The Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society (BVHS) has expressed concern about how some of its clients who are homeless, are being treated by members of the Barbadian public.

President of the BVHS, Kemar Saffrey called attention to the issue, noting that the Society has received a number of complaints from clients, about ill-treatment.

“We know of situations where clients are being assaulted. Some claim that business persons would throw water on them when they see them at their door some mornings. They are some that would go on the streets at night and assault homeless persons. Things are being stolen from them as they sleep,” Saffrey indicated.

“We have gotten a number of complaints and we encourage our clients when these things happen to go to the police,” he noted.

Saffrey however quickly added that many of these homeless persons are reluctant to report these matters to the police, for fear of how they will be treated by members of the Royal Barbados Police Force, given the fact that they sleep on the streets.

Saffrey also took the opportunity to make an outcry about a video in particular that is now circulating on social media, in which the Society was tagged. Saffrey pointed out that the video shows a popular homeless man, being pepper-sprayed and made a mockery of. Saffrey indicated that the homeless man, known to the public by the alias, “Ninja Man”, suffers from a mental disorder and often acts irrational when he if off of his medication. As such, he has decried the treatment of the man in this video, by a “youngster” who in the video laughs and jokes that he only give him a small dose of the pepper spray, and then amuses himself further, as the homeless man attempts to rid his face of the spray, by washing his face and head in a puddle of dirty water on the street.

“One of the things we want to place on record, is that the BVHS does not condone this,” Saffrey said of the action.

“When we see videos that are posted of someone wilfully pepper spraying someone and then going behind a camera and making a joke or a movie about this behaviour, this is not acceptable,” he added, while calling for the police to get involved, since the homeless have rights as well. (RSM)

The inaugural Secondary School Debate Series in May and the inaugural Annual Whitsun Weekend Law Conference in June will be the major events on the local bar association’s calendar this year.

Speaking about the larger event first, President of The Barbados Bar Association (BBA), Liesel Weekes, said the organisation will be hosting the conference themed “Keep Up! Law and Innovation” between June 2-4. The event will be comprised of a series of presentations and panel discussions on emerging areas of legal focus. Some of the topics will be anti-money laundering legislation, drones and the right to privacy, bitcoin, foreign exchange control, computer misuse and legalising marijuana. Additionally, the attorney-at-law added it will address the need for evolution of the law, the profession and the justice sector as a whole.

In the association’s press conference held at their headquarters in Perry Gap, Weekes said the aim of the event is to foster their members’ desire for continued professional development.

“As a council, we have since 2006 embarked on a continuing professional development series of seminars on a voluntary basis. The conference seeks to further promote this initiative,” said Weekes.

The President explained that with the draft of Legal profession Amendment Bill under review, which will require mandatory continuing professional education. Lawyers who do not comply will be unable to obtain a practising certificate.

“It is therefore imperative that we drive home to our members the importance of continuing to hone one’s craft and skills so that once it becomes mandatory, it is already second nature and the transition is seamless,” said Weekes.

Another aim of the conference is to foster the exchange of ideas and experiences of practitioners from other jurisdictions. Weekes explained by extending the invitation to the conference to members of regional and international Bars, they are building relationships and expanding resources for capacity building and developing expertise.

To reach their objectives, BBA has been supported by the Canadian Government who has provided funding for the IMPACT Justice Project. Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice) is a five-year regional justice sector reform project. It is being implemented from within the Caribbean Law Institute Centre, Faculty of Law, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus.

Its aim is to improve access to justice to all throughout the region and capacity building for legal professionals. Weekes thanked the Government of Canada and IMPACT for partnering with BBA.

Before the conference starts, in May, there will be BBA’s inaugural Secondary School’s Debate Series.

During the press conference the judges were announced and the seven participating secondary schools selected. The seven schools are Daryl Jordan, The Lodge School, St. Leonard’s Boys School, Alexandra School, The Alleyne School, Graydon Sealy and Queen’s College.

A call is being made for a greater public-private sector partnership particularly as it relates to the relationship between the Government and the dental industry.

Delivering remarks at the CDP Opening Ceremony on Tuesday evening at the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa, Chairman of the Caribbean Dental Programme (CDP), Dr. Victor Eastmond said that he has been advocating for this for far too long and he believes that this is something that will help to enhance the services that dentists provide to the general public.

“For too long we have had mouthings relating to a private-public health partnership, but with minimal results. In Barbados this is commonly known as ‘a lot of long talk.’ As an almost retired practitioner, I feel our profession has a duty not only to private patients, but to every citizen, by ensuring all persons within our country have good dental health services.”

He said that from their end, they try to develop on this partnership during Dental Health Month which they do in affiliation with Colgate-Palmolive.

“We – private-public sector – currently provide this partnership during our Dental Health Month in conjunction with Colgate-Palmolive who deserve much praise for what they continue to do. I however feel there are ways in which such as partnership can work, but this will have to be done via joint consultations between the Ministry and the profession.”

The CDP Chairman added that one of the ways that this partnership can work is by having the Government address the registration fee that dentists have to pay in order to practice in this country.

