Quantcast
Channel: Barbados Advocate - News
Viewing all 8538 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

MQI launches Aquabase Plus Paint

September 16, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

Territory Manager, Export Markets, PPG Industries Inc,, Henry Bosch in discussion with Claire Johnson, Export Manager of ANSA Coatings Ltd.at MQI Aquabase Plus launch.

By: 
André Springer

 

McEnearney Quality Inc. (MQI) in collaboration with ANSA Coatings Limited, the most diversified manufacturer and supplier of automotive paint and coatings in the Caribbean together with PPG Industries Inc. launched their new NEXA Autocolor’s Aquabase Plus waterborne paints for the local motoring industry. With the slogan, ‘The Beauty of Water – Moving Forward with a Better World’, MQI is ready to provide the customer with a top of the line product.
 
MQI is leading the way with protecting the environment by being the first Collision Repair Centre in the Caribbean to only use a 100% waterborne refinish paint system. This is an odourless spray paint derived from the original Aquabase introduced in 1992. The pigment is formulated in an acrylic waterborne latex resin.
 
Gavin Mackie, head of Collision and Repair Centre at MQI expressed the pride that MQI had in using the environmental friendly paint.
 
“We cherish our environment and want to protect our workers and residents in the surrounding areas, so we are delighted and proud to be the first to introduce the Aquabase Plus product into our daily operations and will be using this on all our repair jobs going forward.”
 
This Aquabase product is one of three new initiatives which MQI has brought on board in order to make the customer experience a better one. These new initiatives are to cut down the wait time for customers in having their demands met. The Aquabase plus wait time is significantly less and also the colour matching to the damaged vehicles has been extended. The new product is available is over 20,000 colour formations. Also less materials are needed to create the blend to the damaged panel on the vehicle and the finish and flow of the paint is second to none. With the use of less materials, the intention of MQI is to lower the cost of repair to the customer.
 
The next two initiatives are the customer management CDK system and the SOR parts management system.  CDK is an international system used in the U.S as well as Canada in which any staff member can access information entered for a customer at a click of a mouse. This allows for staff to better deal with queries of any returning customer. SOR allows any member of staff to also find information about the parts needed for the repair of the customer’s damaged vehicle. This information includes if the part was shipped from the dealer and whether it has arrived or not.
 
Henry Bosch, Territory Manage, Export Markets of PPG Industries Inc., who have close to 90% market share of the water based automotive paint market in the United States and Canada was on hand to speak about the Aquabase Plus product. Bosch stated that it was part of the companies plan to work on protecting the environment. With that in mind, Aquabase Plus is non-toxic and the faster dry times, creates a faster cycle time for the company. He also presented four MQI paint spray technicians with certification from PPG showing that they were certified in painting with automotive water based paint. These four technicians were Renaldo Greaves, Terrence Licorish, David King and Nandcoomar Ashwanauth.
 
Finally media and guests were given a tour of the MQI Collision and Repair Centre paint booths and shown the painting and drying process and finished product first hand.
 
Section: 
News
↧
Search

New kitchen facility opened at Psychiatric Hospital

September 16, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

Sales Executive of Essco, Vaughndeen Harper (left) explaining how the touch screen combi oven are used to Minister of Health, Hon. John Boyce while Dietitian Esther Selman (facing away from camera) and Hospital Director (Ag.) listen in. 

By: 
Krystal Penny Bowen

 

“Within two weeks or less, the new kitchen facility will be fully operational and this I am sure will be a welcome relief for the staff who have exhibited a high level of patience and endurance.” 
 
These were the comments made by Minister of Health, Hon. John Boyce during the feature address of the presentation of keys of the newly renovated kitchen at the Psychiatric Hospital. 
 
Hospital Director (Ag.) David Leacock received the keys from Project Consultant, Dr. Winston Harvey to the ultra modern kitchen. The presentation was held in the Nurse Lounge of the medical facility yesterday.
 
Project Consultant, Dr. Winston Harvey and Managing Director of Unique Designs, Walter Trotman took the special invited guests from the Ministry, cook staff of Psychiatric Hospital, architects and service providers on the tour of state-of-the-art facility. The facility which is located on the Western side of the hospital featured staff changing rooms,  stainless steel furnishings, hand washing facilities and appliances, a bakery, Alto-Shaam touch screen combi ovens and walk-in chillers. 
 
Other features of the kitchen included seamless, tile-less floors, individual fish, meat and vegetable preparation rooms, commercial air curtains, large self contained kettles,  a supervisor station and foot baths for staff to sanitise their foot wear and kitchen trolleys.
 
Dr. Harvey said that the design of the kitchen have several sanitary measures to prevent incidences of cross-contamination and maintain a bacteria and pest free facility. 
 
Minister Boyce explained during his feature address that the renovations were long over due as the previous kitchen had poor drainage, in need of re-tiling, a worn roof structure, poor ventilation, limited space, a general poor layout and inadequate hot water supply. 
 
During his address, Minister Boyce made a brief report on the current patient population within the facility and the fact that there are more people utilising the mental health services externally (polyclinics) which reduces patient stigma and discrimination.  He said over the years, there has been a reduction in the number of existing patients from 640 to 510 patients.    He further added that there are mental health patients who have used the community based care facilities but they have not visited the Psychiatric Hospital. 
 
