Persons who are registered under the Profession, Trade and Business Registration Act, Cap. 373 are reminded that the deadline for renewing their registration and paying the prescribed annual fee is January 31st, 2025. Any person who fails to pay the prescribed fee before the deadline will also be required to pay a penalty of the same amount.

It is now possible to pay the annual licence fee online via EZPay+, the official payment gateway of the Barbados Government.

Please note it is not possible to use EZPay+ for first time registrations. Persons who are not registered will need to attend in person to have their documentation authenticated and to pay the prescribed fee.

For first time registrations with the Registrar of the Supreme Court, visit the Registration Department at Whitepark Road.

For first time registrations with the Chief Labour Officer, visit the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector at the Warrens Office Complex.

If you are self-employed, learn more about professional registration to determine if you need to register under the Act.

Persons who are self-employed are reminded that National Insurance contributions for 2024 are due by January 15, 2025.

Self-employed individuals are required to contribute a minimum of BBD $1,200 per year, regardless of their income level, in accordance with the Third Schedule to the National Insurance and Social Security (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2023.

Please be advised there are two upcoming bank holidays, during which many businesses will be closed:

New Years Day on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025.

Errol Barrow Day on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025.

Please be advised there are two upcoming bank holidays, during which many businesses will be closed:

Christmas Day on Wednesday, December 25th, 2024.

Boxing Day on Thursday, December 26th, 2024.

Persons are advised that the seasonal influenza vaccine is now available at all polyclinics, and is particularly recommended for healthcare professionals and frontline workers who are at greater risk of exposure; individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as asthma, diabetes or hypertension; persons over the age of 65; and pregnant women.

Members of the public are reminded to bring their Barbados ID when visiting their nearest polyclinic to receive the vaccine.

Persons are advised that a free park and ride service will be available for those attending the 2024 Independence Day Parade at the Kensington Oval on Saturday, November 30th, 2024. The parade starts at 8 AM.

Shuttle services will be available from Sky Mall, PriceSmart, Golden Square, The Dome Mall, Queen's College, Wildey Gymnasium, Massy Stores Warrens and Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Members of the public desirous of using the free shuttle service are required to pre-book via the following websites:

• Sky Mall: Booking Link
• PriceSmart: Booking Link
• Golden Square: Booking Link
• The Dome Mall: Booking Link
• Queen’s College: Booking Link
• Wildey Gymnasium: Booking Link
• Massy Stores Warrens: Booking Link
• Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre: Booking Link

An electronic ticket will be produced that wil grant patrons access to the parking location and the Kensington Oval.

Persons requiring only a ticket to Kensington Oval (no parking or shuttle) must pre-book here.

Please be advised there is an upcoming bank holiday, during which many businesses will be closed:

Independence Day on November 30th, 2024.

Residents in St. Lucy are advised that the Boil Water Advisory issued on September 18, 2024 has now been discontinued.

As a result, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, in conjunction with the Barbados Water Authority, have advised that residents in St. Lucy may resume normal use of tap water.

Please be advised that the British government are rolling out a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system which will soon apply to all foreign nationals who do not need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to the United Kingdom.

From January 8, 2025, Barbadian citizens must have a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the United Kingdom, even if it is only to transit through the UK to visit another country. However, if you are a Barbadian citizen, but also have—

• a British or Irish passport; or
• a British overseas territories citizen passport; or
• a UK visa (e.g. Standard Visitor or Skilled Worker visa); or
• permission to live, work or study in the United Kingdom

then you do not need to apply for an ETA. However, you must prove that you are not required to obtain an ETA. For example, if you are a British or Irish citizen, you should present your British or Irish passport for travel to the United Kingdom. You should still take your Barbadian passport when travelling overseas since it must be presented on return to Barbados.

If you are travelling to the United Kingdom on or after January 8, 2025 and are required to apply for an ETA, it will be possible to do so from November 27, 2024. For more information, please read the official guidance on GOV.UK. It costs £10 to apply for an ETA (approx $27 BBD). An ETA is valid for two years or until the expiration date of the passport (whichever is sooner).

Airlines have a responsibility to deny boarding to any foreign national who is not able to prove that they have permission to travel to the United Kingdom.

Please note an ETA only gives the applicant permission to travel to the United Kingdom. All persons in receipt of an ETA are still assessed by UK Border Force on arrival, and are granted or denied entry in accordance with the immigration rules.

Barbadians which are granted entry for tourism purposes, or to see friends or family, can usually stay in the United Kingdom for that purpose for up to six months a year. However, the maximum period of time granted to a person who has permission to enter the United Kingdom is at the discretion of UK Border Force. Six months a year represents the maximum permitted by law.

Foreign nationals who frequently visit the United Kingdom for long periods of time may be denied entry or questioned by UK Border Force in order to satisfy the authorities that they are not attempting to live in the United Kingdom, or undertake activities that visitors are not permitted to do (e.g. work).

On August 1, 2022, the Minister of Finance, the Hon. Mia Mottley, M.P., announced a reduced VAT rate of 7.5% on the first 250 kWh of electricity per month, for residential properties. This relief has continued to be extended, most recently until September 30, 2024.

On September 30, 2024, the Minister within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, the Hon. Ryan Straughn, M.P., announced in the House of Assembly that the relief will be further extended until March 31, 2025.

During this time, residential properties will continue to be charged a reduced VAT rate of 7.5% on the first 250 kWh of electricity per month, with any amount in excess thereof charged at the normal VAT rate of 17.5%.