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CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

Fellow Barbadians and friends of Barbados, here at home, or wherever my message reaches you, I extend to you the warm greetings of this very special season with all its festivities, and uplifting music. Barbados’ Christian tradition invites us to embrace the meaning of Christmas, the Word being made flesh and dwelling among us; God’s gift of the Christ child and with Him, peace, love and good will amongst all people and nations.

In the busy-ness of preparations and shopping; in the rush to exchange gifts; in the excitement of the new curtains; with the aroma of seasonal foods like ham and black cake, let us not lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas. For celebratory though it may be for most, this holiday season can also be very difficult for those who have lost loved ones, who are lonely or depressed, or who find it hard to make ends meet.

This year, let us find a way to reach out to as many as we can, who may be in need, and who, once we bring them cheer, can get some relief. We hope that they too, will then be touched by the Spirit of the Season, as they experience its real meaning through us.

Although the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and we are able to socialise freely for the first time since the start of the pandemic three years ago, we must still practise those sanitary measures with which we have become accustomed, as COVID has not gone away and there are still new infections daily. But we can manage them, and we can control our behaviour and prepare ourselves to minimise its impact.

We can be grateful that through our collective efforts, the Barbados economy is growing again. However, we must be mindful of the continuing global challenges, such as the climate crisis, high fuel and food prices, and predictions of a coming international recession. These factors necessitate us to still exercise caution. We must stay the course!

We, the people of this new Republic, must make our way in the world as a competitive, competent, highly-skilled nation, able to navigate international and evolving challenges while constantly enhancing our national brand, and while above all else, always caring for people, whether in Barbados or wherever people are on this planet; without heart, we are nothing.

This requires us to put in place, not just the planks of sustainability, such as will allow all Barbadians of this and coming generations, to build and share in national prosperity and live in dignity, but to have the empathy and that sense of caring that will always be able to pull those, who through no fault of their own, cannot do it on their own.

Our national tone must therefore be one of gratitude for what we have been able to overcome and accomplish; of optimism about the future; of the need for resilience in all areas of our personal and national lives; and of our determination to continue to be the best that we can be as individuals, the best we can be as families and communities, but above all else, the best we can be as a nation.

We must all commit to this, to excellence as our national standard; to working together; to caring for each other; to respecting each other; to being the keepers of our sisters and brothers; to behaving as if the lives of each other matter; and that we understand it is our responsibility and ours alone, to together create and construct the Barbados in which we all want to live.

While we have successfully written our names on history’s page as a people, the challenge now is to write our future – to see, hear, feel and support each other going forward; to use our values and reengineer Bajan traditions to navigate the uncertainties and complexities of the future and, as a people, to define Barbados’ place in the world.

Let us all pause this holiday season for a period of introspection and reflection. In that regard, I want to thank you, the people of Barbados for the gift of the government, which will celebrate its first anniversary shortly. As your Prime Minister, I want to assure you that we do not take the responsibility you have entrusted to us lightly, or for granted.

We will treat the citizens and country with respect. We will continue to do our utmost to address and shield Barbadians from the worst impacts of the global crises. We will continue to be responsive to your needs and to your wishes, and wherever possible to meet them; and where we can’t, to talk it through so you understand what our constraints are and talk it through. We will let all views contend and listen to those views.

We will create opportunities for Barbadians at the national and global levels. We commit to giving you the gift of fair, just, transparent, inclusive, effective and good governance. But ask you also to meet us where we are, because we are only as good as what we can do together as people, whether from the communities, whether in civil society in our churches and our other religious institutions, whether in the private sector or labour movement; doing it together will determine how and where we can go.

Without a doubt, the last year has been difficult for families, communities, and individuals and the future is uncertain, but whatever the future holds, the Government and people will face it together. As a nation, we will share the burdens and equally, we will share the blessings as we travel this journey of our new republic.

Barbadians are a people of faith, and yes Barbados is now very much a multicultural society of intersecting religious traditions. Respect each other, that’s all we need to do. However you choose to celebrate, whether it is Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, let us respect each other.

Whatever our traditions, be they quiet or exuberant, we cannot deny that we all do a tremendous amount of work, ‘to make the season bright.’ This year, let us not think of the season of Christmas as just having 12 days, but let us extend our efforts into the next 12 months, as we protect our families, care for our neighbours, safeguard our communities, and strengthen our Barbados.

