CBC NewsNight - May 26 2026

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:02]In the headlines, entrepreneurship skien ties with easier movement between the two countries. The health ministry outlines its Ebola preparedness measures. Ideas being explored to connect capital with opportunity across Latin America and the Caribbean. And in sports, Roario Shepard's RCB storm into the IPL final.

[00:00:27]Broadcasting from our studios in the Pine St. Michael, this is CBC Newsight starting now.

[00:00:38]>> Good evening. I'm Aisha Nichols. In our top story at 7. In an historic development, Barbadians and Gy will soon be allowed to travel between their two countries with just their identification cards. No passport will be required. The arrangement takes effect from July 1st this year. Prime Minister Mia Amore Mley says the move represents another significant step forward in regional cooperation, south south collaboration and people centered governance. She spoke about the development in Guyana where she attended the country's 60th anniversary celebrations.

[00:01:13]You would have seen that when I landed just now, I was able to use our Trident ID card and be able to have that replace what would otherwise have been a passport. In 1986, 40 years ago, the father of independence of Barbados Albaro came to Georgetown to address the Cariccom heads of government meeting and he delivered a speech that has forever remained in our hearts that we in the integration movement must follow and make it possible to follow the lived reality of ordinary Caribbean citizens who have integrated even beyond where governments have gone.

[00:01:55]We feel that this opportunity permanently so not in the way that it was done for the single domestic space for cricket world cup but permanently so should be the gift that all gy and all beans remember as a 60th anniversary gift >> and prime minister Mley says she's trusting and praying that regional neighbors will follow in the footsteps of the two nations and others will work with us to expand the category of carryom citizens who can benefit from this. This is not for full freedom of movement. This is just for passage in your normal rights as a citizen coming to visit countries. So we hope that in addition to this that the app which has been developed which is a trident >> arrow app and which will eventually be available as well beyond the individual cards so long as the phones sync with this card. You will also be able to use a smartphone going forward to be able to move between the two countries.

[00:03:07]And while both Barbadians and Gy alike have hailed the move, there are those who say it should have been done a long time ago. And at least two people say officials need to effectively monitor those who may want to engage in nefarious activities.

[00:03:21]>> I think it's a very good idea cuz that save you from the hustling to go to get a passport and things like that.

[00:03:27]>> I think it's something too late. It should have happened since in Era era Williams and FAS bornham time but never late than better late than never. And I think the average young people today get too complacent now with ID card and not going for the passport where they could travel a wider and a fast a wider countries more opportunities and all kind of thing.

[00:03:48]>> I agree in concept that the that you should be able to move between Ghana and Bas with your ID card.

[00:03:55]>> Simple. I think it's a good thing that the you can do free movements with your ID because when I travel to the big countries years ago, I saw that persons was using only the ID or a driver's license. So, I think it's a good thing.

[00:04:17]I don't have a problem with it with it per se because my daughter is living down there. She's married to Gise and she'll be able to travel freely back and forth. She and my grandchildren, so I don't have a problem with it.

[00:04:34]Barbados's ambassador to Cariccom, David Kisong, is welcoming the news that citizens from Barbados and Guyana will be able to travel between the two countries using their identification cards instead of their passports.

[00:04:46]Ambassador Kisong says the agreement facilitates deeper integration in CARICOM >> and it is in keeping with the concept that we hit upon a few years ago when we developed the protocol on enhanced cooperation um which was the idea that um in Kerrycom we don't necessarily have to wait for all carry-com member states to be on board with something that is positive. if there are some that can forge ahead once once it is positive and it's in keeping with the principles of the revised treaty of Shagaramas that those um willing states should should forge ahead and the others will join um in in due course.

[00:05:32]Ambassador Kyong further states the development sends a strong signal about the direction in which the region should be moving >> to make regional integration as meaningful for the ordinary citizen as possible to send that message that you are welcome and we are we are going to make it as easy as possible for you to move between the member states of of Kerrycom.

[00:06:00]The Ministry of Health and Wellness advises that the current risk of Ebola virus disease to Barbados remains low, including any risk associated with travel from Nigeria, which has reported no cases. In a statement, officials say recent international concern has been driven by Ebola activity in parts of Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo with limited cases in Uganda and heightened concern in conflictaffected South Sudan due to weaker surveillance and response systems. However, Barbados has no direct travel link with affected countries.

