INTERNATIONAL Trade Specialist, Dr. Ronnie Yearwood is cautioning government in its approach to privatisation in Barbados. He said that while privatisation may have its merits it could also erode some of the progress the country has made over the years.

The lecture was titled, “Ideas for a new Politics: Governance and Truth”.

Privatisation of Government assets that include some statutory corporations has been promoted as one of the policy options for Government to deal with its worrying fiscal deficit and high debt.

“The sale of Government assets understandably would see an immediate decrease in government debt, but long-term may fail to contribute fully to the government’s earnings, or even more critical, the country’s development,” said Dr. Yearwood.

“In addition, the positive effects of privatisation are not a given. It can result in moving the inefficiencies from the public to the private space,” he reasoned.
Arguing that the approach to privatisation has to be nuanced and bold, Dr. Yearwood maintained that offering the workers of statutory corporations the opportunity to acquire shares in the same corporations which would become private entities is not enough.

Share ownership, he explained, is too simple and lets any government off the hook to claim they did the due diligence, especially in light of the government debt.
Dr. Yearwood also remarked that all too often the private sector voices calls for governance. However, his view is that those strident calls appear to be nothing more than “hollow, self-serving noises for the government to provide more contracts and incentives for more of the same services that currently skew our economic development”.
He said that Barbadians need to start thinking about government as a Business and Social enterprise.

“This will require that government, or rather politicians, get out of the way, so that the statutory corporations which government decides to keep, can actually function or make money,” the Trade Specialist advised.

“This is instead of being used for short-term non-economic ends such as employment maximisation, which, ironically, damages the statutory corporations and places the jobs which were handed out, at risk,” he reasoned.

The Official further suggested that government had to become innovative and responsive to technology, not simply computerising offices, but using technology in the actual delivery of public service. (JB)

An English business magnate is suggesting that Caribbean governments like Barbados would do well to invest in mentorship programmes to help propel the entrepreneurial class.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, made the comments as he spoke during the Virgin Atlantic “Business is an Adventure” Leadership Conference, held yesterday morning at the Hilton Barbados.

Sir Richard informed the audience, which included more than 500 business persons as well as Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss; Minister of Tourism and International Transport Richard Sealy and Leader of the Opposition, Mia Mottley, that together with former British Prime Minister David Cameron, he introduced a similar initiative in the United Kingdom – the Virgin Start Up Loans Programme – and he is adamant that it is a model that Barbados could also explore.

“There was no funding at all when I started, so we went to David Cameron and said, ‘why are you only giving loans to people who went to universities, you should be considering giving loans to people who want to start business and if you do, we will find mentors, we will help hold those people’s hands’; and I think one of the best things he did as Prime Minister was thumbs up that,” he said.

He added, “We’ve got two and a half thousand people who were mentoring under the Virgin Start Up Loans Programme in the UK, and they got loans sometimes part from us, part from the Government, and they will be the virgins of the future… We are doing something similar in the British Virgin Islands… and we would love to see that rolled out throughout the Caribbean.”

Sir Richard, himself an entrepreneur and recognised for such in 2000 with a knighthood for services to entrepreneurship, suggested that such initiatives would perhaps encourage more entrepreneurs in the region to get set up.

His comments came as he also contended that those who try and fail at starting a business should not allow the failure to daunt them, but to use it as the impetus to try again. Moreover, he maintained that society should not brand those persons as failures, as there are risks involved in business creation.

“It is important that people realise that nine out of 10 new businesses are going to fail, but those people who tried, those nine out of 10, should be celebrated because they would have learnt an enormous amount by actually getting out there and trying to build a business. And that would be the best education they ever could have had and the likelihood is, as long as they are not branded as failures, that they would be able to balance back and they would be that much stronger the next time – maybe the third time around – to create a successful business,” he said.

Sir Richard added that if failure is then followed by success, to keep a clean record and reputation it would be wise to use the profits from successful business to pay any outstanding creditors from the first failed venture.
(JRT)

THE Limegrove Lifestyle Centre is being hailed as a true example of modern heritage tourism.

This is the word of Minister of Tourism, and International Transport, Richard Sealy, who indicated that he does not subscribe to the view that a country’s heritage has to be “historic or old”.

