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Centenarian Hailed As Industrious & Independent Woman

One of Barbados’ newest centenarians, Enid Violet Niles, celebrated her birthday on Thursday, February 22, with family, friends, and members of the New Testament Church of God, Rock Hall, St. Andrew, at the St. Michael District Hospital, Beckles Road, St. Michael.

President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, paid a visit via Zoom.

One of Mrs. Niles’ cousins, David Briggs, in his tribute, remarked: “She was always a feisty lady, a hard worker, an industrious woman…. As a labourer, she also kept stock. She loved cows…. She loved her animals…. When it came to even selling or killing the cows that money went to the upkeep of the house.”

Mr. Briggs added: “She had land she worked; she used the fork and worked. She planted canes; she planted bananas, and she was a hawker…. That kept her busy, that kept her independent. She…always was independent, hardworking, and born to never allow her situations to keep her down.”

Raised in Rock Hall, St. Andrew, Mrs. Niles attended the Indian Ground Primary School (now All Saints Primary School), after which she embraced her love of the land and made a career out it.

She worked as a labourer at Rock Hall Plantation, St. Peter, and at Springhead Plantation, St. James. This was in addition to having her own farm and selling those products in Bridgetown and in Eagle Hall, St. Michael.

The centenarian, now a widow, married Stephen Niles in 1958. She had two daughters, both of whom passed away at an early age. Mrs. Niles raised her niece, Joycelyn Scantlebury (now deceased) and David Briggs.

She loved to cook and did so while in a wheelchair, until she became a resident of the St. Michael District Hospital in her 90s, due to health concerns. She enjoys eating ground provisions, corn meal cou cou with any meat, pigtail, and rice with gravy.

The centenarian sings Pentecostal hymns from memory throughout the day, often leading others in song. She sang ‘Revive us again (Thine be the Glory)’ during the celebration.

One congregant, Angie Bayley, noted that as a young person she would spend many hours with Mrs. Niles, who would always give her some “good advice”. She continued: “And, one thing I would remember and take with me throughout my life, she would always say ‘delay isn’t laziness; your time will come’….”

On behalf of Her Excellency, Mrs. Niles was presented with a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of non-alcoholic wine, and a personalised card, to which she said, “Praise God!”

In her closing remarks, Her Excellency commented: “I want to say thank you to all of you who have had the care and attention of Mrs. Niles over the years, whether it is Rock Hall in St. Andrew or here at the District Hospital…. I never get tired of saying we are eternally grateful to persons like her who have brought us along on their shoulders. I just want you to continue to care for her because you will be justly rewarded, and thanks to everybody for allowing me to be a part of this historic occasion.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: Barbados’ newest centenarian, Enid Violet Niles, celebrating her birthday with a sip of champagne, assisted by cousin David Briggs

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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