RICE AND PIGEON PEAS; MACARONI PIE
YAM AND SALT FISH; COU COU
PICKLED COW; STIR FRIED SEA CAT
MIXED VEGETABLES; BAKED CHICKEN
BAKED PORK; FRIED SNAPPER
FRIED STEAK FISH; GRILLED STEAK FISH
LAMB STEW; FISH GRAVY
STEAMED VEGETABLES; TOSSED SALAD
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Local cricket icon Brian Charles Lara has formed an architectural firm that submitted a $44 million design for a signature pavilion for the recreational grounds in Cantaro, Santa Cruz, bearing his name. ’Lara is not being paid directly. Lara has a design firm which he put together, a design team called Brian Lara Designs and that team actually consists of architects, civil engineers, project engineers that are working as his team to put that particular facility in place,’ Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT) executive chairman Kenneth Charles told a parliamentary Joint Select Committee (JSC) yesterday. But the design submitted by Lara’s firm has been identified as a major contributor to the two-year delay in completion of the entire facility by SPORTT director Daren Millien, even though revised plans costing $10 million less have been submitted. ’What we were anticipating was not just a $33 million price tag, but probably a substantial overrun by way of variations to complete the facility. So before we get to a situation where it is irreversible, we decided to sit with the stakeholders and the principals involved to understand what is being done and what is being conceptualised,’ Millien said. Both Charles and Millien made their disclosures about Lara’s firm during a meeting of the JSC responsible for examining State-owned enterprises such as the Sports Company, chaired by Deputy Speaker Penelope Beckles. When asked exactly how much Brian Lara Designs had been paid so far for its work, Charles said, ’I don’t have that information.’ Millien said when the Sport Company’s new board was installed in February 2008, the Brian Lara Recreational Grounds was already being executed. ’As it relates specifically to phase two, this sport board met the designs for a signature pavilion in circulation with a price tag of $44 million. Sportt then met with the principals of Brian Lara Designs, including Mr Brian Lara, to understand the intricacies of this signature pavilion, as there were concerns raised about the overall cost and the maintenance cost associated with this mega structure,’ Millien said. He said once consultations on the revised design are completed, SPORTT intends to seek Cabinet approval to proceed with the signature pavilion. Millien said the grassing of the grounds, part of phase one being carried out by a new contractor, will be completed in January and can then be used by residents while phase two is in progress. This, however, did not meet with the approval of JSC member and St Ann’s East MP, Anthony Roberts, in whose constituency the facility is being built. ’To hear that the community will not be affected, because they could use the grounds in the meantime, is certainly not good enough, Madam chairman, we want the grounds to be completed, the Sports Company to do what they are supposed to do and get out of there,’ Roberts said. On February 23, 2007, Roberts, who was then the Social Development Minister, turned the sod with Lara for what was then announced to be a $15 million upgrade of the Brian Lara Recreational Grounds. Constituents protested the delay in the completion of the project earlier this year. (Trinidad Express) |
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Public inconvenience will be kept at a reducible minimum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, Prime Minister Patrick Manning has promised. In an address to the nation last evening, Manning said while some adjustments were necessary, ’these will be done with minimum dislocation to our normal daily lives during the time our guests will be present with us’. ’I give you the commitment that the Government will do all that is possible, practicable and permissible to minimise any inconvenience to our citizens,’ he said. CHOGM is to be held here from November 27-29. Manning said 40 of the 51 active Heads of State and their delegations have confirmed their attendance thus far. Among those who will not attending is Gambia’s President, Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh, who has provoked controversy with his statement that he would kill anyone who seeks to destabilise his Government. Amidst calls from human rights groups to ban him from coming here, a release from the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday that Ousman Jammeh, Gambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ International Cooperation, will now head the Gambian delegation. Manning stressed the country’s image would be greatly enhanced by its hosting of international conferences. ’Our country will be even more than usual in the global spotlight. Every positive story of Trinidad and Tobago that emanates from this meeting will go a long way towards our international prominence, reinforcing our reputation as a progressive place where one can visit and do business … as we become more and more developed on a day-by-day basis,’ he said. Manning confirmed that Prime Minister Lars Leokke Rasmussen, of Denmark, France President Nicolas Sarkozy, as well as Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, will be on official visits here to participate in the process. He explained that Commonwealth leaders will hold discussions, among other things, on the critical matter of climate change, mere days before a UN meeting next month in Copenhagen, Denmark on that same issue. ’We have the opportunity to positively influence its outcome. Indeed, Trinidad and Tobago is doing its utmost to advance the process that could result in a global agreement on this crucial matter … our country has been at the centre of almost frenzied activity among leading nations from both the developed and developing world, as we seek to ensure that we take the strongest possible position in preparation for the Copenhagen meeting,’ the Prime Minister stated. The Prime Minister repeated the argument, made earlier this year when he sought to expound on the benefits of hosting the Fifth Summit of the Americas, that CHOGM would lead to increased investment. ’We feel certain that, among other benefits, as has happened in other countries that hosted the CHOGM, investment flows into our country will increase as a result of the meeting being held in Port of Spain. Indeed, we intend to capitalise on this unprecedented situation which will bring business leaders and investors from all over the globe to our country,’ he said. He added that through the Commonwealth Business Forum alone, for example, 800 delegates will attend and use the opportunity to build business partnerships, create trade linkages and set up commercial ventures. He noted, however, that this CHOGM was of special importance because it was been held in the midst of a global economic slowdown. (Trinidad Express) |
