45 Years of Nationhood

32-PAGE SPECIAL NOVEMBER 27, 2011.

The Changing Face of Barbados

HAPPY

I N D E P E N D E N C E

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 2A The Changing Face Of Barbados

IN THE 45 YEARS since Barbados achieved its Independence from Britain, the island has made tremendous strides, through inspired leadership and good governance making steady progress as a developing nation in pursuit of its goals.

The journey has witnessed the island undergoing many changes along the way, some embraced, others lamented, but as a people we have grown. Our progress is seen not only in the physical development vis a vis the roads, bridges and buildings built, but also behaviour and dress, cultural and art forms, as well as our national cuisine. The flavour of life in Barbados has certainly changed since the 1960s.

As we reflect on the Changing Face Of Barbados in this special Independence publication, our focus scans some of the issues captivating the attention of a nation at the crossroads.

In an examination of our economic

situation, and the efforts to chart our way out of the stormy waters of the current recession, we find ourselves at a place that will not only call for us to make hard choices, but also devise viable alternatives that will enable us to weather any similar storm in the future.

The question of education, and how long can we afford to continue to provide it free to university level, considering the heavy burden it places on the resources of Government.

Whither the sugar industry? Is the decline in sugar production (our once principal foreign exchange earner) from 200 000 tons in 1964 to less than under 60 000 tons in 2011, related to much more than a decline in yield per acre, or is it much more connected to the removal of arable land from agriculture, centralization of the industry and a cultural shift from agriculture.

As a people we need to take stock, and there is no better time than the present.

“AND GREATER WILL OUR NATION GROW, IN STRENGTH AND UNITY” Forty-five years ago, we began a new chapter in our nation’s history – one that we continue to build upon every day. It is a chapter written by the wisdom of our elders, as well as the hopes and dreams of our children. At Sagicor, we take pride in all that the people of Barbados have accomplished, and look forward to what we will achieve together in the future.

On November 30, Sagicor celebrates the spirit of the people of Barbados as we honour our nation’s independence together.

The Changing Face Of Barbados

WORK IN PROGRESS: The refurbishement work undery way on St Michael’ s Cathedral.

(FP)

A City in tra n sitio n

by CHARLES HARDING ONE HARDLY EXPECTS, when it completes its planned BDS$7.5 million facelift, that St Michael’s Cathedral would match the magnificence of Paris’ Cathedrale de Notre-Dame, or the majesty of Church of England cathedrals sitting atop vast acreages that tower over the cities after which they have been named.

But apart from restoring the now more than 200-year-old Cathedral to its original elegance, with state of the art lighting and cutting-edge technology for multi-media presentation and worship, the repair and renovation now in progress is also intended to bolster the image of the City of Bridgetown, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site alongside Arizona’s awesome Grand Canyon and India’s Taj Mahal.

It will also enhance the Cathedral’s immediate surroundings that include the modern Tom Adams Financial Centre, so named after the Prime Minister responsible for the multi-storied Central Bank of Barbados, and the building known as the Masonic Lodge that was the first home of Harrison College, founded by wealthy Bridgetown Merchant Thomas Harrison, in 1733.

Some expect it to spur action on the long-promised redevelopment of the humble Church Village district, earmarked for elaborate rehabilitation at the time when the Central Bank project was still in draft.

According to thinking at the time, chattel houses at Church Village were to be removed, their occupants relocated and the district cleared for the creation of an arts and craft plaza linking the 10-storey financial centre, officially opened in 1986, with Queen’s Park, whose origin dates back to the 18th century.

Some Church Village occupants have been moved elsewhere but the vacant lots have become unofficial parking spaces, mostly covered in bush and swampy when it rains. The village blacksmith is no more but a memory, but the ruins of the building that housed his anvil and furnace are left as a reminder of one of the trades that once characterized the crowded district that was also reputed for its nocturnal activities.

The Masonic Lodge, which also housed an auctioneer’s shop, has survived physical and social change in the Spry Street/Church Village district, which lost Redman and Taylor’s Garage (predecessor of Motor Services Ltd), to a Saturday afternoon fire – a farewell to outgoing expatriate Chief Fire Officer, Major A.G. Bradford, in the first quarter of 1968.

And a number of businesses, including a travel agency, insurance offices, private secondary school, a small printery, dental, lawyers

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The City of Bridgetown

HERITAGE FACTOID CITY STREETS BRIDGETOWN was built upon a street layout resembling early English medieval or market towns with its narrow, serpentine configuration of streets and alleys. Early settlement resulted in haphazard and spontaneous development, however the original footprint has largely been maintained for almost four centuries; with some changes caused by redevelopment and expansion.

Whereas many side streets and alleyways now seem very narrow for the motor vehicles of the 21st century, these roads were first built for pedestrians and horse drawn carriages.

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The Changing Face Of Barbados

The City of Bridgetown

Site o f sig n ifica n ce of Carpathians - Slovakia, Ukraine; and the Hiraizumi and insurance offices, have moved in and out of Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites, were the Spry Street, in a period of rapid change since other two) that gained the global the 1960s. recognition during last June’s The Cathedral’s refurbishment represents the first major capital project in that area since meeting in France.

It was the first heritage site of construction of the Central Bank, with an Barbados to enter the World adjacent recital hall, a two-level car park and Heritage List. In fact, Historic a two-level security building, began in Bridgetown and its Garrison the mid-1980s. were considered for nomination “It will be a great way of making a contribution to the preservation of an important after Barbados became a signatory to the UNESCO bit of the heritage of Bridgetown and indeed Barbados,” Bishop of Barbados and Archbishop Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural of the West Indies, Dr John Holder remarked Heritage Convention in 2002. when launching the Cathedral’s restoration Barbados submitted the nomination dossier fund on September 5, last year — some nine to UNESCO World Heritage Centre on months before the World Heritage Committee February 1, 2009 and it was among some 45 met in France to act on Barbados’ nomination proposals which were examined by the World for the World Heritage List.

Heritage Committee in June 2010. Some 35 “A beautiful Cathedral at the heart of The City can surely enhance our chances to achieve nominations, including natural, cultural and “mixed” properties were reviewed by the World this bit of global recognition,” Dr Holder Heritage Committee at its France meeting, added. which ended on June 29, this year.

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, was The history of St Michael’s Cathedral, first one of three new sites (The Ancient Beech Forests of Germany as an extension to the Continued on next page World Heritage Site of Primeval Beech Forests

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HERITAGE FACTOID PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS BARBADOS has the second oldest constitution in the Americas with a parliamentay government system dating to 1639. The first “Sessions House” whas in Marlhill (now Spry Street) and may have originally accommodated Captain Henry Hawley’s (the builder’s) Courts of Law. The Roebuck Tavern also owned by Hawley, was also used for assembly.

In 1724 an Act was passed providing for a building for the Council and Assembly, Law

Courts and gaol; and the structure was completed 1731-32, notwithstanding the fact that the House of Assembly still often met at taverns and private homes.

The current Parliament Buildings were built in the neo-Gothic style in the early 1870s on the site of the New Burnt District, part of a 10-acre area which was razed by fire in 1860, hence the name. The West Wing was completed in 1872 and the East Wing in 1872, and in addition to housing Parliament, Public Records were also kept there.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 5A The Changing Face Of Barbados The City of Bridgetown

Histo ric tre a su re s still sta n d in g • From Page 4A constructed at the corners of St Michael’s Row and Spry Street and dedicated on September 29, 1665, and Bridgetown are closely intertwined.

In fact, Bridgetown, settled by the English in July 1628, owes its ranking as a city to the St Michael’s Parish Church being elevated to the status of “Cathedral” when this country became the seat of the Anglican Diocese of Barbados and the Leeward Islands in 1842 — the same year Bridgetown, by Royal Letters Patent, became a ‘City’.

Bridgetown, considered a “very grand city”, reflecting the wealth from sugar and slave trade in the fine architecture displayed on colonial homes and warehouses, also served as the main seat of government for the former British Colonies of the Windward Islands from 1800 to 1885 when Barbados officially exited the Windward Island union.

That elegance was erased, however, by tropical hurricanes and fires that laid waste the town and other parts of the island between the 17th and 20th centuries.

A fire of 1659 destroyed more than 200 houses in the city Centre and another in 1668 razed a further 800 buildings. A further 12 great fires between 1673 and 1910, including the 1766 conflagration that wiped out 26.5 acres and some 1 140 buildings in what became known as “the burnt out district” of Bridgetown, destroyed much of the city’s fine architecture and luxury. Yet Bridgetown, one of the oldest Caribbean cities, still boasts a number of monuments and statues to commemorate important events in the capital’s history; without question, one factor that contributed to its World Heritage Listing.

The ornate late-Victorian Barbados Mutual Life Assurance Building at Beckwith Place in the heart of the commercial Centre was constructed between 1894 and 1895, with iron work imported from Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow in the United Kingdom.

The Jewish Synagogue, first erected in 1628 and rebuilt in 1833 following the hurricane of 1831, represents the movement of Barbadian Jewry since early settlement. And the Montefiore Fountain, in Neo-Gothic decorative

style, originally erected in Bridgetown’s “Lower Green”, opposite the Mutual Building in 1864, was a gift to mark the Jewish contribution, especially in the development of this country’s sugar industry.

The fountain was later moved to Coleridge Street near the Synagogue.

But it is the Garrison, on the southwest fringe of Bridgetown, that represents the strongest functional link between Barbados’ past since 1705 and its present. The stone barracks at the Garrison, drill hall and Main Guard are not only bold reminders that Barbados was the centre of British military operations in the Caribbean during the French Revolution of the 18th century, but the buildings in the Garrison area now serve as the offices and headquarters of local and regional organisations and institutions.

The main fort is now headquarters of the Barbados Defence Force; the military prison is home to the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. The Savannah is the prominent landmark for horse-racing. The Commissariat at the bottom of Garrison Hill belongs to the Barbados Light and Power Company and the old soldier barracks and military buildings have been turned into government offices.

Bush Hill House, also called Washington House, is reputed as the place where George Washington, first president of the United States, stayed for seven weeks with his ailing older brother, Lawrence, in 1751.

The connection continues to Queen’s Park where the main house, constructed as “King’s House” in 1783, was the official residence of the Commanding Officer of British Troops in the West Indies. It has become a performing Arts Centre and refurbished to function as an arts theatre for the Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA) held in Barbados in 1981.

Modern Bridgetown, perhaps more so than any other Caribbean city, represents changing shopping and traffic patterns, fresh architectural thought and political vision for the development of an efficient town to meet to demands and expectations of the 21st century.

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CONGRATULATES

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 6A

The City of Bridgetown

An e ra p a st photo opportunity presented by the Harbour Police in their Nelson uniforms patrolling the Long gone are those years when policemen Careenage in small row boats and motor in white tunics and cork hats (helmets) directed launches; and ‘wharf boys’ diving for coins vehicular traffic atop pedestals at the junctions thrown into the outer Careenage by tourists of Trafalgar and Marhill Streets, and Broad and atop the Chamberlain Bridge.

Apart from Kingston, Jamaica, Port of Prince William Henry Streets. Traffic lights have been installed at those junctions since the Spain, Trinidad, and to a lesser extent, Georgetown, Guyana, there are more shopping mid-1950s. malls and high-rise buildings in Bridgetown Motor vehicles no longer travel in both directions on Broad Street. Swan Street is now than elsewhere in the Caribbean — all posta pedestrian mall and only pedestrian traffic is independence developments.

The six-storey Treasury Building, which permitted over the Chamberlain Bridge (or houses the offices of the Accountant General swing bridge). and other Inland Revenue Departments, was A boardwalk, honouring two Barbadian erected on the Bridge Street site of the stalwarts, A.E.S. Lewis (politician) and Bridgetown Foundry, destroyed by fire in July Clennell Wickham (journalist), has helped to 1947. The original National Insurance ease pedestrian traffic along the Bridgetown Building, five stories high, replaced a rum shop Wharf, between the Chamberlain Bridge and at the corners of Fairchild and Probyn Streets in Carlisle Car Park. the 1970s.

The statue of the British Admiral, Lord The four-storey London Bourne Towers, Horatio Nelson is still standing in what is now officially opened at Bay and Wellington Streets Heroes’ Square but it no longer looks down Broad Street. Traffic around the statue has also on January 17, 2000, represents a breakthrough in high-rise public housing and bears the name been reconfigured. of a black businessman, who owned the Vendors from Chalky Mount, St Andrew property on which the condominium complex have found other locations to display their pottery ware for sale, rather than their one-time was built. Bourne died in 1869 at the age of 76.

Some post 1966 city fires have also brought marketplace on the bank of the Inner about physical change in part of the Careenage.

The spectacle of inter-island schooners, tied commercial Centre. Cave Shepherd, with a history dating back to the beginning of the 20th up alongside Bridgetown’s wharf, offloading cargoes of bananas and mangoes from St. Lucia century, now flaunts a modern façade following a night fire in December 1969. and St. Vincent, and wallaba wood and coals William Fogarty’s store, also destroyed by from then British Guiana (Guyana since 1966), fire one night in early 1970, has been replaced is now an experience of the past. So too is the

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UPPER BROAD STREET, as shown in this picture taken in the 1960s, with Lord Nelson's Statue facing down Broad Street. In the right background is the area which became Independence Square. To the left background is the spot now occupied by the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal. (FP)

by Norman Centre, a shopping complex trading political school of thought held out hope for in a variety of goods. terrace and waterfront cafes, as well as souvenir Roebuck Street, once the seat of the shops on the banks of the Constitution River.

Barbados Assembly (between 1627 and 1679), Previous and current political is now in a process of renewal. It no longer administrations have been considering holds the distinction as Barbados’ distributive proposals for a multi-million-dollar Pierhead trading centre, dominated by powerful black project that will significantly alter merchants. New ventures, with interests other Bridgetown’s coastline and change the than pig tails and biscuits, and catering more to character of that part of the town that boutiques and hardware goods, have changed accommodated one of few screw docks in the the character of Roebuck Street, whose origin world and served as the farewell point for dates back to 1653.

Barbadians sailing away to far-away Britain The City is still in transition, per se. Traffic and North America. congestion and unreliable public transportation And if the idea moves beyond the are forcing several entities to set up shop in conference table, Broad Street, the heart of expanding commercial districts at Bridgetown, once known as Exchange Street, Speightstown, St. Peter; Holetown, St. James; could be transformed into a financial and dutyWarrens, St. Michael; Oistins, Christ Church free shopping Centre — perhaps within the and Six Roads, St. Philip, at a time when one next decade.

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The Changing Face Of Barbados

Economy

OLGA KALININA CREDIT ANALYST,

STANDARD AND POOR’S

by MARVA COSSY

Poor’s (S&P) no longer considers its economic outlook as stable but termed it as negative in a statement made public a BARBADOS ENTERS its 46th year of few days ago. As a result, S&P credit nationhood facing major challenges analyst Olga Kalinina, said the country is associated with rising debt service and facing the “rising risk of a (credit rating) poor growth. It is not alone in this boat downgrade, should the combination of since many of its fellow Caribbean lacklustre growth and insufficient fiscal Community (CARICOM) nations are adjustment within the next 12 months dealing with similar issues. Their economies have slowed or stagnated under indicate a higher debt burden or a rising the strain of the 2008 global recession that debt service burden that impairs fiscal flexibility”. continues to feature in the economies of While the outlook is cause for concern, their major trading partners, mainly the Barbadians, having successfully sailed United States and Western Europe. through the rough waters of the early As a result Barbados’ economy 1990’s recession are likely to be confident contracted by a cumulative six per cent of overcoming the current problem and are from late 2007 to the end of 2010 likely to willingly contribute to any according to the International Monetary remedy prescribed for today’s economic Fund (IMF), which noted that real gross domestic product growth “will be tepid at ailments.

The IMF’s prescription is a two-year around one per cent this year despite higher tourist arrivals, as overall economic wage freeze in the public sector that should signal the type of wage strategy activity is subdued”.

Barbados’ problems are such that Continued on next page. international rating agency Standard and

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CHRIS SINCKLER (FP)

MINISTER OF FINANCE

(FP)

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The Changing Face Of Barbados

Economy

Sh o rt-te rm stra te g ie s n o lo n g -te rm fix • From PAge 7A. required in other sectors of the economy. In a Press release issued last month following its Article IV Mission to Barbados, the organisation said this was aimed at boosting competitiveness and reducing inflation expectations. Government is already moving in this direction given Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler’s recent pronouncements which focused on eliminating wastage, increasing efficiencies and restraining wages in the public sector.

This short-term strategy is directed at fixing the immediate challenges. However, Barbados’ riptide is its undiversified economy which combined with the seemingly relentless global economic recession threatens to drag the country’s economy into the perilous ocean of rising unemployment, financial strangulation and currency devaluation. Barbados relies

heavily on imports; a high percentage of its goods and services for consumption and investment are sourced externally therefore exports and inflows of foreign capital are critical.

During its 45 years of nationhood, the country has diversified its economy from sugar as the lynchpin and has added tourism and financial services among its main exports. This has, however, not done enough to significantly reduce its vulnerability to external shocks as evident in the recent recession when growth receded as tourism took a battering while the onslaught of the global recession hit its major tourism markets, the United States and Britain.

Several economists, politicians and commentators have said that the country needs to restructure its economy making it less vulnerable to external shocks and putting it on a path of sustained economic growth. However, it worthy to note here

CITY STREETS have not been as busy as in the past over the last two years, signs of fall-off in business as a result of the ongoing recession.(RC)

that Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Delisle Worrell has pointed out that “nothing will insure you against the kind of recession we have experienced since 2008 and continue to experience, which affects all the countries to which we sell goods and services. However, the odds are that the incidence of such wide-ranging disaster will be infrequent”.

He added that “in order to build resilience in less taxing circumstances, diversification continues to be a fundamental aspect of Barbados’ growth strategy”. However, diversifying the economy is not an easy task. Prudent restructuring must take into account

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The Changing Face Of Barbados

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Economy

HERITAGE FACTOID 1999 along Wharf Road, outlining the north side of the Careenage.

THIS BASIN into which the Constitution River Now a shopping mall, The Rum Bond was flows from east to west got its name because it advantageously placed near to The Careenage to provided space for an anchorage for small vessels store and ship rum. and dock facilities. Ships were careened in the Carlisle Bay is a calm, natural harbour located sheltered area for cleaning and maintenance.The Dry southwest of The City and was a hive of activity, Dock was constructed between 1889 and 1893 by with 1,500 foreign vessels anchored there in 1897 John Blackwood on land leasted from Government. for maintenance and repair. The area is now In 1961, the Deep Water Harbour located north of designated as a protected marine park, under Bridgetown replaced the need for major shipping the Coastal Zone Management, and is used activity in The City. for recreational water activities such as diving The Wickham/Lewis Boardwalk was built in and boating.

THE CAREENAGE

• From Page 8A. international competitiveness given the openness of the economy.

In a world of trade liberalisation, locally produced goods and services compete with foreign-made products in the domestic market and internationally. Small size presents inherent problems associated with higher unit production cost vis-à-vis larger countries.

Is the question therefore, what the country should produce? In a study, economists Anneke Jessen and Christopher Vignoles remarked that government should help the private sector to move gradually away from products which gained their competitive advantage from getting preferential treatment in the international markets and target products that are in growing demand globally.

Sea Island cotton was among those termed as promising and for which Barbados had a natural advantage.

The service sector has been seen as part of the long-term solution. In fact, led by tourism and international business and financial services (IBFS), the sector already accounts for well over half of Barbados’ exports. In 2003, services accounted for 78 per cent of Barbados’

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TOURISTS ENJOYING the watersports activities in calm waters of Carlisle Bay. (FP)

The Changing Face Of Barbados

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Economy

Alternative foreign exchange earners key • From Page 9A. exports and 47 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product.

Barbados officials see the IBFS sub-sector as a complement to tourism in the country’s two-pronged diversification strategy.

In March, Dr Worrell said: “The second part of the diversification strategy hinges on the further growth of alternative foreign exchange earners to tourism, the principal one of which is the international business and financial services (IBFS) sector.

“The development of this sector to-date has been encouraging, from its beginnings three decades ago, to a situation today where the IBFS sector makes a substantial contribution to foreign exchange earnings, tax revenues and the provision of highly skilled job opportunities.

“What is more, this growth has been secured by entrepreneurship, nimbleness and innovation within our private sector, once Government had provided the enabling legislation, regulation and

support. Barbados has had to cope with constantly changing national and international circumstances, laws and arrangements, in the markets where our services are sold. From time to time one or other avenue has been closed to us, but we have constantly sought new prospects, with some success,” he said.

Another part of that diversification strategy, according to Dr Worrell is “the reinforcement of variety within the tourism sector, to provide resilience in the face of adverse developments”. He said “that helps the country to minimize the impact of recession in one source market or segment of a market”.

Barbados has being trying to woo tourists from the emerging economies mainly Brazil. It has negotiated the necessary air links but the arrival numbers so far have been meagre. Additionally, the China market has been hinted as a possibility.

With regards to market segment, Barbados has awakened to the fact that its sun, sand and sea is not as

strong a magnet as previously and given its infrastructure and international reputation for good health standards and education, niches such as health and education may reap dividends.

New markets and

opportunities for exploitation have emerged in the service sector. The recent Economic Partnership Agreement signed with the European Union presents some areas of challenges and opportunism. With tourism

DR DELISLE WORRELL

(FP)

already a key industry, the linkages between culture possibility is ripe for fruitful and tourism

The Changing Face Of Barbados -

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Real Estate

by CHARLES HARDING THE CHATTEL HOUSE which defined tenantry dwellings for the poor in Barbados’ early plantation society, is now not much more than a museum piece, an archival relic, perhaps, reproduced at places of entertainment to remind of a form of housing that characterized residential communities in an era not so long ago.

Timber houses still abound in rural and suburban communities. A short 30 years ago, 57.3 per cent of all homes in Barbados were constructed entirely of wood and a further 11.6 per cent of wood plus brick or concrete.

Now terrace and high-rise Government-owned housing, along with privately-owned condominiums, luxury villas, beach cottages and an increasing number of gated communities are not only changing

the landscape and altering the coastal horizons of this 166-square-mile island nation, but are forcing sociologists and other social planners to reorder the chambers of its socially compartmentalized society.

