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Exercise Tradewinds Aimed At Strengthening Region

Exercise Tradewinds 2024 (EXTW24) is designed to enhance regional safety and security, build tactical capacity, and promote inter-operability among member states.

Host nation Co-director and Lead Planner of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) for the two-week military campaign, Commander Mark Peterson, shared this during a press briefing at the BDF Headquarters, St Ann’s Fort, The Garrison, prior to the start of the exercise, which is being jointly hosted by the BDF and the United States Southern Command.

EXTW24, which will be held from May 4 to 16 under the theme Tailored for the region, by the region, promoting a secure Caribbean 2024 and beyond, has attracted military forces from the 15 CARICOM Member States, Brazil, Bermuda, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Mexico, Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Peru, and Chile.

Commander Peterson explained that the exercise would focus on preparing all stakeholders for the ICC Cricket World Cup tournament in the event of any threats that might occur, whether a peaceful protest, an active shooter scenario, a hostage situation, a mass casualty event, or a combination of these threats.

“The training and exercise scenarios this year will focus on countering trans- national crime, with some emphasis on addressing unique threats that can occur during the hosting of a large scale sports event which, in this case, is the ICC T20 World Cup cricket competition.

“The training will be centred on countering transnational organisations, countering violent extremist organisations, responding to events resulting in disaster, in order to refine national and regional standard operating procedures and enhance regional cooperation,” he said.

In his remarks, US Lead Planner for Exercise Tradewinds 2024, Colonel Charles ‘Chip’ Karels, said the event was very important for the US Southern Command, since it demonstrated the United States’ understanding of the region’s importance, and in particular, the countries that chose to host Tradewinds.

“It gives an opportunity for our forces to work together to build those common understandings. Cyber [crime] is difficult… and building that common defence [capacity] throughout the region and throughout the hemisphere is critical,” Colonel Karels added.

Host nation Co-director and Lead Planner of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) for Exercise Tradewinds 2024 (EXTW24), Commander Mark Peterson speaking at the press briefing while United States Deputy Chief of Mission, Joaquin Monserrate, looks on.

United States Deputy Chief of Mission, Joaquin Monserrate, described the staging of EXTW24 as “a great moment for us in the Caribbean”, noting that, in addition to the US military detachments, there were civilian partners, including the FBI and the drug enforcement agency.

He added: “So, I am really glad that we are able to embrace it (Exercise Tradewinds) at a time when this region…is becoming much more worldly and present in the international dimension, not least evidenced by Cricket World Cup that we will also co-host with Barbados and the West Indies.”

Exercise Tradewinds is conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defence forces and constabularies to counter transnational organised crime, and conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief type operations.

It will also have a maritime component that will focus on illegal, unregulated fishing as a major threat to the economies of this hemisphere and the United States economy, humanitarian resistance, and inter-agency maritime special operations assistance during disaster relief.

Exercise Tradewinds is held annually and has attracted 1,200 participants from 26 countries, and regional, government, and non-governmental organisations. Barbados previously hosted Exercise Tradewinds in May 1993, 2003, 2012, and 2017. Trinidad and Tobago will host the military event in 2025. (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