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CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT SANDRA MASON

Fellow Barbadians, residents and visitors to our beautiful country, it is again that special time of the year when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child and pause to reflect on the significance of that phenomenal event to Christians worldwide.

The year 2023 saw the return to some semblance of normalcy following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the previous two (2) years. I believe that we have accepted the fact that after the pandemic our lives can never be the same again. The incidence of COVID-19 has slowed considerably but we are continually being reminded that COVID is still with us.

With the resumption of several activities, we should now have a greater appreciation and awareness for some of the simple things that we took for granted and which we had to forego during the pandemic.

As we celebrate Christmas this year with the usual merriment, energy and enthusiasm we are cognisant of the many tensions, unrest and raging wars in many countries throughout the world. The one in the spotlight is the war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas taking place in Palestine – the birth place of the baby Jesus. In this technological age, we can see the daily bombardment and destruction in the Gaza Strip and the continual loss of lives and displacement of families.

This raises the question of whether there will ever be peace. The reality however, is that there is the utmost need for peace.

Ironically, the essence of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the world, the Prince of Peace, who symbolizes the hope, peace, love, joy and forgiveness that the world needed – and still needs today. His life exemplified love and forgiveness as necessary virtues for peaceful living.

The birth of Jesus and his life on earth revealed that he was not a one-time wonder but by his daily living he left us a legacy to guide us along the way.

In our global environment, peace appears elusive, as human beings seem never willing to co-operate and concede to the greater good. We need to understand that there are no winners in war because so much is lost both during and in the aftermath.

As we grapple with the daily diet of destruction, we cannot be overwhelmed and throw our hands in the air and give up all hope of change for the better.

Our National Pledge reminds us that we promised that “by my living to do credit to my nation wherever I go”.

In this context, I want to share a few examples of the “spirit of Christmas” that I have seen in the lives of Barbadians of all walks of life during the past year.

I note this year that within our National Honours and Awards some of our honourees were awarded for service to their communities in assisting the less fortunate and their volunteerism.

The Salvation Army has pointed out that since need has no season their feeding programme has been reaching out to more persons over the past year, given the circumstances that exist for many families.

I am aware that there are several corporate partners, social organisations, churches and individual citizens who are committed to the fight to ease the burden of the less fortunate. I am convinced however that if several of these programmes were streamlined we could spread a wider net and assist more vulnerable persons.

These acts of kindness and generosity are glimpses of peace, love and joy in action. These acts can diffuse many difficult situations and are signs of hope for several persons.

Our young people are our hope, light and joy and will be our future leaders. Many of them are leading productive lives in their different areas of endeavours.

This year was celebrated as Commonwealth Year of the Youthand I had the good fortune to meet several of our young people who received National Youth Awards for their outstanding and truly impressive achievements. I also met with the Gold Awardees in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award programme which consists of young people who work in three specific sections for a minimum of one (1) year to complete various projects for the award. The award assists these young people in their personal and professional development.

It brings a smile to my face when I remember the bright, eager, confident and well mannered primary school students that I met over the past two (2) months. In them is our hope for the future. They are being selflessly guided by their hard working teachers who devote much time to their young charges.

All these young people are the reason why we must make the birth of Christ meaningful in our everyday living. We owe them a safe, peaceful environment surrounded by love and the opportunity to develop to their full potential.

I hope that on this Christmas Day, we pray for peace in the world and by our living ensure that we are vessels of peace in our communities and live each day full of the “spirit of Christmas”.

I wish all of you a Happy Christmas and every blessing in 2024.

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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