News and Business news from Barbados, West Indies

Potential To See More Foreign Exchange 9 March 2010
One locally-based manufacturing company's success in gaining FDA approval will translate into greater foreign exchange earnings for this country. Speaking at a press conference at Lenstec Inc. Barbados, Minister of Economic Affairs, Empowerment, Innova-tion, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Dr. David Estwick, commended the producer of intra-ocular lenses for winning the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration, noting this major breakthrough would create greater US market earnings, while increasing employment during this time of economic crisis.

US$30m For Modern BWA 9 March 2010
The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is $60 million closer to modernisation. Word of this has come from Minister of the Environment Dr Denis Lowe, who revealed yesterday that Government had successfully competed for a US$30 million IDB (Inter American Development Bank) loan, which would virtually kick-start the BWA's modernisation thrust.

HELP Delivered 8 March 2010
At least 500 people turned out to see 33 Barbadians receive the keys to their new homes in Marchfield, St Philip. Prime Minister David Thompson handed over the keys to each new homeowner yesterday afternoon after a ceremony of song and dance. Meanwhile Minister of Housing and Lands, Michael Lashley, emphasised "the mandate of this administration at the NHC is to ensure that every Barbadian gets a chance to own a piece of this rock!"

Bank Ease 8 March 2010
Despite being graduated by the World Bank, Barbados may be in line to borrow from the international financial institution once again. The country, hard hit by the global financial meltdown and facing an economic crisis, is said to be already in talks with the bank in Washington for loans at relatively low rates of interest to help ease the financial crunch.

Sterwins Captures Gold 7 March 2010
The Eugene Melnyk & Laura Melnyk-owned gr/rn gelding, Sterwins, ridden by Patrick Husbands and trained by Mark Cassey, captured the XXIX Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, yesterday at the Garrison Savannah. Sponsors Sandy Lane Hotel and the Barbados Turf Club have to be basking in glory, as they not only attracted some of the best horses, but also world class jockeys for this race, and were rewarded with the largest crowd seen at the Garrison on any one day since the running of the first Gold Cup back in 1982.

Fashion To Farming 7 March 2010
He sewed a niche for himself in Barbados' fashion industry with his unique designs. But notable fashion creator Wayne Smith has put aside his sewing machine and the glitz and glamour of the catwalk for a career that is less attractive. Wayne has gone from fashion designer to farmer. For the past two years he has been using his skilful hands to make flour from cassava, rear sheep, goats and rabbits, and harvest an additive for feed from speciality grasses.

RBPF Celebrates 175 Years 6 March 2010
The Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) is continuing the legacy, celebrating 175 years of existence. Embarking on a full year of celebrations, the RBPF held their official launch in Independence Square yesterday with a route march and full entertainment package. Commending fellow officers on their immaculate turnout and impressive performance on the afternoon, Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin noted that there is nothing that lifts the spirit like a military display.

Bigger Reggae Show 6 March 2010
The Digicel Barbados Reggae Festival will be bigger this year. The festival, which runs April 18 to April 25, will include a fourth event. Speaking at a Press launch at Hilton Barbados on Wednesday, FAS Entertainment's Al Gilkes said they had included a party cruise on the Harbour Master on April 24 to satisfy requests from visitors for an event between Vintage Reggae and Reggae On The Hill.

Loyal Visitors Urged To Further Promote Barbados 5 March 2010
Spread the message about what Barbados has to offer and continue to promote Barbados. This was Prime Minister David Thompson's plea to a number of repeat visitors, who visited Ilaro Court for a Cocktail Reception on Wednesday night. Thompson, in greeting the guests on behalf of himself and his wife Mara Thompson, urged them to use whatever means they have available to them, including the social networking website Facebook, to post the best images and experiences and encounters they have had, so as to further promote the island.

BWA Kicks Off Drought Plan 5 March 2010
Don't use that hose for watering ornamental plants or washing vehicles. That caution has come as the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) kicks its Drought Management Plan into gear. A release from the Government Information Service (GIS) said the increasingly dry conditions had prompted the BWA to activate Stage 1 of the plan.

Importing Natural Gas Won't Have Immediate Effect On Fuel Prices 4 March 2010
Chief Marketing Officer of (BL&P) Stephen Worme stated "we are pleased that it has come to this point for the beginning of negotiations, because this project could have an impact on reducing cost of fuel, but it is not an immediate process." His comments come on the heels of the announcement that the Government of Barbados has agreed to the importation of natural gas via pipeline from Trinidad and Tobago's Eastern Caribbean Gas Pipeline Company Limited (ECGPC).

Reggae Fest Draws In Regional Tourists 4 March 2010
Significant numbers of visitors from the region have come to Barbados for the Digicel Barbados Reggae Festival. Speaking yesterday at the launch of the sixth annual Digicel Barbados Reggae Festival at Hilton Barbados, Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy said tourism officials would be looking to work with FAS Entertainment in a more organised way to see what they could do to get the numbers up. The festival will be held from April 18 to 25.

Competitiveness The Way Forward 3 March 2010
Barbados should be striving to enhance its competitiveness as it moves forward. This point was highlighted by Ben Arrindell, Head of the Barbados Private Sector Association. He said that once firms in the private sector maintain their drive to enhance productivity it will redound to the benefit of the country.

CARICOM Not Helping 3 March 2010
Barbados hasn't received even "a trickle" of aid from its CARICOM neighbours to help foot the Regional Security System's (RSS) bills. Prime Minister David Thompson made the admission in the House of Assembly yesterday. He said that while RSS had been playing a key role in Haiti's post-earthquake relief effort, he could not speak of CARICOM contributions to the RSS.

Social Partners Asked To Do Their Part 2 March 2010
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, David Thompson, has called on the Social Partners in Barbados to do their part to aid Barbados in its quest to recover from the global economic recession. The call was made yesterday, as the Prime Minister spoke at the Public/Private Sector Consultation on "Economic and Related Issues" at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. The consultation was hosted by the Ministry of Finance, Investment, Telecommunications and Energy.

One Team 2 March 2010
Team Barbados! That's the group that will pull Barbados through the most crippling worldwide recession in the last half-century. And according to Prime Minister David Thompson, he will be seeking fresh ideas from anybody, inclusive of the Barbados Private Sector Association, the public sector, Cabinet, the Social Partnership and all Barbadians to make sure Barbados emerges with as little damage as possible.

Don't Tamper With Tradition 1 March 2010
With the Historic Garrison area having the very real possibility of being listed as a World Heritage Site, historian, Dr. Karl Watson, is reiterating the importance of its structures remaining as authentic as possible. He made the comment in light of recent situations of proposed alterations, which could have damaged the chances of the area joining the prestigious ranks of the Pyramids of Egypt and the Taj Mahal of India on the site list.

