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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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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

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