Newsletter Jul sep 2017

THE EXPEDITIONER

October 2017

Sheraton Mall Sargeant’s Village Christ Church T (246) 436-8754 F (246) 436-1630 deiabarbados@gmail.com www.theawardbarbados.com www.facebook.com/deabarbadosaward

The Road to IGE 2017

Jamar Odwin & Fabian Norville Two delegates with High expectations ...Check out Pages 3, 4 & 5 to learn more about them and how they plan to make the make the most of the experience in the Czech Republic

Page 2

THE EXPEDITIONER encounters with some the 11 giants; unfortunately for them, there had been no sightings as yet. Day 4 was eventful; the morning trek to Moco Moco Falls paled in comparison to the conditions at the falls. Squeals of laughter and sheer excitement gripped the Bajans as they tasted new adventure in the cool water of the falls.

Eleven Bajans aka The Legends in Guyana While host Guyana boasts its 11 giants, here is the tale of 11 Bajans. They first got together in late 2016 and though the number started bigger than that, eventually it was those eleven who boarded the flight to Guyana. So, with the plane ready to clear Barbados’ airspace, Roger, Garfield, Jamila, Daria, Charlée, Camille, Ashley, Andrea, Jennifer, Isaiah and Jonthan set off to the wet & unknown interior of Guyana. But alas before arriving there, they had to stopover in Georgetown. For the first few days this band of 11 called Tutorial High School home. But they were a group divided as they joined others from the Caribbean to plan what would be an epic quest to find Guyana’s 11 giants.

With all preparations completed, including attending a multi-faith service at the Umana Yana, the groups packed themselves into vans and trucks. Doing so under the cover of darkness they set off on a long drive to the Essequibo River. On the seeing the sun rise on a new day they hadn’t yet reached their destination but they knew they were closer than before.

Each day of the exploration held a new challenge. On day one, the view atop Turtle Mountain at Iworkama

(Continued on Page 7)

International Centre made up for the rather bumpy ride. Guyana is the land of many waters and the fearless 11 had wet boots to prove it on Day 2. They faced neck high water on an inundated footpath. Fearless leader Roger, saved the day for a few as he guided them across.

Garfield, ‘the noble’, came to his aid when needed. By day 3 they weren’t completely dry but conditions improved as they travelled to Moco Moco where they participants met more indigenous people of Guyana and heard tales of

The Eleven (plus two extras) : Garfield, Jamila, Daria, Andrea, Roger, Ashley Jennifer, Camille, Jonthan, Charlée, Isaiah plus Nadia & Carla

Page 3

THE EXPEDITIONER

Off to the City of Spires Hundreds of gold award holders and young leaders are expected to gather in ‘The City of a hundred spires’ in October.

Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, will host the International Gold Event (IGE) 2017. Barbados is sending Fabian Norville and Jamar Odwin. The Award acknowledges support from both individuals and businesses in making the money available to send the young men off on this international adventure. In addition to finance from The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Barbados Foundation Trust (The Trustees), support came from Nation Publishing Co., Mpowered, Barbados Public Workers Co-operative Credit Union Ltd, Goddards Enterprises Ltd, Courtesy Garage Ltd and fellow gold award holders, assessors and leaders.

Fabian and Jamar shared thoughts and hopes for the IGE and the Award at home. They already have ideas on how they can make a meaningful impact on the Award in Barbados. Referring to the programme’s greatest needs they pointed to funding, volunteers and brand recognition.

Each spoke about his gold award. Fabian noted the Caribbean Award Sub-regional

Council (CASC) camp. He said, “For me, it is truly representative of what the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) should aspire to. ...friendships are forged from pain, blood, sweat, patience, perseverance and temperance throughout the adventurous journey.

Successfully completing the journey and eventually the award, shows that you have the qualities of a true leader.”

