Potential market

December 22, 2016, 9:56 pm

≫ Next: Last-minute shoppers out in true form

≪ Previous: Sagicor General Sports Club donates to QEH’s Paediatric Unit

$

0

0

Country seeing a boom in yachting tourism

 

BARBADOS continues to make a successful return to yachting tourism while broadening the opportunity for more visitor arrivals and spending on the island.

 

Peter Gilkes, one of the principals involved in the industry, has told the Barbados Advocate that the yachting programme is moving ahead steadily by way of Government support.

 

“We are presently receiving 55 yachts that sailed from Europe to Barbados,” he said. Those yachts took part in the Barbados 50 Transatlantic Rally. 

 

Come next month this country will be hosting the annual Mount Gay Round The Island Race Series 2017. Then later in the year and in June to be exact, there will be two very large sailing events, which could see between 750 and 800 persons on the island over the three week period of the races.

 

Gilkes recalled that Barbados had worked with Jimmy Cornell back in 1986 when he was the founder of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) and that “we have not played host to any such type of event since 1989 until the hosting of the Barbados 50”.

 

 

He explained that each of the 55 yachts coming into Barbados will be carrying a crew of between five and six persons and that this will be followed by a second event leaving Europe in early January that will see another 25 yachts coming to Barbados.

 

Most of these yachts cost in excess of Bds $1million and many of these owners are starting out on their Round The World Adventure with Barbados being the first stop for many of them.

 

“We have had coming out of this event many family and friends coming to the island and staying in hotels to rendezvous with the arriving crew and yachts,’ he stated.

According to him, “Some of these yachts and their crews will be in Barbados until February of next year so the crews will continue to spend money on day to day living expenses.”

 

Gilkes also sees this as an opportunity for Barbadians “in the marine industries to make some money as these arriving yachts have come in and used the services of locals for such repairs as  engine repairs, sail repairs, transmission repairs and generator servicing and repairs.”

 

On the proposed June 2017 events, Gilkes pointed out that the smaller boats taking part will be shipped to Barbados in 40-foot containers and that the sailers will race for 10 days. Their families will also be on the island.

 

Two events will be hosted: the Finn Masters Barbados World’s and the OK Class Barbados World’s.

 

“These two events should place 350 boats in Carlisle Bay and we expect around 750 to 800 persons on the island over the three weeks of hosting the event,” he remarked.

 

 The official said the yachting programme has been receiving the support of the Minister and Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, and the Barbados Tourism and Marketing Incorporated. The removal of Import Duty on equipment in Charter fishing and Coastal cruise boats and the removal of the duty on visiting yachts staying more than six months in Barbados, also contributed. (JB)

Section: 

News

---

Last-minute shoppers out in true form

December 23, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Cave Shepherd Card Services give back

≪ Previous: Potential market

$

0

0

Massy Supermarket in Warrens was packed with shoppers.

IN the lead-up to Christmas Day, Barbadians – as is now tradition – continued to wait until the proverbial last-minute to complete their tasks.

Yesterday, scores of people could be seen doing last-minute shopping in Bridgetown. Stores, as well as sidewalks along Broad Street and Swan Street, were all crowded, as people perused for gift items and made their purchases.

Outside of town, the crowds continued, as traffic could be seen along major arteries leading to the City, especially the ABC Highway. Other hot spots for the throngs of people were the various supermarkets, where long lines were the order of the day.

Even within communities, people could be observed sprucing up their homes with just one day to go before the big day.

Pictured here are some of the sights our roving photographer captured.

Section: 

News

Cave Shepherd Card Services give back

December 23, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Digicel initiative will inspire other female artistes

≪ Previous: Last-minute shoppers out in true form

$

0

0

Credit Officer at Cave Shepherd Card Services, Danielle Walcott, presented a gift basket to cardholder, Glendine Browne.

FOUR families Christmas will be a little brighter this year thanks to Cave Shepherd. The Card Services team presented the individuals with gift baskets filled with groceries, in an effort to add some additional cheer this holiday season.

“Cave Shepherd Card Services always recognises the need to give back at a community level, and this Holiday Season is no exception,” Customer Service Manager, Joycelyn Cumberbatch, expressed during the presentation ceremony held at Cave Shepherd’s Broad Street branch on Thursday night.

“The Unit has set out once again to recognise and support persons under our Cardholder Family… Our daily interactions with our Cardholders over the course of this year, has again enforced our unified decisions as a team to essentially give back to persons in our family.”

Card Services Credit Manager, Chetwyn Greenidge, lauded the initiative, pointing out that all baskets presented were prepared from the personal contributions of each team member in the Card Services Unit.

“This project is a team effort, and they are always very excited to carry it out. They each contribute a monetary donation, then go out and buy all of the items.”

“This is a very challenging environment for some people. So, what the team would do is hear cardholders personal stories, and then based on that, we narrow it down to the people whose personal stories have touched us in such a way we have to give back to them.” (TL)

Section: 

News

Digicel initiative will inspire other female artistes

December 23, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Variety treats special needs students with movie day

≪ Previous: Cave Shepherd Card Services give back

$

0

0

Ebonnie Rowe, CEO of Honey Jam (Barbados) Inc. in talks with Director of Marketing at Digicel, Carolyn Shepherd.

 

Last week’s announcement of a Honey Jam Artiste as Digicel’s newest brand Ambassador, will definitely serve to inspire other female artistes passing through the developmental programme.

