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Barbados & Canada Hold Bilateral Talks

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley today led a delegation to meet with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau while at the 44th Regular Meeting of the Caribbean Community’s Conference of Heads of Government being held in Nassau, Bahamas.

Prime Minister Trudeau, expressing pleasure at meeting with Prime Minister Mottley, noted that Canada and Barbados have a long and deep past of working together.

“We have been working together on some very, very big issues around the world – whether it’s on climate change, of course where your voice has been incredibly strong; whether it’s on the need to adjust the international financial architecture, so that middle income countries that are extremely vulnerable to climate change or to shocks are better supported in their ability to move forward,” he said.

Mr. Trudeau praised Ms. Mottley for her leadership in the Bridgetown Initiative, remarking that the work they had done in many areas was “truly exceptional”. The two leaders are co-chairs of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the United Nations Secretary General.

Stressing that they were doing lots of work together, he added: “It’s always good to sit down and talk about some of the issues that bring us down to the Caribbean, whether it’s economic growth, whether it’s a challenge in Haiti, whether it’s climate change, always a lot to talk about.”

Prime Minister Mottley, stating that the two leaders should have met in the Caribbean since February 2020, but domestic and international realities had prevented this, said: “The fact that we endured and the fact that we are also here to remind the world that you cannot forget the basic realities of the SDGs, which is to ensure that people can sleep easier each and every night in every country of the world, that is what we are committed to. In spite of all that we do domestically and regionally, we have that obligation.”

She continued: “At the domestic level, Barbados continues to benefit from our relationship with Canada. We believe that it is a mutually rewarding relationship, but more importantly, size matters. And your country has been able to provide technical assistance, particularly in recent years, as we went through a difficult period economically.”

Ms. Mottley praised Mr. Trudeau for his commitment to the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre, and working with countries in the region. She noted that “the technical capacity needs are one of the things that the Caribbean has to bridge as a small states region”.

Prime Minister Mottley stated that there were vexatious issues that have to be dealt with, bilaterally and regionally, which would not be shied away from, and pointed out that the two countries were now experiencing a similar situation.

Elaborating, she said: “You have had to manage migration over the decades in order to sustain your viability. We face the reality that ECLAC has determined that by 2050, one in every two Barbadians could be over the age of 65, and therefore our continued work, that is a national security issue, and our continued work together to see how best we can transition our countries at this difficult moment is one that we value our relationship with you to be able to do so.”

Ms. Mottley also mentioned that the Bridgetown Initiative would feature prominently in their talks, but she has “every confidence” that Mr. Trudeau’s voice on these matters has been one that has caused him to fight for not just climate but for the SDGs. (PR/GIS)

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Remembrance Day Parade On November 10, 2024

Barbados will remember the servicepeople who lost their lives during World Wars I and II, with the customary Remembrance Day Parade and a short inter-denominational service at the Cenotaph, National Heroes Square, The City, on Sunday, November 10.

The parade will commence at 8:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live on national television and radio.

Several armed and unarmed uniformed groups will be on parade, including the Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Legion, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides.

Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by the President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

The service will be followed by an informal inspection of veterans and a march-past by uniformed groups. Members of the public desirous of attending the event are asked to collect tickets from the receptionist at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael, from Monday, November 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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Key Reminders When Considering Investment Opportunities

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) is reminding the public to exercise caution when considering investments in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes. While MLMs may present themselves as legitimate business opportunities, some can be risky or even illegal, leading to significant financial losses.

Here are some key things to consider before making any investments:

1. Research the Company/Person(s): Thoroughly investigate the background, business model, and reputation of any of the company or persons involved. Verify whether the company or persons associated with the investment are registered and regulated by relevant authorities like the Financial Services Commission.

2. Understand the Business Model: Genuine businesses generate revenue primarily through the sale of products or services, not recruitment of participants. Be wary of models that emphasise recruitment over product sales.

3. Check for Red Flags: Promises of high returns with little effort, emphasis on recruiting others, or pressure to make large upfront investments are warning signs.

4. Consult with Experts: Seek advice based on your financial goals and wherewithal from regulated individuals or companies set up to provide such guidance.

The public is urged to approach all investment opportunities with caution and conduct their due diligence to safeguard their financial well-being.

It is an offence for persons not registered or licensed with the Commission to offer investment advice, sell financial products or deal in securities.

The public is encouraged to notify the Commission of any situations where entities or individuals engage in these practices without being duly registered and/or licensed. (PR/GIS)

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Barbadians Continue To Benefit From UNESCO Training In Cuba

Barbadians continue to benefit from UNESCO training courses in Cuba, despite the country experiencing an island-wide blackout from Friday, October 18.

Three Barbadians are currently in Cuba participating in the Caribbean Cultural Training Hub of the UNESCO Programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, which was organised by the UNESCO Regional Office in Havana, and funded by the European Union.

Historian and Genealogical Researcher, Stacia Martindale, is participating in the course Designing Small Businesses in Heritage Tourism Destinations, while Landscape Architectural Technician, Kodi Husbands, and Assistant Coordinator and Researcher of the Barbados National Register of Historic Places, Rhianna Smith, are participating in the course Introduction to the Management of Integrated Development of Historic Centers.

They shared their experiences of being in Cuba and about the courses they are studying.

Ms. Martindale said: “So far, the experience has been very amazing. I’ve been loving the culture of Cuba and the general experience in class.

It’s really been exciting for me. It’s my first time in Cuba. I think I know quite a bit about Cuba just because I’m really interested in History. I’m actually a History teacher, so to come here, where that history has happened, is really, really exciting for me.”

Mr. Husbands, who is on his second visit to Cuba, shared that the first time he visited was on a vacation. “It really resonated with me. I got to understand the culture a lot more [and] I was able to identify with the people after speaking to them about their experiences and how they live. That’s what inspired me to continue working in sustainable architecture and design, and cater for society and the people, rather than doing it for money.

“So far, I’ve found different methods or techniques and practices which can be useful for back home in my field of architecture. And different ways I can further develop my country, whether it’s towns like Bridgetown, Speightstown, or Oistins. Or even smaller communities like in the East Coast, or in St. George or more rural areas as well,” he remarked.

It is also the second time for Ms. Smith, who previously benefitted from a course in June, this year, at the prestigious International Film and Television School of San Antonio de Los Baños, on the outskirts of Havana.

“This experience has been a lot different compared to when I was in San Antonio. Havana is a lot more active and has a lot more to see. And so, I’ve been able to immerse in the culture in ways that I was not able to the first time around,” Ms. Smith said.

She added: “We have been having some tours where we have been seeing examples of not only the restoration of historic sites and buildings, but also the repurposing of those buildings for uses that really fit the community. For instance, earlier this week we visited a daycare. But it was a day care for the elderly which doubles as a day care for babies, and so on.

“And so, what they are trying to do is to integrate those two generations and, of course, develop a consciousness of caring for the elderly. Things like that have led me to conclude that it’s been nothing short of inspiring so far, and I’m just looking forward to seeing where things go.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: From left to right – Rhianna Smith, Barbados’ Ambassador to Cuba, Dr. Sharon Marshall; UNESCO Director Anne Lemaistre; Stacia Martindale; and Kodi Husbands pose for a photograph