New middle-class districts and gated communities are emerging with increasing frequency in sections of Christ Church, St Michael, St James, St Thomas and St Philip, arguably the

THERE IS A notable increase in the emergence of gated communities in Barbados. (GP)

fastest developing parish in Barbados.

Atlantic Rising at Apple Hall, Inchcape and Long Bay Development in St Philip; Adams Castle and Platinum Heights in Christ Church; Lions Castle, Apes Hill, and Millennium Heights in St Thomas, are only some of the newer residential communities leaping out of one-time cane fields in one of the most densely populated countries in the world — with 1 620 persons per square mile.

It is significant that while real estate developers are seeking new lands for their villas and cottages, old residential districts are changing character and turning to other areas of economic development.

Fontabelle, once a middle-class residential community on the western fringe of Bridgetown, is now essentially a commercial district.

Belleville, an exclusive residential area reserved for the privileged few, is now dominated by medical and dental clinics.

Suburban communities at Bank Hall, Black Rock, Harmony Hall, Hindsbury Road and Station Hill, St Michael; Dayrells Road, Hastings

and Navy Gardens in Christ Church, where the homes THE TRADITIONAL chattel house is fast disapof Bridgetown’s pearing now being seen more often as showpieces. (FP) commercial 1950s/1960s. Land prices now start leaders, elite civil servants and upwards of $10 per square foot. respected and revered headmasters A six-acre Vaughn Road, St were situated, have lost their prestige as residential communities, becoming Joseph property has been posted for sale at BDS$700 000 and plots, the administrative centres for local, ranging between 7 000 square feet regional and international and 25 000 square feet at the Adams organisations operating out of Castle Estate Development, another Barbados.

While this is happening real estate gated community in Christ Church, are up for sale upwards of $170 000 values are soaring, as foreign investors rush after a wide and varied a plot.

Three and two-bedroom houses at real estate product, especially on the west coast, once known as the “Gold Atlantic Rising, occupying between 3 600 and 7 500 square feet of land, Coast”, now nicknamed the “Platinum Coast”. And, with limited carry price tags of US$325 000 and seashore land available, investors are US$375 000.

One three-bedroom, threemoving inland to the countryside, seeking plantation houses and country bathroom house at Content Cot, villas, at the same time pushing prices St Philip has been priced at to astronomical heights – way out of BDS$1.5 million. Lambert Plantation, St Lucy, sitting on 5.5 acres of land the reach of the average Barbadian. is up for sale at US$2.5 million.

There has been an enormous And town houses and other private increase in real estate prices over the properties at Gibbs, St Peter; Sandy last three decades. Fifty cents a • Continued on next page. square foot land belongs to the

The Changing Face Of Barbados

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Real Estate

UPSCALE condominiums are like Millenium Heights in St Thomas are now are common part of Barbados’s landscape. (FP)

• From Page 11.

Lane, St James; Atlantic Shores, Christ Church; Merricks, St Philip; Bakers Woods, and Maynard’s, St Peter; as well as Apes Hill, St Thomas, are ideally priced for the rich and famous, between BDS$875 000 and US$2.1 million.

Even a three-bedroom, one bathroom house at New Orleans in The City, is priced for sale at $200 000.

Some smaller real estate agents are concerned that house prices are driving Barbadians out of the market, especially in the current economic recession.

“Overseas people are buying more than local people. The situation is critical for those who rely entirely upon real estate revenue for survival,” one agent remarked.

Those agents with properties on Internet and advertised on the international market seem to be prospering since most of their clients have, as one agent put it: “very deep pockets”.

At the time of writing, only six of 33 lots at the Atlantic Rising development remained unsold.

Barbadians are generally a property-owning class. In St John, St Joseph and St Lucy, 91 per cent of householders are property owners. Some 90 per cent of the properties in St George are owned by residents of that parish. Other numbers vary from 89 per cent in St Thomas, 88 per cent in St Philip and 85 per cent in St Peter, to 67 per cent in St Michael.

It is not surprising, therefore, that property ownership has always been a sensitive, if not controversial issue, long before Barbados became independent – as far back, perhaps, to the early 1950s when English entrepreneurs Jack Teller, Ronald Tree, et al, moved to Barbados and established posh residences and hotels at the St James coast.

The west coast became reputed as the “gold coast”, and as a prime vacation destination in the Caribbean for the “rich and famous”, who bought land and built luxury homes alongside wooden shacks, later sold, sometimes at several times their value, as ‘foreigners’ increasingly gained ownership of the ‘rock’ called Barbados.

There were complaints from muted voices, which were augmented in 1969, when the founder of Independence, late Prime Minister Errol Barrow, from a public platform at Independence Square, sounded his concern about the sale of land to non-Barbadians, and cautioned that “one morning we are going to wake up and find we do not have a country.”

His proclamation was a wake-up call and those Barbadians who suffered in silence became increasingly vocal and in various fora demanded that those in authority check the ease with which “foreigners” could own property in Barbados.

Calypsonian John King echoed the feelings of Barbadians, drawing from the lyrics of the National Anthem, when he sang in one of his composition “. . . these fields and hills beyond recall, will never, never, never, never, never . . . be our own at all . . .”

But Barbados is one Caribbean country where land and property are available without restrictions to non-nationals.

All a non-national needs is Central Bank permission, a mere formality, with vendors liable for the property transfer tax, charged at a rate of 10 per cent of the purchase price.

At the heart of the problem here is that unlike several other Caribbean countries, there is no “Crown land” in Barbados, although the state owns large tracts of agricultural land, administered by the Barbados Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), the Barbados Agricultural Marketing Corporation (BAMC) and the Barbados Agricultural Credit Trust (BACT). The land here is predominantly privately owned – partly explained by the extensive coverage of private

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The Changing Face Of Barbados

• From Page 12A. plantations early in the island’s history.

Apart from those planters who bequeathed land to their ex-slaves and loyal labourers, the real change occurred in the 1950s when Banker MacD Simmons established Barbados’ first Cooperative Bank, bought out vast portions of plantation lands and sold house plots, at cheap prices and nominal interest rates, enabling cooperative bankers to own a piece of their rock. It

was a development that ushered in the first real middleclass communities at Welches and Grazettes, St Michael; as well as Rendezvous and later Enterprise, in Christ Church.

Middle-class housing communities developed rapidly thereafter, and by 1968 the Democratic Labour Party Government established the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) under Louis Redman and opened up Wanstead and adjoining districts near the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, St

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Michael, as middle-income engineering with the residential communities.

Tenantries Freehold Between 1950 and the Purchase Act, the Tenantries 1970s, real estate developers turned to Chancery Lane, Inch Marlow, Upton, and Fort George in Christ Church, Rowans, St George; Warrens on the St Michael/St Thomas borders, Shop Hill and Welches, St Thomas, among other districts, to erect homes with million-dollar and halfmillion-dollar price tags.

And in 1980 the Barbados Labour Party administration introduced an element of social

ANOTHER UPSCALE real estate development which has changed the face of Barbados is Viewmont in St Peter. (FP)

Real Estate

Development Act and the Tenantries Control Act, which established the right for

tenants of lots in designated tenantries to purchase • Continued on next page.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 14A

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Real Estate

• From Page 13A. freehold at stipulated prices.

This statute sought, essentially to widen the ambit of land ownership and to facilitate the ability of persons to build stone or extend wooden structures on land secured from the vagaries of landlord-tenant relationships.

That Act was amended in 1989 to include urban tenantries. Only those parcels of land with six or more tenants now fall under the category of urban tenantries.

The National Housing Corporation (NHC), which replaced the UDC in 1973, is charged with the responsibility of disposing of Government land, through sale, rent or lease, HOUSING and generally to improve DEVELOPMENTS like housing for the poor. NHC is those at Mount also authorized to make loans Brevitor, St Peter, of up to $60 000 for the have provided purchase or repair of existing affordable options structures. for the average Barbados still faces a Barbadian. (RC) housing dilemma. Not only are land prices expected to rise steadily, well into the future, but the country’s population, estimated at 270 000 in 2003, is expected to reach 280 000 in 2015. The Land Tax Department in 1998/99 mapped approximately 90 000 parcels of land to house this country’s people, build industrial plants, hotels and other resort development and provide farmers with opportunity to grow food to feed the nation.

One reason, perhaps, that the NHC has turned to high-rise housing.

HERITAGE FACTOID CHATTEL HOUSES AFTER EMANCIPATION, the new working class needed cheap building materials, since former slaves could not afford sawn coral stone or bricks. They turned to imported pine (brought here by the same vessels which took sugar, rum and molasses back to Canada’s East Coast). Barbadian innovation created the chattel house, which could be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled when one had to move from one piece of rented land to another plot. Some of them had carved wood features such as posts, lattice, and decorative tops over doors and on open verandahs, that showed the craftsman skills of the Black artisans.

THE LONDON BOURNE TOWERS was the first high-rise housing development undertaken by National Housing Corporation. (FP)

Leadership & Teamwork generate success.

We could not have progressed as a nation without the finest leadership and teamwork; and with the world recession today, we need these qualities more than ever.

Remember our Pledge:

Errol Walton Barrow 1966-1976 1986 -1987

Owen S. Arthur 1994 - 2008

The Barbados National Pledge J. M. G. M “Tom” Adams 1976 - 1985

I pledge allegiance to my country Barbados and to my flag, To uphold and defend their honour, And by my living to do credit To my nation wherever I go.

Bernard St. John 1985 - 1986

David J. H. Thompson 2008 - 2010 Freundel Stuart 2010 - Present

Erskine Sandiford 1987 - 1994

Lears, St. Michael. Barbados

Telephone: 436-3910 e-mail: info@cow.bb website: www.cow.bb

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 15A

On ce u p o n a tim e

THE HAGGATT HALL AREA, has seen significant growth in commercial activity since the construction of the ABC Highway. (RC)

THE BARBADIAN LANDSCAPE has undergone many changes over the past four-and-a-half decades, some natural, others engineered by man.

In some parishes more physical change has been experienced than others due in large part to commercial activity, and the manner in which expansion of commercial enterprise acted as catalysts for said developments.

The construction of the Adams, Barrow and Cummings (ABC) Highway has perhaps been the most significant physical development and catalyst to further commercial enterprise in Barbados since Independence. A cursory survey of the business established along its course as well as the emergence of wayside commercial activity bears witness to this.

• Continued on next page.

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DERELICT BUILDINGS, once a familiar fixture in the bend on Bay Street opposite London Bourne Towers, are giving way to more colourful replacements. (RC)

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Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 16&17A

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Ch a n g in g vista s

The Changing Scenes

THE VIEW of the Barbadian landscape from Shop HIll, St Thomas is breathtaking. Pictured at left is the view from Edghill (immediately below), through Cane Garden to Warrens and beyond as it was in the late ‘80s to early ‘90s. At right is the view as it is today with a more populated Edghill community and substantially more developed Cane Garden and Warrens areas. (FP and RC)

ONE of the 16th and 17th century forts in the parish of St Peter. The now refurbished Speightstown Fort, where cannon were once in place to protect the town. (RC)

NEEDHAMS POINT LIGHTHOUSE, a national treasure, has been a feature of the landscape of the Hilton Barbados since the ’60s. Thus when it was decided to demolish the former Hilton structure (pictured in the background above) extreme care was taken to ensure no harm befell the Lighthouse.

Today, the Lighthouse still stands tall aesthetically blending in with the new Hilton Barbados.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 16&17A

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Ch a n g in g vista s

The Changing Scenes

THE VIEW of the Barbadian landscape from Shop HIll, St Thomas is breathtaking. Pictured at left is the view from Edghill (immediately below), through Cane Garden to Warrens and beyond as it was in the late ‘80s to early ‘90s. At right is the view as it is today with a more populated Edghill community and substantially more developed Cane Garden and Warrens areas. (FP and RC)

ONE of the 16th and 17th century forts in the parish of St Peter. The now refurbished Speightstown Fort, where cannon were once in place to protect the town. (RC)

NEEDHAMS POINT LIGHTHOUSE, a national treasure, has been a feature of the landscape of the Hilton Barbados since the ’60s. Thus when it was decided to demolish the former Hilton structure (pictured in the background above) extreme care was taken to ensure no harm befell the Lighthouse.

Today, the Lighthouse still stands tall aesthetically blending in with the new Hilton Barbados.

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 18A

Our evolving landscape

Th e m o re th in g s ...

IT WAS KNOWN as the Sand Shop in the early days (house at right with Coke sign) perhaps because it had a floor made of sand. Over the years the business, which has been run by same family for the last seven-plus decades, evolved to become the Fisherman’s Pub and continues as a popular watering hole in Speightstown, St Peter to this day. (RC)

ST LAWRENCE GAP circa 1996.

(FP)

ST LAWRENCE GAP underwent a major transformation in the early half the last decade with traffic flow changes, improved lighting installed, the main street transformed in sections reminiscent of the cobblestone streets in some European countires. (RC)

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 19A

A we b o f ce le b s CELEBRITIES OFTEN VISIT BARBADOS whether to perform or attend chairty events, and sometimes for their own vacations or short breaks from their hectic schedules; and some even own holiday homes here. Here is a reminder of just some of them who graced our shores.

Singer and songwriter, Shontelle, spokesperson for Caterpillar footwear, came back home to Barbados to shoot parts of a promotional video, including students of St Paul’s Primary, Westbury

Road, Bridgetown and the historic Garrison.

MEL C (Melanie Chisholm) of Spice Girls enjoyed some beach time in Barbados in January.

Singer Jennifer Hudson came here to perform in the CHUM 104.5 FM Breakfast In Barbados concert at Holders’ St James.

Wyclef Jean, Haitian-born Grammy Award winner came for Reggae on the Hill at Farley Hill St Peter, the climax of the 2011 Digicel Barbados Reggae Festival.

He shared the stage with jamaican stars Sizzla, Junior Kelly and Gyptian along with Barbadian performers.

John Legend gave a firstclass performance at PRO BODYBUILDERS Karen Walsh and the Gymnasium in a Mothers’ Anthony Monetti were married here in Day concert.

Barbados. (FP) Princess Anne

came in her capacity as president of the Caribbean-Canada Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue (CCELD) 2011, and after her duties in that regard, she was guest of honour at a cocktail reception at Sandy Lane Hotel.

Fantasia whipped the local crowd to a frenzy when she belted out her passionate songs at Garfield Sobers Sports Complex on the SINGER Fantasia Barrino performing at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex. (FP) last Sunday in June. The family and friends came here Kensington Oval to an Jay-Z and Beyonce were Grammy Award winner for the happy occasion. estimated 27 000 (patrons, spotted entering a posh West performed favourites, in her Local and foreign media, staff, invitees).

Coast Villa. inimitable barefoot style, and celebrities came for was joined by local singer Ria Kadooment.

Borman for When I See You. The most popular singer Pro Natural bodybuilders worldwide with nearly 50 Karen Walsh and Anthony million fans on social sites, Monetti from New York found and one of the top three Barbados such a perfect island women performers (along on their previous visit when with Lady Ga Ga and they competed here two years Beyonce) our very own ago, that they decided to get Rihanna took part in married here at Bougainvillea Kadooment in the Baje band Beach Resort in Maxwell, in a bikini costume and gave FORMER SPICE girl Melanie Chisholm, frolicking in the where they stayed in 2009. her LOUD concert at sun, sea and sand. (FP) Over 40 members of their

The Changing Face Of Barbados

IN THE FACE of rising national debt and fiscal deficits, Barbados has been encouraged by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to engage the social partnership “to begin a national dialogue on the appropriate and sustainable level of social entitlements.”

It may end up to be a talk about free health services, the scope of our welfare services or any other element of Barbados’ social safety net but one topic that has been raised again nationally is free education particularly university education.

Barbados is one of the few countries in the world with universal free education up to university level and it holds this like a national treasure. This sense of pride was reflected during the last budgetary debate when Minister of Health, Donville Inniss noted that despite the challenges, Barbados was still financing a university education for its citizens, in contrast to the British government which had increased fees significantly.

Admittedly widespread access to a good quality education is an integral cog in building a nation. It has helped to develop Barbados’ human capital to the extent

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 20A

Education

HERITAGE FACTOID ‘HEADING’ GOODS THE PRACTICE of “heading goods” that is, carrying provisions, mauby, confectionery, in trays or containers on the head, leaving the hands free and distributing the load efficiently while walking long distances, showed clear continuity of African urban marketing culture being mirrored by blacks and free coloured in Bridgetown of old.

A 1779 ammendment to a 1774 Act which attempted to ban slaves, coloureds and poor whites from selling goods on The City’s streets, and demanding such vendors purchase a license - which they could not afford – did little to stem the tide of those who came to town to market their produce, pottery, or other items, as many of the elite and middle class whites themselves were eager customers.

Popular market areas were Broad Street, Cheapside (across from St Mary’s Church) which included the Butchers’ Shambles”, Milk Market (Street), Tmple Yard, Fairchild Street, and the Swing Bridge environs.

BARBADOS is one of the few countries in the world with universal free education up to university level and it holds this like a national treasure. (FP) that its reputation as a the country’s strides up the Education accounts for a country of trainable people is human development index signification portion of the acclaimed internationally and were lengthened by the country’s budget. Former attracts investors to do benefits of this education Governor of the Central business here. Additionally, policy.

Bank of Barbados, Dr

Marion Williams in presenting the December 2004 Rudolph Goodridge Memorial lecture pointed out that between 1991 and 2001, spending on education was 6.5 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product compared to the 5.5 per cent average for the world’s top 20 developed countries.

It is however not education in general that is drawing much of the

conversation but free education beyond the secondary level. Some ask the question: Is there a limit to free education? What is that limit and who will draw that line? Theorists George Psacharopoulos in a 1988 article entitled Education And Development: A Review, posits some interesting strategies which he noted “may be applicable • Continued on next page.

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 21A

Pa ym e n t a t te rtia ry le ve l their university years.

Is this approach appropriate for Barbados? Some people say that free primary education and having education up to tertiary level has helped to improved should focus on the secondary build a middle class among who are many level. Where his analysis gets interesting that are willing to pay for extra-regional from a Barbadian perspective is education for their offspring which suggests at tertiary education and technical that some contribution to the system can be and vocational training. made by students. Those who can’t should He advocates employer-based be funded by the state. programmes for technical and vocational Dr William put this issue another way training suggesting cost sharing through tax allowances to employees. Training in such a asking: can universally-free education survive? She answered: “In a country whose scenario, he says will represent market per capita income is relatively high – US$9 demand rather than the mismatch between 500 − and where income distribution is not labour demand and labour supply.

“At the highest level. . . cost recovery is as highly skewed as in most Caribbean the most promising policy for efficiency and countries and indeed in most countries around the world, should there then be a equity,” he said. In essence, persons who greater attempt at cost sharing? could afford to pay should pay, this would “Conventional wisdom states that if there not only fulfil the equity consideration but is to be some cost-recovery, it should take would encourage persons to choose their place primarily at the tertiary level. I would course of study wisely and efficiently use • From Page 20A.

qualify this to say at the University level.”

She noted that at the primary and secondary level, students are minors and as such the responsibility of the state.

Her verdict is “in a situation where there are competing claims for limited government funds, government spending on higher education, and in particular on university education, should be logically the area which would suffer cutbacks.”

Currently Government’s approach seems to be one centred on capacity, financing and the quality of education. The quality issue may well be Caribbean-wide. Professor of • Continued on next page.

HERITAGE FACTOID ARCHITECTURAL STYLE SOME EARLY BUILDINGS in Bridgetown, being constructed of wood, were damaged or destroyed by fire or hurricanes (notably 1675, 1780, 1831).

Rebuilding was done based on the Georgian Caribbean style of the original structure under the Rebuilding Act of 1767, only to face the same challenge when the hurricane of 1831 caused destruction, leading to more rebuilding.

Ships in the early 1800s carried bricks for ballast and these were used in some structurs at the Garrison and featured as door jambs and widow frames.

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 22A

Education

• From Page 21A.

Electrical Engineering at MIT and chairman of the Caribbean Science Foundation Cardinal Warde recently noted that the Caribbean has a big problem.

“In some places the standard of living is going down, the governments are all in debt and we probably don’t have the luxury of educating people just for education sake,” he opined.

“There are some people who think we have a great educational system in Barbados, the system is still very good and why should we change it? Barbadians are spending a large per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) and a large percentage of their expenditures on education and that’s good; higher than places like Japan (but) I see more products made in Japan than made in Barbados,” he added.

He noted that opportunities exist in the areas of science and technology, and suggested getting persons interested in those areas early in their lives.

Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler also turned the • Continued on next page.

HERITAGE FACTOID BARBADOS MUTUAL BUILDING THE BARBADOS MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY (The Mutual) was established in 1840 after emancipation and until its demutulization was the oldest surviving indigenour insurance company in the Caribbean. The Mutual played an important role in capital formation and investment in local and regional economics.

The building was built in 1994-95 and even with renovation and refurbishment through the years it has kept the renowned Victorian civic architectural style which was popular in Birmingham at the time of its construction, including the silver domes.

In 2002 it was demutalized to become Sagicor Life Inc. MILITARY CEMETERY

CONTINUING WITH THE POLICY of providing free education to university level has been the subject of much debate in recent months. (FP)

THE MILITARY CEMETARY is situated between the Hilton Hotel and Barbados Defence Force and pre-dates 1816. It is the largest individual historic site of its kind still in use today. Cholera graves were placed to the east.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 23A The Changing Face Of Barbados Education

THE QUESTION has been raised over whether their is a need for training in new technologies in light of the problems faced with the lack of space at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for new doctors. (FP)

Ne e d fo r e d u ca tio n a l re fo rm • From Page 22A.

face of huge spending on education and its availability to all nationals, Barbados has a high level of young unemployed debate towards comparing spending on persons many of whom have left school education and the returns in relation to achieving Barbados’ economic objectives. In without certification. In many quarters this suggests a dysfunction in the this vein, he questioned whether the University (Cave Hill Campus) was targeting education system.

Perhaps as the country enters its 46th year growth areas or the traditional ones such as of nationhood, Barbados across the political management, law and medicine. divide should reflect and contribute to the His question was: “Did we really need, for example, a new fully articulated medical debate in a non-partisan fashion.

