Over the last two decades development in Warrens, St. Michael has surpassed anything the planners could have envisioned.

And according to this country’s Chief Town Planner (CTP), Mark Cummins, the development of that area is nowhere near complete. Speaking to The Barbados Advocate recently, Cummins explained that since 1991, when construction first started in that now commercial hub of Barbados, no one thought that it would expand in the way that it has, and become so sought after.

In fact, he noted that activity in Warrens was not even as vast as it is today, when the Physical Development Plan (PDP) was last amended in 2003, and as such no community plan was created for it. Now, he said they are proposing a community plan for that area to be included in the upcoming PDP. He made the point as he explained that as the area continues to expand, and there is more traffic and human activity, it necessitates that efforts are made to ensure that further development does not spiral out of control.

“Warrens has really taken off and the Ministry of Transport and Works and the Transport Authority, they have come up with a traffic circulation pattern there, in an attempt to try to deal with all of the traffic that goes through Warrens. Now the scary thing about Warrens for us planners, is that there are still vacant areas. Republic Bank, they have started work on their five-storey building; then you have ICBL on the opposite side, they are also looking to put a building there; and then to the west of the Government building at Warrens, that open space is another area for development. So Warrens continues to grow at an alarmingly high rate,” he stated.

Cummins noted that development in Warrens has even started to move out to Welches, St. Thomas not too far away, with construction of the shopping plaza, The Walk; Cost-U-Less and more recently the corporate office building, One Welches. The CTP indicated that the new Rubis headquarters is currently under construction in that area as well.

“And don’t let us forget that there is still a 26-acre site that was approved some years back for Kmart, so that is also an area that can be developed,” he added.

With that in mind, Cummins said through the Warrens Community Plan they are seeking to bring a semblance of order to that area, particularly given that mobility and accessibility are at a premium. He bolstered the point giving the example of a person from Warrens Tower II, rather than walking to one of the nearby fast-food restaurants for lunch, getting into their vehicle and driving there. This, he said, was helping to create congestion in the area.

“That’s the kind of thing we are hoping we could reduce, where persons would feel comfortable enough to walk, not only for the physical activity and the health benefits, but also to realise that it is quicker and more efficient to connect with places in the area if they walk, than if they get into their cars. But we know it is very difficult to separate Barbadians from their vehicles and that is going to call for continued public education,” he said.

THE annual Holetown Festival Street Fair and Parade looked a lot like Bridgetown Market over the weekend with a wide variety of items on display as far as the eye could see.

The construction at the nearby Massy store had pushed some of the vendors and displays southward, extending beyond the Sandy Crest lawn giving patrons their fill of local culture and novelty items.

From clothing, art, craft, jewellery, plants, books, birds, fish, a wide selection of food stalls and a kids zone, the festival, which culminated last night with the Queen of the Festival Pageant at 7:50 p.m., at the Frederick Smith Secondary School, had something that the whole family could enjoy.

When The Barbados Advocate visited the street fair, there was a steady stream of visitors and locals making their way through the stalls, which many vendors said did not translate into steady sales, but anticipated that there would be an improvement after the sun set or on the final day of the festival.

The packed schedule of events began on Saturday with the Courtesy Garage Street Parade held under the theme: “Remembering Our History, Celebrating We Culture”. It featured the parade of the Classic Cars, the Barbados Cadet Corps, the Barbados Regiment Band, Dancin’ Africa, and Twisterz All-Star Cheer Gym, to name a few. It also featured a number of Kiddies Kadooment costumes.

Meanwhile, in the evening, the Holetown Dooflicky with Folk Parade and Bajan Carnival, and a festival sunset concert with the Royal Barbados Police Force Band were held. The evening drew to a close with Socarama featuring the 2016 Party Monarch Lil Rick, and Bashment Soca King Stiffy, among others.

A visiting Bishop is reminding members of the local Anglican Church that they have been called to rebuild a fractured community, in a world where political and community leaders are sometimes too clever for their own good.

African Bishop, Dr. James Tengatenga, made this call when he spoke to hundreds that gathered at the Anglican Diocesan Service, about Intentional Discipleship, at Kensington Oval, yesterday.

He said sometimes political leaders forget that they are servants of the people and take advantage of their ignorance.

He also accused some church leaders of abusing the kindness and generosity of the faithful, while some take advantage of the vulnerable, either through abuse or milking them dry of their hard-earned money, in what he described as spiritual blackmail.

“All is done, not for the good of the community, but for the good of me, myself and I. In this day and age, is there any reason why anyone should go hungry, without medical care or without housing? Is there not enough wealth to make sure that no one is in need?

“There are some countries whose GDP [Gross Domestic Product] is not where it should be, not because the country cannot produce enough, not because the country does not have enough reserves, but because some politicians and business people are selfish and inconsiderate.”

He said it is not uncommon these days to hear followers boasting about their pastors’ wealth.

“It is as if God is forgotten in all of this. But look who is saying that – it is the one who has nothing, yet is also the one who is giving everything to the rich prophet, to the rich pastor, to the rich apostle and whatever they call themselves.

