Barbados Advocate

Minister of Social Care, the Hon. Steven Blackett recently commended the National Assistance Board (NAB) for the positive impact on the quality of life of elderly persons in communities across Barbados.

However, he has cautioned the government agency against complacency and declining standards which can negatively impact service delivery to individuals and families, and at the organizational level can erode the gains made over the past 36 years.

Minister Blackett, who was at the time addressing the 36th Anniversary Church Service of the NAB at Restoration Ministries International, observed that the social environment also presents challenges as it has created a setting which increases the vulnerability of older persons.

He explained that in this setting the elderly are often socially excluded and isolated, they are not treated with dignity and worth and participation in activities to promote active ageing based on their needs and capacities is limited.

“Sometimes proposed interventions by the Board to alleviate or resolve these situations are thwarted by the resistance of individuals and families who reject services even where there are needs. Furthermore, there are those situations where there is an acute breakdown in families and communities and the relinquishing of all responsibility for the care of dependent elderly persons, hence the interventions of the organization cannot be sustained over the long term.”

“In light of the challenges, it may be difficult to imagine a future where we create a society for all ages. A society in which there is the same emphasis on the development of programmes for the growing elderly population in the same way that they are structured programmes for children and youth,” he said.

The Social Care Minister also shared with the congregation that the National Assistance Board has been in the forefront of developing and implementing structured activities which are responsive and relevant to the needs of the population it serves.

Blackett said that the design and implementation of such programmes recognize that the needs and capacities of older persons are diverse, and that many of these persons despite their limitations desire to remain in their homes and communities rather than be institutionalized.

“There is the recognition that some needs cannot be met in the community, particularly those requiring medical care and supervision and hence the need for institutional care,” he pointed out. (TL)

Section:

News

Governor General, His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave, with Dean of the St. Michael’s Cathedral, the Very Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Gibson; and Chief Justice, Sir Marston Gibson (partially hidden), at the end of the service to mark the opening of the Legal Year 2016-2017 yesterday morning.

DEAN of the St. Michael’s Cathedral, the Very Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Gibson, is lamenting that the value systems which brought the country to nationhood are eroding, particularly those which relate to the dignity of human life.

Delivering the sermon during an annual service to mark the opening of the Legal Year 2016-2017 yesterday morning, Reverend Gibson said it is possible economic forces have contributed immensely to this situation.

“In a ‘consumer culture’, the quality of goods have from time to time replaced the quality of life. Consequently, personal character is not developed in respect neighbourly relationships and communal solidarity.”

The Dean said evidence of this can be seen in youth alienation, family breakdown and a culture of violence.

He also suggested that crime is essentially a sign of a broken relationship in the society.

“While one would affirm that ‘the punishment must match the crime’, one gets the impression that there are times when the society is not fully satisfied no matter the punishment... Perhaps there is a need for a process whereby the society can participate in the healing process – whereby victims can be relieved of their pain and offenders brought to the point where there is acknowledgement of guilt, an expression of sorry and a commitment to rehabilitation.”

Speaking under the theme ‘Celebrating a Golden Jubilee – A Call to Justice and Reconciliation’, Rev. Gibson said it is his hope that during the next 50 years there will be an emergence of more victim-offender reconciliation programmes, even if only for young and first offenders.

“Forgiveness is not so much the business of the courts, but it is the prophetic voice of Jesus, who embodied the Jubilee principle. Forgiveness can be an integral part of the justice system when the victim has been included. It should be the concern of the entire society, as it seeks healing and it is most definitely needed at this juncture of our history,” he said.

He noted that while persons view forgiveness primarily in personal terms, there is a social dimension to forgiveness.

“When an individual offends the society by committing a crime, there is a need for healing, and forgiveness may set the stage for such healing to take place, after appropriate sorrow for the offence has been established,” he said.

The Dean reiterated that there is a need to stem the tide of any future erosion of the community.

“This would require a collaborative effort since community building is an economic, political and spiritual process.

Law and order agencies, faith communities, educational and social institutions, and government and non-governmental organisations can all work together to promote the value of life and affirm, for instance, the golden rule,” he said.

Looking towards the year 2066, he said there must be a clearly defined vision which would help to encompass, inform and organise the type of society wanted.

“It would not happen by chance. That ‘basic script’ would help us to discover the moral obligations which persons owe one another,” he said. (JH)

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News

Several ongoing and persistent problems including the issue of appointments of teachers and violence in schools will be on the agenda when members of the Barbados Secondary Teachers Union (BSTU) meet today at Solidarity House.

In a statement released to the media, President Mary-Anne Redman said that to a significant extent these and other matters of concern to the BSTU are not being afforded the level of attention and importance from the Ministry of Education that they deserve. As such, she said the BSTU is willing to do what is necessary to change that approach.

She further indicated that the meeting expected to start at 1 p.m. this afternoon is the first of two meetings scheduled for this academic year. She explained that the avenue will allow teachers the opportunity to air their concerns and highlight any issues which they believe the Executive should focus on, so as to remain effective and relevant in fulfilling their needs, and to hear from the Executive how they intend to address those issues.

