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Consul General Harewood Outlines Vision For New York Mission

Barbados’ new Consul General to New York, Lorenzo Harewood, effectively assumed in-office duties on Monday, February 19.

During his first meeting with staff, Mr. Harewood outlined his vision for how the mission would engage with the diaspora during his tenure. He also spoke about the important work of the mission, how he felt about his new post, and his plans.

“I am honoured that Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, have invested their confidence in assigning me this duty on behalf of Barbados,” the Consul General said.

Mr. Harewood highlighted that the work of the consulate is extremely important for facilitating matters related to citizenship and immigration for the diaspora and other relevant parties. In addition, he said it has been essential, over the years, in identifying business and philanthropic opportunities that have benefitted Barbadians.

“The New York Consulate, in collaboration with the Barbadian Associations and other key stakeholders, has done an excellent job over the years of preserving and extending our cultural reach. Key to my assignment, among many other priorities, will be the strengthening of the Consulate’s understanding and appreciation of the specific qualities (skills, interests, and other resources) that are possessed by our diaspora, and representing those traits in a way that we can strategically access,” the Consul General stated.

In sharing his vision for operations at the consulate, Mr. Harewood said it included improving communication across the mission’s diaspora with those states that fall under its purview. Those states are New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Michigan, and Illinois.

He stated that he also aims to strengthen collaboration with key institutional and individual stakeholders dedicated to developing Barbados, as well as to build the capacity of staff and relevant associations to ensure that the consulate remains fit for purpose in delivering on its various operations.

In the areas of business facilitation and culture, Mr. Harewood identified the strategic approach of establishing multiple Sister-City Agreements with select cities, thereby enabling an environment where businesses in Barbados and the USA can take advantage of each other’s expertise and notable competitive advantages, in a way that benefits both economies.

On his first day in office, and in keeping with his intentions of a team-centric approach, the Consul General broke with tradition and commissioned the creation of a staff group photo to be placed on the wall of the consulate.

Explaining why the photo was commissioned, Mr. Harewood said: “The consulate is made up of many dedicated and talented persons that we do not often get a chance to see, hear about, or appreciate. This is the least that I could do to establish and make that a permanent fixture to remind us of their contributions.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: Consul General Lorenzo Harewood (seated, second from left) with staff of the New York Consulate. Seated (left to right) – Consul Angela Kinch; Vice Consul, Julianne Walrond; and Beverley Miller-Coppin. Standing (left to right) – Lynette Callender-Heaven; Michael Watts; Margo Parris; Jalissa Medford; Michael Straker; and Linda Watson-Lorde

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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