All students do not learn in the same manner or at the same pace and the country’s education system is failing to reflect this.

President of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union Mary-Ann Redman said that as a result of pushing mainly academics, the educational system was now in crisis. 

Pointing out the curriculum at the primary school level was “too expansive” due to the 11-plus examination demands, she insisted too many students were failing to grasp it.

“Consequently, numerous students, as indicated by many eleven-plus scores, are not grasping the academic fundamentals yet. They are forced into a Secondary school and its curriculum that they are not equipped to handle. Additionally, they lack the soft skills to address their resulting frustrations and interactions at that level,” Redman stated.

The union President insisted the nursery/primary level must be restructured to allow for behaviour change modification, with teachers properly trained to effectively emphasise and heavily focus on the soft skills: interpersonal skills, values education, conflict resolution, respect for self, for others, for the environment and for the nation.

“Children must again be taught empathy and to be our brother’s keeper. The reality is that this societal responsibility must now fall into the lap of the school. There must be a shift from the too early concentration on “pure” academics to a profound attentiveness to the inculcation of positive attitudes and behaviours, which would complement the later introduction of the foundation tools for academic learning,” she stressed.

She therefore lauded the intentions outlined by Prime Minister Mia Mottley to introduce middle schools.

“With a revamping of the primary curriculum and the completion of a middle school programme, we believe that the children at around fourteen years old, would be better placed to function in Secondary Schools, having identified their choices of subject areas at secondary level after completing a programme that would have offered them the fundamentals, in keeping with their identified needs and interests,” Redman added.

In addition to calling for the reintroduction of testing in primary schools for vision/hearing/speech, she argued the criterion reference testing must be used for what it was “originally intended”.

“We accept that some form of testing must take place to assess the effectiveness of the teaching/learning process for the student at the end of the primary school experience. Regardless of whether it is continuous assessment, or an exit exam like eleven-plus, that is to be determined. What is of fundamental importance however is how we treat to the results of such an assessment. We believe that too many problems in our system revolve around the retention of an approach that treats all students essentially the same and, regardless of the capabilities at eleven years old as reflected in the exam score, most students are exposed to fundamentally the same programme to be completed in a similar time frame. 

“The largely inflexible policy and system that paints all with one brush, with no appropriate differentiation in relevant programmes in keeping with identified needs has contributed to the deep frustrations that many of our young people feel. Their resulting low self-esteem, negative value system and hopelessness has contributed, in too many instances, to the youth deviance that we see today. There must be a shift to allow for evaluation of student needs to be catered to in a much broader and more inclusive way,” she opined.

Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley has no issues with the proposal of the present Barbados Labour Party to eventually eliminate or abolish the Common Entrance Examination, also referred to as the 11-Plus.

Bishop Atherley, who spoke as a guest on the “Down To Brass Tacks” radio programme yesterday on a wide range of issues, stated his view that the exam as it is, presently encourages elitism.

“I have some concerns with respect to the Eleven-Plus. I think we have got to move away from a situation in Barbados, where there is elitism attaching to our school system in an institutional fashion and we have got to move to a place where there is equity. We have to have a more equitable situation with respect to that. I think the elitism starts with the whole Common Entrance mechanism and we have got to find a way to address that,” Atherley commented.

He however added, “I don’t know how the current government plans to go about it, but that is one of the things we certainly have to address. We have got to move from elitism and these inequities, to a place of excellence and specialisation in our schools. We have got to establish specialist schools and have institutions of excellence and make sure that all our people benefit from what we offer, in terms of education.”

“I have said it often, that very wisely we invest in education, but we don’t invest in education very wisely,” he maintained.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley recently revealed that as part of a number of changes to be made to the local education system, the controversial Common Entrance Exam will likely be abolished.

The Prime Minister indicated that Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Santia Bradshaw is soon expected to be given “a clean bill of health” following her earlier diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer and once she returns from her treatment overseas, she will be working to tackle the issue.

“Santia will start the conversation over the next six months, about the abolition and replacement of the common entrance exam, the creation of middle schools and giving people the chance to decide what school they want to go to at 13 or 14, instead of 10 and 11. At the end of the second form, they can decide if they want to do science, or technical or humanities or sports or history and geography or commerce or IT,” Mottley explained, stressing that the system must allow for every school to be a top school.

She meanwhile stated her view that change on the local educational front is a must, since with the current system as is, it is contributing in a big way to the prevalence of crime and violence touching society. (RSM)

IN a brief and elegant ceremony on Saturday night, five of the six awardees of titles in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List were officially presented with their insignias.

Sir Assad John Haloute, founder of the Chefette fast food chain, was awarded a Knight Bachelor for his services to the hospitality industry and philanthropy. He received his medal from Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason, on the grounds of her official residence, Government House.

The late Dr. Frances Louise Chandler was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to agriculture and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, for her services to nursing and the community, the Officer of the Order of the British Empire was bestowed upon Cynthia Joan Williams.

The two recipients of the Member of the Order of the British Empire, Reverend Hughson Carlos and John Wayne Anderson Watts, were also on hand to receive their medals to the appreciative cheers of the audience, which included Acting Prime Minister George Payne, Acting Chief Justice Kaye Goodridge, Anglican Bishop of Barbados Reverend Michael Maxwell, several government ministers, senators, dignitaries, relatives and friends.

