CBC News Barbados

The Democratic Labour Party is united and ready for the next general election whenever it is called. The assurance is coming from Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne as he unveils half of the party’s slate of candidates to contest the elections. Among the 15 announced are fresh faces, former candidates and former MPs who ran in the last two general elections, including Richard Sealy for St. Michael South Central and Dr. David Estwick, St. Philip West. Newcomers, Dale Rowe will carry the banner for the City of Bridgetown; Alvin Toppin in St. Lucy and Amoy Gilding-Bourne in Christ Church East. According to Mr. Thorne, DLP supporters are once again energised and he challenged the candidates to put the interest of the people of Barbados before self.

Rapa Jam skippered by Paul Johnson with his Barbadian crew retained their Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados title finishing the sail around the island in seven hours, 18 mins, 17 secs. Setting sail this morning from just outside the Barbados Cruising Club in Carlisle Bay, Rapajam led the charge from the outset as the seven boats sailed in a northerly to easterly direction. Second was another Bajan boat in ‘Whistler’ in a time of seven hours, 24mins, 37secs. The American crew on board Hydro Therapy was third in eight hours, 33m, 56secs. This was the penultimate event of the 2025 Barbados Sailing Week, with the Rum to Carriacou Offshore Race bringing down the curtain on Thursday.

Changes in ownership are coming for major beverage companies in the Caribbean. KOSCAB Holding Limited, a subsidiary of the Coca-Cola Bottling, say they have entered into an agreement to acquire Banks Holdings Limited and St. Vincent Brewery Limited. KOSCAB ‘s General Manager Andre Thomas says the decision is a natural progression following their role as the distribution and commercial co-venturer with BHL since 2018. Country Head of Banks Holdings and St. Vincent Brewery Limited, Shafia London said local customers will continue to enjoy the same great taste from the companies’ beverage offerings. KOSCAB says it is dedicated to enhancing local and regional commercial operations, to promote the growth and success of some of the region’s most iconic brands, including Pine Hill, Banks, Hairon and all Coca-Cola-affiliated products. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval.