A fine half-century from Barbados’ Shaqkere Parris went for naught as the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force defeated Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) in the opening match of the CG United Super50 Cup. The home team opened up the defence of their 2023 title with a 60-run win over CCC at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St Augustine.

CCC, under the guidance of head coach Pedro Collins, did well to reduce the defending champions to 194 all out in their 50 overs, after winning the toss and choosing to field first.

The CCC bowling was led by 29-year-old Barbadian pacer Amari Goodridge, who took 3-18 from four overs. Spinners Romario Greaves and Akshaya Persaud took two wickets each.

The batting for the hosts was led by Kjorn Ottley who made a patient 45 off 89 balls while Jyd Goolie made 37.

After looking well set at 76-2 in the 18th over, CCC suffered a monumental collapse that saw them lose their next eight wickets for 48 runs in 20 overs.

Khary Pierre was the star of the show with the ball for the hosts. He took 4-8 from 9.1 overs while Yannic Cariah finished with 3-31 from eight overs.

Parris was the only CCC batsman to make any meaningful contribution. The 21-year-old made a 68-ball 57, including five fours and two sixes.

The Red Force will next play the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on November 1 while CCC will next play the Guyana Harpy Eagles at the Sir Frank Worrell Ground on October 31.

Barbados Pride will get their campaign underway on Wednesday against Jamaica Scorpions.

Score Summary:

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force 194 off 50 overs (Kjorn Ottley 45, Jyd Goolie 37, Amir Jangoo 29, Yannic Cariah 28, Amari Goodridge 3-18, Akshaya Persaud 2-29, Romario Greaves 2-30)

Combined Campuses and Colleges 134 off 38.1 overs (Shaqkere Parris 57, Khary Pierre 4-8, Yannic Cariah 3-31)

(SportsMax)

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Five years after the Sacramental Cannabis Act came into force, no sacramental use permit has been granted.

This was disclosed by Acting Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce on Tuesday in response to questions posed by attorney Lalu Hanuman as the constitutional motion brought by Paul Ras Simba Rock entered its second day in the No. 8 Supreme Court before Madam Justice Michelle Weekes.

The Sacramental Cannabis Act of 2019 provides for persons responsible for managing places of worship to apply to the Minister of Legal Affairs for a sacramental use permit to allow persons of that religious body to use cannabis for sacramental purposes at that place of worship.

According to the legislation, the permit “grants permission for the cultivation and harvesting of cannabis on the premises of the place of worship for the sacramental use of persons who attend that place or worship; the possession, preparation or processing of cannabis as a sacrament at the place of worship; the smoking or other use of cannabis as a sacrament at the place of worship; and the storage, destruction, or disposal of cannabis at the place of worship”.

Hanuman, who represents Rock, noted that under the Act, the Commissioner of Police is to be informed when permits are granted. He asked Boyce how many had been given since the Act took effect.

“To the best of my knowledge, I am not aware of any licences being granted,” Boyce, a witness for the State, replied.

Pointing out that in 2022, there were 1 091 cannabis cases dealt with by the police service, Hanuman then framed several questions around police resources being used for cannabis matters.

He asked the Acting Commissioner how many resources were utilised to police cannabis offences. Boyce replied that the entire police service was involved in such, given its mandate to maintain law and order. The attorney then queried if more police resources would be freed up to tackle other crimes if cannabis was made legal, and Boyce agreed they would.

Earlier in responding to a question from King’s Counsel Sir Elliott Mottley, who is leading the Attorney General’s legal team in the matter, Boyce stated that if members of the Rastafarian community were allowed to grow and use cannabis within their homes for the use of sacrament, police resources would be challenged in terms of ensuring that there was compliance with what the permit required.

Also taking the witness stand, psychiatrist Dr Maisha Emmanuel acknowledged that the consumption of alcohol has psychiatric effects, before being asked whether there should be restrictions placed on those religions which incorporate alcohol into their ceremonies.

“For me, the issue would be how much alcohol would be used and what is acceptable and healthy consumption levels,” she said, later adding that there was evidence to show that some amount of alcohol can be protective to one’s cardiac functions.

Regarding cannabis, she said research had shown that there are medicinal benefits to cannabis use in irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain management, nausea in cancer patients and other medical conditions. Dr Emmanuel stressed, however, that typically, cannabis was used only after several other medications have been tried on their own or in combination with others, and have not worked.

“Cannabis, just like moderate amounts of alcohol, can be positive?” Hanuman queried.

“It can be,” the psychiatrist replied.

“So, if the Christians can drink their wine, why would you say that the Rastafari cannot have cannabis?” Hanuman asked.

“I am not saying that. My concern about the use of cannabis centres around the psychological and psychiatric effects that can and do occur,” she replied.

Regarding the use of cannabis by Rastafarians during their ceremonies, Dr Emmanuel stated: “As a clinician, I cannot say to somebody smoking once or seven times a year will have no negative effect medically on them.”

The psychiatrist was also asked whether it would make a difference to a person’s health if they smoked a marijuana joint.

“We have an Act here that says you can smoke spliffs at a designated place of worship but you can’t smoke spliffs at home. It doesn’t make any difference to your (medical) health where you smoke the spliffs, is that not so?”

“Location will not change the medical effects,” Dr Emmanuel stated.

Psychologist Dr Brian Maclachlan also gave evidence on the state’s behalf.

Earlier in the proceedings, the final witness for the claimant, registered dental hygienist Andrea Marshall, who has been Rastafari since 1997, said the role of cannabis was to place her in a calm state of meditation during worship. She however pointed out that Rastafari women were not allowed in the Nyabinghi tabernacle during their menstrual cycle and therefore had to worship at home.

Rock, a member of the Rastafarian community, has brought the constitutional motion against the Attorney General claiming that the Sacramental Cannabis Act breaches his constitutional rights.

Deputy Solicitor General Marsha Loughheed, King’s Counsel Sir Elliott Mottley and attorneys Kashawn Wood and Noah Haynes represent the Attorney General’s office in the matter.

After the court was informed that the final witness for the state would not be available until close to the end of November, the matter was adjourned until January 15, 2025.

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The Barbados economy posted 3.9 per cent growth for the first nine months of the year, defying global economic pressures and the adverse impact of Hurricane Beryl.

Central Bank Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge on Wednesday delivered an upbeat report that revealed the sustained growth was driven by robust activity in tourism, business services and construction. He also pointed to strong performances in other key economic indicators.

“Inflation moderated, unemployment fell, and the country’s external position remained robust, marked by the highest end-September international reserves level, equivalent to 31.2 weeks of imports of goods and services,” he said.

Looking ahead, Greenidge said the economic outlook remains positive despite growing political uncertainty.

He is forecasting growth of 3.8 per cent through to yearend, driven by ongoing private and public sector investments, particularly in tourism and utility infrastructure.

“The tourism sector shows strong potential for the winter season, with forward bookings for air travel in the fourth quarter up 9 per cent over the same period in 2023. The England cricket tour of the West Indies should boost visitor arrivals while cruise activity is expected to surpass last year’s figures, given an 11.5 per cent increase in scheduled cruise calls for the final quarter.

The central bank governor however cautioned that several downside risks could temper these projections, saying, “Slower-than-expected global growth may reduce export demand and tourism from key source markets. High airline ticket prices may also dampen tourism demand, limiting the sector’s growth. Additionally, climate-related risks remain significant, as increased hurricane, flood, and storm activity could disrupt travel, damage infrastructure, and weaken the agricultural sector.” (SD)

Read the full story in Wednesday’s e-paper

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Minister in the Office of the Attorney General with responsibility for Crime Prevention, Corey Lane has strongly condemned vigilante justice after a St Joseph man was beaten to death by residents following an alleged hit-and-run incident in Jackson, St Michael earlier this week.

Pedro Caddle was killed on Monday morning when men from the community chased and attacked him after he allegedly struck an elderly woman with his car and attempted to flee on foot.

Lane said there was no place for citizens taking the law into their own hands.

“The Barbados Police Service is there, we have the courts of Barbados, who’s really supposed to be adjudicated on these matters. It is not the place for any citizen, regardless of the situation to be judge, jury and executioner on any event,” Lane said.

He said citizens should have simply detained Caddle instead of resorting to violence: “Even if they had held him until the right agency, which is the Barbados Police Service arrived, I think that would have been the right thing to do.”

Lane reiterated the need for enhanced crime prevention measures, including monitoring potential threats.

“We seek to get a database of all these at-risk individuals who may be on the radar, what we call a hit list, so that we can intervene beforehand so that we can be as proactive as possible,” the minister said.

“I think it’s important that we have mechanisms to monitor social media to have constant contact with communities to know where the threats are, where a person may be at risk for retaliation,” he added.

The minister urged citizens to familiarise themselves with proper procedures for conducting citizen’s arrests and involving justices of the peace in similar situations.

(LG)

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Commercial banks are “largely compliant” with new market conduct guidelines introduced in July, though some accessibility improvements could take up to a year to implement, the Central Bank of Barbados reported Wednesday.

Deputy Governor Alwyn Jordan told reporters the banks had successfully adopted two of the three main elements in the guidelines, which govern retail banking operations including fees, account management, and access for vulnerable groups.

“Largely, banks are compliant with the guidelines; and . . . I had an address last week Wednesday where I thanked the banks for their cooperation,” he said, though noting that “there are things that banks had already put in place prior to the guidelines, which were codified in the guidelines such as offering no-fee accounts”.

“There are things that are going to take time, and we are constantly in touch with the banks to make sure they are able to implement those so that, over time, there will be complete compliance,” Jordan added.

He said banks had complied with requirements such as no fees on electronic transactions, “keeping with the central bank’s mandate to foster an environment where you have more electronic commerce”.

Jordan acknowledged that improving accessibility for disabled customers will require more time.

“As you can imagine, in some cases it may take a few months, maybe up to a year to make their various branch locations compliant for disabled persons to have free access,” Jordan said during a press conference where Governor of the Central Bank Dr Kevin Greenidge reported on the economic performance of the country for the first nine months of the year.

The guidelines, which came into effect on July 12 and detail how banks should carry out several aspects of their operations – including implementing fees and charges, opening and closing accounts, handling complaints and ensuring that vulnerable groups have access to financial services – were developed collaboratively between the Central Bank and commercial banks.

The deputy governor clarified that while the guidelines relate to retail customers, banks can still charge fees to business customers because of existing contracts.

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Barbados has recorded its highest-ever foreign reserves of $3.2 billion for September, while achieving economic growth of 3.9 per cent in the first nine months of 2024, despite challenges from Hurricane Beryl and global economic uncertainties, the Central Bank of Barbados reported Wednesday.

However, Barbadians have been put on notice of potential increases in food prices later this year.

Delivering the bank’s report card on the performance of the economy for the first nine months of this year, Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge said the economy maintained steady growth driven by tourism, business services and construction industries.

He added: “Inflation moderated, unemployment fell, and the country’s external position remained robust, marked by the highest end-September international reserves level, equivalent to 31.2 weeks of imports of goods and services.”

“The economic outlook is positive and bright, despite growing geopolitical uncertainty,” he assured, forecasting that the economy will maintain its growth momentum through year-end, with real GDP expanding by approximately 3.8 per cent. 

However, the top economist informed the country that because much of what residents consume is imported, the bank is limited in its capacity to implement any monetary ease which could cushion price increases.

He pointed to some potential food price hikes for the year ahead.

“The domestic inflation rate is expected to slow further, with the 12-month moving average stabilising between 2 and 3 per cent by year-end. This forecast assumes easing international food and energy prices from their 2022 peaks. However, global challenges—including escalating geopolitical tensions, potential oil price hikes, and disruptions related to the Red Sea crisis and Panama Canal water shortages—could increase freight costs and impact supply chains. Domestically, adverse weather could further strain agricultural output, pushing up local food prices,” the governor said.

He also reported a steady decline in the debt-to-GDP ratio, which now stands at 105.6 per cent. Greenidge said this achievement reflected Barbados’ resilience in managing external shocks while continuing to reduce its reliance on new debt.

Reporting on the drivers of economic growth for the first three quarters of 2024, Greenidge said there were significant increases in long-stay visitor arrivals.

Long-stay visitors increased by 12.9 per cent over the first nine months of 2024. Although there was a slight decline in flights from the UK and Europe during the third quarter, strong performance earlier in the year, along with an increase in cruise activity, offset the slowdown.

Arrivals from the US market surged by 32.5 per cent, exceeding pre-pandemic levels (2017–2019 average) by 10.4 per cent, while Canadian tourists registered a 16.5 per cent increase. The CARICOM market also recorded significant gains, further contributing to the sector’s recovery.

Higher tourism demand boosted hotel occupancy rates and revenues. The rise in long-stay arrivals boosted the accommodation sector, where average room demand increased by 8.2 per cent, outpacing the 5 per cent growth in available rooms.

As a result, the average hotel occupancy rates climbed to 62.9 per cent (an increase of 1.6 percentage points), while revenue per available room (RevPAR) grew by 9.1 per cent. However, the sharing economy experienced a dip in RevPAR, dropping by 11.9 per cent, even as occupancy rates rose by 4 percentage points, driven by increased tourism demand.

Cruise ship activity also played a vital role in the sector’s recovery. For the first time since 2021, summer cruise arrivals returned to the island, with in-transit cruise visitors growing by 27.7 per cent, reaching 377 340 by the end of September. The sector recorded 286 cruise calls during this period, an increase of 41 compared to the same timeframe in 2023.

Greenidge said the winter tourism season also shows promise, with forward bookings for air travel in the fourth quarter up 9 per cent compared to 2023.

The England Cricket tour of the West Indies is expected to boost visitor arrivals in the coming months, while cruise activity is projected to surpass last year’s figures, with an 11.5 per cent increase in scheduled cruise calls for the final quarter. 

The central bank governor reported that agriculture faced significant challenges in the first nine months of 2024, with overall production contracting by 3.6 per cent. Unfavourable weather conditions severely impacted food crop production, which fell by 16.3 per cent; and milk production fell by 24.8 per cent, the lowest recorded level in recent years, due to smaller herd sizes and heat stress. 

However, fish landings expanded by 23.9 per cent, despite disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl, while chicken and pork production realised modest gains of 6 per cent and 1.5 per cent, respectively.

There was also some good news from the labour market, which the governor said strengthened, with unemployment falling and workforce participation increasing.

“The unemployment rate fell to 7.7 per cent by the end of the second quarter, down from 8.5 per cent for the same period last year. The labour force expanded by 2 100 individuals, reflecting a higher participation rate of 63.5 per cent. Fewer people retired, attended school, or stayed at home, while more individuals entered the workforce,” Greenidge reported.

Looking ahead, the governor said, Barbados’ economy is expected to continue its positive trajectory, with growth driven by sustained activity in tourism, construction, and business services. 

“While external risks such as global commodity price fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties remain, the country’s focus on strategic investments and fiscal prudence is anticipated to support further stability and resilience,” he added.

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

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The head of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) on Wednesday blamed a lack of transparency from poultry producers for recent supply disruptions, whilst denying allegations that his organisation failed to prevent empty supermarket shelves.

CEO James Paul defended his position after facing criticism from Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir for previously denying the existence of supply issues, as well as a call for him to apologise to the public for the misinformation.

“I didn’t fail,” Paul said during the Down to Brass Tacks call-in radio programme on Wednesday.

“We have a specific role in the industry, and we have always worked very closely with the ministry and all stakeholders to try and ascertain what the issue is and to ensure that things like these don’t happen,” he said, defending the role of the association.

He noted that BAS relies on data from producers and suppliers to forecast supply accurately and claims that this data was inadequate to predict the recently reported shortages.

“Information that I got indicated that there should not have been a problem,” he said.

He further admitted that “the industry is going through some difficulty” but that, based on information received, “the situation will soon adjust itself”.

Further explaining the complexity of poultry production, Paul dismissed any notion that resolving these supply issues is as simple as “going to the back of the supermarket storeroom to get the goods once they are ordered”.

“It takes ten weeks to get chicken from the state of being hatched onto the shelf. So, there are people who would want to think that producing chicken is just like that. It is not. Let me just make that very clear,” he said.

Despite visible gaps, Paul steered clear of using the term “shortage”, arguing that it could lead to unnecessary panic.

“One of the things that we try to avoid saying in the industry is ‘shortage’, because once you use the word shortage, it sends a different message to the consumer. It can cause people to panic,” he said, insisting that the industry was “steadily working to resolve whatever issues they are facing”.

The top agriculture spokesperson further expressed frustration over a lack of coordination and transparency from producers, which he believes impedes effective supply management, stating: “We can only help producers in the industry if they share information with us.”

“They withhold information for different reasons — tax purposes or… [otherwise]. This is the problem that we face,” he said, also mentioning a lack of cooperation as a challenge faced by the BAS and other similar associations.

When challenged about the BAS’ seeming inability to effectively gather correct data to inform the public, Paul admitted that he had never witnessed such a breakdown in the industry’s coordination.

He proposed reviving the Poultry Production and Marketing Committee — a once-effective forum headed by the agricultural ministry that brought together industry stakeholders to communicate supply expectations and strategise around market needs.

“We had a system in which everybody had to come to the table at some point. A lot of that has broken down,” he said. “We may need to establish our own committee…to ensure the consumer does not suffer.”

Paul further called on poultry producers to be transparent about issues they may be facing.

“If you are experiencing problems that are going to cause a problem then you need to let us know. You need to be transparent,” he said.

With the government recently announcing a $2 million aid package to support small poultry producers, Paul expressed his support and hope that supply issues would soon improve.

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb

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The language department at Hilda Skeene Primary School is touting creative methods to help students improve their reading and writing skills.

Language coordinator Nikki Daniel told Barbados TODAY on Wednesday that a number of children who were subject to online learning in their early childhood due to health restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic had difficulty reading and writing, and this issue also affected their learning ability in other subjects besides English language.

She said the St Philip school was reaching out more to parents to get them involved in their children’s education, as well as applying creative learning techniques to ensure no student was left behind.

Daniel was speaking after a Character Day parade, in which scores of students had the opportunity to dress up as their favourite story characters and parade in front of the entire school body.

“The theme of our literacy week is: It Takes a Community to Build a Nation of Readers. We wanted to really highlight the important role of parents, guardians, or anyone really who spends time with children, and the role that they can play in encouraging them and helping them to read from a very early age, in terms of learning letter sounds and recognising letters or even just loving books and reading bedtime stories. We don’t have a lot of people taking their children to the library anymore, so we want to encourage that,” Daniel said.

“We really want to encourage people to spend time reading with their children; it is a fun activity and it is also important for parents to let their children see them reading as well. They need to set an example.”

Daniel said many pupils at the primary school level had literacy challenges which were harming their class performance.

She said: “We have noticed some issues, especially with those students who would have started their formative years during COVID-19. You find that some of those students who were not able to get online have serious issues in terms of their phonetic skills, and they’re behind in terms of reading. We also find there are issues with spelling, which translates into every other subject that they do. It makes the student frustrated; they’re not able to follow along in class, they get bored, and then they tend to find something else to do.”

Daniel said the school was trying a holistic approach “where everybody is part of the solution and everybody is trying to get that child to be a competent reader”.

“We started this week by encouraging the parents to not only read to the children but also to assist them in book reports,” Daniel said. “Even with the little ones, we wanted the parents to assist in oral book reports. The students had to indicate who their character is, why this is their favourite character, what book their character is from, who they like the least in this story, and just be able to retell what the story is all about. We also wanted to encourage the parents to, instead of using devices to let them play games, engage in activities that will assist in their phonetic skills, spelling skills, and reading skills.”

During the week, the students participated in various fun activities that highlighted the importance of reading. They took part in a literacy march, during which they created placards with slogans about reading and writing and walked through the neighbouring community.

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The Barbados Rum Experience (BRE), now in its fourth year, remains the only national event dedicated exclusively to Barbados rum as the unique week-long event blends education with immersion into the island’s 300-year-old rum heritage, according to one of the organisers, Gayle Seale.

Hosted at the Radisson Hotel, this year’s event has attracted participants from around the globe, including rum enthusiasts, industry professionals, and cultural explorers from countries such as Canada, Poland, Italy, and parts of the Caribbean.

Seale described the experience as “an educational event teaching about the history of Barbados rum and its importance locally and on a global scale”.

Emphasising the event’s educational approach, she said: “It’s like a week of university, so we have three days of lectures, and our speakers are all Barbadian.”

“The core of the Barbados Rum Experience is the seminar educational series, where we take a deeper look at Barbados rum history, the Caribbean colonial past, the origins of the word ‘rum,’ and more,” she said.

Among the presenters are notable scholars and experts such as historians Professor Richard Drayton, Dr Lennox Honychurch, Dr Geoff Ward, and distiller Richard Seale.

Seale further expressed pride in the increased representation of women this year, which includes master blender Trudiann Branker, historian Dr Tara Innis, Samantha Sobers of Mount Gay Distilleries, and Jacklyn Broomes, an agronomist.

“This year, we have a much bigger female contingent, which I am very proud of as a woman,” she added.

The week is carefully structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of Barbadian rum and culture, featuring both lectures and hands-on experiences.

“We do lectures on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday…. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we do behind-the-scenes VIP distillery visits to Mount Gay, St. Nicholas Abbey, and Foursquare,” Seale shared, stressing that these tours go beyond typical consumer experiences.

“This is deep diving into university-style education,” she said.

The Barbados Rum Experience further includes a range of activities, each designed to give attendees a sense of the island’s heritage and local flavours.

“On opening night, we host an event at George Washington House to give them a bit more of the history… because it’s such a great venue to do it at, with a museum inside,” the organiser Seale said.

Throughout the week, participants enjoy activities such as a rum and cigar night, a fully sustainable Barbadian dinner, and a catamaran cruise to explore the island’s landscapes and lifestyle.

Seale noted that this year’s itinerary includes an afternoon lecture session at Coco Hill, “allowing participants to experience Barbados’ agricultural richness”.

The Barbados Rum Experience aims to educate not only on the technical aspects of rum but also on the island’s unique geology, history, and natural resources.

The event is capped with a Meet the Makers gathering, where guests connect with individuals such as Larry and Simon Warren from St. Nicholas Abbey, followed by the cruise to further explore the island’s vistas.

Seale proudly noted that over the years, the event has transformed visitors into island ambassadors, returning home as champions of Barbados’ culture and heritage.

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With an estimated 60 000 diabetes cases in Barbados and many more potentially undiagnosed, Barbadians are being urged to find out their status so they can get treatment for the chronic disease.

General Manager of the Maria Holder Diabetes Centre for the Caribbean, Marsha White made the appeal on Wednesday as the Rotary Club of Barbados presented a cheque for over $22 000 to the Maria Holder Barbados Diabetes Foundation.