 

Ebonnie Rowe, CEO of Honey Jam (Barbados) Inc. acknowledged the above, after Director of Marketing at Digicel, Carolyn Shepherd made the announcement that Christina “Chrissy D” Dottin had been selected from amongst this year’s lineup of Honey Jam artistes, to become a Digicel brand ambassador.

 

Rowe noted that she was pleased that an emerging artiste had been given the opportunity to represent the company, since it would signal to others who have aspirations to be in the music industry, that there is hope for them in carrying 

forward their dreams. “They should realise that anything is possible,” she said.

 

“I think one of the biggest things [to note] is that Christina thought that she had to arrive in order to get an opportunity like this. So just the fact that she is getting this opportunity [is great], because people would have thought that it might have been someone that had a fan base and that they would be locked out until they got to that point, which is very difficult,” she explained.

 

“It’s like when you go for a job and they say that you don’t have any experience, but how can I get the experience if you wouldn’t give me a job. So I think it will inspire young women just to know that there are only the limitations that you place on yourself and anything is possible,” Rowe stressed.

 

The Honey Jam Barbados Founder and Producer meanwhile noted that the other Honey Jam females are all supporting Chrissy D in her new endeavour.

 

Speaking a little about Honey Jam, Row noted that it is an all-female developmental initiative for young women. She said it started in Canada and has been ongoing in Barbados for the past six years.

 

“We have been doing it in Barbados for six years. So we have auditions, we have song writing workshops [as well as] vocal and performance [workshops], [we give out] general music industry information and then it all winds up with a concert,” she noted.

“This is the first year that we have Digicel on board as a sponsor and we were thrilled to partner with them to be able to continue this great initiative that we are doing in Barbados. We cannot do it without financial and other sorts of support, so that was critical to us and for this opportunity to happen following the show for an artiste, we are super excited about it,” Rowe commented. (RSM)

Section: 

News

Variety treats special needs students with movie day

December 23, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: OUTSTANDING YEAR

≪ Previous: Digicel initiative will inspire other female artistes

$

0

0

 

Executive director of Variety the children’s charity, Donnah Russell showing off the special card of 

appreciation from Eagle Hall Primary School Special Unit.

By: 

Krystal Penny Bowen

 

Two hundred and fifty special needs students were recently treated by a local charity to a movie morning for the holidays. 

 

In an effort to serve as many children as possible from the special units, Variety, The Children’s Charity brought the mentally and physically challenged students to the Olympus Theatre with their teachers and parents to watch the new animated film “Trolls”.  Executive Director of Variety, The Children’s Charity, Donnah Russell, said that the event was created to give the children a “Christmas experience”.

 

“We are happy to host the children. Some of the parents do not want to bring the children in a public space because they know that sometimes the child gets restless and everybody in the audience will not be tolerant of that. So if we can bring them out where they are able to express themselves; the teachers are there if they get restless and they start to act out it does not matter because we all understand each other,” said Russell. 

 

During the movie, the children received popcorn, a beverage and a hot dog or cheese sandwich, and as they exited the “Hong Kong” Olympus theatre they received a cool treat. 

 

The students came from eight schools with an additional invitation to the children of the St. Stephen’s Nursery and Reception class who were being rewarded for their significant contribution to the sale of Variety Hearts earlier in the year. 

 

The students who spoke to The Barbados Advocate said they enjoyed the film and they thanked Variety for inviting them. 

 

Section: 

News

OUTSTANDING YEAR

December 23, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Senator: Put more sugar factories back into operation

≪ Previous: Variety treats special needs students with movie day

$

0

0

Impressive achievements for C’bean tourism, but Canadian market a concern

 

This has been an impressive, yet challenging year for Caribbean tourism, says Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), Hugh Riley.

 

According to him, the region has seen a rise in tourist arrivals when compared to our record year in 2015, fuelled by strong performances in Europe – mainly the United Kingdom and Germany; and 

from the United States.

 

However, he reported that amidst the year’s impressive achievements, the Canadian market was a concern.

 

Riley explained that traditionally a robust achiever, even during the tough global economic meltdown, Canada delivered declining numbers this year, sparked by the weakening of the Canadian dollar.

 

“We are moving to reverse that slide, combining our efforts with those of our CTO member-countries and our industry partners. In the first quarter of 2017, we will hire a business development representative to substantially enhance the Caribbean’s engagement in Canada’s most productive areas, identify and develop business in non-traditional areas and work closely with our members’ representatives for maximum impact.

 

“New travel agent training and certification, increased use of targeted social media, enhanced deployment of the CTO’s data analysis tools, and more focused engagement with the Caribbean Diaspora are all components of the 2017 strategy for Canada,” he disclosed.

 

The Secretary General also observed that the CTO’s hotel partners also faced their own challenges from major markets. While air arrival numbers were up, Riley said the key performance metrics for the hotel industry recorded declines through the first half of 2016, based on data compiled by Smith Travel Research Inc.

 

“The slumps were influenced by a rise in room stock and a fall in demand for traditional hotel rooms, attributed in part to ‘the sharing economy.’”

 

Riley went on to acknowledge that Mother Nature challenged the region as well, with some member-countries affected in varying degrees by hurricanes; as well as the onset of the Zika virus presented a challenge.