“These pastors work on the poor gullibility, on the poor ignorance, they take advantage of them, church is no longer a church…” he said.

Bishop Tengatenga further stated that too often, highly qualified job seekers are not called for interviews, even after sending out multiple application letters, because they may not be familiar with anyone in authority.

“That is how callous the heart of society has become. The idea that somebody else’s child is your child, does not work anymore. I take care of mine and mine alone, is the operating mode,” he lamented.

However, the Bishop told the Christians gathered that while they are expected to make mistakes in life, they must contribute to rebuilding a loving and caring society.

“Build a community, do not fracture it. Build communities of trust. Let not the girl child be afraid to walk in the streets alone. Create conditions that make the disabled feel safe and become trusting.

“Create communities in which no child will go to bed hungry, no teenager will take his or her own life because they have been bullied or feel unloved,” he pleaded.

“Create a society in which all are loved and cherished. A society where even the self inflicted drug addict feels at home and feels he is loved. A society where we look after one another and know that the person sitting opposite you has your back and will not stab you in the back. That is perfection, that is holiness,” Bishop Tengatenga added.

(AH)

The Anglican Church in Barbados continues to attract young people.

Speaking to the media following the Anglican Diocesan Service, held at Kensington Oval yesterday, Archbishop of the West Indies and Bishop of Barbados Dr John Holder said there is often talk of a reduction in the number of young people attending the Church.

However, he said the scores of children that went to the altar for their blessing, and the teenagers that contributed to the overall service, showed that there was still a youthful presence in the Diocese.

“We have a significant number of young people in the Diocese. We always had and we still have. And we have the Youth Ministry, we have a youth director.

“At this moment, we are looking at our youth programme to see our weak points and our strong points, to strengthen what we already have going,” Bishop Holder said.

The Bishop noted that while the Church is in the second year of its implemented strategic plan, it has been following the theme “Intentional Discipleship”, which encourages Christians not to sit back, condemn and point fingers, but to rather do something to make the world a better place.

“We are trying this year, in this church, to follow our plan and to do as many important things as we can for our youth especially. We are trying to look at our Youth Ministry and see how we can strengthen [it],” he said. (AH)

The Department of Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property (Barbados) hosted a consultation on the Protection of New Plant Varieties headed by The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) at Christ Church Conference room, BAOBAB Tower, Warrens last Friday morning.

The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) is an intergovernmental organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland, which seeks to provide and promote an effective system of plant variety protection, with the aim of encouraging the development of new varieties of plants, for the benefit of society.

The UPOV has 74 members which includes countries such as Australia, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, and the Dominican Republic to name a few.

Speaking at the consultation, UPOV Technical/Regional Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean Leontino Taveira explained, “A Plant breeder is someone who discovers and develops a plant variety. Breeders are always on the lookout for new and exciting varieties.”

He stated, “If you would like to become a member of UPOV it is very important to have a legislature in place and this legislature must be equivalent to the UPOV convention. The UPOV convention provides the basis for UPOV members to encourage plant breeding by granting breeders of new plant varieties an intellectual property right, which is called the breeder’s right.”

It was further noted that, “Under the UPOV Convention the breeder’s right is only granted where the variety is new, distinct, uniform, stable and has a suitable denomination.” He continued, “You cannot go into the woods collect a plant and file for protection of something that’s unchanged from it’s existing occurring natural state, it has to be something new. UPOV does not reward existing things, it rewards innovation.”

He added, “To join UPOV the payment is US$10 000 per year, the government may decide to establish which level of payment it wishes. This money is used to pay the salaries of the secretariat and to maintain infrastructure of the building, in return you receive services such as training etc.”

It may not have been a packed audience at the Frank Collymore Hall on Saturday night, but it was apparent that those who did come out to the second annual Caribbean Excellence concert certainly enjoyed themselves as the artistes, each with their own musical stylings did exactly what they were there to do, captivate the audience!

G-Syndicate took to the stage first, starting off with songs that were somewhat mellow and then ending with more upbeat hits, which they got the audience singing along to and moving in rhythm to their music.

Dressed in colour-coordinated outfits, they worked the stage well, especially in the latter half of their set. One could easily see why the six member, all male group, bear the nickname ‘The A capella Kings of Barbados’.

2 Mile Hill, formerly known as NexCyx, took to the stage next, performing songs that they have released under both names.

Dressed in black and white, vocalist Mahalia Cummins introduced each song and the reasons why she wrote them before performing each with her group; including Russell on guitar, Kris on Bass, Chadd on drums and Andre on keyboards.

It was clear that the audience appreciated the background notes for each song as she identified how they came into being, such as why put off for tomorrow what you can do today; another one about that relationship that ended so badly you do not even want to hear the mention of that person’s name and “Set Me Free”, where she utilised her background training in ballet, Jazz and Modern dance in a video that she encouraged all persons to go and see if they had not done so already.

She stated that dance is something that she usually keeps close to her heart, but she decided to showcase her dancing ability and after discussing it with her group, they came to the agreement that this particular song would be the best one to bring her dancing to the Barbadian audience.

