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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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CTUSAB STANDS WITH BUT ON REINSTATEMENT OF TERM’S LEAVE

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has voiced strong support for the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) in its ongoing fight to have term’s leave reinstated for educators.

At a press conference held Thursday at the BUT headquarters, CTUSAB General Secretary Dennis De Peiza and President Ryan Phillips affirmed the Congress’ solidarity with the teachers’ union, indicating their readiness to back any form of industrial action the BUT considers necessary in response to the government’s continued inaction on key education-related matters.

De Peiza noted that although the Ministry of Education has verbally indicated it has no objections to the reinstatement of term’s leave, this assurance has yet to be formally documented

“You would recognise that there has been no significant or any movement regarding the teachers’ issues in terms of the matter of the term’s leave. We the Congress met with the Ministry of Education on this matter, and all that we can say out of our discussions with them is that the ministry is saying that they have no issue with the restoration of the term leave.
“BUT is demanding from the ministry that place] in writing what the ministry is saying around the table; they have not communicated to the Union of Teachers in writing. So it is my word at the table, but it’s nothing to validate that,” he said.

He further added and the escalating reports of violence and indiscipline at some schools was a great concern.

He said, “The growing indiscipline in our schools and the poor examples being set by adults and even some of our leaders is a real cause for concern. It’s about time that the citizens of this country take a stand and support a call for the removal of policies which undermine discipline in our schools and have empowered children. There must be the restoration of the authority which was once entrusted to principals and teachers at schools,”

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The Confucius Institute Successfully Hosts 24th International Chinese Bridge Competition

On Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, the Confucius Institute at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, hosted its annual Chinese Bridge Competition. Held at the Confucius Institute building, this prestigious event provides a platform for Chinese language students to showcase and enhance their linguistic and cultural skills while deepening their understanding of China’s rich heritage.

*Secondary School participant, Davesha Chassang performing a traditional Chinese dance*

The competition featured three categories—Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary levels—allowing students to demonstrate their abilities through speeches, cultural knowledge quizzes, and performances in traditional Chinese art forms. Participants represented schools and institutions across Barbados that have partnered with the Confucius Institute to deliver Chinese language instruction to Barbadian students.

Distinguished Panel of Judges

The competition was evaluated by an esteemed panel including: a representative from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Kerri-Ann Haynes-Knight representing the Office of the Principal UWI Cave Hill, Ms. Philomena Lee from the Chinese Association of Barbados, Ms. Sabrina Hoyte representing the Barbados-China Returned Scholars Association, Professor Nie Lu (Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute), and Dr. Ché Corbin (Local Director of the Confucius Institute).

*Winners of the Secondary school competition pictured with judges*

Record Participation and Innovation

This year’s competition achieved unprecedented growth, with significant increases in Primary and Secondary school participation. Secondary school participants rose to 10 students—a five-fold increase from last year’s 2 participants—while Primary school entries grew from 12 to 15 students. The Tertiary level featured two accomplished participants.

*Primary school participants receiving certificates from Judges*

The competition also showcased remarkable diversity in talent performances, with several notable firsts including food preparation demonstrations, traditional dressmaking, and a captivating Guzheng performance at the Primary level. Both judges and audience members were impressed by the artistry and confidence displayed by the young competitors, reflecting not only the students’ dedication but also the Institute’s committed investment in their development.

Recognition and Encouragement

Following the performances, speeches, and quizzes, all participants received prizes and certificates in recognition of their achievements. The judging panel addressed the students, encouraging continued language study and emphasizing the valuable opportunities that Chinese language proficiency can provide. Special commendation was given to the Institute’s teachers and students’ parents for their unwavering support and guidance.

Acknowledgments

The Confucius Institute extends its gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for their continued support of the Chinese Bridge Competition and the promotion of Chinese language and culture in Barbados. The Institute also congratulates all participating students and wishes the competition winners success as they advance to represent Barbados in the global competition in China later this year.

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Eleven St. John Recipients Receive Pride Of Barbados Awards

Eleven persons from St. John who have contributed substantially to the development of the parish and its residents over the years have received Pride of Barbados Awards.

The St. John honourees were presented with their insignias by President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason yesterday morning at State House. President Mason thanked the awardees for their dedication and acts towards the development of her ‘home’ parish and encouraged them to continue their efforts.

The fifth batch of honourees receiving insignias, as part of the We Gatherin’ 2025 initiative, were: Richard Arthur, Pearson Bellamy, J.P., Neville Bridgeman, Sonia Burgess-Haynes, Dr. Keisha Gustave, Samantha Haynes, J.P., De Andra Howard, Myrtle Husbands, Roland Waithe, Dale Lashley and Diaspora Awardee Lennox Llewellyn Padmore.

Areas for which the awardees were recognised included humanitarianism and philanthropy; lifelong dedicated service to the Codrington Estate; leadership; excellence in public health; community empowerment; educating and mentoring young people; promoting sporting excellence; and agriculture.

Following the ceremony, three awardees shared with the media their reaction to being recipients of the Pride of Barbados Award.

Pearson Bellamy, J.P., age 83, is a former teacher, meteorologist and government printer. He was recognised for being a steward of culture, a guardian of truth, and a living archive for his dedicated service as a community griot and cultural icon.

“I’m happy to be honoured today. Thank God that He’s given me the privilege to…receive this honour this morning,” Mr. Bellamy stated.

He added: “For the past 63 years, I’ve been working with the youth, with the old, and with everybody else with respect to drama, folk singing, music, and I was president of a number of organisations in St. John. And I’m happy to share that as long as I have strength and the energy, I will continue to do so.”

Eighty-year-old Shopkeeper Myrtle Husbands said: “I am very humble and grateful to the Government and people of St. John.”

She is known for her invaluable contributions to improving the lives of the disadvantaged, uplifting the vulnerable, protecting and providing refuge to battered women and hope to underprivileged children, as well as fostering a more caring and cohesive community in Colleton, St. John.

When asked what drives her to assist others, she responded: “I think it’s just me … it comes natural. When I see people in need, I help them. If I see people, you know, like disadvantaged, I try to give them any assistance that I can.”

She advised younger persons in the community to put God first in their lives and to help any person in need.

Meanwhile, De Andra Howard, a 42-year-old teacher at the Mount Tabor Primary, expressed her surprise and delight at being awarded. “It feels amazing,” she remarked.

She has been awarded for her leadership, creativity and unswerving commitment to community development, promoting the Rights of the Child and fostering Health and Family Life Education, as well as national anti-violence initiatives. Ms. Howard emphasised the importance of hard work and perseverance.

“You know, sometimes you work hard behind the scenes and you say you’re never going to be recognised. But as I always say to my students and to the young people that I inspire, work hard and someday it will pay off, somebody will recognise you.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason (centre) poses with ten of the Pride of Barbados Awardees from St. John at State House