 

As it relates to Brexit, he assured the region that the CTO will continue to monitor the possible impact of the vote as the UK moves to end its membership in the EU.

 

“Developments in the United States too are occupying our focused attention, the US market being the primary supplier of visitors to the Caribbean,” he pointed out. (TL)

 

Section: 

News

Senator: Put more sugar factories back into operation

December 23, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: QEH awards promoting employee commitment, teamwork

≪ Previous: OUTSTANDING YEAR

$

0

0

 

AN independent senator is expressing reservations about there being only one sugar factory in this country.

 

There have been plans in the works for some years now to make Andrew’s Sugar Factory in St. Joseph a multi-purpose facility, which is expected to see an increase in the production of molasses for the rum industry and the generation of electricity from bagasse. However, speaking in the Upper House recently, Senator John Watson said he is “still wary” of the idea of a one factory operation in Barbados. As such, he is suggesting that some thought should be given to getting more factories back into operation. He was at the time contributing to the debate on a resolution to guarantee a bond of up to $73 million for Barbados Agricultural Management Company Limited arranged by ANSA Merchant Bank.

 

“I believe we need not two, we probably need four factories in Barbados, so we can divide up the island into four equal parts and service the factories. But the fact is that the sugar cane factory has always been almost self-sufficient. As was said earlier it produces its own power, almost everything in a sugar factory is used. The mud that comes back out is used to put back in the fields as manure; the bagasse goes to burn to make the steam to run the factory; the bagasse could also be used in animal feed,” he said.

 

Senator Watson added, “So that the sugar factory itself when properly managed and run is a very productive unit and it is something that I think we should look at rather than this massive factory that I am hearing about,” he said.

 

His comments came as he maintained that the available arable land should be used for food and sugar production, noting that whenever there is higher sugar production, there is higher vegetable production as well. He said anything that can help to reduce the island’s high food import bill should be welcomed, as it will also go a long way in helping to reduce the deficit in the economy going forward.

 

Turning his attention to the Barbados Agricultural Management Company, Senator Watson suggested that there is “enough evidence” to suggest that the management of the sugar industry can be improved. According to him, one of the areas that seems to be a problem is outdated or old equipment, which he explained can lead to inefficiencies in the industry. He made the point while suggesting that there is a need to revert to cutting canes by hand, rather than machine harvesting. He said not only will it likely increase the tonnage, but time will be saved as it relates to replanting canes.

 

“Therefore the concern of having to put out $73 million now has to be real one, because that $73 million should be as productive as possible. Now I know it cannot all have returns on it, because if you look the some of the reasons for the $73 million, it is for working capital,” he noted. (JRT)

 

Section: 

News

QEH awards promoting employee commitment, teamwork

December 23, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Call for Barbadians to be more cancer aware

≪ Previous: Senator: Put more sugar factories back into operation

$

0

0

Dr. Richard Ishmael received his award for retirement after many years of service.

Registered Nurse, Michael Hendrick being given the Excellence in Patient Care award.

 

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital recently recognised the achievements of those persons who, in their view, ‘keep the institution going’. The RESPECT awards is a result of the RESPECT programme which commenced in 2012. It is an emulation programme that is designed to reward the excellent service and promote employee commitment and teamwork. 

 

Speaking on behalf of the CEO of the hospital was Lousie Bobb. Bobb explained, “It is our perennial goal to ensure that we do all that we can to create the enabling environment that is conducive to promoting excitement, to encouraging willingness to accept responsibility and driving staff commitment and initiative and take the necessary corrective action when things do not go according to plans.”

 

Noting that it is a tall order, Bobb articulated that building staff pride is extremely instrumental in enabling high levels of performance and proposed several techniques by which it can be done. Some of these techniques include: clarifying what matters and why it matters again and again and again, celebrating the little steps as much as the big ones and balancing pride in accomplishment with pride in doing even better the next time.

 

“This will not be an easy task but I dare say that we have begun to put things in motion for building a culture of Pride and Industry in the roll out of this programme. For even in the face of Government’s constraints, we have forged ahead with these awards and this is our fourth year. This is our way of recognising individuals and teams for their contributions and their labour of love for this institution. We will also continue to ensure that the programme remains aligned to the hospital’s strategic objectives,” posited Bobb.

 

In pointing to the institution’s achievements, Bobb made mention of a number of accreditation programmes.  

 

“Early this year, we officially launched our hospital-wide accreditation initiative which will require strength and effort of all of us to work in harmony towards the international designation in quality health care and safe patient care…Just a few months ago our laboratory department was rewarded accreditation in accordance with ISO 15189 standards, a very proud moment in our history... By the start of the new financial year, we hopefully shall receive re-designation as a baby-friendly hospital. Our external assessment toward Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point designation.”

 

Going further, explained that Dr James, CEO of the QEH, has indicated that in the upcoming financial year as the focus remains on service quality, attention would turn towards ISO 9001 certification. In embarking on this new accreditation, Bobb urged all staff to participate whenever possible. As she closed, she congratulated the awardees and implored them to keep striving for excellence.

 

Section: 

News

---

Call for Barbadians to be more cancer aware

December 23, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Boxing Day visits

≪ Previous: QEH awards promoting employee commitment, teamwork

$

0

0

 

President of the Barbados Cancer Society (BCS) Dr Dorothy Cooke – Johnson is calling on Barbadians to be cancer aware.

