ONE church leader is standing firm by his belief that the church is a political entity and must have an influence on the way politics is done in Barbados.

Delivering a sermon at a service to mark the beginning of the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) Annual General Conference yesterday, at the party’s George Street Auditorium, Belleville, St Michael headquarters, Pastor Selwyn Brathwaite of the Kingdom Life Assembly declared that the church will always be involved in politics.

He said while there is an on-going controversy nationally regarding the church’s place in politics, the church is not the property of any political party.

However, Brathwaite said the institution has a political force, and its leader has much more power than any party in Barbados.

Making reference to the Bible, Brathwaite reminded that the Church’s leader, Jesus Christ, conquered death.

“The church of Jesus Christ is an organised political entity that represents a kingdom and that represents a king. Jehovah is about to become very involved in this nation’s politics. Some people have tried to push him out, but he’s coming right back in.

“Whether we like it or not, he is going to find himself right back in. He alone has the title deeds to this country and he has not given the title deeds to any party. He is going to find himself right back in the Parliament. And of course, since we are a people of integrity, we have nothing to hide; and if we do, he can still see it,” he said.

The man of God suggested, “Jehovah is very concerned about politics and politicians”, and has a vested interest in politicians who are in power, including the members of the Opposition.

“He is interested in politicians and politics because God is interested in the people. He must have a vested interest in politics and politicians because they are servants of the people and the people are not their slaves. Jehovah has no favoured party, but he will always show favour to those who are willing to serve under his terms and conditions,” he said.

Brathwaite noted that a politician does not have to necessarily be a Christian, but in order to promote the nation, “the politician must be Godly” and must be honest, loyal, just and has integrity.

“The same pressure that God places on a preacher on a pulpit is the same pressure he places on the politicians in Parliament . . . The people in office must take responsibility for raising and maintaining the national standard of righteousness in this country. . .

“We have to conclude that Barbadians are God’s people and if this nation is going to prosper, all of those in leadership positions should take time to look
at their personal standards because personal standards will have political implications,” he said.

Members of Parliament, their families and other members of the DL attended the service, which lasted for just over an hour, before the party’s leader and Prime Minister of Barbados, Freundel Stuart, delivered a speech.
(AH)

CAPTION: Government Senator Dr David Durant (right) having a conversation with Pastor Selwyn Brathwaite of the Kingdom Life Assembly church, yesterday, at the Democratic Labour Party's Annual General Conference.
pix - DLP discussion,jpg

A local organisation has no regrets participating in CARIFESTA XIII.

Thirty-one of the 100 members of the Women Entrepreneurs of Barbados (WEB) took the opportunity to showcase their products at CARIFESTA’s Grand Market and Buyers’ Shopping Mall held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC).

“CARIFESTA was a success for the women. They attended all eight days at LESC – they sold their products; they made money,” Advisor on Poverty Eradication and the Millennium Development Goals, Undene Whittaker, revealed to The Barbados Advocate.

“As the Advisor on Poverty Eradication, the specific goal I am trying to work towards is the empowerment of women. So, I see this as all part of it, where women who have skills and are seeking to have financial enfranchisement – that we give them the opportunity.”

Joining forces with Mompreneurs of Barbados, the entrepreneurs had on offer a wide selection of their locally-made condiments, clothing, art and craft as well as home and décor items.

“We had quite an interesting time… Another marketing environment in which they were able to compete, and compete favourably. Some of the ladies even received verbal contracts from persons locally and overseas. They succeeded in making contacts,” Whittaker said.

Juliet Amos, owner of Julie’s Creation, who specialises in crochet, said that she received several orders.

“The first couple of days were not what I expected, but afterwards my products started to sell. I didn’t have enough. My crochet dresses for both adults and children were among the favourites. Both locals and overseas participants were drawn to my products. I make hats, bags, tablecloths, chair backs, dresses, baby hats and booties and more… My experience was very good,” said the long-time WEB member.

Relatively new to WEB, Natasha Gibson, a natural hair and nail technician by profession, has been making jewellery – both fabric and beaded – for the past five years.

“I was expecting to do more in terms of sales, but I was happy to be able to get the exposure,” she said.

“It was good to be at CARIFESTA and let the public see my work, but it was also good to see what other people are doing; there were others like myself also trying to get their product out there.”

‘Uniquely Crafted’ by Juan Wilson has been in operation for the past two years. She described WEB as a “very interesting group”.

“WEB pushes the ladies forward at every event to market our products,” expressed Wilson, who makes jewellery, cheesecake and crème liquor.

“I saw CARIFESTA as an experience. I did not know what to expect. I found that I got most of my sales from persons of the other Caribbean islands as opposed to Bajans. They really liked the rum crème liquor… I am presently trying to get the drink in supermarkets because persons have been inquiring where they can get it.”