The country should not forget Warde’s faculty to train more doctors to fight for words regarding the need for major limited spaces at the Queen Elizabeth educational reform, including expanding the Hospital, or could we have targeted those system to develop a new economic base resources more towards training in new predicated on science and technology and technologies?” making the system more accommodating to But the issue of quality is also further late bloomers. down the academic chain. Currently, in the

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 24A

Sugar

by CHARLES HARDING THERE MAY BE some differences in approach, and maybe vision, but there are clear signs of the political will to radically overhaul this country’s near 400-year-old sugar industry to check its declining fortunes, stabilize the agricultural sector and place this former British colony on the cutting edge of 21st century sugar technology.

Both major political parties are of one voice that the “sugar industry” as it is now known, must be restructured as a “sugar cane industry”, with a “high fibre” plant known as “fuel cane” to produce ethanol, and seasonal harvesting, which normally runs between February and May, ANDREWS FACTORY in St Joseph is to be retrofitted into a multi-purpose facility. being extended to November.

(FP) Andrews Factory in St Joseph, one of two sugar mills still in operation from about 15 in the 1950s, is being retrofitted as a multi-purpose facility to produce traditional, as well as branded sugars and molasses, electricity from bagasse to meet about 14 per cent of national demand, and ethanol for export and domestic use as a gasoline additive.

Production of ethanol to replace the Methyl tert-butyl ether (‘MTBE’) in gasoline has been identified in several reports as key to the survival of Barbados’ sugar industry, and at least one report suggested it was the best alternative to sugar production.

That report argued, among other things, that there was a ready local market for fuel grade ethanol and that Barbados could benefit from exports under the United States-inspired Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI).

According to one study and report on the proposed sugar cane industry in Barbados, the eventual ethanol output is projected to be greater than domestic demand. “Thus, other things being equal,” says Lindsay Holder, former chairman of the Barbados Agricultural Management Co. Ltd., “additional markets will need to be found for the excess output.”

Holder’s report, prepared during the tenure of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) administration, insists that restructuring of the industry was imperative to preserve this country’s agricultural sector.

Two of three major restructuring objectives, the Holder report pointed out, were: (1) “To help ensure that agriculture remains a viable source of economic activity in the island”, and (2) “To maximize the economic returns from bagasse generated from the milling of cane by using that bagasse to produce electricity for export to the national grid, and in the process reduce the dependence on fossil fuels for the generation of electricity.”

The third objective is to ensure that the Barbadian countryside is maintained in a manner that is consistent with environmental best practices and contributes to the achievement of the overall macro-economic goals for the island.

Holder’s multi-purpose facility would produce some 20 000 to 25 000 tonnes of direct consumption sugar, including branded sugars for export and domestic consumption; between 36 500 and 45 000 tonnes of ‘A’ molasses for sale to rum producers; some 166 to 173 GwH of electricity per year (13 per cent to 14 per cent of total electricity demand in 2014) and 23 million litres of ethanol primarily for local use as a gasoline additive.

“It is felt,” Holder stated in his report, “that the maximum amounts indicated for sugar, molasses and electricity are We pride ourselves with staying on the cutting edge of feasible with improvements in harvesting practices. For the technology and our most modern, fully computerised, financial and economic analysis of the project, the base case assumes the lower amounts. block making plant at Lears, guarantees our His suggestion is that the multi-purpose factory will use renewable sources of energy, such as bagasse and combustible continuation of delivering the finest quality products, solid waste (paper products and wood) to generate electricity complementing our renowned ready mixed concrete for 246 days per year from 2014 to 2018, and for 280 days per year from 2019 onwards. preferred by the building industry.

“On the remaining days traditional fuels will be employed.

Prior to 2014, the estimated number of days for which As we celebrate our Independence with fellow renewable energy will be available ranges from 159 days in 2010 to 210 days in 2013,” Holder submitted.

Barbadians, we thank you all for your support in He also discussed ethanol production and its demand in Barbados between 2010 and 2030, making the point that while helping us to maintain Pride in our Industry. projected output in the first year of production (2010 to 2011) would be “a little less” than projected demand, “from 2012 onwards projected output will be greater than demand assuming the 10 per cent mix. Thus, other things being equal, additional markets will need to be found for the excess output.”

There is a school of thought that some elements of that plan have been scrapped with the change of government in 2008 and there has been mounting concerns among stakeholders about • Continued on next page.

We are proud of building

45

YEARS OF STEADY PROGRESS

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Dr. Estwick was quoted as saying after the closed-door confab.

During the Estimates’ debate last the Freundel Stuart-led Democratic March, the Minister also assured Labour Party (DLP) Government’s Barbadians that the plan for silence on implementation of the transforming the industry and remainder of the Holder plan. diversifying the number of products It is known, though, that the that could be had from the sugar cane European Union has funded a plant was “far advanced”. subsequent study of this country’s He did not say when work sugar industry, which was completed last August. And, although details of retrofitting Andrews Factory would begin, but Dr Estwick suggested the that, or other studies commissioned retrofitting programme would take by the DLP administration have not about two years, “to allow us to yet been publicized, Minister of Agriculture Dr. David Estwick made introduce the necessary modifications and the technology in relation to the it abundantly clear there was every possibility the local industry could be ethanol production and to create profitable, in part by diversifying its electricity via generation systems.”

The retrofitting will be done sugar product to include ethanol. during the off-season, while Portvale Sugar officials from the public Sugar Factory continues grinding, in and private sector, including the Barbados Management Company and the interim.

Dr Estwick also pointed out, the Barbados Agricultural Credit during a visit at the Sustainable Trust, also met behind closed doors Recycling Centre at Vaucluse, St in August, to discuss restructuring Thomas, in October, that the planned challenges and other concerns. overhaul was going to turn “the sugar “I believe that, having had the discussions, the Ministry is now in a industry in Barbados into a sugar cane industry and stabilize the much better position to understand sector.” the farmers’ issues and the farmers A number of questions were are in a position to understand what raised when the concept of a multiis the plan that we have in place for purpose factory emerged in 2005. the transformation of the industry,” • From Page 24A.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 25A

There were concerns in some quarters about the cost of retrofitting Andrews factory, then projected at US$140 million; the land requirement for validity, which necessitated idle land being returned to cane cultivation, and the feasibility of harvesting ‘fuel cane’ in the wet season.

But then Prime Minister Owen Arthur sought to allay those fears when he elaborated on details of the sugar cane industry proposals during presentation of his Economic and Financial Statement in the House of Assembly in January 2006.

The proposed facility, he explained, was expected to generate 30 megawatts of electricity, 12 000 tonnes of refined sugar for the domestic market, 10 000 tonnes of specialty sugar for the export market; 5 000 tonnes of specialty sugar for the local market and 14 000 000 litres of ethanol for the domestic market.

He also unveiled plans to utilize the existing 23 000 acres of land actively under sugarcane cultivation to produce more of the cane varieties that could be used to generate electricity. And he anticipated that by 2008 the fuel cane would be used to

The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus

Joins the Government & people of Barbados in celebrating

45 years

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Committed to Excellence

Sugar

PORTVALE SUGAR FACTORY will be the only factiry grinding during the off-season while Andrews is closed for retrofitting. (FP) generate power for a 30-megawatt electricity plant.

Those initiatives, he told the House of Assembly, would be supported by two million dollars from the Barbados Agricultural and Marketing Corporation (BAMC) as funding to facilitate various preinvestment activities related to the new plant.

His government was also making $32 million available to BAMC over a five-year period to bring an additional 8 000 acres of idle land back into sugarcane production and a framework was being put in place to enable BAMC to secure long-term leases for agricultural land.

Arthur also announced that the Cane Replanting Incentive Scheme would be recapitalized to the amount of two million dollars and that an annual amount of three million dollars would be used to provide incentives for the growing of fuel cane varieties.

Further, as part of the transformation process, producers of the approved varieties were being guaranteed a minimum payment of $90 per tonne – up from $80 a tonne – from the beginning of the 2007-8 financial year.

CHANGE Although the industry experimented with some innovations, such as mechanization in the mid1960s, controlled cane-burning in the 1970s and the production of rindboard from cane pith in the 1970s-1980s, the pending restructuring is the first major transformation of an industry that dates back to 1640 when the sugarcane plant was introduced to Drax Hall Plantation on the borders of St George and St John.

It was brought to Barbados by the Dutch as a replacement for cotton • Continued on next page.

The Changing Face Of Barbados

• From Page 25A. and tobacco at a time of declining labour and falling prices. But it emerged amidst new market demands for a cheap sweetener alternative and swiftly became the new source of revenue and a pivotal part of Barbados’ history.

At first it was used only for feedstock, fuel and the production of rum but by 1644 bigger plantations were exporting sugar, then also called “white gold”. Barbados dominated the Caribbean sugar industry in the early years and this country became one of the most attractive British colonies.

By the 1880s more than 10 sugar factories were established on the island. Sprawling acreages of sugar cane dominated Barbados’ landscape. The aroma of raw juice, squeezed from freshly harvested cane at sugar mills in all eleven parishes permeated the atmosphere between Carrington, Foursquare and Three Houses in the eastern St. Philip parish, and Haymans, St. Peter and Porters, St. James, on the other side of the island.

Thousands of plantation labourers, who eventually replaced freed slaves and indentured workers, made early morning treks to canefields near their villages, with sharpened two-edged machetes to harvest and load canes unto motor lorries, mule-drawn and tractordriven carts for transportation to sugar mills at Springhall and Fairfield, St. Lucy; Haggatts, St. Andrew; Andrews, St. Joseph; Colleton, Guinea, Kendal, Society and Uplands in St. John; Searles in Christ Church; Warrens and Belle in St. Michael, Bulkeley’s, St. George and Vaucluse in St. Thomas.

The industry, though, was not without its challenges. Many natural disasters occurred in the 1660s, including the locust plague in 1663 and the Bridgetown fire and hurricane in 1667.

Drought in 1668 ruined some planters and excessive rain in 1669 added to their financial plight. Yet investors continued to hold faith in

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 26A

200 000 tonnes of sugar in 1964.

Some may argue that its fall started earlier with organized industrialization early in the 1960s; increasing social mobility resulting from the democratization of secondary education in 1962, and the loss of agricultural lands to housing, hotel and industrial development, which date back to the 1950s Fires, including the controlled burning of canes between 1970 and 1974 also affected production, which dropped to 97 000 tons in 1975 – 11 per cent below the previous year’s output. In 1981 the industry produced the smallest crop in 32 years, earning a meager $52 million, and production fell sharply in 1992, when the 53 958 tonnes of sugar produced was 17.8 per cent lower than in 1991.

Production in 1992 was just enough to DR ATLEE BRATHWAITE: satisfy contracted arrangements with the CHAIRMAN OF THE SUGAR INDUSTRIES LIMITED European Economic Commission (EEC) and the good prospects of Barbados’ “white gold”. local requirements were met through imports.

It is therefore not surprising that in 1975, The simple point is that the sugar industry when the total cost of sugar production rose has made a significant contribution to the from $49.1 million to $61.9 million, an prosperity of this tiny Caribbean island, increase of 43 per cent in the average cost per without the vast natural resources of its Caribbean neighbours: Guyana on the northern ton of sugar, that the production of cotton (358 000 pounds in 1975) was seen as a viable coast of South America, Jamaica to the west alternative to sugar cane in the drier areas. and Trinidad and Tobago in the south.

(Cotton exports fetched an average price of It is credited with facilitating the $3.65 per pound and earned an estimated $1.3 construction of the Deep Water Harbour between 1956 and 1961. In the post-World War million in foreign exchange that year.)

One report at the turn of this century listed ll era the industry enjoyed stability with a land under sugarcane cultivation at 30 000 remunerative price for its sugar from the acres – a far cry from the acreage under United Kingdom under the Commonwealth production in the 1950s. Prime Minister Arthur Sugar Agreement, which provided an agreed price (based on actual production costs) for an reported in 2006 that 23 000 acres of land was actively under sugarcane production. agreed “quota” of sugar with an obligation to The Barbados Society of Technologists in supply. This arrangement continued after Britain joined the European Community.

But its decline, driven by old inefficient sugar factories, ever increasing production costs, falling revenues from exported raw sugar, and reducing acreage, began about 1968 – about four years after its record yield of

Sugar

Agriculture (BSTA) reported last year that some 18 000 acres under sugar cane produced approximately 350 000 tonnes of cane, converted to 31 500 tonnes of sugar in 2009.

Harvesting of this year’s crop began on March 2 with a projected sugar target of 28 700 tonnes. Chairman of the Sugar Industries Limited, Dr Atlee Brathwaite revised that target in May to under 26 000 tonnes for the 2011 crop that ended in June. Other sources reported that two factories (Portvale and Andrews) produced about 27 000 tonnes of sugar.

“Given the challenges faced by the industry,” Holder noted in his report, “the net result is that the industry has been unprofitable since 1996. In the latter year, the average cost per tonne of sugar exceeded the average price

by BDS$46. In 2006, the differential was BDS$1 215.”

The continued survival of the industry, the author of the report pointed out, depended on annual Government subsidies. And, as he put it, this made the need for restructuring the industry more critical, since it was unlikely, Holder argued, that the Government could indefinitely subsidize an unprofitable industry.

While some, not necessarily in the industry, are strong in the view that sugar has served its time and ought to be allowed on its present course to closure, others are adamant that it is a necessity for the continued economic prosperity of this country.

Dr. Brathwaite, in a January 2011 interview with The NATION, said the industry had two clients to take into consideration: the national client and the individual farmer. The former concentrated on foreign exchange and the farmer thought of his investment.

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Many now inundate local radio stations preaching “fireTHE ‘WAYSIDE and brimstone sermons”, PREACHER’ and ‘open air backed by commercial prayer meetings’ that were a sponsorship. They assemble common feature of bygone their Sunday congregations, days are now a relic of an era mainly of evangelical long passed – just as bread and persuasion, at posh hotels, mule-drawn carts that once school halls, converted cinema characterized aspects of the houses and available spaces in poor man’s trade and labour shopping malls, hoping to are no more than museum convert souls to their Christian pieces in this former colonial ways. territory.

It is a happening that has It is not that Barbadians triggered the disdain of the have silenced the wayside more traditional, perhaps preacher or shut down their conservative, Christians, open air meetings, sometimes cultured in ‘Church of in the form of evangelical England’, Roman Catholic, crusades at such venues as the Methodist and Moravian ways, Garrison Savannah. But just but has apparently gained as push and animal-drawn support among some senior carts have been replaced by Anglican clergy, who argue SUVs and other modern that Christ delivered His motorized vehicles, wayside message along the highways preachers – most of them – and by-ways – “wherever the have found halls outside the twos and threes are gathered” traditional church to propagate and not always in church halls. their gospels.

It is therefore not surprising

by CHARLES HARDING

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 27A

that while the Pentecost-based religions are moving away from open-air crusades, the Anglicans are taking their messages to congregations at places such as the Garry Sobers’ Gymnasium, the Wotton playing field in Christ Church; and at least one Church has taken its Sunday School class to Hastings Rock, Christ Church, in an experiment that pleased participants, who relished the thought of learning in an openair environment.

The plain truth is that while there are still some die-hard traditionalists, cultured in conservative Christianity, several faith-based organisations, led by an increasingly progressive Anglican Church, the dominant religious group in Barbados, are changing Christians’ outlook and making their Church more relevant and meaningful to this

country’s changing social and cultural realities.

The Anglican Church, for example, with an estimated membership of 74 000 at 49 churches (not counting chapels), has moved swiftly to Barbadianise its worship since it was disestablished from the state in 1969 – much to the chagrin of some of its elderly membership, steeped in vintage “Church of England” rituals.

It has not only been electing native-born bishops since 1993, but its Book of Common Prayer, launched at St. Michael’s Cathedral on January 12, 1997, contains readings for all seasons, including the hurricane season, and local (as well as regional) festivals. The Church of the Province of the West Indies (CPWI) Hymnal that replaced the old Ancient and Modern hymn book, inherited from the colonial era, was introduced

Religion

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH is making their Church more relevant and meaningful to our changing social and cultural realities. (FP) around June this year.

The manuscript has been written, and a jazzed up mass, a clever arrangement by Barbados-born international gospel artiste, Judy Bailey, now campaigning out of West

Germany, has already been sung at the annual Diocesan Service by the Diocesan Youth Chorale and is expected soon to become an • Continued on next page.

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 28A

• From Page 27A. integral part of all Anglican Church services.

The Anglican Young People’s Association (AYPA), a pre-independence organization from the 1950s, has been deemed irrelevant to changing times, became mainly dormant in the 1970s and died a natural death in the closing years of the 21st century. It has been replaced by a more vibrant, though fledgling, youth movement with a full-time director operating out of Diocesan House.

Steel orchestras, including the Holy Trinity Church, St. Philip-based Trinity Steel; a Diocesan Youth Chorale and liturgical dancers, add to the indigenous development of missions and ministries in the Anglican Church, which is apparently embarking upon an elaborate What perhaps is not known is that the Anglican Church also evangelical campaign in 2012. provides shelter and care for battered and abused women at a Although the Anglican Church is often criticized, within and secret location in a parish north of Bridgetown. beyond its communities, for treating its ministry, other than its Roman Catholics, Methodists, Moravians and Pentecostal regular mass, as a closely-guarded secret, it is known that it has denominations have also been making substantial contributions extended its community outreach far beyond 19th and early 20th century programmes and projects that included managing ‘poor houses’ and distributing ‘Christmas envelopes’ to the destitute and indigent.

It has converted an old school house at Greenwich Village, St James, into a craft centre helping young people with certain challenges to produce for sale such items as container and floating candles, decorated hand-painted tiles, greeting cards, coconut bread, and condiments, along with cooked lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Several of its churches have mounted remedial reading classes, Information Technology and skills training programmes, as well as craft classes from the elderly.

St Barnabas has been running a successful day care centre for the elderly, among its other outreach programmes, and the Barbados Mothers’ Union, a vibrant branch of the Anglican Church, has been running a “breakfast programme” out of St Mary’s House for scores of primary school students in Bridgetown and nearby communities.

CHURCHES have gone ‘modern’ with the advance ofs programmes for the youth and the elderly including classes in information technology, flower arranging, line dancing. Some churches even provide homework programmes and are outfitted with day care facilities. (FP)

Religion

to the Christian faith in Barbados, not only in terms of modern church buildings and worship, but economic, social and cultural upliftment as well.

They now construct modern church halls complete with culinary equipment and recreational facilities for the youth. Several of these churches boast active and vibrant credit unions catering to the needs and fancies of members.

According to proposals, not yet made public, at least one of these church-based credit unions is in the process of acquiring real estate for the development of a middle-income housing project, primarily for its members, while another has plans, far advanced, for establishing residential units for the elderly and disabled.

The simple point is that religion in Barbados since 1966 has come to mean much more than Cathedrals and meeting halls; lofty sermons and evangelical crusades.

There is an element of community outreach and care, as distinct from welfarism with its ugly feature of human denigration.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 29A

The Changing Face Of Barbados

Ath le tics o n tra ck fo r 2 011 games fully prepared and ready to be more than an also ran.

SHAKERA REECE, and Kion Joseph Joseph, saved his best for the international stage. before her, were the highlights of a Expected to win a medal at the CARIFTA Games, he relatively successful 2011 track and field fell in the final bend and saw all chances of a medal season, taking the spotlight off a slip from his grasp. generally woeful performance at the But at the World Junior Championships in Lille, IAAF World Championships in Daegu, France, despite a personal best of 52.77 seconds, he South Korea. was left off the medal podium. In fact, none of the There also won’t be a new eight other Barbadians did much in France, although track – as promised – at the Akela Jones did reach the long jump final before National Stadium as work sustaining a serious left ankle injury which saw her failed to start in August and coming home on crutches. probably won’t anytime soon In Florida, Joseph stepped up and stood out from with the new season around the corner. the other six athletes to win a bronze medal in another Reece, 23, won a bronze medal at the Pan personal best of 52.47, seconds and is still eligible American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, when the competition rolls around in another two while 17-year-old Joseph also took bronze at years. the Pan American Junior Championships in Not satisfied, he wrapped up a long season with Miramar, Florida in the 400 metres hurdles. another bronze medal at the Commonwealth Youth It has been a long, hard road for Reece who Games in the Isle of Man in a time of 53.52. set the Barbados record of 11.34 seconds in In Daegu, all eyes were on defending 110 metres the women’s 100 metres way back in 2007. hurdles champion Ryan Brathwaite. Sporting sub-par It took her more than four years to dip form all season, not even a last-ditch training camp in below that time as she Canada could save him. set a new national record of 11.26 seconds Although he had shed most of the excess weight he in one of the closest was carrying at the National Championships, there finishes in the history of the games. were no miracles for him or hopeful Barbadians.

Brazil’s Rosangela Santos took gold in Brathwaite crashed out in the semi-finals and with him 11.22 and Reece was edged by American went any chance of a medal.

Barbara Pierre in 11.25.

Six-time national champion Andrew Hinds also In the process, she became the first Barbadian reached the semis of the men’s 100m, but both Ramon to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Gittens and sprint hurdler Kierre Beckles went out in Games and needs the full backing of the the first round.

Barbados Olympic Association, the National It was an unfortunate end to what had previously Sports Council, the Amateur Athletic been a very good year for Beckles who is at the Association as well as that of the general public University of South Carolina. Four times during the to get all the necessary resources to go to those year she lowered the Barbados record from 13.22 to

by SHERRYLYN A. TOPPIN

SHAKERA REECE, one of the highlights of the 2011 track and field season. (FP)

13.01.

Jones set the lone junior national record, 6.18m in the long jump, erasing a 14-year mark by Catherine Richards.

She was one of the highlights of a CARIFTA team which saw its best medal haul since 1997. Jones bagged gold in the long and high jump as the Barbados team finished with nine gold, 11 silver and eight bronze (28 medals).

At those games, half-miler Jerrad Mason also set a new Under-17 record of one minute 51.79 seconds in the 800 metres, down from 1:53.72.

A major highlight of the Games was the honouring of founding father Barbadian Austin Sealy. The man who conceptualized the games back in 1972 was presented with the keys to the City of Montego Bay, finally recognized for the event which is indelible to the development of athletics and athletes in the Caribbean.

Not to be left out, the eight-member Barbados team successfully defended their title at the Central American and Caribbean Age Group Championships, with Ramarco Thompson, Danielle Scantlebury and Tiana Bowen topping their respective divisions.

