(L to R) Executive Director Lisa Gale, BCCI's President Andy Armstrong & Sr VP Lalu Vaswani

There have been occasions when we get a grump who says “TAKE THAT OFF,” and unfortunately it’s not a cute chick who wants my shoddy body but a vituperous ol’ cow like the dude who asked for me to pull the photo of the Canadian hockey team’s mascot Spartacat from an Ottawa Senators story. However when I was at a Police Press conference and Peter Thorne asked Police Commissioner Darwin Dottin a rather daring question, and I stated who asked! The point, mes enfants, is ETHICS! If no one stands, then who will?

The Chamber Luncheon fell on Denis Kellman's birthday, seen here with Chris Sinckler at the Hilton

Both the Advocate and Nation’s print editions used my one question of Freundel Stuart who addressed members of the Business community both Chamber and Non-Members at their annual PM Luncheon (a Bajan State of the Union, if you will) and it is still in the Advocate’s online status but not very search friendly… So I’m listing the URL where appropriate and also their text before it goes away, also linking the audio to it where I ask the question and he answers me so no one can question it {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

A series of meetings will take place in this country come Monday, to discuss a number of issues related to regional airline LIAT and its future.

That is the word from Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, who said that the meeting is expected to bring together the directors of the Antigua-based company and the leaders of the three Governments which currently control the majority stake in the airline – St Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados. That disclosure came yesterday at the Hilton Hotel during the first monthly luncheon for 2012, of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in response to a question from a member of the audience about the cash-strapped airline.

“I am hosting a meeting here on Monday to discuss with Prime Minister [Dr. Ralph] Gonsalves and Prime Minister [Baldwin] Spencer and other people from LIAT, the challenges being faced by LIAT. That meeting will take place in the morning here at the Hilton and in the afternoon I am meeting with, I think representatives of the 10 or the 11 unions, with which LIAT has to deal… to see if we can hammer out some kind of understanding that will make the life of LIAT less complex,” he said.

The meeting about the airline, which operates scores of flights daily throughout the Caribbean, has been faced with massive economic problems primarily due to its ageing fleet and the rising cost of fuel, is also expected to touch on the newest entrant in the regional transportation sector – REDjet, which is a nationally designated airline of this country.

He revealed that recently Ministers of his Cabinet, including Finance and Economic Affairs Minister, Christopher Sinckler and Minister of International Business and International Transport, George Hutson; met with the principals of REDjet, and were able to reach “some kind of concordat” with them on challenges that were raised. The Prime Minister contended that Barbados’ interest in LIAT cannot be ignored and with REDjet being a nationally designated airline of this country, there must be some kind of “modus agendi” developed between the two, and it is with that understanding that the discussion is likely to take place.

Late last year the pilots of the airline staged industrial action, which stakeholders feared would result in the already financially challenged airline losing additional revenue. Meanwhile, reports earlier this month are suggesting that two other Caribbean countries could be acquiring shares in the airline, which remains the foremost carrier which serves the region. (JRT)

Now, what was very interesting is there were other elements of the table who wanted me to be quiet? I was told let the paying members ask their questions! The media is not only muzzled but they seek to silence others who are doing their job, which is Social media remains a crucial element of Truth in the 21st Century. The fact I have not recited names shows the lack of Press Freedom in Barbados, since I have to be careful as the only difference between local media and piranhas is they breathe air…

One of the Media personnel in attendance expressed a wish for strong coffee before the PM spoke, since they expected the address to be boring & insignificant!

Being truthful? I was not impressed with Freundel Stuart’s Main Address otherwise, it was very dry and boring, a rehash of last year’s fiscal misadventures; this was better off presented as an Introduction to Advanced finance to 4th Formers at Secondary level of education. The real question I wanted to direct towards the Prime Minister I could not sue to time constraints, everyone felt they had to submit a College Thesis as a prelude to their query, I squeezed my REDjet question into 45 seconds or less – I was actually the final question of the day!

The personnel at this Luncheon were quite a number of sectors - from BIBA their President & CEO, Connie Smith & Henderson Holmes respectively; there was Auditor Lisa Padmore a former VP at BCCI; Scott Neal of Net2Vu; most of the Banking fraternities of Barbados were also represented apart from supermarkets and even solid waste communities...

What I really wanted to ask was based in part what GIS confirmed, the level of unemployment Barbados is suffering at the moment;-

Statistics derived from the Continuous Household Labour Force Survey indicated that the rate of unemployment for the third quarter (July to September) of 2011 stood at a provisional 12.5 per cent. The unemployment rate among males stood at 11.2 per cent and 14.0 per cent among females.