“There is evidence that community based care is cost effective, reduces stigma and encourages greater access,” said Minister Boyce.
 
On October 10, The Ministry of Health will join the World Federation for Mental Health as they recognise World Mental Health Day under the theme of “Dignity in Mental Health, Psychological and Mental Health, First Aid for All”. 
Section: 
News
↧
↧

BEPPA not nitpicking: Paul

September 16, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

 

The Barbados Egg and Poultry Producers Association (BEPPA) and its members who are complaining about how the importation of turkey and poultry wings is affecting their livelihood have been unfairly accused of “nitpicking.”
 
This is according to the CEO of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), James Paul  who was speaking at a press conference on Thursday in his office.
 
He stated that when other organizations and their respective members get up and start talking about how various circumstances in Barbados are affecting them, they are not accused of nitpicking.
 
“I want to say this you know. We have been accused in very uncharitable words as nitpicking which it is amazing how we have this seeming stratification of sectors...Now when the BHTA  – and I want to make this case very clear – complains about things, they are not told that they are nitpicking. When the Chamber of Commerce people speak they are not told that they are nitpicking. When these people get up and say that they do not know how to implement the two percent duty, they do not say that they are nitpicking.”
 
However, when the BEPPA does the same exact thing, they are accused of being critical and this is something which concerns him especially in the year of 2016 as this island gets ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence.
 
“And I really take umbrage to the fact that this industry that has a very responsible attitude to a country that is ...50 years old and this year that we are celebrating independence can be told that we are nitpicking. We are talking about the livelihood of ordinary persons. However, be that as it may,... we would continue to represent the stakeholders in the industry in the best way that we can possibly.”
 
And nitpicking they are not, stated the BAS CEO because clear evidence indicates that when these imports stop, the local industry thrives.
 
“If you examine the import figures from 1980 onwards, one would recognize that there is every truth to the statement that the uncontrolled importation of wings or poultry products in general into Barbados does have a significant impact on poultry production. As a matter of fact, the historical evidence the historical evidence in terms of data cleanly shows that whenever there has been a cessation of imports, the industry has thrived as we know the industry.” (PJT)
Section: 
News
↧

Philanthropy lauded

September 17, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

CHIEF Executive Officer of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Dr. Dexter James, is heartened by the spirit of philanthropy being exhibited to the Martindale’s Road institution, with over $10 million being donated over the past three years.

His comments came as he gave an update on the Equipment Prospectus, which was launched back in 2012, and urged persons from the donor community to understand the benefits to be derived from their philanthropic efforts, which eases the burden on the cash-strapped institution.

The CEO noted that the areas supported by many donors included the Intensive Care Units, Ward C9, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Gynae-Cancer Diagnostic Unit and Cardiovascular Services.

According to Dr. James, “I am heartened by the level of public-spiritedness and support of the QEH, in spite of the many challenges and sometimes unfair criticism that we receive. Individuals, corporations, the Diaspora and NGOs, and many other well wishers, still find it in their hearts to contribute to the hospital. This is by no means an easy feat, and we continue to promote philanthropy as a necessary part of our syndicated package of financing,” he said.

He stressed that the funds are appropriated for a specific purpose, adding that some donors implement some stipulations, which he said is endorsed.

“Some reserve the right to come in to inspect the equipment, to ensure it is being used for its intended purpose. It raises the bar in terms of our profile of accountability and stewardship. Never again will you hear equipment has gone missing, or cannot be found,” he said.

He revealed that a desk will be established specifically to deal with donor retention, while promoting new donors to come on board. The CEO also revealed that a Bill of rights will be established.

Additionally, he highlighted plans to establish a donor Bill of Rights. He reiterated the fact that the QEH is an exempt charity, and every dollar you contribute to the hospital is exempt for tax purposes.

As it relates to the QEH’s Achieving Improvement Measurement initiative, he revealed that there is an ongoing year-long target of attaining specific goals in the form of credentials. This includes the laboratory, which he announced received its accreditation one month ago under its ISO 15189 standard, seeking recertification as it relates to the hospital’s breast feeding programme, improving Food safety, a Code of Practice for Informational Security Management (ISO 27001) and generally hospital-wide accreditation. (JH)

Section: 
News
↧

Locals come together for Walk For Peace in The City

September 17, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0
Barbados Defence Force members leading the way during yesterday’s Walk For Peace in The City.

Barbados Defence Force members leading the way during yesterday’s Walk For Peace in The City.

Overcast skies and occasional showers were no deterrent for the hundreds of Barbadians who took part in yesterday’s Walk For Peace in The City.

The Walk, which comes off ahead of the International Day of Peace, which will be observed on September 21st, was organised by Universal Peace Federation (UPF).

Secretary General, Gail Veith, told The Barbados Advocate that this is the second year for the event. It seeks to bring people together and to show that regardless of their race, religion or nationality, individuals can work together.

“This Peace Walk was initiated by the Universal Peace Federation, and our local chapter, the Barbados National Peace Council. We are walking and working with 120 other countries around the world, fulfilling the dream of One Global Family… We are a non-governmental organisation in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.”