Many describe the Award as lifechanging, sometimes that change comes in the shortest of interactions. Jamar talked about an experience a few Christmases ago that has been significant

Giving to Friends and Neighbours As part of National Youth week 2017, Dukers took part in a collection drive to assist our Caribbean neighbours who had been hit

by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The donations were part of an islandwide effort to gather food and first aid supplies. Dominica was badly affected by Hurricane Maria was devastating to the island’s agriculture sector in particular.

Members of the Award family in Barbados remain concerned for our colleagues in the rest of the region and will assist however we can.

to him. “I will probably never forget the Christmas Cheer programme, our local chapter works in partnership with other charities where we aide disabled children in Christmas shopping. I was literally reduced to tears at the end of it as my bond with my wheelchair bound child had grown so much in a few hours.”

We are very proud of their commitment and look forward to hearing about their European adventure.

To find out more about the reps check out pages 4 and 5.

Page 4

Fabian Norville What are you most likely to be doing at 2pm on a Sunday?

I would likely be just arriving home from church, a camp, or a hike so…probably ready to crash out.

What is your favourite food?

Nuts, particularly almonds and cashews If you could do anything with your life regardless of cost, what would it be?

One thing I gained from the Program is a love for new places. So I believe that if I were in the position to I would probably spend my life visiting various countries and learning new cultures.

What are your pet peeves?

Broken promises The use of the word “literally” when what they mean is not literal.

Sending 5+ short messages when one long one would suffice.

Where were you born? What’s your favourite place in Barbados?

I was born at QEH Barbados. I spent my childhood between Sherbourne St. John and Fisher Pond St Thomas before moving to Salters St. George.

As for a favourite place? I make a point to visit East Point Lighthouse for my birthday as I can always sit back, relax and enjoy the coastal views.

What are your hobbies and interests?

When I’m not hiking or camping, I am a follower of a few anime titles, and an avid PC gamer. I also enjoy playing pool, although not as regularly as I used to.

Tell us something that very few people know about you?

I have been in 3 near-death situations during my childhood.

If you could do your award over what would you do differently?

I would look to add more recent physical interests, such as gym and martial arts.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Running my own firm, published a book about local expedition planning, Hopefully fitter and married.

THE EXPEDITIONER What’s your signature dish at camp?

Backwoods style baked potatoes What one thing is a must for you at camp?

Hot beverages in the morning.

Page 5

Jamar Odwin What are you most likely to be doing at 2pm on a Sunday?

At 2pm on a Sunday, if I am not supervising a group hike, I would most likely be found reading. “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them.” - Mark Twain What is your favourite food?

My all time favourite food would have to be steamed pudding and either pickled chicken feet or souse.

If you could do anything with your life, regardless of cost, what would it be?

I would like one day to start a few charities, one that helps the elderly and one that helps disadvantaged children. It is no secret that the youth in Barbados are heading down a dark path, especially since associating with bad company gives them a very important basic need; the feeling of belonging to something. I would love to give them something good (inclusive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award] I also want to travel the world.

There is so much to learn from different cultures.

What are your pet peeves?

My biggest pet peeve would have to be persons mistreating older relatives. We all are going to get old some day; if we live.

The world is a cycle.

Where were you born? What’s your favourite place in Barbados?

I am originally from Jackman’s Alley, Orange Hill, St. James. My favourite place has to be a restaurant. Not sure which, anyone who knows me knows I love to eat.

What are your hobbies and interest?

My biggest love has to be hiking, it’s so freeing. I try to make it a habit to take myself away from social media when on a hike. I hardly even take pictures, I love living for the moment. I also enjoy playing cricket and volleyball for fun. I may not look it but I enjoy working out in the gym.

Tell us something that very few people know about you?

This is definitely a hard one. I probably don’t even know it about myself. I used to be seriously accident prone. When I was younger, for two summers straight I broke my hand.

If you could do your Award over, what would you do differently?

If I could do it all over again, I would start from Bronze. I don’t regret my journey from Silver to Gold but I can’t help but feel like part of my journey is missing.

