By Julie Wilson
Published: July 28, 2010
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The history of the Moravian Church will come into sharp focus, when the Christ Church Parish Independence Committee hosts a lecture to discuss this subject.

The discussion, themed Churches of Christ Church - History of the Moravian Church, will be held at the Cuthbert Pilgrim Memorial Hall, next to Bethlehem Moravian Church, Maxwell, Christ Church, this Thursday, July 29, starting at 7:00 p.m.  It will be delivered by Reverend Winston Jones.

Further information on the event may be obtained by calling Marseta Walcott at telephone numbers 420-2010 or 428-1878, and Wendell Callender at 435-1403 or 827-5751. jwilson@barbados.gov.bb

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By Cathy Lashley
Published: July 28, 2010
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The Ministry of Health's Vector Control Unit is stepping up its campaign to educate Barbadians about the dangers of pests and rodents, by hosting a workshop next month for staff of the Child Care Board.

The course will be held on Wednesday, August 25, at the Ministry's Environmental Health Training Centre, Jemmotts Lane, St. Michael, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Topics to be covered will include: mosquito control and dengue fever; rodent control, leptospirosis, flies, cockroaches and bed bugs. Environmental Health officers will also show participants the importance of the fogging programme; namely how to identify mosquito eggs and larvae under the microscope and use of the black lamp.

The Unit aims to sensitise between 10,000 and 12,000 persons about ongoing efforts to rid the island of the aedes egypti mosquito and to control the rodent population. clashley@barbados.gov.bb

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By Julie Wilson
Published: July 28, 2010
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The Emancipation Day public holiday, which usually falls on August 1, will be observed this year on Tuesday, August 3.  This is because August 1, falls on a Sunday, and Kadooment Day will be celebrated on Monday, August 2. jwilson@barbados.gov.bb

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By Julie Wilson
Published: July 28, 2010
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In an effort to improve the health and safety of the canine population and ensure a high standard of living is maintained, the Animal Control Centre is currently carrying out routine inspections of all kennel operations on the island and is asking the public to cooperate in this exercise.

Individuals are, therefore, advised that officers, wearing appropriate identification, will be randomly checking kennel operations in various districts.  However, kennel operators can further facilitate the process by calling the Animal Control Centre at 425-5559 or 425-1033, to schedule an appointment for inspection from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.    

According to the Centre, five dogs or more constitute a kennel, whether open or enclosed.

The inspection of these kennels will entail an assessment of premises to determine the number of canines present; the number of dogs actually licensed; the condition of the canines, as well as the feeding, exercise and training regimes for the animals.

 Additionally, officers will check whether there is approval from Town and Country Development Planning Office and examine the waste disposal systems; the proximity of kennels to public pathways and neighbouring premises; the reasons for kennel operations, whether commercial or otherwise; the names and addresses of attending veterinarians; the list of pharmaceuticals currently in use with the animals; and type of housing provided for the canines.

The Centre will then make recommendations to owners or operators in accordance with the Dog Licensing and Control Act, the Health Services Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 2000 - 16. jwilson@barbados.gov.bb

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By Sharon Austin-Gill-Moore
Published: July 28, 2010
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Those persons working with Government's National Summer Camp Programme will be paid by this Friday, July 30.

This assurance has come from Minister of Youth, Family and Sports, Stephen Lashley, who disclosed that technical hitches had delayed the payment to camp directors, assistant directors and camp assistants.

Mr. Lashley stressed, however, that most of the information had been processed and the cheques should be issued by Friday.

The Minister specifically explained that the lack of pertinent information, which was crucial to persons receiving accurate compensation, was responsible for the hiccup. He said this information, such as national identification numbers for the 800-odd workers who were not on Government's Smart Stream system, caused the delay.

"This has now been keyed-in and the payment cheques have been generated," Mr. Lashley declared. 

