Meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets requires a new transformational and technological agenda.

“For the Caribbean region, our transformation process will require a radical shift in our approach to public policy development and project implementation. We need to meet the challenges of climate change while integrating sustainability and building for resilience, economic empowerment, social development and growth, so that we create opportunities for all our citizens,” stated Monica La Bennett, Vice President Operations of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

To achieve this vision, she insisted it was essential to develop transformational Public Policy leadership capacity and therefore outlined this was one of the reason’s for the bank’s hosting of the Public Policy Analysis and Management’s workshop entitled “Leadership in Action for Public Sector Policy Leaders”. 

Delivering the event’s opening remarks yesterday at the Courtyard Marriott, she stated there must be a focus on gains of the whole, on prioritising actions, measuring and communicating results, and building critical leadership qualities and future leaders.  

Bennett also indicated the CDB’s intention of deepening its work in public policy leadership and public service professionalisation.  

“We all want meaningful change for the benefit of our societies, so as leaders we must make the effort to change the status quo and challenge norms that no longer serve us well as nations and a region,” she added.

“This conference provides an excellent opportunity to share the lessons and the policy challenges we face together and also the new policy frameworks and the public policy tools which can help in moving towards a new transformational 2030 vision for the Caribbean region. We expect to see active discussions and active participation so that lessons can be shared and the public policy tools and networking opportunities embraced. This will help us all to continue to build the public policy leadership capacity across the region, so we can take action together in partnership,” Bennett told the audience. (JMB)
    

Principal of Bay Primary School, Heather Parris is imploring parents to become the primary influencers in the lives of their children.

She said that the examples set must be positive ones, as children live what they learn.

Parris offered this advice while addressing the school’s 2019 Graduation Ceremony at Hilton Barbados, yesterday.

“It pains me that we have some young parents who are bad examples to their children. These parents flout the school rules and encourage their children to do so,” the concerned principal said.

“Parents as your children transition to secondary school I want you to be careful of the examples you show them… I especially speak about your sons. When we ask that a child has his haircut, there are some parents who say to us ‘the child doesn’t want a haircut’.

So, the children I assume are telling the parents what to do. When I see what is happening I am saying that our males are becoming “endangered species” and if we continue to lose our sons – we lose our society,” she continued.

“So, parents please take charge of your households; take charge of your families. The children need you in a good way – please do the job that you are supposed to do. Do not let your sons become statistics, continue to teach them the value of education and how to be honest, hardworking, successful, productive citizens who can make a valuable contribution to society,” she insisted.

This year, 51 students at Bay Primary School sat the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (BSSEE).

Parris reported that in English, 37 students scored 50 per cent and over; Mathematics, 33 students scored 50 per cent and over; and 27 students scored grades A to C in composition.

Top boy Micah Moore will be attending Queen’s College having gained 96 per cent in both English and Mathematics. Top girl Shaneka Medford received 84 per cent in English and 94 per cent in Mathematics and she is headed to Harrison College come September.

“What is truly pleasing to us is that some of the students had their personal best performances in this examination and that pleases those who have worked with them over the years and know how far they have come to achieve,” Parris said, recognising the class 4 teachers.

Founder and Ranch Chief of The Nature Fun Ranch, Corey Lane urged the graduation class to always strive for excellence.

“If you decide to be a carpenter and you build houses – build houses like Sir Gary played cricket! If you decide to be a teacher – teach like Rihanna made music! Whatever you choose to do, whoever you choose to be, do it to the best of your ability. That is what excellence is, not comparing yourself to others, but comparing yourself to yesterday and being a better person today and tomorrow,” he told the students.

“When you go, where you go, how you go, every single time I want you as students to show up and to show up! Don’t just get to class, but get to class and make sure that your mind is in motion and you are doing the things you are supposed to do”. (TL)

Just before midday yesterday, shoppers in Bridgetown got a taste of what this year’s sweetest summer festival has to offer.

Title sponsor of Grand Kadooment, Republic Bank held its annual ‘Mini-Kadoo’ along Broad Street after presenting an $85 000 cheque to the National Cultural Foundation.

Costumed revellers and stilt walkers along with management from the bank waved flags, danced to 2019 Crop-Over tunes and cheerfully greeted visitors and locals alike who stopped to stare at the spectacle.

Moments earlier at the bank, NCF’s Administration Manager, Wayne Webster and General Manager of Retail Banking, Sharon Zephirin spoke on the importance of the festival, not only in terms of revenue generation but the celebration of the island’s rich culture.

“We have a unique tourism product that tells a story about our heritage,” he said, noting this story was being shared with the rest of the world and generating interest and higher numbers of visitors to these shores.

Webster also highlighted the ongoing success of the Crop-Over app, which was launched last year. (JMB)

The Coleridge and Parry School’s surroundings will be a little brighter thanks to Berger Paints Barbados Limited.

On Monday, President of the Coleridge and Parry School’s Parent Teacher Association, Emmerson Herbert told the school’s morning assembly about the ongoing beautification painting project on the second and third form block. He asked the students, some of whom volunteered to paint the building, to show their appreciation to Berger for providing the resources to make the project possible.

