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Prime Minister’s Statement on the passing of Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford

Again, it is with a sense of deep sadness, that I say goodbye to yet another Barbadian nation builder, a true statesman — and without doubt a through and through gentleman of post-Independence Barbadian politics, Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford.

Sir Lloyd, who has been known affectionately across the length and breadth of Barbados as “Sandi” since the late 1960s, has had the distinction of maintaining a political career of more than three decades without a single instance in which bad behavior or the use of the robust language and colourful metaphors so common to Caribbean politics has been attached to his name.

Indeed, I recall the period of the early 1990s, during what must have been the most traumatic and dramatic period of his political career, when he faced strong opposition both within and outside his party over the economic (and social) policies that culminated in his virtual impeachment. Sir Lloyd never lost his spirit of calm and respect.

In fact, those who knew him well might argue that the only feature of his personality that could have possibly rivaled his ever-gentle spirit, was his capacity to take a position on any matter and remain resolute and unmoved, even in the face of the most unrelenting pressure. Sir Lloyd was what Bajans would respectfully describe as, “his own man” at all times.

Whenever I met Sir Lloyd he was always very gracious with me from a young Parliamentarian to my assumption of this Office. Indeed, I spent a long period of time with him just prior to the pandemic and he was passionate about our country and the need for us to do all that was necessary to keep it stable and unified. Indeed in spite of his own challenges, he insisted on being present on that historic night of November 30, 2021 when our country formally became a Parliamentary Republic.

No review of Sir Lloyd’s sterling contribution to Barbados would be complete without tribute to his leadership of the Ministry of Education. His tenure as Minister of Education included the establishment of the Barbados Community College, an institution at which he not only subsequently taught, but which has changed the future of thousands of Barbadian young people for the better.

It is ironic that as I issue this statement, I am in China. Sir Lloyd demonstrated his magnanimity of character and dedication to public service by agreeing, having completed service as Prime Minister, to once again serve this country as Barbados’ first resident Ambassador to China.

Sir Lloyd was also a genuine and dedicated regionalist and as Prime Minister, he took the decision to take Barbados deeper into the regional integration process by signing on to the Grand Anse Declaration, which eventually led to the establishment of the Single Market and Single Economy.

As was the case with those political leaders who preceded him, and certainly those who followed, we did not always agree with his decisions, but it is certain that none of us can ever question the fact that his motivation was, what in his judgement, served the best interest of Barbados and Barbadians.

To his widow, Lady Sandiford, I say thanks to you and your family for sharing him with Barbados for more than three decades. The country mourns with you all at this time and I trust you will take comfort in the knowledge that so much of his life was dedicated to the selfless service of others.

May his soul rest in peace. (PR/GIS)

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Shipwrecks Removed, Harbour Cleared

The two vessels which sunk at the Port of Bridgetown during the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024, have been removed from the inner basin of the harbour.

The last remnants of the vessels were raised off the seabed on Monday, September 16, 2024, bringing a close to the two-week salvage operation executed by the Trinidad-based company PK Solutions Salvage, an associate company of Ocean Marine.

Deploying a team of divers and utilising heavy-duty land-based equipment, the first salvaged component of the 24-meter-long, 141 Gross Tons Jolly Roger – the hull, was lifted on August 27, 2024, and assessed by its owners.

The 98 Gross Tons, 31 metres long MV Dream Chaser was cut into three pieces before being raised.

Efforts were made throughout the period the vessels were underwater to protect the coastal environment against leakage of contaminants or pollutants. A complete sweep of the seabed yesterday, September 17, 2024, ensures there is no remaining debris or impediments to the berthing of incoming cargo and cruise ships.

Barbados Port Inc. worked in collaboration with the Coastal Zone Management Unit, the Environmental Protection Department, and the Ministry of International Transport, to ensure the safe disposal of the wrecks. Towed to a final resting place at Carlisle Bay, they will serve as artificial reefs.

Barbados Port Inc. extends its appreciation to all parties who assisted in the salvage operations, including CG United Insurance, Trident Insurance and Sentry Insurance Brokers. (PR/GIS)

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Prime Minister Mottley: Choose Greatness Instead Of Violence

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has made an impassioned plea to the youth in Barbados to aspire to greatness just like the new Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Lovell, and to stay clear of a life of violence.

Ms. Mottley made the appeal yesterday after the 45-year-old Chief of Staff took the Oath of Allegiance before the President, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason and the Acting Private Secretary Juana Franklin-Leacock, at State House.

She promised to address the country later this week on matters of citizen security and referred to a discussion with the Attorney General about the unfortunate circumstances in which a young man was now facing murder charges. She said: “I thought to myself that this is truly a story of two Barbadoses.”

The Prime Minister declared that any child can achieve greatness like Lt. Col. Lovell, “once we put all of the guard rails and the rooting and the mentorship in place as was then for the majority of us”.

Ms. Mottley stressed: “That this fine gentleman has emerged and has been able, through discipline, hard work, capacity and mentorship, to rise to where he is today, as compared to others who choose a different path, is a story that I want all Barbadians to reflect upon. The choice is yours for your children and for yourself and I could not want a better metaphor, a better example, to show people what is possible in this country.”