“Before we get into this deep discussion with the Ministry, I must say a few words on behalf of the profession as I feel that it is unjust for dentists who are servants in the provision in this area of health care to be penalised with a BDS $2 500 fee annually for the privilege of being registered in Barbados after having spent in excess of US $150 000 to $200 000 for their education at an accredited dental school to gain the requisite qualification. However at the same time, I feel we have a national duty and debt to return to Barbados to provide our services.” (PJT)

Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, has outlined some of the areas he think should be addressed in the upcoming Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals, and among
them he is suggesting that the tax rates should be reduced.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the General Insurance Association of Barbados (GIAB) at the Radisson Aquatica yesterday morning, Inniss said he has not seen the proposals which are expected to be presented to the country by Finance and Economic Affairs Minister, Christopher Sinckler next month, but he said he has given his Cabinet colleague and Prime Minister the Rt. Hon Freundel Stuart, his “candid opinion” on areas that should receive focus to “quickly resuscitate” the economy and get it growing again.

“For me a right sizing of the State apparatus; frontal decisions on some of these State agencies that we have in Barbados; downward adjustment of tax rates; a laser like focus on foreign exchange earning areas ; and enhanced business efficiencies ought to be among some of the top areas for solutions going forward,” he told the gathering of insurance executives.

Turning his attention to concerns by the insurance industry about the safety of investing in Government paper, the Industry and Commerce Minister, maintaining that Government has never defaulted on any debt payment, made a call for more utilisation of the investment vehicles and opportunities presented through Government paper, including bonds, debentures and stocks.

He said over the last five years domestic banks have been at the forefront of purchasing Government debt and have now reached a saturation point, and he said it is an opportunity for high liquidity based operations such as insurance entities to come on board. Inniss in fact contended that Government paper remains the better instrument for investment for the insurance industry, but he is cognisant that the industry requires a level of confidence to continue to engage in such investments.

“I wish to say to you ladies and gentlemen, you would have your concerns naturally, but I say to you, the Government of Barbados has never, never ever defaulted on any its debt payments and that is very important… and that is a record we intend to keep,” he maintained.

Minister Inniss added, “So as such you can have the utmost confidence that as a Government, our policy prescriptions would not be injurious to the insurance sector or place you in any great peril. But I want to say here that confidence is a two-way street, based on mutual trust. It is also an emotion which can predicate an action and your actions therefore would engender confidence not only in the economy, but more profoundly in Barbados itself.”

He made the point as he went on to reveal that treasury bills here in Barbados were giving more than a three-per cent yield, which he said is much more than in some developed country jurisdictions. (JRT)

In the past four months, the Chinese medical team offering its expertise to Barbados has integrated well into the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).

This is according to Chinese Ambassador Wang Ke, as she made an official hand over of medical equipment and supplies, valued in excess of US$200 000, from the Government of the People’s Republic of China to the QEH, and by extension the Government of Barbados. Minister of Health John Boyce graciously accepted the donation.

The Government of the People’s Republic of China has funded and facilitated the provision of expert medical support to the QEH, delivered by an eight member Chinese medical team. That team comprises of three surgeons who specialise in hepatobiliary, gastroenterology and spine surgery; two physicians – an anaesthetist and a nephrologist; two critical care nurses; and one nephrology nurse. The team, which officially got to work from last December, has been contracted for a six month period.

“In the past four months, the Chinese medical team has well integrated into the hospital’s work, with outstanding medical skills and rich clinical experiences. The team has collaborated sincerely with their counterparts in the hospital,” the Chinese Ambassador noted.

“The Chinese doctors specialising in hepatobiliary surgery, orthopaedics and general surgery have successfully performed some 35 operations, including several complicated ones,” she further revealed.

“The doctors and nurses stationed at the Nephrology and Anaesthesia Departments have wholeheartedly served local patients, along with their Barbadian colleagues. The team has won recognition and praise from the hospital and patients” she added.

“I am very proud of the team and would like to convey my sincerest thanks to Minister Boyce and Dr. (Dexter) James (QEH CEO) for all the assistance rendered to facilitate the medical team’s work and living in Barbados.”

IN light of the many road fatalities so far for the year, the Barbados Light and Power Company Limited (BL&P) thought it was time to expose their children to the defensive driving safety training that staff receive each year.

Manager of Communications and Government Relations, Jackie Marshall-Clarke, expressed that the safety workshop, which was held at the Barbados Light and Power Headquarters yesterday morning under the theme “Up De Ting Safely”, was intended to remind and assist their children, who were of the age to receive their driving licences, about the importance of driving safely. She explained that the children were taken through the same full-day training exercises that many of the drivers at Light and Power go through.

The 30 children were exposed to demonstrations by a few firefighters, who showed them how the jaws of life was used to get persons out of a crushed car; and had discussions with persons from the Royal Barbados Police Force as well as a driving instructor. The whole day was aimed towards arming the children with the information and tips they needed to know in order for them to conduct themselves safely on the road whether they were driving, passengers or pedestrians on the side of the road.

Marshall-Clarke formally thanked the Health, Safety, Environment Quality (HSEQ) team for pulling the whole thing together and assisting them with the plans for the day. She noted that for years, the BL&P usually trained their workers in defensive driving and safe driving habits, but wanted to extend it a little further this year to more employees, their children and their children’s friends.

“We’re happy that we were able to get together today after being concerned about safe driving habits and being distracted on the roads, not only for employees but for our children as well,” she said.

Managing Director, Roger Blackman, also highlighted the pledge for the day, which was: “I promise to be a responsible road user when I am walking, riding, driving or being driven. I will be safe.”

