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Thanksgiving Service for Independence this Sunday

By Grace Through Faith: Perseverance, Resilience, Strength is the theme for this year’s National Independence Thanksgiving Service, to be held on Sunday, November 27, at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, from 10:00 a.m.

As Barbados prepares to celebrate its 56th year of Independence and mark its first anniversary as a Parliamentary Republic, the theme chosen by the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector sums up the true spirit of Barbadians, as they continue to surmount the various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

The multi-faith service, which is expected to last for 90 minutes, will be attended by President of Barbados Her Excellency The Most Honourable, Dame Sandra Mason. Barbadians here and in the diaspora will be able to follow the service on the online platform.

Addressing last week’s press conference, Archdeacon, The Venerable Eric Lynch, explained that the service was a collaborative arrangement between the faith community and its partners in Government. He said it seeks “to bring before Barbadians an opportunity of praise and thanksgiving for God’s riches blessings to us in our nation”.

Encouraging all Barbadians to come out to the event, Archdeacon Lynch said: “I hope that all of you would want to be present for [it]. Now that we have gotten a relaxation in the protocols with respect to COVID-19, we want you to be present with us at the Gymnasium in that wonderful complex and let us give thanks and praise to Almighty God.”

Meanwhile, Chair of the Communications Committee, Senator Pat Parris, noting the service also aims to cater to persons in the international world, said: “We know we have a Barbadian everywhere and I am sure they will want to be a part of the service, so we will share the link so persons can join.

“When we held the service [last year] we had limited numbers; on this occasion we want to pack the Gymnasium, so Barbadians come out! It is as though you are worshipping on a Sunday…. So, please come on out and be part of this service. It’s our 56th Anniversary of Independence; so, having gone through so much within the last two/three years, …we have lots to celebrate.”

Additionally, patrons can expect a musical medley by the Band of The Barbados Police Service, and the recital of the National Pledge by a student of Irving Wilson School.

Press conference on the National Independence Thanksgiving Service. (PMO)

While Archdeacon Lynch will be the officiant, Chairman of the Barbados Christian Council, Reverend Dr. Cicely Athill-Horsford, will undertake the duties of preacher at the service.

Participation by others in the faith community will include the Invocation by the Orisha Faith; the Barbados Muslim Association’s reading from the Holy Qur’an, and a pray from the Baha’i Faith. However, other faith leaders have been assured that their participation may come via virtual greetings to the National Independence Thanksgiving Service.

The event will also see the presentation of the National Flag of Barbados by the Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinders; a liturgical presentation by the Barbados Dance Theatre Company’s Junior Corps, as well as prayers by the Girl Guides Association of Barbados; the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association and the Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps.

Barbadians desiring bus transportation to the national event, at the Wildey Gymnasium, will be accommodated by the Transport Board. A bus service will be provided from the Princess Alice Terminal at 9:00 a.m.; it will then travel on to The Granville Williams Bus Terminal (formerly the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal) where patrons can also board. Additionally, there will be a service from the Oistins’ sub-terminal, beginning at 8:30 a.m., and another from the Speightstown terminal, at 8:15 a.m.

All services will leave on demand and there will be no change in the fee structure. The Transport Board will also be returning churchgoers to their respective terminals at the end of the service.

The National Independence Thanksgiving Service is among the main events held to celebrate Barbados’ Independence. Other activities include the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA), which is a month-long event, and the Independence Parade at Kensington Oval on November 30.

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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