Tomorrow: 1st Digicel T20 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua Thursday, May 20: 2nd Digicel T20 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua Saturday, May 22: 1st Digicel ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua Monday, May 24: 2nd Digicel ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua Friday, May 28: 3rd Digicel ODI at Windsor Park, Dominica Sunday, May 30: 4th Digicel ODI at Windsor Park, Dominica Thursday, June 3: 5th Digicel ODI at Sabina Park, Jamaica Sunday, June 6 to Monday June 7: South Africa warm-up at Chedwin Park, Jamaica Thursday, June 10 to Monday June 14: 1st Digicel Test at Sabina Park, Jamaica Friday June 18 to Tuesday, June 22: 2nd Digicel Test at Warner Park, St Kitts Saturday, June 26 to Wednesday, June 30: 3rd Digicel Test at Kensington Oval, Barbados
‘We could lose our reef fishery’
CAN WE AFFORD to lose anymore of our marine habitats?Yesterday, this question was asked by marine scientist Hazel Oxenford as she delivered a lecture to a number of students at the Folkestone Park And Marine Reserve as part of the International Council Of Museums’ week of activities worldwide. In response to her own question, Oxenford, a professor of Marine Ecology and Fisheries at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, said she hoped the answer was “no”.“Additional loss is really unacceptable, given the amount of loss we have already witnessed,” she said, adding that if Barbados continued to lose coral reefs, the consequences “can be very far-reaching for the country”.“We would lose our reef fishery. . . . More importantly, we are going to lose the reef biodiversity, which means our water sports tourism will go downhill.”“I think the most frightening aspect is that of the loss of reef framework and this self-repairing barrier that provides the white sand beaches and protects them. . . . we would no longer have protection of the shoreline and that means. . . . damage to all of the tourist infrastructure along the coast and much of the critical infrastructure that we have, such as The Barbados Light and Power and the hospital. These facilities are within a metre of current sea surface level.”Oxenford also highlighted the impact of climate change on coral reefs in Barbados. However, she encouraged the students to leave the room as optimists, saying: “It is up to everyone of us to help ourselves and stop relying on other people to tell us what to do.”
Food and wine to attract tourists
THE LATEST activity to be added to the Barbados tourism calendar is expected to be a major fillip to the island’s tourism.President of Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), David Rice, anticipates the Barbados Food And Wine Festival planned for November 18 to 21 will be a successful boost to the number of visitors coming into the island.It is the newest addition to the list of annual events in a year in which, according to Rice, the board is concentrating on events.“The tourism industry is a twelve-month a year industry and we can’t just concentrate on our winter season. We have to make sure that in the summer we have business because our responsibility is to 270 000 people. We therefore must have something happening every month of the year.” “This year, over previous years, we are trying to make sure that there is an event every month,” Rice added. This latest festival joins other mainline festivals like Crop-Over, Gospelfest and the just-concluded ICC World Twenty20 cricket tournament in promoting Barbados as an activity-filled destination.The Food And Wine Festival, Rice said, is a revamp of the successful Taste Of Barbados in which local chefs showed off their culinary skills and Barbadians took advantage of fine Barbadian cuisine creatively served up. But the BTA president stated, “We took a look at the Taste Of Barbados, which was successful over the years, and we wanted to enhance it.”Chefs from the United States, Canada, the United Kindom and Barbadian chefs will participate in the festival with what Rice described as “very big dining events”, to be held at various locations throughout the island.“We need to draw more visitors to our country, and we wanted to create an international event that could do that.” The BTA president said the Authority was also having discussions about an entertainment event in September. He however declined to give details since he said arrangements had not yet been finalised.
