The Barbados Public Workers Cooperative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL) has opened a new branch at Mile And A Quarter, St. Peter.

The branch, which officially opened yesterday morning, says President of the BPWCCUL, Raphael Holder, was established in response to repeated calls for such a facility in the north of the island. He said though the new location has been long in coming it was worth the wait, as it enhances the credit union’s existing presence in that community, which was previously by way of an automated teller machine (ATM) located in the Junction Hardware.

Holder revealed that ATM is one of the busiest in their network, as the area is a hub for the parishes of St. Andrew, St. James, St. Lucy, St. Peter and even St. Joseph.

With that in mind, he said that the “compact but contemporary facilities” at the new branch, with a staff complement of six personnel, will offer all the services available at the larger branches. He said it is anticipated that like the other out-of-city locations, Mile And A Quarter will make its mark on the country’s financial landscape.

“This pleasing trend of expansion underscores the willingness of our constituents to embrace the concept of utilisation outside of the city environs. The success of our Six Roads outlet is a prime example of this theory,” he told the audience.

He added, “… We therefore expect our membership to be pleased with this investment and for this location to demonstrate immediate heavy patronage.”

Speaking to the media following the opening ceremony, he addressed the BPWCCUL’s expansion in recent times, including the Six Roads, St. Philip branch, which he noted was initially small but had to be expanded due to demand.

“Six Roads, initially it was a small branch within the Emerald City location as you would know, but then the demand was so great we had to change and expand and we moved into what was the old Republic Bank. [We] expanded it, did some renovations and so forth and now it is a rather large facility. And actually, we almost do not have enough space there again because the demand is so great in that area,” he said.

Holder added, “As you know, St. Philip is one of those parishes that has been expanding rapidly, the demographics are changing there… [and] we are doing well there.”
(JRT)

THE Barbados National NCD Commission last week hosted the recently re-established St. Lucia National NCD Commission here on the island, to see how the non-communicable disease (NCD) burden could be further reduced at the national level in each country.

On August 17-18, 2017, Lydia Atkins, Alternate NCD Focal Point for the St. Lucia Ministry of Health and Wellness and a member of the recently formed St. Lucia NCD Commission; and Dr. Owen Gabriel, Consultant Oncologist and Chair of the St. Lucia National NCD Commission, visited Barbados to meet with the Barbados National NCD Commission (NNCDC) and expressed their hope for a deeper partnership to better tackle the NCD burden back home.

The Barbados NNCDC has been one of the more successful CARICOM Commissions, having been active for nine years since its inception in 2008 and with a strong track record of contributing to NCD prevention and control in Barbados at the national level. Dr. Gabriel and Ms. Atkins therefore spent the two days meeting with various stakeholders including Chairman of the Barbados National NCD Commission, Professor Sir Trevor Hassell, who also serves as President of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC); and HCC Executive Director, Maisha Hutton. The two also met with members of the Barbados National NCD Commission; and Dr. Kenneth George and Denise Carter Taylor, commissioners and representatives of the Barbados Ministry of Health.

It has meanwhile been noted that the St. Lucia NNCDC was initially established in 2013 and went into dormancy after serving a two-year term. In 2017, it was re-established with a new Chair and new membership and the mandate to enhance visibility of the National NCD Agenda, in an effort to mobilise and strengthen public, private and civil society partnerships for reducing the NCD burden at the national level. The Commission has been given an agenda of accelerated NCD action, that will place St. Lucia on a trajectory to bring the country closer to achieving the 2025 global NCD targets and the health-related targets within the 2030 Agenda. To achieve these targets, there is a need to ensure that the Commission is adequately equipped to advance the work on NCDs.

“This is the first of its kind NNCDC observership between NNCDCs in the region. The HCC is honoured to have played a role and has committed to the further development of platforms and networks to encourage enhanced sharing of experiences and lessons learned across NNCDCs and their equivalents,” Sir Trevor Hassell meanwhile noted. (RSM)

A Government backbencher, concerned about the increasing level of violence in the country, particularly those involving firearms, is adamant that a whole-of-society approach is needed to address the problem and not just a legal one.

Member of Parliament for St. Michael West Central, James Paul, contends that it is narrow-minded for persons to adopt a legalistic approach to the problem, which has seen some over 20 people being murdered this year so far, 19 as the result of gun violence.

“We all must be concerned and there are those who say that Government must do something about it and that is true, but Government cannot do it alone. It must be all hands on deck. Also, adopting mainly a legalistic approach to try to deal with it will not solve the problem. We have to look at what is happening in our society that is causing our young people to turn to crime and drugs,” he said.

Paul added, “There are some people who will say it is because of the harsh economic environment, but this is not the first time Barbados has seen harsh economic times. But, what we are seeing for the first time is that some young people are seeing crime as an attractive alternative, rather than trying to get into mainstream, acceptable and gainful employment.”

