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RE-OPENING OF LANCASTER HOUSE

Maintenance of government buildings has to become a priority.

This was emphasised today by Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, as he addressed the re-opening of Lancaster House, a facility offering emergency transitional housing and support services for displaced members of the community.

MINISTER KIRK HUMPHREY

Mr. Humphrey, while giving the assurance that the facility, located at Lancaster, St. James, would be a priority in this respect, explained the rationale behind its refurbishment.

He said: “When we came here… a number of the rooms were out of use. There was mould in the walls. I mean, the building was basically in a state of serious dilapidation and people were actually still in it. And in keeping with the mandate of the Ministry, we determined that persons should not have to live and/or work in those kinds of conditions.”

Attendees at the reopening of Lancaster House

Pointing out that the facility, which falls under the National Assistance Board (NAB), would not be the only one refurbished, Mr. Humphrey said attention would be paid to all other buildings under the Ministry of People Empowerment.

“The Government committed just around three million dollars to the repairs of this building and the Vauxhall Senior Citizens Village, which we hope to open in December…. and you will see the amount of work that we too put into the Vauxhall Senior Citizens Village.

“And so, we’ve lifted the two main provisions of housing in the Ministry. There are a few more in the National Assistance Board …. The estimates reflect that we need to renovate those as well this year so to make sure that people live and work in conditions that are up to standard. And, the other thing that we made a commitment to do as a Government, and you would have heard the Prime Minister announce it, is in relation to building newer facilities,” he explained

He noted there would be collaborative efforts with the Barbados Association of Retired Persons and the Soroptimist International to build out a couple of these facilities and this would hopefully be undertaken next year and the year after, depending on the planning, among other things.

Minister Humphrey, acknowledging it was not just about building buildings, said the country had “to get back to the point where families are taking care of the elderly”.  

He added: “We also have to be aware that as we’re intentionally rebuilding families, we also have to build some facilities. And we made a point that we were going to work with BARP and Soroptimist to be able to do so. We would like to be able to build a small facility perhaps in every parish to allow persons to be able, as they get older, to get older in dignity and in grace.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the NAB, Reverend Wayne Kirton, noted that Lancaster House was in the vanguard of the NAB reaching out and setting the example of what this society needs to return to.

“The days when we sought to reach out to those less fortunate within our communities, where as a people we were proud to make sure that our neighbours were fed, where we made sure that their needs were met.… People only went into homes when the care of them was beyond their families and beyond the community,” he remarked.

Adding that it was through facilities like the Lancaster House, the NAB must give of its best, he said it was important that it also recognise its duty to the people it serves. 

Explaining further, he said: We have to get away from where people believe that the only time you should care for the elderly is twice a month when checks are to be changed…. 

“We need to value our elderly… see the contribution that they would have made and we need to honour them and I believe this facility would give us the opportunity to make sure that they are well taken care of as we seek… to transition them back into society.” (PR/GIS)

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The Red Shoes Project

Honouring Victims, Supporting Survivors, Raising Awareness

Project Calls for Action on Gender-based Violence


Violence against women is not merely a statistic; it is a pervasive global issue that disrupts the lives of countless women and girls and places a heavy burden on communities. To mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (from 25 November to 10 December), The Red Shoes Project, displayed at nine locations across Barbados acknowledges the harsh reality and lasting impact of gender-based violence, while supporting survivors.

The nine locations identified – mainly public spaces around Barbados – will display red-painted shoes representing women lost to femicide (gender-related killings of women and girls) and other forms of violence. Each empty pair of shoes symbolizes a life cut short, a voice silenced, a future taken away. The shoes also stand as a symbol of love and unity, a testament to the strength and resilience of the women who continue to fight for their lives and their rights and a call for all of us to stand with them in solidarity and to take action to end violence against women. First conceptualized by Mexican artist, Elina Chauvet, the Red Shoes Project challenges us to recognize that change can only happen when we stop dismissing gender-based violence as someone else’s private problem.

