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Call For More To Be Done To Assist Vulnerable Persons

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, is calling for more to be done this year with respect to issues related to persons with disabilities, the elderly, gender, and children, although he is pleased with the progress made over the last two years.

Mr. Humphrey made this clear last week, as he addressed the start of the public lecture entitled This Is My Story, delivered by Senator Andwele Boyce, at the Grande Salle, Tom Adams Financial Centre, Church Village, St. Michael.

Urging those gathered to become partners with the Ministry as it tries to push for change, he outlined how this was going to be very important in 2024.

“The truth is that we still have a fight because a number of our employees do not want to hire persons with disabilities. Our policy recommends a quota that persons should have to hire, but we know that persons should be able to do that of their own free choice.

“And, we would rather have like voluntary compliance than be forcing persons to be able to do that. But hopefully, these are the kinds of things we need … and I look forward to what this year has in store for all of us and I look forward to having a better Barbados for persons with disabilities,” he said.

While also listing some achievements over the period, Minister Humphrey stated: “I believe that we have done, now, a policy on perhaps all the important things in the Ministry – disabilities, the elderly, gender, and children. We are working on the legislation…. We’ve done all of that important work, and…now there’s more conversation…. You know, we’ve just finished the Budget, and the Estimates Debate, and for the first time, I think you’re getting more conversation around social issues than you actually are around the economics of the Budget.

“And even though we may have differing views, the fact is that people are talking about it [social issues]. And that, in itself, I think is a victory because people were not talking about these issues in a central way for a very long time.”

Mr. Humphrey also expressed satisfaction with the work done earlier by the team, led by Chair of the Advisory Committee on Disabilities, Edmund Hinkson, that began “the conversation to look into the rights and improving the lives of persons with disabilities”. He noted that the draft legislation was now with the Chief Parliamentary Counsel and should soon be debated in Parliament, this year.

He further pointed out that persons with disabilities stood to benefit from the increase in the Budget, in terms of access to the National Insurance Scheme.

“We’ve given it to more people. Fifty per cent for children now; autism is going to be able to access it and persons with Down Syndrome. In fact, any person who’s severely disabled is going to be able to access that financing…. I just feel like we’re doing a lot of good things,” he shared.

However, the Minister noted that beyond all the statistics, policies, programmes, and numbers, it was necessary to hear the story of a person with a disability.

Referring to Senator Boyce’s presentation, Mr. Humphrey stressed: “I think what is going to drive policy and what’s going to drive change and what’s going to move the hearts of people, is actually the story – the authentic, genuine story of a person who has lived a life with a disability and who can share that perspective, in an honest, open way.

“And that is what this session is really about. And I believe when this story is properly told it will move the audience, but it will allow us to move policy. And those of us who have very good stories inside of us, which I really believe is all of us, we are duty bound to share those stories with the next generation, so that they can understand the struggle. But more importantly, so that they become part of the process of change. And, I believe that in listening to Andwele tonight, we will be in a position to better do that.” (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