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The passage of the Tobacco Bill 2009 in the Senate is a landmark achievement for this country, the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society stated yesterday. In a media release, the Cancer Society thanked the Government for its commitment to the bill and senators for their support. The bill was passed in the Upper House at the Red House, Port of Spain, at 1 a.m. yesterday. ’Tobacco-control legislation is a great achievement for the society of Trinidad and Tobago. It is a clear indication that we are moving towards developed-nation status and sets us on track to achieving Vision 2020,’ the release said. The society said all 34 countries featured on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) ’Advanced Economies’ list had tobacco-control legislation in place. In addition, the World Bank, in their 1999 report, ’The Economies of Tobacco Control’, states tobacco-control measures within a society are a crucial health component which benefits the economic development of the entire society. ’We have joined the ranks of these nations passing the Tobacco Control Bill. The passing of comprehensive tobacco-control legislation is truly a David and Goliath success story for the people of Trinidad and Tobago,’ the release said. The release added the tobacco industry is known internationally for their strong lobby and extreme tactics to prevent the enactment of tobacco-control legislation. ’Our small community has taken on one of the most powerful industries in the world and has won. The passing of this legislation is particularly important to the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society as we have been fighting this for 40-plus years,’ it added. (Trinidad Express) |
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The next target for Government health policy will be sugar, according to Health Minister Jerry Narace. In an interview with the Express yesterday, Narace said now that the Tobacco Control Bill had been passed in the Senate, Government planned to address the issue of sugar consumption, which contributes to diabetes. Diabetes, which is a silent killer, devastates large numbers in the population. Complications resulting from diabetes include amputations and problems of the extremities, eye problems, kidney problems, sexual impotence, serious nerve and blood vessel damage and high blood pressure. Narace said yesterday not only smoking-related diseases were growing as diabetes was now affecting one in every five persons. Cancers were increasing as well as cardiac diseases. ’I could blame it on bad public policy on sugars, fats and tobacco,’ he said. ’We are now talking to the Chamber of Commerce to see if we can get healthier snacks-move towards the reduction in sugar and to more low-calorie and high-fibre snacks.’ He said a note would be going to Cabinet where it is proposed that all Government agencies set the example and have healthy choices such as multigrain breads and fruit juices as part of public policy. Government, he said, was also engaged in healthy community caravans which had been visiting communities to share literature, doing screening and testing and to answer questions so that people could understand how to achieve a healthier lifestyle and how important better personal health was. During debate on the Tobacco Control Bill, several Independent senators pointed out that sugar/diabetes killed more persons in this country than smoking and was equally expensive to the healthcare system, but there was no Government policy to control the intake of sugar. They also pointed to the harmful effects of alcohol. Narace revealed yesterday a committee had been established to address the question of alcohol use. The aim is to promote responsible drinking, he stressed, adding alcohol was also on Government’s target list. He said the ministry also had a magazine titled Live Well, which is delivered to people’s homes. All this was part of the ’massive preventive approach and the Tobacco Control Bill is an integral part of that policy position’, he said. The Tobacco Control Bill, which seeks to protect citizens, more specifically babies and children, from the effects of smoke, was passed at around 1.30 this morning. All the independent senators, with the exception of Basharat Ali (who abstained), voted in favour of it. The vote was 22 for/seven abstentions. Narace said yesterday the prohibition on the sale of loose or single cigarettes had been relaxed. ’But if you want a single cigarette, the manufacturer will have to ensure that it is packaged individually with the warning labels on each package,’ he said. ’You can’t sell single cigarettes from a regular packet.’ (- See side story) Another issue which emerged during the debate is the question of sponsor ship. The bill will allow Witco to continue sponsoring Despers (steelband), but there can be no public display or public credit for this sponsorship. The bill also bans a person from smoking in a vehicle, including private vehicles, when a child is present or where a private childcare business or private tutoring business is conducted. Narace, in defending the decision to ban smoking from all public places, including public transportation terminals, said smoking was found to be a contributory factor in low birth weights and learning disabilities. He said second-hand smoke comes not only from direct inhalation but pointed out that ventilation systems did not remove all or enough of the toxic chemical in second-hand smoke to effectively protect the public. The bill also bans the display of tobacco products. Narace stated that the ministry had long recognised that public policy directs health promotion and education activities, which are critical to the reduction of CNCDs (Chronic Non-Communicable diseases). He said the risk factors for CNCDs include tobacco use, abuse of alcohol, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet and obesity. He said the ministry had now completed the evaluation of school meals options in Trinidad where all sources of meals to school children were assessed. ’Based on that study, we are developing nutritional and dietary guidelines to be implemented in schools,’ he said. (Trinidad Express) |
BARBADOS is outlawing the sale of cigarettes to people under age 18.
