October 28, 2008
The credit union movement has been told to grab the opportunities that will become available under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and the recently- concluded Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Prime Minister David Thompson noted that the EPA was not the best outcome for CARICOM, but he acknowledged that the agreement would place the movement in an excellent position to launch their products and services on a global scale.
He offered these suggestions while delivering the feature address during the City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union’s 25th Anniversary Dinner and Awards ceremony last weekend. The event took place at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
Underscoring the importance of credit unions to the region’s economic development, Mr. Thompson said: “I want you to remember that Barbados and other CARICOM member states have a large diaspora in Europe and North America. The EPA certainly gives credit unions, based in the Caribbean, access to this not insignificant number of potential members, many of whom, in normal circumstances, are better off and highly committed to the economic development in the region.
The Prime Minister also urged credit unions to give financial assistance to potential entrepreneurs to help them set up their own businesses. “Unlike the commercial banks, you know your members and you have a greater degree of social control over them. It is for this reason, that we have identified the people’s credit unions, as the appropriate sources of funding for the people’s business enterprises,” he added.
He challenged them to assist government in its quest to wean Barbadians away from a culture of consumption to one of production. (JW/BGIS)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
ACS TAKES MISSION TO UN
October 28, 2008
Top-level diplomats and scientists, including Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business, Donville Inniss, have met with the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon seeking international support for the Association of Caribbean States’ (ACS) bid to recognize the Caribbean Sea as a Special Area for sustainable development.
The Minister was accompanied by (ACS) Secretary General, Andrade Falla; Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM, Denis Kellman, and eminent scientists from the University of the West Indies, Professors John Agard and Robin Mahon.
In addition to meeting with the Secretary General and President of the UN General Assembly, Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, the delegation also addressed the 33 member Group of Latin American and Caribbean States and the more than 130-member Group of 77 and China.
The delegation also held a series of bilateral meetings with Ambassadors representing France (in its capacity as President of the European Union), the United States of America, Canada, China, India, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, Turkey, Australia, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Switzerland.
In making the case for recognition of the Caribbean Sea as a Special Area, Minister Inniss highlighted that science confirms that the complex and unique ecosystem of the Caribbean Sea can no longer sustain the immense demands placed upon it without a realistic and integrated management approach and therefore requires new ways for all users of its services to work together.
He referenced recent scientific findings including the 4th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and the Global Environmental Outlook 4. All confirm that the combination of dependence on the marine ecosystem and its vulnerability to global forces beyond its control such as climate change, places the Caribbean in a special situation which merits recognition and concrete action by the international community.
Minister Inniss pointed to the fact that in the Caribbean more than 2.4 million persons are employed in the tourism industry and more than 25 million tourists visit the region on an annual basis. He added that 50% of all cruise passengers use the Caribbean Sea and on some islands tourism accounts for over 90% of their gross domestic product. In addition, the fisheries sector is also a major provider of jobs and income in the Caribbean, especially in poor communities.
The Secretary-General and President both pledged their support to the initiative and promised to work with the ACS and the ACS Missions in New York to ensure that the objectives of the initiative are realised. The Secretary-General also promised to ensure that relevant UN system entities would be mandated to provide whatever support was needed by the ACS to further its work. The President of the General Assembly also committed to convening an event in early 2009 to highlight the particular vulnerabilities of the Caribbean region. (BGIS)
Top-level diplomats and scientists, including Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business, Donville Inniss, have met with the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon seeking international support for the Association of Caribbean States’ (ACS) bid to recognize the Caribbean Sea as a Special Area for sustainable development.
The Minister was accompanied by (ACS) Secretary General, Andrade Falla; Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM, Denis Kellman, and eminent scientists from the University of the West Indies, Professors John Agard and Robin Mahon.
In addition to meeting with the Secretary General and President of the UN General Assembly, Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, the delegation also addressed the 33 member Group of Latin American and Caribbean States and the more than 130-member Group of 77 and China.
The delegation also held a series of bilateral meetings with Ambassadors representing France (in its capacity as President of the European Union), the United States of America, Canada, China, India, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, Turkey, Australia, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Switzerland.
In making the case for recognition of the Caribbean Sea as a Special Area, Minister Inniss highlighted that science confirms that the complex and unique ecosystem of the Caribbean Sea can no longer sustain the immense demands placed upon it without a realistic and integrated management approach and therefore requires new ways for all users of its services to work together.
He referenced recent scientific findings including the 4th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and the Global Environmental Outlook 4. All confirm that the combination of dependence on the marine ecosystem and its vulnerability to global forces beyond its control such as climate change, places the Caribbean in a special situation which merits recognition and concrete action by the international community.
Minister Inniss pointed to the fact that in the Caribbean more than 2.4 million persons are employed in the tourism industry and more than 25 million tourists visit the region on an annual basis. He added that 50% of all cruise passengers use the Caribbean Sea and on some islands tourism accounts for over 90% of their gross domestic product. In addition, the fisheries sector is also a major provider of jobs and income in the Caribbean, especially in poor communities.
The Secretary-General and President both pledged their support to the initiative and promised to work with the ACS and the ACS Missions in New York to ensure that the objectives of the initiative are realised. The Secretary-General also promised to ensure that relevant UN system entities would be mandated to provide whatever support was needed by the ACS to further its work. The President of the General Assembly also committed to convening an event in early 2009 to highlight the particular vulnerabilities of the Caribbean region. (BGIS)
BARBADOS PRAISED FOR A SUCCESSFUL HIV/AIDS PROJECT
October 27, 2008
As Barbados prepares to start its second HIV/AIDS Project with the World Bank, an official there is reporting that the first project which closed in December 2007 was “very successful”.
Senior Health Specialist (Human Development) with the World Bank, Dr. Joana Godinho, said there was a very strong institutional structure in place and impressive results were recorded in terms of lives saved and improvement of quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Godinho made the comments today during a ceremony for the launch of the Second Government of Barbados HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Project and five-day financial workshop at the Warrens Office Complex.
She told the gathering, however, that several challenges remained, and listed them as including the rising number of reported HIV cases, the rapidly increasing feminisation of the epidemic, and the strengthening of the social care of people living with HIV.
