Local

BGIS Triumphs At The 35th Caribbean Media Awards In Belize

The Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS) copped two prestigious awards at the recently concluded 35th Caribbean Media Awards, hosted in Belize from August 11 to 14.

The BGIS was awarded the ‘Best Social Media Content Creator’ in the Digital Category with its captivating series, The Hot Seat Weather Quiz Challenge. The dynamic eight-part series, produced in collaboration with the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS), captured the imagination of viewers by featuring local personalities as they faced a lightning round of weather-related trivia.

The project seamlessly blended the meteorological expertise of the BMS team, led by Semelka Jackman, with the creativity of Information Officers Mikul Elcock and Aisha Reid, along with Chief Information Officer (CIO), Tyson Henry.

IN WINNERS ROW

Key contributions also came from Tia Browne, David Harding, Racquel Davis, Junior Brathwaite, and Rhea Whitehall, who played an instrumental role in developing the quiz content and coordinating the participation of guests. The series is available for viewing on the social media platforms of both the BGIS and BMS, as well as on YouTube, where it continues to engage and educate the public.

The organisation also claimed the award for ‘Best Coverage of Healthy Nutrition Food Policy’ in the Television category for its groundbreaking TV/web series, Grow Green Barbados.

This five-episode series delves into the crucial topics of healthy eating and sustainable agriculture, offering viewers insightful and practical information. Episode 3, “Organic Farming,” stood out among the competition, showcasing the inspiring journey of Grow Green Champions John and Justin Hunte as they cultivated their organic home garden.

The episode also featured Chef Adrian Cumberbatch, who dazzled viewers with a mouth-watering recipe crafted from organic ingredients.

Grow Green Barbados was more than just a series—it was a labour of love and a testament to the power of teamwork. The series was conceptualised and hosted by Dr. David Bynoe, whose vision brought the show to life.

Senior Information Officer, Kathyann Husbands and Web Content Manager, Esther Jones, spearheaded the production, ensuring that every detail was meticulously crafted to perfection. Information Officer Aisha Reid played a pivotal role in production management and concept development for both the main and chef segments, while Mikul Elcock’s filming, editing, and motion graphics added a dynamic visual flair to the series. Esther Jones also contributed additional filming and editing, leading the production and development of the compelling Grow Green Champion segment.

The series, available on the BGIS YouTube channel, not only highlights the importance of healthy living but also celebrates the local heroes who are making a difference in sustainable agriculture.

Congratulating the team members on their achievement, CIO Tyson Henry, stated that the two wins solidified the BGIS’ reputation “as a leader in innovative media production across the region”. He also gave special kudos to the BMS for its role in producing The Hot Seat Weather Quiz Challenge.

Mr. Henry continued: “As the BGIS embraces its achievements at this year’s awards, we are already setting our sights on the future. With the next Caribbean Media Awards slated to take place here in Barbados, the department is poised to make an even bigger impact, aiming to showcase our continued commitment to excellence and innovation in media production as a member of the regional media fraternity.”(PR/GIS)

Caption: The BGIS team won ‘Best Coverage of Healthy Nutrition Food Policy’ in the Television category for its groundbreaking TV/web series, Grow Green Barbados. (L-r) Senior Information Officer, Kathyann Husbands; Information Officer, Mikul Elcock; Information Officer, Aisha Reid; Web Content Manager, Esther Jones and National Coordinator, Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme – UNDP, Dr. David Bynoe

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