Outstanding members of Zone 3A of the Barbados chapter of Lions and Leo Clubs were recognised for their contribution to the philanthropic organisation. The awards ceremony was hosted in the Goddard Sports and Cultural Club last Saturday.

The aim of the evening was to extend gratitude to all who contributed to Zone Chair Suzette Holder achieving the goals that she had set for her term in office. She indicated, “This is my tribute to you; this is my vote of thanks and I want to thank all of you for coming out”.
During the proceedings she too received one of the organisations most prestigious accolades, the Melvin Jones Fellowship. Also joining the band of Melvin Jones fellows was Lion – Pearl Bradshaw, the Zone Treasurer.

Among those honoured during the event were members of the secretariat and presidents of both the senior and junior arms of the organisation. The Leo advisors were lauded for their dedication and inspirational leadership to their charges. There was an overall spirit of camaraderie as Lions from across all of the local chapters were in attendance. There was even a surprise appearance by District Governor for the region Leslie Ephraim.

Many spheres were covered in the categorisation of the awards. Even those who are not formal members of the club were recognised as friends of the organisation for the support they provided in the past year. Among the recipients were Wayne Springer of Goddard Enterprises, Juliette Worrell, Sade Leon Slinger-Folkes, Jason Hinds and Dr. Donley Carter, chairman of the Lester Vaughan School.

The District Governor distributed the awards to long-serving members. The fifteen-year Chevron was given to Ottley Parris, Vernon Knight and Delores Thompson. Celebrating thirty years of unbroken service was Lloyd Norville while Anthony Branch was with the club thirty-five years. Carl Browne was recognised for being with the club for forty years. Judith Hinds who does not miss any of the organisations events was also the recipient of an award.

Taking home top honours in the zonal awards for the Leo Clubs was the Barbados East, while Lions club of the year was claimed by Scotland District.

Entertainment was provided by the Lions themselves. Husband and wife duo from the Christ Church West club, Alison and Randy Payne heated up the dance floor to “Fever”. Comedic relief was provided by Edwin De Tracy Jones who brought some hilarity to the proceedings.

While the night focused on excellence from across the entire organisation, there were some especially touching moments. One of which was when Erene Doan who suffered an injury to her foot during her Lionism was recognised for her dedication and resilience. She received a standing ovation as she slowly made her way to the front. Though her physical discomfort was obvious, in true testament to her spirit she proceeded to the front to receive acknowledgement for her continued contribution to the club. (ST)

Massy Distributors has officially added one of the world’s most renowned cognacs to its slate of liquors being sold under its brand on the island. Martell’s line of cognacs, which are infamous for their well-blended and expertly marketed products around the world, had its big launch last Saturday on the majestic grounds of Nikki Beach Barbados located in Six Men’s, St. Peter.

The intimate invitation-only party featured three of the cognacs (VS Single Distillery, Blue Swift and VSOP) which will be offered initially from Martell’s signature collection. Patrons who were on hand for the experience, had their chance to taste the new products with a choice of having them served within a cocktail, or for the seasoned veterans, have them straight up on the rocks.

During his short speech to supporters, Troy Best, Brand Manager for Pernod Richard, emphasized the need for persons to not only believe the hype around the brand Martell, but to truly take time out to taste the expert blends.

“So many times we come and we have very nice speeches, we talk about the brand for like 15 minutes, but the essence of the brand is in the taste. I know we have lovely cocktails, but I want everyone to really taste the brand because as I said before, it redefines the boundaries of cognac in Barbados.”

The brand Martell is not exactly new to the Barbadian market, however Massy Distributions believes in its ability to, not only fully understand the market where these cognacs will be popular, but also capitalise on what Massy currently has on the island as the biggest distributor located here.

The Martell family line of cognacs is over 300 years strong, with a rich history of being involved in international films, royal weddings and other extravagant events. With the weight of this brand now under the wings of Massy, the company hopes to make Martell the definitive high-up cognac brand on the island.

Recently 106 staff members of the Grantley Adams International Airport were honoured and recognised for giving excellent service to the company and the travel industry of Barbados.

Speaking during the staff awards that took place in the conference room, Chairman of the GAIA Inc. Vic Fernandes believed that long service showed a high level of commitment as well as the perseverance to stay the course, and so he thanked the staff members for their long service to the company.

He went on to note that they had a goal to make the GAIA Inc. the best airport in, not just the Caribbean, but the world.

“We all say we love change, but the truth is, that we are creatures of habit and we enjoy being where we are and where we are comfortable, and so trying to change is not going to be easy and the culture of change is not going to be as easy as it may appear to be. If we came in and all we did was exactly what we always did then nothing would change,” he said.

“We have a mandate to create change. I am not for one moment saying that GAIA is not a proud airport, or we are not the envy of many places in the Caribbean, but what I am saying is that we can reach higher, and there are higher goals that we can achieve in striving for excellence.”

It is against this backdrop that Fernandes noted that they were going to be times where they “did things differently at the GAIA Inc.”

He believed that this was the shift that needed to be created so that they are able to give visitors and nationals that “wow!” factor when they walked through the airport.

The Chairman stated that as a Board, they were setting up to see how they could go about doing things differently, to provide higher efficiency when dealing with tourists and becoming the best.

