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Barbados Joined With Japan In Celebrating “Tenno Tanjobi”

Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and the private sector joined last Friday, February 23, with the Japanese Embassy to celebrate “Tenno Tanjobi”, the Emperor’s birthday.

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Sandra Husbands, extended greetings and congratulations, and the very best wishes to Emperor Naruhito on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados.

This was done during a reception at the Hilton Barbados Resort, where the President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, was also in attendance.

Minister Husbands noted that since Barbados and Japan established diplomatic relations on August 29, 1967, the relationship has been marked by mutual respect and cooperation and by collaboration in regional and multilateral fora.

“I am certain that we will continue to work at both the bilateral and multilateral levels to deepen our cooperation, … and to raise worldwide awareness of the unique vulnerabilities that small island developing states face,” Ms. Husbands stated.

The acting Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that this year the friendship between CARICOM and Japan will be celebrated. “Indeed, Japan is one of the strongest bilateral partners of our Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States. Japan has played an instrumental role in the Caribbean region. And this year (2024) has been designated as the Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year.”

Minister Husbands noted that during the 56 years of relations with Japan, the country has assisted Barbados in several areas, including disaster preparedness; disaster risk management; capacity building training offered through the Japan International Cooperation Agency; and the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme.

In her remarks, Ambassador of Japan to Barbados, Kayoko Fukushima, reiterated her Emperor’s call in his New Year’s address, which underscored the importance of mutual understanding and collaboration to build peace in the world.

Ambassador Fukushima stated that after spending almost two years in this “beautiful country”, she is “elated” to have witnessed the broadening and deepening of relations between the two nations.

*Japan’s Ambassador to Barbados, Kayoko Fukushima.*

“Japan and Barbados share a friendly history grounded in the mutually shared values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. I look forward to continued collaboration in the areas of climate change, renewable energy, disaster risk management, culture and education, as well as further engagement with the people of Barbados,” she said.

The Ambassador highlighted some of the activities that will mark the Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year, which included the recently-held Japanese Calendar Exhibition.

There will also be a guest seminar on Japanese Animation and the Content Industry, on Friday, March 1, and in April, a Japanese traditional folk dance and music exhibit. Later this year, there are plans to stage a Japanese film festival.

Ambassador Fukushima played two instrumentals on the keyboard – a Japanese folk song entitled “Sakura Sakura” and “Beautiful Barbados”. There was also a booth displaying origami as well as sampling of Japanese sweet treats and liquor, including wine from Nanyo City, in Northeastern Japan.

To conclude the event, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, made a Toast to the Emperor. Emperor Naruhito acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne, on May 1, 2019. He is the 126th monarch, according to Japan’s traditional order of succession. (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