A Government Minister today threw his support behind the legalization of marijuana which will allow the Rastafarian community to use for religious purposes. Furthermore, he believes there is no harm in using a “little” of the drug.

The “firm” support came from Minister of the Environment and National Beautification Trevor Prescod who suggested that Barbadians are now beginning to accept the use of cannabis and the medicinal benefits that can be derived.

“People are now beginning to accept the use of cannabis and its medicinal value because contemporary scientists and persons who are practitioners in the area of medicine they are now accepting, pharmacists are now accepting, it is now accepted by people from that fraternity. Some people will obviously accept it because it has economic value….

“I personally believe if you use a little marijuana no harm would be done to you as a result of using it. Therefore, I am a firm, undoubted supporter of allowing the Rastafarian faith to use marijuana for religious and ceremonial purposes,” he said.

Delivering the feature address for National Arbor Day at the National Botanical Gardens, Waterford, St Michael to an audience which included primary and secondary school students from across the island, the Minister said he is one Government Minister that fully supports the call to allow rastafarians the right to be able to use the herb in their practices.

“This is this Minister. I cannot speak for everyone [but] I hope one day that you would be able to do what you want to do freely as a form of you serving your religious purposes and you can use the ganja freely without reservation. I say that” he said to applause from members of the audience which also included some rastafarians.

Speaking to the media following his public statements the Member of Parliament for St Michael East said as other religions in Barbados are allowed to practice their religious customs so too should the members of the Rastafarian faith be allowed to as a legitimate religion.

“There are ceremonial aspects of their religion where they use things that are symbolic. Anglicans and the Christian community use the symbolism of the body and blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to some extent some people may consider it a form of ritualism which I respect it as as a part of their ceremony. The Muslims have their own way of doing things and nobody cries out about it. Caribbean communities that should not be thinking in that manner, have not fully accepted Rastafari as a religious group as yet, that is because of the stigmatization that has been attached to Rastafari over the years and the use of cannabis itself,” he said.

The Minister said many persons still describe rastafari as a cult.

“Probably because of their black consciousness, their connection with Africa and Haile Selassie and their strong connection to Marcus Garvey and so on, a lot of people believe they should continue to describe the rastafarian community as a cult which it is not. Rastafari can be seen as a genuine religion and if they use cannabis for sacramental purposes then I personally believe they should be allowed to do that,” he said.

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Officials are reporting tremendous success in their quest to develop the rapidly growing coconut industry locally and regionally.

However, they have expressed disappointment at the slow pace at which challenges were being addressed and the lack of adequate partnerships to help propel the industry and allow regional coconut farmers to satisfy growing global demands.

With about €4 million already pumped into phase one of a special development project for the industry since 2015, officials are reporting that over 5,000 farmers in 12 CARIFORUM member states have been impacted.

The project, Alliances for Coconut Industry Development in the Caribbean, saw phase one focusing on enhancing productivity and sustainability, improving market and product development and access to finance, and supporting better risk management and disaster mitigation, among others.

Director General of the CARIFORUM Percival Marie said more than 2,000 farmers and 470 extension officers were trained to address industry challenges, more than 200 public and private stakeholders across the region were involved in national workshops and 25 nurseries were established or enhanced.

[caption id="attachment_310556" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Prime Minister Mia Mottley (left) and Director General of the CARIFORUM Percival Marie.[/caption]

He reported that 30 agro-processers were left with improved capacity and linkages, and technical cooperation was established with more than 60 public and private institutions.

“A revised CARICOM regional standard for [packaged] coconut water was agreed and put into place. That €4 million made available through the European Union was well spent and the outcomes have justified the expenditure,” said Marie, as he addressed the official launch of phase two of the project at the George Washington House on Friday.

Phase two of the scheme will see an injection of €6 million, and will aim to replicate the successful partnerships across the region and scaling up of the impact, and is hoped to benefit an additional 5,000 coconut farmers.

Among other things, phase two should also see the improvement in private sector facilitation and investment, the building of trade capacity for the coconut industry, development of more coconut nurseries, improvement of market linkages, monitoring and evaluation and improvement in climate change awareness.

“CARIFORUM believes that the activities to be implemented through the project will position the region to take advantage, in a sustainable manner, of the opportunities created by rising global demand for coconuts and coconut products,” said Marie.

However, he said there were still a number of challenges that needed to be addressed if the region were to take full advantage of global opportunities.

One of the main challenges, he said, was declining yield and low productivity due primarily to insufficient incentives, aging plantations, old infrastructure and poor economic practices.

