246 BUZZ: 8:00am February 21, 2026

POLICE UPDATE
Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 34-year-old Jamar Marco Greene, also known as “Blackie,” “Black Crayon,” and “George.” He is wanted for questioning in connection with serious criminal matters.Greene’s last known address is Rock Hall in St. Thomas. He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, slim build, and of brown complexion.He is encouraged to present himself to the Criminal Investigations Department North at the District ‘E’ Police Station in Speightstown, St. Peter, accompanied by an attorney-at-law of his choice.Police are also searching for Jaheim Canute Collins, also known as “Jam,” who is also wanted for questioning in connection with serious criminal matters.Collins’ last known address is Silver Sands in Christ Church. He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, slim build, and of brown complexion.He is advised to report to the Criminal Investigations Department South at the Oistins Police Station in Christ Church, with an attorney-at-law of his choice.If you have any information on the whereabouts of either individual, please contact CID North at 422-0813 or 419-1737. You may also contact CID South at 418-2608 or 418-2612.In an emergency, call 211. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or by reaching out to the nearest police station.Police are reminding the public that assisting or harbouring a wanted person is a serious offence and may result in prosecution.If you know something, say something!PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATE
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has advised that the Vector Control Unit will be conducting fogging exercises next week in parts of St. John and St. Michael as part of ongoing mosquito control measures.Fogging begins in St. John on Monday, February 23rd, in Martins Bay, Zores, New Castle, and Church View Main Road.On Tuesday, the team will continue in Foster Hall, St. Margaret’s Main Road and Village, and Glenburnie.
From Wednesday through Friday, attention shifts to St. Michael, including Constitution Road, Ellis Road, Belmont Road, Tudor Street, Baxter’s Road, White Park Road, Passage Road, Dash Gap, and sections of Bank Hall and surrounding districts.Fogging will take place daily between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.Residents are encouraged to open windows and doors to allow the spray to enter their homes, and to keep children away from the fog while spraying is underway.If there are any unforeseen delays, the Unit will return to affected communities as soon as possible.For Your Information (FYI)
Also, Bridgetown Duty Free (formerly Cave Shepherd) on Broad Street is closed today, due to unforeseen circumstances.

246 BUZZ: 5:00am February 20, 2026

Today, Friday 20th February 2026, is the official opening of Parliament in Bridgetown.From 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., there’s no parking on Marhill Street, Rickett Street, High Street, Palmetto Street, and Palmetto Square up to Roebuck Street.Then, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Upper Broad Street, Trafalgar Street, Wharf Road, Marhill Street, Palmetto Street, and Rickett Street will be closed, and delays are expected along Coleridge Street, Magazine Lane, Broad Street, Bridge Street, Roebuck Street, and Tudor Street.Traffic diversions will also be in effect. Lower Broad Street traffic turns left at Prince William Henry Street. St. Michael’s Row turns left onto Bridge Street, and Bay Street onto Lower Fairchild Street continues onto Upper Fairchild Street towards John Beckles Drive.These rules don’t apply to invited guests or emergency vehicles.

• 📰 NEWS
• 👩🏽‍💻 BLOG
• 🗓️ EVENTS
• ❌ 2026 General Election

• 🗳️ POLLING STATIONS
• 👩🏾‍⚖️ 👨🏾‍⚖️ CANDIDATES
• 🇧🇧 CONSTITUENCIES

• BARBADOS' 2026 GENERAL ELECTION

• Wednesday 11th Feb 2026 @ 6:00am

• 🗳️ POLLING STATIONS
• 👩🏾‍⚖️ 👨🏾‍⚖️ CANDIDATES
• 🇧🇧 CONSTITUENCIES

👉 Here’s how to find out what is your assigned polling address and ID:

