The dignified gathering of family, friends, colleagues, and politicians from both sides of the divide in the chapel of the Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens on Tuesday morning was a mere representation of the scores scattered across the globe who celebrated the life of Dr Donald Don George Blackman, described as one of the “greatest Barbadian politicians in the post-war period”.

“Sitting following this service are people in Angola, in Guyana, in Texas, in Trinidad and Tobago, all over the world,” his long-time friend and former senior Guyanese politician Dr Aubrey Armstong told the audience as he set the tone for his 28-minute eulogy at the near three-hour farewell.

Local figures dotted the socially distanced, mask-wearing audience that included Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw and her Cabinet colleagues, Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham, former Prime Ministers Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford and Freundel Stuart, current President of the Democratic Labour Party Steve Blackett, and former Finance Minister Chris Sinckler.

Blackman, a former Government Minister who served his country in various ministries from 1978 to 1988, died on February 8.

Armstrong recounted the journey of the charismatic politician known for his firebrand speeches and intellect, as having been shaped by six things.

These included his close relationship with mother Elma, the 1935 war and the changing colonial polity at the time, the energy of the nationalist movement, the trade union movement, his education which started at Combermere before he gained a scholarship to Harrison’s College, and his “street politics”.

Armstrong said Blackman was not afraid to take on any battle, recounting how he stood up to university officials to ensure that West Indian academic C.L R. James would receive pay on par with other international lecturers.

“Don was shaped by a number of factors, and that radicalism of wanting to do more for his people was shaped in the crucible in the civil rights movement,” he said.

Blackman, who spent considerable time abroad serving as a diplomat in the United Kingdom and Canada, later emerged as a leading lecturer in Afro-American History and Literature at Long Island University from 1969-1970. He was also an instructor in Philosophy and Social Science at State University of New York at Stony Brook from 1970-1971 and Chair and Associate Professor in the African Studies Department of State University of New York, 1971-1976.

Armstrong related how, on his return Barbados, Blackman put people first as he served as Minister of Labour and Health. He recalled Blackman’s stand with workers of the local telephone company in their dispute with management, his demand for better treatment for elderly and indigent persons who were being mishandled, and his push for the development of the ABC Highway.

He said Blackman, a former beloved MP for St Michael East, left timely lessons for today’s politicians, including service to constituents and the vulnerable and connecting with ordinary people.

“He had this ability to look down the road and see the scene with street sense and social sense, of being with people; and the people – in the kitchen at the Hilton in Barbados . . . the people at IHOP in Florida – they are crying not because he gave them a tip, because he was a real person to all of them; and the people of the Ivy who came on Sunday [to his public viewing], he was real to them.”

Blackman’s long-time friend Abdul Pandor who shared a glimpse into the work of the former politician, described Blackman as the greatest leader Barbados never had.

“Don descended like a colossus on the political scene,” he said, as he recalled Blackman’s oratorical skills which educated and entertained hundreds on the political trail.

He also highlighted Blackman’s service on behalf of senior citizens and the poor and his legacy as one of builders of the Home Help programme.

Pandor further noted that Blackman knew when to leave the political arena and never missed the limelight after politics.

“He loved his life after politics in a most enjoyable and wonderful way,” he said.

A private cremation followed the ceremony.

Blackman leaves to mourn his wife Juenille Transcoso-Blackman and son Chaka Blackman.
sandydeane@barbadostoday.bb

The post People all over the globe say goodbye to political “colossus” appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Attorney General’s legal team is fighting a move to have him cross-examined in court in the lawsuit challenging the makeup of Parliament on the basis of an incomplete Senate.

The legal team has “strenuously” objected to the oral application made on Tuesday, charging that it is “premature”.

The development arose when the civil case lodged by former Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite Q.C. continued during a virtual sitting of the High Court before Madam Justice Cecily Chase Q.C.

Brathwaite is asking the court to quash President Dame Sandra Mason’s decision to reconvene Parliament. Since Parliament resumed last month, all but three of the 21 Senators have been appointed.

The lawsuit was expected to continue on Tuesday in case management with attorneys on both sides putting forward their respective arguments on preliminary points of law on issues they wanted the court to deal with.

That aspect of the case did not occur.

Instead, Brathwaite’s attorneys Garth Patterson QC, Michelle Russell and Rico Yearwood revealed that their side had been served with an affidavit which they interpreted as a response to their previous application for disclosure.

“The affidavit states that there are no documents in the possession of the President,” Patterson revealed, adding that “we are obliged to take them at face value”.

Given those circumstances, he said, there was no useful purpose to be served in pursuing the application for disclosure and asked the court for leave to cross-examine on the affidavits.

He said his team had been expecting that by the time the disclosure process was complete the Government would have “laid its cards on the table”, but that had not materialized.

The “only remaining option,” he added, was to seek to elicit from the Government, by cross-examination, the information that they should have voluntarily disclosed in the interest of assisting the court in discharging its supervisory function.

“If this court is to have any fair opportunity to critically assess the actions or omissions of the President in relation to the issues . . . in this case, there must be some substratum of fact on which the court is going to be operating.

“If the Government, through the Attorney General, has elected not to put its cards on the table, to hold the cards close to its chest, then we are entitled to invite the court to give us an opportunity to pry a few of those cards loose.

“Let’s be frank and blunt about this – the Government is not even willing to even agree to things that every blind person in Barbados is aware of. It doesn’t require any genius to understand why the three senators have not been appointed but the Government won’t even admit to that, that there are reasons and here are the reasons,” Patterson added.

But the Attorney General’s legal team, consisting of Queen’s Counsel Leslie Haynes, Roger Forde Q.C., Alrick Scott Q.C. and Gregory Nicholls, objected to the application. Other lawyers representing the Government’s interest are Simone Scott from the Attorney General’s Chambers, with instructing attorneys from the chambers of Carrington & Sealy represented by Dr Adrian Cummins Q.C., Shericka Mohammed-Cumberbatch and Jason Wilkinson.

Haynes charged that the issues of law which presented themselves in the matter “do not require the need for cross-examination”, adding that one of the issues related to the immunity clause or clauses of the President.

“So, it is alright to come here and say I want to cross-examine the Attorney General on the affidavit, but if we do that without first determining what exactly is the immunity of the President . . . then we are going to have issues in the cross-examination.

“If the authority . . . [being alluded] to as the President . . . then one must first enquire into the immunity clauses and  . . . the extent to determine what cross-examination will or not be allowed.

“Therefore . . . the application being made is premature. If [this court] were to proceed with this application now without determining the parameters of the immunity clauses, then when it comes to cross-examination the questions will be objected to at each stage,” Haynes submitted.

Queen’s Counsel Forde, meantime, was adamant that Government could not be a part of the judicial review process.