Thompson and Mario Burke also impressed those who saw them compete and their friendly rivalry in the Under-15 division should be even more exciting as both will be moving up to the Under-17 division next year.

Springer Memorial rolled to their ninth straight title at the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Athletic Championships and Queen’s College won their second overall in the boys’ division.

Glory shone on Christ Church Girls’ who won their first title in seven years and Bayley’s boys’ upset the form books to take their first crown after a nine year drought at the National Primary Schools’ Athletic Championships.

The Changing Face Of Barbados

by SHERRYLYN A. TOPPIN

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 30A

Ne tb a ll h ig h s a n d lo ws

ALTHOUGH NINTH in the world, one can’t help but think of missed opportunities which caused Barbados to finish 11th overall at the World Netball Championships in Singapore.

Barbados suffered heavy defeats to No. 5 Malawi, (73-44) and No. 3 England, (74-42). A chance to play for ninth place against a weakened Fiji side was wasted as they lost 49-48, despite leading by one goal going into the final minute of play.

Coming off their performance at the Commonwealth Games, nothing less than a top ten finish was expected.

Although they were two places higher than 2007, the overarching goal of cracking the top eight wasn’t realized. Coach Alwyn Babb and the management team put it down to a lack of real competition readiness ahead of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Brianna Holder, the daughter of former Many of the countries had Test matches to help with their Barbados player Margaret Cutting, led Charles F. Broome NATIONAL SHOOTER LYDIA BISHOP, pictured in preparation. Barbados’ only with an MVP performance to their first ever primary school action with a spectacular one-handed grab has called competition came against crown with victory over former champions St Andrew’s. it quits after 14 years at the international level. (FP) Trinidad and Tobago, a series they lost 2-1. They edged the southern neighbours 43-42, but lost 54-31 and 45-34.

Then there were those pesky off-the-court issues which also came into play.

Two weeks before their departure for Singapore, manager Maureen Shepherd was relieved of her duties in a letter from the Board which described her as “disruptive”.

When the curtain came down on the tournament, it MAUREEN also signalled the swansong of SHEPHERD (FP) national shooter Lydia Bishop who called it quits after 14 years at the international level.

Bishop represented the island with distinction at the national level and should not be allowed to go quietly into retirement without a tangible thank you. She was a joy to watch in the local competition and even moreso in international matches.

Meanwhile, a petition by eight clubs came to naught and the season rolled on with NCC Ballers, a combined group which featured five of the current national players, MARION JOHNSONwinning the Division 1 trophy HURLEY (FP) with six games still to be played in a totally dominant performance.

C.O. Williams Rangers won the senior knockout crown and Marion Johnson-Hurley, who represented them and Barbados for so many years, moved up the ladder as trainer/tester for umpires.

This was supposed to be the year Barbados won the Caribbean Netball Association Jean Pierre Under-16 Tournament. With five returning players and defending champions Jamaica not attending, optimism was high in the Barbados camp.

However, no one accounted for a strong St Lucian side which upset the form book and left Barbados in second place for the third successive year under Coach Julie Phillips.

Trinidad & Tobago were third.

Along the way, Barbados won the team shooting competition, and sisters Shanice and Shonica Wharton were second and third, respectively in the individual event.

Shanice, Tyniesha Rowe, Sadé Browne, Tia Jones and Sheniqua Thomas were named among the top players in the region.

Several players from the Under-16 group have been called to trials for the Under-21 unit which saw limited activity as they continue the long preparation process for the 2013 World Youth Netball Championships in Scotland.

At the schools’ level, it was Springer Memorial winning both the First Form and Under-13 competitions. Alleyne won their first Under-15 title in seven years by beating The Lester Ground Floor, Old Town Hall Building, Cheapside, Bridgetown BB11142 Vaughan School, and the Under-19 competition is still in Tel: (246) 426-7085 Fax: (246) 426-7086 e-mail: btii@tourisminvest.com.bb progress with the other schools trying to wrest the title away website: www.barbadostourisminvestment.com from Garrison School.

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Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 31A

The Changing Face Of Barbados

by SHERRYLYN A. TOPPIN SO NEAR, but yet so far!

For a few hours on October 22, Barbadians dared to dream as the island’s top two tennis players flirted with history at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Haydn Lewis and Darian King, both of whom had been bounced in the early rounds of the singles competition, were playing for a bronze medal in the men’s doubles.

Unfortunately, it was not to be, and they finished in the cruel fourth position. After winning the first set 7-6, Lewis and King lost 6-2 to the No. 4 American seeds Nicholas Monroe and Greg Ouellette in the second and lost the super tiebreaker 10-7 as the bronze medal slipped away.

Still, it was a very good performance by the two players most credited with the wave of success a small, but proud group is enjoying on the international scene.

With the experience of playing on the ITF Futures Circuit where both had some commendable outings, they were also in the forefront of the Barbados Davis Cup team which competed in Group 3 in Bolivia.

Along with Anthony Marshall and reigning four-time national champion Seanon Williams, Barbados completely dominated the competition, losing only one tie (to Guatemala) largely due to the fact that they played from the front for

Te n n is h e a d in g in rig h t d ire ctio n most of the matches.

And for the first time in 15 years, Barbados gained promotion to play in Group 2, a sure sign that the sport is on the right track – at least at the highest level.

The news was not as good in other regional and international junior competitions, although there was one bright spark in the

Barbados ITF Junior Tournament.

In the doubles, unseeded Barbadian Matthew Hutchinson and his Grenadian partner Yannik James defied the odds and made it all the way to the finals before losing to Britons Thomas Colautti and Callum Poland-Smith 6-2, 6-1.

HAYDN LEWIS

DARIAN KING

(FP)

(FP)

Another Barbadian, Turé Skinner, who has been seeded third with Bahamian Justin Higgs, was beaten in the first round.

In the singles, the local players fell in the early rounds. In the allRussian final, No. 1 Kristina Chasovskikh beat No. 2 Renata Arshavskaya 6-1, 7-6 to take the women’s crown and No.6 Colautti

ANTHONY MARSHALL (FP)

took his second title, upsetting Venezuela’s No. 6 seed Jhonatan Gonzalez 6-3, 6-4 to win the men’s event.

There were also mixed results for the Barbados Under-16 team of Melena Lopez, Samiya Dottin and Cherise Slocombe at the Junior and Infantile Tennis International Championships for Central America and the Caribbean (JITIC).

The tournament was affected by rain but they picked up some valuable ranking points.

Williams picked up his fourth successive national title, defeating Russell Moseley. Unlike last year’s marathon where both players literally dragged themselves off the court after a three-hour battle that swung back and forth, Williams showed he was a much improved player winning 6-4, 7-6 (7-5).

There was also a repeat on the women’s side where Alyssa Fuentes reclaimed her title without playing a single stroke after challenger Lopez got injured and was unable to contest the final.

Expectations are that the standard of play will continue to improve as several junior players are now opting to live overseas and attend tennis academies.

Those who elect to stay close to home, are also attending overseas tennis camps during the holidays and competing in more regional tournaments, laying the foundation for the renaissance of a sport which is enjoying its best return in more than two decades.

Printed and Published by THE NATION PUBLISHING Company LTD., Nation House, Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados. Telephone (246) 430-5400

32-PAGE SPECIAL NOVEMBER 27, 2011.

(FP)

2011 IN REVIEW

(FP)

(NB)

Year In Review - Overview

by DAWN MORGAN

our hearts.

BARBADOS MANAGED TO KEEP AFLOAT during the year since we last celebrated Independence, handling the effects of recession and other challenges better than more developed countries, by the combined forces of leaders in all spheres, and a core of positive willpower sustaining the people.

This island continued to appear calm to observers, in spite of the energy needed to keep our collective heads above water. Indeed, our survival could be compared to the image of a duck that appears to observers to be placid and calm above the water, as it paddles furiously under the surface.

That positive outward image is more than just allowing us to keep national pride. It speaks volumes of the legendary appeal of our peaceful and reliable nation that still continues to benefit from foreign investment based on international investors’ confidence in Barbados. We have not suffered massive demonstrations and revolts that tore apart other countries which experienced huge layoffs in both public and private enterprise.

We did have a sad period late last year as we mourned the loss of our former Prime Minister David Thompson.

Our national mood was also somewhat dampened by the moderate battering we suffered from Tropical Storm Tomas.

These events gave us all pause to reflect on the importance of doing our best every day, and valuing life, family and community spirit.

Nationally, we could be credited with following the slogan of the late PM who always advised “Don’t Panic” as we carried on with hope in

Recognition Barbados was the only country in the Eastern Caribbean to be ranked as “very high in human development” by the United Nations (UN) Human Development Index (HDI). It was placed at 47th, but even though it was 42nd last year, the UN said this year’s rating was not a drop of status.

The island also ranked 22nd out of 28 countries when it comes to affordable longhaul spots that people see as places to which they wish to travel for vacation. A website called homeaway.co.uk rated the Caribbean fifth in the top ten places for the British to buy property, although demand recently fell here.

The naming of Bridgetown and its Garrison a World Heritage UNESCO site gives official recognition of our interesting history and offers opportunities for tourism, tours and related business.

Culture More of our artists and artistes continue to receive acclaim here at home, regionally and internationally.

Rihanna keeps Bajans on their toes, by turns making them over-the-top proud when she performed her LOUD concert here in August; then behaving in ways reported in the international media that make some people embarassed.

The latter includes her potty mouth, saying the c--word was totally acceptable in Barbados; frolicking seminude in an outraged farmer’s field in Ireland; and being evicted by nightclub bouncers for inappropriately touching exotic female dancers. She was voted Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire UK

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 2B

magazine, obviously being too sexy for her clothes, since she appeared nude on the cover.

Our cou-cou and flying fish dish won number three spot on a National Geographic world list of gastronomic delights, with Jamaica’s ackee and saltfish in top spot and the United States’ hamburger as runner up. The Bajan national dish was also featured on the NBC’s Today show when the host Matt Lauer held a live televised special on the beach at the luxurious Sandy Lane hotel and showed glimpses of

our local attractions.

Health Barbadians could be said to be victims of their own success, given the ability of so many to over consume food and drink, do less manual labour and walking, and to travel mostly by vehicles, public or private. The result is that we have become a nation NILOU MOTAMED (right) putting in some extra PR that is more fat than fit and

Continued on • next page.

with Matt Lauer (left) for the 2011 Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival during the Where In The World Is Matt Lauer? segment filmed on the island for NBCʼs Today show. (GP)

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 3B

Year In Review - December

• From Page 2B. suffering from high rates of

predictions, and arguably faring better than doom and gloom prophets. However, Government has been advised to lower spending and to take steps to reduce the deficit this Food year and into 2012 in order to Food prices continued to see improved growth by 2013. increase, sometimes quite Tourism remained a top money dramatically, with politicians earner. Job losses were and suppliers exchanging moderate with some layoffs verbal volleys earlier this year, and business closures, with resulting in the news that some unemployment between 11 to of the jumps were related to 12.1 per cent. re-categorising of food and However, there was no beverages in the Customs Government layoff exercise as regulations. Other factors such carried out in much richer as local crops being damaged countries. Given our by too much rainfall, and the social/welfare services, many effects of severe weather and were able to collect disasters in many supply unemployment benefits, while countries, are also contributing others received welfare or factors to price increases other assistance from globally as supplies shrink.

Government, as well as from Barbadians were urged to private charities. This included grow their own food by the Salvation Army which Government and health noted that for the first time it advocates, however, farmers was serving free lunches to continued to complain about teens and 20s and not just to praedial larceny of crops and the elderly homeless. livestock.

most troubling factors is the emergence of diabetes type 2 in the young, as more children become overweight and obese, and less physically active.

obesity and chronic diseases related to it, such as diabetes, heart conditions and strokes, and high blood pressure.

The side-effects of these such as loss of sight, kidney failure and lower limb amputations add to the human suffering and the high cost of medications, surgeries and other treatments. Cancers also continue to be a big concern, and women as young as late teens to 30s have experienced breast cancer.

About 60 per cent of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s (QEHs) budget is spent on treating chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs).

In addition to efforts by Government to get people to live healthier lifestyles, and Barbados and the Caribbean leading the world in placing CNCDs on the official UN international issue list in September, our nonEconomy governmental health Barbados experienced slow organizations continue to work and slight growth, just over on preventing and managing two per cent in keeping with chronic diseases. One of the

Energy

There was much weeping and nashing of teeth as electricy bills shot up, but conservation measures brought

a national lowering of four per cent usage, showing that some householders and businesses managed to lower their charges a bit. Out of the furore came renewed interest in uses of alternative energy such as solar, and feeding any excess of electrical current back into the national gird, for a set fee.

Government is working towards using solar, wind, natural gas, and petrol alternatives to result in achieving a 30 per cent nonfossil energy situation in the coming years; and has upped its incentives to individuals and businesses, including selfemployed persons and small entrepreuneurs, to invest in solar systems installations.

ESCALATING electricity bills given rise to renewed interest in solar energy. (FP)

Crime While we tended to panic somewhat everytime horrible crimes such as kidnapping, murder or suicide were reported, we saw families and communities rally in sympathetic support of loved ones. Police, Crime Stoppers, private security experts, Prison authorities, and concerned citizens also tried to come up with ways to prevent and deal with crime and criminals in

ways that would lower recedivism.

Our fear of being a victim of crime, and the high suspicion that there are many unreported events, were shown to be higher than the statistical evidence of crime reports which were eight per cent lower than in the previous year.

(The Year in Review was researched and written by Dawn Morgan)

Year In Review - December

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) was increased from 15 per cent to 17.5 per cent in December last year. Many stores absorbed the 2.5 per cent for that month in order to encourage Christmas shopping and owners reported no drop in sales.

However, year end bills mailed out by Barbados Light & Power (BL&P) carried the increased VAT. Government said the 17.5 per cent would obtain for 18 months, but the International Monetary Fund (IMF) insisted it should stay at that level and not be lowered.

There was an across the board increase of all fees in the Immigration Department, including student visas, work permits, applications for residency and immigrant status, and passports. More than 15 000 long stay visitors came to Barbados up to October 2010, and the outlook for 2011 was hopeful, especially from the Canadian market, and increased tourism expected from Brazil and regional countries.

However, falling figures of UK visitors were predicted to continue as England and Ireland cope with increased unemployment, job losses and other effects of the prolonged recession. In late December flights from and to England were delayed because of heavy snow.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 4B

CEO of Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) said the Barbados airport has comparatively low charges in the region.

REDjet airline made an inagural flight to Barbados and hired staff but was not yet up and running.

Tricia Holligan, 28, of Upper Brighton, St Michael, gave birth to the first baby on Independence Day 2010 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).

Nicolette Lynch delivered her son Amari 20 minutes into Christmas morning at QEH followed by Akeel Watts having her first child Shaluana, a girl, at 3.19 a.m. Expectant mum Sherry St Helene thought she had time to finish baking, and tasting her ham and then drive to the hospital, but baby Joshua started to come and she gave birth in a hastily summoned ambulance.

It was reported that births to teen mothers have risen with 525 teens between 15 and 19 having babies last year, the highest annual number since 2002, representing 16.4 per cent of total births for 2010.

Of the 44 female breast patients who

THE SLAB with the words of the National Pledge, which had been broken, was finally replaced in the Independence Arch(FP) were assisted by Barbados Cancer Society (BCS) in 2010, 18 lost their lives during the year, that number representing just about a third of the annual average of 50 deaths from the disease.

The Salvation Army noted a lowering of their collections of cheques with mailed contributions and made appeals to the public to give more generously. Over 700 food parcels were distributed to the needy. In addition, the organization held a Christmas luncheon funded

by Super Centre supermarkets. The Barbados Muslim Association donated $12 000 to the Army to support its feeding the hungry programme.

During the month, an average of 580 barrels were being cleared daily at the Port.

For the first ten days, 3 177 of the personal shipments were processed, and Customs extended working hours in order to facilitate the public at this time of year. Annual barrels received from January to December 15 for 2009 were 49 590, whereas for the same period in 2010 the number processed were 50 582.

About 10 small business people were hired in a Government pilot project to debush several vacant lots out of the approximately

• Continued on next page.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 5B Year In Review - December

BROWNIES from the Trinity Academy Girl Guides sang carols and presented gifts to diabled persons at Thelma Vaughn Memorial Home. (FP)

• From Page 4B. 14 000 overgrown plots.

The row between Christ Church farmers and Shell International Oil has still not been settled, with about 45 farmers and land owners seeking compensation for damage to crops and soil from the 1995 and 2003 fuel leaks.

Former Cabinet minister Liz Thompson was appointed Executive Coordinator for the next Global Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2012.

People were asked to call the Ministry of Agriculture if they spotted palms of any sort, coconut or banana trees which were infested with the red palm mite, so called because the tiny creatures have a reddish colour.

Due to damage caused by Tropical Storm Tomas, close to 300 000 eggs were imported so consumers would have supplies during the pre-Christmas and New Year season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season was one of the busiest on record, with 19 named tropical storms, thus tying with 1887 and 1995.

The Wharf Road in the vicinity of the inner Careenage basin that had been damaged

by Tropical Storm Tomas, was repaired, necessitating partial road closure for awhile.

In the aftermath of Tomas, a few residents of Cambridge, St Joseph, became anxious when the land under and near their homes showed increased signs of slippage.

Vendors were locked out of the fish market at Weston, St James, on the 22nd and had to wait until noon to get inside.

Government will revamp the 30-year-old National Assistance Board (NAB) in order to create a new body to deal with elder affairs. A desk to assist Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) will also be established.

When president of United Gays and Lesbians Against AIDS Barbados (UGLAAB) said there was a youth arm to help young people fight for their rights themselves, religious leaders raised objections.

The European Union (EU) made up to BDS$130M available to Government to be used to boost human resource development.

Chief Inspector of RSPCA Wayne

BARBADIAN SOLDIER Corie Mapp, right, who lost both legs while serving with the British army in Afghanistan, hands over the keys of a motorised scooter to double amputee Reuben Clarke of New Castle, St John. (FP) Norville pleaded with horse owners not to give their old race horses to children or teens, as in too many cases the animals ended up being injured, starved and abandoned.

Traffic lights erected at the junction of Swan and Lucas Streets, in The City, to control pedestrians crossing were often being ignored, and some walkers said the lights were so high they did not even see them.

Store owners in Norman Centre Mall, Broad Street, Bridgetown were upset at being given what they said was short notice to vacate the premises by January 2011. The decision was later changed and they were given an extension to March 31st. The site is to be rebuilt and renovated to include a multi-storey car park.

Rihanna came home for Christmas, getting a surprise from her mum who went up to Miami to meet her and travel back down to Barbados with her famous daughter.

Wealthy visitors who came to spend Christmas and New Year in Barbados helped to fill rooms in leading hotels and plush villas; along with several celebrities who came for a warm holiday. (DM) Six cruise ships including the luxurious Queen Elizabeth brought over six thousand visitors to Barbados over the Christmas holidays

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 6B

Year In Review - January

Big win in St John MARA THOMPSON, widow of the late prime minister David Thompson won his former seat in St John by an overwhelming, record landslide over Hudson Griffith the opposition candidate. Both parties campaigned daily and held several night-time platform events.

Many constituents said “the king is dead, Mara is our queen”.

After her victory the new MP repeated her campaign promises of resumption of building St John’s polyclinic and more programmes for the elderly.

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart admitted it was a challenge to find steady work for all those seeking employment.

The Land Tax department sold one of the 35 private properties (including hotels) listed for sale by auction for non payment of taxes.

Barbados was rated 75 per cent leading the United States by a single point in service; in a customer satisfaction index, according to the National Initiative for Service Excellence (NISE). Locally, credit

unions scored 82 per cent for good service, the highest among insurance companies and banks. The Postal Service gained 80 per cent, and Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) 73 per cent, however Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH); Immigration Department, National Insurance, Transport Board and Licensing Authority were all below the 70 per cent line.

Barbados recovered Ghana’s promised half of the $618 446.40 cost of repratiating 97 of their citizens who were stranded here almost three years ago.

Both major political parties agreed that recent, high increases on food need to be investigated.

Farmers in the Scotland District were assured that Government was looking at solutions to solve their irrigation problems.

Barbados Light &Power (BL&P) marked its 100th anniversary with its oldest living, former employee, and a young worker lighting the memorial candle.

Canadian company Emera was

MARA THOMPSON taking the oath as MP for St John, witnessed by, from left, Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands, his private secretary Patricia Layne, and Prime Minister Freundel Stuart. (FP) successful in buying enough shares, including those of individuals, to secure majority control of BL&P. The National Insurance Scheme which owned 23 per cent of the power company sold 13 per cent and kept 10 per cent.

Barbados Transport Board faced a massive loss, because although earning $46M in revenue, a similar amount was in deficit, since expenditure was $94M.

A few people forgot the new bus rate of $2 per adult and only came on board prepared to pay $1.50, however by the second day of the year, people were paying the fare without a hitch.

Barbados Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) announced its objection to the unions’ proposal of raising minimum wages to $300 a week, and urged a gradual increase from the current $200, towards that

final figure.

The new medical profession bill calls for doctors to present timely reports to persons who have been injured in road accidents or in the workplace.

Although a loan from ANSA McAl bank in Trinidad which was guaranteed by the Barbados

Continued on • next page

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 7B Year In Review - January

•

From Page 6B.

Government made $60M in restart money available to Four Seasons project, executive chairman Prof Avinash Persaud explained that $35M was used to repay Royal Bank of Scotland and most of the remaining $25M was used to repay local creditors, so “there is really no money available to start back Paradise.”

Work began on repairing the Grandstand at Garrison Savannah, which had been damaged during Tropical Storm Tomas.

A girl was the first baby born at QEH on New Years Day, just 24 seconds past midnight, the daughter of Paul Sandiford and Yasmine Cox-Sandiford and four other babies were born during the day.

Minister of Health Donville Inniss said he did not expect Barbados to legalise prostitution, in spite of it being an emotional issue to some, and noted that Barbadians, whatever their occupations or lifestyles could secure testing for HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Some doctors expressed concerns about cost-reducing measures to be implemented by the Drugs Service, cautioning that nothing should interfere with the quality and effectiveness of medicines.

Of a total of 114 students 82 graduated as qualified nurses for the CARICOM region, thus ensuring that Barbados could fill any available vacancies.