Veith pointed out that “just this week, at the Parliament Building in London, England, UPF inaugurated the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace”. She encouraged “our local Parliamentarians to join this world-wide Association and its efforts to create a world of peace”.

Yesterday’s walk commenced in Jubilee Gar-dens around 10 a.m., and climaxed in Independence Square. Among the local charities, groups and organisations represented were: Lions Club Barbados, members of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), Junior Chamber International (JCI) Barbados and the Barbados Defence Force.

BWU General Secretary, Toni Moore; Member of Parliament for St. Joseph, Dale Marshall; the Barbados Labour Party’s candidate for St. Philip West, John King; Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Hope Transplant International, Reverend Michael Steele, also took part in the Walk. (MG)

Section: 
News
↧
↧

Rotary West donates to the Barbados Vagrants & Homeless Society

September 17, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

President of Rotary Club of Barbados West, Kevin Watson (right) making the donation of tables to Kemar Saffrey, President of the Barbados Vagrants & Homeless Society (BVHS) which will be used throughout the campaign.

 

A local service organisation is throwing its support behind a very important initiative.
 
The Rotary Club of Barbados West recently donated 10 tables towards the Barbados Vagrants & Homeless Society (BVHS) “Building a Future for the Homeless” campaign.
 
President of Rotary West, Kevin Watson made the presentation to Kemar Saffrey, President of the BVHS at their offices in Tudor Street.
 
This campaign will see the BVHS partnering with various local artistes and businesses, to push a “Dollar Drive” initiative in 24 locations, to raise money to purchase a building at a cost of $1.7 million, so that the Society can relocate and build out its programmes for the homeless.
 
At present, the BVHS has 380-plus persons on file and assists on average a total of 70 persons on a day-to-day basis. Saffrey said that given the space limitations at the BVHS’ present location, there is need for the homeless society, which has been in existence for the past eight years, to have its own home, so it can spread its wings even further. (TL)
Section: 
News
↧

Multicultural tourism must be explored

September 17, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

 

A WEALTH of information on the benefits to be derived from multicultural tourism was shared on Thursday during the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s State of the Industry Conference.
 
The session featured presentations on the Jewish, Hispanic, African American and the Halal Markets.
 
The experts leading the discussion examined travel and spending patterns, likes, dislikes and expectations, and how best to reach and retain these unfamiliar market segments.
 
Multicultural tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel and tourism industry, estimated to be a US90 billion plus market. Established groups within this segment – Ethnic, cultural, religious and special interest – continue to grow, while new ones such as the Halal market, are fast emerging.
 
Director of Serendipity Tailormade & Luxury Halal Travel, Nabeel Shariff told the packed session that Muslims throughout history have been epic travellers and are always looking for travel experiences. He stressed that it is a market that can’t be ignored and assured that it is his personal agenda to make the Caribbean the next place for Muslims to go to, recognising that they currently travel to the East for their holiday.
 
The entrepreneur noted that a number of hotels around the world are buying into Halal, recognising that it is commercially viable.
 
He stressed that “Generation M” of Mipsters (Muslim hipsters) are the fastest growing sector in the world, which includes young, affluent, professional Muslims who are ready to travel and have the means to do so.
 
Shariff explained that Halal friendly travel offers the Muslim traveller experiences which enable him or her to consciously maintain one or several aspects of their faith. Halal food, which means “permissible” refers to animals that can be slaughtered in a Halal method, which includes saying a prayer over the animal before it loses its life as well the actual process of preparing the food.
 
Halal travel would therefore include food preparation, prayer facilities, non alcohol environment, and offer Muslim friendly activities, recognising the privacy required particularly for Muslim women. (JH)
Section: 
News
↧

Luxury visitors look for authentic experiences

September 17, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

 

Local real estate magnate Sir Paul Altman is of the opinion that destinations must find ways to impress those luxury repeat visitors.
 
“New options; new exiting experiences are always important,” he told the Caribbean Tourism Organisation 2016 State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) “The Luxury Experience” session.
 
“Our specialty must remain our uniqueness. If we are going to grow our economies we must raise the bar. Of course it is not all about a high price product – we know that visitors will pay for service and delivery of the quality experience. But the new wealthy also want to experience something 
authentic....”
 
“The example of the billionaire who stays at the most expensive hotel and chooses Moon Town, the fishing village in the north ... for dinner and expresses to me that he wants that experience,” he shared with the gathering at Hilton Barbados Resort.
 
“We read recently of a Singapore street vendor receiving a Michelin Star for his chicken and noodle dish, which sells for US$1.85. It is the experience that has changed the paradigm, Michelin Stars are associated with high prices, not with street ventures.”
 
Sir Paul, Managing Director of Altman Real Estate, the Caribbean’s leading real estate company, therefore believes that countries should not take what they have for granted, pointing out that “visitors value our way of life.”
 
He also observed that the region’s main advantages remains friendly engagement at every level – the barman, the chef, water sports operator, the golf caddy, taxi driver and of course the first impression made at points of entry.
 
“You don’t get a second chance to make that first impression,” he stressed.
 
