The head of one of LIAT’s shareholder governments wants to see a “humanitarian” resolution to the ongoing pay dispute involving former employees of the cash-strapped regional carrier.

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made the call as former employees of the airline – which is owned by his government as well as the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and St Vincent and the Grenadines – continue to demand severance and other payments.

The employees’ unions say they are disappointed that the shareholder governments have not addressed severance payments to the former workers, even as the airline operates a reduced schedule since November 2020.

“The issue of the payment of severance pay is a matter of the law but we believe that some form of compromise should occur. That’s our personal opinion. It is not the position of the entire shareholders of LIAT, but our personal position,” Skerrit said, speaking on the state-owned DBS radio.

“Something has to happen and I am hoping that we can find a way of addressing it at some point, especially during the discussions taking place for a new entity. But this will have to be dealt with by individual governments and I am not in a position to indicate what position each government should take. But I believe that we should find a solution. I know some governments have made some proposals to some of the unions. I believe that all of us in it must come to a point of compromise.

“We will have to look at the laws in the respective countries and I don’t want to speak about the issue of the law; I am speaking purely from a humanitarian standpoint,” Skerrit added.

Earlier this week, the general secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) David Massiah said he would continue efforts to have a meeting with Cleveland Seaforth, the court-appointed administrator for the airline.

He said among the issues to be discussed will be the decision by the shareholder governments to liquidate the company which owes millions of dollars to former employees who were dismissed last year.

Massiah said the administrator must explain to the union what the liquidation means to the former and present employees of the airline in addition to the way forward.

Last month, regional leaders met to discuss the situation regarding air transportation in the Caribbean amidst concerns that both regional and international travellers are finding it very expensive and difficult to commute.

On Tuesday, President of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Dr Gene Leon, at a news conference to launch the 53rd general meeting of the bank to be held in St Lucia in June next year, said while he does not have specific advice for regional governments regarding LIAT, he was willing to offer some advice going forward on plans for improving air and sea transportation.

“If I can offer any advice to governments it would be let us work together to agree on a goal that can address the challenge of connectivity in all of its lines, and let us create the investment opportunities – and that’s both the activity and the financing – that will allow us to overcome the transportation issues that we face in the region.

“It is not impossible, we need to get out of the impossibility trap that nothing is possible. Everything is possible, we just have to be creative enough and if we do that then we are committed to finding solutions, I think we can find solutions,” the CDB president said. (CMC/BT)

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A plan by Barbados and Suriname to strengthen ties in agriculture could see animal feed prices falling here.

Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir made the disclosure on Wednesday following a meeting with his Surinamese counterpart Parmanand Sewdien and his contingent, at Pelican Village, The City.

Weir, who was accompanied by other local agriculture officials, said the countries were in the process of renewing the Brokopondo Programme for Cooperation (2018-2021), under which Barbados would grow some of the inputs – which are currently imported – for making feed.

“That is the whole objective – for us to look at other sources or markets for us to access the inputs for the production of feed so that we can see how we can bring the prices down . . . . Coming out of what we can do with Suriname, we are putting ourselves in a position where we can source the grains for feed and help to reduce the cost of producing feed and the retail price for feed to farmers,” he said.

The updated agreement would create a framework for projects such as a Blackbelly sheep expansion initiative, growing crops such as corn and guinea corn, hosting a joint expo showcasing livestock and produce, the development of laboratories, and providing Barbados with assistance in developing sanitary and phytosanitary legislation in pursuit of its goal to export fish to the European Union.

Weir said some local farmers had expressed interest in operating in Suriname and discussion to finalise the arrangements would take place on Thursday when Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali meet in Trinidad and Tobago.

Sewdien said the renewed Brokopondo Programme for Cooperation augured well for the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM’s) goal of reducing food imports to the region by 25 per cent within three years.

He said that target could only be achieved if there was greater trade and private sector participation among member states.

The Surinamese Minister of Agriculture said each state would reap significant benefits.

As it relates to land, Sewdien said about one million hectares were available for agricultural use and the areas for the programme would be identified.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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The elevation of Dr Ronnie Yearwood to the presidency of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has seemingly drawn more young people to its bosom.

That is according to the party’s 1st vice-president Steve Blackett, who said while the DLP had seen an influx of new members in the last few months, a spike in young people joining the party occurred shortly after Dr Yearwood became its leader.

Following the party’s 30-0 drubbing in the January General Elections and the subsequent resignation of former president Verla De Peiza, the 43-year-old Dr Yearwood defeated challenger David Estwick for the vacant post during an Extraordinary Conference on May 1.

Blackett revealed that more than half of its new members had joined since then.

“We’ve had close to 300 members joining the party in the last seven to eight months. In the last three months alone we have had 195 new members joining and we are going to be actually inducting a token number of those, 20 members into the fold of the DLP on Friday evening. But we are seeing a steady increase in new members and what is refreshing is that among those new members we’re finding a large majority of young people coming to the party,” Blackett revealed during a press conference this morning to disclose details for the party’s 67th annual general conference which will be held this Friday and Saturday.

