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MOU Signed To Enhance Cooperation On Integrated Disaster Risk Management

A new landmark agreement to enhance cooperation on integrated disaster risk management was signed today between the European Union and national and regional actors.

Development of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was led by the European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Department, and supported by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. It brought together governmental, inter-governmental, and non-governmental organisations for negotiations, starting in 2023.

Shortly before the signing, Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, told the gathering that effective disaster risk management contributes to sustainable development, and the reduction of disaster risk may be considered as a cost-effective investment in preventing future losses.

“Barbados and by extension the entire region welcome the accelerated international cooperation to advance our disaster risk management and resilience agendas. The European Union has a wealth of experience, expertise, and resources in disaster management, emergency response mechanisms, capacity building and early warning systems.

“Similarly, the LAC (Latin America and Caribbean) region possesses invaluable knowledge and insights garnered from years of grappling with disasters. By pooling strengths and sharing best practices with the European Union, Barbados and the Caribbean neighbours all stand to benefit significantly from these lessons learnt over time,” Mr. Abrahams stated.

He noted that the EU has signalled its intention to invest over US$47 million in humanitarian aid to enhance disaster preparedness in Latin America and the Caribbean region. He added that the money was intended to address urgent humanitarian needs across the region resulting from natural hazards, health emergencies, and other forms of emergencies.

Mr. Abrahams said Barbados supports the strengthening of the partnership between the EU-LAC in disaster preparedness. “It makes no sense to try to combat these challenges alone. It is just not possible…. Resulting damages and losses could extend beyond the ability of a single country or region to respond and recover effectively…. Collaborations, such as the EU-LAC Partnership on Disaster Preparedness, are therefore crucial to efforts at enhancing national safety and security while building resilience to hazards and disasters.

“The European Union and countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have come together in a shared commitment to mitigate the impact of disasters and build more resilient communities. This allows us to share best practices and experiences in disaster preparedness and building resilience, which must now become the new normal for countries battling worsening climate crises and other hazard-induced disasters,” he contended.

Minister of Home Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams, in conversation with Chairman of CDEMA and Saint Lucia’s Minister of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Shawn Edward, and Executive Director of CDEMA, Elizabeth Riley a today’s signing ceremony.

The Minister expressed the view that countries must recognise the importance of the integration of resilience in the wider national, regional, and global space to facilitate true transformation to a resilient state.

He proffered the view that they must seek to establish best practices and apply lessons learned and technological innovations to empower communities, businesses, and individuals to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from these hazards.

Implementation of the MoU will enhance collaboration to support countries in their efforts to build whole-of-society disaster resilience, reduce disaster risks, and impacts, and therefore contribute to prosperity and well-being towards a sustainable future.

During the 2023 negotiations, the Latin America and the Caribbean region was represented by four leading inter-governmental organisations – the Coordination Center for the Prevention of Disasters in Central America and the Dominican Republic; the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (under CARICOM); the General Secretariat for the Andean Community of Nations; and the Meeting of Ministers and High Authorities for Integrated Risk Management of the South American Common Market.

Chile, Cuba, and Mexico also joined as signatories to the agreement. Today’s signing event, held at Savannah Hotel, brought together ministers, national authorities, high-level representatives from the EU, inter-governmental agencies, United Nations agencies, and regional partners, among others. (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