General secretary of the Unity Workers Union (UWU) Caswell Franklyn has charged that the trade union movement in Barbados is doing little to represent workers.

The trade unionist levelled the allegations hours after Government passed the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Amendment Bill, 2022, to allow a trade union representative to sit on the QEH’s board.

In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Franklyn, whose union was at loggerheads with Government last year over the treatment of nurses at the state-run health institution, said the new legislation “meant little” as general secretary of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) Dennis DePeiza was already a member of the QEH’s board.

Franklyn said DePeiza had done little as a board member to represent workers at the QEH.

He claimed that other trade union representatives were sitting on boards across the public service, but were not agitating for workers.

“If they were acting in the best interest of the workers they would stay up there and do things to represent the workers’ interest but they are not doing so. It is not about representing workers,” Franklyn maintained.

“I have not seen any instance where trade unionists sitting on boards made any difference. They have trade unionists sitting on the National Insurance board from its inception. Right now they want to disadvantage the workers at National Insurance by talking about they are going to make National Insurance a board and the trade unionists aren’t standing up against it. And the thing is National Insurance is already a board…

“If they were standing up for the workers you wouldn’t mind but they are not,” he added.

But DePeiza, when contacted by Barbados TODAY defended his tenure on the QEH board.

He explained that CTUSAB was an umbrella body and it was not its role to defend individual workers.

“Trade unions represent individuals and CTUSAB is not a trade union in that sense. CTUSAB is an umbrella organisation and an umbrella organisation represents the collective of the unions and it deals with policy issues.

“If you’re talking about the individual representation of workers and that is what Mr Franklyn is speaking to, then the various unions as I am aware within the body of the QEH, which would be the Barbados Nurses’ Association, the NUPW [National Union of Public Workers], the Barbados Workers’ Union, BAMP [Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners]… those would be the requisite bodies who would represent its individual matters of union members,” DePeiza pointed out.

“If Mr Franklyn gave the public the impression that CTUSAB goes there to represent individual workers then it is misleading and it needs to be corrected. The hospital is a statutory board and it deals with governance issues and the labour movement as part of the governance of this country we speak to the matters at that macro level and to help to give guidance, help to give its expertise and help to be part of a national decision making and that is where we sit and the role that CTUSAB plays at that level…and of course we try to make sure that there is no exploitation, that irregularities are not practiced and that workers are treated fairly and not in any way disadvantaged.” (RB)

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The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has recommended that some of the workers from the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit be redeployed as labour and health inspectors.

Though stressing the need to ensure continued compliance with COVID-19 protocols even as measures are reduced, the umbrella body for the island’s trade unions said in a statement on Thursday that those workers could assist in filling shortfalls in other areas.

“CTUSAB is expectant that instead of any diminishing in the numbers of employees of the COVID-19 Unit that these workers will continue to be engaged, so that they can police and ensure compliance with the COVID-19 protocols.

“Going forward, CTUSAB is proposing that with the longstanding shortages in the labour inspectorate within the Labour Department, that some of these COVID-19 compliance officers are transferred and trained to work as labour inspectors,” CTUSAB general secretary Dennis De Peiza said.

“In addition, it is proposed that some are also transferred to work in the public health system as health inspectors. CTUSAB believes that an uptake in these numbers in the labour inspectorate and as health inspectors would go a long way to ensure the policing of workplaces and the enforcement of provisions of the Safety and Health at Work Act.”

CTUSAB, meantime, also called on the public not to become complacent because of relaxed COVID-19 protocols.

Urging them to continue to observe practices of hand sanitising and mask wearing, De Peiza said: “It is important that the people of the nation recognise that this is a vital step in the process towards ensuring that the rate of COVID-19 infections diminishes, to the point where mask wearing becomes optional, rather than mandatory in public spaces.”

“CTUSAB urges that every effort is made to guard against complacency, and appeals to members of the workforce to understand that as part of their workplace safety and health practices that they engage in responsible behaviour, and to do so by observing those COVID-19 protocols which remain in place at this time,” he added.

The CTUSAB general secretary stressed that as the country moves to restore productivity, workers must continue to “enjoy a good state of health”.

“There ought to be a consciousness of the impact of which absence from work due to illness can have on the nation’s economic recovery efforts,” he added. (DP/PR)

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Following reports of data security breaches of some commercial bank and credit union customers, The Barbados Bankers Association (TBBA) is giving the assurance that financial institutions have moved swiftly to take action.