“. . . . The Cabinet can be a part of the judicial review but not the Government. So the subject of this judicial review is the President, it is not the Government. The decision-maker in this case is not the Attorney General . . . . He cannot speak to the decision-making processes of the President; he can’t,” Forde told the sitting in which it was revealed that the matter would likely end up before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Barbados’ highest court, whichever way the High Court rules.

The Attorney General’s team will continue their submissions when the matter continues on Wednesday, following which Justice Chase will give her decision on the oral application for cross-examination. fernellawedderburn@barbadostoday.bb

The post No cross-examination of AG, lawyers insist appeared first on Barbados Today.

Attorney-at-law Alvin David Bryan has been charged with theft of property belonging to the Advocate Publishers (2000) Incorporated.

The 52-year-old of Astoria, St George is accused of entering the house of Anthony Bryan, his deceased father, as a trespasser and stealing 17 shirts worth $5 337.15; a bottle of cologne worth $175; two packs of underwear worth $100 and a bottle of liquor worth $73.18  between April 23 and 30, 2021 property of the Advocate.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge before Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the District ‘B’ Magistrates’ Court located at St Joseph.

Defense counsel Kyle Walkes who is representing Bryan along with Queen’s Counsel Andrew Pilgrim submitted that his side has “a really strong defence” in the matter.

He further charged that the complainant bringing the case had “no standing” to do so and urged the prosecution to bring forward pretrial disclosure in the matter by the next sitting.

“We would like the court to keep an eye on the matter. We would like something to happen as soon as possible,” Walkes said.

There was no objection to bail from Station Sergeant Glenda Carter-Nicholls and the accused was granted bail in the sum of $3 000 with one surety.

Bryan is scheduled to reappear in court on June 27. (FW)

The post Son charged with stealing from dad’s house appeared first on Barbados Today.

A top official of the umbrella body responsible for global business in Barbados says he is not expecting any direct impact on the island’s international business sector as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but warns of indirect shocks on the wider economy.

President of the Barbados International Business Association (BIBA) Derrick Cummins said he was keeping a close eye on the development, cautioning that although Russia was not a country from which Barbados gets a lot of global business, firms will still need to pay attention to the various sanctions being issued on that jurisdiction, its businesses and individuals.

At the same time, Cummins said he believed the global business sector here could play a role in helping to cushion the economic shocks that were likely as a result of the conflict.

“As war escalates in Eastern Europe, the Barbados economy braces for further shocks. Once again, having a sector of the economy that is well diversified in professional services, insurance, banking and wealth management, financial technology, pharmaceuticals, renewable and more, can and will help spread the risk around,” he said.

Cummins pointed to increases in oil prices and logistical challenges as two of the major challenges that could affect Barbados in the medium term as a result of the conflict.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley, during a press conference on Saturday, acknowledged that the war between Russia and Ukraine could have implications for the cost of fuel and food, disruptions in the supply chain globally and the supply of some food items.

However, she gave the assurance that Government was already putting things in place to cushion the likely shocks, as she noted that Barbados had adequate foreign reserves of over $3 billion to adequately manage any price increases.

In addition to a ban on the Russian Central Bank, several countries including the US, UK, the European Union and Canada, have issued a range of economic and financial sanctions against Russian banks.

There have also been a number of asset freezes and new business restrictions against several Russian banks. Several countries have also frozen assets belonging to a number of high-profile political officials and other oligarchs, while some countries have banned transportation from Russia.

Cummins explained that while Barbados’ service providers did not get a lot of business in the business sector from Russia, “every institution in BIBA, every bank and trust in Barbados have to look at the list of sanctions”.

“Look at the banks that are on the sanctions lists, look at the individuals that are on the sanctions lists and make sure and secure they are not in their books in any way, they are not doing business with them, they are not transacting with them. If there are any accounts in their banks, they need to figure out how to treat with them,” he said.

“The next thing is the term. Sanctions aren’t turned on and turned off. What is an exit strategy? Even if Russia pulls back, sanctions aren’t off immediately, so we are in this for a long haul, I think.”

Cummins was responding to a question during an online ceremony on Monday to launch plans for BIBA’s 25th-anniversary celebrations this year. The silver jubilee will focus on the various industries in the sector as the association hosts several events to mark the milestone.

On March 21 and 22, BIBA will host its Barbados Risk and Insurance Management Conference, focusing on new technology in the insurance industry. In April the spotlight will be on the future of financial services and opportunities for Barbados, again with a focus on the use of technology.

In May, BIBA will host a global leaders’ forum, and in June the attention will shift to the professional service’s members.  (MM)

The post BIBA says sanctions on Russia could have ripple effect appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) believes that Government’s recent decision to ease restrictions on travel and weddings will make the country a more attractive destination.

In a press release issued by chief executive officer Rudy Grant, the BHTA said with the Crop Over Festival also slated to be held it would help attract visitors to the island which is on course to resume several activities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Saturday, Minister of Tourism Lisa Cummins announced that visitors to the island would only require a rapid antigen test taken within one day of arrival in the island.

“The BHTA welcomes the recent changes to the COVID-19 protocols which facilitate the easing of some restrictions. We believe this will play a major role in attracting visitors to the island over the coming months and into the summer.

“We fully support the updates to the border entry requirements. Many of our visitors and tour operator partners have been commenting on the existence of easier entry protocols in our competitive destinations. So this now brings us more in line with what is happening in the region,” Grant said in a press release issued today.

“We expect that the introduction of the rapid antigen test, in conjunction with the removal of the processing of passengers at gates 14 to 16 at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), will assist to relieve congestion and allow for easier processing of passengers. These adjustments will allow us to remain competitive, without compromising the health and safety of locals and visitors.”

Grant said the relaxation of restrictions for weddings would positively impact the Direct Tourism Services (DTS).

He also suggested that the Crop Over Festival, Barbados’ first since 2019, would still attract thousands of visitors.

“The easing of the restrictions on events such as weddings is another positive for the tourism industry. It will give our DTS members the opportunity to get back to full operation, while adding to the attractiveness of our offering as a destination. This will be beneficial especially for the summer period.

“Crop-Over’s return will also be another appealing factor for the summer. These types of events assist in boosting our arrivals so we are confident that this will occur this year with the reintroduction of the Crop-Over festival,” Grant pointed out.

“After two years of restrictions, curfews and lockdowns, many travellers are looking forward to participating in events and activities in a safe and secure environment as part of their holiday. The same applies for sporting events, which as a niche, have also traditionally been appealing to some of our visitors.”

The BHTA urged Barbadians and visitors alike to adhere to the protocols as they engaged in the many activities being offered. (RB)

The post Protocol ease good for tourism business appeared first on Barbados Today.

Anthony Layne has been re-elected as president of the Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM) for a second successive year.

When elections were held during last night’s Annual General Meeting, Layne shook off a challenge from Jason Thompson to retain the presidency while the majority of the Executive Board was returned unchanged.

