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Henry Forde and David Simmons Legal and Judicial Complex Opened

Modern legislation for the protection of children will be going to Parliament shortly.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley shared this news as she delivered the keynote address at the Official Reopening and Renaming Ceremony of the Old Supreme Court Complex, last Friday night. The building now bears the name – Henry Forde and David Simmons Legal and Judicial Complex, after two of Barbados’ outstanding legal luminaries and former Attorneys General.

Ms. Mottley told her audience: “I’m happy that between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of People Empowerment, both Ministers…will soon be in a position to deliver to the Parliament of Barbados modernised legislation for the handling of the protection of children, and justice related to children in this country. It has taken too long for us to reach this point but alas, we are at that point where a Bill can become an Act….”

During her wide-ranging address, the Prime Minister said former Attorney General and Chief Justice, Sir David Simmons, had done a significant amount of work to ensure that the journey of penal reform was started.

“But we must now go further. And to that extent, I hope, Attorney General, that we will be in a position to ensure that criminal penalties are reserved for those who commit crime, and that we stop fining and confining for every regulatory breach in this country because it takes away from the seriousness of what the penalty of imprisonment ought to mean in this country….

“There must be other ways for us to ensure that people can pay their penalties without necessarily depriving them, and by extension their families, from a source of living in order to be able to sustain them as they go forward,” she stated.

Ms. Mottley said Government had boosted and would continue to boost the resources of The Barbados Police Service. She added that a framework had been settled on, to ensure that the needed institutional strengthening in the Service was carried out as a matter of urgency.

“There are many opportunities for those of you who want to serve in The Barbados Police Service…. I hope…that many more Barbadians will see this as a viable career as we go forward,” she stated.

*From left to right*: former Attorney General and Chief Justice, Sir David Simmons; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley; former Attorney General Sir Henry Forde; Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham; and current Attorney General Dale Marshall, at the Official Reopening and Renaming Ceremony of the Old Supreme Court Complex, last Friday night. (T. Barker/BGIS)

The Prime Minister said Sir Henry Forde and Sir David Simmons had spent more than 50 years practising law and empowering ordinary Barbadians, and were indeed deserving of the honour.

After sharing important history about the Coleridge Street, St. Michael site dating back to the 1700’s, Attorney General Dale Marshall said it was imperative that the buildings be brought back into service.

Mr. Marshall disclosed that the new complex would house the Community Legal Services Commission; the Law Reform Commission; the Coroner’s Court; the Traffic Court, and two District Criminal Courts. He added that the Old Town Hall would be completed next March, and it would accommodate facilities for Alternate Dispute Resolution, and the Employment Rights Tribunal, among others.

“The completion of this Complex has provided a face-lift for this part of Bridgetown and complements the significant work that was undertaken on the old Jewish Synagogue, a stone’s throw away,” he noted.

Describing Sir Henry and Sir David as “two titans”, Mr. Marshall surmised: “Each served this country faithfully, and with aplomb as our Attorney General. I have personally benefited from their sage advice and drawn from their depth of experience and intellect. Barbados owes you both a debt of gratitude….”

In his remarks, Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham, noted that Sir Henry and Sir David represented excellence. He said he knew both of them from his early days at the Bar, and opined that they populated the statute book with new, exciting and thoughtful legislation. (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