THE Government of Barbados is being urged to provide better housing in the already heavily populated City of Bridgetown, rather than increasing housing stock.  

Leader of the Opposition, Bishop Joseph Atherley, made this plea during his contribution to the debate in the Lower House, on Tuesday. "One may hold the view that we need more housing in the City; I hold the view that we need better housing in the constituency of The City of Bridgetown... You can go into wider Bridgetown to places like Chapman Lane, Orleans, Nelson Street, Wellington Street areas and I am saying that we got a lot of poor-quality housing located in these areas - within the precincts of Bridgetown and its wider environs," he declared.

"Yes, call for more housing if you would, I would join you with that. But, I think a greater priority is better housing and that ought to be the mantra and motto of this Government.

"We cannot say that the last administration caused an opportunity to be lost in getting improvements of housing in Bridgetown, and we blame them and stop there - the situation still obtains. People live in poverty, in very poor-quality housing - there is hardly any room to breathe between houses in the city and even parts of St. Michael West," he stressed.

In fact, Government's plan to convert the Treasury Building into living facilities did not gain Atherley's support.  

He made it clear that the Broad Street, Bridgetown building, which once housed the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA), was in his view not an appropriate place for housing families, especially if children are involved.  

"Now the Treasury Building has been cited as potentially a place for residential occupancy in Bridgetown. I am not schooled in these matters, neither from a safety and security perspective... But it doesn't seem to me as though the Treasury Building site would be the best place in Bridgetown for a residential occupancy community. In a sense that building constitutes an island with traffic all around it, and if you are bringing housing to Bridgetown, perhaps other sites might be considered.  

"I have heard that it is to be the site of a particular kind of occupancy. My worry would have been is that if you are locating people in Bridgetown for dwelling, and you put children in a place like that, then you are inviting all kinds of potential hazards if children are going to enter and exit a residential facility such as located in the now unused Treasury Building," Bishop Atherley pointed out.  

"If it is for a special brand of occupancy, whatever that is, whether it be bachelor pads or any other type of pad - I hope that it is not intended to be a same-sex pad, because I think that is an issue that Barbadians still have to be heard on - and I am not suggesting that is the intended use." (TL)

Government plans to have future consultations with members of the public as to how best local heroes will be celebrated in National Heroes Square.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley stated this while addressing the gathering at this City location on Monday for the removal of statue of Lord Horatio Nelson. The statue of the British Vice Admiral, which stood in this Square for over 200 years, has been relocated to Block A, the Garrison.

The historic relocation comes after many appeals by individuals and groups over the years for the symbol of Barbados' colonial past to be removed.

"I ask us to recognise that the Government will embark on further public consultation as to how best we celebrate our heroes in this National Heroes Square. I ask us to recognise that the rebuilding of our Bridgetown is our responsibility, no one else and if we want to assert that we are truly our own people and an independent people, then we have to be prepared to do both the difficult things and the easy things. We have to be prepared to have the difficult conversations and we have to be prepared to celebrate both rights and responsibilities in the forging of this nation." 

Mottley also stated it is important that National Heroes Square going forward be reflective of the country's heroes. 

"We are going to ensure as we did with Independence Square that National Heroes Square must reflect our heroes and that while we accept that the statue of the Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson is an important historic relic, it is not a relic to be placed in the National Heroes Square of a nation that has had to fight for too long to shape its destiny and to forge a positive future for its citizens." (MG)

As the COVID-19 pandemic takes a heavy toll on the tourism sector, the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) continues to ensure that its membership and their displaced employees find common ground.

The BHTA will therefore meet again with the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) next week Tuesday, CEO Senator Rudy Grant announced during BHTA’s press conference, yesterday.

“We asked the BWU to identify to us clearly what the challenges are; and the Union did write to us outlining a number of areas where there were concerns. We met with all of our members that would have been identified by BWU, and we are satisfied that in most instances that the members would have been operating in good faith. I do think that at times there seems to be a communication challenge, and therefore the BHTA is committed to bringing the parties together and to ensure that the very highest standard of work ethic is recognised.”

Senator Grant, describing the current environment as one which is “very emotional”, emphasised the need for constant dialogue with the workers and their representatives.

“That is why we determined that we would continually meet with the Barbados Workers’ Union,” he stressed, while disclosing that discussions will include the re-engagement of workers as well as the agreement to a protocol.

“And we also want to ensure that workers feel comfortable and that they are satisfied. I think that on both sides – on the side of the employer, and on the side of the worker – that there is a commitment and a desire for us to move forward together, and where there are misunderstandings, we have to deal with them,” he maintained.