The band who is also known for one of the biggest music festivals in this island and named after lead singer – Mahalia’s Corner, has taken to the stage with some of the more internationally recognised artistes, such as Erykah Badu, Wyclef Jean, Damian Marley, Angie Stone and Sizzla among others, as well as taking home numerous awards, both locally and from international sources like MTV and RyanSeacrest.com.

There was an intermission period after which Calypsonian, Stedson “Red Plastic Bag” Wiltshire took to the stage.

The singer and song writer who has amassed multiple awards in both Calypso and Soca music and who has performed on some of the most well known world stages such as The Apollo Theatre, Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the Lincoln Centre, ended the night with the audience on their feet.

Sponsors for Caribbean Excellence were Massy Technologies, Guardian Group, Sagicor, Goddard Enterprises Limited, The Royal Shop, Pan American International Insurance Corporation, Blueprint Creative, CompuPrint Ltd, Ticketpal, Barbados Yellow Pages, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) and Capital Media HD 99.3 FM.

The National HIV/AIDS Commission’s Man Aware event has been “very effective” in raising the public’s awareness of the HIV/AIDS message.

Public Relations Officer with the National HIV/AIDS Commission, Fabian Todd further told The Barbados Advocate that since the initial event at Pirates Cove, Bay Street “it has grown”.
“We find that we have a lot of repeat visitors; people who have come to the previous ones – they return again [and] they bring friends. So we are finding, it is a steady build and every time we put it on, we try to bring a new element all of the time to attract even more individuals.”

He spoke on the side-lines of Friday’s “Man Aware” in Jubilee Gardens, The City. This event “is an attempt to bring together men in Barbados in an informal setting to tell them more about HIV/AIDS and also to test their knowledge of HIV/AIDS.” In addition to the opportunity to have a free hair cut in the barber shop, there was a condom corner, a games booth and live DJ music throughout the evening.

Todd emphasised why there is a need for such an event. He stated, “in any society there are some who will have information readily available to them; they know it, but still they don’t grasp it – they don’t follow it! In putting on things like this, we hope to keep hammering it home for the few who might stray away from the message.”

He added, “even though we might be seeing good figures in terms of people taking heed of the message, it does not mean we should rest on our laurels, it does not mean ‘yes, it is working, let’s stop!’ No! We continue this fight – it is never over!” (MG)

Statistics show that 70 per cent of adults will likely experience the sudden traumatic loss of a loved one in their lifetime and 20 per cent of these persons will likely be affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the incident.

Pointing out the above yesterday, Donna Watson-Elliott, Manager of the Ottawa Police Victim Crisis Unit, stressed that direct victims are not the only ones touched by traumatic occurrences as witnesses, bystanders, relatives and others may be left to deal with the outcome of a traumatic incident as well. This can be true for a homicide, as much as it is for a fatal car accident.

Watson-Elliott therefore emphasised the need for enhancing support to victims, which would be the focus of the two-day IMPACT Justice “Enhancing Support To Victims of Crime” training course, which got started at the Accra Beach Hotel yesterday.

Earlier, Dr. Gail Miller, Senior Director of the Caribbean Regional Programme of the Government of Canada, acknowledged that it was recognised that breaking the news to families that a loved one has passed away in a traumatic or violent circumstance is difficult, and following a workshop held in Barbados last year to assist police officers in this area, there was an additional request for training to enhance the support given to victims, beyond the death notification process.

Prof. Velma Newton, Regional Project Director of IMPACT Justice, noted that the Ottawa Police Service was the first to respond positively to such a request for assistance in organising the IMPACT Justice training conference, to deliver that enhanced victim support training. Police officers of varying ranks, along with gender specialists, counsellors, community development officers, social workers and others who work with victims of crime in Barbados and across the region, were in attendance at opening of the conference.

They heard from Donna Watson-Elliott of the need for those who will assist victims in the aftermath of any traumatic incident, to genuinely care about the persons whose lives have been so abruptly disrupted and to work to meet them where they are at.

“The person with the greater need must be aware that the person (offering support) generally cares. So we have the important task of working with victims and proving to them that we really do care,” she stressed.

Watson-Elliott later told The Barbados Advocate that whilst persons gathered for the workshop were from different jurisdictions, they would get the chance to apply the information given, to see what partnerships or initiatives they can start back home, to deliver the best support to victims, who will likely come under their care. (RSM)

SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Shaunice Griffith was crowned Miss Holetown Queen of the Festival 2017, on Sunday night.

Griffith’s competitive spirit and consistency as she competed in the opening, talent, swimwear, evening wear and question and answer segments, satisfied the judges and the crowd, gathered at the Frederick Smith Secondary School, where she defeated five other contestants to come out on top.

The points that placed Griffith at the top were not revealed, however, second place was taken by 18-year-old Tinesha Drayton, while, Kamaria Abbott, 24, walked away with the prizes for third position.

“I am quite excited, it has been a long journey, but it is finally over and I am thankful that I have been successful.