Carlos was recognised for his services to youth empowerment and the fight against HIV/AIDS, while Watts was recognised for his services to environmental health.

Attorney-at-law, Sir Elliott Mottley, who was awarded Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George was absent from the night’s proceedings. (JMB)

President of the Barbados Bar Association (BBA), Liesel Weekes, says she hopes the recent theft conviction of a fellow attorney is a wake-up call for all attorneys practising in this country to better manage their businesses.

Last week, attorney Vonda Pile was found guilty of theft and was remanded to Dodds Prison pending sentencing. While expressing sympathy for Pile’s plight, President of the BBA admitted that there has over time been concern raised about lawyers possibly mismanaging funds handed over to them by clients, and acknowledged that steps must be taken to ensure that such concern is no longer warranted.

“I don’t necessarily believe that lawyers set out to steal clients’ money, but there are things that may happen. For example, we have accounts rules and by those rules you may establish a client account, but you are meant to disaggregate your money from your clients’ money, so that there is no confusion. What can happen if you are not an attorney who also is a businessperson, who is well organised and manages money well, you can actually put all the money in the account and not separate it,” she said.

Weekes continued, “A client may write you a cheque, part of the money is your fee and the other is to pay something and you put all the money in there and you don’t get the chance to sit down and transfer and whatever else, but you start to spend from what you think is yours and you don’t realise when you’ve started overspending. You’ve spent all of yours and you are now into somebody else’s money and until you take stock, until someone calls and asks for the money and you then go into the account and wonder why am I short, where did the money go and then you can’t put it back.”

In that vein, she said the BBA has been over the years, especially when new attorneys are admitted to the Bar, giving them a “grounding” in managing their practice and money. Weekes indicated that Queen’s Counsel Anthony Audain has been assisting with such practice sessions to establish for juniors from the beginning, how to set up their practice, how to organise their practice and how to disaggregate their funds and “so they never find themselves in a position where, inadvertently, they have stolen from their client”.

While noting that she could not say definitively what happened in the case of the recent guilty verdict, she is hopeful that public’s confidence in the system to deliver justice, “once that is the case”, is restored. Weekes said she was sorry that her colleague had to be the example that was set, but made it clear that she does have the right to appeal her conviction and may succeed on appeal.

“I know that traditionally the public sentiment is that nothing happens to lawyers, that they are above sanction and can do whatever they feel like with impunity… But once there is that conviction, I feel that it restores a certain confidence in the public that lawyers are not above reproach, are not above the law and will feel the sanction of the law if they are run afoul of it,” she indicated.

Her comments came as she noted that where a client feels wronged by their attorney, they seek recourse from the Disciplinary Committee of the BBA. While not able to say the number of complaints that have been made in recent times, Weekes say they usually range from customer relation issues to serious dishonesty issues. She said complaints are predominantly regarding customer relations, usually a client’s inability to get in touch with their attorney.

“But my position has always been even one complaint of serious dishonesty and misappropriation of funds is too many. I know the public thinks that the Disciplinary Committee protects lawyers who are dishonest, it does not! But what usually happens with cases of failure to account for clients’ funds and things of that nature, once the funds are restored to the clients they no longer wish to proceed with the matter before the Disciplinary Committee. That happens more times that can I describe to you, that happens on a regular basis,” she stated. (JRT)

The local manufacturing sector is not being taken for granted.

In fact, Minister of International Business and Industry, Ronald Toppin assured that government is taking this sector “very, very seriously.”

He further told the media following a recent tour of booths at the Barbados Manufacturers’ Exhibition (BMEX) that his ministry has a number of plans which include to “hear the concerns of the manufacturers to try to ensure we can overcome the obstacles.” He added a focus for this “current financial year is to prepare a National Industrial Policy.”

“Our plan is to cease having a situation where we just respond to the issues and concerns raised by manufacturers in a knee-jerk sort of unstructured way, to moving to a sound strategy for the sector by way of the introduction of a National Industrial Policy.”

He added, “We know that there are a number of obstacles and challenges facing the sector. We want to hear very clearly from the sector. We have already started in fact, having consultations with the sector to hear their concerns first up and in close range, and to move in a direction where we can say we have overcome those obstacles.”

Toppin stated the overall objective of such a move will be “to ensure we have a very highly competitive, financially strong manufacturing sector. It can move to boost our domestic exports significantly, create large numbers of employees again in the sector, earn foreign exchange, increase import substitution, generate employment [and] of course, put the country’s development on a more sustainably footing through our manufacturing sector’s improved performance and that will lead to the alleviation of poverty.”

Turning his attention to speak about the quality exhibitions seen at BMEX this year, the Minister of International Business and Industry said he was “really quite impressed.”

“There is a lot of innovation. We stopped at number of booths and we were able to see a number of products… It augurs well for us that we are seeing some innovation because innovation really is the way of the future.” (MG)

The Barbados Investment and Development Corporation’s (BIDC) Chairman, John Rocheford says the organisation will be taking action against tenants who owe outstanding money in rent and refuse to pay.

Though not disclosing a date, he stated a “lock down” of locations rented from BIDC across the island could be one of the steps taken “if the rent and the arrears are not paid and the payment plan not followed.”