Call persists for Golding to resign as PM
KINGSTON – The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) did not change its stance on Sunday, and neither did the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). The PNP continued to call for Prime Minister Bruce Golding to step down amidst the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips saga rocking the Government even while the JLP was preparing to host a Press conference to announce that Golding was staying put. But Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller, who on Sunday addressed a special meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) at the University of the West Indies, told grinning, energised comrades not to gloat as Jamaica was hurting from the deepening scandal. “Whatever the outcome of this situation, I make a special appeal to comrades. Let us not gloat over this situation,” said Simpson Miller. “Let us not be uncharitable. . . . let us have a national day of prayer for Jamaica and its people. Let us pray for the PNP, and let us pray for Mr Golding and his family at this time.” Earlier, the opposition leader noted that the scandal was a “serious issue about Jamaica” and its “relationship” with the rest of the world. “People are watching us very closely. This is not about the PNP or JLP. The PM must do the right thing and tender his resignation,” she insisted. The party also repeated calls for Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne to resign. “She, too, must do the honourable thing and resign,” Simpson Miller told the meeting. There have been widespread calls for Golding to resign following his stunning confession last Tuesday in Parliament that he sanctioned the party’s engagement of the law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to lobby the Obama administration to prevent the extradition of Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, who has been indicted by the United States on drug and gun trafficking charges. “I have been in politics a very long time, and never in my life have I seen the leadership of this country plot, collude and scheme with the explicit, brazen and barefaced sanction of a prime minister,” said Simpson Miller. “Never have I witnessed such deception and betrayal of the trust of the Jamaican people.” Simpson Miller said she had heard the criticisms of the PNP and was mindful that many people did not trust the words of politicians. She said the PNP must be “big enough to recognise it, mature enough to admit it and strong enough to correct it”. She added that many people felt that the PNP was sitting in limbo waiting for the dice to roll (a line taken from one of Jimmy Cliff’s songs). However, she said that the PNP was offering a different kind of governance and politics, which was aimed at accountability and honesty. (Observer)
GUEST COLUMN: ‘Beach bums’ and tourism
by WYNSLO PHILLIPSIN RECENT weeks there has been a number of published comments and complaints about beach vendors and so-called “beach bums”. Being a beach vendor myself for the past 20 years, what I have noticed is that whenever there is a downturn in the local hotel industry these complaints tend to appear. Beach vendors and “beach bums” seem to be an easy target or scapegoat for the economic woes of hotels and Barbadians in general. The hotels have demonised beach vendors (and “beach bums”) as the biggest threat to the economic stability and welfare of Barbados.Sir, I will state that today, as compared to 20 years ago, there has been a significant reduction in the number of beach vendors (and “beach bums”). Of course, many vendors have retired, but many others have left because of reduced economic opportunities. The face of Barbadian tourism has changed, from mainly hotel accommodation to a mix of hotels, condominiums, rental villas, and short-term apartments, with many new homes today being built with at least two apartments for visitor rentals added in. With the last mentioned, I believe this is a source of tax income the Government is missing in a big way.One can hardly make a living today from placing a stall on the beach in front of a hotel and peddling costume jewellery, beach wraps and hair braiding. Being an unlicensed itinerant beach vendor is an even more dire situation. In the Dover-Maxwell Beach area, where I ply my trade as a beach artist, there is only one licensed vendor – a hair braider, remaining on the entire Dover Beach. On Maxwell beach, Turtle Beach Resort has only two of five licensed vendors remaining. Almond Casuarina also has five licensed vendors. Two are there full-time and a third drops in occasionally. The other two have disappeared. The vendors at Bougainvillaea Resort certainly do not appear every day. And, very rarely do you see a vendor on the beach at Barbados Beach Club. The few itinerant vendors always have to keep a sharp eye out for the police and NCC rangers.On the question of beach bums, there may not be many Barbadians who will acknowledge it, but they play a very important part in the local tourism industry and perhaps in the economy in general. One prominent South Coast hotelier, well known for his tirades against beach vendors, was himself a beach vendor and could be described as a beach bum. That is how he met his wife, who financed the purchase of his hotel. Without that coming together, that source of investment would most likely have ended up elsewhere.I know two restaurateurs and a prominent realtor, who married “beach bums”, and the island is much better off because of these happy occurrences. Millions of dollars in real estate purchases, and the accompanying economic development, have flowed into the island’s economy because of this meeting of wealthy visitors and “beach bums”. This is not to mention direct cash payments (or gifts) which any economist will tell you are more beneficial to the wider economy than any other form of national income.There are many beach-side bars, car rental operators, small hotels, apartments and short-term rental house owners who economically depend on recommendations from “beach bums”. What would the Oistins Bay Gardens be without the positive referrals from this little appreciated class of Barbadians. The NCC head, Keith Neblett, along with calling for a renewed battle against beach bums, also mentioned the matter of beach littering. I can say that the NCC has not provided a single garbage can on either Dover or Maxwell Beach for public use. Perhaps, Neblett should leave his office occasionally and get some sand on his shoes and see what really happens on the beach.
