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Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) Independence Message

These days the years go by quickly however, the memories of our forefathers and foremothers are still etched in our minds – the steps and journeys they embarked upon to make sure that we can celebrate being free people with free choices.

We are told that the passage to Independence was a long, tiring but well rewarding journey. The stories fill us with pride each year as the 30^th of November approaches. This year, as we celebrate the 57th anniversary of the hard work of those who came before us, we are reminded that the movement to Independence and becoming a Republic does not conclude our journey.

It may have begun over a century ago, but we have many more steps to take as a country and as the proud people that we are. As Barbadians we must now stand up and take ownership of where we wish to be by the time we reach our 100^th year of Independence and beyond.

As we acknowledge that we survived the toughest time in our most recent history – the crippling Covid-19 pandemic. We are more than aware that we did not just lose economically and socially, but we lost loved ones as well. Despite this, we carried on and Barbados is now front of mind as a result of many notable achievements and partnerships across our glorious industries.

One such industry is tourism. We must remember however that tourism is not just “a sector”. It is one of the few with linkages to all other sectors. When we put tourism down, we must remember what happened when we put sugar down. We must never forget that when this industry does not do well, it is our people who suffer.

These are the people who have loved this industry and who have put their sweat and tears into it as team members, leaders and owners. These are the people who must be applauded and boasted about to the world, for our successes. Tourism may not be for everyone but it surely caters to all, in the returns by financial impacts and most importantly, sociable experiences that form a lifetime of memories.

We have ‘steadied the ship’ for the most part and now we are sailing towards a brighter future. One that must involve each of us as we plot a way forward for tourism and that we must be ‘smart’ about, particularly in the next 10 years, which is considered ‘the Decade of Change’.

We must find ways to incorporate more of what is truly ‘Barbadiana’ through the eyes, hands, mouths and energy of our people, while excelling in creative sustainable developments that entice the ‘minds and pockets’ of the dreamers who want to enjoy a piece of the rock. This rock is special to us as a people and we must steer the investment in the direction that protects our indigenous traits and bloodline, while promoting a prosperous future for generations to come.

For those of us who work directly in the sector, we are ecstatic with the direction the country is heading in, coming out of the pandemic and years of poor economic performance. As our industry leads the economic direction of the country and supports other sectors through strong linkages, we will continue to strengthen and promote these partnerships.

The future is bright with new refurbishments and redevelopments which directed us out of Covid-19 including the Barbados Museum in 2021, Harrison’s Cave Eco Adventure Park and Walker’s Reserve in 2022. In addition, we close the year with the opening of the historic property Sam Lord’s Castle – A Wyndham Grand Resort, while ground has also been broken on Hotel Indigo (IHG brand). The mixture of indigenous, historical and international brand development is key to the direction that the industry is going.

There are also numerous success stories across the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) membership in the form of new restaurants, attractions and local and international hotels. We are confident that this list will continue to grow and build on what others before were so successful in doing in the past.

The BHTA has been assisting in the development of the economy of Barbados for 71 years and we represent all team members as well as local and international brands across the sector. The headlines may speak to a company’s name, but we wish to highlight that the energy, enthusiasm, and love of our team members paved the way for companies to be successful. That success has in turn paved bright futures for many children and for families to grow in this country.

The love and bond that is shared amongst us in the industry is much more than anything seen before and we must take pride in knowing that it has allowed us as a country to be leaders in tourism for decades. Celebrating 57 years with Barbadians for the world to see is also, in part, celebrating our people within the industry from team members to owners and supporting stakeholders. We wish to jointly celebrate you!

In closing, I wish to take this opportunity to speak to the people of Barbados intimately and directly. On behalf of the BHTA, we thank you for supporting our team members and leaders by sharing great memories within the industry locally, regionally, and internationally. Your love and appreciation does not go unnoticed. Do not ever forget, we as a country are better and stronger when we are together.

My wish is for each ‘Bajan’ to take pride in our country. Remember that we are unique in every way possible and that there is no place like home. We must face the challenges for improvement and the WINS must be celebrated. Use the 57^th Anniversary of the Independence of Barbados as a time to reflect, reset and recharge on a path towards a stronger Barbados and a Barbados where we work together progressively, as we celebrate in love and happiness.

I wish love and blessings for all of Barbados and congratulations for where we are and where we are about to go, together! Happy Independence Barbados!

