3am lads does anyone have advice for sleeping when you are so so stressed

i'll be honest, it's better off this way | luke hemmings

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hello pals! long time no writing! i know it seems a bit weird to post a luke break up fic just after he got engaged but to be fair, I already had this in the works before the news broke yesterday, so soz not soz. It is kind of a happy break up story though... kind of? this one features lyrics from our song by niall and anne marie that are in italics throughout the piece (you know i love a song lyric incorporation lol) and i’m a bit rusty, so any feedback is welcome! a big shoutout to my dearest @notinthesameguey​ for beta-reading this one for me, you’re a gem blanca! enjoy xo

Word count: 2.3k

Warnings:  mentions of a break up and a car accident/hospitalisation (minor/non-graphic)

(This is a fem reader insert)

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I'll be honest, I'm alright with me

Sunday mornings, in my own bedsheets

The break up with Luke had been easier than you’d first thought. It’d been months of growing apart, feeling like a stranger in your own home, before you finally worked up the nerve to utter those four words: We need to talk. He’d been spending most days and some nights in the studio, and you’d been working overtime at your job too; you were ships in the night who barely had time to say hello and goodbye, let alone have any sort of proper conversation. You’d spent an entire evening rehearsing a script in your head, and as soon as Luke walked through the door and greeted Petunia, you mustered the courage to stand up and speak your truth. 

It turned out that you weren’t alone in feeling stagnant in your relationship, and although you could feel your heart breaking as you said the words, Luke’s hand on your knee was all the gentle reassurance you needed. Just like always, even when your relationship was falling apart, Luke was there for you. And that’s what he promised, that night in the living room. It didn’t make sense for you two to become strangers overnight after 3 years together, but you also both knew that you needed space to grow and heal, and that space needed to happen sooner rather than later. 

You could tell that part of Luke wanted to fight it, wanted to raise his voice, wanted to convince you to stay. But part of Luke also knew that it was time to walk away, no matter how much his heart was feeling like it was being ripped out of his chest, because he did truly love you, and if he loved you, he’d let you go. 

Even though Luke insisted you could stay in the spare room for as long as you liked, it only took a week or so to find a new place. An apartment in KayKay’s building opened up for rent, and thanks to her help, you secured the lease and started moving in as soon as you could. Ashton accompanied you to Ikea and then helped with assembling a new bed and dining table for you, while KayKay helped unpack some of your boxes. You could tell that they were trying to be sensitive, but at the same time were desperate to know what went down in the break up, and after a few slices of pizza and half a bottle of wine, you felt the emotions rushing to the surface.

“It feels dumb to get upset, after all, I was the one who suggested we should break up.” You sniffled, smiling sadly as Ashton handed you a tissue.

“Just because it was something that needed to happen, doesn’t mean you can’t be sad about it. You two shared a lot in the time you were together, it’s only natural that it’s going to take you a while to untangle yourselves from one another and to get your head and heart back on the path that’s right for you.” KayKay spoke softly, throwing an arm around your shoulders.

You knew she was right, and the healing would come; it was all part of the rollercoaster of walking away from someone you thought was the love of your life, but had turned out not to be. Time to adjust and find some independence, and re-shape the life you found yourself in until it was the life you wanted. 

But every time I think that I can get you out my head, you never, ever let me forget

Once you’d completely moved out Luke’s house, your reasons to contact him became few and far between. A few occasional texts to advise that he’d let his family know about your split, and a link to a new cafe nearby that he thought was your kind of vibe (and it absolutely was). Everyone in your friendship group was trying their best to help you both cope, but it was hard to avoid the awkwardness that came with a break up of close friends.  

You felt like you were walking on eggshells for a while, so you started to say no to invitations out. You threw yourself into a new work project, and barely replied to any group chats. Whenever your friends called, you had the perfect script rehearsed, about how you were going to be up for promotion, and after the next month or so, you’d have plenty more time for catching up with everyone. You were fairly certain that no-one believed your story, but you were sticking to it nonetheless. You’d seen photos online of Luke out and about with various beautiful women amongst the partying crew, and even though you knew better than to torture yourself with doom-scrolling through the internet, you couldn’t help yourself. You had to keep reminding yourself that it was YOU that wanted the breakup, and that it was for the best. Or something like that.

It was coming to the end of your big project, and the entire office decided to head out for celebratory drinks. You only stayed for a couple, because after a month of overtime you were ready for bed. Your boss took you aside to assure you that the promotion was yours and the new contract would be on your desk on Monday, and as you reassured him you were excited to take on the role, a song playing over the bar’s speakers made you stop in your tracks. You’d spent many a Sunday morning dancing around the kitchen making pancakes with Luke and singing these words; something you’d completely forgotten until this moment. As you stepped outside to await your Uber, the first person you wanted to call with the news was Luke. Your fingers hovered over his name for a good few minutes before your Uber driver honked and broke you out of her trance, and you settled for texting the group chat instead to share your exciting update. Lots of confetti and heart eyes emojis started popping up alongside congratulatory messages, and you let out a giggle when you saw that Luke had sent a photo of Petunia with “congrats!” scrawled across it in purple font. It was the last thing you remembered, before the squealing of tyres and your vision going black. 

Just when I think you're gone, Hear our song on the radio

Just like that, takes me back, To the places we used to go

The rhythmic beeping of the hospital monitors was the first thing you noticed as you stirred awake. The second was a dull pain across your skull, and the third was that your arm was in a sling. Fourth was the large, warm hand that was holding your own and gently squeezing; without opening your eyes, you knew it was Luke’s. You felt too weak to say any words, so instead you tried your best to squeeze back as you slowly opened your eyes. You heard a sharp intake of breath, before Luke’s smiling face came into view.

“Hey there, sweetheart. How are you feeling?” Luke asked, reaching up to gently brush some hair out of your eyes.

“Like I was in a car accident.” You managed to croak out, shooting him a wry smile and earning a laugh in return.

“You are correct, you can pass go, and collect $200. A pretty gnarly accident, the car’s a write-off, but thankfully everyone’s injuries are relatively minor. Some dickhead ran a red light.” You could tell Luke was trying to remain calm, but under the surface he was pissed.

“Not ideal, but at least I get a few days off work.” You joked, grimacing as you tried to sit up. Luke stood and gently maneuvered your pillows to support your back and shoulders better, and you felt a zap of electricity as his hands brushed your arms in passing.

As Luke sat back in the chair next to the bed, you suddenly realised that it was just the two of you in the hospital room. 

“No offence, Hemmo, but what are you doing here? Considering we’re no longer significant others, and all…” You said awkwardly, looking down at your arm sling with sudden great interest.

“Very observant, dear. Glad to see the concussion hasn’t affected your short term memory, I was worried you’d forget me entirely. You did, however, forget to update your emergency contact details, so I guess I was first on the list for the hospital to call. Ash, KayKay and I have been taking shifts but they’re out getting food right now - “ The rest of Luke’s explanation was cut off by a gasp and a cheer at the door, signalling Ashton and KayKay’s return and subsequent delight at you being awake.

The days that followed were uncomfortable physically, but kind of heartwarming emotionally. You got home to your apartment thanks to KayKay’s assistance, and found that your friends had stocked your fridge and freezer full of ready-made meals and your favourite snacks. They’d also made a roster so not a day went by without someone popping in to check on you, although you noticed that Luke never came by. 

Your recovery was slow but steady, and soon enough the doctors gave you the all clear. At this point, it was nearly 6 months since you’d broken up with Luke, and you could feel your mindset shifting. He was no longer the first person you wanted to call with good or bad news, or the first memories that popped into your head when you needed cheering up. It almost felt like… relief? Because for the longest time, even though you knew the break up was for the best, detaching yourself from one another seemed almost in possible after so many years of so many memories. 

