark’s Auto Spares Porey Spring United in their opening encounter at the Wildey Turf, winning 3-0 before University of the West Indies (UWI) Blackbirds survived a late resurgence by Empire to grind out a 2-1 success. (MWN)

CAMPAIGN BACKLASH – The grouping of local bandleaders and promoters is charging that the recent election campaign put a massive dent on the upcoming Crop Over season. The Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM) said the timing of the election forced them to play catch-up because it encroached upon time which would have been used for marketing and sales. BAM President Chetwyn Stewart told Barbados TODAY that during the campaign, which ended with the May 24 general election in which the Barbados Labour Party swept the polls, the Crop Over circuit, which normally would have been vibrant around that time, was at a virtual standstill. Stewart, whose Grand Kadooment band, Power X4, pulled out of the event last year due to financial constraints, explained that this year the popular band would once again be absent from the streets because of the late start. “We didn’t reach our target this year because while elections were going nothing was happening. Everything was at a standstill. Sponsorship for bands was very hard to come by because all of the businesses were waiting and watching to see what was going to be the outcome of the election. I know this was the story for a lot of other bands,” Stewart said. The BAM president also revealed that even though the controversial National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL), which increased by 400 per cent last July 1, will be removed on July 1 this year, the repeal may not be in time to affect prices of costumes. “The truth is that people in the entertainment business make their plans long in advance and it means that they would have brought in items since the beginning of the year. So it means that they would have already paid the NSRL and that would mean that persons cannot really expect that costume prices to go down for this Crop Over,” he said, while adding that this may not necessarily damper this year’s Crop Over atmosphere, as revellers were still eager to release some stress before Government’s austerity measures begin to bite. Bandleaders bitterly complained last year that the NSRL was an albatross around their necks, as the controversial levy, which rose from two per cent to ten per cent, resulted in depressed costume sales. At least four main bands withdrew from Grand Kadooment last year, citing financial constraints. This year frontline costumes for the more popular bands cost as high as US$1,000, while backline costumes are being sold for US$500. Stewart explained that whether or not all of these factors translate into a poorly patronized Crop Over season would depend on the marketing creativity of bandleaders and promoters. “It doesn’t necessarily mean that we are going to have a poor Crop Over season because people need a release. The reality is that people are going to have to make choices to suit their pockets. People will come out, jump and party but they need the packages that they can afford. Last year you had more tourists than locals jumping for Grand Kadooment, while many locals gravitated to the more affordable Foreday Morning jam. So, people are willing to come out and party and it is going to come down to the package you are offering the people. You might need more of the all-inclusive events or enhance the costume packages,” he contended.  (MWN)

YOUNG INNOVATORS LAUDED – Young innovators from primary and secondary schools across the island were lauded for their outstanding work in the Electricity and Renewable Energy Science Exposition as well as the Barbados Manufacturers Exhibition (BMEX) 2018. The victorious students were presented with their winnings at the Christie Conference Room this morning by members of the Media Resource Department, Barbados Light and Power as well as the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training Dr Rommel Springer. In the Science Exposition held at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology and Innovation, the Blackman Gollop Primary School was victorious in the Primary School category and the Frederick Smith Secondary School won the Secondary School category. In the BMEX category, St Silas Primary placed first in the Primary School category with The St Michael School placing first in the secondary division. Chief Media Officer Acting Burkley Lowe said that with the country now in economic turmoil, the time has come to ensure that students utilize their creativity in all disciplines.

”I believe that we must raise the priority of our students to pour things creatively into all kinds of things that they do and we must do so right now. Barbados is at the crossroads. We need to turn a corner… and get our economy and our workers back on stream,” Lowe stressed, adding that he would like the students, parents, and teachers to speak with Senator Rommel Springer about how they can take education and the country, by extension, forward. ”I want that the teachers, the principals and the students today engage him in conversation and don’t just complain because we like to get the opportunity to complain. We want you to share with him the things that you are doing. We want you to share the passion to reach students in the community who are sometimes overlooked or just bypassed. Share those things and how we can get a better Barbados,” Lowe said.  (BT)