And in Government’s tough, anti-smoking stance, even imitation cigarettes could land importers and vendors in court.
The House of Assembly on Tuesday approved a bill to amend the Health Services Act to make it illegal to sell cigarettes to “minors”.
The bill was piloted by Minister of Health Donville Inniss, who said that even though just eight per cent of the population was deemed smokers, smoking was considered “the most important risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease and stroke”.
Tobacco smoke also contained many cancer-causing compounds and toxins, he pointed out.
“It’s not just that we are looking to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to minors, but we are also seeking to prohibit minors from selling tobacco products,” Inniss explained.
He said the government was proposing that parents and guardians “be the one to pay the fine or to be responsible for sending the minor to counselling sessions, as the court may dictate.”
The penalty would also hit those who sell the cigarette or otherwise offer it.
Inniss also spoke of people using imitation cigarettes “to lure our children into the habit” of smoking.
“We will be proposing that any person who imports, manufactures, sells, displays for sale, supplies or distributes any sweets, snacks, toys or other items or objects that imitate tobacco products is guilty of an offence,” he disclosed.
He said Government had to go “the full gamut” in protecting young people.
Any vendor using cellphone merchandising facilities that would allow minors to procure cigarettes would also be breaking the law, he noted.
Inniss said too that it would be an offence to use a minor in ads promoting tobacco products for use in Barbados.
The bill garnered support from Government and opposition politicians. (TY) (Nation News)
IN MAKING COMPANIES leaner and meaner to survive tough economic times, businessmen must make sure they don’t ignore the things that create public confidence.
They also need to guard against throwing out or severely cutting back on the expertise that would help them rebound when the good times return.
This advice has come from executive director of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados (ICAB), Reginald Farley, as ICAB celebrates Accountants’ Week.
“Even with cutbacks, there are aspects of financial reporting that are mandatory or useful,” the former Government minister told the DAILY NATION this week.
“We are therefore encouraging the general business community, especially the small and emerging sector, not to look to cut back on this important area of expertise which would in fact help them to get out of the recession . . . .”
Farley warned businesses not to become “so caught up in trying to merely survive the recession” that they “lose focus on the prize” because they will find themselves badly position to benefit from a turnaround in the world economy.
Local businesses have to make sure that the level of public confidence in them remains high and that their houses are in order, Farley said.
“We want to make sure that people have the tools, that investment happens, that consumers have confidence,” he said.
“As accountants working in private business as well as in the public sector, we have a critical role to play in making sure that our investment projects are rolled out, business plans are done, proposals for lending get submitted and records are kept up to date.”
Accountants also want to be sure “that the public has confidence in the financial reports and the prospectuses and other documents related to financial matters and that individuals emerge out of this better able to analyse what is being put before them”, said Farley.
He noted that in the international community there had been a heavy loss of public confidence in some companies because of the financial crisis.
He pointed out that accounting firms too had been affected by the tough economic times, being forced to make adjustments as clients cut back on business.
“The firms themselves, like other businesses, are doing their internal controls, managing their expenses but also taking the opportunity not to continue to invest in the most critical resource - their people,” he said.
According to Farley, “accountants are critical even during recessionary times because you have the requirements to maintain adequate records, you have the need for more accurate forecasting and you have the need for more accurate and effective cost control”.
Accountants are critical not just to survival but to recovery, he explained. (TY) (Nation News)
Prime Minister David Thompson (left) pushing the button to launch BusinessBarbados.com live on the worldwide web, while Peter Boos (centre) and Keith Miller (right) keep an eye on the computer monitor. (Picture by Sharon Harding.)
GOVERNMENT and the private sector have to find a way to work together to promote the total Barbados brand, says Prime Minister David Thompson.
