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Straughn: Savings to fund health care

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Straughn: Savings to fund health care

Government plans to use savings from a proposed $1.2 billion debt buyback to fund health and nutrition initiatives.

These will include behavioral change programmes and regional food security efforts, with the goal of improving public health outcomes for the next three to five years.

This is according to Minister of Finance Ryan Straughn, who spoke at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados’ Childhood Obesity Prevention programme launch at the Bridgetown SDA Primary School on Wednesday.

Straughn noted that the Government spent more than $6.1 billion in health care over the last 15 years, and the ministry recently requested proposals for a debt for social swap, aimed at buying back $1.2 billion in debt with hopes of generating about $320 million in interest savings to be diverted to health expenditures.

He also said work was ongoing with other islands to strengthen regional food security efforts.

“We are working with Guyana and Suriname to be able to boost food security in the region because, at the end of the day, if Barbadians cannot have access to affordable nutritious quality foods then we will be defeating the purpose,” Straughn said.

The minister pointed out that almost one in two children are either overweight or obese and projections for Barbados showed that by 2050, 50 per cent of the population will be over 65.

“The reality is that if we are already facing a significant issue with non-communicable diseases and we have almost one in two children today who will face similar circumstances for a much longer part of their life, then it really is on us as a society to ensure that we genuinely arrest this problem,” Straughn said.

He argued that the same attention and intervention given to crime and violence was also needed to address the health issues.

Straughn also challenged the students to be the ones informing their families about the campaign and to get them on board with the health movement. ( AJ)

Police investigate ‘8647’ written in grass on US national mall

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Police investigate ‘8647’ written in grass on US national mall

US police are investigating a large imprint of the numbers 8-6-4-7 that were apparently drawn in the grass of the National Mall in Washington DC.

“Eighty-six” is a slang term for “get rid of”, and Trump administration officials claim that the numbers are meant to encourage violence against Trump, the 47th president.

US Park Police “responded to a report of vandalism” at around 11:30ET (16:30GMT) on Thursday morning, the agency said in a statement.

“The cause of the discoloration has not yet been determined. Grass samples have been collected for testing. The investigation is ongoing.”

Images of the grass show the numbers 8, 6 and 7, but the number 4 is not clearly visible.

The investigation comes as US prosecutors attempt to jail the former director of the FBI for a social media post in which the numbers were seen written on a beach in sea shells.

James Comey is facing multiple charges related to an alleged threat to kill Trump. He has denied the charges and called the prosecution politically-motivated.

The numbers have been used by opponents of Trump, and have appeared at protests against his administration.

The slogan written in the grass appears somewhat faded, with the number 8 appearing more prominently than the others. It is located close to the World War 2 memorial.

The alleged vandalism comes amid a beautification campaign of US monuments in the city, led by Trump. The campaign includes $13.1m (£9.6m) to repaint the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, as well as a plan to build an arch decorated with golden figures including lions and eagles. (BBC News)

DLP: Tell us more about BiMPay

Natanga Smith
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DLP: Tell us more about BiMPay

Concerns are being raised about the need for greater transparency surrounding BiMPay, the new payment platform designed to facilitate instant transactions across the country.

Jason Phillips, Democratic Labour Party spokesperson on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, welcomed the innovation but said public discussion should extend beyond the convenience and speed the system offers.

He acknowledged that BiMPay has the potential to improve efficiency by allowing funds to be transferred instantly between individuals, businesses, financial institutions and Government agencies. However, he said that the introduction of such a significant financial platform requires greater public understanding of how it operates.

“Like many Barbadians, I welcome innovation that makes financial transactions faster, easier and more convenient,” Phillips said.

“While this is not an allegation that the platform is unsafe, improperly designed or being implemented for any purpose other than improving payments, citizens have a right and indeed a responsibility to ask questions about how the system operates, how their information is protected and what the long-term implications may be,” he said.

Phillips suggested that attention should now shift from what BiMPay does to how it works, how it is governed and what role it may play in the future.

He questioned what personal and transactional information would be collected through the system, how long such information would be retained, who would have access to it and what safeguards would be in place to protect users’ financial data.

“In an increasingly digital world, data has become one of the most valuable assets any institution possesses. Citizens should therefore have a clear understanding of how their information is managed and protected,” Phillips said.

