Education

TVET Council Announces Barbados Team For WorldSkills 2024

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council (TVETC) has announced the Barbados team that will compete at the 47th WorldSkills Competition, WorldSkills Lyon 2024, which will take place from September 10 to 15, in Lyon, France.

The announcement was made today by Technical Delegate for the WorldSkills Lyon team, Dario Walcott, at the office of TVETC, Hastings House West, Balmoral Gap, Hastings, Christ Church.

Team Barbados will see Sarah Gilkes-Daniel at the helm as team leader, with the following competitors in their various disciplines: Nathan Daniel – Automobile Technology; Hollyann Bayley – Car Painting; Moriah Hill – Cooking; and Saida Shepherd-Jones – Restaurant Service.

Each competitor will be accompanied by an expert in each area: Wayne Maycock (Automobile Technology), Negas Alleyne-Browne (Car Painting), Chef Peter Edey (Cooking) and Roderick Prescod (Restaurant Service).

Acting Executive Director of the TVETC, Wendy McClean, stated that visitors to the WorldSkills Lyon competition will have a chance to access both high-level discussions and thought leadership, around skills via the WorldSkills conference, as well as the opportunity to see skills excellence in action.

Ms. McClean expressed gratitude to the WorldSkills member countries network, which provided opportunities for the Barbadian competitors to gain access to high-level training, as well as international competition experience.

She said the competitors underwent a series of training activities and assessments as part of their preparation and selection for the competition.

“The training schedule also included the opportunity for competitors to practise their skills and participate in many competitions overseas as a result of invitations from other WorldSkills member countries, and for this we are grateful. This has helped to provide the squad with much needed competition experience, which is expected to help psychologically prepare them for the WorldSkills beyond 2024,” she stated.

According to Ms. McClean, those competition opportunities included an invitation from WorldSkills China to participate in the second Belt and Road International Skills competition, which was held in China in June 2024; the 2024 Skills Canada Automotive Skills Invitational and the Canadian Status Skills Painting Global Challenge, both held in July, and the recently concluded Skills Canada Cooking and Training competition in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Competitors have also been undergoing high performance training locally, with Dr. Janelle Chase-Mayers and her team at Re-Engineering Well-Being Consultancy, which included mental skills training and physical training.

Caption: Front row, left to right – TVET Council Executive Director (Ag), Wendy McClean; Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Sandra Husbands and Chairman, TVET Council, Dr. Albert Best pose with the Barbados team for WorldSkills Lyon 2024. Back row, left to right – Sarah Gilkes-Daniel; Wayne Maycock; Negas Alleyne-Browne; Nathan Daniel; Hollyann Bailey; Moriah Hill; Saida Shepherd-Jones; and Dario Walcott. Missing are Chef Peter Edey, and Roderick Prescod. (TVET Council)

The WorldSkills Competition, the largest international skills competition, is organised every two years under the aegis of WorldSkills International.

WorldSkills Lyon 2024 will see 1,500 competitors coming from 65 countries and regions competing in 64 skills to demonstrate their competence and mastery. Barbados became a WorldSkills member in 2011. (PR/GIS)

Education

Three Schools Honoured For Championing Health Initiatives

Three schools have been recognised for their efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles through the implementation of the Barbados School Nutrition Policy (BSNP).

George Lamming Primary, St. Giles Primary, and The Rock Christian School were honoured by the BSNP Implementation Committee during a special ceremony on Wednesday at the George Lamming Primary School, in Welches, St. Michael.

The overall winner, George Lamming Primary, and the two other schools, each received $4,000 in vouchers to support their health-focused initiatives.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, commended the schools for their leadership, highlighting the significance of turning policy into action.

“This is one of those moments where we must reward, appreciate, and acknowledge progress…. We are moving in the right direction. It’s one thing for policymakers to develop ideas on paper, but it’s in moments like these that we see policy come alive and truly transform lives…. You’re proving that good health begins with each of us,” Mr. Ishmael said.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, also praised the students and school communities for their dedication.

“Winning isn’t just about trophies or prizes, it’s about the teamwork, the creativity, and the commitment you’ve shown in reshaping your school environment. Your participation sets an example that will inspire not just your classmates, but your families and communities to live healthier lives. This is just the beginning of your journey – keep making smart, healthy choices,” Dr. Archer-Bradshaw stated.

The event was also attended by PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, other officials and stakeholders involved in the policy’s rollout, principals, teachers, and students.

The BSNP Committee applauded the schools for fostering healthier environments, underscoring the importance of early intervention in addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases. The initiative forms part of a national effort to promote wellness and improve long-term health outcomes for Barbadian youth. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister of State in Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael; Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw; PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Amalia Del Reigo, as well as officials and stakeholders involved in the School Nutrition Policy, pose with students and principals of the George Lamming Primary; St. Giles Primary; and The Rock Christian School, at the ceremony

Education

Immigration Webinar For Students Wishing To Study In Canada

Barbadians interested in pursuing studies in Canada are invited to participate in the online Immigration Seminar of the Consulate General of Barbados, in Toronto.

The Consulate, as part of its annual activities to observe National Heroes Day, is hosting a week of activities, and the key event will be the Immigration Seminar tomorrow Thursday, April 24, at 6:00 p.m.

Over the past 12 months, there have been significant changes to the requirements and processes for obtaining an international student visa. As a result, the seminar will focus on the recent changes to the entry requirements for international students coming to Canada to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Prospective students, as well as parents, guardians, guidance counsellors, school teachers and principals, who have a vested interest in obtaining the most up-to-date and accurate information to make the most informed choice from the available study options, are encouraged to participate in the online seminar.

Alana Alleyne, a barrister and solicitor, will cover areas such as the latest changes to international student visas, eligibility criteria for student visas, requirements for postgraduate work permits, and changes to eligibility for spousal work permits. (PR/GIS)

Education

Information Session For Teachers Keen On Working In USA

Primary school teachers interested in working in the United States of America (USA) are invited to an upcoming Information Session, tomorrow Thursday, April 24.

The session will be hosted in the Main Conference Room of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St. Michael, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The initiative is being facilitated by the Ministry, in partnership with the Barbados Employment and Career Counselling Service, the Barbados Union of Teachers, and Participate Learning, a USA recruitment firm.

During the event, Participate Learning will share important information on the application and recruitment processes, as well as on working in the USA. (PR/GIS)