“It cannot be business as usual. BIDC is also a business and we must run it as a business and therefore, the money that we spend in various projects and other aspects of our business, we have to get revenue from somewhere to keep those projects going and therefore we can no longer sit down and allow people to not pay the rent that they have agreed to pay. They have not stuck to the payment plans and really and truly as I said, it is not our main purpose to put anyone out of business. We try, we try, we try and unfortunately, we are going to have to take action!”

Rocheford disclosed that “right now there are lots of lots of people who are in arrears” and “all the extensions” given expired last month.

“Unfortunately, they have had more than enough time to meet their commitments and we have actually… given extensions after extensions. We have had payment plans in place for them and yet they will not stick to the payment plans. There are some people who have not paid anything at all but there is the general feeling of, ‘Oh these are the government’s pockets and well, they are deep pockets so we don’t have to pay’ but we need to get our revenue to keep the programmes going.”

Rocheford was speaking to the media last Saturday following a tour of booths at the Barbados Manufacturers’ Exhibition (BMEX) with Minister of International Business and Industry, Ronald Toppin.

Toppin explained that one year ago, those tenants owing outstanding sums in rent to BIDC were given notice. He also voiced his support of the BIDC Chairman’s comments.

“In Parliament last June/July, I made reference to the number of tenants that were in arrears with BIDC and I made the statement that a notice to quit had been sent out to a large number of those entities. I gave the assurance then that we were having a stay of enforcement of the notices to quit by six months and that expired at the end of last year. We are now into the sixth month of this year, I don’t think that any tenant right now of the BIDC could really complain of unfair treatment…, so there comes a time when you just have to do what you have to do and that is putting it directly and fairly. We still have the commitments to the programmes that the gentlemen mentioned and without funding you can’t run the programmes.” (MG)

Leader of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Verla De Peiza has pledged that the 64 year-old political institution will never let down Barbadians again.

In a rousing speech on Sunday night during the first public meeting since the party’s crushing defeat at the polls last May, De Peiza acknowledged that there were some things they did wrong when they held the reins of power, and noted that while it has been a rough year for the party, that time has not been wasted, allowing for much needed introspection, which has aided in getting them back on track. And, she made it clear that even as they work on their internal matters, the party will not be abandoning the people of Barbados and is promising to call out the government on any wrongdoings and to stand up for the rights of Barbadians. She made the comments while saying that many hardships have been imposed on Barbadians under the one-year old Government, including an increase in bus fare, increased taxes and overall, a higher cost of living.

“One step forward and two steps backward and the people are trembling. That has been the experience of Barbadians in the last 12 months. It has been torture, after torture, after torture,” she insisted.

Making clear that the DLP was reporting for duty, De Peiza said the “machine is pressing forward” and she expects that even more persons will lend their support going forward. In that vein, she said that the “membership that has fallen away” is welcome to come back without recrimination.

“Thank you for the opportunity of a clean slate to sit back, re-evaluate the position, understand where we are and where our country is at and to start plotting the future of this country. Because, for certain where we stand right now is quicksand in our time sphere. We are being sucked under, but hold your head up, we are on [the] way. The Democratic Labour Party is not satisfied to just watch, we will come to the people and speak on behalf of people.”

“…As we continue to agitate across Barbados our people will feel at home in George Street again, and the people of Barbados will understand and appreciate that we don’t hold May 24th, 2018 against them. Thank you for opening our eyes and the pledge tonight is to ensure that we never let down the people of Barbados again,” she maintained.

Pointing to a number of missteps by the current administration, the attorney maintained that the DLP will not be sitting idly by and keeping quiet. Their goal, she said, is to be the voice of the people. Her remarks came as the former senator added, “If it is one thing that the present administration taught Barbadians when they were in Opposition, is that people power works”.

“This standing room only auditorium is just a start, every step they make we will be right behind them on behalf of the people of Barbados. You are hurting, you are feeling the pinch, but rest well the Democratic Labour Party is ready, willing [and] able to prosecute this administration on behalf of the people of Barbados. And I call on every one of you to stand with me and work on behalf of this country to bring it back,” she implored.

De Peiza in rallying the troops, also dismissed the impression being given by the Barbados Labour Party Government that the DLP’s time in office is a lost decade, telling the supporters present, they have a duty as “guardians” of the party’s reputation to dispel that untruth. The DLP leader made the point while contending that the foundation for much of what the current administration is implementing was laid under the former government.

“All night long I spoke of things that just simply got coloured differently under this administration, but were born under us… One whole year all we have heard about is a lost decade and then they turn around and do exactly what we did and it is time to call them on it,” she said, with agreement from those gathered. (JRT)

Nurses in this country are being commended for standing up for their rights.

It has come from Leader of the Democratic Labour Party Verla De Peiza, who reflecting on the nurses’ stance in respect of the proposed 24-hour polyclinic system, maintained that those medical personnel have the Party’s full support. The planned June 1 start of the 24-hour system at the two polyclinics earmarked for the service, Winston Scott and David Thompson Health and Services Complex, was postponed after the nurses did not agree to work the shift system and raised concern that the proposed urgent care thrust of the two facilities, would take away from their community work.

