The Central Bank of Barbados has responded to public concerns about some businesses refusing to accept US $1 notes.

While acknowledging the frustration this has caused, the Bank clarified that it has no authority to mandate businesses to accept foreign currency.

In a statement, the Central Bank explained that, under Barbadian law, the acceptance of foreign currency is entirely at the discretion of individual businesses. As a result, businesses are not legally obligated to accept US $1 notes or any other foreign currency, including the US dollar.

Despite this, the Bank reassured the public that US $1 notes remain acceptable at commercial banks.

It confirmed that the Central Bank itself continues to accept these notes from local financial institutions, and commercial banks have indicated their willingness to exchange US $1 notes for Barbadian dollars.

The Bank also reminded the public that the Barbadian dollar (BBD) is the sole legal tender in Barbados. While some businesses may choose to accept foreign currencies as a convenience, this practice can vary, particularly with smaller denominations like the US $1 note.

To address concerns, the Bank advises individuals with US $1 notes to visit commercial banks, which are prepared to exchange them for Barbadian dollars. This ensures smooth transactions within the local economy.

For more information about currency matters, the Central Bank has directed the public to consult its Currency FAQs available online. (PR)

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The draft is three weeks away now. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have pieced together an off-season that is earning widespread praise across the league. The question is whether they can stick the landing with their 1st round pick in the draft. Current projections have the top three picks likely being a mix of Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Abdul Carter. After that, it gets tricky. People in Chicago want to know where running back Ashton Jeanty will end once the dust settles.

Widespread belief has been that the Las Vegas Raiders are the heavy favorites to take him at 6th overall, with New Orleans at #9 also being a possibility. It makes sense. Las Vegas’ best option right now is a 33-year-old Raheem Mostert. New Orleans knows Alvin Kamara turns 30 in July. Both teams need to think about the future at that position. Both have head coaches who like to run the ball. One thing is clear. A source told SM that those around the league believe one thing is certain.

“He likely won’t get passed Chicago if he falls that far.”

Ashton Jeanty is a strong probability for the Bears.

Whispers from Halas Hall indicate they love the Boise State star. It isn’t hard to see why. He nearly broke Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record in 2024, nearly winning the Heisman in the process. The guy carried his team to the college football playoffs. He’s built like a brick house with power, speed, contact balance, and vision. There aren’t any truly glaring weaknesses in his game. He’s earned comparisons to the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson and Marshawn Lynch. The Bears haven’t had a back of that caliber since Matt Forte.

Try to imagine what this offense could look like with Ashton Jeanty, Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, and Cole Kmet all as options for quarterback Caleb Williams. Throw all of it into Johnson’s offense, and you can understand why some people around the league aren’t wild about the idea. They are quietly hoping Jeanty goes somewhere else. One thing is certain. If he gets past the Raiders, the noise will get loud in a hurry. It would mark the first time in 20 years the Bears have taken a running back in the 1st round.