Government recently signed the Sector Investment Loan of US $35 million with the World Bank for the second project, which will assist with the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control 2008-2013 and the approved Behavioural Change Strategy.
While delivering the feature address, Minister of Family, Youth, Sports and Environment, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, said the Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) position within the Commission had been temporarily filled and that a permanent officer would be in place shortly.
Explaining that having a BCC specialist on board was key to the HIV/AIDS Commission’s programme, Dr. Byer Suckoo stated: “BCC programmes would be implemented over the next five years to reach key populations at higher risks. The BCC interventions would be multi-channelled, including peer communications, counselling, mass media and condom social marketing.
“High quality research would be conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of key populations at higher risk regarding HIV/AIDS practices. In addition, research would be conducted to determine proximate determinates of behaviour as well as barriers and enabling factors.”
She pointed out that the success of the new BCC programme required the training and coordination of all its partners.
Dr. Byer Suckoo promised that increased emphasis would be placed on building the capacity of civil society organisations to work directly with vulnerable populations at higher risk. “I am sure that some of the planned programmes under this new project are likely to be extremely controversial. They will require social and attitudinal change in diverse areas such as enforcement of laws against stigma and discrimination, transactional sex and multiple sexual partnerships.
“The policy recognises the need to develop and operationalise laws and policies to protect the rights of persons living with HIV, to meet the challenges posed by stigma and discrimination, as well as new demands involved in expanding prevention, treatment, care and support services,” the Minister said.
But she noted that prevention would be the main focus of the national AIDS Programme at this juncture, adding that they needed to reduce the new cases of HIV occurring here. She opined that this could only be done by persons determining their HIV status and suggested that getting tested was necessary.
“And you must return for the results of your HIV test,” she urged, since the Ministry of Health reported that more than 95 per cent of the persons had returned for results after voluntary counselling and testing at various health fairs and other events. “For the small percentage of persons who do not return for their results, we must find ways of reassuring such persons that it is also imperative to know their status,” Dr. Byer Suckoo said. (SA/BGIS)
As Barbados prepares to start its second HIV/AIDS Project with the World Bank, an official there is reporting that the first project which closed in December 2007 was “very successful”.
Senior Health Specialist (Human Development) with the World Bank, Dr. Joana Godinho, said there was a very strong institutional structure in place and impressive results were recorded in terms of lives saved and improvement of quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Godinho made the comments today during a ceremony for the launch of the Second Government of Barbados HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Project and five-day financial workshop at the Warrens Office Complex.
She told the gathering, however, that several challenges remained, and listed them as including the rising number of reported HIV cases, the rapidly increasing feminisation of the epidemic, and the strengthening of the social care of people living with HIV.
Government recently signed the Sector Investment Loan of US $35 million with the World Bank for the second project, which will assist with the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control 2008-2013 and the approved Behavioural Change Strategy.
While delivering the feature address, Minister of Family, Youth, Sports and Environment, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, said the Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) position within the Commission had been temporarily filled and that a permanent officer would be in place shortly.
Explaining that having a BCC specialist on board was key to the HIV/AIDS Commission’s programme, Dr. Byer Suckoo stated: “BCC programmes would be implemented over the next five years to reach key populations at higher risks. The BCC interventions would be multi-channelled, including peer communications, counselling, mass media and condom social marketing.
“High quality research would be conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of key populations at higher risk regarding HIV/AIDS practices. In addition, research would be conducted to determine proximate determinates of behaviour as well as barriers and enabling factors.”
She pointed out that the success of the new BCC programme required the training and coordination of all its partners.
Dr. Byer Suckoo promised that increased emphasis would be placed on building the capacity of civil society organisations to work directly with vulnerable populations at higher risk. “I am sure that some of the planned programmes under this new project are likely to be extremely controversial. They will require social and attitudinal change in diverse areas such as enforcement of laws against stigma and discrimination, transactional sex and multiple sexual partnerships.
“The policy recognises the need to develop and operationalise laws and policies to protect the rights of persons living with HIV, to meet the challenges posed by stigma and discrimination, as well as new demands involved in expanding prevention, treatment, care and support services,” the Minister said.
But she noted that prevention would be the main focus of the national AIDS Programme at this juncture, adding that they needed to reduce the new cases of HIV occurring here. She opined that this could only be done by persons determining their HIV status and suggested that getting tested was necessary.
“And you must return for the results of your HIV test,” she urged, since the Ministry of Health reported that more than 95 per cent of the persons had returned for results after voluntary counselling and testing at various health fairs and other events. “For the small percentage of persons who do not return for their results, we must find ways of reassuring such persons that it is also imperative to know their status,” Dr. Byer Suckoo said. (SA/BGIS)
MORE TO BE DONE TO ASSIST PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
October 27, 2008
Government has taken steps to do more in advocating and promoting the advancement and empowerment of people with disabilities.
That is the word from Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Urban Development, Dr. Denis Lowe, who was speaking last evening at the benefit concert for the Barbados National Organisation for the Disabled (BARNOD), hosted by the Moramus Singers of Barbados.
Indicating that much progress had been made with respect to persons with disabilities (PWDs), Dr. Lowe said: “… There is much more to be done. In this regard, we are currently reviewing the role of the National Disabilities Unit and the Committee for Persons with Disabilities with a view to making these entities more effective and efficient in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities.”
Pointing out that he had a vision for PWDs where they would be truly “recognised, embraced and empowered to take their rightful place in our communities”, he added that his Ministry could not do it alone and urged all Barbadians to become more caring.
“…For it is only through your caring and understanding attitudes that my vision for persons with disabilities would be realised. I also encourage you to give your support to BARNOD as they continue on their journey in advocating for the integration of persons with disabilities,” Dr. Lowe remarked.
Stating that he was inspired by those “who have struggled and survived the struggles”, he added: “Our society is better for persons with disabilities who choose to make their part and voices known in our society. We, therefore, as a Government must continue to ensure that the resources are available, that we go beyond talk and start to act, so that persons with disabilities can feel the full weight of the impact of Government’s commitment …”
The benefit concert was held in celebration of BARNOD’s 25th anniversary. (EM/BGIS)
Government has taken steps to do more in advocating and promoting the advancement and empowerment of people with disabilities.