[00:06:33]According to the statement, public concern has largely centered on the recent airpiece service from Lagos, Nigeria. But health officials emphasize that Nigeria is not affected and has no direct travel links to current outbreak areas. Additionally, Barbados has already implemented key preparedness measures. These include enhanced screening at ports of entry, use of advanced passenger intelligence systems through cara and carryom impacts, established monitoring and quarantine protocols for higher risk travelers and ongoing coordination with regional and international partners including KFA Paho and the WH. Healthcare workers are expected to continue to employ standard infection control and prevention measures. Officials advise that travelers assessed as high risk may be monitored or quarantined even if asymptomatic to facilitate early detection of and response to potential infectious diseases. Public health officials will remain in close contact with such individuals during the incubation period. Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Wellness will engage the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners by the end of this week to provide guidance and address concerns raised by its members.

[00:07:50]Coming up, a major conference underway exploring investment opportunities across Latin America and the Caribbean.

[00:07:57]Stay with us.

[00:08:02]Strengthening partnerships and connecting capital with opportunities across Latin America and the Caribbean.

[00:08:08]That is the focus of this year's IDB Invest Sustainability Week conference being held at the Windham Grand Sam Lords Castle Resort. Rachel Agard attended the opening session and filed this report.

[00:08:20]>> Barbados is no longer taking a backseat to conversations of investment. That's according to Minister of Public and Private Investment in Darw who stresses that Barbados now wants a seat at the table. We are glad to be able first of all to host all of you here but to give us a chance to see right across government the private sector uh investors and indeed the environmentalists uh what opportunities can come out of this week's session and we do look forward therefore to engaging right across the entire week to make sure that investment uh NOS's and indeed uh our environmentalists and those involved in innovation. Technology would indeed um be at the core of all of this. And indeed when we speak to technology, we don't only speak technology, we also speak people because we have to bring along people as part of the conversation.

[00:09:20]>> President of the Interamerican Development Bank, Elan Ganch says the region has strong advantages in sectors such as energy resilience and nature-based solutions. He adds that now is the time for private sector entities to invest in projects across the region.

[00:09:40]>> Innovative financing tools as well as smarter approaches to risk allocation are helping to bring more private investment into the region. But realizing this potential requires mobilizing private capital at scale.

[00:09:56]That's where IDB Invest comes in. IDB Invest has a proven track record of working with companies across the region to develop finance and scale projects while bringing in private investors.

[00:10:11]>> The Minister of Finance, Ryan Strawn, says the regulatory environment now allows for private sector entities to invest in projects. He's also encouraging Barbadians to invest in overseas projects. That's something that we've been working on. Um to the extent that it requires um fiscal discipline and a stable government and a st a stable political economy is equally important for private sector um investment to take place. But the opportunities are there and therefore to the extent that you can have scale. So um and and the other part is we need more Beijians investing abroad. We heard um I'm sure you would have heard from the the CEO of the of the bank from from Surinam saying that they have a lot of investments to take place and not enough money. Bay agents have money. So we are we are working with the credit unions as well as the banks to ensure that we can have Barbadians invest in some of these opportunities abroad to help on our resilient side so that we're earning income outside of Barbados and therefore that is going to be part of what we're going to try to facilitate within it.

[00:11:18]The IDB sustainability week ends on Thursday. Rachel Agod, CBC News.

[00:11:27]>> Six men and three male juveniles charged in connection with an attack on a tourist have been remanded to the Barbados prison service. They are 21-year-old Joshua Greg Belgrave of St. Hill Road, Carrington Village, St. Michael 18-year-old Adagio Marlon Bostik of Lane's Gap Martenddale's road 26-year-old Leonardo Ricardo Also of Grassfield Gap Stevenson Road Delmare land 18-year-old Chad Seion Codrington of Licorice Village My Lords Hill 18-year-old Dante Ricardo Sidi of Carrington Village Merles Road Seth Ethan Griffith 23 years of Blackman's Road Carrington village and the three male juveniles they have all been charged with serious bodily ly harm, two counts of robbery, and violent disorder.