Speaking at the launch of the Barbados Heritage In Pictures book, at the Cave Hill Campus, Mount Restaurant, on Tuesday, Sealy said while he understands and appreciates the meaning of the word heritage, “the same way that we can receive heritage, we have to create it for future generations”.

“Therefore, to my mind, the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre has just as much right to be in this book as does the Drax Hall Plantation House, because we are now creating heritage for others to come. Let’s face it... Holetown has certainly gotten a new lease on life, thanks to the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre – that was fairly controversial,” he said.

“A lot of folks didn’t see the value in offering concessions for a shopping centre. But the truth is, it is a legitimate magnate for visitors to come to this country. It is a part of our tourism offerings and in itself has had an impact on one of the first Barbados settlements,” Sealy added.

The Tourism Minister also pointed to the St. James-based Petrea Gardens, which was created by landscaper, Marcus Beckles, as an “amazing” example of modern heritage.

“As I said before, heritage doesn’t have to be old and ancient and antique. There is something called modern heritage, and we have a responsibility to create heritage,” he said.

Sealy also alluded to the fact that the inscription from UNESCO of historic Bridgetown and its Garrison has in many respects placed Barbados’ heritage tourism under the microscope, causing prospective visitors to look at the island differently.

However, the Minister said that it is only “natural” that these visitors would also want to see other elements of the country’s heritage when they come.

On that note, Sealy said projects to highlight historical sites across the island should be embraced and encouraged to push that legitimate niche of the tourism industry.

“In essence, we are constantly talking about moving away from the traditional sun, sea and sand approach to tourism, and developing other niches.

“Well, heritage tourism is a legitimate niche, and it is one which Barbados is a natural for,” he said.

The Minister also encouraged Barbadians to embrace and record their country’s hidden treasures. (AH)

THE news conference at the Central Bank of Barbados to review the economy will resume next week.

In a notice to the media yesterday, the Central Bank said that both the release of the statement on the performance of the economy for the first quarter of this year and the news
conference will take place on May 9.

The news conference had been stopped by former Governor, Dr. Delisle Worrell.

It will be the first to be hosted by Acting Governor Cleviston Haynes, who has replaced Dr. Worrell.

The review will indicate how the Barbados economy did in the three months between January and March this year, and outline projections for the remainder of 2017.

It will also indicate the status of some of the pressing issues facing the economy, and in particular the foreign exchange reserves.

Just recently, Richard Sealy, the Minister of Tourism and International Transport, said the country can look forward to hearing good news about the economy and that the reserves have started to rebound.

As such, the media will get to quiz Haynes on these matters and what are the options from his perspective for Barbados to deal with the broader picture in the economy.

For 2016 growth was registered at 1.6 per cent, having grown by over one per cent in the same three months in the corresponding period.

TOURISTS and Barbadians at home and abroad have a new avenue to explore Barbados’ rich heritage.

The Barbados Heritage In Pictures book contains 220 pages filled with images of 210 heritage sites that can be found in all the parishes across the island.

The book’s author, Professor Emeritus Sir Henry Fraser, who provided the content and pointed out the heritage sites to be featured, said it was a pleasure producing the book that would advertise “our fantastic paradise Barbados”.

“I am a built heritage person, but I feel even more strongly about the beauty of Barbados. And so, to do a book like this was amazing and I had the task of selecting the sites,” Sir Henry said.

Sir Henry was speaking on Tuesday evening, at the Mount Restaurant, based at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, during the book launch.

Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy, who wrote an introduction which was published in the book, told the audience at the launch that Barbados has been blessed with an outstanding number of heritage sites, noting that he was not aware of “another piece of real estate on this planet” as small as Barbados, where “you will find as much in terms of historic assets, as you would find here”.

“The amazing built heritage we have here in Barbados has been celebrated for some time by numerous individuals. But I think it’s fair to say that the main champion has been Professor Fraser, and I think he too is a national treasure, someone who volunteers his effort like that.

“You must also remember that he has literally had two very distinguished careers running parallel to each other. People forget at times that he is not a professor of archaeology or professor of architectural history; he is actually a professor of medicine, a highly accomplished academic in the field of medicine, and even more published in medicine than he is in the work of preservation,” Sealy said.

The Minister said while many books have been published, highlighting the island’s hidden treasures, he appreciates the fact that there are more pictures than written content in the book, in keeping with the norm of the 21st century reader.

