According to one Government official, Barbadians will not be double taxed when the value added tax (VAT) on online transactions comes into full effect.

This assurance came from Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, as he spoke with media on the sidelines of the Kooyman opening Thursday night.

Earlier this week, Amazon Web Services announced that they would be collecting VAT on behalf of the Government, which left Barbadians confused and upset, however the Minister took the time to bring some clarity to the situation.

Straughn explained that in November last year, Amazon registered with the Revenue Authority and went through the process of sensitisaton of the digital services provided in Barbados.

“What I want to say to Barbadians, is that right now when you purchase materials on Amazon you pay certain state taxes depending on where the goods are coming from and therefore once we get that specific regime in place you won’t be paying the state tax, which obviously is helping to support roads and services in those states or wherever Amazon operates,” he said.

“But the point is that the persons will not be taxed twice simply because you would not pay the domestic sales tax or whatever tax is there but you will pay the tax in Barbados and that would be used to support the infrastructure in place in Barbados.

“While I understand that persons are concerned by increased taxation, the truth is that you’re already paying taxes in the states that those goods are coming from and therefore all we want to do is ensure that we are collecting the revenue that really and truly helps to support the public services in Barbados.”

The Minister said that this was really a case of “where do you want to pay taxes” and he believed it was important to stress that people were not going to be taxed twice, and part of the reason the Government decided to go this route was to ensure that once goods came to Barbados’ borders, then all of the necessary information is shared one time and when they go through the customs process then everything is clean with respect to the data, which would allow for the avoidance of double taxation.

He stated that this was already in place, but was being regularised.

“A titan of post colonial literature”, “a quiet revolutionary” and “an iconic Barbadian treasure”.

These were just some of the moving phrases used to pay tribute to the late Professor Edward Kamau Brathwaite during a two-hour long official funeral at the James Street Methodist Church yesterday morning.

Choking back the tears at times, Michael Kwesi Brathwaite spoke glowingly about his father’s work ethic and drive for success to the large congregation, which contained several dignitaries, including Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, and Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Cave Hill Campus of The University of the West Indies, Professor The Most Honourable Eudene Barriteau, to name a few.

“To most of you he was Dr. Brathwaite, Professor Kamau, poet, author, literary figure, but to me he was just daddy, with an incredible calming presence and a capacity to invoke life, respect and understanding all at the same time,” he stated.

In a tribute dotted with personal interactions with the late poet, Prime Minister Mottley called Brathwaite a Barbadian, Caribbean and global warrior.

“A passionate warrior fighting against the language, history and culture of our colonisers. His battle strategic and pain- staking, but acquiring foot soldiers, one student at a time, one reader at a time,” she said.

Mottley also highlighted the importance of recording the oral history of the nation’s stalwarts.

“He invoked in us all whenever he wrote or spoke the effective power of thought, the complexity of feeling and the weight of history. It seems as though I have been saluting too many of our
stalwarts all too often in recent times, and it reminds me how essential it is for us to capture our oral history from all stations, from all levels, and from all perspectives. It reminds me of why we need to be able to preserve it for those who are to come,” she stressed.

Speaking of Brathwaite’s travels to England, Ghana, Kenya and Jamaica and his drive to help Caribbean persons break the shackles placed on their way of thinking, Barriteau described him as “a soldier for our souls”.

She expressed, “This Caribbean crier is now silent though he will never be silenced, and so back across the Middle Passage he goes for the final time to meet ancestors untold. They will blow the celestial ‘abeng’ for him and an African sun will shine upon this proud son.”

His body was laid to rest at the Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens.
(JMB)

Glaucoma and cataract remain the leading causes of blindness globally, and diabetes is increasingly becoming a common risk factor for loss of sight.

That’s according to Executive Chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, who noted that it is estimated that 35.6 out of every 1,000 people in this country have diabetes and one-third of the persons living with diabetes in the Caribbean are affected by eye disease.

Those facts were included in remarks read on her behalf by the hospital’s Communications Specialist, Lyn-Marie Deane, at the 10th Annual Latest Updates in Ophthalmology Subspecialty Conference at the Accra Beach Hotel yesterday morning. The executive chairman’s comments came as she said that an estimated 4.5 million people across the world are blind due to glaucoma and that figure is expected to more than double to 11.2 million by the year 2050.

“As the prevalence of diabetes increases in our population, currently estimated at 17 per cent of the adult population, so do complications which affect the eyes. These complications include cataract, diabetic retinopathy and neovascular glaucoma. The 2017 International Diabetes Foundation Diabetes Atlas reported that the prevalence of diabetes in people aged 20 to 79 in Barbados was 17.6 per cent, with 26.2 per cent of cases remaining undiagnosed,” she said.