“It is the start of a new academic year and to this end, as a Union we need, among other things, to plan for the safety of our members and for their professional development and well-being. These have implications as they have the potential to affect our members’ responses to the many issues affecting their jobs, the impact of those issues on their ability to perform at maximum levels and the avenues of response to those issues that are available to us as a Union,” she said.

To that end, the Union boss said that in addition to appointments of teachers and the many anomalies surfacing in that process at some schools; violence in schools including the methods of deflecting, coping with and reacting to violence of various types, as well as safety and health issues; they are also expected to look at the docking of teachers’ pay for attending Union meetings. This issue surfaced when members of their sister union, the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), had in some instances, two days pay docked, after attending meetings called by the BUT last term.

“We intend to look at the actions of the Ministry of Education and to what extent they were legal and in keeping with the custom and practice,” she told The Barbados Advocate yesterday.

Redman further told this newspaper that the matter of school-based assessments (SBAs) remains on their front burner. The BSTU has long contended that teachers are not adequately compensated for correcting the SBAs, which they insist are the property of the Caribbean Examinations Council. She added that the BSTU’s position is gaining support regionally, and this is based on some decisions that were taken at the last executive meeting of the Caribbean Union of Teachers.

Also expected to engage the teachers’ attention today will be plans to celebrate the BSTU’s 70th anniversary and the activities to recognise the upcoming Teachers’ Professional Day. (JRT)

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News

The Democratic Labour Party Government is suffering from “chronic failure”.

That’s the view of the Member of Parliament for St. James Central, Kerrie Symmonds. The Opposition MP told those attending his constituency meeting over the weekend, that Government’s repeated attempts to get the economic situation in this country under control have not been successful.

“We began in 2010 with a fiscal strategy that was supposed to help this country turn its economic fortunes around, that failed. By 2012 there was a revised fiscal strategy; that too failed… In 2013, Chris Sinckler as the first order of business then turns round and says ‘Oh Lord, we now have to have a new approach which is fiscal consolidation’. An 18-month austerity programme began in 2013, that too failed and he come back and say that it must be extended to 31 months, and now that too has failed,” he lamented.

Symmonds said that Barbados is now worse off than the country was prior to the start of the various initiatives and the situation is made worse, as a result of losing foreign exchange at a rapid rate.

“When we left Government, when they inherited a Government from us, there was $1.4 billion in foreign exchange in the Central Bank of Barbados, today it is down to eight hundred and change, and that ain’t got nothing to do with the commitments that we have, because you have to hold some because we have debts and so on to pay. We have lost $500 million, understand what I am saying, $500 million has haemorrhaged in this country during the life of this Government. In spite of the fact that they took out a Credit Suisse Loan, which was the same figure, $500 million,” he said.

The Opposition MP then suggested that the recent Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals in which Government announced the two per cent National Social Responsibility Levy, which will be applied to imports, is intended to try to “plug the gap”. However, he charged, this new tax will only put additional undue burden on Barbadian consumers.

“What will happen at the Port is that everything goes up by two per cent… but when that imposition is passed on, it might be an imposition of three per cent, it might be an imposition of three and a half per cent, the consumer is not protected if the person selling decides that he is going to be a vandal. There is no way of hauling in that pop kite, if the man who’s selling says I see a chance to make naked profits. The consumer hasn’t been taken into consideration in this matter, Government will get what is due to Government at the port of entry, but what has been done to help you? You have been left to face the full impact of the two per cent or more,” he indicated.

Symmonds said all the actions of the Government during its two terms in office present a prime opportunity for the Barbados Labour Party to “put its house completely in order”, as he contended that Barbados “cannot afford more of what the Dems are dishing out”. (JRT)

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News

WILL there be further delays in bringing the Customs and Excise Department under the Barbados revenue Authority (BRA)?

The date for the Customs and Excise Department to come under the BRA had been set for the beginning of October.

However, the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) said that it is still negotiating with a number of matters that must be addressed before finalising terms and conditions of service with the BRA.

As such the union is advising officers of the Department not to sign any option forms until the issues are resolved.

The NUPW indicated that there are a number of vacancies of customs Officer 1 and 11 that are yet to be filled. Therefore, the process of making appointments to those positions has not yet been completed.

It also cited other matters to be addressed.

These include the provision of an organisational structure under the BRA, job description that reflect Customs and Excise functions, qualifications consistent with the duties of Customs Officer, maintaining the job title of Custom Officer, and generally ensuring that all matters relating to terms and conditions of service are completed.

Bringing that Department under the BRA has proven to be problematic given the long delays including negotiations and work stoppages that have held up the process.

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News

Expected to serve as a modern day Silk Road

By:

Patricia Thangaraj

THE Universal Peace Federation continues its work towards building a highway connecting various neighbouring countries and continents.

The Secretary General of the Universal Peace Federation of Barbados, Gail Veith, said that the highway is meant to act as a catalyst beyond the boundaries of race, nationality and religion, and would serve as a modern day Silk Road.

Two of the advantages of this highway are that persons travelling along it would not need visas to enter a country, and it would also enable poorer countries to benefit from the resources of richer nations.

Gary Veith, who is also a part of this Federation, which is a non-Governmental organisation (NGO) in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (UN), said that the idea was first proposed in 1981, and there tunnels between individual countries, such as England and France.