She noted the wide-ranging impact of not treating the condition, noting that diabetes does not only impact those diagnosed but their families as well, disrupts the workforce and creates financial and emotional burdens.

“It’s not just about managing diabetes; it’s about the complications that arise if it goes untreated,” White said. “Diabetes can handicap you, take you out of the workforce, and have a financial impact on families. It’s devastating mentally and emotionally. Anyone over 35 in Barbados should be concerned, and we urge people to come to the centre or see their doctor to get tested.”

White also addressed the importance of regular screenings and comprehensive health checks for those already diagnosed with diabetes.

“Anyone living with diabetes should be having annual screenings for vascular health, eye care, and foot health. It’s always easier to treat an issue when it’s caught early. Here, we provide the full suite of services with specialist doctors, nurses, and a registered dietitian. Managing diabetes can start with your next meal, and the dietitian is an integral part of that journey.”

The donation from the Rotary Club, presented at the Maria Holder Diabetes Centre for the Caribbean, will fund the purchase of a new autoclave – equipment that allows the centre to maintain safe and sterile conditions for the thousands of Barbadians it serves each year.

“An autoclave is a piece of equipment that sterilises our tools used in the treatment and management of our patients who are living with diabetes,” explained White. “Without proper sterilisation, as you can imagine, our equipment will be contaminated, and we would risk contaminating one patient to the next. That’s something a medical facility could never accept.”

She emphasised the importance of the Rotary’s donation, noting that the centre’s existing autoclave, an older model, needed to be replaced.

“We are so grateful that the Rotary stepped forward to cover the entire cost of a new autoclave. Having something brand new like this, we know it’s going to be a lot more efficient, even in terms of energy consumption,” White added.

“We are a unique facility in the Caribbean, and we strive to maintain the highest standards of care and to be an example not just in Barbados but across the region. This donation from Rotary allows us to continue providing safe, high-quality care.”

The Rotary Club of Barbados’ Past President Ermine Darroux-Francis reflected on the club’s longstanding commitment to addressing health issues, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes.

“Our club decided we had to play a part in the NCD crisis,” she said. “We recognised that Barbados has a high rate of NCDs, and the data shared with us by health officials was so alarming that we felt compelled to act.”

The Maria Holder Diabetes Centre for the Caribbean provides a range of services, including diabetes screening, foot and eye care, wound management, and education to empower patients to live full lives with the disease.

White said: “We need to change behaviours around eating, stress management, and sleeping patterns. At the Maria Holder Diabetes Centre, we don’t just treat diabetes; we treat the whole person because managing diabetes holistically is the only way to prevent severe complications.”

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Shanique Harrison was sent to the Psychiatric Hospital for observation for the next three weeks, after her demeanour in the dock of the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court raised concern.

The 34-year-old woman of no fixed place of abode appeared before Magistrate Alison Burke on Wednesday, accused of unlawfully assaulting Tiana Massiah a day earlier.

When asked for her plea, the accused told the court that the complainant’s name was wrong, before mumbling to herself in the dock.

After Harrison gave confusing and, at times, incoherent responses to questions from the court officials, the magistrate informed her that no plea would be taken from her for now.

“If you are not aware of what is going on, we cannot take a plea. I am going to send you to the Psychiatric Hospital for 21 days for observation. They will be able to gauge if you are fit to plead,” Burke added before the accused woman was led away.

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Secondary school student Naomi Jordan wants to see changes in the education system to better accommodate pupils with disabilities.

The Lower Sixth student at Harrison College who lives with dyslexia, expressed her desire at the inaugural Bright for Sight Day which she organised at her school. It featured interactive games and specialised equipment used by visually impaired persons, while raising funds for the Irving Wilson School.

“Really and truly, it’s just to build awareness for all those in the disabled community in Barbados because as someone with dyslexia, I know what it’s like to be in the public school system currently, and how it has not shaped or been reformed to help me or others with the same disability,” Jordan told Barbados TODAY.

The initiative emerged after Jordan visited the Irving Wilson School, where teachers highlighted their need for specialised equipment to support students with disabilities. This visit inspired her Let Me Read project, which culminated in Bright for Sight Day.

Students participated by wearing bright clothing and purchasing wristbands, with proceeds going to the Irving Wilson School. The entry fee was $2, whilst wristbands were sold for $5.

Former president of the of the Barbados Council for the Disabled Kerry Ann Ifill teaches students how to play spades with braille cards. (SB)

The advocate for people with disabilities emphasised that, given the current gaps in the school system’s support for students with physical or mental challenges, she hopes to make this event an annual opportunity for students with disabilities and their peers to come together and enjoy inclusive games.

“I really would like for this to continue, as in every year we would celebrate this exact same day, everyone would dress up in their bright colours, [as] it would keep funds going towards the Irving Wilson School,” Jordan said. “Hopefully by doing this, we are creating empathy in the students towards those who have disabilities, as well as creating awareness around the fact that this is the reality for others; even though it may not be the reality for you, you still need to be able to support and realise that some people need more help than you do.”    

Naomi Jordan

The young advocate acknowledged the support received from the National Disabilities Unit and the Irving Wilson School: “I think that they really have really helped me where it comes to getting this launched and getting this started and then helping me to understand what those of the disabled community currently need.” (SB)

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Lead investigator Sergeant Frank Olton told a nine-member jury that the only evidence linking Brandon Rommel Shaquar Allamby to an illegal AK-47 rifle is the word of the arresting officer.

He was responding to questions during cross-examination by Allamby’s attorney, Martie Garnes, as the trial continued in Supreme Court 4A on Tuesday evening.

“Outside of (Constable) Devonish’s say-so that he saw (Allamby) with the firearm, there is no other evidence linking him to the firearm, correct?” Garnes queried.

“There is none,” Sergeant Olton admitted.

