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NPP’s Parenting Programme & Elevate The Peace Launched

The National Peace Program (NPP) has rolled out two life-changing initiatives to empower vulnerable youths and help parents strengthen their parenting skills.

Elevate the Peace and the Parent-Wise Community Project were launched on Saturday, at Sandals Royal, Maxwell Road, Christ Church.

And Minister of State in the Office of the Attorney General with responsibility for Crime Prevention, Corey Lane, emphasised the valuable role they will play in assisting the targeted groups.

In speaking about Parent-Wise Community Project, which will provide parental sessions in several selected communities across the island for approximately one year, Mr. Lane said it was extremely important to have this programme guided by those organisations that work with parents.

“I was determined that as we execute this policy, that we are not reinventing the wheel…, but [that we would] go to you who are teaching about parenting well, and ensure we can use the resources of the state…to allow you to scale up the number of parents that you are already working with, … to ensure every parent has the opportunity to be a better parent in this country,” he stated.

Minister Lane indicated that multiple delivery methods would be available so parents with their various schedules would still have access to the information. He identified podcasts, social media, face-to-face, videos, and online presentations as some of the ways parents would receive information.

The sessions will be facilitated by Men’s Empowerment Network; Ammar Empowerment Network; The Barbados Association for Professional Social Workers; the Caribbean Institute for Social and Emotional Learning; and Parent Education for Development in Barbados.

Meanwhile, Elevate the Peace will include two main initiatives – Community Pop-Ups and Direct Intervention Clubs, which are aimed at strengthening communities. The Direct Intervention Clubs will give young people an opportunity to participate in training programmes in areas of choice, including barbering, swimming, photography, bartending, and tailoring.

Mr. Lane continued: “These clubs are not only about preventing crime, [but] they are about preventing criminals because these Direct Intervention Clubs are really taking a lot of unattached youths. Youth who are not in any structured programme whatsoever, and giving them good mentorship, activities, and most importantly, positive alternatives to block liming and a life of crime.

“The Elevate the Peace will be launched across the 11 parishes in Barbados, 22 communities to start [the programme] …. We are targeting the most at risk [and] the most vulnerable communities, but we are also giving all other communities an opportunity to be a part of the programme.”

Director of East to West Enterprises, Timothy McClean, added that 15 clubs would be created, including a remedial programme – Bright Stars – for children between the ages of seven and 11, who have difficulties writing and reading. He explained that they will receive remedial classes in Mathematics and English from three specially trained teachers.

Mr. McClean noted that the Community Pop-ups’ objective is to bring back the community spirit by offering people an opportunity to get involved in fun activities, such as dominoes, small bars football, and netball. The first Community Pop-up is expected to be held on May 25.

“We believe that this method…of engaging directly with the clubs, getting those young people into…an activity, and then going back to the community to build that fellowship [and] that community spirit is one way in which we can help to elevate the peace in Barbados,” he opined. (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