Other Caribbean countries have achieved excellence, and that is why Fernandes is of the belief that they should be able to achieve excellence too, with the help of his employees.

He revealed that they were going to be going through a period of transition, which persons will learn about at an opportune time, as they look to expand the airport and improve the experience of the visitors and all who work there. (CLF)

BARBADOS has dropped from its “Tier Two” rating to “Tier Two Watch List” on the 2019 Trafficking in Persons, which was released last week by the United States Department of State.

However, Attorney General Dale Marshall gave the media the assurance that Barbados will make efforts to meet the requirements outlined in the report.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a Counter-Terrorism Table Top Exercise, which officially began yesterday at the Barbados Defence Force St. Ann’s Fort, the Attorney General said: “...We do have to meet certain international obligations and monitor the human trafficking possibilities and trying to eliminate those is what we are required to do. So we’ve slipped from Tier Two plain and simple to Tier Two Watch List.

“What this requires to do now is look at those areas in which we may have some issues and try to deal with them. We’ve tried to make a fairly convincing argument on behalf of Barbados in relation to the successes that the Police Force has been having, in terms of dealing with the prostitution rings and so on, that operate regionally.

“We have incidents, well known to Barbadians now, where prostitutes are arrested; strangely enough they seem to be fighting to stay in Barbados because they actually have the Government in court. They don’t want to leave.”

The Attorney General said also on the radar would have been medical schools, where in one instance students’ passports were withheld.

“So we think we’ve been doing a good job so far, but obviously there are some areas we have to look at. But there is nothing Barbados needs to fear, it just demonstrates the relationships between what we are doing in terms of fighting terrorism and trying to keep financing away from terrorism because part of the way in which terrorism is funded is through some of the very human trafficking issues that arise.

“It is something that is on our radar, but at this point even though we have slipped, there are no immediate issues and there is no impact on any of our international obligations in that regard. We always have to be concerned about it when our ratings move downward, but watch list means just that.”

The report, which came out on June 20, stated that the Government of Barbados does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, but is making significant efforts to do so.

“These efforts included conducting raids on night-clubs suspected of trafficking, screening vulnerable individuals for trafficking, providing anti-trafficking training for immigration officials and the police force; and conducting public awareness campaigns.”

It was stated, however, that Government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts compared to the previous reporting period.

“The Government identified no victims for the past two reporting periods, initiated no new prosecutions for the fifth consecutive year, and has never secured a trafficking conviction. The Government did not complete its national action plan or an anti-trafficking manual for interviewing and providing assistance for suspected trafficking victims.

“Government agencies continued to report a lack of resources for their anti-trafficking activities. The Government’s anti-trafficking law did not provide penalties that were commensurate with other serious crimes. Therefore, Barbados was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List,” the report stated.

The report divides nations into tiers based on their compliance with standards outlined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000.

The Tier 2 Watch List includes countries whose governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s minimum standards, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards and the absolute number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is very significant or is significantly increasing; or there is a failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons from the previous year; or the determination that a country is making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with minimum standards was based on commitments by the country to take additional future steps over the next year. (JH)

Significant inroads are being made into the German market.

So says Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), William “Billy” Griffith.

Addressing a FVW German Travel workshop yesterday at the Hilton Barbados, he said this and other initiatives were critical in increasing “the island’s exposure
as a destination in the German market, to focus attention on the new Lufthansa flight to start in October, to discuss the tourism development and latest trends with experts, to increase the active support of German travel agents and to provide Barbados accommodation managers, destination management companies and other trade partners with valuable contacts, and insights to get a first-hand feedback and expertise from travel agents”.

Saying the island was looking forward to welcoming the Lufthansa flight, which will service from Frankfurt to Bridgetown three times a week come October, he also thanked long-standing partner Condor, which has been the mainstay of the German air service for several years.

“This new flight and all surrounding initiatives are all part of our overall strategic and long term vision for the German market. Over the last five years the BTMI has made significant inroads and we strive to keep top of minds in Europe. We have set ourselves a healthy target of growth over the next three years and are taking every effort to mark up our sales and our marketing efforts,” he told those gathered.

Griffith also shared that as part of BTMI’s marketing strategy for Germany, it had been partnering with airlines and operators on incentives for both consumers and travel agents, increasing its attendance in trade shows and enhancing the island’s brand visibility directly to both the consumer online and offline in prominent markets.

“Barbados is more than just a beach and has a tremendous amount to offer German visitors,” he told the German travel experts gathered. (JMB)

There is a call for local research to be done on the stigma and discrimination around key populations, those groups which are vulnerable and most at-risk with respect to HIV.

This country’s leading expert on HIV/AIDS, Dr. Carol Jacobs, suggested that there is a dearth of information in that respect and the gap needs to be plugged. Referring to the National HIV/AIDS Commission’s 2017 report on HIV knowledge, attitude, belief and sexual practices, Dr. Jacobs noted that the stigma and discrimination questions referred primarily to issues around people living with HIV and not to attitudes to the key populations which include sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender people. Her comments came as she addressed attendees at the 65th anniversary ceremony of the BFPA, formerly the Barbados Family Planning Association, at the Radisson Aquatica on Saturday evening.