“Therefore I think it would make a good gift, a good conversation piece for anyone and I would recommend it,” the Minister said.

Publisher Errol McCollin said the book was inspired by Barbados’ 50th anniversary, and was expected to be on the market by November 1, 2016, so that Barbadians and tourists could have purchased it as an ideal gift, that can create conversations about the island.

However, McCollin noted that meeting that deadline was not possible, due to a number of setbacks.

“Our vision was for every Barbadian here and abroad to have a copy of this book on their table, sitting proudly all around the world.

“There is the traditional dust jacket cover, and then there is the gold edition, which is more like a gift to be used by our diplomats so they can give it at gift exchanges, so that it goes all over the world, giving Barbados’ heritage a highlight,” he said.

United Kingdom-based photographer, Angus Thompson, starting April 2016, spent almost six weeks travelling around the island to 400 sites, capturing about 4 000 images, from which the best were selected to be featured in the book. (AH)

THE Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL) has donated Bds$10 000 to the Community Independence Celebrations Secretariat to sponsor the launch of this year’s celebrations.

Speaking at the small ceremony, which was held at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth yesterday morning, Group Human Resources Manager at GEL, Lianne Fingall, said that the group was proud to be once again sponsoring this year’s official opening ceremony.

Curtis Gibbons, National Co-ordinator of the Community Independence Celebrations, revealed that the mandate for this year’s formal ceremony was to highlight persons who had gone through their programme as well as persons that emulate the communities across the island.

Gibbons explained that every year the launch of the Community Independence Celebrations moved around from parish to parish and disclosed that this year, the official launch will take place in St. Philip, at King George V Park, on May 13 at 7 p.m.

He noted that the ceremony will officially reveal this year’s Parish Independence Committees, Attendants and Parish Ambassadors. “The Ambassadors, Parish Independence Committees (PICs) and Attendants would have been chosen earlier this year and they would have been working hard to get their projects off the ground and getting the community to know who they are and what they would be doing this year,” he said.

Gibbons noted that the ambassadors would have gone through a training session and retreat at the Hilda Skeene Primary School and was confident in the fact that this year’s chosen parish ambassadors were ready to take on this task for the duration of the year.

Gibbons went on to briefly note that the day before the launch, they plan to host a special cricket match between the St. Philip Parish Committee 11 and the Community Independence Celebrations 11 at the Hilda Skeene Primary School at 7 p.m., which Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, is expected to attend. Gibbons invited everyone to come out and enjoy the event.

THIS year’s Community Independence Celebrations’ official launch ceremony will have a richer presence of all things Barbadian as there will be countless local artistes performing and more local items on sale.

This was revealed by Curtis Gibbons, National Co-ordinator of the Community Independence Celebrations, during a press launch which was held at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth yesterday evening. He revealed that their aim this year was to move away from the majority of things they usually imported each year such as toys and food and focus more on what Barbados has
to offer in those departments.

“Everything that we do will push the Barbadian flair, appeal and aesthetic,” he said.

Gibbons revealed that the launch of this year’s Independence Celebrations will be a culmination of week-long activities and added that the official launch will be held on Saturday, May 13 at King George V Memorial Park in St. Philip. Gibbons highlighted that the day will be broken down into three separate components.

The National Co-ordinator explained that the day will begin with a series of heritage tours between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m., which will start at the King George V Memorial Park; and noted that persons who wished to be a part of the tours may register at the park.

“We know St. Philip is a historic place. It is rich in history and culture and we will be using that to our advantage as we take persons on a journey through time to give them a good chance to feel what St. Philip is about through its heritage,” he said.

Following the heritage tours that day, Gibbons revealed that the second aspect of the launch will take the form of a food court and fair, which will also take place at the park. He noted that the purpose
of this particular event was to exhibit and sell lots of local foods and craft. He added that there will also be a DJ present, who would play a variety of Barbadian music to provide entertainment and ambience.

The day will conclude with the official launching ceremony of the Community Independence Celebrations, which is set to begin at 7 p.m. (CLF)

A prediction has been made that Grantley Adams Memorial School will soon become a specialist school for technical and vocational studies.