He also pointed to the need for more research and development, adding that other challenges included lack of investments in product development, processing and marketing; insufficient volumes of raw materials; low product diversification; and poor compliance with food safety practices.

It is estimated that there are some 13,000 known coconut farmers in the CARIFORUM states.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley lauded the efforts, but expressed regret that while Barbados and other countries continued to sign trade agreements the region has not been able to “bring our production and private sector to derisk private investment such that the kind of levels of production that must precede trade are garnered in this region”.

A part of the difficulty, she said, was that those with capital had shied away from investing in the agriculture sector.

“The reason I am concerned about production is because it is easy to have an agenda set by others in the international community . . . and I believe we have had too much of that in our region,” said Mottley.

“I say simply that we have to focus now on how we can match the preparation and production of our products be they agricultural, manufacturing or services, with the trade agreements that we have been so zealous in settling,” she said.

Mottley said regrettably, the jury was still out on whether the region should have gone into a reciprocal trade agreement with Europe.

“In a very real sense this project has shown what is necessary to allow us to benefit from the EPA . . . and the Cotonou agreement. Regrettably, as successful as this project is it doesn’t have the scale that is necessary to be transformative as a society,” added Mottley.

Insisting that Barbados and the rest of the region could not earn what it needed simply from domestic production, Mottley pointed to the need for Guyana and Suriname to become regional hubs for food production to ensure food security for the rest of the Caribbean.

She argued that this could result in the region saving some US$5 billion in food import annually.

Mottley said it was time the private sector leads the charge by investing in the production, adding that there could be a public/private sector partnership to improve regional maritime transport.
marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb

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Government may be looking outside the Transport Board to provide optional transportation, possibly in the range of motorised scooters and wheelchairs along with other specially adapted vehicles for persons with disabilities.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn today hinted that in light of the Transport Board’s resources challenges the current administration could be moving in this direction to meet the needs of the disabled community.

Straughn was at the time addressing a certificate presentation ceremony for persons trained in provision of wheelchair servicing and other technical support at the BCD’s Harambee House headquarters, the Garrison.

Certificates of training were presented to five BCD members who went through a week of instructions by trainers of Latter-Day Charity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. That organisation also handed over to BCD a number of wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

“Transportation of choice for persons with mobility challenges is a real issue,” Straughn noted.

“Within the Ministry of Finance in recent times we’ve determined from a policy perspective that we are going to adMinister and treat to giving people choices with respect to their transportation needs so that you don’t feel as if somehow you are trapped within your homes.”

The Minister added, “Rather than having to rely on the state through the Transport Board we are in the process of reviewing how we can assist in ensuring that persons with mobility challenges have the same freedoms that I do with respect to their transportation needs.”

Straughn said to those gathered for the ceremony, “Your Government, working with private providers, will see how best we can fashion a framework that resolves an issue of transportation,” while referencing British operator, Motability Operations, suppliers of scooters, wheelchairs and wheelchair adapted vehicles.

According to its website Motability Operations says it enables persons with disabilities to use their Government-issued disability access or mobility allowance to “lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair or wheelchair accessible vehicle”. The scheme boasts of providing “freedom” to those who use the services.

Straughn however cautioned, “I can’t say that we will get to that stage where the car dealers understand their role in supplying persons with disabilities with the choice of being able to adapt. It requires a lot of collaboration.”

He however made it clear that against the backdrop of the Transport Board’s financial and fleet challenges there are alternatives which have to be financed. “We’re going to find the best way to be able to help advance that,” he added.

He said his ministry is collaborating with Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Cynthia Forde who was present at the event, to see how best the challenges can be met. 

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When the Police Certificate of Character office reopens on Monday, it will not be business as usual, Attorney General Dale Marshall has promised.

In fact, Marshall declared that in a matter of weeks, Barbadians would be able to receive their certificates in less than a week of applying and in the longer term, citizens will be able to apply online.

Over the last three weeks, many were inconvenienced when the office, already notorious for its tedious application processes and extended wait times, was temporarily closed down.

While announcing the office would be reopened at the start of next week, the AG indicated tremendous strides have been made over the last few months in the digitisation of court records, which will eventually prevent delays.

“People are rightfully concerned about the fact that you have to schedule appointments and then wait six weeks in order to get a certificate of character. Merchants, employers and a whole raft of individuals in our society obviously rely on these police certificates of character and any challenges represent difficulties for Barbadians,” Marshall admitted, while addressing journalists at the Regional Security System’s Air Wing at Paragon, Christ Church.

