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WORLD FOOD DAY MESSAGE

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security joins the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in celebrating World Food Day, October 16.

This year’s theme, “Leave no One Behind: Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life”, reinforces the importance of developing food systems that can withstand shocks such as climatic events, pandemics and political unrest, so that there is minimal disruption to the supply of fresh, safe and nutritious foods to all citizens, including the most vulnerable.

As Barbados continues to grapple with the severe impact of climate change on crop and livestock yields, the global supply deficits generated by the COVID-19 pandemic; and the effects of the Russia/Ukraine war, with price hikes triggered by grain and oil shortages, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security is determined to ‘leave no-one behind’.

**Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security, Indar Weir. (FP)**

The Ministry is persevering in its efforts to combat the dry conditions precipitated by climate change. The recently-expanded Brown’s Pond at River Plantation, with a storage capacity of 6 million gallons, is in operation and will service the 60 acres there; whilst the pump house at Lears which is 95% complete, will facilitate the distribution of water from the 21 million gallon reservoir to over 100 farmers and allotment gardeners to benefit from that programme.

The Government is also seeking to alleviate challenges faced by farmers associated with the rising costs of feed inputs. At the domestic level, my Ministry is currently involved in discussions with local animal feed producer, Pinnacle Feeds Ltd., about ways to ensure that price increases are either avoided, or kept at a minimum.

As a small country, Barbados is a price taker within the global marketplace. It is therefore now urgent, perhaps more than ever, for local businesses to identify and pursue lower cost inputs, even if it means a movement away from traditional source markets. In many cases, my Government can assist with identifying cheaper source markets without compromising input quality.

The Ministry’s Farmers’ Empowerment and Enfranchisement Drive (FEED) Programme, executed by the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) continues to attract interest, with some 351 participants registered in the last cohort in August 2022. Further, the Programme has seen increased crop-planting at Mt. Poyer, Wakefield Plantation and Bath Plantation. I am particularly pleased that lands at Spencer’s Plantation are being brought back into production.

The recently-launched Community Agricultural Response and Empowerment (CARE) Project seeks to improve the quality of life of persons living below the poverty line, by providing opportunities for communities to grow their own food. The BADMC and the Barbados Agricultural Management Company Ltd. (BAMC) will offer support with land clearing, cultivation and planting material.

Notwithstanding local efforts to boost agricultural output, the Government of Barbados recognizes that alliances between countries are critical to the Caribbean becoming self-sufficient in the production of nutritious food. Each individual country does not have the requisite natural resources, especially land and water, to produce all it needs. To this end, the Government eagerly embraced CARICOM’s 25×25 vision, which challenges Member States to reduce extra-regional agri-food imports by 25% by 2025.

Since the pronouncement of the 25×25 vision, Barbados signed Cooperation Agreements with two of its regional neighbours, Guyana and Suriname, in July 2022. The St. Barnabas Accord with Guyana encompasses several areas of agricultural cooperation including crop production, animal husbandry, fisheries and trade facilitation.

The Formation Agreement for the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform with Suriname will facilitate partnerships in similar areas. Under both Agreements, the possibility also exists for Barbadian farmers to travel to these countries to work agricultural lands provided by the respective Governments.

The Government acknowledges the fact that comprehensive agricultural policy also includes legislative and other supportive mechanisms. To this end, I am proud to report that in August 2022, Parliament passed the new and improved Protection of Agricultural Products Act. This long awaited piece of legislation will provide local farmers with the necessary recourse to acts of praedial larceny against them, while at the same time require them to take some measure of responsibility in averting such occurrences.

On this World Food Day, I extend sincere thanks to all farmers, institutional partners including FAO and employees of the Ministry for their commitment to advancing agriculture in Barbados. Despite the unprecedented, exogenous shocks that have caused setbacks, I am satisfied that the implemented programmes, the adoption of resilient, sustainable agricultural practices, along with the tireless efforts of all interest groups will bear much fruit.

As Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security, I assure you that I remain resolutely committed to the task given to me four years ago. May God bless all of you.

The Hon. Indar Weir
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security

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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