In a statement on Thursday, the association said the data violation indirectly affected “a very small percentage” of commercial bank customers and that the breaches did not result from unauthorised access to customers’ personal information held by the commercial banks in question.

“Rather, it appears to be related to a small number of online retailers whose websites are used by customers for online shopping,” it said.

In any event, TBBA said “whether a breach is as a result of unauthorised access to a local bank’s systems or occurs when their clients are engaged with a third party, our members are committed to working with their customers to address impacts”.

“Our members will always act in accordance with best practice and the law in alerting relevant parties. They will also act in good faith, communicating relevant information to the public, their partners and other members of the association,” it added.

The association did not reveal the financial impact of the breaches. However, it gave the assurance that it continued to work with members and partners “to ensure data safety and mitigate the novel methods by which hackers seek to gain access to cardholders’ data”.

“The Barbados Bankers Association wishes to assure Barbadians that the sector takes the security of personal data very seriously and incorporates best-practice processes and systems to this end. Financial institutions have moved swiftly to contact the affected customers to take the necessary action, potentially including replacement of customers’ cards,” it said.

It further encouraged customers to do their part in safeguarding their personal data by taking the necessary precautions to protect the security of their cardholder information.

“Whenever possible, refrain from saving credit card information on websites when purchasing items online, make online purchases only from secure websites which carry the lock symbol and ‘https’ prefix in the URL, use familiar websites, cardholders are encouraged to use sites that require the unique three-digit card verification value code (CVV) that is usually found at the back of cards

“Monitor your account and report any unrecognized transactions to your financial institution immediately, avoid making purchases over public WiFi networks, be wary of email phishing and smishing scams and associated dubious links, use complex passwords (a combination of letters, numbers and symbols) and ensure your mobile device or laptop is using the latest software including Antivirus applications,” the association advised.

“Additionally, some of our member banks also have alerts/notifications set up for when their customers’ credit and debit cards are used. As such, we encourage customers to liaise with their respective banks so that they can activate these notifications,” it added.
(PR/MM)

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Crews from the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) are increasingly being attacked by “aggressive vagrants” in and around Bridgetown, Public Relations Officer Carl Alff Padmore has lamented.

“We are using the word ‘aggressive’ because there are some of them that you can ask them to move so that we can do the collection and there are some that are actually coming with weapons at our crews,” he said.

Padmore is therefore appealing to families who have homeless relatives living in The City to seek help for their loved ones.

“Our crews go out early in Bridgetown after midnight and these fellows [vagrants] have made up their beds on the pavement and when you ask them to kindly shift so we can get the waste, the guys want to throw urine on us and faeces; that can’t be good.

“So we are appealing to the public if you have family that you know are living in Bridgetown [on the streets] get help for them,” Padmore said.

He reported two recent incidents in which SSA crews had to halt collection and make a report to the police.

The SSA PRO also cited Wednesday’s massive clean-up exercise at First Avenue Grazettes, where a man had been hoarding waste for more than two years. Police had to accompany the SSA crews.

Meantime, Padmore, who toured several sections of The City on Thursday, confirmed that the SSA is behind in terms of the collection of garbage.

“The reason for this is that between the middle of April and beginning of May you would have realised there was steady rainfall,” he explained, adding that recent public holidays and the absence of several workers due to COVID-19 had contributed to that situation as well.

“But we are confident that we can get back on stream, I want to give that assurance,” Padmore said. (BT)

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The Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD) has lauded the Central Bank of Barbados for considering its members in upgrades to the country’s banknotes.

President of the BDC, Kerryann Ifill said the new features on the polymer banknotes, which will officially go into circulation in December, would allow visually-impaired persons to be more independent.

At yesterday’s unveiling ceremony, Gareth Evans the Country Director for Currency De La Rue, the England-based company responsible for producing the banknotes, revealed that the new bills would have several features to assist those with visual challenges.

These include more pronounced features with tactile markers of various shapes to differentiate the denomination of each note as well as more vibrant colours.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY, Ifill pointed out that both the EC currency and Trinidad and Tobago currency were made of polymer which provided assistance to the visually impaired. She said she was glad to see Barbados was following suit.

“As a totally blind person myself we welcome the measures that they are taking to increase the accessibility because the last issue of banknotes in 2013 did make an attempt but because it was cotton paper-based it doesn’t stand up to the test of time.”

