Members of the Diabetes Association of Barbados (DAB) and employees of surrounding businesses came out to purchase fresh produce from farmer Andrew Walcott on Market Day on Thursday.

The farmer operates from the DAB compound every second and last Thursday of the month, supplying a wide variety of produce which includes watermelons, okras, spinach, beets, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, cassava, plantains, herbs and Chinese cabbage.

He told The Barbados Advocate that although there is little rain, he was still able to provide Barbadians with their favourite vegetables. Walcott who has been in farming for the last three decades said that he has been selling his goods at the association’s Market Day for four years.

Although most of his customers are DAB members, some individuals from the local charity, the Lions Club of Barbados arrived early in the morning for their monthly quota of stock, which will be dispersed to needy groups in their community.

Walcott, who arrived around 10 am to sell his vegetables, usually finishes by 2 pm or until all the produce is gone.

Volunteers on the inside of the DAB were busy parcelling fresh fruit for their members, who had made requests for produce, earlier in the morning.

Smartly dressed in their African garbs, the tots and their teachers at Government Hill Nursery School celebrated African Awareness Month on Friday.

Principal Eileen Went expressed to The Barbados Advocate that such an activity is very important for students, even at such a young age.

“They need to know about Africa,” she stressed, revealing that each class would have studied a country in the continent – focusing on foods, cultures, sports, music, clothing and dance.

The Principal, an alumna of Alleyne School, shared with her students the achievements of Dr. Velma Scantlebury, a Barbadian-born American transplant surgeon, who attended Alleyne for three years before moving to the United States. Went also spoke about Rosa Parks.

Stories of African Folktale character, Anansi; singing and drumming sessions also captured students’ attention throughout the day.

“They enjoy the activity, once you pitch it at their level; tell them as much as they will understand,” she explained. (TL)

Chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, cancers, stroke and their complications are the cause of eight out of every ten deaths in this country and account for more than 60 per cent of the Ministry of Health’s budget.

So says Chairman of the National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Commission, Sir Trevor Hassell. He was speaking on Friday, during the opening ceremony of the launch of the Draft Physical Development Plan (2017) Community Meetings and Stakeholder Consultation Workshop, held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, as he reflected on how physical development planning can help to combat some of the challenges posed by such diseases.

“These diseases are for the most part a result of unhealthy living, consisting of physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, abuse of alcohol and exposure to tobacco smoke, in a
setting often triggered by the social determinants of where we live, work and play, and frequently and sometimes unwittingly, contributed to by policies and legislation
in non-health ministries such as education, agriculture, trade, finance, industry and commerce, transport and urban development, that usually are not aligned with public health policies,” he said.

Given that, Sir Trevor maintained there is an urgent need to put into practice the World Health Organisation’s approach of health in all policies. Through that, he said every ministry is thought to be a de facto health ministry. With that in mind, he said the Town and Country Development Planning Office is to be commended for recognising the nexus between the country’s future physical development and the health of the people in the amended draft of the Physical Development Plan. In that document, he noted, they have identified advancing mobility as one of the key concepts, and he said this could address the issue of physical inactivity, which remains one of the main risk factors for chronic diseases.

Sir Trevor referencing the Health of the Nation Study released last year, noted that it showed that among Barbadians 25 to 54 years of age nine out of ten women and six out of ten men do not meet minimum recommendations for being active. Moreover, he said in spite of this inadequacy, almost two-thirds of Barbadians believe they are sufficiently active.

“The study also revealed that of the physical activity that occurred among both men and women, about 50 to 60 per cent of that physical activity occurred at work; 20 to 25 per cent recreational; ten to 15 per cent at home and less than five per cent was in personal travel. We in Barbados are far less physically active than our parents and grandparents; this has arisen because of the dramatic increase in motor vehicles and the increased mechanisation on the island, with the resulting reduction of walking and cycling as a means of personal transport. Also a reduction in work-related physical activity and a reduction in domestic physical activity,” he noted.

To that end, he said the NCD Commission strongly endorses the concept of advancing mobility, as he noted that such an approach to physical development in this country is anticipated to contribute to the slowing of the chronic disease epidemic. (JRT)

IT could soon be easier for persons to incorporate companies in Barbados.

If Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss has his way, those desirous of doing such will no longer require the services of an attorney. According to the Companies Act at Section 4(2), when incorporating a company the applicant must accompany their application with a statutory declaration from a lawyer.

