THE Employment Rights Tribunal (ERT) continued the unfair dismissal case of Sonya Toppin vs Republic Bank yesterday.

The matter – which was brought before the ERT led by Chairman, retired Justice Christopher Blackman – was first filed in 2018, with the first hearing being held in February of this year.

Toppin, a sales supervisor, was terminated from the company back in April of 2017. She was detained at the airport with more than US$20 000 cash in her possession.

The tribunal heard from Senior Manager of Human Resources, Yvonne Hall, who was under cross-examination from attorney-at-law Larry Smith, representing the claimant, who honed in on the fairness of the procedure of dismissal. Attorney-at-law Kevin Boyce of Clarke Gittens Farmer represented the bank official.

It was noted that the first reason for the dismissal showed that Toppin breached the limit allowed to change foreign currency at the bank. Toppin did not have Exchange Control approval and that constitutes an offence. Smith argued, however, that a person has only committed an offence if convicted. However, ERT Chairman cautioned that under the Exchange Control laws, statutory offences were created. “Each of those laws are as simple as if you are found in possession of one bullet, you are in breach of the Firearms Act.”

Smith also questioned Hall about the letter received from the Acting Comptroller of Customs that indicated that Toppin was attempting to leave the jurisdiction with a sum of money that exceeded the sum allowed, which was a contravention of the laws of Barbados. The tribunal also heard that it was the revelation of this infor-mation through a gossip website that led bank management to approach Toppin and investigate the matter. It was noted that nothing improper was found in her bank accounts and no indication that the funds came from an improper source.

Smith also drew attention to the fact that Toppin did not receive a copy of the letter from the Comptroller of Customs of the allegations, rather she was told of the contents of the letter. He argued that she could therefore not confirm the veracity of the contents. Hall also noted that the letter never suggested that the Royal Barbados Police Force was involved in the matter.

Smith also queried the rationale for continuing a disciplinary hearing with Toppin in the absence of her legal representative. It was however noted that the Human Resources executive did not attend any of the disciplinary hearings and therefore was not in a position to respond.

The tribunal also heard of a loan taken out from the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union. The ERT case will continue on December 9 and 11, when Hall is once again expected to take the witness stand. (JH)

AS the Caribbean continues to feel the impact of climate change, one key message for the region is the need to focus on building resilience.

This was the message underlined by The State of the Caribbean Climate Report prepared by the Climate Studies Group Mona of The University of the West Indies for the Caribbean Development Bank.

Virtually launched yesterday, the report said the success of the measures and ultimately of a regional response is dependent on the commitment or buy-in of national and regional decision-makers (within government, private sector, civil society, academia and other relevant stakeholder groups) to commit to: working together to decide upon and achieve agreed climate resilience targets; employing evidence-based approaches as well as adaptive and scenario planning in support of decision-making; and supporting and strengthening existing expertise, resilience-building initiatives and use these to guide decision-making processes.

Outgoing President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. William Warren Smith, stressed that early investment could reduce economic damage and the loss of lives to disasters.

“Therefore, Caribbean countries must take early action and receive the full support of the development agents in implementing safeguard measures and investing in the appropriate climate resilient infrastructure,” he said.

In addition, Smith insisted that climate change adaptation and mitigation were more effective when fully integrated into an effective and fully sustainable development framework.

In his remarks, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, The University of the West Indies Mona Campus, Professor Dale Webber, pointed to the report’s predictions that by the end of the century, the Caribbean would be experiencing 25 per cent less rainfall and insisted states must look to mitigation plans.

“Rainfall harvesting projects must now be implemented on a wide scale as they have been in the past by St. Lucia. We need to look also at deforestation, the change in forest coverage and what that means for our people. We need to look at urban and rural planning. We need to ensure that every building we erect and every road we build must be made with climate change in mind,” he said, adding that protecting food security must also be a major consideration at this time. (JMB)

IF antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is left unchecked, the results could be devastating.

So says Jessie Schutt-Aine, Sub-regional Programme Co-ordinator, Pan American Health Organisation based in Barbados. She made the point during a virtual event yesterday, which was hosted by the Caribbean Public Health Agency and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) as part of activities to mark World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.

“We all need to raise awareness about AMR and this week serves that purpose. PAHO has created educational materials including public service announcements on antimicrobial resistance to help people understand that our time with antibiotics is running out. So we need to make changes now to reduce our risk,” she said.

Schutt-Aine added, “If AMR is left unchecked, the next epidemic could be bacterial and we would be left more vulnerable in the face of antimicrobials that are not effective. We all need to do our part in combating antimicrobial resistance. AMR is here and we need to slow it down, and we need to unite to preserve antimicrobials,” she stated.

