News

The Pride of Barbados newsletter Winter 2011 edition is available to readers. The newsletter, a product of Team Barbados at New York, provides insights into the work of the team as well as into events and happenings of interest to the Barbadian Diaspora. 

The Winter edition opens with a message from Consul General the Honourable Lennox O Price and features a range of stories including articles on Barbadian centenarians living in the US and the recent visit made to New York by Prime Minister the Honourable Freundel Stuart.

Please click docs/Pride%20of%20Barbados%20Winter%202011.pdf  to access the newsletter.

 
Preparations for the second biennial diaspora conference, officially known as the Barbados Network Consultation 2012, are fully on stream and gathering momentum.

Barbadians and Barbadian descendents residing in Canada and the United States as well as Cuba, Venezuela and Brazil got an opportunity to exchange ideas and suggestions with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Maxine McClean, via video and tele-conference on Monday, January 23rd, 2012. Following this the focus shifted across the Atlantic on Tuesday, January 24th, with Barbadians and Barbadian descendents residing in the United Kingdom and Europe having the opportunity to engage Minister McClean on the conference.

The use of modern communications technology in the offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, afforded participants residing in such places as Ottawa, Toronto, Boston, New Jersey,  New York, Washington D.C, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Central Florida, Atlanta, Houston, California, Havana, Caracas, Brasilia, London, Geneva and Brussels, the opportunity to help shape the conference programme by providing suggestions on critical topics for discussions, the format for the sessions, final deliverables and possible educational, community and social activities.

Minister McClean stated that her interface with the Barbadian Diaspora is a critical aspect of Barbados’ preparation for the Barbados Network Consultation 2012.

She assured the diaspora that every attempt would be made to incorporate their recommendations into the conference programme to ensure that the BNC 2012 is informative, interesting and beneficial to the participants. Minister McClean also stated that she anticipated a conference that would provide the “market space” to create maximum opportunity for interaction between participants, together with hands-on workshops featuring fresh and dynamic presentations and one which serves as a spring board for an effective network in the service of Barbados’ development.

Plans are proceeding apace with the Planning Committee for the conference, chaired by Minister McClean, having met in early January as well as some of the working groups charged with looking at various aspects of the conference. These working groups comprise members of “Team Barbados” including representatives of the Barbados Tourism Authority,  Invest Barbados, the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation, private sector representatives as well as staff of several Ministries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to name a few.

Online registration for the conference is expected to be launched within the coming weeks and conference planners are exploring the possibility of special airline and hotel packages for participants.

Barbados’ overseas Missions, in conjunction with the various Barbadian organizations, continue to play a crucial role in generating ideas and in getting the word out to the Barbadian communities and Minister McClean has commended them for their enthusiastic response and urged that they use every means at their disposal to help us make this conference a success.

The conference will be held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre from August 2nd to August 10th. It is expected to  attract approximately 1,000 participants.

For more details please contact the mission near you.

Barbadian pop band, Cover Drive has scored a high note on the British Singles Chart. On Sunday, January 29, 2012, the quartet’s single, Twilight reached the top spot on the British Singles Chart, in its first week of release.

Managed by Kerrie Thomas-Armstrong, the band’s members are Amanda Reifer, lead singer; T-Ray Armstrong, drummer; Jamar Harding, bassist; and Barry Hill, guitarist. Cover Drive was the opening act for Rihanna’s LOUD Concert in Barbados on August 5, 2011 and has already signed with record label Polydor.

Thrilled with its success to date, the band expects that its album, Bajan Style will be released in April 2012. Further details on the Cover Drive are available at www.wearecoverdrive.com.

The 4th edition of the Barbados International Finance and Business (BIFB) magazine is now available.

In his welcome message, The Honourable Chris Sinckler, M.P. Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs solidifies Government's commitment to the sector in which he stressed, "Barbados is committed to being the preferred place to live, invest and do business in the Caribbean... We will purposefully ensure that Barbados continues to offer an investor friendly location that facilitates both international and domestic business, while sustaining national prosperity".

Other topics discussed include:

- What does the Financial Services Commission mean to International Business in Barbados?;
- Barbados – A 'Top 10' Captive Insurance Domicile;
- and International Wealth Planning using Barbados.