I've been waking up alone, I haven't thought of him for days

I'll be honest, It's better off this way

The tipping point came at Calum’s birthday party, a month or so later. Ashton had invited you out for coffee and nonchalantly mentioned that maybe, possibly, well actually extremely likely almost definitely Luke was bringing a date to the gathering at Cal’s house; a girl he’d been seeing for a month or so. Everyone wanted you to be comfortable, and everyone, Cal especially, wanted you to be there, but they also understood if you wanted to avoid any potential awkward encounters with Luke and his new love interest. You assured Ashton that it would be fine, that you honestly weren’t bothered, and laughed off his suggestion of setting you up with a super hot blind date to help level the playing field.

The night came along, and you found yourself stumbling along Calum’s front path in the dark as you tried not to drop the gift you’d bought for him (a new cookbook and a collection of various hot sauces).  “Bloody 5sos and the “no good party starts until 11pm rule”, you muttered to yourself as you almost tripped over again, and you heard an indignant shout that sounded very Ashton-like behind you.

“Oi! Don’t be mad at us, you know that rule has never let us down!” Ashton bellowed, as he came forward with his phone flashlight switched on, KayKay not too far behind him.

“Damn girl, you like fiiiiiine!” KayKay said, letting out a low whistle. You rolled your eyes, knowing she was exaggerating. Your outfit was essentially a denim skirt and a t-shirt - maybe you’d sexed it up a little bit with some thigh high boots, tousled hair and a red lip, but all’s fair in love and war, right?

The three of you made it inside, and a very tipsy Calum greeted you with open arms and a lot of excitement at your gift of hot sauce. It felt so nice to be back with all your friends at a house party, like the old days, and you found yourself stepping out onto the back patio for a moment of quiet reflection and to share some pats with Duke.

You’d exchanged a wave with Luke when you’d entered the house, but hadn’t quite worked up the confidence to go up and speak to him, especially when he had his new girl in close proximity. She looked really friendly, though, and you could tell from the spark in both of their eyes that their relationship was blossoming in the best possible way. Part of you thought you’d be upset about it, but all you truly felt was content. Content in your life as it was, surrounded by friends that loved you just as much as you loved them, and actually quite proud of how far you’d come over the past year. You’d learned to stand on your own two feet, and you’d grown into a much more settled, independent human as a result. 

You were lost in your train of thought when you heard the song change on the speakers inside. Duke’s ears perked up and he licked your hand attentively when you stopped patting him as the song registered - it was your song. Or at least, it used to be. You felt a smile creep onto your face when you remembered the Sunday mornings of pancakes and singalongs, and the smile grew wider when you saw Luke’s girlfriend dragging him onto the dancefloor, much to his (fake) protests. You made eye contact with your kind-hearted, softly-smiling, gentle-eyed ex-boyfriend, and for a split second you saw a flash of concern cross his face. In response, you raised your glass in a cheers and shot him a wink, which earned a smile and a small laugh from Luke before he turned his attention back to the beautiful girl in his arms. You took a sip, and smiled to yourself. It truly was better off this way. 

When I hear it, I just can't stop smiling, I remember you're gone

Baby, it's just a song on the radio, That we used to know

Taglist: If there’s a line through your name, I couldn’t tag you, so please message me to let me know your new URL or what the go is!   @suchalonelysunflower @blackbutterfliescal @redrattlers @loveroflrh @spicycal @notinthesameguey @metalandboybands @cheekysos @ashton-trash  @another-lonely-heart @queenalienscherrypie  @becihadshawn  @allthestarsandthemoon  @oyesmendes​ @andrianawinchester @333-xx  @findingliam-o @hoodhoran @rbforsmileycal @myloverboyash @myhappylittleyoutubee @saywhatnow07 @secretsicanthideanymore @ar1analara  @killmywildflower​

Circles: 3

Things with Peter had seemed to accelerate once you’d both admitted that you had true feelings for one another. It seemed cliche and made you incredibly uncomfortable when you thought about how much of a stereotype you were becoming. Damaged girl meets class act boy, falls in love, hides feelings due to traumatic past, but in the end it’s all sunshine and rainbows. 

Unless it wasn’t. 

Your relationship with the handsome former MLB player was going so well, in fact, that a few weeks after you’d shared your feelings he asked if you wanted to move in with him. It was conveniently timed as your lease was up soon, and you’d begun to feel even more connected to Peter. 

In a bold move, you’d begun packing and had informed your landlord that you’d be moving out at the end of the month. You kept the days in check on your calendar and found yourself growing giddy at the thought of moving in with him. 

“But what if I snore really loud?” you’d asked one evening, your head in his lap as he brushed your hair back from your face. 

“You do.” His answer was factual but he laughed despite the preciseness of his response. 

You gasped and swatted at his hands to prevent him from touching you. “That’s a lie. You’re the one who snores, honestly. It’s so bad. It’s like I live in the woods of the Pacific Northwest and you’re a lumberjack who works overtime to meet his tree quota.” 

He rolled his eyes dismissively and stood up, sliding you off of the couch and onto the floor in one swift movement. “You’ve thought long and hard about how you were going to describe that, didn’t you?” 

From the floor, you poked your bottom lip out and grumbled loudly. “I can’t believe you just left me down here.” 

Peter was silent until he came back into the living room with a bottle of wine and two glasses, sitting on the floor next to you with a thud. “I came back.” 

“How sweet of you,” you replied dryly, but accepted the glass he handed you and took a sip of the bitter red wine he poured for you. 

“Kind of hard to believe in just two weeks you’re going to be living here. We’ve already got movers ready, and your apartment is back up for rent. I even cleared out half of the closet for you,” he explained and carefully pulled you towards him with his arm around your shoulders. “Honestly I’m kind of nervous.” 

“Nervous why?” you asked and peered up at him curiously. 

He shrugged and drank a little more from his glass before answering. “It’s a big step. A good step, but a big step. I think it’s normal to feel nervous. Aren’t you?” 

“No, not at all.” Your answer was too quick - and something in Peter’s eyes made you think that he was onto your games. But, if he knew, he didn’t say a word. How terrible would he feel if you told him that you’d become nearly sick thinking about moving in with him and how it was going to uproot your routine and your life. It was a selfish thought. If Peter cared enough for you to change his lifestyle for you, why weren’t you being just as open minded? 

Peter seemed like he was under more stress than usual when you saw him that evening. He was short but polite, almost as if he had something eating away at him that he wouldn’t say. The only thing that really struck you as odd was that he insisted that you stay in, and that he would prefer it be at your place even though nearly everything you owned was packed up and waiting to be shipped off to his apartment. 

“You seem like something’s really bothering you, and I know it’s probably work. I just want you to know that if there’s anything I can do to make your life easier, I’ll do it,” you reminded him as you wrapped up your paper plate takeout meal. 

He smiled meekly and placed his hand on yours. “I appreciate that, Y/N. I really appreciate how good you are to me and how much I can trust you and depend on you even when I feel like I’m a burden.” 

Your smile melted into a frown almost immediately. It was like he’d read your diary - or he had bugged your mind and was able to hear your every thought. “You’re never a burden. In fact, I truly enjoy helping you. It makes me happy to know I’m making you happy.” 

“Why are you frowning?” he asked, but you waved him off and stood up to clean up the night’s mess. 

“I just don’t like to see you sad.” 

“Can’t be happy all the time. That’s not reasonable.” 

You shrugged and leaned against the counter in your empty kitchen, folding your arms across your chest. “I know. But I’d like to think if I tried hard enough I could make you happy, infinitely.” 