GOOD DEEDS – Barbadian Corey Lane has received the 57th Commonwealth Point of Light Award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 in honour of his exceptional voluntary service helping young people to develop their leadership skills. Corey has created a fully working farm to provide a positive alternative to young Barbadians at risk of falling into a life of crime. He started out with one horse, a crop of lettuce plants and some rabbits in his grandmother’s backyard and has grown the ‘Nature Fun Ranch’ into a thriving charity. Relocated on a larger site, the ranch is now home to 16 horses and a range of sports facilities including an archery space and obstacle course. The young people who attend cultivate watermelons, squash, and peppers, distributing their harvests to the local public hospitals. Over 2,000 young people have visited the ranch where they developed leadership skills, learned about healthy lifestyles, and integrated positively with the local community. As part of the legacy of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London this year, Her Majesty The Queen – as Head of the Commonwealth – is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond, by recognising one volunteer from each Commonwealth country each week in the two years following the summit.  This follows an earlier round of awards to Commonwealth volunteers before the meeting, in which fellow Barbadian Kemar Saffrey was recognized. Accepting the award, Corey said, “I’m extremely happy to be the second Commonwealth Point of Light for Barbados. Just ten days ago, I celebrated 20 years of service through the Nature Fun Ranch… This is where we created an innovative and adventurous way of getting at-risk young people to become citizens of excellence. At this time I feel recharged, fired up and ready to go for another 20 years. Thank you for this honour.” UK High Commissioner in Barbados Janet Douglas who was in attendance, said, “I am pleased that Corey Lane has been chosen. Through his outstanding work with the Nature Fun Ranch and other community initiatives, Corey has made a sterling contribution by turning around the lives of at-risk teens in Barbados. Volunteering can make a real difference to communities, and Corey’s work shows what can be achieved.” Each Commonwealth Point of Light will receive a personalized certificate signed by Her Majesty The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth. The award for Corey was presented this morning at Government House, by Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason. The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 53 nations that work together to promote prosperity, democracy, and peace. The Heads of Government meeting brought together leaders from all the 53 Member countries to reaffirm common values, address shared global challenges and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens, especially young people. Voluntary service is a vital part of this agenda, which is why Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to recognize outstanding volunteers across the Commonwealth in this special way. (BT)

NEW ROLE FOR GG – Dame Sandra Mason was officially named the patron of the Soroptimist International Barbados at Accra Beach Hotel and Spa on Monday. President of Soroptimist International Barbados Judith Toppin presented the Governor General of Barbados with a Patrons Pin which officially appointed her as patron of the women’s organization. In her welcome, Toppin thanked the Governor General for accepting the invitation to be patron of the women’s organization that focuses on advocacy for young women and girls. “We are excited, extremely pleased and deeply honoured that Your Excellency so graciously accepted our invitation. So thank you again,” Toppin said. In the Programme Action Report by Andrea Simon, the organization announced that they will be working on a number of projects at the Government Industrial School for Girls (GIS).

“We will be partnering with Slow Food and the US Embassy to facilitate an educational gardening programme at GIS. The Programme will commence on [July 19] with the planting of the garden and [this] project will be funded primarily by the US Embassy. [In addition,] we will be working with the Young Yam Creations and Mustard Seed to facilitate a drama production at GIS. The purpose will be to use social development issues which impact and affect young people,” Simon said. Marguerite Woodstock-Riley who is in charge of regional and international affiliations explained the international and regional reach that Soroptimist International has as it continues to advocate for women’s rights. In her slideshow presentation, she highlighted some of the countries where women live in desolate conditions even after fleeing from abuse in some circumstances. Her presentation also showed the importance of advocating for change in many countries where women’s rights are not recognised and gender equality is years away from being equal. As the Barbados branch seeks to advocate through legislation, Woodstock-Riley also implored the members of the Soroptimist to use some of those issues as their focus. “I think President Judith wants us to be more involved in making changes through legislation. We certainly have been trying to get changes in the Government Industrial School – the provisions which are at least 100 years old. I think that we have met with the Attorney General for 20 years and that is unfortunate that we have been unable to make any change. But I think we are going to be working on that and different areas that we can advocate for change,” she said. (BT)