ST. ANDREW

BRIDGETOWN

CHRIST CHURCH EAST

CHRIST CHURCH EAST CENTRAL

CHRIST CHURCH SOUTH

CHRIST CHURCH WEST

CHRIST CHURCH WEST CENTRAL

ST. GEORGE NORTH

ST. GEORGE SOUTH

ST. JAMES CENTRAL

ST. JAMES NORTH

ST. JAMES SOUTH

ST. LUCY

ST. MICHAEL CENTRAL

ST. MICHAEL EAST

ST. MICHAEL NORTH

ST. MICHAEL NORTH EAST

ST. MICHAEL NORTH WEST

ST. MICHAEL SOUTH

ST. MICHAEL SOUTH CENTRAL

ST. MICHAEL SOUTH EAST

ST. MICHAEL WEST

ST. MICHAEL WEST CENTRAL

ST. PETER

ST. PHILIP NORTH

ST. PHILIP SOUTH

ST. PHILIP WEST

ST. JOHN

ST. JOSEPH

ST. THOMAS

🇧🇧 Map of Barbados, showing the boundaries of all 11 parishes:

ST. ANDREW

BRIDGETOWN

CHRIST CHURCH EAST

CHRIST CHURCH EAST CENTRAL

CHRIST CHURCH SOUTH

CHRIST CHURCH WEST

CHRIST CHURCH WEST CENTRAL

ST. GEORGE NORTH

ST. GEORGE SOUTH

ST. JAMES CENTRAL

ST. JAMES NORTH

ST. JAMES SOUTH

ST. LUCY

ST. MICHAEL CENTRAL

ST. MICHAEL EAST

ST. MICHAEL NORTH

ST. MICHAEL NORTH EAST

ST. MICHAEL NORTH WEST

ST. MICHAEL SOUTH

ST. MICHAEL SOUTH CENTRAL

ST. MICHAEL SOUTH EAST

ST. MICHAEL WEST

ST. MICHAEL WEST CENTRAL

ST. PETER

ST. PHILIP NORTH

ST. PHILIP SOUTH

ST. PHILIP WEST

ST. JOHN

ST. JOSEPH

ST. THOMAS

• 🗳️ POLLING STATIONS
• 👩🏾‍⚖️ 👨🏾‍⚖️ CANDIDATES
• 🇧🇧 CONSTITUENCIES

Here’s the full list of the 30 parliamentary constituencies (electoral districts) in Barbados, each elects one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Assembly:

Here’s the list of the Members of Parliament (MP) to the House of Assembly as of 18th January 2026:

• 🗳️ POLLING STATIONS
• 👩🏾‍⚖️ 👨🏾‍⚖️ CANDIDATES
• 🇧🇧 CONSTITUENCIES

Here are the political parties and independent candidates who contested Barbados’ 2026 elections, along with links to their official campaign websites and manifestos where available:

Here are the 2026 General Election candidates and the available final vote results, which have not been confirmed in the Electoral & Boundaries Commission report as at Feb 26, 2026:

BARBADOS' 2026 GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES

CHRIST CHURCH EAST

CHRIST CHURCH EAST CENTRAL

CHRIST CHURCH SOUTH

CHRIST CHURCH WEST

CHRIST CHURCH WEST CENTRAL

ST. ANDREW

BRIDGETOWN

ST. MICHAEL EAST

ST. MICHAEL CENTRAL

ST. MICHAEL NORTH

ST. MICHAEL NORTH EAST

ST MICHAEL NORTH WEST

ST. MICHAEL SOUTH

ST. MICHAEL SOUTH CENTRAL

ST. MICHAEL SOUTH EAST

ST. MICHAEL WEST

ST. MICHAEL WEST CENTRAL

ST. GEORGE NORTH

ST. GEORGE SOUTH

ST. JAMES NORTH

ST. JAMES CENTRAL

ST. JAMES SOUTH

ST. JOHN

ST. JOSEPH

ST. LUCY

ST. PETER

ST. THOMAS

ST. PHILIP NORTH

ST. PHILIP SOUTH

ST. PHILIP WEST

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🏝️ ABOUT USFounded in February 2026, 246 Hub was created as a safe online space to share, celebrate, and discuss all things Bajan — from culture and community to opportunities, creativity, and everyday island life.Our goal is simple:
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BiMPay: Barbados’ Instant Payment Revolution

Article No.: 2026-0216 | Written by: Olivia Alleyne | Published: February 27, 2026 | Last Updated: February 27, 2026

Barbados is entering a new era of digital payments.Beginning March 31, 2026, the Central Bank of Barbados will launch BiMPay. Instead of waiting hours or even days for bank transfers to clear, BiMPay moves money in seconds.The only comparable system currently in Barbados is CIBC Caribbean Bank Ltd 1stPay (CIBC 1stPay), which allows instant transfers between local CIBC accounts.