Entrepreneur Lorna Williams of ‘Fancy Flavours and Creations’ already has her sights set on attending CARIFESTA XIV, which takes place in Trinidad and Tobago in 2019.

Specialising in confectionary and preservatives, she expressed: “This was my first CARIFESTA and it was an experience for me.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I loved the experience and I would do it again. There was interest in my preservatives from persons from overseas and I gave them my contact information. It was a positive experience and I am considering the next CARIFESTA.” (TL)

THE Freundel Stuart-led Government has not closed the door on the idea of salary increases or a coping allowance for public officers.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Stuart said his Government is committed to addressing those issues once the revenue signs are “sufficiently positive and sufficiently clear”. In the meantime, he said there is need for patience, prudence and restraint; these he suggested should be the “preferred courses of action”.

His comments came as he delivered the feature address on the third and final day of the Democratic Labour Party’s 62nd Annual Conference held at the Party’s headquarters in George Street, St. Michael, as he explained that the current economic environment has prevented Government from dealing with the issue of wages and salaries in as timely a manner as they would have wished, or would have been able to do had the economic environment been normal. He spoke to this as he noted that his Government assumed the reins of power just after the global financial meltdown of 2007, and has had to work to ensure that the standards of living and quality of life of Barbadians would be protected against the worst effects of that crisis.

“As I speak to you today, our economic and social challenges are not behind us. We still face the old problem of sluggish growth, a too large fiscal deficit with its companions of rising debt ratios, and declining international reserves. When you add to these the stubborn problem of wanton gun violence affecting certain sections of our society, you will see that we have our hands full. But your Government is feeling neither daunted not overwhelmed,” he asserted.

He made the point as he contended that the problem facing the country right now is revenue related, and he said Government has decided that, as far as possible, it will tackle it with a revenue solution. PM Stuart’s comments came as he made it clear that his Government is not in favour of job losses as a solution to present problems, maintaining that “half a loaf has always been better than no bread”.

“We believe that a worker is likely to be better off if he or she is earning a wage or salary, even if that wage or salary is not stretching as far as he or she would like; than if he or she is earning no wage or salary at all. In any event, there has never been, in my lifetime, any guarantee in Barbados that workers retrenched in the public sector will invariably or inevitably be absorbed in the private sector. What has happened rather, is that the laying-off of workers in the public sector has been taken as a signal to employers in the private sector that they can or should do the same,” he stated.

It is for that reason, the Prime Minister said, that his Government introduced the National Social Responsibility Levy. He maintained that that levy, which was first charged at a rate of two per cent and moved to 10 per cent in the last Budget, was not introduced out of malice or because Government wanted to impose undue hardships on workers or businesses. Rather, he told those gathered that given the difficult period the country has been going through, sacrifices have had to be made by all. (JRT)

Advisor on Poverty Eradication and the Millennium Development Goals, Undene Whittaker, would like to see the Women Entrepreneurs of Barbados (WEB) eventually occupying its own headquarters.

She believes the group for women entrepreneurs needs a central location.

“One of things that we are desperately appealing for is a home. We believe that if we have a central home, a good location, persons can come and purchase their products. The products are of excellent quality that has been verified through BMEX – which is the premier event in Barbados, which several of the women embrace.

“Also, a central locale will not only help the ladies to promote their products more, but we can of course raise some funds for the activities, which will carry us forward,” she pointed out.

The entrepreneurs who specialise in locally made condiments, clothing, art and craft as well as home and décor items, can be found at every cultural event on the island.

“We attend BMEX, Agrofest, Bridgetown Market and others. Those who missed us at CARIFESTA can come by the Arbour Day Expo and Farmers Market on September 22 and 23. We have a wide variety of products to share with Barbados.”

Whittaker said WEB has a total membership of about 100, however, she noted that approximately 45 have been actively attending meetings held the last Monday of the month at the St. Michael School.

Despite the recently enforced National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL), Sales Executive for Mazda at McEnearney Quality Incorporated (MQI), Nicholas Keizer, reports that they are confident that it will not affect their sales in the long run.

Keizer’s comments came as he addressed the media following a handing-over ceremony, which took place in the Mazda Showroom recently.

“The NSRL has affected everyone significantly and we’re seeing a slight drop-off in terms of sales, but because of the quality of the car, we are confident that it will not affect our sales in the long run,” he said.

Additionally, “Mazda is doing really well on the market place. We have improved our sales over time, because we have a quality product and quality build in terms of the new features and quality of the vehicle. I don’t have specifics in terms of numbers, but we are holding our own on the market and we think that it will improve.”

He expressed that they definitely had quite a large number of loyal customers to MQI that buy the Mazda, in particular the Mazda 3. He noted that the recently launched Mazda CX-3 is also taking off and doing extremely well on the market place.

Keizer went on to formally congratulate local entertainer, Lil Rick, on winning the Mazda 3.