Copies of the magazine are available from any of Invest Barbados' overseas offices in London, England, New York, USA and Toronto, Canada in addition to corporate headquarters in Bridgetown, Barbados.

The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Unit of the CARICOM Secretariat has released the joint third and fourth issues of its flagship newsletter, the EPA Implementation Bulletin. The issue is a special release as it marks the third anniversary of the signing of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA.

Features include a state-of-play of EPA related Services and Investment implementation issues and an interview with Senator the Honourable Maxine McClean, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Barbados and CARIFORUM High Representative to the First Meeting of the Joint Council under the EPA. Senator McClean reports on the outcomes of the meeting. 

Please click to read the latest EPA Implementation Bulletin.

The January edition of the Network Connection newsletter has been launched. Profiling the music and entertainment industry, highlights of Invest Barbados’ third and just released podcast are provided as well as a look at the upcoming MIDEM show, in which Barbadian music and entertainment industry professionals will be participating.

Other features of the newsletter include:

• The Barbados-Panama Connection
• Opportunities for Barbadian Goods and Services Explored in Panama and Costa Rica
• “Did You Know?” : a section of interesting facts about Barbados

Click to access the January edition of Network Connection. 

Music the focus in 3rd Network Barbados Podcast

Invest Barbados has released the third Network Barbados podcast themed: "Export Readiness and the Entertainment Industry in Barbados."

Five noted professionals in the entertainment industry were invited to form the discussion panel: Sonia Mullins, CEO of Sonic Entertainment; Kirk Brown, Founder and CEO of Savvy Jamz Inc; Tennille Doyle, Music Entrepreneur and CEO of Made in March Records and Founder of the Caribbean Music Awards Foundation Inc.; Michael Agard, Managing Director of Krosfyah and Andrew Daniel, CEO of Breema Entertainment.

The panel outlined the existing opportunities available in Barbados, highlighting Rihanna's success and her impact on local music, examining the critical needs of the Barbados music industry and discussing whether international labels were the only means for success of local artistes. The panelists spoke on the MIDEM music conference held in France, evaluating how attendance at such events would be of benefit to local stakeholders.

This third addition to the Network Barbados podcast series can be accessed here.

Fellow Barbadians,

I am pleased to greet you once again at Christmas time and to extend the compliments of the season to you.

The story of the babe of Bethlehem has lost none of its freshness, more than two thousand years after three wise men carried their gifts to that babe lying in a manger.

The reason is simple.  The babe of Bethlehem is still alive and the light which he brought to the world continues to shine with a unique radiance and to cast its beams into every dark corner of the globe.  Millions of babies born before and millions born since the birth of Christ on that first Christmas day are with us no longer.  What makes Christmas unique and a source of continuing freshness is that Christ, the babe of Bethlehem, still lives.

In that sense, the Christmas story cannot be separated from the Easter story.  For there were those evil men who thought that they could put out, for all time, the light which God had sent to a dark world on that first Christmas day.  For a while, they seemed to have succeeded but, in just three days, that light was rekindled and has brightened the path of mankind ever since then.  Proof, were any needed, that wrong doing has a definite shelf life and will, ultimately, be overcome by truth and right. 

Christmas teaches us another immortal lesson.  The virgin who was with child visited an inn and was told by the innkeeper that he had no room.  That innkeeper did not know to whom he was talking and he did not understand the significance of the baby that this strange woman was carrying.  She was pregnant with the Prince of Peace.

An attitude by no means dissimilar links many of us with that innkeeper.  Even though we have no idea what kind of future awaits our children, still too many of our parents approach the rearing of our children all too casually.  Too many fathers are refusing to make that extra effort to ensure that their children are properly maintained.

We have no way of knowing on whom we are turning our backs when we abandon a pregnant mother, or a mother with a babe in arms or one literally struggling to send a child to school.  That child could easily be some great man or woman on whom the future is patiently waiting.  Such were our heroes, our leaders, our great sportsmen, our great musicians and entertainers, our great teachers and public servants, and great nurses and policemen, and so many others!

So in the midst of all the jollification and the acts of giving which are characteristic features of this yuletide season, let  us  pause  to  reflect  not  only  on  the  miracle  that

heralded the first Christmas, but also on the obligations throughout the year to which the babe of Bethlehem summons everyone of us.