“I would encourage both BFPA and the National HIV/AIDS Commission to collaborate on research which focuses on the stigma and discrimination, specifically around the key population. This would provide broad-based evidence, which would then be used to drive rights-based policies and programmes,” she stated.

Noting that having sexual rights adds to the freedom, equality and dignity of all people, she said the task for BFPA and similar non-governmental organisations must be to change behaviours in a holistic way, opening the eyes of the wider community to the importance of human rights in every aspect of their lives.

Meanwhile, touching on the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), she noted that the World Health Organisation only recently released statistics showing that more than one million new cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas and syphilis are contracted every day. Dr. Jacobs explained that Barbados is not immune to this trend, noting that there have been increases recorded in these four infections in this country. In that vein, Dr. Jacobs, a former Chairman of the National HIV/AIDS Commission, said provision of information on condom use is therefore “doubly important”.

“The evidence in the HIV/AIDS Commission’s 2017 Knowledge, Attitude, Belief and Practice (KABP) Report, looking at persons living in Barbados between the ages of 15 and 49 years, revealed that among other things, 42 per cent of those surveyed have used a condom the last time they had sex, which in the converse tells us that 58 per cent did not use condoms the last time they had sex. Only 40 per cent knew that STIs were transmitted by casual contact. Looking back 15 years to 2004, the Commission’s KABP survey’s figures on condom use were very similar. In that survey, 37 per cent used a condom every time they had sex,” she noted.

Adamant that these behaviours need to change, and that they cannot continue to use the traditional approaches, Dr. Jacobs said faith-based organisations also have a role to play. She made the point while noting that more than 70 per cent of those surveyed were religiously affiliated. That fact is “a piece of information which we ignore at our peril,” she argued. She said it is often presumed that the faith-based community would be unwilling partners because of their views on condom use. To that end, she said the faith-based community must be considered a critical ally in any campaign on healthy lifestyles, including sexual and reproductive rights.

“My experience in the National HIV/AIDS Commission over eight years was one where we forged strong and effective partnerships with the faith-based community. It was a partnership where the Commission respected the Church’s teachings, but relied on them in the context of HIV and AIDS, to instruct on care and compassion, which are so critical to eradicating stigma and discrimination. In turn, we asked that they accept that those of us in the field of HIV/AIDS would deal with the public health dimensions of HIV education in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections, in which condom use is a major component,” she added. (JRT)

As the Barbados Road Safety Association (BRSA) rolls out its anti-drunk driving campaign for the Crop Over Season dubbed “Designate 1”, its president is questioning why breathalyser testing in this country remains elusive.

During a press conference yesterday morning in the conference room of the Barbados Co-operators General Insurance, President of the BRSA, Sharmane Roland-Bowen expressed concern that even though legislation providing for the breathalyser testing to be done has been passed, and she understands that equipment has been purchased, no further steps have been taken. She feels strongly that with Crop Over getting into full swing, there is a need for deterrents that can persuade people not to drive under the influence of alcohol – chief among them the breathalyser. With that testing still not in place, she has posed a number of questions which she wants the one-year-old government to answer.

“Why are there top-of-the-line breathalyser devices which were purchased since January this year sitting idly at the Ministry of Transport and Works when they could be effectively put in use to reduce the prevalence of vehicular accidents, which may be caused by persons driving under the influence of alcohol on our roads? What is currently preventing the training of our police officers in the utilisation and the administration of the breathalyser devices along with the needed refresher training in drink- drive laws? I have been reliably informed that this training can be facilitated in one to two days maximum,” she stated.

The road safety advocate also questioned why has the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance not engaged in an education campaign to inform the public of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and how the breathalyser testing will be conducted. Her questions came as she said that such efforts would certainly assist with compliance.

“We are hoping that this is not a case where our Minister of Transport and Works changes his mind as he did in the past,” she said.

Noting that last November it was promised that breathalyser testing would be rolled out in January this year, Roland-Bowen lamented that five months on, they need answers to why it has been delayed.

“The devices are here, the law is here, the police officers are here, but still no enforcement of this law through the testing of impaired drivers, especially at such a critical time of the year – the Crop Over Season. This would be the first year in Barbados’ history that we have this counteractive equipment available to us for the Crop Over Season, a weapon proven globally to fight drink-driving on the world’s roads and still Barbados, as a developing country, is unable to reap the benefits of such a useful device, but chooses to continue to gamble with the lives of road users in this country,” she lamented.

The BRSA president’s comments came as she noted that we are fast approaching the end of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety and have little to show for it. She made the point while noting that one of the main recommendations of that ten-year goal is to stabilise and reduce the level of road traffic deaths around the world, is the establishment of drink-driving laws, but all Barbados has to show for it she maintained, is “a dormant piece of legislation sitting away in a filing cabinet somewhere”. (JRT)

A very different looking Integrity in Public Life Bill will be proclaimed before the end of this year, and to address the changes that will be made to that promised piece of legislation, at least four other statutes, including one focused specifically on whistle-blowers, are being drafted and should be passed before year-end as well.