One has already started from Japan to Korea, while Spain and Morocco have already agreed to build a tunnel across the mouth of the Mediterranean, all in an effort to enhance trade and to build peace.

Walk for peace
As for other projects that they are involved in, Gail said that they partner with any group that is committed towards working for peace, and this is why they linked up with Hope Transplant International and the Lions and Leos Clubs of Barbados, with the goal of making “one family under God”.

She said that one of their initiatives world-wide is this Walk for Peace, which more than 100 countries across the world would be participating in within their respective nations.

Along this front, she encouraged any group that is committed to the same purpose as their Federation to come out and walk with them on September 17th.

The walkers are all encouraged to wear white, which is a symbolic colour for peace, and make and carry signs that would indicate what steps they would personally take in order to bring about peace in this world.

They would assembly at Jubilee Gardens at 9:00 a.m., and then proceed along their walk, which would end in Independence Square, with various Ministers of Government (MPs) and heads of different organisations addressing those gathered.

Gary added that working together for peace must continue after this walk is held.

“We are encouraging all organisations, groups and individuals who are concerned about peace to come out and support this. Let us work together, even beyond this walk.

“And then amongst ourselves are people and organisations with different expertise, different ideas (and) different experiences, and if we work together and put these ideas together, then we can bring about substantial peace in reality here in Barbados,”Gary Veith stated.

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News

Bitt interns (left to right), Dakota Chodan and Murad Wancho.

Bitt interns (left to right), Dakota Chodan and Murad Wancho.

TWO students of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), have benefited from a summer internship with the Barbados based financial-technology firm, Bitt Inc.

“When we first saw this opportunity through our university, we knew it would be fitting to apply, as it would solidify our skills, broaden our views, and allow us to pursue a very interesting and relevant topic,” said students Murad Wancho and Dakota Chodan.
Both undergraduate commerce pupils, concentrating in finance and marketing, the duo spent three months attached to Bitt Inc.

“Up to this point, we had never travelled alone, so the amount of developing we experienced was phenomenal. Three months abroad really brought a new perspective, and helped us expand relationships, as well as create new life experiences,” they summarised.

Bitt currently employs just under 40 professionals, and while still a start-up, has benefited from international funding and recognition. Bitt’s Founder, Gabriel Abed, is a graduate of UOIT.

“Due to the start-up nature of Bitt, we were fortunate enough to be able to work with other departments other than our own, and witness the ever-changing dynamic,” they said, adding that a major highlight of their experience was the opportunity to attend formal conferences and business events, such as the Annual Central Bank Conference, and the 2016 Barbados Budget Review.

“Being within a corporate environment helped us develop in ways we didn’t think it could. We began to truly understand the importance of team-work, patience, trust and communication,” they said.

Murad’s aim is to enter law school and eventually practice corporate law, while Dakota sees himself being in corporate finance and one day owning his own business.

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News

Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman, speaking to The Barbados Advocate recently.

Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman, speaking to The Barbados Advocate recently.

By:

Jenique Belgrave

Government has come up with two options for persons looking to acquire units at the Grotto high-rise apartment complex: rent-to-own or full purchase.

While several suggestions were bandied about on the fate of the 122-unit National Housing Corporation (NHC) project, Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman, revealed government’s final decision in an interview with The Barbados Advocate.

“We have decided that those will be rent-to-own or those persons who can buy outright will be allowed to buy outright. We will also ensure that the cost is not too high for them, but we intend to ensure that the masses of people can have an opportunity to have a great product at the right price,” he stated.

While not divulging which unit would be allocated to specific income earners, or how much one unit will cost, Kellman is on record saying each could carry a $450 000 price tag on the open market.

In addition, he noted that persons interested in owning one of these will soon have an opportunity to view exactly what is being offered, as showrooms were to be “up and running pretty soon” by the NHC, in partnership with a distribution store in the City, to display the various unit possibilities to potential buyers.

“The housing development at the Grotto is going smoothly,” he assured.

Reminding persons that it was critical for the NHC to improve its cash flow in order to provide housing for poor people in this country, the minister said this latest move would help to reduce the large deficit.

“While there is a lot of criticism, in economic times like these you cannot rush and go and do things that you should not do and then repent later. You have to always ensure that you make the right decision.

“I do not mind getting criticism, once I am sure that what I do and what I want to do is right,” he added.

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News

From left: CEO of the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union, Sis. Clorinda Alleyne; Vice President, Glendon Belle; and Featured Speaker, Firhaana Bulbulia, conversing during the ceremony.

Shane Alleyne receiving his award for work in CAPE from Sis. Kieva Cadogan.

Elena Scantlebury was all smiles as she received her award for good work in BSSEE from Sis. Julie Corbin.

By:

Peta Rowe-Forde

ON Sunday evening, just over 50 students, from the Barbados Secondary School Entrance Examinations (BSSEE) level to the tertiary level, received awards compliments of the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union.

However, the special awards and tasty refreshments were not all being shared on the day. Founder and Director of the Barbados Association of Muslim Women, Firhaana Bulbulia, gave the feature address on a topic that these awardees were already familiar with; and that is success.

Starting her speech by giving several different definitions of success, Bulbulia outlined that success means something different to everyone and one form that is often overlooked is wanting and doing for others what you would want and do for yourself.

