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Desal push being made

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Minister of Water Resource Management, Dr. David Estwick. 

 

Barbados is moving full steam ahead with putting measures in place to facilitate the use of desalination water, which is aimed at helping to address the country’s chronic water issues.
 
Minister of Water Resource Management, Dr. David Estwick has announced that at least one commercial contract has already been signed and another is nearing completion, to establish two permanent salt water desalination plants on the island, which he said will have the capacity to each produce six million gallons of water per day. At a press conference on Friday afternoon at his Ministry, Estwick, who is also Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries reiterated that the country can no longer depend on rainfall and groundwater for its potable water supply, and maintained that the potable water supply must be augmented by brackish water desalination and salt water desalination options.
 
On the topic of the proposed permanent plants, the Minister revealed that the first contract, which has been signed with Everclear Water Inc. and Osmoflow Australia, is to construct a desalination plant at Ealing Grove, Christ Church. He said once everything goes well that plant should come online in 2018. Additionally, he said the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is far advanced in negotiation with IDE/JADA with regards to the construction of the second plant.
 
However, Minister Estwick is not only looking at the distribution of that water through the existing network, he is encouraging the operators of the desalination plants, once they are up and running, to look at water bottling plant capacity, so as to offer bottled water to the Barbadian public. Such a move, the Minister said would help to significantly reduce the importation of bottled water into the country and save foreign exchange.
 
Though the Minister insists that is not all the BWA is doing, he indicated that the intention is to increase the capacity of the present desalination plant at Spring Garden managed by Ionics Freshwater Limited, by three million gallons per day, and he further indicated, they will be restarting the Northern Upgrade Project. He explained that the commercial contract is with the BWA and the preparatory work to execute that increased capacity is ongoing. With that in mind, he stated the additional three million gallons will help to improve water supply in St. Peter, 
St. Thomas and St. Joseph.
 
He also drew reference to the temporary brackish desalination plant that was commissioned at The Hope, St. Lucy recently, which produces 500 000 gallons of water per day, adding that a second such facility is to be established at Trents with the same capacity. Estwick said they are hoping to have that plant commissioned during the course of next month. (JRT)
Section: 

INDUSTRY UPGRADE

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Rum expansion programme on the cards

From left: Prime Minister Freundel Stuart; Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman; Minister of Industry, Commerce, International Business and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss; Leader of the Opposition, Mia Mottley; and Director of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Alissandra Cummins, toast the new Mount Gay’s Commemorative 50th Anniversary XO Cask Strength Limited Edition Rum.

 

THE Freundel Stuart-led Administration is working closely with a number of stakeholders to initiate a rum expansion programme.
 
Prime Minister the Right Honourable Freundel Stuart spoke about this programme yesterday morning at the launch of Mount Gay’s Commemorative 50th Anniversary XO Cask Strength Limited Edition Rum, at the St. Lucy Distillery. He said the modernisation and restructuring of the industry has become necessary, especially in light of the cessation of the Rum Protocol under the Lomé Convention, and the liberalisation of quotas, which signalled the end of duty-free access on imports of bulk rum from the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States to the European market.
 
With that in mind, he said that the expansion programme is aimed at the conversion of a significant throughput of bulk rum to the branded product on the one hand, and on the other to engage the stakeholders in a strategic partnership to expand the market share of the local brands in the hospitality sector.
 
This expansion programme, he said, consists of three components – the Geographic Federation of Barbados’ rums supported by a Barbados Rum Marque, which becomes a certifying seal of approval and the development of a strategic repositioning of the industry to incrementally convert bulk rum to primarily branded rum. Additionally, he said, the programme will also consist of an ongoing promotional campaign in the tourism sector to secure Barbados Rum Brands as a “spirit of choice” across hotels and bars.
 
“Barbados rum is unique: no other spirit can boast of such a rich and diverse heritage. Our rums are the products of a craft developed and refined over centuries and of a history intertwined with trade and steeped with the spirit of discovery. Barbados and the region must forge ahead to retain their position as world-renowned producers of rum,” he added.
 
Stuart made the point as he noted that there are challenges to the sector, including the need for investment to implement a sustained and integrated local, regional and international marketing campaign.  
 
“We have proven that we are competitive when the playing field is level. We therefore express our concern that in recent times the competitiveness of locally produced rum in international markets has been challenged considerably, as producers are forced to compete with heavily subsidised spirits produced in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, through the United States cover over grant,” he said.
 
PM Stuart stated that while the granting of this subsidy has adversely affected Barbados’ rum industry and has contributed to the decline in the export of rum to those US territories, the local industry is determined to show its ability to adapt and maintain its place in the markets of the world.
 
“Barbados is fortunate to be home to many national brands that are some of the world’s finest rums. Our island has established an unprecedented heritage by shaping the global history and evolution of rum. We have the history, the heritage, the global awards and accolades: now we must establish the value of rum as an integral part of Barbados’ heritage through branding.”  
 
Stuart added that he is proud that Barbados’ rum production is an example of best practice in the global industry, of innovation and of culture, and is a precious and priceless asset owned by all Barbadians. “Barbados Rum is more than just rum, more than just a collection of leading brands and much more than a means of increasing sales and exports,” he noted.
 
Barbados rum, he said, has played an important part in our history and the consistency in quality and taste of our rum is recognised globally, especially in large markets such as Europe and North America. With that in mind, he said Barbados must proudly take ownership as the internationally recognised ‘Home of Rum’, as Scotland has become known for whisky, as France for champagne and cognac, and Jamaica for Blue Mountain Coffee. (JRT)

 

Section: 

Make things right, employers told

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The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) officially launched its “Decent Work, Decent Life Campaign” on Friday, the day celebrated across the globe as World Day For Decent Work.
 