To be kind to one another; to share more with one another; to set proper examples for our children; to give an honest day's work at our places of employment; to care for those obviously less fortunate than ourselves; to do unto others as we would have them do to us; to settle our disputes without resort to violence domestic or otherwise; and to merit rather than demand the respect of those around us.

These are some, only, of the obligations throughout the year to which the Christ child challenges us to rise.

The government over which I preside will continue to create the environment in which every citizen will want to respond to these challenges.

As a people we are equal to it.  As a people we can do it.

It only remains for me, on behalf of my family and myself, to extend to all Barbadians best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous, Healthy and Happy New Year.

Fellow Barbadians at  home and  overseas, it is a signal honour and pleasure for me to address you as acting Head of state, following the retirement of Sir Clifford Husbands, from the office of Governor General, on the 31st October, 2011. My first duty therefore, is to thank Sir Clifford on your behalf and on behalf of my family and myself, for the long and meritorious service he rendered to our country, and to wish him many years of peace and happiness in retirement.
On Christmas day each year, for the past 2000 or more years, Christians everywhere, have celebrated the birth of Christ, and this year, celebrations will take place in the customary manner. There has been much shopping and preparation which will give way to, worship in Church, feasting, singing and exchanging gifts with friends and loved ones.  Barbadians will join with the rest of the Christian World, and celebrate the Birth of Him, who according to the scriptures is the Saviour and Redeemer of the human race.

It is easy, with all the trappings of Christmas, sometimes to forget the essential message of the birth of Christ in a manger.  It was a message of humility, peace, hope, love and tolerance as important now as it was then.  In these straitened economic times, it is important to remember that in fact, we need no money, no baubles, to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with our fellow believers, and, indeed, and especially with those who do not share our faith.  The importance of family, respect for others, helping those less fortunate, are foundations for our community, irrespective of our background, politics or beliefs.  The turmoil in the international economy, that affects us here at home, should serve to remind us, not of the things we have not, but of the important things in life, which money cannot buy, such as love, respect for others and goodwill to all.

At this time, we should extend a hand to all those less fortunate, those who may be alone, sick, or unable to enjoy the festivities as they would wish.  We pray for all those in need of comfort, and those who minister to them as nurses, doctors or family members and carers. We should celebrate the dedication, of all of those who serve us throughout the year, whether as public servants, teachers, nurses, doctors or clergy, members of the police force and our defence force.  Service is the bedrock of our society and we ask God to instil in our leaders courage and wisdom to serve well, so that through their dedication they will guide us in the paths of righteousness and truth.  Christ came to serve us as we must serve others.

We all have our part to play, however small,  in building on the work of our forefathers, to continue in the best traditions of Barbados, with tolerance towards all, and most importantly, instilling the values of decency, honesty and thrift in our youth, who are the leaders of tomorrow.   If we follow the teachings of Christ, not just today but always, by so doing we would set such a standard of kindness, and integrity, in all our deeds,  that our children will seek  to emulate us because they learn from our example as parents and citizens.

Barbadians should also give thanks for the many gifts which have been bestowed upon us. We should acknowledge, that we live in a stable society, free from strife and turmoil, that we enjoy freedom of religion, and freedom of association. Forty-five years of independence have entrenched our rights and ensured our freedoms. We are also free to enjoy the beauties of our Island Home which has once again been spared the worst ravages of hurricanes and other natural disasters, which increasingly afflict our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean and beyond.  With God at our side, I am sure we will be able to ride out the turbulence we now experience, and eventually, reach our destination in safety. 

Our beloved country Barbados, is an oasis in the Caribbean sea, where we, together with our visitors can find peace and recreation from the pressures of everyday life. The message of peace and goodwill towards all men, is a universal one, which is shared by all peoples, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.

Fellow Barbadians, at home and abroad, and visitors to our shores, on behalf of my wife and family, and on my own behalf, I extend to you, very best wishes for Christmas. It is my earnest hope that you enjoy good health, success and prosperity in the New Year and beyond. May God bless you all, and cause the light of his countenance, to shine upon you.  

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, December 2, 2011 – GOLDCORP INC. (TSX: G, NYSE: GG) through itsBarbados-based subsidiaries is pleased to announce a donation of BDS$20,000 to assist in completing the construction of an outdoor theatre, to be known as “The Walled Theatre” in the grounds of the Barbados Museum.