Referring to a report commissioned by the British government last year, Schutt-Aine said it is estimated that about 700,000 deaths globally can be attributed to AMR and the toll could rise to 10 million deaths in the next 35 years. She said that if the trend is not reversed, it could result in US$100 trillion in losses.

The PAHO official went on to say that there is a lack of data for low- and middle-income countries as it relates to AMR, making it difficult to know the exact scale of AMR in those countries. Pointing out that one of the major challenges is obtaining sufficient data on AMR, she said robust surveillance systems must be employed.

Her remarks came as she explained that AMR occurs when bacteria, fungus and parasites resist the effects of medications like antibiotics and antifungals. The PAHO official said these micro-organisms make common infections harder to treat and increase the risk of spread of severe illness and even death. She added that AMR is increased when persons abuse or misuse antimicrobials, such as an anti-biotic for a viral infection and not a bacterial one, not following prescriptions as recommended by the doctor and sharing antibiotics with family; and she is therefore calling for a change in those behaviours. (JRT)

Members of the public will have an opportunity to demonstrate they are smart in their use of energy and thus be called as an energy champion when they participate in the ‘Barbados Energy Champion Competition’.

A contest being conducted by the Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it will be rolled out during the month. It is the first initiative of the Ministry’s communications campaign for the Barbados National Energy Policy 2019 to 2030 which was launched last Friday.

Project Manager in the Ministry, Keisha Reid shared greater details about the competition with the press during a recent press conference at the Ministry’s Country Road, St. Michael headquarters.

“The intention of this campaign is to encourage every Barbadian to become an “energy champion”, whether in their home, school or office.  The competition will demonstrate that anyone can be an energy champion and provide specific, practical ways they can accomplish this title.”

She further stated, “November is celebrated annually as Energy Month in Barbados.  Hence, this is the best time to launch this competition. Details on how to participate in the competition and the prizes that can be won will be soon be advertised in the media.”

During the press conference, the winners of the Ministry’s online energy survey were awarded. The three recipients each received energy saving LED bulbs and a shopping voucher. It was said the “prizes were selected to help the winners reduce their electricity bill and purchase items of their choice that would be useful to them.” (MG)

Tuna fishery in Barbados is expected to generate an additional $2 million annually in gross revenue as the industry is set to become streamlined under the new Sustainable Fish Value Chains for Small Island Developing States. Through a $5.3 million grant from the Government of the Republic of Korea, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy signed the agreement recently to set the programme in stone.

With a rise in the popularity of sushi and sashimi in the Western hemisphere largely across North America, the demand for yellowfin tuna has seen many countries in the Caribbean region, inclusive of Barbados, developing export markets for the commodity. With that being the island’s only seafood export, the project is being utilised to further develop the industry in Barbados by improving the quality of the entire process as opposed to increasing the quantities of fish caught.

Speaking during this past Wednesday’s signing at the Ministry’s headquarters, Sub-Regional Co-ordinator at the FAO Caribbean Office, Dr. Renata Clarke, explained that the time had come for Barbados and other nations in the region to adapt to the changing world.

“Economic diversification in Barbados, as with many other countries in the Caribbean, is an absolute must. It has been an important goal for a long time, but the fallout of the COVID-19 crisis has shown us that we cannot afford to delay. We need to create the employment that is more than just decent employment. We need to create the employment in a way that preserves or even enhances our natural resource base. We need to create employment in a way that optimises the value that remains in Barbados. We need to strengthen the institutions that enable resilience and protection of our fisherfolk. This project has the potential to contribute to all of these goals,” she said.

Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey, opened his address by stating that he had made a commitment when he came into his post that wherever there were international resources to be found to help achieve the goals of the nation, he would ensure that the island was positioned to receive them. Noting that the project was structured to not directly benefit the Government but the persons involved in the tuna fishing and export industry, Humphrey said that this project was just what Barbados needed to take the industry to the next level.

“For me, the whole idea of sustainable fisheries is so vitally important to the Ministry. In fact, it is one of the reasons that we have the Ministry in the first place – to be able to pursue, not just fisheries but to be able to pursue sustainable fisheries. To make sure that we do not overfish, to make sure that we can tackle IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing, to make sure that we have modern techniques to be able to trace from bait to plate – the way that is now determined by international agencies that you must be able to do. Just to become a modern fisheries department, a modern fisheries unit, a modern fisheries country.”

With Barbados currently exporting to North America, Minister Humphrey said that it was expected that the project could possibly open the door to the European Union (EU) market as well.