What is worse, Paul contended, is that there are some adults who are even prepared to push young people into a life of crime for their own gain, and he believes these persons must be exposed and made to answer for their actions. Paul made it clear that he is not suggesting that criminals should not be brought to justice, and the full weight of the law brought to bear on the culprits, but he said those who facilitate and help to create these criminals need to be held accountable too.

“We have people in our society, who they themselves do not commit the crime, but they encourage young people to go out there and commit the crime and the money comes back to them. These are the types of things we need to focus on, to identify those individuals, and prevent them from destroying future generations of Barbadians because their actions are hurting our youth and hurting our society,” he maintained.

He added, “What about the families who fail to give instruction to their young people, who leave them out there for people to pollute their minds? We are not speaking about that, because in this society we always adopt the blame game, in other words it is not me. But each of us has to look and see the extent to which we are contributing to the problem. It is not the fault of the Government or the politician because in a sense, the youth are reflecting what is going on in the society as a whole and we need to look at ourselves and ask what are we creating.”

Paul maintained that in addition to the individuals, the Church too has a major role to play in helping persons find and maintain their moral compass and the correct patterns of behaviour they should adopt. (JRT)

IN spite of the economic challenges facing the island, the largest credit union on the island is reporting that business remains relatively good.

That’s the word from President of the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL), Raphael Holder. Speaking to members of the media on the heels of the opening of its newest branch at Mile And A Quarter, St. Peter, Holder said while business is going well, there is still concern about members’ delinquency with respect to loans. He disclosed that this is their major concern, but he said they are working on managing the issue by offering persons options to restructure their debt.

“In spite of the prevailing conditions which are a little unstable at the moment, we still think that we would do a good job in managing and controlling any eventualities,” he stated.

Holder’s remarks came as he said more persons are being proactive and are inclined to seek assistance when they first start to experience financial challenges, rather than waiting for the situation to get out of hand.

“Once upon a time there was a certain stigma being associated with falling onto hard times, but people are now coming forward and saying, ‘I am having difficulties with handling my debt, so I need some help.’ We are having more opportunities to consolidate debt because people are borrowing from other institutions as well, so we are taking advantage of that and consolidating and putting people on firmer footing.

“Life is about cash flow, so if you are indebted to numerous institutions it could be tough at times, so to consolidate is probably the best way,” he said.

He added however that in as much as delinquency is a factor, persons are also saving more and being more cautious with their money, even making investments. This reality, he revealed, has been seeing their deposits trending upwards. His comments came as he noted that the commercial bank’s decision to lower interest rates on deposits has definitely been of benefit to the credit union, which has seen an increase in members and he believes the credit union movement continues to be on sound footing.

“Right now this particular credit union, we have assets of $1.2 billion; the movement in general has at least 185 000 people, that is about 70 per cent of the island. Those numbers in itself are proof that there is high confidence in the movement,” he stated. (JRT)

The opportunity to study in a country that is culturally different from Barbados presents you with an opportunity to expand your horizons.

So states the Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ronald Jones, who delivered remarks at the Delivery Ceremony of the Admission Letters for the Beneficiaries of the 2017/2018 Chinese Government Scholarships on Tuesday night at the Chinese Embassy.

“You have such a great opportunity to extend your wings, to expand your horizons. This opportunity to study in the People’s Republic of China is a great one and you are going to great universities as explained by the Ambassador (Wang Ke). You will be immersed into an environment that will strengthen you; give you the opportunity to meet so many people from across the world.”

Jones said that as the young people of this generation, they are considered global citizens because of the opportunities that are now being presented to them to study in even more diverse and far off places - chances that were not available to generations such as his and the ones before his.

“That is why you who are 21st century children, all of you are – you know – global citizens, you really are. Your space has been widened so phenomenally as compared to my space or the space of Minister McClean, or the spaces of our two PSs here or of the Deputy PS. Our spaces were a little more narrow and if you go back a few years before us, that space was really the front yard or the back yard. Today, that space is the world and in a country where there is so much great culture, culture embedded over time, thousands of years – we’re still an emerging, cultural space of those who have been transplanted into this 166 square mile rock, that we too are evolving with our own unique characteristics as a people.”

Therefore, in addition to expanding their horizons, they also get an opportunity to craft their own stories of their life experiences that are different and diverse from other Barbadians.

“Therefore interfacing and interacting as we are with Chinese people and Bajan people, is really good for the story of the world. We have all become writers in our own way. They are always on time, so you have to adjust to that cultural space, you have to adjust to the characteristics of the country and its people.”

The Minister of Education urged them to take full advantage of the opportunity to develop skills that will be advantageous to themselves, their families and their country.

