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One-Off Bank Holiday For CARICOM’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations

Barbados will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with a one-off national holiday on Monday, July 31.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley made the announcement during a press conference, to give an update on her recent overseas travels. She disclosed that the event will be marked with the hosting of a concert on the night.

Speaking to the significance of CARICOM, Ms. Mottley maintained that the moment was “worthy of celebration”, while pointing out that Barbados was not only a founder of CARICOM, but was also one of the main beneficiaries of the regional integration movement.

Further, Ms. Mottley explained that while some territories will celebrate the day on July 4 – the day of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, the Cabinet met and agreed to stage Barbados’ celebrations at the end of the month.

“The actual agreement for the Community was signed on the first of August 1973…. Barbados will celebrate 50 years of the Caribbean Community on the 31st of July, as a national public holiday, on the eve of the first of August, which remains still sacrosanct for us, as a former slave society, as Emancipation Day.

“And to that extent, therefore, we felt that to do it on July 4 would have been a little too early. It has not escaped us that from every which way we look at it as a Government, that the best time to allow our appreciation for the visionary leadership of those who went before, to make a difference to establish the Caribbean Community, that we do it then,” the Prime Minister stated.

The Prime Minister added that the event to be held on July 31 was not being done to “offset anyone who has already announced something”, and said she has asked the Division of Culture to advise Government on other activities planned for that day.

Additionally, Ms. Mottley asked media houses to show content that would “reinforce and reflect moments of the last 50 years of the movement”.

To the critics of CARICOM, Ms. Mottley said: “Barbados, more than most others has benefitted from a single market and single economy. We started to benefit when you could…freely [offer] more services…cameramen, pool technicians, lab technicians, [and the] fellows who do the safes for the banks….

“You only have to go on any flight to the Eastern Caribbean and see, on a daily basis, …the number of Bajans who travel to…supply services that cannot otherwise be accessed in those countries, without [the Bajans] having the harassment of…complex documents and processes to fill in…. [That] makes you know, do not take the Caribbean Community for granted.”

Barbados and other member states met in Nassau earlier this year and agreed that they would find a tangible way to allow the people of the region to celebrate the 50th anniversary. (PR/GIS)

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CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE BCSI

As the festive season draws near, the Barbados Coalition of Services Industries (BCSI) extends warm Christmas greetings to all our members, stakeholders, and the wider Barbadian community. This season of joy, reflection, and togetherness gives us a valuable opportunity to look back at our achievements and challenges while envisioning a brighter future for the services sector.

The services industry continues to be a cornerstone of our nation’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, innovation, and development. In 2024, we witnessed noteworthy progress in areas such as digital services, creative industries, and professional services. However, we recognize that much remains to be done to unlock the full potential of our local service providers and position them for global success.

As we step into 2025, BCSI remains dedicated to fostering opportunities for the services sector to expand both locally and internationally. This includes advocating for more inclusive trade policies, enhancing digital access for our entrepreneurs, and addressing critical barriers like geoblocking, which limits our ability to compete in a connected global marketplace. We also aim to promote collaborations that build capacity, encourage innovation, and ensure that Barbadian services can reach new markets and achieve sustainable growth.

The Christmas season reminds us of the value of unity and shared purpose. As a coalition, we are committed to working with our members, the government, and all stakeholders to create an environment where the services sector thrives. Together, we can build a future where Barbadian expertise and creativity are recognized and celebrated worldwide.

May this holiday season fill your hearts with peace, gratitude, and hope. Let us celebrate the spirit of Christmas and move forward into 2025 with renewed determination, collaboration, and vision.

On behalf of the Barbados Coalition of Services Industries, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, filled with growth, success, and endless possibilities.

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Black Knight Bikers Christmas Message

As the year draws to a close, the Black Knight Bikers would like to extend our warmest season’s greetings to all our members, families, supporters, and the entire community. This festive season, we take a moment to reflect on the amazing journey we’ve shared—one filled with unforgettable rides, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

This season is a time to embrace love, togetherness, and reflection, and as bikers, we understand the importance of community and the power of supporting each other. Throughout the year, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated milestones, and ridden together with one common goal: to make a positive impact in the world around us. Our brotherhood has been a source of strength, and we are grateful for each member who contributes to the spirit of our group.

As we enjoy the holidays with our loved ones, let’s also remember those in need. In the true spirit of Christmas, we are excited to announce that on January 21st, 2025, we will be having our annual Food Basket Drive. This initiative is just one way we continue to give back and share the joy of the season with those less fortunate. We encourage everyone to get involved, whether by donating food, helping pack baskets, or volunteering time. Together, we can spread the love and support our community in a meaningful way.

As we prepare for a new year filled with new adventures and opportunities, let’s continue to live by the values that define the Black Knight Bikers—camaraderie, giving, and riding with purpose. May this holiday season inspire us to bring even more joy, kindness, and generosity to the world around us. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember, filled with kindness, unity, and plenty of miles on the road ahead.

From all of us Black Knight Bikers, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and love, and may the road ahead bring new adventures, new friendships, and continued success.

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CTUSAB CONCERNED ABOUT UNEMPLOYMENT ND THE LINK TO CRIME

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has called for a reset and reemphasis on creating sustainable and equitable employment opportunities to address rising crime and the escalating cost of living.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, CTUSAB General Secretary Dennis de Peiza expressed concern about the apparent connection between unemployment, underemployment, and the increase in violent crimes, even as official data indicates an unemployment rate of seven percent.
De Peiza questioned whether this statistic accurately reflects the reality, particularly for young people. He pointed to the prevalence of temporary, short-term, or casual employment among the youth, often accompanied by wages that fall below acceptable standards for decent work.
“It would appear that many young persons are not employed, or are employed on a temporary or short-term basis, or engaged in casual work,” he noted. “Moreover, the fact that they are paid substandard wages falls far from what is acceptable under the provision of decent work, and therefore jobs on offer may not appear to be attractive to this age group. If this is what prevails, then it is more than likely a real contributing factor to the social deviance and criminal activity which is being experienced.”
He emphasized that while numerous large-scale projects have been promised to commence on the island, it is crucial to ensure that the resulting job opportunities are prioritized for local workers rather than foreign labour.
“A lot of the plans and promises of projects to come on stream, we have to ensure that those things happen. But when we do that, we have to make sure that there are jobs for Barbadians. This whole thing of importing a whole lot of people from all over the place… it seems to me that we always want to import workers and claim that there are no Barbadians fit for the job. If we start that practice, then we are going to have a problem.”