Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors, and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN) President, Allister Alexander remains optimistic that 2021 will be a “very bountiful” one for crop farmers.

Though he made this prediction, he said that on the flipside, this Christmas period will be challenging for vendors and crop farmers alike. Alexander said this will be likely, as several of the local fruits and vegetables which were previously available were destroyed by recent heavy rains.

“The rains are always good but not for present crops. The rains will wash out crops and these rains have done that, but these rains will be preparing the ground – the moisture that needs to be in the earth for the year to come. I am predicting that because of the weather we have had, that next year is going to be a bountiful one.”

Alternatively he added, “It is going to be a challenge for local produce. Christmas, it will obviously be a challenge because most of the crops are washed out but God has a way of leaving some, so there will be some and we are hoping that there will be a lot more than even anticipated. We are hoping that – but whatever – we are going to find produce to bring here to the Super Outdoor Market.”

Like Alexander, BARVEN’s Vice President, Erskine Forde said the group will do their best to ensure individuals visiting the market’s Spring Garden location will have an array of produce to select from.

“We do our best to make sure that everybody coming down here – they get a good experience and we believe that we will have a great and wonderful Christmas.”

This island’s 54th year of nationhood was celebrated yesterday with an Independence Day Parade and National Awards Ceremony in National Heroes’ Square, The City.

Unlike previous parades which featured representatives of armed and unarmed detachments, this year’s event was significantly scaled down owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. On parade were troops from the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) and the Mass Band, which comprised members of the BDF’s Zouave Band and Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) Band. They were under the charge of Parade Commander, Captain Jamal Samrodia. Members of the RBPF also participated in the day’s proceedings.

The event attracted a small but lively crowd to the venue. Dressed superbly in their national colours, attendees seized available vantage points to view the proceedings while enjoying the warm sunny weather of the day.

The Parade commenced sharp at eight in the morning. Prior to its start, there was the arrival of a number dignitaries and specially invited guests. Additionally, there was the arrival of Barbados’ only living national hero, Sir Garfield Sobers, Barbados’ newly appointed Chief Justice Patterson Cheltenham, Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley and Governor General Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason.

When proceedings got underway, those present were treated to performances by the Mass Band which included the playing of a medley of ‘I love Barbados’ and ‘Land of Sea and Sun. The band also played Edwin Yearwood’s ‘Home Sweet Home’ during course of the morning.

Another element of the entertainment package was the performance of ‘This is Who We Are’. This was done by 25 of the 27 artistes who are featured in the song which was commissioned by the Prime Minister to help the country through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Yesterday’s event also featured the presentation of awards to individuals named on the 2020 Independence Day Honours List. Among the recipients was Patrick Frost, who received the Order of Freedom of Barbados, for his dedicated service as an educator and sterling contribution to the trade union movement. Chief Justice Patterson Cheltenham, GCM, QC and former BDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Rudyard Lewis, GCM, CVO, JP were given the Knight of St. Andrew on the day.

The event additionally included an address by the Prime Minister and there was also a salute to the nation.

Madam Justice Margaret Reifer has been elevated to the office of Justice of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal Judge took the Oath of Allegiance at Government House yesterday, before Governor General of Barbados, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason. Witnessing the brief ceremony was Barbados’ Chief Justice, Sir Patterson Cheltenham and close relatives, after which Justice Reifer spoke about the task that awaits her, with immediate effect.

“Not so much in the Court of Appeal, but as the press is aware, we do have a bit of  a slowdown because of COVID. We have tried to function as best we can. All of us have been doing Zoom hearings either from our courtrooms or at home and I expect we will be doing much of the same, until we are able to resume normal sittings,” Justice Reifer commented, as she reflected on how those in the judicial system have been functioning in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and how she will carry out her duties, in her new elevated post.

She meanwhile noted, “We have looked at a number of proposals for addressing the issue of backlogs and addressing all of the issues as it relates to the criminal division”.

“First and foremost, we increased the number of judges, which is a critical and fundamental step. We have looked at organising the work of the judiciary differently. We will now be functioning in divisions. That won’t be my position at the Court of Appeal, but generally and across the board, that is what we are doing. The Chief Justice has indicated that he will be setting up committees to address the critical areas, so that we can determine what we will be able to do,  in order to resolve those difficult areas,” Justice Reifer pointed out.

Speaking to her elevation to Justice of Appeal, Justice Reifer  meanwhile noted that she is honored to have reached this stage in her personal life. Acknowledging that her career in the legal profession has been filled with hard work, Reifer said she expects more hard work, as she is no stranger to it. In fact, she noted that there was no honeymoon  period awaiting her as she was scheduled to sit yesterday, after her swearing in ceremony and for the rest of the week as well. (RSM)

It will not be too long before the Government will no longer be issuing cheques as payment to persons.