General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union, Toni Moore told members of the media gathered for a press conference at BWU Headquarters, that the BWU would be observing the global theme “End Corporate Greed”, by focusing on workers who face intimidation in the workplace because they are working under temporary contracts and as a result are being denied the right to job security, mainly for reasons of financial convenience to their employers.
 
“Today, with this launch on another World Day for Decent work, we are signalling a warning to employers…to fix it. Fix the situation or prepare to justify your position, not mainly to those workers and their families, but to the public of Barbados at large” Moore declared.
 
“This includes those employers who know that they are maintaining people in temporary employment where the jobs they are doing require persons in these positions to be permanent, and who are avoiding making workers permanent because they want to avoid the payment of benefits like pensions and medicals, for example. This call similarly goes to those employers who keep people in temporary and precarious positions, under the guise of trainee arrangements and apprenticeships,” the BWU general secretary added.
 
Over the coming weeks, she said, the public can look for the full roll out of the campaign via posters, social media forums, email blasts and a number of different initiatives. Moore stressed that the aim will be to ask poignant questions about  the issue to unearth the negative work practices.
 
“For instance, workers may be asked: Do you have more than three years continuous service? Have you been temporary for a number of years, doing the same job as permanent workers, but without the same benefits? Have you been on repeated short-term contracts with the same employer? Has your contract been renewed over and over, even though your job is needed on an everyday basis?...Have you been a trainee or been receiving a trainee rate for over six months, without being told why?”  
 
Stressing that some of these actions are not in keeping with some laws and Protocol 6 of the Social Partnership of Barbados and that at least one employer – a leader in education – has stepped forward to rectify such a situation for over 100 workers by mid-November, Moore noted that the aim will be to bring a halt to more of these abusive work practices. (RSM)
 
 
 
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Move to boost molasses supply

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Managing Director of Mount Gay Distilleries, Raphael Grisoni (centre) talking to Prime Minister Freundel Stuart (left) and Leader of the Opposition, Mia Mottley (right) about the operations at the St. Lucy Distillery yesterday.

Managing Director of Mount Gay Distilleries, Raphael Grisoni (centre) talking to Prime Minister Freundel Stuart (left) and Leader of the Opposition, Mia Mottley (right) about the operations at the St. Lucy Distillery yesterday.

 

Efforts are on to ensure an adequate supply of local molasses to the rum industry.
 
That is the word from Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Freundel Stuart, who was speaking yesterday morning at the launch of Mount Gay’s Commemorative 50th Anniversary XO Cask Strength Limited Edition Rum, of which only 3 000 bottles will be produced. He said discussions are ongoing between the main constituents as it relates to molasses. 
 
These, he told those gathered at the St. Lucy Distillery, include the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management; the Ministry of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development; sugar producers, and rum producers.
 
“We hope to come to a general consensus on the approach for ensuring adequate supply of local molasses to the rum industry. The aim of the dialogue is to 
arrive at a formula for the production of molasses which would satisfy all parties involved, and would ultimately result in the increase and sustainability of the local production of this much needed input,” he said.
 
Prime Minister Stuart’s comments came as he said that they will also continue to foster buy-in and linkages with the tourism and agricultural sectors, and maintain Barbados’ position as the Premier Rum Producers in the world.
 
“We are fully aware also that consensus must be reached across the industry on a clearly defined set of manufacturing standards to be established. In the case of authentication and protection of the ‘Barbados’ brand, efforts need to be redoubled to secure Geographical Indications for Barbados rum. These are used as marketing tools particularly in the sale of niche products – of paramount importance to our country and region as we rely heavily on traditional methods, expertise, reputation and know-how in the production processes of our unique products,” he stated.
 
PM Stuart has also given the assurance that Government will continue to lend assistance to initiatives which will see the rum industry benefiting from funding and technical assistance to enhance the competitiveness of the sector. He made the point as he noted that it is through the “ingenuity, tenacity and insistent efforts” of companies like Mount Gay Distilleries Limited, and its international partners, that Barbados rum is not only able to maintain a competitive edge, but can stand proudly beside any international brand as a high end international product.
 
Added to that, Managing Director of Mount Gay Distilleries, Raphael Grisoni said there has been tremendous growth attributed primarily to the demand for their product on the overseas market. According to him, their exports represent 80 per cent of their operations and it is their aim to continue on this path and expand even more.  As such, he said going forward their new Premium Strategy will be based on seeking value rather than volume with premium products or blends that will meet the growing demand in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia/Pacific. Even so, he said, the Barbados market will not suffer, as this  remains their “heart and home market”.
 
“As we continue to seek to satisfy both our local and overseas markets, we are aware of a number of challenges ahead, varying from the increasing cost of doing business, particularly the cost of production, to the competitive disadvantage of competing against other major rum brands which enjoy a number of attractive subsidies in the countries where they are produced. Added to this, Barbados’ disappearing sugar industry automatically leads to a decrease in local molasses supplies, which is further hampered by the logistical constraints in procuring that base product from overseas sources,” the managing director added.
 
He noted that they intend to work closer with the agricultural sector, specifically the sugar cane industry, to address the molasses issue. Moreover, he said their parent company, Remy Cointreau, continues to show its confidence in Mount Gay’s performance with it continued investment as well as its capital expenditure on the upgrade of the distillery and the purchase of plantation lands. 
(JRT)
 
Section: 

We must plan for the next 50 years, says panel

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From left to right: Social commentator, Corey Layne; Director of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES), Dr. Don Marshall; Reverend John Rogers, Rector of the St. George Parish Church; and Principal of the Queen’s College School and historian, Dr. David Browne, during the recent Elsie Payne Memorial Lecture/Discussion at Queen’s College.