 

She believes that there are too many cancers occurring.

 

“We have to get the youngsters to use the correct diet, get them to exercise – we want them to take care of themselves and be cancer aware. I think there are too many cancers occurring and really the country only has so much money, so its whether we try to do early prevention, whether we try to deal with those who have cancer or whether we do palliative care – but the three altogether are just almost too much,” she stressed.

 

“So, if we can get people to prevent cancer that would be big relief from the resources which have to go towards treating, for example terminal care and active treatment.”

 

Dr Cooke – Johnson, who was speaking to The Barbados Advocate on the sidelines of the Society’s 2016 Car Raffle presentation ceremony, revealed that there are over 100 prostate cancer deaths and about 50 breast cancer deaths annually. As for colon cancer, she reported “I believe there were 60 deaths, that means it is coming up in both because it was down to about 45, so it’s about 30/30 men and women. So, colon cancer is now becoming something to reckon with.”

 

Founded in 1990, the Barbados Cancer Society’s mission has been first and foremost Prevention and, secondly Early Detection, and Cure.

 

The BCS President said that Saturday morning clinics which includes PSA testing for men, have been well attended. She also disclosed that they have been conducting Saturday and Sunday ultrasound clinics for breast screening carried out by a specialist from Trinidad.

 

Continuing its mission in 2017, the Barbados Cancer Society will be launching the booklet “Get to Grips with Cancer”. “We have done a lot of articles on cancer and how to deal with it, recognise it, treat it and interesting facts and figures,” Dr Cooke-Johnson said. (TL)

Section: 

News

Boxing Day visits

December 24, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Mottley: It is up to you to make a difference

≪ Previous: Call for Barbadians to be more cancer aware

$

0

0

Love day crew taking to communities

Members of the Love Day crew making a presentation during Friday’s Youth At Christmas event.

By: 

Marsha Gittens

In the true spirit of spreading cheer to others during the Yuletide season, members of the Love Day crew will be visiting districts across the island tomorrow.

Love Day Founder and steel pannist, Terry “Mexican” Arthur told The Barbados Advocate that the group plans to visit communities in St. John, St. Patrick’s and the Belle, among other areas, on Boxing Day.

He explained that the activity, which will see the participation of a number of local celebrities, is an annual one for the group. This occasion will be the seventh year that they will be doing this. In the past, they have visited locations such as the children’s ward of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Geriatric Hospital.

“We just buy gifts, put together hampers and go all around Barbados, through the different communities ,just spreading some sunshine,” stated Arthur, who added that members of the group also play and perform for individuals while at the different stops.
The Founder also shared that the support for the initiative by persons who willingly assist with spreading cheer, wrapping gifts or donating annually, has been growing.

“Every year it grows. We get more corporate sponsors [and] people donate more stuff.”

He spoke on the side-lines of ‘Youth At Christmas’,,held on Friday at the Vauxhall Primary School. This free concert was organised by Youth in Spotlight, in association with the Youth Development Programme of the Division of Youth.

During it, Arthur and other members of the crew presented two hampers to Nicole Bonnett and Angela Lewis. They also joined the Tuk Band group for a performance at the opening of the event.

Section: 

News

Mottley: It is up to you to make a difference

December 24, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Cherry optimistic about 2017 despite recent challenges

≪ Previous: Boxing Day visits

$

0

0

Leader of Opposition, Mia Mottley delivering her brief address.

Songbird Paula Hinds was accompanied by Zig-E Walcott as part of the entertainment.

By: 

Peta Rowe-Forde

 

The Barbados Labour Party held its annual Christmas Party at the Plantation Garden Theatre recently. During the night of comraderie and entertainment, the Leader of Opposition, Mia Mottley spared a few minutes to call on the support of those attending and to bid them season’s greetings.

 

“The truth is that something is in the air and I’m not sure that we can call it what it is yet but something is happening. Something will only ever happen if all of us stand up and be counted and if there is one message tonight I want you to leave with: Last year we did not have a full slate of candidates, this year we have all 30.” 

 

Indicating the party’s readiness, Mottley noted that the full slate of candidates cannot do all the work on their own. “But those 30 of us can only carry you so far, it is you who will make a difference and don’t let anybody ever fool you about it, either in Opposition or Government, it is the people who make the final difference and I would like each and every one of you to recognise it is not only the BLP that will be calling on you in next 12-14 months, it is Barbados, because when you put what you have to do first the next 12-14 months, it is because your country needs you more than it has ever needed you.”

 

As Mottley further addressed those gathered she told them that if they doubt what she is saying, they only have to move from the north to the south and see the things that are happening. “This is not the Barbados that we knew so it is up to us to make sure that these youngsters get the chance to remember and see what Barbados used to be like because this government has tried its best to try and move it from our memories,” she stated.

 

In wishing her supporters the best for the season, Mottley noted, “It is Christmas time and I would like each and every one of you to remember what the spirit and message of Christmas is about. It is about giving and it is about love and there will be some of us who will not be able to do things that they used to be able to do... Let us remember our brothers and sisters at this moment and let them know that the art of giving is always greater than receiving because if we can give to others with a good heart then we have done well, not just by ourselves but by that which we have been taught by our God and in the circumstances, I say to you Have a Merry Merry Christmas.”