THE Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) recently received a donation of medical equipment and supplies, valued in excess of US$200 000 from the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

Chinese Ambassador Wang Ke made the official hand over to Minister of Health, John Boyce, who accepted the donation on behalf of the QEH and the Government of Barbados. The donation, which consisted of two new anaesthetic machines, a brand new ultrasound machine and essential medical supplies, was made yesterday morning in the QEH boardroom.

QEH CEO, Dr. Dexter James, noted that in addition to the valuable endowment of medical equipment, the Government of the People’s Republic of China has also funded and facilitated the
provision of expert medical support, delivered by a Chinese medical team. The team comprises three surgeons who specialise in hepatobiliary, gastroenterology and spine surgery; two physicians – an anaesthetist and a nephrologist; two critical care nurses; and one nephrology nurse.

The eight-member team, headed by Dr. Shiqiao Luo, assumed official duties on December 19, 2016, Dr. James indicated and were assigned to critical care nursing, nephrology nursing, nephrology, anaesthesia, interventional radiology, minimal invasive surgery and orthopaedics, all areas which are undermanned at the QEH.

“This gesture by the Government of China, which helps to enhance the delivery of health care in Barbados, is greatly appreciated and graciously accepted. Indeed, the Government and people of Barbados are exceedingly thankful for this valuable gift,” Minister Boyce remarked.

“The government of Barbados recognises that this country’s development and sustainability is predetermined by the health, well-being and education of its people and to this end, continues to give priority to these areas,” Boyce further stated.

Noting that on an annual basis, some 700 million dollars is invested into the delivery of health care alone, with the Government being responsible for approximately 55 per cent of this expenditure, the Health Minister noted that donations such as the one made by the Chinese government, go a long way in aiding the Government and ensuring that Barbadians can receive the best care.

Stressing that Barbados has benefited for over four decades from a mutually beneficial relationship with China, Boyce expressed his hope that that relationship will be expanded and improved upon, going forward. (RSM)

At home and abroad the Government of Canada is committed to supporting the implementation of gender-based analysis across Government departments and development initiatives.

According to H.E. Marie Legault High Commissioner to Barbados and the OECS, this will ensure that gender implications are considered in all government policies, programs, and legislation and is a cross cutting theme for all their development work within the region.

She explained that this also means that women’s views, interests and needs shape the development agenda as much as those of men, and that the development agenda supports progress toward more equal relations between women and men.

“We recognize that every policy, program and project affects women and men differently and therefore, policies, programs and projects must address the differences in experiences and situations between and among women and men,” she stressed.

“Achieving gender equality does not mean that women become the same as men. Instead, equality means that one’s rights or opportunities do not depend on being male or female.”

The High Commissioner was at the time addressing the Handover Ceremony of Gender Equality Protocols for Magistrates and Judges in Barbados, developed under the Judicial Reform and Institutional Reform (JURIST) project in collaboration with the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers and UN Women.

She expressed her confidence in the Protocols, stating that they contribute to producing a more gender-responsive Barbadian judiciary in which judicial officers and court personnel make decisions that promote substantive equality between men and women.

High Commissioner Legault acknowledged that across the Caribbean region there have been significant achievements in eliminating discrimination embedded in laws and policies, and highlighted Barbados’ recent update of its Domestic Violence legislation demonstrating its commitment to increasing access to justice for the most vulnerable in the society.

“Notwithstanding this there remain significant barriers in the administration of justice that hinder men’s, and more so women’s opportunity to access justice and receive equitable outcomes from the justice system,” she indicated.

“Gender stereotypes about women’s and men’s roles continue to influence judicial decision-making. Such judicial decision-making is not unexpected given that everyone experiences gender socialisation. Its influence on the functioning and behaviour of judicial officers and court personnel can be hard to avoid, particularly when such socialisation reproduces acceptance or tolerance of rigid gender roles and unequal power relations between women and men.”

High Commissioner Legault also observed that there are more than a few ways gender norms and stereotypes within the justice system contribute to women’s marginalisation, reinforce limiting stereotypes regarding masculinity and ultimately stifle access to justice for women and men. (TL)

Eliminate the import duties on medical equipment the dentists use.

This is one of the requests being put forth by Chairman of the Caribbean Dental Programme (CDP), Dr. Victor Eastmond who is calling for discussion on this proposal to take place.

Delivering remarks at the CDP Opening Ceremony recently at the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa, he said that if this request is granted, then the advantages would trickle town to the paying customers as well.

“Such a proposal is that it will also have the added benefit of reducing the cost of service to the general public within the private sector where exorbitant duties cost has to be passed onto the patient and they too, always complain of the
high cost not realizing it is because of the levies imposed on dentists’ equipment etc.”

In return, he stated that dentists would donate some of their time towards providing their knowledge and skills to working in Government-run facilities at no cost. It would also encourage Barbadian dentists practicing overseas to come back home and share their expertise within the local communities because as it currently stands, some of these professionals prefer to work overseas because of these duties as well as the high registration costs for practicing in this island.

