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Minister Straughn Holds Talks With IMF Mission Chief

Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, has expressed renewed confidence in the Barbados Economic and Recovery Transformation Programme (BERT).

He said Government would continue to emphasise the benefits of the programme to the entire country because it had “catalysed a whole set of access to other things beyond what we had initially anticipated”.

Minister Straughn gave the undertaking on Monday, as he, along with Minister in Economic Affairs and Investment, Senator Chad Blackman; Central Bank Governor, Dr. Kevin Greenidge; and other senior government officials met with Barbados’ International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief, Michael Perks, and his team during a staff visit at Government Headquarters.

Mr. Straughn stated: “Our job really is to ensure that the reforms continue to be implemented because they are important, and the Barbados Economic and Recovery Transformation Programme is critical to Barbados’ future success. Therefore, irrespective of what happens politically, these are the things that we have done, and will continue to do…”

The Minister pointed to the upcoming World Cup Cricket T 20 finals and other key events slated to be held in the county as a sure sign that confidence was returning in several key areas.

He assured the IMF team that Government was “even more committed today and energised to ensuring that these things happen in a timely manner”.

Mr. Straughn also reminded the team that Barbados had been removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) List of Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring, also referred to as the FATF Grey List.

He shared that there were 53 areas that needed to be addressed when they came to office in 2018. Minister Straughn said last December there was one area to be dealt with and now “Barbados is officially off the FATF list”.

He continued: “So, the EU (European Union) and those who had us on those various lists will be addressed shortly in relation to upping the compliance based on what we have done for the last five years to address some of those issues.”

The Minister also mentioned continued work with the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office to provide better business facilitation and enhanced regulation of growth.

Mr. Straughn stated that he also wants to see greater business opportunities; and the recruitment of the right skills set to ensure consistent communication among the business community to facilitate accurate reporting with regulation agencies for the exchange of information, among other things.

He also provided an update on the global minimum tax framework, the proposed Patent Box Regime to unlock opportunities to attract overseas businesses for the purpose of carrying out research and development into new products, specific internet portal related investments, and other areas.

Meanwhile, Dr. Greenidge gave a report card on the island’s economic performance saying that the island had met all of its targets at the end of last year.

He added that the economy grew by 4.5 per cent last year and this was “on top of the 13.2 per cent the year before. So, we are back to our pre-COVID levels…slightly bigger in nominal and real terms. There are some areas like agriculture, manufacturing, and the changing business model of one of our major players – the Arawak Cement Company”.

He continued: “But generally, our unemployment level is one of the lowest…. In fact, the only time it was that low was when we did the Kensington Oval for World Cup in 2007, and ironically this year, we are doing some investment in that area, so we expect that to support strong growth.”

Mr. Perks congratulated the Government of Barbados on being removed from the FATF Grey List, deeming it a “major achievement”. “Even though the public may not really understand it, the board feels really strong about it, so that was a big thing,” he underlined. (PR/GIS)

CAPTION: Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment, Ryan Straughn, speaking at yesterday’s meeting with new IMF mission Chief, Michael Perks at Government Headquarters while Minister in Economic Affairs and Investment, Senator Chad Blackman (right), Central Bank Governor, Dr. Kevin Greenidge (third from right); and other senior government officials, look on.

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The Confucius Institute Successfully Hosts 24th International Chinese Bridge Competition

On Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, the Confucius Institute at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, hosted its annual Chinese Bridge Competition. Held at the Confucius Institute building, this prestigious event provides a platform for Chinese language students to showcase and enhance their linguistic and cultural skills while deepening their understanding of China’s rich heritage.

*Secondary School participant, Davesha Chassang performing a traditional Chinese dance*

The competition featured three categories—Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary levels—allowing students to demonstrate their abilities through speeches, cultural knowledge quizzes, and performances in traditional Chinese art forms. Participants represented schools and institutions across Barbados that have partnered with the Confucius Institute to deliver Chinese language instruction to Barbadian students.

Distinguished Panel of Judges

The competition was evaluated by an esteemed panel including: a representative from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Kerri-Ann Haynes-Knight representing the Office of the Principal UWI Cave Hill, Ms. Philomena Lee from the Chinese Association of Barbados, Ms. Sabrina Hoyte representing the Barbados-China Returned Scholars Association, Professor Nie Lu (Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute), and Dr. Ché Corbin (Local Director of the Confucius Institute).

*Winners of the Secondary school competition pictured with judges*

Record Participation and Innovation

This year’s competition achieved unprecedented growth, with significant increases in Primary and Secondary school participation. Secondary school participants rose to 10 students—a five-fold increase from last year’s 2 participants—while Primary school entries grew from 12 to 15 students. The Tertiary level featured two accomplished participants.