He also called for clarity on cybersecurity measures as he further urged authorities to explain who ultimately governs the platform, what accountability mechanisms exist and whether independent oversight would be established to maintain public confidence.

Perhaps most importantly, he said, Barbadians should be informed about the longterm vision for BiMPay.

“Will BiMPay remain simply an instant payment platform or is it intended to become the foundation upon which future digital financial services, Government payment systems and broader digital infrastructure are built?” he asked.

“Barbadians are not afraid of progress. We have consistently embraced innovation when it improves our lives and strengthens our economy. However, as BiMPay becomes a larger part of our financial landscape, it is entirely reasonable for citizens to be informed about data privacy, security, governance, consumer protection and the long-term vision for the platform.” (NS/PR)

Caribbean colours and flavours take centre stage in Paris

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Caribbean colours and flavours take centre stage in Paris

The Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Europe (CCCE) has successfully concluded the second edition of the Caribbean Days – Journées des Caraïbes in Paris – as part of the Latin American and Caribbean Week at UNESCO’s headquarters.

The CCCE, founded in November 2019 to facilitate trade between the greater Caribbean and Europe and promote investments from Europe for the sustainable economic development of the Caribbean, said that the four-day event was held under the theme “Peace, Diversity and Sustainability”.

“The four days of cultural activities featuring Arts, Culinary Arts, Fashion, Films, Literature and Poetry, Music and Dance, reinforced CCCE’s unified vision, showcased the Caribbean’s strength of the creative industries at the world’s leading international organization for education, science, culture and heritage,” the CCCE said.

The event brought together Caribbean ambassadors and other diplomats of the public sector with the private sector, who were privy to special presentations from representatives of the Banque de France, Expertise France, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and French Senator Micheline Jacques, who is spearheading an economic partnership between the French Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) and Haiti.

Another highlight of  the event was the round table discussion on sustainable tourism, with presentations from former president of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Geoffrey Lipman, and Florian Valmy-Desvillers, Business Development Director, Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) UK & Europe.

“The overall message was abundantly clear, that climate change has accelerated the need for making tourism more sustainable and more beneficial for the local communities, who safeguard the precious nature and culture of our region for future generations.”

The CCCE said that the Caribbean Days in Paris demonstrated the region’s collective commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth, providing a powerful platform to showcase the Caribbean’s diverse experiences while shaping new alliances for the benefit of sustainable economic development of the region. (CMC)

Relief in sight from dust

Natanga Smith
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Relief in sight from dust

With Saharan dust outbreaks to remain a yearly reality, some immediate relief is in sight as forecasters are predicting improving conditions into next week.

Senior meteorologist with the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS), Semelka Jackman, said while the island experienced one of its more significant dust events at the beginning of June, only a slight layer of dust remained over the island and was expected to ease last night with no major dust plumes expected through Sunday.

The forecast comes after residents spent several days coping with poor air quality, sinus irritation, watery eyes and respiratory discomfort as a thick plume of Saharan dust drifted across the island.

“We did have a thick plume of dust which affected us earlier this month. That was something we didn’t see last year, but we have seen even thicker plumes within the last five years that did come across and affect us. So it is comparable with what we’ve seen,” she said.

She noted that while every year did not produce extremely high dust concentrations, Saharan dust remained a regular feature of the Caribbean climate.

“We tend to get it more in the dry season, especially in the higher concentrations. But there is also Saharan dust within the atmosphere during the hurricane season. These high concentration levels are generally experienced during the dry season, but this year we saw that high peak at the beginning of the hurricane season.”

The massive plumes originate in the desert in North Africa, where strong winds lift fine particles thousands of feet into the atmosphere before transporting them more than 5 000 kilometres across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean.

BMS previously relied largely on satellite imagery and visibility observations to assess the severity of dust outbreaks.

Jackman revealed that the BMS was introducing additional air-quality monitoring equipment that would allow forecasters to more accurately measure the concentration of dust particles.

The new sensors will provide scientists with more detailed information about airborne particles and air quality levels, making it easier to compare future dust events and assess their impact on public health.

Currently, forecasters use a combination of satellite imagery and predictive computer models to track dust plumes from the moment they leave Africa.