Govt looking to HELP with land
GOVERNMENT will seek permission to acquire two parcels of land at Brighton, St George when the House of Assembly meets today at 10 a.m., to pursue its Housing Every Last Person Programme (HELP).Minister of Housing and Lands Michael Lashley is down to move the resolution to compulsorily acquire the two parcels of land, totalling 15 302 square metres, owned by Brighton Plantation Limited.On March 6, 2008, Cabinet had agreed to acquire the land for the provision of 500 lots under HELP.And on February 26, last year, it agreed to:(i) the acquisition of additional areas from landowners where acquisitions were approved previously to provide the required lots as well as to accommodate the recommended buffer zone under HELP in accordance with instructions from the Chief Town Planner; and(ii) the acquisition of other parcels of land to provide the required 500 lots as well as to accommodate the buffer zone under HELP.Two other items are likely to be debated: an amendment to the Income Tax Act to give effect to a proposal in the 2009 Budget to make different provision for settlements to charities and to provide for a foreign currency allowance to individuals in certain circumstances; and an amendment to the Charities Act to provide for the categorisation of certain institutions as “exempt charities”.These charities are defined as “any body established by statute which is permitted to receive gifts and donations of money or property for the performing of any function or discharging of any obligation under that statute”.Seven new bodies will be admitted to this category: the AIDS Foundation of Barbados, the Barbados National Trust, the Barbados Small Business Association, the Challenor Creative Arts and Training Centre, the Kiwanis Club of Barbados, the Lions Club of Barbados and the Barbados Cancer Society and Cancer Support Services.There is also provision for “any facility established for the treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by substance abuse”. (AB)
BLABBERMOUT BABSIE: Crystal ball, wha’ gine happen?
Well, muh girl, life ’pon dis li’l “Treasure Islan’” gine on as usual, good fuh some, not so good fuh ethuhs. But as a frien’ o’ mine always say, “Life is wha’ yuh mek it” an’ wha’evah come in yuh life, YOU responsible, so yuh only got yuhself to blame! I hear wha’ she sayin’, but I got muh doubts ’bout dah one! Anyway, I leffin’ “evah man to ’e own order”!I notice dat after all de to-in’ an’ fro-in’ sence dah recent unclear election result, you English en’ up wif a coalition guvment, de firs’ fill! one sence Worl’ War II! B’looka how de Conservatives was able, finally, to convince de Liberal Democrats it would be mo’ beneficial to t’row in duh lot wif dem – an’ now, dem two “foes” become “frien’s”, jes’ to form de guvment! I hope duh don’ fall out somewhey ’long de way an’ Labour get de las’ laff! Don’ leh we fuhget politics full o’ surprises! Gordon Browne had a good long run, an’, as we all know, neflin – good or bad – does las’ fuhevah! Anyway, girichile, I wish yuh-all de bes’ wifdis new “union” an’ I hope it Las’!In de Caribbean, sparks flyin’ in a political fight dat gine on jes’ nex’ door! Election Day in Trinidad drawin’ near – 24th May, I believe – an’ from all reports, bofe parties doin’ all duh could, to come out ’pon top. Patrick Manning, to retain de power dat ’e get so ’custom to, all dese years, an’ de Indian lady tryin’ to snatch it ’way from ’e. Bofe sides got duh ardent supporters an’ dis causin’ some trouble when tempers get hot! Only ]as’ week I read somebody pelt a tin o’ red paint all over one o’ Manning candidates – a young ’oman – when she was walkin’ ’bout she districk! She tek it in she stride but still had to go to de horsepittle to get de paint out she eyes. Now, dah coulda bline she an’ was absolutely onnecessary, but people does get so work up dat anyt’ing could happen! T’ank Jehovah, we en get to dah stage!I always got to laugh when I see supporters ’pon opposite sides gettin’ all hot an’ hostile wif one anethuh, while de politicians involve, laffin’ an’ drinkin’ up, all friendly-like – at leas’, ’pon de surface! My frien’ in Trinidad phone muh las’ weeken’ to bring muh up-to-date ’pon de happenin’s an’ which Party she hopin’ would win, but I en layin’ nuh bets. I playin’ a “wait-ansee” game! I en see why I should get stress-out ovah politics, ’cause, as far as I concern, any number could play. All sorts o’ t’ings does happen in politics an’ who is to know which party gine win? Tummuch slip-ups, chile! M’dear, neffin ’bout life sure nowadays, even checkin’ wif a crystal ball en’ helpin’ now!Talkin’ ’bout a “crystal ball”, doh. I c’n believe muh ears hey lately, when Philomena come an’ tell muh she gine talk wif a “psychic” to see ef she could fine out anyt’ ing ’bout de money Clico got fuh she. I try explainin’ it gine tek mo’ dan a psychic to help wifdah search, but I c’n get she to change she min’, so she gine next week to axk a question! White talkin’ wif Philomena, I get to fine out dis en de firs’ time she went seekin’ “help”! She axk muh ef I don’ see all dem phone numbers in de papers – from as far as Amurica – from dese “gurus” promisin’ to improve yuh life, wifduh various oils an’ love potions! Efduh wasn’ gettin’ a response from Bajans, duh won’ advertise! I had to agree an’ start t’inkin’ diff’rent! C’dear, life mussee stressin’ we out much mo’ dan I t’ought! I din t’ink intelligent people like we coulda get fool so easy! Tek care o’ yuhself,