After assembly, Marketing Assistant for Berger Paints Barbados Limited, Renee Cobham spoke to The Barbados Advocate and said that the company donated fifteen five-gallon pails of paint to the rural school. She explained that Berger had received a letter from Coleridge and Parry seeking assistance.

“[Berger] recognised the need to maintain the schools. It is something that we started in 2018 with the “Conceive, Create, Cultivate” initiative and we are just continuing wherever possible to assist the government institutions with their refurbishment projects,” said Cobham.

She mentioned that in the past, Berger has assisted Eagle Hall Primary School, Westbury Primary School and through other corporate entities such CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Rubis, they have sponsored the paint to beautify the interior of some other primary schools.

Cobham who was accompanied by Colour Advisor for Berger Paints Barbados Limited, Charlene Medford, joined Herbert for a brief tour of one of the school blocks which had already been painted.

Plans are in the works at Wills Primary School to introduce additional technology into the classroom to enhance the learning experience for students.

Principal, Nicole Wills told the audience at Wednesday’s annual prize giving and graduation ceremony to achieve this, she has asked the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for assistance.

“In this age of technology and instant gratification it is sometimes difficult for teachers to compete with the onslaught of virtual reality. Our teachers bridge that gap by bringing technology into the classroom through smart TVs. The students become more engaged in learning through animation and song. We hope to continue on this trajectory and have asked the PTA for assistance in giving our students access to iPads and keyboards which will help engage them in writing, reading, comprehension, problem-solving and computer skills. By pairing the iPad with our smart TV the students will become fully engaged in learning.”

The Principal also told the gathering at the Ivan Harewood Centre at Church Hill, Christ Church of plans to reintroduce “Music Theory and the recorder on our curriculum.” She said during the pilot stage, “this subject will be taught from Class 2-4” and next year, they “hope to encompass from KG 4 up.”

Turning her attention to speak about the school’s performance in the Barbados Secondary Schools Entrance Examination, she commended Daniel Wickham for placing third overall among the island’s top performers in the exam, for gaining a perfect score in Mathematics and placing among the top 11 students on the island in English. She also commended Natasha Georges for her perfect score in Mathematics and Nala Maughn for placing among the top 11 pupils on island in English.

Wills further disclosed that “in Mathematics, our average was 89.7 per cent compared to the national average of 62 per cent. In English, our average was 86.3 per cent compared to the national average of 66 percent. Our overall average this year was 88 per cent as compared last year’s 86 per cent. Fifteen out of our 20 students who sat passed for their first choice. To say we are extremely proud is an understatement.”

During Wednesday’s ceremony several prizes were presented to students. The Spirit of Wills Primary School award was given to Head Boy, Troy Browne. Addressing the audience, he urged upcoming Class 4s to “be obedient, focused, put away the gadgets… and work hard. It is only for a time and it is worth it in the end.” (MG)

One of the country’s leading agriculturalists says that local production of corn or even cassava to assist in the manufacture of livestock feed, will not be an easy task.

Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), James Paul is not particularly confident that growing such crops on as large a scale as needed for feed production is possible in Barbados, given our high production costs in general, and insists that even if pursued, it will take time and definitely require the buy-in of the farming community in order to achieve. He made the point while expressing concern that even if corn production is boosted locally, local farmers will not be able to grow corn at a price that would make it profitable enough to push it into livestock feed.

The BAS spokesman explained that naturally if the cost of production is high, the resulting cost of the feed made will be high and as a major input, livestock farmers would have to include that in the price at which they sell the meat produced.

“We can try, but the cost of producing corn in a country like Barbados, even if we utilise new farming techniques is much too expensive. It is basically the same problem we have had in respect of using cassava to produce feed,” he said in an interview with The Barbados Advocate.

He added, “Food grade cassava takes about four to five months at the max to mature, feed grade means going even longer, as much as eight months. And the fact is, right now we cannot even produce enough food grade cassava”.

The BAS head made the point while noting that given the current economic climate, farmers are unlikely to be willing to forgo a rapid turnaround in their business. Paul explained that if they can get a good price for food grade cassava, they will take it rather than keeping the cassava planted another three, four months, effectively “tying up their money in the ground”.

“A bushel of corn is about 56 pounds, a bushel of corn now in the United States is selling between US$4 and $5, the price per pound then is very low, there is no way we can match that price here,” he maintained.

Talk of corn production and alternately the use of cassava to use in manufacturing feed has become topical in recent times, as heavy rains in the United States threatened the corn crop, and pushed the price of the commodity up. This scenario too, he said, could impact on the cost of meat in this country if the fears that the US yields will fall short of market expectations, holds true.

“You do not adjust to these things in a short timeframe, we often have knee-jerk responses to challenges in agriculture coming from the international markets and that show a total lack of planning in agriculture. A knee-jerk reaction is not going to solve this, what we need is systematic, long-term approach that addresses the problem. We would have to increase agricultural output overall in these particular commodities; we would have to have the variety of corn that is required and we have to look at the price issue,” Paul stated.