Section: 

News

Cherry optimistic about 2017 despite recent challenges

December 24, 2016, 9:31 pm

≫ Next: Be a ‘Cheerful Giver’

≪ Previous: Mottley: It is up to you to make a difference

$

0

0

By: 

Janelle Husbands

 

PRINCIPAL of Project Recycle, Anderson Cherry remains optimistic about the role that his proposed recycling programme can play on the island.

 

In a statement issued yesterday, Cherry noted that despite the challenges faced, Project Recycle still wants to encourage persons and companies to get on-board with the private sector initiative.

This he says comes with the need to curb the amount of waste heading to the landfill, but also to create employment at a time when jobs are needed.

 

“We have during the year reached out to organizations and individuals who can take advantage of this new approach as we aim to address the negativeimpact that waste could have on the environment.

 

“We hope in 2017 the government of Barbados too will get on-board and review our plan and proposal which has been submitted to them a long time ago with the aim of building partnerships and to also help in saving them money.”

 

The businessman also believes that the Christmas season brings an opportunity to recycle. “As we are in the festive season where many persons have done their shopping for appliances and gifts etc., we want to urge them to separate their waste and place all recyclables in one bag and all green waste in another.”

 

“This country has just celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Independence and now we are into the festive season. Let us as we celebrate all these events and memorable times, remember to put the country first. We must ensure that the environment is clean as we continue to build this great nation.”

 

“Let me on behalf of the entire team at Project Recycle Barbados take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a safe and joy-filled festive season and a happy, peaceful, prosperous and productive 2017.”

 

Project Recycle Ltd. (PRL) was formed through the vision of its principal Anderson A. Cherry in direct response to the growing problems we face as a nation as it relates to waste management. Traditionally, the focus of waste management systems in Barbados has been on collection and waste disposal. According to the statement, the current focus is on environmentally sustainable waste management practices and PRL has been developing a plan to unburden the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) of a significant portion of its collected waste through implementation of its own curbside collection program, recycling program and waste diversion strategy.

Section: 

News

Be a ‘Cheerful Giver’

December 24, 2016, 9:33 pm

≫ Next: Road safety appeal

≪ Previous: Cherry optimistic about 2017 despite recent challenges

$

0

0

Young child gives rise to feeding programme initiative

Marcia Walthrus (third from right) and Public Relations Officer of Cheerful Givers, Shakida Grant (far right), along with other members of the association, their family, friends and, of course, seven-year-old Tiyamike Kaswaswa, whose heart of compassion led to the birth of the feeding initiative.

By: 

Patricia Thangaraj

 

The latter part of Isaiah 11:6 tells us about a little child leading the way and in Matthew 18:3 Jesus speaks about following the example of children in being humble. Seven-year-old Tiyamike Kaswaswa is a living representative of these scriptural verses.

 

Going home one day in March with her mother, Marcia Walthrus, Tiyamike said that she had a “strong thought” and, crying, she told her mother of the many homeless people that do have anything to eat and that she wanted to do something to help them.

 

Her mother heeded her daughter’s request and thus began their mother-and-daughter feeding the homeless initiative, which they did every other Saturday for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Word caught on and the homeless flocked to Queen’s Park to collect their warm meals.

 

From here the idea was birthed to make this event even bigger for Christmas by bringing more people on board and the not-for-profit organization, Cheerful Givers, was formed.

 

Speaking with words of wisdom beyond her years, Tiyamike told the Barbados Advocate that the idea came because she felt bad for those who did not have food to eat, especially since she always had something to eat.

 

When asked if she believes that the idea came to her as a result of God speaking to her, she replied “Yes” emphatically.

 

She said that as she went about giving food to the homeless, she felt good to be sharing with those that did not have much.

 

Meanwhile, Walthrus said that it was about being able to reach more homeless persons and she felt that Christmas would be the best time of the year to practice this brotherly love and thus she contacted some of her friends who were willing to come on board with this worthwhile initiative.

 

Public Relations Officer for the Cheerful Givers, Shakida Grant said that the contributions came from the members of their organization digging into their own pockets as well as sponsorship from corporate Barbados. These organizations included Purity Bakeries, Bajan Bakeries, Digicel, Brydens Stokes and Chef Michael Hinds from Terasu, among others.

 

She said that Marcia contacted her and they discussed how there would be many Barbadians who would be going through a tough time this holiday season and that as little as you have, there are always some persons who have even less.

 

She went on to state that sometimes it is only when you give to the less fortunate that you begin to appreciate what you have.

 

Walthrus said that “God is love” and thus giving should not be only done at Christmas but throughout the year.

 

Grant agreed, adding there is always room to give whether it is financially or of your time and with this in mind, the Cheerful Givers plan to repeat this inaugural event, not just during the Christmas season, but throughout the year going forward.

Section: 

News

Road safety appeal

December 26, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Questions raised regarding Worthing Beach

≪ Previous: Be a ‘Cheerful Giver’

$

0

0

 

As 2016 quickly comes to a close, Barbadians are being urged to exercise caution and stay safe on the nation’s highways and byways.

 

President of the Barbados Road Safety Association (BRSA), Sharmane Roland-Bowen, issued the call as she said that the Association does not want to see anymore road fatalities recorded this year, especially given that the country has recorded its lowest number of road deaths in decades. At present, Roland-Bowen noted in an interview with The Barbados Advocate that the figure stands at nine, and if the country can keep this up, it will be well on 

its way to reducing and stabilising road fatalities to fewer than 20 per year by the end of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, which ends in 2020. Her comments came as she explained that between 2009 and 2015 Barbados recorded 150 road fatalities, just over 20 deaths per year.

