Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs, Adriel Brathwaite, seems not to be in favour of bringing on stream another “gun amnesty” programme in Barbados, as a strategy to curb the increasing gun violence.

Asked whether he believed such a strategy could be employed to get persons with illegal firearms to turn them in, thereby reducing the number of guns on the street, he suggested that a gun amnesty may not work at present.

“The Royal Barbados Police Force would have to guide on that,” he started out by saying.

However, he quickly added, “At this point in time, the Acting Commissioner of Police [Tyrone Griffith], does not believe in amnesties, that in fact they have not worked in most jurisdictions.

“The guys who have the illegal firearms, do you really believe that they are going to come in and say, ‘Give me $500 and I’m going to turn it in’? The answer is no,” Brathwaite stressed.

He meanwhile noted that while some persons in the community have heard about the amnesty programmes and may believe that they should be given a try, from what he has been told they may not be that effective.

“There are people in the community, because they have heard of an amnesty, who believe you should have an amnesty, (but) if a chap wants to dispose of his illegal firearm, he is free to do so. I don’t believe offering him $500, from what I have been told, especially when you are hearing stories about people renting firearms, etc., that it is going to be useful and that is the view of the Royal Barbados Police Force,” the Attorney General commented.

He meanwhile noted that in regard to the troubling gun violence, as a policymaker, he has given the Royal Barbados Police Force the assistance needed to deploy various strategies they have put in place, to try to address and curb gun violence in Barbados.

(RSM)

ONE hundred and three persons working with the National Conservation Commission (NCC) for more than three years have been appointed, effective April 1.

However, the Minister heading the Commission, Minister of the Environment and Drainage, Dr. Denis Lowe, is describing newspaper reports that the statutory corporation had hired 170 new employees in recent weeks, as a “myth”.

“I believe since retrenchment, we have only hired eight people. The story that is being told is untrue that the Commission has hired 170 people. That is a myth, that is mangled in mischief.

“For the record, the Commission is very conscious about how it goes about its business. Of the eight persons, I believe we have also hired seven lifeguards and the seven lifeguards were persons who were retrenched by the way. We are trying to manage the filling in of positions,” Minister Lowe declared.

“No new positions have been hired. Where there have been the eight hiring, [these] would have been people who would have exited the system and we would have tried to fill in the slots with the full acknowledgement of the Ministry of Finance and of course with the full consent of the Board of Directors of the NCC,” he added.

Minister Lowe said it has been his mandate to ensure that persons working at the Commission, who meet the necessary requirements, benefit from being appointed.

When asked about concerns that several persons appointed were from the Christ Church East Constituency, for which he is the Parliamentary Representative, Lowe assured that all appointed met the eligible requirements, regardless of which constituency they come from.

“I didn’t check to see if they were all from Christ Church East, St. Thomas, or St. Joseph as might have been the case back in 2000. No, we didn’t check for all of that.

“The Commission’s job was to make sure that they met the eligibility requirement, not only in terms of the years, but in terms of the requirement over the years. But, if they are from my constituency, then I am very happy…,”he said.

Meanwhile, speaking at the media following a meeting with the appointed employees at the Almond Bay Conference Centre, Hastings, Christ Church, yesterday, Lowe also made it clear that NCC had no obligations to anyone who has not applied for a position there, and also informed that retrenchment was not a condition for engagement with the NCC.

“What we will do is give full consideration to anyone who expresses an interest in working with the NCC. We have satisfied all of our obligations with the retrenched workers, many of them have gone on with their lives.

“We have assisted where we could with letters of recommendation and we are going to continue to stay focus on what we need to do relative to advance the work of the National Conservation Commission,” he said.

He said the meeting was also an avenue to compliment workers for the good work they have been doing and also to acknowledge that there has been tremendous need for workers since Government’s retrenchment programme. He also noted that since the retrenchment, NCC lost over 80 employees due to retirement or other reasons.

Lowe said while NCC is currently operating below the required staff complement, the Board is mindful of the fact that the resources of Government relative to subventions to institutions like the Commission are being managed in a very tight way.

He stressed that in going forward, emphasis would be placed on encouraging efficiency throughout the Commission, in an effort to get more value out of our workers.

“Then it may not be an issue of bringing in bodies as much as it may an issue of managing the bodies that already exist. In that regard, what I believe that my policy advice to the NCC would be is to continue to monitor the levels of productivity of workers and to be mindful of the allocation of workers in specific areas and ensure that we have best fit employees in best circumstances… What we will not do is hire new positions. There is a distinction between filling an existing position and hiring new positions,” he said. (AH)

School Based Assessments (SBAs) remain one of the most effective ways that a student’s knowledge of a particular subject can be measured. Taking into consideration that the SBAs are a continuous assessment, the best method is for these assessments to be done at the particular school which the students attend and conducted by the teacher responsible for that subject and those students.

