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White Canes A Symbol Of Independence

A donation of over 70 canes to the National Disabilities Unit (NDU) yesterday has been regarded as not only filling a void for persons living with disabilities but also assuring their independence.

This was emphasised by two special needs advocates, as they witnessed the handover of the flexible white canes and assistive devices to the NDU, at its headquarters on Collymore, St. Michael, by Barbadian Samuel Burke, a resident of the United States of America.

IT Specialist for the Blind and Visually Impaired at the NDU, The Most Honourable Kerryann Ifill, in expressing gratitude to Mr. Burke, said: “We often speak of the diaspora and how much they give to us, and today is just another example of their care for their home country. Persons with disabilities, we all have a family member, a friend from ‘over in a way’, as we say here in Barbados, but it is these kinds of tangible reminders that let us know that no matter how far we go, Barbados remains our home, and a place to which we are all vitally attached.

“On behalf of persons with disabilities, specifically, the blind and visually impaired community, I’m very pleased and proud today to be a part of this process. I want to thank anyone who assisted Mr. Burke in contacting us and reaching out and in getting the canes to Barbados because these will greatly assist many persons. People lose their vision here on a daily basis, and the National United Society of the Blind Barbados, … we often use this phrase, ‘there’s life after blindness”. Canes are not objects of pity; they are symbols of independence and through Mr. Burke’s donation, he has given independence to even more persons who live with visual impairments. So, thank you.”

Her sentiments were shared by Government Senator Andwele Boyce, who deemed the presentation “an important show of patriotism and goodwill”.

Noting that canes and other types of assistive devices are “symbols of independence and really permit persons to continue in their independent lives after diagnosis”, he added Government was pleased with the contribution.

The Senator also appealed to Barbadians, here and in the diaspora, “to continue to contribute to the development of Barbados and, more specifically, to the development and the betterment of the disabled community”.

Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Mark Franklin, thanked the donor and the Lighthouse of Central Florida, for the “generous gift to the disabled community” and highlighted the importance of partnerships to Barbados.

“We are all aware that resources, especially finances, are often not available in unlimited quantities. Therefore, in order to ensure that we continuously strive to meet the greatest and most critical of needs, it is important that we partner, when necessary, with the private sector, other government ministries, non-governmental organisations, and individuals, such as Mr. Burke, to meet the requirements of vulnerable categories of persons, such as persons with disabilities, ensuring that persons with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect and are allowed to make their rightful contributions to society, continue to receive the attention of our Ministry,” he stated.

Mr. Franklin noted the Ministry’s focus is manifested through actions such as the recently approved 2023-2030 National Policy for Improving the Lives of Persons with Disabilities, along with the advancement of draft legislation for persons with disabilities, where the Ministry has recently sent draft instructions to the Chief Parliamentary Council.

Assuring Mr. Burke that his contribution was appreciated by Government, he said the NDU will work assiduously to ensure the canes are distributed to “those persons who are most in need”. And, he added: “We thank you once again for being a model of how persons such as yourself can give back to their society and we urge other persons and organisations to follow your good example.”

Mr. Burke, in his response, indicated that it was an opportunity to give back to his “fellow Barbadians” and thanked all who worked to ensure the handover.

“I do appreciate this opportunity, and as the Deputy Permanent Secretary said, the expectation is that these canes will be delivered to persons who have a need for them. And certainly, that was my goal. And having achieved that I feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment,” he stated.

Following a demonstration by the NDU on how the canes will be used by clients, Mr. Burke told media representatives: “I worked with the Lighthouse of Central Florida and I saw the opportunity to get the canes then, and my initial thought was ‘if I can get access to these canes and I can bring them to Barbados for persons, like myself, who have visual impairment and blindness, then that would be something that I wanted to do’.”

The donation comprises 75 of the folding variety canes, in varying sizes ranging between three feet and five feet, with the sections being collapsible for easy access to public transportation, and another 20 or more of the supportive type canes, which can be used by persons when just walking around. (PR/GIS)

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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