That’s according to Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, who said that the goal will be to deposit the funds directly to a person or business’ account. He made the comment while piloting the debate on the Central Bank of Barbados Bill, 2020 in the Lower House yesterday morning. He indicated that it is the Government’s intention over the course of the next two years, if not sooner, to eliminate the issuance of cheques. A process, he added, that has already started.

“You would appreciate that when I write you a cheque as a Government department, somebody has to come and collect that cheque. But before somebody comes and collects that cheque, the Treasury Department has to ensure that there is money in the account for the specific entity to print those cheques. Then the messenger has to come and collect the cheque to take to the Department. The Department then has to call you to tell you that the cheque is ready. You then have to send somebody to collect the cheque, who will then take it to the bank to deposit... It might take three days Sir for the money to clear, because the cheque [is] crossed, and all of that time, all of that effort is multiplied thousands of times across Government,” he lamented.

Minister Straughn said that is not only a challenge for the public sector, but the private sector as well and the cost – that is “the time spent for people to do that activity as opposed to something productive” is unnecessary.

“We [will] seek to roll out the national payment system, which will come before this Chamber in short order, to digitise the way that we do things so that our processes for payments, which obviously are predicated on ensuring that persons can have access to bank accounts or credit union accounts... When I get to the point where I can use my phone to buy my coconut water on Sunday, I would be a very happy man, because it would mean Sir, that we have penetrated and provided a level of financial inclusion which is important in this country,” he maintained.

Contending that it is imperative that the country reach that point, he said that the Central Bank is a critical institution for unlocking the “pent up capacity” within the system. He said the Bank has to be geared to facilitate the upgrade of the technology that allows for electronic payments to be done.

“We have too many people when the day comes running around moving cheques, moving money, trying to determine whether payments [have] gone through... Whilst these people are hired to do that specific job that is not really adding anything new to the output in terms of the economy. Therefore, for businesses [and] employers, what we want to do is pivot now and redirect those resources to something that is much more productive in the context of your business,” he said.

The Minister said that while the Government is leading the charge with respect to the modernisation of business, the private sector along with the financial institutions have a role to play in encouraging ordinary Barbadians to get on board.

“This is a change that I believe would be significant and would create opportunities for real economic growth in this country and we in this government are committed to unlocking those avenues for growth,” he added. (JRT)

One local charity is hoping to encourage a sense of altruism among other social groups and the community as it gave dry goods to the HIV Food Bank on World AIDS Day yesterday.

President of the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown Young Professionals, Halcyon Wiltshire-Busby shared this view during a brief interview with The Barbados Advocate yesterday. Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown, Cyril Burke said that the recent donation was significant because it is World AIDS Day. He added that the club’s mandate is to help the children of the world and he noted in this economic climate where a lot of families are not working or low on income, he hoped the donation would ease this situation. Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown and Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown Young Professionals gave boxes of flour, corn meal, rice, peas and other other dry goods to the HIV Food Bank.

Community Nutrition Officer and Food Bank Manager with HIV Food Bank in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Stacia Whittaker said that with the lockdown earlier this year, there has been an increase in persons accessing the HIV Food Bank throughout the year. Whittaker also observed a decrease in donations during this period.

“You can imagine trying to meet your demand where you really don’t have the support you wish you did,” said Whittaker.

The Food Bank Manager expressed her gratitude to the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown and their branches who continue to give support to the HIV Food Bank throughout the year.

Kiwanis Club played its part during No Sugar November

The local charity, Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown also played its part during November as it encouraged club members and community members to be aware of their sugar intake.

President of the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown Young Professionals, Halcyon Wiltshire-Busby said although some people were not able to cut out sugar completely, other people were able to reduce the sugar that they consumed during the month. Kiwanis Club also gave contributions to the All Saints Primary School through the school’s walk and urged the children to drink more water.

The HIV Food Bank wants to support nutrition as part of the treatment for clients with HIV and it is asking Barbadians to include fresh produce in their donations to the HIV Food Bank.

Community Nutrition Officer and Food Bank Manager of the HIV Food Bank in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Stacia Whittaker made this plea during a Kiwanis Club presentation of food items yesterday, World AIDS Day.

She explained that the inclusion of fresh fruit, vegetables, and ground provisions in the diet will help clients when they have to take medication and address food concerns. The Food Bank Manager noted that the organization’s clients are living longer and there is the diagnosis of other NCDs.

“In general, (The HIV Food Bank) wants our clients to eat healthily,” said Whittaker.

In addition to fresh produce, the HIV Food Bank is accepting fresh eggs, wholegrain and low sodium, light syrup, or in fruit juice non-perishable items. She emphasised the HIV Food Bank is pushing a wholesome and health-conscious hamper.