The prediction came from Dennis Browne, that institution’s principal, during the Founders Day Service which was held yesterday in celebration of the school’s 62 years of existence.

“With the inclusion of CVQ programmes, we will now be able to cater to every child’s needs, whether academically and/or vocationally. We will soon be known as a specialist school for technical and vocational studies,” Browne told those gathered.

During the Founder’s Day Service, the principal revealed a number of infrastructural improvements to the educational facility over the past year, one of which was the preparation of the Home Economics Department for the introduction of Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs), in the disciplines of Commercial Food Preparation, Garment Production and Agro Food Processing.

“We have also received approval from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council to be the training center for Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) programmes in Carpentry Level 2, Electrical Installation Level 2, Masonry Level 2 and Plumbing Level 2,” Browne indicated.

“The school systematically has moved towards these infrastructural improvements and preparations, in order to provide our students and teachers with equal opportunities and resources for success, in order to attain an equal level of certification in their skill areas, as their peers in academic 6th form programmes,” Browne also stated.

He meanwhile noted that the school continues to focus on remediation, which ensures that each year, more students are capable of writing CXC CSEC examinations. (RSM)

Head of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson says in respect of travel to the Caribbean from the United Kingdom, Brexit is a worry, so too is the drop in the British pound, but he is giving the assurance that his company is prepared to do its best to address any challenges that arise.

He made the comments as he noted that the Virgin Atlantic business in Barbados continues to do well and they are set by December to introduce the only direct London Heathrow to Barbados flight twice weekly, which would add to the flights already arriving to the island from Gatwick and Manchester. Additionally, he told the hundreds gathered for the Virgin Atlantic ‘Business is an Adventure’ Leadership Conference at the Hilton Hotel, that they also hope to bring Virgin Voyages, their cruise line currently in the making, to Barbados someday soon as well.

“…If you keep Barbados beautiful, we’ll keep coming,” he said.

The global entrepreneur icon spoke to the above as he informed those present of several ventures being undertaken by the company going forward, including its space initiative, which is aimed at creating the world’s first commercial spaceline. Sir Richard was in fact the headliner yesterday at Leadership Conference, which also saw participants receiving insightful information about leadership and business acumen for success from top Virgin Group executives Alex Tai and Scott Hilton-Clarke, as well as Principal of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, Professor Eudine Barriteau; President and Group Chief Executive Officer of the Massy Group, Gervase Warner; Chief Executive Officer, Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship – Caribbean, Lisandra Rickards and Consultant Gynaecologist and Head of the Barbados Fertility Centre, Dr. Juliet Skinner.

Touching more on the tourism industry within the region, Sir Richard said he strongly believes that greater focus should be placed on the marine environment throughout the Caribbean. Sir Richard suggested that with tourism being a mainstay for many Caribbean countries including Barbados, focus should be placed on ensuring the longevity of marine environment which is one of the things that visitors find attractive.

“At the moment in Barbados, the important thing you have is tourism; and why do people come to Barbados? They come for the beauty and they come for the species in the oceans off Barbados, and so a much greater priority should be put on that,” he said.

Using the example of game reserves in Africa, where wildlife animals live safely and are popular attractions among tourists, the British business tycoon is adamant that a greater effort has to be put in place to protect the coral reefs and the marine life in the waters off the islands. (JRT)

Barbados has been lauded for its championing of the issue of culture and development in the councils of the Organization of American States (OAS).

OAS Representative Francis McBarnette said that Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley has been one of their strongest advocates of culture and cultural heritage, frequently reminding others of the important role that these elements play in nation-building and regional development.

Yesterday, McBarnette also expressed his appreciation for the government’s continued support shown to the OAS’ “Expanding the Socio-Economic Potential of Cultural Heritage in the Caribbean” project, which is designed to focus on the rich heritage resources of the region.

“As Caribbean countries seek to develop new sectorial opportunities for social and economic development and strive to continue to diversify their economies, we believe, that this project will be able to shed light on some areas that can be exploited,” he observed during the Showcase of Achievement of Phase 2 of the OAS Cultural Heritage Project held at the Hilton Barbados Resort.

Describing the project as “very ambitious,” McBarnette further acknowledged that it seeks to enhance the value and potential of a non-traditional area of activity. According to him, the OAS hopes that the project has succeeded not only in building awareness of the social and economic value of Cultural Heritage in this region, but has provided some of the necessary tools to realise these benefits.