It would also lead to the further development of health tourism for Barbados, he explained. “Last year I proposed that private dentists be allowed to give some of their time working in Government Clinics without pay but the compromise in return should be that the Customs Duties on dental equipment be removed thereby allowing for the importation of high quality equipment for private clinics. Such an elimination of duties, will encourage the return of many of our eminent dental personnel who continue to practise overseas because of the penalties and restrictions imposed by our duties etc in Barbados. These highly qualified overseas nationals may then find it financially acceptable to return and provide a much-needed service to our citizens which in turn would save on foreign exchange for persons who now have to travel overseas for complicated procedures to see such specialists. The icing on the cake is that Barbados can then be seen as a Centre of Excellence with an increase in specialties which will attract Health Tourism and the spinoffs which automatically follows within all Health Tourism products.”

Dr. Eastmond stated that in order for this to become a reality however, certain things have to take place, starting with getting other dentists on board with this suggestion.

“I must however include some negatives within such a proposal along with long-term drawbacks. The first is acceptance by our local dentists as such a proposal will have to be negotiated with the profession’s representative body i.e. The Barbados Dental Association (BDA).”

A Cabinet minister is advising the local insurance industry to look inwardly and ensure that the market is not becoming so saturated that it is stifling any prospects for growth.

Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss’ comments came as he predicted that given the growing number of entities entering that market, there will have to be mergers and acquisitions within the industry if it is to survive well into the future. He made the point while delivering the feature address at a luncheon hosted by the General Insurance Association of Barbados (GIAB) at the Radisson Aquatica, following its Annual General Meeting.

“As Minister responsible for the Fair Trading Commission perhaps I should always be encouraging competition and whatnot, but the simple reality is we have to ask ourselves what is the absolute number of entities we can have in each industry in Barbados,” he contended.

Inniss added, “And I’ll say to you I am becoming concerned that we are beginning to have too much insurance companies and for sure too many insurance brokers in Barbados and you’re competing in a market size that is not growing. So therefore, unless you are able to cut your costs dramatically, you are not going to be able to survive financially.”

The Minister said the industry may be able to “carry the weight for a little time”, but the time will come where some may find themselves going out of business, or being forced to sell or merge with other companies in order to ensure longevity. He made the point while noting that at present the industry is made up of over 20 domestic insurance companies and some 23 insurance brokers, providing employment for over 1600 loss adjusters and 500 agents and sales persons. Moreover, he added that the domestic insurance sector has about $3 billion in assets under management, and generates over $700 million per year in insurance premiums, with general insurance premiums accounting for over 70 per cent of those premiums particularly in relation to motor, property, liability and marine insurance coverage.

But, in spite of this relatively good overall financial performance, he said the general insurance subsector has been challenged over the past few years by low reinsurance rates which have resulted in part in relatively low domestic premiums. The Minister went on to suggest that the decrease in premium rates and income has prevailed for some time, and the situation has no doubt been compounded by increased competition among the insurance companies as well as by the growth and influence of insurance brokers in this country.

“So while Barbadian individuals and corporations have benefitted from low premiums over the past two decades or more, your companies could not have seen great growth and profitability... What is of concern to you must be the options for decent returns on your investments, particularly short term, in order to obtain growth and profitability in the industry,” he noted.

To that end, he said Government is committed to providing the best enabling environment to help the industry grow and diversify and has already taken steps to do so, by strengthening the regulatory environment by way of the Financial Services Commission.

Inniss has also urged the sector, as it seeks to further diversify and grow, to place emphasis on the provision of excellent customer service, and employing the latest technology to help to attract and retain clients. (JRT)

Kirk Brown, the man of many talents – deejay, actor, artiste, host & owner of the Energy Band, will now take on a new role this Crop Over Season.

He will be the official brand ambassador for Barbados’ newest premium Crop Over band - Erup The Band Inc. This new partnership will seek to enhance the company’s brand as Kirk embodies the essence of the band itself. His energy, vision, passion and business ethics replicates that of the band’s.

Erup the Band Inc. was conceptualised on the basis of providing exceptional service and creating an alternative avenue for persons seeking a premium experience, while having a wonderful time participating in the parade of the bands as the Crop Over Festival culminates.

The band is managed by an experienced team that has a rich history in event planning and management, inclusive of working within the local and regional entertainment circuit, ensuring an optimum experience is delivered to both patrons and masqueraders.

Erup the Band Inc. focuses itself to satisfy a demographic mainly between the ages of 18-55 years, who are seeking a more unique experience than the typical “jump up” offered by other Grand Kadooment Bands. With the experience of their team, and consultation from carnival stakeholders regionally, they have strategically created a package that will be a game-changer for the Kadooment environment in 2017.

Their Mission is to make the act of masquerading as effortless as possible from the point of registration to the conclusion of the parade on Spring Garden Highway.

Their 2016 presentation showcased six (6) sections of the band. The Band endeavours to bring masqueraders the best of every element – from costume design and quality, to the road experience.

Their designers are internationally renowned adding a unique flare to their products in addition to widening their network of clientele from a dependency on the local market of customers to a more regional and international perspective.

YESTERDAY, the general public heard all about the benefits and importance of vaccines, and there were some who even felt the sting.

Some children, whose immunisations were not up-to-date, got their immunisation cards checked and vaccinated, to mark Vaccination Week in the Americas 2017.

The Ministry of Health, also provided immunisations to adults, at Massy Supermarket, Warrens, St. Michael; Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, and Emerald City, Six Roads, St. Philip, between 10 am and 2 pm.

The week, being celebrated in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has been themed “Get Vax To Celebrate A Healthy Tomorrow”.