 

“I want persons to really be aware and alert to the dangers, especially at this time. So far for the year there have been nine fatalities, our ultimate goal is to have road fatalities at zero, but we cannot turn back the clock now. However, we can all work to ensure that we do not have anymore road deaths in 2016, and if we can achieve that, what a record it would be,” she said.

 

As such, she is urging persons to take note of the five main causes of fatal road traffic collisions – alcohol and driving, speeding, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and driving while distracted – and not to become one of the fatal five statistics. 

 

To that end, she is advising persons as they attend events on Old Year’s Night and over the New Year’s weekend, that if they are going to consume alcohol, not to get behind the wheel of any vehicle.

“As little as one drink can impair you, because alcohol affects every person differently. So if you are going to be driving, abstain from drinking; get a designated driver and ensure that that he or she has no amount of alcohol in their system. 

 

“We also know that persons are going to be busy this weekend, and having come out of several weeks of long hours at work and a long Christmas weekend, if they have to get on the road, we don’t want them to do so tired and then getting involved in any collisions. The fact is that there are no warning signs of driver fatigue... you might be feeling up and about and 10, 15 minutes into that journey, sleep can set in,” she warned. 

 

The road safety advocate is also calling on Barbadians and visitors alike to slow down on the roads. Adamant that speed is a major killer, she is calling on all persons to drive within the speed limit, and leave home early for their journeys so that they do not feel compelled to rush to get there on time.

 

“Persons need also to keep their following distances, not to drive and use their cellphones, and remember to buckle up. Since the seatbelt law, we have not updated our legislation and are desperately in need of changes to address road safety. 

 

“So as 2017 approaches, I want to call on the Minister of Transport and Works to really push this cause, because there are lives at stake,” the BRSA President stated.

With that in mind, Roland-Bowen again took the opportunity to call on Government to put the legislative amendments in place relative to breathalyser testing and distracted driving as soon as possible. (JRT)

 

 

Section: 

News

Questions raised regarding Worthing Beach

December 26, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Fire Service reports reduction in fires

≪ Previous: Road safety appeal

$

0

0

 

A local doctor is weighing in on the recent problems plaguing Worthing Beach in Christ Church, and is contending that there remains more questions than answers.

 

Recently, authorities from the Ministry of Health, the Environmental Protection Department, the Barbados Water Authority and tourism officials held a press conference at the Hilton Hotel to provide an update on the situation. However, Dr. P. Abdon DaSilva, whose practice is located in close proximity to the beach, charges that “something does not add up” in relation to the findings released on the tests performed on the water quality. Moreover, he is questioning why the authorities chose to adopt the standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which relates more so to temperate waters and may not be best suited for tropical waters as exist in Barbados.

 

He went further to suggest that in using the EPA standards, the authorities here should ensure that the standards are followed to the letter. He explained that there are two criterion used – the first is based on a statistically sufficient number of samples, no less than five, equally placed over a 30-day period where the geometric mean of Enterococcus does not exceed 35 colony-forming units (CFU) per 100 millilitre and the second is based on maximum illness rates of no greater than 19 incidences of illness per 1000 swimmers.

 

“The tests done by the Public Health Laboratory were not equally spaced over a 30-day period. The samples were taken to my knowledge on December 5, 7, 12, and 14, if we are talking about a 30-day period and equally spaced, they cannot be done randomly. So you cannot talk about geometric means of Enterococcus and not carry out the samples in the way the guidelines tell you to do it. Furthermore, bacterial colonisation in a laboratory requires at least 48 hours of incubation, and any colony count reported before that period cannot be a true representation of fact,” he noted.

 

Dr. DaSilva added, “I have seen data from the tests and it is not enough for me to draw a logical conclusion. Anybody who is consuming that information ought to be able to look at the information and understand what is happening. I might be able to appreciate it a little better than others, but what about the average man on the street; does it make sense to him?”

 

Turning his attention then to the South Coast Sewage Plant which has been at the centre of the problems being experienced along parts of the South Coast and Worthing Beach, he said sewage has been coming up from several manholes in the area for some time now when there is heavy rainfall, and he is questioning why it has taken so long for the matter to be addressed.

 

“Do we always have to respond to crisis? Not only crisis, because it seems that this time they have allowed it to go from a crisis to a catastrophe. Also, we are talking about water quality, but have we made any attempts to rehabilitate the beach and the surrounding environs? The fact is that sewage contamination is not just about health, it is about the environment as well,” he stated. 

 

He is also adamant that the sluice gate needs to be upgraded to ensure that when there are heavy rains and the water level in the Graeme Hall Swamp rise, it has an avenue to run quickly into the sea. DaSilva believes that in this modern age no one should be manually operating the sluice gate; rather it should be a mechanical gate that functions automatically in response to pressure levels. (JRT)

 

 

Section: 

News

---

Fire Service reports reduction in fires

December 26, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Boxing Day celebrations at Tamarind Hotel

≪ Previous: Questions raised regarding Worthing Beach

$

0

0

TO date, the Barbados Fire Service (BFS) has responded to over 2 000 incidents, and of those incidents, 1 737 have been fires.