The Community Nutrition Officer praised the work and assistance of the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown who is helping the HIV Food Bank meet their mandate and support the vulnerable groups, getting them on treatment and on their way to managing HIV in general.

“It is World AIDS Day so we acknowledge that it takes a community to continue this fight and win this fight at the end of the day,” said Whittaker.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, John King says the efforts of all are needed in the fight against HIV and COVID-19.

He told this to the audience at the lunchtime concert yesterday, World AIDS Day 2020 in the VIP Lounge, Sky Mall. This event was presented by the Division of Culture’s Coordinating Committee which falls under the Prime Minister’s Office (Culture).

“Let us do things differently and better, to face all pandemics head on, be it COVID-19 or HIV. Let us be confident in all that we do, let no illness drive our population into crisis. If we are to defeat HIV and COVID-19, we as a society must work together.”

He further said steps must be taken to ensure no one is left behind in the HIV or COVID-19 response. He stated, “I believe the achievement of several anti-stigma and discrimination campaigns executed by the National HIV/AIDS Commission should be incorporated into the fight of COVID-19. It is only when we apply these measures to this new pandemic facing us that we will reap true success.”

King assured the Prime Minister’s Office remains committed in the fight against HIV in Barbados. He also spoke about the relationship between culture and HIV over the years in getting messages out through different mediums and in different ways to the public. He called on persons working within the cultural industry to continue to play their part in this regard.

“In keeping with this year’s theme ‘Global solidarity, shared responsibility,’ I am challenging all my colleagues in the cultural arena to be your brother’s or sister’s keeper. Let us all remember that pandemics like HIV and COVID-19 usually render no one safe until everyone is safe. We are not safe from HIV until a vaccine has been developed as is the case with COVID-19.” (MG)

At The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Barbados’ recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), Elizabeth Riley was elected to the National Award Council. She will serve a two- year term and joins an a previously all male team. Elizabeth is the Executive Director (Ag) of the Caribbean Disaster Management Agency (CDEMA) and has more than 20 years of experience in disaster management. Herself, an award alumni, she understands the value of the Award for young people. Coming onto the Council she wants to play her role helping to see the Award grow to be the leading programme for youth leadership and development in Barbados. She went on to acknowledge that this goal is achievable with increased volunteers, greater visibility, partnerships and more participants. She will join other executive members: Jamar Odwin (Deputy Chairman), Jeremy Devonish and Ajani Daniel. The Council is led by Chairman, Mr. Stephen Smith. Looking to the new year, the Council will conduct a strategic review in order to better support youth to reach their full potential.

Those attending this year’s AGM were updated on how the youth programme has adjusted to continue operations with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A series of online training modules were unveiled to help leaders and participants prepare for the Adventurous Journey section. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Award leaders started having online meetings when face –to – face became impossible. These resources will help to make those meetings even more meaningful.

For the second time, the title of Most Outstanding Volunteer went to a male. This accolade was introduced three years ago to highlight the dedicated work of the volunteers who make the Award possible. The 2020 winner, Vasco Lynch has been actively volunteering over the last four years. Vasco is Secretary of the panel responsible for assessing participants on their Adventurous Journeys. He is a Bronze award holder and completed his training as an assessor while accompanying participants to complete their Gold Award in St. Lucia in 2019. He is also leader of an award unit. Speaking after the announcement, Vasco stated that one of the reasons he is so passionate about the Award is because it gives young persons an environment in which they can grow into themselves. He continued by saying that “the Award definitely facilitates young people finding out what they’re good at, what they can improve on, and through talking to either older members in the Award or to their peers, they can understand what they want to do in life and I love that about the Award”.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for non-formal education and learning, which challenges young people to discover their potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world. It offers youth aged 14-24 years old the opportunity to earn three levels of awards: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The awards are achieved by regular activity in Voluntary service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey. Participants of the Award benefit from improved self-confidence and team working abilities.

One Government minister says that to eliminate corruption there must be a willingness for persons who know of the illegal deeds to speak out.

Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment, Marsha Caddle’s comments came yesterday morning as she took part in a webinar hosted by the Latin American Development Bank (CAF) where its Report on “Integrity in Public Policy: Keys to Prevent Corruption” took centre stage.

“People have to be honest. There are a lot of people who benefit where corruption exists – it is not just public officials – and that’s why our legislation addresses it. It is [those] in the private sector; but it is also sometimes regular citizens and we have to have that conversation. We have to say to people you have to be willing to make the sacrifice to let us really get rid of corruption. I think it is important to have that frank conversation to make sure that people understand that it is in everybody’s interest to approach public offices honestly,”

With that in mind, Caddle said it is important that there are not just sanctions that can be imposed on public officials who engage in corrupt practices. She made the point that the private sector and individuals have to be subject to the same sanctions as public officials, while dismissing the idea that the private sector should be incentivised not to be corrupt.

