Good morning from the rock. The sun is out. The reservoir is not full. Let’s proceed.
HYDROLOGICAL DROUGHT WATCH DECLARED FOR APRIL
Barbados is officially under a Hydrological Drought Watch this month. Groundwater levels are below seasonal norms. The Meteorological Service would like you to conserve water. The Barbados Water Authority would like you to conserve water. The Bajan Bugle would like you to conserve water. You will not conserve water. This is the annual ritual. It will rain in May and we will have this conversation again next April.
RSS GETS FRESH INTERNATIONAL BACKING
The RSS Council of Ministers met in Saint Lucia and emerged with renewed commitments from international partners to support Caribbean security — covering data sharing, cybercrime, financial investigations, and deportee relocation protocols. Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams described the talks as “very productive,” which is the diplomatic translation of “we got money and resources without having to beg too hard.” The RSS will also pursue observer status on the Budapest Cybercrime Convention. Zero tolerance for drug use among law enforcement was confirmed. Barbados anchors the organisation. Barbados remains, as always, the responsible one in the region.
MISSING FISHERMEN: HOPE IS RUNNING OUT
Three fishermen left Barbados on March 14, heading into waters that fellow fishermen described as dangerously rough. They have not been seen since. One of the families of the missing — a man known as “Chinee,” who has lived in Barbados for decades — is beginning to accept that something has gone terribly wrong. His cousin said it plainly: “It’s getting to the point where I may have to accept the fact that it is what it is.” A hard sentence. Sea still doesn’t give back what it takes.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS COMING TO YOUR OFFICE
Acting Chief Labour Officer Wayne Sobers has announced that labour inspectors will be increasing workplace visits across the public and private sector. Under the Labour Department Act, officers can enter premises at any time — day or night — and request your records. Employers who have been running their break schedules on vibes and good intentions should take note. The Department is specifically targeting non-compliance with labour legislation. This is the kind of news that makes small business owners suddenly very interested in their filing systems.
FAITH-BASED ORGANISATIONS CHASING THE $5M GOVERNMENT FUND
Government has put faith-based organisations on notice: if you want access to the new $5 million annual fund, you need to demonstrate programmatic accountability. No vague promises. Bring specifics. This is, by Barbados standards, a fairly radical expectation of a grant-seeking body.
A CHRIST CHURCH MAN AND HIS EASTER FIREARM
Tishawn Jaden Clarke, 26, appeared in court after being found with an unlicensed firearm and nine rounds of ammunition on Easter Sunday. He was remanded to Dodds. The case transfers to Oistins Magistrates’ Court on May 8. Barbados does not require its criminals to observe public holidays.
CROP OVER IS THINKING AHEAD
A band leader called for improved festival management this week, meaning the Crop Over apparatus is already beginning to creak and groan two months before the season. This is normal. By July, the same band leader will have pulled off a miracle. It always works out.
Bajan Bugle is a satirical news column covering Barbados with a raised eyebrow. For real news, try Barbados Today or Nation News.