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Consumers Urged To Know Their Rights & Read Fine Print

Know your rights! This is the strong message from Acting Public Counsel in the Office of Public Counsel, Douglas Frederick, to consumers and the general public.

During an interview with the Barbados Government Information Service, Mr. Frederick said: “My message to consumers and the public in general is to know your rights, and do not sign away your rights. Do not give up your rights; read the contracts that are placed before you; read the fine print and read those purported waivers that are being put to you by suppliers.

“Read them! It takes time, but consider them and read them because in most cases, people try to hold you to those things that you have signed, even if there are unfair terms, they try to hold you to them.”

The Office of Public Counsel administers the Consumer Guarantees Act, which came into effect on January 16, 2003. This Act provides consumers with adequate protection when they purchase goods and use services for personal, domestic, or household use, or consumption.

If a product is defective, or a service is not provided with reasonable care and skill, the Office of Public Counsel represents the consumer by reaching out to the supplier, so as to hear his or her side, and then mediating, in an effort to reach a resolution that would benefit both parties.

“My message to consumers and the public in general is to know your rights, and do not sign away your rights. Do not give up your rights; read the contracts that are placed before you; read the fine print and read those purported waivers that are being put to you by suppliers.”Acting Public Counsel

The Acting Public Counsel, who has been in that post for the past six months, identified defective major appliances and electronic devices as the main complaints of consumers.

“Almost everybody in Barbados has a cell phone, and, or some electronic device, and we have found that…there have been an increase in those types of complaints…. People normally buy appliances on hire purchase, and if you look at the cash price and the hire purchase price, you will see a serious differential. So, people are spending their hard-earned money, and expect that these products will last, at least for some reasonable time without any defect, and give them good service.

“So, we have found that major appliances and electronic devices are our main problems that people highlight to us. Also vehicles, but we have certain restrictions because our jurisdiction is up to $10,000, so that is a limitation on our department, and it is something that has to be looked at,” he proffered.

Mr. Frederick noted that an increasing number of persons have been contacting the department with various queries, and he attributed it in part to the public awareness drive embarked upon when he took over six months ago.

He welcomed this interest and encouraged more members of the public to call the Office with queries, or if they wish to find out more about the department. However, he indicated that if suppliers breached any of the guarantees, then consumers should reach out to the Office of Public Counsel.

“We are the voice for those people who may not have the skill, the capacity or the resource to really defend or to represent themselves. We are the public’s lawyer. We look out for the rights of consumers, so we are here to serve you, that’s why it’s called the Office of Public Counsel,” he stressed.

Mr. Frederick explained that as part of its infrastructure, the Office of Public Counsel has a Consumer Claims Tribunal, which is equivalent to a magistrate’s court, with the jurisdiction of $10,000.

“It is supposed to be a speedier resolution than actually putting these matters before the magistrates’ civil court, and it is a more relaxed atmosphere than a court. The Tribunal operates on evidence so that your receipts and any correspondence or communication between the consumer and the supplier is sometimes necessary because that is evidence of the transaction. It doesn’t have to be written, it can be oral,” he said.

To contact the Office of the Public Counsel, persons may call 535-2758 or 535-2762, or email public.counsel@barbados.gov.bb.

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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.