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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.

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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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