PRIME MINISTER Freundel Stuart has given the assurance that within a few weeks local educators will have their own Teachers’ Service Commission to solve problem1s facing that profession.

His comments came during the Democratic Labour Party’s 62nd anniversary service which was held at Bethesda Tabernacle in Vauxhall yesterday morning.

There have been numerous calls for a Service Commission by Teachers’ Unions over the years, and more recently by President of the Barbados Union of Teachers, Pedro Shepherd, last week at the BUT’s annual conference.

The Prime Minister explained that provisions to separate the teaching profession from the Public Service Commission were made over four decades ago.

“In the area of education 43 years ago in the month of August, the government of Barbados under the leadership at the time of the then Prime Minister the Rt Hon Errol Barrow ...amended the Constitution of Barbados to make a number of provisions for various aspects of our national life.

“One of the areas for which provision was made was for the establishment of a separate Teachers Service Commission. It was thought as far back as then 1974 August that the Teaching profession was sufficiently important to deserve its own Service Commission where issues of recruitment, promotion, discipline all issues touching and concerning the teaching profession would be handled by their own Service Commission whether than having them lumped together as they still are today with the Public Service Commission the General Public Service of Barbados. That was 43years ago,” he said.

Prime Minister Stuart noted that successive governments over the last 43 years have not been able to make this a reality. “And the teaching service has continued to be lumped together with the general public service. With all the pressures that has placed on the Public Service Commission which not only has to deal with thousands of public servants generally but also has to deal with the about 3 600 teachers in our system today.

“...In a matter of weeks we are going to have Section 89 A of the Constitution of Barbados proclaimed to make provision for the separate Teaching Service Commission in Barbados. That will put the teaching profession in a position where they can get the highly specialised treatment and attention they both need and deserve. That should help to deal with many of the problems which have bedevilled the teaching profession over the last 40 years,” the Prime Minister stated. (JH)

In the hall where founding father of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), the late Sir Grantley Adams once stood, Opposition Leader of the party, Mia Mottley, announced that she and her team are ready for the mission at hand. 

In a packed Queen’s Park Steel Shed, Mottley, addressing the audience, said she was happy to lead the team and it was important to celebrate the “Father of Democracy”, Sir Grantley Adams. 

“We have to understand our roots; we have to understand the moment in time that is before us. Because just as Sir Grantley confronted a moment that required great transformation, we too must stand on point of time that requires great transformation for a nation and our society,” she said. 

Officiating Minister, Rev. Dr. Beverley Lashley, on giving her sermon based on the theme, “Light of the World is Jesus, Let Him Be Your Example”, encouraged her audience to be challenged by the founding fathers. And she asked that they be firm, resolute and rescue Barbados like Sir Grantley, who was remembered as a social revolutionary. 

It was a special occasion as party supporters and members wearing their red and gold came together to remember and celebrate the people who laid the foundation for the oldest political party in Barbados. The party, which was first launched March 31, 1938, was led by Sir Grantley, who is now one of Barbados’ National Heroes. It took a decade before the party was able to form its first government. The BLP also made history as recently as 2008, when Mia Mottley was elected the first female leader of the BLP and first in history of Barbados politics.

After the service, the Opposition Leader and her party members walked over to St. Michael’s Cathedral to lay wreaths at the gravesite of the Right Excellent Sir Grantley Adams.

“Continue the good work that you are doing in your constituency that has led you to become a recipient of one of these Gems of the Community Awards.”

This was the advice that the Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steven Blackett gave to these recipients at the Inaugural Awards Ceremony for the residents of the St. Michael Central Constituency Council on Sunday night at the Radisson Aquatica.

“I encourage you tonight to continue your efforts in community building and empowerment, while fostering a spirit of unity. To the Gems of the Community, continue to work within your community, continue to achieve and continue to shine.”
He stated that their continued efforts have not gone unnoticed not just by the constituency as evidenced here tonight by the awards, but also by himself, who appreciates everything that each member has done in his/her respective area of expertise.

“As your constituency representative, I stand from a spectacular position to observe and admire the work of the awardees. I have recognised that your achievements in the areas of service to the community, business, education, performing arts, sports, nursing and nursing education have not only built our community, but have contributed to the strengthening of our nation. As Minister of Social Care, with responsibility for Constituency Empowerment, I assure you of the continued support that is necessary to accomplish the mandate of the Council.”

Blackett, who also serves as MP for the area, told the award winners that the titles of the awards is fitting as they are indeed gems in this community; persons who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in carrying out their work and also making sure that they put other persons in the community before themselves.