[00:12:14]All on May 17th. The attack on the visitor was widely circulated on social media. The nine accused appeared before Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the District A Criminal Court number one today where they were require not required to plead to the indictable offenses. They are all scheduled to reappear in court on June 23rd.

[00:12:34]A 24year-old St. Michael man charged with murder and firearm offenses in connection with a fatal shooting on April 29th has been remanded to the Barbados prison service. Dods Adrio Shakur Rudder 24 years of Alami Gap Spooners St. Michael appeared before Chief Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the District A criminal court number one this morning. He was not required to plead to the indictable offenses and is scheduled to reappear on Tuesday June 23rd 2026.

[00:13:05]27 libraries and schools across the island are now benefiting from the Barbados is blooming little libraries initiative. Education officer Tanya Bo says this is an outstanding accomplishment. The little libraries project which is in its third phase is spearheaded by the Prince Godwill D.

[00:13:22]Fomoso Foundation Caribbean Incorporated and supported by the Massie Foundation.

[00:13:27]It has been designed to get Barbadian communities reading again. Miss Bo spoke about the importance of the project at the Holy Innocence Primary where a little library was installed today.

[00:13:39]A child who develops strong literacy skills is better equipped to excel academically, builds self-confidence, and participate meaningfully in society.

[00:13:52]Reading strengthens imagination, improves communication skills, supports emotional development, and open doors to endless opportunities.

[00:14:04]The education officer says programs such as the little libraries initiative help to ensure children have access to books and reading materials outside of the traditional classroom setting.

[00:14:15]Not every child has a library at home, but initiatives like the free little libraries program help to bridge that gap by making reading resources more accessible within schools and communities.

[00:14:29]In Barbados, where education continues to be a central pillar of national development, literacy programs play a critical role in supporting student achievement and fostering a culture of reading from an early age.

[00:14:47]The National Botanical Gardens was a popular destination for families on the Wit Monday Bank holiday yesterday.

[00:14:53]Trevor Thorp and cameraman Anderson Arthur join them for a while as we hear in this next report.

[00:14:59]Families brought along card and board games to play while others simply enjoyed the opportunity to relax and renew acquaintances in the beautiful natural surroundings. Srian Gamble said the combination of warm weather and the scenic environment made the gardens an ideal spot for leisure and socializing.

[00:15:18]>> We have such a massive family that stretch. We have mirrors, we have holders, we have raies. Our family is huge and we are from St. Joseph and um for our part normally when we have family events each person brings a friend and then we're hoping that our the standard that we we set or the example that we set encourage other families to do the same thing and and to bond >> the push prayer group of the 7th Day Adventist Church had gathered with great enthusiasm and unity to welcome and support a visiting member. Sophia Price said the group dedicated their time and efforts to reaching out, sharing messages of hope, faith, and encouragement for today's uncertain times.

[00:15:58]>> You should pray some more. We need prayer. We need lots of prayer. And um if we can come together, we can connect with each other. We can, you know, share our experiences with each other, that would help us to grow and strengthen each other. And that way we can have a stronger society and hopefully stronger families as well and we would be the better for it.

[00:16:21]>> Shante Price was happy to be back home and rash the opportunity as it brought together family members of all ages in one place.

[00:16:29]>> Reconnecting with so many people the a lot of these people here behind me I have not seen in about three and a half years. So just being home, being able to interact with them and just enjoy the day with family members and family friends and all of those things. It's it's lovely. It really is.

[00:16:45]>> Kaye Gordon Davis says she likes to be outdoors with her friends and family.

[00:16:50]She said they were playing and chatting about school.

[00:16:53]>> I like about it how outside is nice.

[00:16:56]Outside has some nice breeze and outside is not raining so we can just go and free play. The sky above was also dotted with kites of varying kinds and designs throughout the day and into the night.

[00:17:09]Trevor Thor, CBC News.

[00:17:15]>> Sports time now and we say good evening to Damian Best.

[00:17:18]>> Yeah, good evening to you, Aisha. Well, cricket fever is already building across Barbados as fans prepare for an historic moment, the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League final set to be played at Kensington Oval for the very first time on September 20th. Supporters will get an early chance to secure their seats when playoff tickets and Barbados season passes go on sale from 3 p.m. tomorrow.