May we all enjoy not just the spirit and spirits of the season, but live the fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity of spirit, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Speaking to all children of the broken trident – from this Government to all Barbadians; from my family and me, to you and yours; from my heart to your hearts, I wish you happy holidays and God’s blessings on Barbados and Barbadians everywhere.

Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Peaceful, and Productive 2023.

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The Red Shoes Project

Honouring Victims, Supporting Survivors, Raising Awareness

Project Calls for Action on Gender-based Violence

Violence against women is not merely a statistic; it is a pervasive global issue that disrupts the lives of countless women and girls and places a heavy burden on communities. To mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (from 25 November to 10 December), The Red Shoes Project, displayed at nine locations across Barbados acknowledges the harsh reality and lasting impact of gender-based violence, while supporting survivors.

The nine locations identified – mainly public spaces around Barbados – will display red-painted shoes representing women lost to femicide (gender-related killings of women and girls) and other forms of violence. Each empty pair of shoes symbolizes a life cut short, a voice silenced, a future taken away. The shoes also stand as a symbol of love and unity, a testament to the strength and resilience of the women who continue to fight for their lives and their rights and a call for all of us to stand with them in solidarity and to take action to end violence against women. First conceptualized by Mexican artist, Elina Chauvet, the Red Shoes Project challenges us to recognize that change can only happen when we stop dismissing gender-based violence as someone else’s private problem.

“Malgorzata Wasilewska was appointed EU Ambassador to Barbados in 2020. She previously served as Ambassador of the European Union to Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Cayman Islands.”

The European Union is coordinating the art installation, undertaken as acollective action in partnership with Bureau of Gender Affairs of the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, the National Cultural Foundation, the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (University of the West Indies), the Barbados Community College, UN Women Caribbean and the diplomatic missions of Argentina, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Worldwide, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence. In the Caribbean, one in two women have experienced at least one form of gender-based violence in their lifetime and the region faces some of the highest femicide rates globally. Gender-based violence is an egregious human rights violation. More than just an exhibition, the Red Shoes Project prompts each of us to consider our role in addressing this human rights issue and to pledge to create a future where women and girls are no longer at risk. Governments, communities, and individuals must look beyond the display and ask: How can we ensure that these shoes become a relic of the past rather than a reflection of our present?

When?

During the 16 Days of Activism, from 25 November until 10 December.

Where?

25 November to 10 December: exhibit of the Red Shoes Project at the following locations (open to the public):

The European Union Delegation
The Barbados Community College
The British High Commission
The Bureau of Gender Affairs
The Embassy of Argentina
The High Commission of Canada
The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus
The US Embassy
UN Women

Further information for the public:

Shoe Donations: For members of the public who wish to donate shoes, we are still accepting donations. Donated shoes need to be used, women’s shoes of any style or colour and can be dropped off:
- on Friday, November 15, at The UWI, between 14:00 and 16:00, on the guild lawn (opposite the cricket field)
- every day until Friday, November 22, between 9:00 and 15:00 at the Institute for Gender and Development Studies: Nita Barrow Unit (UWI).
7 December: A one-day exhibit will take place in Golden Square on Saturday, December 7, open to the public and press. ( PR )

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National Thanksgiving Service A Time Of Celebration

As Barbados prepares to mark its 58th Anniversary of Independence on November 30, plans are well under way for one of the main events on the month-long calendar of celebrations, the National Thanksgiving Service.

Themed ‘Stronger Together with Peace, Love and Unity’, the service will take place on Sunday, November 24, at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St. Michael, beginning at 10:00 a.m. It will be attended by Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, members of Cabinet and other dignitaries. Members of the public are also invited to attend.

During a press briefing on Thursday at the Warrens Office Complex, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Marva Howell, said that her ministry was hosting the National Thanksgiving Service in conjunction with the religious community, both Christian and multi faith.

In her remarks, Chairman of the service’s National Organising Committee, Senator Patricia Parris, expressed her excitement for the upcoming event, saying that Barbados has much to celebrate.

“There’s so much to celebrate in this country. So, we’ve got to be there, to be part of the celebration with the theme: ‘Stronger Together with Peace, Love and Unity’. A lot of planning has gone into the service so you too can be there.

“One thing I would like to also highlight is that we will be having greetings and congratulatory messages before the service starts from the diaspora and religious leaders, so we will be streaming the service online,” she shared.

Senator Parris also reminded those in attendance that the service was open to all members of the public and tickets were not required for entry. She added that the necessary arrangements would be made for parking to ensure the steady flow of traffic.