 

THOUGH the year 2066 may seem far away, there is the view that a path should be charted now to ensure that Barbados can meet several developmental goals in the future.
 
During the annual Elsie Payne Memorial Lecture recently hosted by the Queen’s College Association, an esteemed panel sought to highlight some of these goals which they say would keep the country in good stead going forward.
 
Reverend John Rogers, Rector of the St. George Parish Church, while stating it is time for a new focus, wished for the development of a national consciousness where all persons in society are regarded as equal, and where classism and all forms of prejudice will become a thing of the past.
 
“Where persons will not have to give false addresses just to get an interview in one of our places of work. I would love to see a Barbados where love becomes the prime form of interaction between our people. A love that recognises the value of and worth of the human being.
 
“I believe that we live in a society where we are seeing a lot of development over the last 50 years, but like all things we exist on a Sigmoid Curve. When we get to the top, it is time for a new focus; a revision. I believe we have reached that place at this point in time.”
 
The outspoken Reverend also made calls for a cleaner running of election campaigns on the island. “I’d like to see in the next 50 years in Barbados where electioneering, vote buying and vote selling are a thing of the past; where there is a greater element of civics.
 
“That persons understand themselves as a part of a whole, and contribute rather than what seems to currently exist in the society at this time. I would like to see a Barbados where religious institutions focus on the things that unite us rather than the things that separate us. That we respect each others religion.”
 
Social commentator, Corey Layne, told the audience that without planning, the country would “find itself in a more serious [situation] than we are today”.
 
He believes that greater focus must be placed on the delivery of the education system and an equal opportunity for Barbadians to receive that education. 
 
He also called for a system that judges each person based on their merits and not only at the academic level. Layne also noted his wish is that the system will also deliver timely justice for the poor and the rich, as well asimproved transportation, water and sanitation.
 
Director of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES), Dr. Don Marshall, said that it is his wish that by 2066, the “unfinished business of decolonisation” would have been completed.
 
“This would see the emergence of an elite group of entrepreneurs prepared to see the ocean as part of our economy, that is prepared to look past traditional industries and ways of earning money and to see solar technology as the way forward.
 
“I would also like to know that we would have completed the decolonisation process in relation to our restoration of the values that uphold the importance of human dignity. Gender equity-justice, the cross-cutting issue of natural and national importance. That we rid ourselves of any idea of a Caribbean as comprising foreigners, but comprising sisters and brothers. That we begin to see the value of the importance public goods such as water, health and education...”
 
Dr. Marshall also said he envisages Bridgetown becoming a theatrical and cultural Mecca in the region.
 
Principal of the Queen’s College School and historian, Dr. David Browne, pointed out that he asked these questions back in 2012 as he highlighted a Nation Building Project for Barbados.
 
This, he said, included extensive replacement of the water mains, the installation of a reverse osmosis plant and other measures to protect our water supply, protecting the marine environment, cutting back on the importation of basic food stuff that is grown locally. He is also of the view that 30 000 acres of land should be devoted to agriculture.
 
He said there should also be more high rise housing complexes and a focus should be placed on recycling solid waste. 
 
Dr. Browne said a greater effort must be placed on the lifestyle and eating habits of Barbadians and on an education system which places emphasis on literacy and numeracy at the basic level, but must also reflect the developmental needs of the island. (JH)

 

Section: 

NIFCA semi-finals impress

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The New Dimension Dance Ministry doing a dance titled ‘Village Priase.’

 

It was an impressive line-up of raw talent on Saturday night for the second day of the NIFCA Performing Arts semi-finals held at the Combermere School Hall. 
 
A diverse amount of talent showcased in dance, drama, song and spoken word captivated and wowed the audience leaving persons spellbound in their wake. Semi-finalists brought their A-games on Saturday night, each group or person vying for a spot in the NIFCA  finals. 
 
Phoenix Performers, the first to grace the stage was the opening appetiser that night with a dramatic presentation ‘De Gully belong to We.’  New dimensions Dance Ministry wowed the audience with two entertaining dance pieces, full of energy, rhythm with an unspoken message to making each performance one to behold but it was thie second performance that night that was the crème de la crème. A riveting and energetic dance entitled, ‘Village Praise.’ It was an adult contemporary dance which embodied community spirit, togetherness, love and peace but most importantly happiness.
 
Barbados Dance Project showcased two dramatic dance pieces in the modern contemporary style. Dances which spoke volumes on stage, keeping your eyes pegged to each dancer and each move which told a story.
 
Trinity Clarke, the youngest performer during the show did an original song piece titled, ‘Representing My Flag.’ Though her diction needed work the young artist made her mark on stage waving the Barbados flag throughout her performance. 
 
Elijah Tafari was one to hear with the self- penned piece ‘Rastaman in Parliament.’ This was a piece filled with funny anecdotes yet held many truths, as it addressed different issues currently plaguing the Barbadian society. Tafari delivered this piece with strong convictions leaving the audience whistling and shouting appreciation.
 
Damian Reid was also another semi-finalist that kept the audience on their toes with the spoken word ‘Visions of Freedom.’ This piece looked at slavery in Barbados and blacks’ fight for freedom on Bailey’s Plantation.
 
