Business

Ministry of Environment and National Beautification partnered with Atlantis Submarines and hosted Grantley Adams Memorial School

The Shallow-draught, Bridgetown, Barbados- Under the theme “Living Sustainably…Reduce Plastics Pollution to Protect our Blue Economy”., Atlantis Submarines and the Ministry of Environment reestablished its long-standing partnership focused on environmental education, for World Environment day. “ In the early days Atlantis Submarines depended on the Ministry to provide guidance on relevant information of how coral reefs formed and why they are important to incorporate into the Atlantis Submarines School’s program called the Living classroom” General Manager Roseanne Myers, reminisced with Environmental Education Officer Donna King Brathwaite, who were both involved at that time. “The Living classroom program is still operating 36 years after its inception and has seen thousands of children from private and public schools benefit. Today, June 5th, our interaction with the Ministry will not only benefit the students but also sharpen the knowledge of the staff”

Minister of Environment Adrian Forde led the team from the Ministry in interacting with the students of Grantley Adams Memorial to transform the submarine tour into an active learning experience while fully submerged underwater. Tips on why plastics can affect the blue and green economy and how an individual can make a positive impact were shared. The students from Grantley Adams Memorial were led by Principal Major Andrew Skeete and his senior teaching staff, as he had readily agreed to the participation of the forty-six fifth-year students being able to hear from the experts and to interact with Minister Forde himself as he delivered the highlights of his World Environment Day message.

Atlantis Submarines facilitated the presentation of fruit trees donated by the Ministry’s National Conservation Commission to be planted at the school as part of Barbados’ effort to plant one million trees which started prior to the pandemic. It is also a reminder to the children that they can actively make a difference at school and at home and that what we do on land can affect the ocean. Increasing our trees helps prevent soil erosion as well as replenishes the air we breathe and fruit helps us to feed ourselves. The officials from the Ministry outlined the reason for and meaning of the theme adopted here and coincides with the UN World Environment Day theme, fighting plastic pollution, which was further contextualized for Barbados – addressing plastic pollution and being cognizant of the deleterious effects of plastic on the terrestrial and marine environment of Barbados. Mrs. King – Brathwaite further pointed out ‘The living sustainable theme has been in use by the ministry for over 10 years. In celebrating environment month, the theme reminds us that if we are to have sustainable lifestyles and achieve sustainable development as a small island developing state, we must take positive action as it relates to our environment. Reducing plastic pollution can make a tremendous difference”

The Ministry will be raising awareness all month long and Atlantis Submarines will be hosting schools throughout the period and posting messages via social media. The Atlantis Submarines Operations Manager, Robert Hinds also made available one of the PVC “trees”, to be used to establish its coral nursery, which the team will keep the school abreast of. It demonstrates the power of reuse of an item that can be difficult to dispose of by putting it to long-term use for the good of the environment. Throughout the day, it was made clear that though we speak of the Blue Economy to bring focus to the marine environment, as a Small Island Developing State, we must note that there can be no real separation between Green Economy and Blue Economy, given that they are pathways to sustainable development and that as an island, we must always be aware of the impacts that our negative behaviors can have on both the marine and terrestrial resources, almost at the same time.

As the students interacted with the Atlantis Submarines team and listened to the messaging from the Ministry, they were challenged to consider the idea that sustainable consumption and production can eventually help us to reduce our destructive activities and support wise resource use with an immediate focus on reducing plastics in their school and home environment.(PR)

Business

GALA DINNER CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY

The Light & Power Employees Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (LPECCUL) marked an impressive milestone on Saturday night, hosting a memorable 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Accra Hotel. The evening was a celebration of history, resilience, and growth, honouring LPECCUL’s four decades of commitment to financial empowerment and community service in Barbados.

Guests arriving at the gala were greeted with the warm sounds of steelpan music by Ms. Allana Goodridge, a graduate and former junior member of the credit union, who set an elegant tone for the evening. The festivities were expertly guided by Master of Ceremonies Paula Palmer, who delighted the crowd with a mix of exciting prizes and giveaways sponsored by Stade’s Distillery Visitor Centre.

A highlight of the evening was the special achievement award presentation by Mr. Anton Lovell, CEO of Co-Operators General Insurance Company Limited. Mr. Lovell recognised LPECCUL for its outstanding success and commended the longstanding partnership between the two institutions, underscoring the strength of their collaboration.