“No longer do I have to ask and depend on the honesty of people around us. Now truthfully we don’t have many instances of people robbing us but there is a whole difference between needing and having. The thing is there are applications on cellphones and other devices that can assist with identifying the currency by colour and such but this access will be for anybody – older members of the community that don’t use mobile devices, newly blinded persons that don’t read braille, with this new note it increases the level of access and increases our independence,” Ifill said.

The former President of the Senate however called on financial institutions to match Government’s energy by improving the experience for disabled persons.

She suggested that talking ATMS [Automatic Teller Machines] be introduced in Barbados.

“What would be wonderful is if they could start introducing talking ATM machines into Barbados so that persons who are visually-impaired can have the complete experience where they can go to the ATM, withdraw their money, know how much cash they’ve received and don’t have to depend on anybody at all. That’s the next step,” Ifill said.

“Financial institutions also need to address the issues of access for persons, not just the blind but to all persons with a variety of disabilities, including staff sensitivity training to improve all of the challenges facing persons who are disabled and to start addressing those in a more meaningful way,” Ifill added. (RB)

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Independent Senator Dr Kristina Hinds has called on the Government to say when it intends to bring laws to protect children to Parliament.

She raised the question in the Upper Chamber of the House of Assembly, at a time when the Government Industrial School (GIS) is at the centre of controversy relating to abuse allegations.

Just before the sitting adjourned on Wednesday evening, the outspoken political analyst asked about the administration’s intention to introduce child protection legislation.

“Will this new Child Protection legislation repeal and replace the Juvenile Offenders Act Cap 138, and the Reformatory and Industrial Schools Act Cap 169?” she asked during her first Senate sitting since being appointed last month.

Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Senator Lisa Cummins told Dr Hinds her questions would be taken to the relevant ministries and ministers to ascertain the appropriate answers.

During a press conference last Saturday, where Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams announced a second round of investigations into the GIS, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey said the Government was hoping to bring Child Protection and Justice Bills before Parliament by June this year.

Humphrey said the Bills will be an effort to deal with concerns at the juvenile reform institution. (AH)

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New regulations on safety and health in the workplace will go before Cabinet next week for final approval.

The announcement was made on Thursday morning by Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations Colin Jordan during a tree-planting ceremony on the grounds of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) Solidarity House headquarters.

“Next week, we intend to take back to Cabinet, the completed regulations for their final sign-off, so that we can enact those regulations which will help to give meaning, which will help to give guidance to employer and workers, as we seek together to properly and effectively put into practice the tenets and principles found in the Safety and Health at Work Act,” he disclosed.

“The regulations…will speak, for example, to the provision of drinking water, that will speak to the provision of sanitary conveniences. Government has gone ahead on its estates to have toilet facilities. That needs to be enforced, enacted for everybody across-the-board. Everybody must have access to what we consider to be some basic amenities, and so that will soon come into force.”

Jordan also reiterated an earlier promise by Prime Minister Mia Mottley that the Employment Rights Act will soon be amended and that changes are also coming for the Employment Rights Tribunal. He said the tribunal system will become a full-time operation so as to prevent delays in justice.

The Labour Minister also spoke about workers’ right to associate, saying that while changes are inevitable for the future of work, the right to associate must never change.

“That has to continue. Because we live in a democratic society, the principle of the freedom of association and that a person is able to join with another person or with other people to agitate for a cause . . . has to remain in all of the change that goes on.

“That right to associate must remain fundamental and foundational as we consider what the future will look like, what a changed future will look like,” he contended.

Minister Jordan also asked the BWU to consider what the future of the labour movement would look like.

“That thought has to occupy the minds of those who work, who understand worker collective action, and those who understand the development of society,” he said, adding that the future of work would involve transitioning to more sustainable and environmentally-friendly jobs and doing so in a way that does not disadvantage the worker or the employer.

“But change can get out of hand if it is not guided by principles…if it is not undergirded by principles. And in the context of workers’ organisations . . . some of those principles that have to remain foundational are things like the right to come together as a group to bargain, to recognise that there are power dynamics at play. And so, the idea of collective bargaining has to remain a foundational principle even as life changes, even as societies change,” Jordan argued.

During Thursday’s ceremony, 20 neem, mahogany and fruit trees were planted, representing not only the BWU’s contribution to the environment and to climate change but, in its 80th year, a symbol of its continued life and growth for the future.