What Is BiMPay?

BiMPay is Barbados’ new national payment system: the infrastructure banks, credit unions, and fintech companies will use to move money electronically.It replaces the older Automated Clearing House (ACH) system, where payments are processed in batches, meaning transactions usually take one to three business days.With BiMPay:
✅ Payments settle a few seconds
✅ Transfers work 24/7
✅ Payments work across all banks and credit unions
✅ You can send money using simple aliases like phone numbers, emails, or QR codesWhether you use a bank or a credit union, your payments will happen instantly and work seamlessly together.

Why Was It Created?

The Central Bank of Barbados developed BiMPay to modernise the country’s payment infrastructure and prepare Barbados for a digital-first financial future.Several goals drove the project, including:
* Faster Payments
* Financial Inclusion
* Stronger Businesses
* Government Efficiency
* FinTech InnovationInstead of taking several days to clear, funds will move almost instantly, giving individuals and businesses quick access to their money.Even Barbadians without traditional bank accounts can participate through a digital wallet linked to licensed payment service providers.For businesses, this means instant cash flow, simplified invoicing, and improved financial record keeping.For government agencies, BiMPay makes it easier to distribute payments quickly and efficiently, whether it’s benefits, grants, or refunds.Finally, these modern payment rails open the door to new digital financial services and fintech innovation, helping Barbados keep pace with the global shift toward real-time, digital-first payments.

How Can It be Used?

You will have two options:
1. Through your bank’s app – existing apps run on the BiMPay network for instant transfers.2. Through the BiMPay digital wallet – link it to your bank account or a licensed payment service provider. Even unbanked users can access it after a quick verification process.

Everyday Uses for BiMPay

BiMPay is designed for daily life in Barbados.It can be used to:
* Split dinner with friends
* Pay taxis or vendors
* Send money to family
* Pay bills
* Pay for groceries
* Accept digital payments at shops and marketsBecause payments settle instantly, both sender and recipient receive immediate confirmation.

What About Refunds?

BiMPay payments are systematically irrevocable.That means once a payment is sent, it cannot be automatically reversed by the system.However, refunds can still be issued by sending a new payment back to the customer.

Is Barbados Removing Visa, Mastercard, or 1stPay?

No. Card networks like Visa and Mastercard will still be widely used.They remain essential for:
* International purchases
* Online shopping abroad
* Travel payments
* Card transactions in storesSimilarly, CIBC 1stPay will continue to serve instant transfers between CIBC accounts.BiMPay simply introduces a new domestic payment option for all Barbadians, working across banks, credit unions, and digital wallets.Think of it as a local digital payment highway, while Visa and Mastercard remain the global highways and 1stPay remains a fast lane for CIBC customers.

BiMPay vs CIBC 1st Pay vs Visa & Mastercard

BiMPay is more than just a payment app.It’s a national digital infrastructure upgrade that makes payments faster, simpler, and more accessible. From paying a vendor at the market to sending money to family,Barbadians will soon experience a system where transactions between different local financial institutions happen in seconds instead of days.Because in the modern economy, instant access matters.

Source:
Central Bank of Barbados — BiMPay National Instant Payment System
https://www.centralbank.org.bb/bimpay

What Wero Means for Barbadian Travellers

Article No.: 2026-0215 | Written by: Olivia Alleyne | Published: February 25, 2026 | Last Updated: February 27, 2026

If you’re travelling to Europe, you may need to get familiar with Wero.

What Is Wero?

Wero is Europe’s new digital wallet designed to make payments simple, instant, and secure.Instead of typing long IBAN numbers or waiting days for transfers, Wero allows users in countries like France, Germany, and Belgium to send money using just:
* A phone number
* An email address
* A QR codeFunds move directly between bank accounts, often in seconds.Wero aims to become Europe’s favourite payment platform, built for Europe, by European players.

Who Created It, And Why?