The assurance has come from Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Dale Marshall, who said all that should help to reposition Barbados as a society that values integrity and honesty. Marshall further told those present from the business community, that he is confident that all of the legislative instruments will successfully pass through Parliament within the next three months, and will become law in time for Independence this November.

He made the disclosure while delivering an address at the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s “Guided by Integrity Breakfast Discussion”, which was put on at the Hilton Hotel yesterday in conjunction with Integrity Group Barbados, during which he revealed that the concerns raised about the level of fines in the Bill have also been addressed. The AG is promising that the fines are going to be “rightly in the hundreds of thousands of dollars”, to reflect, he said, the seriousness with which Government sees the absence of integrity in public life.

Providing a detailed update on the promised Integrity in Public Life Bill, he said the reason for the delay in passing that law has been a matter of a lack of resources, noting that there are fewer than 10 legal drafters in the drafting department of his ministry. With a heavy workload over the last year and so few persons doing the work, he said they have been challenged, as they try to get the job done.

“In addition to that, a number of things happened along the way. We are concerned that while we can put together a piece of legislation dealing with integrity in public life, the Integrity in Public Life statute will only cover perhaps under 200 people – judges, chairmen of boards, senior public servants, ministers of government. But the vast majority of individuals simply would not have been covered,” he said.

Given this reality, and to have as comprehensive a take on integrity and corruption as possible, the AG revealed that sections of the legislation that dealt with whistleblowers, being limited in scope, are being removed from the Bill and a “whole new and comprehensive whistle-blower statute” is being created. Additionally, he said with the 1929 Prevention of Corruption Act being very much out of date, steps are being taken to create a piece of legislation to deal with that as well. He explained that it made no sense to keep corruption within the Integrity bill, when what is needed is a new dedicated statute.

AG Marshall also spoke of the recently announced plans for major organised crime and anti-corruption agency, adding that the legal framework for that is being drafted at this time as well. He maintained that such an agency is needed to help investigate corruption and financial crimes, as the Police Force’s Financial Crimes Unit only has four officers and the Fraud Squad a complement of 10.

“What has emerged then is the need, rather than having a hodgepodge integrity bill with all kinds of things thrown in like the proverbial kitchen sink, that as a matter of governance and for the sake of good order, it would be better to have dedicated, special purpose pieces of legislation. So every step of the way we have made adjustments, holding true to the model of the integrity bill you have all seen, but making sure that we don’t fall short of supporting that thrust by having a framework that is not comprehensive,” the Minister of Legal Affairs added.

In that vein, he said concerted efforts are being made to ensure there are no inconsistencies between the various bills, as they are to work in tandem to strengthen Barbados’ national integrity system. Additionally, he said the Proceeds and Instrumentalities of Crime Act is set to be proclaimed soon, and is expected to support the new suite of legislation that is coming. He noted that the Act makes provision for a range of civil and criminal orders to help law enforcement and other agencies in their investigations.

The AG’s comments came as he admitted that over the years, successive governments have dropped the ball as it relates to rooting out corruption, noting that attempts over the years to develop such legislation have not borne any fruit, with one of the last efforts – in 2012 through the Prevention of Corruption Act – never actually being proclaimed. Moreover, he said while in 2001 Barbados signed the Inter-American Treaty against Corruption, it was only ratified a mere four months before the last general elections; and the 2003 United Nations Convention against Corruption, which the country has signed, is yet to be ratified. In fact, he said Barbados along with Syria, have the distinction of being the only two countries yet to do so.

“It is no surprise then that Barbadians have become cynical and view the talk of fighting corruption as just another political football that will receive no serious attention, but will be cheered on as a topic at election time… The time has simply come when, for a variety of reasons, the lacklustre efforts and lip service must come to an end.

“We are at that place. We cannot go forward as a nation unless we grapple with the demon of corruption, not because other people are watching, but because we have to have a fair and just Barbados, where our decisions, especially on public procurement, are made transparently and where accountability is key,” he maintained. (JRT)

Employers in Barbados must not shy away from hiring persons with disabilities.

This is the view of Ros Jackson, Managing Director of Caribbean Catalyst Inc., who conceptualised the Kregg Nurse Memorial Scholarship Award, which is now in its 15th year. The 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.

At the offices of Caribbean Catalyst, located in River Road, St. Michael, Ros Jackson sat with Dionna Browne-Findlay, who was diagnosed with systemic lupus and who won the award back in 2010. She was chosen to present this year’s award to the 2019 winner, Tyrell McCollin and first runner up Nikkolai Clarke-Herbert, earlier this month.

Dionna is now an attorney-at-law, having been called to the Bar in October 2018, and Ros Jackson decided to interview her to get a better understanding of the challenges that disabled persons face when seeking employment.

It was during that interview that Jackson 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.

“I think what we need to help the market understand, is that hiring a person with a disability is not something that you need to shy away from. In fact, why I am so involved in the Kregg Nurse Scholarship with Catalyst is that I was instrumental in hiring Kregg when I was at Ernst and Young and I would like to share that when we were doing that, I got some opposition from some of the traditional thinkers in the team. But anybody who knows me, knows that opposition would just make me more determined. And the accommodations we had to make for Kregg were minuscule compared to the contrition that Kregg made to the organisation,” she pointed out, noting that the late Kregg Nurse worked in the field of accounting, assisting offshore clients.

