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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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SANDALS BARBADOS RECEIVES (CARPHA) AWARD

Sandals Barbados is the proud recipient of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Healthier Safer Tourism (HST) award.

The presentation was made recently at the Ministry of Health and Wellness office located in the Frank Walcott Building, St. Michael, Barbados.

Accepting the award for the Luxury Included Resort was General Manager Bruno Couesnon.

In his brief remarks Couesnon thanked every one of the team members who contributed to the resort’s recent accolade.

“It’s always nice to win awards; but it takes a team effort to achieve the results for which we are being recognized, today. The health and safety of our guests and team members are important to us and it is great to be selected and celebrated by CARPHA for doing our part and succeeding,” said Couesnon.

Executive Director of CARPHA Dr. Lisa Indar commended the hotel for achieving this internationally recognized award and praised its commitment to health and safety procedures.

“The 2019 Covid pandemic led to global shut down of tourism but it also demonstrated the resilience of the Caribbean by being able to bounce back. Part of that bouncing back was to be able to create a healthier and safer tourism experience and the reason you are here today is by being part of the tourism health programme and implementing proactive measures,” said Dr. Indar.

Some of the benefits of this award include being regionally and internationally recognized for healthier safer tourism endorsed by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The award is the only traveler’s health award where compliance is assessed – it is measurable and verifiable, ensuring the safety of the tourist facility, staff and guests. It also gives a comparative, marketing advantage and gives value to the quality of service.(PR)

CAPTION: Sandals Barbados General Manager General Manager Bruno Couesnon (L) accepting the CARPHA award from Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kenneth George

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Data in Action: Youth Data Literacy as a Tool for Change workshop

In an era increasingly shaped by data, equipping young people with data literacy skills is essential for fostering informed decision-making and effective advocacy.

This perspective was shared by De-Jane Gibbons, UNFPA Liaison Officer for Barbados and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), during the launch of the Data in Action: Youth Data Literacy as a Tool for Change workshop. The event, hosted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), took place on Tuesday at UN House.

Addressing the young participants, Gibbons underscored the critical role of data in shaping impactful social policies and emphasized the need for citizens in the region to grasp its importance.

“We all understand that we live in a world driven by data [and] by information. It’s all around us in everything we do. From tracking climate change to addressing community needs, data enables us to understand challenges and, more importantly, to create meaningful solutions. This workshop is more than speaking about numbers and spreadsheets, it’s about telling stories, making informed decisions, and amplifying your voice… it’s about turning insights into action, and action to impact the communities that we serve.

“We want to emphasise the role of data in strengthening advocacy efforts to shape government policies and to cultivate community empowerment across the Eastern Caribbean,” she stated.

The initiative is one of several by the UN aimed at reinforcing advocacy efforts, shaping policy, and empowering communities across the Eastern Caribbean. Gibbons highlighted that supporting youth data literacy is particularly crucial in an era where misinformation is widespread. She also stressed the importance of young advocates accessing reputable data sources to strengthen their efforts.

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Barbados Joins Celebrations To Mark Japan Emperor’s 65th Birthday

The cultural relationship between Barbados and Japan, as well as efforts to deepen and strengthen bilateral ties, will continue.

This was expressed by Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, Sandra Husbands, during a reception hosted, last Friday, by the new Ambassador of Japan to Barbados, Miyasaka Yusuke, to celebrate the 65th birthday of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.

Government and private sector officials and members of the diplomatic corps participated in the event, including the President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw.

Minister Husbands, who offered congratulations to Emperor Naruhito on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, said: “I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty and the people of Japan on this joyous occasion. May this day be a reflection of peace, prosperity, and continued progress for your great nation.”

She noted that the Emperor’s characteristics personify not only its people but the bilateral relationship that exists between Barbados and Japan.

“His Majesty the Emperor has come to personify the very best characteristics of the people of Japan. Respect the pursuit of common ground and advocacy for peace. These same characteristics underpin the bilateral relationship between Barbados and Japan. Though geographically distant, Japan and Barbados share a deep commitment to democracy, economic development, innovation and environmental sustainability.

“Over the years, our bilateral relations have flourished, rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and cooperation in various fields, and we continue to pursue deeper engagement and strengthened cooperation,” Minister Husbands stated.

She also spoke of the “strong” bilateral areas that exist between the two countries. These are cooperation in disaster resilience, fisheries, renewable energy, education – Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, sports, arts, and cultural exchanges, and most recently the donation to the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness.

Ambassador Yusuke highlighted the deep friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.

He said: “Since my arrival in Barbados, I have been deeply impressed by the beauty of this country, the warm hospitality of its people and the vibrancy of its culture. It has been a privilege to experience the spirit of this remarkable island through my encounters with the people of Barbados. I have come to appreciate the deep connection between our two nations, not only our shared values but also in our commitment to resilience and cooperation. This year, we commemorate the 58th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Barbados, a partnership built on mutual understanding and collaboration.”

As part of the evening’s celebrations, attendees were treated to specially curated Japanese food prepared by Japanese Chef Sakamoto, and Japanese wines and spirits. There were also origami, calendars, clothing, and artwork exhibits.

On May 1, 2019, Naruhito, the former Crown Prince, acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne, officially becoming the 126th Emperor of Japan.

Barbados and Japan established diplomatic relations on August 29, 1967. (PR/GIS)