In the review period, there were 145,200 persons in the labour force, which represented an increase of 3.8 per cent or 5,300 persons when compared with the 139,900 recorded in the third quarter of 2010. The number of persons employed in the labour force totalled 126,900 persons which was an increase of 2.2 per cent or 2,700 persons when compared with the 124,200 recorded in the third quarter of 2010.

The number of males employed for the third quarter of 2011 stood at 66,100, while 60,800 females were employed. The total number of unemployed persons stood at 18,200, comprising 8,300 males and 9,900 females. The total labour force stood at 145,100 persons, consisting of 74,400 males and 70,700 females. The number of persons not actively looking for work, hence excluded from the labour force was 68,700 persons comprising 26,700 males and 42,000 females. The Labour Force Participation rate stood at 67.9 per cent with participation among males at 73.6 per cent and 62.8 per cent among females.

In the third quarter of 2011, the Wholesale and Retail Trade sector generated jobs for the largest number of persons, employing 21,400 persons, while the Construction, Mining & Quarrying Sector employed 14,900 persons. The Accommodation & Food Services Sector employed 13,000 persons, while the Public Administration & Defence sector employed 9,400 persons.

The Transportation and Storage Sector provided jobs for 8,400 persons; the Manufacturing Sector employed 8,000 persons and 7,700 persons were employed in the Education Sector. The Administrative & Support Service Sector employed 6,900 persons, while the “Other Groups” category generated employment for 6,500 persons.

The Finance & Insurance sector employed 6,200 persons, while the Human Health & Social Work Sector generated employment for 5,800 persons. The Activities of Households as Employers Sector provided employment for 5,300 persons, while the Professional, Scientific & Technical Services Sector employed 4,100 persons. The Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Sector employed 3,700 persons while employment in Other Services totalled 3,300. The Electricity, Gas, Steam, Water & Air Condition Supply Sector employed 2,600 persons. {Data Courtesy – CL/BGIS}

The PM shares a moment with senator Andrew Bynoe's younger brother Paul, who is owner of B's Bottle Depot

So, what I really wanted to ask went something like this…

Bearing in mind when the late David Thompson was Opposition Leader he kept jousting at Owen Arthur how Leadership apart from Crime & Violence were the real issues… Then as Leader of this country for however short, Thompson while leader told the public that CLICO was a safe investment and keep pouring money into it (you yourself told the House of Assembly that one of CLICO’s key players was not only your client but your PAL) and now many Bajans wonder when, if ever, they’ll see their money as a result of poor leadership (be it Government or CLICO is for Judicial Management, if ever, to ascertain); S&P downgraded Barbados to a pubic hair shy of Junk Bond Status; Bearing in Mind we just had a Crisis in Education which dragged into almost 3 weeks as pupils are set to take mock-CXC or CAPE tests; Unemployment is at 12%; Bearing in Mind how Barbados is under the stewardship of the DLP for the last 4 years – so blaming the Opposition is a poor crutch at best, a deluded means of confusing a small portion of the Electorate at worst … Many Bajans see this as a lack of Leadership on your part, will you do the right thing and hold Fresh Elections? If so, WHEN??

However, I had only enough time to phrase my brief query on Intra-Regional Travel, but I also loved how David Leacock sought clarification if Government would create legislation to protect Small Businesses who invest on overseas projects like 4 Seasons and then Mr Leacock emphasised he’s been waiting 3 years now for an ROI {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

Can you believe all Stuart can do is tell Leacock that it falls under Divine Providence, then make more religious inferences? Is he a leader or a Clergyman? Why cannot such legislation be drafted, modified or established?

The President of the Chamber, Andy Armstrong, made an astute if incomplete analysis of the Duty Free day last year (I know when I was at Colombian Emeralds, staff got watches & jewellery at Duty Free plus 25% so this is how much of a mark-up there is), he also indicated that a logical extension of this venture is to have an Island-wide VAT-free day.

Chamber President Andy Armstrong bragged how this Luncheon was fully subscribed - could this be since he used the Social Media Services of BajanReporter.com?