Speaking to The Barbados Advocate at Massy Warrens, Senior Health Sister in the Ministry of Health, Juleyette Serrano, said in her opinion, the public responded well to the initiative, along with the other health promotions offered at all of the outreach points, including HIV counselling and testing.

The Senior Health Sister also reminded that the week was endorsed by PAHO 15 years ago to promote the importance of vaccines to prevent some diseases; make vaccinations accessible to persons within the region, as well as to keep vaccinations current on the political agenda.

“Today emphasis is being placed on the importance and the benefits of vaccines and also to make the public aware about the types of vaccines we offer at all of our polyclinics,” Serrano said.

Other activities scheduled to be held during the week also include a church service at The People’s Cathedral, today, at 10:15 am and Open Days at all polyclinics on Tuesday, April 25, Wednesday, April 26 and Thursday, April 27. (AH)

Managing Director & CEO of the BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC), Robert Mathavious, believes regulators and supervisors have to know how get the balancing act right.

He was speaking last week at the FSC Annual Lecture entitled, “Financial Services for the Future: Courage, Candour, and Common Sense”. Mathavious explained, “On one hand, they [regulators] have to respond to financial institutions of integrity, who will no longer tolerate regulatory environments that expose them to reputational risks. They also have to accept that too little regulation or weak or inadequate enforcement can lead to avoidable failures and malfeasance and the destruction of confidence and business.

“On the other hand, regulators and supervisors have to realise that over-regulation can create unnecessary bureaucratic burdens, stifle innovation, hamper success and also destroy businesses. So good regulation requires a balanced and differentiated approach; supervisory resources must focus on those firms and activities that pose the greatest reputational risk to the jurisdiction. Some call this risk-based, risk-focused or right-touch regulation. I call it common sense, pragmatic regulation and I believe in it.”

He added, “Firstly, in today’s constantly evolving, globalised world, I firmly believe we accomplish more if we work collaboratively than if we work in silos. Secondly, I strongly believe we must have the courage to do what is right, not what is expedient or what we have always done, even if this means swimming against the tide and taking action that is difficult or may seem counterintuitive. I believe that... money moves quickly; honest, excellent service and balanced, internationally compliant regulation are essential, and cooperation and courage pay off.

Mathavious shared his beliefs, he said, “In today’s increasingly globalised world, money and the management of wealth are the world’s most fungible commodities. Squeeze them too tightly in any one jurisdiction and you cause them immediately to shift to another jurisdiction where they can better exploit opportunities. Money has no national loyalty.

Next, I believe that global clients will come to a jurisdiction only if they expect to receive high-quality, efficient and innovative services, and be treated fairly and honestly. If they don’t expect that, they will go somewhere else.
I believe, too, that compliance with international regulatory standards is a sine qua non for reputable financial centres. With compliance comes international respectability, and with respectability come opportunities for the financial sector to trade, source and do good, legal, profitable and sincere business with persons outside the jurisdiction… .”

The CEO made it clear, “as regulators, it is beyond our power to bring order to global turbulence and uncertainty, but, it is our responsibility and our duty to preserve and protect, maintain, and enhance a sound, stable and successful business environment for economic growth that allows people to pursue their dreams, both for the present and for the long haul. Regulators exist to serve the public interest. Every day, people count on us regulators not to let them down. They look to us and really want us there to give them hope for the future. Every day, they count on us to keep the financial sector safe and secure and the domestic market free from scandals, malfeasance and market abuse… .” (NB)

There is a call to invest in more projects that will enable young people to acquire new skills.

This comes from Mark Durant, a participant of the Ruk-a-Tuk Inc. and Human Resource Development Strategy (HRDS) Training Workshops in the Artistic Forms of Limbo Dancing, Fire Eating and Flute Playing, for persons aged 16 and over.

“By investing in initiatives likes these, it gives youngsters something positive to do, it gives them a skill; keeps them off the block,” he stressed.

“Through these workshops, we have about 20 people who can now make a living from the cultural arts.”

Addressing the closing ceremony held at the Ministry of Labour on Friday evening, Durant, top student in the Fire- Eating class, tutored by Winston ‘Cassius Clay’ Yearwood, said that before commencing the training 10 weeks ago, he would not have imagined being able to eat and blow fire.

“Such training would not have been possible without someone coming up with an idea. Therefore, I want to thank Wayne “Poonka” Willock for developing the idea, for taking the idea to the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, which through its Human Resource Development Strategy, supported by the European Union (EU), made the funds available to make these workshops a reality,” he said.

“I hope that the Ministry and the European Union sees this as a project that can be repeated.”

Durant also encouraged fellow participants to embrace their new skills. “Go out there; you can engage people and you can be paid. But, most of all you must love what you do, as Poonka loves what he is doing so much that he made it possible for others to learn.”

Poonka, Managing Director of Ruk-a-Tuk Inc. and flute tutor also lauded the Ministry for embracing the training workshops.

“I sent out many proposals to several entities and I got no response at all. However, the Ministry made it happen within about three weeks.

“I believe the government, by funding such projects and allowing them to develop, will eventually find that there are avenues for young people to gain meaningful employment,” he said.
(TL)

The leader of a Caribbean nation is saying that while there is a growing concern throughout the region about the level of “cult politics” being practised, it is up to the future leaders of tomorrow to unburden the heavy shoulders of Caribbean politics.