“I don’t know if there is any one particular attraction you can pinpoint, but what I can say is that they have been coming on their own volition because the party has not really launched any direct or singular programme or anything to attract members to the party.

“I believe though, because it coincided with the election of our new president, that maybe it is one of the features of the attraction to the party. But certainly, we’ve been seeing larger numbers coming on their own and also enquiring about membership to the party. The only common feature that I can see in that period would be the election of our new president.

Blackett pointed out that recent elections had shown that the new generation of politicians was younger, smarter and more educated.

“I think the time has come for the younger generation of politicians to take the lead in Caribbean politics and we’ve been seeing it especially in the last two general elections that were held in the Caribbean in Grenada and recently in St Kitts.

“Dr Ronnie Yearwood is the first millennial to actually lead a political party in Barbados, so you’re seeing a coming-of-age kind of young, bright, well-educated politicians and it is time that we paint a new picture of what the future politician in Barbados will look like…” Blackett said. (RB)

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By Morissa Lindsay

Defending queens Deacons were stunned 3-1 by the impressive Development Volleyball in Motion (DVM) team in the Goddard Enterprises Limited Barbados Volleyball Association Junior Knockout Semifinals contested last night at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium.

It was a tremendous showing from DVM with a youthful female team as they trounced Deacons 26-24, 26-24, 17-25 and 25-17 in an entertaining showdown to reach the final. They will play favourites Chargers Club as they defeated Carlton 29-27, 18-25, 22-25, 25-15 and 15-5 in the second semifinal exchange of the night.

The semifinal matches scheduled for 6:30 p.m. started half an hour late because the playing court was not in proper playing conditions after the just concluded Barbados Road Tennis Open competition. However, when the opening games commenced, it was DVM with the early momentum.

It was like a movie being played out in the first set with lots of plots, twists and turns between DVM who led 8-6 and 16-12 at the first two allotted intervals but Deacons rallied strongly and at 24-23, they were one match point away from capturing the opening stanza.

But a failed return and a fantastic serve from Tamia Woodall was exactly what DVM coach Patrick Oxley required to claim a 1-0 lead over Deacons.

While DVM failed at times to score off the third ball, defensively they played well especially at the nets with some tremendous blocks. The likes of Caria Boyce, Amber Alleyne and Dessani Waithe were outstanding in that department.

The Deacons team, coached by Andrew Culpepper, were not pleased with the opening set and took a commanding 16-10 advantage in the second set in an effort to equalize.

While they held the momentum and were four points clear at 20-16, DVM in their pink tops and black tights, registered seven straight points off the serves of the talented Dessani Waithe.

DVM raced to a 23-20 lead but Deacons led by Captain Marissa Dowell and supported by attackers Serena Edward and Taquilla Lawrence caught up and equalized 24-24 but yet again inadequate defending cost them the second stanza.

Waithe definitely had a good game with great support from teammates Amber Alleyne, Rachelle Pollard, Kanoia Showry, Kristina Alleyne, Alana Smith, Adon Bradshaw, Melani Forde and libero Thea Bradshaw who all played a part at some point of the all-important encounter against Deacons.

The Deacons’ defence looked much better in the third set but they needed not get too comfortable and a wonderful effort earned them an eight-point (25-17) success as they trailed 2-1 against the underdogs DVM. The latter were not fazed in any way and went on to claim victory in emphatic fashion.

The men’s finalists were also decided as Hill Road trounced University of the West Indies Blackbirds 26-24, 31-33, 25-20 and 27-25 in an exciting contest despite the one-sided scoreline.

Defending Junior Men’s Knockout Champions Deacons won comfortably in straight sets 25-18, 25-13 and 25-20 over Wow Williams Industries Foundation United to meet Hill Road in the final scheduled for Sunday, August 21, at the Gymnasium. (morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb)

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By Michron Robinson

A contingent of young, eager Barbadian swimmers heading to Trinidad and Tobago for the XXVI Annual Goodwill Swim meet are rearing and ready to medal at the championships.

Come Friday, August 19 to Sunday, August 21, the team will be competing against host  country T&T along with swimmers from St Lucia, Guyana, Suriname, Bahamas, Jamaica and Grenada.

The national team led by coach Russel Walton will be leaving the island tomorrow evening and as Walton reported to Barbados TODAY, the swimmers should do well despite the focus being more so on development.

“This championship is where development is a big factor…it is like an eye opener to regional competition, representing their country at a smaller level for the future, especially for the younger children,” he said while speaking at poolside at the Wildey Aquatic Centre on Tuesday evening.

Walton has faith in team captains 16-year-old Amaris Yearwood of the St Michael School and 17-year-old Christ Church Foundation student Kaiel Johnson leading the young ones to the meet.