“It has been challenging balancing academics and my personal endeavours, but I got through and now I can see that my hard work has paid off,” a
delighted Griffith, told The Barbados Advocate, moments after her win.

The pageant which is in its 35th year was staged under the theme “From the Olive Blossom To The Pride of Barbados”.

Griffith won the People’s Choice, Miss Personal Style and Miss Punctuality prizes. From the time the winner hit the stage in the opening segment, her diction was on point, as she spoke about her desire to become a criminologist and delivered an overview of her sponsor’s product. The judges did not consider Griffith’s self-penned dramatic piece on whether black lives mattered, the best. However, the queen was on show as she painted a picture of how slavery has been abolished, but blacks seem to be fighting against blacks, finally arriving at the point where she declared that “all lives matter, no matter the race!”

The winner’s gown was not considered the best of the rest either, but Griffith looked confident, striking and radiant, as she confidently carried her “Bearded Fig Tree” piece, designed by Luci Lui Creation.

The striking, retro modified couture, green and brown satin dress which glistened under the lights, was definitely inspired by the blooming tree.

Answering her question appeared to be an easy task for the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, student, who is studying Criminology. She was asked how her choice of career would benefit the country.

Griffith’s precise answer was that she would be better able to understand criminal behaviour and the law, leading to her developing relevant solutions, to help reduce the island’s crime rate and save government from spending large sums to keep the prison system running.

Best Talent was awarded to Drayton whose beautiful voice captivated the audience when she sang an original piece titled, “Speak Out”.

The song was penned by Calypsonian Chrystal Cummins-Beckles, who watched from the audience, as Drayton, without the assistance of a track or instrumental, showed off the versatility of her voice as she ministered to young children about the importance of speaking out about sexual abuse before it destroys their lives forever.

The gown that got the top marks from the judges was worn by 20-year-old Leann Skeete. Skeete’s “Custom Lendable Gown”, was designed by Orlando Williams. The delicate cape sleeves were made of pink chiffon and thousands of glass crystal beads were strategically placed to hug her slender figure. A revealing mermaid silhouette added a modern element to the gown and a fully beaded hem was the perfect addition to Skeete’s Best Gown, as she glided across the stage.

Contestant Kaitlan Marshall won the awards for Most Improved, Miss Amity and Miss Congeniality. Contestant Alicia Lloyd took the prizes for Miss Photogenic and Best Project.

One of the highlights of the pageant was the fact that former queens entertained the audience through drama, dance and song. It was exciting to watch as they delivered a visual journey of Barbados from 1627 until 2017. (AH)

IF the Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados is removed from office, then the Minister of Finance should suffer the same fate.

This was the opinion expressed by former Barbados Labour Party (BLP) representative for St. Michael West, Reverend Joseph Atherly, to the joint meeting of St. Michael Central, South Central and East held last Sunday night.

He told the gathering at George Lamming Primary School, “Don’t allow yourself to be sucked in to the narrative which is being sold to us, that the Central Bank Governor, Dr. DeLisle Worrell, must go because he can’t get along with the Bank’s Board and the Board members don’t want him.

“The true narrative is this: a Governor stands and says those policies are failing; we can do that no more; I am no longer with you in that; we need to stop printing money –we are courting disaster.”

“So, when the Governor of the Central Bank, is at odds on policy with the Government of the day and the Ministry of Finance, then something has to give… and that is a narrative you need to hear,” he stressed.

This week, the 72-year-old Governor’s legal team, which is being led by Attorney Gregory Nicholls, is expected to appeal the original ruling which removed the first injunction.

According to the former Cabinet Minister, Dr. Worrell and Finance Minister Christopher Sinckler are “twins in policy”.

“The Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank, one was the voice, the other was the echo – both saying the same thing. If one must go, the other must as well.”

BLP candidate for St. Michael South Central, Marsha Caddle, also voiced concern about the impasse, telling supporters that the “fight” between the Governor and Minister is just the final straw.

The Economist also warned that this situation could hurt investors’ confidence in Barbados.

“There is no investor anywhere who will look at what is happening in Barbados and want to bring his or her money here,” she indicated.

“You have a country that has had 17 successive downgrades. You have a country that people are saying don’t take any government paper… And now, you see the heads of two of its most important financial institutions locked in a bitter fight, and the cause we can only speculate about, because nobody is being told exactly what the cause is.” (TL)

WORDS of warning were given to participants of the Canadian Farm Labour Programme after marijuana plants were found growing on one of the farms last year.

During a local annual review meeting held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre yesterday morning, Liaison Officer James Inniss gave a comprehensive overview of last year’s programme, including some of the challenges faced and feedback from some of the employers.

Inniss, during his report, told the group that in September marijuana was found growing on one of the farms on which Jamaicans and Barbadians were employed. “This is the second occasion such a thing has happened. The employer was very angry and held a meeting with Barbados Liaison Services and Jamaica Liaison Services,” he said.

The officer said that the employer was so incensed that it is still uncertain if the group of 15 farmers will be asked to return to work on that farm. “One of the things that concerned him the most was the processing plant is also on the property, which employs some 300 Canadian workers. His concern was in the event that somebody had notified the police and they had come and found the trees growing on the property, they could easily shut down the plant.”