Acknowledging that a number of local companies such as the Massy Group and Barbados Light and Power Company have been leaders in terms of hiring persons with disabilities who are well qualified to do the jobs which they have signed up for, Jackson is meanwhile calling on other local companies to become flexible and open minded in taking on those who are differently abled, who are willing to go the extra mile, but just need the opportunity to show their capabilities.

Pointing out that the contribution of a person with a disability who wants to succeed in mainstream society is a boost to any corporate environment, Jackson stressed that differently-abled persons are not looking for pity, but simply want empathy in their quest to excel in the working world.

“I hope all employees will understand that nobody within an organisation with a disability wants to be patronised or have some sort of special treatment. You need to take the time to understand the nature of the disability and then agree with the person how best can we accommodate you, and you would be surprised that it is not any major investment you have to make. Once it is done for the right reason and done well, you would be also pleasantly surprised at how it brings out within your culture empathy and compassion, that will build your team in to a much stronger team,” Jackson asserted.

The United States Government, in collaboration with the Government of Barbados, observed Regional HIV Testing Day on June 27, with the launch of an essential package of HIV prevention and treatment services and a corresponding service directory.

Five hundred copies will be distributed to health and social service providers and members of the public to increase awareness of and access to these services for Barbadians, particularly marginalised populations.

The essential package of services was developed by the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) LINKAGES Project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW).

This valuable resource lists the important services needed for key populations (KPs) – those most vulnerable to HIV – to meets their health needs and to promote sexual health andwell-being. It can be used by providers to ensure they are offering clients the necessary care and treatment based on their health status, risk factors, and other determinants.

The Government of Barbados, particularly the Ministry of Health and Wellness, continues to demonstrate genuine commitment to HIV programming. To this end, Barbados has established the region’s first “Shared Care Initiative”, that provides a spectrum of services and public and private service providers, including the USAID-supported CEED (Community Education, Empowerment and Development) and EQUALS (Empowerment, Quality, Unity, Acceptance, Love and Support), to meet the differentiated needs of KPs.

Community-based organisations, like CEED and EQUALS, are critical partners in the HIV response and examples of meaningful civil society engagement. The Ministry of Health and Wellness, CEED, and EQUALS are distributing copies of the directory as a tool to improve sexual health among the population in Barbados.

The Arts are critical not only for showcasing students’ creativity, but also for fostering their ability to think both practically and abstractly.

Acting Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Lucille Moe suggested the above recently. She was at the time delivering remarks during an awards ceremony held at Almond Bay in Hastings, Christ Church, in appreciation of the student artists and teachers who comprised the mural team responsible for the construction of the “Living Art Wall”, at the Education Ministry.

Minister Moe pointed out that whilst STEM, which places great emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics continues to be very relevant in educational systems worldwide, more and more research is confirming that STEM must become STEAM, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, since the Arts are a critical part in education and it has been recognised that through Art, students can become better learners.

“The Arts enable our students to problem-solve, communicate and collaborate; all 21st Century skills which we want to encourage and facilitate in our system of education, at all levels,” she added.

The Minister meanwhile noted that the Ministry is continually leveraging the Arts to use them literally and figuratively to transform the face of our local educational system.

“Our commitment has even extend to the approval of the discipline of Art Therapy, as one of the areas in which Barbadians can receive the prestigious National Development Scholarship,” Minister Moe stated.

The Education Minister stressed that skilled-based subjects like the Arts are therefore critical to the local curriculum, since they serve to help students apply action or skill to knowledge.

“We don’t just want to produce artists with head knowledge, but artists who can use what they know, to produce and lead and innovate change,” she added.

The claim of unfair dismissal by two former senior managers at the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is headed for the Employment Rights Tribunal (ERT).

According to leader of Unity Workers’ Union, Senator Caswell Franklyn, that will have to be the next step after the latest planned round of discussions never got off the ground yesterday at the Labour Department in Warrens. He said this was due to an alleged complaint made by one of the parties representing the BWA.

The union leader told The Barbados Advocate he is not pleased with the development, contending that the complaint “had nothing to do with the case at hand” and should not have impacted the meeting. Franklyn said that the meeting, which was scheduled for 10 a.m., convened at 10:50 a.m. and within minutes the complaint was lodged.

He made the point while noting that this most recent issue follows the BWA’s failure to respond to the proposal from the union at a meeting in April, to have the former financial controller Lorna Mascoll and ex-manager of the Waste Water Division Patricia Inniss reinstated, and monies owed to them paid. But, Franklyn said the April 23 deadline for the response has long passed and to date there has still been no reply.

“As far as I am concerned that is the end of the matter and I have asked the Labour Department to refer the matter to the Tribunal, because if the other side refuses to meet, something has to give. I just want the matter now to go on to the next step,” he contended.

Senator Franklyn is optimistic that the matter will be heard by the Tribunal soon, noting that with that body now up and running, he anticipates that cases will be handled “much more swiftly than they were in the past”.

