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Newest Centenarian, Collie Lovell

One of Barbados’ newest centenarians, Collie Lovell, affectionately known as “Ma” or “Aunt Sis”, celebrated her milestone with friends and family at the Church Hall of Holy Innocents on Monday, October 30, 2023.

President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, visited with the centenarian at the Church Hall.

Mrs. Lovell, when asked by Her Excellency what contributed to her longevity and youthfulness, said: “I trust in God with all my heart and I lean on His own understanding.”

Tributes were paid by three of the centenarian’s children, Samuel, Margaret and John Lovell.

Samuel said his mum, though “humble, poor, and uneducated, became feisty, rich and scholarly in her twilight years; [and] what she missed out on academically, she made up with her thriftiness”.

He shared that his mother was “fitting out brides” at age 15; was an agriculturalist (growing crops and rearing animals) “providing food for her family and friends from her small plot of land at the back [of the house]. The centenarian was also a meat supplier to a number of clients, including the Abattoir and Julie ‘N Supermarket.

Mr. Lovell further noted that at age 96, his mother was the oldest athlete to participate in the National Senior Games, and had earned an array of medals and awards, but retired from the competition due to COVID-19.

The centenarian, who attends church whenever she could, was active in the Mothers’ Union, serving as a deputy in the Mothers’ Union, and sang in a number of choirs across the island. She also performed on stage, with persons such as Winston Farrell.

Mrs. Lovell worked at Bar Pac, as a production worker, joining in 1976, until her retirement at age 60. Throughout all of this, she continued with her farming and marketing and the pursuit of various interests.

Born in Sturges, St. Thomas, Mrs. Lovell attended what is now called Holy Innocents Primary School but left school early to look after her siblings, giving up her dream to be a teacher.

Centenarian Mrs. Collie Lovell (seated) surrounded by her children (left to right) Samuel Lovell, Joseph Lovell, Margaret Lovell, Phillip Lovell, and Oscar Lovell (seated)

Her daughter, Margaret, noted that even though her mother missed out on an education, the centenarian took that spirit of learning with her through the years and acquired many skills through application and experience.

After hearing about the work and contribution of Mrs. Lovell throughout the years, Her Excellency shared that she hoped the centenarian would be nominated for the upcoming “Builders of Barbados” National Award. Dame Sandra also noted that Barbadians “owe a great debt” to nation builders, such as Mrs. Lovell.

Her Excellency presented the centenarian with a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine, and a personalised card. Mrs. Lovell moved to My Lord’s Hill in 1955 and then to Arthur Seat, St. Thomas, in 1960, where she currently resides.

She was married to Joseph Lovell, who passed away in 1998, at the age of 75. The couple had eight children; six (five boys, one girl) are alive today. She has 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. (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