He noted that while medical marijuana is legal in Canada, one must have a license. “Failing that and you are caught you will be prosecuted,” he warned.

Minister of Labour, Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo, while delivering featured remarks, reminded the farmers that they are ambassadors for Barbados on a programme which is in its 49th year.

She noted that officials including herself speak highly of Barbadian workers while abroad, boasting of their skill and literacy level, hard work and good behaviour, and even point to the fact that a Police Certificate of Character is also required when Barbadian labourers are seeking employment on the farms.

“We are vouching through the RBPF that workers are of upstanding character. When we have workers who go to Canada, who break the law, then it looks bad on us.

“When you break the law in this programme, employers are within their right to send you back home. They run the risk of having their programme shut down if the law enforcement comes in and realises that marijuana is being grown.

“So if you had something like that happen with you, unless you can make the case that it wasn’t you and you can prove that case, as long as we have on record that you did such a thing in Canada or anywhere else that we may send you, we are not going to put you back on this programme anytime soon. It may be a long time coming. You may get a second chance, but not in any hurry.”

The Labour Minister also pointed to reports of fighting, which she said is not a matter which the employers are keen to have to address. She reminded that there is competition globally for these positions and when one group misbehaves, it doesn’t bode well for those who may be interested in the programme in the future.

Inniss also drew attention to lateness and failure to keeping quarters clean as areas highlighted by the employers.

All in all, the Minister said in spite of a challenging year, 173 Barbadians participated in the programme last year. The next group should be heading to Canada in March after the order for workers has been submitted. One of the farms, Nanticoke, was forced to close after the death of its owner, however those workers were absorbed into other farms. It was revealed that a vineyard in British Colombia has joined the programme.

The meeting also allowed the workers to be updated on changes which will include the 25 per cent no longer being deducted out of their salaries as stated by the Government of Canada. The Minister noted that out of this approximately five per cent would go to administrative fees, while the other would have been kept for other bill payments and even savings as directed by the farmers. The workers were advised that they would now have to do this themselves, including the payments to the National Insurance Scheme. (JH)

BARBADOS is on course for full employment with a number of new jobs being created from the several tourism-related construction projects which are to come on stream.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Richard Sealy, told his annual news conference yesterday at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Conference Centre, that the aim is to have over
14 000 jobs created over the next three years with the start-up of the projects.

He explained that full employment does not mean zero unemployment, but rather employment for those who are seeking jobs.

“I don’t want anyone to suggest that we want to take unemployment to zero per cent. We can come close to full employment and I am trying to get the team at the Ministry of Tourism to aim for that goal,” Sealy told the function, which was attended by several stakeholders in the industry. He said that it can be done, even if it is off a bit.

“We have to embrace change, which is necessary in order to make progress,” according to Sealy.

The Minister said that Barbados’ unemployment rate is just over 10 per cent, and it is projected that the numbers will be under 10 per cent by year-end. Currently, approximately 15 000 people are looking for work out of a workforce of about 147 000 persons.

At the moment, 700 persons are employed on the Sandals project at Maxwell, Christ Church, and there are plans to ramp that up to 1 000 as that project nears completion.

As for the $240 million Sam Lord’s Castle redevelopment programme, the Minister said that 1 100 persons will be employed on the site. Government, he explained, is facilitating the project, “which is the largest of its kind we have ever done”.

A further 500 will find work at the Hyatt, while Almond Beaches’ scheduled to start by April 2018, and the Four Seasons, will contribute towards the goal of full employment.

Sealy said that Government will remain a facilitator, and that it will not be getting involved in the management of hotels. To this end, he assured that Sam Lord’s Castle will not be another Hotel and Resorts Limited (HRL), and that they will be looking to Wyndham Hotels taking charge once Sam Lord’s is up and running.

He also made the point that Government only got involved with the Almond Beach Hotel in St. Peter because the Barbados private sector showed no interest in the property when Massy Holdings Limited decided to sell it.

Sealy did not say much about Four Seasons, except that there are some individuals who have shown an interest in the project. Negotiations, he added, are at an advanced stage. (JB)

General Secretary of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), George Pilgrim says the country has achieved much that it can be proud of during the last nine years in areas such as education, tourism, housing and health among others.

In a statement released yesterday marking four years since the Party started its second term in office, Pilgrim said they have delivered on much in respect of the build out of education both in terms of the infrastructure, seen in work done at The Lodge School and the construction of the Blackman/Gollop Primary, and the Maria Holder Nursery Schools; and the instructional programmes, with new degree courses of study introduced at the Barbados Community College and the expansion of the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College. He also referred to the tourism industry, in which he said Government has been able to not only boost tourist arrivals, setting new records, but attracted investment including the Wyndham brand and the recently approved Hyatt.