She went further, stating that it is imperative that there is also a very clear understanding of the “ways in which entrenched corruption can bring perceived benefits” to individuals, and to make sure those persons are willing to give up those benefits.

“I know this is a very controversial thing to say, but it has to be a public discussion and it can’t just be led by government,” she maintained.

She added, “I think the incentive for all of us not to be involved in corrupt practices is in the legislation. So on the side of the public officials, we say we are going to stamp out corruption and we are going to make sure there are high penalties which is what we had to do, we had to make sure that we increased the penalties in our integrity legislation.”

Touching also on corruption in the region, she said there tends to be a low record of convictions, because some of the crimes are difficult to prove. She maintained the average citizen who knows of corrupt practices needs to tell the authorities what they know.

(JRT)

Chairman of Intimate Hotels of Barbados (IHB), Mahmood Patel has admitted that the non-profit company representing small hotels, apartments, guest houses and villas, dropped the ball by not pushing ahead with previous plans to set up a co-operative.

“The DNA of the IHB should have been a co-operative,” he insisted during the IHB’s end-of-year meeting yesterday, while recalling that 20 years ago the Enterprise Growth Fund Limited (EGFL) had given the IHB $2 million to do so.

“I think that somehow along the line we dropped the ball spending that money apparently on road shows, marketing and so on. This is a good moment right now, 20 years later, to look at this again; to revisit the idea of us working together as a cluster, so that we can have economies of scale and we can do things collectively.”

He urged members gathered at Infinity on the Beach, St. Lawrence Gap to be proactive, stressing “let us use transformation right now to lead the recovery”.

Patel therefore went on to reveal IHB’s future plans to establish a Solar Farm, an idea which he told members EGFL has bought into.

“One of the things that EGFL would be really willing to fund is the idea of a solar farm. So, all of us have small hotels, maybe small roof spaces, but one of the things we need to look at is energy security. So, EGFL is willing to walk with us and actualise and implement a solar farm that belongs to the IHB,” he disclosed.

“We could find land and an organisation is already willing to give us three to five acres of land funded through the EGFL, where all of us as shareholders could work out the square foot space or usage of electricity, plus some additional capacity. There are also willing to say we could finance at a very reduced interest-rate, plus a longer term to repay. So, the IHB could then earn money itself – the secretariat could move away from being dependent on state funding.

“I would really wish that all the members buy into this idea because it is one way we could earn some money in the long-term individually as members, but also it would create a revenue stream for the secretariat to survive on its own. And with this revenue that the IHB should earn we could then look at things like digitization, robotics, and even use this fund then to help out moving towards being a cooperative,” he said.

The Chairman further expressed that the IHB can become a model of a new type of tourism looking at green initiatives, also embracing water conservation, water recycling and re-use.

“We should use tourism in Barbados to pull other sectors and create linkages with agriculture, energy, food security, agro-processing and so on… Tourism should be the vehicle to pull the other sectors along,” he added.

Dr. Justin Ram, Economic/Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister reiterated to IHB members that “the recovery has to be the transformation”.

“We really can’t wait until after the recovery to consider transformation, that is how we are going to recover,” he pointed out.

“And I think what we are seeing in the global economy right now is that things that we probably expected to occur ten years from now is actually happening now, so the future is actually now – and now we must transform in order to recover fully”.

ACKNOWLEDGING that the COVID 19 pandemic continues to hit the Barbados working population hard, a call is being made for the private and public sector not to count out members of the disabled community from job opportunities that may arise.

The call was made by the Public Relations Officer of the Barbados Council for the Disabled, Christopher Gilkes, who was speaking briefly to the media on International Day of People With Disabilities, which was celebrated across the globe yesterday.

According to Gilkes, “Unemployment is one of the areas that right now we are facing in COVID-19 and also before COVID-19. This is something that we have to look at and try to get persons to understand that because you have a disability it does not mean we are not capable of doing a task or completing a job. I want to encourage persons in the business sector – private and public – they can reach out to persons in the disabled community because we too can contribute to Barbados.

“Some of us acquire job opportunities, but those opportunities are not long-lasting. We too have something to contribute to our economy and to Barbados. I think once you give us that chance, we will show you we are capable of making things happen and we can also add to your company as well,” he assured.

Gilkes noted that while Barbados has made significant strides over the years there is still some inroads to be made to make Barbados more inclusive. “The Council is the umbrella body for persons with disabilities in Barbados and we have been championing for all of these causes and issues that persons with disabilities face on a daily basis.”

The PRO gave thumbs up to the government for the new buses which have recently been brought into the island, which are accessible for persons with disabilities. “That is another big step they have taken. We can now move around and feel independent,” he smiled.

He said the country must go further as it relates to accessibility particularly as it relates to constructing more ramps and slopes in Bridgetown or in business establishments.