She went on to state that oftentimes, persons are so caught up in acquiring many physical attributes, for example being rich or being famous, that they forget the work that accompanies it. To this, Bulbulia advised the students to be less concerned with ‘being’ and become deeply engrossed in ‘doing’, because in many cases it is the persons who ‘do’ that end up ‘being’.

Furthermore, she implored that awards and recognition are not the pinnacle of success for it is a journey and not a destination. Thus, she told the students that as they embark on their new course of study, they will meet students who will do exceptionally well and those who will not. Nevertheless, she challenged them to be persons who create solutions, who offer innovations, who solve challenges, so as to ensure that others in the class receive top grades like themselves.

In leading by example, she suggested that they can start an association that focuses on raising money for those who cannot afford fees while offering extra lessons, use social media to form clubs and create campaigns that ensure that students with disabilities or learning challenges get what they need to be successful.

“As someone who benefits from this system, make it your duty to ensure this system makes all of us successful,” stated Bulbulia as she closed.

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News

Co-Founder and CEO of What3Words, Chris Sheldrick, developed an easier way to locate places on the map.

By:

Peta Rowe-Forde

During the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association’s (URISA) 2016 Caribbean Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Conference this week at Hilton Barbados, a relatively new mapping and addressing application made its debut in the Caribbean.

Giving the keynote address at the conference, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of What3Words, Chris Sheldrick, explained in great detail the functionality and benefits of using the app in a variety of sectors.

Opening with a story on suitcases as we know them with wheels when they first came into being, Sheldrick formed the analogy that What3Words can similarly change the landscape of commuting from destination to destination. What3Words is a universal addressing system based on a 3mx3m global grid. Each of the 57 trillion 3mx3m squares in the world has been pre-allocated a fixed and unique word address. The geocoder on the app then turns geographic co-ordinates into these three word addresses.

Going further to explain how it works, Sheldrick showed how a desired point of arrival can be named using three words, which makes it easier to find rather than launching co-ordinates in a GPS system or trying to remember the name of an address that may not be ideal. For example, one location in his hometown, London, is pre-coded as tables.chairs.lamps.

In giving a rationale for the use and outlining the benefits of the app, Sheldrick noted that 75 per cent of the world is poorly addressed and even those countries that have sufficient addressing systems have many complications.

“This means that around four billion people are invisible, unable to report crime, unable to get deliveries or receive aid, and unable to exercise many of their rights as citizens because they simply have no way to communicate where they live,” explained Sheldrick.

Likewise, many businesses and tourist at-tractions are difficult to find.

The app is being used in 170 countries so far and has proven to be a great success. Integrated in the system are Google map features as well as Helipaddy, which allows for a broader search. Most recently, the app was used in Brazil for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games by security personnel as well as patrons and athletes in search of venues for specific events.

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News

By:

Regina Selman-Moore

The Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society (BVHS) is reporting a quick turnover rate for persons entering its recently launched Women and Children’s Shelter.

President of the Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society, Kemar Saffrey told the Barbados Advocate this week that as word got out about its official launch, the BVHS has been getting a number of requests from women, who have been threatened with eviction at their places of residence. He however noted that the BVHS has been able to get some assistance for a number of women and children residing at the shelter, so that they often pass through rather than remain, allowing for a quick turnover and freeing up space for others who may be in need.

“The women have been responding pretty well to the Women’s Shelter. We have been getting a lot of calls and requests, so that has been tremendous. Some women are coming with a lot of requests for assistance with three and four children and sometimes that poses a challenge, since we don’t have that capacity. And most of these are women that are likely going to be homeless soon, but we try to work with them to get them back on their feet or we try to talk with the landlord before eviction. So that is going pretty good,” Saffrey pointed out.

“We have a few women in (our) programme, women and children and it has been going good. Some of them have gotten a job and moved on, so we have really seen some quick and progressive turnover rates so far,” Saffrey also indicated.

The Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society recently moved to establish a Women and Children’s Shelter, given the number of women, accompanied by their children, who seek out its services.

Having seen some cases where women have been sleeping on the streets whilst pregnant or with their children in tow and acknowledging that this is even more worrisome than having men on the streets, the BVHS established the shelter with the assistance of Courts, Barbados, which provided the necessary furnishings.

The main reasons women give for needing assistance, is that they have lost their jobs, are unable to pay rent or they are entwined in family disputes, which all lead to them being put out on the streets. (RSM)

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News

Patron of the Hands Extended Reaching Out (HERO) – Mom-preneurship Programme, Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. the Hon. Esther Byer Suckoo (right) alongside Yvonne Blenman, a Trustee of HERO Charity (centre) and CEO of Barbados Investment & Development Corporation Sonja Trotman (left), during the launch of the Mom-preneurship programme held at Ellerton Wesleyan Holiness Church, yesterday.

By:

Tanya Lightbourne

Young single mothers within the St George South constituency are being empowered to become business owners.

This is through the Hands Extended Reaching Out (HERO) – Mom-preneurship Programme.

Yesterday, Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. the Hon. Esther Byer Suckoo officially launched the three-month initiative, which will see 30 women seek to become entrepreneurs, while developing new skills so that they can adequately take care of their children.