Vice-president Bryan Worrell retained his post by defeating Jeremy Nicholls. Secretary Sonia Outram and Public Relations Officer Bryan Corbin were both reelected.

However, Corey Knight is now the new Treasurer. The floor members are Raymond Gill, Carla Gittens and Jeremy Nicholls.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY this morning, Layne acknowledged that this term will be a challenging one.

He said with discussions on the hosting of Crop Over and more specifically, Foreday Morning and Grand Kadooment to be convened, it was important the right mix was agreed on that would benefit all stakeholders.

“We are happy that a green light has been given for Crop Over and we are now set to go into discussions about the decentralized Kadooment…Yes it will be challenging because it’s really unchartered waters that we are entering into now, so it will be challenging for the bands and for the revellers as a whole,” Layne said.

“We are getting several messages as to what type of Kadooment it will be when you say decentralized and what will happen. We are going into discussions very shortly with the minister and the NCF [National Cultural Foundation] and then we will be able to more gauge how it will proceed and how we will be able to execute if possible. We know the band members, we know the revellers love to be on the road and that’s the query now that we are getting.”

Layne said while he did not think decentralizing Foreday Morning would be an issue, he said Grand Kadooment could prove to be a bit more challenging if it was held in that format. (RB)

The post Layne heading BAM again appeared first on Barbados Today.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders began a two-day summit in Belize still grappling with the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the need to implement measures aimed at further deepening the regional integration process and concerns that the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia could further stymie the development of the region.

Belize Prime Minister, John Briceno, the CARICOM chairman, told the opening ceremony in the picturesque San Pedro region that the summit was taking place at a time when “unprecedented and existential challenges” coincide with citizens’ expectations for relief and prosperity.

“The international climate is riddled with crises, conflicts and suffering. Every country, every region is managing, they say, unprecedented challenges, with, they say, inadequate sources. The global unraveling is occurring against the backdrop of what appears to be a new cold war.

Briceno said that Russia had invaded Ukraine in what he described as a “flagrant violation of international law”.

“We condemn in the strongest terms this unjustified invasion. There must be an immediate cessation of hostilities and immediate and unilateral withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine. We call for all to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.”

He said that the uncertainties that exist are proof positive that multilateral cooperation and support are indispensable to effectively counter the immense challenges facing the region while at the same time having the responsibility of meeting the aspirations of Caribbean people for development, for improved standards of living and for opportunities.

Prime Minister Briceno said that CARICOM countries are contending with the worst economic recession in modern history, noting that in 2020, countries registered double digit economic contraction, thousands of citizens were suddenly unemployed and remittances had dried up.

“In Belize we estimate that the poverty rate has increased from 50 per cent in 2018 to 60 per cent in 2021, two thirds of all Belizeans are poor. That is clearly unacceptable. No doubt, similar circumstances obtain across the region.”

He said the robust economic recovery that appeared to be at hand in first part of 2021 is now slowing and in August last year, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) projected that the Caribbean would grow by 4.1 per cent in 2021.

However, by January this year, ECLAC had revised its projection to three per cent and a measly 1.2 per cent excluding Guyana.

“For 2022, ECLAC has already revised downward its projections for the Caribbean from 7.8 per cent to 6.1 per cent. In addition to these circumstances, many of us are carrying unsustainable debt loads and have limited fiscal space to mount the necessary economic response. “

Briceno said that only four CARICOM member states are participating in the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Debt Service Suspension Initiative and in 2020 only five member states, including Haiti, received concessional financing from the World Bank.

“This is wrong. It is also unjust. While it is imperative that we continue to press our case, which is fair and just; we know from experience that the wheels of international cooperation grind slowly. We cannot afford to lose further ground; we cannot afford to lose our future.

“Therefore, we must be more strategic and coordinated in our advocacy. We must demand an immediate reform of the international financial system. Demand urgent climate action, and immediate access to vaccines,” Prime Minister Briceno said. (BT/CMC)

The post Heads of Government to cover critical issues including pandemic and the attack on Ukraine appeared first on Barbados Today.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has urged Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to move more urgently to implement the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) that allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour and services across the region.

“We can no longer afford the luxury of delaying approval of key instruments such as the Financial Services Agreement, investment policy, incentive regimes and the development and regulation of a regional securities market,” Browne said in his virtual address to the opening ceremony of the two-day 33rd Inter-Sessional Summit in Belize.

“The full operationalisation of the CSME is required for the transformation of our economies and to fight for a robust post-coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery. CARICOM needs to be able to shift gears and close its project implementation gaps, to ensure the full operationalisation of the CSME.”

Browne, who was reporting on his six-month tenure as CARICOM chairman, said there were some urgent tasks confronting the integration movement, listing the situation in the French-speaking member state of Haiti among the priorities.

“We need to work with Haiti in helping to resolve the deteriorating political situation in the country and the deepening public anxiety over citizen security,” Browne said, also recalling the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July last year.

No one has yet been formally charged with his murder even though several people, including former members of the Colombian army, have been detained.

“This was an event almost unheard of in our region, but a tragic reminder that our region is not immune from the forces of instability and criminality swirling around the world,” the Antiguan leader told his regional counterparts.

“Our Community has been engaged with Haiti at the highest political level and has offered to assist in crafting a Haitian-led solution to the present crisis that will garner the support of all the political forces in Haiti, as well as the international community.”

Browne told the summit that citizen security and political legitimacy are what Haiti needs most at this time, and without these vital elements the country’s economic and social prospects will remain grim.

“I am hoping that our Community can be the bridge to the United Nations and other major organisations of the international community, to bring these needed elements to Haiti, as well as a strong measure of humanitarian assistance, rigorously applied,” Browne said.

He said his six-month tenure at the helm of CARICOM had also coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic that has killed and infected thousands of people across the region.

“Many of our member states struggled with the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic that called for the vaccination of a significant portion of our populations in order to achieve herd immunity,” Browne said, noting that obtaining adequate supplies of vaccines on the international market became an issue, and even with the help of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the establishment of the COVAX facility, several member states faced vaccine shortages.

“Vaccine hesitancy also emerged as a significant regional challenge. We remain grateful to those countries of the international community which stepped forward to fill the gap, such as India and the United States.

“With resolute and joint action, I firmly believe that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is now behind us and our Community is emerging from the devastating effects of COVID on lives and livelihoods,” Browne said, adding that climate change remains the most significant existential threat facing all of humanity.

“The hopes of people in so many countries around the world for meaningful action on the climate emergency were dashed against the rocks of the obstinate and selfish attitudes of developed countries and large corporations assembled at COP26 in Glasgow, last November.”

“It is not a secret that the results of COP26 fell far short of our expectations, and we continue our advocacy to push the major polluters of the world to reduce emissions, take mitigating actions and contain rising temperatures to within 1.5 per cent of pre-industrial levels,” he added.