“Barbados has also determined that we want to be in a position where we are in a position to be able to export to the EU – to meet the phytosanitary conditions. Unfortunately, we are not yet there. There are a number of things that we have to do, but we have been working with the Ministry of Agriculture and with the FAO again to put ourselves in a position to do that. And this project brings us a bit closer to be able to export to the European Union,” he said. (MP)

US Ambassador Linda Taglialatela celebrated Acting Director of the National Library Service Grace Haynes as she completed 43 years of employment with the library and retired yesterday.

Ms. Haynes began her career at age 19 and through four decades of service has managed multiple portfolios and projects for the library. Ambassador Taglialatela celebrated Ms. Haynes with cake, flowers, and a special presentation of books to the library.

Christ Church Foundation School students authored the children's history book "The Journey of Bim", which the Ambassador commissioned and printed. The 100 copies presented at the retirement ceremony will be donated to libraries across the island.

As for Ms. Haynes, she said, “I can’t believe that I used to talk about months and weeks until retirement, and now it’s hours. I look forward to what everyone looks forward to in retirement, doing what I want to do, when I want to do it.” She said at the top of her list is learning languages, but above all, spending more time with her four-year-old granddaughter.

Trey Cumberbatch had several reasons to celebrate yesterday. He was chosen as the Rhodes Scholar for the Commonwealth Caribbean for 2021.

The 23-year-old is a graduate of The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (First Class Honours). He intends to study for a Master of Science in Evidence Based Social Intervention.

Cumberbatch was selected from among eight candidates who were interviewed on Tuesday. The announcement of his winning was made by Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason at Government House. The other candidates vying for the scholarship were from Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua and Barbuda.

In brief remarks, Dame Sandra said this year the Selection Committee had “a cadre of very erudite, intelligent and articulate young Caribbean people” to select from and “each one of them could easily have been given the scholarship because they have vision and we know that wherever they go as our Barbadian anthem says, ‘they will do credit to our nation’.”

This is Cumberbatch’s second time applying for the scholarship, he previously applied in 2018. Speaking to the media at his St. Phillip home, he said he was elated to have won. The mental health advocate, who did “a triple minor in Gender and Development Studies, Psychology and Sociology” at the UWI, Cave Hill Campus, shared how he hopes to better Barbados through his studies at the University of Oxford.

“I know you guys will be aware that the Minister [of Health and Wellness] promised a mental health policy. I very much want to be at the forefront in terms of the development of that policy and making sure that policy meets the mental heath needs of the Barbadian population. I think as a society and a culture, we have ignored it for far too long and we need to have it written in policy that mental health is important and we have things in place to make sure that people have access to mental health care and it is affordable. So the policy programme at Oxford will definitely help me in terms of how to formulate a social policy, how to evaluate a social policy and make sure that it is utilises the country’s resources to the best of it ability.”

Cumberbatch credited his parents, his late mom, Shirnell Greenidge-Cumberbatch and dad, Dave Cumberbatch for his achievement.

His father told the media he was proud of his son and he too gave credit late mom, Shirnell.

“She passed seven years ago. She was the one who worked with him from small. She taught him to read, to write [and] to use a computer. I am just sorry she is not here to share in his achievement, so I give all the credit to her.” (MG)

Beryl Mabel Whitney was the “lady of the hour” when relatives and friends gathered at the home of her daughter, Lola Bynoe, where Beryl currently resides, to celebrate the special milestone on October 9.

Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, who joined via Skype, headed the list of well-wishers and spoke to Beryl, her daughter, and other family members, who paid tribute to her.

Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General, Major Julia Dabreo, delivered a basket of flowers, wine and a birthday card from Dame Sandra as well as one from Queen Elizabeth II.

Born in Vaughn’s Land, St. Joseph, Beryl was educated at Mrs. Walcott Private School in the same parish.

On leaving school, she worked at F.S. Nicholas and the Five & Ten store as a clerk and cashier.

Beryl met and later wed Arlin Whitney, in 1954, and had five children. She is the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

In the couple’s heyday, Arlin had several businesses, such as Whitney’s Meat Depot, Whitney’s Wholesale Liquor store, and Whitney’s Wrought Iron.  Beryl played a major role with the daily operations of the businesses, including the record-keeping for the wrought iron business.  Unfortunately, Arlin died in October 2013.

Beryl’s children described her as a “thrifty woman and very good with her hands”.  She did upholstery work; repaired car seats; and at Christmas time, made cushion covers and curtains, sewed clothes, knitted, and constructed concrete plant pots.

Lola remarked that her mother lovingly admired one of the plant pots in the garden, and reflected: “That is my good work”.

Beryl loved to cook, and among the favourite meals she enjoyed preparing were green peas and rice, and Cou Cou served with flying fish, salt fish, or beef stew, along with stewed sweet potato.   