Inniss explained in an interview with The Barbados Advocate that the Companies Act states that the articles of incorporation must be submitted to the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office together with a statutory declaration, in which the attorney states that to the best of his knowledge and belief the signatories meet certain stipulations under the law.

“Right now the Companies Act right says that in order to incorporate a company you need to have a lawyer, so that even if the person signs it, a lawyer still has to sign it verifying that the person is over 18, of sound mind and not bankrupt. That is not something a lawyer should have to do. I feel it should be easier for an individual to incorporate a company and it is therefore a matter under active consideration by my ministry,” he stated.

The Industry and Small Business Development Minister indicated he has instructed his Ministry to solicit comments from stakeholders on the proposed change to the Act, with the view of getting that feedback soon and hopefully making the change in the not-too-distant future. He added though, that anyone serious about getting into business would be best advised to seek counsel in respect of addressing the complex matters that are part of the formation of a company, including the by-laws and shareholder agreements. However, he reiterated that they should have the option on whether they want to seek that legal advice or not.

Inniss’ comments came as he disclosed that the Section 4(2) is not the only aspect of the Act that is being reviewed at this time. He said they are examining the legislation in its entirety to see where it may be causing some discomfort for companies, so that they can implement solutions to address any challenges. With that in mind, he disclosed that he has asked for comments to be garnered from stakeholders regarding the importance of annual returns, particularly if they are necessary and whether the fees charged are too onerous. He admitted that the annual returns are proving to be quite costly for some unsuspecting company owners in this country, and as such, he noted they may do away with that provision in the Act. (JRT)

Diamonds International in association with the Broadway to Barbados 2017 Charitable Trust, hosted its 5th Anniversary Celebration in aid of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) at the Frank Collymore Hall.

The Broadway to Barbados Charitable Trust aids in raising funds to continue to support the needs of the Medical Intensive Care Unit, initiate new support to the Accident and Emergency (A&E), develop a specialised Asthma Unit and cater to the needs of the QEH Ambulance service amongst other things.

Managing director of lead sponsor Diamonds International in Barbados Jacob Hassid said, “For the longest time we at Diamonds International were involved in many charities and we thought that it was about time that we had something more that belongs to us, that we will have a little bit more involvement in. We thought that the Broadway show was a perfect vehicle, I asked Mr. Bourque, who was the founder of that show, if he would want to do it – and he decided to do it.”

Chairman of the Broadway to Barbados Charitable Trust Robert Bourque stated, “After discussions with myself and the Hassid’s, we decided that assisting the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a public sector partnership, would cater to the general population of Barbados, and therefore, we felt that this was a very worthwhile initiative to pursue, especially in the area of health care.”

The event from beginning to end captivated the audiences attention with superb performances by Broadway stars Lawrence Clayton, who is an award winner for his Broadway Revival production of “the Color Purple”, NYC based, Brook Wood, Rita Harvey and Maximilian Sangerman amongst others.

The Barbados Fertility Centre (BFC) has AGAIN been awarded the highest achievement for worldwide patient safety standards from Joint Commission International (JCI).

BFC was awarded their fourth Gold Seal of approval for their excellent care! The accreditation now spans from 2007 to 2020.

Joint Commission International (JCI) is the US health facility accreditation programme that sets stringent health care standards across the world.

This is excellent news for the island as BFC continues to boost medical tourism and maintains their position as the leading Medical Tourism facility for Barbados and the Caribbean. The JCI gold seal assures patients that they will receive world-class patient care.

This is not an easy task! In fact the Barbados Fertility Centre is the ONLY JCI accredited clinic across the whole Caribbean. The team work tirelessly every day to continue to maintain and achieve these high standards for their patients.

Two thousand seventeen, marks the 15th anniversary for BFC, with thousands of babies from treatment at BFC born to couples around the world. They have babies from Hong Kong to Australia to the UK, USA, Canada and all across the Caribbean islands. Most importantly their success rates continue to excel above other international clinics.

Dr. Juliet Skinner, Medical Director at BFC said, “We believe our high clinical and laboratory standards and our commitment to JCI accreditation contributes to our high success rates – of which we are very proud. We encourage anyone who has been struggling to conceive to please call 0us as our success is proven and wse can help you have the family you desire. ”

For further information on the work of BFC please log on to www.barbadosivf.com or call 435 7467.

Barbadians in recent times have been showing a great interest in beekeeping.