That is the word from Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Urban Development, Dr. Denis Lowe, who was speaking last evening at the benefit concert for the Barbados National Organisation for the Disabled (BARNOD), hosted by the Moramus Singers of Barbados.
Indicating that much progress had been made with respect to persons with disabilities (PWDs), Dr. Lowe said: “… There is much more to be done. In this regard, we are currently reviewing the role of the National Disabilities Unit and the Committee for Persons with Disabilities with a view to making these entities more effective and efficient in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities.”
Pointing out that he had a vision for PWDs where they would be truly “recognised, embraced and empowered to take their rightful place in our communities”, he added that his Ministry could not do it alone and urged all Barbadians to become more caring.
“…For it is only through your caring and understanding attitudes that my vision for persons with disabilities would be realised. I also encourage you to give your support to BARNOD as they continue on their journey in advocating for the integration of persons with disabilities,” Dr. Lowe remarked.
Stating that he was inspired by those “who have struggled and survived the struggles”, he added: “Our society is better for persons with disabilities who choose to make their part and voices known in our society. We, therefore, as a Government must continue to ensure that the resources are available, that we go beyond talk and start to act, so that persons with disabilities can feel the full weight of the impact of Government’s commitment …”
The benefit concert was held in celebration of BARNOD’s 25th anniversary. (EM/BGIS)
CREDIT UNIONS HOLD KEY TO WEATHERING ECONOMIC CRISIS
October 27, 2008
In the midst of the global economic turmoil, the credit union movement has been told to consolidate its position in order to lift the island out of the negative fallout precipitated by the credit crunch in some overseas markets.
Prime Minister, David Thompson, warned Barbadians to brace themselves for uncertain economic times due to the island’s close ties with the United States dollar which would result in a decline of the purchasing power of the Barbadian dollar, a dip in tourist arrivals from the United States and the United Kingdom markets, and a reduction in remittances.
He made these observations while addressing the City of Bridgetown (COB) Co-operative Credit Union Limited’s 25th Anniversary dinner and awards ceremony. The event took place at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre last Saturday.
Noting that credit unions must consolidate their position to dominate the local market and penetrate regional and global markets, Mr. Thompson acknowledged that considerable work must be done to prepare credit unions for the task ahead. This includes the need for modernising the legislation to better protect shareholders’ interests; improving corporate governance; strengthening the supervision and regulation of the sector to stave off dangers like money laundering and embezzlement and improving service.
The Prime Minister also pledged continued support to credit unions which he described “as the last bastion of indigenous locally-owned financial institutions.
“I say so not from a narrow nationalistic perspective, but because of their unique relationship with their members. Since they are owned by, and are accountable to their members, they are best suited to respond to the changing needs of ordinary Barbadians living in ordinary neighbourhoods,” he said.
Impressed with the growth of the movement, Mr. Thompson revealed that the island’s 37 credit unions have total assets of over Bds $1 billion and a membership base of more than Bds $147,000. “Credit Unions, therefore, have the capacity to reach and affect more Barbadians than most organisations including the church and other faith-based organisations,” he declared.
COB President, Lynnette Holder, lauded the organisation for its achievements during the last 25 years and pointed to assets of over $275 million from its 40,000 members as proof of its financial stability.
“For the next 25 years, our vision is to become the premier financial institution for our members; to deliver the most comprehensive financial products of the highest quality; to influence the personal development and commitment of all our employees; to engage in sound financial practices, but ultimately, our membership will always remain our primary focus,” she said.
During the ceremony, some COB staffers, and founding members were presented with awards for their outstanding contribution to the institution. Among the awardees were COB’s Member Relations Executive, Winston Alleyne, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Maxine McClean, and Glyne Pilgrim. They each received the Spirit of Bridgetown Award for their 10 to 14 years service to the company.
The top Spirit of COB Award was presented to Member Care Manager, Barbara Langdon-Thompson; Accounts Manager, Judie Gill, and Loans Manager, Algernon Yearwood, for 20 or more years of service to the organisation.
The COB also honoured President Lynnette Holder; General Manager, Steve Belle and former General Manager, Hugh McClean, for building on the foundation left by the credit union’s founders.
Executive Members Drayton Carter, Adrian Griffith and government backbencher James Paul also received awards for their 14 to 20 years’ service to COB.
In the midst of the global economic turmoil, the credit union movement has been told to consolidate its position in order to lift the island out of the negative fallout precipitated by the credit crunch in some overseas markets.
Prime Minister, David Thompson, warned Barbadians to brace themselves for uncertain economic times due to the island’s close ties with the United States dollar which would result in a decline of the purchasing power of the Barbadian dollar, a dip in tourist arrivals from the United States and the United Kingdom markets, and a reduction in remittances.
He made these observations while addressing the City of Bridgetown (COB) Co-operative Credit Union Limited’s 25th Anniversary dinner and awards ceremony. The event took place at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre last Saturday.
Noting that credit unions must consolidate their position to dominate the local market and penetrate regional and global markets, Mr. Thompson acknowledged that considerable work must be done to prepare credit unions for the task ahead. This includes the need for modernising the legislation to better protect shareholders’ interests; improving corporate governance; strengthening the supervision and regulation of the sector to stave off dangers like money laundering and embezzlement and improving service.
The Prime Minister also pledged continued support to credit unions which he described “as the last bastion of indigenous locally-owned financial institutions.
“I say so not from a narrow nationalistic perspective, but because of their unique relationship with their members. Since they are owned by, and are accountable to their members, they are best suited to respond to the changing needs of ordinary Barbadians living in ordinary neighbourhoods,” he said.
Impressed with the growth of the movement, Mr. Thompson revealed that the island’s 37 credit unions have total assets of over Bds $1 billion and a membership base of more than Bds $147,000. “Credit Unions, therefore, have the capacity to reach and affect more Barbadians than most organisations including the church and other faith-based organisations,” he declared.
COB President, Lynnette Holder, lauded the organisation for its achievements during the last 25 years and pointed to assets of over $275 million from its 40,000 members as proof of its financial stability.