It is the opinion of the President of Trinidad and Tobago, Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, that it is no longer a case of Caribbean citizens asking what they can do for their countries, but rather what they can do for their political party and what the party can do for them.

He stressed that through cult politics, “we engage in spinelessness” and mindless alliances and allegiances which have kept back the region from progressing.

“This is where we reach. We suffer from this selfless agenda of cult politics, which has become the order of our Caribbean day. National goals and needs become secondary, yet even subservient to political goals.

“And this type of insular culture must not have any place in progressive democracies. Cult politics blurs people’s sense of right and wrong, and in face of what is sometimes patently wrong or dubious, it encourages an unholy alliance with science,” he said.

The President made these remarks recently at the 2017 UWISTAT President’s Lecture titled “Youth and Caribbean Identity: Redefining Caribbean Pride for the 21st Century Youth”, at the Henry Fraser Lecture Theatre, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

During the powerful message, President Carmona told the young intellectuals that the battle to establish a meaningful regional identity and purpose in an increasingly global village, remains a war that can be won by recognising that as young people, that crucible of transformation for Caribbean integration rests firmly in their hands.

He noted that the internationalisation of the Caribbean man and woman would make West Indians equal partners on the world stage, in the areas of social, economic and political transformation.

However, the former High Court Judge made it clear that before “we assume our rightful place; the Caribbean region has to engage in its own drastic domestic change – in economics, politics and human development”.

He said the region needs to get its act together and return to a place of order, production and tolerance steeped in discipline, noting that Caribbean integration and unity suffer from various imponderables, including geographic size, literacy rates, limited resources and an ever present vulnerability to international monetary policies steeped in skewed Gross Domestic Product logic. He also lamented what he called a continuing malaise of non-competitiveness, the result of poor work ethic and agitated trade unions living in the 70s and 80s.

He indicated that decisions and policies are made and invoked at CARICOM regional meetings, but are not given the light of day to begin the process of operationalization.

President Carmona also urged the future leaders to define a new politics in the region, by a more inclusive culture of genuine participation with the appropriate competencies, adding that there is a need for the constant pantomime that takes place when an election is won, and when an election is lost, to be stopped.

“As victor, we are accustomed to immediately triggering the power of replacement and termination. Over the years, I have noticed throughout the Caribbean, people on boards and management positions are generally replaced without referencing the need for continuity and institutional memory.

“This kind of politics is regressive, and this philosophy that I must put my people there must end. You must both keep, and put people that are competent, skilled, visionary and independent with integrity. If all of these skill sets are determined by one’s political allegiance, then crapo smoke we pipe, in this beloved Caribbean or ours.”

Nevertheless, the President said he has the eternal hope that change is possible and necessary because “as Caribbean people we have had much success and hope” through sports, culture and education.
(AH)

Sagicor General’s new customer-friendly office at City Centre demonstrates the company’s commitment to serving its loyal customers in Bridgetown, and signals the capital City’s continuing importance as a business centre.

This is the word coming from Sagicor General’s President and CEO, David Alleyne, who was speaking recently at the Open Day for customers at the newly opened location at City Centre Mall.

The new Sagicor office opened its doors last month.

Alleyne said the company envisages a bright future for its business in Bridgetown, and is focused on enhancing its customer service in the City.

“Sagicor General has had a long-standing presence in Bridgetown for several decades, with a significant customer base here in the City. Many of our most loyal customers are served by this office, which provides them with a convenient, easily accessible Bridgetown location. Bridgetown is still the capital City of Barbados, and even with the development of other business areas, Bridgetown remains Barbados’ major commercial centre and will continue to be a vital aspect of our business model and strategy for the future,” he said.

Adding to the convenience of the new location, Alleyne noted that parking in the high-rise City Centre car park would be free of charge to all customers of Sagicor General who are transacting business in the new City Centre
location.

The new Sagicor General office boasts upgraded and enhanced customer service areas, tastefully presented and highlighted in the Company’s corporate green and blue colours.

Vice President of Customer Experience, Tracey Knight-Lloyd said the corporate yet soothing look and feel made for a more enjoyable experience for customers as they conducted business.

“The design and presentation of this new office is a clear demonstration of our customer centric vision which is focused on delivering industry-leading general insurance products and services in an environment that is comfortable and customer-friendly, and which enhances the entire customer experience,” Knight-Lloyd said.

The Customer Experience VP said while the focus is always on serving loyal customers, the new Bridgetown office is open to welcoming new clients for auto, home, commercial and other classes of general insurance. She reminded auto insurance customers in Bridgetown that they could also enjoy the convenience of using Sagicor General’s innovative service for paying their driver’s licence and road tax fees.

“Customers have responded very positively to our innovative road tax and driver’s license fee payment service which is absolutely free to motor insurance customers and very convenient, particularly for persons working here in Bridgetown,” Knight-Lloyd highlighted. (NB)

Caption: pix - Sagicor New Location #3.jpg

THE contribution of the Maria Holder Memorial Trust to the development of Barbados has now become historic.

This is according to Dr. Denis Lowe, Minister of the Environment and Drainage, as he lauded the local charity for the tremendous work carried out across the island over the last seven years.

His comments came during yesterday’s re-opening of the National Conservation Commission (NCC) Wotton Play Park, made possible through the Trust.

“You may never know how significant a contribution and an impact you have made to the Government of Barbados,” Dr. Lowe expressed.