This was one of the viewpoints that was put forth by Registrar at the Caribbean Examinations Council CXC), Glenroy Cumberbatch, who said that this form of assessment still remains one of the best ways that teachers can gauge how well a student knows the material of a particular subject.

At the time he was responding to comments posed by Professor Pedro Welch concerning the School Based Assessments, how and when teachers who conduct and mark these assessments should be paid and the amount of time and effort involved in marking these papers, as well as whether or not these SBAs are that beneficial to the students.

Furthermore, these assessments are conducted by those persons who know the students’ abilities and the quality of the work that they produce on a regular basis and not just on a one-off basis as teachers are the ones who educate these students on a daily basis within the classrooms.

“I think that one of the major changes is that there are more subjects now than they were, but their function is still the same. It is still a very reliable way of marking the students’ work that takes place on a day to day basis in a classroom, supervised by that person who knows those students the best, and who is monitoring that work over a period of time and giving credit for that work that is part of a curriculum that they have studied, and so that part of it hasn’t changed.”

Cumberbatch stated that what has changed, however, is the method by which the students are assessed. Nevertheless, with this being said, they at the Caribbean based Examinations Council have still tried to position it in such a way that all parties benefit from the process.

“What has changed, though, is that instead of doing nine, you would do one project now for history, and that one project can also include two projects including more than one student within that process. So we have looked at it, we have tried not to remove that part of it of teachers’ contribution to information that would help to make judgement of the student’s ability. But we have tried to make it in a way that works for both purposes – to assist teachers, but also to give reliable information to us.”

WITH several major projects set to be constructed in the tourism sector in the near future, Culture Minister Stephen Lashley says a case will be made to ensure that local art is included when they are completed.

His comments came on Wednesday morning, after touring the pop-up “Revoclectic” exhibition currently being showcased in Massy Stores Super Centre Warrens.

According to the Minister, “Rather than import everything, the paintings – and many of them are prints – why not give the business to our local artists? I have said, and certainly we are moving a policy through the Cabinet, where at least in relation to the development of new hotels or the refurbishment, that we dedicate at least two per cent of the décor to local art.

“Although I think that is a small percentage, we are starting there. I think it is really a travesty to have new buildings, particularly in the vibrant hotel sector, being built, and giving significant incentives to companies to come and build hotels in Barbados; and then they import all of the art that is used to decorate the rooms.

“I think that it should be a condition and I have articulated this in the Cabinet, that investors who we are giving these lucrative incentives to, must at least spend a percentage of their money in purchasing local art, so that our local art can adorn the beautiful rooms in our hotels,” he opined.

This he says, extends to the wider private sector and art showcased in many corporate offices. “You will see art, you will see the mini displays – the question is where does it come from?” he asked.

Addressing the perennial call for a permanent home for local art, he revealed that a building has been identified for a National Art Gallery at Block B in the Garrison, but noted that the keys are yet to be handed over by the Housing Ministry.
“That paves the way to then outfit the building. Much of the National collection is currently stored in Holetown in a facility that is not the best, but it just underscores the need for a National Art Gallery. However of course we also need to be able to outfit the building and we need money to do it. The intent is there,” he remarked.

“We have got to the stage where a building has been identified so certainly that is the way forward. We now need to be able to get the funds to outfit the building. A National Art Gallery is not just a building it has to be done in a professional way and it has to be spacious. We believe that Block A at the Garrison gives us that, he added.

“When we get the money, then we can look at building it out, but again this is a positive development for Barbados,” he said. (JH)

THERE is room for Oistins to develop to its full potential.

This is the view of the President of the Barbados National Trust, Peter Stevens, while speaking about the small town which he described as an “interesting situation” that seems to be at a point of a turn; at the end of one phase and about to enter a new one.

“Oistins is also unusual, in that there is no classic town construction on the sea side of the road; from in front of the supermarket area to the Court and Police Station area. The centre of the town is dominated by the fishing activities,” Stevens said.

The President was delivering the feature address during the Sir Harold Bernard St. John Memorial Lecture, at the Christ Church Parish Church Centre, on Wednesday night.

He explained that on the western side, of the waterfront, is the boatyard and ice houses, more central is the actual fish market, and then on the eastern side, the end product of that industry is presented in what is known as the ‘Fish-Fry’.

He said the balance to all the fishing activity is the other side of the street, the land side, where the rest of the town functions.

However, it actually looks like development has stopped in this part of Oistins, though it continues in the more distant environs outside of the bay area, he continued.
Stevens suggested that the concentration of development seems to have been put into the fish market and Fry, but little else has been done.