President of the Barbados Apiculture Association (BAA), David Small told The Barbados Advocate that the number of individuals registering in the field has “moved from 20 to about 30, 35 in a short space of time and everyday people call me and I put them through to go to the [Barbados Agricultural Society] BAS to register”.

He attributed this growing interest to an increase in awareness among Barbadians about the importance of bees to the ecosystem and to their livelihood, as well as to educational workshops conducted by BAA with members of the Barbados 4-H Foundation. He also pointed to the present resurgence of the number of bees found in the wild as another factor.

“In 2003, 2004, the beekeeping industry was devastated by a little fellow called the Varroa mite. The mite to a bee is like a tick to a dog… Since that incident happened, a survey was carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2012 whereby we see there was a resurgence and in 2017 now, you can see that there are a lot more bees in the wild and a lot of people in Barbados are becoming more aware and we had an influx of people registering with the BAS wanting to become interested in beekeeping,” he explained.

Small revealed that, the fifth annual ‘Caribbean Bee College’ will be held later this year to give locals and Caribbean nationals a greater understanding about beekeeping. It will be the first time it will take place in Barbados, however, it was previously held in Grenada and St. Croix.

Through this event, to be staged by the University of Florida, Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, beekeepers and budding beekeepers will learn about basic and advanced beekeeping methods, harmful pest and diseases that affect bees, and practical bee management techniques among other things.

Given the initial estimated annual cost of $1.2 billion to import, distribute and produce energy, Barbados needs a course of action to reduce its energy cost to $720 million per year at market prices, representing a 40 per cent reduction in energy costs.

Bryan Haynes, Chief Project Analyst in the Division of Energy, acknowledged the above recently, as he gave “An Overview and Analysis of the Barbados Energy Market” at the Stakeholder Consultative Meeting on the Interim Draft Energy Policy, hosted by the Barbados Renewable Energy Association (BREA), in partnership with the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The meeting took place at the BCCI’s offices located at Braemar Court, Deighton Road, Brittons Hill, St. Michael.

Haynes also noted the need to reduce fossil fuel consumption by 75 per cent, to be replaced with clean and renewable energy. These reductions he said, can provide a social/economic benefit to Barbados, of an estimated $2.2 billion annually.

“We are not a large country, we just consume around 12 000 barrels a day of energy and that supply, due to the economic challenges that we have been having in Barbados, declined slightly. Our local contribution to the energy (sector) is only around eight per cent and if we want to see improvement with in the Barbados economy, we will have to address that,” Haynes meanwhile noted.

However, he noted that over the years, the solar water heating industry has been the pioneer of renewable energy in the energy sector in Barbados. It was further pointed out that, over the last couple of years, the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry has been the fastest growing industry as a subsector in the energy sector, growing at a rate of 175 per cent, between the period of 2006 to 2015.

Noting the need to reduce Barbados’ CO2 emissions by 70 per cent, thereby significantly reducing the country’s volatility risks and the need to ensure a course of action that allows for financial viability, as well economic and environmental viability and the need to utilise technologies that are proven, Haynes stated his belief that the answer lies in having a good Energy Policy and moving away from the dependence on fossil fuels to a greater reliance on clean energy and the renewable energy sector.

“We need a policy that can bring $2.2 billion dollars a year to Barbados. The energy sector can do it,” the Chief Project Analyst asserted.
(RSM)

The Charles F. Broomes Memorial Primary School has become the first primary school on the island to launch the Power Of Choice campaign.

Other schools previously involved in the initiative include Princess Margaret Secondary School, Christ Church Foundation School, Darryl Jordan Secondary School, Queen’s College and the most recent school was the St. Leonard’s Boys’ School.

Through the campaign, banners have been placed in each of the participating schools. These banners carry ten positive messages which remind persons that they have control of their actions and decisions.

Speaking at Friday’s launch, which was attended by Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ronald Jones, FreeMind Institute and Power of Choice Founder, Errol Griffith explained the concept behind the campaign to the gathering at the school.

“What we want to share with you this morning is that the Power Of Choice is an operating system, but it is an operating system that existed from the beginning of time and will exist at the end of time because the operating system was created by who made this world,” it was explained.

Furthermore, “He gave you an operating system with a number of rules to do and not to do... One thing he gave us all was something called free will and all the Power Of Choice is highlighting and reminding us every moment of every day that we have free will and so it is not new, it is not our wisdom, it is God’s wisdom. What we want to encourage, not just you children but all adults, to use the operating system that will result in their lives being the best that they can be.”