He continued, “But more importantly farmers have to look and see if it makes economic sense for them. Even if new farmers come on board specifically to grow these crops, it would take time and the failure rate in establishing any businesses is very high. So even if ten farmers come in to do this, few of them will actually succeed. So while we laud the fact that people are getting into agriculture, there is a learning curve in the industry and the question is, will people be able to stay the course?” 

Paul went on to say that the agricultural sector is closely watching for the upcoming August report of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), given that has not been much change between the June and July reports, which show that corn was 99 per cent planted, but pegged only 56 per cent of the crop to be in good condition.

“If the weather changes, whereby they get warm weather and don’t have any unusual rain, then there could be an improvement in the crop and the price may stay relatively stable. That would be good for us because we buy ahead. For example, at the 1st of September, we may buy October and November corn, so the price remains stable at least for that period,” he explained. (JRT)

Sixteen young people have enhanced their interpersonal skills and are more aware of how to start a business following their participation in the “Youth Entrepreneurship: Leadership and Personal Development Camp”.

The three-week session was conducted from June 17 to July 5 by The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus. Those involved were drawn from the Haynesville, St. James community.

Speaking during last Friday’s closing ceremony, Temporary Assistant Lecturer/Project Coordinator, Dr. Lisa Jaggernauth said the programme came about because of research she did while completing studies for her doctoral degree “and in recognising the need to work with at-risk young people and to expose them to a brighter tomorrow.”

She identified the areas taught during the Camp. These included self-love and self-awareness, how to work in teams, conflict resolution as well as effective communications skills. Participants were also taught make-up artistry, hair care and jewellery making in addition to attending four tours, participating in a business laboratory and a drug and alcohol awareness session conducted by a representative from the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA).

The closing ceremony in the Cynthia Wilson Arts Lecture Theatre at the campus was attended by Head of Government, Sociology, Social Work and Psychology, Dr. Wendy Grenade. In her remarks, she expressed delight that the participants were able to learn new skills through the initiative. She encouraged them to share this knowledge with others.

“I really want to challenge you to treat this as a life changing opportunity where you attained skills that you learnt from the last three weeks and… you will not just keep what you have learnt for yourself but that you will share with your family, with your community around you. It is about learning. It is about growing and I really want to encourage you to ensure that you build on this. Whatever you have learnt make sure that you build on it so that you can become a different person because of this Camp.” (MG)

The quality of life of scores of Barbadian children have been improved in a very significant way thanks to a partnership between Sandy Lane Charitable Trust (SLCT), the World Paediatric Project and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).

To date, this “tri-partnership” formed in 2015 by SLCT has successfully completed 103 orthopaedic surgeries on 89 children, at a cost of in excess of BB$20 million.

Commending the undertaking, Minister Of Health And Wellness, Lt. Col. The Hon. Jeffrey Bostic said that such philanthropic efforts do not only provide benefits to those who are the recipients of services rendered, but accrues benefits for the organisations which provide the services.

“At the highest level there is a strong sense of solidarity, the knowledge of helping others, of caring, loving and giving for the wellbeing of others. This is not unusual or surprising because we human beings are “wired” for such action,” he expressed.

“Discussion on philanthropy in today’s economic environment, may naturally lead many persons to conclude that our interest as a Government is spurred on by our difficult economic position at this time. However, philanthropy is a vehicle for encouraging and cultivating the participation of civil society in national development”.

“In planning for the health sector, our approach for many years has been to embrace a whole-of-society approach, together with the whole-of-government approach for the public sector,” Minister Bostic said, adding that the adoption of these approaches has been driven largely by the response to the NCD epidemic, and efforts to reduce the damaging effects of these diseases on our population, especially our children.

Trustee of the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, Julian Sacher noted that to many, these orthopaedic operations may not be seem as life threatening and therefore totally unnecessary, but when left unattended they cannot only cause severe and permanent damage to other organs, but also the psychology of the child.

“For those children not immediately requiring operations, The SLCT funded many different types of support including leg and back braces and various orthotics, such as special shoes, inserts and castings.”

The other added benefit which is difficult to quantify is the additional exposure and training received by the QEH doctors and technicians. Not only have local crews been given the opportunity to watch these unusual and complicated surgeries in Barbados, but SLCT has also funded several doctors and physiotherapists to travel oversees to observe operations and learn of new techniques from the WPP teams.

The hope for SLCT and WPP, now that the back log of orthopaedic surgeries in Barbados has almost been eradicated, is that the QEH orthopaedic team will use operating theatre time to complete the more routine cases on a more regular basis.

The Trustee further revealed that due to success of the tri-partnership, SLCT is now looking to expand and explore new initiatives with WPP which include – paediatric cardiac cases; a paediatric cerebral palsy clinic and mission; and a paediatric cerebral palsy investigative clinic and potential mission in Barbados. (TL)

Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Wilfred Abrahams says that as Barbados seeks to become less fossil fuel dependent there is still potential to earn money from offshore or onshore exploration.