The police witness earlier testified that he had not believed it was necessary to do any fingerprinting or DNA testing on the firearm because of the arresting officer’s report that he had seen Allamby with the weapon at the time of the incident.

“If this firearm was found in a house full of people or in a vehicle with five passengers then that need may have arisen. In these circumstances where the accused was seen in possession of a firearm – an assault rifle – alone, there was no need for any forensics, no fingerprinting, no DNA,” the lead investigator contended.

Asked whether he had requested a second statement from the arresting officer, Sergeant Olton replied, “There was no need to…. I had no reason to doubt (Constable) Devonish.”

“Did you believe Constable Devonish because he is a fellow police officer?” Garnes queried.

“Yes,” the officer said.

The defence attorney then charged that no thorough investigation was conducted because of this belief, and Olton again stated that there was no reason to doubt the arresting officer.

Allamby, of Bamboo Road, St Lawrence, Christ Church, is facing the charge that he had an AK-47S rifle without a valid licence and 31 rounds of ammunition without a valid permit, on May 12, 2021.

Earlier, Garnes had asked the police officer why there was no mention in either his statement or evidence to the court that the police searched the wall where Allamby had testified he had seen a person put a firearm that night.

Sergeant Olton replied that it was “not relevant” to include it in his report and that officers had conducted a detailed search of the area, but “nothing was found”.

In addition, he said, officers returned to the scene the next morning to search further and no spent cartridges were found.

The investigator agreed that Allamby denied knowledge, possession, and ownership of any firearm throughout his interview.

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In an innovative role-reversal initiative, pupils at Hindsbury Primary School stepped into their teachers’ shoes Wednesday, leading reading lessons as part of the school’s Reading Week celebrations.

The switch saw selected students, including head girl Sydney Bradshaw Earle and her deputy, Laila Alleyne, don professional attire and take command of classrooms, while their teachers – including Principal Stacey Drakes – sat attentively in school uniforms.

Language Coordinator Ena McCollin told Barbados TODAY: “The teachers will become children, and selected children will become teachers. They will go into a few classes and teach a lesson on reading.”

The enthusiastic young teachers arrived prepared with self-created teaching materials, including worksheets, stories, pictures and pencils to engage their peers.

“They were really excited to dress up as teachers…they went home and did all of their work on their own, preparing for the classes,” McCollin said.

The initiative forms part of a week-long programme designed to foster a love of reading. Activities began on Monday with visiting authors reading their works to pupils, followed by Tuesday’s ‘Drop Everything and Read’ session, where the entire school community read materials brought from home.

The National Library Service also contributed to the week’s activities with a puppet show, featuring a reenactment of Daniel in the Lion’s Den, which captivated the young audience.

McCollin emphasised that the programme served dual purposes.

“The aim of the activity is to let the children be aware of the importance of reading,” she said, adding that it also helped build pupils’ self-confidence. 

(SM)

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The Governor of the Central Bank issued a stark warning about a suspected Ponzi scheme operating in the country, after investigations revealed that a company calling itself TKY Media has no legal registration despite actively recruiting members with promises of quick earnings.

Dr Kevin Greenidge told a press conference on Wednesday the organisation exhibited “all of those red flags” of a fraudulent scheme, including demands for upfront payments and promises of excessive returns for minimal effort.

“Avoid them,” he advised in response to questions from reporters during his quarterly economic briefing. “The overarching thing is, there are no get-rich schemes around the place. Usually, the persons who are purporting get-rich schemes are using them to get rich.

You are not getting rich, I can guarantee that.”

The TYK Media scheme, which presents itself as a YouTube and TikTok partnership, requires participants to pay approximately $700 to advance beyond an initial threeday probationary period. New members are promised earnings of $2.50 daily for making five clicks in designated spaces, with claims of increased earnings of US$10 ($20) daily at “level two”.

Internal investigations by the Central Bank revealed no such company exists, though a name has been registered with the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO). The matter has been referred to the Fair Trading Commission (FTC).

“We checked with CAIPO and there is no such company. There is a name registered, but there is no such company,” Greenidge said.

“So, we have passed all the information we have gathered to our sister regulator, the Fair Trading Commission . . . and they will do the necessary investigation,” Greenidge revealed.

His comments came two days after the Financial Services Commission (FSC) issued an urgent warning about multi-level marketing schemes.

Speaking in his personal capacity, the central bank governor outlined three warning signs of Ponzi schemes: requirements for upfront payments, recruitment of new members to sustain payments, and promises of excessive returns for minimal work.

His signature had been fraudulently used on a letter endorsing a scheme, but he stressed that the Central Bank “does not endorse anybody”, and any claim of Central Bank endorsement should be treated as an attempt to deceive potential investors.

“I want persons to be financially savvy.

Ask questions, research who brings it to you, don’t go and ask people who they tell you to ask,” he advised, recommending legitimate investments such as real estate, education, government bonds, and stock market enterprises instead.

Greenidge stressed that legitimate financial institutions must undergo rigorous licensing processes through the Central Bank and CAIPO before establishment.

“If an institution, financial company or bank wants to set up, there is a process by which you apply to the central bank, you must have a company licensed under the Company Act through CAIPO,”Greenidge said.

Meantime, in a separate statement on Wednesday, CAIPO said that registering a business name does not authorise or legitimise illegal activities, including pyramid schemes, fraudulent operations, money laundering, or any other unlawful conduct.

“Registering a business name is an administrative process that provides businesses with legal recognition to operate under a specific name. However, it does not serve as a licence or approval for any activity that contravenes the law,” CAIPO said.

It cautioned that fraudsters often misuse registered business names to appear legitimate, deceiving individuals and organisations into participating in scams: “These unscrupulous individuals register legitimate activities but then use the registration as a cover to engage in illicit dealings.”