“For the next 25 years, our vision is to become the premier financial institution for our members; to deliver the most comprehensive financial products of the highest quality; to influence the personal development and commitment of all our employees; to engage in sound financial practices, but ultimately, our membership will always remain our primary focus,” she said.
During the ceremony, some COB staffers, and founding members were presented with awards for their outstanding contribution to the institution. Among the awardees were COB’s Member Relations Executive, Winston Alleyne, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Maxine McClean, and Glyne Pilgrim. They each received the Spirit of Bridgetown Award for their 10 to 14 years service to the company.
The top Spirit of COB Award was presented to Member Care Manager, Barbara Langdon-Thompson; Accounts Manager, Judie Gill, and Loans Manager, Algernon Yearwood, for 20 or more years of service to the organisation.
The COB also honoured President Lynnette Holder; General Manager, Steve Belle and former General Manager, Hugh McClean, for building on the foundation left by the credit union’s founders.
Executive Members Drayton Carter, Adrian Griffith and government backbencher James Paul also received awards for their 14 to 20 years’ service to COB.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
BARBADOS GIVEN TOP MARKS FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENTS
October 25, 2008
A Government Minister has given Barbados “top marks” as a place in which to conduct business.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business, Christopher Sinckler, made this point today, while addressing participants at the official opening of a Business Meeting on the 10th Anniversary of the Twinning of the cities of Speightstown, Barbados and Charleston, South Carolina, at the Sherbourne Conference Centre.
Acknowledging that this country has built a well-deserved reputation for business, the Minister urged the gathering to explore the many possible opportunities and ventures while here.
Citing the most recent World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index for 2008-2009, Mr. Sinckler noted that Barbados placed third in Latin America, after Chile and Puerto Rico and 47th out of 134 countries internationally, which he attributed to our strong institutions, our political and economic stability, our first-class infrastructure and the high level of our human resources.
“We have been consistently ranked among the top countries in Latin America, and even globally in terms of the competitiveness of our economy as well as in terms of our level of human development,” said Mr. Sinckler.
Stating that Barbados is excited at the prospect of developing a deeper, more meaningful relationship with South Carolina in particular, and with the United States in general, he added that “due to our longstanding connections, we [Barbados] look forward to “building on that foundation as a means of enhancing our commercial and cultural ties in the future.”
Meanwhile, Minister Sinckler announced that Cabinet recently agreed to the appointment of Robert “Bob” Johnson, former Head of Black Entertainment Television, and a major US investor as Barbados’ Honorary Consul to North Carolina. “We are happy to have him on board as one of the partners for this country in that part of the United States of America,” he said. (TB/BGIS)
A Government Minister has given Barbados “top marks” as a place in which to conduct business.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business, Christopher Sinckler, made this point today, while addressing participants at the official opening of a Business Meeting on the 10th Anniversary of the Twinning of the cities of Speightstown, Barbados and Charleston, South Carolina, at the Sherbourne Conference Centre.
Acknowledging that this country has built a well-deserved reputation for business, the Minister urged the gathering to explore the many possible opportunities and ventures while here.
Citing the most recent World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index for 2008-2009, Mr. Sinckler noted that Barbados placed third in Latin America, after Chile and Puerto Rico and 47th out of 134 countries internationally, which he attributed to our strong institutions, our political and economic stability, our first-class infrastructure and the high level of our human resources.
“We have been consistently ranked among the top countries in Latin America, and even globally in terms of the competitiveness of our economy as well as in terms of our level of human development,” said Mr. Sinckler.
Stating that Barbados is excited at the prospect of developing a deeper, more meaningful relationship with South Carolina in particular, and with the United States in general, he added that “due to our longstanding connections, we [Barbados] look forward to “building on that foundation as a means of enhancing our commercial and cultural ties in the future.”
Meanwhile, Minister Sinckler announced that Cabinet recently agreed to the appointment of Robert “Bob” Johnson, former Head of Black Entertainment Television, and a major US investor as Barbados’ Honorary Consul to North Carolina. “We are happy to have him on board as one of the partners for this country in that part of the United States of America,” he said. (TB/BGIS)
LIGHTING CEREMONY AND BAJAN BREW ON NOVEMBER 01
October 25, 2008
Come next Saturday, November 01, Bridgetown will again come alive with “blue and gold” when the Community Independence Celebrations Secretariat (CICS) hosts its annual Lighting Ceremony and Bajan Brew at Independence Square, the City.
The event, now in its 12th year, will get under way at 5:30 p.m. and will be held under the theme “Celebrating our Communities…Preserving our Heritage”.
A highlight of this year’s programme is the tribute to local cultural icon Barbados Landship, which will be performed by the Israel Lovell Foundation Tuk Band.
Other performers are the Lester Vaughn Gospel Choir; the combined schools of George Lamming, St. Mary’s, Westbury and Wesley Hall Primary and the Barbados Community College Orchestra.
The official opening will wrap up with a medley of calypso classics ‘Bim, I Love You’, ‘It’s a Paradise’ and ‘Culture’ by veteran calypsonians Red Plastic Bag, Ronnie D and Gabby, respectively.
Following the Lighting Ceremony, the Bajan Brew will showcase a potpourri of local talent with performances in dance, song, poetry and drama.
Among those who will take the stage are the Silvertones, Praise Academy, Winston Farrell, Buggy, a combined Folk Chorale, Mike Grosvenor and the 2008 Pic-o-de-Crop winner, Adrian ‘AC’ Clarke.
Patrons will also be introduced to the Parish Independence Committee members, the Attendant of the Year and the Most Outstanding Ambassadors for 2007.
All persons are invited to attend. (AS/BGIS)
Come next Saturday, November 01, Bridgetown will again come alive with “blue and gold” when the Community Independence Celebrations Secretariat (CICS) hosts its annual Lighting Ceremony and Bajan Brew at Independence Square, the City.
The event, now in its 12th year, will get under way at 5:30 p.m. and will be held under the theme “Celebrating our Communities…Preserving our Heritage”.
A highlight of this year’s programme is the tribute to local cultural icon Barbados Landship, which will be performed by the Israel Lovell Foundation Tuk Band.