According to Acting Chief Fire Officer, Lloydson Phillips, this is a reduction, however, to the corresponding period for 2015, where the BFS responded to approximately 2 200 incidents and close to 1 900 fires.

“The key areas of concern – residential and commercial building fires – have all thankfully shown reductions, and we would like to end the year on a positive note and have our residential fires and commercial building fires remain as they are,” Phillips indicated in his Christmas Message.

“We have responded to 75 residential fires and 12 commercial building fires, as compared to 77 residential fires, and 20 commercial building fires for the same period in 2015,,” he meanwhile revealed.

The Acting Fire Chief is meanwhile seeking to discourage persons from lighting up indiscriminately during this Yuletide season.

“I want to urge persons to desist from indiscriminate burning of rubbish and vacant lots. I am well aware that during this holiday period, persons like to clean their surroundings, but please be warned that with recent high winds, that this practice is dangerous. We have had at least two homes completely destroyed, and two others extensively damaged, due to persons burning rubbish or grass, which subsequently got out of control,” he noted.

He also stated, “If you are tired, you are also advised not to start any cooking, as the probability of you drifting off to sleep and leaving the stove unattended is great. Persons with Christmas trees are also cautioned not to place any lit candles on or near these trees”.

Phillips also noted that fire prevention, although being one of the Fire Service’s main mandates, is not its only concern.

“The department has responded to 70 motor vehicle accidents for the year. We have, however, shown a reduction in this category of incident, as we responded to 89 for the same period and 94 accidents overall in 2015,” he said.

“In my traversing, I have come across several accidents already on our roads for the holiday season, and I am pleading with persons to reduce your speed; do not take unnecessary chances with your life and other person’s lives as well. We all want to see our loved ones in 2017 and beyond,” he maintained.

Section: 

News

Boxing Day celebrations at Tamarind Hotel

December 26, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Visitor donates tablets via Aron, Christina Foundation

≪ Previous: Fire Service reports reduction in fires

$

0

0

This young guest at Tamarind Hotel had a fun time with the Green Monkey. INSET: General Manager at Tamarind Hotel, Olivia Skeete – Baptiste.

Guests at Tamarind Hotel got a taste of Barbadian culture, yesterday.

After enjoying lunch, they were treated to the annual Fiesta celebrations, as Mother Sally danced to the tuk band music, alongside Shaggy Bear, the Green Monkey, Dancin Africa, and the sweet sounds of Barbados Community College (BCC) steel pan players. Locally made art and craft were also on sale.

General Manager at Tamarind Hotel, Olivia Skeete-Baptiste, said the aim was to make their guests stay at the St. James property as authentically Barbadian as possible.

“We want to create a memorable experience,” she expressed to The Barbados Advocate.

“We know that there are so many destinations where people can go, and when they come to Barbados, we want to make it an authentic experience… We want them to experience a Barbadian Christmas, such as our food and our Christmas music, like from Red Plastic Bag – we want them to experience it as we would, and let the children experience what our children experience as well. Even giving them things made in Barbados – every part of their stay we want them to enjoy Barbados.”

Skeete-Baptiste also acknowledged that there are several repeat visitors who look forward to Christmas at Tamarind.

“That is why we try to make it different every year. There are guests who have been here several times and they are look forward to this event, as they know we always surprise them and that is what they are looking for.”

Tamarind Hotel is also going all out for Old Year’s Night. The General Manager revealed that there will be dinner and dancing, as local band Legend 246 take guests into 2017. (TL)

Section: 

News

Visitor donates tablets via Aron, Christina Foundation

December 26, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Exemplary service leads to silver award for GPO

≪ Previous: Boxing Day celebrations at Tamarind Hotel

$

0

0

Matt Crotty, a visitor from Ireland speaking to the Class three students of Welches Primary School as Member of Parliament for St James Central Kerrie Symmonds, and Aron Truss, Founder of the Aron and Christina Foundation look on.

 

Irish visitor Matt Crotty is encouraging Barbadian youth to focus on their education.

 

Crotty, who every year spends up to four months on the island, made this plea as he recently presented the class three students of Welches Primary School with Samsung Tablets.

 

He is but another visitor to Barbados who has embraced the Aron and Christina Foundation Tablet Project. Through his generous donation 25 tablets were distributed.

 

The registered charity started by Aron and Christina Truss in 2009, has been promoting and facilitating children’s education at the primary and secondary levels in Barbados.

 

Aron Truss revealed that the Foundation will be distributing approximately 600 tablets in academic year 2016/2017.

 

“Once we add a school to the tablet project, we do feel it is important to try and return every year, so that the new class three students get tablets as well. We do feel in order to raise the level of the school’s performance overall, it’s good that we continue and the teachers get to learn about the devices to develop lesson plans for you and those that follow.”

 

“To do that, we have to secure funding to buy these tablets every year and we have been very fortunate that Matt Crotty has agreed to pay for the tablets that you received,” Truss told students.

 

Member of Parliament for St James Central, Kerrie Symmonds lauded the work being carried out by Aron and Christina Truss, as well as thanking Crotty.

 

“We have to give thanks that Barbados is still able to attract people like Mr. Crotty. He has a belief that this country can do good things and has done good things, and will do more good things in the future. He has come to help this generation to be in a better position than you would have been otherwise,” he said.

 

The MP told the students to consider themselves lucky and urged them to treasure the tablets.