[00:17:42]The exclusive sales window will run for just 3 days ending on May 29th. Head of PR and communications for the CPL, Peter Miller, told CBC Sports to date the planning process has been up to standard for Kensington and the other venues.

[00:17:58]Plans are always tricky when it comes to putting on a tournament as complicated as CPL, but we think we're ready. We know Barbados will be ready at the fantastic Kensington Oval, and we're really looking forward to CPL getting the show on the road. We've had the draft take place. So, people have seen the really exciting local players that the Trident have picked. And we hope that we're going to see people in the stands, not just for the playoffs, but also for those Trident matches and seeing them back in the blue and yellow of Barbados with that name that I know the fans are really proud of.

[00:18:30]Well, CPL 2026 will run from August 7th to September 20th with Barbados hosting five preliminary games, the eliminator, two qualifiers, and the big final.

[00:18:40]Barbados Trident's first game will be on August 11th against host Jamaica Kingsmen. While defending champs amass Barbados Masters have qualified for the semi-finals by moving their unbeaten record to 3-0 after today's match in the Tobago over 50s cricket fiesta. After comfortably winning their two opening fixtures, a Mass Masters defeated TNT Patriots at the Plymouth Recreation Ground. The Patriots were dismissed for just 54 runs in 12.4 four overs with Cleveland Grant taking 4 for13 and Alan Young 4 for 21. A Mass Masters raced to 55 for three and 6.5 overs to win by seven wickets and remain at the top of the standings.

[00:19:23]Well, the Cave Hill Blackbirds are champions of the women's hockey competition at the ongoing WY intercampus games at the St. Augustine campus in Trinidad. The Blackbirds finished with a perfect 2 and0 record to secure the title. Meanwhile, the men's hockey team currently sit at oneonone and await the result between Mona and St. Augustine to determine its final position. The swimming competition has also concluded with KFL placing third.

[00:19:51]The cricket team remains unbeaten and can clinch the championship with a victory over Mona in their final match.

[00:19:57]In football, KFL men have already secured two wins while the women are still searching for their first victory.

[00:20:04]The net ball team continued its impressive showing producing another commanding performance with a 50-31 victory over St. Augustine today. The Blackbirds controlled the contest from the opening whistle with sharp shooting, disciplined defending, and quick transitions as they maintain their unbeaten record with two matches still to play. Also unbeaten are the Blackbirds women's volleyball team while the men have a one and one record. In basketball, the women have already secured second place. The lawn tennis team sits at one and one, while the table tennis team has recorded one win from three match days with one set of games remaining. The track and field competition is scheduled for Thursday.

[00:20:47]Although women of Wales have already won the 2026 BFA Premier League title, the race is still on for the runners up and third place positions. Speaking on last night's touchline program on TV8, technical director of the Ellertton football club Cory Barrow said several teams are fighting to be on the podium each with one game remaining. Tomorrow in a key fixture, fifth place Ellertton, who have 31 points, battle second place Britain who earn 35. Then Thursday, third place Kickstart Kickstart Rush that is, and fourth place Paradise are down to play. As it stands, wheels will collect 50,000 Barbadas dollars as winners, while the runners up and third place will receive 30,000 and $20,000 respectively.

[00:21:32]>> It's going to be very competitive and and it sure reveal itself. You know what I mean? Because you have two matches that could determine positions two, three, and four. You don't really have that easy, right? And so everybody going to go hard. Everybody want like to win because if they win automatically they come second we want to win because we want to make contention in top four kickstart want to win parties want to win. So you see it going to be very competitive football you know I think it is expected to really get their money's worth at these games for real.

[00:22:03]>> Meanwhile the Barbados Football Association is desperate to recruit more persons interested in becoming referees with high demand for officials at the junior and senior levels. The BFA is aiming to boost numbers at its various referee recruitment courses this year.

[00:22:19]BFA and FIFA assistant referee Kevin Clark said there are significant benefits to the job.