AG: No Cop Out! 1 March 2010
The police will not be lowering entry standards to solve any problems with recruiting. Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs Freundel Stuart made this clear yesterday as the police marked their 175th anniversary with a service at St Mary's Anglican Church in Bridgetown.

New Head At BWA 28 February 2010
From tomorrow Monday March 1, the Barbados Water Authority will be under a new Executive Chairman. He is the current Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Immigration, Senator Arni Walters, who will leave the Senate to occupy the new post, where he will report directly to the Cabinet about the progress that is being made in terms of developmental plans at the entity. Walters is expected to bring his experience in the public sector, industrial relations and administration to his new post.

Time To Pay 28 February 2010
Customs officers have given Government a 9:30 a.m. deadline tomorrow to receive their overtime payment. If they don't, the workers say they will continue a work-to-rule policy which started at the Bridgetown Port last Thursday. In addition, they are calling for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister David Thompson because according to them, they are fed-up and frustrated with the way they are being treated.

IMF: Cut Back 27 February 2010
Barbados' economic outlook is quite uncertain, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official has reported after a special visit here. And the Government needs to reduce spending immediately. Marcello Estevão, IMF mission chief for Barbados, made those comments following a recent five-day staff visit. But according to the IMF official, Government's recent mid-term strategy proposal is most welcome.

Agriculture On The Rise 27 February 2010
Despite the current economic crisis, Barbados' agricultural sector recorded significant growth in 2009. This was disclosed by Minister of Agriculture, Senator Haynesley Benn, as he delivered the feature address at the opening ceremony of Agrofest at the Queen's Park yesterday evening. In his speech at the annual event, which this year is carrying the theme 'Green Today, Sustain Tommorrow', Senator Benn revealed that last year's crop production was especially heartening, while both livestock production and the sugar industry both performed creditably.

New Fiscal Solutions Needed, Says Arthur 26 February 2010
Throw out Government's recently announced mid-term policies to ensure Barbados recovers from the current recession. What this country really needs is a second generation of smart, viable, economic policies that properly integrate trade and fiscal sustainability, former prime minister Owen Arthur said in a hard-hitting lecture last night.

Agrofest 2010 Starts Today 26 February 2010
Today marks the official start of Barbados' premiere event, Agrofest, which takes place at the Queen's Park over the next three days. While numbers continue to grow each year, Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society, James Paul, assures that a concerted effort has been made to ensure that the quality of the event is not affected from the annual growth pattern. This year there has been an increase in exhibitors from 210 in 2009 to 270, with an exciting bird show to be held in the Steel Shed.

Pro-Choice 25 February 2010
End the monopoly on the University of the West Indies (UWI), and pump more funds from Government's education budget into primary schools. That's the advice from leading international economist Professor Avinash Persaud. He was addressing the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (BCCI) luncheon yesterday at Hilton Barbados on Building the Barbados Brand to Become Truly Competitive.

Mount Gay Brings Visitors To Barbados 25 February 2010
Over 65 visitors were in Barbados (February 17-21, 2010) enjoying a welcomed break from their cold countries thanks to Remy Cointreau, the parent company of Mount Gay Rum. The visitors were the winners of a Fast Start Incentive Programme which targeted wines and spirits distribution companies in the United States, offering their top sales executives an all-expense paid visit to Barbados for them and a guest.

Let Go Of Gems! 24 February 2010
Sell them! That's the "bold" advice from Minister of Economic Affairs Dr David Estwick to Prime Minister David Thompson on the future of the remaining properties within the controversial GEMS hotel chain. Estwick supported his advice with the revelation yesterday that the GEMS parent, Hotel & Resorts Ltd., which has benefited from Government loans totalling $145 million, now had accumulated debt of $229 million, while the book value of the properties was only $74 million.

Respect Each Other's Rights 24 February 2010
There is a need for better communication and collaboration between employers and employees if work relationships are to be improved. This call came from Dr. Tayo Fashoyin, Director of Industrial and Employment Relations Department at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), as he addressed those gathered at BWU Solidarity House yesterday. Dr. Fashoyin was speaking on the second day of a week of excellence currently being put on by the Social Partners in association with The Productivity Council, the Central Bank of Barbados, the Office of Public Sector Reform, the Barbados Employers' Confederation, Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados and the National Initiative for Service Excellence.

Bodybuilder Banned 23 February 2010
Martinus Durrant, who conquered all and sundry last year on the local and Caribbean bodybuilding stage, has been slapped with a two-year ban from the sport for using performance enhancing drugs. Durrant tested positive in Grenada last October after capturing the light heavyweight and overall crown at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships. The Mr CAC title would have qualified the 37-year-old Durrant to compete in the coveted pro ranks.

Focus On Productivity At Week Of Excellence 23 February 2010
Efforts to reform the economy must begin with the examples set by a revamped and re-energised public sector. This was the assertion made yesterday by Dr. David Estwick, Minister of Economic Affairs and Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce. His comments came as he delivered an address at the Grande Salle in celebration of A Week of Excellence, hosted by the The Social Partners in association with the Productivity Council, the Central Bank of Barbados, the Office of Public Sector Reform, the Barbados Employers' Confederation, the Congress of Trade Unions & Staff Associations of Barbados and the National Initiative for Service Excellence.

Sisnett Family Toasts James' 110th 22 February 2010
Four generations celebrated the life of Barbados' oldest man yesterday. James Sisnett, who turns 110 today, was the centre of attraction as over 200 guests gathered at Divi Southwinds Hotel to honour him on the eve of his milestone. Minister of Family, Youth and Sports Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo hailed the centenarian from St George as a man with a strong family legacy.

Giving Back - Public Service Workers Rewarded For Excellence 22 February 2010
"You are indeed good Barbadian role models for your peers". This is what Minister of State with responsibility for Employment, Labour Relations and the Social Partnership, Senator Arni Walters, told those public service workers who were being honoured during the Fourth Annual GIVE Awards Ceremony, which was held on Saturday night at the Hilton Barbados.

Cop Drive 21 February 2010
An estimated 30 000 vehicles are being driven on Barbados' roads without road tax. That's according to police records, and in order to track down these vehicles and their drivers, an islandwide traffic operation will swing into action this week, as the Royal Barbados Police Force launches a campaign aimed at ridding the streets of those bent on flouting the law.

Fiscal Deficit Not Surprising 21 February 2010
The fact that the country is experiencing a fiscal deficit should not be any great mystery and controversy, according to one university lecturer; and even when there was robust growth, there was a fiscal deficit. According to Dr. Justin Robinson, Head of the Department of Management Studies at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, between 1997 and 2007 the average fiscal deficit was about 3.7 per cent. In 2001, he noted there was a deficit of 3.5 per cent, in 2002 it stood at 6.4 per cent and in 2003 it was recorded as 3 per cent. "... Nobody in Barbados knows what fiscal surplus looks like for a long time," he said.