Bynoe-Sutherland, who recently took over the helm of the island’s premier health institution, said that to address the issue of preventable blindness, the Ministry of Health, through a collaborative process involving the public and private sectors, developed the National Eye Care Policy and Strategic Plan 2014-2019. She indicated that the goal of this policy has been to provide a framework for the eradication of avoidable blindness and visual impairment, a commitment this country also made when it adopted the VISION 2020 goals.

“Overall, the desired outcome is to strengthen the delivery of ophthalmological services at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of Barbados’ healthcare system. To this end, I am here to reassert the QEH’s commitment to the fight against preventable blindness and toward becoming a centre of excellence in ophthalmologic care. This commitment will be further demonstrated through the recommissioning of the Ophthalmology Operating Theatres in the Lion’s Caribbean Eye Care Centre,” Bynoe-Sutherland added.

She explained that to achieve that goal, the department joined forces in 2018 with Bill Tempro – a legally blind World Champion sailor, and the Barbados Sailing Association to raise $500,000 through a fund-raising initiative dubbed ‘Sail for Sight’. According to Bynoe-Sutherland, some $200,000 was raised, which will help to renovate dedicated theatres, so as to increase the surgical capacity of the department. Likewise, she said, it will help to reduce the wait time for patients requiring ophthalmic surgical interventions at the hospital. (JRT)

THE environmental issues plaguing the Parliament Buildings, which have resulted in the temporary relocation of the lawmaking arm of the State, are also impacting the Opposition’s Office.

This was confirmed yesterday by Leader of the Opposition, Bishop Joseph Atherley, as he disclosed that he and some of the employees in his office have been negatively affected by the environmental problems “for a while now”. Speaking to The Barbados Advocate yesterday afternoon as the Barbados Defence Force assisted in loading their furniture and files onto a truck to move them to the temporary site at the Worthing Corporate Centre, Bishop Atherley said he was informed just Tuesday of the pending shift, which has to take place in time for the start of the 2020/2021 Estimates Debate on Monday.

“I imagine the move is necessary based on the advice the Parliament would have received... My lament is that it seems to be so hurried just about at that time when we are getting ready to discuss the Estimates,” he said.

He continued, “I would have figured we could have done the Estimates perhaps and then taken a break from the Parliament for a couple of weeks to allow for the move. I am not complaining, I’m just making observations.”

His comments came as he explained that the relocation does somewhat hinder his team’s preparation for the Estimates. Atherley made the point as he indicated that while the government would have been working through the Estimates for quite some time, it was not until after Tuesday when the date of the debate was announced, that he and the two Opposition Senators received their copies. Then yesterday, he said, they received an amended document.

“We have to relocate an office today [Friday] and re-setup tomorrow maybe, even though we have to prepare for the Estimates – no access to computers or anything like that, so when do I prepare? So I’m just lamenting the little bit of haste that seems to be involved and that is only in relation to the fact that we have to do the Estimates preparations,” the Opposition Leader stated.

Bishop Atherley nevertheless gave the assurance he will be there on Monday to perform his duties on behalf of the people. (JRT)

The little ones at Maria Holder Nursery School at Sharon, St. Thomas celebrated the rich and diverse culture of Africa yesterday.

As part of the activities to commemorate African Awareness Month, the excited boys and girls decked out in their African attire had the opportunity to show-off all they learned about the ‘motherland’.

Alongside their teachers, the children performed the skit “Anansi the Spider”; sang African hymns such as “Siyahamba”; danced and modeled their traditional African wear to the delight of cheering parents and guardians.

While connecting to Africa, the celebrations focused on Ghana and Kenya.

“We are following the lead today of our Prime Minister, the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, who recently visited the countries of Ghana and Kenya. And who by her policies and the policies of Barbados is now building bridges for Barbadians to visit Ghana and Kenya. Not only are we building bridges to visit, but we are building bridges to live in Ghana and Kenya as well as to work,” Principal Shelley Boyce told parents.

“We have been taught for many years to look to North America, England, the United States, Canada and Australia to a lesser extent. But now the veils have been lifted, and we look at the great
cities we see their richness; their vibrancy; the vastness of these countries; the rich natural beauty and immense resources.”

“It is time that we together, just go touring, get on that plane to see with our own eyes and to experience that great continent,” she expressed.
(TL)

Members of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) performed to lots of applause and awe during the late hours on Friday, as they once again held their annual Grand Floodlit Tattoo at Trent’s Playing Field.