The Minister made the point in a press conference yesterday, contending that Government’s goal is to use all of the country’s resources for its benefit, as he made it clear that does not mean those resources have to be used here. His comments came as he stated that any local fossil fuel reserves can be used to earn money for the island.

“Let us use them in a way that the savings we get, or the profits we make can fund the QEH [Queen Elizabeth Hospital]; can help families in need; can build schools. We just need to think differently and think of what makes sense,” he said.

He also stated, “We are looking at all of the options because it has to make sense at the end of the day for Barbados and Barbadians. I don’t want to say too much, but we are in discussions with Trinidad and in the fullness of time that will reveal itself. But we have to be able to exploit in a way that makes sense, what it is that we have, and while we might have made a commitment not to use fossil fuels here, even the discovery of a fossil fuel reserve, even if we choose to not use it or exploit it, there are ways to monetise that by having other developed countries paying us to not use it”.

The minister also noted that plans remain in the works to adapt the roles and contributions of the Barbados National Terminal Company Limited (BNTCL) and the Barbados National Oil Company Limited (BNOCL) to suit the country’s changing energy needs.

“BNOC and the related companies are quickly transitioning to energy companies, so you are going to see a rebranding of what are our oil and gas companies now to being energy companies, which also trade in renewable energy, which are into solar PV [photovoltaic], which are looking at wind [and] exploring ocean tech. The shift is not just with the Ministry, the shift is not just with us saying this is our policy, we are doing everything acorss the spectrum of our related companies to ensure the buy in. So very soon Barbados National Oil Company is not going to be the Barbados National Oil Company, and all the associated companies are probably going to fall under something called the Barbados National Energy Company, or a name that similarly reflects its commitment to energy as opposed to oil and gas,” he indicated.

Adamant that Barbados’ energy future looks bright and promising, he said many “exciting things” to help boost the energy sector are going to happen, and some have already started to come to fruition.

“I’m sure you’ve seen the replacement of all of the streetlights with the LEDs. If you drive around Barbados you are seeing more and more solar PVs popping up on government buildings. BNOC is committed to enfranchising Barbadians by putting solar PV on their houses to allow them to invest in the renewable energy development and to get some return from it, looking particularly at vulnerable houses. So people who might not otherwise be able to invest in solar PV, like single mothers or retired persons, they are looking to facilitate them… No Barbadian is going to be left behind in this energy revolution,” Minister Abrahams maintained.

With that in mind, he said Barbadians can look forward to the day when energy is not only being used to power our homes and businesses, but it is providing income for persons. “Picture a Barbados where you’re seeing some wind turbines, beautiful sleek wind turbines powering villages ...communities: where you have solar PV farms that residents can buy into and get a return on it; so you don’t just put money in the bank and get no return from it. So our energy future, is not just an energy future, it’s a business model for Barbados and Barbadians that we can have buy in and people can invest in the future of Barbados and get a tangible ... return from it,” he declared. (JRT)

MEMBER of Parliament for St. Michael South East Santia Bradshaw unfurled her anger and frustration with the National Housing Corporation (NHC) in the Lower Chamber yesterday calling for reports to be made available on the maintenance of the wells in the Pine housing estate.

Her call came against the backdrop of the tragic death of one of her constituents Kyriq Boyce of Regent Hill the Pine, who less than a week ago, fell into a 100-foot well which collapsed under his weight.

During her passionate presentation yesterday morning, Bradshaw called on the Minister of Housing George Payne to provide the reports from the NHC.

“Officers were deployed under the NHC to go out and to visit these premises and to make reports. I want the Honourable Minister, member for St. Andrew who is responsible for this Ministry to call for the files if he has not already done so... I hope the same people are not advising now that would have had to advise the last administration.”

“I hope the last people that are supervising were not the same people who were supposed to be supervising before because those files must have to reflect that reports were going from the bottom going up to the top and they were being ignored. I want the Honourable Minister to tell this country what really transpired in relation to these matters and the lack of maintenance.”

Bradshaw said she must have answers for her constituents. “To be able to tell them whose responsibility it was; where was the error made in terms of the reporting and the action that was necessary. It must not point a finger at the BLP. They must not point a finger at the Minister. He has come and found this situation.”

“When I hear the reports are coming in I ask myself – where were the reports all along? The last administration passed legislation in relation to handing over the National Housing units to persons who were in their homes for 20 years. We were told in this Chamber engineers were being paid for to be able to evaluate the site and to advise the last administration.”

“The houses didn’t now get old. The houses have been old for a while. The problems have been there for a while. What have the reports said now that the reports didn’t say before... that they were not acted on?” she queried.

The Minister of Education called on her colleagues’ full support should a paper have to go before Cabinet to appeal for more funding for the NHC.

“Because it could happen to any of us, and we have seen over the course of the last couple of days that this is not a problem that is unique to St. Michael South East. But just as government has control over certain areas and certain aspects of country’s finance and just as we have said – we have to prioritise resources.”

“My plea is that we get it right and that we do all within our power to ensure that what we must do now is to put wrong things right.”