Prime Minister Browne said that while there are several items that did not make it on the agenda for this Inter-Sessional Summit, “we must, however, continue to be vigilant in managing the threats of de-risking, the proposed global minimum corporation tax, and sanction-listing of so-called uncooperative jurisdictions by the OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development] and European Union.

“We must also enhance our negotiations of the EPA [Economic Partnership Agreement] to ensure that it delivers the promised benefits to all its members, including the LDCs [Least Developed Countries] within CARICOM,” Browne said, noting also that the provision of affordable broadband is a public good, as vital as the provision of water or electricity, and should remain a regional priority. (BT/CMC)

The post CARICOM leaders urged to move urgently on CSME implementation appeared first on Barbados Today.

UK activist and founder of Fathers4Justice Matt O’Connor is recommending that Barbados holds a referendum on equal rights of fathers in an effort to introduce a 50/50 shared care law that gives fathers equal parenting rights as mothers.

O’Connor told Barbados TODAY he believed too many fathers were being denied the opportunity to spend more time with their children and being more involved in their lives after the mothers take them to court for child support.

O’Connor, who was recently on vacation in Barbados with his family, has joined local men’s rights advocate Kammie Holder in calling for fathers in Barbados to be given equal rights to care for their children.

“In the case of Barbados, many Bajan dads want to know how their children are doing at school, but they are denied. It is outrageous, absolutely outrageous,” he said.

“I think what we need to do is have a debate in Barbados, in Jamaica, in St Lucia, in Antigua and right across the Caribbean, about what is the role of fathers and how do we stop this global pandemic of fatherlessness happening in the Caribbean

“There was no referendum as I understand it, on becoming a republic, but I think there should be a referendum on equal rights of the fathers. I think Barbados could lead the way. We could have a minister for men. Why can’t we have a minister for men, looking at all the social issues and deprivation affecting single fathers here in Barbados, but also looking at equal rights issues,” he questioned.

He acknowledged that while there were some “deadbeat dads”, there were equally some “muppet moms”, but the legal system using a broad-brush approach to deny fathers certain visitation and other rights to their children was simply unfair.

“What I would encourage the government here to do is to look at child support as being emotional and financial support. That is the way we need to look at it,” he suggested.

He argued that the court system was creating a “toxic legacy” by not allowing fathers certain privileges with their children. He also warned that excluding a father from his child’s life could have devastating and long-term consequences for both the father and the child.

O’Connor, who came to the brink of suicide close to two decades ago after he was involved in a bitter dispute over seeing his sons, said he believed it was the responsibility of governments to “step up to the plate and say ‘look, this is an intolerable situation’.

“If we are going to be living in a responsible society that is trying to give children the best of both their parents then we need to have a legislative framework that enshrines the rights of both parents to see their children,” he said.

He explained “This could save Barbados a lot of money potentially in terms of where the benefits are given out. It helps the mother share the childcare because you are plugging in the other half of the child’s family. . . . If you’ve got a father who is sharing the care of the children you then start your own business, it allows you more personal freedom, you work for more money, it is a win-win scenario.

“The existing system in Barbados makes no sense at all and it has to change. It should start with the female prime ministers here, it should start with a debate or referendum on fathers’ rights and we’ve got to start the debate right here right now,” he said.

His comments came as he held talks with Holder about a global convention on fathers’ rights to help raise awareness and encourage change. They are hoping to have the convention in the UK this November.

Holder, the spokesman for Barbados Fathers4Justice, has been fighting to spend more time with his daughter for over the years. He told Barbados TODAY he believed the present administration could do more when it comes to shared parenting.

“Very often the Government makes a lot of gynocentric statements such as they are building a family court to make it better for single mothers,” he said.

“I think there is a level of stubbornness and I think we have gone so far north in an effort to correct gender inequality that we are now abrogating the rights of fathers,” said Holder, who pointed out that some mothers were being “allowed to maliciously omit” the father’s name from a school registration form.

“You have a situation also in 2022 where support in kind is still missing. So you may have a parent who is unemployed and is under court-ordered maintenance. They will build up arrears and rather than saying support in kind is a tool where the extended family can chip in and contribute, it still has not happened. Repeated calls to the government have gone unanswered,” he complained.
marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb

The post O’Connor: A better deal for fathers appeared first on Barbados Today.

President and Founder of the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness Kemar Saffrey is to work closely with Government in the coming months as the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs seeks to reduce and eliminate homelessness across the island.

Minister Kirk Humphrey disclosed that Saffrey will be a member of one of several committees to be established to carry out work relating to “the poor and homeless”.

Though not giving details on the planned committees, Humphrey said he recently met with Saffrey and he agreed to partner with Government in the fight against homelessness.

Humphrey was responding to a concern raised by Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw in Parliament recently as she pointed out that a lot more people were becoming destitute due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are actually seeing a lot more women and women with children entering the homeless shelters and not having the necessary support to be able to quickly address a number of the issues,” said Bradshaw.

Indicating that work has already begun to assess the properties that fall within the National Assistance Board (NAB) so that government could do more, Humphrey said he also met with Saffrey in an effort to learn more about his organisation and how they could partner.

“I know the Government currently offers some financial support to that association of about $250,000 a year, and that the work he is doing there is remarkable. The structure that he has in his institution I think we could also replicate across some of ours,” said Humphrey.

“I also feel we could lend support. It is not the duty of Government I think to do everything at all times, but we must be able to facilitate the delivery of that service. So if it is being offered and better than we are doing so then I think we should be able to work with the Alliance to be able to offer more, to be able to offer it wider across Barbados so they can reach more people,” he said.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when the island was affected by Hurricane Elsa, the BAEH, which usually accommodates up to 90 people, shifted its opening hours to accommodate many more.

While no official numbers have been released, Saffrey has reported an increase in the number of people seeking assistance at the shelter over the past two years, including tourists.

“I was speaking to Kemar in relation to the number of persons who are homeless and the gender bias, and he is telling me he is seeing an emerging trend now of more and more women on the street. In fact, we saw persons with children also on the street. So it is really something that we have to give much broader consideration to. If we don’t address it, it is only going to increase,” said Humphrey.

“When I met with Mr Saffrey, recognising the work that he has done, I had asked him to come in and partner with the ministry in terms of one of our committees as we plan out for the way forward in relation to our services to the poor and the homeless. I am happy to say that he has agreed. I am looking forward to having his counsel and his advice and to benefit from his experience, but I do believe this is one of the areas where we absolutely have to do better,” he said.

Humphrey said he was hoping that “over the next few years” as the island experienced economic growth and “a proper social planning policy” that homelessness would be rapidly reduced in Barbados.

At the same time, Humphrey stressed the need for work to be done to help prevent people from becoming homeless including through education and at the community level. He acknowledged there was a gap in providing homes for men.

“I take the point that we must do better. In the re-envisioned ministry there is going to be a lot more effort being placed in dealing with homeless. I think we have to work closer with our partners. We are going to need some support to be able to do so,” he said.