“We want to build new buildings, but we want them to be in a character that suits Oistins. We need to come up with new ideas that bring back the character I suspect was there before. We got a lot of spaced out businesses with roads in between that aren’t that friendly.

“We need a bit more tighter shops in the area. We don’t need all of these drive thru accesses, do that around the back, but leave more shop frontage and make it a more interesting shopping experience on that side... There is room for reinvigorating Oistins. We can do a new Barbados town right here in Oistins,” he said.

Stevens made it clear that while he sees the need for development, he is not saying that nothing has been done to enhance the area, though it appears so, and that can mean everything.

Furthermore, the irony is that while Oistins is clearly underdeveloped, it has still managed to retain an identity that some of its more developed neighbours may be losing, presenting an opportunity to create a new proud and complete Oistins that no one will forget.

“The Barbados National Trust would love to see that opportunity grasped and I suspect it would make Ms Berinda Cox smile too,” Stevens said. (AH)

THE fear of failure is stifling many entrepreneurs in Barbados.

This view was espoused by President of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Eddie Abed, during the press launch of the Business is an Adventure leadership conference, which is being held on the island next month. Virgin Group founder and philanthropist Sir Richard Branson will be the featured speaker at the event.

The businessman observed, “What we have found time and time again is that many young people and those who have good ideas and feel that they can’t make a difference, are afraid to step out of the crease because of fear of failure.”

“The Richard Bransons of this world and many other successful entrepreneurs have probably failed 90 times out of 100 before they started to succeed. Here there is a taboo. There is almost a shame of failure. We need to be able to inspire those out there with good ideas to try. And if you fail that is part of what it is, part of the learning process. The reality is if you don’t have people trying, many good ideas never come to the light of day,” he explained.

Abed, also pointed out that persons should feel a sense of excitement to hear directly from Sir Richard Branson and the expert panel with diverse backgrounds whom he predicts will bring a level of optimism during the conference.

“It is a little gloomy, but the reality is eventually there will be a brightening of the skies, one has to be ready for that. Because we do have very good individuals and ideas in this country and we have to be able to roll the pitch that they can understand that the bowling will eventually change and they can start looking to play their shot,” he said.

The outspoken president also noted that apart from the doom and gloom that has existed in the business climate for some time, there seems to be “malaise” in the country, which he said he hopes the conference can shake-off the level of apathy which he says seems to be pervasive.

“And to get people to understand that they can make a difference, that they can do incremental things to start moving in the right direction. I am hoping that will become contagious, that others will become part of that process,” he stated. (JH)

There was a slight twist to Tuesday night’s inaugural staging of the “FLOW Oistins Fish Festival’s Cook Off”.

Due to the low turnout of competitors for this contest, the audience seated by the main stage at Oistins Bay Garden were instead treated to a cooking demonstration. This was professionally done by local award winning Chefs, Creig Greenidge and Trevon Stoute, as well as Mixologist, Phillip Antoine.

The trio not only entertained the audience during their interactions with master of ceremonies, Jennifer Walker, but they showcased how tasty dishes and a drink could be prepared using locally found items.

Explaining from start to finish, Antoine created a rum-based cocktail titled, “Oistins Sour”. This beverage contained local rum, coconut syrup, lime juice, Angostura orange bitters and was topped with cinnamon.

Barbados’ Angostura Brand Ambassador, during his fun yet educational demonstration also took the time to explain how the shaking techniques - the “crab”, the “shot gun” and the “sway” are done.

Greenidge meanwhile, showed how to prepare the dish he called, “Flavours of Oistins”. This was a cassava and plantain medley topped with curry, infused with salt fish and finished with a lime, tomato salsa.

Stoute on the other hand demonstrated his skill while creating a citrus and dill infused grilled Barracuda, Cajun seasoned sweet potato “pont neuf”, lightly dressed mesclun leaves, scotch bonnet and pickle influenced sweet corn and pineapple sauce vierge. This dish was entitled, “Tribute to Oistins”.

Following the culinary demonstrations, locals and visitors present were invited to taste what was prepared.

Speaking about the night’s change to the structure of the event, Deputy Chairman of the Flow Oistins Fish Festival Committee, Dr. Dan Carter said, “Tonight was an opportunity for us on the committee to join forces with the [Oistins] Bay Garden Association Inc. and out of that relationship came tonight’s Fish Cook-Off.

“The real ultimate objective though, was to have some local [fisherfolk participating], unfortunately, they seem to have gotten cold feet and only one turned up, but all in all, persons who saw it enjoyed themselves. They were able to taste some of what transpired, in terms of the cooking, and I would think – though at first things had looked a little down – eventually people enjoyed the evening.”

Whilst other key players in the sugar industry have been paid, independent cane farmers have not been paid for the canes delivered to the factory last week.