The parliamentary representative expressed gratitude to members of the business community who have reached out to accelerate the process of getting the remaining wells in the community that are most urgent fixed. “I am grateful for the materials they have offered and just want to say that my heart goes out to my constituents and residents in the community who continue to be in mourning over the loss of this young man,” she said. (JH)

Government is taking a proactive approach as it relates to the management of National Housing Corporation (NHC), housing units.

The assurance has come from Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Rural Development Charles Griffith. The Member of Parliament for St. John, said the ministry has been conducting site visits “a fact finding mission” to identify some of the issues facing tenants and to try as much as possible to find solutions to those problems.

He said this includes problems being experienced at units where tenants qualify for the divestment programme, and chief on the list is electrical upgrades. He made the comments as he told the Lower House that as part of the divestment programme, the Ministry has paid engineers some $1.3 million to carry out assessments across the housing estates.

“The electrical upgrade is going to cost $7 401 per unit at these locations and this is something that we have to make right as part of the divestment process. We are doing what is necessary, I know maybe in a week’s time that electrical upgrade will happen. We have identified those electricians that will be part of the process and that will happen very, very soon,” Griffith said.

He added, “Mr. Speaker, $495 000 to date was paid to surveyors to try to rectify the issues as it relates to these housing units. One must bear mind that in some cases these units are more than 50 years old, and according to the engineers, any building that is in excess of 50 years, is what they would call maybe problematic, outside the scope of being able to retrofit that building to bring it to modern day standards”.

The Minister noting that at some locations, units do not have ring beams, he said the work to be undertaken is certainly a tall order for the NHC and the ministry, but he said they are up to the task.

“Mr. Speaker, 95, 97 per cent of those persons who we have sent letters to indicating that they qualify for the divestment programme would have accepted those letters and agreed that they would be part of the process. So you understand the mammoth, mammoth task that it is that we are straddled with as it relates to what we can only consider as a little madness that the previous government engaged in… Now as I said we have taken a proactive approach to the maintenance, maybe it is not as fast as persons would have expected, but we are actually doing what is necessary to make wrong things right as it relates to persons all across the estates,” he stated. (JRT)

Given the many misconceptions floating across social media platforms regarding the proposed redevelopment of Blue Horizon Hotel, developers of Blue Tourism Inc. have set out to give some clarity.

Speaking during the press conference that took place at G & A Communications yesterday morning, Philip Tempro, Managing Director of Blue Tourism Inc. stated that they believed it was important to clear the air on the proposed redevelopment of the Blue Horizon Hotel.

Understanding the need for residents in the area to have some clarity on the proposed project, he revealed that they planned to host a Town Hall meeting at the Accra Beach Hotel on July 18, 2019, for them to attend and have all their questions answered.

“We are concerned about the miscommunication happening and the misconceptions and we feel that it is important for the public, and the residents in the area to be very clear and have clarity on what is being done,” he said.

He revealed that it was their hope to start the redevelopment process August 2019, and finish it in time for the tourist season in 2021.

He reported that during the proposed 16 month building period, 350 jobs will be generated in the construction period and following the completion of the hotel, 300 jobs will be generated for employees, plus additional jobs in the maintenance and upkeep of the building.
With the redevelopment of the hotel, Tempro noted that they planned to introduce an entire mall service on the bottom floor of the hotel that is open to locals and guests, and the parking issues will also be solved.

“The general economic position of this job is that it is going to bring somewhere around US$10 million to gross domestic product (GDP) a year,” he said.

Mark Hodkinson, Head of Development and Regional Business of Blue Tourism Inc. highlighted that redevelopment of the current property was paramount, given the fact that of the 120 rooms developed, only 50 of them were in use and the rest were obsolete and derelict.

“On the ground floor, what we are going to do is introduce a retail component, generally opened to all the public, and businesses in there will appeal to the guest and local community,” he said.

He added that they were also seeking to elevate the pool deck to accommodate the shopping mall, as well as the new rooms, which when completed will be 177, and introduce a simple beach bar facility on the beach side.

Douglas Luke, Architect and Consultant of Elements Ltd. also added that the project currently met all the requirements necessary; the Town Planning Requirements, Set Back Requirements, Parking Requirements and Statutory Requirements that have been set.
“We have exceeded all the requirements, but permission is still pending,” he said. (CLF)

More Barbadians, especially women, are turning up at the Barbados Cancer Society to benefit from the Early Detection Clinic and to tap into the services and programmes on offer there.

President of the Barbados Cancer Society (BCS), Dr. Dorothy Cooke-Johnson acknowledged the above yesterday, as she spoke with media personnel on location at the Courtesy Garage Show Room in Wildey, St. Michael, moments after officially receiving the Hyundai I 10 Saloon vehicle valued at $58 000, which will serve as the Grand Prize in the Society’s 2019 Raffle. The presentation was made by Courtesy Sales Manager, Philip Bynoe.

“I think we are not doing too badly with getting people to turn up. I think they are getting more responsive. The men are the more reluctant to come along and have early detection, but the women are doing great. I think they are doing very well, improving all of the time,” the BCS President commented.