“You already do, I promise...” he trailed off with a sigh and stood up, closing the space between your bodies so he could wrap you in his arms. “I love you, Y/N. I don’t mean to leave so suddenly but I’ve got a huge case I’m working on and it’s gonna take up some of my time - more than usual anyway. Please, please lock the door once I’m gone and don’t answer it if you don’t 100% know who it is. Alright?” 

“Okay, I’ll be extra cautious. Is there something I should be worried about?” You buried your face against his neck and pressed gentle kisses against his skin, lingering for a moment before you pulled away. 

“I..” he began, but stopped. “No, it’s just this case that’s got my mind working in overdrive and I just want you to be extra cautious. You’re one of the most important people in my life and I don’t want anything happening to you.” 

Communication with Peter had been somewhat spotty in the days leading up to your move. In fact, you’d only gotten one text back despite the few you’d sent him, and it was a very simple “okay” - very unlike him. You chalked it up to jitters, maybe he was worried about you moving in or maybe that case really was trying his patience. 

The day before you were scheduled to move in with Peter, you sat in your office at work and read the closed captioning on the television. There had been some sort of trafficking case that had gone terribly wrong and it looked like it ended in casualties. Several names were scrolling across the bottom of the screen as you continued reading, until one name in particular scrolled across the screen and appeared with a picture. 

Pamela Stone. 

You stood up from your desk and grabbed your cellphone, stepping outside into the hallway for privacy. 

“You’ve reached the voicemail of ADA Peter Stone. Please leave a message.” 

You hung up and immediately called his office. 

“ADA Peter Stone’s office. How may I help you?” Carmen greeted politely. 

“Carmen, it’s Y/N. Is Peter in his office?” Your heart was pounding in your ears and you felt like you were going to pass out onto the floor. 

“Y/N, I’m not sure if you heard...” she murmured into the phone. 

“I just.. yes, I heard. Please tell me he’s there? I can’t get up with him and I’m worried...” 

She sighed into the receiver. “I’m so sorry, but I haven’t seen him since yesterday. I haven’t been able to reach him, either.” 

“Okay.. thank you, Carmen. Have a good day. I’ll speak with you again soon.” 

Carmen reciprocated and you hung up the phone. 

You walked back into the office and marched immediately to your office manager’s desk. “I need to leave.” 

She looked up at you and gasped. “Oh honey you look like you seen a ghost!”

“Something like that. I’ll call you later,” you said and you turned on your heel to leave, listening to the popping of her gum as you grabbed your things and fled the office. 

Peter wasn’t at his apartment. In fact, it didn’t look like he’d been there in a few days. When you unlocked the door and stepped inside it felt empty - as if there hadn’t been a soul present in sometime. The dishes in the sink spoke volumes about his time spent at home. It indicated very little. You scribbled him a note that read 

Please call me. I’m so worried about you. I love you. x

And with that, you skipped over his office and went straight to SVU. Someone was bound to know where he was, and someone had to know what happened. Was this the case that he’d been talking about making him nervous? How did his sister, who was quite ill, end up in the middle of it all? Who would kill someone so innocent?

“May I help you?” the guard at the reception desk asked. 

“Hi, yes, I hope so. I’m looking for ADA Peter Stone,” you explained, taking a quick glance at your phone to see if he’d called you back. Nothing. 

“Ma’am, this isn’t the ADA’s office.” 

You gritted your teeth and smiled with a clenched jaw. “Yes, I know. But he wasn’t in his office nor at his home, and I know he’s the ADA for SVU. Can I speak with Lieutenant Benson?” 

He stood up and held his hand up to you to stay where you were. “Hang on, let me see if I can get someone to help you.” 

A few minutes later the Lieutenant came walking towards you and guided you back to her office. She said nothing as you walked past the desks of the working detectives who all looked like they were exhausted and defeated. 

“First of all, I just want to say it’s really nice to meet you finally, Y/N,” she said as she shut the door behind you and took a seat at her desk. 

“Thank you, ma’am. It’s nice to meet you, too. I’m sorry that I just showed up. I didn’t know where else to go, honestly,” you explained and wrung your hands in your lap absently. 

“I’m really sorry but Peter hasn’t been here, either.” 

You nodded to state that you understood and stayed silent. 

“When did you hear from him last?” 

“Yesterday morning. And then I saw on the news today when I was at work... about his sister...” you trailed off and began tapping your foot on the floor nervously. 

“After everything that happened last night, I wouldn’t be surprised if he needed some time.” 

“Oh, yes. I know. I just want to make sure that he’s okay.” 

On her desk, the Lieutenant’s phone rang. You glanced down just in time to see Peter’s name appear on the screen. 

“If you’ll excuse me for just a moment,” she said and shot up, heading into an interrogation room to take the call. 

You sighed in defeat. Peter was ignoring you. Fair enough, but it was a little too much for you to swallow at the time. While Benson was on her call with Peter, you silently left her office and the precinct. 

Once out on the street, you made one more phone call. 

“Doctor Harper? It’s Y/N. I know it’s not on schedule but I really need to see you, please.” 

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 4/17/2019

Good MORNING  #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Wednesday April 17th 2019. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purchasing a Midweek Nation Newspaper (MWN).

MOTTLEY CALLS URGENT MEETING ON TRANSPORTATION – Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has summoned an urgent meeting of all major players in the public transport sector to look at the current state of the system. This meeting will take place at 11 a.m. tomorrow, at Government Headquarters on Bay Street, and will be attended by officials of the Transport Authority, the Transport Board, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance, and representatives of the various organizations representing public sector vehicle operators. According to Press Secretary, Roy Morris, “there is no doubt that the gap between the expectations of commuters and what is being delivered by both public and private sector operations is too great for business as usual to prevail, and it would not be a misrepresentation to describe what now obtains as being in crisis or near crisis. “However, the Prime Minister has made it clear that she is determined to ensure there are short term solutions put in place while the country awaits the arrival of new buses”. He added: “And while the Prime Minister has been out of the island over the past week, she has so continued to keep a very close watch on the situation, and tomorrow's meeting is to ensure that all players understand that the best interest of commuters must always be at the forefront of decision making and actions taken.” (BGIS)

LIST OF CONCERNS FOR PM’S TRANSPORTATION MEETING –Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Cynthia Forde says they have compiled a list of issues to present to Prime Minister Mia Mottley at an urgent meeting of stakeholders in the transport sector tomorrow. Forde, who was touring the Princess Alice and Cheapside Terminals today with Senator Kay McConney, press secretary Roy Morris and other officials, said this came after two days of observation. The Minister said they spent some time in the Fairchild Street Terminal speaking to commuters on Monday, when the new $3.50 bus fares went into effect. Among the concerns raised during those conversations included long waits and a lack of buses from Fairchild Street. The Minister said the washroom room facilities also needed upgrading at Princess Alice, she pointed to “disorder” at Cheapside due to a lack of demarcation lines and no running water. Mottley summoned an urgent meeting of all stakeholders in the transport sector at 11 a.m. at Government Headquarters, Bay Street. During this year’s Budget, she announced bus fares would be increased from $2 and since it went into effect, there has been strong public backlash. (MWN)

BUS FARE TOO HIGH FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN – It is not only adults feeling the pinch as several school children spoke out against the rise in bus fare today. Nazaria Brathwaite, a sixth form student at The Lodge School in Society, St John, said there was hardly ever a school bus for them so they had to resort to catching those to College Savannah, but they were also scarce. She said some parents could only afford to give their children $10, and if they had to spend that to travel on the vans and minibuses, they would have to go hungry. In Fairchild Street, a group of stranded Springer Memorial students said they were put off their school bus because it was full and were waiting until when another came. They could not afford to catch a van. Today is the first day back at school after the Hilary term holiday for thousands of school children, many of whom have opted to ride free on the Transport Board buses after bus fares were increased from $2 to $3.50 in this year’s Budget. (MWN)