“HERO is a community-based organisation in St George South established to develop the community eradicating poverty, empowering women, youth and children, also the intergenerational impact … We are very excited about this programme because it empowers this generation of mothers as it helps them to pass on that legacy to their children,” Dr Byer-Suckoo explained during the launch held at the Ellerton Wesleyan Holiness Church, Ellerton, St. George.

Revealing that sessions will get underway next week, the Senator, who is also patron of the programme, took the opportunity to thank the Barbados Investment & Development Corporation (BIDC), St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Wesleyan Holiness, Employers, among others for coming on board to provide mentorship to the young woman participating in Mom-preneurship.

She stressed that having a good mentor will be vital.

“For this programme to be a success, our young women have to change the mind-set. They have to see themselves now as being able to take control of their destiny. They have to be able to appreciate that they can do it. Therefore, mentorship will be a very important part of that programme where we would ask women in the opportunity to work alongside them, helping them to get over some of the hurdles. This community has produced some very success women who are able to provide this sort of assistance to our young women.”

Dr. Byer-Suckoo also revealed that as participants develop, they will be able to access grant funding through the Human Resource Development Strategy which will assist in taking their businesses to the next level.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BIDC, Sonja Trotman said that the government agency has already identified some of its female employees who reside in St George, to act as mentors.

“The BIDC is proud to a part of this programme. We are going to do whatever is required to assist,” she expressed.

“I am happy that persons who reside in St George would have seen the need….sometimes we are always reaching out to offer advice and financial support but there is nothing more than empowering persons, and this is the aim of this programme.”

Yvonne Blenman a Trustee of HERO acknowledged that there are a lot of talented young women within the constituency.

“We have ladies who are good at hair, nails and much more. We are here to help these young mothers; to empower them.”

“I try to talk to mothers about how they are managing and sometimes they say it is difficult. I try to explain to them that it is not only about government…but it is how you can empower yourself to become a better person to help your children,” she said. (TL)

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News

From left: President of the National United Society of the Blind (NUSB), Rudyard Welch; Elviston Maloney, President of the Barbados Association of the Blind and Deaf; and PRO for NUSB, Errol Hurley.

Contestants of the National United Society of the Blind (NUSB) 2016 Calypso competition.

THE National United Society of the Blind (NUSB) 2016 Calypso competition comes off on Saturday, October 8.

Richard Daisley, a.k.a Mr Daze, will be leading off the performances, which will take place at the Prince Cave Hall, District ‘A’ Police Station, Station Hill, St. Michael, starting at 6 p.m.

He, along with the seven other contestants including reigning Monarch, Granville Carter, a.k.a Mr DJ, drew their positions on Monday at the National Union of Public Workers’ Auditorium, Dalkeith, St. Michael.

Following Mr Daze on stage will be Elviston Maloney ‘Size 2’, Errol Hurley ‘De Phantom’, Mary Sayers, Errol Greenidge ‘Redd Man’, Mr DJ, Roger Vaughan ‘Biggie Bear’ and Lisa Williams ‘Lady Emerald’.

The competition was conceptualised in 2011 by Senator Kerryann Ifill to create a forum for talented persons who are blind and visually impaired to showcase their creativity in writing, through the expressive rhythms of calypso.

Reaping much success, the competition has witnessed two of its contestants take part in Crop Over. Performing with Super Gladiators were Size 2 and Mr DJ, who have not only showcased their talent, but they have sent a strong message to Barbadians that “Disability is not Inability”.

“Throughout the years this competition has exposed persons who are visually impaired or blind to the wider Barbados, letting Barbadians know that we have got talent,” stressed Hurley, who is also Public Relations Officer for the NUSB.

“We are all ready to show our talent, and we thank all of the sponsors who are making sure that the competition is a success.”

Producer of the show, Peter Brito, noted that the competition has grown immensely since its inception.

“I chose to get involved in this competition because I realised there was a lot of talent,” he expressed.

“The competition this year is really going to be one of the bigger ones… Each of the eight competitors are very good at their craft.”

Brito also revealed that the show will include guest performances from Junior Calypso Monarch in the 8-12 category, Summa Sargeant; as well as reigning Calypso Monarch of the Barbados Port Authority’s competition.

Barbadians can look forward to meeting the contestants when a motorcade takes to the City and its environs on October 1. (TL)

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News

Organiser of the march, Andrew Dixon, noted that some communities have not received water for months.

Organiser of the march, Andrew Dixon, noted that some communities have not received water for months.

By:

Peta Rowe-Forde

After facing dry taps for weeks and months on end, residents from St. Joseph and other neighbouring parishes congregated outside the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) yesterday to vent their frustration.

Andrew Dixon, organiser of the protest action which saw about 70 persons coming out, stated that the living conditions of the residents are unsatisfactory.

“We were treated too badly…I even had it in my mind to run away from this march, but when I got up at 5:30 this morning and I saw women and men at those tanks and there was no water in the tanks, it hurt my heart,” stated a passionate Dixon.

Proposing a solution to the problem, Dixon is calling for Dr. David Estwick to resign from his role as Minister of Water Resource Management.

