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Kerriesha Skeete Is Third Peace Ambassador

The selfless act of saving a man in distress on a bus in November, landed Kerriesha Kimberley Skeete with a Bravery Medal, presented to her by President of Barbados, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, during the Independence Day Parade on November 30.

The very next day, for her Act of Random Kindness, the 16-year old was presented with the Peace Ambassador title – the highest award from the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (METVT) under its Schools’ Positive Behavioural Management Programme (SPBMP).

The presentation was made by Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, at the Frederick Smith Secondary School, Trents, St. James, where Kerriesha is a student.

Young Kerriesha, the third ambassador awarded for this year, and fifth since the SPBMP embarked on the award scheme, was a bit surprised but grateful to be awarded with the designation “Peace Ambassador 2022” title.

After receiving the Peace Ambassador sash and reciting the oath, Kerriesha told media representatives she planned to work towards putting a stop to bullying.

Pointing out that she had been a victim of bullying, herself, and because of being overweight, she stressed: “I’ll like to stop it; not only just at school but hopefully everywhere… and I really do not like it. I really don’t like it because it happens a lot.”

Kerriesha’s recognition came as a result of her act of rushing to the assistance of an elderly gentleman who was having a seizure on a public service vehicle and performing first aid.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, in commending Kerriesha, said there was still some good in the schools. “There is a lot of good in our schools and our young children, and our students need to see positive examples so that they can emulate the behaviours that can conduce to well-being,” she stated.

While challenging students at Frederick Smith Secondary School to look at the positive examples set by all peace ambassadors and ask themselves what good they too could do, she stressed it was all about doing good. She also praised Kerriesha for putting into practice the lessons taught by her cosmetology teacher, Tahirah Payne.

Dr. Archer-Bradshaw said: “Children, you never ever know when the things that you learn in school, and at home as well, can come together in a way that you can help someone or that you can help yourself. This tells us that all that you have gained from school or that you are gaining, you should cherish. Always listen to your teachers and your principals. They are not going to put you wrong. Your parents, your guardians, they are not going to put you wrong.”

While emphasizing that they were in school to learn values, attitudes and skills, the Chief Education Officer said: “I encourage you therefore to demonstrate positive attitudes, show that you have values because it is my belief and the belief of the Ministry of Education and the Minister that all of you can be Peace Ambassadors.”

The designation of the METVT’s Peace Ambassador is the highest award given to any student between the ages of 10 and 18 years old. To be assigned such, a student should have demonstrated a positive action of national significance.

On June 17, 12-year old Emmanuel Cherubin of St. Leonard’s Boys’ School was awarded the second Peace Ambassador title for 2022, for his act of bravery in saving an elderly man from drowning on Easter Monday, April 18.

He followed in the footsteps of 13-year-old, Najari Chase of Deighton Griffith Secondary School, who was awarded the title on Friday, April 8, for an act of honesty towards a British visitor. (Pic credit CBC)

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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