CBC News Barbados

A local cleric has made an impassioned plea to Barbadians to reduce the high crime rate on the island.  Bishop of the South Caribbean District and Superintendent Minister, Bishop Reverend Derick Richards, was speaking at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados 40th Anniversary Church Service at the James Street Methodist Church.  He says over the last few weeks, Barbadians have witnessed the gruesome killings of the nation’s young sons and daughters, and the violence meted out to others.

A local senior scientist says the recent outbreak of measles in the United States of America is a cause for concern. Director of the Centre for Biosecurity Studies at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Dr Kirk Douglas, says he is certain the Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation given the rise in the number of cases reported daily.  He says the MMR vaccine is given during early childhood to prevent the transmission of measles, mumps and rubella. Dr Douglas adds that measles is the most contagious infectious disease known and that very young children are more susceptible to the disease. He says the issue of vaccine hesitancy from the Covid-19 pandemic has spilled overs and continues to erode strides made in public health.

The Barbados Police Service is investigating a shooting incident which left two houses and a vehicle damaged. Police said in a press release that “police from District A Station responded to a report of gunshots being fired at Regent Hill, Pinelands, St. Michael,” around 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025. “Investigations revealed that a series of gun shots were discharged in the area, resulting in two houses and one motorcar being damaged. Investigations are continuing into the matter. “We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have any information that may assist us to please contact the District A Police Station at 430-7242, 4307246, the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1800-8477 or Police Emergency at 211. Thanks for your cooperation.”