“I am glad to see you all going off, young as you are, but it is at this stage of youth that you are able to pull on board, pull on shore so many different experiences and to hone your own talents to contribute to yourselves, your family and your country. Ultimately, that has to be the process.”

Mandarin will soon be taught in more educational institutions in Barbados.

This is the view of the Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ronald Jones, who delivered remarks at the Delivery Ceremony of the Admission Letters for the Beneficiaries of the 2017/2018 Chinese Government Scholarships on Tuesday night at the Chinese Embassy.

He said that it has been quite a number of years now since the Government of the People’s Republic of China has been offering these scholarships to Barbadian students and many have gone overseas to that East Asian nation and have benefitted from both the educational and cultural experiences that they have to offer.

“This has been so many years now that we have been having these scholarships from China and many of our people have benefitted from the various scholarships across so many areas. The Chinese doctor. 110 per cent Chinese Bajan. In fact, Chinese everything. He even talks that way, you wouldn’t believe it. A hybrid Chinese Bajan. He had the opportunity to meet people from the Caribbean and there are people from the Caribbean who have been through the scholarship programme who are in fact working in China on behalf of their Governments to promote business and all of that.”

In fact, the relationship between China and Barbados, which started more than forty years ago, extends beyond the academics, to include advantages in such areas as economic development, military exchanges and medical assistance, said Jones.

“Our relationship with China is now so diversified, that it is of honey, not only in the economic sphere, but in the cultural sphere, in the military exchange and medical support. So it is been deepened as a result of that interaction, but it took some time. The relationship between Barbados and China is just over 40 years. It took some time but it is now moving with rapidity and that is quite good for both countries.”

Therefore, it seems like a natural step for the teaching of Mandarin which is already been done in some learning institutions across this island, to be expanded to even more institutions in order to get more Barbadians to learn how to communicate fluently in this language as Barbados seeks to deepen its ties with China, said the Minister of Education.

“We will be able of course to continue to work with the Chinese people here at the Confucius Institute as they spread their wings through various cultural activities, more particularly the teaching of Mandarin. We have been experiencing some of that in our schools. We are looking as to how we can extend that even more across even a few more of our schools to form a circle around the Cave Hill Campus. So all of this is good.”

A Park and Ride system will be put in place for the Closing Ceremony and Super Concert for CARIFESTA XIII on Sunday 27th August from The Garfield Sobers Gymnasium and Queen’s College car parks.

These sites will open from 3:30 p.m. with the last bus leaving the Park and Ride sites at 6 p.m. for Kensington.

After the ceremony, the first bus will leave Kensington Oval at 9 p.m. with the last bus leaving Kensington Oval back to the Park and Ride sites at 12 midnight.

The cost for the two way journey is $7.00.

For those travelling by bus, there will be a $2.00 shuttle to the bus terminals leaving Kensington at 11:30 p.m. in time to catch the last bus out of the terminal.

THE PLIGHT of yet another elderly Barbadian living in a house that is falling to pieces has caused a National Assistance Board (NAB) official to believe that there is a need for Government to establish a task force to specifically deal with finding housing solutions for older folks in society who are in need of help.

Chairman of the NAB, Senator Dr David Durant, told the media that he continues to investigate many cases where the island’s elderly are living in dilapidated conditions, and are in need of housing solutions.

He said the situation which has been a cause for concern for many years is somewhat worrisome, because there could be many more cases that are yet to be highlighted.
“I think we have to strengthen the housing stock of the elderly. We need to establish a task force within [the Ministry of Housing] to deal primarily with housing for the elderly, because a lot of them can’t help themselves.

“They don’t have the wherewithal, they don’t have the money, plus they don’t have the family. Some have families, but the families are fending for themselves,” Durant said.
“The truth is, if we embark on relocating most of those people, we would be out of units. That is the reason why I am trying to get 20 units done for this purpose – for temporary accommodation – so that when we have emergencies like this you won’t leave people in it,” he added.

Yesterday, Durant and NAB’s Technical Officer Matthew Laurie, visited the dilapidated house in the Pine, St Michael where Vadmay Couse has called home for the past 30 years.

Couse, who is celebrating her 73rd birthday today, could not stop the tears from running down her cheeks as she cried out that the house is in dire need of repair, particularly the unstable flooring.

She told the media that the last time she paid rent was in 2001, and noted that the landlord has not been in contact with her since that period. To help herself, Couse has tried to patch the flooring, but her efforts are simply not enough.

She said she desperately needs assistance and that is why she went in search of Durant.

“I feel unsafe in this house and it may fall down on me or something. I just want somewhere to go or to get it fix up. The flooring is not good and the top of the house is no good either. When the rain fall all the water comes in,” she said, looking at the house, wiping the tears away.

The elderly woman declared that she was thankful that the winds and showers that came with Tropical Storm Harvey last week were not any worst, pointing out that the aged house is in no shape to survive any form of extreme weather.