'Vat Hike The Way' 20 February 2010
There's been a suggestion that the Value Added Tax (VAT) be temporarily increased to ease Government's financial burden. But at the same time, University of the West Indies lecturer, economist Dr Justin Robinson, is suggesting that Government must also review how it deals with its capital works projects.

QEH Overhaul 20 February 2010
Despite it's financial constraints, the QEH is continuing multiple projects in various areas to meet the needs of staff members and the public. Included are an electrical upgrade worth $12 million; an upgrade of the new cafeteria worth an estimated $2 million; and the upgrade of the Lions Eye Care Centre. These projects are currently being undertaken at the island's only acute care health facility.

Full Steam Ahead 18 February 2010
Appeal or no appeal, the Barbados Light & Power Company Limited (BL&P) has moved with dispatch to effect increases in electricity rates by March 1. That was the word from chief marketing officer Stephen Worme in the wake of moves to appeal the Fair Trading Commission's decision to allow the BL&P to raise rates in two weeks' time.

'Make Wise Choices" 18 February 2010
Reflecting on some of the difficulties Jesus had to face during his ministry, a call has been made for Barbadians to make wise choices and reject all forms of temptation. The call was made by Archbishop of the West Indies, Dr. John Holder, at the St. Leonard's Secondary School's Ash Wednesday Service, which was held at the St. Leonard's Anglican Church.

Lowe Says BWA Was A Leaking Mess 17 February 2010
Householders and farmers, reeling from the effects of an unusually severe drought, can look forward to some relief from an action plan being prepared by the Barbados Water Authority (BWA). Minister of Water Resources Dr Denis Lowe told the House of Assembly yesterday he had met last Monday with senior BWA staff, preparing for the drought season which experts believed could be more severe over the next three months.

Call Being Issued To Lower Interest Rates 17 February 2010
Leading Barbadian Businesswoman, Mrs. Ram Mirchandani, is calling for lower interest rates on borrowing so that the private sector can assist with stimulating the economy. Stating that interest rates here are too high, Mrs. Mirchandani maintained that businesses cannot operate efficiently with those rates.

Numbers 'Not All' 16 February 2010
Economist and lecturer Professor Michael Howard has lashed back at Sir Hilary Beckles' stinging criticism of his suggestion that the student intake at Cave Hill Campus be slowed to help ease the pressure on Government spending. Howard charged that the management of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, of which Sir Hilary is principal, has been sacrificing quality for quantity.

New Programme Launched At Wesley Hall Primary 16 February 2010
It is important that children be taught the importance of keeping their environment and their surroundings clean at all times. That is the view of Minister of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage, Dr. Denis Lowe, as he addressed the infants of the Wesley Hall Primary School during the launch of the Minister of Environment's Environmental Partnership programme yesterday.

UWI 'Safe' 15 February 2010
A firm commitment to university education in Barbados, even in tough economic times. That's the position of Prime Minister David Thompson as his Government seeks to come to grips with the twin problems of trimming the country's expenditures and grappling with a climate of general economic decline.

Holetown Festival Will Survive 15 February 2010
The effect of the global recession on national festivals has also affected the 2010 Holetown Festival - with reduced sponsorship. However, the planning committee and its sponsors has used innovation to keep the eight-day festival afloat.

UWI Clash 14 February 2010
Sir Hilary Beckles has given an F grade to one of his professors for recommending that the flow of students to the Cave Hill campus be slowed to help ease the pressure on Government spending. "Anti-intellectual", is how Beckles, principal of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), branded the suggestion from economist Professor Michael Howard.

Cave Re-opened - PM Laud's Facility's Green Thrust 14 February 2010
Harrison's Cave has been redeveloped at a cost of just under $85 million and this project can be a model for the greening of Barbados. This is according to Prime Minister David Thompson, who delivered the feature address at the re-opening ceremony of Harrison's Cave, St. Thomas yesterday evening.

NCF All Alone 13 February 2010
Limping a bit because of financial cuts, Barbados' Follow Me To Crop-Over promotion has turned up at Carnival in Trinidad, still hopeful of luring revellers to this island's premier festival. A last-minute pull-out by the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), which has jointly sponsored the promotion since its inception, has left the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) carrying the entire purse in Trinidad and it has affected various aspects of the promotion.

Protecting Tax Payers A Priority 13 February 2010
Government will seek to protect taxpayers' interests at all costs. Prime Minister David Thompson gave this assurance last night, while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Sapphire Beach Condominiums in Dover, Christ Church. In delivering the feature address, Thompson stressed the need for such action, noting that it was the Government's responsibility to maximise taxpayers' returns, while also ensuring that their money was also well spent.

Freeze The Talk! 12 February 2010
Hold all the talk on the possibility of a wage freeze. Prime Minister David Thompson prefers the word moratorium, and indicated in a live Press conference last night, that is the angle his administration would prefer to take next week, when Government meets with members of the Social Partnership. He revealed a meeting with the social partners had been set for February 19.

Plan In Hand To Secure Jobs 12 February 2010
While the country continues to face tough economic times, Barbadians have been assured that Government has the situation in hand and will be rolling out its medium- and long-term strategies to address challenges. This assurance from Prime Minister David Thompson, during his first quarterly press conference with members of the media at Ilaro Court, last evening.

Open Window 11 February 2010
Tourism development will be welcome on this island's pristine and picturesque East Coast. But it will never mirror the West Coast, and windows to the sea will remain open, Prime Minister David Thompson promised yesterday. And where development was allowed, it would be designated to Barbadian ownership, the Prime Minister also promised. Thompson made the comments with the beautiful Atlantic Ocean to his back, at the relaunch of the once popular Edgewater Hotel complex at Bathsheba, St Joseph.

Barbados And China Sign Tax Protocol 11 February 2010
Minister of International Business and International Transport, The Honourable George Hutson, met with Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Barbados, His Excellency Wei Qiang, yesterday, to sign the Protocol to the Barbados-People's Republic of China Double Taxation Agreement. The special signing ceremony took place at the Warrens Office Complex, home to Hutson's Ministry. The new protocol, which reflects changes in China's domestic laws, allows for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion, with respects to taxes on income.

Economist Calls For Tough Measures 10 February 2010
A University Of the West Indies (UWI) economist has warned that if the David Thompson administration fails to aggressively deal with the present fiscal crisis, it could lead to more suffering as a result of job losses and a decline in the nation's standard of living. Professor Michael Howard said he, however, supported the proposed public sector wage freeze as an option.