[00:22:26]Refereeing is one of the toughest jobs on the field. Obviously, when a decision is made, nobody's ever happy, but I can truly say I've been on the FIFA list for the last 9 years now, and I can say it's been a rewarding experience. Um, I've traveled to places that I probably never would have traveled to before and the experience has just been fantastic. Um, earlier this year I had the privilege of doing the under 17 championship in Costa Rica and then um, it was almost like if you came home, didn't even get the bags down because then I had to leave to go to Nicaragua for the under 20 championship. Um, so it's really important for us to rebuild the stocks in terms of getting some more referees into the game. Um at this present moment we have a couple of guys who are on the older side and I just want to say that for young persons especially the opportunities are there and it's something that they impress on us at the highest level as well. Once persons are there and willing to put in the work opportunities are there for them to to move to the next level.

[00:23:20]>> And with the FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico around the corner, Clark highlighted some of the new FIFA rule changes ahead of the tournament.

[00:23:30]One of which is that players who require onfield medical attention and stop the match must remain off the pitch for one minute after player restarts.

[00:23:39]>> In this situation with the injured players, what they've realized from the feedback they've gotten from the games around the world is that players are just sometimes figning injuries in an attempt to to take time out of the game.

[00:23:52]And part of the research that was done over the last couple of years found that in 90-minute football games, sometimes you're only getting 51 minutes of play.

[00:23:59]between 51 and 58. So FIFA is actively looking for ways to get more playing time into the game and this is one of the ways that they're doing it. Um so in situations where players are injured, they're asking for medical attention or the referee summons the doctors onto the field, it's quite fine. They can come get their assessment, but once they leave the field of play, they have to stay off for one minute or actually until the next stoppage in play. So you can find situations where players are off the field for more than one minute.

[00:24:28]The business report brought to you by the youth entrepreneurship scheme, a department of the ministry of youth and community empowerment, supporting young entrepreneurs from idea to enterprise.

[00:24:43]A new salon dedicated exclusively to natural hair recently opened its doors in Barbados. Named Kinks My Way Salon, it is a brainchild of Tiffany Jacob, a youth entrepreneurship scheme graduate, now a seasoned hair specialist with a deep passion for natural hair care and empowerment. Trevor Thorp sits down with her for tonight's Yes Business Report.

[00:25:05]>> Tiffany Jacobs says her salon's mission goes beyond just hair styling. She says the new venture reflects a growing movement in the beauty industry towards embracing natural hair and celebrating diversity, making Kink's My Way Salon a timely and impactful addition to Barbados's entrepreneurial landscape.

[00:25:24]>> And she says if you're having problems, she has the answer.

[00:25:28]>> If you are looking for some place to come with your natural hair and you feel like I don't know what to do, I don't want to do this anymore. Come to me. I can help you. because my goal is to empower you to care for your natural hair.

[00:25:43]>> According to her, the salon is designed to empower individuals with natural hair by educating them on how to care for, enjoy, and embrace their natural hair textures confidently.

[00:25:54]>> I feel we believe that it is, but it isn't.

[00:25:58]It is. I think people believe that natural hair is the most difficult thing or the most expensive thing to do. But like I keep telling my clients, when there is a regimen and a plan you follow, natural hair will become your best friend.

[00:26:14]And the proof is in the pudding.

[00:26:15]>> The salon owner says by educating clients about their hair's specific needs, whether it's curly, coily, straight, wavy, thick, or fine. The salon fosters an environment of respect and empowerment. She believes this approach not only helps clients appreciate their natural hair but also encourages them to embrace it confidently, reinforcing the salon's core value of self-acceptance and authentic beauty.

[00:26:41]>> All types of natural hair made whether it may be loose natural locks, braids, protective styles, but the goal is to simply be a salon that services natural hair. She says while the salon aims to foster a positive self-image and encourage acceptance of natural beauty among its clients, there are supply challenges to attend to.

[00:27:02]>> Some of the challenges I am facing is like sourcing some of my products.

[00:27:06]Because with natural hair, there are certain things you want to use to let's say you have a damaged client. You want to coat your hair with certain products.

[00:27:13]You cleanse, clarify, moisturizing.

[00:27:16]There are certain products that I want to use specifically for my natural hair clients. And as easy as they were to find, now it is a bit more difficult and a bit more expensive.

