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Cybercrime Legislation Coming

Government is committed to ensuring that the new cybercrime legislation will be taken to Parliament.

Attorney General Dale Marshall expressed this commitment today as he delivered remarks at the opening of a series of workshops for stakeholders on the national cybercrime legislation, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Mr. Marshall told his audience: “I can say to you that the Government is committed to seeing this legislation brought swiftly to Parliament, and we are also committed to ratifying the Budapest Convention.”

Noting that Government enacted a Computer Misuse Act in 2006, the Attorney General said it was adequate to deal with the challenges at that time.

“Of course, our facility with computer technology, the prevalence of social media, and I suppose the increasing sophistication of the criminal element forced us to relook the legislative framework that we had in place, and to see if it was adequate to deal with our current circumstances, and not just in the area of cybercrime.

“In looking at our recent child justice and child protection legislation, we had to consider the impact of the technology on some very serious offences against minors. We know that it is quite common today for individuals to groom children using computer technology, get them engaged in pornographic activity and so on. So in a sense, we are here today because the pervasiveness of criminal activity using computer technology has been viewed in stark light,” he stated.

Mr. Marshall underscored the importance of the consultation with stakeholders over the next three days, saying the discussion is key and will redound to a much better piece of legislation, if there are any defects.

“But certainly it will also mean that when it does get enacted, the various people who have to deal with it will be more than prepared,” the Attorney General proffered.

Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, Sir David Simmons, stated that cybercrime is a very serious international phenomenon and the legislation has to do its best to try and keep up with the modalities of cybercrime.

He thanked Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, Sir David Simmons, for the hard work being done.

In his remarks, Sir David said although information and communication technologies had led to significant social economic development worldwide, cybercrime could have a negative impact on core societal values such as human rights, democracy and the rule of law. He noted that Barbados was well aware of the disruption that was wrought by cybercrime to institutions in the public and private sectors in the last few years.

Sir David continued: “Governments must therefore strengthen legislation and the capacity of relevant authorities to handle electronic evidence and to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate cybercrime. But in addition, international cooperation is absolutely necessary and critical to succeeding in carrying out those functions.”

Countries in this region, he pointed out, have taken steps, in recent years, to equip themselves with legislation to address cybercrime. He said the Budapest Convention on cybercrime has served as a gold standard in respect of legislation for states wishing to adapt their national legislation.

He noted that the Law Reform Commission is of the view that the draft bills on Cybercrime and Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters are in their final stages of drafting.

“We wish to ensure that any amendments that may originate out of the workshops over the next three days, will be of such a nature as will enable us to make any amendments that will be necessary and consequential before the Attorney General takes the bills to Cabinet and ultimately to Parliament.

“We hope that the bills may reach Parliament by the end of this calendar year. Cybercrime is a very serious international phenomenon and the legislation has to do its best to try and keep up with the modalities of cybercrime,” Sir David stated.

As part of ongoing cooperation, the Octopus Project of the Council of Europe and the CARICOM IMPACS are supporting Barbados in the workshops, aimed at raising awareness of the legislation by law enforcement agencies and criminal justice authorities. Those participating in the sessions include the judiciary and magistracy, Department of Public Prosecutions, The Barbados Police Service and various service providers. (PR/GIS)

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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