Those participating in the planting of the trees on the perimeter of the property, on the western side of the Sir Hugh Springer Auditorium included Minister Jordan, Member of Parliament for St Michael West Christopher Gibbs, BWU President General Shawn Knight, and General Secretary Toni Moore, retired BWU general secretary Sir Roy Trotman, and representatives of the Barbados Employers Confederation. (EJ)

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Barbados’ largest credit union, the Barbados Public Workers Co-operative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCU) has been designated by the Central Bank of Barbados as a “systemically important financial institution”.

This designation has resulted in it coming under the watchful eye of the Central Bank, even though it is a non-bank financial institution that is already regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

The island’s two main regulators of the financial system are the FSC and the Central Bank. The FSC regulates the operations of credit unions, insurance companies, mutual funds, pension funds and securities. On the other hand, the Central Bank regulates banks, merchant and trust companies, as well as non-bank deposit-taking financial institutions such as SigniaGlobe and ANSA Merchant Bank.

However, given the size and impact of BPWCCU on the local financial landscape, the Central Bank has redesignated this credit union for additional scrutiny.

During his recent address to the annual general meeting of the Barbados Cooperative and Credit Union League at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, president Hally Haynes informed delegates the regulatory arm of the Bank has been extended to BPWCCU.

For the year ending March 31, 2021, BPWCCU reported assets of $1.82 billion and net operating income of $66.51 million.

“Whilst the FSC is the credit union sector’s prudential regulator,  the Central Bank, under the recently amended Central Bank Act, has responsibility for financial stability and this requires it to have a close eye on the performance of all financial institutions, especially those that are deemed to be systemically important, including credit unions.

“It is noted that Barbados Public Workers Co-operative Credit Union Limited has already been designated as a systemically important financial institution and it is likely that City of Bridgetown Cooperative Credit Union (COB), may also be so designated.”

Haynes reminded credit union representatives that the Central Bank was also the regulator with responsibility for the National Payments System and the Credit Bureau Services.

He cautioned that against this backdrop, now is the time for the sector to “look more closely at further consolidation and may I say at a faster rate”.  He added: “Member societies must seriously examine their circumstances to determine if their operations can be sustainable in the current and emerging environment.”

In a wide-ranging presentation to credit union leaders, Haynes also disclosed: “During the lockdowns, thousands of members of the credit union movement did not have access to their accounts, and we must move with alacrity to ensure that all members of the credit union sector have access and access is not limited to members of the large credit unions.

“To this end, your League is examining the possibility of deploying a national level electronic payment platform for the island.” (IMC1)

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The Barbados Police Service is making another appeal for the public’s assistance in finding a missing man.

He is Greg Duguid, 36, of Gooding Road, Deighton Road, St. Michael. He was last seen by his parents Carlene and Gregory Duguid, at his home around 2 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

He was discovered missing around 7:45 a.m. the same day along with some clothing, his cell-phone and a laptop.

Greg stands about five feet, ten inches tall, slim and has a dark complexion. He has an oval head and fine features.

He has matted black hair, brown eyes and wears glasses.

Any person who may know the whereabouts of Greg Duguid is asked to contact the Hastings/Worthing Police Station at telephone number 430-7614, Police Emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 429-8787, or the nearest police station.

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Republic Bank is stepping up its efforts to help create more “green households” in Barbados that are powered by renewable energy.  The Bank’s Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Sophia Allsopp explained, “Our Renewable Energy webinar, held recently and now available online, was a huge success.

The large number of participants and the many questions they left with us to follow up on, prove that Barbadians are keen on finding out how they can integrate renewable energy into their homes and businesses.

In keeping with our own goals as signatories to the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Principles for Responsible Banking, we are focused on providing appropriate funding to all Barbadians seeking renewable energy options.

Just as we’re supporting the development of more female entrepreneurs and investing in programmes supporting youth in small business enterprises, we are also ramping up our efforts to give more people easier access to renewable energy funding.”

She noted that the bank will be working with other business leaders and experts to share details about the technologies that are available and the incentives being offered by the government to encourage people to transition to solar energy.

The Webinar was designed to encourage Barbadians to invest in solar power systems and to explain how such investments could help people significantly reduce their electricity bills, earn extra income, and help the island meet its 2030 carbon neutrality goal.

The presenters were Chief Energy Conservation Officer in the Ministry of Energy and Business Development, William Hinds; Senior Sales Executive at Innogen Technologies, Ondre Alleyne; Project Manager at Williams Solar, Jamalia Wyllie; Manager, Retail Services at Republic Bank, Carlos Beckles; and Sales Officer at Republic Bank, Matthew King.