Acting Registrar at CAIPO, Tamiesha Rochester, reiterated that while business registration provides formal recognition, “all businesses must comply with the law and operate ethically”.(EJ)

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Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey says the issues facing Latin America and the Caribbean are complex and dialogue and reflection are crucial to finding solutions.

He made the comments on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the XVI Ministerial Forum for Development in Latin America, held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle Resort – the first time the meeting is being hosted in the Caribbean.

The forum seeks to address issues surrounding environmental vulnerabilities, socio-economic challenges and other problems that significantly impact Latin America and the Caribbean.

Humphrey said: “This theme that we have chosen, Resilience and Action, Social Policies to Navigate Uncertainties in Latin America and the Caribbean, was not chosen by happenstance. This came after profound reflection and discussions about what the issues are and our peculiar vulnerabilities in the region and how we best position ourselves to be able to confront these issues.”

The minister noted that many of those issues were being driven by external forces. He identified some of them as “the climate crisis and the consequential disasters that it causes the Caribbean region; the geopolitical tensions and the consequential inflation that it is causing the region-Latin America and the Caribbean; the inequitable financial architecture and the consequential rise in costs and the difficulty to assess finance to be able to do work and to make an impact in our social space”.

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey. (HG)

Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Achim Steiner said the Caribbean and Latin America had common issues that negatively impacted their social development.

He added that it was necessary to build resilience, not only in terms of the environment but as it relates to social issues.

“This is an era of disruption. We are seeing a world that is returning to conflict and competition and wars, with more people displaced, more refugees, more suffering than we have seen for decades,” he said. 

“We are not at a glorious moment of sustainable development advancements and, therefore, this is a moment where [we must] reflect on what is going wrong and also where are the pathways for moving forward within each one of our country’s nations [and] communities.”

The regional forum is being hosted by the Government of Barbados, UNDP, and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

This gathering builds on the discussions initiated at the XIII Ministerial Forum in Antigua and Barbuda in 2021, which discussed disasters and social protection systems in the context of protracted crises.

The expected outcome of the forum is a Ministerial Declaration that aims to be a roadmap for transformative policy action and impactful initiatives that transcend boundaries, ultimately steering the region toward a more equitable and resilient future. (SZB) 

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Two university economists and a consumer advocate have praised the country’s ability to record 3.9 per cent growth for the first nine months of this year but expressed concern over how this has been achieved.

Dr Antonio Alleyne, a lecturer in economics at the University of the West Indies: Cave Hill, said on Thursday that the Central Bank should temper any enthusiasm it may have in the third-quarter assessment presented on Wednesday by Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge.

“It is almost a fair economic review,” Alleyne told Barbados TODAY. “However, I think the Central Bank should not look too optimistic about its review. I think the balancing of the scale hasn’t been fair in terms of whether or not the economy is really, truly… on the right path, but it has a number of considerations we need to take into account.

“The debt obligations are higher than they were before. They went from $702 million to $769.2 million. That’s a five per cent increase. Now, that obligation can put strain on our financial resources. He talked a lot about the need for investment, which is actually true; we need investment, but bear in mind our debt level is still high. It has come down, but our obligation has increased. That is also affected by the issues of inflation.  

“So, when the debt obligation or those interest rates increase, those could have implications for government by putting a strain on government’s resources and government’s capacity to cater to expenditure for the same investment purposes,” the economics scholar added.

Dr Alleyne also urged the government to be more vigilant about its fiscal strategy because of the country’s “overall reliance on debt financing.

“I know that Governor Greenidge talks about ‘you need to go into debt to finance spending in the right place’. But history has shown that Barbados doesn’t always spend in the right place,” the economist argued.

He also cautioned that the government can only achieve effective resilience by boosting food security through building on agriculture. Alleyne said innovation is required in agriculture, especially to address the impact of climate change, the vagaries of the global food supply, and adverse weather conditions on food crops and poultry. He identified the high import bill and imported inflation as challenges needing greater attention.

The economist added that while Greenidge did not mention crime in his review, it is a crucial factor that can influence investment and, as a result, growth.

Another UWI economist, Dr Ankie Scott-Joseph, also applauded the nine-month economic performance but raised similar concerns, including the controversial issue of debt.

“Interest payments on debt remain high because of the increased rates on domestic restructured debt and new borrowing from the previous fiscal year,” she told Barbados TODAY.

“The government remains understandably challenged and constrained. The cost of servicing the debt will grow, especially if interest rates are high. Changes in tax rate/base will be required over time to smooth debt financing. If debt or taxes are excessively high, it may not be feasible to increase spending to support growth.”

The lecturer in economics suggested that macroeconomic adjustments might be necessary to prevent an “unsustainable” fiscal position with high debt.

Scott-Joseph noted that concerns arise because debt financing acts as a substitute for taxation, which allows governments to maintain or increase public spending, at least temporarily, without the need to legislate tax increases.

“If debt is not linked to inflation, and growth-adjusted interest rates on the debt are not considered, government investment effect will be dampened,” the economist added.

She said that the increase in direct tax revenues is a commendable outcome but needs careful monitoring.

The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) also described the Central Bank’s report of steady economic growth and resilience amid global challenges and the impacts of Hurricane Beryl as encouraging.

It saw the 3.9 per cent rise in real GDP, coupled with improvements in tourism, business services, and construction, as reflecting the “positive strides Barbados has made under the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) Programme”.

“However,” executive director Maureen Holder added, “as BCEN evaluates these achievements, it is worthwhile mentioning that this growth is taking place under the constraints of an IMF programme. While the BERT programme has been essential for fiscal stabilisation and has undoubtedly helped maintain high levels of international reserves and a strong external position, it has also brought budgetary constraints that affect the daily lives of consumers in Barbados.”

She added: “The austerity measures required under the BERT Programme impact public spending on essential services and infrastructure, leaving many consumers and businesses with challenges that economic growth statistics alone do not capture. 