“The awardees this evening are the Gems of the Community. They are the most precious individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty, to ensure that the needs of their neighbours, friends and family are catered to. These individuals through their efforts have shone among their counterparts and are exemplary. They possess the true “bajan” spirit of camaraderie, sincerity and hospitality. This evening we are gathered here to honour you. (PJT)

After surviving natural disaster and the threat of demolition, the area now known as Bridgetown’s “Synagogue Block” has been restored and redeveloped thanks to the generosity and dedication of the existing Jewish Community.

Chairman of Bridgetown Synagogue 1654 Management Company, Sir Paul Altman, gave a detailed history of the synagogue block including the first Jewish Settlement in 1627; the destruction and restoration of the synagogue in 1831-1833, the government’s plans to demolish the area and a letter from then Prime Minister Tom Adams who agreed to help save the historic site in 1983.

Sir Paul, whose Jewish ancestors first came to Barbados in 1931 has a personal and spiritual connection to the synagogue block. He collaborated with the Tabor Foundation (Barbados) which have donated over 17 million dollars to the construction of the Jewish Museum and the operational costs and completion of the Synagogue Block project. The block has been redeveloped and restored excluding the synagogue, cemetery and Mitzvah.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Hon. Stephen Lashley, in his speech said that the opening of the synagogue block memorialises groups of people and events that have been accommodated in this section of our Heritage Properties and this should not be lost in the celebration.

“It is therefore the duty of all Barbadians to preserve and care for this restoration project. Let us break the cycle of poor maintenance and the lack of pride in our historic buildings and by extension our City,” said Lashley.

He added that like this project, there were other areas within Bridgetown which are being restored. “As you may be aware, the National Restoration Campaign was launched in January 2015, while not limited to restoration within the City – the City is a priority. The Government is currently undertaking work on Queen’s Park House, which is more than fifty per cent complete, but Government cannot do it all. That is why we are grateful to the Tabor Foundation Barbados) which has made all this possible. From an investor’s perspective, this is the first project to be considered a cultural project and it is therefore benefitting from the incentives offered under the Cultural Industries Development Act,” said Lashley.

Representative of Mr. & Mrs. Tabor, Project Manager and Board Member of Bridgetown 1654 Management Company, Joseph Steinbok gave a report of some of the added features and challenges of the synagogue redevelopment project.

Steinbok explained that the project began on December 7, 2015, and one of their first challenges was to remove a large tree growing inside of the wall of the now restored artisans workshops. Also, demolition occurred on the corner of James Street and Lucas street – once known as the old Telephone Exchange. According to the project manager, this was done successfully and materials, such as old rubble stones, coral stone blocks, and large timbers will be utilised in the walls of the cemetery and have been incorporated into the fire station’s surrounding walls and roof. Also, some of the flooring boards were restored and laid in the artisans’ workshop. Steinbok revealed that several headstones were discovered during excavation and this resulted in a change in design of the area. His team uncovered three head stones with the name Barrow on it and one Quaker grave near the newly created social hall.

In addition to the social hall and the restored synagogue, the fire station has been converted into a museum and there is a new café. With these new buildings, Barbadians and visitors will be able to tour the grounds for a small fee and the social hall and synagogue will be available to host Bar mitzvahs and weddings.

Another important structure created was Codd’s House monument which was constructed to highlight the significance of the area, that was known as one of the first Houses of Parliament. It was there that the Emancipation Bill was proclaimed and the Right Excellent Samuel Jackman Prescod – first person of colour – elected to the House of Assembly entered Parliament on the site in 1843. Steinbok ended by emphasising that the project was not only a part of Jewish history but Barbadian history as well.

“I hope that all Barbadians will take the opportunity to visit the buildings within the block and enjoy the rich history which it contains. I am also imploring everyone to treat the area with respect and the dignity that it deserves and refrain from littering the area,” said Steinbok.

“Parents, the responsibility of rearing your children is yours”.
This reminder was issued by Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, Senator Harcourt Husbands who further told parents and guardians that no matter how difficult situations may become they should not shirk from this responsibility.

Husbands gave the feature address during Saturday’s graduation ceremony for the Children Education Prevention Awareness Group (CEPAG) at the Church of the Nazarene Bank Hall. CEPAG is an initiative of The Centre for Counselling Addiction Support Alternatives (CASA) and the day’s ceremony carried the theme, “Making The Difference In Troubling Times”.

Husbands also encouraged parents in attendance to continue to love their children and to pay attention to them. He additionally lauded the members of CASA for the role they have played in shaping the 22 young graduates who participated in the ten week programme, which ran from February 4 until April 22.