“Amaris is a good girl,” he said, breaking into a smile while the young team members posed for a photo op in the background.

“Amaris is confident, Amaris is full of spirit and full of joy, she has the respect of the other swimmers, so she will do a good job as she has been so far – she will do a good job,” he added.

Yearwood, who spoke confidently while agreeing with coach Walton’s sentiments said that she expected the team to do their very best.

“Just know that when we come back, our family, friends and loved ones will be there to congratulate us and support us,” she told Barbados TODAY.

When asked about her hopes for medalling Yearwood said: “Whatever happens, happens -when we get down there [we] will try but we will strive to get on that podium.”

She said practice had been intense leading up to the championships.

“We had to push ourselves in order to qualify for the team, so we have to push ourselves even more so to compete against the other Caribbean countries.”

Co-captain Johnson was in upbeat spirits and he said he expected the swimmers to push the envelope to achieve many personal bests.

“I’m expecting a lot of personal bests and medals. Some of our swimmers are up there with everyone else…” Johnson said.

While acknowledging that there is some pressure as captain, he said that being chosen for the role means the world.

“The responsibility can be much sometimes but being chosen for this role, being voted in means accepting this role and what comes
with it, so I put up with it and I have fun leading and taking care of the younger swimmers,” he said.

The 2022 Goodwill Barbados Swim Team will be returning on Tuesday, August 23. Those swimmers taking part are in the eight and under and the 14-17 age categories.

(MR)

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By Morissa Lindsay

If the organization of the just concluded Barbados Road Tennis Open is anything to go by then it is time to take the sport globally, says enthusiasts Trevor Ifill and Dale Rudder.

As one of the people who love the sport and wants to see it reached the international stage, Rudder said Barbados is ready to take road tennis to the world and the great organization of the Barbados Road Tennis Open is a good pilot forward.

“I think we are ready to go to the world. Kudos to the organizers like Adrian Donovan and those at the Sports Council for making it happen. I would say that we have got the talent, the interest and we certainly got the skills and technical ability to take road tennis to the world.

“I don’t really see anything that should be preventing us from having a World Championship or World Invitational of Road Tennis. I don’t see anything that should prevent us from taking up four to six of our top players and having a world tour. Things like that are necessary and we certainly got the expertise to do it,” Rudder explained.

Ifill on the other hand while he is confident Barbados’ indigenous sport is ready for the world stage, thinks that the government must first host a regional competition to see how local players match up against their Caribbean counterparts.

“It would be good to host a regional tournament before going international because you want to go in your own backyard before going in someone else’s backyard. So, I believe we are ready for it, I know we have a good group of people who are working together with the Barbados Road Tennis Association and they can pull it off,” Ifill said.

While both men shared similar point of views, Rudder especially handed Mark ‘Venom’ Griffith his flowers as a legend of the game and someone to draw upon when it comes to the tactical and physical aspect of road tennis.

In fact, Griffith was part of a Barbados team that visited Dubai last year to promote road tennis and if the sport should go global then the number one player is likely to be among those leading the way. Commenting on last Sunday’s Road Tennis Open Final, Rudder was complimentary of both Griffith and losing finalist Shakeem Nurse.

“I think we saw the birth of a new and exciting player in Shakeem Nurse and simultaneously we saw what true mastery of road tennis is in Mark ‘Venom’ Griffith. At the end of the day I would say that experience and tactical awareness along with extreme physical fitness is what brought Venom home. I saw Venom a few weeks back and he told me, ‘Rudder I am overweight and I will work real hard for this road tennis’.

“I use Venom as an example for all the young sportsmen and women across the island that I mentor or interact with because the man takes his sport extremely seriously. He is a professional who lives, eats, sleeps and breathes road tennis and not just playing it. I mean full preparation in terms of running, swimming etcetera. Do you know how many times I go down to Brandon’s Beach through the years and I see this man running in the 11 o’clock sun on the dead sand?

“I used to be like ‘wow if we had ten athletes from different disciplines with this kind of mentality it would put Barbados on the map’. Venom is just somebody to draw upon, he is somebody to learn from and I really love Shakeem; he is going to be great but I think he needs to take a page now out of Venom’s book now on the more physical and mental fitness and preparation for the game,” Rudder told Barbados TODAY.

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A local author is hoping that his newest publication will serve as inspiration for people, especially young adults, who may be experiencing personal, profession-al and spiritual challenges in their lives.

Through his latest book titled: To Boldly Go Where I Have Not Gone Before, Nigel D. St. Hill hopes the experiences captured would offer possible answers to some of life’s more pressing questions. In addition, he believes they would offer food for thought and compelling ideas about how persons could live their best life.

St. Hill, a trained life coach, explained that during the writing of the book he made a calculated effort to combine discussions about deep human experiences with accounts of his personal experiences to produce a powerful collection of essays about a meaningful approach to navigating life in modern times.