Moving on from slavery, dancers Josiah Haynes and Jaicee Armstrong set the stage on fire with a sensual and heated latin number ‘Caged.’ The two dancers complimented each other throughout their performance and one could feel the heated energy igniting from the stage with each dance step. This performance was an audience favourite and had persons shouting for more.
 
The Pelican Island Brass, the only brass group that night brought a different yet entertaining aspect to the evening with their Brass Quintet performance which embodied a  blend of Western, African, Caribbean and Spouge music.
 
The night’s performances ended on high with a performance from the dance group ADL Adrenalin Dancers, winners of Community Dance Fest 2015. The group performed an urban contemporary street dance theme ‘Going For Gold,’ which erupted shrills and screams from patrons. The dance entailed athletics at its best and the journey it entailed. It was smooth, precise and entertaining.
Section: 

Forming relationships vital to success in entrepreneurship challenge

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A young person’s ability to form relationships with other persons is one of the critical skills that he/she would need in order to succeed in this Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation (BEF)/FLOW $20 Challenge.
 
Speaking at the media launch of the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation (BEF)/FLOW at FLOW headquarters, Co-Founder of Caribbean Transit Solutions, Khalil Bryan said that the youth discover this on their own as they go through the project, realizing that business is not based on theory, but on the execution and forming relationships with the various groups along the way would help in this regard.
 
 “Seeing the entrepreneurs that are coming out of the $20 Challenge and understanding that business is not a theoretical process that ‘if I put this here...then these things would happen.’ We heard that very, very pointedly last year where the theory was great, but actually implementing it and seeing how it is done, knowing that you have to form a relationship, you leverage your existing network,...to be able to sell your product in a local hardware store, to be able to form relationships so that you can get your product created and being able to understand that that is truly how business is done because it is done often through relationships, [also] of course you leveraging and taking your drive and your passion to go and solve the problem.”
 
Communication skills play a vital role here as you need to communicate effectively with the different stakeholders who can help you take your product from idea to reality, said Bryan.
 
“One of the most important things within our business is being able to talk to people   who have done it and seen it before. Many of you would leverage your parents, but I think being able to have a network of people that you know are interested in solving problems – so whether it is a peer 
mentor, whether it is a mentor at a more senior level and or any other person involved in coming together to organize or sponsor this Challenge, they are the persons that would assist the youth with their projects,” he said.
 
Being able to rise above disappointments is another key ingredient to succeeding in the $20 Challenge, he stated.
 
“But of course there is a big part of it which is disappointment and I think that entrepreneurship would not be what it is without the disappointment. But it is not the disappointment that makes the entrepreneur; it is how they recover from the disappointment. We have heard of groups that have started and groups that have broken up... and of course there are the mentors.”
Section: 

Efforts to address wait times in A&E ongoing

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HEAD of the Accident and Emergency Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Dr. Cheynie Williams has given the assurance that in spite of a shortage of staff a concerted effort is being made to improve wait times and reduce bottle necks in that department.
 
She was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a seminar recently hosted by the Barbados National Registry where she noted improvements being seen are system wide not just the A&E.
 
“We try to decide if you genuinely have a need to access services in the A&E or if you can be better served at a polyclinic or a another facility, so we try to prevent the volume coming in and that is done by triaging. So the nurse will see you, assess you and determine how urgent you are. If you find that you have a twisted ankle or something that is not urgent that you can do home remedies for we would recommend that you go home, seek medical attention at your nearest polyclinic.”
 
However, she noted that as it relates to speed, at times there can be a bottleneck.
 
“We only have one nurse sometimes we would try to augment to two nurses depending on what human resources we have. If six people come at the same time, a triage takes ten minutes, six tens are 60 so the person who comes at number six will be seen an hour later.”
 
“We can’t speed it up to less than ten minutes with an individual. We don’t want to say you only have a chest pain and then you have a heart attack. An ECG has to be done, you have to check vitals, check your urine, so there are lots of things we do with the individuals. Yes there will be a queuing system, which shouldn’t happen....”she said, adding that this is also being addressed.
 
Dr. Williams conceded that there is a need for more staff. “ We have been short-staffed chronically. Mainly nursing and other support services, due mostly to the overcrowding situation we would have in the Emergency Department. Many times on a daily basis we would have large numbers of patients waiting to access the wards, they are obviously sick patients waiting to get care on the wards.”
 
“They are seen by their specialist services, so the internal medicine persons who sees them make the decision to admit them and initiate their treatment, but they still need nursing care. And we don’t get the augmentation of nursing in the numbers that we need to then allow us to see patients that come to genuinely access A& E care,” she said.  
Section: 

Push positive youths

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Support young people.
 
This is the request that Vice President of the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC), Roshanna Trim, is sending out to all stakeholders, stating that the youth need this support in order to progress.
 
“We are asking persons to really support young persons. Not only throughout the rest of this year, but also continuing onwards, because there are a lot of youth events coming out throughout the week and there are a lot of youth organizations that have very big plans going forward so they really need a lot of support because as youth organizations, it is [not] very hard to get discouraged when you find that you are doing so much and persons are either not supporting you or you are not getting the feedback that you really need to get young people out.”
 
She said that this support is especially crucial when you are as young as 15 or 16 years old.
 
“And when you are dealing with persons that are like 15 and 16 (years old), they really need to be recognized and encouraged for what they are doing because appreciation is very good for young people and keeping them focused and committed to goals means that you have to let them know that what they are doing is worthwhile.”
 
Speaking on the sidelines of the Youth Expo 2016 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC) recently, she said that this event is meant to showcase youth businesses and youth organizations and to host developmental workshops for the public, especially the youth.
 