Speaking directly to these graduates, he reminded them that though the knowledge given to them was offered freely, they should repay this kind act by being considerate to others and by doing their homework. He also told them they should listen to their parents, be humble and grateful as well as attend church regularly.

Over the ten weeks, the graduates on Saturdays were taught life skills. These included the importance of being punctual, being neat and tidy and how to deal with their feelings and emotions. They were also exposed to sessions focused on conflict resolution, self-esteem building, public speaking and drug education.

For youngsters sitting the Barbados Secondary Schools Entrance Examination in May, there was a session on transitioning from primary to secondary school. The programme additionally included select sessions for parents.

The Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) will be meeting with officials from the Ministry of Education regarding serious problems occurring at the St. George Secondary School.

The meeting, scheduled for today at 2:30 p.m. at the school, will seek to reveal to the Ministry, health and safety issues at that institution, as well as
serious ongoing concerns as it relates to student-on-student violence and student-on-teacher attacks, both of a physical and verbal nature.

“Our march has already reaped benefits. Because in short order we have gotten a meeting to deal with the problems at the St. George Secondary School,” President
of the BSTU, Mary-Anne Redman told members, referring to last month’s ‘March of Respect’, which saw teachers taking to the streets signalling their dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s handling of their various concerns.

Yesterday, addressing a special meeting called at the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), Redman said that while grateful for the opportunity, she
will be voicing her dismay about the scheduling of meetings at the end of the school day.

“The Ministry now has this thing of scheduling meetings at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., where you then have to sit down after your full day of work and engage in meetings that only touch two or three items of a long agenda because they have not held meetings for two years before that one, for example,” she stated.

“So, we have a problem with the timing of meetings from the Ministry of Education. To my mind, it is not demonstrating a seriousness or the degree of seriousness necessary to deal the myriad of problems that we have at our schools,” she stressed.

During BSTU’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on April 11, the President shared with members that on a recent visit to St. George Secondary School, they were able to see a well overflowing and on investigation they were informed that it was a sewage well. She also said that teachers there are exposed to “some of the most horrendous comments that children can make to adults”.

Redman therefore stressed that a meeting with education officials was needed to address the serious concerns there, if the school was to have the type of start that the Ministry of Education might want at the beginning of next term, which got underway today. (TL)

The Training Administration Division (TAD) is enhancing the way it operates and is embracing technology with the introduction of Internet-based learning technologies; a new website; a virtual classroom; and even a mobile app.

According to Fay-Marie Browne, Deputy Principal Training Officer with the TAD, these improvements have been three years in the making, and are all being done as the TAD endeavours to provide the public service with timely, relevant, cost-effective training and training-related services. Her comments came as she delivered welcome remarks at the TAD’s 50th Anniversary event dubbed ‘Chapter 50: Entering the E-Environment’ at the Hilton Hotel.

Browne told the audience that the website will allow members of the public service to view, access services and conduct business with the Division. She added that it is intended that through the use of the website, they will facilitate the application processes for subscription to training courses, study and training leave. Referring to the virtual classroom component, she explained that it is expected to not only widen the TAD’s reach in terms of public officers accessing learning, but she insisted it presents an alternative mode for the delivery of learning that will cater to all learning needs. Moreover, she said the mobile app will facilitate greater and easier access
to the TAD’s training products, both local in-service and overseas offers.

With that in mind, the Deputy Principal Training Officer announced that the TAD has partnered with the Higher Education Development Unit within the Ministry
of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation to utilise that Unit’s MOODLE online platform – TRIDENT learning – to host the Division’s online learning courses. Furthermore, yesterday, officials from the entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding to solidify the relationship.

Moreover, she said that as the TAD celebrates its golden jubilee, it is also currently creating and seeking to implement a competency framework. This framework, will inform decision-making with respect to matters regarding human resource management and development. Additionally, the framework would be supported by the corresponding development of National Public Service Occupational Standards and competency-based learning interventions.

“The 50th chapter further documents the Division’s objective of enhancing public service excellence and professionalism in working towards programme accreditation with the Barbados Accreditation Council. Our courses will soon be accredited and linked to the National Qualifications Framework, so that public officers successfully completing our courses will be able to obtain either a National Vocational Qualification or a Caribbean Vocational Qualification. The process of seeking programme accreditation has also provided TAD with the timely opportunity to review internal processes and to pay greater attention to developing and maintaining quality standards in all aspects of the Division’s functions. To this end, the development of a Quality Assurance framework is also in progress,” she disclosed.

