Local

MESSAGE FOR WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY 2024

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) welcomes you to join us as we celebrate World Meteorological Day under the theme: At the frontlines of climate action.

As the national entity for issuing forecast and alerts for the various Meteorological and Hydrological hazards that affect our small island and marine space, we understand the BMS’ very critical role in addressing the impacts of climate change.

The BMS has extensively improved its observational and modelling capacity over the past five years as we seek to provide our country with more impacts focused alerts and improve accuracy of forecast.

The introduction of over 90 Automatic Weather Stations across the island, has enabled us to provide information on meteorological variables such as rainfall and temperature changes across the island for every parish.

Flash-floods are no strangers to Barbados and the installation of water level sensors at some of our waterways enables us to provide valuable information on the height of flood waters at a few locations, while providing data on how effective current mitigation efforts have been. These sensors also give us the ability to measure changes in tidal variations along some of our coastlines.

Going beyond land observations, the BMS has introduced four unmanned sea-surface drones to capture marine data and information on tropical systems that pose a threat to this island nation. Data from all of these instruments are not only meant to feed our forecast models, therefore providing even more accurate predictions but also to build future datasets for research and verification on the changes experienced on a local scale.

Understanding the impacts from systems that have impacted Barbados in recent years, such as Tropical Storm Bret in 2023 and Hurricane Elsa in 2021, the Met Services’ push towards tackling climate change and the increasing variability also involves an active engagement with our stakeholders and the wider community.

By engaging in conversations with the public, the BMS is in a position to provide more tailored, sector specific forecast and climate services and communicate meteorological information more effectively. Our engagement with the media ensures that alerts reach all members of society, regardless of vulnerabilities.

In keeping with its outreach initiative, the BMS commenced celebrations for World Meteorological Day this year with a Church Service and a coastal hike on March 17. Celebrations will culminate on Saturday, March 23, (World Meteorological Day) with an Expo held at its Charnocks, Christ Church location from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This Expo will give a tour of the BMS Operations office with insight into the department’s equipment, including its 3D Printed Stations and Sea Surface Drones along with its forecasting models. It will also feature exhibitions from various partnering agencies such as the Barbados Water Authority, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre and the Department of Emergency Management, to name a few. Running concurrently, will be a Scavenger Hunt from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for the adventure lovers.

We welcome you all to come out and enjoy the activities as you learn about our weather, water and climate and interact with staff of the Met Office. This is a wonderful opportunity for all, as we stand together at the frontlines of climate action.

Local

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.

Local

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)

Local

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