The Town and Country Planning department warned that somehow documents were surfacing with an approval stamp, but the applications had not gone through the necessary process.

Crime Stoppers Barbados which takes information and passes on to Police announced that since its inception in February 2009, 43 people had been arrested and 45 cases solved.

The local group had a visit from Ian Froggett of CrimeStoppers UK, who conducted training and development sessions.

Concern was expressed by Government specialists dealing with anti-drugs education that too many young women were getting involved with drugs and as they use substances

while pregnant or close to young children, a most worrying trend.

Police noted that the issuance of bounced cheques had increased to an alarming level in recent times.

Shoplifting reached massive amounts, in tens of thousands to businesses, with rings operating to target and steal high priced items in some cases and in others having the prearranged cooperation of the stores’ staff.

A Police raid in Regent Hill, Pinelands, netted three firearms: two shotguns and a 9mm pistol, 16 rounds of ammunition, a quantity of marijuana, a bulletproof vest, ski masks, gloves, and a pair of binoculars.

This year there will be no “Easter vacation” because of how the 2011 educational year was scheduled, but of course children would be off on the bank holidays of Good Friday and Easter Monday.

A suggestion was made that since it cost Government about $100 000 for each individual who studies medicine at University of the West Indies, such graduates should give back time to help slow learners at resource centres and in communities.

Sandy Lane Charitable Trust asked Government to assist with its wish to acquire enough land to establish a state-of-the-art school for special needs children 11-18 years.

Rihanna announced that ‘sex’ was her resolution for 2011, perhaps being prophetic of the furore caused by the saucy lyrics and risque visuals in her S&M release, resulting in its being banned in 11 countries; while some radio stations only played it late at night.

Firemen were given training in high-rise fire fighting techniques by a visiting fire chief from Tampa, Florida, James Gary, Barbadians produce more than 1 000 tonnes of soild waste daily, a high level for the Western Hemisphere.

The Vagrants and Homeless Society announced the successful temporary housing of 12 homeless men in two houses. The group intends to teach the men income generating skills and good lifestyle behaviour to enable them to re-enter society as independent citizens. (DM)

Year In Review - February

BARBADOS HIT THE SCALE as 17th in the world’s fattest nations, with 60.4 per cent overweight or obese, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report. The only other Caribbean country listed was Cuba at 54th with 42.5 per cent of the population too fat for their height, and having a high Body Mass Index (BMI).

Prostate cancer kills over 100 men annually and Honorary Secretary of Barbados Cancer Society says this is because of “late stage diagnosis”. She insisted “a total change” was needed in bringing about pro-active attitudes among men to lead to early detection.

A study done in 2007 revealed that 32.1 per cent of juveniles housed at Government Industrial Schools, Dodds, St Philip were suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

Included in the upgrades at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) was BDS$20M for electrical work, with an ancillary power supply; a $5M cardiac suite; and improved eye treatment facilities.

At least 40 000 Barbadians are believed not to be controlling their blood presure and this puts them at high risk of heart attack or stroke.

Gastroenteritis cases for the early part of this year increased, with 168 for January 2 to 29 as compared with 101 for the same period last year. The gastro outbreak at the geriatric hospital was caused by a norovirus.

Barbadians needing eye surgery at QEH were informed that the long-waiting list situation had ended.

Ministry of Health environmental officers appealed to the public to desist from removing or damaging rodent traps which are specially designed for our island, as part of the campaign to reduce the spread of leptospirosis.

The Ministry of Health announced it was spending $32M on primary health care this year. Barbados spends $35M a year on mental health services, and a majority of patients are males who have developed problems related to alcohol and drug abuse.

California-based scientists James Clement and Parijata Mackey came to Barbados to include James Sisnett, 111, and the fourth oldest man on the planet, in research on healthy ageing, and to see what lessons can be learnt from his life.

The announcement of a small spurt in the economy of 0.3 per cent, while pleasing to the Government, has had cold water poured on it by the Opposition who say the news is too good to be true.

Valentine’s Day was low-key in comparison with previous years, with few wearing red and white on the day. Some put it down to the fact that it fell on a Monday, instead of Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Barbados’ sugar industry is flat broke, and recovery is questionable since it costs more to produce sugar than what it sells for.

A rise in feed prices was predicted to hurt farmers and force them to raise selling prices.

Barbados’ biggest agricultural show, Agrofest, staged at Queen’s Park, boomed to over 250 exhibits, under the theme Achieving Healthy Lifestyles Through Agriculture.

Chairman of Barbados Manufacturers’ Association (BMA) Garment Group Ian Pickup warned that clothing prices would increase because of the escalating cost of cotton, which would also affect blended fabrics.

Whereas youth here can legally consent to having sex from 16 and seek medical termination of pregnancy for a range of reasons, ironically, they need to be 18 to receive other medical treatments, including testing for HIV/AIDS. Activists and counsellors asked for this situation to be remedied to make information, testing and treatment available to the 16-18 group.

At least six persons, mainly young men and one young woman were believed to have committed suicide between January and February.

Marico Moore, 9, was injured by a loose pet monkey, while he and a group of friends walked home from school. He required 30 stitches.

TheStudentarketplace.com website was launched by students Nicholas Hinkson and Joshua Banfield to facilitate those attending the University of the West Indies (UWI) with buying and selling textbooks, seeking accomodation, job listings and any other related matters.

UWI principal Professor Hilary Beckles said he hoped to push the number of students up to 12 000, from its present population of 10 000, as he thought that number would be the maximum fit for the institution.

Britain announced it was removing its warships from the Caribbean area, leading to some speculation that this would hamper the marine interdiction of illegal drugs. However, some assistance in this regard will be continued.

Outgoing president of the Barbados Bar Association, Queen’s Counsel Leslie Haynes called for a new Legal Profession Act to enable the association to discipline members if necessary.

Sir Roy Marshall chairman of the National Commission on Law and Order, expressed disappointment that almost seven years after the report had been handed over to Government, the

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 8B

recommendations had not been followed up.

Seizures of more than 22 208 pounds of marijuana in 2010 and recent findings of massive amounts, including over 2 000 plants, some up to10-ft tall, led to the conclusion that Barbados’ consumption of the illegal substance is growing ever higher.

About 40 motorists who live in The City environs were shocked to find their tyres punctured, flattened or missing when they awoke on the 20th.

A regional coast guard and a serious crimes task force are being formed within the Regional Security System (RSS).

Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite alerted Barbadians to some of the creative ways in which money was being laundered, including when some shows are staged.

David Joey Harper called for the use of sign language interpreters and wheelchair access, and whatever else was necessary for disabled persons to be able to take an active

part in Court proceedings, whether as crime victims or members of juries.

Plastic driver’s licences were being issued for over-65s, upon payment of the annual fee of $25. However, those over 70 need to bring a doctor’s certificate saying they are fit to drive.

Attorney Philip Pilgrim won more than $70 000 in his successful suit against Royal Bank of Canada for dishonouring nine of his cheques which he had issued to merchants and individuals.

Police carried out raids in Haynesville St James; and Nelson Street, The City, frisking some persons in the area.

Some leading supermarkets and petrol station managers disclosed credit and debit cards had become increasingly popular, rather than cash payments.

Recent complaints about “price gouging” have been

• Continued on next page

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 9B Year In Review - February

12 000 cruise in • From Page 8B.

the increase in cruise tourism.

Retired tourism executive Paul Foster, first manager of Barbados Tourist Board in in sudden increases was that 1959 said our taxis should be metered to some re-classifications of food avoid complaints of passengers being products had doubled customs fees. overcharged.

In spite of the dramatic effect of Rihanna won Best Dance Recording Tropical Storm Tomas at the end of October 2010, the insurance market has seen at the Grammys for Only Girl (in the world) and also Best International Female no big increase in homeowner’s insurance, with most of those who have such coverage Star at London’s 02 Arena. A judge lifted being people with mortgages or home equity the restraining order on Chris Brown, Rihanna’s ex-boyfriend who had physically loans and thus having an insurance abused her. requirement.

Christie’s International Real Estate Government officials toured specific respresentative said there was still a demand areas of the island in order to check on rebuilding and repair work being done in the for high-end homes on the island.

Advisor on social policy, Hamilton aftermath of Tropical Storm Tomas, and to Lashley called on Government not only to assess further work needed.

A damaged road in St Sylvan’s Village give priority to single mothers with children, especially if they were victims of domestic (Dark Hole) St Joseph, continues to present violence, but also see the provision of challenges to residents, particularly parents housing to single male parents, who may carrying babies, the geriatric and disabled, have experienced abuse, as equally however, excavations were started at important.

Melvin’s Hill in the same parish.

Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) for Fire officers in Barbados were given the first time, promoted our island in Russia, training in high-rise fire fighting to prepare a largely untapped market for the Caribbean. them for operating in the field where such The Follow Me To Crop Over buildings are increasing. The Fire Service campaign of previous years was not done also acquired a 3 000 gallon water tanker. this year because of the high cost of $60 000.

BHP Billiton, an Australia-based Government asked for Parliament to company, with operations in the Caribbean, approve supplementary resolutions to finance Latin America, Africa and Europe, was the $12.1 Warrens Traffic Safety chosen to explore for oil or gas in specific offshore sections of waters around Barbados. Improvement Project; and the re-start of St John’s Polyclinic costing $15.5M, On the 3rd, five ships brought 12 000 as well as $1.2M owed to consultants. visitors to our shores, just one example of

Year In Review - March

IN SPITE OF stringent measures that many took in the current economic climate, flights from this island to Trinidad were heavily booked for the pre-carnival and Carnival period.

Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) was voted best airport in Latin America and the Caribbean for service quality for 2010.

The British government agreed to postpone the start of an increased Air Passenger Tax on flights between the UK and Barbados, putting a moratorim on the fee until April 2012.

Invest Barbados, a major investmenthunting arm of Government registered a financial surplus of $14M in its last financial year’s which ended on March 31, 2010.

A $14M project: $10M from the Inter American Development bank and the remainder from the Barbados Government, will be used in a project for the Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI), including a new building.

Banks Holdings Limited (BHL) received large tanks from Germany to be used in a new $70M state-of-the-art brewery being built at Newton, Christ Church, where commercial production was expected to start in October of this year.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 10B

The St Michael All Angels Anglican Cathedral needs renovations to repair it to the tune of $7.5M and in addition to local fundraising, foreign input will be sought.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has updated its technology – with telecommunications assistance from LIME – with equipment that gives digitised images such as X-rays, CAT scans, and ultrasounds, via electronic networks, with interpretation of the images for diagnostic purposes.

One in every 15 Barbadians over 40 has glaucoma, the cause of 13 percent blindness here, said Anslem Hennis, Director of University of the West Indies (UWI) Chronic Disease Research Centre (CDRC).

Minister of Health Donville Inniss and some doctors said Barbadians needed to donate organs in order for some surgeries to be done, including life-saving operations.

It was reported that more than 30 nursing assistants who do temporary work at the Psychiatric Hospital and Government’s geriatric institutions had not been paid for three months.

Elroy Phillips Centre, St Michael, closed down this month.

Government unveiled a $583M five-year

BRITAIN’ S PRINCE EDWARD, the Earl of Wessex was a participant in the Royalist Regatta which left the Careenage in a fund-raising exercise to benefit the Barbados Duke of Edinburgh Award group and Barbados Sea Cadets. (FP) strategic plan aimed at boosting unemployment targeted for a June start with the first levels, alleviating poverty and increasing set of 37 houses. efficiency in the workplace.

Government put $2.2M at the disposal of The development project at Pickering, St Lucy, expected to generate US$800M, was Continued on next page.

•

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 11B

• From Page 10B.

the National Sports Council for laying a new athletics track at the National Stadium.

Government is planning to have two schools for at-risk students, one residential, which will replace the Edna Nicholls Centre.

Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary and Ann Gill schools were hit by thieves who stole office equipment.

Westbury Cemetery’s Chapel received much needed renovations and refurbishment.

Government Senator Reggie Hunte expressed concerns about substantial funds owed to Kensington Oval Management Incorporated (KOMI) by the two cricket governing bodies: West Indies Cricket Board and ICC. Dolphins (dorado/mahi-mahi) were so plentiful that prices went down to $4 and $5 a pound, and customers not only bought for their immediate use, but to keep frozen for Lent.

Government announced a plan for the next fiscal year to have a Coastal Risk Assessment and Management Programme done, with loans from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for US$30M with a Barbados input of US$12M. Morgan Lewis Windmill started grinding cane, much to the delight of those who visited. Coordinator Richard Goddard said it was hoped that grinding would also be conducted in April.

More than 20 squatters who had erected houses illegally in the Zone 1 water area of The Belle, St Michael, received notices to move from the area in 28 days after which the structures, made mostly of plywood, would be demolished.

A number of concerned persons successfully demonstrated to halt the cutting down of an old silk cotton tree (reputedly 300-years-old) in Warrens, St Michael.

High fuel prices led to some cruise lines curtailing or reducing their stops to Barbados for the summer and winter season.

Head of the Gender Affairs Bureau Patricia HackettCodrington expressed concern about an increased number of domestic violence calls connected with teenage same-sex

Year In Review - March

Car dealers are waiting to see how the massive 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami have affected the prices and availability of Japanese vehicles, which are popular here.

Barbadians were also warned to be cautious about purchasing second-hand cars since so many automobiles were submerged during the disasters.

A US-based group of over 100 employees of FusionStorm Foundation carried out a sprucing up activity at Brandons Beach, with the assistance of the National Conservation Commission (NCC).

A Long Beach Estate, Christ Church man, Sean George Ivanhoe Whitehead, 28, was charged with possession of an AK47 rifle and a quantity of marijuana.

Members of the Bayville community complained to police about people leaving noisy kites flying for long periods, including through the night.

A hole opened in the yard of the Eastern Caribbean Conference of Seventh Day Adventists offices - just a mile away from the 2007 fatal cave-in at Brittons Hill – and investigation revealed that it opened into a cave 25 feet wide and 15 feet deep, with the probable deepening of it if further progression was made into it. Area residents called on Government to do more geological testing in the wider Britons Hill area; and to consult with residents who had knowledge of SUGAR CAKES, NUTCAKES, COMFORTS... all the the caves in the area. traditional sweets were available in Jubilee Gardens, Attorney Leroy Lynch 61 of Martindales Road, St Michael The City, when a Bajan Pride Exposition was held. (FP) was accused of stealing over $2.2M and charged with 12 counts relationships. of theft and money laundering and was remanded at Dodds Barbados is the second best place, after New Zealand, for Prisons. girls in the Commonwealth according to Royal Commonwealth The Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure revealed that Society who carried out research on the 54-member group of an increase of the public sector wage bill would be near the nations. $7M mark for 2011-12.

Government was again urged to pass the Employment An increse of rent and a rule banning the sale of alcohol in Rights Bill and enact legislation dealing with sexual harassment bus terminals had vendors up in arms, protesting that without in the workplace. the sale of such drinks they could not pay the rent.

Anthony Magras, a Barbadian who was working in Japan Marine photographer Faheem Patel of the Dive shop had at the time of the 9.0 earthquate and subsequent tsunami the rare and wonderful experience of swimming with a contacted his family here to let them know he was safe. Other humpback whale calf in 160 feet of water off Barbados’ south Bajans who work in Tokyo were also uninjured. coast and photographed the gentle sea giant. (DM)

Year In Review - April

HARRISON’S CAVE was the co-winner of the 2011 Caribbean Excellence In Sustainable Tourism Award, along with Surama Village Eco-Lodge, Guyana.

The premier tourist site attraction on this island was praised for taking an already existing attraction and upgrading it for greater economic productivity while increasing its “green” factors.

The other winner was the site operated by Makushi Amerindians on five-acres of savannah land, purposefully kept small to maintain environmental sustainability, it provides employment and income to the indigenous tribal people.

This island was rated sixth in the world for ownership and usage of telephones, with 159.1 mobile phones per 100 people, and higher land line numbers than Britain.

France, Canada, Spain, Italy, Ireland or any African and Latin American nation. Overseas calls from this island was also high in volume.

Yulana Long and Ryan Celius won the THE NATION’S Forever I Do Dream Wedding competition from a field of six other couples, receiving a wealth of sponsorship, giving them as free a wedding as possible.

Rihanna was the cover girl on eight magazines in North America and Europe, featuring fashion, entertainment and hairstyles.

Oscar winning actress Gweneth Paltrow came to Barbados with her son and daughter, aged four and six, as part of an NBC TV series on ancestry, to see

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 12B

if she could trace her roots from her Barbadian great-grandmother Rosamund Stoute. BBC airs the British version of the Who Do You Think You Are series.

The month opened with people who receive free medications under the Drugs Formulary having to pay handling fees to private pharmacies for their supplies; or, if wishing to avoid those charges to go to polyclinics or Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).

A Ministry of Health directive reasserted that apart from genuine emergency medical care, those who were not citizens and permanent residents of Barbados would have to pay the relevant charges. This would also apply to foreigners who were temporarily residing here on work permits.

Jonathan Narine, 16, received an electrical shock as a result of picking mangoes with a metal pole near his Dunlow Lane, St Michael home. When he fell, someone performed CPR, and he was taken to QEH where he was treated for burns and recovered.

The Government Geriatric Hospital in St Michael had several upgrades including a new state-of-the art kitchen.

More than 4 000 people took part in the healthy, public, step-dancing event

in Independence Square, including MP for St John Mara Thompson.

A survey done by the National Committee for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (NCPADD) revealed that some bars and restaurants were ignoring the ban on public smoking.

Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA) announced that the withdrawal of a quarter million dollars in Government subventions over the past two years has hit the non-profit organisation hard, and presented “the greatest challenge in our 57-year-old history.”

The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) appealed for assistance in raising up to $3M to rebuild, refurnish and restore their premises which had fallen into a deplorable condition.

Customs officers seized a container of assorted cosmetic products, in coming from the USA, which were estimated to be under-invoiced by over 90 per cent.

The importer was given 30 days to contest the seizure.

Jabari Johnson, 21, of 3rd Avenue Continued on next page

SERGEANT FRANCIS SISNETT of the Police Community Relations Department having fun with children in New Orleans, The City, as they show off their kites. (FP)

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 13B

Year In Review - April

From Page 12B East, Husbands Gardens, St James, who was on remand in Dodds prison, St Philip, attempted to escape from the medical unit, while disguised as a cleaner, only being nabbed near the exit.

In one of the biggest drug busts in Barbados, Police arrested and charged five men, two Barbadians and three Guyanese with having over $13M worth of cocaine (94 pounds or 42.8 kilos), discovered at a residence in Sunset Crest. St James.

Among 2028 Caribbean nationals deported from the United States within the last six months, were 11 Barbadians, identified as “criminal aliens”.

The family of George Clarke who died in a brutal attack at his pig farm in St Philip more than a year ago, turned to a psychic detective in their desperation for closure.

Police investigated a drug find in St Andrew, in which a quantity of drugs was netted, and a capsized boat found at the scene.

Inland Revenue brought 26 people before the court on charges of failure to file income tax returns as self-employed, as AS AN OLD, DECAYING mahogany tree was cut down in the St Lucy well as those who owned and/or parish graveyard, a coffin popped up, which had apparently been placed very near to the tree. managed businesses that were also not paying taxes.

Barbados National Oil Company (BNOC) revealed The Ministry of Transport and Works announced it was it would be conducting searches for crude oil in St John. moving ahead with technological changes that should reduce its Electricity bills were increased by 10 per cent electricity bill by almost $35 000 annually. from this month.

It was reported that tenants owed arrears of $7.4M from last year to Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC).

Heavy rain in the north west of Barbados in mid-month led to flooding in some areas, especially in Speightstown and other parts of St Peter.

Fishermen at Six Men’s Bay in St Peter expressed great concern about severe beach erosion in the area.

Beach-goers and divers had the pleasure of watching whales in our waters, especially off the Drill Hall in St Michael and off Savannah Hotel, The Garrison.

German-born Renate Herberger swam around Barbados in five days to promote the ocean environment, with the support of local fisherman Chelston Thomas.

Barbadians were paid a total of $274 400 in 22 months, or $12 479.72 per month - March 2009 to December 2010 - for collecting 245 tonnes of Giant African Snails at a bounty of .50c per pound.

As part of the Billion Acts of Green programme led by Future Centre Trust, trees were planted on Earth Day around the Garrison Savannah, consisting of mahagony, frangipani, black pearl, palm and neem to restore beauty to the area.

Ian Gibbs, entomologist in the Ministry of Agriculture reassured people that the strikingly striped caterpillars - up to six inches long - seen on frangipani trees were harmless to humans and crops, and were just a stage in the growth of frangipani moths. Over 200 people had reported sightings.

There were 3 811 students sitting the Common Entrance Examination this year on May 3: 1 955 boys and 1 856 girls, with five boys and seven girls being under 11.

The management committee of the Student Loan Revolving Fund, seeking to recoup millions of dollars owed, may be forced to take delinquent persons before the Courts.

Several public officers who borrowed money to purchase cars and pay insurance are not repaying their loans, leaving a balance of more than $21M on the general ledger.

Heroes Day was celebrated with a big picnic off Ermie Bourne Highway, hosted by the opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP): a mixture of political speeches, family fun and entertainment by popular artistes.

The month closed with torrential rains which flooded parts of the island. (DM)

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 14B

Year In Review - May

THE MONTH OPENED with heavy rains causing flooding in several parts of the island, especially Southern and Central districts.

Farmers sustained crop damage, especially of pumpkins, tomatoes, cucumbers and butternut squash.

Cane-grinding came to a halt because the canes were too wet to be processed, and harvesting was just under 26 000 tonnes, falling short of the 30 000 tonnes target.

Farms in the United States sought 200 to 300 Barbadian men for seasonal fruit and vegetable picking.

Businessman Ralph ‘Bizzy’ Williams said land was too high in price and this made it difficult for working Barbadians to establish a “little house”.

Asthma sufferers were reminded to be proactive about their condition and not to delay seeking medical help until the last minute.

Peter Orlando Agard who was found guilty of having sex with a female corpse in the morgue of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) was sentenced to 100 hours of community work, two years probation and psychological counselling.

QEH announced its second successful kidney transplant done here; rather than having the procedures in North America which would cost more than US$200 000.

