WITH the 2017 hurricane season in full effect, the General Manager of the state-owned National Conversation Commission (NCC), Keith Neblett, is encouraging Barbadians to plant more trees to protect the environment.

Neblett is stressing that Barbadians need to become more aware of the importance of trees to the environment, “even more importantly now that we are in the midst of the hurricane season, and on September 22, 1955, we lost so many trees”.

He explained that in addition to trees assisting with food security and the beautification of a country’s physical landscape, they also play an essential role in protecting the environment.

The General Manager was speaking to The Barbados Advocate, following a service at the Silver Sands, Church of God, to mark the beginning of the Commission’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

“Look at what is going on with the weather and Barbadians will see that they need to plant more trees. Look at how the islands hit by Hurricane Irma lost a lot of trees.

“But, without those trees, the damages would have been worst. The trees lost a lot of leaves, but they protected a lot. The roots of a lot of the trees are still there, so a lot of the erosion was really reduced, but the trees took a lot of the brunt from the wind,” he said.

“So you might go to Tortola and Barbuda and St. Maarten and you will see a lot of the trees lost the leaves, but those trees helped to protect the people of those nations,” Neblett added.

As the Commission prepares to hand out over 1 500 trees on Friday, National Arbor Day, Neblett also noted that there is a need for the indiscriminate cutting down of trees on the island to stop. He said it is a popular practice for trees to be removed from areas so that construction can take place.

“When people are building these new structures everybody wants to take out a tree to get a clear opening, but we need to try to minimise this. We want people to plant more trees, not cut them down.

“We are going to distribute trees and we also have trees at NCC that are for sale. With this type of weather that we are getting, it is a good time to remind Barbadians that we should not take trees for granted,” he said.

On September 23, NCC will be hosting a Farmer’s Market which will be opened to the public.
(AH)

EMERGENCY health-care professionals came together last Saturday to participate in a two-day conference and workshop held under the theme “From the Office to Emergency Department”.

The workshop, held in the Henry Fraser Lecture Theatre at the UWI Cave Hill Campus, was presented by the Caribbean Emergency Medicine Association (Barbados) in association with the Faculty of Medical Science.

One of the co-ordinators of the event, Dr. Joanne Bradford-King, noted that the workshop is critical, acknowledging the interaction with other health-care professionals in the emergency field and to ensure a safe transition of patients to the emergency facility and that the needs of the community are met.

The presenters explored clinical presentations associated with high-risk diagnoses that are commonly seen outside the hospital and referred to the Emergency Department.

According to Dr. Bradford-King, “Sometimes it is not an easy decision to make, as to who goes and who stays and there are a number of factors that go into this.”

Some of the topics discussed included Fever and Body Pains, Red Flags in Abdominal Pain, Dizziness and ‘All that Wheezes Isn’t Asthma’.

The participants of the workshop had an opportunity to hear from visiting Canadian Professor Michael J. Bullard from the University of Alberta and Consultant Emergency Medicine Specialist from the UWI Jamaica, Dr. Rhonda Hutson.

During the workshop local Consultant Dr. Haresh Thani, Surgeon and Emergency Medicine Specialist, was honoured by CEMA for his outstanding contribution to Emergency Medicine and Disaster and Mass Casualty Management in Barbados and abroad.

Reading his citation was Dr. Reginald King, Emergency Physician, who noted that Dr. Thani has been an Accident & Emergency Consultant since 1997. He is involved in mass casualty management for PAHO and has been involved in the Emergency Management training programme from its inception. Dr. Thani is also trained in mediation and also pushed for professionals to undertake sign language classes to assist those who are hearing impaired who may present in the Emergency Department.

Dr. King noted that Dr. Thani was integral in the change from the “Casualty” where patients were seen and rushed upstairs, to the present critical care stabilisation-based emergency department. “He paved the way forward with no thought for himself and constantly strived for improvements in infrastructure,” he said.

With the sweeping changes in Information Technology, Dr. King noted that Dr. Thani recognised that this would have an impact in patient care. He therefore spearheaded computerisation in A&E and changed the casualty card to the current patient record. “This foresight has facilitated many research projects and allows for analysis for patient flow and treatment. Many current improvements in the A&E are based on these analyses from the rostering of staff to the better management of trauma and non-trauma conditions,” he said.

“His leadership, professionalism, caring and avant-garde attitude have been the backbone of one of the best emergency care delivery departments in the Caribbean,” Dr. King said. (JH)

“There is need for ongoing work because we don’t know when the next influx of Sargassum is expected.”

This is coming from Amanda Charles, Sustainable Tourism Specialist at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO). She called for continued partnership with our science-based institutions to come up with an original approach to mitigate and manage Sargassum moving forward. The specialist insisted that it is important because the Caribbean is the most dependent region in the world, and tourism is the single largest sector in terms of contribution to GDP and employment.