Couse recalled that she tried to make herself as comfortable as possible as the island felt the effects of Harvey passing, but she could not do anything to stop the rain from coming into the house and wetting the contents.

The retired gardener said she has three children who help her whenever possible. She stopped working in 2005, but the pension she receives is barely enough to pay the bills.

Durant said that while the only immediate assistance he can gave to Couse is to provide her with groceries, he would look into finding her a temporary housing solution.

The Chairman said Couse’s case must be thoroughly investigated before any repairs can be done to the house, because she does not own the property.

“We will see if we have to relocate her for the time being and bring this to the attention of the Urban Development Commission (UDC), and let them come along with my officer and see what we can do to help to get this house fixed. The technical officer told me all the joints are gone so it means the flooring has to be replaced, and the roof, as we see, also has to be replaced.

“So it is quite a task and she has been burdened by it. But the fact that it is not her home and she doesn’t know who to contact since 2001, she is dealing with 16 years of a situation that we have to look into now on a legal side,” Durant said. (AH)ꆱ

Do not shoot the messenger!

This was the stance of Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, while stating that Government must take to heart the advice coming from various quarters on the best way forward for the island.

At the time, he was speaking on the comments issued by former RBC Group economist, Marla Dukharan, as she urged the Freundel Stuart administration to “press the reset button” early to put the island back on a path of growth.

Addressing a forum hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados (ICAB) on Thursday, she highlighted that the longer government delayed in implementing the necessary corrective measures, “the steeper the adjustment will have to be”.

Speaking at ICAB’s Business Workshop yesterday morning at the Hilton Barbados, Inniss stated that while there are persons critical of such comments and similar ones from other experts, “we must listen to people like her”.

“There are those who really do have our interest at heart and they say things that we as politicians do not like to hear, but you know what? If you really care about our future you must be prepared to hear other people’s views and to take them on board and not be dismissive of them,” he stressed.

According to him, persons at the top must be willing to fully engage and listen to such persons and “more importantly, take some action to really transform this nation once and for all.” (JMB)

IN order to grow the cultural and creative industry in Barbados, persons need to continue to support and encourage young children’s creativity.

Co-ordinator of the CARIFESTA Wise Workshop, Janelle Mitchell, expressed this to The Barbados Advocate during a workshop that was held in the auditorium at the Barbados Community College (BCC) yesterday morning. She believes that it is important for children to know that it is okay to channel their inner thoughts into an avenue that can continue to boost their creativity.

“The youth is the next generation and if we instil the mantra that they should believe in their creativity from a young age, then it’s something that they will continue to work on and our creative industry can bloom once we start from the root and come up,” she said.

She noted that it is important to instil these mantras and encourage the children from a young age so that they will be able to express themselves as they get older. She revealed that, surprisingly, not many children know how to express themselves, or are comfortable doing so, which is why it is important to teach children the importance of expressing themselves.

To do this, she noted that the National Cultural Foundation usually hosts workshops at The St. Michael School every month, which are open for adults and children to attend.

One grandfather dropped his granddaughter – who is a repeat participant – to yesterday’s workshop, and highlighted that he was incredibly impressed with the way her grades in Composition and Comprehension improved significantly following her participation in the Christmas Wise workshop last year.

The tutors also stated that they are happy to see that the participants are able to transfer the knowledge that was picked up during the workshops and transfer them to their school work and succeed.

For this reason, Mitchell believes that it is important to continue to encourage the youth in the literary arts, and arts in general.

Retired educator and social commentator, Jeff Broomes, is dead set against allowing cell phones into schools across this island from this September.

In 2009, the Ministry of Education banned the use of cell phones in schools, but the Ministry is now set to introduce its new Mobile Technologies Use Policy for Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools in Barbados from the start of the 2017-2018 academic year, and students will once again be able to bring their devices to school. This move, however, is not sitting well with Broomes, who is adamant that the idea of legalising cell phones in schools will lead to disastrous consequences.

He made this position known yesterday afternoon as he delivered the Astor B. Watts Lunchtime Lecture at the Democratic Labour Party’s George Street headquarters, on the topic ‘No Surrender, No Retreat – The Battle for the Heart and Soul of Barbados must be Won’. The retired principal said that there is potential educational use for such devices, but he was fast to point out that there is currently not a single school in this country with any programme in place to utilise that potential.

“If I am wrong, show me one. We are simply putting the cart before the horse with no driver or better yet, we are starting the cricket match and then looking to prepare the pitch after the game is well and truly on, and two or three batsmen have been knocked down or injured. These phones will be used as links in the recruitment game and as weapons in a most hurtful way,” he maintained.

Additionally, Broomes explained that reintroducing this dynamic into the school environment will now require management at the various schools to be responsible for those devices to some extent. He explained that if a phone is lost or stolen, because they will be legal, the school would have a duty to investigate and he is not convinced that they are ready for that responsibility.