Further acknowledging that luxury travel is growing faster than overall travel, Sir Paul said Barbados’ challenge is to stretch visitor arrivals beyond the winter season.
 
“The obvious answer is new markets,” he indicated, “South America where their winters are our summer. Also special events such as food, wine and rum festivals, and film festivals.”
 
“If predictions are correct luxury travel is projected to grow at 6.2% rate over the next 10 years… As the rich get richer and seek new experiences we must think outside the box.” (TL)
Section: 
News
↧
Search

Let there be peace!

September 17, 2016, 9:56 pm
$
0
0
By: 
Marsha Gittens

 

Lay down the guns and seek peace.
 
This was the strong appeal of two Members of Parliament while addressing a gathering in Independence Square yesterday. Those present included clergy, members of the Lions Club Barbados, members of the Barbados Workers Union and the Barbados Defence Force, who all participated in a ‘Walk For Peace’ which moved off from Jubilee Gardens around 10 am and ended at that location.
 
Delivering remarks during the Universal Peace Federation and the Barbados National Peace Council initiative, Member of Parliament for St. James North, Edmund Hinkson reminded the public that one of the best ways to resolve conflict was not through the use of arms but through communication.
 
“We in Barbados have a duty – both the community leaders and the non-governmental organisations that are represented here today – to ensure that we promote peace in our country. We therefore call on all persons here to lay down their arms, lay down their guns [and] to realise that our problems cannot be solved by conflict. They have to be solved by communication with each other and by resolution through friendlier means.” 
 
Meanwhile, Senator Reverend Dr. David Durant stated that “guns and violence have no place in our Barbadian society. They are not part of our historical heritage.” He therefore called on all peace-loving Barbadians to “arise and say with one voice, ‘no to drugs, guns and violence in our communities’.”
 
Dr. Durant also appealed to locals who are members of gangs to lay down their arms.
 
“We are calling on members of the gangs to lay down their weapons and seeks peace not only for their benefit but for the good of every Barbadian family, for the good of our children, our young people, our fathers and mothers. Love, respect and unity must be embraced by all.”
 
The Senator during his address expressed gratitude to officers of “the Royal Barbados Police Force for their speedy capturing of perpetrators over the years. They are doing a good job.” He further urged all Barbadians “to unite for continued peace, safety and stability in our small island and most of all, let us invite the peace of God in our hearts. Let us take pride in our island.”
Section: 
News
↧
↧

Coastal clean up continues today

September 17, 2016, 9:58 pm
$
0
0

Members of the CYEN collected several bags of garbage throughout the morning and went through each piece of trash methodically.

By: 
Janelle Husbands

 

BARBADOS joined the rest of the world yesterday in marking Coastal Clean-up Day by seeking to collect any trash indiscriminately or inadvertently left behind on the fragile coastline of the island.
 
The Barbados International Coastal Initiative is encouraging Barbarians to join them as they dedicate one weekend for four weeks to clean 50 beaches in the north, south, east and west of the island, in keeping with the Jubilee celebration's for the island's upcoming Independence celebrations.
 
Yesterday, individuals and groups would have made their way to the south of the island, however, the inclemency of 
the weather forced some of them to call off their clean-up efforts.
 
The group from the Caribbean Youth Environment Network with other individuals trekked to Silver Sands beach where they collected bags of garbage, after which they carefully sifted, sorted and documented every piece collected for record-keeping purposes.
 
 
Later the group made their way to the Enterprise Beach, popularly known as Miami Beach, where they were assisted by Japanese Ambassador to Barbados His Excellency Nobuhiro Matsuoka, his wife Michiko Matsuoka and Sho Homma.
 
Several plastic items were collected, including a digital camera, a baby's diaper and bags to name a few.
 
Today the weekend drive will continue on the south coast, this time tackling Carlisle Bay, Pebbles Beach, Drill Hall Beach, Hastings Boardwalk, Rockley, Worthing Beach, Dover Beach and Maxwell beach. Next week the clean up initiative will head to the east of the island.
Section: 
News
↧

Shannon Harris is new Miss Universe Barbados

September 18, 2016, 5:00 pm
$
0
0
Newly crowned Miss Universe Barbados, Shannon Harris.

Newly crowned Miss Universe Barbados, Shannon Harris.

 

After approximately nine years, Barbados has crowned a new Miss Universe Barbados – a fitting occurrence as this country celebrates its 50th anniversary of Independence this year.
 
On Saturday night at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Complex, Jewel Forde, Miss Universe Barbados 2007, was able to pass the coveted crown worth $10 000 to the elegant Shannon Harris, 
the new Miss Universe Barbados, who also walked away with prizes worth $115 000.
 
The sold-out show started on time and it was a seamless production. There was strong competition from the 13 contestants, with Jamilah Forde receiving the first runner- up prize, and Christina
 
Yearwood being awarded second runner-up and Miss Congeniality. People’s Choice went to Anique Herbert and Melanie Thorpe took the prize for Miss Photogenic. (NB)
  
Section: 
News
↧

Scotiabank helps provide books for babies

September 18, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

From left: Scotiabank marketing manager, Amanda Lynch-Foster, and Books for Babies founders Louise Frazer and Nina Lashley listen in as Mum Keisha Boyce reads one of the books to her son, Javier Brathwaite. 