Moreover, it addresses issues surrounding interpersonal relationships, self-love, personal and spiritual development, career and financial development, and devising ways to manifest one’s desires for personal fulfilment and contentment.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to share what I went through in my life to help others go through their own journeys in their own ways.

It is not only about me and my journey. I think the most important thing is that it is about the reader.

I really want you to go through this book and discover your own path, your own worthiness, your own mission and passion in life, and that’s why there are parts in the book where you can do your own reflection. Remember this is about you and your life. I sincerely hope as you buy and read this book, that you enjoy the self-discovery journey,” he said.

The following is an excerpt from page 39 of the book and addresses the changing dynamics of our relationships: “Relationships are at the heart of evolution. They test character, strength, endurance, spirit, wisdom and understanding. They comprise the essence of all learning.

A correct relationship with yourself is crucial, for from it flow all possible right relationships with others. It is now more important than ever to be able to love and accept yourself.

Only if you are totally accepting of yourself will you be able to accept the other person who holds up the mirror for you. And if you love yourself, you will be able to love them and be with them.”

Another excerpt from page 165 of the book on finding one’s passion: “If you are not too sure which of your passions is best for you to pursue, try this exercise.

Take a piece of paper and a pen (it’s important to write and not type this, energetically it makes a big difference in terms of its energy) and write down every single job you would love to have, no matter how ridiculous or out of reach it might seem.

No one will see this list but you, so be honest with yourself. Once you have a good list, really look at the jobs you listed and try to find the common thread among them. Is it working with people, teaching, mentoring, or some type of outdoor work?

Whatever the common threads are, notice them. Then, when you are choosing your work, make sure that it contains the aspects of your list that were common.

This is one way you can discover your true desires for your work.”  St. Hill is the author of several e-books (on Amazon) and is a life coach graduate of the Newcastle College, UK. Many readers have also benefited from his writings through Ezinearticles, Selfgrowth.com, Pinterest, Tumblr, Facebook and LinkedIn.

In 1990 he wrote the first Standard Credit Manual for Cable & Wireless (Barbados), and in 1992 had the honour of becoming the first person in the Caribbean to qualify in the area of Credit Management.

In addition to Credit Management, he worked for a number of years in the hospitality industry as a night auditor and was Credit Administrator for the Harris Group of Companies in the Caribbean.  In January 2016 Nigel came up with the idea and facilitated a Money Management program for the partially blind and hearing-impaired students at the Irving Wilson School.

He facilitated the “Unlock Your Future Program” for fourth and fifth formers in four of Barbados’ secondary schools during the period 2013 to 2018; a program geared to prepare students for both life and the world of work. In 2015 the head boy, deputy head boy and the head girls of the respective schools came through this program.

This is St. Hill’s 16th published work and it is available at Cloister’s Bookstores at Hincks Street, Bridgetown and Sheraton Mall, Christ Church. (KC)

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As countries in Africa and the Caribbean prepare for the inaugural AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2022 (ACTIF2022), attention is being paid to potential opportunities for flows between the two regions to help plug knowledge and technology gaps that exist.

Two areas in which such gaps exist are the credit union movement and fintech development. Worldwide, the credit union movement has been making significant strides. According to the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), of which credit unions in Africa and the Caribbean are members, globally, there are 86,451 credit unions in 118 countries, which serve 375 million people.

The WOCCU in its 2020 Statistical Report estimates that the penetration rate of credit unions is 12.8 per cent. Further, the global body states that the 40,570 credit unions in Africa have a membership of 40,413,389 across 27 countries.

Their as-sets total approximately US$16.1 billion and the penetration rate was calculated at 14.34 per cent.  Meanwhile, in the Caribbean, the WOCCU indicates that 18 countries have 375 credit unions with membership totaling 3,763,325. Of note is that the assets total US$10.5 billion. The penetration rate of credit unions in the Caribbean is 65.97 per cent, the highest among seven regions identified by the WOCCU.

The success of the Caribbean credit unions is to be applauded. The savings of the average Caribbean credit union member is nine times that of African credit union members. It is believed that these financial entities have best practices they can share with their African counterparts to further develop the credit union movement on the African Continent.

On the other hand, Africa has been a leader in the fintech industry. There is strength and sustainability in the Continent’s fintech sector, which could benefit the Caribbean if collaborations are pursued. These alliances need not only be in the fintech industry.

KPMG suggests that there is scope for credit unions and fintechs to be partners rather than competitors, adding that working together would give credit unions a strategic advantage in the innovation space. According to the 2019 Global FinTech Adoption Index compiled by Ernst & Young, 64 per cent of the global population use fintech applications, four times the percentage reported four years earlier.

There are, therefore, opportunities for the Caribbean credit union model to be adapted for use in Africa and for African fintechs to help credit unions in both regions take the movement to the next level. Through fintech partnerships, credit unions can provide their members with cutting-edge technology and innovative payment solutions that would rival the traditional banking sector.