The refurbishment of the Christ Church park is the first of 11 across the island. As a gift to the nation, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Independence, one park in every parish will be receiving a facelift – through the gift of US$550 000 to the NCC from the Maria Holder Memorial Trust.

Christopher Holder, Chairman of the Maria Holder Memorial Trust, revealed that hopefully by year-end the 11 parks will be completed – adding value to the various communities.

“The Maria Holder Memorial Trust is here to do good for Barbados,” he stressed.

“We are focusing on children, early childhood development and the elderly. I am delighted with the schools programme… and we are in advanced talks with the Government about work at the Geriatric Hospital.”

He also reiterated the call of NCC General Manager, Keith Neblett, to the residents of Wotton and surrounding areas, to take care of the facility.

“Use the park, develop community spirit, have lots of fun, but please maintain it,” Holder expressed.

MP for Christ Church East Central, the Hon. Ronald Jones, also took the opportunity to thank the Trust.

He recalled that the Wotton park had been in operation for some time, but not to such a high standard.

“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the Maria Holder Memorial Trust for this fine gesture.

“I am pleased that here at Wotton, in the constituency of Christ Church East Central, is the first for these refurbished parks.” (TL)

IT is no secret that governments around the world regularly practice their response to security threats. The objective is to prepare for eventualities that those concerned hope will never occur, and to demonstrate publicly a readiness and capacity to respond effectively with others.

It should therefore come as no surprise that this year’s annual pan-Caribbean security exercise, will focus on new, non-traditional challenges.

The exercise, Tradewinds 2017, which involves the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) and international partners, is due to take place in Trinidad on June 16-17. In the past, such
exercises have involved conventional responses to threats such as insurgency and invasion, and more recently they have been aimed at organised crime and narcotics trafficking.

However, this year’s Tradewinds exercise will relate to new dangers: those posed by Caribbean nationals returning from areas previously controlled by Daesh (ISIS); hostage taking; threats to infrastructure; and other linked events previously unknown in the region, including having to respond to a refugee crisis.

In all, this will involve twenty-one countries including CARICOM’s member states, the US, Canada, France, the UK and the Netherlands in classroom simulations and practical real-life exercises.

The changed emphasis reflects a growing concern that unless co-ordination is rapidly enhanced, there is a danger that the Caribbean might be unprepared for, or unable to respond to events that could have political, economic and socially destabilising consequences.

Of particular concern is the possible use of pathways developed by narcotics traffickers out of and through the Caribbean into the United States to undertake terrorist actions in North America.

Speaking about this on April 6, before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Admiral Kurt Tidd, the Commander of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), observed that there was an active effort on the part of ISIS to communicate to radicalised individuals that they should now remain at home to conduct attacks in their home countries and against the United States and US interests in the region. He also noted that ISIS’s magazine, Dabiq, was communicating directly in English, urging radicalised individuals to exploit the pathways used by organised crime into the US.

During his Senate presentation and in the question and answer session that followed, Admiral Tidd made clear that to counter these and other threats, SOUTHCOM was partnering with CARICOM’s Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and with the Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre (RIFC). It was doing so, he said, to encourage greater information sharing so as to close US capability gaps in relation to the illicit flows of drugs, and its knowledge of “people with potential ties to terrorism, and foreign fighters”.

To achieve this, he said, the US is supporting the development of a CARICOM regional counter-terrorism strategy and that SOUTHCOM and US diplomats were working with Trinidad and others “to illuminate and degrade extremist networks with global ties to ISIS and other dangerous groups”. He also expressed concern that improved security along the US-Mexico border may increase security challenges in ways Caribbean nations are ill-equipped to deal with, and noted that instability in Venezuela may result in a humanitarian crisis that may “compel a regional response”.

While there remains in some Caribbean circles scepticism about the nature of the threat facing the region, coupled with a deep-seated suspicion of external partners’ intentions – both are legitimate concerns in free-thinking and independent societies – the security threat the Caribbean faces is real.

This is not to be alarmist, or to suggest the situation is worse than anywhere else, but to note that any reading of what is now in the public domain makes this clear. Admiral Tidd’s remarks, the detailed background briefings given to the media in relation to Tradewinds 2017, and an extensive regional report on a recent security seminar on transregional and transnational threat networks, demonstrate just how much has changed.

These, coupled with recent personal conversations with senior Caribbean politicians about their concerns, indicate that the Caribbean is not immune, and what previously may have been tolerated or ignored in relation to security, corruption and political links to organised crime, can no longer continue.

The threat that is now emerging is multi-dimensional, and transnational in its implementation and effect.

While the likelihood of residents or visitors being touched by events of the kind seen in Europe is statistically minimal, what is disproportionately at risk is the region’s economy and particularly its tourism, its openness and the quality of life.

If just one individual succeeds in making use of the criminal networks that cross the region, or it can be proved that the huge sums arising out of the scams, money laundering and trafficking that take place in the region are in anyway linked, it will change the Caribbean’s international relationships, to say nothing of what it will mean for any Caribbean citizen who wants to travel.

What needs to be done is challenging.

Beyond exercises, it includes greater co-operation and information sharing in real time at an inter-regional level and with external partners; seriously addressing corruption and related criminality; legislating modern laws that enable governments, when required, to address everything from cyber-crime to the taking of DNA samples from prisoners; having in place, robust legislation outlawing terrorism; and changing administrative practices so, for example, nations have a single common systems securely containing birth and death certificates.