 

New-born Javier Brathwaite was heading home for the first time following his delivery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and he started  life the right way – with the soothing voice of mum Keisha Boyce reading “Peekaboo Morning” to him.
 
The perfect going home gift came from the new charity Books for Babies, with support from Scotiabank, which provided a grant to the charity to purchase hundreds of baby-friendly books.
 
The charity, founded by speech and language therapists Louise Frazer, Nina Lashley and publisher Neysha Soodeen, is dedicated to providing at least one new, age-appropriate storybook for every baby in Barbados.
 
The aim is to encourage a love of reading and literacy from early in a child’s life. Frazer notes, “Children whose parents frequently read to them know more words by age two than children who have not been read to. Children who are read to during their early years are more likely to learn to read at the right time and become better readers. Not to mention that reading to your baby helps form a strong bond between parents and child.”
Section: 
News
↧

Broomes expresses disapproval of cellphone usage in schools

September 18, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

 

Former Secondary School Principal, Jeff Broomes, is opposed to students being allowed to use cellphones in schools across this island.
 
As he fielded questions on Friday afternoon at the Democratic Labour Party’s headquarters after delivering the weekly lunchtime lecture, Broomes told the audience that he is vehemently opposed to cellphone usage in schools for a number of reasons – chief amongst them – is that he does not believe that the students are mature enough.
 
As a former principal, he spoke of firsthand knowledge of instances where cellphones were used for nefarious activities and he said should the students lose them, “what will happen then?” He made the point as he contended that it is not the job of the school to keep the phones.
 
In recent times the Minister of Education, Ronald Jones, has said that Government is considering a cellphone policy for schools and Broomes insists that the cellphone issue is one that is worthy of “engaged discussion”.
 
His comments came as he suggested in his lecture on the “Contemporary Challenges to Barbadian Education” that technology is one of those challenges.
 
He said that while nothing in the world moves without some infusion of technology, the challenge is to encourage not only a high level of mastery in the area, but also to promote appropriate use.
 
“Despite all of the good that technology offers, inclusive of communication and problem solving, it poses significant challenges, especially to the young developing and impressionable minds. Misuse of social media, long lasting negative exposure, hurtful cyber bullying and even debilitating hacking and disclosure of personal and confidential information are the ugly under belly of technology use,” he noted.
 
With that in mind, Broomes, who remains a big supporter of the EduTech initiative, expressed concern that in some secondary schools, students are not given computer classes until they reach third or fourth form. This is a shame, he said, especially given that most primary school students get that exposure and he is adamant that that situation cannot be left unattended. (JRT)
Section: 
News
↧
↧

Focus on Youth

September 18, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

 

The CARICOM Commission on Youth Development landmark report, “Eye on the Future”, has spawned the CARICOM Youth Development Action Plan.
It promotes the development of secure, valued and empowered adolescents and other youth, realising their full potential, and contributing to a sustainable Caribbean Community.
 
Actively involved in the shaping of this Plan and assisting in its implementation have been the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community Ambassador Irwin LaRocque disclosed during the recent launch of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Caribbean Human Development Report “Multi-Dimensional Progress: Human Resilience Beyond Income”, held at Hilton Barbados Resort.
 
He was at time sharing information on what the Region has done with respect to two of the areas covered in the 2016 Report, namely, Youth Development and Human Resource Development.
 
He highlighted that some of the recommendations are already being acted upon, particularly with regard to youth entrepreneurship, leadership training and the engagement of at-risk youths. Also, given the unacceptably high rates of youth unemployment, he said action is being taken to address that challenge.
 

 

“Apart from encouraging entrepreneurship through the Creativity for Employment and Business Opportunity Programme, CARICOM is seeking to prepare its youth through the continual alignment of education and training with the emerging academic, technical and social skills and attitudes required for the twenty-first century labour market and society,” he stated.

 

“To guide this process, we have established a Commission on Human Resource Development which will, among other things, devise a Regional Education and Human Resource Development Strategy. One of its main guidelines is for the adoption of a holistic approach to education in the Region. That Commission is undertaking a comprehensive high-level and empirical review and, in so doing, particular emphasis will be placed on fostering creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship from the earliest level. Focus will also be placed on education as a means of addressing the gender gap in the labour market,” he said.

 

The Secretary-General also observed that a notable shortcoming identified by the authors of the Report relates to the unavailability of statistics, or of up-to-date statistics which they point out makes evidence-based decision and policy making “extremely difficult”.

 

According to him, it is a deficiency that has been recognised by the Heads of Government.

 

“At their Meeting last July, in acknowledging the importance of statistics to governance, to planning and policy making, and to the Region’s efforts to attain sustainable development, they endorsed an Action Plan for Statistics. That Action Plan, among other things, will seek to strengthen national statistical systems, as well as upgrade the Information and Communications Technology infrastructure to support these systems. Success in this regard would provide a more reliable foundation for research in your succeeding Reports.”