ACTIF2022 comes off in Bridgetown, Barbados from September 1-3, 2022. Vis-it www.actif2022.com for more information on this dynamic forum. (PR)

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Thanks to their new title sponsor, BICO, the Barbados National Under 15 Cricket team will be headed to Grenada tomorrow to compete in the Cricket West Indies Regional Under 15 Tournament.

BICO and the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) have entered into a new sports partnership. The first activity coming out of that partnership involves the support of the Under 15 team at the upcoming competition after two years of little play due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.

Following the team’s recent tour of the BICO factory, head coach Rohan Nurse said the new partnership has come at the perfect time.

“It’s exciting because it coincides with cricket recommencing on a regional stage and we know that sponsorship has been in short supply around the region in terms of sports for a long time.

Coming out of COVID, for BICO to be able to step up to the plate and sponsor junior cricket at the under-15 level is applaudable and we very much appreciate it.

We appreciate your confidence in the Barbados Cricket Association and in the Barbados under-15 team and we will aspire to make you proud throughout, both away and here as well,” he said.

Meanwhile, BICO’s sales and business development officer, Dwayne Holmes, said he too was looking forward to great things from the partnership and the success of the young team.

“These young men are bubbly and energetic. Not only are they talented athletes, they are also the perfect ambassadors to represent the fun and joy of BICO, even as they compete overseas,” he said.

Speaking of what helped to cement the partnership for BICO, Holmes explained: “We are very intentional when it comes to our corporate social responsibility. Our work in the area of youth development is very important to us. BICO is a feel good product and once we saw we could maintain that in association with the BCA, thanks to the way they have upheld our cricket heritage and the longevity of their operations that span over one hundred years, it was really an easy fit for us.”

Along with receiving the financial support of the ice cream manufacturer, the players and management team have also been treated to a full BICO experience, recently becoming the first group to officially tour the new factory since it reopened last year.

BICO’s production manager Desmond Williams showed the group how ice cream is made. They received coupons for product purchases and were also given the honour of being among the first groups to sample the company’s newly created caramel bar which is expected to be released on the market soon.

On Monday, following a practice session at the Rubis sports grounds on Spring Garden, BICO also treated the young players to a sample of their Thirst Quenchers.

The 18 member team is captained by Raphael Lovell, with Gadson Bowens as Vice Captain.

The other members of the team are: Damarko Wiggins; Oliver Gooding; Kemar Dixon; Malique Aimey; Akobi Crichlow-Byer; Justin Parris; Jordan Graham; R’Jai Gittens; Jakeem Pollard; Reynaldo Bourne; Jayden Chase; and Shem Sargeant.

The reserves are: Javed Worrell; Antoine Darlington; Jahidi Hinds and Nathan Osbourne. (PR)

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Amanda Price is still reeling from the shock and surprise of being the first Spot 7 winner for 2022, with a whopping $601,800 Double Draw win with The Barbados Lottery. Price, although a bit nervous, was excited for her first big win and expressed that she was feeling “very grateful”.  She purchased her winning Spot 7 ticket with the numbers 05, 09, 12, 16, 20, 22, 25 for Draw #28481 on Monday, 8 August 2022, from The Barbados Lottery Retail agent at the Rubis Service Station located in Oistins, Christ Church.

As a regular player of The Barbados Lottery’s games for over ten years, Price stated that she plays just over two to three times a week and, in keeping with her father’s strategy, chooses her numbers from the birth dates of family members.  This approach proved to be the winning formula and she has big plans for her winnings: “I wanted to purchase a house, so this will be a very good start for me…I will be helping my mum renovate her home…invest in my daughter’s education, have enough money to complete my Master’s as well and any future investments I can grow.”

Rubis Service Station representative Verona Clarke stated that she felt very good about having the winning ticket purchased at the location by a deserving regular customer and looks forward to even bigger wins for her with Rubis.

Shelly Ann Hee Chung, Country Manager for IGT Antilles operations (The Barbados Lottery & Caribbean Lottery), congratulated Price on her win of a lifetime.

Our team at The Barbados Lottery is pleased about Ms. Price’s $601,800 Spot 7 win with our Double Draw game, especially as our first Spot 7 winner for the year.  It is heartening to learn that she will be fulfilling her dream for home purchase, assisting her mother and educational pursuits for herself and her daughter.  We wish her the very best for the future.”

When asked if she intends to keep playing, Price exclaimed, “Yes I will!”  She also reminded other players to, “Keep trying, don’t give up.” For 2022 thus far, The Barbados Lottery has paid over $26 million to the many lucky Double Draw winners, with over $31 million paid over for 2021.  Starting from $1 per ticket with four draws per day, you can win up to $25,000 with the Double Draw game.

Double Draw remains one of the major brands in The Barbados Lottery’s game portfolio, with its proceeds providing financial support to the Lottery’s beneficiaries: The Barbados Olympic Association, The Barbados Turf Club, The Barbados Cricket Association and The National Sports Club Council and their sports, youth and cultural activities across Barbados.  (PR)

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Money may not grow on trees but for leading investment manager, Fortress Fund Managers (FFM), there are distinct parallels between how money and trees grow.