“The Mazda 3 is the newest model; it has some cosmetic upgrades and it’s part of the Skyactiv family. The model that we have in Barbados and this region does not have the Skyactiv badge on it, but it is Skyactiv in terms of the chassis, which means that it is a lot more fuel efficient and good on the road. I’m sure Lil Rick would love it,” he said.

The Sales Executive went on to note that they planned to launch a number of promotions following Crop Over and going into Independence.

“We would let the press know these promotions in due course, but we definitely are promoting Mazda heavy as it is quickly becoming the favourite sedan, especially with the Mazda 3 on the road,” he said.

THE ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is promising to forcefully tackle the problems of crime and violence in this country.

The assurance came yesterday from President of the Party and Prime Minister of Barbados, the Rt. Hon. Freundel Stuart, who has in essence told those engaged in this deviant behaviour that their days are numbered. Addressing a large gathering at the DLP’s George Street headquarters for the final day of its 62nd Annual Conference, he disclosed that a “suite of legislative and other measures, all within the Constitution”, which is aimed at confronting the issue, is currently engaging the attention of the Cabinet.

According to the PM, the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) has in fact assured Government that such measures will considerably enhance the capacity of the Force to deal with the scourge. However, he stopped short of divulging exactly what those measures would entail.

“The Government is focusing on aggressively confronting the problems, on specially equipping our law enforcement agencies and on rationalising the operation of our criminal justice system. The criminal element does not call press conferences to announce when or where it will strike next. That criminal element relies heavily on the element of surprise. The State, in defence of its citizens and of its values, will make use of the element of surprise as well,” he told the audience.

His comments came just moments after he said that households, communities, churches, schools and political establishments, also have a part to play in addressing this problem in Barbados, and to get the “thankfully small segment of our young population that now sees the possession and the use of a high-powered firearm as the best symbol of personal empowerment”, back on track. Prime Minister Stuart spoke to the issue, as he noted that it did not materialise overnight and therefore cannot be solved overnight.

In fact, he indicated that some two decades ago, the DLP raised concern about the threat that the increasing incidence of crime could pose for our society and way of life, but was ridiculed. Today, he lamented, the problem is now facing our nation head-on.

“Higher standards in our households, better examples in our communities, a more aggressive outreach from our churches, teaching and learning for good citizenship in our schools, and a politics that helps our young to realise their dreams and their aspirations, must replace the high-powered firearm as a symbol of personal power. I concede that these are medium-term solutions, but we must begin to work now to save those who have not yet been ensnared into this deadly trap,” PM Stuart maintained.

He also used the opportunity to thank the members of the RBPF for the calm and level-headed manner in which they have responded to the present challenges.

“It is they who try to get the bad boys so called off the streets. As some have been saying to me recently, it can be a little de-motivating when, to their consternation, they soon see some of the same bad boys back on the streets, either reoffending or being sources of inspiration to others who are bent on offending in the first place.

“I hope that in the criminal justice system, some broad protocols can be worked out and efficiencies achieved that would keep to a minimum the discomforts and frustrations of all actors across the system,” he added.

Prime Minister Stuart made the point as he contended that while it is important that the criminal justice system is sensitive to the fundamental human rights of the alleged wrongdoer as well as the victims and their families, this country cannot afford a society in which the “passionate intensity” of those committed to antisocial behaviour gains the upper hand. (JRT)

Sir Paul Altman, Managing Director, Altman Real Estate stated he is still excited about the future for Barbados despite the challenges, however he reaffirmed that it is
important to protect ‘Brand Barbados’.

He was speaking to the media at the launch of Beach View Villas & Suites in association with Altman Real Estate. Beach View Villas & Suites is an exclusive new development of 19 apartments which connects to the award winning Beach View Hotel.

Sir Paul pointed out, “We have Beach View, a product that gives opportunities for Barbadians to invest. We hear about the banks overflowing with people’s savings and banks can’t afford to pay interest on deposits, and here you can invest in a property like Beach View and be guaranteed a return on your investment right up front.”

When we describe the real estate market in Barbados, there is a local market, a foreign market, a commercial market and an agriculture market. Generally, we have had a weak market over the past five years but we are noticing little spells of strides. We are having one right now.”

He revealed, “I met someone recently who will be doing a major project in Barbados and the injection of confidence that comes from a project like this is sufficient to change the picture and measure of what Barbados has to offer.

Barbados is still perceived as the number one place in the Caribbean where people want to live, the building up of inventory has forced prices down. There was Brexit and a number of external issues that have affected us but the real Barbados brand is as strong as ever. We have to value what we have in Barbados, crime in Barbados is localised but it effects everything in the island and crime needs to be dealt with. It is not a topic that is discussed in our business but as Barbadians we want it to be dealt with.”

Sir Altman added, “Barbados is not inexpensive, it is not one of the most expensive places, but we compete at every level with the top tier of properties that exist anywhere the world in terms of holiday destination and our facilities, restaurants, sports etcetera.”