The evening’s keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Trevor Browne, a founding member of LPECCUL, delivered a compelling speech on the origins of the credit union. He shared insights into its formation, early challenges, and eventual growth, citing the various business ventures and investments made over the years. Lt. Col. Browne emphasized the importance of credit unions in Barbados expanding their focus to attract and support younger members, highlighting the value of investing in youth-led businesses as a way forward.

Closing the event, LPECCUL President Sheena Edwards delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks. She expressed deep appreciation to the evening’s special guests, including representatives from credit unions across Barbados, eight of LPECCUL’s original 40 founding members: Anthony Seale, Charles Holder, Donald Hoyte, Oliver Jones, Ian Bridgeman, Julie Alleyne, Keith Burnett and Lt. Col. Trevor Browne, and former company manager Curtis Smith. She also extended her gratitude to the dedicated LPECCUL staff, The Light & Power Employees Co-operative Credit Union Ltd.whose hard work and commitment have been instrumental to the credit union’s enduringsuccess.

The 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner was a celebration not only of LPECCUL’s history but also of its ongoing mission to inspire financial independence and support the community. As LPECCUL continues to innovate and expand its services, the credit union remains committed to fostering financial success for all members.(PR)

Business

Barbados To Host Regional Economic Conference

Local, regional, and international economics, finance, and development experts will gather in Barbados from November 6 to 8, 2024, for the 55th Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC).

The event, which the Central Bank of Barbados is co-hosting with the Caribbean Economic Research Team (CERT), will be held under the theme: “Macroeconomic Management in an Era of Polycrises.”

“We are living at a time when our islands face multiple issues, ranging from high debt levels to climate change, to an aging population to geo-political tensions such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas conflict,” Director of Communications, Information, and Outreach at the Central Bank, Novaline Brewster, said.

“Each of these on its own would represent a challenge. Combined, they could threaten the stability of our economies and the livelihoods of our citizens. The AMSC gives us an opportunity to bring together some of the leading minds to share their insights and offer research-based approaches to addressing these various crises.”

Ms. Brewster revealed that to complement the more technical sessions, on the second day of the conference, November 7, at 4:00 p.m., American economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs will deliver the 37th Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, the topic for which will be the same as the conference’s theme.

“In addition to the Adlith Brown lecture, we will be hosting a panel discussion entitled: “The Role of Central Banks in Facilitating the Mobilisation of Regional Investment for Development Support” on the final day, November 8, at 10:15 a.m. The panel for that event will comprise several of our regional central bank governors,” she revealed.

Both the panel discussion and the lecture will be livestreamed on the Central Bank of Barbados’ Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Central Bank of Barbados will host the 63rd gathering of this group as Barbados’ Governor, Dr. Kevin Greenidge, is the current Chair of the committee. (PR/GIS)

Business

Barbados to Host Regional Economic Conference

Local, regional, and international economics, finance, and development experts will gather in Barbados from November 6 to 8, 2024 for the 55th Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC). The event, which the Central Bank of Barbados is co-hosting with the Caribbean Economic Research Team (CERT), will be held under the theme “Macroeconomic Management in an Era of Polycrises.” “We are living at a time when our islands face multiple issues, ranging from high debt levels to climate change to an aging population to geo-political tensions such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas conflict,” said Novaline Brewster, Director of Communications, Information, and Outreach at the Central Bank. “Each of these on its own would represent a challenge. Combined, they could threaten the stability of our economies and the livelihoods of our citizens. The AMSC gives us an opportunity to bring together some of the leading minds to share their insights and offer research-based approaches to addressing these various crises.”

The three-day conference will feature sessions related to financial development and financial stability, adjusting to climate change, digital innovations and transformation, regional integration and governance, and regional economic development. Brewster revealed that to complement the more technical sessions, on the second day of the conference, November 7, at 4:00 p.m., American economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs will deliver the 37th Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, the topic for which will be the same as the conference theme. “In addition to the Adlith Brown lecture, we will be hosting a panel discussion entitled “The Role of Central Banks in Facilitating the Mobilisation of Regional Investment for Development Support” on the final day, November 8, at 10:15 a.m. The panel for that event will comprise several of our regional central bank governors.” Both the panel discussion and the lecture will be livestreamed on the Central Bank of Barbados’ Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The Annual Monetary Studies Conference, the oldest academic conference of economists in the Caribbean, is held in a different territory each year to coincide with the second of the Bi-Annual Meetings of the CARICOM Committee of Central Bank Governors. Central Bank of Barbados will host the 63rd gathering of this group as Barbados Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge is the current Chair of the committee.