This year’s Tattoo included personnel from the Royal Barbados Police Force and its band members, mounted police, cadets of the Regional Police Training School, along with a special appearance by Dynasty Cheer Academy dancers, followed by a military parade through the heart of Holetown.

In one of their first outings using a new routine which consisted of synchronised light batons, the cadets from the Regional Police Training School delighted onlookers as they dimmed the flood lights on the field, and proceeded to implement an impressive light show. Visitors to the area were most impressed with what they saw from the cadets, and were only disappointed with the short length of the act.

The crew from Dynasty Cheer Academy quickly followed suit, bringing lots of energy to the field as they flipped, dived, and flew during their showcase. Many gasps came from patrons, as they watched the young dancers leap into the air with a smile on every face.

The Drill Squad from the RBPF was also on show, in their dark suits, white gloves, and fully in synch movements. Their dancing performed to soca tracks also drew applause from the crowd, as it was indeed an unusual sight.

The mounted division from the force had the difficult task during the night, as many of them had newly trained horses to perform with under the lights. Needless to say, some of the new animals showed they had tons of energy to give, and in the end it was a nice treat for the crowd as many of the young ones were impressed by the size of the horses.

Finishing off the night’s proceedings was the RBPF band as they beautifully rendered several selections, like “Fete Loan”, “All Ah We”, “Know the Face” and the ever popular “Sometimes”.

This year’s Tattoo was definitely one to see in person, as the Holetown Festival gets ready for its final weekend of activities. (SB)

Fast growing sickness claims and related health care costs in this region, if not contained, will likely put the sustainability of social security organisations in the region at great risk.

That is according to Matthew Mathurin, Director of National Insurance Corporation (NIC) in St. Lucia. He was speaking recently during the launch of a workplace wellness initiative for the Caribbean via video conference, which is being facilitated by the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus in collaboration with the NIC. This initiative will see three workshops staged in the months of April, June and October to look at the following topics – productivity and health; wellness and prevention and cognition, focusing on dementia and ageing. The first event will kick off in St. Lucia.

Mathurin explained that his agency for example, is naturally concerned about the negative effects of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the population. He made the point while noting that over the past five years the NIC has seen a steady increase in sickness benefit claims, mirroring the increasing trend in NCDs and he hinted that the same thing is occurring across the region.

“In the year ended 30 June 2014, the NIC paid a total of 11 996 sickness benefit claims. Most of the claims were from persons suffering from diabetes, hypertension, stroke and heart disease. Five years later that number increased to 19 607, an increase of 64 per cent. If this trend continues we can expect to see that number increase to approximately 30 000 by the end of 2020,” he said.

Mathurin said that has alarming implications for the cost of health care and critically for the sustainability of that island’s social security fund. He made the point while noting that it has been suggested that if the current trend in sickness benefits is not halted, social security in the Americas and the Caribbean will be broke in the next 20 years.

“Not from the ever growing retirement pensions, but from the mushrooming sickness claims and health care related costs,” he stated.

He made the point while noting that NCDs can largely be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, both in the workplace and out, but he said that to do so requires an integrated, multidisciplinary and sustained approach. In that vein, he said the NIC has decided not to be a bystander and instead to lead the charge in getting the population towards better health and wellness.

He went further, stating that one of their goals is to make physical activity more affordable, accessible and enjoyable. His comments came as he spoke of the role that poor dietary habits have in the spread of NCDs, contending that “we are eating and drinking our way to disease and ultimately untimely death”. (JRT)

Known as the best fair in the West, Holetown Festival did not disappoint.

Hundreds of tourists and locals alike flocked to the festivities from early yesterday morning to see just what the 43rd hosting of this event had to offer.
From birds to fish, to handcrafted jewellery to crochet hats, the wide variety of stalls on hand ensured there was something for everyone at the annual street fair.

One eye-opener for many was watching live stone sculpting and viewing the staggering sizes of locally crafted mortar pestles made from Barbados mahogany.

As the sizzling smells of fishcakes and barbecue chicken filled the air, patrons were also thrilled by the performance of a tuk band which made its way around the stalls and through the crowd.

Just after 11 a.m. a rumbling could be heard as a long procession of classic cars lined the street as part of the Courtesy Garage Vintage Cars Parade; always a spectacular hit with the car enthusiasts in the crowd.

A few moments later, these vehicles were followed by a street parade made up of Fire Cadets, the Cadet Corps band, outfits from primary schools, cheerleader squads from various secondary schools and the Barbados Defence Force’s Zouave band.

While enjoying the sights and sounds of the festival, in speaking to The Barbados Advocate one tourist from the United States however said while he was impressed with how the festival has grown in numbers, more variety must be considered.