She said that there are about 11 youth organizations and four youth businesses that signed up for the event and some of these are the Barbados Association of Muslim Ladies; the United Youth Leaders of Barbados; the Young Democrats; the University of the West Indies (U.W.I.) Stats; A Ganar Barbados; CARICOM Youth Ambassadors; Janix Designs, Aduke’s Art Gallery and the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN).
 
The age range for the members for these organizations ranges from organization to organization, but generally it is from 15 years to 25 years old with the CYEN going all the way up to 35 years old while the members for the BYDC members are from 15 years to 29 years old.
 
Trim said that the BYDC is the umbrella organization for all of the youth organizations in this island and these organizations are always looking for opportunities to showcase what they are about, to gain new members and to encourage young people to get involved in volunteering among other things.
 
Therefore, getting in touch with them and asking them to come and participate in the event was “really easy” since they do have a youth network where they are able to contact each other and collaborate.
Section: 

Break it up!

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Proactive approach to crime must be adopted

Reverend Dr. Lucille Baird while delivering her sermon yesterday.

 

AGREEING with the assertion that many blocks in Barbados are hotbeds of crime, Reverend Dr. Lucille Baird believes groups congregating in these areas should be disbanded.
The outspoken cleric made the suggestion yesterday during a service hosted by Mt. Zion’s Missions in collaboration with the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit under the theme The Criminal Justice System of Barbados 50 Years and Beyond.
 
According to Dr. Baird, “We have to wash these blocks. We can’t be reactive, we have to proactive. If two people are sitting together, break it up … if three people are together, break it up. Before it becomes a big colossal giant that we can’t kill. It becomes a place of growing crime and criminal behaviour.
 
“We are importing most of our food and they are on the blocks sitting down all day long? They can work! Plant potatoes, cassava, yam and eddoes. And not the other thing,” she said.
 
Dr. Baird, who said she has worked in HMP Prisons for 25 years lamented that even though the National Anthem speaks of the Lord being the people’s guide, many young persons do not know God. “They don’t know the Ten Commandments, they don’t know the Lord’s Prayer, Psalm 23, and they don’t know what the Bible looks like,” she lamented.
 
Reverend Baird also held the Church accountable for not going out to reach these young persons, suggesting that the Church must meet persons in need where they are.
 
“Some are watering down the gospel for membership … Promiscuity and immorality are rampant. As a church we must repent for not speaking up against the ills of society. We’re keeping quiet when we should be speaking.
 
“The Church must know its role. The Church must pray earnestly because prayer works. Preach earnestly that Jesus is still Lord and saviour of Barbados and preserve the Christian and traditional values of the nation.”
 
Dr. Baird also spoke of the emergence of the “ bashment culture” saying that it must be rejected as being a part of Barbadian culture, adding that it creates a window for other societal ills to emerge.
 
“That is not our culture…We are ministers of God. Spirits are real. When we endorse the spirit, along with that spirit comes other spirits. When we give authority and credibility and acceptability to the spirit of bashment, along with it comes crime, and violence and promiscuity….
 
“Why is there so much crime in Barbados? Because we endorse the bashment and wukup spirit and open the door to the other spirits. We have to close the door on bashment and wukup and say not with our country, not with our youth, and take back our country, our streets and our communities,” she said. (JH)
Section: 

ENERGY TARGET

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From left: Prime Minister the Right Honourable Freundel Stuart; CARICOM Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; Pim van Ballekom, Vice President of the European Investment Bank and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Darcy Boyce were among those attending the opening ceremony of the conference 

 

By the year 2030 Barbados aims to have 65 per cent of its power generation being derived from renewable energy sources.
 
That’s according to Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart who added that a recently concluded Energy Road Map for Barbados done by the International Renewable Energy Agency, shows that increasing the renewable energy penetration level in the electricity supply beyond the 65 per cent target, is both technically feasible and economically viable. Moreover, he indicated that the report shows that the country can achieve a target of 76 per cent by 2030, with a reduction of electricity system costs by $200 million per year and the creation of over 5 000 green energy jobs.
 
His comments came as he delivered the feature address at the opening ceremony of the Inaugural European Union-CARIFORUM Sustainable Energy Conference at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre yesterday morning, as he noted that the aim is also to achieve a 22 per cent reduction in electricity consumption compared to a Business as Usual scenario by 2029. 
 
Referring to 2012 fossil fuel importation bill, which he said was equivalent to “a staggering 9.6 per cent” the island’s gross domestic product, the PM said it reinforced the need to focus local efforts on the use of alternative, indigenous sources of energy. As such, he said his Government’s vision for the country is one of enhancing economic growth by reducing energy costs, enhancing energy security by the reduction of the importation of fossil fuels through the increased penetration of renewable energy and energy efficiency into the energy mix, and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and pollutants from the combustion of fossil fuels.
 

“Barbados also intends to achieve an economy wide reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions of 44 per cent compared to a Business As Usual scenario by 2030. These targets will be achieved through a diversified portfolio of renewable energy projects and energy efficiency programmes which include waste to energy, bio-mass, landfill gas to energy and bio-energy projects,” he said.

 

PM Stuart added that in order to achieve the targets, he told the audience which included representatives from 50 countries around the world, that his Government has been granting attractive fiscal incentives for green energy initiatives and has also legislated a new regulatory regime to enable Independent Power Producers at the distributed and utility scale level to sell electricity to the grid from renewable energy systems. The Prime Minister further stated that that regime will be fully implemented by the mid-2017.