Earlier this year Goldcorp approved a new donations policy as part of its commitment to creating sustainable prosperity that brings long-term social and economic benefits for all stakeholders. To this end, donations made by the Company support initiatives that build economic, social and cultural capacity and create a social and economic legacy.

The Walled Theatre, which is located in the historic Garrison Savannah area of Bridgetown, Barbados is expected to open in July 2012. The facility will have seating capacity for 300 people and will be situated in the existing walled, grassy area to the Northern side of the main Museum buildings. Originally a Military Prison, the building which now houses the Barbados Museum was built in 1818 and was extended in 1853, and has been leased to the Barbados Museum & Historical Society since 1933.

Goldcorp is one of the world's fastest growing senior gold producers. Its low-cost gold production is located in safe jurisdictions in the Americas and remains 100% unhedged. Additional information on Goldcorp can be found at www.goldcorp.com .

Fellow Barbadians,

It is that time of the year again when we pause to reflect on our independence.  This year we celebrate 45 years of nationhood.  Peculiar to this year's celebration is that it comes a mere 42 days before the 360th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of Barbados in 1652.  The signing of that Charter climaxed our first attempt to declare ourselves independent only 25 years after the English had settled this island.

Significant in this 45th year also, is the fact that, for the first time in 15 years, Sir Clifford Husbands will not be part of our celebrations in the capacity of Governor General.  I have elsewhere conveyed my thanks to Sir Clifford for the outstanding public service he rendered to Barbados.  On this occasion, I place on record the debt of gratitude we owe to him for so discharging the functions of his office as to raise our nation's gaze to impressive and very challenging horizons.  We wish him well in a richly deserved retirement.

Not to be ignored in our 45th year also, is the fact that the world in which Barbados has to do its business continues to be beset by challenges social, political, and economic which are both unprecedented in scope and startling in reverberation.

We have all been witnessing with dismay the dramatic and, very often, traumatic events unfolding in North Africa, events which have won for themselves the label "Arab Spring".  We have seen dictators hounded from office by an explosion of popular power and  protest with consequential loss of life for civilians and, in one case, for a leader himself.

By way of contrast, though not too sharp a contrast, in the Eurozone, we have been witnesses to the continued decline in the economic fortunes of countries on that continent.  That decline has led to the voluntary surrender of office by two leaders, those of Greece and Italy, and  has dimmed the hopes of thousands of households for a better quality of life.  Thousands of young and not so young people, feeling threatened by this seemingly unstoppable decline, have been taking to and occupying the streets in eloquent appeals for an economic and social system that distributes burdens and benefits more fairly.

In all of this, the most powerful country in the world, the United States of America, continues to be bedevilled by debt, deficit and unemployment.

It is tempting, is it not, to ask, "is there no good news anywhere?"

Here in Barbados, with a services economy, propelled largely by tourism, international business and foreign capital inflows, we have not been left unaffected.  After all, our tourists come from abroad, our international business sector depends on attracting business from abroad, and foreign capital inflows are "foreign" because they have to come from abroad.

We have had to face serious challenges in all three of these areas over the past year, with predictable consequences for our foreign exchange earnings, government revenues, and the creation of new employment opportunities.

Faced with these daunting challenges, the pride and industry of Barbadians have not faltered.  Ours has always been "a pride that makes no wanton boast of what it has withstood."

The government, therefore, has held fast to its commitment to protect jobs in the public sector; and our private sector, operating under enormous pressure and in very difficult circumstances, has been keeping faith with the population in that regard.  Our Trade Unions have been impressive examples of social responsibility.

Fellow Barbadians, the outlook for the world economy in the year 2012 is not bright.  We are hearing dismal forecasts from our international financial institutions and from the International Labour Organisation.  Here in Barbados, therefore, it cannot be business as usual.  We must meet, with confidence and determination, the challenges that are facing us.

As Prime Minister, I accept that government must set both the tone and the example in any meaningful national response.  I bear in mind that government is the largest procurer of goods and services in the country and that the maintenance of jobs in the private sector is linked  to that fact.  That is no excuse, though, for the wastage so often evident in our Ministries and Statutory Boards.  Every attempt will therefore be made to eliminate this scourge.