“I know Mr. Jones has gone the popular route – he is a politician – but from a personal perspective I don’t agree with it,” he stated.

He raised his concerns about cell phone use in schools as he touched on the issue of social media and the major challenge it is posing to acceptable norms and values in society. He lamented that on account of increasing social media use, persons are finding shortcuts in writing, spelling and personal expression.

“Most devastatingly though are the messages, both false and immoral, and the pictures that are presented as all that the world has to offer,” he said.

Broomes added, “We have all grown up with vicarious learning as a contributing factor in shaping our vision and experiences. Nothing has worked better for most of us than the ability to read. Every school in this country has a library, but very few have library study as a component of their curriculum. Sad, but true. We must present a counter narrative to the filth and degradation that social media presents.”

As such, the long-time educator is proposing that in an effort to positively impact the minds of our youth, a programme should be introduced as part of the school curriculum which mandates all children to read non-academic books, throughout their primary years and at least first or second form in the secondary system. He made the call as he contended that the ability to read and derive positive ideas and imaginative thoughts is at the core of the battle to win back the heart and soul of our nation.

“Reading brings enlightenment and broadens the imagination; inability to read guarantees ignorance in the academic and Bajan definition,” he stated. (JRT)

YESTERDAY a group which is in Barbados to participate in CARIFESTA 2017 grasped the opportunity to put a smile on the faces of the residents at the Jorris Dunnah Senior Citizens Home.

The residents were treated to a performance from the Malick Folk Performers of Trinidad and Tobago, a group which is being hosted by the Pinelands Creative Workshop.

The Trinidadian Fusion Partners of the Pinelands Creative Workshop also made a donation to the residents, as part of their social mandate.

Malick’s Public Relations Officer Candice Hughes Bengochea said the group was delighted to have been given the opportunity to dance and sing Kaiso for the elderly. Bengochea said it was a joy to see the old folk dancing.

“Most and foremost, we wanted to give back to the community so we brought packages for everyone in the home. We are really and truly grateful to be here in Barbados,” Bengochea said.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of Pineland’s Creative Workshop Rodney Grant said his organisation’s relationship with the Malick Folk Performers started in 1988, when he and others went to Trinidad to form the Caribbean Fusion.

“Since then it was just the beginning of a long lasting relationship between us and the Malick Folk Performers. We felt that we could not bring Malick to Barbados and not at least bring them into the community. The group also made the request that they wanted to do something in the community.

“This was the perfect opportunity because these elderly are not as mobile as the young people and therefore this was a good opportunity to bring a part of CARIFESTA to them,” Grant said.

Director of the National Assistance Board (NAB) Charyn Wilson who was there to enjoy the entertainment, alongside NAB’s Chairman Senator Dr David Durant, described the concert as a fantastic initiative. Wilson mentioned that she was pleased to see the residents of the home dancing and having a grand time.

“We have held our own Police band concert here already. But we get organisations coming in and doing different things with the seniors. It could be a community group or it could be a church group.

“From time to time groups would contact us and say they would like to visit and make a donation and we work with them,” Wilson said.
(AH)

The Chevening Scholars for the academic year 2017-18 were announced yesterday by HE Janet Douglas, British High Commissioner.

Awardees are:

Grenada
• Kymanne Andrew- Alexander, studying International Development at the University of Birmingham
• Rosana John, studying Law at University College London
• Denee Toussaint, studying Interaction Design and Computing at the University of Westminster

St Kitts and Nevis
• Crios Freeman, studying Law at Queen Mary University of London

St Lucia
• Alisha Ally, studying Media Practice for Development and Social Change at the University of Sussex
• Kendall Elv, studying Social Development at the University of Sussex
• Louise Victor, studying International Public Relations and Global Communications Management at Cardiff University

At her official Residence yesterday, Douglas presented certificates to the seven Chevening awardees. Also present was UK-funded Barbados Commonwealth Scholar Cherisse Francis, as well as other Barbados Scholars, Exhibitioners and National Development Scholarship awardees. They gathered with undergraduate and post-graduate students who are leaving shortly to start courses in the UK, to hear presentations and advice from Chevening Alumni about study at British universities.

Applications can be made now for Chevening Scholarships at www.chevening.org for the academic year 2018-19. The application period closes on November 7.

One of the questions that many of the students who will be pursuing studies in China are asked is ‘Why China?’ and regardless of their area of study, their answer is usually the same – it is because of their rise on the
international stage in various sectors.

The 2017 scholars are no different. Christian Charles, a former student of the Barbados Community College (BCC) who will be studying at the Beijing Technology and Business University for a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Computer Science and Technology, told The Barbados Advocate exactly why.