The Deputy Principal Training Officer’s comments came as she added that the virtual classroom has a test course which all public officers can enrol in, and by June 2017 they will be invited to subscribe for a number of management and leadership courses which will be offered in collaboration with overseas universities and online institutions.

“We ask you to take the challenge, sign up for a course, tell us your successes and challenges – we will need to know this information in order to improve the learning experience for you. And of course, permanent secretaries and heads of departments, we are depending on you to facilitate this process in your respective ministries. Let us know how e-ready you are – your infrastructure requirements; the administrative policies and processes you will need to help manage online learning. For instance, you would need to give consideration to managing the approval for online learning and the transfer of learning to the workplace, once the training has been completed. TAD is the medium, but you are the key players,” she contended. (JRT)

President of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU), Mary-Anne Redman, hopes that the Prime Minister’s announcement of the establishment of a Teachers’ Service Commission is more than just election talk.

“The BSTU has been asking for this year after year after year,” she reminded members during a special meeting held at the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), yesterday.

On Sunday the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Freundel Stuart, publicly gave educators the assurance that in a matter of weeks, Government will have Section 89A of the Constitution of Barbados proclaimed to make provision for the Commission, which will help deal with many of the problems facing that profession.

“I understand that it is supposed to be set up in a couple of weeks and I am a little concerned about that aspect of it because we need proper consultation. We need the involvement of all the stakeholders; we need to understand the Constitution, the composition of this Commission and the structure,” Redman pointed out.

“Because it does not make sense to have a Teachers’ Service Commission with a similar structure such as the Police Service Commission, where the actions to be taken still end up lumped together with the rest of the Public Service Commission – because nothing effectively would have changed.”

The BSTU president explained that what is needed is a Teachers’ Service Commission with a different type of structure, that will allow their issues to be dealt with effectively, efficiently and expeditiously. “Otherwise they could save the time, effort and money that the setting up of such a commission could cost.”

Redman further stressed, “So we need to be engaged in this whole plan as soon as possible.” (TL)

VolunteeriSM is the foundation by which Barbadian culture was built on.

Delivering the feature address at the Inaugural Awards Ceremony for the residents of the St. Michael Central Constituency Council on Sunday night at the Radisson Aquatica, Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steven Blackett, stated that their parents and grandparents’ generations and the way that they chose to live their lives – where they looked out for one another and ensured that the needs of others were met – was an indication of that.

He further stated that he recognises that similarly, the work that the awardees have chosen to do is an indication of this same volunteerism and not because they crave recognition for it.

“The Ministry has recognised that your service to the community is not driven by extrinsic rewards, but by that intrinsic determination that is motivated by a love for people, community spirit and people development. This attitude of volunteerism is one which is historic and inherent in Barbadian culture where neighbours ensured that the needs of the other are met; where an entire village raises a child and respect is a core value. This act of being ‘one’s keeper’ is personified in every village in the St. Michael Central constituency and is indigenous to this community.”

However with this being said, it is good to be recognised and rewarded and hence, these Gems of the Community Awards. “Appreciation is noted as a fundamental human need. The Gems of the Community Awards project was therefore conceptualised to recognise the notable contribution of constituents towards the development of the Constituency and their general contribution to nation building.”

This is why these awards are so important to this constituency, said Blackett. “It should be noted that the hosting of this Awards Ceremony is central to the Constituency Empowerment Programme. It is important to the Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development that recognition is given to the members of the community who are deserving of these awards.”

Likewise, it also holds a special place in his heart, he said. “Every household, every family and every constituent in the St. Michael Central constituency holds a special place in my heart, but this evening’s event is being hosted to celebrate the most outstanding constituents; a distinct group of individuals who have given yeoman service to their community.”

THE Barbados Light and Power Company Ltd. (BL&P) has recognised the month of April as their Month of Safe Driving Awareness.

Throughout the month of April, there were many activities that took place all in the name of reminding staff of the importance of driving safely. Jennifer Blackman, Communications Coordinator, told The Barbados Advocate recently that the feedback they received from their staff members was incredibly overwhelming as people viewed the activities that took place as extremely worthwhile as some of them would have forgotten or did not practice some of the tips and driving practices as time progressed.

Blackman revealed that under the theme “Distracted Driving Awareness”, they kicked off the month with sharing plenty tips with staff members through social media and other mediums and revealed that they had a couple lectures, one of which was with the Barbados Road Safety Association. She added that two weeks ago, they had a defensive driving expert come in and go through a defensive driving programme to refresh the minds of their workers.