Barbados cannot afford to respond to present challenges by disengaging from the world and retiring into itself.  We have to be alert to the existence of opportunities we may exploit for the nation's benefit.  Our voice must still be raised in the councils of the world with a view to influencing the course of events.

In that context, I will continue to approve ministerial and public service travel, only if I am satisfied that a clear link exists between  that  travel  and the  achievement of our national goals. Put frankly, government's overall expenditure will be even more closely monitored and, where necessary, appropriate discipline will continue to be imposed.

I call on members of the public to exercise a little more restraint  than  has,  up to  now, been  evident  during  this economic downturn.   You have wants and you have needs.  We can do without our wants; we should not be expected to do without our needs.  Place emphasis for yourselves and your children on what you need.   Put on hold, unless you can afford them without inconvenience, the things you just want but can do without.

I have the fullest confidence in your sense of responsibility.

We very often discover much of the hidden creativity we have within us  during  times  of  great sacrifice and challenge.  Look inward and draw upon those creative reserves that lie hidden there.

Nothing I have said to you is intended to suggest that a long, dark, unending night lies ahead of us.  This global downturn, like all those before it, will come to an end.  But until it comes to an end, we have to be responsible; we have to be prudent; we have to be thrifty.

In any event, in all of this, we can take comfort from the fact that:

"The Lord has been the people's guide for past three hundred years

With Him still on the people's side, we have no doubts or fears

Upward and onward we shall go

Inspired, exulting, free

And greater will our nation grow

In strength and unity."

Happy Independence to you all.

A “new normal” in global finance and business is needed. This was the just one of the ideas put forward by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Christopher Sinckler, when he delivered the feature address of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados (ICAB)’s 18th Annual Conference.  This year’s conference focussed on ‘Building the New Economy’.

In setting out his thoughts on the way forward for Barbados, the Minister identified the need for “a more balanced, responsive and creative economy”. Several areas were highlighted as having the potential to move the country towards such a position. Taking the traditional economic sectors of tourism and international business, he emphasised the need to improve the current way in which the country operates. 

To assist with doing so, a National Business Facilitation Council, to be chaired by the Prime Minister, will be put in place by January 2012. It is expected that the Council will develop new protocols for engagement between the public and private sectors and oversee an overhaul of key agencies such as the Immigration, Customs and Town Planning Departments by 2015.

Regarding emerging sectors, cultural industries, sporting activities and alternative energy were touted as key in building the new economy. Frameworks for advancing the cultural industries and alternative energy have been completed and the Government expects to shortly sign a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank to assist in developing incentives and legislation for the latter sector.

For the cultural industries, Minister Sinckler informed those present that the Ministry of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth would soon be meeting with stakeholders to discuss the use of the $50 million investment allocated in the 2011 Budgetary Proposals. It is expected that the first $10 million will be disbursed in the second quarter of the upcoming financial year, 2012-2013. This, he stated, would carve out new opportunities for designers, musicians and those in the culinary arts.

Minister of Health Donville Inniss has encouraged Barbados’ medical fraternity to develop a culture of research. Speaking at the beginning of the recently held 11th Annual Professor E. R. Walrond Scientific Symposium, Minister Inniss emphasised that research is critical in developing solutions to critical health issues including those impacting the quality of life in the Caribbean.

"We believe foreign nations and foreign nationals must do the research and we will buy their products and services. I dare say that such notions must be relegated to the dustbin of ancient management practices if we are to truly move our society forward in a sustainable manner. Whether it be in manufacturing, medicine, management or any other area, the Caribbean must, as a matter of urgency, cultivate a research culture - this is one major ways in which we can open new frontiers."

In addressing the audience, the Minister highlighted the importance of the Chronic Disease Research Centre in Barbados pursuing such a culture. He indicated that Government’s support of the institution is fuelled by the belief that its work will help the country deliver cost-effective but efficient treatment to Barbadians living with chronic diseases. He praised the work of the Centre in the areas of diabetes, cancer, eye disease and wounds, and encouraged those present to "continue to think outside of the box, to challenge our traditional way of doing things and to find innovative solutions to our complex challenges".