“BCEN recognises the importance of adhering to the BERT Programme, but we urge that future policies strive for greater balance between fiscal discipline and social support so that all Barbadians can share in the benefits of economic resilience. It is our hope that Barbados’ growth will not only strengthen our economy but also improve the well-being and prosperity of every Barbadian household.”

Holder pointed out that many Barbadians continue to grapple with high prices, particularly for essential goods, utilities, and services. Holder said the moderation in inflation reported by the central bank governor, though encouraging, has not been sufficient to offset the significant price increases consumers have faced in recent years.

BCEN urged policymakers to consider more targeted interventions to ensure that economic progress translates into tangible relief for consumers. 

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

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The National Task Force on Literacy Education has launched community literacy clinics to reach underserved areas where reading and writing skills lag, as part of a strategy that will also help fight crime and poverty.

The clinics aim to bring critical literacy resources directly to communities, enhancing personal development and contributing to the nation’s sustained growth, according to the literacy promotion body.

“Where there is a dearth of literacy skills in the community, crime and poverty reside,” said task force chair Dr Sylvia Henry as she stressed that literacy is essential not only in schools but also as a community-driven asset supporting the health, educational, social, and economic welfare of society.

The community literacy clinics, being done in partnership with the Earthen Vessels Ministries International, will offer on-the-spot literacy support and screenings for individuals and groups, fostering community engagement through partnerships with educational institutions, local organisations, and government agencies.

These collaborations, Henry noted, will be critical in providing resources such as books, digital tools, and financial support, which will be donated to sustain literacy programmes. Retired educators, community volunteers, and sponsors will also be recruited to assist in expanding clinic services.

“Our mission is clear,” she said. “We want to provide opportunities for children and adults to be transformed through literacy in a way that contributes to their personal development and the sustained growth of Barbados.”

“Our interaction has strengthened communities and empowered persons to contribute to the social, economic, and cultural well-being of the community.” 

Guided by research from UNESCO, which emphasises literacy as a means to “improve lives by expanding capabilities”, Henry further underscored that the task force’s objectives align with a wider global understanding of literacy as a foundation for poverty reduction, labour market participation, and health improvements.

Key operational questions will guide each clinic’s approach, such as identifying literacy deficits, formulating community-specific solutions, and measuring progress.

The task force aims to measure success by assessing improvements in the quality of life for families, creating lifelong learners, and strengthening community cohesion.

“Overall, we will examine the extent to which our literacy programmes have enhanced the quality of life for families and created lifelong learners,” Dr Henry noted, emphasising the importance of continuous progress evaluation.

For the National Task Force on Literacy Education, this initiative represents a significant investment in Barbados’ future, aiming to create a ripple effect of positive change.

“Our involvement has stimulated an awareness within the community that contributes to national development, sustainability, education access, economic growth, and social cohesion,” Henry said. 

The first of the clinics is set for November 9 at the Clapham Community Centre in Christ Church. (SM)

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In an article entitled Governor sticking to jobless numbers published in Nation News on Thursday, October 31, 2024, it was erroneously conveyed that economist Anthony Wood questioned the veracity of the unemployment statistics compiled by the Barbados Statistical Service (BSS).

Indeed, during the presentation of the economic report for the first nine months of the year, Central Bank Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge explained that the Central Bank sourced the unemployment data from the BSS, and the methodology employed by that institution to collect the unemployment statistics remained unchanged.

Those two points are well known by economists in Barbados.

Let me state for the public record that at no time did I question the authenticity of the unemployment data provided by the BSS. As a former lecturer in Economic Statistics at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, I am extremely familiar with the rigorous survey methodology employed by the BSS to collect data on the labour market.

In an article entitled Central Bank has some explaining to do published in Nation News on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, I asked the Central Bank to explain the atypical situation of the co-existence of increased economic growth and increased unemployment during the second quarter of 2024. Such a request was supported by Professor Emeritus Michael Howard in a subsequent article entitled Awaiting adequate reply from Central Bank.

The question must, therefore, be asked: Why did the Central Bank Governor not use the opportune stage to provide the requested explanation for the unusual relationship between increased economic growth and increased unemployment during the second quarter of this year?

We welcome the Central Bank Governor’s restatement of the Bank’s confidence in the work of the BSS and his explanation for the decline in the unemployment rate at June 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2023. However, he is reminded that the explanation requested by Professor Michael Howard and myself remains outstanding.

Anthony P. Wood

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The Leader of the Opposition and political leader of the Democratic Labour Party, the Honourable Ralph Thorne has made a commitment to be a responsible opposition, and not to oppose for the sake of opposing. The party has ensured that any statement it makes, any complaint raised, and any suggestion offered is covered by research, good intent and with the nation’s interest at heart.

It was therefore a surprise to hear the response made by the MP for St. Lucy on Down to Brass Tacks a few weeks ago. The representative was responding to a call made by the Leader of the Opposition, and supported yours truly, the DLP’s spokesman on culture and the creative arts, and prospective candidate for St Lucy, to have water charges imposed by the Barbados Water Authority, discontinued, given the situation of discoloured water in that parish.

Phillips stated on the programme that to encourage people not to pay their water bills is “reckless” and made it clear that he was satisfied that the government and the Barbados Water Authority were doing all they could.

In the first place, what the Leader of the Opposition said was that the water authority had broken its contract to provide potable water, and it should stop sending bills to those affected. Mr Thorne further asserted that the matter was a clear breach of contract. The water is now brown and the likelihood of health challenges arising cannot be ignored.

Let me be abundantly clear and say that at no time did Mr Thorne or myself encourage residents not to pay their water bills.

Party loyalty is expected, but when a matter challenges the health and well-being of the people one serves, then any representative who is worth the clothes he or she wears would have taken the statement made by the Leader of the Opposition and researched its legal strength, and provide representation for his constituents.

Alvin R. Toppin 

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