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Barbados Comes to Atlanta

Barbadians attending the ‘Barbados Comes to Atlanta’ (BCTA) Memorial weekend events, got an opportunity to share their views with members of the Barbados Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC).

***Barbados’ Consul General to Miami, Rudy Grant, welcoming the audience at the town hall meeting.***

Barbados’ Consul General to Miami, Rudy Grant, in his welcome address at the Town Hall meeting, held this morning at the Clayton County International Park in Atlanta, Georgia, told the audience that the session provided them with the opportunity to say what they wanted to see in the new Constitution, and indicate how it would be shaped.

He stressed consultations such as these were “extremely important,” and persons at home and abroad should seize the opportunity “to contribute to this very important document which will inform how the country will function”.

From left: Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Reform Commission, Senator Gregory Nicholls; Barbados’ Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States, Noel Lynch, and Commissioner, Senator The Reverend Canon Dr. John Rogers, in conversation at the event. (A. Reid/BGIS)

Members of the CRC participating in the final overseas Town Hall meeting were: Chairman and retired Justice Christopher Blackman; Deputy Chairman Senator Gregory Nicholls; Commissioners Senator The Reverend Canon Dr. John Rogers; Attorney-at-Law Sade Jemmott, as well as Secretary to the Commission and University of the West Indies lecturer, Professor Cynthia Barrow-Giles.

In his introductory remarks, Justice Blackman (retired) stated that part of the CRC’s mandate was to consult both locally and abroad with persons, about what provisions they would like included in the Constitution “for the development of Barbados”.

He told those attending: “As a Commission, we are here to listen, [and] hear what you want to say to us. I think I should tell you all that every proposal may not be appropriate for inclusion in the Constitution…. However, I will also say, if you say something to us that we think has significance, that may require some alteration to the other substantive laws of the country. We commit to making that recommendation for consideration by the powers that be.”

The main discussion centred around Barbadian citizens living abroad having the right to participate in the electoral process. While most attendees seemed in favour, Father Richard Winston proposed that persons who have registered businesses employing residents could be considered as a category of persons eligible to vote.

***Shamara Callender was one of the many Barbadian citizens by descent who contributed to the discussion on reforming Barbados’ Constitution.***

However, Shamara Callender, a 23-year-old Barbadian citizen by descent said: “I don’t necessarily think that they should be allowed the right to vote in the Barbados General Elections because, as stated, they do not necessarily have to live with the consequences of [the] results of the election on a day-to-day basis.”

Both Ms. Callender and Donna Hope proposed having a Diaspora Representative be part of a Council that submits the views, ideas and concerns of persons living overseas to the Government of Barbados.

Rosalind Sealy, in her contribution, suggested that the President of Barbados and Senators should be elected and not chosen by the Government. She further stated that election times should be regulated and not called “willy nilly”; and leaders should have term limits and not be allowed to serve “as long as they wanted”.

***Audience members listening attentively to the presentations made and responses given by members of the Barbados Constitutional Reform Commission in Atlanta, Georgia.***

Other topics raised included laws regarding the rights of children, parents and one’s sexuality; checks and balances of Government operations; the size of the Cabinet; public sector reform; more involvement of the ordinary citizen in crafting policies; and a suggestion that the relationship between labour and the private and public sectors should be rooted in the Constitution.

Deputy Chairman, Senator Gregory Nicholls, informed the attendees that they could visit the CRC’s website https://www.crcbarbados.com/ and that they could submit any further suggestions via email to constitutionalreform@barbados.gov.bb. Previous to the meeting in Atlanta, the CRC visited the United Kingdom in March; and New York, Boston, and Toronto in May 2023. (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