Business

Virgo Communications Inclusion of Diverse Voices Wins Big in Addy Awards

A series of witty videos for Sagicor Bank by Barbadian agency Virgo Communications, one of which included Deaf Barbadian talent, has resulted in multiple gold awards at the American Advertising Awards and the prestigious Mosaic award, which is given for diversity and inclusion in advertising.

The Caribbean Advertising Federation said the judges of this year’s American Advertising Awards (or “ADDY” awards) commended the agency for cleverly using American Sign Language (ASL) in the video “Bad Partner.” Amy Turkington, the 2024 ADDY Chairman explained that the Mosaic is not awarded every year. “A CAF Mosaic Award recognises creative excellence for an entry that promotes inclusiveness, equity and diversity. The judges felt that the energy and spirit in this ASL spot from Virgo Communications was very well done. They felt the actor was exceptionally talented in conveying the concept of breaking up with his provider.” The video was part of the “Break up with your Bank” campaign, which also won a Gold Award for the entire campaign. Virgo also won another Gold and two Silvers for individual videos in the series. Virgo also received a Silver Addy award for Rubis’ “Fuel Your Fun” jingle, further solidifying its position as a leader in innovative advertising.

Emma Saba, Director at Virgo, said the company is thrilled by the awards, especially for the Mosaic award. “The campaign originated thanks to Sagicor Bank’s commitment to doing an enormous amount of research into the issues and frustrations that people in Barbados feel with banking and financial institutions in general. Every one of these ads actually came from a key insight from a focus group or, in some cases, even from certain phrases that people used. What’s fantastic about this Mosaic-awarded ad is that the frustrations the actor brought to life weren’t around his disability. It was frustrations that everybody feels, and it showed the commonality that we all feel in certain situations.”

“Bad Partner” was directed by Khalil Goodman, Account Director at Virgo Communications. All the videos in the campaign were shot and edited by Stuart Hall.

Lionel Smith, who appeared in “Bad Partner”, is also a Deaf advocate. He said the impact of the ad is two-fold: it showed disabled people as part of everyday mainstream society and served to inspire the Barbadian Deaf community. “It gives some a sense of pride to see another deaf person on camera. [We can] look at it and… maybe they can also know that they can have the opportunity to be involved in something like that in the future as well.”

Dwayne Worrell, Marketing Manager with Sagicor Bank, said his company is “more than happy to have partnered with a strong agency to help us to bring, to market our vision with some flair and some flavour. It’s important for us to have several voices represented in our advertising because our products and services are available to everyone in Barbados. Simply put, representation matters and inclusion matters.” He added, “I would encourage other companies, entities, agencies to.. be more inclusive in their advertising.”

The Caribbean competition is the first leg in a 3-tier awards process and one of the largest competitions in the US and Caribbean. Winners from AAF-Caribbean will compete with winners from Florida at the District Competition, winners being announced in May at the District 4 Annual Meeting and AAA gala presentation. The third and final tier of the competition is National, which includes winners from 15 multi-state districts to compete as finalists in the American Advertising Awards competition. (PR)

Business

GALA DINNER CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY

The Light & Power Employees Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (LPECCUL) marked an impressive milestone on Saturday night, hosting a memorable 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Accra Hotel. The evening was a celebration of history, resilience, and growth, honouring LPECCUL’s four decades of commitment to financial empowerment and community service in Barbados.

Guests arriving at the gala were greeted with the warm sounds of steelpan music by Ms. Allana Goodridge, a graduate and former junior member of the credit union, who set an elegant tone for the evening. The festivities were expertly guided by Master of Ceremonies Paula Palmer, who delighted the crowd with a mix of exciting prizes and giveaways sponsored by Stade’s Distillery Visitor Centre.

A highlight of the evening was the special achievement award presentation by Mr. Anton Lovell, CEO of Co-Operators General Insurance Company Limited. Mr. Lovell recognised LPECCUL for its outstanding success and commended the longstanding partnership between the two institutions, underscoring the strength of their collaboration.

The evening’s keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Trevor Browne, a founding member of LPECCUL, delivered a compelling speech on the origins of the credit union. He shared insights into its formation, early challenges, and eventual growth, citing the various business ventures and investments made over the years. Lt. Col. Browne emphasized the importance of credit unions in Barbados expanding their focus to attract and support younger members, highlighting the value of investing in youth-led businesses as a way forward.