Gilkes used the opportunity to call for more children with disabilities to be included in mainstream schools. “I myself had the opportunity to be involved in the mainstream schools, from primary to secondary. I first attended special needs school, which was a bit of a challenge – but then it worked out for me. I would have been able to sit the exam like everyone else and then move onto secondary level.

“There is a perception that if you have a disability, automatically your brain is not working, but that is not the case for some. There are persons out there who are very intelligent and they go on to become lawyers, they can be a doctor, they can do so much to contribute to the economy. So this is something that really needs to be pushed further,” he opined.

He also observed that the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for many persons in the disabled community, and drew attention to the fact that the hearing impaired have been challenged with the wearing of masks which has impacted on their ability to communicate with others. (JH)

Students of the Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary School got a special gift of books from the Kiwanis Club of Barbados Central yesterday.

President of the Kiwanis club, Alison Taylor told the Barbados Advocate that the Club wanted to build a relationship with the school through its Reading Box Project. The initiative focuses on improving literacy and promoting the culture of reading for children and by extension their parents. The project also consists of the creation of a school library, a book drive, and ensuring that each child is provided with one book to take home.

The Kiwanis President said the 56 books donated on Thursday were only a portion of the final contribution to the school. She explained that the science books were in demand at the St.Michael school institution. Taylor added that there are persons who are interested in donated books to the initiative and the club has plans to donate more books to other schools.

With the addition of the new books, one-hour reading sessions will be undertaken with the help of the school specialist teacher.

A broad-based project to support actions to mitigate climate change and its serious health impacts in Caribbean nations, has been launched.

The EU/CARIFORUM Strengthening Climate Resilient Health Systems Project – a joint project of the European Union and CARICOM that PAHO is coordinating – will advance public understanding of climate change effects and strengthen the ability of health systems to respond to climate-related health impacts.

"We are at a crucial point in time in the Americas, when we must increase our solidarity and intergovernmental collaboration to address climate issues, which are arguably the health challenges of the century. The Americas must embrace mechanisms for countries to come together around climate change,” PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne recently stated.

She meanwhile noted that the project, which supports a cadre of new climate and health leaders, “promotes evidence for the frequently hidden health co-benefits of climate action and supports the implementation of health-related plans and resources for mitigation and adaptation for health”.

Etienne also noted that the EU/CARIFORUM Climate Change and Health Project will assist regional nations in accessing funding for coping with climate change.

The virtual meeting which was held this week, was attended by leading representatives of governments and organisations that are partners in the USD $8.28 million project, including Etienne, Secretary General of CARICOM, Irwin LaRocque, Dominica’s Minister of Health, Dr. Irving McIntyre, and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean States Malgorzata Wasilewska. Partners in the project also include Caribbean universities, and regional climate, public health and agricultural agencies and organizations.

The beneficiary countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

“The WHO says that between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress,” said Irwin LaRocque.

“The direct cost to health is estimated to be between $2 to $4 billion per year by 2030. Tellingly, areas with weak health infrastructure, mostly in developing countries, will be the least able to cope without assistance to prepare and respond,” he added.

He therefore noted that in order to respond to climate change, CARICOM’s member states must have access to concessional development financing, or soft loans, with more generous terms than market loans. He added that financing should be based on the universal vulnerability index, which measures the exposure of populations to hazard.

Dr. Etienne said that PAHO would also work to assist Caribbean nations in getting financial assistance. She said that PAHO will do so through the Green Climate Fund, which was established to help developing nations respond to climate change.

Malgorzata Wasilewska meanwhile affirmed the European Union’s commitment to partnering with regional agencies, stating that the  European Union is privileged to continue our partnership with an esteemed group of regional agencies that builds on a diverse portfolio of programmes, to support advancement in the health and climate sectors.

AS schools across the island continue to merge online and in-person education, the Sandals Foundation is helping to ease the transition with the donation of 200 tablets.

Working closely with the Ministry of Education, Technology and Vocational Training, the Sandals Foundation recently presented several schools with Samsung Galaxy Tab A devices, which will be used to enhance the learning of predominantly Class 4 students.

In August, the Sandals Foundation launched the Lessons Alive campaign to help families across the Caribbean prepare for the new academic year. During the months of October and November, the Lessons Alive social media campaign was expanded to raise funds to purchase digital tablets for vulnerable primary school students across the region.

General Manager of Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados, Ramel Sobrino explained that, “The Sandals Foundation continues to look for avenues to enhance education within our communities. The Lessons Alive campaign was derived from the needs observed among families as they try to cope with the changes and for some, the financial burdens, brought about by the move to online classes.”

In accepting the donation, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Technology and Vocational Training Dr. Romel Springer said that according to UNICEF, approximately 166 million learners in Latin America and the Caribbean have been impacted by the global pandemic. He further noted that while Government’s immediate response was to implement an emergency teaching module, technology gaps were noticed amongst those in the community who were most marginalised.