“And the BHTA has constantly held the position that we are going to ensure that there is the highest standard of work engagement; ethical work behaviour that would not in any way support any practices that are in a way to demean workers, or to inflict hardship on workers, which is a principle also upheld by our members.” 

Recognising protest action by former workers of one of its members The Club Barbados, on Tuesday, Chairman of the BHTA Geoffrey Roach made it clear that while their concerns will be a part of the agenda, this outcry didn’t prompt the meeting with the BWU.

He told reporters, “I want to note that the meeting has not been convened as a result of a particular issue at The Club. What we have committed to the Union, and they to us as well, is what we will do is have regular scheduled meetings where we can have discussions on any matters that arise, so that we can seek to have early resolutions to those,” he stated.

“We recognised as the CEO said, that having open dialogue is critical to this process, particularly at this time. Now we anticipated that there will be issues that will arise because just of the nature of what we are going through, and to appropriately address these would require regular consultation. So, this meeting next week is probably the third or fourth regular meeting we are going to be having with the Union since June,” it was further pointed out.

Furthermore, Roach admitted that there have been claims of mistreatment, “We have heard of such claims and different issues from different hotel members. And what we have asked is that if there is an issue with any particular member, that the member be identified to us, because as an Association what we take it upon ourselves to do is to ensure that there are proper industrial relation practices being employed by all of our members,” he said. (TL) 

Health officials in Barbados and other Eastern Caribbean countries are being cautioned to scale up efforts to prevent the occurrence of severe dengue fever outbreaks, even as they focus on continuously battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The critical piece of advice came from Dr. Yitades Gebre, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries. He was at the time delivering remarks during a webinar hosted by PAHO, focusing on the “Dengue Response in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic". The webinar provided a forum for sharing information on effective outbreak containment strategies for dengue, and how to build a sustainable response. 

Dr. Gebre meanwhile stressed that policies, strategies and plans for dealing with both diseases at all levels of the health care delivery system, should be given priority at this time.

“Late July, we issued an advisory to our member states, that in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the potential seasonal increase in dengue cases endemic in countries was presenting a challenge for both the population at large and both the health services providers, who would be responding to concomitant emergencies,” he remarked.

Dr. Gebre went on to point out a number of challenges that could affect how dengue is dealt with, acknowledging that at present, the health care services may place more focus on COVID-19, thus putting less of a focus on dengue fever, which may be seen as secondary. Also, due to the pandemic, there may be a fear of exposure to COVID and people may not come forward to the relevant facilities to have a medical consultation, thus affecting the containment measures for dengue fever.

He meanwhile stressed, “This dengue outbreak which we are facing in most of the Eastern Caribbean countries, concurrently with the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in an additional significant health burden and increase in the demand for resources, required for an effective response.”

“The devastating economic losses brought about by COVID-19, also presents an insurmountable challenge for countries that already have limited responses and resource capacities,” he added.

Dr. Gebre however maintained that the early recognition of persons with dengue is the first step in preventing the progression of the severity of the disease. Thus, the capacity of health care workers to deliver that first level of care in the diagnosis and appropriate management of dengue, needs to be enhanced. 

Noting that PAHO has been working with countries in the region, especially those with the highest burden of dengue disease to accelerate implementation of their Integrated Management Strategies for Dengue response plan, Dr. Gebre noted that the organisation will also be giving other forms of support, as needed. (RSM)

Some of the clients of the Barbados Trust Fund Limited (BTFL), had a heartwarming surprise on Wednesday when they were presented with tokens of appreciation by officials of the BTFL and Minister of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Kerrie Symmonds.

The tokens, along with some certificates signaling the completion of entrepreneurial management training, were distributed to the Trust Fund clients during a customer appreciation bus tour on Wednesday. Minister Symmonds, along with BTFL General Manager Gerry Amos; Business Development Manager Kirk Dottin; and other officials from the Fund, interacted with the clients while they showcased their products.

Minister Symmonds in his remarks stated that the appreciation tour was to give back to the customers of the BTFL, who had been performing exceptionally well.

"There are about 3 100 or so members of the Trust Fund and people are surprised when they learned that a lot of those persons are very sincere and did not treat the Fund as a slush fund but an opportunity to develop and advance themselves as entrepreneurs and small business people. They are very diligent in the way they go about their business," said Symmonds.

The first stop was at the home of meat vendor Anastacia McDowall, in Holders Terrace, St. James, around 9:30 a.m. McDowall, who plies her trade in the Cheapside Market, said she was extremely surprised and happy for the gesture.