De Peiza told the large gathering at The St. Michael School for a DLP public meeting, that the Party while cognisant of the “wisdom and efficacy” of 24-hour system in the polyclinics, knows the challenges of getting it started, having already tried it. “You remember when the Democratic Labour Party tried that at the Branford Taitt Polyclinic? They would like you to believe this is new stuff, we tried that, but we understood staffing issues, security concerns, needing to have the right medication and equipment in order to be a fast response – all of these were critical issues that we took on board. And it wasn’t about bullying through and pushing through the crowd, and insisting that things must be done; it was about listening, not just rubbing shoulders and getting black and bruised. It was about listening to what the nurses were saying were the concerns; and there are valid concerns,” she maintained.

De Peiza added, “It would be wonderful if we could have a 24-hour healthcare system, absolutely wonderful; we tried it. The St. John Clinic was built with that in mind, it is not a new initiative. But until we up the complement of nurses and let’s face it, to do that we have to make their working conditions appealing.”

Her comments came as she said she has received information indicating that several nurses have left the island over the last 12 months, and she insists that steps have to be taken to “stem that bleed”. The first step in that regard, she contended, is to hear from the nurses what they consider to be their requirements.

“It is not that nurses don’t want to work, to be a nurse is a significant calling, you are sacrificing family time to help your country feel better and move forward. The nurses deserve our support, not division and certainly not bullying,” she maintained. (JRT)

Eight delegates who will be vying for the opportunity to take over the mantel as Miss World Barbados formally received their sashes on Saturday night at a cocktail reception hosted at the Caribbean Market Centre, Newton Industrial Estate Christ Church. Reigning Queen and newly appointed chairman Ashley Lashley performed the honour then presented each participant with a bag of goodies from longstanding sponsor Neutrogena.

Lashley spoke highly of her reign, indicating that the Caribbean Market Centre had afforded her the opportunity to travel the world while creating unforgettable memories. She shared, “When I participated in the Miss World show it was honestly a phenomenal experience because I got to participate in the show with over 119 delegates from across the world.”

The striking beauty ranked in the top 30, placing in every category at the Miss World Show which took place in China. She believes the Miss World organisation offers young women the opportunity to showcase their talents and provides them a platform to give back to their communities. Lashley assured that this crop of girls possess extreme talent and potential to bring home the Miss World crown.

Some details of the pageant, which is scheduled for August 31st were revealed. However, they are currently keeping the venue under wraps. This year’s competition is themed ‘First Love Yourself’ and will feature various preliminary activities. This includes a sporting challenge where the delegates’ endurance, stamina and strength will be tested. Fun elements will also be incorporated.

Seawell Fitness Centre has come onboard as a sponsor to ensure the delegates are at their optimum fitness level. Representative Creig Freeman stated, “It is indeed our pleasure to be working with Miss World Barbados this year.”

He added, “It is definitely one of our goals to add to the landscape of Barbados and we don’t take it lightly to sponsor anyone that will go beyond our shores and represent Barbados in any manner possible.”

Each delegate will be undertaking a humanitarian project since this competition aims to be one with a difference. The “Beauty with a Purpose” project is focused on giving back to their communities and gives some insight to each delegate individually as it is set to emulate their personalities. Another element will be a talent showcase which promises to be highly entertaining.

Earlier in the evening, Rodney Powers, who took over the franchise three years ago, gave kudos to his hardworking team. He expressed, “We believe that the women should be pampered, we take good care of them, we make sure that everything is managed properly. We put together all of their activities and we put together their wardrobe as well.”

He informed, “We are working on substance abuse as one of our programme activities for this year.” He further highlighted they were working with multiple sponsors, including Cooke’s Finest, who provided treats for the reception.

Caribbean Market Centre is partnering with Miss World Organization and some of the international delegates will be on the island to enjoy several Crop Over festivities. They are working to get the reigning Miss World among that group who will travel to the island. (ST)

Government has racked up about $143 million in arrears on its foreign debt.

The amount was accumulated between June 2018, when Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley suspended debt payments due to external commercial creditors, and the last 12 months.

Former government Senator Jepter Ince made this disclosure, while stressing “we are heading for trouble”.

“So, when the Democratic Labour Party demitted office our foreign debt was BDS$1.6 billion… The new government hasn’t paid a cent in foreign debt since May 24, 2018. I am therefore challenging the Minister of Finance – if Jepter Ince is wrong, then come say to the public ‘Jepter Ince you are a liar!’ We are now running arrears of $143 million on our foreign debt.”

Ince, who ran for the DLP’s St. George North seat in the last general election was at the time addressing the public meeting “One Year Later: Who is Smiling Today” held at The St. Michael School on Sunday night.

He explained that every country that defaulted on its international debt have run the risk of devaluation.

Moreover, he has called on Prime Minister Mottley, the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment not to turn a blind eye to the arrears.

“Nobody talks about the arrears, even the Central Bank doesn’t talk about the arrears on the international debt. I am saying to them deal with those arrears because every country in the world that defaulted on its international debt and ran arrears had a devaluation and I do not want that for Barbados… Come and tell the public what is happening with our international debt and the arrears.”

Ince further pointed out, “They said to the public of Barbados that our foreign reserves were in dire straits. But, despite all of the talk about the foreign reserves none of the car importers in Barbados complained about not being able to bring in vehicles. Every crop over the stores were filled, nobody complained about the shortage of goods. None of the supermarkets complained about the shortage of goods.

“Now they are borrowing money to prop up our foreign reserves… The Democratic Labour Party said that we are going to try to earn foreign reserves, that we would borrow if it is necessary. So, when you hear all this talk about foreign reserves up with borrowed money, we are running this country down a dangerous path in the last 12 months on borrowed money.”

