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Regional Collaboration Vital To Address Shared Challenges

Regional collaboration in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the public and private sectors could be a crucial strategy for dealing with shared challenges, such as disrupted supply chains.

This was the consensus reached yesterday during the “High-level SIDS Ministerial Dialogue: Key Challenges and Opportunities” at the Global Supply Chain Forum at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

The session dealt with ways to address the unique transport and logistics challenges faced by small island developing states (SIDS); fostering collaboration and formulating practical, actionable solutions to boost efficiency, sustainability, and resilience; and the importance of working together as a collective to enhance the economic resilience of the Caribbean and Pacific regions.

It was moderated by Barbados’ Ambassador to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and other international organisations in Geneva, Matthew Wilson, and participants included Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds; ministers and representatives from Curaçao, Fiji, Guyana, Martinique, Seychelles, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands.

Minister Symmonds pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic was an “eye-opener” for the region, in that it forced countries to consider efforts to build greater resilience in their supply chain by finding alternative places to source products, namely food items.

He highlighted CARICOM’s 25 by 2025 Initiative, which is a long-term social and economic partnership between member states, regional organisations, producer groups, development partners and civil society.

It outlines actions and critical areas of intervention aimed at tackling the region’s rising food import bill, improve intra-regional trade, and create wealth and economic opportunity for every CARICOM Member State.

During the session, the CARICOM Private Sector Organization’s Jeffrey Hall provided an opening perspective on the region’s supply chain challenges and possible opportunities.

He highlighted six key areas:

Trade is non-negotiable for small states.
Ships follow the volume – it is a cargo problem, not a shipping capacity problem.
What matters is not the size of the country, it is the attractiveness of the port that makes it draw traders.
Ease of doing business is fundamental – predictability and transparency matter.
Regional trade and re-consolidation are underexploited; and
Capital and financing are key to building ports that people will go to but access to private capital is challenging.

Another key point highlighted during the session was the need for a Vulnerability Index that considers the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS beyond GDP per capita, which would enable middle and high-income SIDS to access concessional funding for development.

The session concluded by adopting the SIDS Ministerial Statement on Sustainable and Resilient Transport and Logistics in SIDS.

The Declaration will be referenced by UNCTAD and small island states at the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, scheduled for May 27 to 30, 2024, in Antigua and Barbuda. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds (left), speaking during the “High-level SIDS Ministerial Dialogue: Key Challenges and Opportunities” at the Global Supply Chain Forum at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, yesterday. Looking on is Curaçao’s Minister of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning, Charles Cooper

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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