She also loves to eat food from Chefette and Kentucky Fried Chicken, and drink the occasional soft drink.

Beryl’s hobbies include word searches, which she still continues to do, and taking care of the garden, as she loves plants.

AN International Development expert is insisting that no one country affected by COVID-19 can solve that pandemic on its own. Rather, there has to be cooperation among small and large countries alike to deal with this raging health crisis that has caused millions of infections and deaths around the world, including seven

deaths right here in Barbados.

That’s the message Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala left with her Barbadian audience during her presentation of the 45th Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture on Monday night.

Interview format for Sir Winston Scott lecture

The lecture took the form of an interview, which Cleviston Haynes, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados did with Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who is also a former Finance Minister of Nigeria.

“With things like a pandemic that affects every country and everyone and climate change as well, no one country can solve this on their own and it is absolutely necessary that we have international cooperation and solidarity,” the Nigerian official said.

She said that with COVID-19, no country is safe “so that’s why cooperation is necessary to sort it out.”

The international economist also stated that until the health aspects of the COVID are solved, “we won’t be able to tackle the economic aspects of it appropriately.”

Vaccine discussed

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala who is among candidates seeking the top position at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, pointed out that right now poorer and smaller countries need to find a way to access the vaccines which have been developed to deal with COVID-19. Because of the cost of the vaccines, the problems with distribution is not only getting them but also distributing them where they are required.

According to her, “These are some of the challenges we have, that concern universal access. I think that is why it is important to have a global outreach to this issue of getting vaccines to everyone.”

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stated that countries have to solve the problem of finding a vaccine that works. However, she revealed that the good news from this is that manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna have come up with vaccines which are 90 per cent effective while another firm, AstraZeneca is coming up with one that is 70 per cent to 90 per cent effective.

Noting that the challenges of distribution have to be overcome, the Nigerian remarked that some of the vaccines require storage at temperatures that are not normal and had not been tried before.

She believed that the AstraZeneca product will be easier to distribute. “So we need to overcome these challenges in order to be able to distribute them to everyone who needs them,” she reasoned.

WHILE several cases have been completed by the Employment Rights Tribunal (ERT), work is being hampered by a lack of staff and the absence of a physical space for the ERT to call home.

This was revealed by Chairman Christopher Blackman who spoke to the media briefly after the adjournment of a wrongful dismissal case Monday afternoon.

Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic knocked the work of the panel off course for approximately two months, he said this was not the only challenge facing the ERT. He noted however that there were some positives.

Blackman revealed that the work of the ERT has seen the Barbados Employers’ Confederation use principles laid down in other cases, with one case netting $100 000 in favour of the employee. “Cases have been settled based on decisions we have made and we have made guidance for the future.”

Additionally, he noted that cases were also settled at the level of case management conferences (CMCs).

“I am satisfied that the Tribunal as constituted really now is working assiduously and to cut down the backlog. The fact that we have not done more is for reasons not from our making. We had cases where twice for the last couple of weeks, where I cannot adjourn because the room wasn’t available.”

Justice Blackman mused that he recently told the Minister with responsibility for the ERT that he is now a vagrant with no place to call his own.

“This Tribunal has been in place for several years and has made no proper provision for its workers. No fixed place of abode. They gave us a little room upstairs where we could sit around a table which now is too small because of COVID, but generally speaking we have none.”

He noted that the individuals assigned to assist the Tribunal are not enough to service the three tribunals and specifically not with additional pieces of legislation implemented such as Sexual Harrassment and Discrimination. “It came into force in September. I told the Minister – but Minister you realise that this thing was enforced in September and we have no means of enforcing it. Read the Discrimination Act, if we make certain decisions, and impose – we will have the authority to impose fines or lock up people. I said I have no staff to do these things. They push these things through without consulting.”

Blackman also made the point that while the panel consists of industrial relations and human resources professionals, the Act will be speaking to matters outside of the skill-set and would require a strong technical person.

“In terms of what constitutes discrimination in terms of gender, age, disability...It seems to me that the Act needs to provide for people from the disabled community or otherwise to be put onto the panel to bring their perspective.”

He said this would be critical to assist in the framing of decisions, taking into account the varying dynamics.

“It really troubles me that the government will bring in these things without giving you the full courtesy of a consultation to ask you what you think.”

However, Blackman noted that the ERT has been able to finish a number of cases, with more than 20 written judgements, and some of the cases having gone to the Court of Appeal.

“If there is a backlog it is us not having the staff to provide the material to the Court of Appeal. Not that we aren’t doing the work, but we don’t have the staff resources to get the material out to the Court of Appeal.”