This was demonstrated recently when an enthusiastic team from Fortress planted 100 trees along the Constant Plantation section of the Barbados Trailway Project as an integral part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. The trailway is a paved pathway for pedestrians, runners and cyclists on lands of the former Barbados Railway. Fortress’ contribution of $10,000 to the project was facilitated through its long-standing relationship with the Barbados Community Foundation.

FFM Investment Director and founder, Roger Cave, was part of the tree plant-ing team. He emphasised the connection between the tree planting and Fortress’ values. “Choosing to plant trees was an ideal fit for our legacy as one of the ways to mark our 25th anniversary. To contribute and give back to society and support such a worthy and exciting project which in time will benefit our is-land and its biodiversity for many years to come is important to us,” he said.

“Sound investing principles require time, patience and careful, expert attention. The companies where our funds are invested can earn and keep growing over many years, just like healthy trees,” the investment director continued.

Fortress launched its first fund, the flagship Caribbean Growth Fund, in 1996. And at the end of the last financial year in 2021 it had gained 26.4 per cent, achieving its “second-best yearly result ever, as asset prices recovered from very low levels during 2020,” Cave reminded.

Another one of those taking part in the anniversary activity was Rashada Lopez, investment analyst. 

“We were looking for ways that we could assist in doing something positive and constructive and combine it with an event outside of the office which together resulted in an enjoyable and fun team building exercise,” she said.

While Lopez is one of the more recent additions to Fortress, joining during the COVID-19 Pandemic, she’s a solid part of the team.

“When I think of Fortress, the word cohesive comes to mind. The team is very cohesive. And what makes the team special is that everyone works in a synergistic way.”

Pensions Director, Rene Delmas noted that: “Planting of trees now would only yield benefits many years into the future. This in many ways is similar to saving and investing now in planning to secure your retirement. It is the positive actions of today that are required to secure our financial future and the trailway project has the potential, when completed, to support the exercise, health and recreation of future generations but it needs the action and support of us today to make that a reality.”

When asked about the similarities between planting trees and investing, the pensions director said: “We think of ourselves as nurturing the financial capital of our clients and helping them to reach a level of financial security often over decades, which is something very long term. Like the growth of trees, it’s not a fast process.”

Working in small groups along the Barbados Trailway to expedite the process, Fortress planted a variety of trees including golden apple, hog plum, mahogany, breadfruit and bay leaf trees in over an hour and a half.

The Barbados Trailway is a project of the Future Centre Trust and its chairman Barney Gibbs lauded Fortress’ contribution.

“We are paving and landscaping the Barbados Trailway, one metre at a time, and one tree at a time. When corporate citizens like Fortress show up with their financial and human resources, the process accelerates. If this inspires others, Bajans and visitors will soon have the 16 km multipurpose recreational trail they want, need and deserve.”

Fortress Fund Managers manages over Bds $800 million in assets across 12 funds with investments in regional, US, international and emerging markets. (PR)

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Since 2019, The Coralisle Group Ltd. (CG), and its newest addition CG United Insurance Ltd. (CG United), have been proud sponsors of the Cricket West Indies team. During the first year of sponsorship, CG organised a competition at the Super50 Cup in January 2020 called “Gear Up for Wellness.”

Participants used stationary bikes to compete to win a grand prize of two round trip flights to the UK, accommodation, and tickets to see the Windies play in London. One of those winners was Wesley Mosely, a then 14-year-old Barbadian who is a self-proclaimed superfan of the men in maroon.

In a scenario that’s been repeated countless times, the pandemic struck and future planning for all organisations that included travel or sport evaporated. This included the grand prize that Mosely had won in the “Gear Up for Wellness” challenge.

Aiming to keep the promise made, the leadership team at CG made the commitment to honour the prize as soon as it was possible to do so when travel was safe and the match schedules were no longer reactionary to the uncertain effects of spread of COVID-19.

Earlier this month, and almost three years later, CG was able to coordinate and deliver on their promise, sending Wesley, now 16-years-old, to meet the Windies players and watch them play India in the fifth and final T20s at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida.

“The first-hand experience of getting to meet some of the West Indian cricketers I look up to and admire was truly an
amazing experience.

Some of the things I enjoyed most about this trip to Florida was getting to interact with some of my favourite players, such as Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder and meeting other West Indian cricket fans. I could not have asked for a better trip than what I had experienced in the four days I was in Florida with CG United,” Mosely said.

Naz Farrow, CEO of Coralisle Group Ltd. noted: “As a regional insurer that’s been in business for over 60 years, it has always been imperative we keep the commitments we make to our clients, staff and in this case, prize-winners.