 

“There are now over nine megawatts of intermittent renewable energy generating systems connected to the grid with most of these being solar photovoltaic units. Another ten megawatts will be commissioned this month and we expect that by this time next year we would have issued licenses for 65 megawatts of renewable energy generation capacity to be commissioned by early in the year 2018,” he stated.

 

His comments came as he explained that to date, over 1 000 households and businesses have had such systems connected to the grid. This, he said, is a clear demonstration that success can be achieved in that area, just as the country has reaped success with solar water heaters which has a penetration rate in excess of 34 per cent. (JRT)

 
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Inniss: Help facilitate not frustrate trade

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Inordinate delays at the airports and sea-ports not only frustrate buyers and sellers, but add to the cost of living in this region. 
 
Outlining that many legitimate business persons were frustrated with the tardiness of agencies responsible for the smooth movement of goods, Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development Donville Inniss told those gathered for the Regional Consultation on the Caricom Strategy for Regional Implementation of the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement to utilise the opportunity to build better facilitation of business in the region.
 
He pointed out that when goods are delayed in the Port for days, someone had to pay the price for such delays, in the same situation as when importers had to pay high fees to have containers inspected outside of “normal” business hours. 
“I look forward to the day in this region when normal work hours means that critical businesses operate on a 24/7 basis with reduced overtimes at exorbitant rates and a true shift system. I am afraid that most of our Ports in this region are controlled by an antiquated labour group and a style that continues to inject fear sometimes without being reasonable,” Inniss told those gathered at the Radisson Aquatica yesterday.
 
He continued, “When exporters have to pay workers to stand up with folded arms and watch others load vessels, I say that we frustrate not facilitate trade. When officers take their cool time to inspect items as a means of protesting new work arrangements, I say we frustrate not facilitate trade. When importers follow all known rules and regulations and yet weeks or months later cannot get an explanation as to why goods are being held up, we frustrate not facilitate trade. When we spend valuable time arguing for greater protectionist measures such as more licences, higher rates of duties and quotas as opposed to focussing on greater efficiencies, higher standards and areas of comparative advantage, we really are not doing our economies any favours – we are really just legitimising our inefficiencies and incompetencies.” (JMB)

 

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GG visits Half Moon Fort Primary School

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Governor General of Barbados His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave meeting students of Half Moon Fort Primary School.

Governor General of Barbados His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave meeting students of Half Moon Fort Primary School.

HALF Moon Fort Primary School has been making great strides academically, socially and athletically.

However, the one challenge is the number of students it attracts each year.

With a roll of less than 100, Principal Veronica Best revealed that in order to participate in many activities, children are drawn from throughout the school.

“This puts an extra burden on some classes… This, however, will not deter us from reaching our goals,” she expressed to His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave during his official visit to the St. Lucy school, yesterday.

The students and staff of Half Moon Fort have been eagerly anticipating the visit by the Governor General of Barbados for over a year. He has been visiting the primary schools across the island with the hope that the visits will motivate, encourage and inspire principals, teachers and especially the students, to do the best they can at all times, in their respective roles.

“We at Half Moon Fort Primary School see Your Excellency as the embodiment of those good Barbadian values which speak to honesty, decency, respect and dedication,” Principal Best pointed out.

“Your presence will therefore help significantly in motivating and inspiring our students as they go about their various pursuits.” (TL)

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Sagicor supports NIFCA juniors

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Aiding youth development important to organization
Deacons Primary School choir performing “A Tribute to Gabby”, which won them a NIFCA prize last night.

Deacons Primary School choir performing “A Tribute to Gabby”, which won them a NIFCA prize last night.

Juniors participating in the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) will once again have their special night.

Yesterday, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) launched NIFCA 2016 – I’m Possible Sagicor Juniors Night at Deacons Primary School.

Chief Cultural Officer at the NCF, Andrea Wells, recalled that about three years ago the NCF wanted to celebrate the fact that about 80 per cent of participation across all disciplines at NIFCA comes from the schools, especially primary schools.

“There was a misperception that the juniors competed for the same prizes or at the same criteria as the adults in the competition – it has never been so. A junior gold is understood to be quite different from a senior gold, because it is not really fair to compare junior achievement to adult or professional achievement,” she explained.

“We thought a way of bringing greater focus to those who have always been a part of NIFCA, is to give them their special night. From its inception, it has always been the most popular night in the NIFCA finals – it is always sold out… I believe it is here to stay on the NIFCA programme.”

Wells also took the opportunity to thank Sagicor for partnering with the NCF to make NIFCA Juniors Night possible.

Agency Manager at Sagicor Life Inc., David Cave, said that their support of young people is one of the pillars of Sagicor’s commitment to improving the lives of people in communities in which they operate. He also observed that for the past 175 years, Sagicor has supported initiatives in the areas of health, sports, education and youth development.

“NIFCA therefore is a programme we are proud to support, as it provides not only a showcase of our culture, but also means to cultivate and develop the arts in Barbados, and pass on our heritage to generations of tomorrow,” he expressed. (TL)
 

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Beach clean-up successful

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Harriet Gay of the Charles F Broome Memorial Scout group (back centre) aka 'Purple Beaver' showing fellow beavers and scouts the proper way to pick up Sargassum seaweed with little sand.

 

Turtle hatchlings can now make their way clearly to the open ocean after a massive 5.30 am clean up at the Richard Haynes Board Walk in Hastings.
 
As part of the Barbados International Coastal Clean Up (CYEN) 2016, Scouts from the Bridgetown and Southern Districts accompanied by leaders and parents made it their mission to assist and be part of this clean-up campaign on Saturday morning. 
 