“You can actually see the air mass with the dust on satellite imagery in real time, so you know when something is to the east of us coming in or coming off Africa,” Jackman explained.

One of the most obvious effects of Saharan dust is the reduction in visibility as the dust creates a hazy, milky-white appearance in the atmosphere, making distant objects harder to see.

Challenges

While such conditions generally have little impact on motorists and everyday activities on land, they can present challenges for mariners.

“If there’s a moderate amount of dust in the atmosphere, we tend to have our visibility reduced to about 15 kilometres. If it’s thick, visibility might reduce to ten kilometres and very thick conditions could bring it down to five kilometres,” she explained.

The meteorologist said fishermen and other marine operators often used coastal landmarks and visible reference points to help determine their position offshore.

“If you are 15 kilometres out and your visibility is reduced to 15 kilometres, then you might not be able to see where you’re supposed to be. There may be the possibility of sea collisions because you aren’t able to see the boats that might be around if you are using visibility to help you.”

Although many commercial vessels are equipped with navigational technology to assist in low-visibility conditions, she urged mariners to remain vigilant whenever dense dust outbreaks were forecast.

Beyond affecting air quality and visibility, Saharan dust can also influence weather patterns across the region.

Because the dust originates from one of the driest places on Earth, it is accompanied by very dry air.

“So when you have dust, the atmosphere tends to be drier. You need moisture for rainfall, so you wouldn’t get as much rainfall during that time,” Jackman explained. The same dry air can also suppress tropical cyclone development as storms and hurricanes need moisture to develop.

“If there is a lot of dust around, it can hinder that development or weaken a system.” (NS)

Hwang and Oh strike as South Korea fight back to sink Czech Republic

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Hwang and Oh strike as South Korea fight back to sink Czech Republic

South Korea rallied ​from a goal down to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 and make a winning start to their World ‌Cup Group A campaign thanks to goals by Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyuon Thursday.

The Koreans joined Mexico on three points at the top of the standings after the co-hosts defeated nine-man South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener.

There were noticeable areas of empty seats in the stadium, ​calling the official attendance figure of 44,985 into question, but the vast majority were firmly behind the Koreans.

​Their 2-0 win over Germany in the last group match of the 2018 World Cup put ⁠Mexico through to the knockout stage and sent Germany out, and that favour has not been forgotten by the ​locals.

Ladislav Krejci put the Czechs ahead with a fine header, but Hwang soon equalised and turned provider for substitute Oh’s ​winner.

Oh had come on for the misfiring Son Heung-min, who had five chances in the first half alone but endured an off-day in front of goal and is still two goals shy of the all-time scoring record for his country, failing to add to his ​56 strikes.

“Before the match I gave the players two messages to not give up until the end and unite as ​one and play together,” South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said.

“We made some mistakes,” Czech coach Miroslav Koubek ‌said. “When I ⁠look back at the situations, we could have prevented the opponents from scoring their goals. We created opportunities, but our opponent was very fast.”

It was a game of contrasting styles, the technical quality and passing range of the Koreans versus the brute strength and direct style of the Czechs.

The first half was goalless but the game sprang to life ​in the second period and ​it was the Czechs ⁠who took the lead after 59 minutes when Krejci rose highest to head home from a long throw by Vladimir Coufal.

South Korea were level eight minutes later and it was ​a fine goal. Lee Kang-in’s excellent through ball created the shooting opportunity for Hwang ​and he cut ⁠inside before curling a right-foot shot low into the far corner.

Hwang then picked up possession on the right wing and his low cross into the six-yard box was swept into the net by Oh.

The Koreans were undone by a set-piece again when ⁠Thomas Soucek ​headed in a free kick, but the flag was raised for offside ​as the Czechs’ first game at the World Cup in 20 years ended in defeat.

South Korea next face Mexico on June 18 and the Czechs ​travel to Atlanta to meet South Africa on the same day. (Reuters)

Gibbs: Over 4 000 seeking housing aid

Ashada Joseph
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Gibbs: Over 4 000 seeking housing aid

More than 4 000 Barbadians are seeking housing assistance based on information from Minister of Housing and Lands Chris Gibbs.