“We have an excellent nurse now who provides a wonderful service for both men and women and we do implore you to come out and come to our very inexpensive clinics. It is just $50, including the lab test needed there and elsewhere for pap smears it’s going to be much more and for the PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) test and the DRE (digital rectal exam), we’ve kept our cost level there for a long, long time,” Dr. Cooke-Johnson further pointed out.

“So I think we are the most economical, but we want men and women to come and we implore them to get an early detection test, because it is very valuable,” she maintained.

In relation to the Early Detection Clinics, they provide inexpensive consultations with nurses or doctors. Also provided as routine measures are pap smears, breast palpations and digital rectal checks. Referrals are made for laboratory assessment, colposcopy, cryosurgery, mammography, urology, gynaecology, oncology, radiology and surgery.

The theme of unity was apparent as many gathered for the start of the launch of the Church of God of Prophecy 23rd Biennial Regional Convention of Barbados and the Windward Islands Thursday night.

The conference, which is being held from July 11th to 14th under the theme “United as One”, has the participation of members from Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, which took place at Solidarity House, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley spoke on the importance of unity, as many hands made light work, and the fact that principles and values mattered.

She believed that principles and values were paramount, even though she as a Government Minister did not walk the same path as a Minister in the Church of God, the principles and values were two things that united them.

“In order to be able to say to the people of Barbados, that before we can get to the programmes and the promises, what matters first are the principles and the values, and I therefore speak to you tonight conscious that irrespective of whether we walk on the path of the state or walk in the pursuit of the Lord, principles and values matter,” she said.

“I don’t say so idly, because for too many, it is easy to abandon principle when it becomes inconvenient or difficult to adhere but principles only mean something when it is inconvenient to stand by.”

She concluded her remarks by stressing that unity was important, for while we can do things on our own, together, we will reap success.

During his remarks, Leader of the Opposition, Bishop Joseph Atherley, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, and saluted all the church leaders that prayed for the leaders of the island, the cabinet members and Ministers, as he believed that the church had a responsibility to hold the Ministers spiritually responsible.

“We must hold the hands of the Government in socially uplift our people and bring the betterment to the country,” he said.

“So don’t say politicians are the worst people in the world, and if they are the worst people in the world then you need to confront them.” (CLF)

In its efforts to further assist and mentor young students on the island who are more prone to fall into delinquency, the Faith Marshall Harris Sandy Lane Charitable Trust Help Line has recently partnered with the Grantley Adams Memorial School for a new initiative.

“The Help Line”, which was first conceived earlier in the year, has been in talks with the secondary school for some time, and out of these discussions, a summer camp called Camp Inspire, has become a reality. 50 students from the school will take part in the camp which will run from August 12 to 23, and during that time, students will be introduced to a variety of sessions which will target topics such as anger management, conflict resolution, drug awareness and health and nutrition, just to name a few.

During a brief press conference held recently at her office in Belleville, founder of the Help Line, Faith Marshall Harris, expressed the importance for all of those who are concerned about the recent state of crime, perpetrated by younger persons, to find ways to intervene when possible to help curb the worrying trend.

“We have noted that there is an important role that we’ve got to play in terms of the concerns we have expressed about the deviance among young persons. Not all young persons, of course, but a number sufficient enough to cause fear and alarm. From my own experience having been on the bench and dealing with young people, I understand where we can fill in, in that where we can intervene, we can cause a diversion at a crucial age, then we may be able to see a reduction in the tendency towards deviancy.”

Marshall-Harris was careful to point out the camp was not intended to just preach practices to the students, but instead to interact with them and show them real examples and situations, which will be the way forward to help bridge the divide.

“The way we will present our topics will be more a narrative style that is through people interactions. We have a large resource of persons who will come to Grantley Adams and tell their life story and in a narrative way, relate to the children rather than say ‘now this morning I will give you a lecture on anger management.’ We plan for it to be a personal approach”, she said.

The Acting Principal of the school, Major Andrew Skeete, relayed his great interest in aiding the development of the young school students he interacts with on a daily basis.

“I look forward in anticipation to a very successful and fruitful partnership with the Trust as we look to do what we think is necessary and beneficial, and something that we have to do is assist our children, in this instance at the Grantley Adams Memorial School.”

New chairman of the school’s board of management, George Griffith expressed his thanks with the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust’s adoption of his school, stating strongly he believes the new programme will be a great benefit to the students.

“Children in our society, really are in need of support and guidance. This support must not be in terms of words, but deeds. I am happy that The Help Line is willing to adopt this school. We are willing to do all in our power to insure that this investment is justified.”

For the nineteen contestants in this year’s Scotiabank Junior Calypso Monarch Competition, Saturday July 20 cannot come quickly enough as they are ready to go.

This year’s finals will take place at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium at 7 pm, and even though a few of the contestants are nervous as the day draws near, many of them are excited and rearing to go.

Last Friday, contestants gathered at Scotiabank to draw the order in which they will perform on the night of the finals.