Griffith stated that as part of the initiative, students at a later date will receive bookmarks which have their name on them. They will also have an opportunity to purchase Power of Choice shirts and other products as well as participate in the Power of Choice Club, where they will be able to showcase their talents in the areas including dance, drama and graphics.

Videos of students speaking about what the messages of the campaign include, will be shown on national television.

“There are actually thirteen Charles F. Broomes Power of Choice videos and once the parents give us permission ... we will having them playing on CBC [Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation] and you wouldn’t only see the Foundation videos anymore,” he added. (MG)

PRINCIPAL of Queen’s College, Dr. David Browne, is longing for the day to come when people holding certain positions stop giving preferential treatment to others based on their affiliation, the school they attended or social background.

Delivering the feature address at Parkinson Memorial Speech Day and Prize Giving Ceremony recently, Dr. Browne recalled that in the 70’s, he was denied a transfer from Parkinson to Combermere because of the “nepotism, parochialism, favouritism and even patronage that plagued an era of class snobbery in our island”.

He said he was excelling at Parkinson and had reached the requirements for the transfer, but yet was denied the opportunity.

Dr. Browne said though he did not let that disappointment stop him from reaching academic excellence, he longs for an end to those days in Barbados.
The principal also alleged that job opportunities were opened up to some people because of where they received a secondary education and not their qualifications or experience.

“There are people who sit down in positions in this place and if you [didn’t attend] a certain school, you can’t get a certain job. You think I could put on my resume I went to Parkinson for some people, don’t care what I achieve?

“There are some people who believe that some jobs in the public sector and private sector should be reserved for people who went to the grammar schools and that got to stop,” he said.

Dr. Browne also referred to the fact that his appointment as principal of Queen’s College in 2008, caused consternation, suggesting it was not only because he was the first male to take up that post, but he was also a Parkinson old scholar.

“I faced the negative hype with confidence and belief in self. The comments made me more determined to be a successful principal. Graduates, that is how you must approach those who try to define you and those who question your ability and wish you to be a failure.

“Work with diligence, be dedicated to your task, be disciplined, and make excellence the hallmark of everything you do.

“However, you must be humble, never be arrogant, be willing to admit when you are wrong and never be ashamed to apologise. But never let anyone push you around. Be prepared to stand up for what you believe in,” Dr. Browne told the prize winners. (AH)

GENERAL Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union, Toni Moore, is of the view that the full scope of what is happening in the Barbados economy must be brought to the table in order for the social partnership to be effective.

She was speaking to the media briefly after a church service to mark the beginning of the Week of Excellence at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels yesterday morning.

Her comments came against the backdrop of a proposed meeting of the social partnership at end of the week, and in response to ongoing queries about the relevance and effectiveness of the tripartite arrangement in Barbados.

According to Moore, “What makes a social partnership functional or what would make the social partnership work is where all of the partners of the partnership come together and engage in full and meaningful discussion about the issues that are relevant to the partnership.

“Where that is not happening the partnership will be regarded as dysfunctional and in the case of Barbados, I think that is the point that we are at. Where unless the partners see the relevance of speaking out, engaging in the full and meaningful discussions where there is full disclosure, that is the only way the partnership is going to be able to succeed.”

She noted that this is particularly critical at this time, noting that it will be difficult for workers to feel motivated to give 100 per cent within the context of the current economic conditions.

“That is why I can only emphasize that it is important now than ever before for the partnership, all members, at the individual level and the collective level, when we come together to set the example, be the right example for workers and citizens of Barbados.

The next few months, the next year or so is going to be one that will require all of our utmost opinion and I can commit that for the BWU and we certainly hope that all others will follow suit,” she stated.

It was further pointed out that this extends to the level of indebtedness facing the country. “So where there is indebtedness, the Government of Barbados needs to open up and indicate to which a situation is indeed a situation. It makes no sense if partners are not aware of exactly where things stack up, it makes no sense trying to forge responses, because responses may indeed be misplaced.”

“As it relates to the increases for public servants, it would be somewhat difficult where public servants are seeing that although there is indebtedness there seems to be a commitment to restore in other areas,” she said.

Touching on the recent impasse between the Governor of the Central Bank and the Minister of Finance, she opined that the concern for the economy has little to do with what has been unfolding in the public domain in recent weeks. “The concern for the economy is a subject that stands on its own. I think the situation that we had to witness for the last few weeks was unfortunate on many levels and I hope that we can get past ... the issue, and focus on the economy and the sustainability of Barbados and citizens of Barbados, which is far more critical at this time,” she said.