“I have been there for seven years. I started with my dad and then took over after, so it has been three to four years I have been on my own,” said McDowall.

The meat shop owner also thanked BTFL, saying that the organisation had been very helpful in keeping her going.

The tour proceeded to the home of beach vendor Angela Branch, at Roberts Road, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael and then onto the local winery, Meadows In The Sun Wines, managed by Ezra Marshall in Salters, St George. Meadows boasts of a wine list inclusive of 'Barbara', a sweet red; Moscatos, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sour Sop wine and unique dessert wines, along with cocktail specials. Marshall explained that his wine selections were a hit with both locals and visitors to the island.

Minister Symmonds thanked Amos of BTFL along with the BTFL Business Development Officers for the work done with the local entrepreneurs.

"It pains me sometimes as Minister to hear critics out there who only speak the language of throwing more and more money out there without us talking the language of how we can help to develop people and help them to build their business like Ezra has been able to benefit from," said Symmonds.

The minister highlighted that Marshall and others were able to complete the management course hosted by BTFL, which in turn aided in the development of their individual businesses.

Further south, the client appreciation team visited leathercraft vendor John Yard, at Lower Carters Gap, Christ Church. As with the wines during the earlier stop, the products were very popular with the BTFL team. Yarde creates shoes, sandals, bags, bracelets and other items for men, women and also has a line for children.

"This is the kind of work that we want to encourage Barbadians to come to understand is being done here in Barbados and as we go into Christmas, let us try to make this a Christmas where we keep Barbadian people employed," urged Symmonds.

The minister also highlighted that it would be meaningful for locals to support locals and give loved ones and significant others a gift from Barbados instead of spending foreign exchange. Yard thanked BTFL for the gift and for pushing him forward. He also said that he was grateful for the publicity the gesture afforded him and he hoped for a lasting relationship.

Afterwards the tour crisscrossed the island, visiting clients located in St. Philip, St. John, St. Joseph, St. Andrew, St. Peter, St. Lucy, and St. Thomas.

THE spotlight was placed on pension funds and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local pension fund sector, as Eckler Ltd. hosted its annual Pension Investment Conference on Wednesday.

The virtual conference, designed to attract participants who are the trustees of many of the pension plans in Barbados, as well as chief financial officers and human resource managers of many of these companies, was opened by the Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Cleviston Haynes.

“I welcome this opportunity to address your Annual Pension Investment Conference. I commend Eckler on this initiative, particularly at this time when there is a dearth of new high yielding fixed-income investment instruments on the local market and investment managers are being challenged to find investment opportunities that balance yield, safety and liquidity,” Haynes remarked in his opening address.

“Over time, the local pension fund sector has become a significant, but perhaps underestimated segment of Barbados’ financial system. It serves as an important element of the safety net, mobilising the savings of employees which are deployed into investments that translate into increased economic activity,” he added.

Haynes revealed that at December 2019, pension funds registered with the Financial Services Commission reported assets of $2.3 billion and accounted for approximately 9.5% of all financial sector assets. He did point out that asset diversification limited the impact of Government’s fiscal consolidation efforts on the pension funds industry. He also noted that the sector did suffer some accounting losses, as most of its direct exposure to the Government of Barbados’ restructured securities is now embedded in instruments that now have a life of 35 years, compared to the traditional maximum life of 20 years.

Haynes went on to state that the debt restructuring represents an integral part of the reforms introduced by Government since mid-2018, to stabilise the public finances and create a platform for sustainable growth.

“The progress of these reforms has been encouraging, but we have not yet returned to a situation where new domestic long-term instruments are readily available for investors,” the Governor acknowledged.

He meanwhile noted that restoring vibrant activity on the domestic bond market remains a critical indicator that domestic investor confidence has returned and the pension funds industry has a role to play in this revival.

“I note that some pension funds have taken up some of the BOSS bonds on offer, but the trading of restructured securities by pension funds and other investors on the secondary market, remains limited. The growth of the pensions sector ultimately hinges on the fortunes of the wider economy, for it is successful businesses that will be best placed to establish and maintain pension funds for their employees,” the Central Bank Governor said, before delving into the economic impact of COVID-19 on Barbados generally. (RSM)

Republic Bank is keeping the Independence lighting tradition alive.

“Despite there being no official lighting ceremony due to COVID-19 this year, we at Republic still felt the need to express our patriotism. We also believe that staying true to these kinds of traditions and celebrations helps us all to regain a sense of normalcy; it injects brightness and joy into what has been an unprecedented and challenging year,” said the Bank’s Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications Sophia Allsopp Cambridge.