“We delivered much in agriculture and water as many Barbadians will have uninterrupted access with the new water mains. We delivered much in health as we delivered a spanking new Polyclinic in St John. We delivered much in public finance as we have kept our dollar parity. We delivered much in culture as we created the Cultural Industries Bill. We delivered much in energy as we pushed policy to make Barbados less crude oil dependent,” he said.

But, Pilgrim maintained that even in the face of all that, they cannot take their eye off the goal post as there is still much more to do. His comments came as he took the opportunity to express the party’s gratitude to all Barbadians who have ensured that the journey of the last few years was possible.

“Over the nine years, we have seen many developments locally, regionally and internationally. Yet, the party has stayed the course and sought to secure a better Barbados for all. This occasion presents an opportunity for members and supporters to reflect on our policy success. The Democratic Labour Party has much to be proud of as a government,” he maintained.

Reflecting on their adversaries, Pilgrim said it is imperative that they do not allow the party to be defined by those opponents. The General Secretary said that while the DLP accepts that their policy agenda will be criticised, they are cognisant that there will also be “criticisms without cause too”; but he charged that this “strategy of slash and burn” has never been one that the DLP has subscribed to.

Sixth form students of The Lodge School have been encouraged to consider options beyond Barbados’ shores after secondary school.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, Senator Harcourt Husbands made this suggestion as he addressed pupils yesterday. On this date, Japan’s Ambassador to Barbados His Excellency Teruhiko Shinada paid a courtesy call to the Society, St. John educational institution.

“The entire Asia-Pacific area, I think we and I think that you young students have to see a future where this becomes part of your horizon; the possibility of travelling and living in Asia, learning Japanese and Chinese…”

He continued, “There are tremendous opportunities for you young people to broaden your horizons and think of your future not only in terms of Barbados but also in terms of the entire world. This visit this morning, I think would lead and open your senses to all these possibilities that exist.”
Husbands during his remarks lauded the Ambassador for visiting the school. He also told the gathering in the hall that their school was specially selected.

“From the time I have been at the Ministry of Education, I have not known of an occasion when an Ambassador from a foreign country has requested a visit to a secondary school in Barbados and the fact that the Ambassador of Japan [in Barbados] has requested that he visit not only any school in Barbados…, but it is his request that he visited The Lodge School, I think that this is a single honour to the staff, the board and you, the students of this historic and noble institution.”

During his visit, the Ambassador of Japan in Barbados took a brief tour of the school and viewed the exhibition which forms part of the school’s Black History Month celebrations as well as viewed and sampled dishes that were been prepared by the Home Economics students.

Shinada, who took up his post four months ago, stated it was his “first time” visiting a local school. He not only presented tokens to the Principal of The Lodge School, Winston Dowrich but offered words of advice to the sixth formers.

“My message to you is: Be proud to be a student of The Lodge School, work hard but enjoy your school life and make a lot of good friends. You can because you think you can.”

In response to the needs of its Caribbean and Central American member countries, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) is developing products for drought, agriculture and fisheries.

Celebrating the facility’s 10- year anniversary at the Caribbean Development Bank’s headquarters yesterday, Chairman of CCRIF SPC Milo Pearson highlighted that these three new offerings would provide better service to its current and future members.

He outlined that over the past decade of providing hurricane, earthquake and excess rainfall parametric insurance, the CCRIF has made 22 payouts to 10 member governments on these policies – all within 14 days of the event.

“We have witnessed first-hand how payouts have resulted in reduced burdens on state finances and many of the payouts were used almost immediately to assist with post disaster clean-up, assistance to communities, clearing roads and rehabilitating important infrastructure,” he stressed.

In fact, Pearson stressed that it was this rapid payment that was a major benefit of CCRIF membership.

“We are proud that we continue to be able to provide insurance that is affordable to our members so that they can continue to renew their policies from year to year and purchase new products when they come to market – for example excess rainfall coverage which became available in 2013 after considerable demand,” he said.

He also spoke on the facility’s expansion to include Central American countries, while welcoming Nicaragua to the ranks, pointing out that these states now had access to “the low-cost high quality catastrophe insurance coverage provided to our Caribbean members.”

Pearson also illustrated that the facility was also focusing on the needs of the individual, while speaking on the Livelihood Protection Policy, which is being done with the support of the German Government.

Targeted at vulnerable persons for farmers, day labourers, fishers, and seasonal workers in the agriculture, fisheries, tourism and construction sectors, he stated “This is an approach that is being actively promoted globally as a way to help the most vulnerable people and communities.”(JMB)

It may not have been a packed audience at the Frank Collymore Hall on Saturday night, but it was apparent that those who did come out to the second annual Caribbean Excellence concert certainly enjoyed themselves as the artistes, each with their own musical stylings did exactly what they were there to do, captivate the audience!

G-Syndicate took to the stage first, starting off with songs that were somewhat mellow and then ending with more upbeat hits, which they got the audience singing along to and moving in rhythm to their music.

Dressed in colour-coordinated outfits, they worked the stage well, especially in the latter half of their set. One could easily see why the six member, all male group, bear the nickname ‘The A capella Kings of Barbados’.

2 Mile Hill, formerly known as NexCyx, took to the stage next, performing songs that they have released under both names.

