Education

Inaugural FCCA Foundation’s Owen Arthur Scholarship Fund

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Member Lines has announced that Barbados is the first Caribbean country to receive its Owen Arthur Scholarship Fund.

The scholarship, named in honour of former Prime Minister of Barbados, the late Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, is an initiative of the FCCA’s Foundation charitable arm. It is intended to support the educational efforts of future generations throughout the Caribbean.

The scholarship also seeks to honour the memory of Professor Arthur, whose work, according to Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, played an instrumental role in developing partnerships that fostered the growth of the cruise industry as it is known today.

The US $25,000 Owen Arthur Scholarship Fund will be awarded annually in different destinations to either an educational institution or a non-profit organisation. Each year, the winning country will be announced at the FCCA’s Foundation Dinner, at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in April.

Persons interested in applying for the scholarship fund should email Belle Holder at belleh@visitbarbados.org. The forms for the grant will also be sent to tertiary institutions of learning.

Minister Gooding-Edghill said he was honoured and excited that Barbados was the first recipient of the “groundbreaking” scholarship.

“I am pleased to announce that today marks the official launch of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Foundation’s inaugural Owen Arthur Scholarship. I offer heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association on behalf of the Government, and certainly the Arthur family and the Ministry of Tourism.

“The introduction of the FCCA inaugural Owen Arthur Scholarship is therefore, in great measure, an extension of the close relationships cultivated between Barbados and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association. The funding available through this scholarship presents a significant opportunity for deserving entities to receive the necessary financial aid to continue the groundwork previously started,” he stated.

Mr. Gooding-Edghill added that Barbados looks forward to continuing working with the FCCA, as the island seeks to be the leading southern Caribbean porting destination.

FCCA’s Chief Executive Officer, Michele Paige, who created the scholarship, said: “The Owen Arthur Scholarship Fund was created to honour a man who created the ability for the FCCA Member Lines and the Caribbean to come together to communicate. He had the vision to be able to have us work together and that is why we are so proud to have this scholarship in his name.”

Also present for the FCCA’s Foundation’s Owen Arthur Scholarship launch was the wife of the late Professor Arthur, Julie Arthur; his daughter, Sabina Worrell-Wood; and other BTMI officials.

Mrs. Arthur said: “As a family, we are truly humbled by this. The FCCA’s vision to honour my late husband is commendable. They would have recognised his work and his contribution towards the cruise industry, and we are truly grateful for that. And it is our desire, as a family, to keep his legacy alive wherever possible.” (PR/GIS)

Education

Three Schools Honoured For Championing Health Initiatives

Three schools have been recognised for their efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles through the implementation of the Barbados School Nutrition Policy (BSNP).

George Lamming Primary, St. Giles Primary, and The Rock Christian School were honoured by the BSNP Implementation Committee during a special ceremony on Wednesday at the George Lamming Primary School, in Welches, St. Michael.

The overall winner, George Lamming Primary, and the two other schools, each received $4,000 in vouchers to support their health-focused initiatives.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, commended the schools for their leadership, highlighting the significance of turning policy into action.

“This is one of those moments where we must reward, appreciate, and acknowledge progress…. We are moving in the right direction. It’s one thing for policymakers to develop ideas on paper, but it’s in moments like these that we see policy come alive and truly transform lives…. You’re proving that good health begins with each of us,” Mr. Ishmael said.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, also praised the students and school communities for their dedication.

“Winning isn’t just about trophies or prizes, it’s about the teamwork, the creativity, and the commitment you’ve shown in reshaping your school environment. Your participation sets an example that will inspire not just your classmates, but your families and communities to live healthier lives. This is just the beginning of your journey – keep making smart, healthy choices,” Dr. Archer-Bradshaw stated.

The event was also attended by PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, other officials and stakeholders involved in the policy’s rollout, principals, teachers, and students.

The BSNP Committee applauded the schools for fostering healthier environments, underscoring the importance of early intervention in addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases. The initiative forms part of a national effort to promote wellness and improve long-term health outcomes for Barbadian youth. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister of State in Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael; Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw; PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Amalia Del Reigo, as well as officials and stakeholders involved in the School Nutrition Policy, pose with students and principals of the George Lamming Primary; St. Giles Primary; and The Rock Christian School, at the ceremony

Education

Immigration Webinar For Students Wishing To Study In Canada

Barbadians interested in pursuing studies in Canada are invited to participate in the online Immigration Seminar of the Consulate General of Barbados, in Toronto.

The Consulate, as part of its annual activities to observe National Heroes Day, is hosting a week of activities, and the key event will be the Immigration Seminar tomorrow Thursday, April 24, at 6:00 p.m.

Over the past 12 months, there have been significant changes to the requirements and processes for obtaining an international student visa. As a result, the seminar will focus on the recent changes to the entry requirements for international students coming to Canada to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Prospective students, as well as parents, guardians, guidance counsellors, school teachers and principals, who have a vested interest in obtaining the most up-to-date and accurate information to make the most informed choice from the available study options, are encouraged to participate in the online seminar.

Alana Alleyne, a barrister and solicitor, will cover areas such as the latest changes to international student visas, eligibility criteria for student visas, requirements for postgraduate work permits, and changes to eligibility for spousal work permits. (PR/GIS)

Education

Information Session For Teachers Keen On Working In USA

Primary school teachers interested in working in the United States of America (USA) are invited to an upcoming Information Session, tomorrow Thursday, April 24.

The session will be hosted in the Main Conference Room of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St. Michael, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The initiative is being facilitated by the Ministry, in partnership with the Barbados Employment and Career Counselling Service, the Barbados Union of Teachers, and Participate Learning, a USA recruitment firm.

During the event, Participate Learning will share important information on the application and recruitment processes, as well as on working in the USA. (PR/GIS)