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Senator Blackman: AI A Major Player In Film Industry

Minister in Economic Affairs and Investment, Senator Chad Blackman, is encouraging all prospective film makers to grasp the opportunities that will transform the industry through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Senator Blackman made the suggestion today while delivering the keynote address at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) three-day workshop, under the theme: Building Resilience through South-South Cooperation and Targeted Policy Strategies, at the Accra Beach Resort and Spa.

He shared the example of film maker Tyler Perry who halted his plans to invest USD 800 million to expand his film production company because “film makers can now create first-class, world-class movies through artificial intelligence”.

Mr. Blackman reasoned that this showed that there was a shift in the film production market and encouraged Barbadians to use AI technology to tell their own stories.

What he (Tyler Perry) has realised is that there is a major restructuring in the market vis-a-vis, AI. Whatever you can think about, you can now create.  You do not have to go through necessarily a big production company, taking millions of dollars to produce a film. You just need the tools and being able to conceive [the idea]. Therefore, it calls for greater imagination of what the sector looks like, telling our stories and [looking for ways] to get our stories across different markets.

“What that will do invariably is to create a demand for Barbadian goods…. We have a history of being world-class in terms of sports and music…. There is nothing stopping Barbados from positioning itself through movies, films, and sitcoms, and being seen as a country that offers solutions that are backed by research and development,” he proffered.

Given this new technological revolution, the Minister suggested that the traditional way of thinking must “go through the door”, adding that AI presented tremendous opportunities, and he called for a greater understanding of the change needed to effect this.

“We must not be wedded to think that yes, once studying computer science is critical and programming is critical…you now have tools that allow you to not become a programmer but to become a conceiver of ideas to use the necessary programmes to create what you need…

“The point I am making is this…where is the world going and how do we reposition Barbados through our educational system, through our business and private sector, and exposing our people and young people to a new reality?” Senator Blackman queried.

During the opening session, there were also speeches from UNCTAD’s Director of the Division on Globalization and Development Strategies, Richard Kozul-Wright; Principal and Pro Vice Chancellor at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Professor Clive Landis; and Chinese Ambassador to Barbados, Yan Xiusheng.             

The workshop, which concludes today Thursday, February 29, is organised by the Government of Barbados, UNCTAD, and The UWI, and funded by China Aid for Shared Future. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Principal and Pro Vice Chancellor at The UWI, Professor Clive Landis (right) making a point to Minister in Economic Affairs and Investment, Senator Chad Blackman (second from left), while Economic Affairs Officer in the Division on Globalization and Development Strategies at UNCTAD, Dawei Wang (left), and Chinese Ambassador, Yan Xiusheng, look on

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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

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