 

“Furthermore, the Community will be requesting of the UN that with regard to Statistics, CARICOM should be viewed as a distinct grouping within the Latin America and Caribbean area. This distinction is fundamental, as the data will be focussed on the peculiar challenges that are faced by the Small Island Developing and Low-Lying Coastal States (SIDS), which constitute our Community, most of which are designated as Middle Income Countries. This Report has demonstrated the value of such an approach,” Ambassador LaRocque pointed out. (TL)

 
Section: 
News
↧

Priest concerned about violence

September 18, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

Reverend Canon Curtis Goodridge making a point as he delivered the sermon yesterday.

 

An Anglican cleric has expressed concern about the increasing acts of violence in our society and is adamant that this behaviour must not be allowed to flourish.
Reverend Canon Curtis Goodridge delivering the sermon yesterday morning at the St. Lucy Parish Church, where the Board of Management and staff of the Rural Development Commission (RDC) gathered to celebrate its 20th Anniversary, maintained that part of the problem is that many young people do not know God. He is adamant therefore that this does not bode well for the country, as it resulting in lawless and deviant behaviour being exhibited.
 
“There are many of our young men and young women who are heading down the road of destruction. But I want to tell our young people this morning that there is a better way and this better way is God’s way… As long as you walk with the Lord, you cannot and will not go wrong,” he said.
 
His comments came as he lamented that many are even undertaking violent acts without any remorse. Canon Goodridge suggested that is perhaps stemming from their overexposure to violence on television, and they are beginning to act out what they are seeing. 
 
The reverend was speaking as he noted that over the last weeks “much gunplay has been unleashed on our country”. Barbados is “like gun town”, a reality he said that should be of concern to all Barbadians. To the youth involved in criminal activity, he is telling them that they will never regret making the decision to serve God, contending that to continue on the path they are currently on will only get them into Dodds, and not to heaven. As such, he is urging them to open their minds and hearts and let Jesus in.
 
“They need to understand that following the Lord Jesus Christ is far better than following a multitude to do evil… You and I must be at the forefront of showing this way to our youth,” he said.
 
Furthermore, he stated that, “We need a revival in this land, from the north to the south and from the east to the west. And I’m saying there is work for the Church to do – pastors, priests, evangelists, to get on the battlefield and pull our nation back from the brink of the devil.”
 
Canon Goodridge is of the firm belief this can be achieved, but maintains that it must be a collective effort if we are to save our nation. Speaking later in the service, Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman said his ministry is desirous of working with the churches in the rural communities to address the problem of crime and violence. He made the comments while indicating that the RDC has been quietly undertaking activities to address the challenge. Though remaining mum on the details, he said that they are committed to ensuring that the youth are gainfully engaged. (JRT)

 

Section: 
News
↧
Search

RDC boosting rural businesses

September 18, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

 

THE Rural Development Commission (RDC) is committed to facilitating the development of rural businesses in this country.
 
So says Minister responsible for the RDC, Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman. In fact, speaking yesterday morning during a service at the St. Lucy Parish Church to mark the RDC’s 20th Anniversary, Kellman noted that since coming into existence the Commission has disbursed in excess of $11 million in loans to assist as many as 1 400 persons to establish vibrant rural enterprises.
 
With that in mind, the Minister stressed the importance of the loan recipients paying back the money they have borrowed, so that others can be helped as he explained that the loans were disbursed from the three loan facilities which the Commission has responsibility for managing – the Rural Enterprise Fund, the Livestock Development Fund and the Fruit Orchard Development Fund. Those three funds, he said, were established with the assistance of the European Development Fund in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs. He made the point while noting that young people are starting to apply for loans from the Commission and are showing interest, particularly as it relates to farming activities. He said that this is commendable and speaks very well to the future of the island’s food security.
 
“The Commission recognises the importance of having a vibrant rural business community in a world where with the advent of globalization, countries will have to be innovative in providing solutions to their various economic challenges. We at RDC will be looking to expand the farming offering and also to expand the fishing industry, along with community tourism. Small holdings must be given to these youngsters, because it is from production that services are created,” he explained.  
 
Minister Kellman’s comments came as he revealed that the loan portfolio caters to persons in diverse areas of entrepreneurship. Evidence of this, he said, was seen in the “fresh and innovative ideas” which their loan clients had on show at Agrofest some months back.
 
“This year alone we saw the widespread use of indigenous raw materials in the making of a number of aromatherapy products, among them the use of the Pride of Barbados flower to create creams, scrubs and body sprays. We are grateful that rural entrepreneurs are using these natural local ingredients in manufacturing their products and we give God thanks for the minds and hands which have turned them into attractive and effective products,” the minister added. (JRT)
Section: 
News
↧

Inniss ready to address concerns

September 18, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

Chief Executive Officer of the BIDC, Sonja Trotman, speaks with Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, during Friday’s meeting.

Some of the manufacturers attending the meeting.

 

Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, admits that there is “quite a bit of confusion” in relation to the National Social Responsibility (NSR) Levy.
 
And the Minister told manufacturers attending a meeting hosted by the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) and the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) on Friday, that it merits him and ministerial colleague, Christopher Sinckler, engaging in discussions with the view of finding workable solutions to the challenges they face.
 
