Brief

SOLAR ECLIPSE TODAY

In the next few hours, today Monday, April 8, the sky will momentarily darken for millions of people in Mexico, America and Canada during the solar eclipse.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby obscuring the view of the Sun from a small part of Earth, totally or partially

For the Caribbean, it is the people in Central Bahamas who will be able to view a partial eclipse primarily in the islands of Exuma Cays, Great Exuma, Cat Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador and Long Island.

It is the first solar eclipse to pass through this area in seven years, with the next one due August 23, 2044 according to NASA

The exact time of the solar eclipse will occur and will vary, depending on the country and the time zone in addition visibility will be dependent on the weather.

For those who are in the path they are reminded that looking directly into the sun is unsafe, as it poses the risk of permanent damage to the eyes resulting in diminished vision, and can bring other optical health complications, such as cataracts and certain eye cancers. So ‘eclipse glasses’ or solar viewers are highly recommended to view safely.

Brief

Barbados’ New Ambassador To Cuba Presents Credentials

Barbados’ new Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, Dr. Sharon Marshall, presented her Copy of Letters of Credentials to the Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister, Josefina Vidal, on Monday, April 29, 2024.

Ambassador Marshall succeeds Philip St. Hill, following his recent retirement from the Foreign Service.

During the meeting, Dr. Marshall said it was a great honour to represent Barbados in her mother’s birthplace. She also reiterated Barbados’ commitment to cooperating with Cuba, in particular in the areas of health, education, tourism, environment, and agriculture.

Minister Vidal expressed Cuba’s willingness to further strengthen bilateral relations and promote exchanges in all sectors of common interest.

Cuba and Barbados have maintained ties of solidarity, respect and cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in December 1972. (PR/GIS)

Brief

HALO AROUND THE SUN YESTERDAY

All eyes were fixed to the sky yesterday as Barbadians witnessed a rare optical phenomenon called a halo that appeared around the sun. The Barbados Meteorological Office explained that is was simply a ring of light that forms around the sun or moon as either of them retracts off ice crystals present in a thin layer of cirrus clouds. A halo is usually a bright white ring but it can have colours just as was visible yesterday.

Brief

Newest High Court Judge Sworn In

Barbados’ newest High Court Judge, Dr. Herbert Wells, was sworn in today by President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, during a brief ceremony at State House.

Speaking to the media following the ceremony, Dr. Wells expressed gratitude to the Judicial Appointments Committee for recommending him for appointment and for the Prime Minister of Barbados for accepting the recommendation.

He added that he was also thankful to Her Excellency for inviting him to State House this morning. He continued: “My singular goal is to serve the people of Barbados, to uphold the rule of law and the proper administration of justice in the best way that I can. And, also to protect the constitutional rights of the citizens of this country. So, I look forward, hopefully, to a productive sojourn in service to the nation of Barbados.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: Barbados’ newest High Court Judge, Dr. Herbert Wells, taking the Oath of Office before President of Barbados, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, at State House