“This is not a zero-sum game. You don’t help one group at the expense of the other group. I think we have to help both,” he added. (MM)

The post Ministry teams up with BAEH to tackle homelessness appeared first on Barbados Today.

Local entrepreneurs are being encouraged to increase their businesses’ export potential to take advantage of increasingly lucrative markets within the region and beyond.

The advice came from chief executive officer of BIDC (Export Barbados) Mark Hill, during Monday’s debate on the Appropriation Bill, 2022, in the House of Assembly.

He noted that more small businesses have popped up over the past two years because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, but these small-scale ventures have yet to fully realise the great possibilities outside Barbados that has a market of 300,000 persons maximum.

“COVID has shown us that our baseload capacity within that market space is about US$4 billion. If we are going to grow an economy, our entrepreneurs and enterprises must have an export-oriented mindset, it’s critical,” Hill explained.

He stressed further that though many local entrepreneurs have been successful here, with their products consistently in demand, the scope of overseas markets continues to be an untapped reserve for businesses, given the numerous agreements Barbados has with several countries and trade organisations.

“We can either produce what I call triathlons – so people who can run, ride, and swim, which is very expensive to do in terms of the investment in producing that type of entrepreneur – or we can focus on producing good riders, which are local entrepreneurs who can get around the island and generate as much revenue as they can within the 300,000 market… or we can produce swimmers that can go beyond the shores of Barbados and reach into the region, reach into the globe, explore the 52 bilateral agreements that this country has with all the other nations around the world,” Hill said.

“Our 52 bilateral agreements gives us access to over $500 billion in market, so we really want to orient our entrepreneurs that there is more opportunity beyond the shores of Barbados.”

Hill emphasised that the island’s private sector has an important role to play in increasing the level of exports Barbados can produce, and with $300 million earned in exports, compared to $3 billion being spent on imports, businesses have an opportunity to close that trade imbalance while maximizing profits.

“Our private sector has a habit of focusing only on imports…. When we talk about entrepreneurship, much of that discussion is about cultivating importers. Those importers tap our reserves and sometimes consume $3 billion in imports, but only $300 million went out [last year]. So less than 10 per cent of what we are spending on importing is being spent on the type of businesses that export.

“We have to narrow that gap, and to narrow that gap we have to really encourage every entrepreneur, regardless of the size of their business, that they can be exporters,” Hill said. (SB)

The post Local businesses urged to tap into export markets appeared first on Barbados Today.

Pinelands Creative Workshop is celebrating 44 years of excellence as one of the leading Non-Governmental Organisations in Barbados.

Chief Executive Officer of Pinelands Creative Workshop Sophia Greaves-Broome said that initially when she joined the organisation she joined as a dancer but slowly was given administrative responsibilities.

Therefore, in 2018 when she was handed the mantle to run the organisation, she was not surprised. In fact, she was more than ready for the task at hand.

“I came to Pinelands at a very young age through an advertisement that I had heard on Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, and I had wanted to join their dance programme. After I completed the programme, I had won best dancer and went off to participate in a youth exchange programme at the time.

When I returned the organisation was expanding its areas of focus to add education and other projects to its portfolio and I was asked to be a part of that and from there I just moved from dancer to being a part of the team, being an executive secretary to the then CEO Rodney Grant at the time and then moving to Special Projects Director and then Manager of the Marcus Garvey Institute.

Then in 2018 I became the CEO taking over from Rodney Grant,” she said.  Greaves-Broome said that looking back she realizes that the preparation for her becoming CEO happened from the time she joined as she was given many administrative responsibilities and opportunities that shaped her to lead the organisation.

“The transition came when my former mentor and friend decided he was going into politics, and he passed on the baton. But I think the preparation for me assuming this role happened from the time I joined as the opportunities and responsibilities that were given to me whether it is project management or regional development.

I think I was already in the preparatory mode because he was trying to groom someone through the shadowing so that as the organisation grows, he had someone to work alongside him, someone that understands the organisation and the development trajectory the organisation was on to ensure that there was continuity well beyond his time.

So, I think he was a visionary because I had no idea, I was being trained for this post back then. My only thought was that it was an extraordinary opportunity to learn new things because I came in to play an administrative role and ascended to head the social development department as well as lead international and regional programmes. It was a very exciting time and a good opportunity to learn along the way,” she said.

The CEO of Pinelands Creative Workshop who holds an MSC in Business Psychology from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom said that being at the helm of a Non-Governmental institution in the midst of COVID-19 was not easy but she and her management team found creative ways for the organisation to be able to pivot and diversify its products and services in order to remain relevant.

“I think Pinelands over the years have spent a lot of time dealing with resilience and adaptability it has always been a natural factor in the running of Pinelands Creative Workshop.

I think during the period of COVID we were in a good position because again the former CEO had laid a good foundation in ensuring the members of the organisation were tech savvy with offices away from Pinelands main office, so our transition was quite seamless.

Furthermore, because of our first Youth Beyond Expectations programme supported by the Maria Holder Memorial Trust, we were able to build in a lot of infrastructure which included an online platform, so we continued to do programmes and connect as a team and with our membership, virtually.

So, we were more prepared and a little ahead of the curve when COVID and all of those restrictions started to happen.  I think having a vision and a very agile mindset has allowed the organization to transition from 2018 knowing that we are on a growth trajectory, and we would have heightened our activities by giving attention to defining into our organisation development goals which prioritises human development, community engagement and development, disaster risk reduction, social and cultural enterprise, improving the use of ICT’s, especially during that time.

We continued to look at our Intangible Cultural Heritage because although we could not perform, we documented the elements of our intangible cultural heritage at a time of crisis it is important to give serious attention to cultural preservation, which is considered a critical link to social and psychological resilience as well as compliments the development thinking of “building
back better”,” she said.

Greaves-Broome also outlined her overall vision for the organisation and for them to finally have a space – a home that they can further build out an institution for the preservation of Afro Caribbean artforms and by extension, to be able to transplant this knowledge into their varied cultural and educational programs for members and the wider community as a part of their cultural development mandate.

“My intention is to expand on those initiatives that our former CEO would have started which are having our own studio as we would have just invested in the overall professionalism of our tutors through the funding assistance of Maria Holder Memorial Trust to be able to deliver NVQ’s in dance, choreography and directing.

We want to have professional courses because we are specialist in own right in Afro-Caribbean dance and psycho-social theatre, and we want to keep that “africanness” that has made PCW unique – that DNA and will remain committed to as a priority.

The ability to maintain that uniqueness and authenticity requires a continued commitment to research and documenting, being an integral part of our focus.

We are seeking to have our own space so that we have a home for theatre and continue to have real quality psych-social theatre being shown that address the issues of the day and give people the opportunity to make changes in their lives, have hope because of solid Afro-Caribbean cultural products being shared and populating our varied media.  Independence is important for PCW and
should be for every NGO.