He further explained that caterers providing services to the camps, with the exception of a few whose invoices were submitted late, have all been paid. saustin@barbados.gov.bb

           

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By Sharon Austin-Gill-Moore
Published: July 27, 2010
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Stop driving on the National Sports Council's (NSC) playing fields!

That is the strong message from Director of the NSC, Erskine King, who said some motorists and motor cyclists were indiscriminately using a few of their grounds during the night, early morning, and even chancing the stunts in daylight.

"Some use the field to do all sorts of tricks with their vehicles and this destroys the grass... We even have one or two fields people use to race horses," Mr. King lamented.

He disclosed that the Council had put a system in place to prevent persons from driving on the fields, but some of them had gotten around it.

The Director pointed out that the Council was not in a position to "police" those playing fields "24/7", and noted that moral suasion was being used to stop the culprits.  "We can only appeal to the good sense of people to assist us by keeping off the fields with that type of illegal activity. It then becomes costly to try to put the field back in pristine condition, particularly as we move towards a greater sports tourism thrust.

"If you are inviting people here to participate in sporting activities, you can't invite them to use sub-standard facilities with a lot of tyre marks and so forth, that can be dangerous to them. It is sad that you constantly have to make an appeal for people to desist from doing these things," he complained.

Mr. King urged those living close to the problem fields, including Bridge Field, St. Thomas, and Blenheim, St. Michael, to "keep an eye out for any unusual activity" and give the Sports Council or the police the information, including the registration numbers of the vehicles, so action could be taken.

He called on Barbadians to see playing fields as part of their community. "We at the Sports Council are engaging in outreach programmes because we want people in the various communities to see the grounds as an extension of their own home, so they would protect the facilities and rid the country of this destructive behaviour," the Director said. saustin@barbados.gov.bb

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By Julie Wilson
Published: July 27, 2010
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The Season of Emancipation will continue to play a significant role in preserving the island's heritage with the twinning of celebrations during the Crop Over festival to preserve the island's heritage.

Minister of Community Development and Culture, Steve Blackett, made this observation last Monday, while addressing a ceremony to commemorate the Day of National Significance, under the theme Thunder and Resistance. The event was held in the Oistins Bay Gardens, Christ Church.

Emphasising that the Season of Emancipation offered the entertainment, revelry and colour of the Crop Over Festival, he urged all Barbadians to reflect on the significance of the day.

Reflect on the fact that had it not been for the social unrest of 1937, Barbadians of African descent could not be where we are today." Mr. Blackett said.

Even though there was considerable loss of life as a result of the 1937 Riots, the Minister reminded the audience that the Day of Significance was in recognition of the sacrifices of working-class Barbadians, who struggled to survive under an oppressive system.

As a result of their sacrifices, Mr. Blackett said Barbadians now enjoyed the fruits of a more humane, productive, egalitarian modern society. "Let us vow to tell this story to our children and our grandchildren, for they, more than anyone else, need to be made aware of the fact that nothing worthwhile in life comes easy.  Make them understand that painful sacrifices were made in order for them to be able to have such a comfortable lifestyle today," he maintained.

As part of the celebrations patrons were treated to poetry and spoken word presentations by Margaret Gill and Matthew Murrell, respectively.  The drummers from Haynesville Community Group, Ife's Moco Jumbies and the Israel Lovell Foundation, as well as the band Lion Soul, brought the curtain down on the proceedings. jwilson@barbados.gov.bb

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By Sharifa Medford
Published: July 27, 2010
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Empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) continues to be one of Government's priorities.

This was emphasised by Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment, Urban and Rural Development, Christopher Sinckler, during his address at the Athletes Leadership Programmes' (ALP) "Reaching Out" project awards ceremony, at Divi Southwinds, last Saturday evening.

"Reaching Out" was a year-long programme which was hosted by Special Olympics Barbados to cater to the personal and social development of special needs athletes ages 16 and over.