As it relates to managing through the COVID period, he noted that in addition to the setback by about two months, the CMCs which would have been held in smaller rooms took place in the bigger space to facilitate social distancing, which made getting access to the room regularly used by the ERT more difficult.

As it relates to carrying out hearings by Zoom, Blackman said, “You need to see the witness.”

“...If somebody is there... You don’t want people to pass papers to them. You have to see the witness. You have to see the person’s demeanour. So that’s why the jury trials have to continue, so the jury could see the person,” he said. (JH)

Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), James Paul, says concerns about the use of antibiotics in livestock as a growth promoter are not rampant in this country, as the sector prides itself on doing things the natural way.

His comments came in an interview with The Barbados Advocate as he reflected on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) brought about by the misuse or abuse of antimicrobials including antibiotics. Earlier this week, during a virtual event hosted by the Caribbean Public Health Agency and the Pan American Health Organisation, there was concern raised about indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in animals in the Americas for growth promotion and the lack of the requisite legislative framework to put an end to it.

“I am not aware of any growth promoters being used in Barbados in terms of the livestock industry. We don’t use them. Yes we know about it, but it is not something we have encouraged. As a matter of fact, we shun it because we want to exercise a higher level of responsibility to consumers in Barbados in general, taking into consideration the negative impact that it has on the human population. And what we have done, we have actually chosen more natural ways of livestock husbandry, through genetic selection to improve the breed of animals,” he stated.

He spoke to this, as he made it clear that the local feed manufacturer does not use antibiotics in its products. So serious is the industry about keeping antibiotics out of the equation, he said, that if a processor suspects that growth promoters have been used, that farmer is taken off the list.

Paul noted that while those involved in the livestock sector have been abiding by that best practice of avoiding growth promoters, some feed importers put that best practice at risk. As such, he is adamant that a close eye must be kept on imports. He said that while the claim of some farmers is that when they use imported feeds they see a better performance, if that is the result of growth promoters, he maintained that the risk to animal and human health is not worth it.

“I want to say that from our investigations, we have discovered that there are some imported feeds that do contain antibiotics, this is of course an issue we have raised before with the authorities. We do not have a level playing field where the imported feeds that contain antibiotics are allowed to come in and compete with the local feed that does not contain any antibiotics. One of the things we can guarantee local consumers is that the feed made by Pinnacle Feeds do not contain any antibiotics, but we cannot say the same for the feeds being imported from wherever, and therefore we continue to laud our local feed company for their higher level of social responsibility,” he added.

With that in mind, he is calling on the relevant authorities to exam this issue and hold importers of feed to a higher standard.

“After a while, antibiotics used in livestock can pose a risk to humans. People can develop a resistance to certain drugs and not understand why, but it could be because of what they ate,” he noted. (JRT)

Steps must be taken to reduce the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in animals for growth promotion.

That’s according to Dr. Margarita Corrales, Food Safety Coordinator and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) Focal Point (Food) with the Pan American Centre for Foot-and-Mouth Disease Veterinary Public Health (PANAFTOSA). She made the point while speaking on the topic AMR Integrated Surveillance along the Farm-to-Fork Continuum, as part of a virtual event held recently to commemorate World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.

She explained that there are some antimicrobials that are used in humans  and animals. She stated that in the case of animals, they have been used not only to treat diseases but as growth promoters, and this practice has exacerbated the resistant bacteria in animals, which is in turn transmitted to humans. Her comments came as she noted that AMR will surpass other diseases, including cancers, cholera and diabetes, and be the number one health problem by 2050. Dr. Corrales said that this is why efforts should be made to monitor and reduce the number of these critical antimicrobials that are utilised in animal production.

Referring to the third annual report of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on antimicrobials’ use in animal production, she said that 29 per cent of the 155 countries that were surveyed used antimicrobials as growth promoters and not to treat diseases. She added that in terms of those countries, most of them lack the appropriate legislation on the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters. Moreover, she added that a significant number of those countries which use antimicrobials to treat diseases also lack the legislation that speaks to the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters.

“It is important if a country stops using antimicrobials as growth promoters that there is a legislative framework to support it and to enforce it at the country level,” she said.

She also spoke of efforts to prohibit the use of the antibiotic colistin for preventing diseases and as a growth promoter, indicating that some countries in the Americas have made progress on that front, but there is still work to be done. Additionally, she said there is not information available for all the countries and this needs to be addressed if there are to be improvements made in addressing AMR.

An Opposition spokesman is calling for more disclosure about the financial position of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), while suggesting also that the NIS be regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

Walters who is the first vice president of the Democratic Labour Party and Spokesperson on Business made the call in a recent release.

His comments come following a weekend news conference at which the NIS Chairman, Leslie Haynes highlighted some positives about the institution.