Ryan Forde – CEO – Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association

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The Red Shoes Project

Honouring Victims, Supporting Survivors, Raising Awareness

Project Calls for Action on Gender-based Violence

Violence against women is not merely a statistic; it is a pervasive global issue that disrupts the lives of countless women and girls and places a heavy burden on communities. To mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (from 25 November to 10 December), The Red Shoes Project, displayed at nine locations across Barbados acknowledges the harsh reality and lasting impact of gender-based violence, while supporting survivors.

The nine locations identified – mainly public spaces around Barbados – will display red-painted shoes representing women lost to femicide (gender-related killings of women and girls) and other forms of violence. Each empty pair of shoes symbolizes a life cut short, a voice silenced, a future taken away. The shoes also stand as a symbol of love and unity, a testament to the strength and resilience of the women who continue to fight for their lives and their rights and a call for all of us to stand with them in solidarity and to take action to end violence against women. First conceptualized by Mexican artist, Elina Chauvet, the Red Shoes Project challenges us to recognize that change can only happen when we stop dismissing gender-based violence as someone else’s private problem.

“Malgorzata Wasilewska was appointed EU Ambassador to Barbados in 2020. She previously served as Ambassador of the European Union to Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Cayman Islands.”

The European Union is coordinating the art installation, undertaken as acollective action in partnership with Bureau of Gender Affairs of the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, the National Cultural Foundation, the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (University of the West Indies), the Barbados Community College, UN Women Caribbean and the diplomatic missions of Argentina, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Worldwide, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence. In the Caribbean, one in two women have experienced at least one form of gender-based violence in their lifetime and the region faces some of the highest femicide rates globally. Gender-based violence is an egregious human rights violation. More than just an exhibition, the Red Shoes Project prompts each of us to consider our role in addressing this human rights issue and to pledge to create a future where women and girls are no longer at risk. Governments, communities, and individuals must look beyond the display and ask: How can we ensure that these shoes become a relic of the past rather than a reflection of our present?

When?

During the 16 Days of Activism, from 25 November until 10 December.

Where?

25 November to 10 December: exhibit of the Red Shoes Project at the following locations (open to the public):

The European Union Delegation
The Barbados Community College
The British High Commission
The Bureau of Gender Affairs
The Embassy of Argentina
The High Commission of Canada
The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus
The US Embassy
UN Women

Further information for the public:

Shoe Donations: For members of the public who wish to donate shoes, we are still accepting donations. Donated shoes need to be used, women’s shoes of any style or colour and can be dropped off:
- on Friday, November 15, at The UWI, between 14:00 and 16:00, on the guild lawn (opposite the cricket field)
- every day until Friday, November 22, between 9:00 and 15:00 at the Institute for Gender and Development Studies: Nita Barrow Unit (UWI).
7 December: A one-day exhibit will take place in Golden Square on Saturday, December 7, open to the public and press. ( PR )

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National Thanksgiving Service A Time Of Celebration

As Barbados prepares to mark its 58th Anniversary of Independence on November 30, plans are well under way for one of the main events on the month-long calendar of celebrations, the National Thanksgiving Service.

Themed ‘Stronger Together with Peace, Love and Unity’, the service will take place on Sunday, November 24, at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St. Michael, beginning at 10:00 a.m. It will be attended by Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, members of Cabinet and other dignitaries. Members of the public are also invited to attend.

During a press briefing on Thursday at the Warrens Office Complex, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Marva Howell, said that her ministry was hosting the National Thanksgiving Service in conjunction with the religious community, both Christian and multi faith.

In her remarks, Chairman of the service’s National Organising Committee, Senator Patricia Parris, expressed her excitement for the upcoming event, saying that Barbados has much to celebrate.

“There’s so much to celebrate in this country. So, we’ve got to be there, to be part of the celebration with the theme: ‘Stronger Together with Peace, Love and Unity’. A lot of planning has gone into the service so you too can be there.

“One thing I would like to also highlight is that we will be having greetings and congratulatory messages before the service starts from the diaspora and religious leaders, so we will be streaming the service online,” she shared.

Senator Parris also reminded those in attendance that the service was open to all members of the public and tickets were not required for entry. She added that the necessary arrangements would be made for parking to ensure the steady flow of traffic.

The officiant of this year’s service will be Pastor of Second Chance Ministries, Dr. Winston Clarke. In his remarks, Dr. Clarke stated that the organisers were expecting ‘a bumper crowd’ and urged members of the public to turn out in their numbers.