The Speightstown, Limegrove, Warrens, Broad Street, Wildey, Worthing and Six Roads branches and Independence Square Head Office, are all now bathed in ultramarine and gold at night. The special lighting will continue throughout the month of November as is customary.

Ms. Allsopp Cambridge explained, “By honouring this tradition of lighting our buildings with the national colours, we are saying that we will uphold the traditions that our people hold dear. May these lights be a reminder that we are a Bank of the people, operating for the good of the people. The management and staff take this opportunity to wish all Barbadians a happy Independence.”

Constituents across local communities have valuable skills, which can be of benefit to the island’s District Emergency Organisations (DEOs).

Victor Layne, Deputy Chair of the St. Michael South-East DEO, acknowledged the above as he spoke with the Barbados Advocate yesterday. His sentiments came as the District Emergency Organisations (DEOs), which represent the volunteer arm of the Department of Emergency Management, held a Public Awareness Day and Volunteer Drive with the setting up of information booths at various locations across the island. Persons were able to learn more about the function and role of the DEOs in their communities and they also had the opportunity to volunteer their assistance.

“Today, this is basically a recruitment drive and also it's an educational drive as well. We are basically sensitising members of the community about the functions of the DEO and how they can sign up and be of assistance,” Layne said, while on location at Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St.Michael.

“Many of our community members have a skill that can be very useful, in terms of any disaster or any common community drive that we are going to put on. For instance, we have training in chainsaw management, first aid, community mapping and that is identifying risks and hazards in your community like blocked water courses, utility lines that need clearing from trees and vines, broken hydrants etc,” he added.

“So today we are looking to build the base of the DEO, because there are many vulnerable persons in our constituencies, persons that are disabled, persons that have medical conditions, are elderly or they just live alone and in times of disaster, these persons will really need our assistance. The DEM cannot assist everyone in a natural disaster, so we have to play our part as community citizens and good residents, to look after our own, especially the most vulnerable. So today, this is  what this recruitment is about, to expand and basically have a stronger community DEO presence in most constituencies,” Layne said.

By all reports, the response from the public was good and the youth especially showed a keen interest in the DEOs’ drive, which was heartening to the DEO personnel involved.

BARBADIANS need not worry about the current financial standing of the country’s National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

NIS chairman, Leslie Haynes told this to the media yesterday while at the same time chiding some employers for not carrying out their obligation in paying severance to severed employees.

“With the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), I am proud to say that  it is the richest institution in Barbados. We control at this moment assets in excess of BDS$4 billion,” Haynes told a news conference yesterday, which was called to discuss the plight of workers at the Club Barbados Hotel. They have been agitating for their severance for a long while.

The chairman pointed out that in the government of Barbados’ debt restructuring exercise, the NIS took a hit of approximately $1.2 billion. However, in spite of that, there are enough funds that will allow the NIS to see this matter through for the next two years.

“So there is no cause for concern,” Haynes assured.

Earlier Haynes told the media that earlier this year there was the issue of the unemployment benefit scheme, which saw the NIS coming to the table and making unemployment benefit payments to the tune of more than $135 million. Government has promised to recapitalise the unemployment scheme.

The Chairman said that the NIS is fully aware of what is taking place in Barbados and knows what the problems are.

Having dealt therefore with the unemployment benefits, it anticipated the issue of severance payments. Haynes said that with the Barbados Employment and Sustainable Transformation (BEST) programme having been put in place, the Scheme will act as a “long stopper”, which in cricketing terms means a fielder positioned behind the wicket keeper.

Haynes indicated that this issue with the Club, as expected, is an unforeseen event. “But our mandate is to ensure those employees are paid since instructions have already been given,” he stated.

He added, “the public, especially the former employees of the Club, can be assured that everything will be done to ensure their severance payments are made come Independence Day.

Recent heavy rains have caused some delay in preparations, however plans for the staging of next week’s Community Market Extravaganza are pressing ahead.

Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors, and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN) President, Allister Alexander stated this while speaking to Barbados Advocate yesterday, ahead of the pre-Independence Day activity.

“The rains, to be truthful, have been keeping back the preparations. We would have liked to be well prepared. The area that we are trying to make a carpark, we would like some nice gravel put down…. We have started and we expect them to be completed by the time we are ready next week for the Community Market Extravaganza.”