We want to expand the business focus as a table cannot stand on two legs it must have three or four.  Having our own independent and unrestricted source of funding, allows for strategic investment in our young people and in the growth of the organisation.

But this is not to say that we would not appreciate funding support from Government and the private sector and or donors but there has to be a continued commitment to give attention to yourself through creative self-reliance methodologies whether its social enterprise, investments, or straight business, whatever.

Partnerships and mergers that the corporate environment engage in every day.  It is not beyond the sector to do the same.  We have established strategic and active partnerships that has redowned to the benefit of our community and membership.

  But we are also seeking to partner with international organisations so we can have greater opportunities for our young people especially those that are on the periphery that would hardly get access to opportunities.

We continue to foster a relationship with York University and we are also speaking to other universities and colleges to be able to move our young people into institutions with broader scopes so that we can maximise their potential and eventually can return and give back to our nation,” she said.

She added that Pinelands Creative Workshop has seen firsthand how the development in members of the youth in the community has resulted in many of their former members giving back their talent and skill to the organisation.

“We are seeing that now where we would have made impact with some of our earlier members, and they are giving back whether it is in technology, social media and other areas.

So again, we have to be the craftsmen and women of our fate and therefore want to start building out the future we want for our organisation so that the Pinelands Creative Workshop name moves beyond a household name but becomes an institution, an international brand,” she said.

Greaves-Broome smiled as she shared that over the years, she has enjoyed her time in the Pinelands Creative Workshop, and she wishes the organisation a Happy 44th anniversary and she cannot wait to see what the future holds for the non-governmental organisation that was founded February 28th, 1978.

“For me I can say it has been a joy being a part of at least two decades of this organisation especially being a girl not coming from the Pine but coming to add my two cents and I am happy with that tremendously.

I think at 44 years the journey has now begun for Pinelands Creative Workshop as we are now moving in the direction of development, disaster management, education, maintaining our intangible culture and so much more projects are in the pipeline, and I am excited to see the opportunities that could be availed to all Barbadians.

Over the years Pinelands has touched persons in every parish of Barbados and I cannot wait to see how we can continue to inspire and motivate persons for many more years to come,” she said.

(Write Right PR Services)

The post 44 years of Pinelands Creative Workshop Excellence appeared first on Barbados Today.

SOURCE: CMC- Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has told Russian leader Vladimir Putin that as a “long standing friend” of the Russian Federation, he is “deeply disturbed” at the “special military operation” into Ukraine.

Gonsalves read on the state-owned NBC radio, the contents of a “private letter” he had sent to President Puttin, whose military forces have invaded Ukraine as part of the efforts to prevent the Eastern European country developing closer relationship with western countries and organisation, including the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or Atlantic Alliance (NATO) , an international political and military organization with the aim of guaranteeing the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.

There had been repeated calls by the parliamentary opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) for Prime Minister Gonsalves to release the contents of the letter with the prime minister telling radio listeners on Wednesday that he going to provide a ‘scoop” to the announcer on the state-owned media.

In the letter, Gonsalves told Putin that the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government understood “your articulation of the legitimate security considerations of the Russian Federation and your perspectives on the political situation in the region of Donbas, inclusive of the declaration of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic”.

Gonsalves, however, said that Putin’s government stance on the matter at hand, “taken at its highest in your favour, cannot reasonably justify the special military operation upon which Russia has embarked.

“Self-evidently, the metaphoric horse and chariot have been driven through the chatter of the United Nations,” Gonsalves said, noting that historically, the Russian Federation has been “a staunch defender” of the Charter of the United Nations, inclusive of “the sacred principles of multilateralism, the peaceful settlement of disputes, sovereignty and independence, non-intervention and non-interference in another country’s internal affairs.

“As a fellow defender of these principles, as a witness to the insidious effects of interventions and external aggressions across the developing world and as a small island state whose independent existence depends on faithful global adherence to the letter and spirit of the United Nations Charter, St. Vincent and Grenadines is urging your government to reflect with solemnity and reasonableness on these principles and others and see the special military operation,” Gonsalves wrote.

He told the Russian Leader that he had been listening carefully to the views of the leaderships of countries globally.

“Overwhelmingly, world opinion is against your government’s special military operation. Indeed, among true friends of Russia in the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, Asia and even in Europe, there is a near unanimous objection and opposition to your government’s military operation.

“From our perspective, the special military operation is neither necessary nor desirable.”

Prime Minister Gonsalves told President Putin that “the special military operation” would  “undoubtedly add much suffering to ordinary folks the world over, especially those who are still finding it very challenging to handle a pandemic, climate change and natural disasters.

“The people of St. Vincent Grenadines and the Caribbean will undoubtedly be affected adversely. Please, let us give peace and diplomacy a real chance to succeed. In our view, the nobility of peace is far preferable than an ignoble military adventure.”

Gonsalves said he was aware that some western countries were “engaged in the hypocrisy and doublespeak, and their history of neo-colonialism, imperialism and interventionist adventurism undermines their self-righteous proclamations, but their ongoing agendas and self-righteousness ought not to induce other dangerous errors, such as the special military operation in Ukraine.

“At a personal level, as a friend of the Russian Federation, I am urging you very strongly to cease the special military operation in Ukraine.

“Peace is a great cause and great causes have never been one by doubtful men and women. I have full confidence in you, a distinguished son of the magnificent Russian civilisation, would weigh carefully what I have written. Let us go forward in peace, security and prosperity for all. Please do not disappoint me.

“All the best to you, your family, your government and people. Please stay in touch,” Gonsalves wrote without informing listeners whether Puttin or the Russian government had responded to the letter.

The post Prime Minister Gonsalves writes Russian President urging him to withdraw troops from Ukraine appeared first on Barbados Today.

The current and future success of Sagicor is and will continue to be driven by the company’s commitment to continually change and adapt to the prevailing environment.

This from Robert Trestrail, President and CEO of Sagicor Life Inc, as he spoke to over 1,500 team members across the leading insurance and financial institution’s Southern Caribbean operations during their recent annual, regional team meeting.

Held virtually for the third consecutive year due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s theme for “Ignite” was “A.C.T”, an acronym for Achieve, Commit, Thrive.

Trestrail argued that for Sagicor to achieve its goals and ambitions, team members must commit to the journey, both personally and professionally, in order for all stakeholders to thrive and enjoy the benefits of their efforts.

He made the point that these three areas are very much in reach as long as the company and its team members remain focused on the needs and demands of the market, clients and all other stakeholders.

“Despite being 181 years old and the Caribbean’s largest insurance and financial institution, we must not rest on our laurels and be comfortable with the level of success achieved thus far. But how do we improve to ensure the realisation of our goals? We must continue to commit to transforming our operations in the areas that are needed to take us forward,” said the President and CEO.

