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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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The Confucius Institute Successfully Hosts 24th International Chinese Bridge Competition

On Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, the Confucius Institute at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, hosted its annual Chinese Bridge Competition. Held at the Confucius Institute building, this prestigious event provides a platform for Chinese language students to showcase and enhance their linguistic and cultural skills while deepening their understanding of China’s rich heritage.

*Secondary School participant, Davesha Chassang performing a traditional Chinese dance*

The competition featured three categories—Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary levels—allowing students to demonstrate their abilities through speeches, cultural knowledge quizzes, and performances in traditional Chinese art forms. Participants represented schools and institutions across Barbados that have partnered with the Confucius Institute to deliver Chinese language instruction to Barbadian students.

Distinguished Panel of Judges

The competition was evaluated by an esteemed panel including: a representative from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Kerri-Ann Haynes-Knight representing the Office of the Principal UWI Cave Hill, Ms. Philomena Lee from the Chinese Association of Barbados, Ms. Sabrina Hoyte representing the Barbados-China Returned Scholars Association, Professor Nie Lu (Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute), and Dr. Ché Corbin (Local Director of the Confucius Institute).

*Winners of the Secondary school competition pictured with judges*

Record Participation and Innovation

This year’s competition achieved unprecedented growth, with significant increases in Primary and Secondary school participation. Secondary school participants rose to 10 students—a five-fold increase from last year’s 2 participants—while Primary school entries grew from 12 to 15 students. The Tertiary level featured two accomplished participants.

*Primary school participants receiving certificates from Judges*

The competition also showcased remarkable diversity in talent performances, with several notable firsts including food preparation demonstrations, traditional dressmaking, and a captivating Guzheng performance at the Primary level. Both judges and audience members were impressed by the artistry and confidence displayed by the young competitors, reflecting not only the students’ dedication but also the Institute’s committed investment in their development.

Recognition and Encouragement

Following the performances, speeches, and quizzes, all participants received prizes and certificates in recognition of their achievements. The judging panel addressed the students, encouraging continued language study and emphasizing the valuable opportunities that Chinese language proficiency can provide. Special commendation was given to the Institute’s teachers and students’ parents for their unwavering support and guidance.

Acknowledgments

The Confucius Institute extends its gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for their continued support of the Chinese Bridge Competition and the promotion of Chinese language and culture in Barbados. The Institute also congratulates all participating students and wishes the competition winners success as they advance to represent Barbados in the global competition in China later this year.

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Eleven St. John Recipients Receive Pride Of Barbados Awards

Eleven persons from St. John who have contributed substantially to the development of the parish and its residents over the years have received Pride of Barbados Awards.

The St. John honourees were presented with their insignias by President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason yesterday morning at State House. President Mason thanked the awardees for their dedication and acts towards the development of her ‘home’ parish and encouraged them to continue their efforts.

The fifth batch of honourees receiving insignias, as part of the We Gatherin’ 2025 initiative, were: Richard Arthur, Pearson Bellamy, J.P., Neville Bridgeman, Sonia Burgess-Haynes, Dr. Keisha Gustave, Samantha Haynes, J.P., De Andra Howard, Myrtle Husbands, Roland Waithe, Dale Lashley and Diaspora Awardee Lennox Llewellyn Padmore.

Areas for which the awardees were recognised included humanitarianism and philanthropy; lifelong dedicated service to the Codrington Estate; leadership; excellence in public health; community empowerment; educating and mentoring young people; promoting sporting excellence; and agriculture.

Following the ceremony, three awardees shared with the media their reaction to being recipients of the Pride of Barbados Award.

Pearson Bellamy, J.P., age 83, is a former teacher, meteorologist and government printer. He was recognised for being a steward of culture, a guardian of truth, and a living archive for his dedicated service as a community griot and cultural icon.

“I’m happy to be honoured today. Thank God that He’s given me the privilege to…receive this honour this morning,” Mr. Bellamy stated.

He added: “For the past 63 years, I’ve been working with the youth, with the old, and with everybody else with respect to drama, folk singing, music, and I was president of a number of organisations in St. John. And I’m happy to share that as long as I have strength and the energy, I will continue to do so.”

Eighty-year-old Shopkeeper Myrtle Husbands said: “I am very humble and grateful to the Government and people of St. John.”

She is known for her invaluable contributions to improving the lives of the disadvantaged, uplifting the vulnerable, protecting and providing refuge to battered women and hope to underprivileged children, as well as fostering a more caring and cohesive community in Colleton, St. John.

When asked what drives her to assist others, she responded: “I think it’s just me … it comes natural. When I see people in need, I help them. If I see people, you know, like disadvantaged, I try to give them any assistance that I can.”

She advised younger persons in the community to put God first in their lives and to help any person in need.

Meanwhile, De Andra Howard, a 42-year-old teacher at the Mount Tabor Primary, expressed her surprise and delight at being awarded. “It feels amazing,” she remarked.

She has been awarded for her leadership, creativity and unswerving commitment to community development, promoting the Rights of the Child and fostering Health and Family Life Education, as well as national anti-violence initiatives. Ms. Howard emphasised the importance of hard work and perseverance.

“You know, sometimes you work hard behind the scenes and you say you’re never going to be recognised. But as I always say to my students and to the young people that I inspire, work hard and someday it will pay off, somebody will recognise you.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason (centre) poses with ten of the Pride of Barbados Awardees from St. John at State House

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Road Rehabilitation Of Eagle Hall Road

The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) will carry out road rehabilitation on Eagle Hall Road in St. Michael from the Eagle Hall traffic lights to the Lower Bank Hall traffic lights, under its Focused Roads Programme.

Starting Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Infra Construction Inc. will dig test pits along this road between 8:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. During this time, the road will be reduced to one lane. Test pits are a crucial preparatory step in road rehabilitation as they provide critical information about the road’s subbase.

Infra Construction Inc. will begin road rehabilitation on Monday, June 9, 2025, and will continue for approximately eight weeks from 8:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The scope of work includes excavation, deep milling, sidewalk as well as slipper and kerb repairs, and paving. During this time, the road will be closed. More details will be provided closer to the start date.

MTW and Infra Construction Inc. apologise for the inconvenience and thank businesses, residents, and motorists for their understanding and cooperation. (PR/GIS)