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Parliament Lights Up Blue To Observe UN’s 78th Anniversary

The Parliament Building was lit “UN Blue” recently to observe the 78th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN).

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, who was in attendance, pointed out that the UN is one of Barbados’ most valued partnerships, and it is on this date every year that Barbados joins the rest of the Caribbean Community in celebrating UN Day.

He said the day serves as a reminder and a renewal of the commitment made on October 24, 1945, “to unstintingly pursue the ideal of international peace and security”.

Minister Symmonds noted that since Barbados joined the UN on December 9, 1966, it has remained steadfast in its commitment to upholding the principles underpinning the United Nations Charter.

He thanked the UN for its contribution to the island’s development over the years and expressed the hope that the partnership would continue for generations to come.

“Barbados acknowledges the indelible contribution made by the UN system towards advancing the interests of all the global public goods for the small island developing states (SIDS)…. Multilateralism is an important bulwark in the execution of our foreign policy, both in terms of the pursuit of sustainable development and in terms of the safeguarding of our sovereignty,” the Foreign Affairs Minister stated.

Despite the positives achieved over the years through multilateralism cooperation, Minister Symmonds has called for a reform of some UN systems, in particular its Security Council.

He cited the Israel/Palestine conflict in which the Security Council Resolution called for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds and that Humanitarian Resolution was defeated by a single country’s use of its veto power.

“The Council today is seemingly powerless and unjust, dominated by unresponsive and unrepresentative powers who seem inclined to abuse their dominant position instead of safeguarding global peace. Any discussion on reform must therefore consider the effectiveness and legitimacy of the UN Security Council and the need to update both its archaic composition and its imbalanced decision-making rules, so as to better reflect the world in which we all live today,” Minister Symmonds stressed.

UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean States, Didier Trebucq, noted that the world had changed dramatically since the UN was founded in 1945, and to that end, the UN has changed too, but its charter and values remain as important today as when it was first conceived.

UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean States, Didier Trebucq, in conversation with President of Barbados, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, during the 78th anniversary UN celebrations at Parliament, yesterday.

Mr. Trebucq stated: “We need to work together to make sure that it (UN) also better reflects today’s world as the largest global platform for countries to come together to discuss the differences but also to find common ground.

“So, it is in this context that SIDS, like Barbados, have a key critical platform in the UN to advocate for the needs and priorities and work with other countries to develop shared solutions for a fairer world and a protected climate. And I have to say that the Caribbean has been leading in proposing new solutions.”

The UN Resident Coordinator noted that the lighting of Parliament in “UN Blue” signals a beacon of hope throughout the island and the region, that the UN is committed to promoting its mission of peace, human rights, and sustainable development everywhere and that multilateralism remains the best hope for shared global solutions.

In addition to the flicking of the switch to light up Parliament “UN Blue”, the evening also included a toast and cake cutting element, as well as entertainment by Dr. Stedson ‘Red Plastic Bag’ Wiltshire and steel pannist Judah Goddard. (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