“Over the years we have been able to change and adapt, moving from a single line, paper-based institution to an organisation of automated and underwritten products, a full suite of simplified issue automated products, electronic commerce and comprehensive online applications and virtual portals for doing business,” stated Trestrail.

The veteran insurance executive commended team members for their resolve and ability to embrace change, especially over the past two years.

“The unpredictability of the global and regional environment, economies and societies as a result of the ongoing pandemic, unforeseen events such as volcano eruptions and out of season hurricanes, along with personnel and operational changes within the company, have all forced us to make adjustments.

Change is embedded in our DNA and without change, death and decay set in,” he said. Trestrail concluded by saying that as the pandemic begins to transition to an endemic, Sagicor must again prepare to embrace change.

“As economies across the region begin to return to more normal operations and become fully open, there is no doubt that market demands will continue to evolve in response to current and evolving needs of individuals and businesses, following an evaluation of the impact of the pandemic on their lives and performance.

Over the last two years we have seen these demands and needs evolve rapidly month by month, resulting in the rollout of new products, services and convenient channels for doing business with Sagicor.

This is certain to continue at an even more rapid pace as technology keeps evolving, and we at Sagicor intend to stay ahead of the curve.” (PR)

The post Business transformation key to Sagicor’s future appeared first on Barbados Today.

Consider it your personal financial coach available at your fingertips and on call 24/7.

CIBC FirstCaribbean has launched its newest financial tool, CIBC FirstCaribbean 1st Insights, to help clients better manage and improve their finances. The newest tool in the bank’s ongoing journey to make banking, personalised, easy and responsive, is available to the bank’s Online Banking and Mobile App users.

Mark St. Hill, Managing Director, Retail and Business Banking at the bank, was thrilled with the tool noting that it will offer clients “personal, predictive and proactive guidance”.  He explained that with “CIBC FirstCaribbean 1st Insights, you will receive a daily feed to your financial wellness at your fingertips.

It gives you tailored, real-time information about your finances based on your savings or chequing account activity serving up the insights that matter most to you.”

He said the bank viewed its clients as “more than just accounts but unique individuals with your own financial needs and goals. CIBC FirstCaribbean 1st Insights takes a personal approach to how you view your finances by offering financial insights into how you spend.”

Created in conjunction with financial data platform MX, whose award-winning data enhancement platform and MXinsights are powering the new tool, CIBC FirstCaribbean 1st Insights will monitor your finances and offer insights that guide you to stay on track with your budget.

In explaining some of the features of the new tool, Esan Peters, Chief Information Officer & Managing Director, Technology & Operations explained that the “Monthly Savings Summary insight will let clients know how much money they have in their account over the past months, and how much they managed to save or not save during the previous month. We will cheer you on every step of the way as you save towards your goals.”

He added that the Monthly Spend Comparison insight would provide users with a summary of their total monthly expenses, together with a monthly comparison. This
will help users track which months they spent more or less than average.

“You may miss when a subscription to your online newspaper or streaming service goes up because it all happens automatically on your account. The insights tool will help you identify these changes with the Subscription Price Increase insight. It will show you what you were previously spending and what the new amount is. The budget insights keep you on track with what you’re spending and where you’re spending it,” Peters added.

CIBC FirstCaribbean 1st Insights is available to all of the bank’s Online Banking and Mobile App users free for a three-month trial period starting from the date of enabling. After the initial trial period, users will be able to continue using it for a very low USD$3 annual subscription fee.

(PR)

The post CIBC FCIB launches online financial ‘coach’ appeared first on Barbados Today.

Nine books, seven by women and five by newly published writers, make the 12th OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature longlist. The nine authors have roots in five different Caribbean countries.

The 2022 OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, sponsored by One Caribbean Media, owner of the Trinidad and Tobago Express newspaper, TV6, and the OCM radio network is recognised as the most prestigious award for Caribbean writing.

It recognises books in three genre categories — poetry, fiction, and literary non-fiction — published by authors of Caribbean birth or citizenship in the preceding year.

The fiction category testifies to the contemporary dominance of Caribbean women writers, with two debut books joining a novel by a long-acclaimed writer and scholar.

What Storm, What Thunder, the fourth novel by US-based Haitian-Canadian writer Myriam J.A. Chancy, is “a work of great force and beauty … profound in its literary and historical breadth and reach,” wrote the judges.

“Set in the before and after of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Chancy’s narrators give texture to the everyday, to the delicate work of holding and piecing a life back together.”

How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House, the first novel by Barbadian Cherie Jones, is “a panoramic story of love, grief, trauma, and resilience.

Jones writes with a powerful sense of place, unfalteringly truthful in this portrait of violence and survival.

Compelling in its drama and dazzling in its cast, Jones’s novel is a singular and unforgettable achievement.”

The third longlisted debut work of fiction is Pleasantview, a “novel in stories,” by Trinidadian Celeste Mohammed. “With its interlocked stories, Mohammed has found a daring new way to paint the portrait of a community,” the judges remarked.

“Pleasantview is a gripping read, written with a deep sense of connection to people and place, both affectionate and loving, while clear-eyed and critical.”

The poetry longlist brings together three books of diverse style, all concerned with how the past shapes the present.

Thinking with Trees, the debut book by Jamaica-born, UK-based Jason Allen-Paisant, “invites us to think about a perpetual condition of ‘marronage’ for the Caribbean writer,” writes the judges.

The collection, they add, “explores nature as a sacred palace for recollection in another tranquillity, far from the one proposed by Wordsworth, a recollection that makes memory present, that heals from the past of marginalisation.”

What Noise Against the Cane, the first full-length book by T&T-born, US-based Desiree C. Bailey, “reimagines archival history into a living, breathing, memento of tragic witnessing.”

In these poems, “violence acts on the practice of writing … The book itself is inhabited by various levels of language that intertwine to make present the multiple races and histories that inform each piece.”

Completing the poetry category is Zion Roses, the second book of poems by Jamaican Monica Minott.

“This is a poet that understands voice and voicing,” write the judges.

“Some of the more startling poems are dramatic monologues.” Here, “the personal and the political, memory and history give an all-encompassing view of Caribbean women-centred thought.”

The non-fiction category judges have selected books with subjects ranging from history and science to personal essays. Cuba: An American History by Ada Ferrer is “a highly readable history of Cuba with tremendous new insights intertwined with that of the United States, written by someone with roots in both countries in a thoughtful and beautiful narrative voice.”

The judges commended the author’s “sweeping research, objectivity, balance, patience and passion for her subject.”

The essay collection Things I Have Withheld by US-based Jamaican Kei Miller is “a deep and stirring excursion into the taboo,” say the judges — “the ‘dark’ places where truth and reality reside, often unrecognised and silent because of fear of discrimination, hatred, and prejudice … Miller summons up his courage and narrative voice as a Black Jamaican gay man to explore these unspoken truths in an unforgettable, layered and moving way.”