The quality of people we have in Barbados, you can’t have all those components and expect it will be at the mid-level in terms of pricing. We make no apologies to the fact we are an expensive destination; prices have gone down… the sellers are willing to negotiate but we have to protect the brand.” (NB)

Terry Hanton, Managing Director of Property Consulting Services believes Barbados needs to innovate.

He was speaking to the media at the launch of Beach View Villas & Suites in association with Altman Real Estate. Beach View Villas & Suites is an exclusive new development of 19 apartments which connects to the award winning Beach View Hotel.

Hanton stated, “We need to innovate and have better value for money. If you look at the Caribbean islands, their currency is not as valuable as ours, they are often more competitive; their labour rates, utility costs are lower, etcetera.

In terms of innovation, we need to think about other means of bringing people to the island more in line with additional amenities, whether it be theme parks, we need to be attractive to the market. Also Sports Tourism could be huge in Barbados. I was in Antigua and there are casinos closing down because there is not enough clientele to make them financially viable, so they have shut down, so casinos are not a necessity. If you think about it most of the cruise liners already have floating casinos and it is not a desired profit for long stay tourists.

Barbados is an expensive place to get to. It is remote from other places. The strong market is the UK and if you think about where the sterling is now its difficult for people to buy. It is quite challenging from that perspective but we have to be a top notch destination as we can’t compete with cheaper destinations, so we have to niche ourselves in the top end.”

According to him in terms of crime, “I don’t know that the upsurge in crime has had a significant impact. The bigger impact has been Brexit and the fall in the value of sterling, however there is potential for crime to have an impact in the future if it is not reigned in, but it has not had a significant impact to date.”

However, he also advised, “There is clearly an uneven playing field, in that hotels have to charge VAT and Airbnb clients often don’t charge VAT. Airbnb are not registered with the Tourism authorities it is not subject to the same stringent health and safety requirements that are rightly imposed on other developments. We have to even our playing field and across the Caribbean various territories have been signing deals with Airbnb to tax them and regulate them and Barbados needs to do the same.” (NB)

Local entertainer Lil Rick has announced that he is already making plans for Crop Over next year.

His comment came as he addressed the media at the handing over ceremony of his new Mazda 3, which was held in the Mazda Showroom at McEnearney Quality Incorporated (MQI) on Friday evening. Rick received the car, which he intends to keep, as a prize for winning this year’s Party Monarch competition.

“Well, I’m already making plans for next year’s Crop Over. We’re already in the studio getting some ideas together and we also have some rhythms,” he said.

He expressed that he always wanted to bring out a song for Independence or Mother’s Day and noted that was among his plans for next year as well.

This year, he revealed that he was fully booked for performances.“I’m still booked for other places. I’m still doing Canada, still doing England, still doing the Caribbean real heavy, so we just doing it! We’re looking forward to doing bigger things next year,” he said.

For him, the high point of 2017 was the song “Blessings”, as he described it as an accurate description of the Crop Over season and added that it was definitely a favourite of his this year.

He went on to note that it was important to get an early start when releasing music.“I used to be real last minute on bringing out a song, two and three weeks before Crop Over, but now everybody – not just me – is trying to get things out a little earlier in hopes of extending the season,” he said. He noted that people usually tell him “if something isn’t broke don’t fix it”, but he is always looking to improve his craft and himself, so hopefully, he will bring music out next year in April instead of May.

Rick also added that he would have liked to have done Pic O’ De Crop again this year but the timing wasn’t right. “I will definitely try to do it next year for sure,” he said.

Barbadians are being urged to support 21-year old Katani Lewis in making his dream of pursuing studies at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) come true.

The call is coming from Janelle Headley, Director and Founder of Operation Triple Threat (OTT), a local performing arts programme, which two years ago was instrumental in taking Lewis to New York to audition for AMDA.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Headley noted that while the talented singer, actor and dancer had a successful audition and secured a space at the prestigious school to pursue an Associate Degree, he has been unable to secure all the funds necessary to get his studies started. She is therefore making an appeal to the public and corporate Barbados to assist Lewis in starting his studies come October 16, 2017 when the new school year starts at AMDA.

“That’s why we are having this press conference… hopefully somebody will hear his story and partner with him to make his dreams come true,” she said.

Her comments came as she explained that through OTT’s Bridge Award Programme, they were able to secure funding for two other students to start their studies, but did not have the finances to fund all five students who auditioned in 2015. She made the point as she noted that Lewis has also tried to secure funding on his own through the Student Revolving Loan Fund, but was unsuccessful.

“He and his family looked into remortgaging, to get a loan through a commercial bank, but that also was not feasible for him to pursue. There have been many avenues we have been looking at through OTT and also Katani as an individual. He also took on a job to raise funds, but with living expenses and so on, he was not able to raise as much as he would like to cover the cost,” Headley stated.

