Barbadian songwriters are being encouraged to utilise elements of the island’s culture when writing and producing music pieces. Head of Publishing at United Kingdom-based DWB Music Ltd, Greig Watts says this is important since music lovers on the international market are always looking for lyrics and beats they have never heard before. Mr. Watts was speaking at the final leg of the National Cultural Foundation’s International Songwriting Camp. Participant, Singer and Songwriter Casheda Dottin says she is pleased with the opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge from established songwriters and producers.

The use of video assistant refereeing technology in the Prime Minister’s Cup will no longer happen. The Barbados Football Association says it has been contacted by FIFA to reaffirm that every member association must follow the implementation assistance and approval programme in order to implement the use of VAR. The BFA has confirmed that it has not undertaken the official process to receive FIFA certification for the use of VAR in Barbados, and therefore at this point, the technology is not authorised to be employed at any competition on the island.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) has reported that the Jamaican economy grew by 0.2% during the second quarter of this year, compared to the second quarter of 2023. This was largely attributed to a 1.5% increase in the goods-producing industries. The performance of the economy was, however, tempered by a 0.2% decline in the services industries, the first since the first quarter of 2021. STATIN said that within the goods-producing industries, the value added for the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries grew by 3.4%, mining and quarrying grew by 4.0%, and the manufacturing industry increased by 1.8%. However, output in the construction industry fell by 1.9%. STATIN noted that the decline in the services industries was influenced by contractions in wholesale and retail trade, repairs, installation of machinery and equipment, producers of government services, and real estate, renting, and business activities, which fell by 0.5%, 1.9%, and 1.5% respectively. However, there was growth in industries such as hotels and restaurants, finance and insurance services, transport, storage and communication, electricity and water supply, and other services. STATIN added that the economy declined by 0.7% in the second quarter compared to the first quarter of 2024, resulting from declines of 0.8% in the services industries and 0.3% in the goods-producing industries.