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Millie Ifill Fish Market At Weston, St. James Re-Opens

The Millie Ifill Fish Market facility, at Weston, St. James, reopened on Saturday after receiving a BDS $2.7 million upgrade, thanks to the Barbados Port Inc. (BPI).

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the BPI began upgrading the facility designed by Architectural Designer & Project Manager, Rianne Greaves, in May 2023. Completion of the state-of-the-art vending and fish processing disabled-friendly building occurred in July 2024.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, under whose portfolio the BPI falls, noted that similar to other large-scale community developmental projects, the Millie Ifill Fish Market project is expected to demonstrate a high level of benefits, including enhanced social experiences for residents and visitors, and improved infrastructural development.

He added that the initiative is part of a wider undertaking of Government to upgrade the island’s fishing facilities.

“We hope that this building will serve as a beacon of inspiration to a new generation of workers in the fishing industry, and a testament to this Government’s commitment to upgrading fishing facilities in line with the requisite standards that support fish handling and the retail of fresh catches to the domestic, hospitality, packaging, and distributing sectors,” Mr. Gooding-Edghill stated.

He also highlighted other initiatives under the BPI’s Social Responsibility Programme, including the renovation of the Speightstown Jetty, the Pile Bay Fishing Facility, the Bridgetown Port Fire Station, and the Shallow Draught Marina.

The Minister encouraged users of the facility to be forerunners in the maintenance of the property and upkeep of equipment.

Minister of the Environment, National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, Adrian Forde; Member of Parliament for the area, Edmund Hinkson; and Chief Fisheries Officer, Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, agreed with Minister Gooding-Edghill that it was important for those using the facility assist with its maintenance and care the equipment.

Dr. Cox said the upgraded Millie Ifill Fish Market in Weston stands out in the community “as a diamond on the West, not only aesthetically pleasing but fit for purpose”.

She added: “This world-class facility raises the profile and catalyses the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. In our thrust towards aspiring to excellence and promoting seafood quality assurance in the post-harvest sector, this building epitomises the highest standard of excellence. It is outfitted with the amenities and equipment to support the processing and sale of good quality fish and promote the improvement of sanitary measures. The facility also provides a space to encourage social interaction and a hub for fisherfolk and members of the Weston Fisherfolk and Community Organisation.”

The upgraded facility, constructed by Empire Building and Construction, boasts a main office, shutters, an ice machine, a chiller room, a walk-in freezer, a high-tech security system, fish offal storage, a public toilet with disabled provisions, a public shower, separate fish retail and processing areas, vendors bathrooms with showers, a lunchroom, and improved sidewalk with disabled access.

The facility is named after former centenarian and well-known fish vendor Millicent Ifill, who touched many lives in the Weston, St. James community. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Member of Parliament, St. James North, Edmund Hinkson and Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, unveil a plaque to commemorate the reopening of the Millie Ifill Fish market facility on Saturday, while Ministers Chad Blackman and Adrian Forde and government officials look on.

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)

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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