News

We would like to remind visitors and residents that hurricane season officially starts June 1st, 2023, and runs through to November 30th, 2023. While the likelihood of a hurricane directly impacting Barbados is low, it always remains a possibility each year.

In 2021, Barbados was directly hit by a category 1 tropical cyclone, known as Hurricane Elsa. A few weeks before, a sudden 'freak storm' caused damage to dozens of homes across Barbados.

Please make sure you are prepared for the hurricane season. Familiarise yourself with the Emergency Shelters List for 2023, published by the Department of Emergency Management.

Make sure you have adequate supplies, including non-perishable foodstuffs and potable water that will last you and your family for a minimum of two (2) weeks. See page 29 of the shelters list for a detailed list of supplies you should have as part of your Disaster Emergency Kit.

In addition to hurricane preparedness, you should also be mindful that Barbados lies within an area of relatively high earthquake activity and therefore can be impacted by tsunamis at any time during the year. Always obey the 'natural signs', that is to say:

The Minister responsible for Energy and Business, under the powers conferred on her by Section 3 of the Miscellaneous Controls Act, Cap. 329, has increased the retail price of gasoline (petrol) to BDS $4.24 per litre, and reduced the retail price of diesel to BDS $3.48 per litre.

These price adjustments are effective from Monday, May 8th, 2023.

The Barbados Water Authority, under the powers conferred on them by Regulation 14(1) of the Barbados Water Authority (Water Services) Regulations, 1982 ("the Regulations"), has issued a notice prohibiting the use of hosepipes or sprinkler systems with potable water for use in or on baths ^[1], garages, gardens, grounds, lawns, out rooms, paths, pavements, ponds, roadways, tanks ^[2], vehicles ^[3] or swimming pools.

The notice takes effect from April 24, 2023 and remains in force until June 30th, 2023. Any person found in contravention of the notice is liable to a fine of BDS $500 or to imprisonment for a term of one month, pursuant to Regulation 14(4) of the Regulations.

Persons are advised to read the official guidance from the Barbados Water Authority for more information.

^{[1] Except domestic baths not exceeding 120 litres in capacity.
[2] Except dipping tanks for cattle, and elevated reserve tanks not exceeding 800 litres in capacity which are connected to household sewerage or water.
[3] Except companies which offer car washing, servicing or repair services, provided that garden hoses or pressure washers are used which are rated at less than three U.S. gallons per minute and fitted with an automatic shut off device. For non-commercial car washing (e.g. at home), a bucket must be used in lieu of a hose or pressure washer.}

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

National Heros Day on April 28th, 2023.

Labour Day on May 1st, 2023.

Whit Monday on May 29th, 2023.

The Minister responsible for Energy and Business, under the powers conferred on her by Section 3 of the Miscellaneous Controls Act, Cap. 329, has increased the retail price of gasoline (petrol) to BDS $4.12 per litre, and reduced the retail price of diesel to BDS $3.71 per litre.

These price adjustments are effective from Saturday, April 1st, 2023.