“I love the colours and I love the Bajan vibe, but I find all of the souvenirs are the same from tent to tent. Unique pieces catch a person’s eyes and would make them want to spend money, so I hope that next year when I return, I can see more indigenous souvenirs for me to take back home,” said Jesse Tares.

The week-long festival ends today.

(JMB)

This year’s sugar harvest will start tomorrow, February 24 and if all goes well, 93 000 tonnes of sugar cane are expected to be sent to the factory, which should yield close to 9000 tonnes of sugar, just about a 1000 tonnes more than last year.

The announcement was made yesterday during a press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Additionally, Minister of Agriculture, Indar Weir, disclosed that the lone factory at Portvale has already done its steam trials and is ready to go and all the concerns of the staff of that factory as well as the farmers have been addressed. This, he stated, includes the matter of monies owned to the farmers, who have agreed to now accept $150 per tonne, instead of the customary $160 per tonne.

He told the media that tomorrow’s start is in keeping with his aim to start the harvest early, and is being made possible by the efforts of the Barbados Workers’ Union, the Barbados Sugar Industries Limited (BSIL) and the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (BAMC), all of which were represented at the press conference.

Weir’s remarks came as he said that he is concerned about the sugar industry, which he lamented has not only been declining as it relates to yields, but also in respect of the husbandry practices that are employed by the BAMC and the private farmers. In both respects, he said, those practices are way below acceptable levels. As such, he stated they have agreed that this can no longer be the case and will be taking steps to address it.

“I found a situation where they were not putting fertilisers in the field, either because they couldn’t afford to do so, or that by the time they were able to purchase fertiliser it was too late and you would have wasted the fertiliser. I came at a time when they could not practice good husbandry because they didn’t have the money to be able to buy the herbicides and pesticides that were needed. These are the variables that have tormented this industry. Apart from that we have had to fight and mitigate climate change where we got more droughts; as a matter of fact 2019 was touted to be the driest year in many, many, many decades,” he said.

Minister Weir indicated that Government appreciates how the failure to pay the sugar farmers on time has affected the industry, and as such, has cleared the debt owed to the private farmers which he said is expected to improve the operations on the various farms. Likewise, he spoke to the cowitch problem, indicating that Government has given its commitment to the union to get rid of the pesky plant, but made it clear that could not be achieved overnight.

“I have asked the Deputy General Secretary [of the Barbados Workers Union] to nominate someone who would serve on a steering committee within the BAMC which would be a joint committee with the BAMC and the BSIL, so that we start a process of monitoring and evaluation... We have also agreed that because you cannot ask people to go and work with cowitch and not be compensated for the risk involved, that we have agreed to an increase for those persons... we have also agreed that it would happen at the factory as well as in the field,” he said.

Meanwhile, agricultural officer at the BAMC, Anderson Eversley said that 14 tipping trailers have been imported from Guatemala and are in the process of being delivered to various stakeholders within the BSIL group. He said the tipping trailers, which cost around $1.2 million, are expected to enhance field transport in terms of getting the canes to the 20-tonne trailer trucks to be transported to the factory. He said they anticipate that the turnaround time from the field to the factory would be reduced and make for improved operations all round.

Adding to his comments, Minister Weir said that the trans-loading stations will be phased out, to bring about further efficiencies in the industry.
(JRT)

In celebration of Black History Month, the boys of the Milton Lynch Primary School in Water Street, Christ Church held their annual African Awareness Day on Friday, under the theme ‘Africa in We: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future’.

During the morning’s programme the students danced, sang, performed acrostics, poems and put on a riveting drumming display. There were also special guest performances from the Haynesville Community Group, and the Conquerors on Stage Performing Arts Programme of the Windsor High School.

In addition to the concert, there was an exhibition in the school hall where the students showcased their findings on African inventors and their inventions, and African leaders such as Nelson Mandela and King JahJah.

According to programme coordinator, teacher Mrs Sherry Williams, the event was held to further deepen the children’s understanding of Africa and our African heritage, and show the boys just how much we are influenced by Africa – in our music, our movement and our dance.

Additionally, “The whole idea was to try to engage the students in other forms of learning…especially in terms of the performing arts,” she stressed. (LS)

At the secondary school level there is a crying need for mentors.

That’s the firm belief of retired educator Jeff Broomes, who wants to see persons give back to their former school and our country by volunteering some hours each week to be a big brother or big sister to a student or two.

“This could help in their work, their sporting or cultural endeavours and their character development. Trust me, this is not difficult and should not be left to someone else,” he stressed while delivering the Coleridge and Parry School Lecture Series “It Takes an Entire Nation: The Team Approach to Combating Youth Violence in Barbados”.