Mr Armstrong also spoke to illuminating the City but I feel this can be expanded all over Barbados, try it out – drive in St George or St Thomas at 8:00 pm without headlights for ten seconds, scary! He explained it’s a partnership with Barbados Light & Power and the Ministry of Transport and Works, the Chamber rolled out a programme where companies can assume responsibility for keeping their surroundings well lit. The cost is modest – about $30 per month per light {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

In a survey done by BCCI, they learned why Barbadians will avoid Bridgetown is they do not feel safe and comfortable. Poor lighting is one of the main factors that has contributed to that feeling of insecurity.

The biggest film in South American cinema history, Elite Squad: The Enemy Within sees revered Lieutenant-Colonel Roberto Nascimento and his second in command André Matias facing battles both on the streets and within the corrupt political system of Rio de Janeiro.

Featuring scenes of breathtaking action and compelling drama, José Padilha‘s critically acclaimed blockbuster is based on a blend of intense research and real events, presenting a devastating vision of modern Rio and one man’s fight against the system.

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https://facebook.com/EliteSquadEnemyWithin
http://twitter.com/EnemyWithinFilm

The piece also contains interviews with those who knew him most intimately, as well as a range of people from international boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao and Lakers star Kobe Bryant, to UFC's Dana White and current Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones. The video catches up with each celebrity as they address the impact of the martial arts superstar and cultural icon on their own lives and psyche. "I Am Bruce Lee" opens February 9 through select theaters.

Coming to theaters this February is the new documentary I Am Bruce Lee. Featuring footage from the likes of The Big Boss, First of Fury, Way of the Dragon, Enter the Dragon and The Game of Death, the film delves into the life of Bruce Lee and his current legacy in both martial arts and entertainment.

This appeal has come from Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley, who disclosed that the Ministry had already received some submissions on the Bill which went to Parliament late last year. However, debate on the legislation was suspended to give the Ministry of Culture an opportunity to have further consultations on various aspects of the Bill.

Mr. Lashley continued: “We have a period of time that we want to spend to go through those submissions because we don’t want to have a recurrence of what happened before, where persons expressed concern [about the Bill]. We will make every effort to ensure that the Bill does not impact on persons’ constitutional rights and that their fears are allayed. But, we don’t want to spend an inordinate time going through that process…”

Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley

He made the comments during a press conference to discuss the recent incident at Nicholls Building, the City, where the structure was altered without permission from the Town and Country Planning Department. This building is within the island’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site – Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.

The Minister explained that the Preservation of Antiquities and Relics Bill “is also designed to deal with situations such as what we had [at Nicholls Building] where certain things are done to buildings which should not have been done. Certainly the penalties under that Bill are very high and present a deterrent to persons who might do this,” he insisted.

He noted that a detailed Management Plan which outlined how the area would be preserved was presented to UNESCO and that would have contributed to Barbados receiving the designation. “We can lose the inscription if we do not adhere to the Management Plan and the policies and guidelines that have been laid down by the various conventions within the UNESCO setting and that is why we are going to continue to escalate the public education programme,” he promised.

According to him, the Barbados World Heritage Committee would soon be implementing a number of key initiatives designed to ensure that the level of awareness about the site was raised. “So, the Committee will be embarking on a public education programme to inform all of the persons who own buildings within the historic site of the requirements and also to remind them of the requirements under the Town and Country Planning legislation…

“We are going to write all of the owners of buildings within the historic site so they know if their buildings are listed … But, most importantly, we want to appeal to them to join us in our efforts to preserve the heritage of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison,” he disclosed.

Admitting that the maintenance of those buildings was costly, Mr. Lashley stated that the draft Cultural Industries Bill offered a number of tax incentives which would assist building owners in their preservation and restorative efforts.

He pointed out that his Ministry was in the process of exploring funding options through a number of international agencies, adding that the money would assist building owners and government, as it sought to preserve and rehabilitate a number of the historic buildings. He acknowledged, however, that not enough attention had been placed on the preservation of buildings over the years because of the scarcity of funds.

Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Celia Toppin, said UNESCO was keen to assist countries, wherever possible, to ensure they preserved the integrity of heritage sites. Stating that technical and financial assistance were sometimes offered, she argued that “sometimes the technical assistance is even more valuable than the financial assistance in this kind of undertaking”.

Ms. Toppin pointed out that Barbados would have access to the UNESCO World Heritage Fund, and identified other sources such as the World Monuments Fund, which is dedicated to the preservation of historic sites and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

“ICOMOS is dedicated to assisting member states. To that end, we are in the process of setting up a local chapter of ICOMOS which will bring us right into the family of ICOMOS, with greater access to assistance. This assistance can also come from the governments of other countries that have funds available …” she explained.