According to the OTT head, Lewis was offered a US $14,000 scholarship from AMDA, but with the cost of the studies at around US $54,000 a year, he needs still needs an additional US $40,000 which includes tuition, books as well as room and board.

“He has to at least show that he has funds in hand for this year and then that there is a commitment to cover the funds for the second year in order to get his visa and so on,” she added.

Speaking on his own behalf, Lewis said is hoping to start his studies soon and upon completion, return to Barbados and impart the knowledge he has learnt to new members of OTT, his community group, the Haynesville Youth Group and any other interested persons. Those efforts, he said, will be aimed at helping to raise the profile of performing arts locally.

“We do know that we see the doctor, the lawyer, the teacher, those professions are the ones that are seen as the money making professions, and to be honest there are people all around the world who really benefit from performing arts, and make a very good living from performing arts… We really need to look and see this is a profession, this is a dream that people grow up having,” he said.

His comments came as he disclosed that he is considering putting on a show late September, to allow those who contribute and may be desirous of making a contribution to his studies, see what they are investing in.

“Hopefully it’s a show where you can see my full scales in music, in dancing, in acting, in performing on the whole, and I am also looking at bringing in different groups, different performers, within the theatre arts and performing realm, who have a passion for what I do as well,” he said.

Lewis added that he remains hopeful that someone will come to his aid. Anyone interested in making this talented young man’s dream a reality is asked make their donation through OTT, which is a registered charity. (JRT)

The 2017 Pic-O-De-Crop Calypso Monarch, Ian ‘iWeb’ Webster would like to see the day when an increase in the prize money can be given to the person who wins this or any other Calypso singing competition.

Speaking with the media recently after he officially collected the keys to his Nissan jeep that he won in the 2017 Courtesy Mount Gay Pic-O-De-Crop calypso competition, Webster said that it would be good to see an increase in the prize money being offered to the winner of one of these competitions or even a prize like a house and/or land as these prizes would be more encouraging to Calypsonians.

“I know we had a situation last year where a patron was given the opportunity to win house and land and that kind of stuff, you know and probably something like for the Calypsonians would certainly, I believe incite a bit more interest. You may see some of the stalwarts even returning, you never know. But you know, it is something that can be looked at…Obviously everything has to be examined within the context. I don’t know the inner workings of the NCF, what they have to do to put on the Crop Over festival, but I certainly like to see the day that they are able to probably give an artist a million dollars or something like that, you never know, but we [are] hoping.”

Responding to a question from the media regarding if he would like to see prizes that appreciate in value rather than depreciate in value as another of his colleague stated recently in another section of the press, iWeb stated that the appreciation and/or depreciation value of any given prize depends on what the winner choses to do with it.

“Well again, I think that it is a matter of perspective because how you deal with for example, a car, and you take a car and you decide that you want to sell the car, you know, and you sell the car and you get cash for that, you put that on an account, it appreciates. It depends on how the person’s mind operates and how they are able to manage their business. So it is really down to the individual. So you know anything can appreciate, it is just a matter of how you invest it.” (PJT)

Give credit where credit is due.

That’s what Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss says is needed with respect to the valuable contribution the international business and financial services sector makes to this country.
Delivering the feature address at a recent seminar hosted by the Barbados International Business Association (BIBA), at the Savannah Hotel, Inniss noted that the international business and financial services sector is a larger net contributor of foreign exchange than tourism, but is not given the same recognition. The seminar was entitled ‘What Businesses Need to Know about Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) and Double Taxation Agreements (DTAS)’.

“It doesn’t mean it is either or, we need both of them; but credit must be given where credit is due, and if we don’t earn that credit, or are not respected for it, we are not going to get the level of investment that we need coming into the sector,” he warned.

His comments came as he indicated that the sector has been growing, in spite of some challenges. According to the Minister, there was a 13 per cent increase in newly licensed entities in 2016, over those licensed the previous year. This, he said, is significant growth that should not be overlooked, but is also not a full representation of the sector.

“What we don’t often times reflect upon is the growth in the number of regular Barbados companies that are actively engaged in international business. They are not captured, they are not really measured and therefore perhaps when we do that properly, we would be able to realise the significant contribution that this sector is making,” he said.

Referring to some of the challenges facing the sector, and noting that they are “very, very real”, he warned that if steps are not taken now to address them, there is the risk that the international business and financial services sector three to five years from now, will bear little or no relation to what it is today. With that in mind, the Minister gave his commitment that his ministry will do all within its power to not only keep the sector functioning, but ensure that it grows and diversifies.

“So even though there are significant challenges, we intend to confront those head on, while at the same time seeking to identify the opportunities that present themselves therein” he said.

With that in mind, Inniss suggested that opportunities are there to reset and reshape the international business sector. The minister offered the point as he further suggested that the country is only seeing the “bare tip” in respect of what the sector can contribute to the economy.