“Accept the responsibility or stop the criticism knowing that you are doing nothing to stem the tide of deviance and crime,” he said.

Moreover, Broomes said that at the primary level, it is even easier and may be more far-reaching.

He explained, “We could be visitors to our former primary schools to give small talks, coach a game or simply share experiences to guidance and support. We could donate uplifting books or hold reading and discussion sessions with the young ones.

“This has to be a national effort. Let’s speak about what I can do and not what they should do,” he declared. (TL)

Members of the Barbados Regiment have been encouraged to remain good and faithful soldiers as well as to be loyal to those in command.

This was the advice given by the Regiment’s Commanding Officer (Acting), Major Ryan Smith, as he addressed yesterday’s Colours to Church service at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church. This occasion marked the 72nd anniversary of the Barbados Regiment, which was formed in February 1948. It occurred under the theme, ‘A Sense of Organisational Unity: Unity in History, Unity of Purpose, Unity of Vision’.

“You are the future of the Regiment, the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) and the nation. If we are to survive, it is to you that we must turn. I urge you to remain loyal and faithful to those in command and the Barbados Defence Force, always remembering to put the Almighty first in whatsoever you do. Keep the flag flying high and be good and faithful soldiers to the end. The nation and its citizens view us soldiers as the standard bearers of discipline in aspects of society.”

Major Smith also used the service to remind members of the Force that they cannot rest on their “laurels, but with zeal and vigour press on to the tasks that await us in the near future”. He additionally thanked all who passed through the ranks, for the service given.

“Seventy-two years is a relatively short time for any military unit. However, during its colourful history, although not being involved in any major conflict, the Regiment is proud of the men and women who have passed through its ranks and have made and are still making useful contributions to the development of Barbados.”

During the service, musical presentations were done by the BDF band and the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Choir. In her sermon, Reverend Erma Ambrose reminded the gathering that “there is still a place and there is still merit for organisations, especially when these organisations can have unity”.

She further stated that if unity is desired “we cannot have our own way. We have to move in tandem, we have to work hand in hand with each other.

We have to recognise our various gifts and skills and pool them all for the good and betterment of all”.

THE Barbados Association of Calypsonians and Artistes (BACA) has been officially launched and intends to empower, recognise and celebrate those in the contribute to the island’s cultural landscape.

Officially formed on Wednesday night at the Mount Gay Visitors Centre, BACA President Sean “Apache” Carter gave a comprehensive overview of the new organisation which he explained is a duly constitutional incorporated non-profit organisation.

“As a body, our membership is comprised of creative and cultural practitioners who are united in the quest for fair terms and conditions across the entertainment industry of Barbados.”

Carter revealed that the seven-member executive has already begun to work on the following systems which should provide substantial and tangible benefits.

These include: The BACA Benevolent Fund which will provide grants to members faced with financial challenges, medical emergencies or other critical circumstances. A board of trustees will be instituted to manage this fund to which contributions from the NCF, the Tent Managers, Corporate Barbados and BACA will be made annually.

A Medical Support Service: BACA in association with the American University of Barbados will provide free medical consultation, prescriptions, diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol screening, wound dressing and health certificates to all members and student members (under 18 who are currently studying the arts and desirous of being a cultural practitioner).

BACA will also seek to promote members through shows, pop-up limes and competitions and to provide career advice, a membership directory, job information and Artistes Empowerment Seminars in which training and professional development information on a plethora of topics, from the business of music to song writing, performance, branding and digital marketing will be provided.

The BACA president also highlighted the introduction of the BACA card.

“The BACA card will be used locally as a form of identification and a symbol of an individual’s status as a member of BACA. It will provide its holder discounts from various establishments and discount card partners such as vocal coaches, fitness centres, health shops, music stores, hotels, restaurants and clothing stores throughout the island.”

Additionally, he noted that there are plans of a radio show and the publication of a quarterly news letter and annual BACA magazine to highlight the work of members and provide a guide for where one could find his or her favourite artistes outside of the Crop Over season.

Carter also pointed to the BACA Entertainment Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Award which will seek to give special attention to our cultural legacy and to those who have made significant investments and stellar contributions to the entertainment industry in Barbados.

“I therefore charge our general membership with the responsibility of encouraging and helping other artistes to see the vision and become a part of this movement in order to build, safeguard and secure our future as cultural practitioners within the landscape of Barbados.”

“We can fight any battle and win. We can make a difference if we work together, because we are stronger together. In unity, there is strength and through the power of our music, as Eric Clapton said, we can change the world.” (JH)

FORMER Attorney General, Adriel Brathwaite, yesterday said that paying lip service to deal with crime is not the way to go either at the local or regional level.

