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NIFCA food expo at Agrofest again

Food lovers of all ages and from all walks of life are in store for a captivating realm of culinary delight when flavours and talent collide at the NIFCA Culinary Arts Expo at Agrofest over the weekend.

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has been a proud sponsor of Agrofest over the years, however, the NIFCA Culinary Expo, on Saturday and Sunday, is now in its second year.

NCF Festival & Events Planner Karen Pestaina is promising an exciting and fantastic display of culinary mastery. This, as some of Barbados’ top chefs and mixologists utilise locally sourced ingredients to serve up gastronomic delights, of which patrons who visit booth G14 at Queen’s Park will get the opportunity to sample.

Pestaina explained that the NCF is celebrating several anniversaries this year, including the 50^th anniversary of the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) as well as the 40^th year for the NCF.

“What you will get to see are some of our fantastic top chefs utilising local products. Many times, people may not be aware of how many condiments that we have locally made by young entrepreneurs and business people, so we will be showing that also,” she said.

The culinary expo will showcase a wide cross-section of entrepreneurs, many of whom are past NIFCA participants, who have developed into businesses through the NCF’s Business Development grant and the BTMI Accelerator Programme. These eight exhibitors will have a variety of local products on offer.

Another treat this year is the tasty corner, which features top chefs Chef Peter Edey, Chef Creig Greenidge, Chef Kaira Riley and Marlon Waterman, along with mixologist Ryan Adamson, Philip Cassanova and Damian Williams. Expect a sweet corner with Azwa Hart.

There’s a special demo in honour of NCF’s 40^th anniversary .

Pestaina added: “We also want to showcase to the public how much we have done in the NCF. So, it’s going to be really exciting. In celebration of our anniversaries . . . Chef Marlon is going to be carving in fruit the NCF logo. So, I am really looking forward to that one because this is a different way of showcasing our logos. We also added this year two mixologists because we know they play a great part, both here and internationally, all of the creative ways of utilising our rum.

“We are also excited to have Chef Yard joining us this time and doing his sweet potato and salt fish croquette. We have a mixologist who is doing Passionate Basil Lemonade… and then we have chef Kaira Riley, she is doing a dish, ‘Bout Hay Uh Come From’, which is utilising steamed fish with savoury cou cou with a pineapple and tomato salsa…. So, it’s going to be a great food and beverage event,” she added.

The NCF tent (G14) can be found when you enter the main gate and turn right, take the first path on right. Pass the bridge on your left and continue traveling along the path to the 5th stall on your left.

Reminding visitors about last year’s overwhelming patronage of the booth, Pestaina further noted the need to be early because seating is limited. However, a screen will be erected to ensure visibility for those people who are not close enough to see the chefs table. (PR)

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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