Haynes told the media the NIS is one of the richest institutions in Barbados and that it has assets in excess of Bds$4 billion.

“The Barbadian people, who are the investors and shareholders by way of contributions each month to the various NIS funds need to be given a look into the real financial situation at the NIS,” said Walters.

He also listed five queries about the NIS, including a call to government to say how much is required to recapitalise the unemployment benefit fund, when that will take place and how it will be done.

Walters said that clearly the asset base and revenue generating capacity warrant independent financial reviews, scrutiny and transparency to the stakeholders who are the citizens of this country.

The DLP member said that with the click of a finger, one is able to access audited financial information on national insurance schemes in other parts of the Caribbean. When last did the NIS produce audited financial statements, he queried, while noting this is not the case with the Central Bank of Barbados and the FSC which produce and publish audited statements.

Walters wants government to say how it goes about measuring the sustainability of the Fund in light of the one billion dollar estimated loss from the debt restructuring, the average drawdown and the decline in investments and contributions.

He also mentioned the $135 million paid as unemployment, and that some workers said they had received part payments while querying why it is taking so long to pay the remainder.

The DLP member reiterates his party’s support for employees getting the full dues.

As part of its community outreach efforts, the Service Committee of the Lions Club of Christ Church West donated two fans to the Eye Clinic at the Sir Winston Scott Polyclinic, recently.

Service Chairperson Lena Bryan told The Barbados Advocate that the idea for the donation came about after members of the charitable organisation paid a visit to the Clinic to make a presentation prior and saw the need for a few fans in the waiting area.

“We did a presentation on World Food Day to the children and the parents at the Clinic, but we found that it was so hot in that waiting area, and I suggested, let’s donate two fans to the area. That’s how it really came about,” she revealed.

In terms of the work of the Club, Lena Bryan noted that though the COVID-19 pandemic has curbed some of the activities which were scheduled to be carried out, such as visits to schools to deliver important lectures to students on various topics, Club members have still been able to reach out to focus on other areas, such as helping the less fortunate with various requirements and donating hampers to those in need, during the pandemic. Just two weeks ago, a cricket match was hosted, with funds slated to go to those with paediatric cancer. Only yesterday as well, a donation of clothing, church hats and shoes was made for persons living with HIV and AIDS. Bryan meanwhile noted that as the Christmas season rolls around, the Lions Club of Christ Church West will be seeking to carry out its hamper drive, for those who will be in need of some cheering up this yuletide season given their difficult circumstances and so, the work of the Club will continue, even as the COVID-19 protocols and regulations are observed. (RSM)

A stellar Barbadian sunset provided the backdrop as members of the Diplomatic Corps and government officials gave a warm welcome on Tuesday evening to new European Union Ambassador Her Excellency Malgorzata Wasilewska.

The woman who will now be heading up the Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM was toasted during a cocktail reception at the Barbados Museum.

With Barbados and the EU boasting 44 years of relations and partnership, Wasilewska, who hails from Poland, is the 12th ambassador and only the second woman to hold the post, replacing previous ambassador Daniela Tramacere. She is no stranger to the region after being previously stationed in Jamaica where she also presided over Belize, Turks and Caicos Islands, Bahamas and the Cayman Islands.

The evening saw several other ambassadors such as Japan’s Teruhiko Shinada and Linda S Taglialatela of the United States, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott in attendance.

Noting that she was looking forward to working with their CARICOM and CARIFORUM partners in the areas of regional integration, crime and security, among other things, she noted that climate action was also very high on the list.

“We have observed a record number of tropical disturbances this year, proving even to the greatest cynic that climate change is real, I am happy that the Caribbean has been largely spared. I am even happier to note that through our support to the Caribbean Risk Insurance Facility, we were already prepared for potential impacts. Similarly, as COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on our health, economic and education systems, we have been quietly working in the background to ensure countries throughout the region will have access to a vaccine whenever it becomes available, which we trust will be soon,” she said.

Noting that the EU had 27 member states, Wasilewska explained that the United Kingdom’s departure did not spell certain doom for the Caribbean region.

“Let me make it clear that the departure of the UK will not leave the Caribbean exposed; the European Union will continue to be a strong partner to the region and we will continue working with our UK colleagues in a coordinated manner to the best assistance to the people of the region. I trust we will continue to be strategic in our collective vision as we build an even more resilient region in areas such as climate action through our Green Deal, digitalisation, sustainable growth, jobs, migration, governance, peace and security,” she said. (MP)

NGOs or Non-Governmental Organi-sations have been recognised for the role they have played to date in helping to maintain the fabric of society and assisting in keeping the country afloat, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sentiments came from  Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Santia Bradshaw, as she delivered remarks yesterday during the National NGO Impact Consultation held at the Hilton Hotel under the theme, “The Impact of NGOs During COVID-19 and Beyond”.