Meanwhile, attorney for Inniss, Queen’s Counsel Hal Gollop, described the reason for leaving the meeting as “preposterous”, and expressed his and his client’s disappointment that the BWA has not yet responded to the proposal put forward by Franklyn, which they were hoping the meeting would have allowed the state utility to do. Gollop, a former chairman of the ERT, made the comments as he maintained that the rationale for the breakdown in negotiations cannot be good for the industrial relations process.

Mascoll and Inniss, who were made redundant some months ago and are keen to see the matter concluded, with the view of getting their jobs back, have expressed shock at the turn of events.

“I am just so stunned; I am not even angry,” said Inniss. “I am so dumbfounded right now. It is not only about the unfair dismissal, but monies they owe me outside of our claim; they owe me backpay; cannot be settled.”

A disappointed Mascoll, who worked at the BWA for 19 years, told this newspaper the months-long issue has to be resolved and she and Inniss must be paid their outstanding money. The abrupt way the meeting ended has left a sour taste in Mascoll’s mouth. She said she feels disrespected.

“I don’t think we need to be going back and forth wasting the time of lawyers, union representatives, myself and Patricia,” she insisted.

When contacted yesterday General Manager of the BWA Keithroy Halliday said the Authority “would not be able to respond at this time”, explaining that the BWA does not discuss employee matters in the media. He added however that he would look into the matter and a determination would be made as to whether a statement would be
issued.

In today’s dynamic environment, teachers must constantly modify their ways of interacting with students.

Giving this advice while addressing the orientation ceremony for the 2019/2020 cohort at the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College yesterday, Principal Dr. Patricia Saul said teachers must keep up with emerging trends in education globally.

“Today’s teacher and administrator is dealing with a more diverse student population, more complex classroom environments, changing workforce demands, pervasive use of technology, and significant changes in value systems. So there is a need for us to constantly modify how we deal with our students if we really want to prepare them for the world of the future,” she added.

In a similar vein, Chairman of Erdiston’s Board Dr. Sylvia Henry reminded those gathered that receiving a first or second certificate should not be the end of learning for teachers, but should be simple pauses along the journey of being an educator.

“Teaching is more than some thing you do on the side. It is not a by-the-way job. It is a career calling. It is a profession to be taken seriously. It is a life changing career and some even say it is a mission. It is a profession that does not allow you to stagnate,” Henry shared.

During her brief remarks, the educator also made a call for more men to join the teaching service, saying while traditionally women are considered to be better suited for the role, males also make excellent teachers and are valuable role models.

She was speaking to those 272 individuals newly enrolled in the In-Service Certificate Programme for Teachers of Physical Education/ Music; Vocational Teachers’ Training Programme in Adult Education; Bachelor of Education (Primary); Diploma in Education (Primary); Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary); and the Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership programmes.
(JMB)

THE Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations is very much aware that developing and cultivating appropriate standards of behaviour and having a positive work ethic should start as early as possible.

In fact, Permanent Secretary Alyson Forte is of the view that instilling in children proper work habits and a good attitude will take them through every facet of their lives and be a benefit to them.

His comments came during the G.I.V.E. Schools’ Competition Award Ceremony at Warrens Office Complex, yesterday.

G.I.V.E., an acronym for Great Attitude, Initiative, Values and Excellence, was initiated by the Ministry to improve employer and employee attitudes in the public sector; and to promote standards of appropriate behaviour in the workplace.

The G.I.V.E Schools’ Competition, a pilot project, was therefore aimed at capturing the attention of students, while exposing them to the principles of the G.I.V.E Programme, which include attitude, attendance and absenteeism, honesty and integrity, dress and appearance, communication and customer service. It also comprised a poster competition for primary and secondary schools.

“We are well aware that young people are a vital part of our nation and their success is dependent on how they plan for their future,” he pointed out.

“They are not merely the next generation and must wait their turn. They are very much a part of this present generation. Failure to recognise this could well result in a lost of many of their most productive years. They are increasing lobbying to have their voices heard and will be the drivers of innovations, particularly in the development and use of artificial intelligence.”

The P.S. in the Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations further advised that the world of work is a very competitive environment and it will get more competitive as there is a demand for more highly trained and educated people.

“Therefore, it is imperative that young people arm themselves with the necessary tools and skills for success in whatever path or career they choose. Students who exhibit the right attitude and appropriate standards of behaviour are the ones who are most likely to succeed,” he stressed.

“In this regard, the Ministry will continue to work with the schools in providing workshops and programmes, to ensure that the message is communicated to our children.” (TL)

Principal of the Wilkie Cumberbatch School Jennifer Phillips is extremely proud of the accomplishment of her charges who continue to excel both academically and athletically.

This sentiment was expressed as she presented her report at the school’s recent graduation. She stated, “I am mighty proud to inform you that the Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary School has performed very well in the recently held Barbados Secondary School Entrance Examination.”

The top boy was Kaheim Clement who scored 91 in English and 94 in Mathematics. Student of the year and Top Girl was Maisha Alfred with 95 in English and 96 in Mathematics. Special prizes were awarded to Omari Bishop, Devan Alleyne and Shamario Drakes for being the Most Outstanding Male.

Most Outstanding Females were Christina Alleyne, Ronika Drakes and Azaria Cox. The latter was also in the Most Improved category. Asharia Braithwaite, Jamel Braithwaite and Nyah Austin were also in that category.