A popular scenic ride for Mothers’ Day held by the Barbados Transport Board only attracted 40 busloads of families this year, a marked drop from the 90 buses used in 2010.

Some of the managers and staff of the National Assistance Board

(NAB) did a nightime street survey in Bridgetown; Holetown, St James; and Speightstown, St Peter, to assess numbers of those who slept in the open.

Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) disclosed an “amazing” number of visitor arrivals - over 211 000 - accounting for 60 per cent of our foreign exchange earned for the first-quarter of the year.

The Agricultural Incentive Programme has distributed over $1/2M to applicants and 28 farmers are driving duty-free vehicles under the programme introduced during the 2010-11 financial year.

Nine polyphene bags and five taped packages of cannabis weighting 606 pounds were intercepted by the Coast Guard and Police, with assistance from the Regional Security Service, about 300 metres off North Point, St Lucy. A boat was held.

China Business Network’s chief

operation officer Adam Wu said that his country was looking to invest US$1B in the Caribbean and Latin American Region.

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, in association with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) launched the Barbados Competitiveness Programme valued at BDS$20M, to encourage productivity.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) funded a special natural dye workshop - Mood Indigo - at Barbados Community College (BCC) for Barbados’ Fashion Alliance.

Some of the funds will support organic farming trials of indigo and its use as a natural dye.

There was an eight percent drop in reported crimes for January this year as compared to 2010.

Swarms of bees, estimated at over 25 000 disrupted classes at Queens’ College, Husbands, St

Barbados Port Inc extend best wishes to all Barbadians on their

45

th

Anniversary of Independence

Serving Our People Providing Quality Service To All Our Customers.

GLORY MOORE creates craft, using Giant African Snails, which have become an island-wide pest. (FP) James, and beekeper Rudy Gibson their 15 minutes of media fame was summoned to remove them. He on UK and US television because found a dead queen which could have of a video showing them happily caused disturbance and explained chugging beers and other drinks bees sought higher ground prior to from tourists, sometimes stealing the hurricane season. alcohol from bars and sleeping Nurses complained that having tourists on the beach. to lift overweight patients resulted in Airlines reported that there them suffering from back pain. were good bookings for the However, director of nursing at QEH Crop Over and Kadooment Bernadette Harris noted that 14 season, especially from New York patient lifts had been purchased to and Miami, and also that aleviate that physical stress. many Barbadians were travelling to The cousins of Barbadian green Miami on shopping trips. monkeys in St Kitts Nevis have had

• Continued on next page

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 15B Year In Review - May

TWO SCHOOLGIRLS admiring an old standpipe during a tour at the Barbados Museum. (FP)

Wacky wheelie warning • From Page 14B. Dr Carol Jacobs HIV/AIDS czar said the Caribbean still had the second highest prevalence rate of HIV, second only to sub-Saharan Africa, and that it was the leading cause of death among 25-44 year-olds in Barbados.

Rihanna won Radio Artiste of the Year and Top Female Artiste.

The 150 families living in the Emmerton, City, area who were promised relocation away from the SewageTreatment Plant lamented that most of them were still waiting.

The National Conservation Commission (NCC) announced it was faced with “astronomical” energy bills and was looking to establish cost saving measures.

Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin apologised to his officers for delays in promotions, saying a list which was compiled since July 2010, was still awaiting action.

Drivers who had been charged for speeding, especially in the Barrow Section of the ABC Highway - one man reaching 153 kph - had to pay fines to the Traffic Court, which in one day’s session totalled $8 000.

Motorcyclists were warned that doing wheelies and other stunts on the road were dangerous and could incur charges.

There were increasing reports of secondary school students deliberately harming themselves by tattooing, piercing, cutting, burning, embedding objects under skin, and taking overdoses of drugs. The extreme acts are believed to be “a cry for help” from children who have self-esteem issues, or who are bullied or abused.

Swift on the heels of a controversy involving running out of a breast cancer treatment drug at QEH, Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health, disclosed that the hospital’s system of ordering needed to be revamped as it was using outdated and inefficient processes.

Barbados’ oldest woman Rosetta Best celebrated her 105th birthday with a thanksgiving service at her residence at Cave Memorial Nursing Home, Bryden Avenue, Brittons Hill, St Michael.

Men continued to rank higher than women in new cases of HIV and AIDS-related deaths. In 2010 there were 133 new cases of which 89 were males and in 2009 there were 111 new cases of which 58 were males.

Minister of Health Donville Inniss said the electricity bill at QEH was more than $600 000 monthly and telecommunications cost more than $200 000 every month.

A fire which started on the last Saturday of the month continued to burn into Sunday, when thousands of tyres dumped in the landfill ignited causing heavy black smoke to affect nearby Arch Hall residents. In the end C O Williams and SSA combined to dump tonnes of dirt on the fire. (DM

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 16&17

Year In Review - Local achievers

SHARON PRIMARY SCHOOL Choir won the 2011 Schools’ Choir Competition. (FP)

MUM Shirnell Boucher shows her pride and joy in her son Leniko Boucher, an outstanding young cricketer.

BARBADOS is a small island in size, however, to capture gold and bronze was named Sports it is a big player within our region and even Personality of the Year 2010 by the National internationally, given the achievements by many Sports Council. of our citizens, in numerous areas of endeavour.

• Singer Bianca Boyce, 25, won the The NATION takes this opportunity to highlight Richard Stoute Teen Talent competition after some people who have achieved in various areas years of competing in the child and teenage categories. She gave a dramatic performance of and won recognition, prizes and awards.

Zombies and also sang Unchained Melody.

• Dr Carol Jacobs, chair of the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS and • Sade-Mariah Greenidge ran undefeated at Springer Memorial School’s Inter-House Track The Global Fund to Fight AIDS was honoured and Field Championships at the National

by Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV & Stadium. setting new records.

AIDS (PANC) as “a national treasure, regional stalwart and international icon.

• A six-member British crew of the ocean rowing vessel Hallin Marine, led by Captain • Barbadian singing sensation Rihanna was named Queen of Social Media as a result David Hosking, arrived in Barbados at Port St of a poll to find the most Internet-savvy music stars. She also achieved a record in having five No.1 singles in five successive years on the British charts, a feat last accomplished by the late Elvis Presley 1957-1963.

Ri-Ri also won six prizes in the Barbados Music Awards, followed by Anderson ‘Blood’ Armstrong with five.

Veteran singer and organiser of a youth talent contest, Richard Stoute, received a Living Legend Award, and Smokey Burke got a Cornerstone Award.

Vivica Fox actress, and actor Morris Chestnut came to Barbados for the event.

• British peer Lord Gavron gave awards to two Under-19 Barbadian cricketers: all rounder Roston Chase and MILLICENT ‘MILLIE’ IFILL, nee Griffith, wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dowrich.

96, who sold fish, in the Weston, St James Karen Meakins, Barbados most • area for 70 years was honoured successful squash player, with a personal when the district market was renamed collection of gold, silver, and bronze The Millie Ifill Fish Market. (FP) medals, plus having led the national team

Charles Marina from their start in Tenerife in the Canary Islands. They created a new world record in their journey of 31 days, 23 hours, 31 minutes.

• The playfing field at Coleridge & Parry School in St Peter was named after legendary West Indies cricketer, the late Keith Boyce.

• Rum producer R. L. Seale walked away with three gold rosettes from the 2010 Caribbean Alcohol Beverage Awards which gives independent ratings.

• Independence honours for 2010 went to 21 barbadians: Sir Branford Taitt president of the senate and former minister was knighted; Ebe Gilkes, musician particularly of jazz was awarded the Barbados Service Star and Keith Griffith Willie Alleyne for photography. The Gold Crown Of Merit went to St Clair Harper for contributions to transportation and funeral directing. Yvonne Walkes trade unionist and women’s rights advocate got the Silver Crown Of Merit.

• A hat by Bajan milliner Cynthia Hunte placed second in the Kentucky Derby Museum hat contest.

• Leniko Boucher completed his third century as Fusionz Boutique Passage United batsman during the Inspire National Sports Council Under-13 Cricket Competition.

• Sulaimann Ukadia of Al Falah school won first prize in the Barbados National Bank (BNB) Rightstart Primary Schools Speech Contest, for his public speaking rendition of Cricket – A Game That Incites Passion.

• Dilease Chandler was awarded the Silver Crown Of Merit for outstanding community service, because as a vendor outside Roebuck Secondary school which became Louis Lynch, she went above the call of duty in providing

lunch, bus fare, and even graduation colothes for children in need, whether parents could pay her back or not, and she became much loved by the students.

• The Faculty of Medical Sciences Auditorium at University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, was named after Professor Emeritus Henry Fraser who devoted 33 years of his life to teaching medicine in Barbados and the region.

The facility is now called the Henry Fraser Lecture Theatre.

• Pedro Collins and Ryan Hinds, received awards from Cricket Legends of Barbados.

• Kason Bartlett was judged Best Recruit during the Regional Police Training Centre’s (RPTC) 134th Passing Out Parade.

• Hindsbury Primary School brownies won the most Brownie Awards at the Thinking Day Service recently held at People’s Cathedral Bishop’s Court Hill.

• Springer Memorial and Queen’s College

DILEASE CHANDLER receiving her award from Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands. (FP)

schools were champions of the Powerade Barbados Secondaryschools’ Athletic Champsionships.

Queen’s College boys won over Harrison College.

• Eleanor Bracken won the American Orchid Society’s First Class Certification this year for Barbadian flower Angraecum Lemforde White Beauty.

• Heather Walker, 14, of AKELA JONES, 15, Queen’s College, won two the premier girls commanding victories in champion of Springer the first show-jumping Memorial erased a event of Barbados six-year record with her Equestrian Association at first jump in the Big C Stables in Frere Under-17 long jump Pilgrim, Christ Church. She during the 2011 came first in both the 1.00mBarbados Secondary 1.10m and the 1.00mSchools Athletic 1.110m accumulator class, Championships. as befitting her status as one of the island’s allround equestrian General Service riders.

Medals and 72 • Daniel Lashley clasps. of Harrison College • Farmer and Brenden Gonsalves of Queen’s College Lambert Joseph placed second and third, respectively, was named in the regional judging of the Children’s Farmer Of The Year 2010-11 by Barbados Environmental Poster Competition of the Agricultural Development Marketing Florida Caribbean Cruise Association.

Corporation (BADMC) for his outstanding work Nationally, top junior prize went to Daniel on his 10-acre farm.

Lashley and first place in the senior group to • Phenomenal Women Awards were given Brenden Gonsalves. The focus was to show on a by The Girlfriends Foundation, an offshoot of poster three ways that your destination could Girlfriends Expo. to MP Mara Thompson make a difference in preserving the (Woman Of The Year); former opposition environment. leader Mia Mottley; MP Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo; • Harrison College won the National singer Rihanna (Robyn Fenty); broadcaster Council for Science and Technology’s Schools Gaynelle Marshall; businesswoman Cecily ReidDebating Competition, in the finals in which Sealy; and champion sportsperson Karen they competed against Combermere school.

Meakins.

• Six years ago men and women of • Shena Squires reclaimed her 2010 Barbados Defence Force were called into title as Champion Fish Boner in the Chefette service to assist in restoring order following an contest in this year’s Oistins Fish Festival. uprising and fire at Glendairy Prisons, Station • Elombe Mottley was given the Clement Hill, on March 29. A formal ceremony was held Payne National Hero Award 2011 for his to give officers and reservists 555 medals, devotion to culture and the arts. comprising 23 Meritorious Service Medals, 460 Nateasha Browne of Westbury Primary

•

KYLE ALLEYNE receiving the Chief Scout Award badge from Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands. (FP)

School, 10, won a prize in the 16th Kanagawa Biennial World Childrens’ Art Exhibition with a drawing entitled My Home. She competed agains 23 266 students from 75 countries.

• Commander-In-Chief of Barbados Defence Force Colonel Alvin Quintyne was awarded the Legion of Merit from the United States Government. General Douglas Fraser, commander of the United States southern region came to Barbados to present the award, which was witnessed by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart. (photo on pg 3a wed 11may) • Holders Hill Community 4-H Club won Most Outstanding Senior 4-H Club in the island. For the second time Shanese Phoenix of the Holders group won 4-H Girl Of The Year; while Ron Burgess of Garrison Secondary School won 4-H Boy Of The Year.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 16&17

Year In Review - Local achievers

SHARON PRIMARY SCHOOL Choir won the 2011 Schools’ Choir Competition. (FP)

MUM Shirnell Boucher shows her pride and joy in her son Leniko Boucher, an outstanding young cricketer.

BARBADOS is a small island in size, however, to capture gold and bronze was named Sports it is a big player within our region and even Personality of the Year 2010 by the National internationally, given the achievements by many Sports Council. of our citizens, in numerous areas of endeavour.

• Singer Bianca Boyce, 25, won the The NATION takes this opportunity to highlight Richard Stoute Teen Talent competition after some people who have achieved in various areas years of competing in the child and teenage categories. She gave a dramatic performance of and won recognition, prizes and awards.

Zombies and also sang Unchained Melody.

• Dr Carol Jacobs, chair of the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS and • Sade-Mariah Greenidge ran undefeated at Springer Memorial School’s Inter-House Track The Global Fund to Fight AIDS was honoured and Field Championships at the National

by Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV & Stadium. setting new records.

AIDS (PANC) as “a national treasure, regional stalwart and international icon.

• A six-member British crew of the ocean rowing vessel Hallin Marine, led by Captain • Barbadian singing sensation Rihanna was named Queen of Social Media as a result David Hosking, arrived in Barbados at Port St of a poll to find the most Internet-savvy music stars. She also achieved a record in having five No.1 singles in five successive years on the British charts, a feat last accomplished by the late Elvis Presley 1957-1963.

Ri-Ri also won six prizes in the Barbados Music Awards, followed by Anderson ‘Blood’ Armstrong with five.

Veteran singer and organiser of a youth talent contest, Richard Stoute, received a Living Legend Award, and Smokey Burke got a Cornerstone Award.

Vivica Fox actress, and actor Morris Chestnut came to Barbados for the event.

• British peer Lord Gavron gave awards to two Under-19 Barbadian cricketers: all rounder Roston Chase and MILLICENT ‘MILLIE’ IFILL, nee Griffith, wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dowrich.

96, who sold fish, in the Weston, St James Karen Meakins, Barbados most • area for 70 years was honoured successful squash player, with a personal when the district market was renamed collection of gold, silver, and bronze The Millie Ifill Fish Market. (FP) medals, plus having led the national team

Charles Marina from their start in Tenerife in the Canary Islands. They created a new world record in their journey of 31 days, 23 hours, 31 minutes.

• The playfing field at Coleridge & Parry School in St Peter was named after legendary West Indies cricketer, the late Keith Boyce.

• Rum producer R. L. Seale walked away with three gold rosettes from the 2010 Caribbean Alcohol Beverage Awards which gives independent ratings.

• Independence honours for 2010 went to 21 barbadians: Sir Branford Taitt president of the senate and former minister was knighted; Ebe Gilkes, musician particularly of jazz was awarded the Barbados Service Star and Keith Griffith Willie Alleyne for photography. The Gold Crown Of Merit went to St Clair Harper for contributions to transportation and funeral directing. Yvonne Walkes trade unionist and women’s rights advocate got the Silver Crown Of Merit.

• A hat by Bajan milliner Cynthia Hunte placed second in the Kentucky Derby Museum hat contest.

• Leniko Boucher completed his third century as Fusionz Boutique Passage United batsman during the Inspire National Sports Council Under-13 Cricket Competition.

• Sulaimann Ukadia of Al Falah school won first prize in the Barbados National Bank (BNB) Rightstart Primary Schools Speech Contest, for his public speaking rendition of Cricket – A Game That Incites Passion.

• Dilease Chandler was awarded the Silver Crown Of Merit for outstanding community service, because as a vendor outside Roebuck Secondary school which became Louis Lynch, she went above the call of duty in providing

lunch, bus fare, and even graduation colothes for children in need, whether parents could pay her back or not, and she became much loved by the students.

• The Faculty of Medical Sciences Auditorium at University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, was named after Professor Emeritus Henry Fraser who devoted 33 years of his life to teaching medicine in Barbados and the region.

The facility is now called the Henry Fraser Lecture Theatre.

• Pedro Collins and Ryan Hinds, received awards from Cricket Legends of Barbados.

• Kason Bartlett was judged Best Recruit during the Regional Police Training Centre’s (RPTC) 134th Passing Out Parade.

• Hindsbury Primary School brownies won the most Brownie Awards at the Thinking Day Service recently held at People’s Cathedral Bishop’s Court Hill.

• Springer Memorial and Queen’s College

DILEASE CHANDLER receiving her award from Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands. (FP)

schools were champions of the Powerade Barbados Secondaryschools’ Athletic Champsionships.

Queen’s College boys won over Harrison College.

• Eleanor Bracken won the American Orchid Society’s First Class Certification this year for Barbadian flower Angraecum Lemforde White Beauty.

• Heather Walker, 14, of AKELA JONES, 15, Queen’s College, won two the premier girls commanding victories in champion of Springer the first show-jumping Memorial erased a event of Barbados six-year record with her Equestrian Association at first jump in the Big C Stables in Frere Under-17 long jump Pilgrim, Christ Church. She during the 2011 came first in both the 1.00mBarbados Secondary 1.10m and the 1.00mSchools Athletic 1.110m accumulator class, Championships. as befitting her status as one of the island’s allround equestrian General Service riders.

Medals and 72 • Daniel Lashley clasps. of Harrison College • Farmer and Brenden Gonsalves of Queen’s College Lambert Joseph placed second and third, respectively, was named in the regional judging of the Children’s Farmer Of The Year 2010-11 by Barbados Environmental Poster Competition of the Agricultural Development Marketing Florida Caribbean Cruise Association.

Corporation (BADMC) for his outstanding work Nationally, top junior prize went to Daniel on his 10-acre farm.

Lashley and first place in the senior group to • Phenomenal Women Awards were given Brenden Gonsalves. The focus was to show on a by The Girlfriends Foundation, an offshoot of poster three ways that your destination could Girlfriends Expo. to MP Mara Thompson make a difference in preserving the (Woman Of The Year); former opposition environment. leader Mia Mottley; MP Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo; • Harrison College won the National singer Rihanna (Robyn Fenty); broadcaster Council for Science and Technology’s Schools Gaynelle Marshall; businesswoman Cecily ReidDebating Competition, in the finals in which Sealy; and champion sportsperson Karen they competed against Combermere school.

Meakins.

• Six years ago men and women of • Shena Squires reclaimed her 2010 Barbados Defence Force were called into title as Champion Fish Boner in the Chefette service to assist in restoring order following an contest in this year’s Oistins Fish Festival. uprising and fire at Glendairy Prisons, Station • Elombe Mottley was given the Clement Hill, on March 29. A formal ceremony was held Payne National Hero Award 2011 for his to give officers and reservists 555 medals, devotion to culture and the arts. comprising 23 Meritorious Service Medals, 460 Nateasha Browne of Westbury Primary

•

KYLE ALLEYNE receiving the Chief Scout Award badge from Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands. (FP)

School, 10, won a prize in the 16th Kanagawa Biennial World Childrens’ Art Exhibition with a drawing entitled My Home. She competed agains 23 266 students from 75 countries.

• Commander-In-Chief of Barbados Defence Force Colonel Alvin Quintyne was awarded the Legion of Merit from the United States Government. General Douglas Fraser, commander of the United States southern region came to Barbados to present the award, which was witnessed by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart. (photo on pg 3a wed 11may) • Holders Hill Community 4-H Club won Most Outstanding Senior 4-H Club in the island. For the second time Shanese Phoenix of the Holders group won 4-H Girl Of The Year; while Ron Burgess of Garrison Secondary School won 4-H Boy Of The Year.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 18B

Year In Review - June

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RATING AGENCY Moody’s downgraded this country from Baa2 to Baa3 because of its projections that Government debt was likely to reach too high a level in the next 12 to 18 months. Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler expressed surprise and disappointment saying Moody’s decision was “speculative and (an) unnecessary rush to judgement.”

• The big one can slam into us at any time. This was the warning from Jeremy Collymore, Director of Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) at the beginning of the official hurricane season.

• As days became hotter, stores and agents selling air-conditioners and fans did hot business, selling more cooling units than usual, especially for bedroom use.

• Rihanna signed a three-year marketing deal with Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) which included a Kensington Oval live concert on August 5, and her participation in advertising campaigns and interacting with key global stakeholders.

• Prime Minister Freundel Stuart in a televised report to Barbadians made some changes in ministerial portfolios.

• The PM advised the Immigration Department to work more swiftly to deal with the permanent residency or citizenship status of people who had lived here for a long time, even from childhood,

and who have been paying taxes, as such persons were encountering difficulties is accessing free medical care and medications.

• Government will have a comprehensive geotechnical study done of the Brittons Hill area, where a family of five perished in a 2007 cave-in, and where nearby buildings have cracks and other land surface openings later appeared in the wider

district afterwards.

• The historic St Joseph Anglican Church, St Audain, at Horse Hill, was being investigated by a geotechnical team because of CLOCK SERVICER Andrew Hinks, (left), watching his colleague structural damage caused by land Brian Parry as he holds the hands of the Parliament clock, with slippage years ago, earth tremors in MTW workers (at right). (FP) 2007, and the effects suffered during embark on a $200M project to the subjects said they did not the passage of Tropical Storm diversify the sugar industry with consume that much fish. The elevated Tomas in 2010. bagasse, ethanol, special sugars and mercury found in residents was from Government announced plans to • molasses. using bleaching creams and lotions • A BDS$6.5M from the People’s on their skin.

Republic of China will be used to • Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) received a $1M private bring several small development projects on stream. This is part of an donation from businesses (to be disbursed over five years) to increase economic and technical cooperation cardiovascular services. agreement.

• The Ministry of Family, Culture, • Hometown boy, Dr Kurt Youth and Sport launched a comic Lambert, who has studied and book called Chain Links to educate worked far afield, and been abroad in children on HIV/AIDS. Europe, the United States, and Africa for the last two decades, funded the • Barbados imported fish to a value of $23.8M in 2010. building of a clinic in Carrington’s Research into a fishing village Village, St Michael, saying “I • in Barbados, to establish if people thought it would be useful as there had higher than normal mercury Government can only do so much.” levels due to eating lots of fish, • Barbadian Police were A BOWL of cupcake batter was the focus of intense concentration puzzled the scientists even though during the First Steps Academy Inc. summer camp. (FP) they did find above average levels, as • Continued on next page.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 19B

Year In Review - June

• From Page 18B summoned to Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) on the 9th to deal with at least 12 passengers on an arriving Virgin Atlantic flight from London, during which these people were allegedly cursing and fighting.