“Why China? Why not? China is one of the one of the biggest economic capitals in the world and one of the major reasons that I am going is that there are some major
players in technology. I mean there is Tencent. There are major players in the Information and Communication world, as well as the fact that there are tons of other companies with roots and supply chains going in and out of China which makes a knowledge of Mandarin and knowledge of Chinese culture very valuable.”

He said that he decided not to go the usual Bajan route of studying overseas by heading off to the US, Canada or the UK because that is not unique.

“Well, for one the usual places do not stand out on a resume. Two, learning Mandarin is just interesting to me. How many people can say that they speak Chinese? It is one of the biggest languages in the world and like I said it ties right back into the technology field,”

He added, “As well as one of my personal reasons, it is one of the newer cities in China, Shenzhen – it is very technology- based, very new, lots of factories and computer technology – that is something that I want to see and get myself involved with while I am there.”

Moji-Sola Cherry, also a former BCC student, said that she has wanted to be an architect since she was a little girl and after seeing a picture of the Empire State Building she asked her mom who designed it. Her mom replied that it was an architect, and Moji-Sola Cherry stated that she wanted to be 'that person.'

She said that she will therefore be pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Architecture at Tongji University and she chose China because they have some of the best architectural buildings in the world and she plans to take the knowledge that she gains in China and bring it back to Barbados.

The baby of the group, Former Harrisonian, Abigail Bryan, 18, who will be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics and Trade at the University of International Business and Economics, stated that she has always been interested in numbers, in Law and in problem solving and that her choice of degree combines all of those interests.

In addition, in this era of globalisation, the need for learning about trade has taken on even greater significance and she would like to specialise in Barbados-China relations given the advancement of this East Asian nation as a world power in recent decades.

The trade union movement is needed now more than ever.

That’s according to President of the Barbados Secondary Teachers Union, Mary-Anne Redman. Her comments came yesterday as she delivered fraternal greetings at the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) 76th Annual Delegates Conference at Solidarity House.

“As a trade unionist in this country, I would venture to say that since 1937 there has never been a time more evident that the future wants and needs [us]. Brothers and sisters we are operating at a time in our history when as a country we are faced with, not necessarily new challenges, but challenges that are unprecedented in the depth and to the extent to which they presently exist. Challenges that in their confluence, and within the existing climate, are potentially devastating for this country,” she said.

Redman said that Barbados now finds itself locked in untenable economic circumstances that potentially threaten to reverse too many of the economic and social gains that this country has made since the riots of 1937. She explained that the trade icons which were created out of those initial dark days have never faced as many threats to their continued existence and survival than they do now.

“After 50 years of independence so proudly celebrated last year, our present is one where trade unions have never been so aggressively attacked, never before dismissed and insulted as being noise makers, vagabonds, enemies of the state or having to be fearful of threats of cracked heads and shot people. Our present is one plagued by a scorn of and intolerance to dissenting views. It is a present in which the tradition of mutually respectful dialogue and consultation, conversation and negotiation have been replaced by public insult, hindrance and ignore-rance, a new verb meaning to purposely and actively ignore,” she said.

The union boss maintained that never before has it been so difficult for trade unions to get simple responses to correspondence on any matters from Government, and to get meetings that have been requested to encourage dialogue and consultation as was envisaged with the creation of the Social Partnership.

“Ironically it took the actions of 20 000 people to establish a system geared towards mutually respectful dialogue, consultation, engagement and partnership, only for 30 000 people, 26 years later to have to march to enforce these same tenets. That march has not stopped. Intentional silence should not be misinterpreted for anything else. Last time these unions went silent that silence was borne by 30 000 voices,” Redman affirmed.

Her remarks came as she said that in the face of blatant and repeated threats to job security, workers are being pressured increasingly to improve levels of productivity in an effort to pull the country out of its “economic doldrums”. But she said workers are operating in an atmosphere of fear and that fear, the BSTU president lamented, prevents them from speaking up and speaking out and from associating with and actively supporting unions.

“Along with the increased expectations placed on them, come threats of non-renewal of contracts; outright dismissal, many wrongfully or unfairly done too; and docking of pay as a result of exercising their rights under ILO Conventions 87 and 98, ratified by our Government and reflected in our domestic law. We have never operated in such times of open threats to labour. The blatant attempts at union busting and victimisation are unprecedented. That is our present,” she cried. (JRT)

The supposed actions of one retailer are resulting in the members of the island’s largest trade union being urged to boycott that establishment.

In a fiery address at the opening ceremony of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) 76th Annual Delegates Conference at Solidarity House yesterday, General Secretary, Toni Moore, issued the call for members not to patronise a certain retail store, as she alleged that the company – which has been afforded “every concessions under the sun” by Government – is denying its workers their rights. Moore then took the call even further, encouraging members to boycott any company which is engaged in the blatant disregard for the system of industrial relations in this country.