Closing the event, LPECCUL President Sheena Edwards delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks. She expressed deep appreciation to the evening’s special guests, including representatives from credit unions across Barbados, eight of LPECCUL’s original 40 founding members: Anthony Seale, Charles Holder, Donald Hoyte, Oliver Jones, Ian Bridgeman, Julie Alleyne, Keith Burnett and Lt. Col. Trevor Browne, and former company manager Curtis Smith. She also extended her gratitude to the dedicated LPECCUL staff, The Light & Power Employees Co-operative Credit Union Ltd.whose hard work and commitment have been instrumental to the credit union’s enduringsuccess.

The 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner was a celebration not only of LPECCUL’s history but also of its ongoing mission to inspire financial independence and support the community. As LPECCUL continues to innovate and expand its services, the credit union remains committed to fostering financial success for all members.(PR)

Business

Barbados To Host Regional Economic Conference

Local, regional, and international economics, finance, and development experts will gather in Barbados from November 6 to 8, 2024, for the 55th Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC).

The event, which the Central Bank of Barbados is co-hosting with the Caribbean Economic Research Team (CERT), will be held under the theme: “Macroeconomic Management in an Era of Polycrises.”

“We are living at a time when our islands face multiple issues, ranging from high debt levels to climate change, to an aging population to geo-political tensions such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas conflict,” Director of Communications, Information, and Outreach at the Central Bank, Novaline Brewster, said.

“Each of these on its own would represent a challenge. Combined, they could threaten the stability of our economies and the livelihoods of our citizens. The AMSC gives us an opportunity to bring together some of the leading minds to share their insights and offer research-based approaches to addressing these various crises.”

Ms. Brewster revealed that to complement the more technical sessions, on the second day of the conference, November 7, at 4:00 p.m., American economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs will deliver the 37th Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, the topic for which will be the same as the conference’s theme.

“In addition to the Adlith Brown lecture, we will be hosting a panel discussion entitled: “The Role of Central Banks in Facilitating the Mobilisation of Regional Investment for Development Support” on the final day, November 8, at 10:15 a.m. The panel for that event will comprise several of our regional central bank governors,” she revealed.

Both the panel discussion and the lecture will be livestreamed on the Central Bank of Barbados’ Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Central Bank of Barbados will host the 63rd gathering of this group as Barbados’ Governor, Dr. Kevin Greenidge, is the current Chair of the committee. (PR/GIS)

Business

Barbados to Host Regional Economic Conference

Local, regional, and international economics, finance, and development experts will gather in Barbados from November 6 to 8, 2024 for the 55th Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC). The event, which the Central Bank of Barbados is co-hosting with the Caribbean Economic Research Team (CERT), will be held under the theme “Macroeconomic Management in an Era of Polycrises.” “We are living at a time when our islands face multiple issues, ranging from high debt levels to climate change to an aging population to geo-political tensions such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas conflict,” said Novaline Brewster, Director of Communications, Information, and Outreach at the Central Bank. “Each of these on its own would represent a challenge. Combined, they could threaten the stability of our economies and the livelihoods of our citizens. The AMSC gives us an opportunity to bring together some of the leading minds to share their insights and offer research-based approaches to addressing these various crises.”

The three-day conference will feature sessions related to financial development and financial stability, adjusting to climate change, digital innovations and transformation, regional integration and governance, and regional economic development. Brewster revealed that to complement the more technical sessions, on the second day of the conference, November 7, at 4:00 p.m., American economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs will deliver the 37th Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, the topic for which will be the same as the conference theme. “In addition to the Adlith Brown lecture, we will be hosting a panel discussion entitled “The Role of Central Banks in Facilitating the Mobilisation of Regional Investment for Development Support” on the final day, November 8, at 10:15 a.m. The panel for that event will comprise several of our regional central bank governors.” Both the panel discussion and the lecture will be livestreamed on the Central Bank of Barbados’ Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The Annual Monetary Studies Conference, the oldest academic conference of economists in the Caribbean, is held in a different territory each year to coincide with the second of the Bi-Annual Meetings of the CARICOM Committee of Central Bank Governors. Central Bank of Barbados will host the 63rd gathering of this group as Barbados Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge is the current Chair of the committee.