Bring Back Old Values 10 February 2010
Revisit the old values that were practiced by our forefathers and pass them onto your children. This was the advice given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, Patrick Todd, to parents and teachers at the "Let's Celebrate Africa" commemoration to mark Black History Month, held yesterday at Harrison College.

Almost There 9 February 2010
After three rounds of mediation talks, the on-going battle between regional airline LIAT and its pilots is almost done. The two parties, LIAT and the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA), reconvened in Antigua and Barbuda last week, meeting for four consecutive days (February 1, 2, 3, and 4) before retired Barbadian High Court judge, Justice Leroy Inniss, to complete the hammering out of their differences.

Tourism Turnaround 9 February 2010
While 2009 was a tough year for the region's tourism sector as arrivals fell by 3.6 per cent, Director of Research and Information Technology at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), Winfield Griffith, has outlined conservative projections of a rise of two to three per cent this year. Outlining quarterly figures for last year, he noted that for the first three months there was a decline, but arrival activity has showed signs of rapid recovery, leading to a small rise in the last quarter.

Harvest For Haiti 8 February 2010
Creativity and goodwill bloomed last weekend at the annual Harvest Garden Party at the island's oldest church, St James Parish Church. Now into its 22nd year, the garden party, the church's main fund-raising event, was held last Saturday not only to maintain itself but also with earthquake-ravaged Haiti in mind.

Appraisal System Aimed At Increasing Efficiency 8 February 2010
Minister of Health Donville Inniss says that workers in the public service need not fear the new and improved appraisal system to be rolled out in Barbados, starting with his Ministry as the pilot. He was speaking at the inaugural awards ceremony for staff of the Winston Scott Polyclinic, which was held at the Accra Beach Hotel on Saturday night.

Road Deal 7 February 2010
Government will not have to spend a cent of taxpayers' money to construct the Speightstown, St Peter roundabout. That is because it brokered a deal with the owner of an offshore company who is financing the construction of the roundabout to the tune of $2 million.

Children Enjoy World Wetlands Day At Bird Refuge 7 February 2010
World Wetlands Day was celebrated on the island by dozens of school children on Tuesday at Barbados' first shorebird refuge located at an abandoned shooting swamp in Woodbourne, Christ Church. The outing was organised by the Natural Heritage Department (NHD), in association with persons within other areas of the Ministry of Environment, Water Resources and Drainage and Birdlife International, to sensitise the young people on the importance of knowing the environment around them. Three schools were invited to be a part of the programme: Wesley Hall Infants, Gordon Walters Primary and Holy Innocents Primary.

$25.5M Bill 6 February 2010
It could cost CARICOM $25.2 million to provide medical support to Haiti for the next ten-and-a-half months. The big question however is where the money will come from. This is the principle issue being dealt with this weekend as CARICOM health ministers meet in Trinidad to decide the community's ongoing support for their earthquake ravished member.

Haiti Concert A Success 6 February 2010
From all appearances, the 'Haiti, Barbados Loves You!' concert, held last Saturday, was a resounding success. Not only did the concert/telethon raise over $100 000 according to reports, but scores of Barbadians came out in support of their Caribbean neighbour, enjoying the sweet sounds of Barbadian artistes at the same time.

Haiti, We're Sorry! 5 February 2010
Barbados has turned down a request to accommodate a number of Haitians injured in the January 12 earthquake, including amputees. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign trade, Maxine McClean, said yesterday that Barbados had been forced to turn down the request from the United States Embassy, partly because of the implications it had for the island's under-pressure medical services, including a shortage of hospital beds.

Call For Government Intervention 5 February 2010
Chief Economist in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Derek Gibbs, believes there is a need for more government intervention to restore economic balance. He made the comments in a paper on the Recession and Fiscal Space in Developing Economies. "In recent times it has become obvious that there is need for greater government intervention (as the agent of last resort) to help restore some balance to the on-going economic and financial crisis," said the economist.

BL&P Sheds Light 4 February 2010
Barbados Light & Power Company Limited (BL&P) yesterday rolled out an increased pricing regimen that could prove negligible for residential customers who conserve energy and make use of the company's ten per cent early discount policy. At a media briefing at BL&P's Bay Street, St Michael boardroom, chief marketing officer Stephen Worme indicated that increases for residential customers using between 50 kWh and 500 kWh would range between $3.47 and $9.55 depending on usage.

The Green Move From Escape To Waves 4 February 2010
After a $14 million-dollar investment, the former Escape Hotel and Spa located at Prospect Bay, St. James, is set to re-open in mid-February this year, under a new name - Waves Resort. Only Monday, Resort Principal Ludo Marcelo and his wife Jan, welcomed Prime Minister David Thompson, along with Tourism Minister Richard Sealy, for a tour of the property, which is still undergoing construction, after a nine-month closure. Marcelo indicated that the four star luxury property will now feature 70 rooms and suites, three restaurants, four bars as well a Spa with eight treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room and two outdoor massage pavilions and about 11 to 13 suites.

Breaking News: Professor Nettleford Dies 3 February 2010
Professor Rex Nettleford, Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies has died in Washington. Professor Nettleford, considered one of the Caribbean's leading scholars, who served for a decade as the UWI's Vice-Chancellor was pronounced dead last night around 8.30 p.m.

New West Coast Property Harnessing Local Talent 3 February 2010
Yet another exciting real estate project has been completed on the posh West Coast of Barbados and will soon be ready for clients. It is the Portico, comprising a number of condominiums located at Prospect Beach, St. James, and is one of the latest bright sparks which indicate an upturn in the island's economy. Chris Salt, CEO and Chairman of Aberconi Ltd, owners of the project, spoke at a news conference yesterday during which time he highlighted the continuing interest investors are showing in Barbados.

Island On Show 2 February 2010
The Haiti Barbados Loves You Concert held last Saturday at Farley Hill National Park, has turned out to be more than just a fund-raiser for the earthquake-stricken country. For what started out as a collaborative effort between Government and entertainers, has provided major international exposure for the country.

Inaugural Sentebale Polo Cup A Success 2 February 2010
The Inaugural Sentebale Polo Cup match turned out to be more than just an exhibition at the beautiful setting of the Apes Hill Polo Club on Sunday. Prince Harry of Wales and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho were in Barbados to launch the event which will be staged around the world to raise funds for Prince Harry's charity work in the South African country of Lesotho.

Freeze Wages 1 February 2010
Minister of Economic Affairs and Empowerment, Dr David Estwick, wants a national wage freeze. He also suggests Government sell off its assets where possible to raise badly-needed funds. The two ideas are part of his recommended strategy for helping Barbados out of its economic crunch, he said during the third constituency conference, at Bayley's Primary School in St Philip last night.