He stated, “We have a chief that is supposed to be in charge of the BWA who has not found it fit to come to the residents of any part of St. Joseph to apologise, sympathise, like the others do...We are not blaming the BWA for what is happening, the BWA is governed by a Minister that the Prime Minister has selected to rule the BWA, and on behalf of the residents of all of St. Joseph. I, Andrew Dixon, am asking the Hon. Member Dr. David Estwick to hand in his resignation as far as water is concerned to the Prime Minister…

"I believe that Dr. Estwick is not fit to handle this water crisis; this is September and if hurricane season is about to finish and we can’t get water yet, when dry season comes I guarantee Barbados, this situation will get worse.”

MP for St. Joseph, Dale Marshall, aired his views during the protest as well. “I really must congratulate Andrew Dixon for being the prime movement behind this march… I have recognised that there are people from St. George, St. Andrew and some from St. Thomas because it is not only a St. Joseph problem,” he lamented.

In relation to the call for Dr. Estwick’s resignation, Marshall expressed that he thinks that the whole government should resign. Acknowledging that there is no magic that can make water appear in the pipes, Marshall noted that there are some immediate things that the BWA must do to help make this situation a little better.

“I think it is scandalous that the water authority should be sending monthly bills to citizens who do not receive the service…BWA ought to waive the payment of any monies due to BWA by any communities that are without water…in addition to that there should also be a rebate.”

Although crediting Joyann Haigh Public Relations Officer of the BWA for her continuous support, Marshall is asking that sooner or later, the residents get to speak to the decision makers; remarking that the letter taken to the Minister by the leader of Opposition, Hon. Mia Mottley in January to schedule a meeting has not been acknowledged.

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News

MP for St. Joseph, Dale Marshall speaking with the media.

Mohammed Ali Kothdiwala too venting his
frustration on the behalf of the St. Joseph
residents.

‘Josephines’ frustrated with the water outage marched outside BWA headquarters yesterday.

By:

Peta Rowe-Forde

Residents of St. Joseph, also known as “Josephines” found themselves in front of the Barbados Water Authority; marching in the hope that their lack of water would soon become a thing of the past.

Led by Horse Hill resident, Andrew Dixon, the group peacefully moved back and forth the length of the parking lot, carrying placards and chanting to communicate their plight.

As residents voiced that they were unable to attend school and work, Dixon said, “We came here to vent our frustration and we came to shout, to let the world – not only Barbados – know how we have been treated over the last couple of months. Places like Bowling Alley ain’t had water for eight months; Suriname ain’t had water for almost a year; Horse Hill ain’t had water for almost six-seven weeks; and parts of Sugar Hill ain’t had water for at least six days! The water’s coming on for an hour and then going back off!”

The outage does not affect the entire parish but affected areas were given frequent visits with a water tanker. This seems to have come to an end according to Dixon.

“So we realise that the tanks were being filled and all of a sudden, Suriname ain’t had a tank in five days, Horse Hill ain’t had a tank – none of the tanks are full. So what we came here to do this morning is to demonstrate to the BWA that even though we are paying higher bills than any other citizens that have water, it is not right.”

Supporting the march was Christ Church resident, Mohammed Ali Kothdiwala, who travels to the rural parish every weekend. He too, frustrated with the situation commented, “You think it is fair that people have to come and beg for water? The major thing that this country is missing is a Prime Minister. If you are a leader you would come out to at least hear what the people are saying because this is not suffering for two days.” He continued, “We bring in a conference talking about tourism, take these people in St. Joseph to the conference and let them see how the people up there are living. Even this issue with garbage collection, I live in Christ Church East and my garbage gets collected twice a week – probably because certain people live in the area.”

Therefore; strongly of the opinion that the country is under siege, Kothdiwala urged the Prime Minister to “come out and say something to the country because the people are crying”.

Joining residents on the march also were MP for St. Joseph, Dale Marshall; MP for St. Thomas, Cynthia Forde; as well as MP for St. George South, Dwight Sutherland.

Water Outages have been said to spread as far as these neighbouring constituencies.

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Roman Catholic Bishop for Bridgetown, Barbados, Jason Gordon.

Roman Catholic Bishop for Bridgetown, Barbados, Jason Gordon.

The last census done in Barbados in 2010 showed there were 49 000 people who said they had “no religion”.

Expressing concern about these staggering statistics, Roman Catholic Bishop for Bridgetown, Barbados, Jason Gordon, has expressed concern about the number of young people “checking out from church” and leaning towards atheism. He has also suggested that a number of social ills plaguing Barbados at present, including gun violence, may be linked somehow to these factors.

The Bishop’s comments came as he addressed the media yesterday at the Living Water Community Centre in St. David’s, Christ Church, as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown hosted the 9th Annual General Meeting of SIGNIS Caribbean.

SIGNIS Caribbean has brought together Catholic communicators from across the region to embark on an Integrated Pastoral Communications Plan, as a means of engaging the wider community and also sharing the church’s position on a number of societal issues.

“That [49 000] for Barbados is a very high number,” Bishop Gordon said of the statistics from the census.

“Barbados has always been known as a very religious society. So when the fastest growing category is ‘no religion’, you know you have a problem that is starting to escalate and we are going in a particular direction,” he further commented.