The Prime Minister reiterated her government’s intention to expand the ranks of the Barbados Defence Force to 800 personnel by the time it reaches its 50th anniversary.

Ms. Mottley acknowledged that the problem was not young people wanting to engage in “risky things, but we have now the reality that there are tools available to people that have a disproportionate impact on our lives”.

The Prime Minister added: “I could not let today pass without highlighting what is possible. A fine young man who rises to the highest ranks in this country, or young men who want a pathway to either Coral Ridge, Westbury Cemetery, or Dodds [Prisons]; the choice is ours. I do not believe that it is a difficult choice, and I thank God that we have examples like you and others in The [Barbados] Police Service and the Barbados Defence Force and the other protective services to show what it is really like.

“The Commissioner spoke to the country and indicated that we’re dealing with a core of people, but we know that behind that core of people we have been too lapse in being able to control and to ensure that our young people are rooted, but equally, have guard rails along the pathway to adulthood and then in early adulthood,” Ms. Mottley underlined.

The Prime Minister noted that government would continue to do all that it can to steer the youth on the right path, pointing out “you will continuously hear me address what I know to be the truth, that who we are as people is 90 per cent determined by how we are raised”.

“I have every confidence that this fine gentleman and tomorrow I will be able to call him a different rank, but today, Lieutenant Colonel Lovell will help us along with the team, Commander Peterson and others, to be able to ensure that the excellent work done by Commodore Shurland, in helping to bridge the transition of the Barbados Defence Force at this very, very unique time in our history…. The Barbados Defence Force has shown that every step of the way, it has been an essential component in the governance of this country,” Ms. Mottley surmised

The Prime Minister noted that as the BDF continues to modernise its operations, she is confident that with Lt. Col. Lovell and Commander Peterson would oversee a seamless transition at a time when the country “needs the Barbados Defence Force, more than ever, to stand up and to play its role, not just in citizen security in its broadest sense, but also in the efficiency and protection of the country from cyber security, normal security”.

Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel Lovell, in brief remarks, said it was a privilege and an honour and a “humbling experience that the President, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and the people of Barbados had “reposed such a responsibility in a relatively young person”.

He continued: “I am humbled by this experience…humbled by this responsibility but I look forward to the challenges. I know I have a strong team behind me. So, as we always say, once we work together in the Barbados Defence Force, there is no obstacle that we cannot overcome, and we look forward to doing that over the next four years.”

Also in attendance were Attorney General Dale Marshall, other members of Cabinet, and senior government officials. (PR/GIS)

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Barbados’ Rum Hailed As Economic, Historic & Cultural Product

During the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Public Forum closing session last Friday, September 13, Barbados took the opportunity to highlight the island as the birthplace of rum and how it is an economic and cultural product for the country.

The Public Forum, which coincided with the WTO’s 30th anniversary was held in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme “Re-globalisation: Better Trade for a Better World”.

The annual event deemed one of the WTO’s largest outreach forums attracted a diverse set of stakeholders, including government policymakers, international organisations, the business community, academia, parliamentary representatives, and civil society.

One of the highlights of the Forum was the closing session focused on “Rethinking Rum: Building Sustainable Futures for the Global Industry”, in which Barbados’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, WTO and other International Organizations in Geneva, Matthew Wilson, participated.

Ambassador Wilson shared that Barbados is the birthplace of rum, and noted that like sugar, rum had a difficult history. He continued: “We can’t ignore that. It is wrapped up in a history of enslavement, colonialism, and exploitation. But the beautiful thing is how we, as a previously enslaved people, have taken this commodity and this industry and made it our own. Resilience is, after all, not a recent attribute for people from the Caribbean and people of African descent and indigenous communities. It is in our blood.”

The Ambassador also spoke of the intrinsic link between sugar, rum, and culture, which is one of the main motivators for the work that has been developed to have “Industrial Heritage of Barbados: The Story of Sugar and Rum” included in the tentative list of proposals put forward for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Another highlight of the Public Forum was the closing rum tasting event, which was organised by the Barbados and Guatemala Embassies and the WTO. Several countries in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Indian Ocean showcased their rums, culture, and products.

Barbados had one of the “most in-demand stalls” at the event primarily because of the rum cocktails and showmanship of Bajan mixologist David Barker, whose participation was made possible by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s Europe branch. The West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association provided the rum to the Embassy, while various ‘Bajan’ delicacies were supplied by Export Barbados.

At the event, attended by over 300 people, including the WTO Director, General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Ambassador Wilson said: “Rum is not just a drink for us in Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean. Remember that you are not just drinking a liquid. You are drinking history, culture, trade potential, and resilience.”

Rums from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mauritius, and Venezuela won in various categories in the amateur rum competition.

The WTO Public Forum, with hundreds of panels and engagement sessions, provides a unique platform for interaction among participants from around the world. Those persons get the opportunity to engage and discuss the latest developments in global trade and propose ways of enhancing the multilateral trading system, to make trade more inclusive and ensure that it benefits more people. (PR/GIS)