“The business community here or any part of the world cannot exist in an atmosphere of uncertainty and this two per cent levy has created a level of uncertainty that as far as I am concerned merits myself and the Minister of Finance, sitting down and having a conversation and giving clear guidelines on the matter,” he said.
 
Inniss made the point as he noted that the intention of the levy was not to cause damage to the local manufacturing sector, but acknowledged the interpretation of how it is to be implemented would cause some damage to that sector if followed through. He was alluding to the concerns from the manufacturers that they would have to charge fellow manufacturers the levy on raw materials, which would put added costs on their products in comparison to imported alternatives.
 
“If there is any increase in the costs of inputs, there would definitely be a higher increase in the cost of outputs. It would also affect your ability to maintain a level of employment; it would also make you uncompetitive in some markets that you seek to go into, including the domestic market. I am not going to bury my head in the sand in respect of that,” he said.
 
He added, “The intention as far as I am concerned was that inputs to be used by manufacturers ought not to attract the two per cent levy. Now the issue here may be a definition of input. Finished goods coming into Barbados do attract the levy, but what is a finished good for one entity might be a raw material necessary for the manufacturing process and I think this is a point we need 
to bring clarity to.”
 
The Industry and Commerce Minister insists that this clarity must be brought to bear, not in a matter of weeks, but hours, so that manufacturers are not disadvantaged. Inniss further suggested that a definition of manufacturer needs to be clarified as well. He made the point while noting that his Ministry is working on having that responsibility for determining who qualifies as a manufacturer transferred to the BIDC or the Ministry of Commerce.
 
Speaking to The Barbados Advocate after the meeting, he said the ambiguity as it relates to the levy is being addressed, indicating that he and Minister Sinckler have been in constant communication about the 
concerns of both the manufacturing sector as well as those manufacturers which are also international business companies.
 
“In creating the policy, the Minister of Finance and his team could not have envisaged all scenarios and I can tell anybody that Minister Sinckler is a listener and a doer. So once scenarios are put before him, he will quickly find a solution to the challenges. In some cases, there may not be a need to change anything; there may be a need to explain how things are to be applied. But I give the assurance that as a Government we are listening; Minister Sinckler and myself are in constant communication on the issues and we will address the concerns in quick time,” he stated.
 
He made the point while noting that he has already made representation to the Minister of Finance regarding international business companies being charged the levy. He said the laws governing that sector are very clear in terms of duties applicable to that sector and he expects that clarity will be offered as soon as it relates to the NSR levy. (JRT)
Section: 
Business
News
↧
↧

CARPHA head makes dengue prediction

September 18, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0
Sustainable funding needed to mobilise support

 

THERE is a prediction that within the next year or two, the region could be experiencing yet another strain of dengue fever.
 
It comes from Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), James Hospedales, who warned that should a major health hazard emerge, his organisation would not have an emergency fund on which to rely.
 
“If we had an introduction of Ebola or some other haemorrhagic fever, God forbid, I don’t have an emergency fund to mobilise with. I can’t send immediate support to member states so they can get going,” he lamented.
 
To this end, he stressed that in order to manage existing and emerging health threats, there must be sustainable funding.
 
His comments came during a panel discussion held at the Radisson Aquatica on Monday night under the theme, ‘Co-ordination Mechanisms in Latin America and the Caribbean for Natural Hazards and New Security Threats’.
 
“We had the threat of Ebola, this year we are facing the Zika epidemic, the consequences of which are still playing out and so it is 2016 and we can predict with some degree of certainty that next year, but more probably 2018 the region will have a Dengue Type 3 epidemic. Dengue has been increasing in frequency and severity for the last 30 or so years.
 
“The problem isn’t Chikungunya, Zika or Dengue. The problem is our comfort with the mosquito aedes aegypti and the multiplication of sites which it can breed. The fact that you can have a vector that can so effectively transmit diseases right across the population is a health security threat, a tourism threat and an economic threat.”
 
He noted that CARPHA, which was operationalised in 2013, operates over 15 different monitoring systems for diseases. Some require 24-hour, weekly and monthly monitoring.
 
The CARPHA head explained that even though there is good collabor-ation with Caribbean Airlines and LIAT for the transport of specimens, there is no formal agreement as it relates to transportation.
 
“When we get down to the detailed logistics, I am not satisfied I can get somebody to a country with a team to collect a specimen that no civilian can touch. I am going to need military airlift,” he told the regional representatives in attendance.
 
He told the panellists that he was informed by a head of a regional Air Team that the logistics and treaties are not in place as it relates to refuelling of aircraft and accommodation should a response team have to stay in another country overnight.
 
Hospedales reminded that even though there are approximately 17 million persons in the CARICOM region, there are an additional 23 million in Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
 
Additionally, he revealed that 52 million persons visited the region last year, with 26 million cruise arrivals and an equal number of international travel arrivals. 
 
“There were 236 cruise ships in the Caribbean last year and another 3.8 million of capitalisation coming on stream this year. If you think about disaster and diseases and security threats, that is one of the vulnerabilities in our region. The tourism industry – heaven help if something like that happens because that is our life blood for most of the region,” he stated.
 