With the minimum wage in Barbados set to rise, businesses might be forced to increase prices or cut jobs.

“Businesspeople have some hard decisions to make,” Democratic Labour Party (DLP) spokesman on Business, Ryan Walters declared.

“With the increase in cost of living in Barbados you are paying more for everything, but how will businesses survive... How can businesses survive if you are paying more for everything and consumers are faced with less disposable income because they don’t have jobs and then you also have increased operating cost as a business.

“Only last week, the government was talking about raising the minimum wage. They have boxed themselves in a corner because they have carried up the cost of living so high that they now have to compensate for it… Businesspeople will have decisions to make, we know that the biggest contributor to any business is labour, so what would you do – you have to raise prices or you have to send people home.”

Walters, the local General Manager of Burger King who has set his sights on the St. Michael North West constituency seat was at the time addressing the DLP’s public meeting “One Year Later: Who is Smiling Today” at The St. Michael School on Sunday night.

He said the BLP’s Government 2018 manifesto “Covenant of Hope”, should be today renamed “Economic hope at the expense of ordinary Barbadians”.

“We today are paying more for transportation – whether we own a vehicle or catch bus. We are paying twice as much on our water bills; we are facing layoffs in the public sector; and increased taxes. This is not the Covenant of Hope that was preached to us a year ago, this is economic hope at the expense of ordinary Barbadians”.

“The question is why did the government of the day make these decisions. There are choices to be made, but we have to ask why have they made these decisions? Why have they chosen to send us home? Why have they chosen to raise taxes? But on the other side, why have they chosen to overpay White Oak for advisory services?” Walters queried. 

There is concern that the Land Acquisition Act is not being used as it is meant to, in respect the acquisition of land for the Hyatt project.

The issue was put on the table Sunday night by Fourth Vice President of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and the Party’s spokesperson on agriculture and environment, Andre Worrell.

He was speaking at a Democratic Labour Party (DLP) public meeting held at The St. Michael School.

Worrell said it is interesting that the Barbados Labour Party is now in favour of the project and making efforts to facilitate it, when it vehemently
opposed construction of the hotel when it was in Opposition.

“When they were in Opposition there was nothing good they could say about the Hyatt project… but now all of sudden they had their Damascus moment and now that is the next best thing in Barbados, that they are willing to go out of their way… to take away land forcefully from a citizen of Barbados, just so that another citizen or corporate entity in Barbados would benefit,” he said.

He continued, “That was not the way or what was intended of how the Land Acquisition Act is supposed to be used. Up to this day we are still trying to figure out what is the public purpose that the administration has identified in order for them to use that legislation as the tool and the mechanism in which to take away that land from the Liquidation Centre.”

Worrell maintained that through this action, Government is “inflicting hardship” on people, as many of those employed at the store operating from the building on that property – which is owned by local businesswoman Asha Ram Mirchandani – are likely to be out of a job once the store closes.

“They are behaving as though people don’t work there. That is a company that is employing people, so you’re going to shut it down and I imagine when she closes, those people will have to go home. So you’re sending home persons with no concern. She has a legitimate argument in that you are looking to jeopardise one business to advantage another and those things cannot be fair,” he maintained.

The former senator, adamant that to whom much is given, much is expected, further maintained that the Barbados Labour Party, with the overwhelming majority in the House of Assembly, needs to be reasonable and transparent with the people.

“The people of Barbados expect better from the Barbados Labour Party. The people of Barbados expected transparency, they expected people who would communicate, but they are recognising that talking a lot does not mean that you are sharing information, or that you are sharing everything,” Worrell contended. (JRT)

Palliative care education and training is more important now than ever before.

Cancer Support Services (CSS) has therefore joined forces with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) to ensure that nurses have the skills to provide great patient care.

“The burden of cancer in Barbados is great and its prevalence is increasing. Barbados has a burgeoning oncology population and there are a number of persons who are living with illnesses, transitioning between treatments or being survivors. These persons require constant care
and attention which can prove challenging,” said Director of Nursing Services at QEH, Henderson Pinder.

He was speaking during the presentation of certificates ceremony yesterday for 27 healthcare professionals who successfully completed the Palliative Care Enrichment Programme 2019, facilitated by Chaplain Paul Leacock.

CSS and the QEH share a strategic interest in caring for persons with cancer and bringing comfort and support to affected relatives and dependents.

“Our relationship with CSS has developed rapidly to the point that we are able to celebrate a second cohort in this course,” Pinder pointed out, while also recalling that the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2017 provided a framework for a renewed relationship based on the tradition of excellence in cancer care.

“By being part of the Palliative Care Enrichment Programme, participants were equipped with a wealth of knowledge on how to care for patients. I therefore admonish you graduands to utilize the skills learnt and the knowledge gained to improve on the level of service rendered. Your interventions have helped us to recognize that psycho-social care is an important part of the multidisciplinary approach to managing cancer,” the Director further expressed.

Virginia Leandre-Brome, a nurse at the QEH, commended CSS for having the vision to initiate the six-week programme which reinforced the much needed skills in their profession.

Moreover, she urged fellow nurses to embrace all that was taught.

“Remember what we have come into nursing for. We go by the textbook - the care that we are supposed to be giving if a patient is vomiting, we know what we are supposed to do.