 

“There was a time not so long ago when we felt in government that the government of Barbados would be able to provide this kind of electronic equipment to all of our schools. We genuinely thought we would have been in a position to have what we called Education Technology, with computer labs in every school and every child would have access to computers.

 

The reality is - that was a dream, and that was a dream that did not come through! There are still far too many children who do not in 2016 have that type of access to computers. The reality is, it is not likely that in the near future that situation is going to get any better. Things are becoming very difficult in Barbados. Government is finding it harder and harder to meet the commitments it already has. Therefore, I want you to treasure these tablets. It is a wonderful gift and it is an educational opportunity.”

 

Principal at Welches Primary, Patricia Lovell, also took the opportunity to express her gratitude and appreciation for the donation.

 

“I am delighted to welcome back Mr. Truss this year. When he came last year, we weren’t sure if it was a one-off opportunity, but we are very glad to hear him say that it is going to be an ongoing endeavour. I want to compliment him and his wife, and Mr. Crotty… I want to thank you for considering Welches Primary School and helping us out, so that our students will be on par with their peers”. (TL)

Section: 

News

Exemplary service leads to silver award for GPO

December 26, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: BRSA President calls for road safety to be put first

≪ Previous: Visitor donates tablets via Aron, Christina Foundation

$

0

0

Postmaster General, Margaret Ashby (centre) alongside staff of the Express Mail unit. 

 

Outstanding service delivery in a variety of areas has led to the General Post Office (GPO), Bridgetown, Barbados receiving a silver award from the EMS Cooperative.

 

Postmaster General, Margaret Ashby, revealed this as she delivered remarks at the EMS Presentation of the silver award to the GPO recently at their headquarters.

 

“The Postal Service was awarded the Silver level certification for the inbound delivery of Express Mail in 2015. Since 2005, the organisation has frequently meet the international requirements for achieving an award. St. Lucia was the only Caribbean nation to receive a gold award, while Barbados and Brazil were the only countries in this hemisphere to achieve silver – out of only five awards – and Canada was given a bronze award. So it is not easy to meet the benchmarks set by the EMS Co-operative.”

 

She stated that some of the areas that they were measured on included performance delivery and the quality of their tracking system. “EMS performance awards provide accredited recognition for members of the Co-operative that achieve high levels of performance. The awards are presented in the categories of gold, silver and bronze. To be eligible, the administrations must meet specific standards for performance. The performance of each member administration is measured quarterly in the areas of performance delivery, quality of tracking data, the use of electronic messaging to read bar-coded data, including the receiving and sending of express items. Also by the achievement of a certain ratio indicating items sent versus items received and the turnaround time between receiving an item from the customer and shipping it off; or conversely receiving an inbound item and delivering it to the local customer [as well as] answering the telephone in a specific timeframe,” among other things.

 

Ashby said that these benchmarks provide the administrations with an opportunity to appraise its own performance and when and where necessary, make the required enhancements.

 

She added that this award is an indication that they are on the right path. “The efficiency of individual postal administrations facilitating the exchange of express items across international borders is the foundation for the success of the global Express Mail Service. Yes, it is a service offered by postal administrations all over the globe. The EMS Co-operative is the arm of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) with oversight of the service.” 

Section: 

News

BRSA President calls for road safety to be put first

December 26, 2016, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Park and ride?

≪ Previous: Exemplary service leads to silver award for GPO

$

0

0

 

The Barbados Road Safety Association (BRSA) is hoping that 2017 will be the year that Barbados will finally see breathalyser testing introduced.

 

Speaking at a recent BRSA awards ceremony, President Sharmane Roland-Bowen said that the Association was hoping to see the much needed initiative come on stream this year, but it has not happened. She added then, that with the year fast coming to an end, they remain optimistic that the authorities will institute it sooner rather than later. The road safety advocate’s comments came as she said she is baffled that in spite of the evidence which shows the dangers of driving under the influence, concrete steps are not being taken locally to address the growing problem.

 

“This is the end of 2016 and this year we were expecting the breathalyser, we want to put safety first on our roads. We were expecting the breathalyser and it has not come true and I am hoping that someday, not someday, but very, very soon we can get that legislation and that we get a representative that is assigned to road safety,” she said.

 

Roland-Bowen said that road safety needs to be treated with more prominence and she is urging either the Ministry of Transport and Works or preferably the Attorney General’s Office, to designate an employee whose job will be to see after the safety on our roads and ensure that legislation related to road safety is up to date.

 

She added, “…Then they would see the importance of putting safety first and getting that breathalyser because it has been researched, we know it is a fact that drinking and driving kills; we know distracted driving kills and we cannot understand why this legislation is taking so long. A country should never put money before the lives and safety of its people and if we continue to do that we are going to be losing some of our most valuable assets – our people.”

 

Roland-Bowen is adamant that Government must see the importance of such legislative amendments and move with alacrity to push the initiative through to fruition.

 

“The Barbados Road Safety Association is non-political and we hope that some person, some party whenever it maybe, whoever it may be, would grant it… We need strong persons to take care and take responsibility and look out for all categories of road users and the breathalyser would be a step in that direction,” she said.

 

She made the point as she maintained it is equally important that legislation looking also at distracted driving, particularly the use of cellphones is introduced as a matter of urgency.

 

“These are two main issues we are going to fighting for next year,” she affirmed. (JRT)

 

Section: 

News