The Minister cautioned that the figure is still being verified as he cited challenges facing Government as it attempts to close the widening gap between supply and demand.

“We are continuing to verify the data so that we can distinguish between individual applicants, family households, emergency cases and persons seeking different types of housing support. We do not want to mis-state the figure by treating every individual application as a family household,” he said.

Asked whether there are enough houses available to meet the current demand, Gibbs blunty said: “No. Demand continues to exceed available supply.”

He said the Government is pursuing multiple strategies simultaneously to address the shortage.

“That is why Government is working on multiple fronts: new construction, social mortgages, joint ventures, land regularisation, emergency housing, use of vacant and underused lands, and the restructuring of the National Housing Corporation (NHC).”

Urgency

For the thousands of families and individuals still waiting for housing, Gibbs said the Government understands the urgency of the situation.

“The Ministry recognises the urgency of the need and is working to expand housing solutions in a fair, transparent and sustainable way. We are not only building houses; we are reforming the systems that determine how housing is financed, allocated, maintained and transferred into ownership,” he said.

One of the largest initiatives under consideration was a proposed development at Vineyard, St Philip with the Ministry and NHC well advanced in discussions on a joint project that could deliver 1 200 houses.

“The planning process is well under way and further details will be provided once the required planning and implementation milestones are settled.”

The project is expected to become one of the largest housing developments undertaken in recent years, he said, adding it formed part of Government’s strategy to increase affordable housing.

The NHC has also launched the second phase of its Joint Venture Programme, issuing a Request for Prequalification to contractors interested in participating in affordable housing developments.

Gibbs said the programme is specifically targeting starter homes and duplexes in an effort to increase access to affordable housing options.

At the same time, Government is moving forward with a Social Mortgage Programme aimed at people who are financially capable of paying rent but are unable to qualify for traditional mortgages.

He confirmed that residents have started moving into units at Floralis Gardens, Holders Hill, St James, part of a broader effort to bring completed housing projects into use while larger developments are being prepared.

Government’s urban housing strategy continues to progress with Gibbs disclosing that designs for the planned buildings were in their final stages before submission to the Planning Office but staffing shortages have slowed implementation.

“There have been some human-resource constraints affecting rollout, but these are expected to be addressed shortly through additional personnel support,” Gibbs said.

Completion dates

The Minister declined to provide definitive completion dates for several major projects, contending that it would be irresponsible to make promises before critical issues are resolved.

“Firm completion dates will be provided where funding, contractor arrangements, technical requirements, planning matters and legal issues are settled. The commitment is to provide accurate updates, not unrealistic promises,” he said.

Among the achievements he highlighted were the completion of hundreds of Hurricane Elsa repairs and rebuilds, title regularisation initiatives and the development of an emergency housing framework.

Gibbs also pointed to legislative measures that enabled more than 200 housing units across Barbados to be vested in tenants, allowing them to become homeowners.

“A second phase is currently being finalised for another 200-plus units,” he revealed.

On the reforms within the NHC, a key component is the introduction of what Gibbs described as an Enhanced Maintenance Response system.

“The objective is to log maintenance reports, track them against timelines for resolution and improve accountability in how maintenance matters are handled. The NHC must be financially stronger in order to maintain estates properly.” (AJ)

Mexico beat 10-man South Africa in their World Cup opener

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Mexico beat 10-man South Africa in their World Cup opener

Mexico got their joint-home World Cup off to the perfect start with a 2-0 opening match win over nine-man South Africa – in a game that had THREE red cards.

It was, however, a World Cup debut to forget for South Africa midfielder Yaya Sithole at a raucous Azteca Stadium, who was at fault for Mexico’s first as he gave away possession for Julian Quinones to strike home after nine minutes.

Then the midfielder was given a straight red card in the second half as he brought down Bryan Gutierrez through on goal, with referee Wilton Sampaio taking no time in giving him his marching orders.

In truth, Mexico should have been out of sight even before the red card. Raul Jimenez was denied twice by South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, while Quinones struck the post in a dominant first half for Mexico, as Bafana Bafana barely threatened.

But with the nerves entering the Azteca, Raul Jimenez put them to bed as he headed home Roberto Alvarado’s cross at the back post for his first ever World Cup goal. Given everything he’s been through with his serious head injury in 2020, there was no surprise to see tears in his eyes.