“When you reach that, you can’t disconnect that from all the other social ills that we have, because now we are finding a generation growing up in households where they have no reference to God whatsoever and so they are growing up with atheism being absolutely normal, [even though] their friends [maybe] going to church,” the Bishop stated.

“You also have the younger generation who are checking out of church because their brains can no longer span the kind of attention span that we expect for the older people who go to church. So we have to address these things because if we are going to do evangelisation and if we are going to do culture building and if we are going to work within our society to help to grow standards, then we have to reach to each of these groups in a way that makes sense to them,” he added. (RSM)

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THE Small Business Association (SBA) wants this country’s credit unions to be part of the $75 million lending facility created by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), so as to assist small businesses.

So says CEO of the Association, Ms. Lynette Holder. The funds are being administered by the Central Bank of Barbados.

Holder said that there are several intermediary financial institutions that are identified for accessing some of the funds on behalf of small businesses.

“We are pleased to note that First Citizens Bank is one of the first to be able to access the IDB guarantee funds for the sector,” she said.

“So we are calling for credit unions to be included on the list of intermediaries that the sector can go and that those credit unions can also access those guarantee funds,” she added.

Holder further stated that this recommendation had been made in the pre-Budget discussions with Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Christopher Sinckler, who, according to her, expressed support for the proposal.

“So we are hopeful it will be done shortly,” the CEO said.

Senior Banker at First Citizens, Kaye Brathwaite, said First Citizens is one of the first banks to access funding through the IDB guarantee fund for the small businesses.

“We look to support the sector as much as we can and we look to give advice for those persons coming through our doors as much as we can and on how they can package their business proposals and be successful when applying for financing,” Brathwaite noted.

She said that the Bank has given a fair amount of support to the local small business sector over the last two years or so.

Financing amounts, she explained, ranged from about $50 000 to $200 000 to $250 000 depending on the industries involved.

Holder further noted that they “are always ready and willing to support any initiative that would bring new products to the sector. But we tend to prefer the more direct route for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises accessing funds”.

She stated that firms require money and the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs is cognisant that there needs to be grants in the mix and that too would help the process.

In the Budget, Sinckler promised to utilise monies tied up in the Industrial Credit Fund, which currently resides in the Central Bank of Barbados, to assist small businesses. (JB)

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Statement on bilateral talks between the Prime Ministers of Barbados and Jamaica, including recent immigration matters:

Prime Minister of Barbados, Freundel Stuart and Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness yesterday discussed the state of bilateral relations between the two countries via telephone.

The discussions took place against the background of two recent incidents related to Jamaican travellers to Barbados and came a day after Prime Minister Stuart received the Letter of Introduction of the new non-resident High Commissioner of Jamaica to Barbados, His Excellency David Prendergast, at his Ilaro Court residence. The High Commissioner was accompanied by Honorary Consul, Mrs. Ella Hoyos.

Prime Minister Stuart told his counterpart that his call was intended to cement the need for the two countries to work more closely at the bilateral level over a range of issues, noting their close historical ties as founder members of CARICOM.

The Prime Minister of Jamaica agreed that there was a need to strengthen the bilateral relationship, particularly in light of the recent incidents involving two Jamaican nationals. He expressed his deep concern at the two reported incidents. Prime Minister Stuart agreed that the reported incidents were unfortunate and that on becoming aware of the matters, he had immediately sought a full briefing on each of them.

He drew to the attention of his counterpart the fact that statistics regarding Jamaicans travelling to Barbados had shown that thousands of Jamaicans entered Barbados without any issues and that fewer than one per cent encountered problems. He, however, did not condone any unwarranted challenge to Jamaicans, in his capacity as both Minister responsible for Immigration in Barbados and the lead spokesman in CARICOM for the CSME. He assured his regional colleague that the matters would be fully investigated, and that if any impropriety on the part of Barbadian officials was found, the requisite sanctions would be applied.

Holness made mention of the Shanique Myrie case, in response to which Prime Minister Stuart noted that given its precedent-setting nature, it was natural that the Myrie case would be evoked, but that it was one unfortunate incident when compared with the thousands of Jamaicans who come to Barbados and enter uneventfully. He said that in the fullness of time he hoped to have a chance to address the Jamaican public on the issues.

Prime Minister Stuart also noted that challenges would occur from time to time in the Freedom of Movement initiative and stressed that it was early days yet in the execution of the guidelines in the CCJ Court Decision. According to him, the Revised Treaty “had set out the ideal but the Court had sought to put flesh on the dry bones of that ideal”. He said that wherever challenges

arose the Government of Barbados would, as should be the case with other CARICOM Governments, try to make sure that mistakes were corrected and not repeated.

In response to the intimation of Prime Minister Holness that the recent matters could end up before the CCJ, Prime Minister Stuart indicated that that was the right of the individuals which no one could deny.

He assured his Jamaican counterpart that his Government would give the fullest cooperation in ensuring that propriety obtains in the matters. He stressed that it was important that the recent issues be managed carefully and not be allowed to undermine the good relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Stuart took the opportunity to congratulate Holness and the Jamaican people for that island’s excellent performance in the recent Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He asserted that Usain Bolt had written his name indelibly in gold on that occasion and congratulated Jamaica for showcasing the Caribbean to the world.