Charles was speaking at a workshop entitled ‘The Role of Research Partnerships in Promoting Sustainable Development’, hosted by the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) with the University of the West Indies (UWI) Principal’s Office and the Japan-based Association for Promotion of International Co-operation (APIC). The Specialist explained yesterday that there have been different theories for the sudden influx of Sargassum in 2015 such as global warming, pollution and disturbances in liquid boundaries, winds, storms and ecological disturbances.

According to her, “Tourism remains the flagship industry for most of the Caribbean and dependence is projected in the foreseeable future. The industry is vulnerable to external shocks, which negatively impact market performance and threaten market stability.

“The Sargassum disrupts the beauty of the beach and the water ‘quality’. Also, as it decomposes, the seaweed smells and turns black and brittle. The continued influx makes sunbathing and beach combing unpleasant because swimming becomes difficult and risky. There was the perception that seaweed was hazardous to health and there was revenue loss and disruption in business for fishermen and marine-based tour operators.

“Some of the tourism sector impact is that due to the stench of rotting seaweed areas with extensive Sargassum coverage were avoided. Islands reported a drop in arrivals during the periods of influx with some vacation cancellations... Property values diminished and investment prospects due to the smell and appearance of the beach... Some staff layoffs and reduced economic gain for the sector and host communities.”

She added, “Barbados reported decreasing flying fish catch sizes during the Sargassum events of 2011 and 2014-2015. In the non-Sargassum event year of 2013, Barbados reported a seven per cent increase in the flying fish catch from the previous year. Impact on fisheries sector which can create shortages in the culinary sector as demand from hotels and restaurants may exceed supply. Excess Sargassum makes beaches unbearable for local vendors and recreational services are hampered.”

Furthermore, at the time, there have been alleviation strategies such as beach clean-ups. In Antigua and Barbuda, some hoteliers took advantage of the nutrition makeup of the Sargassum and began using it for various sustainable purposes such as fertilisers. In Barbados and Jamaica, there was the utilisation of horses to pull seaweed traps on the beaches and there have been regional initiatives such as education awareness campaigns targeted to tourists and the general public, publications.

However, Charles highlighted that because of the educational awareness programmes, the Sargassum did not have a lasting effect for Tourism as the number of arrivals in 2016 and 2017 increased. She indicated, “We got the message out there that Sargassum was not hazardous and different bodies in the Caribbean worked together to squash fears and educate persons about what really is Sargassum and this was done through the assistance of the scientists.”

She quoted Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the UWI, when he stated, “We have a Tourism brand and product which is built around the beauty of our marine ecologies and our beaches. The Sargassum phenomenon is the single biggest threat to Caribbean Tourism, and a threat to our regional economy.” (NB)

AFTER hours of persistent rainfall, the Tropical Storm Watch was discontinued for Barbados yesterday at 2 p.m.

Barbados received a mere brush overnight from Hurricane Maria, which had quickly developed into a Category Three storm yesterday afternoon, drenching the island with moderate to heavy rainfall and high winds. The island was placed under Tropical Storm Watch on Saturday evening.

According to Advisory #9 A, issued by the Barbados Meteorological Services at 2 p.m., Hurricane Maria was located near 14.9°N or 60.4°W 136 miles north-northwest of Barbados. Maximum sustained winds at that time increased to nearly 125 mph with higher gusts.

“The system continues to move west-northward at 10 mph away from Barbados and as a consequence, the threat to Barbados has diminished.”

However, it was noted that with wind speeds ranging between 20 to 35 mph, higher gusts were expected to continue to affect the island during the afternoon and into last night.

The flood warning remained in effect until 6 p.m. yesterday while a high surf and small-craft warning were in effect until today, Tuesday at 12 noon.

A small-craft warning means in this case, that swells equal to greater than 3m or 10 feet will be affecting the marine area. A High-Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone.

In a statement issued by the Department of Emergency Management, Acting Deputy Director Captain Robert Harewood revealed that with the passage of the system, the National Emergency Operations Centre received 19 reports of flooding and reports of power outages across the island, which were dealt with by the Barbados Light and Power Company Ltd., the Drainage Division and the Barbados Water Authority.

With large south-easterly swells of at least 13 to 20 feet forecasted to accompany the system and a high-surf advisory and small-craft warning remain in effect until noon today, Tuesday, September 19. “Residents are therefore urged to continue to be on the alert and take all necessary precautions,” Captain Harewood advised.

However, feeder bands trailing the southern side of Hurricane Maria prompted the MET Office to extend the flood warning until 6 a.m. this morning.

The island was expected to continue to experience intermittent spells of moderate to heavy showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds for at least another 12 hours after the extension at 5 p.m. yesterday evening.