*Primary school participants receiving certificates from Judges*

The competition also showcased remarkable diversity in talent performances, with several notable firsts including food preparation demonstrations, traditional dressmaking, and a captivating Guzheng performance at the Primary level. Both judges and audience members were impressed by the artistry and confidence displayed by the young competitors, reflecting not only the students’ dedication but also the Institute’s committed investment in their development.

Recognition and Encouragement

Following the performances, speeches, and quizzes, all participants received prizes and certificates in recognition of their achievements. The judging panel addressed the students, encouraging continued language study and emphasizing the valuable opportunities that Chinese language proficiency can provide. Special commendation was given to the Institute’s teachers and students’ parents for their unwavering support and guidance.

Acknowledgments

The Confucius Institute extends its gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for their continued support of the Chinese Bridge Competition and the promotion of Chinese language and culture in Barbados. The Institute also congratulates all participating students and wishes the competition winners success as they advance to represent Barbados in the global competition in China later this year.

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Eleven St. John Recipients Receive Pride Of Barbados Awards

Eleven persons from St. John who have contributed substantially to the development of the parish and its residents over the years have received Pride of Barbados Awards.

The St. John honourees were presented with their insignias by President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason yesterday morning at State House. President Mason thanked the awardees for their dedication and acts towards the development of her ‘home’ parish and encouraged them to continue their efforts.

The fifth batch of honourees receiving insignias, as part of the We Gatherin’ 2025 initiative, were: Richard Arthur, Pearson Bellamy, J.P., Neville Bridgeman, Sonia Burgess-Haynes, Dr. Keisha Gustave, Samantha Haynes, J.P., De Andra Howard, Myrtle Husbands, Roland Waithe, Dale Lashley and Diaspora Awardee Lennox Llewellyn Padmore.

Areas for which the awardees were recognised included humanitarianism and philanthropy; lifelong dedicated service to the Codrington Estate; leadership; excellence in public health; community empowerment; educating and mentoring young people; promoting sporting excellence; and agriculture.

Following the ceremony, three awardees shared with the media their reaction to being recipients of the Pride of Barbados Award.

Pearson Bellamy, J.P., age 83, is a former teacher, meteorologist and government printer. He was recognised for being a steward of culture, a guardian of truth, and a living archive for his dedicated service as a community griot and cultural icon.

“I’m happy to be honoured today. Thank God that He’s given me the privilege to…receive this honour this morning,” Mr. Bellamy stated.

He added: “For the past 63 years, I’ve been working with the youth, with the old, and with everybody else with respect to drama, folk singing, music, and I was president of a number of organisations in St. John. And I’m happy to share that as long as I have strength and the energy, I will continue to do so.”

Eighty-year-old Shopkeeper Myrtle Husbands said: “I am very humble and grateful to the Government and people of St. John.”

She is known for her invaluable contributions to improving the lives of the disadvantaged, uplifting the vulnerable, protecting and providing refuge to battered women and hope to underprivileged children, as well as fostering a more caring and cohesive community in Colleton, St. John.

When asked what drives her to assist others, she responded: “I think it’s just me … it comes natural. When I see people in need, I help them. If I see people, you know, like disadvantaged, I try to give them any assistance that I can.”

She advised younger persons in the community to put God first in their lives and to help any person in need.

Meanwhile, De Andra Howard, a 42-year-old teacher at the Mount Tabor Primary, expressed her surprise and delight at being awarded. “It feels amazing,” she remarked.

She has been awarded for her leadership, creativity and unswerving commitment to community development, promoting the Rights of the Child and fostering Health and Family Life Education, as well as national anti-violence initiatives. Ms. Howard emphasised the importance of hard work and perseverance.

“You know, sometimes you work hard behind the scenes and you say you’re never going to be recognised. But as I always say to my students and to the young people that I inspire, work hard and someday it will pay off, somebody will recognise you.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason (centre) poses with ten of the Pride of Barbados Awardees from St. John at State House

Local

Road Rehabilitation Of Eagle Hall Road

The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) will carry out road rehabilitation on Eagle Hall Road in St. Michael from the Eagle Hall traffic lights to the Lower Bank Hall traffic lights, under its Focused Roads Programme.

Starting Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Infra Construction Inc. will dig test pits along this road between 8:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. During this time, the road will be reduced to one lane. Test pits are a crucial preparatory step in road rehabilitation as they provide critical information about the road’s subbase.

Infra Construction Inc. will begin road rehabilitation on Monday, June 9, 2025, and will continue for approximately eight weeks from 8:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The scope of work includes excavation, deep milling, sidewalk as well as slipper and kerb repairs, and paving. During this time, the road will be closed. More details will be provided closer to the start date.

MTW and Infra Construction Inc. apologise for the inconvenience and thank businesses, residents, and motorists for their understanding and cooperation. (PR/GIS)