A Central Revenue Authority On The Cards 1 February 2010
Plans are on stream to establish a central revenue authority, which would amalgamate all of government's revenue collecting agencies including the Value Added Tax Office, the Excise Department, the Land Tax Department as well as the Licensing Authority. Speaking to a packed Bayley's Primary School Hall yesterday evening for the St. Philip North Constituency Conference, Minister of Economic Affairs, Dr. David Estwick, told those gathered that the intention is to look at the administrative and organisational structures of such an entity before the end of this financial year.

A Show Of Support 31 January 2010
Locals and visitors alike had one common goal yesterday when they flocked to the Farley Hill National Park - to support Haiti. The Haiti We Love You concert was the idea of Barbadian musicians who got together to perform at their best. Their performances were not only well received by those who turned out to lend their support to the cause at Farley Hill National Park, but also by local viewers and those in the 14 other countries where the ten hour marathon was being broadcast live.

Cultural And Culinary Display For Princes At The Museum 31 January 2010
"I would prefer to live here." That was the response of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales (Prince Harry) to the students of the Arthur Smith Primary during his visit to the Barbados Museum yesterday afternoon. Prince Harry, along with His Royal Highness Prince Seesio Bereng Seeiso of Lesotho, was responding to several questions from the students following a tour of the African display of the museum, when they were asked to identify similarities between Barbados and their homelands.

Phone Rates Up Too 30 January 2010
Just 48 hours after hearing electricity bills are going up, consumers have been hit again - this time by LIME. The Cable & Wireless Barbados (C&W) company will be pushing up the cost of land line telephones from March 1, but by $1.77 on each pricing plan. The development means that Barbadian homeowners have been faced with three utility rate increases within a six-month period.

More Must Be Done 30 January 2010
After a decade and more than $100 million being put toward bringing about change in housing and living conditions across both urban and rural Barbados, little has been achieved. That is according to Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Urban and Rural Development, Christopher Sinckler. His comments came as he delivered the feature address at the Country Assessment of Living Conditions (CALC) Conference 2010 in the Conference Room of the Caribbean Development Bank yesterday morning.

Power Hike 29 January 2010
Consumers will pay more for electricity from March 1. This comes after the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) yesterday granted the Barbados Light & Power Company Limited (BL&P) an increase on its rate of return on rate base from 6.07 per cent to ten per cent. Though a victory for the BL&P, the ten per cent hike fell marginally short of the 10.48 per cent it had originally sought. The increase could see consumers at the lower level being billed between $3 to $11 more monthly, depending on usage.

BTA Changes Coming This Year 29 January 2010
The days of the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) as we know it, are numbered. According to Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy, that entity is to be restructured to create two new entities, one that will deal with product development and the other the marketing of Barbados as a destination. The Minister said that they already have some draft amendments to the BTA Act for the creation of the product entity, adding that a memorandum has also been prepared to be sent to the workers' organisation regarding the restructuring process.

Star Lights 28 January 2010
Bajan superstar Rihanna and some big names in international tennis and cricket could be helping Barbados attract more tourists this year. Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy indicated this yesterday as he briefed journalists and media leaders at a breakfast meeting at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. Sealy said Government and the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) were looking to reverse 2009 losses in the region of eight per cent, through a wide-ranging marketing and promotion programme.

Sir Lloyd Takes Up Post In China 28 January 2010
Sir Lloyd Sandiford has taken up his post as Barbados' first resident Ambassador in China. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Sir Lloyd, a former Prime Minister of Barbados, and his wife, Lady Sandiford, arrived in China on January 18, 2010. The Ministryreported that Sir Lloyd presented his credentials to the Chief of Protocol of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week on January 22.

Lashley Set To Make Move 27 January 2010
Hamilton Lashley's political future should be decided within the next couple of weeks. The Independent Member of Parliament has said his decision would be to the benefit of the people of the St Michael South East constituency, and Barbados as a whole. He was speaking yesterday after a presentation ceremony at the Parliament Buildings, The City.

Change Approach To Business 27 January 2010
The approach to doing business in Barbados, specifically as it relates to interaction between the public and private sector, must change if this island is to attract the desired level of business. This from Prime Minister David Thompson, who delivered the feature address yesterday at the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (BCCI) first members' luncheon for the year.

PM's 9-Point Plan 26 January 2010
A nine-point strategy aimed at bolstering Barbados' economy and returning real gross domestic product (GDP) growth to the annual average rate of 3.0 per cent by 2012, is to be implemented soon. Prime Minister David Thompson, in outlining the medium-term fiscal strategy at the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry's luncheon at Hilton Barbados yesterday, said it would broadly seek to help in the country's transition from economic crisis to recovery; to turn the page on an era of expanding fiscal deficits; and to adopt a set of policies, parameters, regulations and reforms to meet the needs of the 21st century global economy.

Change Approach To Business 26 January 2010
The approach to doing business in Barbados, specifically as it relates to interaction between the public and private sector, must change if this island is to attract the desired level of business. This from Prime Minister David Thompson, who delivered the feature address yesterday at the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (BCCI) first members' luncheon for the year. The prime minister stated that he was familiar with several concerns expressed to him by members of the private sector, which he intends to address "gradually" over the course of the next two years, both within and outside of the nation's budget cycle.

Zone Cuts 25 January 2010
A proposed zoning policy could see Barbados' classification of Zone 1 land drastically reduced from its present nine per cent to less than two per cent. The proposal, which is part of a study for a draft Ground Protection Act, could also mean Government outlawing the use of suck wells for primary waste water disposal. These were among the revelations at the first of three public consultations by the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) at Princess Margaret Secondary School. Yesterday's theme was Comprehensive Review Of Groundwater Protection Zoning Policy And System In Barbados.

LIME Tennis Pon De Rock Raises Over $200K For Tennis Charities 25 January 2010
The Directors of The Barbados Invitational Tennis Exhibition (BITE) organisers have disbursed the first funds from their successful LIME Tennis pon de Rock event featuring the number one ranked female tennis player Serena Williams and the number four ranked Caroline Wozniacki. Funds to help with the development of tennis in Barbados as well as to one of Barbados' most promising young tennis stars Darian King were presented by Mr. Andrew Alleyne and Mr. Richard Harrison representing BITE.

Bajans Give Freely To Haiti 24 January 2010
What do you get when you mix "Freekz" and students together? Thousands of dollars worth in aid for the desperate survivors in earthquake-stricken Haiti. Scores of volunteers from the Students' Guild at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, rode on the back of pick-up trucks, sponsored by Freekz Customz, and literally "raided" communities across the island, eagerly waiting to make their contribution yesterday.