The consultation sought to address a number of concerns faced by the NGO community, given that the pandemic has affected the way in which they now carry out their day to day operations and Bradshaw acknowledged that government sees the valuable role NGOs play in filling various niche areas and voids which government has not been able to fill and is therefore willing to work with the NGOs, on a wider scale.

“All of you, whether in small ways or big ways, have helped and I want to keep reemphasizing the importance of how you have kept the fabric of the society  together, because the Government alone cannot do everything. I  think if we could, we would, but in many cases we are working with a lot of limited resources and we are having to prioritise those resources every single day, depending on what  is happening to us both locally, regionally and internationally,” Minister Bradshaw commented.

Bradshaw noted that with unemployment figures skyrocketing on account of the pandemic, a number of NGOs, which have also been affected by COVID-19,  have nevertheless done their part to assist persons in need.

“We’ve watched over the past few months as several NGOs have joined the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and government has had to adjust its expenditure in order to deal with the fact that we’ve seen the largest number of unemployment claims before the National Insurance Scheme, that has even been seen since the NIS has been established in this country,” Bradshaw remarked.

“I remember a few months ago it was around 40,000 and I remember feeling alarmed at the fact that there were 40,000 people who were identified at the time as being unemployed, but within just a matter of weeks,  to then be told that the figures had now moved to 75,000 and really these are persons who are formally heading to the National Insurance who have been recently laid off, we have to recognise that there are still a number of people who have not been captured in that amount, who are also not working at this point in time,” she stressed.

“And therefore, this is an unprecedented time for government, it is an unprecedented time for all of you as NGOs, because I am sure the burden that is being placed on you to deliver services and to be able to assist in terms of human resources, is particularly challenging, just as it is for government,” the Minister said.

As such, she noted the need for those in the NGO community to find creative and innovative ways to become more sustainable and to explore new ways of funding their organisations, whilst also acknowledging government’s part in bringing about legislation soon to assist those in the third sector, in doing what they do best.

Members of the NGO community have expressed a desire to be a part of the Social Partnership in Barbados.

The revelation came during the National NGO Impact Consultation held at the Hilton Hotel this week under the theme, “The Impact of NGOs During COVID-19 and Beyond”.

Kemar Saffrey,  President of the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness and coordinator of the National NGO Impact Consultation, following on from the acknowledgement which came from Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Santia Bradshaw in her address at the Consultation, noted that, indeed, NGOs in Barbados want to be recognised as one of the social partners.

“What we would have looked at with government, which the Minister also alluded to, is that we have asked to be in the Social Partnership. Why is that important? Because that is where we think that we can show what we have to offer, just as much as the private sector, just as much as the  unions and these things are important,” Saffrey stated.

“Yes, the Social Justice Committee was created, but we also want to be able to reach persons to let them know that we have ideas, beyond just asking for money. We have expertise beyond persons just looking at us as NGO workers. Some of us are doctors, lawyers, people with qualifications in different fields, that can be used as well. So we can still lend our expertise that we (currently offer) to the NGOs and go even beyond that,” Saffrey stressed.

This was just one of the matters raised at the NGO consultation. The session also sought  to address a number of other matters including, coordination and cooperation among NGOs and Government, funding within international organisations such as the United Nations and the IDB in partnership with Government, financial burdens faced by NGOs and specifically, concerns faced by those in the NGO community, especially during Covid-19. (RSM)

The challenges faced this year have highlighted the importance of closer integration and collaboration to help ensure that fragile regional economies can more effectively absorb and rebound from external shocks.

So says Director of Projects at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Daniel Best. Speaking during the virtual launch of the Establishment of Integrated Border Systems for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Project, which is financed by 11th European Development Fund under the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy Standby Facility for Capacity Building, managed by the CDB.

Best told those viewing online, that global projections by the International Monetary Fund tell of a protracted, uncertain and uneven recovery beyond 2021. Referring to the latest IMF World Economic Outlook growth projection for 2020, he said it is estimated that there will be -8.1 percent growth for Latin America and the Caribbean. He stated that in spite of a slight recovery, output in developing and emerging economies is predicted to remain below 2019 levels well into 2021, as he added that growing restrictions on trade could further exacerbate any rebound.

“Regionally, we are faced with not only currency volatility, depleting foreign reserves and limited fiscal resources. We must also manage the vagaries of increasingly unpredictable weather systems brought about by climate change, which wreak havoc on our populations, infrastructure and economies. Our responses to these circumstances and a potentially catastrophic long-term crisis must be balanced and include effective policies to ultimately protect and sustain lives and livelihoods,” he indicated.