He added that, to this end, Government and the Education Ministry embarked on an initiative where they partnered with corporate Barbados and social entities to acquire the devices needed to ensure every child gets the benefit from online teaching.

“This outpouring of support, whether in the form of tablets, laptops or other related devices, enables the Ministry of Education to provide much needed assistance to students from vulnerable households. I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Technology and Vocational Training to thank the Sandals Foundation for the generous donation of these devices which will see us come a little closer to our goal,” said Dr. Springer.

Highlighting the importance of education and technology, Resort Manager Patrick Drake said, “These tablets will prepare young minds for the digital world. We have to prepare our children for the future, and like it or not, the future is here and it is now. So, we hope that our small start, in some small way, will make a difference. And that one day, one young lady or young man can look back and say I was able to access all the knowledge that was out there because I could connect online. That is our simple mission, to make a difference in the life of even one.”

Barbados is one of the first countries to make a down payment of funds for the procurement of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Representative to Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr. Yitades Gebre, disclosed this yesterday.

He noted, “PAHO is preparing to procure COVID-19 vaccines on behalf of all PAHO interested Member States, including for Barbados, as part of its technical cooperation and country readiness and preparedness [initiative].”

Dr Gebre was addressing the handover ceremony of a vehicle and medical supplies by the PAHO to the Ministry of Health and Wellness at the PAHO/ WHO’s headquarters.

Speaking in greater detail on the sidelines of the event, Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic said the down payment made was $1.2 million.

“[This] placed us within what is called the COVAX Facility, which is a partnership between PAHO, and utilising the PAHO Revolving Fund [for Access to Vaccines] – which is normally used for immunisations and other things, and also with [Caribbean Public Health Agency] CARPHA involved as well. What that does for us is to guarantee us in the first instance…vaccines for 20 per cent of the population.”

He continued, “So that is between 50 000 and 60 000 people in the first instance. So as soon as the vaccines are available to the Facility then that process will commence. But what you need to understand is that most or all of the information which has been put out on these vaccines really have been put to the media and no information as yet has gone to the centres like [Centres for Disease Control and Prevention] CDC in the United States, WHO and so forth, so that they can validate and check the science and everything. That process has to be done and once we get the vaccines, then we will start to roll out our programmes here in Barbados.”

When asked how will government go about selecting who will be among the first to be administered the vaccine, he said “no definitive response can be given at this time because we are in that process of planning everything in relation to the vaccine. 

“A lot of thought has to be given about that, but that is part of the process at the moment and even if that decision or that recommendation was made by health, it still has to go up the chain because this is something that is bigger than health because there are other national security imperatives that have to be considered.”

He added, “The decisions will be made at the highest-level including Cabinet, but we will make the recommendations from a health perspective and when that information can be communicated it will be communicated to the press.”(MG)

THE Barbados Community College (BCC) fully supports Government’s Give Back Policy and has already identified 236 students eligible to participate.

Registrar of BCC, Roger Worrell, said that those students are pursuing Bachelor programmes in Clinical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, Art and Entertainment Management, Studio Art, Graphic Art, Physical Education, as well as Technological and Vocational Education.

They will give back to the community in the form of 100 to 150 voluntary hours to an approved local institution. This comes as the Government of Barbados, back in 2018, articulated a policy that reintroduced the payment of Tuition Fees for Barbadian students pursuing courses of study at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), BCC and Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, and in return asked students to give back a set number of hours in approved community service.

“This Policy gels well with the general aims of the College which are to provide students with skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for productive work in the community; foster among staff and students a positive sense of community service and involvement; and prepare students for meaningful participation in society as responsible citizens,” Worrell maintained during the launch at BCC’s Liberal Arts Auditorium, yesterday.

“As Registrar responsible for student matters, I am committed to working with the Ministry of Education to ensure that the programme is a success for students, the College and Barbados as a whole.”

Principal of BCC, Annette Alleyne, also threw her support behind the policy, and urged students to embrace this spirit of volunteerism and giving back.

“See this as an opportunity, rather than another thing on top of all of the hours of work you have to do... This is an opportunity to learn, to grow, to stretch yourself, to test the limits on what is possible. Take this opportunity and run with it, become more creative in managing your time, so that you don’t neglect your studies or other areas that need your attention. Approach this process with gratitude, a commodity that is often in very short supply – gratitude for the opportunity,” Alleyne advised.

Minister of Education, Santia Bradshaw, pointed out that the reintroduction of tuition fees by the previous administration posed a stumbling block for many families. She however emphasised that funding education is a very expensive undertaking.