Yuh frien’ Babsie
T20 to remember, says ICC chief
A MEMORABLE and successful World Twenty20!The International Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday praised its staff and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for a highly successful staging of the 2010 World Twenty20 Championships.“A lot of praise for the operational success of the tournament must go to the West Indies Cricket Board, the ICC World Twenty20 2010 organising committee and the ICC staff who delivered an outstanding event which will long be remembered,” said ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat.“For me this was a truly memorable event which showcased the unique culture and passion for cricket in the Caribbean,” he added.Lorgat said the ICC recognised the need to involve all the local people, and the governing body for the sport was thrilled by their turnout and enthusiastic support.“I think everyone will agree that their colourful participation contributed much to the success of the tournament,” he said.“We invited the Caribbean people to ‘Bring It’ and they certainly did just that. The ICC is grateful to all those who attended the matches and the hundreds of millions who watched on television.”Lorgat also congratulated the Paul Collingwood-led England side which won the men’s title, and Australia, led by Alex Blackwell for winning the women’s crown.“I think everyone would agree that the best teams in the men’s and women’s ICC World Twenty20s reached the finals. They are deserved winners of an exceptional event,” he said.Lorgat also said the ICC was grateful to its broadcast and commercial partners, the match officials, the volunteers and the media for their support and contribution to the success of the tournament. (EZS)
Mothers, daughters crowned
Last Saturday night at the 11th annual Unie Ensemble Mother Daughter Pageant, Adrienne and mum, Natasha Prentice amassed 553 points to win the Junior component of the competition at the Plantation Garden Theatre. The pair also won the title of Most Photogenic.In the senior division, Jeanette Taylor and mum Brenda Quintyne, won the title.They were also placed first in almost every category, winning Best Casual, Best Talent and Miss Congeniality.Before a relatively small audience, the seven pairs of mothers and daughters displayed their many talents to provide an impressive show. (LK)
Gang attacks ZR
A ROUTE taxi (ZR) conductor was stabbed about the body, and the van he was working pelted with stones and bottles by a group of men last Saturday evening.Conductor Kemar Pile was treated and discharged from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday while the van – ZR 202 – is in a garage awaiting extensive and expensive repairs. The upset owner, who asked not to be identified for security reasons, told the DAILY NATION the van was attacked by a group of about 50 men from Haynesville, St James, while plying that route around 6:30 p.m. She said it happened because two young women from the area refused to pay their fares.“I was sitting at the front of the vehicle next to the driver when I heard this argument. I looked back and I saw the conductor arguing with these two young women because they were refusing to pay the fare. They were cursing and carrying on and I heard them say that when the van get to Haynesville it will be all over.”The woman said when the van reached Haynesville, the women disembarked without paying. They approached a man who was sitting on a step and spoke to him about the conductor.“He came up to the van and started arguing with the conductor, and I saw him looking around on the ground as if he was looking for a rock,” the owner said.She said they drove off and picked up a passenger but when they got back into Haynesville on the return trip she saw a beach chair in the road.“We stopped and all of a sudden rocks start coming through the van. I saw the same two young women leading a gang of about 50 men. A man come up to the driver side and pull the keys out of the ignition. When the windows got smashed, men just start climbing into the van and they start to cut up the conductor.“He was running from the back of the van bleeding real bad and screaming at the driver to move but we could not move because we did not have the key. I felt a lash in my back and realise that a rock had hit me.”The owner said she ducked to avoid being struck again.“I called the police on my cellphone and they told us not to move,” she said, adding that officers arrived minutes later.By that time, the group of men had fled the scene.The van was littered with about 30 stones, seats were torn and stained with blood, shards of broken glass were scattered on the floor and a lone bottle landed on the dashboard next to the cracked windscreen.The owner, who received a bruise, said: “I cannot believe that all of this happened because these women refused to pay $1.50. A man could have lost his life just for $1.50. This is what we have to put up with in this area. There are gangs in Haynesville, and the men does give the workers bare problems.”She said repairs to the van would cost more than $25 000. Police are investigating.