April 4, 2025

There is more reaction tonight to the 10 per cent US  imposed tariff, set to take effect on April 5. A trade expert is warning Barbadians to brace for inflation in the prices of imported goods and services, as a result of the new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Lecturer in economics at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus, Dr Antonio Alleyne, says inflation is expected since Barbados relies heavily on imports, with the United States being a major supplier. He tells CBC News the Central Bank of Barbados should also be paying close attention to the situation. Dr Alleyne says Barbados’ bread and butter industry could also feel the rippling effects of President Trump’s move.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Office of the Children’s Advocate  (OCA), says it is investigating the alleged sexual assault of a student of the corporate area-based Jessie Ripoll Primary School. According to police reports,  a six-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by an 11-year-old boy at the school on March 11. However, the incident was just made public on Monday. The OCA says it started the probe two weeks ago to find an appropriate solution. The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), is also investigating the innocent.   Following the report of the incident, the CPFSA launched an investigation into the matter on Wednesday, March 12 and spoke with both children involved, as well as their parents. The agency says the girl was then referred to the Ministry of Justice’s Victim’s Services Division for counselling/psychological support while the 11-year-old child was referred to the Child Guidance Clinic at the University of the West Indies for psychological intervention. “We are deeply troubled by this incident, as school should be looked at as a safe haven for students, and not one where they should be vulnerable to being sexually abused, especially not by their fellow students,” said CPFSA CEO Laurette Adams-Thomas.

Motorists travelling in the area of Kendal Woods, Featherbed Lane, St. John, may face some challenges, as the Barbados Police Force has blocked off a section of the road. While details relating to their activities were unavailable at this time, police were seen with sniffer dogs. Details to follow as they become available.