Managing Director of the BL&P, Roger Blackman, expressed that at the company, they were proud of the safety culture that they managed to cultivate and grow throughout the years.

“We see ourselves as leaders of safety and this [the month of activities] is just an extension of that,” he said.

Blackman explained that they wanted to broaden their reach and aid other persons through the daily messages on social media as well as other workshops to bring more awareness to the importance of driving safely and the dangers behind distracted driving.

He added that as a company that has a significant portion of their staff on the roads as a part of their daily duties, safe driving is an important area for them to focus on. He revealed that this year alone, they were proud that they were able to train about 60 employees, which is a representation of at least 30 per cent of their employed drivers.

Carson Cadogan walked away with the top award – The Chairman’s Award at the inaugural Gems of the Community Awards Ceremony held at the Radisson Aquatica.

Among his many contributions to the community were assisting those who were in need of food to get meals; assisting needy families to purchase school items for their children and helping persons in the constituency find employment.

According to Jo-Anne Sealy-Cumberbatch who read the citations at the Inaugural Awards Ceremony for the residents of the St. Michael Central Constituency Council on Sunday night at the Radisson Aquatica, Cadogan also served on the Constituency Council for the area where he helped residents of this constituency with the various things that they would have needed such as roof repairs, help in purchasing school uniforms and other items; helping neighbourhoods with removing trees and clearing of bushes and providing small businessmen and businesswomen with an opportunity for self development and business development through seminars.

In 2015, Cadogan also worked as an unofficial liaison with the Constituency representative during the road network in the area of Water Hall Land, St. Michael. Here, he ensured that the civil works was being done efficiently, said Sealy-Cumberbatch.
“Morning, noon and night, he walked the district to ensure that the civil works was being done properly and to the satisfaction of the residents. The roads were rebuilt, the first time since they were done 50 years ago; new sidewalks and slipways were created; all the wells were cleaned and new wells dug; natural gas was installed in areas where they were none previously. Every household could now have natural gas pipelines running to it.”

Furthermore, as Justice of the Peace, he also assisted many persons with reference letters, affidavits and other official forms.

Outside of his community work, Cadogan worked in the hospitality industry for close to four decades in Barbados and across the region. His work in this country included encouraging visitors to return to this island, said Sealy-Cumberbatch.
“Throughout his lifetime Carson worked for 39 years in the hospitality industry. While most of that time was spent working here in Barbados, he also worked in the Caribbean for Sandals Hotels in Jamaica, St. Lucia and Antigua. While serving in the tourism industry, he was an outstanding tourism ambassador for Barbados and the Caribbean, doing his utmost to encourage the guests to be long stay and repeat visitors to the islands by making their experience as hospitable and comfortable as possible.”

Other persons also received awards on that night for their contribution to such areas as business, performing arts and culture, the community, sports, education and healthcare. (PJT)

“THE purpose of [Technical, Vocational and Educational Training] TVET institutions and how they are structured and their admittance policies are in need of review and modification.”

Such a view was expressed by Senior Programme/ Research Officer at The Open Campus, The University of the West Indies, Dr. Glenford Howe. He gave last Tuesday’s lecture on the topic, “Education For Empowerment – Reconceptualising Caribbean Education For Inclusive Social And Economic Development”.

Responding to the question asked by an audience member of whether the TVET institution – the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP) – should be upgraded, he stated: “We have a situation where people say that ‘Well, if you upgrade the technical and vocational college you automatically somehow disadvantaging the people who have no A Levels and so forth because of a lot of the colleges [and] a lot of the TVET institutions were set up to gather people who didn’t have those sort of qualifications’, but these are different times and I believe that we have to develop the institution in such a way that they can cater to people who do not have any O’ Levels and people who actually have five, six [or] seven O’ Levels.”

He also told the gathering at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed, “It makes no sense to keep an institution stagnant in one place and saying that, ‘Oh well, this institution will only cater for this category of people.’ That institution is capable of so much more.”
Further seeking to debunk the false perception that “TVET is for school drop-outs and poor performers”, during the lecture he made the case for why TVETs should be inclusive and accessible.

“Changes in the economies and labour markets have significantly increased the importance of TVET in the region. For thousands of young people and adults across the region TVET is their best hope for achieving personal and family socio-economic fulfilment. This makes TVET of paramount importance to all countries in the Caribbean since it provides the education, training, assessment and certification that is relevant to successful participation in the region’s labour markets. TVET for example is critical to rectifying the perennial complaints by employers that the region’s school leavers and graduates are not sufficiently hands-on, by providing them with practical learning experiences including apprenticeships, mentorships and work-based learning.” (MG)

According to a 2014 report by the Inter-American Development Bank, the cost of crime and violence in the Caribbean and Latin America tells a sad story.