Moore suggested to those gathered for the opening ceremony, including Minister of Tourism and Minister Transport, Richard Sealy; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Patrick Todd and Leader of the Opposition, Mia Mottley, that the company has been undermining the Union’s commitment to provide decent work. She said the company has been engaging in union busting tactics resulting in persons losing jobs, because they have “committed the cardinal sin of becoming a union member.

“They call the police on officers who go to represent workers who have been ‘unfaired’. As recently as Monday, Monday gone a few days ago, the Minister of Labour indicated that she has seen no letter of complaint from the Barbados Workers Unions, and she is right. And we will submit the appropriate correspondence, but her ministry has knowledge of their refusal to meet to discuss the cases brought by the BWU…” she said.

Moore’s comments came as she lamented that in spite of this knowledge, nothing is being done to rein that company in. The union boss made the point as she also referred to the national shutdown two Thursdays ago on account of the passage of Tropical Storm Harvey, in which she noted that the said company, instead of closing its doors early as others did, closed at 9 p.m.

“They are so confident of Government’s support that in a national shutdown they can publicise that they would open four hours beyond the shutdown time to facilitate you; that’s the claim, to facilitate you, our members, the people of Barbados. And some of us unthinkably go without regard for those other workers in that store who like many of you were caught off guard and who had wanted to go home to safeguard themselves and their families,” she said.

The BWU’s head spoke to the concern, as she maintained that the BWU cannot rest on the laurels of past achievement. With that in mind, she said they must be judged on what they achieve today and what they will achieve for their people going forward, in the face of those who she said are bent on denying workers their rights. Referring to the song “We Shall Overcome”, she made it clear to the gathering that the fight is not over.

“It provides comfort, it provides and offers hope. Hope as the Barbados Workers’ Unions continues its struggle against those who are bent on denying workers their rights. It encourages us that the struggle must continue against those who wish to entrap workers in a form of modern day slavery,” she said.

To seal up the cracks within this country’s education system, Head of the Citizens Alliance Partnership Wendell Callender insists that it is time for a serious review of its framework.

“You need to look at the syllabus and the number of subjects that students are required to do, and admit that all of the students cannot do the full list of subjects.

“I think in that regard that the Ministry of Education will have to look a little more closely as to how the schools are run, and at the curriculum, and look at the capacity of children to cope with the number of hours of school work they have to do and whether they are compatible with where the child’s interest lays,” he stated.

Callender went a step further and suggested it is also time to consider the implementation of a partial zoning system.

He stated that while students should be tested and those who best qualified for “schools of excellence” allowed to attend these, others should attend educational establishments close to their homes regardless of their test scores.

“I think in terms of the life-skills and practical things that people have to do to cope, every school in Barbados has the capacity to do that. It is just a
matter of school organisation and tweaking the curriculum, and here is where you need a mixed group,” he added.

It is within this mixed group, Callender opined, that higher levels of skills can be achieved.

“As soon as you have a group that appear to be underachievers in one school then you will have problems as there is no one there to encourage them. If there is a partial zoning system however, where there are multi skills and talents within the same group that can help and cooperate, I think it would work better then the fellow with the lowest mark feeling that he is an underachiever before he even starts,” he stated.

Speaking a during recent interview with the Barbados Advocate, he said it is time to look past just achieving a certain number of CXC passes, as inculcating values and passing along life skills are also important.

“A school would have failed if a child passes through its walls and does not have basic skills for life. I think this is where the focus needs to rest,” he stressed.

A leading academic has expressed concern about the absence of respect for individuals, institutions and processes regarding industrial relations matters in this country.

Professor Eudine Barriteau, Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, spoke to this as she delivered the feature address on the topic ‘The Future We Want: The Future You Deserve’, at the 76th Annual Delegates Conference of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) at Solidarity House. Her comments came as she noted that there can be no denying that the current industrial relations climate in this country is tense and appears to be filled with “charges and counter charges”.

“Mutual respect is sorely missing from the public discourse on determining the right course of action for the country. Respect is required now and in the future for the successful growth and operations of the Barbados Workers’ Union,” she stated.

Professor Barriteau made the point as she maintained that there has to be broad-based societal respect for the Union’s right to commence and conduct legitimate actions on behalf of its membership.

“If the Barbados Workers’ Union decides it needs to stage a march to gain the attention of Government, all sectors of the society can discuss to their heart’s content whether that action is warranted, or whether in its opinion, it signals the best tactical or weakest strategic action in light of previous actions and anticipated outcomes. What must never happen is a public disparaging and disrespectful dismissal of the hard-won right of the Union to initiate action on behalf of its members,” she said.

The Cave Hill Campus principal insisted that to criticise and disrespect the union and its members is tantamount to disrespecting our neighbours and ourselves. She bolstered that argument noting that the members of the BWU are not only union members, they are members of congregations, constituencies and communities and “constitute binding threads of the social fabric and social capital of this country".