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has already begun to assist with sourcing and raising funds, relief suppliers and shelter for those in Dominica left reeling from the devastation wrought by Category Five Hurricane Maria.

“We will also help to manage the vital communications process. We are attempting to assess the most urgent needs and to tackle those first. We have activated our Hurricane Relief Fund to help our people and countries rebuild after the hurricanes,” the CTO outlined in a press release.

Pointing out that it was trying to get details on the extent of the damage, the organisation stated that it was “heartbroken” over the hurt the system has inflicted on Dominica.

While the hurricane was impacting the island, its Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit posted that the initial reports were of widespread devastation and that the island had lost all of what money could buy and replace.

“So, far the winds have swept away the roofs of almost every person I have spoken to or otherwise made contact with. The roof to my own official residence was among the first to go and this apparently triggered an avalanche of torn away roofs in the city and the countryside. Come tomorrow morning we will hit the road, as soon as the all clear is given, in search of the injured and those trapped in the rubble.

“I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating... indeed, mind-boggling. My focus now is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured. We will need help, my friend, we will need help of all kinds. It is too early to speak of the condition of the air and seaports, but I suspect both will be inoperable for a few days. That is why I am eager now to solicit the support of friendly nations and organisations with helicopter services, for I personally am eager to get up and get around the country to see and determine what’s needed,” Skerritt said.

There has been no updates since, and efforts to reach the island have so far been unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, the government of Trinidad and Tobago announced it would offer assistance to Dominica.

“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is mobilising to send assistance to the Commonwealth of Dominica. Currently co-ordination is taking place under the leadership of the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of National Security and the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs.

“It is envisaged that as soon as it is safe, a National Helicopter Services Limited helicopter will be sent to Dominica with Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force personnel. The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard is also preparing to send a supply vessel and to take Defence Force personnel as well as supplies up to Dominica,” the Trinidadian government added.

AN unwelcome visit from Hurricane Maria on Monday night has left Dominica with “mind boggling” devastation, according to its Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

The category five hurricane made landfall just after 9 pm and a series of messages from Prime Minister Skerrit summed up the desperation experienced on the island, which was ravaged two years ago following the passage of Tropical Storm Erika. At that time Erika was described as the island’s worst disaster since Hurricane David in 1979.

In a series of live posts on his official Facebook page, the Prime Minister reported: “My roof is gone, I am at the complete mercy of the hurricane. House is flooding.” Shortly afterwards, he said that he had been rescued.

“So far the winds have swept away the roofs of almost every person I have spoken to or otherwise made contact with. The roof to my own official residence was among the first to go and this apparently triggered an avalanche of torn away roofs in the city and the countryside.”

The Prime Minister’s use of social media has attracted attention from far and wide, and was picked up by major cable networks during the hurricane.

“I am honestly not preoccupied with physical damage at this time, because it is devastating ... indeed, mind boggling. My focus now is in rescuing the trapped and securing medical assistance for the injured. We will need help, my friend, we will need help of all kinds,” he said.

“Initial reports are of widespread devastation. So far we have lost all what money can buy and replace. My greatest fear for the morning is that we will wake to news of serious physical injury and possible deaths as a result of likely landslides triggered by persistent rains.”

Speaking to the Cable News Network, Prime Minister Skerrit explained that the roof of his residence caved in and he was taken to safe ground by police officers. He noted that even though the building was strong, the unrelenting winds compounded by heavy rainfall proved to be too much for the structure.

When asked about the preparation level prior to the arrival of the hurricane, Prime Minister Skerrit said, “We did everything we could have done from a human standpoint. The citizens did all that we could in the circumstance,” noting that the country was bracing for a Category 3 hurricane but saw it rapidly intensify in a matter of hours.

Prime Minister Skerrit said he and other officials were waiting for daybreak to do an assessment of the damage. “Our first order of business will be search and rescue to ensure that we can account for every single resident who was on island during this devastating hurricane.”

Meanwhile yesterday other islands already started to feel the impact of Hurricane Maria including French territory Guadeloupe. The potentially catastrophic hurricane was continuing its west- north-westward path toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico last night and today (Wednesday).

Ironically a number of persons fleeing the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irma were evacuated to Puerto Rico which is in line for a direct hit from Hurricane Maria.

According to the National Hurricane Centre, “Preparations against life-threatening storm surge and rainfall flooding and destructive winds should be rushed to completion.” (JH)

CAPTION: Some of the damage inflicted on Dominica by Hurricane Maria.
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CAPTION: This house was no match for Hurricane Maria.
pix - Maria house.jpg

There is a need for research relating to the death penalty and how the general public views this type of punishment in Barbados.

This was the consensus after a session that was organised by Michelle Brathwaite, National Human Rights Officer for Barbados and the OECS at the United Nations, and conducted by Dr. Florence Seemungal; Dr. Lizzie Seal, Senior Lecturer of Criminology at the University of Sussex; and Dr. Lynsey Black, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University College Dublin.

