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DEM ASKS THE PUBLIC TO PREPARE

Residents across Barbados are being encouraged to check on the stability of their homes and make alternative arrangements for shelter, if necessary, as the island continues to prepare for the approach of Tropical Storm (TS) Bret.

Director of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Kerry Hinds, is appealing to those whose homes are unlikely to withstand tropical storm conditions, to make plans now to stay with family or friends first, or a hurricane shelter as a last resort. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” she pleaded.

Ms. Hinds also encouraged persons to check on elderly relatives and neighbours, and be each other’s keeper during the system’s passage.

“Pack a go-bag with a change of clothes, important documents such as bank papers for your homes, insurance documents, passports and birth certificates, all medication and a supply of food for yourselves and your families,” Ms. Hinds said.

The Barbados Meteorological Service reported that at 5:00 a.m., Tropical Storm Bret was located approximately 556 miles east of Barbados. The system has maximum sustained winds of nearly 60 miles per hour and was moving westward at 16 miles per hour.

Outer bands from the system are expected to begin affecting the island from early tomorrow, Thursday, June 22, with showers and gusty winds. There are also projections for rainfall accumulations of one to three inches across the island, which may result in flash flooding in low-lying districts.

The DEM Director disclosed that the emergency services and Government agencies met on Tuesday, June 20, to assess the situation and finalise plans ahead of the storm’s impact, and urged the public to do the same.

She is also encouraging persons to remove loose objects from around their homes, secure garbage cans, and remove plant pots to avoid them becoming missiles.

She also cautioned persons against stocking their freezers with frozen items at this time, and reminded them that they should focus on canned or non-perishable food items.

“Make sure that you store water and have your torch lights handy,” she said, while underscoring the importance of listening for updates throughout the day.

Residents may download the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) app on their Android and Apple devices to stay abreast of the updates. Alternatively, they may also download the BMS app – BMS Insight – to receive updates on systems likely to affect the island. This app is only available for Android devices at this time.

In addition, persons may also find the list of emergency shelters on the DEM’s website or by clicking here.

Ms. Hinds stressed that in the event of an emergency, residents should contact the Barbados Police Service at 211; the Barbados Fire Service at 311 and the Barbados Ambulance Service at 511, in the event of an emergency.

To report in the wake of an event, they may contact the DEM at 438-7575.(PR)

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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