“I believe that the project and our involvement in it should respond to an area of priority within our Member States. While not all CARICOM Member States have made specific reference to the development of the Cultural Industries, in general, and of Cultural Heritage, in particular, among their national priorities, the inherent potential of the region’s Cultural Heritage has a direct effect on the realisation of other stated goals related to poverty alleviation, social
stability, inclusion, and the creation of job opportunities”.

“Moreover, the project, by highlighting the socio-economic potential of Cultural Heritage in the region lays the foundation for further explicit reference and recognition of Cultural Heritage among national priorities,” he said.

Ambassador of the United States to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS, Her Excellency Linda Taglialatela said that the United States government is a prime supporter of the development agenda in the Organization of American States, an agenda which is important to the Caribbean region.

“The United States government has supported this particular project from the beginning and we think it has potential to aggregate your efforts in beginning an effective vehicle, to help preserve the deep and very Caribbean culture and heritage”. (TL)

The Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is warning members of the regional financial sector to pay close attention to the “fake news” phenomenon, urging them to keep in mind that much is at stake.

Governor Timothy Antoine holds the view that, due to the spontaneity of the financial system, the public’s confidence in the sector can easily be undermined or eroded by untruths.

“Somebody might be wondering, why I am going there. But, the reality is that all our plans and our hard work can be undermined in seconds by the phenomenon of fake news. So these are not things which we can ignore where we sit,” he said.

The Governor spoke about the phenomenon yesterday, as he delivered the keynote address, at the Domestic Financial Institutions Conference, held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

The Governor said the leadership in the Caribbean’s financial sector, is forced to operate in an environment, which is increasingly described as a “post truth” world, where fake news, and alternative facts, are gaining currency.

“Some would argue of course, that the post truth world is nothing new, and I kind of agree with that actually. Indeed, it has existed for a long time. However, what is new, and cannot be disputed, is the pace, potency and pervasiveness of social media.

“Without a doubt, this phenomenon is a game changer, it can be a blessing, and it can be a curse. A tweet or video can go viral within minutes, with no regard for truth or facts, and yet will be relied upon, to make far reaching financial decisions,” he said.

On that note, Governor Antoine stressed that the region’s financial sector risk management and continuity function must be broadened and become more agile, to address the post truth phenomenon.

He also noted that regulators must make decisions based on facts, and must be active, rather than reactive operators, as it relates to communicating with the public and disseminating information.

“Now listen to me carefully, customers must not be left to their own devices to understand these developments, neither can it be simply the job of the regulator.
“The financial services sector has to be at the forefront of public engagement, explaining these changes, and also presenting customers with options to minimise their cost and maximise their confidence.

“The reality is that it is critical to retain public confidence in the financial system and it’s an obligation on all of us. Frankly, it is stretching and it is shaping us, but we have no choice,” he said. (AH)

Culture Minister Stephen Lashley believes that scope of the Cultural Industries Sector has been limited.

“We think of entertainment… What we too seldom remember is that our built Heritage also has the potential to contribute significantly to our national economies,” he told participants of the Organisation of American States (OAS) Showcase of Achievement of Phase 2 of the “Expanding the Socio-Economic Potential of Cultural Heritage in the Caribbean” project held at the Hilton Resort, yesterday.

Lashley said the Caribbean has a history that is riveting. However, he stressed that not enough has been done to recognise that history and to share it with the world.

“We have not yet adequately shared with the world the contribution made by our countries to the development of Europe, or North America. Many of our Heritage places bear testimony to this contribution and to the role played by our enslaved ancestors from Africa and by the indentured labourers brought from Asia,” he pointed out.

“However, I am confident that generally speaking, we are moving in the right direction. The heartening increase in the number of Caribbean sites inscribed in recent years on the UNESCO World Heritage List bears testimony to this. Every inscription declares to the world that that site is one of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’. It affirms that it has made a contribution to the cultural development not only of its home country, not only of this region, but to the cultural development of mankind as a whole,” he said.

Lashley is therefore calling on fellow Ministers with responsibility for Culture and to all working in the area of Culture, to do everything in their power to develop the potential of this heritage sector.