COMMUTERS CRY UN-FARE – Barbadians were crying “foul, not fair” all over the island as the first day of the new bus fares swung into operation yesterday. While management of the Transport Board reported that Barbadians were taking advantage of its Travel Smart cards to reap some savings, commuters were complaining from Oistins in Christ Church to Speightstown, St Peter. But they are not the only ones upset, as some public service vehicle (PSV) operators are lamenting that now they have to pay out more in their lease arrangement with their bosses – the owners – and it simply wasn’t fair to them. The price hike from $2 to $3.50 was initially announced in Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s Budget last month. A woman, waiting for a van in the Cheapside stand in Bridgetown, summed up the sentiments of many of her fellow commuters. Giving her name as Heather, she told the NATION: “There are some people who have no choice but to catch the bus. It’s the people that make the least amount that are going to be affected the most by this because they are already dealing with increased taxation.  (MWN)

PSV OWNERS DEMANDING MORE MONEY, OPERATORS CLAIM – Some ZR and minibus drivers and conductors are accusing “wicked” employers of using the hike in bus fare to exploit them, charging high leasing fees on just day two of the $3.50 fare. Some drivers and conductors complained to Barbados TODAY that PSV owners were now ordering them to hand in a larger percentage of their day’s earnings. The operators explained that before the increase in bus fare from $2 to $3.50, owners required between $225 and $250 per day for the lease of route taxis, but they are now demanding between $450 and $500. Minibus drivers said they now have to move from paying owners between $450 and $500, to between $900 and $1000 daily. Drivers and conductors today, speaking to a roving Barbados TODAY team, accused PSV owners of being unreasonable and unfair to them. One driver said there has been a falloff in commuter numbers on his route since the new bus fare went into effect on Monday, The demands of the ZR van owner are now forcing him to look for another job before “I drown”, he said. A driver at the River Terminal complained: “You know who profiting right now, the owners. I work yesterday and I ain’t get no more money than I does get. The drivers still at square one. The owners wicked. “Them playing them doing the maths and looking to get more money for themselves. They want all the profit. I telling you now that any owner out here that got one of the minivans and go to $400 a day, he wicked.” Another driver said he made $600 on Tuesday, but only went home with about $60 after handing over $450 to the owner and the remaining $90 in diesel. “So I looking to shift this driving thing too, because with all this money them want from you now you can’t make no money for yourself. I can’t handle this,” he said. The Alliance Owners of Public Transport’s public relations officer, Mark Haynes, told Barbados TODAY he was not aware of the development but would investigate. But Haynes said if the workers’ claims are true, the exploitation should not happen since “in this whole exercise we are looking for fairness and equity”. Haynes said PSV owners and workers should come to an understanding that would benefit both parties. He said: “To be fair to that driver, he is commuting the passengers and he may feel hard done by if he is not adequately remunerated. There must be some equilibrium. At the end of the day the driver has a life and he wants to work and he is working hard and I think in all fairness he should be treated fairly. He should not be discriminated against because of an increase in fare. It is not balanced and it is something that needs to be looked into.”(BT)

EASE US VENDORS – Vendors and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators in the River Road van stand are sick and fed up of water settling in the area after heavy rainfall. They complained that the water which can settle for long periods, was unhygienic and a threat to members of the public. Some vendors told Barbados TODAY that they understand it would be difficult to stop water from running into the van stand from the Constitution River because of various factors. However, they believe it was possible for something to be done to avoid the water from settling and breeding mosquitoes. Food vendor Devorn Boxill who sells donuts and other baked goodies from a van situated close to the water, complained that the unsanitary conditions were causing her to develop respiratory complications. “Something has to be done about this. I can’t feel good about this because I selling food here, and other people selling food. I will have to look for something else to do, because this making me sick,” Boxill said. The owner of Dave’s Takeaway recalled that for many years he has been talking about the problem, which he described as a health risk. The owner pointed out that over the years the relevant authorities have toured the area and promised to put measures in place to stop the water from settling. He said he does not believe talking about it would bring about a solution now. “This is years now we dealing with this. I used to brush it off, but I just get tired of doing that. I complain to this Government when them was in before, then I complain to the other government and them say they would get around to it . . . Look as a poor man you got to live with whatever happen to you,” the owner said. The vendors said they have made the effort to try to get rid of the water whenever it settles. One vendor said a few years ago he bought a pump to pump off the water, but that equipment has since broken down. “Since then I went and I buy a blower and that is what I use to blow away some of the water. But the blower only works when the water is low. Man this is beyond ridiculous, and nobody is helping us out with this,” the vendor said. ZR drivers and conductors told Barbados TODAY that they hoped authorities would step in to make changes to the physical landscape of the van stand, before somebody is badly injured. “If a pregnant woman comes cross here and she fall down, you know what will happen? Then they would run and try to see how best they could get rid of the water. Sometimes people who come to catch the van does slip and fall down in that dirty water,” one concerned female conductor said.  (BT)

BEWARE OF ‘PIRATE ZRS’, WARNS AOPT – As bus fare shot up by 75 per cent yesterday, a group of route taxi owners has called for a police clamp-down on pirate vans seeking to cash in on the increase. Alliance Owners of Public Transport spokesman Mark Haynes said he is concerned that there could be an increase in maxi taxis seeking to undercut route taxis as the single-trip fare moved from $2.00 to $3.50. Haynes said: “This could be a concern for AOPT and other public service vehicle bodies.  I think that when one gets increases like this, things like this happens. But this will be something for the police to monitor. “Of course, if we are cognisant of who those persons are, we will draw it to the police’s attention and we hope that the police will pursue them.” But Haynes said that it is too early into the new fares to determine if piracy has increased. The AOPT spokesman contended that illegal operators are always willing to exploit periods of adjustments while legitimate operators have all of their requisite fees to cover. He said: “In these types of situations these persons always try to capitalise as best they can. We are hoping that we do not get a lot of pirates in this situation because this will have a negative impact on the operators who have to pay their annual fees and it will not be fair to them. “We are asking the police to vigorously pursue these perpetrators if they are caught. They must learn that there are consequences for such actions. “Those persons who are guilty need to do some personal introspection to determine if it really makes sense to go and pirate only to be slapped with heavy penalties before the law courts. However, we are mindful that things like this are inevitable and will take place.” There was mixed reaction this morning to the bus fare hike, especially given the insistence that privately-owned route taxis and minibuses require school children pay full fare, effectively ending the discounted price under the old fare. School children in uniform will still be able to ride free on the state-owned Transport Board buses. Haynes predicted that school children will gravitate towards the Transport Board buses. The AOPT spokesman said: “I think that they will gravitate towards the Government buses, given what is before them, we hope that is what happens. The point is that once they get on the PSVs, they are required to pay the $3.50 bus fares. The law doesn’t differentiate, so they have to pay the $3.50 according to law and PSV workers are required by law to accept it.” As for mixed reaction from commuters to the new fare, Haynes said he is confident that Barbadians will come around to the rising transport cost. He declared: “Barbadians are cognisant of the fact that the bus fare increase is a reality, so they have taken it seriously and people are complying with the new law. So far it has been smooth, and people are traversing and we are hoping that we will continue to get good reports.” (BT)

CUSTOMERS FRUSTRATED WITH AIRPORT CUSTOMS SERVICE - For a few hours yesterday, frustrated customers were unable to get their goods cleared from the Customs facility at Terminal 2, Grantley Adams International Airport. One customer told the NATION when she arrived at the Christ Church facility after 9 a.m., there was no senior officer in place to deal with goods that might attract exemptions. She said about 15 to 20 people were waiting to get their goods cleared, but they were informed the customs officer had been ordered to go to Bridgetown. Those whose paperwork was straightforward were able to pay the cashier and leave. Some left in frustration while others mingled around the facility hoping to gettheir goods cleared. The customer was concerned about the storage fees, which start around $23 per day depending on the weight of the freight, if she was unable to get her package. “That is your port of entry. People bring their freight through the airport for [speed],” she said.  (MWN)