The school’s mandate is to improve the health and fitness of students and improve skills in sports. Their focus on cultivating well-rounded students saw them competing in various competitions in multiple spheres. This was their inaugural year in the Trevor Straughn Memorial Cross Country. They entered eight competitors in the National Sports Council Annual Body Fitness Competition. They are also doing well in an ongoing netball tournament.

The range of activities in which their student body is involved is extensive. They have partnered with the Lions Club of Bridgetown, who provided plants for the beautification of the compound. In addition to an active Scouts and Brownie movement, the school will be installing the 4H movement in the upcoming school year.

There was a strategic plan to have the infrastructure of the school improved. Principal Phillips indicated that the Ministry of Education Technological and Vocational Training will be making some major refurbishments in the vacation. She said, “I express my gratitude to them and pledge my support as we work together to make the school experience a rich and happy one for all.”

When the formalities had been taken care of the students entertained the attendees. They adapted the lyrics of Adrian Clarke’s popular “Soca You” to an equally entertaining “Wilkie You”.

The audience enjoyed performances on the keyboard, in dance and a showcase of vocal strength by soloist Ariel Brathwaite. (ST)

In an effort to educate social workers and other key stakeholders on the signs and symptoms of drug use, how to identify drugs and findings on emerging trends, the National Council on Substance Abuse hosted a full-day workshop yesterday.

As he delivered brief remarks, Deputy Manager of the NCSA, Troy Wickham noted that yesterday’s workshop was in keeping with the Organisation of American States (OAS) CICAD Hemispheric Guidelines on Workplace Prevention, which highlighted the need to train key personnel in organisations.

“We at the NCSA Aim to educate you social workers about the signs and symptoms of drug use, how to identify drugs, some of our finds and about the emerging trends,” he said.

“In fulfilling our mission to “promote sustained action for positive change in the fight against substance abuse”, the NCSA intends to host strategic Drug Education Seminars for persons in the workplace and professional groups as a means to strengthen multiple stakeholders in this fight against substance abuse,” he continued.

He reported that it was no secret that research was showing that children as young as eight years old experiment with drugs, and it is against this backdrop that Wickham stated it was paramount to educate adults to the dangers of drug use.

Makeada Bourne, Community Programme Officer at NCSA told The Barbados Advocate the social work seminars have sessions on drug education which are conducted by members of the Royal Barbados Police Force.

“We are doing this series of workshops throughout the year because we recognise the importance of empowering persons in the workplace as well as empowering professionals,” she said.

“So we are taking groups of professionals and educating them; this is a very strategic move based on the fact that in training professionals I get parents, employees members of the community, loved ones who may know someone that is abusing or using a drug in one group and we will be able to spread the word and information on the impact of drug use.”

She described these workshops as important because the NCSA is able to keep the population up-to-date on any current trends and how to deal with them. (CLF)

The much anticipated 24-hour system is officially underway at the Winston Scott Polyclinic.

The initiative, which has been championed by the Barbados Labour Party Government since it came to office, was officially launched yesterday morning by Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic. In a brief ceremony held at the polyclinic, the Health minister maintained that the service will be of benefit to those who cannot afford private health care in this country after normal working hours.

“It is a service that is vitally needed by a large number of Barbadians who do not have the financial resources to seek medical attention outside of normal working hours of the polyclinics, and who then have to go to the QEH’s Accident and Emergency Department and wait for inordinately long periods of time. That is why this idea came into being, to expand on the Fast Track [Clinic] services, and to provide these services we are going to be offering here at Winston Scott from today [Monday],” he said.

Minister Bostic noted that the journey towards the 24-hour system has been a long one, and he offered apologies on behalf of his Ministry for not being able to deliver it last October as was promised. The Ministry had also set a June 1 commencement date for the service, and that too was postponed after there was concern raised by the nurses. Then mid-June it was announced that the service would commence on July 1 with specially contracted staff operating it.

“There were some issues that were raised that had to be dealt with, valid issues and I am pleased to say that we are in a position now where we have been able to resolve all of the issues that have been raised. So right now it is really a matter of getting things operationalised and going, and we certainly will sit back and see what happens so that we can make some determination in terms of how we can improve the service and also how we can initiative the service at St. John,” he stated.

Meanwhile, speaking to the plan to have a similar service launched at the polyclinic at the David Thompson Health and Social Services Complex, Glebe Land, St. John, Minister Bostic said his ministry is still on track to introduce 24-hour operations there as well. He indicated that as soon as they are able to acquire all the necessary resources, which is likely to take a few months, that system will be up and running in the St. John facility.

In an interview with the media after the ceremony, he gave the assurance that all the security concerns relative to the Winston Scott Polyclinic were “ironed out quite some time ago”, adding that the polyclinic is very well secured.
“Not only in terms of electronic security, or human or manned security, but also some protocols we have in place with the Royal Barbados Police Force in the unlikely event we have to respond to an incident here,” he stated.