“Our administration is determined to bring the issuing time for a certificate of character down to three, four days, but we can only achieve it by digitising all the criminal records.”

Marshall blamed the most recent challenges on technical difficulties relating to the software used by officers. He acknowledged minor backlogs would occur when the office is reopened next week but promised the wait times would still be much shorter than in the past.

In addition, the AG announced that plans are in the pipeline for certificate of character applications to be made from mobile phones and laptops to eliminate the long lines and wait times synonymous with the department.

“I am confident that in weeks and very soon we will be in a position where we will hit that target of having certificates being issued in less than a week after application. The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, as well as on a software programme, is currently working on the app. These are not ready to be worked on just yet,” he revealed.

Senator Kay McConney, the Minister responsible for innovation confirmed this at another engagement adding that passports, visas, driver’s licences and other services would be digitised in the near future.

“And as these come on stream, there will be a public education programme to make you first aware and also to build your digital intelligence and your capacity to be able to adopt these services on their own,” said McConney.
kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb

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Long lines at key Government revenue agencies will soon be a thing of the past as Government intensifies efforts to develop a digital economy, Economic Affairs Minister Ryan Straughn has promised.

On Friday, payments to at least three public sector offices were officially launched on Government application, E-Z+ Pay in response to numerous complaints about revenue collection.

The initiative forms a partnership between the ministries of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology and Economic Affairs as well as numerous key private sector entities. According to Minister Straughn, the initiative will form the foundation of Government’s mandate to improve business facilitation.

“We must be in a position to deliver a business and customer-friendly experience such that you will no longer experience the long lines waiting at the BRA [Barbados Revenue Authority] or the treasury and this is real for Barbados. I believe your time is valuable and you should spend it in a way that obviously makes sense to you and standing in line at any of these institutions doesn’t make sense as far as the Government of Barbados is concerned,” he told those gathered at the Radisson Aquatica Hotel.

Land tax, National Insurance Scheme contributions and the entries to the Official Gazette are among key services, which will immediately be facilitated by E-Z Pay.

Straughn further revealed the new digital payment system would eventually be filtered into other areas of Government and the private sector as the use of physical cash is eventually phased out.

“We are on a mission to reduce the amount of cash, cheques etc. circulating in the economy because that takes time to circulate, to verify and validate and all of these processes require manpower.

“We have to demonstrate over and over consistently, whether you are a pensioner or a young entrepreneur, we must make it simple to do business and simple to be paid and I think as we embark on this mission in reaching the people where it matters, we must remain committed to reaching those people in as short a space of time so the transformation of this economy can advance,” Straughn stressed.

To launch the platform, citizens must visit Ezpay.gov.bb, create an account, login to that account, select their desired service and pay with a debit card, credit card or Mmoney.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology, Senator Kay McConney, while delivering the feature address, said in addition to revenue collection agencies Government was adding police certificates of character, driver’s licences and passports to digital platforms.

For the most recently released initiative, Government has recruited 70 young people from tertiary educational institutions to launch a public education campaign and assist average Barbadians with their transition to a smart nation. Government hopes to attract a total of 500 of the youth to work on the scheme in the coming months.

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Almost three years after her six-year-old daughter was allegedly sexually assaulted by another student at the People’s Cathedral School, a frustrated mother is still waiting for answers.

In an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY, the mother, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the minor, said despite having reported the incident to police and spoken to the school’s principal, the issue still has not been resolved.

In recounting the ordeal that began on December 6, she said she realized something was amiss after picking up her daughter from dancing at the christian primary school located at Bishop’s Court Hill, Collymore Rock, St Michael.

The mother said her daughter was usually talkative during the drive home, but was extremely quiet on this occasion.

She said when she asked her if something was wrong, her daughter told her a girl had put her finger in her vagina.

The shocked mother said she collected her husband from work and drove directly to the Coverley Medical Centre where she recalled that a Dr Hill examined her daughter and a piece of string was pulled from her vagina.

It was at that point the doctor informed her police would have to be called in.

She said after police arrived, they were escorted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) where Dr Ross Herbert also conducted an examination on the minor. Bruising was detected but the doctor noted that the little girl’s hymen was still intact.

The distraught mother said she went to the school the next day where she spoke to principal Heather Bryan about the incident.

She said after not receiving a favourable response from Bryan, she went to the District ‘B’ Police Station in Boarded Hall, St George, where she gave several statements. The mother said it was only while at the police station she discovered “the full extent” of what had actually transpired with her daughter.