What’s more, Chairman of the Barbados Sugar Industry Limited (BSIL), Patrick Bethell says, over the last five weeks, the farmers have suffered losses, as the money paid to them has been cut by 44%.

Bethell raised the issue on Thursday, as the Barbados Society of Technologists in Agriculture (BSTA) and the Agronomy Research and Variety Testing Unit (ARVTU) of the Barbados Agricultural Manage-ment Company Ltd., teamed up to launch a book entitled “Sugar Cane Farming in Barbados”. The launch was held in the Outside Meeting Room, of the ARVTU at Groves, St. George.

Whilst delivering words of appreciation to ARVTU Head, Dr. Sandra Bellamy and her team for the sugar cane manual which will benefit farmers and other key personnel in the sugar cane industry, Bethell said it was unfortunate that in spite of the progress being made in one area, now the independent farmers are being overlooked.

“The manual is a wonderful book and it is unfortunate that when you read this, when we realise the opportunities we have, it is extremely distressing to stand before you and…tell you that we have not been paid this week, for the cane we delivered to the factory last week,” he stressed.

“It is also distressing to tell you that while the Government passed legislation, making it prohibitive to cut the salaries of civil servants, the money paid to the independent cane farmers was cut by 44% over the last 5 weeks, with no discussion. Yet we are expected to carry on,” he added.

“Everyone in the sugar industry, up until this week, has been paid. The workers, (the) office (staff), (those at the) factory, the management, the consultant at the consulting firm. The independent farmers are the only ones who have not been paid what they are supposed to have been paid. I have to ask, why is this?” the BSIL chairman further commented.

He meanwhile noted that whilst some farmers in the industry have remained enthusiastic, others have decided to cut their losses and call it quits. As such, he said, the time has come for the independent farmers to stand up and
demand what they are due. (RSM)

Three names have been added to the political landscape of this country as the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has named three new candidates to face the polls in the next General Elections, constitutionally due in 2018.

This is according to a release from General Secretary of the Democratic Labour Party, George A.Pilgrim, which followed a Councils selection and ratification of candidates at a meeting held on April 13th 2017.

For the past three years , the party involved itself in robust analysis and three years later and after some 82 plus meetings over the period candidates have been decided.

Henderson Williams will be the new DLP candidate for the City of Bridgetown. Williams is a product of Chapman Lane in The City, a former Deputy chairman of Rural Development Commission, CEO and Corporate Secretary Needhams Point and a proud Father of three. He is also a graduate of the University of the West Indies in Social Sciences – Accounting, Management and Physiology. Williams holds a Masters from Surrey in Management.

Henderson is currently serving as President of the City of Bridgetown Credit Union. He is a businessman in the hospitality sector located in The City and a Director of the City Development Foundation which is also located in that constituency. He will face off with incumbent Barbados Labour Party (BLP) M.P. Col Jeffrey Bostic, who won the seat in the 2013 General Elections, when he defeated Patrick Todd, who was the incumbent at the time.

Nicholas Alleyne will be the DLP’s candidate for the St Michael East seat. Alleyne, a product of Licorish Village and an employee of Barbados Public Workers Cooperative Credit Union who is currently a Credit underwriter is a proud father of two, an undergraduate student of Banking and Finance UWI, a former national football player who currently manages Benefica Football club located in the constituency of St Michael East and Chairman of the St Michael East Sports Culture and Development Foundation. He will face incumbent BLP M.P. Trevor Prescod, who won the seat in 2013 from the DLP’s Kenny Best.

Finally, Rodney Grant will contest the St Michael South East seat. Grant is a product of Regent Hill located in the Pine. He is currently serving as CEO of Pinelands Creative Workshop, a NGO involved in culture social and economic in Barbados and across the region and is a husband and father of two children. He also sits on the Board of Caribbean Policy Development Centre.

Grant is qualified in Project Management and Post Graduate certificate Business Administration He is pursuing studies to obtain an MBA.

He will face BLP incumbent Santia Bradshaw, who narrowly won the seat in 2013.

SINCE its inception in 1977 the Oistins Fish festival has earned its place as one of the most creative of Barbados’ seven major national festivals, becoming a model for other neighbouring CARICOM states.

This is the view of Prime Minister the Rt Hon Freundel Stuart as he delivered the featured address at the opening ceremony of the festival in the Oistins Bay Gardens yesterday evening.

The Prime Minister, while commending the 40 uninterrupted years of the festival, also highlighted the contribution of Stella, Lady St. John, who in collaboration with community groups, led by the Hill Tops Group, conceptualised the event.

He also stressed the role of former parliamentary representative the late Sir Harold St. John, saying no discussion of post-Independence Oistins would be complete without reference to his role in its transformation.