“But then sometimes we forget that we have to put ourselves in their shoes, to know what their needs are; what is important to them…And once we can do so, make ourselves well rounded nurses - we can touch so many people in this death and dying situation in palliative care.” (TL)

After raising awareness about the impact of gynaecological cancers in Barbados for the past six years, the marquee fund-raising event, the Sagicor Globeathon Barbados, will be wearing a different face for 2019. The annual 5K run and walk will still be aiming to end women’s cancers but as the Sagicor Gynathon.

During a media briefing held earlier this week at Sagicor’s Wildey offices, Country Head of Globeathon Barbados and local champion for the cause since its inception in 2013, Dr. Vikash Chatrani, explained that the time has come to stop sugar-coating the truth and tell it like it is as the five gynaecological cancers – ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulva – were referred to as below-the-belt cancers.

“I say ‘below the belt’ for the last time. I know it’s difficult to say gynaecological cancers and the reason why I say ‘below the belt’ for the last time because we need to stop beautifying or pampering it, or making it taboo. We need to use the words. We need to give honour and pride to the female reproductive organs and we need to talk about them with dignity and respect because these organs bring all humanity to life. Hence the reason for rebranding the movement. We are branding it with a name that resonates more with the cause for gynaecological cancers and hence the change in name to Gynathon – to end gynaecological cancers,” he said.

He added that the funds raised over the past six years have made the creation and equipping of a gynaecological care clinic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital possible as well as the training of staff. Chatrani said that their work has not gone unrewarded but there is more to be done.
“The movement is working. Women are coming forward to get screened and they are having their pap smears. Parents are consenting to the HPV vaccine. Women are paying attention to their bodies, knowing what is normal for them and what isn’t. They are going to their doctors with questions – they know something is up and they are asking for the answers. They are being diagnosed, we are seeing them at the hospital, they are getting referred and the number of deaths are decreasing. Uterine cancer is the number one gynaecological cancer now, 2018 data. Our work has reduced cervical cancer,” he said.

President of the Barbados Cancer Society, Dr. Dorothy Cooke-Johnson was in attendance at the launch for the 2019 event which is slated for June 30 at the Bay Street Esplanade at 4 pm, and she drew attention to the fact that gynaecological cancers have been impacting women and their families in Barbados almost parallel to the impact of breast cancer.

With the gynaecological cancers not as prominent in the minds of Barbadians, Cooke-Johnson said that she would love to see the day that the two receive the same support from the public as both saw about 140 women diagnosed each year and close to 40 women dying from both.
“It is significant and it really is time that we took an interest in it and took a stand against it, and Sagicor has seen this need and is filling that gap admirably. And we will get the better of this with Sagicor and Dr. Chatrani who is now Head of the Department of gynaecological at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and moving it forward everyday.”

Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Brand Experience, Carolyn Shepherd delivered an address on behalf of the main sponsors and said that her organisation is pleased to assist in the raising of awareness of women’s cancer through education, outreach and community engagement.

“In supporting Gynathon once again as the title sponsor, Sagicor Life Inc., a leading provider of individual, supplemental, health and disability insurance, we hope that on June 30th many of you come out in your numbers to honour cancer survivors, care givers and to promote awareness about reducing cancer risks. This event is the major fundraiser that supports life-saving research and other programmes and services provided by the QEH hospital and the Barbados Cancer Society in the area of gynaecological cancers,” she said.

Participants can register for the event by buying their shorts from Cherish Supermarkets and Up Beat stores for $25 for adults and $15 for children. More competitive persons can register as timed runners for $35.
(MP)

The Church of the Holy Cross in St. John now bears a commemorative plaque, as a reminder of the cruelty of slavery and stating the church’s commitment for the future.

It was blessed by The Most Reverend Dr. Daniel Yinkah Sarfo, Archbishop of the Internal Providence of Ghana and Bishop of Kumasi in the Church of the Providence of West Africa and unveiled by Bishop of Barbados, Michael Maxwell during the midday Eucharist at the church on Wednesday.

This service was attended by archbishops, bishops and other members of the United Society Partners In The Gospel (USPG). The 25-member delegation, who are from difference countries, are in Barbados for the USPG’s triennial international consultation.

Speaking to the media after the service, Principal of Codrington College, Reverend Dr. Michael A. Clarke explained that the Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, West Africa was utilised for the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It is there that a plaque exists indicating that slavery was an atrocious thing that occurred and it should not happen again. USPG at present has a chapel in this section of Ghana and the decision was taken to place a plaque in Barbados, one of countries where slaves were sent, to remind of the horrific actions of the past and reaffirm the stance that it is not to occur again.

“So the plaque therefore stands as a connection to Ghana in many ways. To sort of bridge that gap so that we can see that there is hope and together we make the commitment that the church must never ever be involved in any way the exclusion of individuals from the gospel or in any form of injustice. So that plaque for us now stands to speak to that for us,” he stated. (MG)

Caribbean Catalyst Inc. remains committed to celebrating the life of Kregg Nurse and his legacy, to inspire persons with disabilities to pursue their academic and career aspirations.

Angela Boyce, Office Assistant at Caribbean Catalyst pointed out the above, just before announcing the winner of the 2019 Kregg Nurse Memorial Scholarship Award, during a ceremony held at their office in River Road, St. Michael, on the anniversary of Kregg’s birthday on June 13.