She said it was brought to her attention that the girl had assaulted her daughter while in the school’s bathroom. She said when her daughter tried to scream, the older girl threatened to report her to the principal for doing something wrong.

Two days after the incident occurred, the irate mother said she returned to the school with police to have her daughter point out the offender.

To her surprise, she said the principal did not allow her daughter to identify her attacker, saying parents of all the Class 1 girls would have to be present.

“Up to this day my daughter still has not picked out the girl who sexually assaulted her,” the mother lamented.

The mother said her daughter, who was now nine, was seeing a psychiatrist as a result of the assault.

She revealed that she had also made a report to the Child Care Board and had subsequently pulled both her daughters from the school.

“It has really affected her. I now have to pay for her to see a psychiatrist because if you are a stranger you can’t just walk up to her because she gets extremely afraid. It has gotten to the point where her younger sister who is six-years-old is braver than she is,” the upset mother said.

“I am holding the school accountable because this happened under their watch. Since the incident the school hasn’t even called me to see how she is doing or anything. People’s Cathedral has pastors and counsellors and they have not even volunteered to offer any assistance.”

When Barbados TODAY contacted the school’s principal, she confirmed that police were investigating the incident and offered no other comment.

The mother said she was informed that Superintendent Bruce Rowe was now in charge of the investigation.

Rowe, who is in charge of the Southern Division, told Barbados TODAY the incident had only been brought to his attention two weeks ago.

However, he said an investigation into the matter had been launched. randybennett@barbadostoday.bb

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The Barbados Meteorological Services continues to monitor the progress of a strong tropical wave which has progressed to near 53°W, south of 15°N. The accompanying area of low pressure along the wave axis is now near 10.5°N 53°W or about 475 miles (760 km)
east-southeast of Barbados. Forecast models still suggest some potential for further development as the system approaches Barbados and the southern Windwards later today/early Sunday. Regardless of development, brisk surface winds of 25 to 30 kt (45 to 55km/h) with higher gusts and pockets of moderate to heavy showers are anticipated with rainfall accumulations of 75 to 100mm (3 to 4 inches) possible during the passage of this system. Deteriorating sea-conditions with east-southeasterly swells of 3.0 to 4.0m (10 to 13ft) are likely. Thus, a High-Surf Advisory and Small-Craft Warning will be in effect from 6 p.m today until 6 a.m Monday. A High-Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone. A Small-Craft Warning means in this case, that wind-speeds of 25 to 30 kt (45 to 55km/h) and /or seas greater than 3m (10ft) will be affecting the marine area. The BMS will continue to closely monitor the progress of this tropical wave and will issue further updates as conditions warrant.

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LIAT will continue operating across the region despite the challenges the airline is facing,  Chief Executive Officer Julie Reifer-Jones said.

Reifer-Jones said LIAT is in the midst of a restructuring exercise, which includes sensitive discussions with its stakeholders.

She acknowledged that the airline continues to face challenges in the context of the region’s economic prospects as well as other factors, which were causing a decline in intra-regional travel.

She, however, noted that the airline continues to operate its full schedule of weekly flights to its 15 destinations.

The CEO expressed the company’s commitment to the region and indicated the company’s improved on-time performance and customer service were being recognized by the travelling public.

She emphasized that the airline’s priority of providing a safe and comfortable flight experience was paramount and LIAT would continue to aim to improve its services.

Reifer-Jones also advised that discussions with governments across the LIAT network were continuing as the airline negotiates with territories to contribute through a Minimum Revenue Guarantee Model.

The Chief Executive Officer also stated that LIAT’s schedule over the last six to eight weeks has been impacted by various weather systems as is expected at this time of the year.

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As Barbados gears up to host several major events next year for the highly touted We Gatherin’ 2020 celebrations, micro and small business operators are being encouraged to position themselves to take full advantage of opportunities that will be presented.

With the island expecting an increase of more than 200,000 arrivals for the celebrations scheduled for each month next year, Project Coordinator of the We Gatherin 2020 Selma Green insisted that the year of activities will be “a catalyst for economic activities”, and she has called on the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to ensure that economic activities were increased across the island.

“There are going to be lots of opportunities for you . . . You will have the opportunity to connect with new markets through the diaspora. A lot of people are coming home from all over the globe and they are not just coming here to have a good time. They too, are business people, so make sure you connect with them,” she encouraged.