He was one of the guests from the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) on a popular radio station yesterday afternoon where he noted that there has been talk of addressing the crime situation, but no real action and with suggestions that all is well in the country.

“So we have someone gunned down outside a school, with school children around and we don’t have a discourse in this country in terms of what is happening in our school system, what is happening in terms of crime. Instead, what we are hearing is that we need to address crime from a regional perspective.

“...But that has always been the case. I dare say that one of our biggest challenges in terms of the issue of crime from a regional perspective and if the Prime Minister as present Head of CARICOM can do anything, is that CARICOM prime ministers speak and don’t do what they are supposed to do.

“Our most significant entity, in terms of addressing crime and security issues, which is the Implementation Agency for Crime and Security, even today, struggle to pay wages; struggle to implement any serious strategies. So you can go ahead and you can have as many conferences in April in Trinidad as you want,
but at the end of the day, unless we as a region put our money where our mouths are so that people can implement these meaningful strategies, then we are going to continue this downfall.”

He lamented that the same problem exists in Barbados. “We are not seriously addressing criminal issues that are driving our young people to criminal behaviour in this country. We talk about the number of murders and yes it concerns all of us, but we don’t have to wait until a tourist is shot in Barbados, because we are seeing them more and more in our communities. So we know at some point in time we are going to have negative headlines, which will have more of a negative impact on our country. But we have to stop paying lip service,” he charged.

Brathwaite said he always took issue with present Attorney General, Dale Marshall, for criticising initiatives undertaken by the last administration, even though he knew they were well-intentioned.

“I used to say to the present Attorney General that I was always saddened that even initiatives that he knew very well that were well meaning, well thought out, he criticised. Even the police station that he opened a couple days ago, he thought it was too lavish for police officers.”

Brathwaite said that the Government must stop talking about the past and encouraged the moderator to invite the DLP back onto the show to spend time talking about the future. “Because that is what is most important as far as I am concerned,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados (HSFB), Michelle Daniel is urging the government to follow the lead of Chile by implementing a law which protects children from marketing strategies which target them and bring policies that sensitise children about unhealthy junk foods and sweetened beverages.

In a recent press release, Daniel said like Barbados, Chile is showing disturbing rates of obesity and overweight among both its children and adult population. The decision by the Chilean government to implement a comprehensive basket of obesity prevention policies has led to substantial reductions in the marketing and purchase of sugar sweetened beverages in just three years.

“It is clear that the World Health Organisation’s proposed policies can help to urgently reduce the challenge of obesity and non-communicable diseases. We look forward to our government implementing policies like these sooner rather than later, ” said Daniel.

Chilean law targets unhealthy foods and beverages
After Chile implemented a Food Labeling and Advertising law which targeted unhealthy processed foods and beverages and reduction of child directed marketing strategies, there is strong evidence that Barbados could benefit from a similar initiative.

In a HSFB press release entitled “Policy can make the difference: Landmark Chilean Law Is Effective In Tackling Drivers Of Obesity”, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados (HSFB) is
highlighting Chilean studies which show “policies do work to reduce consumers’ sugary drink purchases, children’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing and advertising”.

In 2016, Chile implemented the Law of, which is the first national regulation that requires front-of-package warning labels on foods and beverages high in added sugars, salt, or saturated fats, restricts child-directed marketing of such foods, and bans the sales of these foods in and near schools. It was noted that the South American country is being confronted by high rates of childhood obesity and high incidence of non-communicable diseases.

Take aways from implementation of law
A Public Health Nutrition study found that the Chilean policy led to significant reductions in children’s exposure to junk food ads. An International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health study found that there was a significantly lower use of child-directed marketing strategies in sugary breakfast cereal packages as a result of the Chilean policy.

While sugary drink purchases had decreased slightly after implementation of a previous 5 percent tax of sugary drinks, there were much larger reductions in the volume of high-in-sugar beverage purchases once the additional policy measures went into effect. A collaborative study between researchers at the University of Chile’s Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, the University of North Carolina, and Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública found that bundled obesity prevention policies led to a significant reduction in purchases of sugar- sweetened beverages (SSBs) in Chilean households (24 percent ). The findings were published in the online peer-reviewed weekly medical journal PLOS Medicine on February 11, 2020. The study underscores how a comprehensive policy can strongly influence consumer behavior.

ONE industry leader wants to bring fresh purified drinking water to a number of schools and public locations across Barbados.

