Business

Rotary Club of Barbados West Tackles Childhood Obseity

Childhood Obesity is a major concern across the globe and here in Barbados. It is also a special area of focus for The Rotary Club of Barbados West (RCOBW). According to Dr. Audrey Morris, the advisor on food and nutrition at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the number of obese and overweight children in the Caribbean has doubled in the last decade. In Barbados, the Global School Health Survey revealed that 31.9 percent of students were overweight and 14.4 percent obese. The study found that 18.5 percent of students surveyed consumed fast food three or more days per week and 73.3 percent drank one or more carbonated beverages every day. Only 12.7 percent reported eating five or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day over a 30-day period, and 15 percent reported eating no fruit or vegetables during the same period. It is likely that obese children will continue to be obese during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood unless there is early intervention. Studies show that there is a link between childhood obesity and the increased risk of non-communicable diseases. Obese children are more likely to develop health issues in their adult life such as heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and cancers.

RCOBW joined the national initiative to tackle childhood obesity through its specifically designed programmes. Rene Butcher, President of RCOBW in his comments stated that “Obesity remains a significant contributory factor in the increasing incidents of chronic noncommunicable diseases. The Rotary Club of Barbados West believes that early intervention is the best course of addressing this problem. As a result, our programmes this Rotary Year, have had a particular focus on childhood obesity. We hope, in this way, to encourage positive habits of exercise and diet in our children which will continue into adulthood. Our first programme in November, last year, invited children in the community to participate in an online RCOBW campaign “No-Sugar-November Challenge”. The campaign encouraged the children to reduce consumption of sugary foods and beverages as well as to exercise.”

RCOBW also supports a Breakfast Feeding Programme at the Good Shepherd Primary School and recently redesigned the menu with a focus on healthier meal options. Meal options include spinach, eggs and toast, lentil beef burgers, oatmeal & raisin or banana pancakes, egg & cheese muffins, tuna sandwiches, fruit, and juice. The change in the menu was well received and feedback indicated that the children enjoy the healthier meal options. The principal at Good Shepherd Primary, Mrs. Olivia Hinds, describes the programme as a blessing that “has captured the attention of all students”. She said that “Breakfast, the first meal of the morning, is necessary to keep our students focused and alert, enabling them to participate in the activities of the day. Those students who participate in this programme are rejuvenated, energized and ready to learn.”

It is hoped that this will help to promote healthier eating habits from a young age which will extend to adulthood, resulting in decreased rates of obesity and decreased risk in non-communicable diseases.

RCOBW is also embarking on an education program using short videos featuring chefs, parents and children demonstrating how to prepare quick and nutritious meals and snacks. These videos will be posted on the RCOBW social media platforms.

District Governor, Mrs. Sonya Alleyne, in speaking of the initiative stated that “Almost 3 years ago, Rotary District 7030 recognised that Childhood Obesity was having a huge impact on Non-Communicable Diseases in adults. With that in mind, then District Governor Elect Lisle Chase assembled a high-powered team from around the District led by Past President Virginia Asin-Oostburg to formulate a programme that the Clubs of the District can use to tackle this growing problem. I am happy to say today that 98% of Clubs around the District, like the Rotary Club of Barbados West, have risen to the challenge and implemented programmes that showcase the problem and provide solutions that are already reaping benefits in the communities. I am also happy that this initiative is a long-term goal for the District and will continue into the future. The District Committee has reached out to Governments and other partners like the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, The University of the West Indies, and others in coordinating this campaign. The response has been encouraging. Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Barbados West for truly making an impact as we Serve to Change Lives. The programme will yield benefits for generations to come. Wishing you continued success.”

Business

WORLD BANK TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MISSION OCT 7-18

Central Bank of Barbados Partners with the World Bank to Modernise Local Payments System

During April to July 2024, the Central Bank of Barbados engaged in extensive discussions with financial institutions, the World Bank, and other key stakeholders to assess and enhance the local payments market an infrastructure. Following these talks, the World Bank conducted a thorough review of Barbados’ legal and regulatory payments framework and evaluated the Real Time Payments (RTP) system. As a result, the Central Bank, in collaboration with the World Bank, has launched the Barbados Payments System Modernisation Project.

To advance this initiative, the Central Bank will host a World Bank Technical Assistance Mission from October 7–18, 2024. The mission will provide updates on the project’s progress and gather feedback on the next steps. Key areas of focus will include legal and regulatory support, oversight, instant payments system interoperability, payments system usage, and digital financial literacy. (PR)

Business

Barbados To Host Regional Policy Meeting October 8 – 10

Barbados will serve as the host nation for the upcoming Regional Policy Meeting organised by the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) from October 8 to 10.

This event, funded by the Open Society Foundations (OSF) and the European Development Fund (11th EDF), will be held at the Crane Hotel in St. Philip.

Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Colin Jordan, will deliver the feature address during the opening ceremony on Tuesday, October 8, at 9:00 a.m.