“I have been discussing with the present Member of Parliament for the area, the Honourable John Boyce, the most fitting way in which I think that the life, the times and the contribution of the late Sir Harold Bernard St. John QC, should be memorialised. The Cabinet will be pronouncing on that matter very shortly.”

The Prime Minister revealed that for the calendar year 2016, approximately 118 456 kilograms in fish landings were recorded.

“The annual fish landing is about half of the local fish supply, with our consumption of fish estimated at 24 to 30 kilograms per year. An estimated 1 000 private sector fishing vessels are involved in the local fishing industry with the fleet value of these assets estimated at $96 million.

“My government is nonetheless aware that over the past three years here in Oistins there have been some challenges with the landing jetty, resulting in the reduction of recorded fish landed at the Berinda Cox Fish Market.

“Solutions to the damaged landing jetty are being actively pursued and I am assured that the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Fisheries and Water Resource Management in consultation with the Coastal Zone Management Unit is working hard on getting the required remedial works done to restore the jetty to being an acceptable and highly functional facility once again.”

The Prime Minister said despite the various challenges, he remains confident than an ‘all hands on deck’ approach will result in the generation of new employment and livelihood opportunities in the sector, converting weaknesses into strength for capacity building, exploiting opportunities and protecting against threats.

He said that the strategy of the organisers was to ensure that the economic benefits of the festival are distributed among ordinary Barbadians is to be praised. “Oistins has gone from the export of sugar and other commodities in its earliest days to an existence in which fisheries plays a central role.

“Our fisheries sector provides both investment and employment opportunities contributing to national food security, income generation, social well-being, foreign exchange earnings and employment.”

He said it is heartening to note that the stalls within the fishing complex, which are mainly managed by fisher folk and their families during the festival, are more than 90 per cent operated by low-income persons from surrounding districts. (JH)

An Anglican priest wants Barbadians to remember that experiencing light in their lives is not a one-off or sudden event, but rather a transition that takes time and reflection.

Rector of St. George Parish Church, Reverend John Rogers, reminded his congregation as he delivered yesterday’s special Easter Sunday message that at some point in their lives they will encounter empty tombs and will always face the temptation of finding an alternative to get around it.

However, Reverend Rogers assured the packed church that Mary Magdalene, who is mentioned in all four gospels as a witness of the crucifixion and empty tomb, is a true example that “we can confront the empty tomb, seek and experience the risen Christ in our lives”.

“And John may be also telling us the value of women in our society because whereas the men came and left, it was the woman who stayed. I am sure all of us have encountered shopping with a woman where she goes through everything and seeks out the best possible deal, whereas men would go to the supermarket and just pick up the first thing.

“Though that is a simple example, it speaks to the intuition of women and why we need to protect our little girls in the society, so that they can be nurtured to fulfil their role that God has given them in this world,” Reverend Rogers preached.

The Reverend also noted that though the writers of the gospel delivered different perspectives on the same issue, Christians do not read the gospels as historical fact, but as truths that they were seeking to convey.

“So in the resurrection story, though for example John may have Mary Magdalene going to the tomb, while other gospels may have several women and in John Mary Magdalene is the one who sees Jesus at the tomb, while the others meet him elsewhere, the underlying message of the gospel is that Jesus is risen and through his resurrection, we can have light and life. Jesus transformed situations of despair to situations of joy and he transforms darkness to light,” he said.
(AH)

Education is one of the key steps necessary to bridge the gender gap in pay and other inequalities that exist between men and women in the workplace.

This was one of the points that was brought home by US Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Linda S. Taglialatela, who was the guest speaker at the Soroptimist International (SI) Barbados 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently at the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa.

She said that this education is needed in order to make persons aware that such inequalities do exist and to garner support for this cause.

“The first is to educate the public on the inequalities women face in the workplace. Broad public education campaigns are fundamental to gaining support for the more specific policies that need to be implemented.

“Women must be at the forefront of this campaign, sharing their accounts of gender prejudice, and offering their personal strategies for overcoming such obstacles.
“It is through a continuous public conversation and the dissemination of information that outdated ideologies eventually die out.”

She also stated that this was something that she herself aimed to do in her first public event as the US Ambassador to Barbados and one of the points that she highlighted was the need for such a discussion to take place in order to tear down these hurdles.

Taglialatela said that last year she welcomed American Women’s Rights Activist, Lilly Ledbetter to this island where she shared her knowledge and experiences in fighting for workplace equality specifically equal pay for equal work, a battle which would eventually lead her to the US Supreme Court and the passing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009.

The US Ambassador said that this fight, although a lengthy one, is one that is still being waged today. It also provides valuable lessons for us.
Another step that Taglialatela recommended was greater transparency with the work environment.

