The Sandals Foundation in partnership with The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus has successfully hosted its Dining Etiquette Session, equipping 302secondary school students with essential skills for professional and social success. As part of the Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges (PTFTC) programme, the session provided hands-on training in formal dining, professional decorum, and social graces. Students from schools twelve schools in Barbados including Alleyne School, Coleridge and Parry, Christ Church Foundation School, Frederick Smith Secondary, Graydon Sealy Secondary, Lester Vaughan, Parkinson Memorial, Princess Margaret Secondary, St. George Secondary, Springer Memorial, The Ellerslie School and The St. Michael School, took part in the initiative, benefiting from expert guidance in key codes of conduct in a business and social setting.

“The session reaches beyond social graces at the table,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “It’s about building confidence and teaching young people how to carry themselves in any setting. At the Sandals Foundation, we believe education isn’t just about books and exams, it’s also about giving students the real-world skills they need to succeed. Whether it’s in a job interview, a business meeting, or even a social gathering, knowing how to present yourself can open doors and create opportunities.”

The training, facilitated in partnership with The UWI Global Campus, refined students’ communication and interpersonal skills, reinforcing their ability to navigate formal and business environments. The workshops culminated in a practical dining experience, where students applied their newly acquired etiquette knowledge in a real-world setting.

“Dining etiquette is just one element of professional readiness,” said Sandra Griffith-Carrington, Coordinator, PTFTC Programme. “The session teaches students the value of respect, attention to detail, and the importance of making a positive impression, skills that will serve them well beyond the dining table.  In the 21st century, business etiquette remains crucial for fostering positive relationships, building trust, and promoting a professional environment.  Etiquette embraces emotional intelligence and showing respect and understanding for different cultures; thus this session not only teaches the students the rudiment of fine dining but is geared to equipping the students with the relevant employability/“soft” skills needed for them to succeed. The session teaches students the importance of paying attention to detail, making a positive impression, effective communication – knowing what topics are suitable at the dining table and what are not, the protocol when meeting with dignitaries – all  skills that will serve them well beyond the dining table.” 

With a strong track record of fostering educational and personal development across the Caribbean, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International remains committed to nurturing key transferable skills amongst young people – preparing them for the various roles they will play in the world ahead. (PR)

The Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Science, and Technology (MIST) will once again host its premier secondary school science and technology speak-off competition on Monday, March 31, at 9:30 a.m.

Barbados’ budding young scientists from eight secondary schools are eager to showcase their oratory skills and vie for the MIST Challenge trophy.

The competition, which forms part of MIST’s Annual Science and Technology Festival, will stand alone, as it is expected that the festival will be hosted later in the year.

The speak-off will take two formats. The first part of the showcase features a prepared piece from two students on each team, while the second part is impromptu, where each student has two minutes to discuss a topic not previously assigned to them. The second half is genuinely challenging, and it is here that innovative thought takes over.

The Ministry has hosted the competition for several years, aiming to develop students’ presentation skills and provide them with an opportunity to present to a live audience.

During the preparation process for the event, students develop a range of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and research skills. And above all, they deal with topical issues within science and technology that address moral and ethical concerns impacting humanity and the environment. 

The event will take place at the Courtney Blackman Grande Salle, Tom Adams Financial Centre, Church Village, St. Michael. (PR/GIS)

Young persons, 16 to 24 years old, and persons with disabilities, aged 16 to 34, who are not currently employed or enrolled in a training institution, are invited to sign up for training under Government’s Job Start Plus Programme, which begins in May. 

An initiative of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, the Job Start Plus Programme was launched in 2019, with the aim of assisting in the overall reduction in youth unemployment.

It seeks to help young people take their first step towards a brighter career by preparing them for the workplace and offering opportunities to gain meaningful work experience.

The Job Start Plus Programme delivers tailored training, career guidance, and direct placement opportunities. It also empowers participants to develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

The programme’s two-week World of Work Training Workshops focus on work force preparation and core development skills. These include areas such as Effective Communication; Teamwork; Conflict Resolution; Anger Management; Time Management; Work Ethics; Résumé Writing; Effective Job Search Strategies; and Interview Techniques.

Interested persons may register for the training scheduled for Monday, May 12, by clicking here. 

The deadline for registration is Friday, April 11, 2025, and all forms must be completed in full, in order to be considered for entry to the programme. Walk-in registrations and referrals will also be accommodated at the Ministry’s headquarters, Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St. Michael. 

For further information, prospective candidates may call the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector at 535-1400, or email jobstartplus@labour.gov.bb. (PR/GIS)