Alexander said the November 28th event will include activities such as a cultural presentation where ‘Ma Vendor’, a character who personifies vending on the island, will be depicted from around 7:30am. He also stated that craft, clothing and fish vendors will be among those plying their trade on the day at the outdoor market’s Mighty Grynner Highway location. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is expected to be on hand to speak about how individuals, especially the youth, can go adopting a healthier lifestyle.

The BARVEN President assured that every effort is being made to ensure quality produce will be present and available for purchase next Saturday.

“We know things are scarce in Barbados right now as far as vegetables are concerned but we are looking to find them where ever they are in this country and bring them here at the BARVEN Super Outdoor Market for the Extravaganza next week.”

A total of nine organisations have received a generous donation from Republic Bank (Barbados) through its Power to Make a Difference Programme (PMAD).

The 2020-2021 launch of the Programme was held this week at the Bank’s Holetown branch. PMAD is the Bank’s corporate social responsibility initiative and it is established in all of the subsidiaries of Republic Financial Holdings Limited.

Addressing the audience, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Republic Bank (Barbados), Anthony Clerk said of the nine recipients, three were newly added to the Programme. These are Pharma Wellness International Inc., Crime Stoppers Barbados and Eco Rebel.

The remaining entities being supported through PMAD are the Barbados Adventure Race (BAR), the Diabetes & Hypertension Association of Barbados, SickKids Caribbean, the Transplant Links Community (TLC), the St. Ambrose Primary School and Jabez House.

Speaking more about their partnership with St. Ambrose Primary, Clerk said they have worked with the school’s administration to help enhance the green spaces at the educational institution. He stated, “we so enjoyed the relationship fostered with the St. Ambrose [Primary] School that we have made the decision to have each of our branches work closely with a primary and secondary school near to them. We have budgeted over $70,000.00 towards this project which will be rolled out later in the fiscal year.”

Clerk also used the occasion to share that “Republic Financial Holdings Limited contributed US$2 million to regional COVID Relief efforts in all of the territories in which we operate. Of that sum, Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited contributed $400 thousand dollars to our local Ministry of Health and Wellness for the purchase of pharmaceuticals and other critical medical supplies. Regional support, under the banner “Power to Unite” continues.”(MG)

One of the bigger highlights of the local Christmas season, The Rotary Club of Barbados’ Carols by Candlelight will now take place virtually at the Globe Drive-in.

The show, which is usually held every year at the residence of the Prime Minister, Ilaro Court, is slated for December 14th and will take the form of two virtual 90-minute shows at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. The historic move by the organisers was done with the safety of the patrons in mind, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and health protocols currently in place in Barbados.

President-elect Robin Ford spoke at the official launch of the show this past week at the Hilton Resort and encouraged Barbadians to come out in their numbers to enjoy the lovely music.

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, we have had to come up with a different plan and to do so, we decided to create a virtual show. The same great show but viewing in your own space," said Ford.

With a maximum capacity of 340 vehicles per show, entry will be by $55 ticket only, which covers the vehicle and all of the occupants, no matter the number. Patrons will take in featured artists including Mr Blood, Red Plastic Bag, song bird Tamara Marshall, Alan Sheppard, Mighty Bit Bit, Paula Hinds, acapella group G-Syndicate, Phoenix Steel, The Groove, Millennial Sounds, Izza Vybe and Trumpet Boy Entertainment, Sundown Superheroes, Joel Brooks, Louise Woodvine Dance Academy, and the Homer Parranderos Parang Band from Trinidad and Tobago.

Ford also thanked the donors and sponsors for their kindness and support, explaining that the 25th edition of the show would not have been possible without them.

"The Rotary Club of Barbados is extremely proud to be associated with these companies in the production of our 90-minute show, Virtual Carols By Candlelight. Without their support this unique and historic show would not have been possible," stated Ford.

Walwyn Williams, Head of Operations for First Citizens Bank, a platinum sponsor for the show, explained that the show was dear to the hearts of its staff and they looked forward to assisting.

"Our staff at First Citizens also cherish the occasion as we volunteer, assisting with food and drinks, tickets at the door and wherever help is needed. Needless to say the Bajan Christmas season would not be the same without Carols by Candlelight," said Williams.

As the main fundraiser for the club, the funds raised from the show will assist in the carrying out the main project identified by the club for 2021-2022. The Secondary Schools Water Tank Project is expected to benefit the 20 secondary schools, refurbishing existing tanks and providing new ones for those in need. (AS)

Minister of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Kerrie Symmonds has lauded the Barbados Trust Fund Limited, as he explained that it has been dynamic and flexible in the way it has guided clients, especially during COVID-19.