During the seminar, which was held recently at UN House, the findings of three studies that were carried out in Trinidad on homicides in that nation; how the administrators of justice go about administrating their duties; and getting public opinion on the matter were revealed.

“The outcome was driven by the profile of the participants. So we had maybe around 26 persons and I would say that maybe around 80 per cent of the persons are legally trained. So they came with an understanding already of how the death penalty is imposed or not imposed, given the current legislation and case outcomes of the courts, and they came to find out exactly how we conducted the study of the methodology, how it may be applicable to Barbados. In Trinidad we used case characteristics which were typical for Trinidad homicides.

“So they looked at all of these nuances and they thought that in general it was important to do the research and that it was even more important to do it in a Barbadian context...” (PJT)

AS the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) continues to receive donations from the general public to assist with its disaster relief effort to the Commonwealth of Dominica in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the Force deployed another vessel to that island yesterday.

Around 6 p.m. yesterday, the Barbados Coast Guard vessel left the island, loaded with water, food, and other needed supplies.

Twenty-nine military personnel, 15 artisans going to assist with the rebuilding project, and officials from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), were also on board.

Executive Officer on the HMBS Trident, Sub-Lieutenant Shawn Hazelwood, told the media, just before the vessel departed, that the donations coming from members of the public have been overwhelming.

“We have about three 10x30 classrooms full of supplies,” Sub-Lieutenant Hazelwood said.

The Executive Officer confirmed that the first vessel, which left the island on Tuesday with military personnel and members of the media, arrived safely, sometime yesterday morning.

The vessel was initially scheduled to leave Barbados at 3 p.m., however, it left three hours later. (AH)

Executive Director of the Barbados Employers’ Confederation (BEC), Sheena Mayers-Granville, says the members of that organisation are open to the idea
of a 24/7 economy.

She made the point during a press conference at the BEC’s offices yesterday morning during the launch of ‘Employment Compass’, the fourth edition of the BEC’s annual magazine, which this year is helping to launch the organisation’s discussions in the business community and wider society on the future of work initiative. Her comments came, however, as she explained that the decision to embrace the growing concept is solely for individual companies to make.

“There is no concern in terms of the concept of a 24/7 economy, the concern would relate in terms of how would this then translate into practice. So even though there is the opportunity for businesses to open later or at different times, then businesses would then individually determine what is most beneficial to them and how would that work in terms of their operating structure. So it is just a matter of, on the business level, what your needs are and then you work to suit,” she stated.

It was further noted that, “They are receptive, they are not against it; it is just a matter of does it work for my business. So on an individual level – Should I open to 10 p.m.? Is that economically viable for me, because longer hours means additional overheads, etc.”

Mayers-Granville said that while the 24/7 concept has been around for some time and the BEC is now seeking to start the discussion, it does not mean that Barbados is lagging behind, as she explained that economies develop at different rates and in different ways. Fortunately for Barbados, she suggested that coming after others who have already started on that journey, means that we do not have to reinvent the wheel.

“We can learn from their mistakes, we can see their examples and then we can use those, not necessarily wholesale, but we can tweak them to suit our environment,” she stated.

Adding to her comments, Labour Management Advisor with the BEC, Brittany Brathwaite, also noted that a 24/7 economy does not necessarily require businesses to be physically open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but is really about ensuring that they are accessible.

“We also want to drive that concept, being accessible to different time zones. We have England who is five hours ahead, if we are sleeping at 3 a.m. and somebody wants to do business, are you accessible via your e-mail, do you have somebody on call, not physically in office, but on call?” she stated. (JRT)

WHILE Government is open to the idea of electronic monitoring for criminal offenders, the cost thus far has been prohibitive.

That’s according to Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs, Adriel Brathwaite. He made the disclosure as he fielded questions at the last Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s Quarterly General Meeting

at the Hilton Hotel, where he was the featured speaker. Brathwaite told the audience made up of stakeholders in the hospitality industry, that the relevant authorities have had various presentations made to them on the topic, but the costs of undertaking such an initiative, he said, was quite pricey.

“It is also a volume issue. One provider, for example, said it wouldn’t be worth their while unless they had at least, I am going to say at least 1 000. But the long and short of it, from a volume perspective, just wasn’t doable. [But] I have not ruled it out as a solution because we really want to move in that direction,” he stated.

The AG’s comments came as he said that such technology would be indeed quite useful in addressing domestic violence matters before the court. He explained that there are systems that can prevent perpetrators of domestic violence from going where they are prohibited from going. He said that for instance, if the person approached the matrimonial home and they were not supposed to be there, a notification would be sent automatically to the police to respond. Similarly, for persons out on bail with stipulations, the electronic monitoring devices would also allow the authorities to keep track of them.