“We expect to increase our visitor arrivals by six per cent,” she said, adding that it was expected that at least 70,000 of those additional arrivals will be Barbadians.

We Gatherin’ is a 12-month celebration of Barbadian excellence, and a recommitment to the country’s future and core values.

The year 2020 has been designated as one for Barbadians and those who love the country to come home, reconnect with family and friends, and invest in the rebuilding and development of Barbados.

The initiative will begin in the north of the island in January 2020, and move southward each month, allowing each parish to showcase its icons, social life and the food for which it is renowned.  The parish celebrations will culminate in St Michael in November, and We Gatherin’ will climax in December.

Green said the celebrations in each parish each month would provide a chance for small business operators here to build out their e-commerce platform as they form partnerships with other Barbadians from the diaspora.

“Of course, there are going to be huge opportunities for merchandising . . . when those Barbadians come home they are going to be looking for something to go back home with, that reminds them of Barbados,” she said.

Green said with the expected influx of people next year, food vendors and those offering transportation services should also benefit greatly.

“Participate in the We Gatherin' activities and participate not only from a social perspective but from an economic perspective. Make sure you get in there whenever there is a show or community event to showcase your product and services,” advised Green.

She was addressing Small Business Association (SBA) members during the annual SBA Small Business Week awards ceremony at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on Friday.

Minister of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce Dwight Sutherland also encouraged the SBA members to foster relationships and linkages with business owners from the diaspora when they return home next year for the celebrations.

Lauding the SBA for its role in helping to grow the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises sector, Sutherland said it was his intention to get more local businesses exporting their goods and services.

“We will do it as a team by focusing on advocacy, business development and training, which is critical, and seeking venture capital for these businesses,” he said.

During the award ceremony a total of ten businesses were awarded, with the operators each walking away with a trophy, vouchers for SBA training and a video feature of their business.

There were six sectoral awards and four special awards.

[caption id="attachment_310576" align="alignnone" width="512"] Collecting the Food and Safety Award in the general services category were Pamela Whitehall (right) and Dr Kelly Brathwaite.[/caption]

The most prestigious award on the night – the President’s Award, went to the project management firm Impact Training and Development Services, while the Small Business of the Year Award went to Sentry Insurance Brokers Ltd.

The Minister’s Award for Innovation went to the Caribbean Weight Loss Clinic and Spa, while the Spirit of Excellence Award was copped by the over 50-year-old Courtyard Caters Ltd. (MM)

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For the first time since 2016, sea egg lovers can now enjoy this popular Bajan delicacy, with the ban being lifted on September 15.

And, as the season opened, sea egg lovers flocked to the island’s shores – some to dive and process, and others to purchase and sample the sea eggs that lay on the ocean floor, from as early as 6:00 a.m.

But, as excitement for the delicacy continues to build, experienced divers and processors are calling on officials at the Fisheries Division to revisit the open season for sea eggs.

Some persons involved in the industry believe that opening the season at this time may be a little too late as some sea eggs had started to “die off”.

However, Fisheries Biologist at the Fisheries Division, Christopher Parker, said this might not be the ideal thing to do.

During an interview with the Barbados Government Information Service at the Ermy Bourne Highway, he said that officially and legally, a close season for sea eggs was in place since 1879, and traditionally started from September 1.

Parker explained that the aim of the close season was to preserve the young sea eggs without disturbing them. “You don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket. You want some of the older ones to be out there, so if something happens to them you would still have that reserve,” Parker said.

Making reference to the difference in the size of sea eggs, Parker said the larger ones were between one to two years old, with the average life span being at least three years.

He added that what harvesters were seeing at present was multi-generational sea eggs, which meant they were now seeing multiple generations of the delicacy.

“It is not to say we are just protecting the young sea eggs and say ‘go for the older ones’…. All we want is to have some adult sea eggs left on the reefs, so you don’t have to rely on the real juveniles to take over.  It doesn’t matter if it is a one-year-old or two-year-olds,” he said.

Parker further noted that animals were more “robust” after reaching the adult stage than those in the earlier stages, which tended to die for various reasons.

The Fisheries Biologist pointed out that a sea egg went through a number of cycles during the peak spawning period.  Once that spawning period “levels off” and the activity is reduced, the nutritive tissue is present.

“That is what you want.  So, it is not that you want to go earlier to harvest; you want to let as much spawning occur as possible during the season, and around September/October, you would get into that state where that is over for a while.  So, the peak spawning season would be over,” he said.