Minister Symmonds was speaking during a client appreciation tour with Barbados Trust Fund Limited officials last week where 20 outstanding and exceptional clients were visited and presented with tokens. The team also handed out certificates, which showed that some of the clients had completed management training. The minister made his remarks while at Meadows in the Sun Wines, run by Ezra Marshall in Salters, St. George.

“There are about 1 500 persons who are business clients, who would have been going through this kind of training that Ezra went through. Once the business officers have been able to sit down and work with you, they identify the specific types of needs that you have and then work through how best to adequately meet their requirements,” explained Symmonds.

Explaining that it was important to develop the skills of each individual, Symmonds highlighted the achievement of Marshall and the BTFL program.

“Today we presented him with a certificate, recognising his completion of a course in management. When you started out Ezra, you had not been exposed to those skills. You have to understand that we have a lot of people who, because of the difficulty of the times, have been laid off and lost their traditional form of employment, but they have to still find a way of living and earning an honest living,” said Symmonds.

The minister further explained that even though many go into entrepreneurship, they needed someone to hold their hand, especially in such things as accounting, and marketing on Facebook and Instagram, because it was all new to them.

“These are things that you have to appreciate. It is not one size cap that fits every head. It is often about getting access to money, that is a given, but it is equally more often about helping people to understand how to avoid pitfalls that cause businesses to fail,” said the minister.

Symmonds also made the point that through BTFL and other agencies such as Fund Access, the aim of the ministry is to help the micro businesses graduate to higher levels where they not only expand locally but also throughout the Caribbean. (AS)

President of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), Verla De Peiza wants government to provide answers to “two major queries” that were posed to her.

There are “whether the National Insurance [Scheme]’s fast track system that was promised under the [Barbados Economic and Sustainable Transformation] BEST programme has already been set up and whether the oversight committee that was promised has already been set up”.

She told journalists on Saturday night the answers to these questions were needed “as a matter of urgency.” Her comments came after meeting with laid-off tourism workers at the DLP’s headquarters. She said those present at the two-hour meeting were about 30 in number and were drawn from three different institutions, which were not identified.

DePeiza further told the media the meeting “was triggered by the workers” because “they weren’t getting answers going through their usual channels and I was called and asked if we could facilitate”.

“If either of them has been set up, then we need to know in relation to the fast track, what the time limits are that are placed on the fast track because we are dealing with persons who are no longer employed, who still have financial obligations and that really is their critical concern. That they be able to meet the obligations and be able to support their families. So they are anxious to receive their severance in the soonest as possible time.”

De Peiza additionally said, “what I am hearing coming out of the room is that each institution, each business seems to have had a different way of doing things. The end result is the same, that the workers are without their money and they need to know that their rights are upheld. So the information that came out from under the BEST Programme spoke of that fast track and spoke of that oversight committee and it seems as though that is the direction in which we need to go in order to make a complaint…but there is no information…as to how to go about doing that.”

“It seems as though not the majority, [but]… some of the affected businesses are not following what was expected of them and therefore, we need to know what the process is and

we are calling on government to expand on that. Not just what was written in the handout that was given but to give some specifics so they know what their next steps can be.”

When asked if she would be meeting again with the group, she said “if necessary”. However, she said she is “hoping for the swift resolution of their issues because of course, we know that the moratorium in relation to loans and mortgages has come to an end so they are very anxious about that. They have car loans, they have houses with mortgages, they have land loans so they are having these anxious moments. For us rather than contemplating another meeting, we would rather be speaking in terms of they having had satisfactory resolution to their issues.”(MG)

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in slight changes for this year’s Independence Day Parade.

On Sunday, Colour Sargeant of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), Hilroy Stoute indicated this fact as he spoke to The Barbados Advocate and outlined the proceedings for the rehearsal. He said that this year, the parade is being held in National Heroes’ Square instead of the Garrison Savannah. He noted that there is no march pass or displays as in the past years. Due to a small space and Covid-19 protocols, there will be a considerably smaller group of armed forces participating in the Independence parade.

On the grounds of the National Heroes’ Square, members of the armed forces gathered to rehearse the national event around 7 a.m. With a handful of local spectators, the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF), and Royal Barbados Police Force Band assembled in the area where the layout and routine for the dignitaries, guests and awardees were finalised. The organisers also ensured that all personnel were in place for the arrival of the Chief Justice, Prime Minister and the Governor-General of Barbados.