Local Artistes Come Together For Haiti Concert 24 January 2010
An impressive group of Barbadian talent will join forces in less than a week to raise money for those affected by the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti through a benefit concert and telethon. Over 114 local artistes representing several genres, and Trinidadian calypsonian, David Rudder, will come together to participate in the "Haiti: Barbados Loves You" event at the Farley Hill National Park on Saturday, January 30 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. The large contingent of service providers and entertainers have offered their services free of charge, including stage, lighting, and sound. Moreover, the concert and telethon is being facilitated by Government and its various agencies, including the Transport Board, the Royal Barbados Police Force, and the National Conservation Commission.

P.J. Caricom's Voice On Haiti 23 January 2010
Former Jamaica Prime Minister P.J Patterson will be the Caribbean community's (CARICOM) voice at an international meeting in Canada early next week to look at how earthquake-struck Haiti can be rebuilt and its economic situation improved. In a live video-conference yesterday, Secretary General of CARICOM, Edwin Carrington said Patterson would fly to Montreal this weekend for the meeting, scheduled for Monday.

H1N1 Vaccine Here 23 January 2010
Barbados now has a batch of 20 000 H1N1 vaccines. The vaccines have been secured by the Ministry of Health at a cost of US $7.50 each, in preparation for the expected second wave of the pandemic. Word of this has come from officials of the Ministry of Health during a press conference at the Ministry's Jemmott's Lane headquarters yesterday, where it was also reported that there has been one new case of the virus recorded.

Without Borders 22 January 2010
Citizenship of one Caribbean country should not disqualify someone from serving in high political office in another. That's the view of Prime Minister David Thompson, who said yesterday that such people should not be "disqualified" from serving as legislators in another island. He was addressing thousands gathered at Bath, St John, to celebrate the birthday of National Hero and former Prime Minister Errol Barrow.

Productivity Council: Small Business Sector Worth Training And Investment Effort 22 January 2010
The contribution that the small business sector makes to the economy of Barbados may often be underestimated, but is significant enough to warrant continued investment and training in the sector. That was the firm assessment made by Anthony Sobers, Senior Programme Officer with The Productivity Council, who was speaking at the headquarters of the Small Business Association (SBA) recently at the start of a Customer Service Training Programme which began six weeks of small business training courses facilitated by The Productivity Council.

From Haiti With Life 21 January 2010
We were five seconds from death." That's the estimate of Greta St Hill, who is thanking God for delivering her from earthquake-devastated Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. She was working in the Yolanda Thervil Foundation, an orphanage in Bon Repos, when the quake struck on January 12.

Two Knighted 21 January 2010
In a brief ceremony, held on the opulent grounds of Government House yesterday morning, two local sons of the soil were officially conferred with the Knight of St. Andrew. The two stalwarts in the political arena, Sir Philip Marlowe Greaves and Sir Maurice Athelston King, were knighted by Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands for extraordinary and outstanding achievement and merit in service to the island and to humanity at large, during the presentation of Insignia of the 2009 National Honours and Awards.

Regional Flak 20 January 2010
No one is willing to take the step towards regional integration, says retired Supreme Court judge Justice Leroy Inniss. "Everyone talks about [regional integration] but no one actually wants to do it. And, inspite of all the speeches on [the CARICOM Single Market and Economy] and freedom of movement of our brothers and sisters, every year - whether by legislation or by practice - we are going farther and farther away from what we speak about." Inniss was addressing the University of the West Indies' Research Day symposium on Freedom Of Movement Within The CSME: Barbados Green Paper On Migration, last Monday evening at the Cave Hill Campus.

Million Dollar Man 20 January 2010
Barbados' hottest cricket commodity is set to become the island's latest millionaire. Kemar Roach, the mean fast bowling machine who has grabbed the international spotlight over the past six months, was yesterday purchased for US$720 000 (BDS$1.44 million) by Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Deccan Chargers for the third edition of the tournament starting on March 12.

Dependence On Tourism Not A Disadvantage 19 January 2010
The fact that Barbados' economy is largely dominated by the tourism industry does not necessarily have to be viewed as a disadvantage or dangerous, if the right moves are made to ensure that a diverse and widely attractive product is on offer. This was the view expressed by Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Dr Delisle Worrell, who was speaking to the media last week following the release of the Bank's review of the economy for 2009.

Longing For Food 19 January 2010
PORT-AU-PRINCE - Troops, doctors and aid workers flowed into Haiti yesterday even while victims of the quake that killed an estimated 200 000 people still struggled to find a cup of water or a handful of food. European nations pledged more than a half-billion dollars in emergency and long-term aid, on top of at least US$100 million promised earlier by the United States.

Adopt Positive Attitudes 18 January 2010
Barbadians need to stop bemoaning issues and adapt the resilient attitude demonstrated by our lesser fortunate regional counterparts in Haiti. "I believe that a key ingredient necessary for moving this country forward is the fostering of a correct attitude among its people. We need to stop the moaning and groaning and bellyaching! Barbados is a blessed place. It remains one of the best places on earth to live. We have our challenges, but we also have the magic formula for overcoming adversity," Prime Minister David Thompson stressed.

Haiti Appeal 18 January 2010
Please help Haiti! This was the plea of both Government and the Anglican Church yesterday as the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) launched a week of activities to celebrate the life and legacy of Father of Independence Errol Barrow. During a brief address to the congregation of St John's Parish Church, Prime Minister David Thompson urged Barbadians to donate cash, rather than other items, to help the impoverished country.

H1N1 Vaccine Soon Here 17 January 2010
By next week officials from the Ministry of Health anticipate that a batch of the vaccination against the H1N1 virus will be on the island. According to Senior Medical Officer Dr. Elizabeth Ferdinand, "We are going to have a limited amount of the vaccine and we are proposing to administer this to the identified target groups over a four-week period. It might go into six weeks..."

To Haiti 17 January 2010
Over BDS$1 million to Haiti. That's what Barbadians and others in the region pledged to their brothers and sisters in Haiti yesterday, doubling the initial $500 000 target of the first Help Haiti Now Radiothon. The response to the radiothon, organised by the One Caribbean Media's (OCM) broadcast network and the Nation Publishing Company, was so overwhelming, that chief executive office of Starcom, Vic Fernandes, extended the event past the scheduled noon end by almost an hour and a half, and in so doing, the funds pledged exceeded US$560 331.59.

International Business Sector Tells Government To Count On Them 16 January 2010
With Government in dire need of improved tax receipts, the Barbados International Business Association (BIBA) will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure growth in the sector that contributes the largest amount of corporate tax in Barbados. This was the message sent by BIBA President, John Howard, as he responded to the news from the Central Bank of Barbados that, despite a $34 million decline, the International Business sector still managed to inject almost a quarter of a billion dollars into Government's coffers for the 2009 tax year.