“I want to focus on how we can grow this sector so that it eliminates the challenges we have with foreign exchange, that it can create more jobs, and it can really put Barbados on a more sustainable path of economic growth and development,” he indicated. (JRT)

The development of young people in Calypso is always a good thing for this particular genre of music and something which Ian ‘iWeb’ Webster stated that he would gladly encourage.

He said that they had some young people entering the semi-finals in the senior level Calypso competitions and the Junior Monarch in itself continue to do really well with singers making the successful transition from the junior level to the senior level.

“Yeah, for the semi-finals we had a number of persons involved in the semi-finals. That is always a good thing. You know the Junior Monarch has been doing pretty well. A number of their contestants have been making that transition and we have been seeing that in the last few years happening with Aziza winning last year, who would have done well in Junior Monarch. So that certainly is a good sign for the future.”

In addition, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) continues to assist in the further development of these young artists by offering them initiatives such as workshops in song composition.

“I know that the NCF is working extremely hard in terms of getting the younger artists now to develop their skills in terms of writing and that is also something that we have there to look forward to. So I think that it is a good sign in terms of the Calypso genre. We also look forward now to seeing a number of those younger artists and Calypsonians hone and develop their writing skills.”

Webster, who is also an educator, said that he also aims to play his part in the development of the young people in the classroom.

“But there have been songs and there have been messages, I mean that is one aspect of it. As an educator I always try to instill certain values in my children. They may not always like it (but) at the end of the day, I am there as a teacher and not as their friend. I am their teacher and my responsibility is to model behaviours; to instruct them academically yes; but also to teach them about the core values in life and that kind of stuff. So for me personally, that is how I tend to, you know, impact the (next) generation.”

Meanwhile, as an artist, he also ensures that he instills positive messages in the songs that he writes.

“Well, I have been trying to do so in terms of the material that I sing. All of my material is not necessarily funny and entertaining. There is a song like ‘For the Souls’ that addresses the issue of road safety, you know. But people tend to gravitate towards the more entertaining stuff.”

At the time, the 2017 Monarch was speaking to the media recently after he officially collected the keys to his Nissan jeep that he won in the 2017 Courtesy Mount Gay Pic-O-De-Crop calypso competition. (PJT).

Greater interest is being shown by local bartenders and mixologists in knowing more about the skills needed to further excel in this profession.

Franklyn Parris, Founder of The Art of Bartending Training Seminars made this disclosure adding that there has been an increase in individuals signing up for the seminars since these were first offered three years ago.

“There is a desire for knowledge in Barbados especially in this field seeing that it is a popular activity… Bartenders are no longer interested in just pouring rum and coke and the public is now seeking more colourful or flavourful drinks when they go out so mixology is becoming a very prominent part of activities today. That is happening and we find that students now are seeking that knowledge to learn and be better at it than they were before.”

Parris was speaking at the Barbados Coalition of Services Industries’ (BCSI) Harbour Road location on Monday where a press conference was held to launch the eight-week training course which will commence next week.

Also addressing the press conference, spokesperson, Nathifa Headley pointed out that the “hands on practical course is designed to develop proficiency and competent cocktail bartenders. Working behind a fully equipped bar, students learn how to prepare shaken, stirred, strained and frozen cocktails simultaneously in a correct manner and with charisma.”

She further stated that some of the topics to be covered include liquor laws, responsible bar service, health and safety, basic operation management and the correct name and use of bar tools.

A component of the course also looks at the wines. Rym Riley, Division Manager for Stansfeld Scott and Company Limited who teaches this area said her company is “very proud to be associated with The Art of Bartending Seminars because I think they add so much to our tourism product because at the end of the day those bartenders are the face of an establishment. There are the people who are going to make the difference to an individual walking into a restaurant or a hotel.’’

A patient, thoughtful and ordered approach is what Prime Minister Freundel Stuart says is needed to address the vexing problems facing the economy at this time.

Addressing those attending the last day of the Democratic Labour Party’s 62nd Annual Conference, Prime Minister Stuart, noting that we did not get to this point overnight, made it clear that there was no miraculous way by which this country, or for that matter any CARICOM country, can reverse its present fortunes. But, while the country continues to face the challenge of containing the fiscal deficit and foreign reserves situation, the PM maintained Government has made some strides achieving economic growth, a turnaround in unemployment and keeping inflation at manageable levels.

“The dire apocalyptic predictions of unravelling and destruction have not come to pass. The social services we ordinarily provide are still here, the economy has not collapsed, our currency peg is still intact and we are still paying our debts. All of this we have been able to maintain because we have pinned our faith on the good sense and ma-turity of the people of Barbados,” he said.

He made the point as he noted that buoyant tourism sector activity since 2015 has raised hopes of a vibrant recovery, but there have also been delays in foreign investment flows associated with infrastructural projects, in the pipeline, which have contributed to sluggish economic growth. To that end, he said Government attaches high importance to ensuring that the execution of those planned projects is not subjected to unnecessary delays, which he explained can undermine the prospects for the growth that is now desperately needed and sought after.

