Lifestyle

Africa Day

Africa day, formerly Africa liberation day was founded by the Organisation of African Unity (O A U ) In 1963 to not only commemorate its fight against colonialism and apartheid,but to also celebrate the continent’s heritage and cultural identity.

Mr. John Denanyol UWI Cave Hill Campus demonstrating drumming in the African traditions

May 25 th is the day set aside for the observation .Here in Barbados last year the Ministry of culture asked Barbadians to wears their African prints to mark the occasion , and also organized a competition to seek out the best display of African wear. Africa Day falls in the period designated as the Season of Emancipation in BArbados, when Barbadians recall the history of slavery and the plantation system and its legacy in the island

Therfore The BArbados National Library Service in celebration of the event organized a story hour at Farley Hill National Park for students of four primary schools. stiMary,s Wilkie Cumberbatch and All Saints. students were treated to stories celebrating African traditions by Dr, David Akombo from Nigeria. dr. akombo whois a lecturer at the University of the Westindies, also spoke to the children about the talking drum which was used as a method of communication in Africa.

BArbados is not the only country which celebrates Africa Day. Of the 54 countries of the African Union the day is observed as a public holiday in some countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Ghan and Mali

Lifestyle

EACH ONE REACH ONE

An initiative by the Ministry of People Empowerment aims to have persons adopt/ sponsor a family, offer financial support or become a mentor.

Lifestyle

Arts and Crafts from Campers on display at SkyMall

Campers and staff from the National Summer Camps displayed their Arts and Craft at a showcase held recently at Skymall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael.

The showcase highlighted the achievements of the youth who attended.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, in his remarks, thanked the staff of the Ministry for their dedication and for a job well done.

He said: “First, let me start by saying a big ‘thank you’, to those persons from within the Ministry, the part of my team who are responsible every year for putting together the summer camp programme.”

The Youth Minister then addressed claims by some, that the Government Summer Camps were mere organised babysitting events while underscoring the true essence of them. “From the displays of several camps, you will realize that it is not a babysitting activity, but what we are looking to do is to unearth, even at this stage, young talent within the camp system,” he stated

He also disclosed that there were over 600 campers at 40 locations, over the five-week period that the children attended camp.

**The drummers from the Holder Hill Camp show the audience their drumming skills.**

Minister Griffith assured the campers and their parents that Government was committed to fostering cultural enrichment as a significant focus for the Ministry. He noted the specialised cultural programmes within the camps encompassed areas such as drama, dance, and singing.

“The Ministry aims to expand the cultural camps and increase the number of camps across the island, this is one of the ways that we can honor new talent within our youth population,” he stated.

Noting that the year 2023 is dedicated to the youth, Mr. Griffith stressed the importance of the summer camps in nurturing talent. “I’m sure, like I said, today as you take a look at what is on display that you will understand and recognise that there’s a whole set of talent on this island and the Ministry of Youth Sports and Community Empowerment continues to unearth that talent,” the Minister stated. (PR/GIS)

Lifestyle

FunFest Sporting Activities for BNOC Staff

he Barbados National Oil Company Limited (BNOCL) successfully concluded its FunFest Sporting Activities on Thursday, April 27, 2023, with the Red Brigade team emerging as champions.

The event, which spanned over two weeks, saw BNOCL staff engage in a series of sporting activities, including bike riding, walking, endurance exercises such as skipping, planking, and a 4×1 speed walk. The FunFest was organized with the aim to encourage staff to be more physically active, while interacting with their colleagues and engaging in camaraderie.

The Health, Safety, Security & Environment Manager, Mr. Damien Catlyn, applauded the organizing team’s work and stated that the event was a resounding success. “The FunFest was an excellent way to promote fitness and healthy living amongst our staff. We are very proud of the Red Brigade team for their victory and commend all the teams for their efforts.”

As prize winners over the other five teams, the Red Brigade was presented with the FunFest Challenge Plaque and Day passes to Infinity on the Beach.

The event was a testament to BNOCL’s commitment to the well-being of its staff and the promotion of healthy living within the company. (PR)