Speaking on the benefits of Republic Bank’s Renewable Energy Loan package, Beckles explained: “Our interest rates are as low as 3.5 per cent – a fantastic rate. It’s the best on the market right now. The 3.5 per cent interest remains for the entire period of the loan.

“We do 100 per cent financing, which includes the cost of the system and also the costs associated with installing the system, such as if you need to improve your electrical system.

“You have up to 15 years to repay and if you repay the system earlier, there is no penalty for early repayment. Any excess funds you get from the system you can apply to the loan as unscheduled principal payment and you can finish the loan faster.

So, if it’s 15 years and you finish the loan in eight years and they’re guaranteeing 20 years, then that excess 12 years, that cash, comes directly to you.”  He also reminded participants that at Republic Bank, a Renewable Energy Loan is a standalone facility that is not impacted by other loans one might have.

“You can get a Renewable Energy Loan even if you have an existing land loan. They are standalone facilities and the source of repayment is separate. Your land loan is paid from your substantive income while the Renewable Energy Loan is paid from the revenue earned from the energy that is generated from the system that is sold to Barbados Light & Power,” he explained. Meanwhile, Hinds noted that the government is offering many incentives to encourage people to invest in solar energy.

“There is an income tax rebate. If you’re importing your solar system yourself rather than going through a company, your value added tax and your import duties are zero. If you are an investor, if you are putting systems on your roof, there are a large number of incentives that the government has put in place over the years.

There are so many that we actually have a document full of them that you can download from our website, http://energy.gov.bb. Interested persons are encouraged to follow the bank on social media or visit republicbarbados.com for further updates. (PR)

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COVID-19 has claimed the life of a 92-year-old woman.

She passed away on Thursday, May 5, and was unvaccinated.  There are now 403 deaths as a result of the virus.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Ian Gooding-Edghill, has extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. (MR/BGIS)

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When the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) gathered for its 14th session in Miami, Florida, recently, CIBC FirstCaribbean was named recipient of the award for Best Renewable Energy Financing in the 2022 CREF Industry Awards.

The forum returned to its first in-person gathering where over 25 countries, including regional stakeholders, were in attendance for the April 26-28 caucus.

CIBC FirstCaribbean was recognised for its innovation and leadership in corporate financing of key initiatives in the renewable energy sector.

Between 2020-21, the bank spearheaded the refinancing of project portfolios of two major renewable energy players in the Caribbean: BMR Energy, a developer of wind and solar photo-voltaic (PV) assets in multiple territories of the region and Central America; and WRB Energy, an investor in the largest utility-scale solar PV plant in Jamaica.

In so doing, the bank continued to express its confidence in the sector by demonstrating that regional financial institutions are at the table to support the region’s energy transition and emphasise that renewable energy investments can access financing options within the region to accelerate this transition.

Chief Executive Officer Colette Delaney observed that the bank’s commitment over the period for which the award was adjudicated, “represents a departure from the historical construct where extra-regional development banks have been the main financiers of renewable energy projects within our region. Renewable energy developers now understand that our support for projects in the sector means that there is more than a single pathway to financing their projects in the region.”

Delaney added: “Our bank will continue to focus on the types of investments that can be a catalyst to our region’s recovery, such as renewable energy investments.

Infrastructure investment, in general, is important to stimulate the economy, put people back to work, create new jobs and encourage increased cash flow circulation to resuscitate our economies and ensure our future success.”

CIBC FirstCaribbean continues to be acknowledged for its role in arranging similar financing initiatives in the renewable energy space. In 2017, the bank received the CREF “Project Finance Deal of the Year” award for financing of the first utility-scale solar PV project in the Cayman Islands.

CREF is the largest annual gathering of the energy market in the Caribbean, with a particular focus on clean energy. Through events, webinars and market intelligence, the conference organisers, New Energy Events LLC, has supported the global transition to clean energy since 2009.

The forum continues to bring together policymakers, regulators, utilities, investors, developers and financiers in an environment which encourages the market to meet and network, with a view to inspiring action in the industry.  (PR)

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By Morissa Lindsay

Students from various schools with special needs and disabilities across Barbados participated in the inaugural  National Primary Schools Athletics Championship (NAPSAC) Special Needs Awareness Walk held today at the Wildey Gymnasium.

President of the Barbados Council for the Disabled and an activist for special needs inclusion in this country, Kerryann Ifill was in attendance and she encouraged the students to be proud. 

