Since July 2018, a fuel tax has been levied on gasoline and diesel at a rate of BBD $0.40 per litre. This resulted in the road tax becoming zero-rated for private vehicles (except for first-time registrations of new and used vehicles in which the road tax is BBD $400). Despite this, motorists were still required to visit the Barbados Revenue Authority each year to renew their vehicle's registration disc, even though it is now a BBD $0 transaction.

Historically, vehicle owners were required to visit the Barbados Revenue Authority with their insurance documentation to pay the road tax and receive the registration disc for their vehicle. However, since road tax was abolished for private vehicles in 2018, private vehicle registration is now tied to insurance compliance only.

When private vehicle insurance policies are renewed, insurance companies are required to transmit this information to the Barbados Licensing Authority. Going forward, vehicle owners can obtain their annual registration disc in electronic form via the Barbados Revenue Authority's Find Registration Card online service by supplying the vehicle's licence plate number, chassis number and engine number. It is no longer necessary to visit the Barbados Revenue Authority in person.

Please be advised that the Barbados Revenue Authority's payment centre at Warrens Tower II has been reopened.

The first floor of the BRA office is for vehicle registrations, and the second floor for other payment transactions and customer service.

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.