He explained that not only will economic benefits accrue as they enhance their Cultural Tourism product, provide new opportunities for employment and increase foreign exchange earnings, but it allows persons to develop greater confidence in their history and in who they are.

“This Project has been very carefully designed to build capacity in our countries to facilitate the realisation of the potential of our Cultural Heritage. It is up to us to take advantage of the assistance that is being offered by this project, whether it is in, adequately documenting our Heritage places, in strengthening legislation to protect this Heritage, or in ensuring that we produce cultural tourism products and services that are authentic representations of our culture. Let us not fail to grasp this opportunity,” he said.

The Minister of Culture also took the opportunity to thank the OAS and the Permanent Mission of the United States to the OAS for having the foresight to develop the project.
According to him, it could not have come at a more opportune time.

“The realisation of the potential benefits of the Cultural Industries is of critical importance to the countries of our region, and we appreciate the guidance, the technical and financial assistance of organisations like the OAS”. (TL)

Too much freedom and a lack of discipline are two major issues creating deviant behaviour in children.

Registrar of the Supreme Court of Barbados, Barbara Cooke-Alleyne, highlighted that parents are not giving the necessary supervision and guidance, opting to allow their children to have their own way at times where discipline is warranted.

“One of the problems with the parents is how to put boundaries, how to discipline, how to put structures in place for their children, and that is indeed lacking. Children have too much freedom to roam, they have keys at an early age and that is all a part of the problem,” she said.

The registrar noted that research has shown how these factors create at-risk children at a later stage.

“We looked at psychiatric and psychological concerns and realised that 50 per cent of the children from the Juvenile Court had these issues,” she pointed out, adding that teachers often recognise at-risk children at an early stage, and as such any response would need to be multi-pronged – involving parents, teachers and various agencies.

She made the comments yesterday in the conference room of the Ministry of Home Affairs during the press launch of the ‘Winner’s Circle: Making the Right Choice’ programme, which will see hundreds of Class Four primary school students receiving a helping hand transitioning into their new secondary school come September.

In its ninth cycle, the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit’s programme begins next Wednesday and will target primary schools in Christ Church and St. Philip.

Cooke-Alleyne highlighted that issues of drug awareness, self-esteem building, puberty, abstinence, cyber-bullying and peer pressure would be addressed at the various workshops.

Out of the paper world into the electronic media, that is the word from the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) in announcing its move to an online process of registration for Crop Over 2017.

Over the next few weeks, a number of forms from masquerade, to visual arts, to the music competitions will be available for full registration online through the Foundation’s official
website at http://www.ncf.bb/download-crop-over-2017-forms/.

Foreday Morning Jam and Pic-O-De-Crop registration forms are already available, while the Sweet Soca, Party Monarch, Visual Arts, Junior and Grand Kadooment forms will be accessible shortly.

The Junior Calypso Monarch registration forms will be available electronically but in .PDF format only. However, it is expected to also move to a full paperless process in 2018.
Stakeholders/entrants should note the specific times stated on the forms, but for most of the online registrations, eligibility is up to 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date. Hand deliveries to the NCF must be done on or before 3:30 p.m. on the deadline date.

For assistance with the online registration, stakeholders/entrants should contact Karen Oliver via email at karen-oliver@ncf.bb or by telephone at 417-6646.

Deadline dates for 2017 Crop Over registrations
Volunteers – May 12, 2017
Pic-O-De-Crop – May 25, 2017
Crop Over Visual Arts – May 26, 2017
Party Monarch Registration and Audio file/CD Submission – June 21, 2017
Sweet Soca Registrations and Audio file/CD Submission – June 21, 2017
Junior Kadooment – June 2, 2017
Band Description – July 10, 2017
Music (CD/Flashdrive) – July 17, 2017
Grand Kadooment – June 15, 2017
Band Description – July 20, 2017
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Road safety is about prevention and not reaction.

This is the firm stance of President of the Barbados Road Safety Association Sharmane Roland-Bowen, who has highlighted some issues with the lighting along some of this nation’s streets, especially, on the highways.

Speaking in particular on the concrete jersey barriers separating the lanes of the four-lane sections of the ABC highway, she stated that it is critical that measures be put in place to ensure drivers could see these structures clearly when travelling at night.