Sales Executive of Newport Water, Fabian McDowald, who is responsible for the Hydrate Barbados programme, made this announcement during morning assembly at The St. Michael School recently.

McDowald and his team joined the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL) to unveil the second hydration system of its kind in Barbados. The new system, which will provide over 900 students with still and carbonated (sparkling) water, will eliminate the dependence on single-use bottles and encourage the school body to drink more water. The device will be housed in the school’s courtyard.

McDowald told the media after the unveiling of the hydration system that the Hydrate Barbados programme is a recent initiative where the company is aiming to have hydration stations at every secondary and primary school in Barbados as well as key public locations.

He added that this would allow the public of Barbados to have easy access to purified drinking water at all times. He said that this is the second station launched and the first is at the Springer Memorial Secondary School. Both of the stations were sponsored by the BPWCCUL. The established credit union also has school-operated credit unions at the two secondary schools.

McDowald added that Newport Water is actively discussing other locations with corporate Barbados with the hope to install more hydration stations before the end of the year.

In his earlier comments, the Sales Executive outlined the scarcity of fresh drinking water globally, but told the students that they were very for-tunate to have access to clean drinking water in Barbados.

Good water habits

The Principal of The St. Michael School, Dr. Yvette Mayers, emphasised that the institution has always encouraged the habit of drinking water, noting that since 2015, students were allowed to drink water during class time. The principal highlighted the benefits of the new
hydration station.

“This type of system will allow the students to have their water bottles, refill their water bottles and enhance the healthy school programme that we have been promoting at The St. Michael School,” said Dr. Mayers.

THE Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is well equipped to treat eye disorders that arise in this country and the wider region.

That’s according to Executive Chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland. In a speech read on her behalf by the hospital’s Communications Specialist, Lyn-Marie Deane, at the 10th Annual Latest Updates in Ophthalmology Subspecialty Conference at the Accra Beach Hotel on Friday, Bynoe-Sutherland said that the Ophthalmology Department of the QEH provides a wide range of services, which are delivered by 12 consultants. She said there are five full-time, seven sessional and one associate consultant from the University of the West Indies.

“The department boasts of being the only comprehensive public eye care facility in the region, with an unparalleled range of services in areas such as vitreoretinal surgery, oculoplastics, glaucoma care, cornea and external eye diseases, comprehensive ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology and paediatric ophthalmology. In these sub-specialities, the QEH remains the sole public healthcare provider in the region,” she said.

She went further, noting that the department also boasts the only micro-surgical simulation laboratory for training in the Caribbean and Latin America. She explained that this provides the opportunity for staff to sharpen their hand, eye and foot co-ordination skills in general ophthalmology.

The hospital’s executive chairman made the point while noting that based on international trends, QEH has the human resources to meet the eye care needs of all Barbadians. However, Bynoe-Sutherland said that to further meet the population’s needs for greater access to ophthalmic care, the hospital commissioned the refurbishment of the ophthalmology out-patient clinic. Bynoe-Sutherland indicated that the renovation, which came in at a cost of $6 million, expanded the physical capacity of the eye clinic, which now sees more than 20,000 patients annually, and that number is expected to continue to grow. The head of the hospital made the comments while noting that in 2015, the department saw a record number of patients, 26,161 and performed 1,654 surgeries. She revealed that the majority of those cases, some 80 per cent, were completed on an out-patient basis.

“In keeping with its dedication to excellence in patient care, in January 2017, the department commenced the Cataract Initiative. The aim of this initiative was to reduce the backlog of approximately 500 patients on the waiting list for cataract surgery; and between January and July 2017, a total of 537 previously waitlisted surgeries were completed,” added the executive chairman. (JRT)

General Manager of the Barbados Bottling Company Limited (BBC), Andre Thomas, says there is no immediate plans for a hike in price on soft drinks and products the company produces.

His comments came while admitting that the Garbage Sewage Contribution (GSC) Levy, which was implemented in August 2018, has had an impact on that company’s operations. He also said the increase in water rates has impacted as well.

He was speaking to the media following a recent tour with Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Wilfred Abrahams; Barbados Water Authority’s (BWA) General Manager, Keithroy Halliday; and other senior officials from BWA at BBC’s Newton, Christ Church location.

“The increase in water rate and GSC tax impacted our business heavily. Our cost went up by 30 [or] 40 per cent, but at the end of the day we are part of the environment and we want to protect the environment, so anything that is useful to assisting doing so we support.”

Thomas, who stated BBC fully gets its water from the BWA, further noted the company has “some solutions that can be helpful that wouldn’t require an increase in tax”. He added, “We are willing to invest and put our money where our mouth is to ensure that we support the environment, the country of Barbados, to ensure that you guys achieve your objectives and everybody benefits.”

