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Message from Senator the Hon Lisa Cummins, Minister of Energy and Business on World Accreditation Day

June 9th 2023 marks World Accreditation Day, a global initiative established by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) to promote the value of accreditation. This year’s theme ‘Accreditation: Supporting the Future of Global Trade’, focuses on how accreditation supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), playing a crucial role in ensuring quality, reliability, and trust in the global marketplace.

It is not only a facilitator of trade but also a catalyst for sustainable development, as reflected in the SDGs, which provide a roadmap for building a better future. We recognize that accreditation is intricately linked to several of these goals in many ways, including helping to alleviate poverty by enabling businesses to access global markets, generate income, and create employment opportunities, thus contributing to poverty reduction.

In Barbados one of the country’s priorities is food safety and quality standards being met. Through fostering trust in agricultural and food supply chains, accreditation promotes access to safe and nutritious food for all. Accredited medical laboratories, testing facilities, and healthcare institutions help safeguard public health by ensuring accurate diagnostics, reliable treatments, and the provision of safe healthcare services, thus supporting good health and well-being among our citizens.

As it relates to gender equality, accreditation also promotes gender equality by providing equal opportunities for female-owned businesses to participate in international trade, supporting their economic empowerment and fostering inclusive growth. An environment that drives economic growth by enhancing the competitiveness of businesses, fosters innovation, and promotes fair trade practices, that create decent work opportunities and sustainable economic development is also desired.

Part of the economic strategy includes the development of robust and reliable infrastructure, encouraging investment, innovation, and technological advancements, which are all essential for inclusive and sustainable industrialization. It is recognized that in order to reduce inequalities in our business environment, we have to ensure that products, services, and systems meet the same quality standards, regardless of geographical location, thus creating a level playing field for businesses.

Surrounded by the ocean, there are many unexploited possibilities for the sustainable utilization of our marine environment, supported by ensuring that accredited testing and monitoring bodies provide accurate assessments of water quality and environmental impact. Accreditation also fosters collaboration and partnerships among governments, businesses, and other stakeholders.

On this World Accreditation Day, let us recognize the profound impact and invaluable role of accreditation in supporting the SDGs. Together, we can leverage accreditation as a powerful tool to promote economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability.

I commend the efforts of the board of directors, management and staff of the Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI) and all stakeholders involved in promoting accreditation. Let us continue working collaboratively to advance the goals of sustainable development, ensuring a prosperous and inclusive future for Barbados and the global community.

Join me in celebration of World Accreditation Day, with a shared commitment to building a sustainable and equitable world and transforming our lovely island nation. (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