He noted that spawning events usually occurred between April and August. “That is why it is a no-no to harvest them at that time,” he said.

Parker warned that harvesting sea eggs during a spawning event may result in harvesters ending up with nothing, and ultimately wasting the animal.

Processor Lisa Oliver-Bascombe said the demand for sea eggs was “great”.  “No matter how many divers or beakers out there, you will get your sea eggs sold.  It is a very good delicacy,” she said.

However, she said while the quantities were there, the quality of sea eggs being harvested was not 100 per cent because the season should have started earlier.

“The season should have started earlier than in this September month, so you would have a better sea egg,” Oliver-Bascombe said.

And, she is calling on officials from the Fisheries Division to survey the season differently, and monitor when the sea eggs were “ready”, rather than going with the traditional September month.

This view was shared by diver for 35 years, Edmund Oliver, who noted that this year’s sea egg catch was between 60 to 80 per cent, as some had started to die off because they were old.

“They are out there, but they are no good,” he said, stating that he had seen some that had died.

Despite this concern, as harvesters reaped the delicacy from the seagrass bed, the processors were prepared with buckets of sea water for the sea eggs as they cleaned them.  They then discarded the empty shells by burying them deep in the sand to avoid anyone being stuck by their spines.

During the season, there will be a no harvest area.  It runs from Kendal Point in Atlantic Shores, Christ Church, to The Chair, which is south of Ragged Point, St Philip, and sea egg divers are urged to adhere to this restriction.

The harvesting of sea eggs will come to an end on October 14.

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The Office of the Police Certificate of Character is set to reopen on Monday, September 23, after being closed for over two weeks.

And, those waiting on certificates to obtain jobs on cruise ships will be given priority, while others have been given the assurance that in the coming months, the wait time for certificates will be reduced to three to four days.

This announcement was made today by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Dale Marshall.

“On Monday, Barbadians can apply to the Office of the Police Certificate of Character,” he said, while also giving the assurance that members of the public should expect to see a more efficient and faster process going forward.

Over the last few weeks, members of the public took to the airwaves and vented their frustration after the office was closed earlier this month, due to administrative and technical difficulties with the software.

But, Marshall said, Government’s thrust to digitize criminal records was now complete, and allowed for the reopening of the office and certificates being issued within a week of applications being made over the coming months.

“Within the next few days, the Barbadian society can expect, not a return to normalcy, but a move towards a better state of affairs as far as this office is concerned,” he said, noting persons should still expect delays due to the backlog.

The Attorney General also announced plans for the development of an app which will see persons making applications for certificates of character from their mobile phones and computers, to eliminate them calling the office to schedule appointments.

Marshall said people were “rightly concerned” about scheduling appointments and having to wait six weeks in order to get a certificate of character.

“These Police Certificates of Character are relied on by merchants; they are relied on by employers and … individuals in our society, and therefore any challenges with the current operation of the office represent difficulties for Barbadians,” the Attorney General said.

He added that the app was yet to be rolled out, and was being worked on by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

Meanwhile, the police say special arrangements have been put in place to accommodate those persons affected by the recent closure; consequently, those persons who had applied for certificates between
the 19th August 2019 and the 2nd September 2019, can collect their certificates on Monday 23rd September or Tuesday 24th September between 8 AM and 3 PM, from the office at Pinfold Street.

Those persons, who had appointments during the week of 3rd September 2019, will be accommodated as follows:

• Tuesday 3rd September 2019, will now be processed on Monday 23rd September 2019.
• Wednesday 4th September 2019 will now be processed on Tuesday 24th September 2019.
• Thursday 5th September 2019 will now be processed on Wednesday 25th September 2019.
• Friday 6th September 2019 will now be processed on Thursday 26th September 2019.

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The Barbados Meteorological Services continues to monitor the progress of a strong tropical wave with its axis now near 58°W, south of 15°N.

A NOAA hurricane hunter investigated the system this afternoon and found that the wave lacks a well-defined circulation.

Although the system continues to be disorganized, some gradual development remains likely later this weekend or early next week as the system moves quickly westward crossing Barbados and the Windward islands later tonight into tomorrow.

Regardless of development, brisk surface winds of 25 to 30kt (45 to 55km/h) with higher gusts and pockets of moderate to heavy showers are anticipated with rainfall accumulations of 75 to 100mm (3 to 4 inches) possible during the passage of this system.

Deteriorating sea-conditions with east-southeasterly swells of 3.0 to 4.0m (10 to 13ft) are likely. Thus, a High-Surf Advisory and Small-Craft Warning will be in effect from 6 pm today until Monday.

