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SJPI SMART ENERGY PROJECTS

The Public Sector Smart Energy Programme (PSSEP), funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the European Commission, is scheduled for completion by February 2023.

This was indicated by the Ministry of Energy and Business’ PSSEP Manager, Keisha Reid, during a recent tour of the renewable energy projects at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI), led by Principal Ian Drakes.

In reference to the SJPI, Ms. Reid said: “We are really happy with what they’ve been able to do, not just with the assets that we have given them, but also the new opportunities that they have created for themselves.”

The touring party comprised a delegation from the IDB, including the General Manager, Caribbean Country Department Group of the IDB, Tariq Alli; Country Representative Group in Barbados, Viviana del Carmen Alva Hart; Chief of Operations, Jean Eric Theinhardt, and Senior Energy Specialist, Carlos Echeverria. In addition, the SJPI’s new Chairman of the Board, Coreen Kennedy-Taitt, staff of the Institute and officials of the Energy Division were present.

While on tour, they viewed projects funded under PSSEP, which included the installation of a 109 KWp solar photovoltaic system and a PSSEP Electric Vehicle (EV) Pilot. The group also visited the Computer Numerical Control Lab, where they viewed the Institute’s 3D printing lab.

The 109 KWp solar photovoltaic system, valued at US $200,987.65, can produce over 200,000 KWh of energy per year, with an estimated revenue earning potential of US$ 41,975.00 per year.

Following the tour, Mr. Alli from the IDB, stated: “The IDB has been Barbados’ partner of choice to develop its energy sector and what I’ve seen here today has been excellent. We know Barbados is a leader in many aspects of renewable energy, including electromobility.

“I congratulate the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology on its role in taking this to another level. We will continue supporting Barbados and explore new opportunities together.”

The PSSEP was started on November 15, 2013. The main benefits expected from the initiative are reductions in energy costs, carbon dioxide, and greenhouse gas emissions. (PR & PIC/GIS)

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Ecumenical Service For Legal Year 2024-2025 Next Monday

The Ecumenical Service to mark the commencement of the Legal Year 2024-2025 will be held at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael & All Angels, St. Michael’s Row, The City, on Monday, September 16, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Justices of Appeal, Judges of the High Court, Masters of the High Court, Magistrates, and Legal Practitioners are expected to be in attendance.

Jurors and other members of the public are encouraged to attend the service and to be seated by 8:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, the public is also advised that the High Court and the Magistrates’ Courts will sit at 1:00 p.m., on September 16. (PR/GIS)

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NCSA Celebrates Campers at Project S.O.F.T. Camp Graduation

The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) proudly hosted the graduation ceremony of its 22^nd annual Project S.O.F.T. (Safeguarding Our Future Today) camp on Saturday September 7^th, 2024, celebrating over 40 new graduates. This transformative programme, which aims to prepare young people transitioning from primary to secondary school, continues to be a vital part of NCSA’s commitment to substance abuse prevention and youth development.

Chairman of the NCSA, Mr. Hadford Howell in his address, praised both the camp staff and participants for their hard work and dedication. He emphasized that while the programme’s name might imply softness, the work required is anything but soft. He remarked, “There is nothing SOFT about this long-standing and commendable NCSA programme. The work put in by camp staff and the children is HARD but rewarding.”

Since its inception in 2002, Project S.O.F.T. has impacted the lives of over 700 young people and their families in Barbados. In this year’s camp, participants engaged in drug education, team-building exercises, and life skills development, all designed to help them navigate the new challenges they will face in secondary school.

In his inspiring message to the graduates, the Chairman likened them to pearls—precious and valuable, offering advice using the acronym “PEARL” encouraging them to resist Peer Pressure, to draw on their families Experiences, to be Ambitious, to be Responsible and to Listen, Learn, Lead and Love as they move forward in life.

The NCSA continues to play a significant role in shaping young lives through Project S.O.F.T., and the organization looks forward to seeing the future success of its graduates. “Who knows,” the chairman added, “perhaps in a few years, you will come back to help us by being a counsellor at a Project S.O.F.T. camp.” (PR)

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CHILDREN TREATED TO A DAY OF FUN

Some of the children receiving their back to school goody bags from BNOCL CEO, James Browne and Tradewind Tankers represented, Mikel Juan Panek

Over 300 children in Barbados enjoyed a day of fun and excitement at the recent Back-to-School Giveaway sponsored by Tradewind Tankers and the Barbados National Oil Company (BNOCL). The free event featured a variety of activities as well as free school supplies, food and drinks,

Tradewind Tankers, a shipping firm that operates and owns a diverse fleet of oil/chemical tankers and dry bulk carriers is a vendor of BNOCL, was eager to give back to the Barbadian community in a meaningful way. The company’s involvement in the Back-to-School Giveaway was a testament to its commitment to corporate social responsibility.

“We were thrilled to be a part of this wonderful event,” said Mikel Panek from Tradewind Tankers. “It was an opportunity for us to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in Barbados.”

Samantha Hazlewood-Ermay, Marketing & Public Relations Officer at BNOCL, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s success. “The Back-to-School Giveaway was a wonderful experience for everyone involved,” she said. “The children were overjoyed to receive school supplies and enjoy the festivities, and we were delighted to be able to support local small businesses as well.”

BNOCL and Tradewind Tankers are already looking forward to hosting a similar event next year, providing even more opportunities for Barbadian children to benefit from their generosity. (PR)