Hospital Help 16 January 2010
Barbados and other CARICOM countries will set up a field hospital as a first option of assistance for disaster-ravaged Haiti. Prime Minister David Thompson announced this upon his return from Jamaica yesterday with a team of regional officials, stating that CARICOM's principal concern at the moment was the need for emergency medical services on the ground.

Sandy Lane Ends 2009 On High Note 15 January 2010
While Sandy Lane did not escape the global economic downturn in 2009 unscathed, the five star luxury hotel ended the year with full occupancy - it currently has 98 per cent of its rooms filled - all of this without lowering its rates. General Manager, Robert Logan, gave an update of the luxury resort's performance over the past year during a press conference held on the "Platinum Coast" yesterday.

Relief On The Way 15 January 2010
All systems are go for Barbados to unleash its support to earthquake-ravaged Haitians. Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner told the Press at Government Headquarters yesterday evening that, starting today, volunteers would be stationed at Kensington Oval, Fontabelle, St Michael, operating hotlines and setting up a computer database to track donated goods. She was appointed by Prime Minister David Thompson to spearhead The Barbados National Coordinated Effort to help people in Haiti that was hit by an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale on Tuesday.

New Warrens Buildings To Be Delivered Next Year 14 January 2010
Two high-rise office buildings in the Warrens area totalling over 200 000 square feet are expected to be completed March and August of next year. The two projects, Warrens Towers Two and Baobab Towers, are being undertaken by the National Insurance Department (NID) as part of Government's economic stabilisation programme and are currently employing approximately 450 people. Director of the National Insurance Department, Ian Carrington, speaking during a tour of the two sites - one adjacent to KFC in Warrens St. Michael, and the other adjacent to the First Caribbean head office in the same area - said they would house about 20 different Government departments.

Bajans Alive In Haiti 14 January 2010
A number of Barbadians working and visiting Haiti are okay. Several have been contacting relatives and associates here in the last 48 hours since Tuesday's earthquake left thousands dead and the country's infrastructure in ruins. Missionary Jenny Tryhane, who is known in evangelical circles for her shoebox ministry and work with various pastors and organisations in poverty-ravaged Haiti, reported through Reverend Ferdinand Nicholls that she was alive yesterday after major damage to the orphanage where she ministers.

The Impact Of The Economic And Financial Crisis In 2009 13 January 2010
The worst global recession since the 1930s has had a telling effect on the Barbados economy. Yesterday the Central Bank of Barbados issued its report on the economy for 2009 and it showed that the local economy declined by 5.3 per cent with all major sectors in the economy registering declines. "The world-wide economic recession led to a broad-based contraction in output in the Barbadian economy in 2009, with virtually all sectors suffering adverse effects," according to the Bank.

Updated: Haiti Hit By Powerful Quake 13 January 2010
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Hundreds, maybe even thousands are feared dead in Haiti after a powerful earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale hit the country just before 6 p.m. (Barbados time) on Tuesday. Across the country, the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, residents desperately fight against time to try to rescue those trapped in the rubble, all the while being shaken by powerful aftershocks. CNN reports that as many as 24 aftershocks have hit the country, some as strong as 5.9.

Barbados Music Awards Celebrates Five Years In Style 12 January 2010
The fifth Barbados Music Awards was a fantastic event. Patrons arrived at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on Sunday night bedecked in the latest fashions for a five-hour show which paid tribute to Barbados' music community, the late Michael Jackson and featured international star, Fantasia Barrino. Red Plastic Bag, Edwin Yearwood and the band Krosfyah captured the majority of the awards that night. Red Plastic Bag won Song of the Year, Soca Mid-Tempo Single (Male) and Best Social Commentary. Edwin Yearwood won Entertainer of the Year and Soca Up-Tempo Single and the band Krosfyah won Band/Group of the Year and Band/Group of the Decade.

BMAs Come In For High Praise From PM 12 January 2010
Prime Minister David Thompson was blown away by Sunday's Barbados Music Awards (BMAs) at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex. "That show was so great last night that I suspect it left me with energy for this morning," he said yesterday. "It ended with a performance from Fantasia that was just unbelievable, but before that the Barbadian artistes were also outstanding."

Four Rewarded For Literary Work 11 January 2010
'Collies' were awarded to the four winners of the Central Bank of Barbados-sponsored Frank Collymore Literary Endowment Competition, at its 12th Annual Awards Ceremony Saturday night at the Grand Salle, Tom Adams Financial Centre in Bridgetown. Budding young writer and the first, first-placed winner to win the award twice, Dr. Karen Lord took the top prize of $10 000 for her scientific themed manuscript entitled: 'The Best of All Possible Worlds". Second place and $7 000 dollars went to regular entrant, Glenville Lovell for his play, "Sodom", while former journalist and first time entrant Heather Barker, received $3 000 dollars after being adjudged third for her collection of short stories titled "The Millipede Eats the Mongoose".

Call For PSV Order 11 January 2010
The National Transit Co-operative Ltd (NTCL) is proposing that Government introduce new legislation to regulate the operation of public service vehicles (PSVs) in the terminals. That's the word from NTCL member Roger Hercules who said the proposal had been drawn up since last January and would be sent to Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands before monthend.

First Conference To Make History 10 January 2010
The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is all set to make history as the inaugural Constituency Conferences commence this year. The conferences, which are expected to be weekly, will continue through the first half of the year, with a systematic programme taken into each of the constituencies. They come about as a fulfilment of the announcement made by the Right Hon. Prime Minister, David Thompson in November 2009, regarding the rollout of a series of Constituency Conferences aimed at giving the public the opportunity the engage their Representatives. This is in keeping with the Thompson administration's vow of transparency whereby the public is kept abreast of the Government's decision making process.

Watchful Eye 10 January 2010
Land development in Barbados will be closely scrutinised to ensure such development is in keeping with the Government's land use policy. Speaking Friday night at the official opening of The Condominiums at Palm Beach, Hastings, Christ Church, Prime Minister David Thompson made it clear that "every development that takes place under my watch, will be carefully scrutinised so as to prevent any disruption in the agreed and established equilibrium in the use of land in our country".

Cave Hill School Of Business Performed Well In 2009 9 January 2010
"Cave Hill School of Business (CSB) did relatively well last year despite the economic climate". This is according to Jeannine Comma, Chief Executive Officer of the CSB. She added "last year has been a busy year we launched a second cohort for the Doctorate in Business Administration, we also continued to run other academic programmes such as the Banking and Finance programme".

PM: Focus On Thrift, Saving 9 January 2010
"Thrift" and "invest" are the two words Prime Minister David Thompson is ringing into the ears of Barbadians for 2010. Speaking at the launch of the Canadian precious metals company Kitco International on Thursday, Thompson reiterated his call for Barbadians to shift from spending money to saving and investing.

