Barbados holds snap general election amid criticism

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AP) — The eastern Caribbean island of Barbados is holding a snap general election after cutting ties with Queen Elizabeth II late last year and appointing its first ever president to lead the world’s newest republic. Prime Minister Mia Mottley with the Barbados Labor Party is seeking a second term for a five-year position she won in 2018, when she became the island’s first female leader. She faces opponents including Verla De Peiza of the Democratic Labor Party and Joseph Atherley of the coalition Alliance Party for Progress in Wednesday’s election.