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RUN BARBADOS IS BSCK

RUN BARBADOS IS BACK!

-new location, same fun-

The biggest sporting event in the Caribbean has returned! Run Barbados 2022 will take place December 10^th-11^th 2022 on the beautiful and iconic East Coast.

This year’s event will feature new coastal routes that offer spectacular views, cool ocean breezes and the opportunity to run in a rustic part of the island. With the breath-takingly beautiful view of the ocean to one side and the hilly, green pastures to the other, runners will get the best of both worlds as they compete in this year’s event. This, coupled with the increase in entertainment and music placed along these new routes, ensures that competitors will have a great time this year.

Speaking during yesterday’s press conference, Zary Evelyn, Race Director, revealed that this year’s event will be bigger and better than previous editions.

“This year, we are moving to the East Coast and this has been well-received so far by runners locally and internationally. We hope that this will also continue to boost participation as registration continues,” he said.

“This move to Bathsheba means less concern from runners about running with cars and buses on the road.”

Additional changes include moving the 5K Walk and Hike along the spectacular and rugged trail from Bathsheba to Glenburie, St. John.

Evelyn added that winners of the marathons in the Women’s and Men’s Division will receive an attractive prize money with return airfare and hotel accommodation.

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc’s (BTMI) Director of Caribbean, Latin America and Sports, Corey Garrett, highlighted that they were excited for the return of the event after the two-year pause.

“The event has attracted international attention, once again showcasing Barbados’ ability to compete on the international scene. In the region, Barbados can be considered an award-winning destination experience and so we are looking forward to hosting a great event,” Garrett said.

Fresh looks

This year the Run Barbados logo has been refreshed to reflect the new and improved event that BTMI plans to offer this year.

The medal design this year has also been redesigned and take the scenery and environment to reflect the real uniqueness of the East Coast. It will be a token of destination Barbados and the BTMI and Run Barbados are especially proud to showcase them this year.

Market activities

As BTMI continues to raise the standard of the event, Director Garrett revealed that relevant source markets based in the US, Canada, UK, Europe and the Caribbean, Latin America, continue to promote the event and have launched initiatives to further propel Run Barbados in the various source markets.

BTMI will be hosting ESPN Run and ESPN Women franchises on island, during the Run Barbados Weekend, and they will be capturing the races and speaking to some of the local sportsmen and women who have been excelling on the international scene this year.

Corporate Call

“We are continuing to work to develop the island that is not only for leisure or romance tourists but also an island that is known for sporting tourism. We have taken on a model this year to gain sponsorship acquisition with the private sector here in Barbados and on the international spiel,” said Corey Garrett, Director, Caribbean, Latin America, sports, BTMI.

“We are happy to announce that we have brought on local sponsorship consultant, Richard Haynes of South Central Entertainment and his sole purpose is to recruit sponsorship locally for the event. We are happy to announce that we have partnered with Eco Sky Barbados, Gildan, RBC and Chefette Frosteez.”

“This year, all shirts used for this year’s event have been graciously donated by Gildan and we thank them for this generous donation.”

Run Barbados is inviting corporate Barbados to partner with them as they continue to raise the standard of the event and further invest in the sporting industry of the island.

Strategic partnerships

The partnership with Marathonfoto was also announced. This is an international photography company that specialises in sports events and this year, the company will bring a professional crew to the island to take photos of the events at different stages, but what is most exciting is that they are looking to train a small cohort of local photographers.

Director Corey Garrett revealed that five or six local photographers will be chosen through the BTMI’s vetting and outreach programmes, and will be given the opportunity to train with this prestigious company.

Run Barbados is also teaming up with Sports Stats. They will be the official timing company for the event.

“They have worked with us in the past as well and they have all the gadgets to make sure timing is accurate and timing is posted almost instantly. They will make sure we have an internationally standard event,” said Zary Evelyn.

Scheduled events

Saturday, 10^th, 2022 -5K and 10K Races; 5K Walk and Hike

Sunday, December, 11^th, 2022 – Half Marathon and Marathon Races, 3K and 7K Races and 5K Walk and Hike

Event #1: 5k Walk / Hike on Sat. 10^th and Sun. 11^th.

Event #2: 5km Run on Saturday Dec. 10^th at 4.20pm

Event #3: 10km Run on Saturday Dec. 10^th at 4.15pm

Event #4: Half Marathon on Sunday Dec. 11^th at 5.30am

Event #5: Full Marathon on Sunday Dec. 11^th at 5.30am

Event #6: 3k Run on Sunday Dec. 11^th at 6am

Event #7: 7k Run on Sunday Dec. 11^th at 6am

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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