Other performers are the Lester Vaughn Gospel Choir; the combined schools of George Lamming, St. Mary’s, Westbury and Wesley Hall Primary and the Barbados Community College Orchestra.
The official opening will wrap up with a medley of calypso classics ‘Bim, I Love You’, ‘It’s a Paradise’ and ‘Culture’ by veteran calypsonians Red Plastic Bag, Ronnie D and Gabby, respectively.
Following the Lighting Ceremony, the Bajan Brew will showcase a potpourri of local talent with performances in dance, song, poetry and drama.
Among those who will take the stage are the Silvertones, Praise Academy, Winston Farrell, Buggy, a combined Folk Chorale, Mike Grosvenor and the 2008 Pic-o-de-Crop winner, Adrian ‘AC’ Clarke.
Patrons will also be introduced to the Parish Independence Committee members, the Attendant of the Year and the Most Outstanding Ambassadors for 2007.
All persons are invited to attend. (AS/BGIS)
Babies Born With Low Birth Weight A Concern
October 25, 2008
A BGIS NEWS FEATURE
Four to five per cent of babies, born to term in Barbados, have a low birth weight and this is of concern to doctors at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).
Senior Registrar in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the QEH, Dr. Bayo Ogunbiyi noting that “to term” meant between 37 and 40 weeks of a mother’s pregnancy said, this low birth weight of 2.5 kilos (or 5_ lbs) was of concern “because these babies, born at this weight, actually create the possibility for long term problems in terms of learning and chronic diseases.”
Dr. Ogunbiyi said the factors which contributed to this included the mother’s health, teenaged pregnancy, if the mother was over 40 years or if the woman had several babies in the past, usually four or more. “If the mother comes into the pregnancy with a chronic illness such as hypertension and diabetes, which we are seeing in lots of younger mothers now, it can affect the health of the child,” he added.
And, he explained, with teenaged mothers, the reasons were nutritionally–based. “This is not just about the food she is eating but the constituents of her body – because a teenaged mother is still growing, she still needs the iron – for example her own folic acid for her own cells – so if she has a baby inside that is depending on her, as a mother, for everything, it will take the nutrients it needs. If the mother’s store is depleted, the baby will become lacking,” said the Senior Registrar.
For women over 40, it was the ageing process. The medical practitioner said: “The arteries and all the other things needed for the development of the placenta can be compromised, and consequently you have placenta malfunction. When this occurs, you have a baby that is not reaching what is called its growth potential.”
Queried about whether such babies would necessarily develop chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs), Dr. Ogunbiyi said: “The emerging evidence now says yes; that’s the case. But this is not inevitable. There are lots of things that can be done either at the pre-pregnancy stage or immediately after birth.”
While pointing out that interventions before pregnancy were limited in scope, he cautioned women who were thinking about becoming pregnant to consider what must be done before. “In an ideal world you want all pregnancies to be planned… the best thing for the woman [to do] is to optimise her weight because if she is obese then she is likely to have a lot of other problems including this one.
“It used to be thought that an obese woman would almost always have a big baby but the converse is actually what we are seeing and this is worldwide in its occurrence; so that is why we are focusing on it.”
Dr. Ogunbiyi explained that the problem with babies of low birth weight was epi-genesis (outside of the genetic inheritance) and he said the stress the baby received within the womb caused certain genetic alterations that affect the way it dealt with nutrition once it was born.
He said: “The baby becomes a hoarder; if you give the baby a certain amount of nutrition it will hoard more than it requires; so there is a period of catch up which leads to excess stress on their various functions, especially the insulin. This then leads to relative insulin resistance and you have an early onset of diabetes; and sometimes this is not detected until later.”
The Senior Registrar recommended a specialist clinic, where these babies would be isolated and kept on iron; and where their nutrition - the way they are fed, the content and the amount of food given - would be specifically tailored to them “to reduce the incidence of low grade inflammation.”
Women with low birth weight babies are also urged to pay attention to their supplement and formula, since they may contain too much protein and carbohydrates; and this is likely to perpetuate the problem. “You need to be very careful how you calculate the calorific requirement of the baby and the amount of protein you need for each age because this can also affect their cognitive function later in life,” said Dr. Ogunbiyi.
Dr. Ogunbiyi is the author of a research paper entitled: “From The Cradle to the Grave: Low Birth Weight As a Predictor of Chronic Non-communicable Disease.” It was presented at the 8th Annual Professor E. R. Walrond symposium, held in July of this year, in the Auditorium of the QEH. (BGIS)
A BGIS NEWS FEATURE
Four to five per cent of babies, born to term in Barbados, have a low birth weight and this is of concern to doctors at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).
Senior Registrar in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the QEH, Dr. Bayo Ogunbiyi noting that “to term” meant between 37 and 40 weeks of a mother’s pregnancy said, this low birth weight of 2.5 kilos (or 5_ lbs) was of concern “because these babies, born at this weight, actually create the possibility for long term problems in terms of learning and chronic diseases.”
Dr. Ogunbiyi said the factors which contributed to this included the mother’s health, teenaged pregnancy, if the mother was over 40 years or if the woman had several babies in the past, usually four or more. “If the mother comes into the pregnancy with a chronic illness such as hypertension and diabetes, which we are seeing in lots of younger mothers now, it can affect the health of the child,” he added.
And, he explained, with teenaged mothers, the reasons were nutritionally–based. “This is not just about the food she is eating but the constituents of her body – because a teenaged mother is still growing, she still needs the iron – for example her own folic acid for her own cells – so if she has a baby inside that is depending on her, as a mother, for everything, it will take the nutrients it needs. If the mother’s store is depleted, the baby will become lacking,” said the Senior Registrar.
For women over 40, it was the ageing process. The medical practitioner said: “The arteries and all the other things needed for the development of the placenta can be compromised, and consequently you have placenta malfunction. When this occurs, you have a baby that is not reaching what is called its growth potential.”
Queried about whether such babies would necessarily develop chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs), Dr. Ogunbiyi said: “The emerging evidence now says yes; that’s the case. But this is not inevitable. There are lots of things that can be done either at the pre-pregnancy stage or immediately after birth.”
