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PRESIDENT’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

It is with a feeling of thankfulness that I reach out to greet fellow Barbadians, residents and visitors on this Christmas Day 2022. Some cynics may ask the question what is there to be thankful for and I would reply that there is so much to be thankful for and this brings to mind the chorus that many children will know.

‘Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ, His Son,
And now let the weak say ‘I am strong’
Let the poor say ‘I am rich’
Because of what the Lord has done for us
Give thanks’

If I was fully confident with my singing ability, I would sing it for emphasis.

Over the past year, we all know that there have been several events that have impacted on our daily lives. We can readily think of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in the Ukraine, the global effects of climate change and the list goes on.

In many instances, the impact has brought negative economic consequences, such as the increase in prices because of the challenges with supply chain issues. But with our resilience we are still here, finding ways to deal with every adverse situation.

We have seen the reduction in the restrictions in the COVID-19 protocols which have allowed us to engage in many activities. Children have returned to school and there is a sense of some of the ‘pre 2019 normality’. However, COVID is still with us and we have to be mindful of the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and other health officials.

We, in Barbados, have been spared the worst effects of the recently concluded hurricane season and in a general way we have resumed our daily lives as we celebrate at this Christmas time.

The Christmas season has been traditionally the time that Barbadians take the opportunity to travel to spend time with relatives, to make improvements in their homes and to plan large family gatherings and the like. However, more importantly as the chorus reminded us, we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas time and reflect on the significance of this event in our daily lives.

We enjoy the beautiful Christmas Carols and music, we share the love, peace and hope of the season with the exchanging of gifts and helping the less fortunate among us and there is a general feeling of peace and contentment. And it should be so.

It is at this time, I want us to reflect and think in our own family setting of how we can tackle the increase in violence in our society.

It is not an external problem. We have to play our part to make our families and communities the best that they can be. There is no perfect setting in which we live. The setting for Jesus’ birth was no mansion on the hill but a lowly manger.

We, in Barbados, well know that we are not defined by our environment. We can reach for the stars.

We must instill in our children a love of God, a love of life and a purpose for our lives and we must lead by example. Are we talking with our children? Are we listening to them and spending quality time with them?

I am well aware that times have changed and we are living in a technological age. Family structures have changed and there are the increasing stresses of life. However, the family, whatever the structure, is still the nucleus of our existence and we have to nurture it to care for our children.

There was a time not so long in Barbados when one of the highlights of Christmas was going to church on Christmas morning. How many parents now make the time to take their young children to church at this special time and indeed throughout the year?

Sunday School and church going are not just for the middle aged persons and elderly in our communities. It is for the young to instill and reinforce Christian principles and values, which should be taught in the home as a starting point.

It is the norm in our fast paced environment for parents in every stratum of our society to juggle time-tables for extracurricular activities on weekends but it seems that an hour cannot be included in the juggling for church attendance.

The nativity scene reminds of the importance of family and family support. Parenting is important and my journey thus far has served to reinforce my views that parent education is important and many of our traditional values have merit, even in today’s world.

We have a lot to do within families as a starting point to make a positive difference in our society. There is no better time to start this work than at Christmas when we spread joy, hope and peace, which are associated with the birth of the Christ Child.

We can make a positive difference in the lives of our children and their children. So, I am not only thankful but hopeful and prayerful that we can spread the love and joy of the season by our every action throughout the year, within our families and communities to make Barbados a better place.

I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year.

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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