[00:27:28]>> She says her goal is to make Kicks My Way the cornerstone for the natural hair community in Barbados, offering tailored services, expert advice, and workshops focused on natural hair care before expanding to the overseas market. My goal truly is to establish my business so that I can take it from Midas to St. Lucia, but also allow it to sustain itself. So I myself don't have to be standing every day and doing hair. I want to be able to teach people how to do natural hair and have a full working salon with staff that work for me so I don't have to be there and I could go on vacation and live my good life. I also would like to have my product line launched. Tiffany's vision is to help clients not only look good but also feel empowered by their natural hair, promoting a culture of pride and self-love.

[00:28:20]>> Trevor Thorp for the Yes Business Report.

[00:28:24]>> Higher fuel costs are weighing on the cruise sector. That's the view of Royal Caribbean Limited, which expects fuel costs to be about $1.3 billion US higher than its earlier fullear forecast of around $1.17 billion. The assumption is based on current pump prices and after hedging. However, Royal Caribbean has secured about 59% of its fuels needs for the rest of 2026 at rates below current market prices. The company is confident in its ability to adjust itinaries and other operational factors to mitigate some of these adverse impacts.

[00:29:05]>> Welcome back. Damian is here with the second half of sports.

[00:29:08]>> Yeah, thanks so much Aisha. A delegation from Barbados will soon be heading to the United Kingdom to showcase this island's indigenous sport of road tennis. Confirmation from Minister of Sports and Community Empowerment, an MP forcing John Charles Griffith join a donation of road tennis equipment to the Lone Public Secondary School in his constituency, the Lodge School. It is understood that the team will be in the UK during the first two weeks of this year's Wimbledon Tennis Championships stated for June 29th to July 12th at the All England Tennis Club. Minister Griff revealed that one or two young players could earn the opportunity to travel on the upcoming trip to England. A similar chance is also possible for other international tours in the future. He explained that Barbados must continue to take his youngsters overseas, not only to give them exposure, but also to help showcase road tennis and share the sport with a wider international audience.

[00:30:08]We have just put in place a $4 million court at the gymnasium and also part of this year's um world tennis invitation that is coming here in the year, there will also be a junior component and I'm expecting with so many of you males and females that maybe the junior champion can come from law school but the opportunity is there for you to develop world tennis and to take it quite serious because like I said um we taking attendance travel and this is an opportunity for me to get a board.

[00:30:42]>> Well, chairman of the board of management of the Lodge School, Henry Inis, described the donation as timely.

[00:30:49]>> Our school recently added our support to an initiative to launch the school's competition in September this year. So, this equipment will be in good time to boost our competitiveness for this tournament.

[00:31:06]Profited by your initiative, the law school PTA is also making a donation of retention equipment today to our school and we thank them dearly.

[00:31:20]>> Well, 7 months into a one-year ban, the executive members of Payne's Wrestling Club are still seeking what they say is due process in the matter. The Barbadus Wrestling Association says the Pain Club and its wrestler Kwami Inis breached the code of conduct after he wore a Cuban national ciglet at the national trials which were held on October 18th, 2025.

[00:31:45]However, according to head coach Yaima Payne, to this day there has been no meeting with the wrestling association or with any person or entity who can mediate the impass.

[00:31:58]the coaches, the athletes. We want justice, we want transparency, we want due process, we want um to make sure everything is in place.

[00:32:12]Also um the club is banned but the Barbara Wrestle Association contacting members of the club to go training with another club and to training apparently with a national team which the club is banned. So I still don't understand either why the club is banned but members allowed to go and training somewhere else with other coaches.

[00:32:40]Well, vice president of the club, Misha Reed, is even questioning the constitutionality of the ban.

[00:32:47]>> The constitution clearly states that you can't do this sort of banning without due process. So, he's obviously not doing it lawfully. If we have a mediation and you're taking up to two months to respond, but we can see that you're carrying on all sorts of other activities on social media. It shows to me that you really not You're not doing this with any good intention. You're just kind of going through the motions, but you have no intention of, you know, doing the right thing. So, you know, it's like, what do we do?

[00:33:21]>> And that's news. Remember, you can also follow CBC on our WhatsApp channels or visit our website at www.cbc.b to watch TV8 live. I'm Aisha Nichols. Do enjoy the rest of your night.