“The second step I propose in bridging the gender gap is to call for greater transparency in the workplace. Lilly’s fight against inequality publicly began when she learned through an anonymous source, that she was making thousands of dollars less per year than men in her position. Similarly, thousands of women in the Caribbean do not receive equal pay for equal work. While this in itself is unjust, what is equally unacceptableis that many women do not know that this discrimination even exists due to a lack of transparency in both the private and public sectors. This cannot continue if women are to make greater advancements.”

A local Pentecostal Church is seeking to push spiritual tourism in Barbados.

The Church of Signs and Wonders Ministries International will be taking the lead when it hosts the Barbados Global Apostolic Conference, May 9 – May 17 at the Barbados Beach Club, Christ Church.

“Barbados’ economy is not the strongest, but Barbados is a decent place and is a country that has set several examples in the past of what we should be doing as a people,” stressed Reverend Joseph Tudor, as he addressed the conference’s press launch at the Church of Signs and Wonders Ministries International in Kendal Hill.

The Conference, which is being held under the theme “God’s Prophetic Outpouring for all people,” will feature Prophet Dr. Belfield Belgrave (Barbados); Prophet Michael Hunter (USA); Apostle Cleon Munroe (Bahamas); Prophet Randy Coggins 11 (USA); and Apostle Leon Wallace (Bahamas).

“We recognise that is important to bring a spiritual movement, because if you look at the number of people who will follow the Prophets, Apostles and travel many miles to come to Barbados, to be in our beautiful environment – we really have a gold mine. In terms of changing the paradigm in Barbados, rather than having every event – calypso – “a wuk up mentality”, we will be changing the paradigm of Barbados into a spiritual movement that is blessed and that this country needs,” he said.

Rev. Tudor also believes the conference is going to set a standard for other churches in Barbados to host similar events, or to join with them in the movement.

Senior Pastor at the Church of Signs and Wonders Ministries International, Jonlyn Harewood, made it clear that the conference is not to be seen as a Signs and Wonders event, but instead as a national faith-based initiative. “This is for the people of this country,” she pointed out.

“We believe that this conference will change the outlook of this nation. Very often gatherings in this nation are for things other than spiritual upliftment. The Reggae Festival, Jazz shows, but nothing is done in terms of spiritual upliftment. I believe it is going to change the spiritual climate of the nation.”

Pastor Harewood also revealed that the conference will include breakout sessions on Managing Guilt; Managing your Bloodline; and Managing Ego States. She explained that these sessions will be extremely impactful,
helping people to move forward in their personal working lives. (TL)

THERE is a need for a complete review to determine the best strategy for the continued development of Oistins.

This is the view of parliamentary representative for Christ Church South, John Boyce, as he delivered brief remarks at the opening ceremony of the Oistins Fish festival held in the Oistins Bay Garden on Saturday evening.

Boyce said some of the immediate changes needed will include the provision and management of expanded bathroom facilities at the Bay Garden. He pointed to the recent Town hall meeting sponsored by the TCPD where members of the community had an opportunity to comment on the Physical Development Plan for 2017-2022.

According to Boyce, “ There is a need to review our traffic plan here at Oistins, given the high density of vehicles and established and emerging businesses in this vibrant town centre.” He explained that there is not much scope for change communities of Welches, Ashby Land, Scarborough and Pegwell are to be preserved.

He said, however, that the best opportunity will come from the expansion eastwards of the Bay Garden project. “To take in all that beachfront area from where the existing Bay Garden ends and including Miami Beach. This is a great opportunity for a private public sector partnership to be established to implement this project being fully aware that we first have to create a substantial bus terminal (public and private transport), significant car parking space and a medium-sized government office for departments like the Oistins Public Library, Welfare, Social Care, Revenue Department and ideally an office of the NIS,” he said.

While commending the Oistins Fish Festival committee and highlighting the contribution of Stella Lady St. John and her late husband and former parliamentary representative for the area the late Sir Harold St. John, he noted that it was through tireless efforts and dedication that have led to the success of the festival.

Notwithstanding, he commented on the laments from organisers who run into some difficulties when approaches are made for assistance in sponsoring these events. “The cry is not isolated to the festival. Did I not hear organisers at Holetown threatening not to have the festival at all if they do not get better sponsorship response?” he queried.

With the Oistins Fish Festival now firmly placed on the calendar of events that occupy the mosaic of cultural and community entertainment activities in Barbados, Boyce urged organisers to demonstrate at an early stage how sponsors can benefit from participating.

“We have to open our books for scrutiny by potential sponsors so they can have the confidence in the managers of the project. They will be happy to be part of such an event.”

The curtain on the festival will come down today with a packed day of events. The much anticipated FLOW fish boning competition is scheduled to begin at five pm, while the Banks/Coca Cola Grease Pole competition is scheduled to begin at six pm. (JH)

THE workers at the National Conservation Commission (NCC) are being reminded that the statutory corporation is no longer just a “rake and scrape” institution.

