The talent competition for the Spirit of the Nation Parish Independence Awards was decided Saturday night at the Frank Collymore Hall. The various parishes sent forward their semifinalists to a well-attended event which included several Members of Parliament. While the entertainment varied from dance to song to instrumental, there could only be so many winners. There were two special prizes: the “Most Impactful” which went to the Lodge School Steel Orchestra for St. John and the “Most Original” was awarded to Ramon Blackman for St. Michael. The Spirit of the Nation third place prize went to St. Michael’s Glenn Reece, and second to Jasiah Moore of St. Lucy, with Christ Church taking the big prize with Kimberley and Kadarius ‘King K’ Allen. Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith presented the award.

Here is today’s weather forecast according to the Barbados Meteorological Services. Weather Forecasts Today From 6:00 a.m. Synopsis: A ridge pattern is rebuilding across the island. General Forecast: Mix of sunshine and clouds with isolated light showers. Haze Outlook: A layer of slight dust haze will be visible across the island. Tonight From 6:00 p.m. Synopsis: A ridge pattern will be the dominant feature. General Forecast: Clear with cloudy periods with scattered light showers. Wind Forecasts Today From 6:00 a.m. Moderate easterly to east-southeasterly breeze from 20 to 35 km/h (12 to 22 mph) and increasing. Tonight From 6:00 p.m. Moderate easterly to east-southeasterly breeze from 20 to 35 km/h (12 to 22 mph) and increasing. Marine Forecasts Today From 6:00 a.m. Moderate in open water with swells ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 meters (5 to 7 ft.) and increasing. Small craft operators and sea bathers along western coastlines should exercise caution. Tonight From 6:00 p.m. Smooth to moderate in open water with swells ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 ft.) and increasing. Small craft operators and sea bathers along western coastlines should exercise caution. Tides, Sunrise & Sunset High Tide (First) 12:35 a.m. High tide (Second) 1:36 p.m. Low Tide (First) 7:13 a.m. Low tide (Second) 7:31 p.m. Sunrise 5:48 a.m. Sunset 5:40 p.m.

Women at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex painted the facility pink on Saturday, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  And they are all encouraging both men and women to get their breasts checked to be aware of any eventualities.  Coordinator Rhonda Wiltshire-Hall says this is the second time they have supported the cause.  Fish vendor Sylvia Small says it is important for her to get her breasts checked annually. Similarly, Judy Sobers says that after going through the experience with a family member, she is not taking any chances.