Minister Sinckler asserted that "these young people are part of our heritage and no effort should be spared in removing the barriers that may hinder their progress. It is for this reason that the Government, through the Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment, Urban and Rural Development, did not hesitate to assist financially with the implementation of this and other programmes from which Persons with Disabilities can benefit."

The Minister of Social Care disclosed that an "annual subvention of $400,000 is given by Government to the Barbados Council for the Disabled to enable its servicing of the community of Persons with Disabilities." He noted that there are also subventions for other related organisations which are provided through the National Disabilities Unit.

In addition to the provision of funds, Mr. Sinckler further affirmed Government's dedication to helping PWDs by revealing his administration's intention to ratify the Convention for the Rights of PWDs this year.

He stated: "The Government of Barbados through the various agencies in the social sector remains committed to doing all within its power to create the kind of environment that creates equal opportunities for all Barbadians to realise their fullest potential." sharifa.medford@barbados.gov.bb

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By Julie Wilson
Published: July 27, 2010
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The Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) will be mounting an exhibition to showcase the work of participants in their skills development programmes.

The event takes place this Thursday, July 29, at the BIDC's Small Business Development Centre, Fontabelle, St. Michael, starting at 6:00 p.m.

On display will be a variety of items, crafted by the participants during the April to May courses in woodwork, glass blowing and jewellery making.  The programmes were coordinated by the Crafts Development Unit, as a means of teaching some Barbadians a new skill.

Apart from skills development, the participants were also exposed to other areas such as health and safety practices; imperial measurements; basic tool maintenance; selection and preparation of materials and the construction of basic joints.

Director of the Entrepreneurial Development Department, James Campbell, will deliver the opening remarks. jwilson@barbados.gov.bb 

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By Julie Wilson
Published: July 26, 2010
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The Ministry of Health is moving with a great sense of urgency and determination to improve upon the regulations of health care practitioners in the public and private sectors.

Minister of Health, Donville Inniss disclosed this today, as he addressed the opening of the Continuous Quality Improvement workshop for health professionals, in the main conference room, 2^nd Floor, National Insurance Building.

He said: "The new Medical Registration Bill was returned to the Ministry of Health from the Attorney General's Office last week and it will shortly be reviewed by a committee of Cabinet and I eagerly await a robust debate on it both in Parliament and in the public domain."

 Stressing, however, that reforms and improved regulations in the health care system should not only centre on medical practitioners, the Minister opined,  "Far too often we spend too much time focusing on doctors and not engaging our discussions on other health care professionals," and he assured participants that no group would be left behind in the reform process.

To this end, it was noted that councils would be better regulated and would no longer comprise only members of a specific profession, but would "inculcate the views and experiences of ordinary Barbadians and other professions on each council".

The Health Minister opined: "The medical, dental, paramedical and pharmacy councils are all being restructured to become more reflective of our wider society and to bring greater checks and balances to the deliberations which must all be focused on improved patient care.

"Our effort will go way beyond the Councils which regulate the professions and begin to look at the facilities from whence these professionals operate, along with the quality of service and staffing as well.  It is a mammoth undertaking which will not occur overnight, but your deliberations here today will help you and my Ministry move with pride along the right path of an improved health care system."

Participants were also reminded that a few months ago Cabinet approved a request from the Ministry of Health for the establishment of a National Health Quality Council, as a regulatory body.  Revealing that his Ministry was currently working with the legislative drafters to create this body via statute and to give it the authority, the Minister added that the Council would develop and apply strong licensing legislation.

"With this in mind a new Quality Act is currently being prepared.  It will implement Risk Management as the first step in the roll-out of the national Health Care Quality Council," he remarked.

According to the Minister, the intention of the change is to promote safety and improve health care delivery in the private and public sectors. Adding that the coordination of Quality Management, under the remit of the National Health Care Quality Council had successfully been implemented in developed countries, Mr. Inniss said this intervention would undoubtedly achieve its goals, "given the calibre of the health sector workforce and the Barbadian demands for the highest standards of quality." jwilson@barbados.gov.bb

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