Ifill said that today’s walk demonstrates inclusivity for the disabled society of Barbados and thanked the National Sports Council, the schools and all those who played a role in such a great initiative.  

“I want all of you to be proud of who you are, proud of your schools, your teachers, your support, your parents. Proud of the fact that the National Sports Council, its staff, its coaches and everyone here today that we are all here because we all know one thing, those of us that live with special needs are proud and dedicated citizens of Barbados. We are all ready to represent our country and our schools whenever and wherever we go,” Ifill said during her remarks of encouragement. 

Among the participating schools were Irving Wilson, Erdiston Special School, Ellerton Special Unit, Ann Hill, Eagle Hall Unit, St. Pauls, St. Catherine’s, Charles F. Brooke Unit, All Saints Unit, St. Matthews Unit, St. Ambrose, St. Christopher and School House for Special Needs.

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The Fair Trading Commission FTC) will host its second online panel discussion in the series “How can You Get Involved in RE?”, on Monday, May 9, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Those on the panel will be Ryan Price of Next Generation Electrical; President of the Barbados Sustainable Energy Co-op Society Ltd., Lt. Col (Ret’d) Trevor Browne; Chartered Accountant, William Layne, and Head of Corporate and Commercial Banking, ANSA Merchant Bank (Barbados) Limited, Darrell Wilson. Acting Director of Utility Regulation at the FTC, Kathyann Belle, will moderate the discussion.

The session will be conducted via ZOOM and to take part, you may click here.  Persons may also access the link on the FTC’s social media platforms.

Members of the public are encouraged to log on to the session and learn how they can participate in the renewable energy (RE) sector. (BGIS)

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Barbados is the number one Caribbean destination for executive digital nomads, according to Savills Plc, a United Kingdom real estate agency.

Savills’ Head Office London Director, Paul Tostevin, shared in his blog on April 27, on the company’s website, that as part of its Impacts 2022 programme, an Executive Nomad Rating survey was conducted.

Of the 15 destinations ranked, Barbados placed number one in the Caribbean, and fifth overall, and was noted as having the fastest internet in the Caribbean, an appealing climate, and good air connectivity. The top destination was Lisbon, followed by Miami, United States of America (USA); Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Algarve, Portugal.

The index was based on countries that have a digital nomad visa programme or equivalent, or in the case of the USA and European countries, are already part of a large economic bloc that allows free movement within it.  Other criteria assessed included a year-round favourable climate, high quality of life, and a developed luxury housing market.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, back in July 2020, announced the Welcome Stamp Programme, which seeks to assist in diversifying the island’s tourism product and attract a new type of visitor. The programme also seeks to fill the gap left by decreased tourist arrivals and to generate foreign exchange, and in July 2021, the Remote Employment Amendment Bill was passed.

It allowed for the extension of the existing legislation governing the Welcome Stamp Programme. The Remote Employment Act 2020-2023 allows for persons under the programme to renew their application and pay the relevant fees to live another year in Barbados.

As of March 2022, Barbados received 3,511 applications and approved 2,308 for the programme. Of the 3,511 applications received, 2156 were for the period July to December 2020; 1,011 applications for the year 2021, and 254 up until the end of March this year.

According to the data provided, the top five leading countries seeking entry under the programme are the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, and Ireland.

Of the applications received, 64 per cent were from individuals and 36 per cent from families. A further breakdown of the statistics revealed that 62 per cent of the applicants are male, and 38 per cent are females.

Those approved applicants under the programme have occupations in fields such as Engineering; Health Science; Architecture, Information Technology; Communications; Public Administration; Finance; Education and Training; Law; Distribution and Logistics, and Management.

The recent statistics were compiled by the Research Department, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., with data received from the Barbados Immigration Department. (BGIS) 

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The Barbados Celtic Festival is back with live Scottish music from visiting musicians, next week from May 11 to 15.

Pipers and drummers from Scotland and Canada will join the Barbados Defence Force for a colourful street parade through town from 3:30 p.m. (Jubilee Gardens – Golden Square Freedom Park) on Saturday, May 14, moving on to Blakeys on the Boardwalk for a packed evening of free entertainment from approximately 4:30 p.m.

Folk musicians from Scotland and Barbados will play together at Blakeys as well as the pipes and drums, where there will be barbecue food and the regular menu.

On Friday evening May 13, there is the chance to hear more about Irish and Scottish history in Barbados from Mark Callaghan, the son of the author of the book “To Hell or Barbados” which chronicles the history of Irish indentured servants working on sugar plantations in the 1700s.