The region’s spa and wellness professionals met recently in Dominica in an effort to move closer to developing regional industry standards. The symposium, the latest undertaking in the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) led project to advance the sector, was held in association with UKAid and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The two day symposium brought together representatives from the Caribbean Spa and Wellness Association (C-SWA), practitioners from across the region and industry experts. President of C-SWA Mr. Steve Andrews represented the regional association. Barbados was in turn represented by Business Development Officer at Invest Barbados, Mr. Marc Ifill and Ms. Amy LeMay of Earth Mother Botanicals. Also taking part were the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), the regional body responsible for developing and promoting industry standards and the Thai Spa Association, represented by its President, Andrew Jacka.

The symposium provided a mix of insightful presentations including international best practices, a report from the consultant to the project and roundtable discussions.

The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Unit of the CARICOM Secretariat has launched the first edition of its flagship newsletter, the EPA Implementation Bulletin. On releasing the newsletter to the public, the Unit described it as “an effort to provide authoritative news, rigorous and original analysis and expert views on the CARIFORUM-EU EPA and its implementation”.

Features include an interview with Senator the Honourable Maxine McClean, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Barbados and CARIFORUM High Representative to the First Meeting of the Joint Council under the EPA.

The newsletter will be released bi-monthly. The May-June edition is now available. Please click to read the EPA Implementation Bulletin.

The Barbados Extravaganza hosted by the Consulate General of Barbados at Miami is back for its second year. Previously held in 2009 at Amelia Island in Florida, this year’s Extravaganza will be held in Charleston, South Carolina from September 1-5, 2011. The event continues to be an opportunity to showcase Barbados’ tourism product, business and investment opportunities and culture.

This year’s showcase will include inter alia:
•    A Welcome Reception and Gala Award Dinner.
•    A re-creation of “Bridgetown Market”.
•    A Town hall Meeting.
•    A Service of Thanksgiving.
•    Tourism and business promotion.
•    Networking among Barbadians in the Diaspora with home-based Barbadians.
•    Networking between Barbadians and specific agencies based in the Charleston area.

Entitled ‘Barbados Comes (Back) to South Carolina’, this year will also focus on the strong historical ties and long-standing relationship between Barbados and the Southern state. Dating back to 1670, these ties have been strengthened with the twinning of Speightstown and Charlestown in 1997. Special elements have therefore been included, amongst which are:

•    A lecture on the Barbados-Carolinas connection by Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Cave Hill Campus of the UWI, Dr. Sir Hilary Beckles.
•    The screening of a Barbadian film.
•    Sight-seeing tours of historic Charleston.
•    Collaboration with several specific Charleston/Carolinas-based agencies, including Charles Towne Landing and Friends of  Charles Towne Landing, the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor (SCNHC), the Gullah-Geechee Heritage Corridor and the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission; the South Carolina Arts Commission amongst others.

Barbadians at home and throughout the Diaspora across the United States are being asked to give full support to the Extravaganza. Consul General Colin S. Mayers has said, “Team Barbados is planning for the “Barbados Comes [Back] to Charleston” event to be the biggest ever Barbadian extravaganza in the USA and to have the widest possible publicity.  We want you, your family and your associates to be a part of this historic occasion.”

For further information and updates, please visit www.barbadoscharleston.com.

The Ministry of Family, Culture and Sports has completed Barbados' draft Cultural Industries Development Bill. Permanent Secretary of the Division of Culture and Sports, Shirley Farnum, has stated that the Bill provides for “the establishment of a regulatory framework to facilitate and encourage the sustainable growth and development of cultural industries, funding for cultural projects, as well as duty free concessions and income tax benefits in respect of cultural projects”.

The Division is seeking the public's feedback in its efforts to ensure that the Bill adequately covers the needs of key stakeholders in the cultural industries and includes recommended ‘tools of trade’ in the schedule to the Act.

Copies of the draft Bill are available at all branches of the Public Library, Post Offices across the island, the National Cultural Foundation at West Terrace, St. James and the Division of Culture and Sports at the Warrens Office Complex, St. Michael. It can also be accessed electronically at http://www.gisbarbados.gov.bb/Cultural_Industries_Bill_2011.pdf

Written submissions should be sent to the Permanent Secretary in the Division of Culture, Sports and Youth by July 22, 2011.