The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey
into Dark Matter, Spacetime and Dreams Deferred by Barbadian-American Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is the third non-fiction category selection.

The judges commented: “It is a rare feat that a physics professor should be able to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the origins and workings of the physical universe and, at the same time, seamlessly blend into her engaging narrative the race, gender, and other socio-political issues inextricably bound up even in the universe of science.”

On 27 March the judges of the OCM Bocas Prize will announce the winner in each of the three genre categories.

Those titles will compete for the overall Prize of US$10,000, to be announced on Saturday 30 April, during the 12th annual NGC Bocas Lit Fest. Each category winner receives US$3,000.

The 2022 OCM Bocas Prize judging panels comprise Caribbean and international writers, critics, and literary organisers. Mayra Santos-Febres, Puerto Rican poet, academic, and executive director of Puerto Rico’s Festival de la Palabra, chairs the poetry panel, joined by Chloe Garner, artistic director of the UK’s Ledbury Poetry Festival, and Jamaican poet and critic Ishion Hutchinson. British academic and broadcaster Shahidha Bari chairs the fiction panel, joined by Canada-based scholar Christina Sharpe and T&T-born, US-based writer Anton Nimblett.

Godfrey Smith — Belizean jurist, biographer, and himself a former winner of the OCM Bocas Prize for Nonfiction leads the non-fiction judging.

He is joined by Canada-based Jamaican writer Rachel Manley and Guyanese-British writer Anita Sethi. The overall chair of the 2022 cross-genre judging panel is Trinidadian-British writer Roger Robinson, winner of the 2019 T.S. Eliot Prize.

NGC is the title sponsor of the NGC Bocas Lit Fest, OCM and First Citizens are main sponsors, Massy Foundation and UWI are sponsors. The festival runs from 28 April to 1 May 2022.

The nine longlisted books are:

Poetry

Thinking with Trees, by Jason Allen-Paisant (Carcanet Press)

What Noise Against the Cane, by Desiree C. Bailey (Yale University Press)

Zion Roses, by Monica Minott (Peepal Tree Press)

Fiction

What Storm, What Thunder, by Myriam J.A. Chancy (Harper Perennial)

How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House, by Cherie Jones (Little, Brown/Tinder Press)

Pleasantview, by Celeste Mohammed (Ig Publishing/Jacaranda Books)

Non-fiction

Cuba: An American History, by Ada Ferrer (Scribner)

Things I Have Withheld, by Kei Miller (Grove Atlantic/Canongate)

The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime and Dreams Deferred, by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein (Bold Type Books)

(PR)

The post Nine books longlisted for prestigious awards appeared first on Barbados Today.

Barbados recorded 158 new COVID-19 cases, 63 males and 95 females, from the 937 tests conducted by the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory on Tuesday, March 1.

The positive cases consisted of 41 persons under the age of 18, and 117 who were 18 years and older. There were 56 people in isolation facilities, while 1,550 were in home isolation. As at March 1, the virus had claimed 316 lives.

The public health laboratory has carried out 587,777 tests since February 2020, and recorded 55,543 COVID-19 cases (25,788 males and 29,755 females).

Under the National Vaccination Programme for COVID-19, the total number of persons with at least one dose is 160,188 (70.1 per cent of the eligible population).

The total number of fully vaccinated persons is 149,539 (55.2 per cent of the total population or 65.5 per cent of the eligible population).  The eligible population represents those persons who are 12 years and older.

The post Barbados records 158 new COVID-19 cases appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Barbados Water Authority informs residents of some St. Thomas districts that it will be relocating an 8” main at Apes Hill, St Thomas on Friday, March 4 between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.

As a result, residents and businesses located in Rock Hall, Orange Hill, Apes Hill, Turtleback Ridge, St Silas Heights surrounding areas may suffer low pressure or a water outage during this time.

Customers are asked to store an adequate supply of water to assist.

The BWA apologises for any inconvenience this meter installation in the Apes Hill, St Thomas on Friday, March 4 may cause.

The post BWA relocating main in Apes Hill, St Thomas appeared first on Barbados Today.

Members of the public are encouraged to cooperate with enumerators from the Barbados Statistical Service (BSS) as they visit households across the island to conduct interviews for the 2020 Population and Housing Census. 

The theme for the census is Our Nation, Our Future, Be Counted. Officials will be attired in pink polo shirts branded with the BSS logo, and carry departmental issued identification cards. 

Additionally, COVID-19 protocols will be observed, and householders are reminded that the officers will not be entering their homes. 

For more information on the Population and Housing Census, persons may visit the BSS’ website at https://stats.gov.bb, or call 535-2600. 

The 2020 Population and Housing Census continues until Thursday, March 31. (BGIS) 

The post Public encouraged to cooperate with BSS enumerators appeared first on Barbados Today.

Entertainers and artistes received a hefty payday in the lead up to Barbados’ transition to a Republic.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Carol Roberts-Reifer disclosed to Barbados TODAY that over $1 million was paid out during the week-long celebrations leading up to Independence Day last year.

With the Delta variant causing widespread havoc at the time, the majority of events were held in safe zones with only specially-invited guests in attendance.

Some of those events included the official opening of Golden Square on November 27, the National Service of Thanksgiving on November 28 at the Garfield Sobers Complex, and the ceremony for the installation of Barbados’ first President Dame Sandra Mason on November 29.

There was also a flotilla, a mural project, decorating competition as well as a roundabout and community decorative projects.

Roberts-Reifer maintained that the money was spent not just because of the historic occasion, but also to support persons in the sector who had been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said with events prohibited for a long time as part of the restrictions, Government and the NCF saw it as an opportunity to assist them.

“We have spent over $1 million with stakeholder groups for the celebration of Barbados’ transition to a Republic. Service providers got out licking…they did well,” Roberts-Reifer said.

“So whether it was the decorations of the roundabouts with the masqueraders, whether it was the murals project with the visual artists, whether it was the event on [November] 29th with a cast of over 300 that got paid; whether it was the reopening of Golden Square; whether it was the Independence honours; whether it was the flotilla, all of this activity was yes, to celebrate that historic occasion for Barbados but also to be able to support the sector and to be able to use the sector to generate economic activity.”

Additionally, Roberts-Reifer said persons in the sector also received close to a half-million dollars in support from Government during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said this included monies that were paid in subsidies along with virtual events that were held.

“Without them having to ask, the NCF paid out $400 000 in subsidies to the sector; to bandleaders, to masqueraders and to event producers who were registered.

“We also did a series of virtual events hiring entertainers. We did three Police Band concerts, three UNCTAD concerts and all the rest. They were listened to and they were supported,” Roberts-Reifer said. randybennett@barbadostoday.bb

The post NCF says more that $1 million paid out on Republic activities and in COVID subsidies appeared first on Barbados Today.