We are thrilled Wesley was able to enjoy this experience and will continue to keep our promises, supporting the people and communities in which we live and work.” (PR)

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By Michron Robinson

Over 400 Barbadian school children stand to benefit from back to school supplies thanks to the Eden Lodge Charitable Trust.

During two recent donations at the Cloister Bookstore Ltd along Hincks Street and at Woolworth along Prince William Street, parents and children who were on the receiving end of school supplies said that they were eternally grateful for the welcome gesture.

Parent of two school children, Rhonda Phillips, who was at Woolworth explained that the donation will go a long way in assisting her household.

“I want to say thank you to the Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust. These school uniforms will go a long way,” she said adding that she received a donation last year as well.

“It’s difficult for a lot of parents like myself during these times…after the pandemic a lot of people are unemployed and there are a lot of single mothers out there like myself so it’s very difficult,” she said, adding it could cost her one thousand dollars or more to be able to afford books, shoes and uniforms.

“I can’t do like the rest and go into town and shop. I buy uniforms piece by piece … so yes [I’m very grateful,” she said. New entrant to St Leonards Boys School, Kyle Cumberbatch, said that he was pleased to be selected to receive assistance.

“I feel very happy to have been [presented] with this help and I thank the Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust,” he said.

Public relations officer with the trust, Billie-June Langdon, said that the Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust started ten years ago with 250 families who needed assistance. However, she said the programme has grown from strength to strength and demand for help has increased exponentially.

“We are supplying over four hundred children in Barbados and the numbers have grown. With the recent spike in COVID-19 and so forth people have been coming to us for even more assistance,” she said

Meanwhile deputy general manager of Cloister Bookstore Robert Griffith said that back to school sales this year are going better than in 2021.

“Back to school this year has been better than last year partly because children and their parents know they are going back to school unlike last year when there was so much uncertainty about when school would start and parents were hesitant about purchasing books,” he explained to Barbados TODAY.

“Now there is a bit more positivity and parents are trying to get the books organized. We are trying to keep the prices down because we know that parents are struggling and we decided this year to cut the margins to keep books affordable,” he said, adding that if the prices of books were compared to 2021, they are now noticeably lower.

“We tried to absorb some of the costs,” Griffith said.

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Police are reportedly at the scene of an attempted robbery at a store located in Warrens, St Michael.

Reports are that one person was injured.

More details as they come to hand.

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Motorists will be paying less for gasoline and diesel, effective midnight Thursday, August 18.

The retail price of gasoline will be $4.39 per litre, which is a saving of 44 cents, while diesel will decrease by 43 cents, to $3.85 per litre. Kerosene remains at $2.36 per litre.

Given the high volatility associated with refined petroleum products, Government has decided to cap the retail prices of gasoline and diesel at $4.48 per litre and $4.03 per litre, respectively. It is felt that the capping will bring some level of predictability to retail prices of gasoline while shielding consumers from the full increase of refined petroleum products.

When calculated, the retail prices fell below the cap of gasoline and diesel. (SA/BGIS)

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Former murder accused Pedro Deroy Ellis has won another case against the State for breach of his constitutional rights, just over a month after the court awarded him $75 000 for wrongful detention.

However, the amount he will receive in damages will not be known for another two weeks.

Justice Cecil McCarthy, who heard the case, has instructed lawyers for both sides to file submissions on the quantum of the award by August 24, following which he is expected to hand down a written decision on August 30.

In May 2013, Ellis was arrested for the May 5, 2013 murder of Antonio Harewood and was remanded to prison. In February 2014, he made his first of many bail applications before the High Court.

However, all his attempts were unsuccessful. One such application was made in December 2016, a decision he subsequently took before the Court of Appeal. He filed the notice of appeal in March 2017 and the matter was heard by a panel of judges in March 2018. The decision was handed down a year later.

Ellis’ attorneys, Queen’s Counsel Larry Smith along with Jamila Smith, who represented him from the inception of his case, took the matter before the civil court claiming that his right to bail and right to a fair trial in a reasonable time were breached.

The legal team also made submissions for the court to award damages for those breaches.

In handing down his oral decision on Wednesday Justice McCarthy said the court was of the view that Section 13 (3) (b) of the Constitution had indeed been breached.

He made “a declaration that the claimant’s right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time pursuant to Section 18 (1) of the Constitution is breached. A declaration that the claimant’s right to be released on bail pursuant to Section 13 (3) (b) of the Constitution was breached; and an order that the claimant is entitled to damages for breach of Section 18 (1) and 13 (3) of the Constitution.”

“The damages awarded to the claimant will be set out in the written judgment. The court will award costs for two counsel with respect to the proceedings,” added the judge.

Just last month, the State was ordered to pay Ellis for unlawfully detaining him for 18 days.

Madam Justice Shona Griffith awarded him $50 000 in non-pecuniary damages and $25 000 in vindicatory damages, on the grounds that his constitutional rights had been breached when he was remanded to prison after being found not guilty of murder.