“Malgorzata Wasilewska was appointed EU Ambassador to Barbados in 2020. She previously served as Ambassador of the European Union to Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Cayman Islands.”

The European Union is coordinating the art installation, undertaken as acollective action in partnership with Bureau of Gender Affairs of the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, the National Cultural Foundation, the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (University of the West Indies), the Barbados Community College, UN Women Caribbean and the diplomatic missions of Argentina, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Worldwide, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence. In the Caribbean, one in two women have experienced at least one form of gender-based violence in their lifetime and the region faces some of the highest femicide rates globally. Gender-based violence is an egregious human rights violation. More than just an exhibition, the Red Shoes Project prompts each of us to consider our role in addressing this human rights issue and to pledge to create a future where women and girls are no longer at risk. Governments, communities, and individuals must look beyond the display and ask: How can we ensure that these shoes become a relic of the past rather than a reflection of our present?

When?

During the 16 Days of Activism, from 25 November until 10 December. 

Where?

25 November to 10 December: exhibit of the Red Shoes Project at the following locations (open to the public): 

  • The European Union Delegation 
  • The Barbados Community College 
  • The British High Commission
  • The Bureau of Gender Affairs
  • The Embassy of Argentina
  • The High Commission of Canada 
  • The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus
  • The US Embassy
  • UN Women

Further information for the public:

  • Shoe Donations: For members of the public who wish to donate shoes, we are still accepting donations. Donated shoes need to be used, women’s shoes of any style or colour and can be dropped off:
    • on Friday, November 15, at The UWI, between 14:00 and 16:00, on the guild lawn (opposite the cricket field)
    • every day until Friday, November 22, between 9:00 and 15:00 at the Institute for Gender and Development Studies: Nita Barrow Unit (UWI).
  • 7 December: A one-day exhibit will take place in Golden Square on Saturday, December 7, open to the public and press. ( PR )

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National Thanksgiving Service A Time Of Celebration

As Barbados prepares to mark its 58th Anniversary of Independence on November 30, plans are well under way for one of the main events on the month-long calendar of celebrations, the National Thanksgiving Service.

Themed ‘Stronger Together with Peace, Love and Unity’, the service will take place on Sunday, November 24, at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St. Michael, beginning at 10:00 a.m. It will be attended by Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, members of Cabinet and other dignitaries. Members of the public are also invited to attend.

During a press briefing on Thursday at the Warrens Office Complex, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Marva Howell, said that her ministry was hosting the National Thanksgiving Service in conjunction with the religious community, both Christian and multi faith.

In her remarks, Chairman of the service’s National Organising Committee, Senator Patricia Parris, expressed her excitement for the upcoming event, saying that Barbados has much to celebrate.

“There’s so much to celebrate in this country. So, we’ve got to be there, to be part of the celebration with the theme: ‘Stronger Together with Peace, Love and Unity’. A lot of planning has gone into the service so you too can be there.

 “One thing I would like to also highlight is that we will be having greetings and congratulatory messages before the service starts from the diaspora and religious leaders, so we will be streaming the service online,” she shared.

Senator Parris also reminded those in attendance that the service was open to all members of the public and tickets were not required for entry. She added that the necessary arrangements would be made for parking to ensure the steady flow of traffic.

The officiant of this year’s service will be Pastor of Second Chance Ministries, Dr. Winston Clarke. In his remarks, Dr. Clarke stated that the organisers were expecting ‘a bumper crowd’ and urged members of the public to turn out in their numbers.

“We are soliciting the support of all of our [church] leaders. We’re asking you to turn out in your numbers. Let us celebrate. Let us give God thanks for having brought us to another year. Let us come together as a people in keeping with the theme which speaks to being together and expounding the virtues of peace and love together,” he affirmed.

While Dr. Clarke will be the officiant, the Bishop of Barbados and Bishop of the Anglican Diocese, the Right Reverend Michael Maxwell, will deliver the sermon.