Barriteau added that the unions must also be reminded of the mutuality of respect.

Her comments came as she told those gathered that it was imperative that the unions remember that Government is not the enemy of workers, just as union members are not the enemies of Government.

“I want to remind the unions, Government, civil society and all employers that the real enemy we face in the country today is lack of economic and social progress. This is also accompanied by unacceptable levels of inefficiency that occur in every sector of society, including the University of the West Indies. We all have to accept as our responsibility eliminating these inefficiencies,” she stated.

With that in mind, the University boss, rejected the notion that workers alone are responsible for inefficiencies in our economic and social sectors, adamant that whatever it is that blocks economic and social progress, constitutes a drag on national development. Those unacceptable conditions, she stated, are the real obstacles to our economic and social prosperity. (JRT)
 

Improvements to the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN) Temporary Outdoor Market could be on the way.

Minister of Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, told vendors at this location yesterday that his ministry “proposes to provide the resources as a matter of urgency to commence work on improving the BARVEN facility here in this location”.

The minister’s remarks followed his comment that one seldom hears about upgrades for the vending community when one hears about plans to revitalise sections of The City.

“I heard others speak about revitalising Bridgetown by way of upgrades to larger buildings that are owned by Corporate Barbados, by road improvement, of drainage and lighting, but I have hardly heard a conversation about revitalization of Bridgetown that includes our average men and women known as vendors and the vending community.

“I believe that in any society, any city in particular, vending in many respects is a magnet that draws people towards exploring the city. It is rather unfortunate that Bridgetown has been allowed to drift and to go the direction that it has gone, but any revitalization of Bridgetown must include a vibrant vending community.”

Inniss also used the occasion to speak about the importance of vending and vendors, noting that “we in Barbados have had a tendency over the years to turn up our noses a bit at vending in this society.” He stated that there is a need for “a change in mindset towards vending in Barbados.”

“My view as Minister responsible for Small Business and Commerce is that it is high time that vending and vendors gain the level of respect that they so rightfully deserve in our economy. Gone must be the days that those who seek to make an honest living in our midst are shepherded off the streets and shepherded into back alleys in some very seemingly unkempt circumstances, that is no way to treat our people.”

Responding to Inniss’ comment that the Ministry “will start as a matter of urgency to look at providing physical improvement” at the market, BARVEN President, Alister Alexander, told The Barbados Advocate that he will “hold the Minister to his words”. He also pointed out that the vendors have been operating from the temporary location prior to Barbados’ hosting of matches for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

“I don’t believe in playing politics. I believe that every politician should be about the people and about the development of the people. This is an issue which is a national issue. Vendors support all the parties, so it should not be a partisan affair in no way. So we thank the minister in playing his role in doing what he can do to move us forward. We take him to be serious because we believe that a man’s word should be honourable and I am not cynical about politicians when they say they will do this or do that because I believe that – as you promise you should do!”

The Barbados Public Workers Cooperative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL) will soon be rolling out a mobile unit to help meet the needs of their members.

That’s the word from President of the largest credit union on the island, Raphael Holder. Speaking to the media following the recent opening of its newest branch in Mile And A Quarter, St. Peter, Holder indicated that they are currently testing the unit, which he said is intended to broaden their reach.

“The mobile unit is about outreach, it is about getting us out there. There are other parishes on the island St. John, St. Joseph, St. Lucy that we would like to get out to, although we have a branch here, but it gives us flexibility. Maybe events, there are large events like [during] Crop Over and so forth, we can go there and set up a unit and offer our services, go to schools and try to sensitise the public as to what we are doing,” he said.

This unit, Holder said was introduced at the annual general meeting in June this year, and they expect to soon be at the point of putting into operation. In fact, the BPWCCUL’s President stated that it is hoped that by the end of the year it will be fully up and running. His comments came as said that the mobile option would bring the credit unit’s total number of facilities to five, and he said that there is no intention to introduce any more at this time.

“We are assessing the economy and looking at how we spend our dollars in terms of our capital expenditure. We have pretty much covered the island now with the opening of this branch, and with our mobile unit that should pretty much cover where we want to go, or give us the adequate coverage we need. We also have convenience services and wherever possible we would look for a location where we can put an ATM which offers the same type of services,” he said.

Holder further added also that with persons changing in respect of the way they are doing business, being more inclined to engage in online banking, there may be not be a “full need to come into a branch” as more emphasis will be placed on technology. As such, he said that while they like to maintain that personal, face to face interaction with customers, the credit unit may focus even more on technology going forward.

“The future with the youth coming on board is going to be a little different, people are more into technology as you know and you are going to have to kind of adjust to suit,” the credit unionist maintained. (JRT)