This comment came from the Chairperson of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council of Ministers of National Security and Law Enforcement, Rayburn Blackmoore, as he spoke during the Border Security Professional Exchange Conference, which was held at the Hilton Hotel yesterday morning.

Blackmoore noted that the US$264 billion that was spent in 2014 was an extremely high price for countries whose economies were already struggling.

He expressed that having a conference such as the one yesterday was ideal, as there is a need for functional co-operation and partnership among countries, as none of the countries are capable of defeating any of the security challenges that they face alone. He added that there was no substitute for developing true partnership and building synergies among the region and international countries, and strongly encouraged persons present to make the most of the opportunity that they had before them.

“It is impossible to solve or manage security challenges confronting us today without co-operation from the national, regional and international levels,” he said.

Due to the fact that the countries, more specifically the developing countries, are not capable of defeating any security challenges alone, Blackmoore revealed that CARICOM understood the need to have functional co-operation and partnership, and expressed his gratitude towards the Government of the United States of America for its continued support.

Blackmoore went on to add that the conference was meant to be viewed as an exchange which provided a forum for many challenges that the region faced, to be discussed and expressed with a purpose of finding solutions for them.

He believed that working together was not impossible, and reminded persons of the fact that during Cricket World in 2007, persons were able to communicate well and work together.

“So do not tell me that we cannot do better in partnering to fight criminal elements in 2017,” he concluded.

Yesterday morning’s Border Security Professional Exchange Conference that was held at the Hilton Hotel saw the Turks and Caicos become the first of six British Overseas Territories in the region to sign an agreement with the CARICOM Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) Programme.

US Ambassador to Barbados, Linda Taglialatela, expressed that she was looking forward to additional nations joining the programme and reminded non-members of the advantages that come along with being a member. “I encourage all of you to consider the benefits to your countries of enhanced APIS,” she said.

She explained that adopting APIS will further allow countries to secure their airports and ports which leads them to enhancing their regional security and noted that in order for the region’s borders to be secure, persons must work within the
sovereign states to identify issues and discuss implementable solutions.

She revealed that there were already ten members of CARICOM that were already members of the APIS and was delighted to report that the Turks and Caicos was the first associate member.

She expressed that there is a continued interest throughout the Caribbean and noted that they were working with various nations to bring them onboard. Ian Saunders, Assistant Commissioner, (ag) explained that the purpose of APIS was to share the practices and experiences across the region “in real time”.

Speaking on behalf of the Turks and Caicos, Deputy Premier, Hon. Sean Astwood expressed that the signing that morning marked a historic occasion as the Turks and Caicos embarked on a path of modernising their border security regime through the cooperation agreement between the United States of America and the Caribbean counterparts.

He explained that the signing of the memorandum was a significant and important step in achieving full implementation in the APIS in the Turks and Caicos and by extension improved security for their region.

He added that signing the agreement led for there to be a more structured protocol in the way they communicate with other countries.

THE Training Administration Division (TAD) is being commended for the valuable work it has been doing over the last five decades to develop a public service this country can be proud of.

Delivering the feature address on Monday at an event at the Hilton Hotel to mark the Training Administration Division’s 50th Anniversary and the launch of its Internet-based Learning Technologies, Senator Darcy Boyce, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, said the Division has worked assiduously and continues to do so as it seeks to ensure that training and other training-related services reflect not only the current, but future needs of public officers. This, he said, guarantees that they are well equipped to assist in building our nation.

Senator Boyce noted that the Division has contributed to the achievement of excellence and professionalism in the public service through its provision of consultancy training services offered to ministries and departments; local in-service training products designed and delivered to reflect the needs of the public service; and a training loan fund facility to provide public officers with funding to assist with personal and professional development courses of study. Moreover, he said it has provided “dynamic and strategic training” and study leave policies to assist organisational performance and continued professional development of public officers.

“The Training Administration Division after 50 years of existence must be applauded for its record of responding to the needs of the public service of Barbados and by extension, contributing to the economic and social well-being of our nation. Your theme for the celebration of this milestone is “Chapter 50: Entering the E-Environment”. It is a theme which in my view is both highly appropriate and relevant as it suggests a reflection on the past, but more importantly, the chronicling of a new era and an alternate direction to learning and development. It is good to know where one has come from and to put to good use the lessons learned,” the Minister stated.