The officiant of this year’s service will be Pastor of Second Chance Ministries, Dr. Winston Clarke. In his remarks, Dr. Clarke stated that the organisers were expecting ‘a bumper crowd’ and urged members of the public to turn out in their numbers.

“We are soliciting the support of all of our [church] leaders. We’re asking you to turn out in your numbers. Let us celebrate. Let us give God thanks for having brought us to another year. Let us come together as a people in keeping with the theme which speaks to being together and expounding the virtues of peace and love together,” he affirmed.

While Dr. Clarke will be the officiant, the Bishop of Barbados and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese, the Right Reverend Michael Maxwell, will deliver the sermon.

Assistant Director of Music with The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) Band, Superintendent Anderson Whitehall, said that the musical package being prepared by TBPS promises to be entertaining.

“We will have a pre-service with the Police Band and the audience. I will engage the audience in a singalong … believe you me, we will have the audience clapping… We will enjoy ourselves in that area before the service starts, then we have various soloists performing during that time,” he revealed.

Superintendent Whitehall said that the audience could expect song favourites such as ‘Goodness of God’, ‘He’ll do it Again’, ‘God and God Alone’, ‘Jump Up If You Love Him’ by local gospel band Promise, as well as a revival gospel medley.

He also disclosed that TBPS Band would accompany a 70-voice choir comprising schools and choirs from around the country, which is expected to serenade the audience with hymns, including a special rendition of the song ‘People Need the Lord’.

Faith leaders from the Muslim, Seventh-Day Adventist, Salvation Army, Jewish, Baha’i and Christian communities, as well as members of the disabled community, will celebrate and participate in this year’s National Thanksgiving Service. Seating for those attending the service will begin at 9:15 a.m., with a prompt start expected at 10:00 a.m. (PR/GIS)

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Barbados Attends US Southern Command Change Of Command Ceremony

In an illustration of international and regional military collaboration and solidarity, Brigadier Carlos Lovell, Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), participated in the recent Change of Command Ceremony for United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

This event, conducted at SOUTHCOM’s headquarters in Doral, Florida, underscored the lasting partnership between the United States and its Caribbean allies in the pursuit of regional security and stability. The ceremony signified the leadership transition from General Laura Richardson to Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey.

During the Change of Command events, Brigadier Lovell underscored the critical importance of unity and cooperation in addressing the complex security challenges that the region faces.

He reiterated the BDF’s, commitment on behalf of the Government of Barbados, to collaborate closely with the United States and other regional partners to foster a safer and more prosperous Caribbean.

Brigadier Lovell’s attendance served as a significant highlight, illustrating the interconnectedness of the region’s security dynamics and emphasising that regional security is a collective responsibility requiring the concerted efforts of all involved nations.

It was emphasised that the U.S. Southern Command, under its new leadership, remains steadfast in its dedication to nurturing these vital partnerships and advancing the mission of peace and stability throughout the Caribbean and beyond.

Barbados and the United States have enjoyed friendly bilateral relations since Barbados gained Independence in 1966. Since the establishment of this relationship, the Government of Barbados has received support from the US to promote the country’s economic development.

This collaboration, mainly through SOUTHCOM, has been positive, with both countries working closely together to combat transnational crime and enhance hemispheric security.

Over the past four decades, the relationship between the BDF and the US military has been strengthened through various professional development programmes, delivered primarily by the US Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, as well as other supportive departments and agencies. This partnership has also included participation in numerous operational and military exercise initiatives.

SOUTHCOM’s support for Barbados and the BDF can be categorised into three main components: professional development through training; foreign military financing, and field team visits, which include operations and participation in conferences and meetings. An overview of these components includes:

International Military Education and Training (IMET)
Mobile Training Teams and Joint Combined Exchange Training
Operations to Counter Transnational Threats
State Partnership Programme (SPP)/Small Unit Exchanges
Exercises
Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT)
Conferences and meetings

The Change of Command ceremony for SOUTHCOM was not only a significant military event, but also a representation of the strong friendship and collaboration between the United States and its Caribbean allies.

The support provided by SOUTHCOM has greatly benefited the BDF by enhancing its leadership, technical, tactical, and specialised capabilities.

The BDF’s presence at the ceremony emphasised the mutual respect and shared objectives that strengthen this relationship, paving the way for continued cooperation in addressing security challenges in the pursuit of peace. (PR/GIS)

CAPTION: From left to right – Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, Brigadier Carlos Lovell; Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey, and his wife Stephanie, at the recent Change of Command Ceremony at SOUTHCOM’s headquarters in Florida.