While pointing out that interventions before pregnancy were limited in scope, he cautioned women who were thinking about becoming pregnant to consider what must be done before. “In an ideal world you want all pregnancies to be planned… the best thing for the woman [to do] is to optimise her weight because if she is obese then she is likely to have a lot of other problems including this one.
“It used to be thought that an obese woman would almost always have a big baby but the converse is actually what we are seeing and this is worldwide in its occurrence; so that is why we are focusing on it.”
Dr. Ogunbiyi explained that the problem with babies of low birth weight was epi-genesis (outside of the genetic inheritance) and he said the stress the baby received within the womb caused certain genetic alterations that affect the way it dealt with nutrition once it was born.
He said: “The baby becomes a hoarder; if you give the baby a certain amount of nutrition it will hoard more than it requires; so there is a period of catch up which leads to excess stress on their various functions, especially the insulin. This then leads to relative insulin resistance and you have an early onset of diabetes; and sometimes this is not detected until later.”
The Senior Registrar recommended a specialist clinic, where these babies would be isolated and kept on iron; and where their nutrition - the way they are fed, the content and the amount of food given - would be specifically tailored to them “to reduce the incidence of low grade inflammation.”
Women with low birth weight babies are also urged to pay attention to their supplement and formula, since they may contain too much protein and carbohydrates; and this is likely to perpetuate the problem. “You need to be very careful how you calculate the calorific requirement of the baby and the amount of protein you need for each age because this can also affect their cognitive function later in life,” said Dr. Ogunbiyi.
Dr. Ogunbiyi is the author of a research paper entitled: “From The Cradle to the Grave: Low Birth Weight As a Predictor of Chronic Non-communicable Disease.” It was presented at the 8th Annual Professor E. R. Walrond symposium, held in July of this year, in the Auditorium of the QEH. (BGIS)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
REGION REACHES CRITICAL JUNCTURE RE CNCDS
The urgent action to “stem the tide” of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases (CNCDs) signals that the region has reached a critical juncture in the health sector.
The Minister acknowledged that Minister of Health, National Insurance and Social Security, Dr. David Estwick, made this assertion recently as he addressed the opening ceremony of the Healthy Caribbean 2008 Conference – A Wellness Revolution Event at Accra Beach Hotel.
Noting that it was necessary to consider a number of factors confronting people every day, Dr. Estwick said: “Some of these may include the types and availability of food, personal preference for foods, physical inactivity and the reason why people do or do not exercise, traditional beliefs about health and their levels of confidence about making changes in their lifestyles and doing so successfully.”
While adding that it required “culturally relevant and effective interventions” to encourage the transition to healthier lifestyles, he said success in this mission called for closer collaboration with civil society, the private sector, community groups and individual citizens. the idea of a “wellness revolution” spreading across the region was an exciting one.
He explained: “I am speaking of several small waves of change, which can occur when people in community organisations and civil society take charge in determining priorities and actions for the promotion of their health and wellbeing. These small waves of change can grow into large, effective movement for behavioural change across the region.”
Meanwhile, Frank Sampson, of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), a key sponsor of the conference, in supporting the call for collaboration, said: “A principal lesson learnt at CDB in its 38 years of support of national development and regional integration is that the sustainability of any intervention requires the active involvement of the full range of social institutions within the community, whatever the sphere of activity.” (JG/BGIS)
The Minister acknowledged that Minister of Health, National Insurance and Social Security, Dr. David Estwick, made this assertion recently as he addressed the opening ceremony of the Healthy Caribbean 2008 Conference – A Wellness Revolution Event at Accra Beach Hotel.
Noting that it was necessary to consider a number of factors confronting people every day, Dr. Estwick said: “Some of these may include the types and availability of food, personal preference for foods, physical inactivity and the reason why people do or do not exercise, traditional beliefs about health and their levels of confidence about making changes in their lifestyles and doing so successfully.”
While adding that it required “culturally relevant and effective interventions” to encourage the transition to healthier lifestyles, he said success in this mission called for closer collaboration with civil society, the private sector, community groups and individual citizens. the idea of a “wellness revolution” spreading across the region was an exciting one.
He explained: “I am speaking of several small waves of change, which can occur when people in community organisations and civil society take charge in determining priorities and actions for the promotion of their health and wellbeing. These small waves of change can grow into large, effective movement for behavioural change across the region.”
Meanwhile, Frank Sampson, of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), a key sponsor of the conference, in supporting the call for collaboration, said: “A principal lesson learnt at CDB in its 38 years of support of national development and regional integration is that the sustainability of any intervention requires the active involvement of the full range of social institutions within the community, whatever the sphere of activity.” (JG/BGIS)
DEMAND FOR NCC BENCHES
There is a great demand for the several benches being made by the National Conservation Commission (NCC).
This disclosure has come from General Manager of the NCC, Keith Neblett, who said: “The demand is such that we are finding it difficult keeping up with requests from householders, the private sector and a lot of the Parent Teacher Associations at schools.”
Mr. Neblett made the comments today while presenting an Arbor bench to Donovan Bagwell, who collected it on behalf of Ivy Jeffers; and a monetary donation to Rawle Gibson of the Lions Club of Bridgetown.
He said the employees of the NCC’s Works Department had built the bench for the recently held Arbor Day Expo, adding that they were currently designing benches in various styles for the NCC-managed parks and others to be sold to the public. He pointed out that the bench Mrs. Jeffers won was very popular with the patrons who attended the Arbor Expo and that by December of this year, four or five should be available for sale.
The General Manager pointed out that because of corrosion, the NCC was in the process of replacing some of the concrete benches throughout the parks and beach front with wooden ones. “We recently put in a new set of benches at Enterprise, Brandons, the Drill Hall and Barclays Park and we have to put in more across the island. In the coming year, we will be installing over 200 benches and tables in the parks, and a similar number will be made for sale to the public,” he said.
Mr. Neblett observed that the Arbor Expo was well received and the Commission was interested in hosting similar events biannually, so the public could become familiar with the work being done there. (SA/BGIS)
This disclosure has come from General Manager of the NCC, Keith Neblett, who said: “The demand is such that we are finding it difficult keeping up with requests from householders, the private sector and a lot of the Parent Teacher Associations at schools.”