He noted that the first 50 years of the TAD would have been focused on helping this nation transition from a monoculture plantation type economy to a more diversified one, driven by knowledge and innovation. He made the point while noting that a similar transition has taken place in the public service, which has moved from being just a few ministries in 1966 to 16 ministries within the current Administration.

“…The Government has sought to improve and modernise its range of services with the introduction of a number of reforms, and in particular, digital initiatives. The utilisation of digital technology has promising prospects for Barbados; it has the potential to lead the development and growth process on all fronts, especially in an age when the world economy is turning to digitalisation and where information and communications technologies are becoming the cornerstones of our society, promoting more sustainable and competitive growth and development,” he indicated. (JRT)

IF the demand for housing in the urban area of this country is to be satisfied, even more high-rise apartments will have to be constructed.

So says Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman. He made the comments while leading off the debate in the House of Assembly yesterday on a land resolution to vest land at London Bourne Towers in the City, in the National Housing Corporation (NHC), as he said that the idea of high-rise housing solutions is not a concept new to Barbados, but is one that will have to be utilised on a greater level.

“As we deal with the urban areas, we do not have the land spaces where we can afford to get the number of units, or the number of single units that one would expect, so there is an expectation that if you are going to satisfy the demand in the urban area, you would have to go up instead of going across. Instead of having single units, you would have to have multiple units,” he stated.

The Minister said that even as they go the route of high-rise solutions, it cannot be housing alone, but must include provision for commercial activity to help provide employment opportunities for persons.

Kellman’s comments came as he pointed out that since 2008 there has been rapid expansion of the urban area in the country, such that efforts made towards urban development could also include St. Philip or St. Lucy. He explained that the urban area now stretches from Harrison’s Point in the North to Ragged Point in the South East, which he explained is due to the infrastructure put in place by Government and the development in those areas driven by individuals. In fact, the Minister is adamant that overall housing in this country has “taken a leap”, even though the country is experiencing difficulties.

“In Barbados today even in a crisis, we have been able to drive the development of housing to such that we can now easily regard Barbados as a city state, because what you see now in rural Barbados is just as good or better as what you expect to see in urban Barbados,” he said.

His comments came as he also drew reference to the large number of unoccupied houses in the country, which he is adamant persons should not view as a negative. Rather, Minister Kellman suggested that those 15 000 to 17 000 unoccupied homes can be used to help meet the growing demand for housing in this country. The Minister, noting that some of these properties have become dilapidated, said that Government may have to look at the legislation to see how to prevent such from occurring.

“As a small developing country, we cannot afford to have homes and allow them to become dilapidated when we have an opportunity, seeing the person only wants a piece of land, that we can now enter into a relationship where we can easily take that property and point that person in another direction to get a piece of land. I am not one who believes that you should take somebody’s land and just give them money,” he said.

“…I’ve always felt that we needed to identify those properties that could easily be repaired, instead of EPD [Environmental Protection Department] having the right to just mark them and then hire someone to come and bulldoze them and remove them from the property. We are not rich enough to allow that to happen,” he added.

With that in mind, he believes strongly that his ministry and the EPD should have a closer relationship to identify abandoned properties to get them back into the housing pool. (JRT)

AN Opposition Member of Parliament says that some housing complexes owned by the State are in need of a facelift.

Member of Parliament for the City of Bridgetown, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic, made the comments while contributing to the debate in the House of Assembly yesterday morning, concerning a resolution to vest London Bourne Towers in the National Housing Corporation, as he noted the importance of ongoing maintenance of such State-owned properties. He told the Lower House that properties like the Towers and the units at Pond Side were among those built some years back and need to be spruced up. Such work, he said, would go a long way in helping to enhance the area.

Lt. Col. Bostic also raised questions about the status of a proposed laundromat in London Bourne Towers, noting that the designated area remains vacant. With that in mind, he said Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman, missed the mark in his introduction of the resolution, by not speaking to any plans for “collateral development” in the Nelson Street area. He said that economic activity does take place in that area, and it too was in dire need of a facelift to enhance business.

“I believe Mr. Speaker that yes we all want development – that is good for the country, it is good for the respective areas, but there is also an aspect of this that I would like to speak to… I would like the honourable minister to say if there are going to be any developments in terms of the road networks surrounding the London Bourne Towers and the Bay Street area,” he said.

Bostic added that in coming up with development projects for the area, he believes that consideration should also be given to the construction of a resource centre for the community that could cater to the “urgent needs” of the young people residing there. (JRT)

Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman, is certainly in favour of seeing additional development take place in the Bay Street area.

Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday morning as he introduced a resolution to vest land at London Bourne Towers in the City, in the National Housing Corporation (NHC), the minister contended that the surrounding areas and the persons living in that high-rise housing solution could stand to benefit from such development. While not calling it by name, the minister appeared to be referring to the Hyatt Resort proposed to be built a stone’s throw away from the Towers, contending that anyone opposed to its construction was in essence taking opportunities for advancement away from the residents and Barbadians in general, and impeding the growth of the area.

“If we are to drive urban housing, we cannot see it in isolation, but we have to understand that we must have the right mix and that is why it is very important, especially as we deal with London Bourne Towers, that we recognise that we can’t just build the London Bourne Towers as a standalone, but you must have the necessary development in the area so that the people would feel happy to remain in the area and see that they can drive and get an opportunity to get a job in that particular area,” he said.

The Housing and Lands Minister is adamant that it is important to get the “right mix” in the urban area and he maintained that those who cannot appreciate that any development that comes close to London Bourne Towers or Nelson Street can only be a positive and not a negative are “very short-sighted”.

“…And anybody who stands in the way should be seen as the enemy, not only of the State, but must be seen as the enemy to the people who are also living in the London Bourne Towers, because they are depriving them of a job or being able to provide a service, to service the debt or service the liability they have with the NHC at some point in time,” he stated. (JRT)

ALTHOUGH the rum industries in Barbados and other CARIFORUM countries continue to do well and to contribute to economic development, there are still many challenges facing regional rum producers.

This point was raised Monday night by Dr. Frank Ward, the Chairman of the West Indies Rum and Spirit Producers Association (WIRSPA). Speaking at a WIRSPA function at the Accra Beach Resort, Dr. Ward said that the industry plays an important role in the economic well-being of CARIFORUM member countries.

He stated that the industry not only brings in substantial foreign exchange for member countries, but also provides employment and has linkages with other sectors.
“It has become an iconic product of the region for which we can be justifiably proud,” the WIRSPA official noted. Rum exported from Barbados last year brought in about $80 million in foreign exchange.

According to Dr. Ward, the Rum industry is a model for private sector cooperation in the Caribbean region. “We have done many many things together over the years. We have had numerous successes, we have had hiccups, but nonetheless, we have managed to advance the interest of the industry, not only for the owners of the companies themselves but also for the well-being of the community at large,” he said.

Officials of rum-producing companies in the region are in Barbados for a series of meetings. They attended the function as well as Barbados Minister of Industry and International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss and representatives from the European Union office. A highlight of the evening was the sampling of some of the rums on display.

Dr. Ward further stated the WIRSPA members still face a number of challenges on an ongoing basis, adding that we are very vigilant in being aware of those issues which would at the very least compromised our ability to compete effectively.

Saying it is an export industry, Dr. Ward maintained that a lot of the revenue earned from rum comes from sales in export markets.

“We have challenges which we are facing and will continue to face and these challenges are primarily centred around our ability to compete in some jurisdictions which we consider to be unfair competition for rum, which derives unfair subsidies,” he said.

The official said they had been attempting to deal with this matter for a number of years. “It is a very very long road ahead of us … and we will continue to fight,” added.

The Hyatt case will be heard by the Supreme Court in the next two weeks.

Yesterday, the decision was made before Justice Randal Worrell in the No. 9 Supreme Court to delay consideration of an interim order, granted to attorney-at-law David Comissiong, stopping the multi-million dollar construction of the 15-storey hotel on the beach front land at Bay Street, St. Michael from progressing.

Following the ten-minute court session, Comissiong told reporters that all involved parties, including Deputy Solicitor General Donna Brathwaite, who is representing the head of the Town and Country Planning department, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, agreed to postpone hearings on the interim order until Tuesday May 9, when the substantive court case is due to be heard by Justice Sonia Richards.

“It was agreed across the board that rather than having one judge deal with this interlocutory application and then another judge in just two weeks time, dealing with the substantive application, that rather than proceeding today, that we would leave everything to the hearing on May 9 before the judge who has been assigned the substantive matter,” Comissiong said.

Comissiong argued that it is in the best interest of the country to have a Judge of the Supreme Court examine the Hyatt project and its implications for the physical, social, cultural and heritage environment of Barbados.

He said the Judge will also determine whether the manner in which the Application for the project processed by Prime Minister Stuart, was in compliance with the standards and procedures required by the Laws of Barbados.

“In the meantime, we prepare for this matter. The Minister responsible for Town and Country Planning has been given until May 8 to file any affidavits which they wish to file, in response to my application and my affidavit. So when we get before the court on May 9, all of the affidavit evidence should have been filed,” he said.