Business

Five years of growth for Kooyman

Kooyman celebrates five years of successful operations in Barbados this week, and CEO Juri Kooyman says the local market is continuing to live up to its growth potential.

The CEO, who will be in Barbados to mark the occasion with staff and customers, notes that since opening its Megastore at Kendal Hill, Christ Church, in 2020, Kooyman has not only provided top-quality products and expert advice but has also played a pivotal role in strengthening the sector.

“Kooyman’s presence has elevated service standards, fostered healthy competition, created jobs and driven overall growth while supporting contractors, homeowners, and DIY enthusiasts. As the only store with a drive-through, we’ve introduced a new retail concept that enhances convenience for our customers. We’re also extremely proud that we have been able to invest in the Barbadian community through our philanthropic efforts.”

Kooyman adds that the store recently achieved the five-year milestone of having 100 per cent Barbadian staff at the Kendal Hill Megastore starting January 1^st, 2025.

“We are especially pleased that, as of January 1^st this year, our entire team at the Kendal Hill Megastore is made up of talented Barbadians. When we opened here, we committed to having 100 per cent Barbadian staff in five years, and we are proud to have achieved this goal. We further extend our thanks to our customers, partners, and staff for their support in helping us to achieve this milestone.

Marketing Officer Charlene Mullin says week-long celebrations begin today with a treasure hunt and will continue throughout the week leading up to an island-wide motorcade on Friday, February 21st and a grand in-store celebration on the official anniversary date of Saturday, February 22nd.

“Everyone is encouraged tofollow our social pages for clues to win in our treasure hunt from Monday 17th to Thursday 20^th. Meet and greet us on the road on Friday, and don’t miss the grand finale at the Megastore on Anniversary Day, Saturday, February 22, for store-wide discounts and festivities. This celebration is our way of saying thank you and giving back to the people who have contributed to our success in Barbados.” (PR)

Business

Barbados Extends The Green Carpet To Chinese Investors

by Deanzer Roberts

Barbados is rolling out the green carpet for international investors, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and deepened bilateral partnerships. That was the message from Sandra Payne, Deputy CEO of Invest Barbados, who addressed attendees at the Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Meeting held at Accra Beach Hotel yesterday morning.

With a warm welcome to the visiting delegation from Yantai, China, Payne described the visit as a landmark moment—marking the first formal engagement between Invest Barbados and business leaders from the coastal Chinese city. “Your city, acknowledged as a hub for innovation and growth, blends modern development with natural charm and historical significance,” she said, drawing parallels between Yantai’s global reputation for fine wine and Barbados’ iconic status as the birthplace of rum.

The symbolic similarities between the two regions underscore a deeper connection: both are small, coastal economies actively transitioning toward sustainable development in response to climate challenges. “There is much that our two areas share,” Payne noted, emphasizing that both Barbados and Yantai are focused on innovation-driven growth in a low-carbon future.

Payne’s remarks also highlighted where the investment spotlight is firmly focused—on the green, blue, and knowledge economies. She reiterated that these are not only sectors of interest, but critical components of Barbados’ broader development strategy.

“Simply put, Invest Barbados’ mission is to seek, secure, and sustain investments that are feasible and sustainable,” Payne told delegates. “There is much scope for collaboration.”

Payne encouraged the Yantai delegation to explore Barbados not only as a partner in environmental sustainability but as a viable business destination. The nation’s expanding treaty network, competitive tax framework, excellent infrastructure, and highly qualified workforce make it an attractive jurisdiction for forward-thinking investors.

Barbados, she said, is ready and eager to welcome new ideas, business ventures, and joint projects. “Let this visit mark the beginning of a partnership that can help both of our nations build something even greater,” she concluded. “We’re excited to explore new opportunities together. Let us engage, let us explore, let us grow together!”

Business

B’DS PUBLIC WORKERS CREDIT UNION PARTNERS WITH BAY VIEW HOSPITAL

In a bid to make premium healthcare more accessible, the Barbados Public Workers Cooperative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL) has partnered with Bayview Hospital to ease the financial burden of medical expenses for Barbadians.

Announcing the initiative during a signing ceremony at BPWCCUL’s headquarters on Thursday, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Gail Best-Niles, highlighted the growing demand for financial assistance in healthcare.

“What we have found is that more than 50 per cent of our personal loans are being used for medical procedures. Unfortunately, many Barbadians do not have health insurance, and that’s something we intend to address with our members,” she stated.

Despite efforts to educate members on the benefits of health insurance, Best-Niles noted that a significant portion still remain uninsured, making healthcare costs a persistent challenge.

Through this new partnership, BPWCCUL members will receive exclusive discounts on various medical services at Bayview Hospital, including elective surgeries and maternity care.

“Whether it’s an elective surgery or maternity services, Public Workers members can now access world-class treatment at more affordable rates,” Best-Niles explained.

Recognising that even with discounts, medical expenses can still be overwhelming, BPWCCUL will also provide financing options for medical procedures, ensuring that members receive the care they need without undue financial strain.

Business

Heart & Stroke Foundation rehabilitation programme gets a boost from RUBIS

The recovery prognosis for Barbadians affected by stroke has been boosted by a RUBIS donation of BBD $20,500 to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados in support of its stroke rehabilitation programme.

The funds will help ensure that patients receive essential physiotherapy assessments before starting rehabilitation, to receive treatment tailored to their specific needs. RUBIS Brand Marketing Specialist Mellissa Broomes said the contribution falls under the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility roadmap, which is focused on education and healthcare.

“At RUBIS, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve, and our support for the Heart & Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Rehabilitation Programme reflects our dedication to health and well-being. We are proud to contribute to this vital initiative, helping stroke patients regain strength, independence, and an improved quality of life. As the Foundation marks its 40th anniversary, our team looks forward to volunteering throughout the year and is happy to continue our strong relationship in support of its mission.”

Heart and Stroke Foundation CEO Mrs. Greta Yearwood expressed her thanks to RUBIS, noting that it strengthened a relationship dating back several years. She said the donation was timely and would go a long way towards achieving stroke rehabilitation goals.

“We offer services in rehabilitative therapy for both cardiac and stroke patients, but this donation will specifically assist with the physiotherapy for those patients suffering from stroke. Prior to joining the program, they will be able to see a physiotherapist who will be able to assess them and ensure they are receiving the specific needs for their conditions. We love working with our partners. We also look forward to RUBIS coming on board to assist us as volunteers. This is our 40^th anniversary, and there are many areas the RUBIS team can assist in, including working at our sites, attending events and even at our gym.

The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados (HSFB) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting cardiovascular health and reducing the impact of heart disease and stroke in Barbados. The HSFB raises awareness about risk factors, prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices through education, advocacy, and community programs.

The foundation offers various initiatives, including heart and stroke rehabilitation programs, CPR and first aid training, health screenings, and public awareness campaigns to encourage heart-healthy habits. Additionally, HSFB provides support services for stroke survivors and their families, helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Committed to building a healthier nation, the HSFB works closely with healthcare professionals, corporate partners, and volunteers to drive impactful change in cardiovascular care and prevention across Barbados. (PR)

Caption:

From left are Mellissa Broomes, RUBIS Brand Marketing Specialist, Greta Yearwood, CEO of Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados Inc., and Andrea Gooding, RUBIS Marketing Programs Manager