ROMEO LAID TO REST – The entertainment fraternity came out in their numbers to give calypsonian Charles ‘Romeo’ Smith a final send off this afternoon. Romeo, who died June 6, was heralded as a compassionate individual during tributes at Breath of Life Seventh Day Adventist Church White Hall, St Michael. Long-time friend and sometimes musical arranger Mike Sealy spoke of Romeo’s spirituality and passion for detail, while Minister of Culture John King who in part spoke as a calypsonian, recalled the moments when he was schooled in the art of calypso by Romeo. King also made a call for Romeo’s works to be documented, a sentiment endorsed by former Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley who was also present. The congregation included such names as Adonijah, George Jones, Terry ‘Mexican’ Arthur and Andy Armstrong of members of the retired band Square One, Mac Fingall, Stedson ‘Red Plastic Bag’ Wiltshire, Smokey Burke, Mighty Gabby, radio broadcaster Anthony ‘Admiral’ Nelson and former Democratic Labour Party Senator Maxine Mclean. Gabby, Colin Spencer and Keisha Christian were among those who paid tribute to Romeo in song. (MWN)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 194 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles  #dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

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The Chase Files Daily Newscap 5/25/2018

Good Morning #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Friday, 25th May 2018. Remember that you can read full articles via subscribing to Nation News Online, purchasing a Weekend Nation Newspaper (WN), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

MIA, BEES CREATE HISTORY – Mia Amor Mottley is now the Prime Minister-elect of Barbados. The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) leader and her team romped home to an unprecedented 30-nil victory at the polls last night, with a punishing defeat of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP). With the demolition, the long-serving MP will today write her name on history’s page when she is sworn in as the first female Prime Minister, joining a prestigious regional list including the late Dame Eugenia Charles (Dominica), the late Janet Jagan (Guyana), Portia Simpson Miller (Jamaica) and Kamla Persad-Bissessar (Trinidad and Tobago). The BLP’s poll party started just before midnight at its Roebuck Street, St Michael headquarters where thousands of supporters danced and sang throughout the wee hours of this morning, forcing police to block off the street to vehicular traffic. “This is not my victory. This is not the Labour Party’s victory. This is the people of Barbados’ victory,” Mottley told a jam-packed Roebuck Street in her victory speech, before thanking her family, campaign manager Jerome Walcott, and consultants Dr Clyde Mascoll and Lucille Moe for the sacrifices they made in the campaign. At around 3:40 a.m., Mottley officially acknowledged the concession speech of outgoing Prime Minister Freundel Stuart. She had earlier in the night cemented her personal victory in the St Michael North East constituency, easily beating former MP for Bridgetown, Patrick Todd. But this was a party win all the way, with the DLP amazingly losing in its major stronghold, St John, for the first time since it had been contesting that seat in 1958, and other powerhouse constituencies such as St Philip North, St Philip West, St Michael North West and St Lucy. For the three-week campaign there had been noticeably heavy support for the Bees at political meetings, and that manifested in former MPs such as Michael Lashley, Dr David Estwick, Chris Sinckler, Ronald Jones and Denis Kellman, all comfortable winners last time out in 2013, becoming victims of a massive national swing. A humble Mottley thanked Barbados for the historic win, which became clear just after midnight, after the late arrival of numerous special ballot boxes at polling stations across the island. “I have seen in my colleagues a level of commitment and sacrifice,” she added, while paying special tribute to party chairman George Payne for helping show the unity developed in the Best For Barbados team which included 20 new candidates. “There should be no time for gloating. We are all one people. We are Barbadians,” she said to loud applause. “We will need many hands to help make light work. We will rebuild Barbados together. “We have to get to the task immediately,” Mottley said, adding mission No. 1 was to reduce the fiscal deficit, and that she wanted a Cabinet in place by Monday. Stuart signalled his retirement from elective politics, but indicated the Dems would definitely bounce back. “We suffered a similar defeat in 1999. We rebounded from that and I expect us to rebound from this,” he said around 3:15 a.m. in his concession speech. Stuart also accepted blame for the loss, saying it was on him “unequivocally”, but adding the DLP had more than enough talent to lead it back to elective prominence.  (WN)