A High-Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone.

A Small-Craft Warning means in this case, that wind-speeds of 25 to 30kt (45 to 55km/h) and /or seas greater than 3m (10ft) will be affecting the marine area.

The BMS will continue to closely monitor the progress of this tropical wave and will issue further updates as conditions warrant.

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Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, has assured the disabled community in Barbados that Government is committed to addressing their transportation issues in a way that will give them the freedom to move around Barbados at will.

Speaking Friday at a ceremony for wheelchair assessors at the Barbados Council for the Disabled, Minister Straughn said: “We are in the process of reviewing how we can assist in ensuring that persons with mobility challenges have the same freedoms as I do, with respect to their transportation needs.”

He said that the Ministry of Finance was ensuring that its administrative process was streamlined, and its internal procedures modernized to ensure that benefits reach as many people as possible.

“Within the Ministry of Finance, in recent times, we have determined that from a policy perspective that we are going to administer and treat to this issue to give people choices with respect to their transportation needs, so that you don’t feel as if somehow you are trapped within your homes.”

He also said that there was some infrastructural work that needed to be addressed at a national level, and issues of accessibility, including to government buildings, would be prioritized.

“We are mindful that as we roll out solutions for citizens that persons within the disabled community are part of the conversation, and as we move forward we will ensure that there is collaboration every step of the way on these issues.”

He reminded his audience of government’s “constrained budget”, but said that his Ministry would work closely with the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs to address the issues systematically.

Minister Straughn assured the community: “Government is listening to you.  You are being heard…. We will find the best way to be able to advance in a way that gives you freedom, gives you options in terms of how you move around Barbados.”

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Lady Lois Ramphal, wife of Sir Shridath, has died.

The Government and people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana extend deepest condolences to Sir Shridath Ramphal on the passing of his beloved wife.

Lady Ramphal was a pillar of strength throughout their 70 years of marriage. Her constant companionship, unfailing support and keen interest undoubtedly contributed in no small measure to the successful fulfillment of her husband’s pivotal role in national, regional and international endeavours.

The Government and people of Guyana express the hope that their many thoughts and prayers will sustain Sir Shridath, their children and grandchildren and the extended Ramphal family over this difficult period of their loss.

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The strong tropical wave and accompanying area of low pressure which were being monitored over the past couple of days, have been upgraded to Tropical Storm Karen by the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

At 5 a.m today, T.S Karen was located Near 11.9N 60.2W or about 100 Mi...160 km south-west of Barbados.

Maximum Sustained Winds...40 Mph...65 km/h. Present Movement...WNW or 285 Degrees At 9 Mph...15 km/h.

The center of the system is already 100 mile to south-west of Barbados and on this forecast track T. S Karen does not pose any direct threat to Barbados.

However, brisk surface winds of 25 to 30 kt (45 to 55km/h) with frequent higher gusts, which were observed during the night, will continue to affect the island for at least another 6 to 12 hours. Thus, a Wind Advisory is now in effect.

A Wind Advisory is issued when sustained winds of 25 to 33kt (47 to 61km/h) are affecting or forecast to affect the land area, in this case, within the next 12 hours. Pockets of moderate to heavy showers are still anticipated across Barbados with rainfall accumulations of 25 to 75mm (1 to 3 inches) possible as the system tracks west-northwestwards into the Caribbean Sea.

Meanwhile, a tropical storm warning has been issued for Trinidad and Tobago, along with Grenada and its dependencies.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within the next 12 hours. A tropical storm watch has been issued for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A tropical storm watch will likely be required for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands later Sunday, and tropical storm warnings may be issued for other areas in the Windward Islands later this morning.

On the current forecast track Karen is forecast to move across the Windward Islands on Sunday afternoon and tonight.

The storm is then forecast to turn to the northwest Monday and north Tuesday. Karen will then approach Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Tuesday as a tropical storm.

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Attorney General Dale Marshall has urged Barbadians to continue to exercise caution as the island continues to experience gusty winds and showers from Tropical Storm Karen.

The system, which forecasters predicted did not pose a direct risk to Barbados, passed to the south of the island this morning.

“I am sure that all Barbadians are relieved that Tropical Storm Karen has passed to the south of Barbados.

“As far as Barbados is concerned thus far we have experienced some very strong winds but there is no report of damage at this point.

Marshall, however, pointed out that the island was still expected to experience some high winds throughout the morning and he urged residents to exercise caution.