“But it is a bit of a resource issue and a volume issue; we just have not found the right service provider as yet,” he explained.

Meanwhile, responding to a question about the decriminalisation of marijuana, the AG insisted that if and when Barbados moves in that direction, it has to be accompanied by a very serious public health warning campaign.

“You hear arguments about alcohol is legal and it causes all this damage to families and people and marijuana is safer. I think the time will come very soon where we are going to have to move in that direction as a country, but my caution would be that it has to come with a very serious PR campaign, that in fact that we are not encouraging our young people to smoke marijuana,” he said.

Brathwaite added, “To my knowledge, the Ministry of Health in Jamaica is having some very serious challenges because they didn’t do exactly what I think needs to be done, a serious public health campaign. So that is a very serious challenge in terms of many more young people going into mental health programme because they associated decriminalisation with go smoke as much as possible.”

Finally, where there is merit about the medical use of marijuana, and scientific evidence that marijuana can be beneficial, he indicated that as a country we would have to embrace it. (JRT)

Non-governmental organisations and government agencies across Barbados are continuing to pool together their resources to extend a helping hand to Caribbean neighbours whose countries were hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

At this time, the Barbados Defence Force is preparing to take a ship with supplies to Dominica, which was ravaged by Hurricane Maria between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

The Force is appealing for donations of water, sanitary napkins, baby diapers, canned food and bottled water, among other necessities.

“Take donations to the Barbados Defence Force base at the Garrison or Coast Guard on Spring Garden Highway,” a notice from the BDF advised.

Meanwhile, Young Democrats will continue to collect canned and dried foods, baby food, clothing, water and also sanitary items, to be distributed to the thousands of Caribbean neighbours who are now in need.

Members are being encouraged to give generously what they can afford. Barrels are located at the Democratic Labour Party, George Street, St. Michael headquarters. The office is opened from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from Monday to Friday.

“Thank you for your assistance and continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in our neighbouring islands,” said Membership Officer, Chad Skinner.

Hurricane Irma was a Category 5 storm when it battered the Caribbean last week, leaving scores dead in its wake, before moving to Florida.

The storm carved out a path of devastation, leaving a trail of extensive damage to small islands like St. Martin/St. Maarten, the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda, the British territories of Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and the US Virgin Islands.

While the islands ravaged by Irma are still in the process of assessing the damage, and picking up the pieces, Hurricane Maria made a destructive tear across the Caribbean, obliterating parts of Dominica and then headed for Puerto Rico, leaving hundreds homeless.

The countries hit by the storms are making appeals for help in whatever way possible. (AH)

THE grim reality facing Dominica following the passage of Hurricane Maria has been described by Hartley Henry, prin-cipal advisor to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, in a detailed message identifying the current state and immediate needs of the ravaged island.

He said while it is difficult to determine the level of fatalities, so far seven are confirmed dead as a direct result of the hurricane. “That figure, the Prime Minister fears, will rise as he wades his way into the rural communities today (Wednesday).”

In spite of limited communication, Henry was able to send out a message at 4:30 a.m. yesterday, saying that he had just spoken to the Prime Minister via satellite phone. “He and family are fine.”

He stressed, however, that Dominica is in trouble. Giving an assessment of ground zero, Henry said: “Tremendous loss of housing and public buildings. The main general hospital took a beating. Patient care has been compromised. Many buildings serving as shelters lost roofs, which means that a very urgent need now is tarpaulins and other roofing materials.”

Henry explained that at that time little contact was made with the outer communities, but persons who walked ten and 15 miles towards the city of Roseau from various outer districts, report total destruction of homes, some roadways and crops.

To this end, the advisor made an urgent call for helicopter services, which he said are needed to take food, water and tarpaulins to outer districts for shelter.

“Canefield Airport can accommodate helicopter landings and it is expected that from today (Wednesday), the waters around the main Roseau port will be calm enough to accommodate vessels bringing relief supplies and other forms of assistance.”

The tarmac at Melville Hall [Airport] was not too badly damaged, so the strip should be opened in a day or two for larger relief planes to land.

Henry explained that the urgent needs at present are roofing materials for shelters, bedding supplies for hundreds stranded in or outside what’s left of their homes, and food and water drops for residents of outlying districts inaccessible at the moment.

The advisor added that the Prime Minister is hoping to make contact with ABS Radio in Antigua to speak directly to the outer world as to the state of Dominica and its urgent needs.

“The country is in a daze – no electricity, no running water – as a result of uprooted pipes in most communities and definitely to landline or cell phone services on island, and that will be for quite a while.

“In summary, the island has been devastated. The housing stock significantly damaged or destroyed. All available public buildings are being used as shelters, with very limited roofing materials evident.

“The country needs the support and continued help and prayers of all,” he said.