NEW RATE COMING – In two months investors in renewable energy will have a decision on a standardized rate of return for the power they supply to the national grid. This morning Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Wilfred Abrahams, revealed that the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) has been given the responsibility to define the feeding tariff for persons producing up to one megawatt of electricity. The minister explained that investors would be locked into this rate of return for the next 20 years. “By July 6, the FTC should have advised us as to what the proper feeding tariffs for renewable energy should be,” said Abrahams, who broke the news from his office at Country Road this morning. Abrahams further revealed that the FTC would not be constrained by the feeding tariff pricing structure for larger systems producing over one megawatt. Noting that he expected rates to fall below what is currently being offered, Abrahams gave the assurance that the new permanent rate would ensure that investors receive fair returns, in light of significant reductions in the cost of the technology over the years. “I have no doubt that the feeding-tariff rate is going to drop from where it is now. I would have to await the advice of the FTC to see what it ends up being. Currently we don’t know because we are operating with old data and we did not want to make that decision using old data. So we thought it best to get a new market study that looks at the new developments in the sector and come up with a recommendation,” said Abrahams, who pointed out that the price of solar panels have come down by 60 per cent over the last seven years. For some time, investors in renewable energy have complained that they were unable to secure financing for their projects, as lending institutions were deterred by the instability of rates, which were influenced by the fluctuation in oil prices. In 2016 the FTC set a temporary rate for the power being sold to the national grid under the RER programme at $0.416/kWh for solar photovoltaic and $0.315/kWh for wind “until such time as a permanent rate may be established”. At the time, the FTC said the decision was taken to increase the capacity limit to 500 kW from 150 kW. The uncertainty in the sector has dampened appetite for new investment and with Barbados looking to be a carbon-neutral country by 2030, Abrahams made it clear that impetus was urgently needed. “For us to get to the 100 per cent renewable energy target by 2030, our sector cannot grow incrementally. We require nothing less than a tectonic shift to get there. It has to be a radical transformation. So, this is our good faith gesture,” he said, revealing that under the feeding-tariff rate, the issuing of those licences will cut off after a total of 10 megawatts have been achieved. The development represents a major step in the fulfillment of the promise to review the Barbados Electric Light and Power Act and the National Energy Policy 2017 – 2037, which was made to stakeholders last July.  At the time businessman and renewable energy investor Ralph ‘Bizzy’ Williams welcomed a permanent tariff for power sold to the BL&P, saying while he did not know what the permanent rate would be, he was certain the industry would “take off” once the decision was made. (BT)

CAL’S ‘CROP OVER CARRIER’ – Trinidad and Tobago’s national carrier, Caribbean Airlines, is now the official airline of the Crop Over Festival, Minister of Tourism and International Transport Kerri Symmonds has announced. He made the declaration at the inaugural landing of CAL’s first direct flight from Jamaica. Flight BW455, a two-and-a-half hour flight piloted by Ian Wilson and Tanisha Clover, touched down in Barbados just before 7 p.m with much fanfare. The Boeing 757-800 seats up to 150 passengers. In a speech at the landing ceremony, the Minister of Tourism said the flight bridges gaps between Bridgetown and Kingston and forges linkages for culture, commerce, trade, travel, and tourism. “We cannot forget that part of that cultural experience, that vehicle that takes people to Barbados… is the cultural image that this country has created around itself. “The ideal of bringing the region together has for a long time been at the very forefront of my administration priorities we feel that every step must be taken to keep our people being able to make contact with each other for tourism purposes, cultural, heritage, entertainment purposes and… tourism and commerce purposes.” He also disclosed that the island saw a 2.2 per cent increase in arrivals from Jamaica in 2018, with 9,000 Jamaican visitors. He noted that in 2018 the Grantley Adams International Airport  welcomed 681,197 visitors –  17,868 more than in 2017. There was a 4.4 per cent increase in intra-Caribbean tourism last year as well. The Minister expressed that he believed the direct flight from Caribbean Airlines would reap “better results and better returns”. Symmonds declared: “Gone hopefully forever should be the days of a Bajan leaving to go to Jamaica and deciding he will pass through the continental United States of America . . .  This is our baby and if we commit to helping our baby grow, then hopefully one day this will not be twice weekly, but three times, four times, five times or even daily as it should have been.” Head communications officer of Caribbean Airlines Limited Dionne Ligoure while referring to the airline’s 2019 theme of Caribbean Identity, emphasized that the carrier is also the official airline and sponsor for Reggae Sumfest and other events and festivals throughout the region. “There are no bridges to connect the Caribbean islands and so air transportation provides an essential link among our islands for tourism, for trade and for the general movement of people,” Ligoure said. “The launch of this service really represents an integral part of Caribbean Airlines vision to connect the regions and to bring our islands much closer together.” She revealed that the airline sought to enhance the customer experience through redesigning the website and offering packages.  (BT)

SIGNS OF RECOVERY – Despite forecasting that the economy will shrink again this year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has told Barbados TODAY it’s convinced that the economy is now on a “sounder footing”. The IMF is predicting a -0.1 per cent decline in the Barbados economy this year, likely to be the worst performance in the region, before bumping up to 0.6 per cent next year. Deputy Director of the Western Hemisphere Department of the IMF Aasim Husain told Barbados TODAY the country’s position, compared to a year ago, is vastly different and from all indications is going in the right direction. Recalling that Barbados had one of the highest debt levels in the world and precariously low levels of reserves, Husain said after entering a near-$600 million (US$290 million) Extended Fund Facility with the IMF last year, the country had already seen off a number of weaknesses in the economy. “Our forecast for the moment for this year is just slightly negative growth of -0.1 per cent. So, basically, flat. But that marks a recovery from the past. And I think part of that is the start of new policies that are putting the economy on a sounder footing,” Husain said. Pointing to the more than doubling of the reserves from a mere six weeks of import or $410 million at the end of December 2017 to approximately $1 billion as at the end of last year, the IMF economist said he was also pleased to see public debt on a downward trajectory. “So, we hope that in future years, growth will also return. “The big, headline going in to the (IMF) programme had been the very high level of public debt -160 per cent of GDP – and very low level of reserves. Those two issues are being addressed under the programme. That is in the process of being restructured. “The bulk of public debt, which is the domestic part, has already been restructured, and negotiations with external creditors are underway. “With this in process, fiscal consolidation underway as well and deep structural reforms also being undertaken, the economy is on sounder footing.” The IMF’s director of the Western Hemisphere section Alejandro Werner, told Barbados TODAY he was upbeat about the economic prospects for the Caribbean this year and going forward. He said the overall positive growth started some three years ago “on the back of an important resumption of tourism”, it and should be sustained. He also pointed to the level of investment in some parts of the region as well as commodity exports, which he said were bouncing back. Werner said: “We have seen that most of these countries have already absorbed the significant declining income coming from commodities after the declining commodity prices, and now all of them are coming back to growth. “Obviously, the Caribbean continues to be a region within Latin America that is also exhibiting, not sufficient growth to satisfy the amount of the population and the needed increases in social indicators.” He also pointed out that a number of regional economies were still struggling to manage high levels of debt. Werner also acknowledged that the region remained exposed to natural disasters and other external shocks, which could grossly impact its positive outlook and leave economies with heavy financial burdens for several years. He added: “So, we are developing financial frameworks for countries to manage financial implications of natural disasters in a much more effective way. “We’re also trying to advocate for much more ex ante (before the event) financial support for these countries instead of ex post after the natural disaster has hit so that these countries are better able to manage the risk and are in a better position to invest in natural disaster resilient infrastructure. “That is what our teams are working with many countries in the region, but obviously, it’s a work in progress.”  (BT)