The two leaders agreed to keep the lines of communication open between the two countries, and to issue the respective statements on the matter later in the day.

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Redman: Put guidance counsellors in all schools

President of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union, Mary-Anne Redman (right), listens as BSTU General Secretary, Andrew Brathwaite (centre); and Consultant, Patrick Frost, make points during a meeting with teachers yesterday at Solidarity House.

Some of the teachers in attendance at the meeting.

President of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU), Mary-Anne Redman, believes strongly that steps should be taken to place guidance counsellors in all schools across this island.

Speaking to the media after a more than three-hour meeting yesterday afternoon with the general membership of the BSTU at Solidarity House, Redman, noting that one of the issues addressed on their agenda was the violence in schools, said that they feel confident that guidance counsellors and similar professionals can help put a stop to violence within the school setting and address the myriad issues facing children and adolescents in this country. Adamant that the BSTU stands by its zero tolerance policy towards any form of violence in the school environment, she maintained that they will not allow their members to suffer at the hands of any students.

“For years we have been saying there is a need for guidance counsellors at the primary levels, because students don’t come to the secondary schools and develop problems there, they have behavioural problems starting from the primary system… At the secondary school, I would say we need more than one guidance counsellor in schools [and] we need social workers working with the guidance counsellors,” she insisted.

Redman added, “One psychologist cannot fulfil the needs of the tens of thousands of students in this country. We need to have psychologists who will deal with the many problems that our students have.”

The BSTU head maintained that such professional help is necessary as teachers are not trained nor do they have the resources in the classrooms to effectively deal with the “special needs” of students, especially in classrooms where the student roll can be in the high 30s.

Reflecting then on the major violent incidents that involved teachers and students which occurred last academic year, the union boss said that in the case of Ellerslie where a teacher and student were involved in an altercation, the teacher remains on sick leave; while at the Lodge School two students who had confrontations with teachers have been recommended for transfer to other schools. In respect of the teacher whose car was vandalism to the tune of $11 000, he was transferred to another school pending investigations.

Redman said it would appear that those investigations have not yet been completed as the teacher will not be returning to his original post on Monday.

Her comments came as she indicated that each teacher at yesterday’s meeting was furnished with a handout on how teachers should approach situations of conflict. That seven-point document, a copy of which

was provided to the media, advises teachers not to question; argue; lecture, scold or yell; give false praise; hold a grudge; lose their cool or ignore misbehaviour.

She added that a planned session on self defence did not take place due to the instructor’s unavailability, but they hope to expose their members to such a session in the near future so they can protect themselves and the students in their care. (JRT)

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General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union Toni Moore (left) with Minister of Labour, Senator Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo during the workshop.

WITH a number of hotels coming on stream and new sources of employment expected to be generated through “green” jobs, Minister of Labour, SenatorDr. Esther Byer-Suckoo says mechanisms are being put in place to ensure that workers’ rights will be protected.

Her comments came yesterday during the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop on Multinational Enterprises (MNE’s), hosted by the International Labour Organisation in collaboration with the Barbados Employers’ Confederation at the Accra Beach Hotel in Rockley yesterday morning.

The Minister, while thanking the ILO for putting labour standards at the forefront of developmental process, said the workshop is timely as Government seeks to enhance opportunities for foreign direct investment and continue to develop Barbados’ tourism and international business sectors.

“While my Ministry welcomes the continued development of our tourism industry, especially in anticipation of the recruitment drive which will take place on these (hotel) sites and the possible recruitment of migrant labour as well, I have taken the necessary steps to establish a technical committee that will be staffed with developing a protocol to address the conditions that are to be adhered to in the employment of persons on these sites, both local and foreign,” she explained.

Noting that there is much to be gained from foreign direct investment, she told participants of the workshop that they must be vigilant to ensure that the emerging business environment is marked by responsible enterprises that help create employment, especially to the youth, directly and indirectly by supporting local agriculture, manufacturing and other goods and services.

“Enterprises which place emphasis on the promotion of decent work, including collective bargaining and the workers’ constitutional right to join the trade union and enterprises that exercise social responsibility giving consideration to and placing focus on issues such as occupational safety and health, industrial relations and greening,” she further stated.

She used the opportunity to encourage stakeholders and new players in the market to familiarise themselves with the relevant statutes including Safety and Health at Work Act, the Employment Rights Act, Town Planning legislation as well as regulations related to health, sanitation and social security.

The Minister said while much of the industrial relations is volunteeristic based on collaboration and mutual respect, this can change.

“We have not enshrined it all in law, but if it comes to that, if that is the only language that foreign investors know, or local investors, that as much as we would prefer our volunteeristic system, we would have to do what we have to do to protect our workers,” she cautioned.

This workshop is being held specifically in response to the ILO’s monitoring of the provisions of the MNE Declaration and to assess its impact on the tourism sector of Barbados.

The MNE declaration is an ILO instruction that provides direct guidance on social policy and inclusive, responsible and sustainable workplace practices. The principles address MNE’s governments, employers and workers organisations and covers areas such as employment, training, conditions of work and life and industrial relations. (JH)

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News

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Get professional help

WORKERS PROTECTION KEY