In the 6-10 Category, Jahzara Inniss will perform first, LeAndre Headley-Clarke will perform second, Jayden Inniss – third, Kelicia Grimes – fourth, Soriyah Blackman – fifth, and Kenaz Walker – seventh.

In the 11-14 Category; performing 1st will be Xavier Mascoll, 2nd, Kiara King, 3rd, Jade Cole, 4th, Deyonte Braithwaite, 5th, Kiara Carrington, 6th the Reigning Monarch, Emari Browne and 7th, Shontae Alleyne- Clarke.

In the 15-18 Category, Faith Murrell will perform 1st, Raanan Hackett will perform 2nd, Reigning Monarch, Dequon Alleyne will perform 3rd, Yahandje Daniel 4th, Kymorhi Trotman 5th and Dondria Forde, 6th.

Tristan Layne, co-ordinator and producer of the Junior Monarch expressed a heartfelt thank you to the parents for their dedication to this festival and making sure that their children were on time for rehearsals and committed to performing.

“We hear in our society that our young people have lost their way and that they have no focus but these young contestants every year continue to come forward and show us who they really are and give of their best,” he said.

He also thanked Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Karen Best for her agreement to come onboard this year and recognising that involving the schools in this entire process will serve the nation even better as they go forward.

It is his hope to see more individuals joining the competition as the years progressed as a result of their school’s involvement.

Kim Stanton, Director of Business Support, Caribbean East Scotiabank expressed that it has been a joy for Scotiabank to be a proud sponsor of the competition for 21 years.

“The development and success of young people is what has motivated us for over 21 years of this sponsorship,” she said.

“The impact of this programme on young people is clearly seen – hundreds of students participate, equipping themselves with the opportunity to learn, enhance their skills and discover their full potential. Participants are exposed to more than just the competition aspect of the programme, but also benefit from mentorship and vocal training through scheduled workshops.” (CLF)

More and more Barbadians are seeking out the services of security firms, to find out how they can not only secure their homes, but better protect them against fires.

Bret Barber, Director of Sales, Marketing & Research at J E Security Systems & Services Inc. acknowledged the above recently, as he spoke with The Barbados Advocate during the recently held Sky Mall Builders and Homeowners Showcase, held in the Mall at Haggatt Hall, St. Michael.

“The fire detection in this island is minimal at best, but we do offer wireless residential smoke detectors, as well as we offer hardwire commercial smoke detectors. For commercial applications, we do both conventional as well as the addressable, simply that means the detectors can either report via location or we can actually pinpoint bedrooms,” Barber explained, noting that their fire detection system monitors the smoke detectors.

“One of the differences between buying them off the shelf and buying them from a security company, is that the control panel that is installed, will actually supervise the wireless sensors. J E Security’s control panels check the batteries. They will notify you and notify us that a battery needs to be changed or part of a system needs to be checked,” he added.

Barber is meanwhile advocating that more homes in Barbados invest in fire extinguishers, which can save the home from being destroyed in the event of a fire.

“I am a big believer in the 5lb ABC (dry powder) fire extinguisher, having done the demonstration and being part of a team that has put out a fire. I like having my 5lb fire extinguisher at hand. I believe in having more than one in a house. But if you want heavy duty, maybe you are very big into cooking and baking at home, we have the wet chemical six litre fire extinguisher, purpose built and designed for chemical fires such as oil-based kitchen fires. It’s commercial grade,” he commented.

Barber meanwhile revealed that numerous Barbadians have been enquiring about the company’s residential life safety system. The medical system allows tenants to keep a waterproof medical bracelet on their person, which will communicate with a control panel installed in the home, to provide 24-hour monitoring.

During cases of emergency, a panic button can be pushed to activate the security system and J E Security personnel will be able to communicate with the tenants or even pass on relevant information to the authorities about what is heard in the home, if the tenant is unable to speak.

“At our office, we constantly receive telephone calls from people who are interested in this system and one of our biggest selling features is that we offer free life safety surveys. We will come to a home or business and we will do a free security and life safety audit for you. A lot of the things that we can point out are things that we have learnt over the years, but might not be known to the general public. So a lot of times, without even spending any money, you can benefit from the security surveys,” Barber stated, whilst emphasising the need for homeowners to better secure their property, as well as life and limb. (RSM)

THE popular Barbadian saying “no rain can stop this jam” rang true for many pan-lovers who came out to Brandons Beach for the annual Pan Pun De Sand on Sunday evening.

For others, while a few intermittent showers earlier in the evening were bearable, the heavy downpour, high winds and lightning later in the evening proved to be too much, as many could be seen leaving in droves to escape the heavy downpour.

That did not stop the hours of amazing performances on the two-stage set up with committed local and regional pannists who in spite of the rain, showed their incredible musical genius playing a variety of musical genres to the delight of the audience, many of whom could be seen rhythmically bobbing their umbrellas which created a sea of colour, while others jammed in the rain.

The talented Central Bank Young Professionals opened up the evening’s proceedings and they were followed by the band Panache out of Antigua who performed everything from Etta James’ “At Last” to Peter Ram’s “Crop Over Good Morning” and everything in between.