In fact, Minister of the Environment and Drainage Dr. Denis Lowe is saying that the NCC has evolved into a science driven, sophisticated institution to include new features such as an apiary.

“They planted over 2 000 trees last year – a part of the country’s effort and sustainability of the environment and response to climate change issues.

“They are also benefiting from the generosity of private sector institutions, who have come onboard to assist with the creation of new recreational parks, and the refurbishment and complete overhauling of the Folkestone Marine Park,” he said.

Speaking at the Almond Bay Conference Centre in Hastings, Christ Church, where he recently met with newly appointed NCC workers, Lowe suggested that it is because the Commission has built out its programme where the public now sees an organisation that has progressed beyond its 46-year-old history.

During the recent meeting with the 103 appointed workers, Lowe also encouraged employees to pursue academic excellence that is commensurate with the expectations of the Commission, assuring them that management would be willing to assist however possible.

“We talked about the rudiments of being an appointed employee, that the standards would not have changed and that the conditions of service remain as they were before.

“The Commission took the time to explain to them that there are opportunities within the Commission where, if they identify an area of skill that they wish to acquire, that they will consult with the NCC and the NCC would facilitate that opportunity for them,” Lowe said. (AH)

IT is a time to celebrate as well as a time to remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

On Easter Sunday, Christians filled the pews of the Cathedral Church of Saint Michael and All Angels for “The Resurrection of Our Lord” service. The Very Reverend Dr. Jeffrey D. Gibson, the Reverend Canon George Knight and the Reverend Dr. Monrelle T. Williams led the second service for the morning.

Under the church’s theme for the week, “Christ’s resurrection is the seal of God on authenticity of our faith”, Rev. Williams’ sermon focused on the importance of remembering and re-telling the Easter miracle of Jesus’ resurrection.

“If when recounting the resurrection seems to bring no result, you and I must practise resurrection. For we are all to practise and to keep practising, to keep witnessing to this world while working resurrection day into every corner of our lives,” emphasised Rev. Williams.

He told the congregation that it was important to confess and celebrate an ever-rising Christ and each generation of Christians must keep practising His resurrection. The Reverend also said that despite personal failures and all the atrocities which are occurring globally, that this is not the end as there is hope as God is still in control of the world.

As the service concluded, the children in their colourful Easter bonnets and baskets walked up to the altar to be blessed. These little ones received Easter eggs, which represent the resurrection and new life while the congregation sang the hymn, “God sent His Son, they called him Jesus” and “Christ is risen”.

Physical training has intensified across the country as some of this island’s top fitness and sports enthusiasts prepare to test their mettle in the second instalment of the Barbados Ninja Throwdown, which takes place on Saturday, May 20, at Featherbed Lane, St. John.

The exciting sports entertainment spectacle received rave reviews during its inaugural launch last year and organisers are promising an even better production this time around with the introduction of a new participant category.

“We have introduced a youth challenge for children aged ten to 17 with the hope of exposing the future athletic talent in Barbados. Last year we had 60 contestants consisting of both males and females and we felt to further develop the sport in Barbados we needed to include a youth element to the competition,” stated Delano Hinds, creator of the course and co-owner of Obstacle Pro Gym.

“This year, 40 adults and 20 youths will do battle on an upgraded course to see who will be crowned the Barbados Ninja Throwdown Champion 2017.

“When you compete in this competition, it feels as if you are about to do an Olympic 100 metres sprint. When you are at the start looking at the end, you can feel the adrenaline surging through your whole body and we are eagerly looking forward to a keenly contested battle this year.”

Last year’s competition was won by Malte Jorgensen, an exchange student studying at the University of the West Indies, who dominated the field to take full honours.

Jorgensen will not be defending his title this year and that leaves the field wide open for a new champion to emerge and walk away with a $4 000 cash prize, while the winner of this year’s new youth category will receive a cash prize of
$2 000.

Rhythm poet Adisa ‘AJA’ Andwele is calling on Barbadian youth to embrace their African heritage.

“If you ask our school children about Bussa, they don’t have a clue. Samuel Jackman Prescod, they don’t have a clue… I have witnessed this for myself. There is a serious problem with the education system in Barbados,” he said.

AJA’s comments came during his energetic performance on Saturday night at the Freedom Monument, Rock Hall Freedom Village, St. Thomas.

The highly anticipated ‘Bussa Lives concert’ served as part of AJA’s apology. As a descendant of Robert Downes, one of the founders of Rock Hall, he is publicly apologising for the actions of the enslaved at Mount Wilton Plantation, who acted against the 1816 Bussa Rebellion. They were given money for doing so, and used it to purchase land to create the first free black village in Barbados at Rock Hall.