ALL O DEM GONE - “I take full responsibility for the defeat.” These were the words of a clearly deflated Prime Minister Freundel Stuart as he pondered the overwhelming defeat of his Democratic Labour Party (DLP) at the polls yesterday. Standing virtually alone on stage at the DLP’s George Street headquarters in the early hours of this morning, a clearly dejected Stuart accepted blame for the crushing loss in which not one DLP member retained a seat. Speaking in a low tone and with none of the defeated DLP candidates in sight, Stuart maintained his party had put up a fight, but he conceded: “Those performances were not outstanding enough if one is to draw any conclusions from the results one has heard so far. “To persuade the electorate that the Democratic Labour Party should be re-elected to office or that any of its candidates should be re-elected to the House of Assembly, that is the nature of politics,” he added.  In apparent reference to his being left alone to face the music of defeat hours after, in virtually empty party headquarters, he said: “There is an old feature . . . that in campaigning whenever there is success, success is shared by all those who succeed and by those with whom they are associated. But when there is failure, failure points to one man.” However, he thanked the members of his party who had faced the polls for the “courage” they had shown in making themselves available to contest seats on behalf of the DLP and for their “outstanding performances throughout the campaign”. He told the media: “You can sometimes fail and we have to learn how to cope with both victory and defeat.” Stuart, 67, also said it was the end of his political career as a candidate, saying he had not planned to contest further elections, even before yesterday’s loss. He added, however, that he would still be “available to the party that has done so much for me, to participate in the rebuilding process”. (WN)

MOTTLEY WINS EASILY IN ST MICHAEL NORTH EAST – The Queen Bee still rules the hive of St Michael North East. Mia Mottley was moments ago officially declared as the duly elected representative for the constituency by returning officer Gwendolyn Bridgeman-Bushell at 2:45 a.m. Mottley easily took care of the three other candidates she faced in her seventh election, earning 4 553  votes to breeze past the Democratic Labour Party's Patrick Todd (500), 23-year-old first-timer Kemar Stuart (133) of Solutions Barbados, and Barbados Free Party member Enlou Frere (37). "Today is a good night," a beaming Mottley said on the steps of the counting centre at St Matthew's Primary after she was declared the winner. Mottley thanked her campaign team, noting that it was the first time in almost 29 years of elective politics she had been unable to properly traverse her constituency as she concentrated on the national campaign.  (WN)

SINCKLER OUSTED BY ROWE – First-timer Neil Rowe has wrested the seat of St Michael North West from two-time incumbent Chris Sinckler. He beat the ex-Minister of Finance 2 489 to 1 991 votes in Thursday’s poll. The victory was confirmed by returning Officer Charles Haynes and Rowe’s entourage gave him a cheer sure to be heard throughout St Michael North West. Rowe said his initial interaction with residents began three years ago and intensified once it was confirmed he would vie for the seat. Sinckler never made an appearance at the Ellerslie Secondary.   (WN)

HINKSON OVERWHELMED BY VICTORY – Tears came to the eyes of an "overwhelmed" Edmund Hinkson as he scored a resounding victory in St. James North this morning. Following an unusually long night of counting, Returning Officer Anthony Greaves declared Hinkson the winner at minutes to 4 a.m. The attorney at law trounced his three opponents, scoring 3 716 votes to the Democratic Labour Party's Harry Husbands. David Walrond of Solutions Barbados had 76 votes, while United Progressive Party candidate Grafton Cobham tallied 54 votes. "I am absolutely overwhelmed. I knew that we had put in the work over the last five years, that we had kept in touch with people, because that's what's politics is about," said a beaming Hinkson. "And I would never imagine that I would be standing here winning by 3 000 votes." (WN)

FORDE TAKES CHRIST CHURCH WEST CENTRAL – The people of Christ Church West Central have spoken. And resoundingly so. They surprised Adrian Forde with over 3 000 votes to incumbent Stephen Lashley's 1 100. He said while he was quietly confident he would win he thanked voters and supporters for believing in him. "I have to thank my team. They rallied with me. Christ Church West Central has been underrepresented for the past decade and I am aiming to remedy that." He said the constituents are proud to finally have a son of the soil represent them and he said after the celebrations at party headquarters this morning, he will be getting to work. Returning officer Walter Jones declared him the duly elected representative at 3:03 a.m. Forde, on the Barbados Labour Party ticket, garnered 3891 votes. Lashley, running on a Democratic Labour Party ticket, received 1 131 votes. Kenneth Lewis of Solutions Barbados got 170 and Ria Riley of UPP had 45. There were 15 rejected ballots.  (WN)