Stuart made mention of that as he spoke to the challenge of the fiscal deficit, which peaked at 11 per cent of the gross domestic product in the 2013-2014 fiscal year. In 2016-2017, he said the deficit fell to 6.2 per cent, but he noted that Government has still faced pressures financing the deficit. These pressures, he lamented, have led to Government having to rely too heavily on the Central Bank to provide financing in circumstances where debt that was maturing was being replaced by domestic debt.

“In its most recent Budget, the Government has sought to aggressively eliminate the deficit by introducing measures equivalent to more than six per cent of GDP. These measures seek to raise revenue, to reduce expenditure, to lower interest costs and to realise revenue from divestment of state assets,” he said.

PM Stuart told those gathered that the divestment of assets will also contribute to boosting our international reserves, which are forecast at 9.5 weeks of import cover by March 2018. He is adamant, however, that reclaiming the international 12-week benchmark should continue to be this country’s objective. (JRT)

A call was made by Senator the Hon. Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo to persons owing National Insurance contributions to make the payments.

“Those who owe National Insurance and are in arrears need to come and address those arrears,” she stressed during a press conference to release the findings of the 15th Actuarial Review of the National Insurance, Unemployment and Severance Funds.

Looking at ways to assist, the Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development revealed that another interest waiver programme will soon be implemented.

She said that the previous programme, initiated from October 1, 2016 to March 1, 2017, was a success. The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) collected approximately $11.9 million in outstanding contributions from approximately 145 employers and waived $7.8 million in interest.

“A recommendation was made to the Board to do another waiver and I do also have the approval of Cabinet and it will go to Parliament after recess… We will enter another interest waiver programme from October 2017 to January 2018. Therefore, we are encouraging persons who are in arrears to take advantage of that programme,” she stressed.

It is estimated that only between 20 and 25 per cent of self-employed persons are paying their NIS contributions.

In addition to the interest waiver programme, the Minister revealed that National Insurance will be exploring online payment of contributions, arrangements and packages (paying for only what is needed) as well as flexibility in payment.

“National Insurance is looking at other ways that they can encourage persons to be able to make these payments… Not only because it helps the National Insurance, but because we know that this will benefit them in the long run, especially as non-contributory pensions are being phased out.”

Mindful that the public sector owes just as much money as the private sector, Dr. Byer-Suckoo disclosed that the Government of Barbados is in discussion with National Insurance.

“…The Minister of Finance did indeed indicate that because there is a high level of outstanding arrears from the State-owned enterprises, that the Ministry of Finance will seek to pay that directly to National Insurance, rather than send it to the corporations and then have it come back to National Insurance.

“As the Government sees its own cash flow improving through, for example, from the tax recently articulated on foreign exchange and the National Social Responsibility Level (NSRL) – as we see cash flow increasing from that, then the Minister of Finance has indicated that it would put them in a better position to be able to pay off its arrears,” she said. (TL)

Barbadians remain clueless as to how Government intends to tackle the current upsurge in gun violence, which has already claimed over 20 lives this year.

Knocking Sunday’s nationally televised address by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, the Opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) suggested that the lack of details in addressing the issue was of no comfort to citizens.

“Barbadians are today no wiser on how Government intends to battle the criminal elements that have seen four gun-related murders in nine days last month, plus a number of public shootings. It is shocking that the Prime Minister spent no more than five minutes speaking to crime, and failed to announce any immediate strategy to stem the tide of gun violence. Instead, he spoke of a suite of legislation before Cabinet, but gave no details,” said General Secretary of the BLP, Dr. Jerome Walcott.

In a statement to the media, he highlighted, “Mr. Stuart failed to reassure Barbadians that his Government actually has a plan to fight the escalating gun crime. The Prime Minister failed to demonstrate that he and his administration understand the mood of the country at this time. He demonstrated yet again his utter contempt for Barbadians by his failure to address this urgent issue in a comprehensive manner.”

Walcott also accused the current DLP administration of decimating the enrolment of young people at the University of the West Indies (UWI) and cutting several of the other progressive programmes that gave young Barbadians opportunities to learn skills or start a business.

“It is nothing short of nonsensical and uncaring for the Prime Minister, after every sector of Barbados has been severely damaged by his administration’s inept economic management, to assert the DLP is not concerned with Gross Domestic Product. Instead they are about ‘Gross Domestic Faith, Gross Domestic Hope, Gross Domestic Happiness, Gross Domestic Fairness, Gross Domestic Stability and Gross Domestic Comfort’. None of these things exist in Barbados now. He is only correct about the ‘Gross’. That is, there is Gross Suffering, Gross Despair, Gross Uncertainty and Gross Discomfort in Barbados over jobs, the economy, the cost of living, health, public transportation, roads, crime and surviving,” Walcott stressed.

