BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Apparently now more disposed to striking a militant posture to influence decision-making processes at the Caribbean Community Secretariat, Secretary General Irwin LaRocque made a spirited intervention at last week’s ministerial meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).
Barbados
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Advocate -The year 2012 was hot! In fact, it was ranked among one of the top 10 warmest years on record, says Omar Baddour, Climatologist with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This, despite the cooling influence of La Niña early in the year. He recently indicated that extreme weather and climate events were also noted last year, such as Tropical Storm Sandy which hit the United States and the Caribbean.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Advocate -Today is World Press Freedom Day and the theme for this year is “Safe to Speak_ Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media”, with the focus on preventing acts of violence or discrimination against journalists and media personnel as they seek to report on the happenings around the world. However, it is fair when considering “press freedom” that one critiques the content of what the press is “free” to publish; for with freedom comes great responsibility.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Advocate -According to the Minister of Finance, a lot of interest is being shown in Barbados by outside investors.
Minister Christopher Sinckler stated recently that he has been taking meetings with investors that are very interested in coming into the Barbadian market.
Speaking at a press conference on the state of the local economy, the Finance Minister told of meetings that he took just last week with a business willing to invest millions in the Barbados economy in the near future.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Advocate - From June 4, Barbadians will have their hands on crisp, boldly coloured, newly designed bank notes. News of this broke yesterday at the Central Bank at the launch of the new family of currency notes. Though the same familiar portraits of well accredited Barbadians and the familiar colours will remain associated with each note denomination, the bills have been modernised in design, with several new features being added to boost security as well as assist the visually impaired. Said Dr.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Advocate - THE Central Bank of Barbados will today unveil a new family of Barbadian banknotes – for the first time since the institution issued notes in 1973. The launch of the new series coincides with the Bank’s 41st birthday. The new notes have the same value as the current series, but will feature modern designs and upgraded security features. De La Rue Limited printed the bills and representatives from this British-based company will be on the island for the launch.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Several Caribbean countries were on Wednesday observing May Day, the international day set aside to recognise workers, with the traditional rallies and speeches against exploitation and the need for better working conditions despite the ongoing global financial and economic crisis.
While many workers, some armed with placards, urged unity in dealing with the crisis, labour leaders in several Caribbean countries, like Dominica, remained divided on the need for a trade union congress (TUC).
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Concerns are being raised in Guyana about the claims that five Guyanese women were victims of human trafficking here.
According to Press reports, relatives of two of the women questioned what was said to be their version of the goings-on in Barbados.
However, police here and in the South American country said yesterday that they would be intensifying their investigations and would not be swayed by media reports.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Caribbean nations are making another go at getting Britain to reform its burdensome Air Passenger Duty (APD).
“It is the moral and fundamental thing to do,” Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy told a meeting in London to reconstitute the APD Committee comprising among others, diplomats of Caribbean nations.
The meeting was held at the offices of the Barbados High Commission. Present were High Commissioners from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica and Cuba and representatives from Belize, Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - While apparently unwilling, if not unable, to make a reality of the long promised plan for fundamental restructuring of the governance architecture in the Caribbean Community, there seems to be a language shift in emphasis from “executive authority” to talk of a “change process”.