Speaking earlier during the ceremony, Dr. Joanne Bradford, Head of the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at the hospital, noted that the new clinic will allow persons access to urgent care day or night. She noted that often persons present at the A&E with vomiting, rash and minor injuries and these persons can now be treated at the 24-Hour Clinic. But, should they require further management, she said they can be sent to the A&E.

She explained that should such persons use the new clinic it would reduce the waiting times and the number of persons presenting to the A&E. Bradford explained this would allow that hospital department, to focus on persons who come with more “urgent and emergency conditions”.

“In the foreseeable future, the impact of the 24-hour urgent care service offered by the Winston Scott Polyclinic, could be increased further by investments of resources such as a dedicated shuttle service, additional access to diagnostic services such as ultrasound, bedside blood testing and the provision of additional services,” she added.

Government will soon be able to understand the full picture of the country’s crime problem, and then implement effective programmes to reduce it.

This will be made possible through the Barbados Crime Victimization Survey, which is a part of the CariSECURE project, a partnership between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Addressing the training workshop at United Nations (UN) House yesterday, US Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS, Her Excellency Linda Taglialatela said that crime victimization surveys are recognized as important tools, capturing unreported crime and supplementing the reported ones, which improves the fidelity of the data and ensures the needs of vulnerable populations are addressed.

The Ambassador explained that these surveys also provide an important source of crime and violence data that often times has not been reported by citizens to the police. This often includes for example, sexual assault, aggravated and simple robbery, personal larceny, and household property crimes. It also provides vital information on vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly, and children, who may be reticent to share their victimization directly with an official.

“The new information gained from the survey will them enable the government to gauge perceptions of the police, assess crime victimization, and identify important trends, like crime in schools, crime locations and victim profiling that are not always captured by official administrative crime data,” she pointed out.

“The survey data will fill gaps and create a more holistic picture of crime, leading to a better understanding by the government of the crime situation. It will enable policymakers to develop more effective policies and crime interventions that will then contribute to crime reduction and safer communities”.

Ambassador Taglialatela told representatives of criminal justice agencies that during the week they will understand the purpose and application of statistical information; how to administer a national crime victimization survey questionnaire; process data and conduct information analysis; consider crime screening and methodological issues; and ensure quality control.

“These fundamental skills are integral to successful crime victimization surveys,” she further stressed. (TL)

The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) is encouraging Barbadians to ‘Tek It Easy’ this Crop Over season.

They will be doing so through their six week media campaign which was launched on Monday, July 1st at the NCSA’s headquarters.

NCSA’s Deputy Manager, Troy Wickham said through the initiative the organisation will be reminding both locals and visitors to make wise choices, especially relating to alcohol use and abuse.

“Summer is one of the most festive periods in Barbados. History has shown us that during this period persons tend to indulge in the consumption of more substances than usual, especially alcohol. With that being said, we have decided to have a greater presence out there spreading the word to encourage the population to make wise choices while having fun. These choices include continuous promotion of responsible alcohol drinking and designated driving, sharing safety practices to prevent drunk driving and the promotion of safe sex during the Crop Over season.”

Wickham further stated that the NCSA has partnered with entertainer, Edwin Yearwood and the Junior Chambers International (JCI) Barbados for the campaign. Yearwood has composed the theme song, ‘Tek It Easy’. Meanwhile, NCSA will be teaming up with JCI for their Safe and Sober Campaign where they set up ‘Safe Zones’ at various Crop Over events offering patrons an area where they can have non-alcoholic beverages and snacks as well as cool down before leaving the event.

Adding to the Deputy Manager’s remarks, Board Member, Kevon Henry explained the NCSA in July will have radio shows twice weekly, one on 98.1 FM and the other on HOTT 95.3 FM. Concurrently, NCSA will roll out their social media campaign on the agency’s Instagram, YouTube and Facebook platforms to raise awareness about alcohol use and abuse.

Speaking on behalf of Edwin Yearwood, Manager, Ingrid Holder said he was pleased to work with the NCSA for this campaign.

“We will do what we can to spread the message of taking it easy this Crop Over. Not only for Crop Over but for every festive season we have here on the island and we are encouraging all our visitors of course, to ‘Tek It Easy’ as well,
while they are participating in our Crop Over and having a good time.”

New Zealand High Commissioner Anton Ojala visited PEG Farm in St. Joseph at the weekend with a group of students from The Alleyne and Combermere Schools.

The visit was a follow up from the Sir Clifford Husbands Agriculture Shield Challenge which the New Zealand High Commission sponsored the previous weekend, organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society Barbados Branch.

“Last week the school students competed making healthy smoothies and snacks”, the High Commissioner said, “and this week we wanted to give them an opportunity to see where the food they were using comes from.”

PEG Farm uses sustainable biodynamic agriculture processes, which means that food is produced without pesticides and chemicals at the same time as the soil is regenerated.

“New Zealand is one of the world’s leading agricultural producers and a strong supporter of youth development so we were pleased to work with the Royal Commonwealth Society on this project,” the High Commissioner said.

The project designer and organiser, Dr. Claire Durant from the Royal Commonwealth Society said “the children were very interested to see where their meat and vegetables come from, and also other agricultural products like honey.”

“Making healthy food options from local produce means healthier children, as well as reducing the amount that Barbados spends on imported food products,” added Dr. Durant.