Dressed in black and white, vocalist Mahalia Cummins introduced each song and the reasons why she wrote them before performing each with her group; including Russell on guitar, Kris on Bass, Chadd on drums and Andre on keyboards.

It was clear that the audience appreciated the background notes for each song as she identified how they came into being, such as why put off for tomorrow what you can do today; another one about that relationship that ended so badly you do not even want to hear the mention of that person’s name and “Set Me Free”, where she utilised her background training in ballet, Jazz and Modern dance in a video that she encouraged all persons to go and see if they had not done so already.

She stated that dance is something that she usually keeps close to her heart, but she decided to showcase her dancing ability and after discussing it with her group, they came to the agreement that this particular song would be the best one to bring her dancing to the Barbadian audience.

The band who is also known for one of the biggest music festivals in this island and named after lead singer – Mahalia’s Corner, has taken to the stage with some of the more internationally recognised artistes, such as Erykah Badu, Wyclef Jean, Damian Marley, Angie Stone and Sizzla among others, as well as taking home numerous awards, both locally and from international sources like MTV and RyanSeacrest.com.

There was an intermission period after which Calypsonian, Stedson “Red Plastic Bag” Wiltshire took to the stage.

The singer and song writer who has amassed multiple awards in both Calypso and Soca music and who has performed on some of the most well known world stages such as The Apollo Theatre, Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the Lincoln Centre, ended the night with the audience on their feet.

Sponsors for Caribbean Excellence were Massy Technologies, Guardian Group, Sagicor, Goddard Enterprises Limited, The Royal Shop, Pan American International Insurance Corporation, Blueprint Creative, CompuPrint Ltd, Ticketpal, Barbados Yellow Pages, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) and Capital Media HD 99.3 FM.

The National HIV/AIDS Commission’s Man Aware event has been “very effective” in raising the public’s awareness of the HIV/AIDS message.

Public Relations Officer with the National HIV/AIDS Commission, Fabian Todd further told The Barbados Advocate that since the initial event at Pirates Cove, Bay Street “it has grown”.
“We find that we have a lot of repeat visitors; people who have come to the previous ones – they return again [and] they bring friends. So we are finding, it is a steady build and every time we put it on, we try to bring a new element all of the time to attract even more individuals.”

He spoke on the side-lines of Friday’s “Man Aware” in Jubilee Gardens, The City. This event “is an attempt to bring together men in Barbados in an informal setting to tell them more about HIV/AIDS and also to test their knowledge of HIV/AIDS.” In addition to the opportunity to have a free hair cut in the barber shop, there was a condom corner, a games booth and live DJ music throughout the evening.

Todd emphasised why there is a need for such an event. He stated, “in any society there are some who will have information readily available to them; they know it, but still they don’t grasp it – they don’t follow it! In putting on things like this, we hope to keep hammering it home for the few who might stray away from the message.”

He added, “even though we might be seeing good figures in terms of people taking heed of the message, it does not mean we should rest on our laurels, it does not mean ‘yes, it is working, let’s stop!’ No! We continue this fight – it is never over!” (MG)

Statistics show that 70 per cent of adults will likely experience the sudden traumatic loss of a loved one in their lifetime and 20 per cent of these persons will likely be affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the incident.

Pointing out the above yesterday, Donna Watson-Elliott, Manager of the Ottawa Police Victim Crisis Unit, stressed that direct victims are not the only ones touched by traumatic occurrences as witnesses, bystanders, relatives and others may be left to deal with the outcome of a traumatic incident as well. This can be true for a homicide, as much as it is for a fatal car accident.

Watson-Elliott therefore emphasised the need for enhancing support to victims, which would be the focus of the two-day IMPACT Justice “Enhancing Support To Victims of Crime” training course, which got started at the Accra Beach Hotel yesterday.

Earlier, Dr. Gail Miller, Senior Director of the Caribbean Regional Programme of the Government of Canada, acknowledged that it was recognised that breaking the news to families that a loved one has passed away in a traumatic or violent circumstance is difficult, and following a workshop held in Barbados last year to assist police officers in this area, there was an additional request for training to enhance the support given to victims, beyond the death notification process.

Prof. Velma Newton, Regional Project Director of IMPACT Justice, noted that the Ottawa Police Service was the first to respond positively to such a request for assistance in organising the IMPACT Justice training conference, to deliver that enhanced victim support training. Police officers of varying ranks, along with gender specialists, counsellors, community development officers, social workers and others who work with victims of crime in Barbados and across the region, were in attendance at opening of the conference.

They heard from Donna Watson-Elliott of the need for those who will assist victims in the aftermath of any traumatic incident, to genuinely care about the persons whose lives have been so abruptly disrupted and to work to meet them where they are at.

“The person with the greater need must be aware that the person (offering support) generally cares. So we have the important task of working with victims and proving to them that we really do care,” she stressed.