Moore stressed that in the absence of full disclosure, there will also be room for speculation. (JH)

It is envisioned that Six Roads will continue to develop as a regional centre in Barbados, providing a range of amenities and community uses for the increased population in the southeast portion of the country.

This was revealed by Tyler Baker, Urban Designer with Urban Strategies Inc. as he referred to the proposed Six Roads Community Plan to be included in the upcoming amendment to the Physical Development Plan. Baker was speaking at a community meeting held at the Princess Margaret Secondary School on Saturday evening, to introduce the Draft Physical Development Plan and the Six Roads Community Plan to the public.

Moreover, he added that the area will also embrace its potential as an inland community that is at reduced risk from climate change, and noted that priority will be given to maintaining and improving resiliency in its future growth.

“New development and investment will focus on improving the cohesiveness of the community with greater emphasis on pedestrian connectivity and the public realm. Right now a lot of places in Six Roads are car focused, you have to drive everywhere, walking isn’t necessarily all that comfortable. We are looking to provide ways that may be improved,” he said.

In respect of development, he indicated it is being proposed that mixed-use development opportunities, including residential and retail uses, be explored in respect of the vacant lot to south side of the roundabout. However, residential options will be more of a high density form, such as apartment buildings or townhouses and any such accommodation should take into consideration the ageing population. Furthermore, in addition to incorporating a formalised bus transfer point on the spot, the plan speaks to integrating the existing informal vending into the area as well.

Additionally, the urban designer said it is proposed that improved pedestrian routes be put into the area, to improve people’s access throughout the community. The aim, he said, is that they will not have to go to the roundabout to get where they need to go. With that in mind, it is also proposed that the institutional cluster currently in the area, including the polyclinic, library and the Princess Margaret Secondary School, be transformed into a civic campus with better connections between the various points. That way, he noted, persons would be able to walk from the public market to the school without having to go out on the road. It was also revealed that it is being suggested that continuous sidewalks be constructed in the area of the roundabout.

Baker added that the plan also speaks to solidifying connections with the Marchfield Integrated Rural Development Project. He said while some of the land in Marchfield is not now in agricultural production, it is important to protect it so it can be used for future food production. To that end, the farmers who grow the crops will also be able to sell the crops within the Six Roads community. The final key direction, he noted, refers to promoting employment within the Six Roads Industrial Park. (JRT)

The new man at the helm of the Central Bank wants to see a renewed focus on efficiency in the public sector.

In his first public address since taking up the post, Acting Governor, Cleviston Haynes, told those gathered for the launch of the Week of Excellence at the Grande Salle yesterday morning, there are encouraging signs over the medium-term in respect to the island’s economic growth, “provided that we are able to tackle our macroeconomic imbalances”.

He pointed out, currently the centre of the debate is on the public sector budget which was over $3 billion, leading to questions as to whether there was value for money and on the efficiency of service delivery, with several suggestions including privatization, and the enhancement in the delivery channels of goods and services to a more customer-centric experience.

Furthermore, Haynes said that while there were demands being made to reform the public sector, there was no doubt that more will be required from this area over the next 50 years to push economic activity.

“As a small open economy dependent on the ability to export goods for our well-being, an efficient public sector is indispensable to improve private sector competitiveness,” he contended.

Later, the acting Governor said, “The challenge for us therefore is to see how we can improve the speed and cost effectiveness in the delivery of public services, so that these complaints are a thing of the past. I believe that there is still much scope for the undying delivery of services, so that citizens won’t have to wait in lines to effect payment of goods and services at great cost to productivity in itself, but we must also focus on how to implement other far-reaching improvements, that might aid business facilitation and improve the attractiveness of doing business in Barbados. The interdependence of the private and public sectors is critical to the acceleration of the growth rate,” he said.

Haynes underlined the importance of the social partnership, noting “they must stand fast and hold together”, while pledging the bank’s continued support to actively collaborate with the group. (JMB)

His faithfulness may well have won a lucky St. Joseph man a fantastic birthday celebration.

Antonio Mayers of St. Elizabeth Village, St. Joseph, who has been banking with CIBC (now CIBC FirstCaribbean) from childhood, will shortly be winging his way on an all expenses paid trip to Las Vegas after winning the regional bank’s “Let Your Card Take You Places” Christmas promotion.