THE Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) is asking Barbadians to donate to its disaster aid appeal for the residents of hurricane-ravaged Dominica.

President of the BSTU, Mary Redman, is encouraging those who want to make a donation of food, clothing, medication, sanitary and baby supplies to the worthy cause, can do so by taking their items to the Union’s headquarters, at 8th Avenue, Belleville, St. Michael.

“Beyond what persons normally ask for, we would ask persons to think of school supplies for children as well. Last time, we addressed our donation to the Dominica Association of Teachers to ensure that the aid got to where it was needed most, which is children in the system and the elderly teachers as well. We are going to do that as well, and we are trying to pack as many boxes as we can. So, we are asking that the public supports us fully,” Redman said.

Speaking on a local call-in programme, on Tuesday, Redman explained that the items will be taken from Barbados through the Barbados Defence Force.

Scores have been left homeless and hungry in Dominica, following the passage of Hurricane Maria, which hit the island late on Monday night and into Tuesday morning. (AH)

HISTORY was created at the Alleyne School yesterday when the institution enrolled its first cohort of sixth formers.

About 17 students, and their parents, walked into the St Andrew institution for an introduction into what they should expect for the next few years, as they undertake Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) studies.

Speaking at the brief orientation ceremony, the institution’s proud principal, Julia Beckles, said the introduction of sixth form means that Alleyne students can now stay at their alma mater and further their education.

She thanked the Ministry of Education for their confidence in the school’s ability to manage a sixth form, and also for assistance in providing the staff and other infrastructural support required to get the new form started.

“I also wish to thank you the sixth formers and your parents for placing your confidence in us. We wish to assure you the highest quality instruction and attention from us, and that we will do everything to ensure that,” Beckles said.

The Principal recalled that it was on Friday February 19, 2016, that a committee of six members met to discuss the establishment of a sixth form at Alleyne School.

In September 1947, Alleyne School entered the annals of time when it became the first government secondary school to become coeducational. Beckles said that was a major invocation which changed that institution forever.

“The number seven seems to be an important number for Alleyne School. Here we are today, September 21, 2017, a wonderful day for education in Barbados and a wonderful day for education at Alleyne School. Students interested in pursuing tertiary education now have another option,” she said.

Some of the CAPE subjects the students will be taught include Entrepreneurship, Management of Business, Communication Studies, Environmental Studies, Art and Design and Agricultural Science.

The Principal also placed on record that the establishment of a sixth form also forms part of the school’s strategic vision for 2015-2020.

“We pledge to work hard to ensure your success. In addition to the subjects that you are taking, we will give supporting classes in Research Methods and Academic Writing to assist you,” Beckles said.

A small number of the students starting sixth form went to Alleyne from first form, while the majority attended other secondary schools across the island. (AH)

THE Barbados Renewable Energy Association (BREA) has thrown its support behind the move by the Barbados Light & Power to store energy, saying it is one of the steps that will drive the country towards a 100 per cent renewable energy policy objective.

Top officials in the association hosted a press briefing in BREA’s headquarters in the Tom Adams Financial Centre yesterday morning, where they gave insight into historical background, the existing environment and the needs of the sector going forward.

Executive Director Meshia Clarke highlighted BL&P’s recent application to the Fair Trading Commission for the recovery of cost through the Fuel Clause Adjustment (FCA) mechanism for the integration of a 5 MW Battery Storage System at the utility’s 10MWsolar farm in Trent’s St. Lucy.

Clarke explained that energy storage has an important role to play and is a central feature in any developmental agenda which has renewable energy and energy efficiency at its core. She further noted that energy storage is critical in light of the variability of the earth’s renewable energy sources. “The storage of energy becomes an important component in the renewable energy mix.”

The BREA team noted that pertinent questions to be asked in regard to this application include: What will the move by BL&P to recover cost through the FCA and in proportion to the fuel saving benefits expected mean to customers? What will storage now mean for the customer, in terms for the cost requirements and potential savings? What does it mean for the longevity of the sector moving forward? What does it mean in terms of a potential new role for creation of job opportunities?

“These are all important issues that we stand ready as the association to discuss. We will be gearing up to execute a number of Town Hall meetings to be able to be at the forefront, engaging the public on what these issues mean ,”Clarke said, adding that the implementation of a separate mechanism which would now have to be developed, increasing the time frame for implementation, would also be up for discussion.

President Aidan Rogers does not believe that the cost will be passed on to customers as was assured by the BL&P.

“The mechanism that was identified in the application thus far seems basically as a setoff against cost-savings. So it is really a technical formula that will be introduced with respect to how they will recover the cost. What they are seeking to do is to recover the cost of this investment through the equivalent savings that would have afforded the operation of electricity system in fuel. So that is why they have identified the FCA at this stage as the mechanism.”