He revealed that during the State of the Industry Conference, security threats and disease epidemics would be discussed by the industry officials. (JH)
Section: 
News
↧

Community tourism push

September 18, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

From right: Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman; his wife, Paulavette; and Chairman of the RDC, Morgan Greaves, during the service at the St. Lucy Parish Church.

 

A Government Minister, who has long been a proponent of community tourism, is taking steps within his ministry to push the idea even more.
 
Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman, has revealed plans to utilise the roads programme of the Rural Development Commission (RDC) to develop a number of coastline communities, to assist in the creation of community tourism initiatives.
 
Kellman made reference to the efforts while addressing the congregation at the St. Lucy Parish Church yesterday morning, where members of the Board of Management of RDC, staff and well-wishers joined the congregation there to celebrate the Commission’s 20th Anniversary under the theme ‘RDC: Building on 20 years of Service and Development in Rural Barbados 1996-2016’.
 
“Our plan is to develop these inlets where beaches are located in villages, so that these outlets become stops on the itinerary of the tour operators, thereby creating self-employment opportunities for the residents of the villages and other key players. As you know here in St. Lucy, we should be able to appreciate this point because we have about 35 bays at Coves,” he said.
 
Kellman went on to say that the Commission is presently looking to develop such a facility at Stroud Bay, St. Lucy. The Minister revealed that the plans for that area are at an advanced stage, while further indicating that they are in discussion with a commercial entity to partner with them on that venture. Additionally, he said they are also looking at the development of a cave at the St. Mark’s Church in St. John.
 
The Minister’s comments came as he expressed a willingness to partner with interested persons and entities to ensure that community tourism is contributing as it should to the Barbados economy. Kellman made the point as he spoke to the excellent work that RDC has been doing across rural Barbados. The Minister is adamant that the Commission has certainly lived up to one of its key mandates, of improving the lives of residents of rural Barbados. Stating that Government is mindful of the need to develop the rural corridor, he has pledged their continued unswerving support in pursuit of that objective.
 
He made the remarks just moments after Director of RDC, Randolph Outram, disclosed that more than $130 million has been disbursed by the Commission as it has sought to provide housing solutions for Barbadians and to construct roads across rural parishes. Outram admitted that such efforts were not without challenges, but they have nonetheless prevailed. (JRT)
Section: 
News
↧

Former Parkinson Principal believes scholarship approach was right move

September 19, 2016, 9:00 pm
$
0
0

Featured speaker at the DLP Lunchtime lecture last Friday, Retired educator and principal, Jeff Broomes.

Some of those in attendance at the DLP Lunchtime lecture.

 

A retired educator is fully in support of Government’s 2013 decision that required Barbadian citizens pursuing studies at campuses of the University of the West Indies to pay tuition fees from academic year 2014/2015, while Government continued to fund the economic costs.
 
Former Principal of the Parkinson Secondary School, Jeff Broomes, told those attending the Democratic Labour Party’s weekly lunchtime lecture on Friday afternoon, that in his opinion this scholarship approach was a wise and generous decision on the part of the cash-strapped Government, as while it was well intended to provide free education from the nursery through to tertiary level, it became “a simple act of living above our means”.
 
“Then, and most amazingly so – some for inexplicable reasons saw this as worthy of criticism. Of course, it suddenly became a political football and the shouts came that 20 per cent was too much to pay. Who cares about Government’s ability to pay? What difference does it make that there are some professional students who spend seven and eight years on a three-year programme, living off the fatted calf that now appears quite bony with its ribs projecting for all to see,” he said.
 
Speaking on the topic “Contemporary Challenges to Barbadian Education”, in which he listed financing as one of the challenges facing the Barbadian education system, the 41-year veteran in the teaching service, also raised the issue of persons abusing the Student Revolving Loan Fund by now refusing to repay the loans they received. This refusal, which he said has now reached $28 million, is blocking young aspiring students from being able to pursue their dreams.
 
“Of course, some expect the Government to swallow this as well. That is mendicant thinking that should never be adopted by our beloved country. The scholarship approach by Government, as well as enforcing all legal means to have dishonest people repay their debts is a first step in responding to the challenge of financing education in this modern era,” he contended.
 
However, he maintained that more needs to be done and is suggesting that the private sector and in-school fund-raising efforts have a role to play in terms of education financing. Broomes told those gathered that Barbadians are already heavily taxed and the country is still falling short of its financial needs, a clear sign, he indicated that Government cannot be the sole answer. 
 
Moreover, he said teachers too have to play their part – to understand their role and to give what they are paid to give. Broomes, who spent many years as a secondary school principal, contended that punctuality, regularity of attendance, commitment to the job requirements and 
purposeful execution of their duties must be the order of the day. With that in mind, he chided the unions for insisting that teachers who attended recent union meetings should not have their pay docked, contending that “if you don’t go to work you shouldn’t be paid”.
 
“As the singer Joan Armatrading says to those who are unprepared to do these things, “Why did you come here, when you know I got troubles enough?” If you can’t give it your all, find another profession and do not burden us with having to pay you for what you do not give,” he 
maintained. (JRT)

 

Section: 
News
↧
Viewing all 8538 articles
Browse latest View live
Search
<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>