This takes place at the Barbados Museum.  If you want to trace your roots or you have an Irish or Scottish first name or surname, this is a chance to find out more about your own history.

Earlier in the week pipers will feature in the Harbour Lights Dinner Show on Wednesday and Thursday with the chance to perhaps catch a glance of a Bajan or two in kilts.

Sunday morning, May 15, there is the chance to hike in the Scotland District with Hike Barbados leaving  from Barclays Park at 6 a.m. with a lime around 9 a.m.

The festival culminates on Sunday evening, from 6 p.m. in a “Celtic evening” at Tapas restaurant on the Boardwalk with the chance to sample some Scottish whisky as well as rums and some more live Scottish music and their regular menu.

“Given the challenges of COVID which have restricted our live events for the last two years we are extremely pleased to be back again live this year 2022 to bring both visitors and musicians to Barbados to enjoy our Celtic Festival.

Celtic Festivals take place all around the world where there are Scottish, Irish and Welsh connections through shared history.

Barbados has so many links with Scotland, not least those people who were purged from Scotland in 1748, brought to work on the sugar plantations and whose descendants are nick-named the “Redlegs”.     

“The Barbados Celtic Festival is recognised as a key event in the Celtic world and we have ambitious plans for 2023 and 2024 with visiting Welsh choirs and more pipe bands from Scotland and Canada wishing to take part in our programme.

“I wish to thank our key sponsors for supporting us this year.

“BTMI, Mount Gay, Banks Beer, Drive a Matic and Capital Media HD, and the tremendous support we have had for our events from local businesses.

“We hope to bring joy and good entertainment next week for everyone and fun for the all the family”, said Jeana Leslie, director of the Barbados Celtic Festival.   

Leslie and her award-winning band Fara from the Scottish islands of Orkney played in 2016 and 2017 Barbados Celtic Festivals and she brings with her the ceilidh (pron Kayley) band Bahookie from Scotland to play Celtic rock, for dancing at Blakeys on Saturday evening May 14.

“A ceilidh is the equivalent of a Caribbean “jump up” where everyone should enjoy a great time with live music, the chance to dance, and a rich cultural exchange,”
Leslie added.

Follow on Facebook for regular updates @celticfestivalbarbados and on the website at www.barbadoscelticfestival.com  Persons can email info@barbadoscelticfestival.com for further information. (PR)

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One of the drafters of Barbados’ new youth policy has urged authorities to get rid of the antiquated system that is currently used to deal with young people who run afoul of the law.

Professor of Management and Organisational Behaviour at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Dwayne Devonish, who prepared the National Youth Policy 2022-2027 along with Dr Lawrence Nurse, made the call as he insisted there must be a shift from a culture of punishing delinquent youths to one of rehabilitation.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY on the sidelines` of the National Youth Consultation at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on Friday, he acknowledged the plan to replace the Juvenile Offenders Act with a Youth Justice Bill, but said in addition to legislative reform there is a need for systemic structural reform.

“All the various organs in the criminal justice system related to the youth, from the police right up to the correctional facilities, there is a need for training. There is a need for structural changes in terms of the policy, in terms of the culture and the mindset, the way the judiciary even treats to the young people in conflict with the law in the court system. All of those things need to change,” he said.

Professor Devonish insisted that persons who interact with young people in the judicial system must be trained to understand how to communicate and interact with children.

He said there are internationally-recognised, child-friendly standards that need to be adopted within the justice system.

“It comes with training, it comes with education, it comes with a kind of a commitment and a will from the political directorate to understand that we cannot tolerate the antiquated ways in which we treat young people in the system.

“And it has to deal with the root problem and not again putting a band-aid on a wound. It has to begin from families, from communities, it is a whole of country approach when it comes to changing the juvenile justice system and promoting youth restoration,” Professor Devonish said.

Friday’s consultation was an exercise in which youth stakeholders and youth-based agencies collaborated to review the 2022-2027 policy which Professor Devonish said was created with the input of hundreds of young people, including wards of the Government Industrial School.

The policy, which he said was a significant update on the one from 2011, identifies priority areas such as employment and work, education and training, entrepreneurship, housing and land ownership, and youth advocacy and empowerment.

“The policy is currently in draft form. We are getting input from stakeholders so we can bring it to a close by the middle of this year,” Professor Devonish said.

