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Heroes’ Day Activities

The selfless contributions of the island’s National Heroes will be given greater prominence this year when the parishes stage a number of activities, in observance of National Heroes Day.

The celebrations, a joint initiative between the Community Independence Celebrations Secretariat and the Division of Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office, will be held from Thursday, April 27, to Tuesday, May 2. They are aimed at building a sense of nationalism, volunteerism, and nationhood across the island, as part of the Season of Emancipation.

In celebration of the Right Excellent Charles Duncan O’Neal, residents in St. Lucy will stage a Parish Day dooflicky on Saturday, April 29, at the St. Lucy’s Parish Church car park from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Right Excellent Sir Frank Walcott, an international figure in trade unionism, and known for his forceful yet reasonable negotiation skills, will be celebrated by St. Peter with the unveiling of a Monument to the Heroes of St. Peter at the BTI car park on Friday, April 28, starting at 10:00 a.m.

On Sunday, April 30, there will be a lecture to honour Sir Frank at the Speightstown Branch Library, beginning at 6:00 p.m. It will be delivered by historian and veteran trade unionist, Robert Morris.

The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers will be the toast of St. James when a 20/20 cricket match in his honour is held at the Hoyte’s Village Pavilion, on Saturday, April 29, from 7:00 p.m.

School children from Arthur Smith and St. Lawrence Primary Schools, all in Christ Church, will mount pictorial and written displays on Thursday, April 27, to recognise their chosen hero – The Right Excellent Sarah Ann Gill, Barbados’ first heroine.

The activities commence at 11:15 a.m. at Arthur Smith, St. Matthias, and 1:00 p.m. at St. Lawrence Primary School, St. Lawrence Main Road. On Saturday, April 29, there will be an unveiling of a bench at the Hawthorn Methodist Church Daycare, Worthing, Christ Church.

Night of the Griots is the theme chosen by St. Philip to reflect on The Right Excellent Bussa, who led the April 1816 revolt against oppressive white planters. The activity will be held at Princess Margaret Secondary School, Six Roads, on Sunday, April 30, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Other activities include: an educational visit to Coco Hill Forest, St. Joseph, on Thursday, April 27, starting at 10:30 a.m., in recognition of the work of the island’s first Premier, The Right Excellent Sir Grantley Adams; a career showcase at the St. George Secondary School, in honour of The Right Excellent Samuel Jackman Prescod starting at 9:00 a.m.

There will also be a memorial church service on Tuesday, May 2, at the St. Andrew Parish Church, commencing at 10:00 a.m., to recognise the work of Barbados’ third Governor General, The Right Excellent Sir Hugh Springer, and a lecture at the Lester Vaughan School, in memory of The Right Excellent Clement Payne, a pioneer in the trade union movement on National Heroes Day. The lecture begins at 5:00 p.m. (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