Mr. Neblett made the comments today while presenting an Arbor bench to Donovan Bagwell, who collected it on behalf of Ivy Jeffers; and a monetary donation to Rawle Gibson of the Lions Club of Bridgetown.
He said the employees of the NCC’s Works Department had built the bench for the recently held Arbor Day Expo, adding that they were currently designing benches in various styles for the NCC-managed parks and others to be sold to the public. He pointed out that the bench Mrs. Jeffers won was very popular with the patrons who attended the Arbor Expo and that by December of this year, four or five should be available for sale.
The General Manager pointed out that because of corrosion, the NCC was in the process of replacing some of the concrete benches throughout the parks and beach front with wooden ones. “We recently put in a new set of benches at Enterprise, Brandons, the Drill Hall and Barclays Park and we have to put in more across the island. In the coming year, we will be installing over 200 benches and tables in the parks, and a similar number will be made for sale to the public,” he said.
Mr. Neblett observed that the Arbor Expo was well received and the Commission was interested in hosting similar events biannually, so the public could become familiar with the work being done there. (SA/BGIS)
BARBADOS COMMITTED TO THE FIGHT AGAINST CNCDS
The Government of Barbados will continue to play a leadership role and create the conditions for the success of a regional response to the chronic non-communicable disease (CNCD) pandemic.
Prime Minister David Thompson gave this assurance last evening at Accra Beach Hotel, as he delivered the feature address at the opening ceremony of the Healthy Caribbean 2008 Conference, dubbed a “Wellness Revolution Event”.
Recalling the mandate of the Declaration of Port-of-Spain, given at the Special CARICOM Heads of Government Summit in Trinidad last year September, Prime Minister Thompson said Barbados’ commitment was evidenced “in a very tangible way, during the Financial and Budgetary Statement presented in June of this year, through the increase in taxes on tobacco products by 100% and the removal of duty free concessions”.
He noted the serious nature of the CNCD pandemic and said: “Take for example the case of Barbados, which is showing patterns that are very similar to those in other CARICOM jurisdictions. In 2001, the prevalence of diabetes among adults was 16.4%. Total amputations at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital between 2002 and 2006 were 995 for diabetics and 230 for non-diabetics.
“The estimated cost related to diabetes in Barbados in 2001 was US$37.8 million and hypertension US$72.7 million. These costs alone accounted for over 5% of the island’s gross domestic product. Interestingly, the incidence of diabetes in Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, was found to be 7.3%.”
Concern was also expressed about the effect of the pandemic on children, as well on the workforce. The Prime Minister said: “The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados has been reporting an increasing number of cases of stroke among children. Similarly, the incidence of obesity among children is highly visible on our streets.”
He continued: “The second cause for concern is the close association between stress and CNCDs. People in high status jobs, working to deadlines in an environment where failure is publicly visible, are prone to stress. Who could these people be? Politicians, lawyers, prime ministers and so on!”
The Healthy Caribbean 2008 Conference is in keeping with the Declaration of Port-of-Spain. Other aspects outlined in the Declaration include the establishment of National Commissions on CNCDs, a legislative agenda, the establishment by mid-2008 of comprehensive plans for the screening and management of chronic diseases and risk factors, so that by 2012, the re-introduction of physical education in our schools would ensure the promotion of programmes of healthy eating and increased physical activity.
Barbados has been a leader in setting the agenda for the management of CNCDs by being the first English-speaking Caribbean country to establish a National Commission for CNCDs. This Commission has been mandated to formulate sound policies and programmes to address these diseases, with emphasis on prevention. Out of the work of this Commission will come recommendations for legislation to tackle the threat posed by CNCD’s.
With respect to the promotion of physical activity, Barbados joined the rest of the region in celebrating Caribbean Wellness Day on September 13. Broad Street was closed to vehicular traffic and a number of activities related to physical exercise, good nutrition and wellness were conducted. (JG/BGIS)
Prime Minister David Thompson gave this assurance last evening at Accra Beach Hotel, as he delivered the feature address at the opening ceremony of the Healthy Caribbean 2008 Conference, dubbed a “Wellness Revolution Event”.
Recalling the mandate of the Declaration of Port-of-Spain, given at the Special CARICOM Heads of Government Summit in Trinidad last year September, Prime Minister Thompson said Barbados’ commitment was evidenced “in a very tangible way, during the Financial and Budgetary Statement presented in June of this year, through the increase in taxes on tobacco products by 100% and the removal of duty free concessions”.
He noted the serious nature of the CNCD pandemic and said: “Take for example the case of Barbados, which is showing patterns that are very similar to those in other CARICOM jurisdictions. In 2001, the prevalence of diabetes among adults was 16.4%. Total amputations at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital between 2002 and 2006 were 995 for diabetics and 230 for non-diabetics.
“The estimated cost related to diabetes in Barbados in 2001 was US$37.8 million and hypertension US$72.7 million. These costs alone accounted for over 5% of the island’s gross domestic product. Interestingly, the incidence of diabetes in Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, was found to be 7.3%.”
Concern was also expressed about the effect of the pandemic on children, as well on the workforce. The Prime Minister said: “The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados has been reporting an increasing number of cases of stroke among children. Similarly, the incidence of obesity among children is highly visible on our streets.”
He continued: “The second cause for concern is the close association between stress and CNCDs. People in high status jobs, working to deadlines in an environment where failure is publicly visible, are prone to stress. Who could these people be? Politicians, lawyers, prime ministers and so on!”
The Healthy Caribbean 2008 Conference is in keeping with the Declaration of Port-of-Spain. Other aspects outlined in the Declaration include the establishment of National Commissions on CNCDs, a legislative agenda, the establishment by mid-2008 of comprehensive plans for the screening and management of chronic diseases and risk factors, so that by 2012, the re-introduction of physical education in our schools would ensure the promotion of programmes of healthy eating and increased physical activity.