While some regional islands have introduced national mechanisms to assist with the prevention of tobacco smoking, “We have a long way to go to have the region
be a tobacco free zone.”

Sharing this opinion, Head of the Caribbean Public Health Agency
Dr. James Hospedales noted that youth especially must be shielded from the epidemic of tobacco-related diseases and unnecessary expense through national implementations.

“Teens and youth are vulnerable to the deadly, addictive effects of tobacco. Smoking at an early age increases the risk of heart disease, asthma and bronchitis, high blood pressure, diabetes, addiction to nicotine, and the associated risk of other substance abuse. Young people should be also aware that smoking accelerates ageing of their bodies and their skin,” he stated.

He made the comments ahead of Saturday’s regional celebration of Caribbean Wellness Day, which has as its theme “Securing a Future Generation through Eating Healthy and Not Smoking”.

“We have an obligation to our young people. Investments in adolescent health and well-being will not only transform the lives of our Caribbean young men and women, but will also generate high economic returns. I urge policy makers, communities, the private sector, civil society and nongovernmental organisations, media and academia, as well as every individual to act now: the costs are simply not sustainable. Let us encourage healthy practices during this transitional stage, and take steps to better protect our future generation from health risks. This is critical to the future of Region’s health and social infrastructure, and to the prevention of health problems in adulthood. Let’s act now!” he added. (JMB)

In order to be included, persons with disabilities need to be present.

According to Her Honour Senator Kerryann Ifill, “We have to infiltrate and insist on being part of the discussion.” She said this was the conclusion reached at the inaugural meeting of Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in partnership with the Nova Scotia House of Assembly held the first conference of its kind, bringing together over 50 Commonwealth Parliamentarians with disabilities, carers and parliamentary officials from eight of the nine regions of the CPA, from August 31 to September 1, 2017.

The President of the Senate of Barbados shared the outcome with representatives of the Simulated Head of Government Conference “Opening Doors for the Disabled Community”, hosted by the Barbados National Organisation of the Disabled (BARNOD), yesterday.

“Participants gathered from all corridors of the globe to discuss issues of concern to all of us. Under the guidance of the Speaker of the House of Nova Scotia, the Honourable Kevin Murphy – himself a wheelchair user – we explored many interesting topics of similar importance,” she revealed.

“I am therefore extremely pleased to be associated with this activity – resting assured in the knowledge that as we continue along the path, we are heartened by how far we have come and we are ready to go further to realise objectives that we all embrace – that is – to create a region that not only provides for us, but truly includes and embraces us.”

Senator Ifill also observed that “the situation of persons with disabilities must occupy the minds of all right thinking”.

“It is for this and many other reasons that events like this one are so essential. It is our responsibility to continue to ventilate the issues that are of significance to our sector because our challenges and triumphs do not impact only those of us living with disabilities – but our mothers, fathers, spouses, children, etcetera.”

Thank you! This mutual expression of gratitude was conveyed by Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Her Excellency Wang Ke and the wide cross-section of persons who came out to a farewell reception held in her honour on Monday at the Hilton Barbados.

The bond forged between the ambassador and the many specially invited guests in attendance during her tour of duty of over three years and eight months was unquestionable, as she thanked them for their warmth and hospitality since her arrival on the island in December 2013.

“More than three years since then I have been able to understand this beautiful island, witness remarkable achievements that Barbados has made since its independence and get acquainted with very warm and nice Barbadians and experience the unique Caribbean culture.

“Staying here for more than 1 300 days caused me to fall in love with this paradise island and its people that will be the most unforgettable memories for the rest of my life,” she said, as she fought back tears.

According to ambassador Wang, “As Chinese Ambassador in Barbados, nothing makes me feel more proud than the strides and breakthroughs that have been scored in friendly relations between China and Barbados during those years.”

China and Barbados maintained frequent bilateral contacts and kept effective communication and co-ordination on global and regional issues of our mutual concern. The two countries signed the Treaty on Mutual Assistance on Criminal Matters, the Treaty of Extradition and the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for holders of all kinds of passports.

The ambassador also revealed that bilateral trade increased for five consecutive years, which made China the fourth largest trade partner of Barbados.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean thanked the Chinese ambassador for her tenure which she said has been characterised by dedication to the execution of a wide range of co-operation projects and activities focusing on sports, culture, education, health, agriculture and infrastructure.

“In addition, the conclusion of the visa abolition agreement between our countries offers the scope for increased people to people exchanges. The Garfield Sobers Gymnasium is a visible and living symbol of our partnership for all to see and enjoy.”

Senator McClean while wishing the Chinese ambassador well on her new assignment, expressed hope that she would return as a visitor to the island, perhaps when Sam Lord’s Castle, which is being financed by China EXIM bank, reopens its doors. (JH)