Business

Rotary Club of Barbados West Tackles Childhood Obseity

Childhood Obesity is a major concern across the globe and here in Barbados. It is also a special area of focus for The Rotary Club of Barbados West (RCOBW). According to Dr. Audrey Morris, the advisor on food and nutrition at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the number of obese and overweight children in the Caribbean has doubled in the last decade. In Barbados, the Global School Health Survey revealed that 31.9 percent of students were overweight and 14.4 percent obese. The study found that 18.5 percent of students surveyed consumed fast food three or more days per week and 73.3 percent drank one or more carbonated beverages every day. Only 12.7 percent reported eating five or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day over a 30-day period, and 15 percent reported eating no fruit or vegetables during the same period. It is likely that obese children will continue to be obese during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood unless there is early intervention. Studies show that there is a link between childhood obesity and the increased risk of non-communicable diseases. Obese children are more likely to develop health issues in their adult life such as heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and cancers.

RCOBW joined the national initiative to tackle childhood obesity through its specifically designed programmes. Rene Butcher, President of RCOBW in his comments stated that “Obesity remains a significant contributory factor in the increasing incidents of chronic noncommunicable diseases. The Rotary Club of Barbados West believes that early intervention is the best course of addressing this problem. As a result, our programmes this Rotary Year, have had a particular focus on childhood obesity. We hope, in this way, to encourage positive habits of exercise and diet in our children which will continue into adulthood. Our first programme in November, last year, invited children in the community to participate in an online RCOBW campaign “No-Sugar-November Challenge”. The campaign encouraged the children to reduce consumption of sugary foods and beverages as well as to exercise.”

RCOBW also supports a Breakfast Feeding Programme at the Good Shepherd Primary School and recently redesigned the menu with a focus on healthier meal options. Meal options include spinach, eggs and toast, lentil beef burgers, oatmeal & raisin or banana pancakes, egg & cheese muffins, tuna sandwiches, fruit, and juice. The change in the menu was well received and feedback indicated that the children enjoy the healthier meal options. The principal at Good Shepherd Primary, Mrs. Olivia Hinds, describes the programme as a blessing that “has captured the attention of all students”. She said that “Breakfast, the first meal of the morning, is necessary to keep our students focused and alert, enabling them to participate in the activities of the day. Those students who participate in this programme are rejuvenated, energized and ready to learn.”

It is hoped that this will help to promote healthier eating habits from a young age which will extend to adulthood, resulting in decreased rates of obesity and decreased risk in non-communicable diseases.

RCOBW is also embarking on an education program using short videos featuring chefs, parents and children demonstrating how to prepare quick and nutritious meals and snacks. These videos will be posted on the RCOBW social media platforms.

District Governor, Mrs. Sonya Alleyne, in speaking of the initiative stated that “Almost 3 years ago, Rotary District 7030 recognised that Childhood Obesity was having a huge impact on Non-Communicable Diseases in adults. With that in mind, then District Governor Elect Lisle Chase assembled a high-powered team from around the District led by Past President Virginia Asin-Oostburg to formulate a programme that the Clubs of the District can use to tackle this growing problem. I am happy to say today that 98% of Clubs around the District, like the Rotary Club of Barbados West, have risen to the challenge and implemented programmes that showcase the problem and provide solutions that are already reaping benefits in the communities. I am also happy that this initiative is a long-term goal for the District and will continue into the future. The District Committee has reached out to Governments and other partners like the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, The University of the West Indies, and others in coordinating this campaign. The response has been encouraging. Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Barbados West for truly making an impact as we Serve to Change Lives. The programme will yield benefits for generations to come. Wishing you continued success.”

Business

Director of Youth Affairs, Cleviston Hunte, is pleased about the support for this year’s National Summer Camp Programme, which is being rebranded by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment.

A donation of art supplies was received last Friday from the Prince Godwill D. Fomusoh Foundation (PGDFF) and its partner, Affinity Plus Credit Union Ltd., at the Ministry’s headquarters, Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael.

Mr. Hunte, who accepted the donation from the PGDFF and Affinity Plus Credit Union said: “Today is really the day that we actually see the fruits of the labours of our stakeholders…. The donation that you are giving to us here today is well received.”

Noting the crucial role that corporate sponsorship plays, he stated: “We enjoy the corporate sponsorship that we get because we know that the benefits for the children are really significant,” adding that such support ensures the well-being and holistic development of the children.

Stating that the Arts was a key component of the Summer Camp Programme, he stressed: “It gives our children an opportunity to explore themselves, explore their imagination.” He said that aspect of the programme aims to foster creativity and imagination among the youth.

Director Hunte also urged other corporate entities to join in supporting the programme. “We want to invite other corporate sponsors or stakeholders to come on board and provide these kinds of donations that really enhance the lives of the children of this nation of Barbados,” he said.

Managing Director of the PGDFF Caribbean, Anita Sundaram, expressed gratitude to the Marketing Manager of Affinity Plus Credit Union, Valerie Hope, and members of the PGDFF team for their part in the initiative.

Ms. Sundaram, in commending Ms. Hope, remarked: “When we came to you (Affinity Plus), you just trusted us with this and went with it. And, I really want to thank you for partnering with us.