“Government is urging all Barbadians to mindful of the fact there is a high surf advisory and that means that it is a tremendous risk to life and limb to people who would venture out to sea at this point in time.

“We should take care of ourselves and don’t expose ourselves to unnecessary risk," he said.

Forecasters say Tropical Storm Karen is expected to move across the Windward Islands this afternoon and tonight.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for Trinidad and Tobago, along with Grenada while a tropical storm watch has been issued for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Barbados is concerned about the fact that it may hit some of our brother and sister islands in the rest of the region and we wish them the very, very best of luck and we hope that they suffer no damage,” Marshall said.

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The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) says the island could still experience showers and possible thunderstorms today even as Tropical Storm Karen moves farther away from Barbados.

The BMS said: “The excessive rainfall accumulations threat to Barbados has also diminished. However some showers and possible isolated thunderstorms are still possible over the next 12 to 18 hours as the system draws instability and moisture from the equatorial regions across Barbados.

A high-surf advisory and a small craft warning also remain in effect as the forecasters warn that east-southeasterly to southerly swells of eight to ten feet are likely.

At 11 a.m., Tropical Storm Karen was located near 12 degrees north, 61.7 west or about 160 miles southwest of Barbados.

The center of the system is moving through the southern Windwards, bringing gusty winds and heavy rains to the islands of Grenada, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The post Weather Update appeared first on Barbados Today.

Below is a release from the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF).

The RBPF would like to inform the general public that the office of the Police Certificate of Character, located at Pinfold Street, St Michael will reopen on Monday, September 23, 2019.

Persons with appointments for Monday, September 23, should visit the office at the appointed time to be processed.

Special arrangements are in place to accommodate persons affected by the recent closure. Persons who had applied for certificates between August 19, 2019 and September 2, 2019 can collect their certificates on September 23 or September 24 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. from the office at Central Police Station, Coleridge Street, Bridgetown, St Michael.

Those persons, who had appointments during the week September 3, 2019, will be accommodated at the office at Pinfold Street, St Michael as follows:

1. Tuesday, September 3, 2019 will now be processed on Monday
September 23, 2019.
2. Wednesday, September 4, 2019 will now be processed on Tuesday, September 24, 2019.
3. Thursday, September 5, 2019 will now be processed on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.
4. Friday, September 6, 2019 will now be processed on Thursday, September 26, 2019.

Kindly note that the individual scheduled times remain the same. Strict adherence to the appointment time will contribute to the efficiency of the effort.

The RRBPF would like to thank the general public for their cooperation and understanding during this period.

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The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training is informing parents and guardians that the Eagle Hall Primary and the Belmont Primary Schools will open on Monday, September 23, for all students.

All remedial work has been completed at these two schools.

The Maria Holder Nursery School-Sharon and the Sharon Primary School were closed last week due to an environmental problem. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has completed investigations at the two sites.

The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training will open the Maria Holder Nursery School-Sharon to students on Wednesday, September 25.

Class 4 students of the Sharon Primary School will report to the Jackson Seventh Day Adventist Church, Jackson, St Michael, also on Wednesday, September 25, for their instruction. All other classes of the Sharon Primary School will remain at home for the remainder of the week.

The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training and the Ministry of Health and Wellness will meet with all members of staff of the Maria Holder Nursery-Sharon and the Sharon Primary Schools on Tuesday, September 24, at the Jackson Seventh Day Adventist Church at 10 a.m.

These Ministries will also meet with parents of the two schools on Tuesday, September 24, at 4 p.m. also at the Jackson Seventh Day Adventist Church.

The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training apologises for any inconvenience caused by the extended closure of these two schools. (METVT/BGIS)

The post Eagle Hall and Belmont Primary schools reopen tomorrow appeared first on Barbados Today.

Police are seeking the public’s assistance to locate a missing woman.

She is 52-year-old Charmaine Marcia Watkins of #75 Vauxhall Gardens, Christ Church.

She left the residence, which is also occupied by her mother, Yvonne Watkins, on August 26 around 6:45 a.m.

Her mother was however informed that she was seen at work by colleagues and the last time she was seen on the job was on Friday, September 6.

Charmaine is approximately five feet, six inches tall and is between 175-180 pounds.

She has dark brown eyes and short dark brown hair and walks with an erect appearance.

Anyone with information about Charmaine's whereabouts is asked to contact the Oistins Police Station at 418-2608/2612, Police emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477) or the nearest Police Station.

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