FREE SERVICES – The president of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) is charging that the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is continuing to exploit Barbadian teachers by making them correct School-based Assessments (SBAs) papers without compensation. Mary Redman told Barbados TODAY that CXC is not the employer of local teachers and the SBA is one of the three examinations papers externally set and moderated by the CXC to achieve certification at the CSEC and CAPE level. “CXC pays examiners to correct the other two papers in recognition that they constitute a part of their own exams but will not compensate the teachers for marking the third part, the SBA. In this way, the ministry is hiring out the services of local teachers to a third party – CXC for free and that nowhere is there such a provision outlined in the law as it relates to the duties of a teacher,” Redman said. The BSTU president said under the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) ministry officials said they would seek an opinion on the matter from the Solicitor General. The BSTU provided the ministry with documentation to support the call for compensation and asked that it be forwarded to the Solicitor General, she explained. “The BSTU received a three-sentence response from the then Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education claiming that the Solicitor General had offered an opinion indicating that the correction of SBAs constituted part of a teacher’s duties and no supporting reason or references in the law were provided as an argument in support of this opinion,” she said. Redman stated some BSTU members have decided not to correct SBAs and they have been doing so for the past five years. She told Barbados TODAY the movement is growing in the region as teachers in Jamaica are now compensated by the Government for correcting SBAs and there is also movement by Grenada and St Lucia in their demand for compensation. She also highlighted that in Trinidad, the teachers’ union had taken the ministry of education to court for threatening punitive action against their teachers who refuse to correct SBAs. However, she said, unfortunately, the members of the BUT have not shown solidarity on this matter but indicated that when the battle is won all secondary teachers will benefit. “The BUT has never come on board with us in this regard. The majority of BUT teachers in their secondary schools do correct SBAs and they correct the SBAs that our members don’t correct. When we win this battle, our teachers will benefit. The argument is clear, logical and valid, therefore, the executive of the BUT should be supporting the BSTU with this,” she said. Redman said their actions would not negatively impact the students but they are beyond frustrated and would like to receive compensation for taking on additional duties on top of their already heavy workload. “The actions can in no way impact negatively on the student’s success as the CXC has a legal obligation to all persons registering to sit their exams to ensure all of their examination papers including the SBAs are corrected,” she said. “Personally, I do not think that Government should pay teachers to correct CXC as the SBA is not part of a domestic or an internal exam. It is done in the school setting, yes, but it does not form a part of the internal assessment of students. It is part of CXC’s externally tested and moderated exam. I would like us to sit down and discuss how our teachers can be properly compensated if they expect us to, supervise, mark and do all of the data entry that CXC now requires,” she said. “CXC has never in its 40 odd years of existence sat down with any Caribbean trade union or the umbrella body which is the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) to discuss remuneration for teachers for correcting any of their exams. They have never done it,” she said. Meanwhile, principal of Combermere School Vincent Fergusson said his students would not be affected as the school had implemented measures to ensure that their SBAs are submitted by the Thursday, April 18 deadline. Speaking to the media at the re-opening of the renovated female bathroom he said no student at his school would suffer because teachers have decided not to correct SBAs without compensation. “In a few days’ we should have them all ready and uploaded to CXC,” he said. (BT)

HAPPY SCHOOL RETURN – Students and teachers at the Milton Lynch Primary School were pleased with what they saw when they returned to the classroom today. The physical plant and surroundings of the Water Street, Christ Church all boys’ school received a much-needed facelift with extensive repairs and sanitary work being completed over the recent break. Necessary lighting fixtures were put in place, bathroom urinals and sinks replaced, and the cow-itch on the playing field removed. The change was so noticeable, that one male teacher remarked that he felt “different” when he walked into the institution this morning. The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) shop steward at the school Mark Green told Barbados TODAY teachers were pleased to see that Minister of Education Santia Bradshaw kept her word to students, staff and parents after visiting and seeing first-hand the conditions they had to endure. “They replaced all the lighting that needed replacing, and they gave us some additional lighting as well because the school is too dark at night. They replaced all the guttering that wanted replacing, and they fixed up both boys’ bathrooms because a number of stalls and toilets were not working. “The classrooms were cleaned, they fixed the well because a smell was coming from it. They removed the old prefab building that was termite-infested and they also treated the school for termites,” Greene said. The fencing around the school which was another bone of contention for students and teachers, has been replaced to stop stray animals from coming onto the compound and making a mess. Fans and the air-conditioning units were also refurbished. Green, the school’s information technology coordinator admitted that while there was work still to be done, improving the sanitary conditions made a significant difference to those that go there to work and learn. He said the dirty, dusty conditions had become a major bother for them. “We are happy with what has been done. We know there is more to be done but we are aware it is going to take time before everything is completed. But for now, the environment feels cleaner, it feels a lot better and it makes you feel as though you are coming to an environment where you really want to now give 100 per cent. “The students are feeling good about the classrooms and about how the overall environment. The boys are happy that they are now able to go back on the pasture. We really appreciate the fact that the ministry came and saw the issues that we were complaining about and took steps to make it better,” Green said. Last term, a group of frustrated parents took to the sidewalk outside the school to protest a range of problems plaguing the school, including rodent and termite infestation and the unsanitary bathrooms. During that time, Class 4 students preparing for the Common Entrance Examination in May were accommodated at the Christ Church Foundation and a nearby church. (BT)

MINISTER STEPS IN –A vendor renting beach chairs at Bathsheba, St Joseph, who has been threatened with closure by the National Conservation Commission, is to be relocated to “more suitable surroundings”, as the minister responsible for the NCC intervenes. Minister of the Environment and National Beautification Trevor Prescod revealed that vendor Chawn Morris will have the opportunity to ply his trade in a more “lucrative’ spot, a solution he said would be to the mutual benefit of all involved. In an Barbados TODAY interview, Prescod said: “I can give the assurance that this thing will be settled to the satisfaction of all parties, including the young man. I will also say that the transition will take place without any additional expense to him [Morris]. “I can also give the assurance that the alternative location will be of greater financial benefit to him because after all the major objective for Mr Morris is to make some money so that he can survive in this environment. It is best to pull himself out of any major controversy and criticisms from within the area.” But Prescod would not reveal Morris’s new location. Morris told Barbados TODAY last week that despite granting him a licence to operate in the first place, the NCC had given him until last Saturday to remove several integral structures of his business. He said: “There is a little PVC booth there that I didn’t dig any foundation for. I just put some soft stones on the ground and levelled the ground with some mortar. “The booth is made light enough to be moved if the waves come in. Also, when you are coming onto the beach there is a steep hill, so I built steps using sea rocks and wood. “The NCC called me and told me that I have to move by Saturday, or they will come and remove the things themselves.” Declaring that he has sunk close to $15,000 into the business, Morris explained that the six-feet-by-six-feet hut was vital for storage and shelter while the steps provided access, noting that without them it was pointless being open for business. But Prescod said that while Morris was given permission to operate the chair rental business, he was not allowed to put up any structures on the beach. The minister said only the Town and Country Planning office can give permission to build such structures. He argued that if a beach user was injured while using Morris’s steps, it would be the NCC that would face liability. Prescod told Barbados TODAY: “I recently visited his establishment at the beach in Bathsheba because I wanted to see the location. I indicated to him that he was first to set up something like this on that particular beach. “So, the discussions were cordial, but I did not know at the time he was going to go beyond building steps. I was concerned because of the angle and I did not know at the time that he was going to use pieces of electric polls to form the steps. As you could imagine if anybody steps down there and falls, the liability falls on the NCC.” The minister further pointed out that in addition to the steps and the hut, the NCC was concerned about lounge beds built on the beach. He further revealed that the issue was compounded by opposition to the establishment from some groups within the surrounding communities. When the story broke last week, critics of the NCC’s action declared the issue as an example of yet another proverbial poor black man being oppressed. The minister, an avowed Pan-Africanist said: “I understand the sensitivity of the issue. I cannot tell you what motivates some people. Any opinion on the reasons why persons opposed the business will be speculating.” When contacted, Morris said he had no problem moving but stressed that the decision on suitable relocation could not be unilateral. (BT)