Undaunted by the task ahead scouts and parents made their way along the coastal shores gathering litter and large amounts of Sargassum seaweed, which was placed in a number of trash bags, weighed, then placed for collection. 
 
Michelle Crawford Applewaithe of the Charles F Broome Cub Scouts Association told The Barbados Advocate, “This clean up is very important, more so, because the litter on the shores is affecting the 
turtles and tourists. In making the area free of litter, turtles can come and nest on the beaches and young hatchlings can easily venture into the ocean without being embedded in some form of litter, whilst providing a confortable area for tourists to relax and enjoy our beautiful beaches.”
 
“I am very pleased with the amount of work we were able to do today for this campaign. This is the first year we are participating in this event nationally with the district but it is a mandatory activity for Scouts and Beavers for the Global Conservation Badge and those groups going 
forward for the Mahogany award.”
 
“All things considered it was a great turn out and the kids had a lot of fun, whether it was  picking up litter and seaweed, playing or eating the sand – the activity provided a great forum of interaction for the Beavers and Scouts.” 
 
On a final note Applewaithe added, “I am especially grateful with the level of parent participation in this event which was an added  bonus and a big help to us.”
 
 
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Youth eager to study, work overseas

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International Officer – Americas at the University of Northampton, Catherine Yates (right), talks with these students about some of the programmes that the university has to offer at the International College Fair at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC) recently.

 

Barbadian youth are eager to pursue tertiary level studies overseas and hopefully stay on after they have completed their studies.
 
This was made abundantly clear when The Barbados Advocate paid a visit to the International College Fair at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC) recently.
 
One of the young students that spoke with this newspaper was 22-year-old Trisha Carter, a past student of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management with Spanish.
 
She said that she wants to pursue a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing as she recognises that the job prospects for this field are good since a lot of employers are seeking persons with skills in this area and she was looking at the various universities in England that offer such a programme.
 
She was also on hand to check out various scholarship opportunities such as the Chevening Scholarship, the Commonwealth Scholarship and the National Development Scholarship, and she is hoping to study somewhere in London because that is where she has family so she can stay with them.
 
Carter is looking at a 2018 start date after which if the opportunity presents itself, she would like to stay on in London and work.
 
Another student who The Barbados Advocate spoke with was Pierre Belle, 17, a second-year student doing the Associate Degree in Economics and Accounting at the Barbados Community College (BCC). He is looking at continuing his studies at a university in Canada.
 
He said that he liked that North American country after visiting it in 2011 and he would love to stay on afterwards and work.
 
Daniel Blenman-Vaughn, 19, who just completed his Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the BCC, would also love to go and study in Canada after falling in love with that place during a visit in 2008.
 
He is hoping to start his studies in September, 2017 in Aerospace Engineering, preferably in Ontario and would love to stay on and work in Canada after he completes his studies.
 
Christanna McConney, 17, a current pupil of the Lodge School, would like to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Nutrition as these are her two areas of passion. She is looking at universities in either England or Canada and is leaning towards a September, 2017 start date since she would graduate in June, 2017.
 
McConney, who is also checking out scholarships, said that the University of Northampton caught her attention at the fair for Environmental Science while Johnson and Wales caught her attention for Culinary Nutrition.
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Conflict resolution must be promoted

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REFERRING to findings of a Homicide study carried out by the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit, Director of that organisation Cheryl Willoughby says greater emphasis must be placed on conflict resolution.
 
Her comments came during a service hosted by the CJRPU and Mt. Zion’s Missions in Rock Dundo St. James as part of the activities to mark Crime Awareness Month.
 
While highlighting the many programmes being led by the department, she pointed to the importance of the dispute resolution and conflict mediation programme in secondary schools.
 
“Information gleaned from our research.... we recognised that most of the homicides in Barbados are as a result of disputes occurring among persons, they are not predatory in nature where persons are hiding in the dark and committing these offences, but rather persons are not able to resolve basic conflict situations.”
 
“So we have determined that we need to target our children early in school to give them the necessary skills that they need in order for them to be able in a rational way to resolve differences that they have.”
 
Saying that the department also conducted a Marijuana study, she encouraged the Church in Barbados to speak out on the topic of the decriminalisation of marijuana.
 
“I believe that the Church must be heard. A survey conducted by the Department on marijuana indicates that it is a threat to our young men. Right now we have a 20-29 age group followed by the 30-39 age group that is at serious risk. We also recognise that these are the ones who are also incarcerated and this problem did not start at 20 or 30, but when these young men were very young.”
 
“The Church is not separate and apart from what is happening in the community. It must be an integral part. The Church is a hospital for those persons who are hurting , emotionally, financially and otherwise. And so we see ourselves as part of what is happening whether it is good or bad, however we perceive it to be. We must get out there,” she said.
 
“I want us to work together. We cannot work in silos, we have to work together . It is a big job that we have. We have our young people who are at risk. And it will take a national effort,” she exhorted.
 
The director highlighted the partnerships forged over the years including the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Courts, Probation Department, Government Industrial School, Ministry of Education to name a few, as well as civil society including the Church.
 
Willoughby lauded the Mt. Zion’s Missions led by Reverend Dr. Lucille Baird for their ongoing programmes which includes going into communities and changing lives. (JH)
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Caribbean, EU deepening ties at energy conference

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Yesterday’s start of the inaugural European Union-CARIFORUM Sustainable Energy Conference set the backdrop for a deepening of cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the Caribbean region.
 