The Survey Technician with C.O. Williams Construction Ltd, who started banking at CIBC as a child, going with his mother when there was a branch located at Peronne Plaza in Christ Church, said he will most likely use his prize as a birthday gift and take it in October/November to celebrate his big day on November 6. He is hoping that his wife, a teacher, will be able to accompany him at that time.

Mayers was recently presented with his prize at the bank’s flagship branch at the Dome Mall, Warrens, by Bianca Duguid-Smith, Manager, Credit Cards.

All CIBC FirstCaribbean credit card customers were automatically entered in the competition when they used their card between mid-November 2016 and mid-January 2017. An automatic entry was generated for every US$50 spent.

“This was our way of giving something back to our customers who were loyal to the brand over the Christmas period. We wanted to create a prize that they would really enjoy and something that they may not have thought of doing; something special,” stated Jennifer Fuller, Associate Director, Cards Issuing.

Mayers won return airline tickets for two from Barbados to Las Vegas, USA, six nights hotel accommodation in Las Vegas plus US$2 000 spending money credited to his card.

Mayers said he thought someone was playing a prank on him when he first got the call from the bank. However, when a second call came asking him to repeat the slogan as part of the criteria for winning the prize, he then realised that it was serious. He said he was very happy with his prize as he had never thought of going to Las Vegas. This is also the first time he has won anything!

A high level of engagement, constructive relationships and mutual respect are all necessary to achieve excellence at work.

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart reminded those gathered at the Grande Salle of the Central Bank yesterday that excellence must be celebrated not only for a week, but that for Barbados, the pursuit of excellence year round “is an escapable imperative of living in an increasingly globalised world, in which there is no room for mediocrity.”

“I also reminded that the race upon which we are embarked is for a place at the top and not a place at the bottom, and that an indispensable prerequisite of where we sit is to be the attainment of excellence at all times in everything we do, and everything we produce – whether goods or services,” he stressed.

The Prime Minister insisted that productivity must not only apply to workers, but also to those individuals at management level.

Stuart also took the opportunity to reiterate, that Barbados’ success depends on its ability to produce and to export at internationally competitive prices; that if growth is to be increased, to be sustained and to remain sustainable, it will have to be private-sector led, and its major focus will have to be on investment and exports.

“Further, issues of productivity, employment generation, social balance and support to green, and environmentally sustainable initiatives must be in the framework for that growth,” he continued.

His remarks, along with those from the leaders of the private sector and labour movement, heralded the beginning of the Week of Excellence, which began on Sunday with a church service and continues today with a conference at the Barbados Workers’ Union’s Solidarity House. (JMB)

A GROUP of 30 local officials are undergoing a week of intensive training from visiting officials from the US Department of Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to boost the fight against financial crimes in Barbados.

At the end of the course, the officials will be better equipped to tackle areas such as money laundering, tax evasion and other forms of fraud.

The Financial Investigation Techniques training course which is being facilitated by the IRS’ National Criminal Investigation Training Academy, was officially launched at the Barbados Revenue Authority’s Warrens Tower II offices yesterday afternoon and according to Revenue Commissioner Margaret Sivers, a coordinated and multi-disciplinary effort will be critical in the fight against financial crimes.

Participants were chosen from the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Customs and Excise Department, the Office of the Attorney General and the BRA. It was stated that this coordinated effort will strengthen the intelligence gathering capacity across the disciplines of tax enforcement, law enforcement and public prosecution in Barbados.

During the opening ceremony Sivers explained that challenging economic times have created increased expectations from enhanced revenue administration with an effort to improve the yield of compliance as well as effective management of tax receivables. “Further to this the landscape of taxation has changed and there is now worldwide attention on international tax transparency as governments, administrations and international bodies seek to reduce the level of tax evasion and the use of aggressive tax planning mechanisms to evade or avoid paying taxes.”

“Illicit financial transactions are the focus of worldwide attention. Tax evasion, corruption, fraud and terrorist financing are just a few of the types of crimes that revolve around money. In all these cases, a financial investigation often becomes a key element in cracking the case,” the revenue commissioner said.

With traditional law enforcement relying on tools such as crime scene analysis, physical analysis, fingerprint identification and eye witness accounts, she noted that these techniques however have many limitations as we move into the sphere
or more sophisticated financial crimes.

“Sophistication and in most cases legal schemes, used to evade and avoid the paying of taxes demand the use of financial and analytical capability by investigators capable of wading through complex paper and computerised financial records to enable them to follow the money.”

US Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS Linda Taglialatela while stressing the importance of the training session, explained that it is part of a continuing series of efforts by the US government in collaboration
with the government of Barbados, to enhance voluntary compliance efforts in regards to tax revenues, and raise awareness of illicit financial transactions.

“With the rapid expansion of global banking an instantaneous transfers of money, there is a need for revenue authorities, law enforcement personnel and other government personnel to work closely with each other to ensure that the appropriate tax revenues are assessed and collected, and that money launderers do not take advantage of potential vulnerabilities in the financial system.

She also noted that the training will focus on using financial investigative techniques to assist in Barbados’ assessment and collection of tax.

“It includes methods for identifying fraud and money laundering. The course will cover topics as evidence gather and analysis, interviewing, preparation for courtroom activities and an in-depth practical exercise,” she said. (JH)

THE Barbados dollar is in no danger of being devalued.

Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Christopher Sinckler, made this clear at a press conference yesterday in the Cabinet Office at Government Headquarters, as he dismissed claims that devaluation was imminent. Such claims, he suggested, are aimed at creating an environment of panic and fear through the “peddling of unsubstantiated and unnecessary doomsday, apocalyptic scenarios”, which he contended have no factual basis.

“These fake prophecies designed with the sole intent of destabilising the Government, have the potential to do serious damage to the economy
of Barbados by undermining the confidence of potential investors, and weakening the resolve of fellow Barbadians to work together to keep our recovery going and tackle the most stubborn of our challenges head on,” he told journalists present.

Describing such actions as irresponsible and uncalled for, Sinckler maintained that there is “absolutely no danger” vis-à-vis the local dollar’s standing against the United States dollar.

“It is not going to happen next week, next pay-day… next three months, next year or at any other time in the foreseeable future. This is simply not going to happen,” he affirmed.

The Finance Minister added that though foreign reserve levels have temporarily fallen below the 12-week standard threshold, this is not the first time such has happened in the country. According to him, the economy successfully operated with lower levels of reserves in 1998 and 1999, where the reserves stood at 9.1 and 9.9 weeks respectively, and he explained that in neither of those cases was there ever a question about adjusting the value of our currency.

“Similarly, it is not a scenario that this Administration will permit to happen under its watch,” he contended.

His comments came as he indicated that there are three sources from which the reserves should get more than $200 million in the not too distant future, which should up the levels above the 12 weeks of imports. The inflows, he said, are expected to come by way of the $100 million from the sale of the Barbados National Terminal Company Limited, the first tranche of the drawdown from the Sam Lord’s Castle Loans from EXIM Bank of China and the release of the First Citizens Bank Bridging Loan for the Development Bank of Latin America sponsored upgrades to Customs and the Barbados Revenue Authority. The funds from the latter two, he said, should be released within the coming days.

He went further in his wide-ranging press conference that lasted over an hour and a half, to touch on a number of pertinent issues regarding the local economy. He admitted that while the country has recorded some gains on which it has to expand, it has also seen setbacks which have to be addressed. As such, he contended the country must be prepared to take any necessary, but sensible actions to contain the growth of our debt and bring about a faster reduction of the fiscal deficit. However, the Minister ruled out the use of a formal programme from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to achieve that, though he said Government has been consulting the IMF on a number of areas.

“We do not at this time believe that is necessary for Barbados to enter into an International Monetary Fund programme, whether standby or structural adjustment or by whatever terminology... We have worked very closely with the Fund on a number of issues, both in terms of the fiscal programme, the home grown programme... they have come here more often than perhaps they visit most countries of the type of Barbados, and they have worked with us through a number of areas,” he stated.

He noted then that to get the economy fully back on track and reach the targets Government has set, among other things they will be looking at a targeted programme of debt refinancing. The Minister remained mum on the details, but did disclose that Government had “firm offers” from regional and extra-regional “reputable financial institutions” to examine Barbados’ domestic debt profile. (JRT)

A VETERAN educator is warning that students’ use of social media to bully others is becoming a headache for management at some schools and is contending that it needs to be nipped in the bud before it spirals out of control.

Principal of Queen’s College, Dr. David Browne, told The Barbados Advocate in a recent interview that students’ misuse of social media “is causing all sorts of problems in the school system and we haven’t started to see the beginning of it; we are at the tip of the iceberg”.

Dr. Browne said that although he has always been a firm supporter of social media and its contribution to modern communication, it must not be used to destroy an individual’s reputation.

He said that at the beginning of each school term, he usually asks his students to stay away from spreading gossip and rumours about each other, whether it is being done via the use of social media, or even through conversation.