Thought also needs to be given to the prevalence of radicalisation in penal institutions, the politically sensitive issue of prison reform, and the steps that might be taken with outside support to address such matters. There also needs to be greater certainty surrounding the robustness of the processes involving citizenship by investment programmes that have the effect of granting passports and visa-free travel within the region and beyond.

Much also needs to be done to explain to a sometimes-sceptical public why new powers are necessary and assurances given that they will not be used capriciously.

Until recently, any threat to the Caribbean may have seemed remote. However, the indications are that the global picture is now changing. Inaction, whether at a national or regional level, is an unforgivable gamble with the region’s future.

(David Jessop is a consultant to the Caribbean Council and can be contacted at david.jessop@caribbean-council.org. Previous columns can be found at www.caribbean-council.org)

Additional financial assistance is on the way for local students pursing studies in select areas at the campuses of the University of the West Indies.
 
It comes in the form of the Elliott and Loretta Belgrave Scholarship Trust, which was launched on Saturday at Government House. The Trust has been registered as a local charity.
 
Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave, told the media that the objective “of this Trust is to assist financially disadvantaged students to pursue studies in disciplines such as accountancy, marine engineering, architecture, law of the sea and legislative drafting at the various campuses at the University of the West Indies”.
 
It was further explained by Sir Paul Altman, one of the Trust's trustees, that the charity “has set as it goals, firstly, the raising of funds to assist needy Barbadians students pursing degree courses at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. Secondly, the advancement of education including the provision in universities and like institutions of scholarships, bursaries, prizes and other awards. Thirdly, the promotion, publication and research with the view to increasing the common stock of knowledge”.
 
Sir Paul also explained that the trustees “have set our initial target of five scholarships in year one and this ties in with schools, colleges and our Cave Hill Campus”. He added, it is hoped that the first set of scholarships will be presented in September. He additionally said that “a committee from amongst our trustees will oversee the selection process and the scholarships will be advertised in the press”.
 
The other trustees of the charity are daughter of the Governor General and attorney-at-law, Susan Belgrave Matheson, senior assistant registrar at the UWI, Cave Hill Campus, Jennifer Hinkson, Senator Carol Lady Haynes, former banker, Ian Estwick, Chairman of the Child Care Board, Kenneth Knight and Senator Dr. Sir Trevor Carmichael. Meanwhile the committee’s members are Managing Director of Al-Hart Public Relations, Al Gilkes, stalwart in the culinary industry, Monty Cumberbatch and attorney-at-law, Glenda Medford.
 
Sir Paul told the media that fundraising efforts for the Trust will commence with a Gala Banquet and Ball to be held on June 17 at Government House. The Governor General added that outside of this initiative, willing individuals or businesses can make donations to the Trust.

Barbados and Singapore have had quite a lot in common.

In fact, this Asian country’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, had to embrace the same challenge as Barbados’ father of Independence, the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow.

“The challenge of how do you move forward,” explained Barbados’ High Commissioner to London, Rev Guy Hewitt.

Singapore, which become independent only one year before Barbados, in 1965, was at that time a poor, small country 210 square miles with few natural resources; no assets other than a deep-water port; rapid population growth; substandard housing and very limited education. However, Rev. Hewitt observed that today, 52 years later, Singapore can be described as “a gleaming hub of trade and finance”.

The High Commissioner, who was at the time delivering the Astor B. Watts Lunchtime Lecture Series at the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Headquarters on the topic “Singapore and the Barbados Mirror Image Revisited”, reminded Party supporters that these men, who led their countries into independence were personal friends and that the late DLP Leader often referenced to Singapore, including in his Mirror Image speech.

According to Rev. Hewitt, the four pillars of Singapore’s success have been the economy, security, social development and leadership.

“Lee Kuan Yew had to decide how do they move forward. One of things he said was that while not all are born equal, he was going to provide equal opportunities through education, employment, healthcare and housing. It sounds very familiar to us. It is the same thing that Mr Barrow did when he took over the leadership of the country,” the High Commissioner pointed out.

Furthermore, he observed that Lee Kuan Yew stressed no one was owed anything by the state – while the state was willing to heavily subsidise investments and social development, it was not a welfare state and nobody was entitled to free services.

“So, his whole philosophy was that everyone had to play their part and pay something towards the services they received from the state. In a sense, creating a sense of self resilience so that people understood how they had to do something for themselves. Within that social development, he focused on three areas – the first was to place emphasis on education…,” he highlighted.

Rev. Hewitt also pointed out that Lee Kuan Yew was very pragmatic, like Errol Barrow “he thought about what needed doing and he got it done”.

“One of things that we have to appreciate is that Singapore is a different society. The influences of their culture, the influences of their region, the influences of their political system where they did not a strong opposition, meant that Mr. Yew was able to do things in a very aggressive way, that may not have been possible politically in Barbados.”

High Commissioner Hewitt, who recently visited the Asian country, further acknowledged that “Singapore says it is not a model and it’s not a model for Barbados, but it is an example of what can be done by a country that was 40 square miles bigger than Barbados, but really had a strong sense of where it wants to go”.

“What we as a nation need to do is to interrogate our mirror image, to ask ourselves again what are our goals and aspirations. But, not just as a country, but as citizens – that we take on that responsibility to say to ourselves – What can we do? How can we make a difference?” (TL)