Assistant Director of Music with The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) Band, Superintendent Anderson Whitehall, said that the musical package being prepared by TBPS promises to be entertaining.

“We will have a pre-service with the Police Band and the audience. I will engage the audience in a singalong … believe you me, we will have the audience clapping… We will enjoy ourselves in that area before the service starts, then we have various soloists performing during that time,” he revealed.

Superintendent Whitehall said that the audience could expect song favourites such as ‘Goodness of God’, ‘He’ll do it Again’, ‘God and God Alone’, ‘Jump Up If You Love Him’ by local gospel band Promise, as well as a revival gospel medley. 

He also disclosed that TBPS Band would accompany a 70-voice choir comprising schools and choirs from around the country, which is expected to serenade the audience with hymns, including a special rendition of the song ‘People Need the Lord’.

Faith leaders from the Muslim, Seventh-Day Adventist, Salvation Army, Jewish, Baha’i and Christian communities, as well as members of the disabled community, will celebrate and participate in this year’s National Thanksgiving Service. Seating for those attending the service will begin at 9:15 a.m., with a prompt start expected at 10:00 a.m. (PR/GIS)

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Barbados Attends US Southern Command Change Of Command Ceremony

In an illustration of international and regional military collaboration and solidarity, Brigadier Carlos Lovell, Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), participated in the recent Change of Command Ceremony for United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

This event, conducted at SOUTHCOM’s headquarters in Doral, Florida, underscored the lasting partnership between the United States and its Caribbean allies in the pursuit of regional security and stability. The ceremony signified the leadership transition from General Laura Richardson to Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey.

During the Change of Command events, Brigadier Lovell underscored the critical importance of unity and cooperation in addressing the complex security challenges that the region faces. 

He reiterated the BDF’s, commitment on behalf of the Government of Barbados, to collaborate closely with the United States and other regional partners to foster a safer and more prosperous Caribbean.

Brigadier Lovell’s attendance served as a significant highlight, illustrating the interconnectedness of the region’s security dynamics and emphasising that regional security is a collective responsibility requiring the concerted efforts of all involved nations. 

It was emphasised that the U.S. Southern Command, under its new leadership, remains steadfast in its dedication to nurturing these vital partnerships and advancing the mission of peace and stability throughout the Caribbean and beyond.

Barbados and the United States have enjoyed friendly bilateral relations since Barbados gained Independence in 1966. Since the establishment of this relationship, the Government of Barbados has received support from the US to promote the country’s economic development.

This collaboration, mainly through SOUTHCOM, has been positive, with both countries working closely together to combat transnational crime and enhance hemispheric security.

Over the past four decades, the relationship between the BDF and the US military has been strengthened through various professional development programmes, delivered primarily by the US Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, as well as other supportive departments and agencies. This partnership has also included participation in numerous operational and military exercise initiatives.

SOUTHCOM’s support for Barbados and the BDF can be categorised into three main components: professional development through training; foreign military financing, and field team visits, which include operations and participation in conferences and meetings. An overview of these components includes:

  • International Military Education and Training (IMET)
  • Mobile Training Teams and Joint Combined Exchange Training 
  • Operations to Counter Transnational Threats
  • State Partnership Programme (SPP)/Small Unit Exchanges
  • Exercises
  • Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
  • Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT)
  • Conferences and meetings

The Change of Command ceremony for SOUTHCOM was not only a significant military event, but also a representation of the strong friendship and collaboration between the United States and its Caribbean allies. 

The support provided by SOUTHCOM has greatly benefited the BDF by enhancing its leadership, technical, tactical, and specialised capabilities. 

The BDF’s presence at the ceremony emphasised the mutual respect and shared objectives that strengthen this relationship, paving the way for continued cooperation in addressing security challenges in the pursuit of peace. (PR/GIS)

CAPTION: From left to right – Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, Brigadier Carlos Lovell; Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey, and his wife Stephanie, at the recent Change of Command Ceremony at SOUTHCOM’s headquarters in Florida.

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