Rogers explained that with this model, the BL&P would only recover if the company can show that its investment in storage saved fuel consumption. “That is the mechanism that they are advancing in terms of the application. That is what all interveners will have to speak to as we go into the technical details but that is the basic principle that they are relying on in terms of how they recover the cost.”

“So if you follow that through logically, what it is saying is that there will be no extra burden on the backs of customers because a cost only comes when it displaces what is currently in existence. That is a setoff of against the fuel consumption,” he said. (JH)

In order for Barbados to be in a position to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and International Business (IB), it must be viewed locally, regionally and internationally as a centre of excellence that focuses on high quality corporate governance at the highest level.

This is coming from the Managing Director of the Barbados Stock Exchange (BSE), Marlon Yarde, who delivered remarks on day one of the ‘The Barbados Stock Exchange Fifth Annual Conference on Corporate Governance and Accountability’, yesterday at the Hilton Hotel Barbados.

“The International Business and Financial Services sector is a significant plank of our economy. To that end – and to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and international business (IB) to our shores – Barbados must be seen and perceived as a jurisdiction of excellence, one that practices quality corporate governance, at a base level, at international best practice. However, with our small size as an international financial centre (IFC), I believe we must definitely go beyond a base level to attract and retain IB,” Yarde said.

He stated that if this country can accomplish this goal, then it would accrue several advantages, especially as it relates to corporate governance (CG) and these include increasing the opportunities for local companies to acquire financing as a result of a larger flow of capital from international sources and ensuring that there are more efficient risk management practices that would lead to less frequent chances for things like organizational scandals and crises occurring.

“There are several benefits that can accrue to Barbados, particularly with the practice and promotion of excellent CG. These include enhancing the international flow of capital for local companies to access financing from a larger pool of investors; bolstering the reputation of our International Business Financial Services sector; lowering the cost of capital; supporting the good functioning of the financial market; and better risk management practices resulting in reduced risks of corporate crises and scandals.”

The Managing Director of the BSE said that in essence this means that practicing excellent corporate governance is a sound business decision that would reap benefits not only for those particular companies that chose to do such, but also for the economy of the island as a whole.
These include playing a major role in generating economic development; attracting interest from investors and constructing a foundation that would enable companies to draft their strategic objectives.

“From a business perspective, some of the benefits include, inter alia: Being a key element in improving economic efficiency and growth, as well as enhancing investor confidence; reducing the ‘agency cost’ inherent in today’s corporate structure, particularly for large corporations with a dispersed shareholder base; providing structure through which the strategic objectives of the company are set, and the means of obtaining and monitoring performance are determined; providing proper incentives for the board and management to pursue strategic objectives that are in the interest of the company and its shareholders; and engendering a degree of confidence that is essential for the proper functioning of a market economy.”

This year, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth will be hosting and facilitating a number of activities to commemorate National Youth Week 2017, which is set to run from tomorrow until Saturday September 30.

This was revealed by the Minister of Youth, Stephen Lashley, during a press conference at the Ministry’s headquarters yesterday evening.

“The National Youth Week was introduced by the Division of Youth Affairs to sensitise the public to issues confronting young people, highlight the positive
contributions of youth to national development, and mainstream youth participation in the policies and programmes that affect them. The week also celebrates the work of the staff in the Division of Youth Affairs and other stakeholders in furthering the youth development agenda,” he said.

He highlighted that this year’s theme – “Forging Sustainable Futures through Youth Participation” – brings to the fore the critical role that Barbadian youth must play if the national development goals are to be achieved.

“We recognise that in order to ensure that, as stated in the 1987 World Commission on Environment and Development report, the needs of the present are met without compromising the abilityof future generations to meet their own needs, the youth must be engaged in every part of building that sustainable legacy,” he said.

Lashley revealed that the week will begin with a church service and youth parade on Sunday at Carrington’s Weslyann Holiness Church at 10 am; Tuesday will be National Youth Volunteer Day within the schools and communitie.
On Wednesday September 27, he indicated that from 9 a.m to 3 p.m there will be a National Youth Consultation at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. He noted that Thursday September 28th will be particularly exciting as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth plans to host a Ministry Open Day from 9:30 am to 4pm.

On Friday will be the Barbados National Youth Parliament Debate at the Parliament Buildings from 9 am to 2pm, and the Barbados Workers Union Career Showcase at Solidarity House from 9am to 4pm.

He revealed that they will end the week with a Battle of the Sexes Netball match at Eden Lodge, in St. Michael at 5pm; and a Richard Herbert Memorial T20 Cricket Match at the same venue, starting at 7pm.

Lashley expressed that throughout the week, sustainable development through youth participation will echo through all activities.

While the Caribbean has made significant strides over the last 50 years – improving living standards, life expectancy at birth, adult literacy, school enrolment, and other key indicators of socio-economic development – there is concern that many development challenges still remain.