The Meeting will see regional policymakers, civil society organisations, and international partners gathering to tackle the Caribbean’s most pressing challenges, including sovereign debt, food and nutrition security, and to chart a new course for governance, development, and climate resilience, all aimed at improving the lives of Caribbean people.

Speaking about the important timing of the upcoming meeting, Officer in Charge at the CPDC, Richard Jones, stated: “Now it is of paramount importance as Caribbean nations face a convergence of complex challenges that threaten to derail sustainable development and the well-being of their citizens. At this critical juncture, the region grapples with persistent poverty, rising inequality, food insecurity, and the existential threat of climate change.”

According to data provided by the CPDC, small economies, burdened by the legacy of colonial extractive practices, remain vulnerable to external shocks, such as global price fluctuations and natural disasters. Climate change, in particular, presents a grave risk, with increasing hurricanes and rising sea levels threatening entire economies, especially those reliant on tourism and fisheries. The Caribbean loses an estimated three per cent of its GDP annually, due to natural disasters, underscoring the urgent need for robust, coordinated regional responses.

To address these critical issues, the Regional Policy Meeting will feature an impressive lineup of regional and international thought leaders who bring deep expertise in policy, development, and advocacy, including:

Jwala Rambarran, former Governor of the Central Bank of Trinidad & Tobago, who will address the urgent need for financial stability and reforming international financial institutions.
Grace-Ann Cornwall, Social Development Professional, will provide insights on empowering vulnerable groups and NGOs across the region.
Christon Herbert, CPDC Policy Officer, will lead discussions on climate resilience, insurance solutions, and disaster risk financing.
Meghna Abraham, Director of Open Society Foundations, will highlight the importance of international solidarity in achieving sustainable development goals.
Jeremy Stephen, economist and development finance expert, will present innovative approaches to debt relief and financial stability.

Other key speakers will be Assistant Secretary-General CARICOM Single Market and Trade Ambassador Wayne McCook; Director and Senior Research Fellow, Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies, The University of The West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Dr. Don Marshall, and Florida-based International Consultant on Food and Nutrition Security and Sovereignty, Dr. Tigerjeet Ballayram.

Agenda – “The Main 8”

Over the three days, the meeting will drill down into eight critical policy areas under the theme “Forging Ahead”, which addresses the eight most urgent challenges threatening progression in the region:

Sustainable Development
Reform of International Financial Institutions
Debt Relief and Financial Stability
Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups
Capacity Building for NGOs
Food and Nutrition Security
Climate Resilience
Good Governance

Mr. Jones, stated: “These areas are not only crucial but also interconnected. For example, the Caribbean’s food security is directly impacted by climate change, while sovereign debt threatens the region’s ability to invest in resilient infrastructure; we will therefore focus on comprehensive solutions that encompass a range of considerations.”

Noting that progress was already underway by the CPDC in many of these areas, he added: “By building on existing projects and facilitating high-level discussions, the Meeting seeks to generate momentum for collaborative action on food security, financial mechanisms, and policies that prioritise the empowerment of vulnerable communities, ultimately fostering a more resilient and equitable Caribbean.” (PR/GIS)

Business

Annual Education Awards Ceremony

Light and Power Employees Co-operative Credit Union Limited (LPECCUL) Celebrate

The Light and Power Employees Co-operative Credit Union Limited (LPECCUL) recently hosted its annual Education Awards and Trevor Browne Scholarship ceremony; this event recognises academic excellence and promotes the importance of education within the community. This year, nine junior saver members who would have sat the Common Entrance Examination were awarded. Each student received prizes and cash vouchers. While the Trevor Browne Scholarship, was awarded to Melissa Austin, who is currently pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at UWI Mona Campus.

The highlight of the event was an inspiring keynote address delivered by Lt. Col. Trevor Browne, a founding member of LPECCUL, who shared his insights on the importance of education and personal development. His words were echoed by the President, Sheena Edwards, who emphasized the credit union’s ongoing commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of its junior members and their families. Additional remarks were given by other board members and members of the management team, all underscoring the role of financial literacy and good budgeting practices in shaping the future of the next generation.

Lt Col Trevor Browne presents scholarship

In addition to the presentations and speeches, the students received valuable guidance on financial literacy, underscoring the Credit Union’s philosophy of promoting financial empowerment from a young age. The event aimed to equip students with knowledge and tools to manage their financeswisely, as they move forward in their academic journeys.

Once again, congratulations to this year’s awardees for their performance in the Common Entrance:

Teyen Bostic – The St. Michael School

Maria Gill – Christ Church Foundation School

Neymar Gill – Graydon Sealy Secondary School

Rommaldo Holford – Queen’s College

Nathan McKenzie – The Lodge School

Remy Nurse – The St. Michael School

Akil Priddee – Challenor School

Jaylan Priddee – Deighton Griffith School