That matter revolved around Ellis being remanded to prison pending a decision on whether he would face a retrial after a 12-member jury found him not guilty of Harewood’s murder but could not reach a verdict on manslaughter.

fernellawedderburn@barbadostoday.bb

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The Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN) has stepped in to fight for farmers at River Plantation, St Philip whose land is being taken away by the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC).

President Alister Alexander on Thursday instructed the farmers not to stop their operations and assured them that his association would back them at all costs.

“BARVEN will fight. We have no choice but to fight cause that is what we do – fight for justice,” he declared.

It was reported in another section of the media last month that some farmers were served with eviction letters while others received notice that their plots would be significantly reduced. The farmers said the letters indicated that the stipulations would take effect in a month.

At the time, Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir said the BADMC was not being unreasonable or trying to disenfranchise anyone.

Saying that hundreds of people were requesting land and the state agency was trying to give everyone a fair opportunity, Weir alleged that several farmers at River Plantation and other farming districts were inactive and their idle lands had become a haven for pests, including monkeys, and a hiding spot for thieves.

However, Alexander insisted that the BADMC’s move was not fair, adding that now the farmers finally had access to water – the lack of which had been an issue for many years – they should be given the opportunity to show they could make the land productive.

“It is common sense, it cannot be fair. If the Government had not provided the water that was necessary to make the planting of the lands viable, how could they be penalised? Any blame at all has to be laid at the Government’s feet, not at these farmers,” he told Barbados TODAY.

On Thursday, officers from the BADMC erected PVC poles on a 12-acre lot which has been managed by Ali Rahimatali for 17 years.

Rahimatali, who assists an elderly woman cultivating the land following her husband’s death, explained that markings were made for ten one-acre plots as his notice from the statutory organisation indicated his space would be reduced to two acres.

He said he had planted several crops on a few acres of the 12-acre plot, including cucumber, eggplant and okra.

Minister Weir had said that farmers who had planted crops but had been served notice should inform the BADMC so an amicable arrangement could be reached.

Alexander said BARVEN would hold him to his promise.

“BARVEN represents causes like this. BARVEN assured them that an amicable solution would be reached because that is exactly what the minister had said and they need not to be afraid,” he told Barbados TODAY. “I still expect the minister to keep his word. I expect that his word is his bond and that there has been some type of mix-up.”

Alexander said Rahimatali and some of the other farmers were “very productive” over the years but during times of harsh drought, and with the Browne’s Pond Catchment depleted at one point, the farmers could not maintain their operations and some of the lands had therefore become idle.

The BARVEN president said these issues were no fault of the farmers and they should not be blamed for their inability to work the land under those trying conditions.

“Within the context of the national meetings with the Prime Minister and the farmers, where they were mandated to produce a national plan for food security in Barbados, it goes absolutely against the spirit of that mandate. The farmers produced a document to Government and we expect that Government will now show good faith that they are serious about farmers,” he said.

“They are bringing in new farmers. We are not against bringing in new farmers but if you treat the old bad you can bet that you will treat the new bad also.”

Alexander described the current development as “an unfortunate situation” and said BARVEN was hoping for an amicable solution.

“For us, an amicable solution would be that no land is taken away from these farmers. Give them the opportunity now that they have water to utilise and if then they allow them to go into non-production then you utilise the necessary measures to take away those lands and put them in someone else’s hands,” he contended.

Rahimatali had explained that he had just hatched out cucumber, pumpkin and watermelon seedlings when he was served notice that his acreage would be significantly reduced, and he gave away a substantial amount of the seedlings. He said he also had plantain suckers to plant but was now afraid to do so.

However, Alexander advised him to continue his operations.

Rahimatali added that prior to the multi-million-dollar expansion project at Browne’s Pond, which came on stream in May, that body of water had reached a critically low level and farmers were instructed to refrain from pumping the water there.

As the pond was being expanded, he said, a makeshift stream was created but only a few farmers could benefit as there was not enough water to go around.

Rahimatali said two farmers then decided to apply for water through the Barbados Water Authority.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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Motorists will, from midnight Thursday, see the effects of Government’s recently announced cap on the price of fuel at the pumps.

That’s when the retail price of gasoline drops by 44 cents to $4.39 per litre, while the cost of diesel will decrease by 43 cents, to be retailed at $3.85 per litre. Kerosene remains at $2.36 per litre.

On Monday, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that Government had decided that the retail prices of gasoline and diesel would not go above $4.48 per litre and $4.03 per litre, respectively, regardless of the price on the international market.

She had made it clear that if prices fell below the cap – which remains in place until at least January 31, 2023 – the reductions will be passed on to the consumer.

When calculated, the retail prices fell below the cap, hence the latest decrease in prices.

Government said the capping will bring some level of predictability to retail prices of gasoline, while shielding consumers from the full increase of refined petroleum products.

“While things are difficult even for the Government, we feel that we have an obligation to shield Barbadians more,” Prime Minister Mottley had said when she announced the cap. (BGIS/BT)

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