That point was highlighted recently by President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Warren Smith, as he noted that at least one-fifth of the region’s population lives in poverty. Moreover, he told those attending the opening of a two-day “Caribbean Leadership and Transformation Forum: Delivering Results”, hosted by the CDB earlier this week at the Hilton Resort, that over one-tenth of the region’s population is considered “food poor or indigent”.

“The macro-economic environment is often characterised by tepid rates of growth; unsustainable debt; high fiscal deficits; low levels of competitiveness and productivity; and high unemployment. Our predisposition to extreme vulnerabilities increases uncertainty surrounding the prospects of our region. Tropical Storm Harvey and Hurricane Irma are just stark reminders of these vulnerabilities and the unimaginable economic and social setbacks that can accompany them,” he stated.

With that in mind, Dr. Smith gave the assurance to those present that the Bank will continue to work jointly with the governments of the affected countries and the development community in general, to not only restore basic services as quickly as possible, but to move quickly to begin the reconstruction work in all of the affected countries.

His comments came as he once again raised the issue of the many development challenges facing the borrowing member countries (BMCs) of CDB, and he noted that there is no lack of familiarity with the options available to the region to address their most critical development challenges and what has succeeded and failed in those efforts.

He explained that the success rate has in fact been highest in countries which have pursued a mix of policies which encourage the private sector to assume the lead role in unlocking the economic growth potential, and in creating employment and income opportunities which ensure benefits can be shared widely; and which support the emergence of internationally competitive industries, that are also more resilient to economic and other external shocks. Likewise, he said, such policies have entrenched in them fiscal responsibility in order to build resilience by creating fiscal buffers and reducing sovereign debt.
(JRT)

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Prime Minister Freundel Stuart left the island yesterday, Friday, September 22, to participate in events in Canada and Jamaica.

Mr. Stuart will attend and speak at several functions, including the 10th Annual Errol Barrow Memorial Dinner; and the Ottawa Welcomes the World event, where he will meet with members of the Diaspora during a walkthrough. He will also visit the High Commission of Barbados at Ottawa.

The Prime Minister will also participate in the First Charter Day Ceremony of the Caribbean Maritime University on Thursday, September 28, in Jamaica.

Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy, will act as Prime Minister while Mr. Stuart is out of the island.

Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steven Blackett, is commending the efforts of the National Assistance Board’s Seniors’ Recreational Activities Programme to keep older adults in this country active.

His comments came yesterday morning as he delivered the feature address at the reopening of the St. Bartholomew Seniors’ Recreational Activities Centre in the Church Hall of the St. Bartholomew Anglican Church.

“The shifting work pattern necessitates the need for Government, faith-based organisations and the private sector to provide resources and or help facilitate activities to develop the supportive environment to meet the social, ecological, psychological, mental and spiritual needs of our older adult population. One such multidimensional programme is the National Assistance Board’s Seniors’ Recreational Activities Programme. This programme was created as a shift away from the uni-dimensional paradigm, which saw healthy ageing as being a process where focus is only on the biological ageing process. The active ageing concept is based on the principle that the older adult has rights as expressed in the United Nations Charter 1992. These rights are: independence, dignity, participation, security and fairness,” he stated.

Minister Blackett said this paradigm shift moves towards the empowerment of the elderly by abandoning the “needs base methodologies” of the past and by acknowledging the United Nations declaration, that older adults have a right to equality of opportunity over the latter stages of their life course. With that in mind, the Social Care Minister said that the National Assistance Board, recognising that many older adults in its Home Care Programme were seen as dependent, passive individuals with little or no opportunities to participate in the home or community, sought through its Seniors’ Recreational Activities Programme to put an end to this “social isolation” of our growing elderly population from community participation.

“Not only does the programme offer the elderly opportunities to participate in community activities, but at the core of the programme is the older adult’s right to choose the level and type of activities they will engage in each term. Exercising this right has the potential to increase participants’ sense of independence and to develop their sense of dignity and self-worth. Participation in such programmes also creates the environment that supports the diverse needs of the elderly, as they interact with other seniors and cultures across the nation and the Caribbean,” he indicated.

He made the point as he noted that the Seniors’ Recreational Activities Programme takes place at 17 centres across Barbados, located in nine parishes. Only St. James and St. Andrew are not currently running such programmes.

The Minister added that at present approximately 300 older adults participate in the programme, engaging in such social and recreational activities as making soaps, jewellery and soft furnishings; flower arranging; bead craft; and dancing. He noted that the major hallmarks of the initiative are the biennial craft exhibition which is held at the Grande Salle, the seniors’ annual cruises to the Caribbean and North America and the participation in educational seminars and workshops, which he said bring awareness to the issues that affect older persons in this country. (JRT)