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ANGLICAN CHURCH SPEAKS

THE ANGLICAN BISHOP THE RT. REV. MICHAEL MAXWELL ISSUES A PRESS STATEMENT

The Anglican Church is deeply concerned about the intent and effect of the test, reportedly administered to some Secondary School students in Barbados on Monday, October 3, 2022. While it has been described as a “Computer Science pre-test,” some of the questions reported in the press and on Social Media, seem to go beyond standard demographic information. Best practice demands that the testing of ‘human subjects’ especially minors, should always be subjected to oversight by an ethics body, responsible to ensure that unintended harm is not done. In this case, it may be asserted that harm was done, both in the present and the future.

In an effort to constructively address the situation which involves a very important demographic within our society, that of our children, and ensure that there is never a repeat of an incident of this nature, the Church is concerned about and highlights the following matters:

Legally, ethically and practically parents should have been informed and consent sought, so that families would have had the choice to opt out of such an exercise. This is particularly important because in an age of data privacy concerns, based on what has been reported so far, the information gleaned seems deeply personal and sensitive; and could have potentially been used against participants as it is yet unclear as to who would have been the owners of the data and if the government had secured any legal assurances from the administrators of the test as to what will be any and all future use of the information sourced.
Since this matter has now become public and students now have a greater awareness of the potential harm to themselves, the following questions need to be raised and addressed:

Why was the test not reviewed by a ministry official before administration, given reported initial objections to a number of areas?
Will the test be administered to other children with the removal of the ‘questionable’ items, and if so, what is the ultimate validity and robust nature of the results?
Does the Ministry of Education have a standing ethics body responsible for creating guidelines and/or oversight for the testing of all students under their care? and
What provision will be made for the mental health care of the participants who have been adversely affected by their participation in the survey and who will finance this treatment.

This matter, in our view, goes beyond an issue of the questions being “offensive” and may very well be described as an act of abuse. Either the trust reposed by the ministry in the test provider, or by parents in the ministry, was abused, and the rendering of an apology ought not to be the final resolution to this matter. Children represent the most precious gift and resource to the nation and our families. They must be protected. When they are handed off by parents into the care of educators, care-givers, the church, we must all understand that we stand in “loco parentis” and must therefore do everything within our power to protect them, physically, mentally and socially from harm and danger.

In most developed countries, this matter would immediately, and most assuredly, result in legal action. The euphemism, “underrepresented groups” cannot be license to negatively impact vulnerable persons; most of all our precious minor children. They should never be viewed by anyone as merely research objects but gifts from God, intended to be the subjects of greatest concern, care, affection and positive regard; “…they are precious in [God’s] sight, [for He] loves the little children of the world.” (pic C’bean Broadcasting Corp)

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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