There was even room for VAR to get involved as the video referee spotted South Africa substitute Thembo Zwane swiping at Alvarado’s face when fighting for the ball. In the first controversial call of the tournament, referee Wilton Sampaio sent Zwane off too.

Then Mexico defender Cesar Montes was controversially given his marching orders by Sampaio for stopping a South Africa counter on the edge of the box. Despite Khalisu Madau having a long way to go to goal, the Mexico defender was sent down the tunnel – even after VAR checked it. (Sky Sports)

Real Madrid bring back Mourinho on three-year deal

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Real Madrid bring back Mourinho on three-year deal

Real Madrid have confirmed the reappointment of Jose Mourinho as head coach.

The 63-year-old has agreed a three-year deal and will begin work when the squad return for pre-season training on 13 July.

Real Madrid have paid Benfica £13m (15m euros) in compensation to bring the Portuguese head coach back to the Bernabeu – some 13 years after his first stint at the club came to an end.

Florentino Perez had vowed to reappoint Mourinho as head coach if re-elected as club president earlier this month.

Perez, 79, who has been in office since 2009, beat challenger and renewable energy magnate Enrique Riquelme in the election by picking up 65% of the votes.

That cleared the way for the man who led Porto and Inter Milan to Champions League titles to rejoin a club who have won that competition a record 15 times.

Mourinho’s previous spell in Madrid, which began in 2010 and lasted three seasons, yielded a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup.

He has since taken charge of Premier League clubs Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur and had stints at Roma, Fenerbahce and Benfica.

During the only season of what was his second stint at Benfica, Mourinho led the two-time European Cup winners to an unbeaten Liga Portugal campaign, though it was only enough to secure a third-place finish.

Earlier this week, Benfica agreed a deal to appoint former Fulham manager Marco Silva as Mourinho’s replacement.

Mourinho, meanwhile, heads back to Real Madrid with the club having failed to win a trophy in the past two seasons.

They parted ways with Xabi Alonso in January before Alvaro Arbeloa led them through to the end of the campaign. (BBC News)

Scotiabank Junior Monarch semifinalists learn draw positions

Ashminnie Moonsammy
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Scotiabank Junior Monarch semifinalists learn draw positions

Scotiabank Junior Monarch semifinalists learned their performance positions today after the official draw was held at the Scotiabank branch in Warrens, St Michael.

In the Calypso category, Sabiah Gaskin, performing as Sabiah, drew the opening position with Guide We, while Eden Murrell (Potent) will perform second with Train Dem. Other contestants include Kenaz Walker (Bit Bit) with Uh Wonder Why, Deyonte’ Brathwaite (Yonte’) with Fuh De Last, Kajae-Ashton Holder (Master Kajaé) with Hire Me and Ethan Edey (Lil E) with Never Too Young To Die.

Also competing in the category are Chelsea Cadogan-Goddard (Chelsea) with Growing Pains, LeAndre Headley-Clarke (Andre) with Too Young, Relissa Mitcham (N’kyla) with Uh Thank You, Joshua Osbourne (Ozzydeartiste) with Aim, Alyssa Cumberbatch (Queen A) with Sing and Dance For Africa, William Bryan (Willy B) with Is it a plus? and Alyssa Harris (Slay) with I Feel Lost.

The Soca competition will be opened by Aiden Holder (Keytrin) with Down At The Beach. Jade Roach (Leilani) drew position two with Togetherness, while Jazarie Belgrave (Zarie B) will perform third with This Culture Belong to We. 

Other entrants include Stephon Sealy (Lil Stathis), Zakhai Warren (Tempo), Rohanna Horton (ROH), Anastasia Callender (Niara), Khalijah Kellman (Khaleesi), Avery Carter (AJ), Ranesha Stewart, Khaliyah Clarke (Empress K), Talisia Mottley and Kenya Welcome (Aurora).

The lineup showcases a mix of returning competitors and emerging young performers, setting the stage for a competitive semifinal round as contestants vie for places in the Junior Monarch finals.

The Scotiabank Junior Monarch competition forms part of the annual Crop Over season and provides a platform for young Barbadians to showcase their talents in calypso and soca.

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