DRUG PROBLEM ‘NOW ISLANDWIDE’, SAYS HINDS – Barbados did not have an islandwide drug trafficking problem 35 years ago – but now it does, retired Deputy Police Commissioner Bertie Hinds has said. Tracing the problem since the 1980s up to its current explosion of violent attacks and reprisals, Hinds said it was the arrival of crack cocaine in Barbados in 1986 that cause a dramatic shift in the nature of drug dealing. Hinds told a panel discussion: “Let me take you back to 1983 when I was a police sergeant on the East Coast of Barbados assigned to Belleplaine and District ‘F’ station. Between those two stations we had no drug problem whatsoever. Crab Hill police station had no drug problem, District D had little or no drug problem, Holetown had little or no drug problem. Drug problems were all centred in Bridgetown and the suburbs.” The former senior cop who was speaking to an audience in Alexandra School Hall on Sunday evening on the topic “The Truth About Drugs” painted a drastically altered landscape of the crime. He said: “The whole of Barbados now has a distinct drug culture and drug sub culture. In 2018 every parish in Barbados, every police district has a serious drug problem. We have grown from 1983 from a non-drug culture to a bustling and mushrooming drug culture. That is the extent of the problem that we have. It is manifesting itself in the serious criminal activity we are experiencing in Barbados.” Hinds said the arrival of crack cocaine onto shores of Barbados was the turning point. But he credited swift, tough and constant police action as one of the reasons for keeping it under control back then. Hinds told the audience: “Our real drug problem started in 1986 with the arrival of crack cocaine in Barbados. Drugs used to be grown in the gullies in St Joseph but you didn’t have many users. It was almost a weekend protocol every Saturday morning, in the wee hours of the morning, we are in the gullies of St Andrew and St Joseph led by that man called Jazaar [Alvin] Griffith, retired assistant commissioner. “[At] Fosters Funland (in St Andrew), we made that a police nest down there. In St Joseph and St Andrew we rooted out the drugs from in those parts of the island. I remember in the Bush Hall area some people grew marijuana in their backyards….But coming along the St Lucy area nobody planted drugs in St Lucy till after the mid-1980s.” The retired lawman said the pressure from police along with imported drugs from neighbouring countries was the cause of the local crop dying out at that time. He continued: “There was competition between what was growing here and what was imported from our sister islands in the Caribbean. “Then there was that fierce competition because the quality of the drugs coming from those jurisdictions was better than the one grown in Barbados and the crops died out because of police pressure and because of the inferiority of the drugs. (BT)

UPDATE: PIZZAMAN DOC MALE EMPLOYEE PASSES AWAY ON THE JOB – Tears flowed tonight at Pizzaman Doc, Sheraton Mall, where relatives and friends of an employee who died on the job this evening gathered in a state of shock and sadness. A large gathering that stood outside of the restaurant waiting for Police to carry out investigations, were allowed to view the body just before 10 p.m. Station Sergeant David Forde from the District ‘B’ Police Station told members of the media that workers at Pizzaman Doc reported that around 6:10 p.m. the male employee went to the storeroom and then they heard a commotion. “They went to investigate and whilst doing so, they saw the employee lying on his back in the storeroom. They tried to resuscitate him. He had showed signs of life. He was breathing heavily and they also contacted the Ambulance Service that quickly responded but on their arrival there was no signs of life,” Station Sergeant Forde said. Police are continuing investigations. (BT)

BODY IDENTIFIED BY FAMILY – The body found hanging from a tree at Long Beach, Christ Church on Sunday has been confirmed as that of Richard St Claire Forde. The 47-year-old man of Block 4B Wotton Terrace, Christ Church had been reported missing by his family at one point. Police said that Forde’s relatives identified the body on Monday.   (MWN)

ST JOHN MAN ADMITS TO DRUGS CHARGES – Possession of marijuana landed a 47-year-old man before the court but an unpaid fine could be what secures him a lodging at HMP Dodds for the next few months. When Rawle Lynderson Padmore, of no fixed place of abode, appeared before Chief Magistrate Christopher Birch today it was revealed at he had an outstanding debt of $600 which was imposed on him by the District ‘B’ Magistrates’ Court. “I have not paid the fine. I had asked for a little leniency,” Padmore told the Chief Magistrate after pleading to charges of possession, possession with intent to supply and having a traffickable quantity of cannabis on April 15. Police were at Pool Land No. 2, St John conducting an operation when the saw Padmore walking with a plastic bag. On seeing the police he threw away his parcel and dash off into a bushy area but was apprehended, Station Sergeant Peter Barrow told the court. He was escorted back to the area where he discarded the bag. It was retrieved and examined and found to contain 25 grammes of compressed cannabis. “I find that marijuana through a track this morning and I had it to sell off,” he allegedly told police when asked to account for the illegal substance. He however gave a different response when the Chief Magistrate asked him a similar question. “I did not find it Sir. I bought it from a fella named Grouch. I does smoke it, Sir,” Padmore confessed. Due to the unpaid fine he was remanded to Dodds to appear before the District ‘B’ Magistrates’ Court on April 24 to give an account. He returns before the Chief Magistrate the very next day – April 25 – in the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on the cannabis charges.  (BT)

FAST CASH CROPPED – Efforts to make “quick money” by illegal means resulted in a huge fine for a 24-year-old man who is facing two years in prison if the amount is not paid. Nico Shaquille Ward, of No. 1 College Savannah, St John has one year to pay the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court $50,000 after he pleaded guilty to drugs charges. Chief Magistrate Christopher Birch imposed the hefty penalty after Ward admitted to possession, possession with intent to supply, possession with intent to traffic and cultivation of 75 pounds of cannabis. It took police just five days to haul Ward before the court after he ran away after being spotted in a marijuana plot in his community. A second man, 28-year-old Marko Matthews Roberts, of Lower Burney, St Michael who first appeared in the same court on Friday and spent the weekend on remand at Doods was sentenced yesterday in connection with the same offences. He too must pay $50,000 within the same stipulated time or face jail for two years. Prosecutor Station Sergeant Peter Barrow told the court that police were conducting operations in Ward’s community on April 11 when they observed him and Roberts pulling weeds from among cannabis plants. As they drew near Ward ran off and escaped into a bushy area while Roberts was apprehended. A further search of the vicinity resulted in the discovery of three more marijuana plots with a total of 463 plants ranging from one to two feet in height. Police intensified their search, which took them to My Lords Hill, St Michael where Ward was arrested. He was detained and questioned about the drug and admitted that he was present on the day of the discovery. “I wasn’t the one who started it . . . I was trying, looking around for work and little ways to make money . . . there wasn’t another way . . . it get brought over to me that I could make a fast dollar . . . so I was wetting the vegetables and the cannabis and that was all . . . I was just trying to make quick money,” the first time offender told the Chief Magistrate this afternoon. Birch informed him that he could have planted a crop which was not illegal and make the money needed from eddoes, dasheen and cane “[but] this is what you chose to do . . . .You did something stupid!” Magistrate Birch also informed Ward, who revealed that the he was the father of a four-year-old, that the illegal substance was being sold to children as young as 12 years old. Ward admitted that he would not be at all happy if his child was sold the drug. Birch responded: “But yet you are growing weed that is going to be sold to people as young as 12. Imagine you won’t be happy that someone does it to your child but you are engaging in activity that could be sold to someone else’s because you are making a fast dollar.” The magistrate then convicted, reprimanded and discharged him on the possession charge and reprimanded and discharged him on the supply offence. On the trafficking charge Ward must pay $30, 000 and $20,000 on the cultivating offence. The money must be paid in one year. “You have a year to find gainful and honest employment to pay this money. Make better choices,” the Chief Magistrate told Ward. Yesterday Roberts was sentenced and must pay $25,000 on the trafficking charge and the other $25, 000 on the cultivation charge. (BT)