In his presentation, Dr Nurse said the National Youth Policy has been designed to acknowledge the importance of the youth and expresses Government’s commitment to addressing the needs and challenges of young people, and creating a space for them to participate and engage in society.

“Monitoring and evaluation will be required. We need to re-evaluate the policy, its vision, its goal and priority objectives, strategies, supporting programmes, and activities over the next few years. It is also important that we review and revise roles and responsibilities and accompanying resources with the various participating committees, structures and action teams, actively involved in the implementation effort,” he said.

Dr Nurse said the role of the Ministry of Youth is critical to ensuring the successful rollout of the programmes and meaningful collaboration with and among stakeholders.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith noted that the consultation was an opportunity for the youth to have a say on policies that will have an impact on their lives.

“In order for us to impact, in a significant way, our young people in this country, there must be a bottoms-up approach to how we treat to the issues concerning our young people in Barbados. This particular event is one such avenue that is afforded to us in the Ministry to allow you to help chart your course to identify things that you believe Government should be doing on your behalf to ensure that your journey is one that is fulfilling,” Griffith told the young people assembled for the consultation. anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb

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A wage hike is not ideal at this time, but any such move should be commensurate with an increase in productivity.

This view was shared by international economist Marla Dukharan and Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados Cleviston Haynes, as they examined the topic How Can Caribbean Central Banks Fight Inflation?, during the Central Bank’s May edition of the Barbados Caribbean Economic Forum.

At the same time, Haynes has put forward the idea of having targeted but temporary measures to help provide an ease to those most vulnerable to the rising prices that are mostly in the areas of food and energy.

Haynes, who recently warned that a wage increase at this time would require Government to make cuts in other areas, said granting a wage increase to match inflation “was not a first best option for us”.

“Indeed, it creates the risk for a sort of wage price spiral because once the wages have risen then that is going to be followed by increased prices, and we certainly here in Barbados had that experience in the late 1970’s to early 1980s where we tried to match the price increases with the wages and all you had really was very high inflation until the early 80s and then it was able to taper off,” explained Haynes.

Haynes explained that about 40 per cent of the region’s imports were food and energy and therefore, any significant increase in those prices will “get fed into our economies” given the dependence on imports.

He agreed that those at the lower income levels were more impacted.

“In terms of how we address the impact of these prices on the average citizen is really to be able to find target measures that are perhaps time-bound because the food increases and the energy price increases are really likely to be transitory,” said Haynes.

“In other words, those who have seen oil prices overtime have seen that they are very volatile . . . so we run the danger of trying to have wage increases that are adapting to price levels, which are temporary in cycle and when these things change you have already embedded those wage increases and therefore they are more difficult to reverse. So you need, I think, transfers perhaps that are time-bound, so you may do it for a particular period of time to allow people to be able to adapt, but it is not a permanent feature of the Government’s expenditure or tax system,” he explained.

Dukharan agreed that the higher prices, while universal, was disproportionately affecting those at the lower income levels including pensioners, and regional governments should provide some relief in those cases.

However, she argued that if the route taken was that of an increase in wages that are commensurate with inflation then the level of productivity would have to increase since without this it would mean a further drop in competitiveness.

“One thing is important to remember, that in the absence of increases in productivity, wage increases that simply reflect inflation and which are completely delinked from performance will only serve to make whatever you are producing uncompetitive overtime and drive you out of the market, which doesn’t benefit anyone. We have to ensure that when we are negotiating for higher wages we are also adding higher value,” she explained.

With some pundits signalling that price increases could continue for some time, the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) and the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) have been calling on government to increase the wages of public servants so they can live more comfortably as they battle rising food and other commodity prices.

In Barbados, inflation measured on the traditional 12-month moving average rose by 4.2 per cent, but by 9.3 per cent when comparing March 2022 to the end of March 2021.

Governor of the Bank of Jamaica Richard Byles said “creative” measures were necessary to take into account deflation.

He said in order to alleviate the pressures of inflation on the poor, the Jamaica government focused on providing temporary subsidies for specific groups including the poor, students, taxi operators and some households that consume “a very small amount of electricity”.

“And because taxes are often impacted positively by inflation some of that subsidy gets paid by the extra taxes that come from inflation. So that is the method we have adopted here in Jamaica,” said Byles.

In that country, inflation reached a high of about 11.3 per cent at the end of March, when compared to the previous year. Some 67 per cent of the increased inflation was attributed to rising food and energy prices.
marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb

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