“When you drive close to those jersey barriers and you cannot see them properly, it creates issues as sometimes persons end up hitting them and catapulting back into the adjacent lane, and there may be a vehicle there and that can be a collision too,” she stressed.

Speaking during a recent interview with The Barbados Advocate, Roland-Bowen insisted that one of the solutions to this could be the placement of reflective tape along the barriers to increase their visibility.

“Small, remedial measures can help. It is not a matter of just fixing the lights as we know that there is a problem with maintenance, and the lights may go out again, so use the tape as a backup measure so that in the case that any of the lights go, persons can still see the barriers clearly through the use of the reflective tape,” she said.

Roland-Bowen therefore urged the Ministry of Transport and Works to do what it could to address the issue as swiftly as possible.

The owners and operators of Sheraton Mall will be embarking on a year-long campaign, which will see a number of “green initiatives” launched, to raise greater awareness about the need to better protect the environment.

Owner and director of Sheraton Mall, Sharon Oran, acknowledged the above just yesterday, during a press conference held in the FLOW Olympus VIP section of the Mall.

Oran pointed first to the launch of the exhibit entitled “What’s In Our Ocean?”, an installation under the Mall’s skylight, located on the top floor of the Mall, which highlights the need to reduce single use plastic products such as straws, plastic bags and pep bottles, which are causing major damage to ocean life, especially sea turtles.

“As the owner and director of Sheraton Mall, I was compelled to do something to make a difference. Fortunately, I am surrounded by a team who shares my enthusiasm and has helped to develop a year-long Sheraton campaign, designed to bring awareness, education and change to Barbadians of all ages,” Oran remarked.

“Our project consists of not only an amazing art installation, created by (artist and interior designer) Dernell Browne, but several months of free promotional space that we are offering to organisations, committed to reducing single-use plastics and to bringing awareness to our marine life challenges,” Oran further noted.

Sharon Oran stressed that Sheraton Mall’s goal as the largest shopping mall in Barbados, is to lead the way in green initiatives.

“All the stores at Sheraton have been recycling cardboard boxes for over six years, thanks to the services of B’s recycling and now recently Project Recycle, but we want to do more,” she commented.

“Our dream is that one day people will no longer require plastic bags from stores, because consumers will be accustomed to bringing their own shopping bags,” Oran noted. As such, she noted that several of Sheraton’s largest retailers will be implementing a surcharge for plastic bags starting June 1, 2017, in an effort to reduce consumer’s dependence on plastic bags.

Sheraton will also be implementing Green Zones, where patrons can help to recycle plastic and glass bottles as well as aluminium cans, as part of the greening initiatives.

The Barbados Entertainment Complex (BEC) was officially opened on Wednesday in Barbados at Warrens Industrial Park and is expected to be a family fun facility for all Barbadians.

Stephen Lashley, Minister of Youth Sport and Culture, while speaking at the facility flagged this as a sign of confidence in Barbados despite the challenging economic times. “The Cultural sector will be one of the vital areas that will
transform the economy in Barbados… .”

The Barbados Entertainment Complex (BEC) is a family and group entertainment company which is owned and operated by its Canadian parent, WA Ventures & Enterprise. The BEC combines state often art technology with high energy, interactive games which focus on team building, communication and problem solving.

“The BEC includes over 8 000 square feet of wall-to-wall fun for all ages. It is a first of its kind entertainment facility that offers a premium laser tag arena, futuristic reality missions, mind-boggling adventure rooms and a top of the line table tennis lounge,” General Manager of BEC, Cherice Gibson highlighted.

Lashley affirmed, “The BEC has a lot of potential not only for Barbados, but for the growing entertainment field which offers a significant amount of potential for earnings. This investment connects with what we are focusing
on in Barbados, not just entertainment, but the wider area of the creative sector and the cultural industries.

“Barbados is poised for further diversification relating to entertainment. Some people will say beyond the beach we still need other areas of entertainment and hopefully if we get some dynamic areas and options perhaps we can save some vital foreign exchange by keeping some Barbadians here to vacation.”

He also indicated he is impressed by level of technology at the BEC and how they have showed the possibilities available when you marry entertainment with technology. He believes that it will appeal to youth, family and groups.
Lashley identified, “this is great for entertainment and beyond the realm of entertainment, there are interesting developmental components. First of all there is the development of the cultural industries; about four years ago Barbados passed into law the Cultural Industries Development Act. The creative sector offers serious diversification for the economy and the act provides incentives to transform the creative arena in to the reality of actual business ventures.