“I think incorporating colouring and art into early childhood development is extremely important. It helps develop so many skills, whether it’s writing skills, … their creativity skills, or emotional management, there’s so many plus points for this. And lastly, it’s just a lot of fun. ‘Who doesn’t like to colour?’

“We’re happy that we’re able to provide this for the Summer Camp Programme, from PGDFF Caribbean, in partnership with Affinity Plus Credit Union.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: Director of Youth Affairs, Cleviston Hunte (third from left); Managing Director, Prince Godwill D. Fomusoh Foundation Caribbean, Anita Sundaram (second from left); Marketing Manager of Affinity Plus Credit Union, Valerie Hope (centre); staff of the Ministry and representatives pose with the donated art supplies.

Business

MOUNT GAY AND WEST INDIES RUM DISTILLERIES CELEBRATE CARICOM’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH LIMITED EDITIONS

Mount Gay Distilleries and Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery proudly unveiled their commemorative Caribbean Community (CARICOM) 50th Anniversary limited editions to The Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, during an intimate ceremony at Ilaro Court today.

The two local rum producers, both esteemed members of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA), marked the significant milestone in Caribbean history with the release of the two limited editions, both available at their respective Visitor Centres.

The initiative saw rum producers in 13 CARICOM member states, under the guidance of WIRSPA, presenting limited editions highlighting this 50^th Anniversary to their respective governments across the region, during the month of June. The unique expressions not only celebrate CARICOM’s half-century, but also stand as a symbol of unity, culture and heritage across the regional rum industry.

Andrew Hasell, Managing Director, WIRD

Antoine Couvreur, Managing Director of Mount Gay Distilleries, expressed his enthusiasm and pride on this special occasion, “As the world’s oldest running rum distillery in the world, Mount Gay has played a pivotal role in Barbados’ national and global identity in the spirits industry, since crowning the island as the birthplace of rum over 320 years ago in 1703. Today, Mount Gay is synonymous with Bajan rum and Barbadian pride in more than 70 countries.

“It is an utmost privilege for us to be able to honour the heritage of CARICOM, established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973, with this limited edition 50th Anniversary label of the Mount Gay Black Barrel Cask Strength expression. It is our toast to people across the region, working side by side to create a dynamic future, with a rum which embodies the spirit of unity that defines the Caribbean.”

Couvreur explained that the Mount Gay limited edition was a blend of rums distilled in copper pot and column stills, matured in American whiskey casks and finished in charred Bourbon casks.

Andrew Hassell, Managing Director at Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery warmly congratulated CARICOM, as it celebrates 50 years of promoting economic integration and cooperation among its members, ensuring they are better able to reap the benefits of integration equally.

Hassell explained, “The unique rum we offer today embodies the dedication and expertise that our distillery has poured into its craft every day for over 130 years. Planteray Legacy 120 is dedicated to three men who have devoted their lives to making Barbados rum.

“It celebrates their combined 120 years of distilling and blending expertise. Henderson “Digger” Skinner joined Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery 41 years ago, and continues to operate our old copper stills. Mark Walker and John Kinch, both Master Blenders, have been tending to barrels of delicious rum at the distillery for 40 years and 39 years respectively. Together with Master Distiller Don Benn and Master Blender Alexandre Gabriel, the “120” team created an extra old Barbados rum that honors their starring roles in the unique history of Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery.”

Hassell said, “Therefore, we are proud to present this very rare, high quality rum as our gift to the entire Caribbean Community as we celebrate the momentous occasion of their 50th Anniversary and offer our team’s continued support as they continue their mission.” (PR)

Business

Interns grasping RUBIS opportunity

The 2024 RUBIS internship program continues to deliver exciting results for ten budding professionals who are focused on grasping the opportunity for real-world experience to enhance their professional development.

The interns have already completed their first few weeks of a 10-week programme, gaining key insights into the operational aspects of RUBIS, and participating in insightful table talks with department heads. The orientation week included tours to Barbados National Terminal Company Ltd. (BNTCL), Grantley Adams International Airport, and RUBIS service stations. The interns also successfully passed CPR and First Aid courses and undertook fire safety training at Barbados Fire Academy in Arch Hall, St. Thomas.

HR Manager Delores Batson said the internship program was again proving to be a mutually rewarding experience and continued to be one of the most sought-after internships in the sector. “Each year, we look forward to the youthful exuberance and enthusiasm that comes with this internship experience, and 2024 has been no exception. This program benefits the interns with real-world experience, and we welcome the opportunity to embrace youthful energy and perspectives within our company.”

Marketing intern TaShauna Weekes, who recently earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Management with Marketing from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, said she was excited about the growth and network-building opportunity presented by the RUBIS internship. “I hope to gain valuable experience to help me in my future endeavours. I’m also keen to establish relationships with marketing professionals and will seek constructive feedback from supervisors and peers to find areas for growth,” Weekes said.

The keen group of interns includes local and international university students pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various disciplines. They have been assigned to Sales and Marketing, Operations, Legal, and Finance departments in the RUBIS Welches headquarters and Spring Garden terminals. The HR manager said this approach will allow the interns to gain experience relevant to their selected areas of study. (PR)

Caption: The 2024 group of RUBIS Summer Interns with some RUBIS employees including Delores Batson (HR Manager), Mechell Warner (Marketing Specialist) and Annette Shorey (Internal Controls Specialist).