Citizens in Defence of Genada's Lands and Heritage believes that to be forewarned is to be forearmed!

In 2009, when protest action was taken against the backfilling and occupation of the park area by Camper and Nicholson, Tillman Thomas gave a committment that there would be no building on the Lagoon Park. Has some person/authority given Camper and Nicholson permission to conduct construction activities on the Lagoon Park area? Buildings? Berths? Will the people of Grenada see a FENCE being erected shortly?

Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage understands that in 2009, Camper & Nicholson was granted permission to TEMPORARILY backfill and occupy that area in order to facilitate the construction of berths. Permission was for a three year period.

According to their reports, construction has been completed and the marina is fully operational. Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage is aware that end of the three (3) year period is fast approaching. Is this sign an OMEN of things to come?

Froggy will be best remembered for her songs - “Eat a Sow Pig”, “Mama had two Dumplins in de Pot” and “Doin’ it Bad, Bad, Bad till the Mornin"

Barbados’ entertainment industry is mourning the loss of one of the first females to perform calypso inBarbados. Phyllis Collymore, also known as ‘Froggy’, passed away peacefully this morning, aged 82, at Gordon Cummins Hospital in St Thomas after a short illness.

Froggy performed at Club Morgan throughout the 1950′s and will be best remembered for songs like “Eat a Sow Pig”, “Mama had two Dumplins in de Pot” and “Doin’ it Bad, Bad, Bad till the Mornin”, all of which she wrote herself.

She also participated in many Cropover Festivals, appearing at Kensington Oval, and performing in tents such as House of Soca and Alien Forces, as well as making numerous appearances on CBC Television.

She combined satire, wit, humour and double entendre, and would often make up songs on the spot, based on the characteristics of other performers or people in the audience.

During Cropover 2011, Celebration Time Tent invited Froggy to return to the stage and give what would be her last public performance of “Mama had two Dumplins in de Pot”, bringing the packed audience to its feet. Together with BATMAN President St. Clair Gittens, Celebration Time’s Peter Boyce then presented Phyllis “Froggy” Collymore with an award in recognition of her sterling contribution to the Barbados Calypso art form.

At the Forum Minister Duncan stated that “The potential of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is not yet being fully realised. We are keen to work with the region and the EU to secure the benefits of the Agreement and open the gateway to trade with the UK and Europe. Boosting growth and creating jobs is a shared priority.”

At the 7th UK Caribbean Forum held in Grenada from 20 – 22nd January 2011, Alan Duncan, the UK’s Minister for the Department for International Development (DFID), announced the following:

• £4.9 million in new support through the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) to help the region cope with the impacts of climate change through its Implementation Plan for Development Resilient to Climate Change. UK support will help develop a monitoring and evaluation framework for the Plan, strengthen the region’s voice in international negotiations and help countries to reduce the impact of climate change by improving risk analysis and providing evidence of what works and what doesn’t. DFID will also support the management of 15 marine protected areas.
• £1.4 million in new support for the IDEAS contest. DFID support will help to develop innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that are good for the environment and make good economic sense in a region where energy prices are amongst the highest in the world.
• £500,000 in new support to the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) to support Break Point – an innovative programme designed to identify emerging entrepreneurs and businesses in the Caribbean. DFID funds will also help Caribbean Export organise an Investment Forum in London, held alongside the Olympics this summer. The investment Forum will provide a platform for the Break Point winners to present their business ideas to the world, alongside those of more established Caribbean businesses.

The UK has also committed £10m to COMPETE Caribbean and the first round of grant awardees were also announced at this Forum. These include projects in manufacturing, tourism and even a chocolate factory. These projects will boost exports and create badly needed jobs.

After his wife is assaulted, a husband enlists the services of a vigilante group to help him settle the score.

Director: Roger Donaldson
Writers: Todd Hickey (story), Robert Tannen (screenplay)
Stars: Nicolas Cage, January Jones and Guy Pearce

They were recently handed over by Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the Embassy of the United States to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Ms. Rachel Zaspel in a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Finance’s conference room in Charlestown.

Accepting the books, Mr. Daniel said as he welcomed the partnership between the Embassy and the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) on the critical issue of domestic abuse the gift would help in the fight to rid the island of the scourge as it related to domestic violence in the society.

He noted that the issue was endemic in the society and was often treated as acceptable and accepted and as such the society, in some aspects, had learnt to adjust to that injustice. He added that in some respects many persons had been able to house the oppression which came with domestic violence.

