Local

Barbados Cadet Corps Seeking To Boost Numbers

The Barbados Cadet Corps will explore the idea of looking outside of its traditional base to boost numbers as the new Commandant, Commander David Dowridge, is on a mission to include all sectors of society into its ranks.

Commander Dowridge said he intends to grow the ranks from approximately 700 cadets to over 1,000 cadets in the short-term, as he spoke to the media today during the mid-morning break at the Principals’ Coordinating Conference at Hodgson Hall Conference Room, St. Ann’s Fort, The Garrison, St. Michael.

The Commandant stated that the Corps would employ creative ways to appeal to those outside of the normal base to come into the fold possibly starting from the next school year.

“So, we’re looking to appeal to people who may be, from a religious point of view, Muslims, Rastafari and other groups who are not joining. So, we are looking to have discussions with those representatives with a view to attracting them into the Cadet Corps so that they can benefit from the cadets. Inclusion is the word, so that we have a bigger pool to draw from. The cadets will increase in numbers but we get the opportunity to influence a wider cross section of the Barbados community,” he underlined.

Commander Dowridge acknowledged that if there is buy-in from other groups, some adjustments may be needed but stressed that discussions would be held with the representative bodies before any changes are decided. He also pointed out that there would be no changes to the Corps’ principles during the intake.

Meanwhile Deputy Chief Education Officer, Joy Adamson, pledged the Ministry of Education’s support in the Corps’ activities and endorsed the call for more numbers.

“I will support the cry for persons to come on as well and to volunteer. It is not only in cadets, but we know in a lot of our other groups … the Girl Guides, the Boy Scouts …. The numbers have dwindled because of COVID. Cadetting is one thing that we are pushing, especially in secondary school, and we are encouraging not only the public schools, but the private schools to come on board as well as …. So, the Ministry of Education is here to support….”

Mrs. Adamson also underscored the importance of disciplined students and those who showed leadership skills, and emphasised that this is what the Ministry was aiming to achieve in all schools.

Principal of the Frederick Smith Secondary School and President of the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools, Stephen Jackman, added that being a part of the Corps built teamwork among students.

“There is no way that you can be busy fighting when you’re working in a team. It is so important for our young people to learn how to depend on each other, that this is an important thing to do,” he maintained.

Mr. Jackman said at a time when the island’s youth “are facing so much”, it was now important that schools, the Cadet Corps, service organisations retool to offer young people alternatives other than “what is being fed to them as a regular diet everyday”.

The joint-conference had as its the had as its theme: Understanding the Future with Creativity, Commitment and Confidence. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Commandant of the Barbados Cadet Corps Commander David Dowridge; Deputy Chief Education Officer, Joy Adamson; and President of the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools, Stephen Jackman, in discussion during a break at the Principals’ Coordinating Conference, today

Local

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.

Local

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)

Local

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