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Centenarian Seibert Lewis Hailed As A Man Of God

Surrounded by family and some of his closest friends, Mr. Seibert Lewis beamed with gratitude as he saw the several well-wishers who had come to the Accra Beach Hotel, Christ Church, to celebrate his 100^th birthday, on August 21.

Acting President, The Very Reverend Dr. Jeffery Gibson was one of the centenarian’s specially invited guests.

Upon his arrival, he remarked, “Let me take this opportunity to express and add my own personal congratulations to you on reaching this significant milestone. One hundred years of life is really a great cause for celebration, and you’re surrounded by members of your family and certain friends who have come to share that great moment with you and to let you know how much, not only we celebrate the 100 years, but how much they love you.”

In response to His Excellency’s inquiry as to what it was like to live to 100, the centenarian replied, “In the grace of God, I am very happy to know that I am alive to reach 100 years old, and to me and my family, and my children, grandchildren and great grands, we all make one bond.”

*Acting President of Barbados, The Very Reverend Dr. Jeffery Gibson, congratulates Seibert Lewis on celebrating his 100th birthday. In the background, Acting ADC Lieutenant Ramar Haynes looks on*.

Mr. Roger Scott, in his tribute to the centenarian, whom he affectionally calls ‘Papa Lou’, stressed Mr. Lewis is like a father to him and “a man of God first and foremost”. Mr. Scott also noted that the centenarian’s life “is truly an example of the characteristics of a Godly man – faithful, committed, loyal, hardworking, reliant on God and strong in faith”.

“He has provided me with immeasurable support and love over these last 20 years; he has been a blessing to me and my family,” added Mr. Scott.

Reverend Anderson Carrington of the Wesleyan Holiness Church, Black Rock, shared that Mr. Lewis is a “very faithful member of the Church’. Acknowledging that he appreciated the centenarian “very much for his loyalty” he noted that “almost every Sunday we can look down the congregation and we are going to see Brother Lewis….”

The Reverend also disclosed that the centenarian was instrumental in overseeing much-needed construction work at the Black Rock Wesleyan Holiness Church. “…At 80 years old, he was walking across that roof, sometimes to my nervousness. Brother Lewis, I appreciate you for that,” stressed Mr. Carrington.

The Reverend further noted that Mr. Lewis leveraged his contacts and brought together the right people at the right time. He said, “He (Mr. Lewis) contacted everybody; he brought everybody together so that when we submitted the plans to Town and Country Planning, everything in detail was right. And we give God thanks for you my brother…may God continue to strengthen you on this, your 100^th birthday”.

Mr. Lewis, who was educated at St. Jude’s Primary School, St. George, was self-employed for most of his life. His career path saw him running his own restaurant, marketing fruit and vegetables as well as involved in the construction industry. In the 1970’s, he emigrated to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, and upon retirement at age 65 (in 1989), returned home.

The centenarian, a widower, was married to Lucille Lewis and has seven children, 30 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Loretta Payne (93) is the centenarian’s only living sibling.

Mr. Lewis lives in Free Hill, Black Rock and while he has a caretaker, the centenarian demonstrates a great deal of independence and according to him, eats “whatever the Lord allows…”

The Very Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Gibson presented Mr. Lewis with a fruit basket, a bottle of non-alcoholic wine and a personalised card. As they both read the card together, the Acting President told the centenarian: ‘Family is the most important unit in life. I am glad you are surrounded by a wonderful family and so congratulations again.” (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.

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)

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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