Wero is part of the European Payments Initiative (EPI), a partnership of 16 major European banks and payment service providers, along with Europe’s two largest payment processors.Their goal is to create a unified digital payment system for all European citizens and businesses.The motivation goes beyond convenience.In 2022, when Visa and Mastercard suspended operations in Russia due to sanctions, Europe saw how dependent global economies are on American payment infrastructure.Then in February 2026, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, publicly warned that nearly all European card and mobile payments rely on non-European systems.Every tap.
Every online purchase.
Every split bill.Much of that payment data flows through American or Chinese networks.Europe decided it was time to build its own system.Not to ban Visa or Mastercard, but to reduce dependency and increase financial sovereignty.

How Fast Is Wero Growing?

Wero launched in July 2024.As of early 2026:
* Over 47 million registered users
* More than €7.5 billion in transfers processed
* 1,100+ financial institutions connected
* Retail payments live in Germany
* France and Belgium expanding through 2026And after a landmark agreement with the EuroPA Alliance, Wero is now connecting 130 million users across 13 European countries, covering roughly 72% of the EU and Norway population.Soon, over 75% of personal bank customers in Belgium, France, and Germany will have access.

What Can Wero Be Used For?

Right now:
* Peer-to-peer transfers
* Online merchant paymentsComing next:
* In-store payments
* Subscription payments
* Point-of-sale purchases
* Cross-border EU transfers
* Buy-now-pay-later options backed by banks
* Digital identity verification (e-ID)
* Merchant loyalty integrationWero is building what’s called a four-corner ecosystem, connecting:
* Banks
* Consumers
* Merchants
* AcquirersAll within Europe.It’s not just a payment app.It’s a payment infrastructure strategy.

What About Refunds?

Because Wero works through direct instant bank transfers:
* Payments are usually instant.
* Refunds depend on the merchant and bank.
* There is currently no universal chargeback system like Visa or Mastercard.That means protections are evolving but not yet as standardized as global card networks.

Is Europe Breaking Up with Visa and Mastercard?

Headlines have called it a “$24 trillion breakup.”Reality? It’s more strategic than dramatic.Visa and Mastercard:
* Are not banned.
* Are not disappearing.
* Remain widely accepted across Europe.But Europe wants options.And Wero represents a long-term shift toward digital autonomy.

Wero vs Visa & Mastercard

Why This Matters for Bajan Travellers

If you’re heading to Europe:
* Keep your Visa or Mastercard.
* Expect more European merchants to promote Wero over time.
* Watch how fast adoption expands between 2026–2027.
* Be prepared to use Wero if you’ll be studying, living, or transacting in Europe.Europe is reshaping how it moves money.And if you’re travelling there, or building business relationships, you should understand the shift.Because smart travel isn’t just about flights and hotels.It’s about knowing how the money moves.

Source:
European Payments Initiative (EPI). Wero – Europe’s Digital Payment Solution.
https://www.epicompany.eu

Overgrown Properties = Real Danger + Real Losses

Article No.: 2026-0214 | Written by: Olivia Alleyne | Published: February 18, 2026 | Last Updated: February 18, 2026

Across Barbados, overrun and poorly maintained properties are creating real safety, health, and economic problems. Many residents report issues to constituency representatives, but when action is delayed or ignored, the risks continue to grow.

The Breadfruit Tree Example

Consider a breadfruit tree left unmanaged on private property in St. Michael.The tree extends directly over the roadway, with heavy fruit hanging above vehicles and pedestrians who must use the road itself, as there are no sidewalks in the area.In addition to the risk of falling fruit, the road surface becomes extremely slippery, especially after rainfall. When breadfruit falls and breaks open, the pulp spreads across the roadway. Combined with rainwater, this creates a slick surface that reduces tire grip and increases the likelihood of skidding.Breadfruit is heavy. When branches extend over active roadways and fruit is allowed to hang above public space, several risks emerge:
* Falling breadfruit can crack windshields or dent vehicles.
* Pedestrians, including children and elderly residents, can be seriously injured.
* Drivers may swerve suddenly to avoid low-hanging branches, increasing the risk of collisions.
* The road becomes slippery after rain due to crushed breadfruit, increasing the risk of vehicles losing control.
* People walking along the road are forced even closer to moving traffic to avoid overgrowth and debris.This is not an unpredictable accident. It is a foreseeable consequence of neglect.