Barbados has been a leader in setting the agenda for the management of CNCDs by being the first English-speaking Caribbean country to establish a National Commission for CNCDs. This Commission has been mandated to formulate sound policies and programmes to address these diseases, with emphasis on prevention. Out of the work of this Commission will come recommendations for legislation to tackle the threat posed by CNCD’s.
With respect to the promotion of physical activity, Barbados joined the rest of the region in celebrating Caribbean Wellness Day on September 13. Broad Street was closed to vehicular traffic and a number of activities related to physical exercise, good nutrition and wellness were conducted. (JG/BGIS)
Smoke detectors to aid fire prevention
Over the last eight years, Barbados saw a notable 22 people dying in house fires, with four of these deaths occurring this year.
In light of this, acting Chief Fire Officer, Anthony Blackman, has appealed to the Barbadian population to install smoke detectors and adhere to fire safety information.
The Barbados Fire Service (BFS) is leading by example, having so far installed 150 smoke detectors across the island, largely in the homes of the disabled and the elderly, at a cost of some Bds $8,000. Half of this was contributed by several churches and Cooperators General Insurance Company Ltd., which presented the Fire Prevention and Community Relations Unit with smoke detectors last Monday.
Today, fire officers of the unit distributed them to households in the Britton’s Hill and Garrison area, as the BFS ended Fire Prevention Week but left the theme Smoke Detectors Save Lives ringing in the ears of Barbadians.
During the first stop at Burke’s Land in Britton’s Hill, Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs Freundel Stuart, who is also the parliamentary representative for the area, assisted in the smoke detector installation at a household.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr. Stuart lauded the insurance company for supporting the programme and exhorted the rest of Corporate Barbados to do likewise, since this fire safety drive is islandwide and calls for smoke detectors, not only at the houses of the physically-challenged and the elderly but also at special schools, institutions and private homes.
Echoing the Fire Service’s concern over the rise in both house fires and resulting deaths, the insurance company is also disturbed about the number of uninsured houses
destroyed by fire, especially when protection is available and at affordable rates. (TA/BGIS)
In light of this, acting Chief Fire Officer, Anthony Blackman, has appealed to the Barbadian population to install smoke detectors and adhere to fire safety information.
The Barbados Fire Service (BFS) is leading by example, having so far installed 150 smoke detectors across the island, largely in the homes of the disabled and the elderly, at a cost of some Bds $8,000. Half of this was contributed by several churches and Cooperators General Insurance Company Ltd., which presented the Fire Prevention and Community Relations Unit with smoke detectors last Monday.
Today, fire officers of the unit distributed them to households in the Britton’s Hill and Garrison area, as the BFS ended Fire Prevention Week but left the theme Smoke Detectors Save Lives ringing in the ears of Barbadians.
During the first stop at Burke’s Land in Britton’s Hill, Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs Freundel Stuart, who is also the parliamentary representative for the area, assisted in the smoke detector installation at a household.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr. Stuart lauded the insurance company for supporting the programme and exhorted the rest of Corporate Barbados to do likewise, since this fire safety drive is islandwide and calls for smoke detectors, not only at the houses of the physically-challenged and the elderly but also at special schools, institutions and private homes.
Echoing the Fire Service’s concern over the rise in both house fires and resulting deaths, the insurance company is also disturbed about the number of uninsured houses
destroyed by fire, especially when protection is available and at affordable rates. (TA/BGIS)
Government committed to promoting active ageing
Government plans to offer more assistance to the local senior athletes, especially those who make the yearly trip to Utah for the Huntsman World Senior Games.
This is the word from Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Urban Development, Dr. Denis Lowe, under whose aegis the National Senior Games fall.
Speaking during a welcome reception for the senior athletes who returned from the Utah Games last evening, he said: “I continue to commit myself and my Ministry to ensuring that whatever resources are necessary to continue to enable them (senior athletes) to do the job that they are doing.”
Dr. Lowe added: “Certainly, the Ministry stands ready and able to continue to promote this kind of active ageing lifestyle, and hope that Barbados in general would adopt some of the practices of these wonderful athletes, as we continue to build a stronger and more cohesive society.”
Minister of Family, Youth, Sports, and Environment, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, who was also part of the welcoming party, said that her Ministry would also seek to do more to assist the senior athletes.
She remarked: “I don’t think that enough is being done through the Ministry of Sports for senior athletes and there is always a lot of talk about helping our younger athletes, but obviously to put money into the senior sports programme is definitely not a waste of time and certainly something that we need to look forward to.”
Dr. Byer Suckoo also spoke of the need for her Ministry to encourage healthy and active ageing. “We also see it as important that the older people can get out and be part of some of kind sport, become physically active, because that way they can get an opportunity to remain healthy and stave off certain diseases that we know affect so many of our older people.”
Government contributed some Bds$ 140, 000 to assist the senior athletes who attended and participated in the Games. (EM/BGIS)
This is the word from Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Urban Development, Dr. Denis Lowe, under whose aegis the National Senior Games fall.
Speaking during a welcome reception for the senior athletes who returned from the Utah Games last evening, he said: “I continue to commit myself and my Ministry to ensuring that whatever resources are necessary to continue to enable them (senior athletes) to do the job that they are doing.”
Dr. Lowe added: “Certainly, the Ministry stands ready and able to continue to promote this kind of active ageing lifestyle, and hope that Barbados in general would adopt some of the practices of these wonderful athletes, as we continue to build a stronger and more cohesive society.”
Minister of Family, Youth, Sports, and Environment, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, who was also part of the welcoming party, said that her Ministry would also seek to do more to assist the senior athletes.
She remarked: “I don’t think that enough is being done through the Ministry of Sports for senior athletes and there is always a lot of talk about helping our younger athletes, but obviously to put money into the senior sports programme is definitely not a waste of time and certainly something that we need to look forward to.”
Dr. Byer Suckoo also spoke of the need for her Ministry to encourage healthy and active ageing. “We also see it as important that the older people can get out and be part of some of kind sport, become physically active, because that way they can get an opportunity to remain healthy and stave off certain diseases that we know affect so many of our older people.”
Government contributed some Bds$ 140, 000 to assist the senior athletes who attended and participated in the Games. (EM/BGIS)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