Director of the Library Services on Nevis Mrs. Sonita Daniel chaired the handing over ceremony at the Ministry of Finance’s conference room in Charlestown

“Certainly if we could share the information and ways to deal with it, first of all ways to recognise it and ways to address it, we certainly will be on the path where we can rid the society of this negative aspect.

“The Department of Social and Gender Affairs is minded to address this matter on a regular basis. In some instances the work of the Division has been made very difficult because it has to do with removing persons who are the subject of domestic violence and providing alternatives for them,” Mr. Daniel said.

The Social Development Minister used the opportunity to remind all that social problems like domestic abuse weighed heavily on the financial burdens of the country, especially in a difficult economic environment. He said if the society was purged from domestic violence, much of the Administration’s resources would be directed at other important areas.

The Minister also disclosed that he was hopeful, in time, that an Information Unit on the troubling issue would be set up within the Ministry outfitted with books like those donated by the Embassy.

He said the books were but a small contribution to the Administration’s efforts in nudging the society towards a more egalitarian approach in dealing with social relations and welcomed the partnership.

“Our Government is minded that we have to work with the partners whether they be UNIFEM (now UNWoman), UNICEF or with the US Embassy. We welcome the partnership because we recognise that we have to address this matter with the help of several agencies and institutions.

(L-R) Minister for Social Development on Nevis Hon. Hensley Daniel hands over books to Family Services Supervisor/Counsellor Social Services Department on Nevis Mrs. Halima Gresham while (center) Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the Embassy of the United States to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Ms. Rachel Zaspel looks on

“In that regard therefore, I want to commend the effort and recommend to the Department of Social and Gender Affairs that we continue to keep it on the agenda. It must become the subject for continued discussion and debate so that we arrive at a point where we can see its ugly head no more,” he said.

Meantime, Ms. Zaspel who is also responsible for Education and Cultural Outreach at the Embassy said, the gift was part of the Embassy’s continued work with its local and regional partners to combat domestic violence in the Eastern Caribbean.

She pointed to a prior programme in which experts on Domestic Violence Prevention had visited the island in 2011 for a consultation courtesy the US Embassy and noted that the books was another step in the fight against the social ill.

Since then Ms. Zaspel explained that the Embassy had been consulting with other colleagues, Embassies, High Commissions and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on collective efforts in the same matter across the region.

“We are looking for ways to implement nation’s action plans and to support the implementation of multiple disciplinary sexual assaults response teams, an approach we can all agree, can offer not only holistic assistance to survivors but one that can reduce occurring violence.

“We do this because we believe that the issue of domestic violence whether it is aimed at men, women or children, is a critical issue that affects all aspects of society and it directly impacts an estimated one in three women,” Ms. Zaspel said.

The collection of books which addresses matters of domestic violence donated by the Embassy of the United States to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean to help fight against domestic violence on Nevis

She quoted Secretary Clinton as saying that domestic violence not only harmed the victims and their families but also shredded the fabric that weaved everyone together as human beings.

In conclusion, the US Embassy Official thanked all those on Nevis for their continued work in the field of domestic violence. She said she looked forward to continued corporation and one day the end of all the violence

“Towards that goal, I am pleased in presenting these books on domestic violence and I hope that this one more small step is moving in the right direction to make our world a safer place,” Ms. Zaspel said as she handed over the books to Minister Daniel.

Family Services Supervisor/Counsellor Social Services Department on Nevis Mrs. Halima Gresham was also on hand for the handing over. In a brief comment on behalf of the Family Services Division, she explained that the Division was responsible for child safety and thought it important for persons to be educated on the fact that when abuse occurred in the home, it not only affected the parents but also the children who wore the scars.

(R) Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the Embassy of the United States to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Ms. Rachel Zaspel hands over collection of books to Minister for Social Development on Nevis; Hensley Daniel

“We want our wonderful island of Nevis to be violence free. We want to encourage families to work together to protect their children [and] to make sure that we eradicate sexual abuse and violence in all of its forms. We thank you so much for assisting us in our endeavours,” she said.

Also present was Director of the Nevis Library Service Mrs. Sonita Daniel who chaired the function.

Earlier that day the US Embassy Official also presented a number of books to the Ivor Walters Primary School Library in Prospect.

'Love my island.' Posted By Corrie Scott to "Caribbean Serendipity" {CLICK ON LINK BELOW}

Major traffic jam on main Highway 2 of West Coast of Barbados. Moving 4 leggers and moving 4 wheelers collaborated to keep traffic inching forward minutes later.