Some were subsequently charged and had to pay fines.

• A British Airways flight was grounded at Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) because of birds striking a plane, delaying about 100 passengers for a day, until checks were done to ensure that the aircraft was good to go.

• In an annual regional competition Barbadian chefs won a record 11 gold medals and also some individual awards including Chef Of The Year which was captured by Michell Husbands.

• Small hotels under the Intimate Hotels of Barbados (IHB) group appealed for financial help from Government.

• President of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA) Colin Jordan proposed a tax benefit for Bajans who took staycations rather than travelling abroad.

• In 2010, 40 people were charged for financial crimes, including within Government departments and private business, as well as some who defrauded individuals.

• Police were called in to investigate how more than half million dollars went missing from the Government Treasury.

• A British national, John Lepp, 46, who was living at a plush West Coast area, was arrested in an Internet fraud scheme that swindled investors of more than $1.5M, and counting, since the amount of money involved was expected to rise as more people who had been conned came forward to Police.

• Residents from Berbice Road in Fitts Village, West Terrace Gardens, Durants Development, Hoytes Terrace and Bagatelle, St James woke up on the morning of the 17th to find car tyres slashed.

• The West Terrace, St James community relaunched its Neighbourhood Watch programme.

• More teenagers, some from 13, were being admitted to the Psychiatric Hospital with substance abuse problems and related mental health issues. Some of them used two or three illegal drugs.

• The two top students in the 2011 Common Entrance exam were Abigail Durant of St Gabriel’s Primary School, who will attend St Michael School; and the top boy was Ibraheem Patel of Al Falah School who will go to Queen’s College. The other top eight achievers came from St Gabriel’s, St Winifred’s, South District, Gordon Greenidge, St Stephen’s, Charles F Broome, and Al Falah.The eight under-11 pupils who took the examination all passed.

• The Cave Hill School of Business Inc. (CHSB) and Valeant International (Barbados) SRL (subsidiary of a multinational pharmaceutical company) teamed up to offer a US$10 000 prize for the Business Plan Competition to help the winner to implement the proposal.

• A study will be conducted by the Ministry of Health and University of the West Indies (UWI) Chronic Disease Research Centre on The Health Of The Nation: Taking The Pulse Of Barbados.

• A faulty transmission cable and an anomaly in Barbados Light and Power (BL&P) back-up system plunged most of the island into darkness early on the morning of the 15th.

• BL&P has had a delay in its proposed wind turbine project in St Lucy because of a change of land ownership at the site.

• There were some short power cuts in various parts of the island because of damage to one of BL&P circuit breakers and failure of one of the insulators at the Spring Garden, St Michael plant.

• BL&P disclosed that the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) was possibly the heaviest user of energy here, with about 30 million gallons of water being pumped daily.

• The Evelyn Building that once housed the old Ice Factory and Smithfield Foods Limited at Mason Hall Street, The City, but had become a haven for drug addicts who cooked food and used fired-up drugs inside, became engulfed in fire on the 3rd.

• Almost 15 years after it was constructed, the proposed site of the new landfill at Greenland, St Andrew, lies idle when it comes to receiving garbage, its acres overgrown with bush.

• The month ended with high winds and frequent showers due to a tropical wave. (DM)

CHRIST CHURCH GIRLS’ SCHOOL STUDENTS taking part in the launch of a healthy lifestyle week of activities. (FP)

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 20B Year In Review - July

SARGASSUM SEAWEED kept up its overwhelming assault on north and south coasts, and it was disclosed that it could be used for fertilizer as it is nitrogen rich.

It is also an ingredient in organic skin creams and made into fabric for clothing in other countries.

• Professor Henry Fraser former head of Barbados National Trust, in the wake of this island winning its bid to have Bridgetown and its Garrison declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, noted that at least five historic buildings and a dozen sites were in need of repair.

• The popular calypso I Carr My Sheep To Town by Stiffy in the Bacchanal Time calypso tent, first performed with a sheep on stage, attracted objection from the RSPCA’s Chief Inspector Wayne Norville. The tent’s management replied the sheep was well cared for and other types of entertainment used animals.

• From 2012, larger and more concentrated natural gas vehicles would be imported into the island from a new manufacturer.

• Fisherfolk reported low catches of flying fish.

• During A VISITOR the 47th enjoying the conference of moves of a Mother Caribbean Food Sally in the Crop Over Crops Society, Opening Gala.

Barbados and other United Nations World regional Tourism Organization countries were (UNWTO) and was the urged to produce only country to be in the top more food to become ten with fewer than one million more nutritionally visitors at just 0.5M. The United secure.

States was in sixth place.

• Cattle farmers suffered • Former Central Bank Governor losses when they discovered Sir Courtney Blackman shared his their animals has been five-point plan for economic butchered in a professional recovery: technical manner, with all the meat support for statutory gone and just the carcass corporations, energy left behind. conservation and • School cafeterias alternatives, food were given guidelines production, crime on providing more prevention, and the nutritious foods, unravelling of red snacks and drinks to tape. allow students to • In spite of a recent make healthier “weak” rating of choices. Doctors Barbados’ economy, XAVIER and other medical Wall Street financial GREENIDGE is professionals were a high flyer on his bike ratings firm, Standard and also challenged to and also likes football, Poors, noted it would practise what they stick to its projection of cricket and skate preach about diet and two per cent growth this boarding, in spite of exercise. having lost his left leg to year.

• Barbados cancer in 2005.(FP) • Minister of Finance Contractors Chris Sinckler said the Association submitted recommendations economy continued to stabalize “albeit at a to Government in order to have a listing moderate level of 2.1 per cent”. The tourism of qualified builders available to the public. sector leads the way in growth with a five per • In light of many complaints about high cent increase. charges, Stephen Worme of Barbados Light & • The National Insurance Scheme stated its Power (BL&P) said recent increases in the cost funds were sound until the year 2032, however of electricity resulted from several factors, the next actuarial review is scheduled for 2012. including the fuel price and VAT rise, and “did • Continuing its crackdown on defaulters not benefit” the power company “in any way”. The Land Tax Department advertised some However, BL&P made a profit of about properties for auction. $45.6M in 2010.

• Government’s office building at Warrens • Barbados was ranked fifth in the world in is up for sale to recover the near $68M owed to spending done by tourists, according to the • Continued on next page.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 21B • From Page 20B. Barrack Construction by the National Housing Corporation, in compliance with a High Court order given in 2010 in favour of Al Barrack.

• Rising fees and penalties associated with credit cards pushed more people up to the maximum ceilings and led to some seeking debt consolidation loans.

• Police carried out an early morning raid at a site where dogfighting was taking place, at Thorne’s Gap, Westbury, St Michael, but all the perpetrators fled, leaving the dogs and a bloodied area. In the aftermath, threats were made to the Animal Control Unit’s manager, which were reported to the Police.

• The Caribbean Association of Corrections (CAC) has called on prison authorities and organisations dealing with those who have served sentences to do more to prepare former convicts to earn their living and reintegrate into society upon release.

BROTHERS Christiano, (left) and Christian Watts, (right), learning all • A foreign investor said to be American World Clinics (AWC) was working on acquiring the long defunct St Joseph Hospital in St Peter, in order to make it into a first-class treatment facility and a medical about roasting breadfruit from aunt Ariel “Diamond” Lowe, while tourism research and accomodation centre. Rudolph Griffith watches in background. (FP) • More nurses are working in Barbados, rather than seeking employment abroad as had obtained in the early 2000s.

• Janette Lynton of Cancer Support Services said the ongoing PSA blood screening programme to detect prostate cancer in men showed that some as young as 35 were positive.

• Barbados has the highest adolescent fertility rate ahead of countries such as the United States and Britain, with 42 births for every 1 000 of the age group. The highest incidence of AIDS was among 30-39 year old men and second and third highest 10-19 and 20-29 year old females. In 2010 the number of deaths from AIDS were 23 men and 13 women.

• QEH is still having problems with non-nationals targeting Barbados for free medical care. A teen mum from St Maarten recently had a baby there and abandoned it. A ruse being used by pregnant illegals is to arrive at QEH in an ambulance, in an effort to claim the delivery should be a free “emergency” situation, even if they are full-term with no unusual problems, thus having had nine months to prepare their payment.

• Barbados Diabetes Foundation launched a programme to lower the massive number of lower limb amputations performed on diabetics by donating about $10 000 worth of foot sensitivity testing kits to the Ministry of Health.

• The NATION sponsored Camp Fun, Fit and Healthy: Body, Mind and Spirit for children five to 14 years, included the provision of certified physical fitness instructors.

• Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, during his speech at the CARICOM meeting in St Kitts noted “in 2010 . . . only 0.3 per cent of CARICOM nations were refused entry to Barbados . . . 36 were granted long-stay and 1 577 short-stay work permits.”

• Six Barbadians and three non-nationals were held by a combined team from Police Drug Squad, Coast Guard and Regional Security Systems (RSS) in connection with a drug haul of 618 pounds of cannabis, and 22 pounds of what appeared to be cocaine in one operation; and another one which netted 837 pounds of marijuana, in which the Anti-gun Unit at Cluffs, St Lucy was involved.

• There were 33 promotions in the Police Force, with Inspector Leon Blades becoming Assistant Superintendent, four promotions to inspector and seven to station sargeant.

• The number of island constables plummeted from 1 500 to a mere 70 over the last four to five years; perhaps a reflection on the wages of $64 a day or $320 a week.

• Copper thieves went to new heights by nabbing nearly $36 000 worth of power cable, estimated weight 690 pounds, from the almost 60-foot-tall Mall Internationale Building at Haggatt Hall, St Michael.

• Approximately $300 000 in building materials required to renovate Oistins Public Library disappeared, prompting a fullscale investigation.

• Trinidadian Monsignor Charles Jason Gordon was appointed new Roman Catholic Bishop of Barbados, filling the vacancy left by the 2005 retirement of Bishop Malcolm Galt.

• Rihanna reached 40 505 600 fans on a leading social network site, pushing past Lady Ga Ga to be the Queen of Facebook.

• Barbados Landship appealed for more members as its numbers were dwindling in recent times.

• The People’s Uprising of 1937 was marked by a ceremony with speeches, songs and flower offerings on the 26th at Golden Square, where the bust of National Hero, the Right Excellent Clement Payne is situated.

• Our only living national hero, cricket legend, the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, celebrated his 75th birthday.

• While celebrating her 100th birthday, Sylvia Greenidge, a former seamstress, gave this lifestyle advice: “Live decently, eat properly and keep close to the Lord.” (DM)

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 22B

Year In Review - August

AUGUST was made most memorable when international Bajan singing star Rihanna performed her LOUD concert at Kensington Oval the first friday of the month. She did so for free, with the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) paying for production costs, as part of an agreement between the Government and the star to promote her island home.

Twenty residents of the Child Care Board children’s homes were given tickets

by LIME to attend; as well as 24 tickets to customers and 40 regional guests.

The 80 patrons who paid $1 000 for the show had seats and a close view of the concert, with only a few of the $500 guests getting a chair, and others, as well as those with $300 tickets standing for

the show.

In additon there were some boxes for $7 000 to $15 000 booked by individuals or corporate clients. A total of 25 000 attended the show (4 000 patrons from abroad) which necessitated special traffic regulations and several park-and-ride buses, including one for the disabled.

Chief of Protocol Hugh Allman noted that it was a matter of choice whether event

CALYPSO MONARCH Popsicle on his way to winning the 2011 Pic-O-De-Crop title. (FP)

organizers played the Barbados National Anthem at the start of shows.

Bajan group Cover Drive and American rapper J Cole also performed. In spite of having to wait an hour between the end of opening acts and the appearance of Rihanna, fans were LOUD in their praise of her energetic performance which included her beating drums and playing guitar for awhile, mounting her pink “military” tank, and grinding over a prostrate male from the audience. She acknowledged her Westbury roots, just a stone’s throw from the stage.

An after-party was held at Limegrove Lifestyle centre in Holetown, St James and Ri-Ri also hosted a beach and boat outing for friends and family.

It was reported that Rihanna and “her people” were looking into investing in one or both Almond Beach properties, which need re-investment in order for upgrades to be done.

The Rihanna concert extended the spirit of Crop

Over a little longer, and the Queen of Pop was seen paying mas on Kadooment Day in a glittering bikini costume.

• David ‘Popsicle’ Hall won the MQI Banks/LIME Pic-’O-De-Crop title with Don’t Sell Cornwell (his donkey/ass) and I Would Pick A Fair, with defending champion Gabby coming second and Blood third. Edwin ‘General’ Yearwood won Tune-Of-The-Crop with Cova De Road. Rupee won the 2011 Starcom Network’s People’s Monarch with I Am a Bajan.

• Renee Ratcliffe band leader and designer of the 600-strong Pride won large band and also copped the historical title and was third in tropical and third as festival designer.

• Pan Fusion at Ilaro Court, Pan In The City, and Pan Pun De Sand were all well attended.

• Five calypsonians in the Pic-O’-De Crop semi-final were directed by National Cultural Foundation (NCF) to

BAJAN SUPERSTAR Rihanna performing before her home crowd at the LOUD concert at Kensington Oval. (FP) change part of their lyrics.

• Copyright Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Inc. (COSCAP) reported paying $278 539 to overseas-based agencies for foreign artistes in 2010 for music played here and $279 380 to local performers.

• Hundreds of sea turtle eggs were destroyed or washed into the sea in the Mullins Bay/Turtle Beach area of St Peter during rough seas which accompanied Tropical

Storm Emily.

• A halo or round rainbow appearing around the sun on the morning of the 9th had some Bajans calling the Met office and asking if the world was coming to an end, in spite of the fact that this ring is seen now and again around the sun and moon.

• A croton scale insect which infests the common hedge and decorative plant • Continued on next page.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 23B

Year In Review - August

• From page 22B. was discovered in St James and people were asked to look for it and report it to the Department of Agriculture. The phalacrococcus howerton has also been found to affect other plants in Florida, such as soursop, carambola, fat pork, sea grape, mango, avocado, plum, and guava; and the ornamentals heliconia and acalypha.

• Health authories expressed concern about dog owners not picking up their pets’ droppings when they took them for walks on the beach. Infected sand was causing some people to get cutaneous larva migrans, a disease that penetrates the skin leaving worm like burrows.

• Due to the recycling done by B’s Recycling, about 70 per cent or 300 to 350 tonnes of garbage per day was being kept out of the Mangrove, St Thomas landfill.

• Barbados National Oil Company Limited (BNOCL) opened a “green” maintenance building, with Prime Minister Freundel Stuart throwing the switch to turn on the photovoltaic system.

• More teens are showing up for free meals at the Salvation Army, about 17 of them included in the total of 134 people fed, as well as the 34 who had meals delivered. The organization also gives out 40 hampers each week. Many of the young people were single mothers with children.

• Ismay Spooner, 110 years, was born Ismay Hinkson in Barbados but went to live in Guyana when she married a Guyanese and remained there, now being the oldest person in that country.

• Police launched a massive manhunt to track down the two men who shot at a team of three officers while they were on patrol – two of whom were injured – in Navy Garden, Christ Church.

• Police Commissioner Darwin Dottin disclosed in a media conference on the 15th that there had been 22 murders so far for the year as opposed to 17 for the same period last year.

• He also announced that applications for fetes with loud music would henceforth be going before senior officers for approval.

• Police uncovered a racket involving stolen cars which thieves are registering as legitimate vehicles, even using the names of deceased drivers, after removing the chassis and engine numbers and replacing them with identification markings from imported used vehicles.

• More than 13 000 marijuana plants were destroyed by Police this year, burning 900 of the illegal shrubs after a joint operation at Ashford, St John which revealed a secret crop grown inside an area surrounded by trees and bush.

• Forty-three arrests were made as a result of tips given by Crime Stoppers Barbados to the Police. The private organisation also said the Force had been able to clear up 82 cases because of 745 tips passed on to it.

• Hoteliers and others voiced concern about violent crime, including murder; and the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) noted that elderly people were being targeted.

• Barbados welcomed 720 000 visitors for the January to July period; with 59 270 alone in July, from Britain, United States, CARICOM countries and Trinidad and Tobago, in descending order of numbers.

• Twenty Jamaicans were held on suspicion of trafficking illegal drugs into Barbados, and eight of them who passed out more than 500 packets of illegal drugs in QEH were jailed for between 24 to 36 months.

• Seven people over 65 sought medical attention for gastroenteritis, a relatively notable number for that age group, leading to the Ministry of Health reminding people about hand washing and other hygienic practices.

• Family members had to perform grave digging and covering duties at a burial at Westbury Cemetery on the 12th, as soil technicians were off the job due to a dispute. Sanitation Services Authority (SSA) staff went to Westbury and parked their trucks, in solidarity with the work stoppage of gravediggers.

• The US got a demotion from AAA to AA+ from Standard & Poors due to a high debt ratio and the length of time it took for government to raise the debt ceiling and come up with other ideas to deal with unemployment and other economic challenges. The stock market plunged as shares were rapidly sold and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two leading financial companies were also devalued to the AA+ level. China, which has huge US investments, including 30 per cent of Frannie and Freddie, was critical of the US political directorate. Some called this situation a “double dip recession” whereas others felt it wasn’t real.

• In keeping with the movement towards alternative energy, several bus shelters on the south coast were fitted with solar panels to provide illumination.

• In light of the radiation leaks as a result of the tsunami in

Japan, used automobiles imported from that country were first inspected for radiation levels before being permitted to leave the port here. In an unrelated report, it was disclosed that because of the quality of diesel on the local market, some highend vehicles are not being imported as their sophisticated engines need a better quality of fuel. (DM)

A PROUD PEACOCK in all its glory at the home of farmer Keith Laurie in St George.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 24B

Year In Review - September

BARBADOS’ NEW CHIEF JUSTICE Marston Gibson was officially sworn in by Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands, with Gibson’s mother and uncle observing the memorable occasion.

• New President of the Trinidad & Tobago based Caribbean Court of Justice Sir Dennis Byron was sworn in on St Kitts.

• Dominican Ambassador Irvin LaRocque, 56, was named as the new Secretary General of CARICOM. • Government postponed further debate on the proposed AntiCorruption Bill in order to have a select committee fine tune it.

• The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) decided to deposit pension money in bank accounts much to the chagrin of some seniors, some of whom preferred to still receive cheques in the mail. The overall change was put on hold so that pensioners could indicate their preference in the matter.

• A number of schools were upgraded with renovations and repairs during the summer vacation, costing Government more than $1M. Schools were fogged just prior to the opening of the September term in order to lower the chances of students getting dengue.

• Participants in the summer Open Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) at Cave Hill were down to about 200 this year instead of the previous average of 250-300.

• It was estimated that about 10 per cent of children are dyslexic and need special teaching methods in order for them to learn well.

• Private daycare operators were

warned that those not registered or in violation of Town and Country regulations could be closed.

• The Government effort to repair and rebuild homes of poor and lower income house owners who experienced damage from Tropical Storm Tomas last October was delayed because of complications such as not being able to ascertain the owner of the land; land owners who refuse to have rebuilding done as they wish their land to be free of renters; and issues with bureaucratic “red tape” and contractors.

• Those who qualified for Government housing in Stuarts Lodge, Tweedside, and Country Park Towers started to move in to their new homes.

• Government planned to phase out incandescent bulbs and replace them with compact fluorescent lights, in a process which included proper disposal of the older bulbs.

• Eyrie an historic building on

the grounds of Barbados Community College (BCC) was allowed to fall into ruin and eventually had to be chained off so that no one attempting to enter it would become injured.

Dating from 1871 it was once the home of Sir Conrad Reeves, Barbados’ first black Chief Justice.

• Members of the Barbados Regiment joined the cleanup of sargassum seaweed at Bath Beach, St John, and 85 soldiers from the Reserves cleaned the beach from the Drill Hall down to old Fort Willoughby.

• Arch Hall, St Thomas, residents once more complained of “awful odours” from the Mangrove Landfill.

• Police announced a tough stance against anyone breaking the ban on sea eggs and have charged some of those caught capturing the delicacy.

The ban is to give “Mother Nature” a chance to replenish the stock THREE-YEAR-OLD CUTIE Jaaden Alleyne danced for over two and to allow the small creatures • Continued on next page.

hours in the Praise in Paradise Bobby Brown gospel show held here. (FP)

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 25B

• From Page 24B.

with a shipment.

• Several butchers said Bajans still prefer pork to other meats, and any reduction in to grow to maturity. bought was due to the recession, not • A Police anti-crime drive which began last quantities people shunning “the other white meat”. month resulted in the seizure of five firearms, 117 rounds of ammunition and the holding of • Rastafarians held an all-day-to-night event to sell craft, art, food and raise funds for 12 wanted people; as well as quantities of rebuilding of Temple Yard which had been illegal drugs, knives and scissors. by fire, but pointed out that the area was • Police and Defence Force burned nearly razed too small to accommodate their bretheren.

11 000 marijuana plants in a joint operation, destroying the majority of the 15 915 illegal • Passing storms and depressions caused high rainfall, with some flooding and road trees culled this year. road next to Jack-in-the-Box • Complaints from women about shoes they damage.The Gully was closed due to damage, including a purchased topped the list of cases for which Public Counsel Romel Crawford was approached. Other cases were when workmen are paid for jobs they don’t finish.

• Street vendors accused Government of stalling the renewal of their licences as “a move to get rid of us”. Local vegetables were scarce, given the recent heavy rains, and many vendors had to purchase foreign supplies to sell.

Not only were farmers’ crops rotting in sodden fields, but after removing the spoilt produce, they could not plant new seeds or shoots due to the water covering the earth. HEAVY RAINS drenched St John and St George in the month, as evidenced in this photo of • Onions were scarce for four early a section of St Jude’ s main road in St George. weeks but the situation was relieved

Year In Review - September

gaping hole, and motorists were warned against using it until it was repaired.