“And we said that one of the first things that we were going to do was to abolish the tuition fees at the tertiary level. But, we also said to whom much is given, much is expected. And it cannot be that Government continues to spend significant sums of money on educating our people, and not create in them a sense of giving back; a sense of purpose in terms of recognising that sacrifice is being made for you in order to make this country and certainly the rest of the world a lot better,” she stressed.

“We recognised that we couldn’t just be a government that gave a hand-out and in turn beat into you a sense of responsibility. We recognised that we had to inspire you to join with us in understanding how important giving back education and the educational opportunities are, but equally that you understood as well that isn’t something that we were just trying to get you to do because we put aside the funds to pay for this, but is something that is really who we are as a people.”

As of yesterday, 2,740 students registered for Give Back Barbados across the tertiary institutions, and there are 101 Approved Organisations registered on the programme. (TL)

Lupus patients in this country are being armed with vital tools to help in the self-management of their condition.

That’s according to President of the Hope Foundation, Shelley Weir. She spoke to this yesterday morning during a press conference at Hope Foundation’s office, to launch the Lupus Essential Kits Project and the distribution of the first 100 kits, which were sponsored by CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank. The cost of each kit is $200 and contains a blood pressure machine and urine test strips, as well as a thermometer, a 4-inch rim hat and a mask.

According to Weir, they will be providing the 300 or so patients in Barbados that are known to have lupus with kits, and as patients are diagnosed they will also be given kits. She made the point while noting that as many as 25 cases are diagnosed annually.

“...Dr. Flower has indicated that there are 25 patients who are critical that need those kits like yesterday, another 75 who are essential and need those kits as soon as possible, and that’s why the hundred was actually a magic number for us,” she said.

She went on to explain that the project also encourages patients to keep track of their data, by inputting it into an online electronic health record that can be accessed by their doctor.

Adding to Weir’s comments, rheumatologist and member of the Foundation’s Medical Advisory Board, Dr. Cindy Flower, told those gathered, including the European Union’s Ambassador to Barbados Malgorzata Wasilewska, that lupus is the second most common autoimmune disease and affects primarily women of child-bearing age. She said too that the disease is more common in people of African descent, who get the disease at an earlier age than White patients and usually have a more severe form of disease.

“So for that reason the Caribbean is an area of clustering of severe complicated patients with lupus. We diagnose up to 25 patients a year [in Barbados] and half of those patients will develop severe kidney disease; the type of kidney disease that without aggressive intervention may end up needing dialysis or renal transplant,” she explained.

Noting that this severe lupus is usually the cause of repeated hospitalisations of patients, Dr. Flower said Hope Foundation thought it was paramount to encourage “aggressive management” of lupus to help diagnose complications early.

“We realised that we want patients to take ownership of their disease and we can help them do so. The idea was to formulate a kit that they would keep at home and they would help monitor themselves. The thing that is important to monitor when you have lupus is your blood pressure [and] you have to check your urine for protein... Though most people think kidney diseases causes back pain, that is a layman’s thing, if you have a kidney stone that would cause back pain, but most times kidney disease gives no symptoms until the kidney is failing. So we need patients to be diagnosed early,” she maintained.

Dr. Flower said that a simple dipstick test of the urine for protein at home, could bring the patient to medical attention earlier if any red flags appear.

“We want them to take their temperature when they are unwell, so we know if there is a fever and it is important to protect themselves from excessive sun exposure because the sun is the trigger of a lupus flare, we tell them wear nice hats with a four inch rim and of course because of COVID they have to wear a mask... What we want to tell patients is that we are there are for you, we want you to be part of your self-management, we are going to teach you how to fish, but we are giving you a kit, so we are giving you a fishing rod,” she stated.

Meanwhile, CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank’s Director of Corporate Investment Banking, Barrington Watson in his remarks lauded Hope Foundation for the good work it has been doing, noting that the Bank was pleased to be part of the project and to donate the funds to purchase the kits. His comments came as he wished the Foundation every success in the project, which he noted will be instrumental in helping doctors to remotely monitor their patients and be alerted early to changes in their conditions.

“In the long run this will be better for the country as it should be able to relieve the suffering brought on by the disease, cut down on hospitalisations and the amount of persons who may eventually need to go on dialysis,” he stated. (JRT)

“WE have to lift each other up.”

These words from cultural ambassador and patron of the Red Foundation Stedson “Red Plastic Bag” Wiltshire as he completed the fourth and final leg of the Foundation’s “Walk the Talk – Walk as One” from Lancaster in St. James to the Daryll Jordan School in the north of the island last weekend.

Led by RPB, the charity walk started on November 8 in Ragged Point, St. Philip where he was joined by a number of politicians, entertainers and supporters who put on their walking shoes for this worthy cause.

Sunday’s leg started in Lancaster St. James and saw groups opting to run, powerwalk or just stroll in the crisp morning breeze. Some 12 kilometers later, the look of euphoria could be seen on faces of the walkers, none more so though than Wiltshire, as he entered the gate of the school just about 8 am with hands raised and a broad smile.