With cool and breezy conditions, the RBPF band stood in position on the south side of the Square awaiting the 8 a.m. arrival of the Governor-General, who was represented or role played by a member of the Barbados Defence Force. The Barbados Advocate observed that rehearsal organisers kept the morning activities to the allotted time slots.

On Monday, November 30, at 8 a.m, the Independence Day parade will include the presentation of National Independence Awards by Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, the Address to the Nation by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and the Salute to the Nation. Due to Covid-19, Barbadians and visitors will have the option of viewing the national event on social media in addition to the live radio and television coverage.

THE turbulence of 2020 has not been enough to dampen the spirits of the leaders and members of the Mount Zion’s Missions Inc. Barbados Foursquare Church as the institution celebrated its Silver Anniversary this past weekend. After first opening its doors as an independent ministry in 1995, the church turned 25 this year and toasted the achievement under the theme “Led and Fed by the outstretched hands of God, under an open heaven”.

During a special service at its Rock Dundo, St. James home, a condensed history of the house of worship was given by Board Member, Reverend Gail Price, where she highlighted some of the challenges faced in the establishment of the church and some of the missionary work and achievements completed over the years. Despite being grounded in St. James, the ministry had missions to areas such as Deacons, Eden Lodge, Gall Hill and New Orleans, as well as across the Caribbean, the United States and as far as Nigeria.

Starting out as a Sunday School superintendent in the area in 1980, CEO and Founder, Apostle Dr. Lucille Baird, delivered the sermon in which she told the story of the many obstacles that stood in the way of the establishment of the church. She, however, stated that a way was made for her.

“I am glad to be able to stand before you after 25 years of ministry. Going through the ‘Red Sea’, going through the darkness and the hard times to tell you that God is a great God. I can testify about the Lord. I can talk about him because I have met him.”

With Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason, sending congratulatory greeting and Parliamentary Representative for St. James North, Edmund Hinkson, in attendance, Dr. Baird spoke about the blessings and joyous events that abounded in the early part of the year before COVID-19 had reached Barbados, and the jarring reality that the pandemic brought with it. Whipping up members of the congregation with her stirring sermon, she added that although the attack of the viral infection disrupted the way of life as we all knew it, there were some things that were able to survive.

“I can say that we have all of the members coming back out and I thank God because we were able to connect with them and keep ministering to them. We’ve had our feeding programme for the last 27 years. We were still able to feed the people during the pandemic and shutdown period and I thank God for that. God knew what he was doing and God did what he said he was going to do,” she said. (MP)

Government is being lauded for allowing certain payments to be transacted online, thereby improving the delivery of those services.

The kudos has come from Consumer Analyst and head of the Barbados Consumers Research Organisation (BarCRO), Reverend Malcolm Gibbs-Taitt, who said he is looking forward to seeing even greater improvements made going forward. His comments came as he said he is fully in favour of the decisions to allow, for example, the payment of drivers’ licenses online, and for persons to apply for and pay for police certificates of character online, as such have significantly cut down on the wait times in both instances.

“I think it is a good idea, I can’t say I don’t like it, I do. But we must be cognisant that if people do not have money, improving the ease of doing business still cannot function for those people,” he told The Barbados Advocate.

He made the point while noting that a number of persons are currently struggling to make ends meet because of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gibbs-Taitt added that these tough economic circumstances also necessitate that consumers are able to get the best value for money when shopping, especially in supermarkets across the island.

Call for price list to be made public

On that note, he said consumers in this country have a right to have ready access to the comparative prices of common items in supermarkets. The Consumer Analyst who has repeatedly called over the last several years for the comparative price list of the items from the basket of basic consumer goods to be published, as was done over a decade ago, is adamant that with so many people out of work and others living on reduced incomes because of short time, it is needed now than ever.

During the COVID-19 lockdown earlier this year, Gibbs-Taitt insisted that the absence of these prices had been a “serious omission” by Government and was even more glaring because of the stay-at-home order that was in place. He is now reiterating the call for the information to be published for all to see, even if online, contending that the ability to shop around is what households, which are experiencing economic strain require.

“Things were very bad before COVID and they have gotten worse since COVID and if I may say so, consumers are the largest group any country has, but consumers are badly disadvantaged. The Government has in place the way to know how each supermarket charges for each item and they can allow consumers to have this information. As far as I am aware the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs still collects that information, so I do not understand why it is not being passed on to the general public, because knowing the prices of these items would show up any discrepancies that exist,” he said.

The BarCRO head is contending that consumers must be able to look at the prices charged by the various supermarkets and make informed decisions about where to spend their hard earned money.