Speaking at the commencement of the two-day conference taking place at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, the EU Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, OCES and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, Daniela Tramacere said the conference also represents a unique opportunity to push forward the agenda for the Caribbean’s full transition to a renewable, efficient and modern energy service, with a structure that has an enduring capability.
 
“And to seal the commitment between the EU and the Caribbean region, today we will have an important ceremony, whereby a set of programme documents will be signed and this represents a key moment in the history of cooperation between the European Union and the Caribbean region,” she said.
 
The signing ceremony in the first stance saw officials initialling the Joint Declaration on Reinforced Cooperation in the field of Sustainable Energy between the EU, the European Investment Bank and CARIFORUM, which us intended to support the Caribbean in its ambitious targets taken in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and to support partner countries prepare for the implementation of the nationally determined contribution in full alignment of the Global Sustainable Development Goals, adopted last September. Communications Coordi-nator of the EU in Barbados Stephen Boyce added that the four other documents are financial agreements under ongoing regional and bilateral development cooperation including the European Development Fund.
 
One of the documents, Boyce said was also a financing agreement between the Government of Barbados and the European Commission to the tune of 3 million euro for the Barbados Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Sector under the 11th European Development Fund.
 
“This will be a pre-signature as the Prime Minister announced; we will be signing the document officially at a later date. This programme aims at assisting Barbados in advancing towards energy self-sufficiency from local renewable sources, in line with Barbados’ commitment to the United Nations of reducing its total and per capita greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
 
Boyce explained that the purpose is also to get the private sector engaged in renewable energy and consumers making increasing use of energy efficiency measures. That document was signed on behalf of Barbados by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Darcy Boyce and Jolita Butkeviciene, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, European Commission’s International Cooperation and Development Directorate General. (JRT)
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PAHO tours Psychiatric Hospital

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Acting Hospital Director of the Psychiatric Hospital, David Leacock (left) and Minister of Health, Hon. John Boyce (far right) watch as PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne (second from the right) receives an art piece made by one of the hospital’s patients.

 

Yesterday, on World Mental Health Day, The Ministry of Health took Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) senior officials on a guided tour of the Psychiatric hospital. 
 
  Minister of Health, John Boyce, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joy St. John and hospital staff accompanied the Acting Hospital Director of the Psychiatric Hospital, David Leacock on his tour with PAHO, PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne,  PAHO/WHO representative, Mr. Dean Chambliss, Head of Country and Sub-regional Coordination (PAHO’s Office Washington), Dr. Godfrey Xuereb.  On this tour, PAHO had an opportunity to learn more about the hospital programmes and interact with the patients.
 
The entourage visited the acute male and female admissions units where Sister Oneta Lashley explained the functions of the two wards within the hospital.  Sister Lashley said that both facilities were primarily for temporary patients who were suffering from mental health issues like behaviour disorders, maniac depression and substance abuse.  According to Ms. Lashley, patients in these units spent very little time in treatment as they were provided with individual and group therapy on the compound and as well as home visits which was all part of their personalised care. She added that over the years, the number of patients in the acute wards have decreased. 
 
At the end of the tour, Dr. Etienne expressed her satisfaction with the facilities, staff and the pleasant patient environment and commended the hospital’s efforts to treat patients through strong community psychiatric programmes which has reduced the numbers of patients at the psychiatric hospital.  Before Dr. Etienne and her colleagues left the facility, they were presented with a gift, a painting from one of the patients.  
 
While on the tour, The Barbados Advocate spoke to Acting Assisting Hospital Director, Mrs. Heather Payne-Drakes who said that while the facility was celebrating World Mental Health Day, staff were shown appreciation through spa treatments (pedicures, manicures and massages) provided by secondary school students and later in the week on Thursday, October 13, patients will be treated to a Sports Day.  On Friday, there will be a Health and Open Day, where there will be health testing and school tours at the hospital while on Sunday, October 16, there will be a 5K walk and run starting from the Psychiatric Hospital to Brandons Beach.  
 
Mr. Leacock and Mrs. Payne-Drakes added the facility was currently working on awareness programmes to educate the public (as well as special services) and reduce stigma and discrimination towards people who have mental health issues.
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Inniss supportive of Government’s ‘one body’ decision

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In spite of resistance from some quarters, government will continue to bring all of its major revenue collection agencies under the Barbados Revenue Authority.
 
Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, made this abundantly clear yesterday as he delivered the feature address at the opening of a three-day Regional Consultation on the Caricom Strategy for Regional Implementation of the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, at the Radission Aquatica Resort.
 
“Whilst there will be pockets of resistance to change, I am satisfied that the decision of the Government of Barbados – of which I am part – has made the right decision in respect of establishing the BRA and bringing the major revenue collection agencies under one body. Each one of us may not get exactly what we want, but I urge those still in doubt to look at the big picture. This island needs to settle down and get on with some serious work,” he insisted.
 
Moments earlier, Inniss was speaking to those gathered, on the island’s progress with the implementation of the ASYCUDA World and the Electronic Single Window, noting that the modernisation project of the Barbados Customs and Excise Department involved major legislative, organisational and technical upgrades to the Customs machinery and operating software in Barbados. 
 
The minister highlighted the government’s aim to make its operations more efficient and effective as it sought to promote competition; strengthen its revenue collection capabilities; reduce congestion at the ports of entry; speed up legitimate trade and enhance the protection of borders – and by extension, communities.
 
“In essence, the Government of Barbados has defined its single window policy and strategy. A feasibility study and master plan for implementing the single window has been completed. The national legislation for readiness has been assessed for the single window 
implementation which should be rolled out in the first quarter of 2017,” Inniss continued. (JMB)
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