He continued, “Trade, the Standby Facility’s focus therefore, can be a deciding factor, and remains of great significance to regional governments as they search for and create new economic opportunities within CARIFORUM and beyond”.

To that end, he maintained that alleviating systemic barriers to trade and promoting trade facilitation is vital at this time. Best indicated then that activities which streamline and enhance the efficiency of trade related procedures are essential.

“Our import and export dependent economies and small production base make intra and extra regional trade an imperative. This project responds to that actuality and in addition, supports the fulfilment of international commitments of OECS member countries, specifically the World Trade Organisation Trade Facilitation Agreement and the International Maritime Organisation Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, more commonly known as the FAL Convention,” he stated.

He went on to say that beyond satisfying those obligations, the OECS member states are being positioned to positively impact their performance on specific indicators assessed in the global competitiveness rankings - namely trading across borders. He indicated that even though the OECS countries have performed well in the areas of documentary and border compliance when compared to the wider CARICOM, there are gaps which can be impacted by the project through standardisation and systems integration. (JRT)

The challenges faced this year have highlighted the importance of closer integration and collaboration to help ensure that fragile regional economies can more effectively absorb and rebound from external shocks.

So says Director of Projects at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Daniel Best. Speaking during the virtual launch of the Establishment of Integrated Border Systems for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Project, which is financed by 11th European Development Fund under the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy Standby Facility for Capacity Building, managed by the CDB.

Best told those viewing online, that global projections by the International Monetary Fund tell of a protracted, uncertain and uneven recovery beyond 2021. Referring to the latest IMF World Economic Outlook growth projection for 2020, he said it is estimated that there will be -8.1 percent growth for Latin America and the Caribbean. He stated that in spite of a slight recovery, output in developing and emerging economies is predicted to remain below 2019 levels well into 2021, as he added that growing restrictions on trade could further exacerbate any rebound.

“Regionally, we are faced with not only currency volatility, depleting foreign reserves and limited fiscal resources. We must also manage the vagaries of increasingly unpredictable weather systems brought about by climate change, which wreak havoc on our populations, infrastructure and economies. Our responses to these circumstances and a potentially catastrophic long-term crisis must be balanced and include effective policies to ultimately protect and sustain lives and livelihoods,” he indicated.

He continued, “Trade, the Standby Facility’s focus therefore, can be a deciding factor, and remains of great significance to regional governments as they search for and create new economic opportunities within CARIFORUM and beyond”.

To that end, he maintained that alleviating systemic barriers to trade and promoting trade facilitation is vital at this time. Best indicated then that activities which streamline and enhance the efficiency of trade related procedures are essential.

“Our import and export dependent economies and small production base make intra and extra regional trade an imperative. This project responds to that actuality and in addition, supports the fulfilment of international commitments of OECS member countries, specifically the World Trade Organisation Trade Facilitation Agreement and the International Maritime Organisation Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, more commonly known as the FAL Convention,” he stated.

He went on to say that beyond satisfying those obligations, the OECS member states are being positioned to positively impact their performance on specific indicators assessed in the global competitiveness rankings - namely trading across borders. He indicated that even though the OECS countries have performed well in the areas of documentary and border compliance when compared to the wider CARICOM, there are gaps which can be impacted by the project through standardisation and systems integration. (JRT)

Those discarded shipping pallets along the roadside can be transformed into stylish furniture and the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) has shown that it is not only possible, but cost-effective.

Yesterday, the Barbados Advocate visited the BDF base to witness the military officials at work as they dismantled donated shipping pallets to create high-quality lounge tables, coffee chairs, and side tables. The project, which is called “Dump to Table” is a part of the refurbishment exercise in BDF’s mess room area. Some of the materials from the shipping pallets are being used to spruce up a lounge area, which will be known as “Laddie’s Bar”.

BDF’s Sergeant Peter Gilkes explained that the project, which was started just before the pandemic, will be completed in time for Christmas. He added that the officers took a break due to the COVID-19 measures, but at this moment the project is 95 per cent completed.

The initiative used about 150 shipping pallets. Some of them were donated by Mr. Skeete of the Barbados Light & Power Company (BL&P). These pallets were available due the shipment of equipment for the BL&P’s work in St. Lucy.

The team of artisans who created the furniture included Leading Seaman Kindo Clarke, Ordinary Seaman Shane Coulthrust, Private Adrian Worrell, and Private Saheka Duke. Sergeant Gilkes noted that it did not take too long to complete the pieces of furniture. He pointed out a beautifully polished coffee table which was completed in about two days.