FOR the third consecutive school day, Lawrence T. Gay Memorial Primary School will be closed.

The primary school was closed on Friday and the teachers and some of the parents received the news that the school would be closed yesterday.

The news of the closure for Monday came during the night on Sunday, leaving parents and teachers little time to alter their plans for the subsequent day.

Some parents who were not fortunate enough to receive the news the previous night, still turned up at the school.

However, the news of the closure for today, Tuesday, was sent earlier in the afternoon on Monday.

Parents and staff continue to live day by day in regards to notice of the current situation and the closure of the school.

The school has been plagued with environmental problems over the past year and continues to suffer from something that has caused many of the staff and pupils on the compound to become ill.

The school only reopened its doors this term after using four different locations to house the staff and children due to the

environmental issues, which have not gone away despite their return to the compound.

In 2016, a similar issue caused the school to house their classes off the compound. (CG)

Come next year the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) will be incorporating new technologies in their efforts to expand the scope of testing for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.

That’s according to Executive Director of Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr. Joy St. John. She spoke to this during a virtual event dubbed ‘Importance of Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance in the Caribbean’ hosted by CARPHA and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to mark World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, explaining that the new technologies came about following a study conducted on AMR during 2017 and 2018 by CARPHA’s medical biology laboratory.

Her comments came as she said that the region has been addressing AMR surveillance as part of its integrated food-borne disease surveillance programme and other programmes. She indicated that to date, CARPHA and PAHO have held multiple joint collaborations on integrated food-borne disease surveillance in AMR for member states and countries have been able to build capacity to address gaps in laboratory and surveillance systems.

“Governments and the CARICOM Secretariat are working with international, regional and national agencies to build bridges through collaborations between professionals from public health, laboratory, medicine, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, the policy field and agricultural profession. Countries are addressing gaps in their laboratory capacity and surveillance systems to incorporate AMR genotyping and sequencing. Countries are developing plans of action for treatments to comprehensively address drug resistance in HIV, vector-borne diseases and food-borne disease bacteria,” she added.

With that in mind, Dr. St. John said the region should be proud of its journey and embrace future initiatives to incorporate integrated surveillance models into regional and national plans of health. She made the point while contending that further research is required to address the Caribbean solution to the “complex public health concerns” that AMR presents.

“We must be strategic, innovative and supportive of our regional researchers and projects which seek to address AMR,” Dr. St. John added.

She made the point while noting that overuse of medicines in humans, livestock and agriculture and access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene have all accelerated the threat of AMR worldwide. Noting that AMR is a “global public health challenge and a growing, pervasive, silent cause of increasing mortality and morbidity in the Caribbean”, the CARPHA head explained that continued overuse and abuse of antimicrobials in animal feed and water is not just a problem for animals, but the “negative fallout” for humans is even greater.

“Food-borne diseases affect the immunocompromised and children under five years of age more so than any other age groups, and antibiotics made ineffective by antimicrobial resistance, plus lengthy hospitalisations... The only way to effectively tackle this growing challenge is the one-health way, through a multi-stakeholder collaborative integrated attack,” she added. (JRT)

Early investment can reduce economic damage and loss of lives and Caribbean islands must take early action to receive the full support of the development agencies and planning.

President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. William Warren Smith, made these comments during the virtual launch of “State of the Caribbean Climate Report – Information for Resilience Building”. He further explained that early investment and early action were important in implementing safeguard measures and investing in the appropriate climate-resilient infra-structure.

Dr. Smith added that climate change adaptation and mitigation are more effective when they are fully integrated into a comprehensive and sustainable development framework.

He noted that climate events will become more variable, more intense, and damaging for the predominant small island states of the Caribbean. The regional bank leader said that he had a front-row view of the catastrophic impact of hurricanes and this reinforced his conviction that climate change must remain at the top of CDB’s assistance agenda and underscored the urgency of Caribbean governments building climate change resilience.

Dr. Smith commented on the special significance of the Caribbean Climate report to CDB. He explained that it contained a wealth of current climate data with informed evidence based planning, design and implementation of appropriate adaptation measures. He highlighted the work of the CDB which has allocated US$450 million to offer increased access to concessional financing for disaster risk management and climate resilience. The bank also introduced new tools in water and transport sectors and facilitated access and the use of more robust data to better analyse and assess risk.

The Caribbean Climate Report provides critical analysis and discussion on Caribbean climate, including, observed variability and trends, recent extreme events, projections for key variables, observed and potential impacts for climate sensitive

sectors as well as an overview of climate information and services within the region.