The Caribbean Catalyst Annual Memorial Kregg Nurse Scholarship Award, which was conceptualised by Managing Director of Caribbean Catalyst Inc., Rosalind Jackson, is in its fifteenth year. This annual Award is given to an individual with a disability, who has successfully completed at least one year of post-secondary school education, in any field, and who is continuing his/her formal education, at a recognised tertiary educational institution.  

“Kregg did not allow his disability [muscular dystrophy], to become an inability. He graduated from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounts and subsequently became a Certified General Accountant” Boyce remarked, as she reflected on Kregg’s life.

Managing Director, Rosalind Jackson meanwhile pointed out the need for disabled persons to have greater opportunities to obtain meaningful employment, which is critical, if they are to be genuinely integrated into society.

It was later revealed that four applications for the Scholarship Award were received and after the interview process, two finalists were named, Nikkolai Clarke-Herbert and Tyrell McCollin. 

Nikkolai was named as first runner up. He was diagnosed as a paraplegic, after being involved in a vehicular accident, which affected his lower spine. That accident occurred three days after his first birthday. The 24-year-old student of the UWI Cave Hill Campus has at present completed the first year of his Bachelor’s Science Degree in Computer Science. His career goal is to become a video game designer and eventually own a video game company. 

Winner of Caribbean Catalyst’s Fifteenth Annual Kregg Nurse Memorial Scholarship Award, 21-year-old Tyrell McCollin, had earlier applied in 2017, but was unsuccessful. His determination however paid off this year, after he reapplied. On May 2014, Tyrell was involved in a serious accident, as a vehicle lost control and struck him, as he was on his way to class at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic, where he was studying Building and Drafting. He was also enrolled at the Barbados Community College, completing his final year in an Associates’ Degree in Land Surveying. Following the accident, he was hospitalised for one year and was diagnosed as a quadriplegic.

He subsequently had to change career paths due to his limited mobility and decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the UWI, Cave Hill Campus. Unfortunately, due to high transportation costs, he has now switched to an online degree in Banking and Finance, at the UWI Open Campus. His career goal is to use the knowledge acquired to gain employment within a financial environment or to pursue an entrepreneurial venture that will allow him to contribute to society and inspire others with disabilities.

He meanwhile intends to use the monetary donation to assist with his medical and everyday expenses, which continue to challenge him financially. (RSM)

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is not a police station nor is it a court of law, and a senior official in that Ministry believes it is unfair for it to be asked to perform the duties of either in the fight against praedial larceny.

Speaking yesterday during the National Consultation on Praedial Larceny hosted by his Ministry at the Savannah Hotel, Chief Agricultural Officer (CAO) Lennox Chandler maintained that while the Ministry has an important role to play in combatting praedial larceny, the lead in that effort must be the criminal justice system.

His remarks came as he maintained that the egregious act of thieving crops and livestock is one that has to be wrestled to the ground once and for all.

Chandler made the point while noting that there are three sets of people engaging in this illegal activity – those who steal because they are hungry; those who steal to support a habit such as drug use; and the biggest challenge of them all, the “organised praedial larceny mafia”, where the ringleader sends out persons to steal hundreds of pounds of crops, which is then sold.

“That is where the real challenge is and that is the one we are really going to have to seek to behead quickly, if farmers are going to continue to produce and produce successfully in Barbados,” he contended.

The CAO, noting that praedial larceny is not a new phenomenon but an “old age act of villainy”, expressed concern about the length of time it has taken to get legislation to properly address the issue, which as far back as the 1930s was plaguing local farmers, forcing them at times to keep their animals in the house at night to safeguard them. With that in mind, he said of greatest concern is the length of time praedial larceny has been allowed to go on unabated, without the “type of attention and brevity” that has been brought to bear on other criminal acts. In that vein, he dismissed the notion often held that praedial larceny is the purview and domain only of the Ministry of Agriculture.

“Although some of us at the Ministry may have been police officers in the past, the fact of the matter is the Ministry of Agriculture is not a police station, neither is it a court… And whilst I understand that the Ministry of Agriculture is a stakeholder in this matter, when I hear of larceny, something tells me that it’s the primary purview of the police and of the courts in terms of enforcement,” he said.

Chandler admitted that while the Ministry no doubt has a role to play in the administration of the legislation, he maintained that “administration and enforcement are not one and the same”. He bolstered his point, arguing that if a tourist is mugged or a theft occurs at a popular store, persons do not call the Ministry of Tourism or the Ministry of Commerce, they call the police.

“But if a sack or rod of sweet potatoes is stolen, you hear ‘What is the Ministry of Agriculture doing?’ And frankly, I think this is unfair to us in the Ministry,” he stated.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the Ministry has a role to play as facilitators and in the administration of praedial larceny legislation.

Chandler said as partners in the effort to mitigate against praedial larceny, the Ministry has offered rebates and other incentives for security systems on farms, ensured that up-to-date records are kept and he said its goal is to continue to work with the stakeholders.

“[But] I urge you, do not expect us to function as policemen or magistrates. I wish to make it clear, however, that all of us are stakeholders. You the farmers, consumers, consumer groups, merchants and middlemen, we all have to band together if we are to succeed in reducing the scourge of praedial larceny,” he indicated. (JRT)

President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, arrived in Barbados yesterday on an official one-day visit.