Accompanied by The ReEmergence Band, AJA expressed, “Right now, we have a generation of young people who don’t know who they are; they don’t know their history. They don’t have any pride in who they are and understand the struggle of those ancestors who paved the way for them.”

Professor Dr. Pedro Welch, Chairman of the Barbados’ Task Force on Reparations, told the gathering that General Bussa and his troops paid the ultimate price – the sacrifice of their lives in an attempt to bring freedom to people of African descent.

“We were not present to understand fully the psychology of oppression. What I can say to you is that we must celebrate those who paid the ultimate price. We must celebrate the General Bussa’s, we must celebrate the Nanny Grigg’s, we must celebrate the various other persons.

“We must stand and let the ancestors know that we honour their presence, we honour their success,” he further expressed.

The concert attracted scores of Barbadians, some for the first time visiting the Freedom Monument designed by Stanton Haynes. They also witnessed the event’s opening with a pouring of libation by Dr. Deryck Murray, Director of the Commission for Pan African Affairs, as well as performances from Riddim Tribe, Dancin’ Africa, the Israel Lovell Foundation, and the Haynesville Drummers. (TL)

By 2020 at least two more permanent desalination plants should be up and running in this country and Chief Town Planner, Mark Cummins says the proposed locations have already been identified.

Cummins did not reveal where these sites are, but, he said that provision is to be made in the amended Physical Development Plan to ensure that no unwanted development takes places in the areas. Additionally, he said that the Plan will also propose that the lands in and around any desalination plant be designated Groundwater Protection Zone A and will therefore be subject to the policies of that zone. The Chief Town Planner made the point while noting in an interview with The Barbados Advocate that his office has been working closely with the Barbados Water Authority to not only examine the island’s water needs, but ensure that adequate provisions are put in place to address challenges that could arise.

“The Water Authority as you would expect sits on our steering committee for the Physical Development Plan and we are able to share a lot of pertinent information with them in terms of where the new developments are projected to go; and every application that comes into my office for the subdivision of land also has to go to Water Authority. So there is an inextricable link between the Planning Office and Water Authority,” he said.

With that in mind, he explained that the proposed plants are needed to help meet the demands on the country’s potable water supply, noting that Barbados is one of the world’s most water scarce countries. And, warning that the situation is not likely to improve any time soon, he said the relevant authorities must take steps to augment the water supply.

“We were water scarce before the onset of climate change but what has happened now is that the onset of climate change has exacerbated the situation. Instead of having an average rainfall of around 60 inches or so per annum, we went through a period of two to three years where we had less than 40 inches of rainfall.

The rainfall is likely to become more and more unpredictable and so we have to prepare, as it is only a matter of time before we run into more challenges,” he said.

To that end, he indicated that the amended PDP will also seek to promote policies which speak to comprehensive water management. (JRT)

A RENEWED call is being made for the establishment of a Fishing Academy in Oistins.

It comes from one of the founders of the Oistins Fish Festival, Stella Lady St. John who was delivering brief remarks at the official opening ceremony of the Oistins Fish Festival over the weekend.

While recalling the history of the event, now in its 40th year, Lady St. John noted that she with her late husband the late Sir Harold St. John wanted to see economic activity in the area, not by big business but by the ordinary men and women who lived in Oistins town and in the surrounding communities.

This, she said, led to life being breathed into what she described as what was a sleepy fishing village with a few shops and houses lining a narrow road, stretching from Welches in the west to Enterprise in the east. She said back in 1977 the festival led to the empowerment of the people of the area to become entrepreneurs.

“Using the fish and their skills at cooking and food preparation resulting in what we have here today. The liveliest Friday night spot in the Eastern Caribbean.”

She said however that she is not entirely pleased with everything that is seen in Oistins today, stressing that development must be taken to the next level.

“There is more to be done. As we continue to build on that strong foundation that was laid by my husband, the next stage is for the establishment of a Fishing Academy here in Oistins.”

“In this academy youngsters would be taught the rudiments of the fishing industry,both the theory and the practical, and on the 800 fishing boats operating out of Barbados, one or two apprentices could be taken on fishing expeditions with the experienced fisher folk of this area who would pass onto them the knowledge of the sea and fishing. They would be taught how to make fishing boats and fishing nets and all that is associated with the industry including business, fishing storage and marketing.”

“Take note that Oistins Fish Festival jump started the Bay Garden. And its great success has helped to earn much foreign exchange for Barbados. By extension we have seen the folks of this area have radically improved their standard of living through their association with the sea and fishing.”

“Today when jobs are seemingly so difficult to find. I ask the authorities to consider seriously the establishment of the Fishing Academy. Our young people would benefit enormously and would thank you for it,” she said. (JH)