Watson-Elliott later told The Barbados Advocate that whilst persons gathered for the workshop were from different jurisdictions, they would get the chance to apply the information given, to see what partnerships or initiatives they can start back home, to deliver the best support to victims, who will likely come under their care. (RSM)

SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Shaunice Griffith was crowned Miss Holetown Queen of the Festival 2017, on Sunday night.

Griffith’s competitive spirit and consistency as she competed in the opening, talent, swimwear, evening wear and question and answer segments, satisfied the judges and the crowd, gathered at the Frederick Smith Secondary School, where she defeated five other contestants to come out on top.

The points that placed Griffith at the top were not revealed, however, second place was taken by 18-year-old Tinesha Drayton, while, Kamaria Abbott, 24, walked away with the prizes for third position.

“I am quite excited, it has been a long journey, but it is finally over and I am thankful that I have been successful.

“It has been challenging balancing academics and my personal endeavours, but I got through and now I can see that my hard work has paid off,” a
delighted Griffith, told The Barbados Advocate, moments after her win.

The pageant which is in its 35th year was staged under the theme “From the Olive Blossom To The Pride of Barbados”.

Griffith won the People’s Choice, Miss Personal Style and Miss Punctuality prizes. From the time the winner hit the stage in the opening segment, her diction was on point, as she spoke about her desire to become a criminologist and delivered an overview of her sponsor’s product. The judges did not consider Griffith’s self-penned dramatic piece on whether black lives mattered, the best. However, the queen was on show as she painted a picture of how slavery has been abolished, but blacks seem to be fighting against blacks, finally arriving at the point where she declared that “all lives matter, no matter the race!”

The winner’s gown was not considered the best of the rest either, but Griffith looked confident, striking and radiant, as she confidently carried her “Bearded Fig Tree” piece, designed by Luci Lui Creation.

The striking, retro modified couture, green and brown satin dress which glistened under the lights, was definitely inspired by the blooming tree.

Answering her question appeared to be an easy task for the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, student, who is studying Criminology. She was asked how her choice of career would benefit the country.

Griffith’s precise answer was that she would be better able to understand criminal behaviour and the law, leading to her developing relevant solutions, to help reduce the island’s crime rate and save government from spending large sums to keep the prison system running.

Best Talent was awarded to Drayton whose beautiful voice captivated the audience when she sang an original piece titled, “Speak Out”.

The song was penned by Calypsonian Chrystal Cummins-Beckles, who watched from the audience, as Drayton, without the assistance of a track or instrumental, showed off the versatility of her voice as she ministered to young children about the importance of speaking out about sexual abuse before it destroys their lives forever.

The gown that got the top marks from the judges was worn by 20-year-old Leann Skeete. Skeete’s “Custom Lendable Gown”, was designed by Orlando Williams. The delicate cape sleeves were made of pink chiffon and thousands of glass crystal beads were strategically placed to hug her slender figure. A revealing mermaid silhouette added a modern element to the gown and a fully beaded hem was the perfect addition to Skeete’s Best Gown, as she glided across the stage.

Contestant Kaitlan Marshall won the awards for Most Improved, Miss Amity and Miss Congeniality. Contestant Alicia Lloyd took the prizes for Miss Photogenic and Best Project.

One of the highlights of the pageant was the fact that former queens entertained the audience through drama, dance and song. It was exciting to watch as they delivered a visual journey of Barbados from 1627 until 2017. (AH)

IF the Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados is removed from office, then the Minister of Finance should suffer the same fate.

This was the opinion expressed by former Barbados Labour Party (BLP) representative for St. Michael West, Reverend Joseph Atherly, to the joint meeting of St. Michael Central, South Central and East held last Sunday night.

He told the gathering at George Lamming Primary School, “Don’t allow yourself to be sucked in to the narrative which is being sold to us, that the Central Bank Governor, Dr. DeLisle Worrell, must go because he can’t get along with the Bank’s Board and the Board members don’t want him.

“The true narrative is this: a Governor stands and says those policies are failing; we can do that no more; I am no longer with you in that; we need to stop printing money –we are courting disaster.”

“So, when the Governor of the Central Bank, is at odds on policy with the Government of the day and the Ministry of Finance, then something has to give… and that is a narrative you need to hear,” he stressed.

This week, the 72-year-old Governor’s legal team, which is being led by Attorney Gregory Nicholls, is expected to appeal the original ruling which removed the first injunction.

According to the former Cabinet Minister, Dr. Worrell and Finance Minister Christopher Sinckler are “twins in policy”.

“The Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank, one was the voice, the other was the echo – both saying the same thing. If one must go, the other must as well.”

BLP candidate for St. Michael South Central, Marsha Caddle, also voiced concern about the impasse, telling supporters that the “fight” between the Governor and Minister is just the final straw.

The Economist also warned that this situation could hurt investors’ confidence in Barbados.

“There is no investor anywhere who will look at what is happening in Barbados and want to bring his or her money here,” she indicated.

“You have a country that has had 17 successive downgrades. You have a country that people are saying don’t take any government paper… And now, you see the heads of two of its most important financial institutions locked in a bitter fight, and the cause we can only speculate about, because nobody is being told exactly what the cause is.” (TL)