Impact on Electricity and Public Safety

When trees grow into power lines, the danger escalates.Branches tangled in electrical lines can:
* Trigger power outages.
* Increase fire risk.
* Lead to live wires falling.
* Endanger homes, businesses, and utility workers.Power infrastructure is critical. Allowing vegetation to interfere with it creates inherent danger that affects entire communities.

Health Risks from Overgrowth

Overrun lots also create breeding grounds for pests.Thick bush and accumulated debris encourage:
* Rodents, which can spread bacteria and disease.
* Mosquitoes, especially where standing water collects.Rotting breadfruit left on the ground can also attract pests and create unpleasant odors, further affecting nearby residents and businesses.These conditions affect surrounding households and commercial areas.What begins as one neglected property quickly becomes a community-wide health concern.

Loss of Business and Economic Impact

Local businesses suffer when areas become unsafe or unpleasant.Customers may avoid:
* Parking near trees that drop heavy fruit.
* Walking along narrow roadways obstructed by overgrowth.
* Driving on roads made slippery by fallen fruit and debris.Reduced traffic means reduced revenue. Small businesses should not bear financial losses because of another property owner’s failure to maintain their land.

Cleanup Costs Are Necessary But Not Sufficient

The Government of Barbados has indicated that neglected properties may be cleaned at the owner’s expense. This is an important step. However, cleanup charges alone may not reflect the full impact of the damage caused.If a falling breadfruit damages a vehicle, if someone is injured, if electricity is disrupted, or if a slippery roadway causes an accident, or if businesses lose income, property owners may also face legal consequences. Court action can establish accountability and ensure that those affected are compensated.Negligence that creates foreseeable danger should carry consequences beyond basic cleanup fees.

Property Ownership Comes with Responsibility

Owning property includes the responsibility to:
* Maintain trees and vegetation.
* Keep public roadways clear and safe.
* Prevent interference with public utilities.
* Avoid creating health hazards.This is not about punishment. It is about protecting communities, businesses, and public safety.When neglect creates danger, accountability must follow.

BARBADOS DESERVES BETTER: IF YOU WANT TO LEAD, ACT LIKE IT

Article No.: 2026-0213 | Written by: Olivia Alleyne | Published: February 13, 2026 | Last Updated: February 18, 2026

Let’s start with the most important issue:

Where Are the Manifestos?

In Barbados, most of the smaller election parties and independent candidates are asking for votes without presenting a clear, accessible manifesto.Not a vague paragraph.
Not a few bullet points on a flyer.
Not a speech summary posted once.A real, structured document outlining:
* Economic plans
* Social policy positions
* Constituency priorities
* Timelines
* Accountability measuresVoters should not have to search for days to understand what you stand for with no guarantee that the search will be successful. A manifesto should be easy to find, downloadable, and written clearly in your own words.If you are serious about leadership, your ideas should be public, organized, and easy to evaluate.Without that, what exactly are people voting for?

Then There’s the Presentation Problem

After struggling to find clear policy positions, voters are also encountering:
* Outdated, blurry images
* Over-edited, cartoon like pictures of candidates
* And in some cases, no photo at allThis is not about vanity. It’s about credibility.You are asking to represent a constituency, yet many voters cannot clearly identify you.Recognition matters. Trust matters. Professionalism matters.

Communication Is Not Optional

There are also serious gaps in accessibility:
* No email address
* No organized website or blog
* No consistent social media presence
* Slow response times to direct inquiriesWhen a candidate takes over a week to respond to a simple online question during campaign season, it does not inspire confidence.If communication is weak before being elected, what happens after?

The Electorate Has Changed

Every election cycle introduces a new generation of voters. The youngest electorate consumes information online first. Not everyone attends political meetings. Some don’t have time. Some prefer privacy. Some simply gather information digitally.The internet allows candidates to:
* Speak directly to voters
* Respond quickly
* Build transparencyThese tools are inexpensive or free.If a candidate cannot manage a basic digital presence how can voters believe they are prepared to handle governance?

Be Honest With the Public and Yourself

Leadership requires preparation.If you want to represent people:
* Present your policies clearly.
* Make your manifesto accessible.
* Show yourself professionally.
* Communicate consistently.Barbados deserves candidates who understand that substance comes first and presentation supports it.Wanting to lead is not enough.Because wanting to represent people is one thing.Being prepared to represent them is another.