Meanwhile, responding to a question about the impact on BBC’s operations by the recent water outage in the area, which was due to a burst on the BWA’s 16-inch main in Fairview Christ Church, the General Manager said: “We were slower than usual, but the Water Authority were magnificent. They supported us to make sure we kept running and there was minimal impact.” (MG)

On Saturday afternoon, during an official ceremony, Barbadian children and those living through homelessness received support from the new Kooyman Megastore in Barbados through two donations totalling BDS $60,000.

During the official opening of their first Megastore in the Eastern Caribbean on Saturday, Kooyman presented cheques to Slow Food Barbados and the Barbados Alliance To End Homelessness, worth BDS $35,000 and BDS $25,000 respectively. The cheques were presented by Kooyman’s Store Manager Harold Stolwijk at the grand opening which saw thousands of Barbadians flock to megastore.

“Our sponsor and donation policy focuses on youth, education, poverty reduction and sustainability. Our support of these two organisations Slow Food and the Barbados Alliance To End Homelessness, meet all four of our sponsorship pillars. However this is more than just meeting those goals; we believe in these projects and their positive impact in Barbados...”

“...The educational garden initiative, Slow Food, will organize at the Milton Lynch Primary School in Wotton, Christ Church and will teach children the importance of growing their own food. And being a hardware store, we think we can definitely contribute to the shelter that was opened recently by the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness,” explained Stolwijk.

Receiving the cheque for Slow Food Barbados was Administrative Co-ordinator Jennifer Ward-Clarke. Speaking to the media, Ward-Clarke outlined the work that the international organisation in Barbados, Slow Food, undertakes.

“In the Barbados chapter, we are involved in the promotion of good, clean and fair food. Good being delicious and nutritious food, clean being free of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers and fair being good prices for the consumers and the farmers alike. One of our main projects is promoting those concepts to the youth through our educational schools garden programme. We have seventeen gardens in schools and institutions around the island.”

The coordinator revealed that the funds would go specifically towards the food gardens programme in primary and secondary schools, to place more feet on the ground to ensure that all gardens have year round care. Also benefiting from the donation, including Milton Lynch Primary which is on close proximity to the store, would be the permaculture education programme. The idea is to instruct the youth as to how to better care for crops in drought conditions, using the permaculture techniques which do not need as much water to be successful.

President of the Barbados Alliance To End Homelessness formerly the Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society, Kemar Saffrey collected the donation on behalf of the organization. Saffrey stated that the funds would be going towards the aid of sustaining the homeless shelter.

“We have about a BDS $25,000 monthly bill and this is coming from the fact that we are going to see more increases in the spending because we are flipping out beds 300 times per month. We also have to put in more security features, we are having to feed people more and take care of the homeless more.”

The President also brought to light that they care for women and children as well, which was never on the cards but now is a reality which they have accepted. The women and children live in the shelter and the organisation sends the children to school. Saffrey also lamented the problem of bureaucratic red tape which slows down other avenues such as welfare from helping those in need.

IF you are building a business, you must have social media.

Founder of the Beverly Hills Cannabis Club, Cheryl Shuman, gave this advice during Day 2 of the Business of Cannabis yesterday.

She revealed that her company has generated over US$3 billion earned media. This is when a company gains publicity through promotional efforts other than paid media advertising.

“What is good for your company when you start? Social media. It costs you nothing and everything that is related to cannabis, you want to send that out and hashtag that appropriately,” said Shuman.

She explained that this is how people will be able to build a clientele. To a small audience in the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination (EBCCI), the businesswoman and key speaker of the event, also suggested that there is a need to normalise cannabis use to change society’s perception of the drug. In her presentation, she highlighted some of her network of celebrity friends and clients, and her efforts to promote cannabis benefits through various social events.

Speaking about her early upbringing and several health challenges over the years, Shuman spoke about how Cannabidiol or CBD in cannabis helped her to recover from cancer.

Shuman also told the audience that many people are afraid that Big Pharma, Big Agriculture and Big Technology or the impact of corporate money will somehow corrupt the cannabis industry. She believes that the cannabis industry is growing and evolving. She also commented on the unpredictability of the market.

“Are they going to ban it or are they going to allow licences? One day yes, one day no,” said Shuman.

The American businesswoman claimed that Big Pharma has been in the industry doing clinical trials for the past four years. She said that this is where people in her industry will get the data on cannabis. Shuman added that the industry is here and people have to learn how to work in sync with Big Pharma.

“I believe in working together and not competing against each other,” said Shuman. (KB)