“There are concerns about the economy, but we are at a good point because a lot of our traditional thinking is being challenged and we have to change how we think about our developmental models, as we are forced to look at ways for investment and new economic activity. I believe we have a tried a tested one in the creative sector and we now see people really believing in these emerging sectors.

“We have had the drivers such as tourism and manufacturing at the apex of our economic model, but we have to look to new path ways for economies expansion and development. Our young people are driving that reality through technology and emerging industries and policy makers need to create an enabling environment…”

The Minister also noted that this entertainment complex is also good as it will get people of all ages moving and as a country with high levels of chronic disease, promoting a healthy lifestyle is important. (NB)

Declaring that he only learnt the true value of education after leaving school, featured speaker at the Grantley Adams Memorial School’s Founders Day Service, Pastor Dave Leacock, pleaded with students present, not to make the same mistake he did.

Leacock, who sits on the Board of Management of the school and is also a past student, spoke openly with students during the service, held to celebrate the school’s 62 years of existence.

“When I left school, I really didn’t know or I didn’t understand what I was doing at secondary school. I didn’t understand what this thing about education was and why you had to be here. I learnt the importance of education, after my secondary schooling. However being an industrious young man, I had to pay for my education at the Barbados O’Level Institute,” Leacock told the students.

“I have a degree and I an educated, because someone told me after school, that education was important. I don’t want you to make that mistake. Fifth formers, fourth formers. Education is important. Don’t ever make that mistake!” he urged.

Leacock further added, “There is a song that a calypsonian sings… I think it is a Trinidadian. He says, ‘there is no place in this world for an uneducated young boy or girl. There is no place for you.’”

“The Ministry requires paperwork for everything. The private sector requires paperwork for everything. You are here for five years; collect something for being here, collect it from the teachers, collect it from the books. I am going to tell you a secret. It is all hidden in textbooks and in your teachers; the knowledge, the excellence, the mentorship that you need. What you need is right here and the teachers here are willing to give it.” the pastor stressed.

He meanwhile urged those students currently experiences challenges and struggles, not only at the academic level but in other spheres of life, to seek out teachers with an attentive ear, so that they can obtain some assistance with their problems and make the best of the time spent at school. (RSM)

4-Hers, Leaders and parents got a first-hand look at the production of flowers when they participated in a training workshop organised by The Barbados 4-H Foundation held at the Bullens Agricultural Research Station at Holders Hill, St. James last Saturday.

The session was conducted by Anthony Phillips, Officer-in-charge and his assistant John Gollop.

The participants received practical exposure in Air Layering, Potting of Plants, Growing of Orchids and Soil Mixtures.

The workshop forms part of the ongoing programme of training organised by the 4-H Foundation.

Already this year, 4-Hers have been involved in six-week sessions of Cake Baking and Basketry. A six-week programme in Cake Decorating is presently being conducted at 4-H Headquarters, Crumpton Street, St. Michael, and is scheduled to be completed in three weeks.

Other programmes to be conducted this month include training in Rabbit and Sheep Husbandry.

Director of the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit, Cheryl Willoughby, believes that discipline cannot fall under a ‘one type fits all’ approach.

She pointed out that any form of chosen discipline should take into account the type of child and the situation, noting “you may flog one child and it may work, but it doesn’t work for another child”.

“I will not get on the band wagon and say we should flog or we should not flog. What I am saying is that we should discipline our children in such a way that they understand that certain behaviours are not going to be appreciated or are not right,” she said.

Speaking to the media after the press launch of the Winners’ Circle: Making the Right Choice’ programme at the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs, she cautioned against the wholesale adoption of positions taken in other jurisdictions in discarding the option of flogging, pointing to research which had shown that this had not had the intended outcome.

“What I am also concerned about is that we continuously stress that we should seek alternatives to flogging, but I am yet to hear what those alternatives are. I have seen from my own research as a criminologist, that some of the jurisdictions that have banned or prohibited flogging, crime among young people, have escalated on an annual basis. So we cannot take our model from jurisdictions that have failed as a country; we have to develop our own value system,” she stressed. (JMB)