THE EXPEDITIONER Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I would love to have made something significant of my clothing business. By then I should also have aided in the successful growth of the local Award programme. By then a home, a vehicle [maybe two since I would love to have a 4x4 for fun] and a family would be great additions.

What’s your signature dish at camp?

I probably will not ever forget that one time I introduced my fellow leaders to roast breadfruit with tuna, ketchup and butter, just like how we always do in the neighbourhood where I grew up.

What one thing is a must for you at camp?

My mantra for camp is “less clothes more food”. Taking the country code into consideration, my absolute must have on a hike is locally grown fruit. Whether it be ackees, guavas, papaya, cherries; just give me a journey which includes fruit.

Page 6

THE EXPEDITIONER

As is customary this year dukers from the Caribbean got together for a summer adventure. This year is was held in Guyana. Here are accounts from Charlée Gittens and Jennifer Jiang who both were visiting Guyana for the first time.

Charlee Gittens—Trainee leader How has the CASC 2017 experience affected you?

I feel as though I really am a part of the larger world. When I hear news from Guyana, I have a new perspective and can actually visualize the areas and people.

This was your first time travelling overseas, describe the experience.

It was a great first time travelling.

Guyana, being a part of the Caribbean, isn't too far from home and the people aren't that different, but the landscape sure was. I enjoyed experiencing activities and scenery for the very first time and connecting with fellow CARICOM members in a way I hadn't really done before.

What was it like working with the other members of the Barbados contingent.

It was a learning experience, but it was enjoyable moving on to the next level in the Award. It was great to have persons who you knew were there to support and encourage you when you needed it.

Jennifer Jiang—Gold Participant

You travelled to Guyana’s interior describe that.

It was awesome! My first waterfall. My first time in a rainforest. It was a completely new experience. It was interesting to see how the culture and landscape flowed and subtly changed over the distance.

What did you learn about the indigenous people?

They retain a lot of their culture, while still being embraced as a part of the

What did you learn about the indigenous people of Guyana?

I learnt that they are much more modernized than I first imagined as well as the agricultural challenges which occurred due to the animals of the area.

Did Guyana meet your expectations?

It was an enjoyable experience to meet so many people of different cultures at once.

Where in the region would you like to visit next and why?

wider population and being able to operate within in. They seemed friendly.

What’s next for you in the Award?

I hope to be able to embrace opportunities to work with the National Award Office in a leadership capacity and to be an assessor on national qualifying expeditions.

What’s your fondest memory of Guyana?

Being at Moco Moco waterfall.

Barbadians mostly enjoy sweet dishes but I have not encountered many dishes similar to it in Guyana. Secondly, their main staple is rice until in Barbados where it is macaroni and potatoes.

Did you feel that the training for CASC 2017 was adequate?

I felt that the training for CASC 2017 was adequate, however, I was overly prepared; this is not a negative thing.

The community service project was I would like to visit St. Lucia next since working with children. How did you feel about this experience?

I have heard incredible things about I was pleased with the experience since it their sulphur springs. was enjoyable and the children were pleasant to work with.

How did the food compare to Barbados?

The food was quite different since

Page 7

(Cont’d from Page 2) That night however, wet conditions were again on the agenda. Arriving at the Atta Lodge the Eleven bedded down as best they could but some were sent scampering as the rains came in the early morning. Waterlogged, the earth flooded and sent water into a few tents. Despite having a less than comfortable sleep, the eleven and their group members were happy to set off the next morning, as it was the final day of trekking. When the journey was all over everyone breathed a huge sign of relief. All that was left was the drive, the very long drive back to Georgetown. Though the return leg was not without its large share of bumps along the road all were happy when they finally returned to Georgetown.

On the Trails

Did they ever find those 11 giants? Well if you happen to bump into one of The Eleven get the story first hand.

Scenes of the Eleven as they faced all of Guyana’s interior on the quest to find the Eleven Giants.

Bring Ah Fren & Come Hike

Hillaby Turners Hall School starting 2:30 pm Donation $5.00 per person Proceeds in aid of going to CASC 2018 in The Bahamas