STRAUGHN STUNS JONES IN CHRIST CHURCH EAST CENTRAL – Ryan Straughn has done what no member of the Barbados Labour Party has managed to do for the past 15 years - unseat Ronald Jones from Christ Church East Central. Riding a massive wave of anti-DLP sentiment, the newcomer stunned the experienced campaigner, defeating him with a lopsided voter count of 4 062 to 1 334. Scott Weatherhead of Solutions Barbados and Ogeji Dottin of the United Progressive Party failed to make much of a dent, with voter scores of 217 and 93 respectively though Weatherhead consistently outscored Dottin. The constituency has been held by both the BLP and DLP, switching hands five times since 1981.  (WN)

GOODING-EDGHILL WINS BIG IN ST MICHAEL WEST CENTRAL – Returning officer for St Michael West Central Leonard Walters has officially declared the Barbados Labour Party's Ian Gooding-Edghill as the winner of the seat. The human resources director of Elegant Hotels amassed 3 291 ahead of incumbent of the Democratic Labour Party's James Paul who ended his campaign on 865 votes.  Solutions Barbados' Angela Edey ended on 125, while United Progressive Party's Herman Lowe managed 29, and Barbados Integrity Movement's Stephen Belgrave finished on 46. While no unauthorised persons were allowed on the compound of the Lawrence T Gay Primary School where ballots were being counted, a massive crowd began celebrating even before Gooding-Edghill was officially declared the winner. After the announcement, the soft spoken former senator described the victory as a humbling experience. As he greeted his supporters at the gates of the compound, they swarmed him and lifted him into the air as they paraded up and down Spooner’s Hill, before boarding their motorcade to head to the BLP’s Roebuck Street headquarters.  (WN)

CONTROVERSY OVER BALLOT BOXES – The Barbados Labour Party’s (BLP) Dr William Duguid claimed last night to have uncovered a plot to remove boxes from certain polling stations in Christ Church West. However, returning officer Wayne Taylor denied any knowledge of it, while Francis DePeiza, brother and election agent of Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate Verla DePeiza, said no box was ever missing or tampered with. An angry Duguid arrived at the counting station, Arthur Smith Primary School  in St Matthias, with his election agent, Roseann Parris, at 8 p.m. on board the Transport Board bus with the boxes. Last person He was the last person to disembark and told the media that Box ZA1, from the Barbados Council for the Disabled polling station, had been placed on a van from the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC). “We were made aware that there was a plot to remove boxes from certain polling stations in Christ Church West. We had done our vigilance all throughout the constituency and I alerted all of my people that there was that intent. What happened then is that while I was here at the polling station at Arthur Smith, I got a call from one of my people that two boxes were on a BIDC van,” he charged. Duguid said he alerted Taylor. “He called and then it was confirmed that a box was indeed on a BIDC van. The box had to be taken off the van and the question is if the same box that went out on the van was the same box that came back to the station. We still are not sure.” Duguid, a dentist, also charged he had information that two other boxes – ZC3, which was at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and ZC2 in the Bonnetts Resource Centre – were also supposed to be removed. He said he then boarded the bus to the polling station. But DePeiza said box ZA1 was always accounted for. “Whatever the hyperbole surrounding the situation, I happened to be present at the ZA1 box at the close of polling at 6 o’clock, over at the Barbados Council for the Disabled. There may have been some miscommunication.  I cannot comment on it because it would be outside of my scope, but while I was there, the box that I saw never went missing,” he explained. DePeiza said there were two ballot boxes in separate rooms and while officials from the Electoral and Boundaries Commission were going about their duties at the close of the poll, one box was completed ahead of the other.  “The box, I have been made to understand, is the source of some controversy. I can certainly say that none of the boxes at that location were ever out of the eyesight of my agents.” Depeiza added that if a box was not placed on the bus, “that may not be through any fault of the officers. “The security of that box was never compromised. It was never out of the possession of the Electoral and Boundaries officer who had custody of it,” he said. He also confirmed he had seen the box “and the seal of the box and there is no question that it has not been compromised”. DePeiza said he was satisfied “that we still do have peaceful and fair elections and I am satisfied that the electoral process has triumphed”. (WN)

SCHOOLS CLOSED, BUSINESSES TO CLOSE AT 1 – No school today and businesses will close at 1 p.m. This is the word from Prime Minister designate Mia Mottley. Giving her victory speech from the Barbados Labour Party headquarters, in Roebuck Street, St Michael, Mottley made the declaration to the delight of the party faithful assembled. (WN)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 221 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles  #dailynewscapsbythechasefiles