Local

NCF Helping SME Creatives To Be Export Ready

The path to exporting has been made much clearer for participants in the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) highly-informative Accelerate to Export Symposium 2022 for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the creative sector.

Staged by the NCF’s Business Development Department at the Courtyard by Marriott late last year, the event targeted artisans in three burgeoning sectors of beauty, spa and wellness, the home and accents segment, as well as fashion and accessories.

In her welcome remarks, NCF Chief Executive Officer, Carol Roberts-Reifer, touted the importance of the symposium in preparing creatives in these sectors to achieve the ultimate goal of having their products and services in demand and available in regional and international markets.

Though praising the creativity of the fledgling entrepreneurs, Mrs. Roberts-Reifer said it was also incumbent on the development agency she headed to support the national thrust to have more local businesses become foreign exchange earners and for increased economic activity to be private-sector driven.

In this connection, Senior Business Development Officer and head of the NCF’s Business Development Department, Andre Hoyte, described the sessions as designed to be interactive, while also focusing on critical touchpoints, from the enterprise through to the consumer.

In an effort to expose the excited group of SME owners to the foundational requirements for successful exportation, the NCF symposium featured sessions on market research and trends with Allyson Francis, a services specialist with the Caribbean Export Development Agency, while Helen Joffe, a leading consultant to artisans with New York NOW, provided critical insights on what was required for a breakthrough into the global scene.

New York NOW, is one of the largest trade expositions in the United States, where new and up-and-coming brands, trends in fashion, and custom designs that are expected to hit the market are showcased.

Mr. Hoyte revealed that the NCF funded the participation of two Barbadian SMEs at New York NOW 2022. “Some people may be surprised to know that during COVID, a number of small businesses in the creative sector did very well, and we at the NCF are now trying to see how we can have them expanded and export their products,” the Senior Business Development Officer outlined.

**Senior Business Development Officer and head of the NCF’s Business Development Department, Andre Hoyte. (NCF)**

As far as the NCF officials are concerned, it should be a “natural flow” for creatives to transition from the local market to the export arena through entrepreneurship that results in more employment and a greater contribution from the sector to the Barbados economy.

Mr. Hoyte cited the explosion in demand for spa and wellness, accessories, and cosmetic products and services which continue to rise since the pandemic abated.

Consumers, he said, were showing keen interest in gourmet items, beverages, wines and specialty ice-creams, among others. “These enterprises did well during the pandemic, and they are saying to us ‘we are still viable, and we want to grow’,” Mr. Hoyte disclosed.

Among the wide-ranging topics covered in Accelerate to Export Symposium 2022 was a session on insights on meeting global standards through the International Organisation for Standards.

The symposium also provided tips on shipping and logistics from representatives of Calvin Alkins Customs Services, and Goddard Shipping.

In addition, discussion forums with experts included topics such as techniques for scaling production for export, understanding legal matters when exporting, and product development.

Partners involved in staging the symposium were the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association, the Barbados National Standards Institution, Export Barbados, and the Caribbean Export Development Agency. (PR/GIS)

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)

Local

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