He was speaking at the Crane Resort and Residences in St Philip where BusinessBarbados.com, a business directory of the island, was launched by businessmen Keith Miller of Miller Publishing Company and Peter Boos, former executive chairman of Ernst & Young Caribbean.
BusinessBarbados.com also contains Barbados, Caribbean and International business news and Press releases as well as stock, currency and commodity indices.
The Prime Minister said: “Very often we rely on getting information from Government and we know that extracting information from Government departments can be very difficult.
“We don’t have that culture in Barbados of sharing information. People are afraid that if they said the wrong thing their supervisor would penalise them in one way or the other . . .”
Thompson added: “So we have to find a way of being able to share access to information. It is one of the reasons we are developing the Freedom of Information legislation but we have to have a culture of sharing information across the Government and the private sector as well as within the diaspora,” he said.
Thompson said building a Barbados experience would mean that all sectors would have to find a common goal of promoting the brand instead of “compartmentalising”.
Additionally, he said the spirit of entrepreneurship would be needed to bring Barbados out of the recession but noted that the challenge was “getting back to basics”. (TM) (Nation News)
NUPW general secretary Dennis Clarke.
by DONNA SEALY
THERE IS BULLYING of workers at some statutory agencies, charged general secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), Dennis Clarke.
Yesterday Clarke told the DAILY NATION that a situation existed at boards where chairmen were micromanaging the affairs of the organisation.
“There are one or two of them who have offices inside the [organisations]. I’m waiting on Government to have some sort of discussion with respect to the statutory board situation because it begs for good discussion to see how we can look at industrial relations [among them] and get them on a proper footing where there is no bullying with respect to the workers,” he said.
Clarke declined to name statutory boards where bullying existed but said that “people are fearful” with “the presence of some of these board members within the organisation, getting into the day-to-day management.”.
“You see people doing things out of fear. You find that some workers know they are not supposed to carry out an instruction that is not conforming to the financial rules, and I’m talking about boards, but yet they will go do it out of fear cause they want to keep their jobs. That is bullying in my estimation.”
Clarke also said that communication across the Public Service was one of the challenges facing the union and had to be given urgent attention.
“We talk about Public Sector Reform, we talk about customer charter but the union is experiencing, especially at the level of statutory boards, failure to respond to correspondence and certain departments in the Public Service also,” he noted.
“We’re not saying that everybody is doing it but what we’re saying is that it seems to be the majority that are ignoring [correspondence].
“This in itself is a violation of the Public Service Act and we’re wondering what is happening.
“Is it an anti-union move? Or is it a situation where people are simply callous about the whole industrial relations process and what should happen?” the general secretary queried.
This attitude did not bode well for good industrial relations and had to be examined, Clarke added. (Nation News)
Deputy General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union, Robert ‘Bobby’ Morris. (FP)
ONCE YOU CAN afford it, pay it!
This is the view of a local economist and specialists in the area of labour relations concerning the allocation of Christmas bonuses this year, in light of the global slowdown which resulted in sweeping job losses across the island.
They believe the much-anticipated year-end bonuses should not be used as another cost-cutting measure, as it could result in further problems in the economy.
“Most of the workers’ money is spent, [so] what they earn goes back in to keep the shops and supermarkets going,” said deputy seneral secretary and director of industrial relations at the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), Robert “Bobby” Morris.
“If workers don’t have anything, it is going to impact the economy and lead to stagnation.”
He explained that there were two types of bonuses - one based on profit-sharing, the other determined by performance.
In regards to the former, the senior trade unionist was of the opinion that if the company was profitable, it should show its appreciation to its workers even if the amount was reduced.
“It sends the correct signal to the workers. But if you decide that you are still making a profit and are not sharing, that is not a good thing to do.”
President of the Barbados Economics Society (BES) Anthony Johnson added that because of the recent job cuts, there was justification for bonuses now more than ever, even if they were scaled down.
Labour relations specialist Harry Husbands concurred with this assessment, and added: “Employers should determine if they are in a position to do so and should relate it to the company’s performance.”
However, he believed that contractual bonus arrangements had to be honoured by the employer.
“Some bonuses are contractual and tied to performance indicators. If they are contractual and the employee meets all the requirements, they have to be paid,” Husbands argued.
This was also Morris’ position.
“Performance-based bonuses are only triggered by certain levels of performance and it is something that is worked for. There might be a decline, but that does not mean there is no bonus at all unless [the worker] just has not met the criteria that were established,” he asserted.
Morris was of the opinion that companies should ensure those who were laid off received their bonuses as well.
“If that person was working some part of the year that the bonus was earned, it seems equitable to give a pro-rated amount of the bonus.” (LW) (Nation News)