“We are soliciting the support of all of our [church] leaders. We’re asking you to turn out in your numbers. Let us celebrate. Let us give God thanks for having brought us to another year. Let us come together as a people in keeping with the theme which speaks to being together and expounding the virtues of peace and love together,” he affirmed.

While Dr. Clarke will be the officiant, the Bishop of Barbados and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese, the Right Reverend Michael Maxwell, will deliver the sermon.

Assistant Director of Music with The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) Band, Superintendent Anderson Whitehall, said that the musical package being prepared by TBPS promises to be entertaining.

“We will have a pre-service with the Police Band and the audience. I will engage the audience in a singalong … believe you me, we will have the audience clapping… We will enjoy ourselves in that area before the service starts, then we have various soloists performing during that time,” he revealed.

Superintendent Whitehall said that the audience could expect song favourites such as ‘Goodness of God’, ‘He’ll do it Again’, ‘God and God Alone’, ‘Jump Up If You Love Him’ by local gospel band Promise, as well as a revival gospel medley.

He also disclosed that TBPS Band would accompany a 70-voice choir comprising schools and choirs from around the country, which is expected to serenade the audience with hymns, including a special rendition of the song ‘People Need the Lord’.

Faith leaders from the Muslim, Seventh-Day Adventist, Salvation Army, Jewish, Baha’i and Christian communities, as well as members of the disabled community, will celebrate and participate in this year’s National Thanksgiving Service. Seating for those attending the service will begin at 9:15 a.m., with a prompt start expected at 10:00 a.m. (PR/GIS)

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Barbados Attends US Southern Command Change Of Command Ceremony

In an illustration of international and regional military collaboration and solidarity, Brigadier Carlos Lovell, Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), participated in the recent Change of Command Ceremony for United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

This event, conducted at SOUTHCOM’s headquarters in Doral, Florida, underscored the lasting partnership between the United States and its Caribbean allies in the pursuit of regional security and stability. The ceremony signified the leadership transition from General Laura Richardson to Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey.

During the Change of Command events, Brigadier Lovell underscored the critical importance of unity and cooperation in addressing the complex security challenges that the region faces.

He reiterated the BDF’s, commitment on behalf of the Government of Barbados, to collaborate closely with the United States and other regional partners to foster a safer and more prosperous Caribbean.

Brigadier Lovell’s attendance served as a significant highlight, illustrating the interconnectedness of the region’s security dynamics and emphasising that regional security is a collective responsibility requiring the concerted efforts of all involved nations.

It was emphasised that the U.S. Southern Command, under its new leadership, remains steadfast in its dedication to nurturing these vital partnerships and advancing the mission of peace and stability throughout the Caribbean and beyond.

Barbados and the United States have enjoyed friendly bilateral relations since Barbados gained Independence in 1966. Since the establishment of this relationship, the Government of Barbados has received support from the US to promote the country’s economic development.

This collaboration, mainly through SOUTHCOM, has been positive, with both countries working closely together to combat transnational crime and enhance hemispheric security.

Over the past four decades, the relationship between the BDF and the US military has been strengthened through various professional development programmes, delivered primarily by the US Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, as well as other supportive departments and agencies. This partnership has also included participation in numerous operational and military exercise initiatives.

SOUTHCOM’s support for Barbados and the BDF can be categorised into three main components: professional development through training; foreign military financing, and field team visits, which include operations and participation in conferences and meetings. An overview of these components includes:

International Military Education and Training (IMET)
Mobile Training Teams and Joint Combined Exchange Training
Operations to Counter Transnational Threats
State Partnership Programme (SPP)/Small Unit Exchanges
Exercises
Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT)
Conferences and meetings

The Change of Command ceremony for SOUTHCOM was not only a significant military event, but also a representation of the strong friendship and collaboration between the United States and its Caribbean allies.

The support provided by SOUTHCOM has greatly benefited the BDF by enhancing its leadership, technical, tactical, and specialised capabilities.

The BDF’s presence at the ceremony emphasised the mutual respect and shared objectives that strengthen this relationship, paving the way for continued cooperation in addressing security challenges in the pursuit of peace. (PR/GIS)

CAPTION: From left to right – Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, Brigadier Carlos Lovell; Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey, and his wife Stephanie, at the recent Change of Command Ceremony at SOUTHCOM’s headquarters in Florida.