• Nurses complained that their belongings were being stolen and their cars vandalised while they were on duty at polyclinics, and they asked for better security, especially with later opening A DAREDEVIL LEAP at Bathsheba, St Joseph, an hours. activity by some youth in the area.

• Staff at Randall Phillips Polyclinic complained of dusty and unsanitary offered a grand prize of a fully loaded Kia; and sponsor, the Thani Group of Companies and conditions there, causing them to walk off the job and close the facility on some days, leaving Stoute, said they are “looking for another Rihanna” a highly talented young person, who only one or two personnel. they would assist with further opportunities.

• It was revealed that there were many cases of patients in the Government Geriatric • Simmons Electrical Company Limited lost $95 000 worth of copper cable to thieves Hospital suffering from bedsores.

• The number of Lupus sufferers has risen who broke into a storage enclosure on the from only eight per year diagnosed in the early home premises of the owner. .Jamaican O’Neil Damion Brown aka Tony 1990s to the current rate of about 25 patients annually. This was disclosed during a walk and Glen Smith, or Troy Ricardo Brathwaite, 31, public awareness exercise by Hope Foundation. tricked Barbados Immigration into issuing him • A “peace” march was held in memory of a passport, then got local ID, and applied for the six young women who perished in the fire three other passports using three false birth at Campus Trendz clothing store at the time of certificates. In his travels afterwards he was refused entry into Canada. a robbery on September 3rd last year. .Brenda Pope, first female Rotary president • A leading insurance company expressed in Barbados promised to raise $260 000 to concerns with the number of accidents in purchase an electrographic ultrasound machine which young drivers were involved.

• The Richard Stoute Teen Talent show for breast cancer screening. (DM)

Year In Review - October

BARBADOS’ GOVERNMENT plans to have this island producing 30 per cent non-fossil energy, including photovoltaic and wind generation, within the next 20 years.

• The Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) was given a $1.4M injection from the United States government to facilitate 20 scholarships and enhance infrastructural development.

• A $120M bond issue will fund Barbados National Oil Company (BNOC) terminal expansion and upgrading. The Bridgetown Port was also slated for a major upgrade. A natural gas pipeline from Trinidad & Tobago is to be a reality within three years.

• Government disclosed plans to build a new state hospital to replace the 47-yearold Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), at a cost of $800M. • Barbados Water Authority has made a deal to take an additional two million gallons of water from the private Ionics Freshwater Limited to increase supply to certain areas, using three new mains which would be installed.

• A special commemorative service was held to mark the first anniversary of the death of former prime minister David Thompson last year; followed by wreath laying by his family and close associates on his tomb.

• An Antiquities Bill, which, if passed in its proposed form would give Government the right to take possession of antiques deemed important to the local culture, drew criticism. A decision was made to have the draft more widely circulated and for a study to be done on it.

• Andrews factory will be this island’s lone sugar cane grinder in two years.

• Concern was expressed

by The Fisheries Division that fishermen were catching junior “dolphins” which weighed two to six pounds instead of waiting until they were 10 pounds or more. Overfishing of immature fish could deplete future numbers.

• Thirty more attorneys were called to the Bar. • Chief Justice Marston Gibson called for greater use of technology in the Court system, especially in the magistrate’s section.

• The Barbados Police Association named low salaries and inadequate retirement conditions as two of the pressing problems being endured by officers for years.

• Four men, one Vincentian and three Barbadian were “assisting police” in their investigations

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 26B

underneath which became soft as a result of heavy rainfall.

• One year after Tropical Storm Tomas about 200 buildings remain damaged or destroyed and still awaiting repair or rebuilding, including Highland Pottery, Chalky Mount, St Andrew.

• A small contractor working on the Lancaster, St James Government housing project complained of not being paid for four weeks, thus being unable to pay his workmen.

• Whereas unemployment figures swing between 11 and 12 per cent, the seafaring A FEW TREES stopped a car driven by Francis DeFreitas (left) of Gibbons, Christ industry announced it was in a crisis because of lack of local Church, from smashing into a nearby building on Rendezvous Hill in the same manpower, urging Barbadians parish. (FP) to train for jobs in that into 1 645 pounds of seized time. Overall there were 1 115 business. last part of October. From marijuana. fires, a significant drop from November 1 packages could • Promoters of public the total of 2 304 of 2010. be bought.

• Copper thieves cost events were reminded that LIME $1/2M and such stealing • House fires were down • Christine Miller-Banfield VAT needed to be paid on 34 per cent, or 73 incidents, had to cease building her also disrupted services for complimentary tickets as well January to September this year already partially constructed many customers. LIME as those sold. as opposed to the 110 $80 000 concrete home when teamed up with Bridgetown • Economists Charlie residential fires which occured the foundation began slipping, Skeete and Sir Courtney businesses to offer free Wifi connections in The City for the in 2010 for the same period of allegedly because of mud Blackman said a wage freeze

and a cut in Government spending – including having parents pay for some of their children’s tertiary education – were essential factors in recovery.

• A survey revealed that one in six civil servants was hooked on alcohol, with some of them also being binge drinkers (five or more drinks within two hours). Only three per cent used marijuana, and cocaine use was “very low”.

• Two people died of dengue haemorrhagic fever so far for the year. Last year there were 570 cases of dengue fever, 32 cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever, and four deaths. The Environmental Department of the Ministry of Health carried out an integrated mosquito control programme, including fogging and inspections.

• The Anglican Church donated $55 000 to the QEH which was used to provide 10 discharge lounges where • Continued on next page.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 27B

A BIG SMILE for a big catch as fish cleaner Torian Wilson displays this “dolphin”.

• From Page 26B. patients could wait for “rides” in comfort, while beds could accomodate others.

• Urologist Dr Sean Russel advised Barbadian men to ignore recent statements out of the United States downgrading the use of PSA and digital-rectal tests on men to reveal enlarged prostates and cancer. Pointing out that prostate cancer was more virulent in blacks – our majority population – he advised testing annually from 40.

• It was revealed that some women as young as 19 to 30 are suffering from breast cancer.

• The National Disabilities Unit launched a Crisis Manual aimed at educating people about the treatment of vulnerable persons in dangerous situations.

• High costs of technological aids were said to be inhibiting the blind and deaf from being able to own such equipment.

• Wilfred Perez Jr., son of the pilot on the 1976 Cubana plane in which 78 lives were lost in waters outside of Barbados, paid a visit here, including a stop at the Paynes Bay memorial.

• Karen Best, head of Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) urged Government to be more speedy on plans to establish a “boot camp” type facility for delinquent students.

• New traffic flow regulations in Warrens caused some confusion for motorists but there were no reports of serious accidents.

• A proposed plan to relocate taxis from Lower and Upper Broad Street was not welcomed by the Bridgetown Taxi Association.

• The Salvation Army, having experienced a very trying year, only received about $30 000 in its mid-year appeal. The mailed envelope appeal prior to Christmas last year made $325 703 and the organization is hopeful of what can be raised in December of this year. The daily feeding programme moved from $40 000 per year to more than $50 000.

• The Plantations Restaurant, with the support of sponsors such as Pine Hill Dairy, started to cook tasty Bajan soup for people in need of a free meal. Distribution was done by community and charity groups.

• Chelsea Cottage Gully was given a clean-up of debris by a volunteers and members of Sir Winston Scottt Polyclinic.

• An executive banker put loan delinquency at 12 per cent, including mortgages, but said people struggled to pay their mortgages as they wanted to keep their homes, but job loss, overbuilding or having to pay other credits and debt could impact on their ability to make timely payments.

• The Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA) disclosed that birth statistics showed a marked decline, the second lowest level in 30 years. Births to teen mums from 1980-2010 showed a decline for the past four years with 468 in 2010, representing 14 per cent of overall births.

• Sir Clifford Husbands retired on the 30th, after 15 years of service as Governor General, because of failing health.

• Heavy showers in some west and north-west areas caused flooding in the last week of the month. (DM)

(FP)

Year In Review - October

RI-RI THE MONKEY was a big hit with visitors on the East Coast as her owner Henderson “ Ambassador” Kellman tried to sell them shell jewellery. (FP)

Year In Review - November

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 28B

CRICKETING LEGEND Reverend Wes Hall threw the switch to light up Bridgetown for the month of celebrations to mark Barbados’ 45 anniversary of Independence. • Following the lighting up, a free, open-air folk concert was enjoyed by hundreds of people of all ages, many wearing national colours of gold, blue and black. Performances included the 100-voice St Leonard’s Boys’ Choir, spoken-word artiste Adrian Greene, Red Plastic Bag and Pic-O’-De-Crop Monarch Popsicle. • Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley appealed to people to refrain from vandalising the beautifully decorated and lit roundabouts which were sponsored by companies as part of their community outreach during the month of Independence, and into the Christmas season, for the enjoyment of all. • Solar energy was used as part of the Spirit of Independence project in the Oistins area of Christ Church, with the assistance of professionals such as William Hinds. The district committee set up a solar powered office near to the post office and solar lights were placed outdoors.

MINISTER OF CULTURE Stephen Lashley •Two solar powered lights in Tudor Street were activated, and City MP Patrick gestures to Rev Wes Hall who had switched on The City lights to herald the Todd said he hoped to see greater use of 45th Anniversary of Independence solar power. Government also planned to celebrations. (FP) have some schools retrofitted and solar systems used in any future educational Cave Hill, disclosed that the Barbados institutions.

Government owed the most out of regional countries for the education of students. • Retired Justice Elliot Belgrave was sworn in as Barbados’ Acting Governor • The number of young people (under 30) General by Chief Justice Marston Gibson. getting AIDS declined last year. This was • Barbados Crime Stoppers received seven attributed to the National HIV Prevention media awards at an international conference of Action Plan 2010 which targeted that age Crime Stoppers in Montego Bay, Jamaica, for group for special education. The 2009 rate was the representation of the organization’s work in 23.1 for the under-30s and it fell to 13.9 last print, radio and television. year. However, the rate for males under-20 • The University of the West Indies, (UWI) remained constant.

We the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association, stand proud with our fellow citizens to celebrate another year of independence.

We salute the Barbadian manufacturing industries which continue to make this country grow in strength and unity.

PUT BARBADOS FIRST

BUY BAJAN

Building 8, Suite 201, Harbour Industrial Estate, St. Michael.

Tel: (246) 426-4474 Ext 325 Fax: (246) 436-5182 &NBJM JOGP!CNB CC t www.bma.bb

• During International Business Week it was disclosed that this island was conducting business for many international companies. •Barbados’ equality gender rating has fallen from being No. 21 in the region in 2009 down to 33, with Trinidad & Tobago now at 21 and Bahamas at 22.

Cuba took top spot with 60 per cent professional and technical jobs held by women and 43 parliamentary positions. • Bees were evacuated from Parliament – the insects – not the politicians, when they swarmed enmasse and flew around the area before going back into the West Wing. Beekeeper and honey producer Rudi Gibson did the necessary smoking out and removal.

YOUNG GIRLS having a go at using • The Ministry of Agriculture’s Entomology Section appealed for public our old-time jooking boards, once found in assistance in eradicating more Giant every household. (FP) African Snails by volunteering to take part in their capture, and also donating pallets, penetration for BlackBerry Messenger users in the Caribbean and Latin America, at an average used in the process of burning the pests. of nine out of ten people.

Rihanna was hospitalised with flu in • • Farmers reported that monkeys are “doing Sweden and warned by doctors that she should the dogâ€? and damaging or destroying food cut back on her hectic schedule and avoid crops. The creatures do not just select one item partying until the wee hours, avoid drinking and eat it, but take bites out of many more. lots of alcohol, and get more rest and sleep to help her avoid illness. Observing her smoking, Shrinking natural environments as increased Bajans urged her to stop doing so as this could development takes place could also be forcing damage her “voice boxâ€? and lungs. • Continued on next page. • Barbados has the highest rate of

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 29B

Year In Review - November

Monkeys ‘doing the dog’ • From Page 28B. BOY SCOUTS gleefully singing at West Terrace School. the monkeys to forage for more planted crops.

•The British Union For The Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) has been successful in its campaign to deter most airlines from transporting Barbadian monkeys to other countries for research purposes, which they deem as cruel and unnecessary torture, saying researchers today can use other test methods.

Director and founder of Barbados Primate Research Centre and Barbados Wildlife Reserve Jean Balu said his operation is conducted responsibly and animals are transported in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. He noted the animals were not a nuisance to passengers on planes.

• Residents in the area of Fruitful Hill, St Joseph, were relieved to have repairs done by the Ministry of Transport and Works following land slippage. This included diverting underground spring water away from road surfaces, installing a culvert, and erecting gabions.

• Some Bajans have returned to buying chicks and raising their own chickens, as poultry prices in supermarkets and chicken outlets have risen.

• Some drivers of the Barbados Transport Board protested the installation of cameras on board vehicles. This followed allegations that money was missing from fare boxes.

Commuters complained of having to wait long times for buses in both stands and at bus-stops. Attention was also drawn to poor lighting, flooding, and clean toilet facilites in stands.

There is no seated shelter in the Princess Alice stand and the butterfly roof design over standing areas does not shield commuters from sun or rain.

The Board said there was a full complement of vehicles and rejected any notion that there were problems with long waits, or too-full buses (after their cutbacks earlier in the year) resulting in full vehicles passing people at stops.

• A Central Revenue Authority has been established in order to better handle the collection of various taxes due to Government • Retailers in the Warrens area complained of loss of business given the new circular traffic system, detours, and traffic jams.

• Over 20 non-national women who were performing as exotic dancers were sent out of Barbados by Immigration authorities.

• There were reports of at least 25 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease which comes with fever, tiny blisters and pink spots (perhaps with some on the buttocks), sores and pain in the mouth, plus aches and pains. It mainly affects children but adults can get it.

• The Barbaados Fertility Centre reported that it was not only couples seeking its services but also single women.

• Career diplomat Larry Leon Palmer, nominated by United States President Barack Obama, awaits approval by the United States Congress before taking up the post of Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.

• United States Attorney General Eric Holder returned to Barbados to meet with local and regional leaders.

• The today show on NBC showcased Barbados via the Where In The World is Matt Lauer segment, and included celebrity chef Giada De Laurentis. Gabby and Alison Hinds were among the entertainers such as stiltwalkers, mother sallys and limbo dancers on the beach of the luxurious Sandy Lane hotel. Our national dish of flying fish was promoted as well as island attractions.

• The NATION celebrated its 38th anniversary, starting with a church service.

• We hope readers have found the monthly flashbacks of some of the highlights of the year since last Independence to be interesting and wish everyone a peaceful and happy 45th Independence! (DM)

(FP)

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 30B

Year In Review - VIP deaths

Passing parade St Hill died at 101. She was a retired maid of Barbados National bank and former employee of the Rice family.

She lived at 2nd Avenue, Alleyne’s Land, Passage Road, DAVID ALLEYNE (FP) St Michael, and was a member WHILE LOVED ONES feel of New Testament Church of the loss of an intimate brought God, Holligan Road, Bank about by any fatality, the JANUARY Hall, St Michael. deaths of some well-known Professor Ralph • • Rudolph Nurse JP, aka people affect many more, and Carnegie, Professor Emeritus ‘Bartlett’ died at 81 on the 7th. we note some of those who of the University of the He was a retired engineering KENRICK CAROLYN ‘TASSA’ have been part of the passing West Indies (UWI) 74 supertindent of Banks MOORE (FP) FORDE (FP) parade in the year since last died on the 7th.

Barbados Breweries Limited Independence. and fishing boat owner of and former member of former director of music of DECEMBER 2010 FEBRUARY Lisbon Vale, Silver Sands, Royal Barbados Police Force Yorkshire Cricket Club.

• THE NATION Dame “Aunty” Olga Myrtle Jones, 70, former Christ Church.

Band died on the 1st at QEH • • newspaper lost veteran Lopes-Seale, 92, former registrar of co-operatives, was after a battle with cancer.

• Valrie Sheena Pilgrim reporter David Anthony BSS, of Amity Lodge, broadcaster, NATION buried on the 6th.

Ricardo ‘Stumpy’ • Alleyne, 49, who had been ill columnist, and social worker Leacock, 64, third eldest of the • Eric McDeighton “Fly” Worthing View, Christ Church, for just a few months. Alleyne, died on the 4th at QEH where singing siblings, died at QEH Sealy, M B E, died at 85 in the died suddenly on the 11th. She of Wellhouse, St Philip had was acting registrar of the she had been hospitalised since on the 1st where he had been Geriatric Hospital, Beckles worked with other media General Nursing Council of December 9th.

Road, St Michael. hospitalised for four days. houses during his over 20-year Popular female Barbados.

Bridgetown Port.

• career as a journalist. calypsonian Tassa, 41, died MAY David “DG” Gittens, • Barbados’ oldest woman • • Veteran fire officer suddenly on the 9th, after Doris Provencal, 83, who Viola Nicholls, 106, died at philosopher, jewellery shop • Christopher Edwards, 57, was being given emergency her Providence Hill, Christ was married to John Kirton, owner, kayak promoter, and electrocuted and died at the Church home on the 13th after treatment and a short musician died on the 4th at his died on the 6th at the South site where he responded to an hospitalisation at QEH. suffering a stroke.

Ridge home of her daughter Inch Marlow, Christ Church emergency call, in Station Hill, Carole Kirton and son-in-law residence.

• Former band manager, St Peter, on the 15th. airline manager, and MARCH Ian Bishop. Provencal was a A service was held to • • Dr Winston Tyrone pianist and music teacher who restaurateur David Theophilus celebrate the life of Anthony • Surgeon Mr Cyril Gitens, who was associate Stephen Nelson FRCS died Hooper, 58, of Ealing Park, Anderson Lovell MBE, JP, 64, taught at several secondary professor of education at after a brief illness and was also called ‘Tony’, ‘Coach’, or schools and was the founder of Christ Church, died on the Minnesota State University, buried on Saturday 12th.

13th, about a week after he Cecilian Singers and ‘Spion Kop’ of Kingston died at Grantley Adams APRIL suffered a stroke.

Terrace, St Michael, Freedom Barbados Festival Choir.

International Airport (GAIA) Millicent Evangeline Striders track and field club, • Kenrick Moore, 79, • Alan Godsal, 85, died on • when he returned home on the 17th.

• John “Tiny” Harrison, 56, a veteran supporter of motor sports, who had been suffering from cancer, died on the 18th at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).

DAME OLGA LOPES-SEALE (FP) the 15th at his home in Berkshire, England. Barbados was his second home, and at an early age he inherited Colleton Plantation in St John from his family who had roots on this island as far back as the 1660s.

• Lloyd Alleyne, 80, owner of Shamrock Trading which operated a supermarket, died at his Ruby Park, St Philip home on the 17th.

• Mike Owen, 70, a pillar of the hockey fraternity and one of the architects of Banks International Hockey Festival died on the 21st at the QEH. • Derek “Big City” Herbert, 60, died on the 22nd.

He was a leading luminary in boxing, football and basketball.

JUNE

• Daisy Eldica Benskin

nee Watkins of Hilton Road, Maxwell, Christ Church and in more recent times resident of • Continued on next page.

Sunday/NOVEMBER 27, 2011/ INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 31B • From Page 30B.

SEPTEMBER • Vere King, 72, owner of Alicia’s Senior Citizens Home, King’s Transport Services in Cemetry Lane, Road View, St died at the grand age of 103, with a celebratory service held Peter, died on the 23rd at Bayview Hospital after a brief on the 6th. illness.

• Former Democratic Labour Party senator and OCTOBER businessman Dennis Hunte, who unsuccessfully contested the Christ Church East seat in the 1976 general election, died on the 22nd at 71.

JULY • Funeral director Jo-Anne Jones, 45, died on the 28th at QEH where she was a patient for a short while.

• Veteran journalist Tony Vanterpool, 85, died on the 2nd. He worked at the Barbados Advocate, was public relations officer at Barbados Industrial Development Corporation, then NATION editor and columnist, writing the From My Rocking Chair columns in his retirement.

• Rozanne Gribble, 54, who once owned Ire Blue and Cafe Blue, died at QEH on the 6th.

• Sylvan Anthony Griffith, aka “Sellie”, of Fustic Village, St Lucy, founder and managing director of Griffith’s Funeral Home, was buried on the11th.

• Businessman Horst Gremel, 72, who was born in Germany but came to Barbados 31 years ago, died after a brief illness. He was the proprietor of Hoject Meat Processing Limited and International Food and Deli Limited.

• Captain Roy Corbin, 73, died on the 18th, at his Fisherpond, St Thomas home.

He was a Captain of the Cadet Corps and served as a soldier in Jamaica in the 1960s, and also worked in the United States as a consultant for Export/Import Bank and Legal Services Commission.

• Richard Randolph Weekes, 53, of 3rd Avenue, Atlantic Park, St Philip, died on the 25th, He was Director of MRJ Dance Academy and Founding member of Modern Ballroom Dance Club.

AUGUST • Clarence Festus Thompson MBE, retired civil servant and organist of “Dawn”, Rendezvous Terrace, Christ Church died on the 1st.

• Rev Anthony DeCourtsey Pierce, 62, died on the 5th. He officiated at Spiritual Redemption Baptist Church, Bridge Cot, St George and was managing director of Pierce Furniture and Furnishings Ltd. • Elvis Leroy Reifer, affectionately called “Carew”, of 12 Rock Dundo Heights, St Michael, formerly of Husbands Gardens, St James, and Parish Land, St George, died suddently on the 27th. He was a technical officer in the Ministry of Environment and a former Barbados cricketer.

Year In Review - VIP Deaths

Passing parade • Pastor Victor Leach, 48,

a CNC technician and host of the show Time To Sing died on the 1st after suffering a

long illness. He lived in Kingsland Gardens, Christ Church, and was pastor of C.E.F. Miracle Centre, Lodge Hill, St Michael.

• Amory Phillips, 76, former managing director of Barbados Lumber Company, a former senator, who was

described as “a die-hard member of the Democratic Labour Party” died on the 6th.

• Sir Marcus Jordan, 82, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on the 15th. He served as president of the Senate from 1992 to 1994 and was knighted in 2008. (DM)

32. Sunday Sun.

NOVEMBER 27, 2011

Printed and published by THE NATION PUBLISHING CO. LIMITED, Nation House, Fontabelle, St Michael, Barbados. Telephone (246) 430-5400.