He further noted that when addressing complaints from students that rumours are being spread about them on social media, those guilty of carrying out the act with the intention of bringing down others and causing confusion, usually use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts as their tools.

“I believe that spreading rumours and gossip was a bad thing in human existence and it is even worst now with social media, in a world where it can spread beyond the shores very quickly. It is seeping into schools as a form of bullying where students come to me and complain that so and so is putting up something on the social networks about them. I have to call the student and tell them to take it down, please don’t do that,” he said.

In the fight to keep the issue of bullying out of his school, Dr. Browne said he often encourages his charges to spend their time engaging in meaningful conversation and reading and discussing literature that will enable them to progress in their school work.

“This is what we should be doing as a people. Social media should be used for meaningful purposes and not to pull others down. I always say that I am for social media, but not when it is being used in a bad way,” he said.

Meanwhile, Principal of Ellerslie Secondary School Lieutenant Colonel Errol Brathwaite, who is also in command of the Barbados Cadet Corps, told this newspaper that he believes parents are responsible for monitoring and managing their children’s activities on social media.

“Children need to understand their moral responsibility in terms of what they do when they go on social media because if we do not be careful it can become something that is difficult to control. Then we have to let students know about the Computer Misuse Act and some adults don’t know about it. You are not supposed to keep certain things on your phone or even use the computer to cause harm or distress to others, [these] are things that we have to let our students know,” Lieutenant Colonel Errol Brathwaite said. (AH)

Efforts should be made to halt any further tourism development on beachfront land on the South and West Coasts of the island.

That’s the view of Patrick Frost, retired teacher and veteran trade unionists. Frost was one of close to 100 persons who attended the first of six Community Meetings on the Draft Physical Development Plan (PDP) held on Saturday evening at the Princess Margaret Secondary School, during which the Community Plan for Six Cross Roads was outlined.

He raised the concern about beach access, as he contended that the PDP should stipulate that no new hotel development will be allowed to take place on the seaside of any public road in this country. The trade unionist said this is currently the case for the Ermie Bourne Highway and is adamant that a similar position should be taken in respect of the South and West Coasts of Barbados going forward. He made the point while lamenting that previous development of that kind has also seen hotels utilising prime beach land for their guests’ recreation, to the detriment of Barbadians.

“One of the concerns that some of us have, is that as soon as you allow hotel development on the beach, you create beach residences. If you don’t know what I mean go and look at Browne’s Beach, go and look at Sandy Lane, go and look at the Crane Beach and you see two acres of land, beach land, taken up with umbrellas and deck chairs – that’s a beach residence,” he said.

Frost acknowledged the argument that the provision of those amenities provided employment for people, but he said it was also preventing that area of beach land from being utilised by Barbadians. He bolstered the point as he indicated that the once popular pastime of beach cricket at Rockley Beach had virtually died off, because of the nearby hotel’s use of the beach area close to their property.

“The same thing would apply to other beaches; that is why in your development plan, reference should be made that the management of our beach resources is critical and important, particularly in areas where there is already that particular direction taken,” he stated.
(JRT)

Having wellness programmes in the workplace environment is a good idea.

While giving her remarks during the opening session of the second day of the “Week of Excellence” at Solidarity House yesterday morning, Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Sen. Dr. the Honourable Esther Byer Suckoo, expressed that she believed the concept of workplace wellness programmes is a concept that will benefit the island in the coming years, as we continue to seek and promote excellence and improve the country.

She said that wellness should be viewed as a holistic concept and explained that there are eight elements of wellness; social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational, intellectual, physical and financial. She added that they zeroed in on promoting wellness in the workplace because of the captive audience within the work environment. She also explained that persons spend half of their “awake time” at work and noted that the workplace was the best place to help persons change their unhealthy behaviours. Furthermore, she expressed that there needs to be a focus on how to inculcate that change, and figure out the best way to do it.

Suckoo expressed that people usually got so busy taking care of their families – sometimes their children’s needs and their work needs – that they forget to take care of themselves and sort out their physical and mental health. She noted that sometimes persons only went to the doctor at the last minute and by then, their situation might turn out to be something that could have been nipped in the bud if they had visited earlier.

While acknowledging that you can not force someone to be healthy, as being healthy starts with the individual, Suckoo mentioned that she believed that by bringing these wellness forums to the workplace, persons can begin to work on their health through receiving information from these wellness programmes. She added that the forums also give colleagues a stronger support system as they work towards being healthy together.