Undoubtedly one of the evening’s highlights was the debut performance of the 60-member Combined Youth Steel Orchestra, part of the National Cultural Foundation’s School’s pan project, who performed like seasoned professionals. Their set featured calypso royalty Cultural Ambassador Stedson “RPB” Wiltshire who rocked the audience with his popular “Boat Ride” and Michael “Mikey” Mercer who performed his popular “Feting Family”. Both appeared to experience some challenges with their microphones but the consummate professionals were still in fine form to the delight of the appreciative audience.

The Trinidadian Silver Stars Steel Orchestra also delivered an amazing performance featuring Professor Liam Teague who delivered a special tribute to Shadow and Ken “Professor” Philmore. As the night wore on and as the rain persisted, the rapidly thinning crowd would have missed an opportunity to witness the effortless expertise of maestro Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and Phase 2 with Cultural Ambassador Anthony “the Mighty Gabby” Carter.

Members of the audience were also treated to a showcase of fashion from leading department store Cave Shepherd on an elevated catwalk which extended into the crowd. The event was free to the public following the contribution of a “silent sponsor”. (JH)

Chairman of the Transport Authority, Ian Estwick says September 1 is the date from which public service vehicles (PSVs) will be “integrated with the Transport Board buses” at the Speightstown Bus Terminal.

He said this “permanent” move will see PSVs move from their current location on the outskirts of the Terminal to its western side. Passengers in the north of the island hoping to board these minibuses and route taxis will enter the Terminal and make their way to one of the gates numbered 7-11.

Estwick, who admitted he does not anticipate a positive response from the PSVs operators who will be asked to work from the Terminal, said the move comes out of concern for behaviour witnessed.

“It has been my experience in my first year that this is one sector that is extremely resistant to change. So I don’t expect that it will be all bed of roses… but it is something that has to happen. It is much too dangerous out there and I have seen school children climbing through bus windows, not only to the eastern side but to the western side, which means they are exposing themselves to traffic and we can’t sit back as an Authority and let something like that happen because then we wouldn’t be able to justify our existence at all.”

The Transport Authority Chairman spoke to the media on Monday following a tour of the Speightstown Bus Terminal. He was joined by Terminal Coordinator with the Transport Authority, Rhonda Scantlebury and Chief Executive Officer of Haigh Communications Inc.

Joy-Ann Haigh who has been contracted by Transport Authority to conduct a Commuters Advocacy Programme.

He said before PSVs can commence using the western end of the Terminal alterations which are ongoing have to be completed and improvements have to be made to the public toilets in Terminal. He also said the Motor Omnibus Terminals Act has to be passed.

“The big thing we are waiting on is legislative changes to be on the bus Terminals Act which right now only allows for Transport Board’s buses to any terminal except the CRT, Constitution River Terminal. So we have got to get the legislation change to allow three forms of public transportation to come in.” (MG)

The recent state of prominent criminal activity here on the island has not gone unnoticed by many leaders of faith based organisations. With the seemingly rampant display of delinquency amongst the youth, a moment of reckoning and a full national effort is desperately needed to curb the worrying trends.

It is because of this that Cornelius Bartlett, Managing Director of Corbar Business Solutions Inc., believes the time is ripe and ready for a national family event, dedicated to rebuilding, and strengthening the family structure on the island.

“Family Fest” is the working title for this new venture, and is intended to be an annual event involving persons from every parish on the island, working together in unison to help bring us back from the downward spiral of crime.

Bartlett, who is the sole brain so far behind this massive undertaking, held a presentation on Wednesday at the Blue Horizon hotel to pitch his idea to prospective committee members.

“[One] of the objectives, is to bring recognition to the fact that the family is in trouble. Not only in Barbados, but the family is in trouble all over the world. No matter your ethnic or social background, one thing that is common to all, is the erosion of the family. There is a real need to identify and treat the real issues that are currently affecting the family.”

Bartlett was also quick to point out this family event will not be his own event to push, instead, persons with different skill sets are greatly encouraged to sign up to this big event, and aid extensively in the planning stages.

“The skills and competencies that you all have, I do not have. This particular initiative cannot be localised to any one person, this initiative is one that will utilise the skills everyone [brings] to make it a reality”, he said.

Institutions such as faith organisations from all backgrounds, schools, governmental and non-governmental organisations are all encouraged to be a part of this massive undertaking, with each group being advised to bring all ideas forward so that Family Fest can not only be a success, but a reoccurring one.

“The vision I have for this event, is to involve every faith-based group and others. This will not only be for those who have not accepted Christ, because even they have families. God only knows what will happen if we remove the barriers of religion; this is a social and spiritual vision that will be all encompassing”, he added.

Though these are the early stages, its hoped that this event will be ready to launch early next year, with the month of May being earmarked for most of the events targeting the family such as discussions, church services and fun days. Events are set to span four weeks, with each week targeting different members of the family such as the father, mother, and children. Initial estimates for the total cost of this exercise have been said to be around $1 million dollars, however, Bartlett is confident that with corporate sponsorship and donations by other organisations, this amount will be easily reached.