Local

Parliamentary Reform Commissioners Take Their Oath

Six Commissioners of the Parliamentary Reform Commission, including a medical doctor, a lawyer, and an economist, took the Oath of Office, at State House, this morning.

They were sworn in by Acting President, The Very Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Gibson, during a brief ceremony, which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw and Cabinet Secretary, Selma Green.

The Commissioners are: Senator Elizabeth Thompson; former Senator Maxine McClean; Professor Velma Newton; Dr. Richard Ishmael; attorney-at-law Corey Beckles, and economist Dr. William Chandler Jr.

Acting President Gibson, upon swearing in the Commissioners, extended his heartiest congratulations, and noted that they would be playing a critical role in helping to reform the island’s parliamentary system.

“I congratulate you on your appointment…. This is a very important juncture in the life of our nation, and you, as Commissioners, will play a significant role in helping to shape the future of our Parliament. Thank you for your willingness to serve in this capacity and I want to wish you every good wish in your deliberations and your eventual presentations. Congratulations to all,” Dr. Gibson stated.

Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw also expressed thanks to the Commissioners and told the media that the work of the Commissioners had already begun.

She said today’s swearing-in was the culmination of several discussions that the Government had regarding the appointment of persons who would undertake “some very important work …, which is the reform of Parliament”.

“I think we all recognise that in this age where persons want to perhaps understand and appreciate more of what we’re doing in Parliament, that the institutions which would have served us several decades ago can no longer serve this country. As such, we have embarked on being able to swear in these individuals,” Minister Bradshaw stated.

She shared that many significant reforms had taken place in the 1970s, when Barbados made the transition to single-member constituencies, and the time had come for an “overhaul” of the current system.

The work of the Commission for the next six months will entail all aspects of the reform of Parliament, including reviewing procedures and looking at the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Barbadians. It will also involve educating the public about the exercise, as members go through the process.

Minister Bradshaw said: “We look forward to very vigorous debates over the course of the next few months, but [it is] also an exercise where the public can be engaged in a meaningful way, to be able to help us to reform and to make Parliament more relevant to the people of this country.”

The Parliamentary Reform Commission has as its Chairman, Sir Richard Cheltenham. The Deputy Chairman is Sir Roy Trotman, and the Secretary is Pedro Eastmond. (PR/GIS)

Acting President, The Very Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Gibson (seated left) and Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw (seated right) pose with the six Parliamentary Reform Commissioners (from left) Senator Elizabeth Thompson; Professor Velma Newton; economist Dr. William Chandler Jr.; former Senator Maxine McClean; attorney-at-law Corey Beckles; and Dr. Richard Ishmael.

Local

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.

Local

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)

Local

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