The distinguished visitor and his accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival just after 10:30 a.m. at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) by Prime Minister the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley; Colonel Glyne Grannum, Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF); and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Erwin Boyce.

After receiving a Royal Salute, and the playing of the Ghanaian national anthem by the BDF Band, Prime Minister Mottley introduced the President to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott; Minister of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology, Senator Kay McConney; and other government officials.

President Akufo-Addo was then quickly whisked away for talks with the Prime Minister and her team with an aim to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations between Barbados and Ghana in areas of mutual interest.

His Excellency’s visit to the Caribbean is of particular significance as the Government of the Republic of Ghana celebrates “Year of Return”, inviting the Global African family, home and abroad, to mark 400 years of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia.

“The Year of Return” celebrates the cumulative resilience of all the victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade who were scattered and displaced through the world in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

Barbados was the final stop on the Ghanaian President’s tour. He visited St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. (TL)

AS PART of activities to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, team members from Sandals Barbados participated in a beach clean-up at Silver Sands beach, Christ Church last weekend.

The Island Routes team was supported by volunteers from Sandals Foundation, the resort’s Environmental Health and Safety team, as well as students, teachers and parents from the Christ Church Girls’ and Milton Lynch Primary Schools.

General Manager of Sandals Barbados, Ramel Sobrino, explained that the beach clean-up is an example of the Island Routes’ commitment to excellence, not just here in Barbados but also throughout the Caribbean, adding that similar activities were held in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, Turks & Caicos, and The Bahamas.

He said, “At Sandals, we are passionate about ensuring that both guests and community members have a truly memorable experience, no matter the interaction. From exposing guests to the highest quality in local excursions and attractions through the services provided by Island Routes, to community-minded initiatives that focus on sustainability and development.”

Sobrino also noted, “Over 1 000 pounds of seaweed and garbage were collected during the activity, which is just one of the many community-related projects which are often conceptualised by team members.”

The beach clean-up also fell on World Oceans Day and Mark Hill of the Design Council was on hand to teach the students more sustainable ways to collect Sargassum seaweed. During his presentation he noted that the Council promotes the use of more reusable supplies such as onion bags as a tool for the collection of organic materials.

“The students were shown how to use the onion bags which allows the Sargassum seaweed to dry while on the beach. If the seaweed contains a lot of sand, the onion bags also allows for it to be washed out. The seaweed is then collected and brought to the School of Design and Biotechnology, a local NGO, where it is used to make different value-added products including soil amendments, fertilisers and bio stimulants,” Hill said.

Rated as the World’s Leading Caribbean attraction company, Island Routes started in Jamaica on June 1, 2009 with one tour desk and has grown steadily into 12 destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico. Island Routes offers more than 500 tours in Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, St. Lucia and the Turks & Caicos Islands, with each having undergone a thorough screening process, providing experiences that are of the highest standard.

THE Attorney General must go!

That’s the contention of the Leader of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), attorney-at-law Verla De Peiza. In a statement released yesterday, she called for Attorney General Dale Marshall to be fired, questioning his performance since he took over responsibility for the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF), and lamenting that the murder toll for this year, as of yesterday, stood at 29.

The political party leader is concerned about this trend, noting that since the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) came to office, the total number of murders is 43 – 14 last year and 29 so far for 2019. She further argued that the Mottley Administration has treated the matter of crime as a “platform for catchphrases like ‘not bout hey’ and public relations opportunities in walking through districts” and have not truly addressed the root causes of the issues.

It was in January of this year that Minister of Home Affairs, Edmund Hinkson, was relieved of some of his duties, chief among them the preservation of public order and those duties were delegated to Attorney General Marshall. But, De Peiza is adamant that the AG has done little if anything to really stem the tide, and contends that “he has failed this country”. Her call comes almost two years after Marshall, then in Opposition, made a similar call for the then Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite to be removed from the post.

“Some 14 murders ago, Edmund Hinkson was made a sacrificial lamb to appease public concerns. That number has now more than doubled. While the Barbados Labour Party was in Opposition, they treated crime like a political football whilst giving the former Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite ‘...a failing grade...’ in 2017 following a most egregious act on Kadooment Day... There were 19 homicides up until the Spring Garden crime,” she stated.

De Peiza also took issue with the appointment of the former Commissioner of Police, Darwin Dottin, as a consultant on crime back in January, and described as a “complete failure” the one-week gun amnesty introduced in April. Moreover, she dismissed the idea of putting the officers of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) on the streets, contending that it will not work.

“The DLP now begs the PM to relieve the AG of his duties and to terminate the contract of Mr. Darwin Dottin,” she stated.

With that in mind, De Peiza said that the DLP is advocating for an urgent multi-disciplinary task force to be established to tackle the causes and sources of crime. Such a task force, she explained, should act as a complement to the RBPF and the BDF, which she maintained “essentially treat symptoms, but not the causes”. In that vein, she said she is confident that Barbados has the human capital with the requisite skills and competencies “to dig deep into the causal elements”.

“It is time to stop playing crime like a political football in our approach and in our personnel appointments. Our children are dying daily, citizens continue to fear for their lives and increasingly, we are sensing a desensitising of many. It is time that people are placed at the centre of the search for solutions to what is obviously a social dilemma,” she maintained.