JONES ADMITS TO STEALING POTATOES – Claims that he was “sprouting potatoes” got a 26-year-old man a charge for praedial larceny. Rasheed Demetrio Jones, of Colleton, St John also wasted little time in pleading guilty to stealing 71 pounds of potatoes worth $213 on February 24 belonging to Armag Investments. About 11:40 a.m. on that date the plantation’s manager was passing by when he spotted Jones, whom he had employed last December, in the field with a bag. He approached him but as he got near, Jones looked in his direction and walked away. The manager continued to approach and asked the accused his reason for being in the potato field. Jones reportedly told the manager that he did not have a phone and that’s why he did not call him to notify him of his actions. Jones complied when asked to leave and the potatoes were discovered in the bag. The matter was reported to the police, prosecutor Station Sergeant Peter Barrow said. Today in the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court Jones told Chief Magistrate Christopher Birch: “I went sprouting for some potatoes.” “Some guys by me does steal the potatoes but I wasn’t . . . . I normally notify him (the manager) that I was in the ground but I didn’t because my phone was not working.” Birch informed the young man that he was currently on a suspended sentence, which carried a two-year prison sentence. The Chief Magistrate remanded him to Dodds until Tuesday when the plantation’s manager is expected to appear in court to speak on the matter. (BT)

IMMIGRATION TRYING TO RESOLVE RIJO DETENTION – All efforts are being made to repatriate Juan Abraham Ramirez Rijo to the Dominican Republic, but those efforts have been hampered by a lack of identification or travel documents. As a result, neither his identity nor nationality has been confirmed. This is according to a statement from Chief Immigration Officer, Wayne Marshall, via the Barbados Government Information Service, in response to claims from Rijo that he was being held in a detention centre in handcuffs and kept in a cold room, which caused his nose to bleed. Marshall gave the assurance that the Immigration Department “is committed and remained duty bound” to ensure that Rijo was returned safely to his homeland. According to the statement, Rijo was one of 13 people rescued by the crew of a cruise ship en route to Barbados on December 20, 2018, from a small vessel which was adrift 47 nautical miles from Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. The 13, including one pregnant female, were medically examined, found to be in good health, and were housed in a secure location until they were identified. They were also allowed to contact family and friends in an effort to return home. However, only 12 of them were able to return to the Dominican Republic after being housed in a detention facility in Barbados for two weeks, as Rijo was unable to return due to a lack of identification. “Over the past three months the department conducted an in-depth investigation seeking the assistance of local and international entities and was able to gather information relating to his identity. This information included biometric and biographic data and was forwarded to the authorities of the Dominican Republic. “However, the authorities [in the Dominican Republic] have stated that they are unable to confirm his identity, and that he is likely to be refused entry if he presents without a valid Dominican Republic travel document,” Marshall said. The Immigration Department also sought the assistance of a Barbadian who lived in the Dominican Republic to communicate with Rijo, and make contact with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in that country. Rijo continues to be housed at a detention centre in Barbados where he is cared for daily, and provided with medical attention from doctors at the polyclinic, the emergency medical technicians at the airport and the Port Health Nurse. The statement noted that none of his ailments were considered serious, and he was always deemed fit to return to detention centre. The Chief Immigration Officer said that over the past few weeks, Rijo became increasingly agitated and frustrated, abused his privileges and refused to adhere to instructions. “He also became disruptive, threatened and used abusive language to Immigration Officers,” he stated, noting that the assistance of the Royal Barbados Police Force was sought on four occasions. Marshall also refuted claims that the non-national was kept in handcuffs or restrained at any time, pointing out that persons in detention centres were not handcuffed or restrained. “Mr.Rijo’s case is unusual, since most detainees are repatriated to their homeland in a day or two. However, the officers have gone beyond the call of duty to ensure that his basic human rights were not infringed. Moreover, he was allowed to walk around freely in the detention area until bedtime,” he explained. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaged in talks with its counterpart ministry in the Dominican Republic to acquire satisfactory evidence that Rijo is a citizen of that country. (JRB/BGIS)

WANTED: RENICO DADRIAN MURRAY - Renico Dadrian Murray, alias Short Man, of Garden Land, Country Road, St Michael, is wanted by the police. Murray, 29, is advised he can present himself to the police at the Major Crime Unit, Glebe Police Station, Glebe land St. George accompanied by an attorney-at-law of his choice. The public is also reminded that it is a serious offence to harbour or assist wanted persons and anyone caught committing this offence can be prosecuted. Murray is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a slim build and dark brown complexion. He has a flat forehead, medium eyes with thin eye brows, a prominent nose, a medium mouth with thick lips and protruding ears. He wears a low hair cut, small goatee and beard. He has a tattoo with the words “THUG LIFE” on his right arm and the letters “RM” on his left forearm. Any person, who may know the whereabouts of Renico Dadrian Murray is asked to contact the Major Crime Unit at 430-7193, Police Emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.  (PR)

WANTED: KISHAWN DIEGO BARTON – The Royal Barbados Police Force is seeking the assistance of the public in locating wanted man Kishawn Diego Barton. The last known address of the 20-year-old, alias Smiley, is Hinds Gap, Halls Road, St Michael. He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a slim build and brown complexion. He has an oval head, brown eyes, bulbous nose and thick lips. Barton has a tattoo with the words “MERKA” on his chest, a crucifix on his left shoulder and “KITO’” on his left arm. He is advised that he can present himself to the police at the Major Crime Unit, Glebe Police Station, Glebe land, St George, accompanied by an attorney-at-law of his choice. Any person, who may know the whereabouts of Kishawn Diego Barton, is asked to contact the Major Crime Unit at 430-7193, Police Emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station. The public is reminded that it is a serious offence to harbour or assist wanted persons. Any person caught committing this offence can be prosecuted. (PR)

POLYCLINICS, FAST TRACK CLOSED TODAY - The Winston Scott Polyclinic, Jemmotts Lane, St Michael and the David Thompson Health and Social Services Complex, Glebe Land, St John will close at 1 p.m. today, Wednesday. The early closure is to facilitate a staff meeting. As a result, the Fast Track Service at the Winston Scott Polyclinic has also been cancelled. The Ministry of Health and Wellness apologises for any inconvenience which may be caused. (BGIS)

VEOMA TOUCHED MANY LIVES – VEOMA ALI was many things to many people and at her funeral service yesterday, friends and relatives painted an engaging picture of a woman who was highly regarded by all whose lives she touched. Those giving tributes to the late broadcaster at her funeral service in the chapel of Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens sang the same chorus – she was special. Ali died last Tuesday at age 39 – gone too soon, according to the song played as mourners left the chapel. They had just sat for over an hour through a service in which there was no singing, but touching recorded music and showers of praise. They heard an emotional Omar Ali describe his late daughter as a “beautiful human being” who cared deeply for the disadvantaged from an early age, and demonstrated that caring in her acts of generosity and kindness. (MWN)

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