Speaking to the media after completing the walk, Wiltshire said he was extremely pleased with the response, but stressed that the focus must be placed on the reason behind the initiative.

“We are walking because we want to raise awareness of the fact that there are several people across Barbados who are in need. We want people to give. If you go on redfoundationbarbados.com, Facebook, Instagram to see how can donate.”

Wiltshire said that persons can also give by showing their neighbor more love and respect during this difficult time facing many households.

“To me that is priceless as well and it is important that we lift we each other up, especially at this time and with the impact of COVID. Frankly I don’t [think] people understand the full impact of COVID. You go around in the communities and you see people really struggling. Some people don't want to speak about it because they have moved from positions of comfort and now they are struggling.

“The reality is Christmas is coming. We have to make sure that at least we can help some people to have a meal on their table for Christmas. I am happy that I can be a part of anything to help people of Barbados and I want to applaud the Red Foundation in their effort in trying to help the people of Barbados."

Wiltshire noted that to date, the response from Barbados has been nothing short of tremendous. “People are pledging, people are giving. Most of all, it is the fact that there is a sense of awareness that people need help. I think that is very important.

“It doesn’t end here in St. Lucy. It doesn't end in November. I think the impact of COVID is going to continue well into 2022, 2023 and we have to continue to lift each other up.

“There is a stark reality that people are falling through the cracks and you cannot expect government to do everything. We have to help ourselves, we have to be more self-reliant,” he explained.

He revealed that there is still time left for persons to give to this worthy cause, noting that the Foundation will start to prepare vouchers around December 15. “Keep giving, keep helping us. We need your support,” he pleaded.

Member of Parliament for Christ Church South, Ralph Thorne participated in all four legs of the charity initiative and commended Wiltshire for his vision. Thorne described the walk as a “a symbolic gesture that sometimes we have to make the sacrifice to help others”.

During a brief closing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the Kelly Group, Nick Kelly announced that if anyone donates any item to the Red Foundation using Kellmart, that donation will be matched dollar for dollar. (JH)

The Port of Bridgetown has captured the 2020 Novaport Cup for Most Improved Port Performance, emerging the winner among nine regional competing ports.

The award was announced during the 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC), held virtually this year, on November 24 and 25, 2020.

Chief Executive Officer of Barbados Port Inc. (BPI), Mr. David Jean-Marie, in commenting on the award, said “This accomplishment for us validates the progress we have made during the past year in effecting initiatives aimed at enhancing our performance and efficiency. We have been working closely with our partners to improve local logistics as well as the experience of doing business at the Port as part of our commitment to trade facilitation enhancement.

This award not only confirms our progress in these areas but also certifies that we have made significant strides in improving productivity and management of resources to maximize revenues. Of course, none of this could have been achieved without our employees and we are especially proud and appreciative of the efforts they have extended over the past year”, the CEO said.

Each year, PMAC assesses port performance based on five Key Performance indicators (KPIs): Total Cargo Volumes; Total Revenue Generated per Revenue Ton; Total Expenses per Revenue Ton; Net profit per Revenue Ton and Total Staff per Revenue Ton. At the end of the process, PMAC announces the port achieving the best operational performance when compared to the previous year. The Port of Bridgetown was outstanding in three of these KPIs.

BPI has previously won Novaport Cup awards in 2010, 2011 and 2015.

The Novaport Cup will be shipped from Florida to Barbados and will be kept for one year before return at the next PMAC Annual General Meeting.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic says he is willing to take the lead and be among the persons who receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available locally.

He further said he is willing to do this publicly.

His comments came while responding to a question regarding the stance of some persons against being vaccinated.

“I can tell you upfront before you even ask me, as a solider I lead by example, so I will take the vaccine and I will do that publicly.”

Bostic spoke to the press on the sidelines of yesterday’s handover ceremony of a vehicle and medical supplies by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. This took place at the PAHO/WHO’s headquarters.

In his remarks, he said government is aware there is an anti-vaccine movement and although it is at “a very high percent”, there has been a drop in persons getting immunised through Barbados’ immunisation programme. It is “probably about 84 per cent at this point in time, but it used to be in the 90s.”

With this in mind, he said government plans to, in future, have a “very massive public relations campaign” to educate citizens about the COVID-19 vaccine and its safety.

“It is a growing movement, the anti-vaccine movement worldwide, and we anticipate that there will be some issues there as well but … part of the plan going forward is to mount a very massive public relations campaign to give Barbadians the assurance that there is nothing wrong with taking the vaccine when it is available. And that given our immunisation programme over the years and the success of that programme, Barbadians should feel confident in taking the vaccine. We will be monitoring this very carefully.”(MG)