PM: Immigration Policy Quite Clear 8 January 2010
Prime Minister David Thompson is standing behind Minister of State with responsibility for Labour and Immigration, Senator Arni Walters, suggesting that he is clear on what the new immigration policy entails and sending the message that immigrants who are undocumented and who have made no attempt to regularise their status, will be asked to leave Barbados. His comments came after there was some debate about Government's stance on the issue this week.

Thompson Wants More Dominica Produce In Barbados 8 January 2010
Prime Minister David Thompson is hoping to have more of Dominica's primary products on the Bajan market. Thompson, who was an official guest at the swearing in of the new Roosevelt Skerrit cabinet this week, said produce from the island was of high quality.

Upgrade For NCSA Soon 7 January 2010
This country's national drug commission is set to undergo restructuring efforts soon. Word of this has come from Tessa Chadderton-Shaw, Manager of the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) at the official launch of Drug Awareness Month yesterday in the conference room of the General Post Office. She announced that with the guidance of the Board of the Council, an organisation-wide review is being undertaken in an effort to make the NCSA more relevant.

Double Delight From Four Seasons Project 7 January 2010
It is double delight for Barbadians from Four Seasons this year. Not only will some 750 construction workers be heading back to the Spring Garden site to complete the 100-room hotel and 36 villas in the Four Seasons Resort, but Government has also snapped up a 20 per cent stake in the restructured project for its role as guarantor of a US$60 million loan to re-start building.

Ministry Steps In 6 January 2010
The Ministry of Education is stepping in to resolve the ongoing industrial strife at the Alexandra School. Teachers at the Speightstown, St. Peter institution and their union, the Barbados Secondary Teachers Union (BSTU), are getting the meeting they have been seeking with Ministry of Education officials to remedy a three-year-old dispute with Principal Jeff Broomes. However, they will have to wait a bit longer for another meeting that involves Broomes and all other interest groups.

Out Of 'Seasons' 6 January 2010
Barbados now has a 20 per cent stake in the restarted Four Season project in Black Rock, St Michael, while Cinnamon 88, the original developers are no longer involved. The shareholding, which makes the Barbados government the largest shareholder in the project, is as part of its role as guarantor of a US$60 million loan to re-start building.

Barbados Receives High Praise Regarding ILO Conventions 5 January 2010
Barbados has received high marks for ratifying the minimum convention on social security as set out by International Labour Organisation (ILO). Praising the country for steps it has taken in regard to a number of ILO conventions, a leading official of that international body said that Barbados must be commended with regard to the convention on social security and for the steps it has taken to construct a sound social security framework, especially against the backdrop of the fact that there are other countries in the Caribbean which have not done as well.

Heat's Off 5 January 2010
Government will not be rounding up any illegal immigrants still in Barbados but will continue to crack down on undocumented CARICOM nationals involved in criminal activity. This is the latest on the country's new immigration policy, announced via a six-month amnesty last May and scheduled to end last Thursday.

African Agency Aim To Reap Success From Local Cane 4 January 2010
Sugar cane grown by a regional organisation based in Barbados is proving a sweet success externally. Officials of Nigeria's National Sugar Development Council have reported plans to improve 30 sugar cane varieties from the West Indies Central Sugar Cane Breeding Station (WICSCBS) based at Groves, St. George, having already bought some last year and a few months ago.

New BCCI Head To Include Small Man 4 January 2010
The Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) is no big business club. And the new executive director of BCCI, Lisa Gale, will be pushing for more small businesses to identify with the chamber as it launches its membership drive this year.

Ready To Go: Four Seasons Project To Resume This Year 3 January 2010
After almost a year of being stalled, work at the Four Seasons Resort and Private Residence on Paradise Beach will resume early this year. Information reaching the Barbados Advocate has revealed that construction on the project, which ran into financing difficulty in 2009, will re-commence this year, after a deal was struck. The deal involves a refinancing plan, which was reached with lenders, creditors, private residence owners, shareholders and developers. The agreement, which was confirmed by Prime Minister David Thompson, who is also the Minister of Finance, involves Government supporting the refinancing efforts to complete the project. The arrangement in part will allow Government to gain an equity share in the project, while guaranteeing the repayment of the loan, with strict conditions being in place.

Sir David Steps Down 3 January 2010
Chief Justice Sir David Simmons is calling it a day after seven years on the bench. Sir David, who goes on pre-retirement leave in just over two weeks (January 20) informed Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands last week of his retirement which officially takes effect April 29, National Heroes Day, a day after he celebrates his 70th birthday.

Civic Day Revived 2 January 2010
A sprinkling of Barbadians revisited history yesterday as they met in Queen's Park for the Revived Civic Day Event, meant to replicate a traditional day of fun, frolic and festivity, which was held on the first day of the year during 1943 to 1983. Delivering his remarks during the opening of the event, Minister of Community Development and Culture, the Hon. Steven Blackett, noted that "Civic Day can be described as a day of national significance … one which celebrated the value of cooperative savings and credit facilities for the average man and woman [as well as] the benefits of family and community activity."

Oh What A Night! 2 January 2010
As the clock chimed midnight on Thursday, cheers erupted across the island as Barbadians celebrated the birth of a New Year and a new decade. There was little hint of the cautions raised about the bleak outlook for this year as forecast by many. Rather, there were smiling faces whether people were in churches, at fetes or just relaxing together passing the night.

Stores Doing Well, Looking Forward To 2010 1 January 2010
Despite the recession, Barbadians ensured that they treated themselves as they rang in the New Year in style and thus, they spent the last day of the old year shopping for items to wear to church, a nightclub, a party or wherever they had planned to spend it. Fabian Padmore, an Accountant at Super Style, said that it has been "hectic" and the store has been buzzing with customers. In fact, they have seen a four to five per cent improvement in December compared to earlier last year and a five per cent improvement when comparing December 2009 to December 2008. The top sellers have been formal slippers and boots.

Lewis Joins Knight Club 1 January 2010
Lawrence Venron Harcourt Lewis, GCM, JP, is Barbados' latest knight. Sir Harcourt has received the highest accolade from Queen Elizabeth II in her New Year's Honours List, being made a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George for his services to Barbados' financial and public sectors.

Positive Outlook On Economy 17 December 2009
Barbados has managed well despite a difficult year in 2009 and the country is well poised to work its way out of these economic conditions by the latter half of next year. That is according to Prime Minister David Thompson, who was speaking to the media after a book presentation to him by Cynthia Wilson at Ilaro Court yesterday. Speaking about the economy this Christmas season, he said, "Most of the private sector operatives that I have been speaking to, particularly in the distributive sector, have said that they are doing better than they had anticipated..."