“The topic of my presentation was ‘the literature, culture and politics of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten,’ highlighting the work of Lasana Sekou and the House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP),” stated Dr. Grabowski in an email to the publisher. Sekou is published by HNP.

Dr. Grabowski, MD, FACS, is pursuing his master’s degree in French at SUNY Albany. His semester studies, which concluded with the research project and PowerPoint presentation about St. Martin on May 8, 2012, were under the direction of Prof. Eloise Briere.

Dr. Eugene W. Grabowski, MD, FACS, presenting his research project on “the literature, culture and politics of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten” at the State University of New York, Albany. (Photo courtesy E. Grabowski)

Incidentally, in April, while conducting his St. Martin research, Dr. Grabowski and HNP president Jacqueline Sample had met in New York at a lecture by Mamadou Badiane, an assistant professor of Spanish at the University of Missouri. Prof. Badiane’s lecture was entitled, “Sur la redefinition des identites nationales des Antilles.”

• Use of the Term: “Culture”

In November 2001, the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in Paris, France. The Declaration said in part that, “…culture should be regarded as the set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social group, and that it encompasses, in addition to art and literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions and beliefs.” It also recognised that, “… culture is at the heart of contemporary debates about identity, social cohesion, and the development of a knowledge-based economy.”

It is suggested that the use of the word “Culture” in the draft CIB is without adequate definition and is inappropriate in the context of the Bill and ought to be substituted by a modern definition of culture comprising as in some other jurisdictions the arts and heritage but also broadcasting, the cultural industries and new media. The evolving definition contains: the promotion of identity and diversity, support for creativity and participation and rights in cultural life, as well as ways of life, citizenship and identity.

It is recommended that the Bill be framed within the limits of an overarching National Cultural Policy aimed not only at encouraging creativity but at protecting and developing cultural industries as well as broadening access to the traditional arts and emerging cultural expressions.

{FILE IMAGE- Dr Keith Nurse at the original Stakeholders Meeting earlier this year} The designation of the Bill as being Chapter 308 of the Laws of Barbados - The Companies Act 1986, if Chapter 308 of the Laws of Barbados. This appears to be an error on the part of the drafters of the Bill.

• Disciplines within the Arts. These are all placed together, including matters of Heritage and the National Trust without due acknowledgement that each discipline (e.g. (a) live theatre; (b) electronic media; and (c) writing (inclusive of both word and music) and publishing; etc) has specific needs. Crafted in this way, it fails to address those needs and concerns. There is also a strong probability that this blurring of sectors could be mismanaged within the context of the CIB.
• Funding. The CIB does not adequately differentiate between commercial arts and supported (by state or sponsorship) arts. Equally, it fails to meaningfully create the conditions that will be a magnet for the international commercial arts sector of Barbados in preference to countries that have well-established incentives to attract commercial arts ventures, e.g. Canada, Israel, the Isle of Man, New Zealand and Australia and, latterly, in the United Kingdom. For example, it is noted that the arts brought in excess of GBP 1 billion into the UK economy in the year 2010-2011 and that measures are before Westminster to attract in excess of GBP 3 million per year by 2014.
• Public debate. The CIB has been produced with very limited public debate locally and to our knowledge not in the international sectors and countries that are so critical to improving Barbados’ value added in export and imports of Creative Goods and activities. It therefore is not representative of the broader needs locally and fails to represent international needs in any viable way.
• Law. While Barbados is a signatory of the Berne Conventions for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, local legislation in accordance with the Berne Conventions is inadequate and outdated and this needs to be addressed in conjunction and concurrent with and not subsequent to, any meaningful CIB.
• Training and Education: Training and education that will fit Barbadian arts practitioners (including technicians) to compete in the international marketplace is not meaningfully addressed in the CIB (if at all). This is an area of major concern that ought to be addressed in conjunction with the Ministry of Education. It is unclear from the information available to us that meaningful dialogue in this area has occurred.
• “Spill-over” into other industries. The “Arts” as a matter of necessity involve the participation and involvement of other industries that come under the authority of other ministries. The draft CIB does not demonstrate meticulous consultation with other ministries, e.g. Tourism and Industry and Transport as demanded by the urgency of reforming and upgrading the inputs of Creative Industries within the Tourism sector.
• “Barbadian Content” is not defined in any clear and meaningful way.

Rights of women and children - In a society that is largely adult male-dominated, there is no meaningful recognition of the rights of and protection for women and minors in the CIB.

In sum, therefore, the draft CIB, while aiming to strategically increase the presence of the cultural industries sector in the global economy given the rise of the digital economy and the increasing commercialization of the arts and culture, may, with a broader interpretation of contemporary needs and interests of artists, offer more diverse and far-reaching options to better situate the Cultural and Creative Industries both locally and internationally.

“Sol is pleased to have partnered with the BRC to grow the event over the past five years. We recognize the value it brings to the island’s sports-tourism product, particularly in these very difficult times, and are happy to contribute to its further development.”

Sol Rally Barbados 2012 (June 9/10) and Sol Go Further/Scotiabank King of the Hill (June 3) are organised and promoted by the Barbados Rally Club, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007; title sponsor is the Sol Group.

Sol hosted the function to coincide with the official opening of its re-branded Sol Redmans service station and the start of its ‘Rally Up’ promotion: fans can win rally gear or tickets to VIP Hospitality by visiting Sol’s island-wide outlets, or by buying the official Sol RB12 programme

During the Q&A session, Sol Rally Barbados Chairman Barry Gale told the assembled media strict steps have been taken to make sure there are no mishaps with spectators nor those who cover the event {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

“50% of what we do is enhancing safety, not just for spectators nor media but the drivers and navigators. There are numerous meetings but not everyone can anticipate all faults, however the Committee does all in its power to make sure everyone is removed from most dangers.”

This concern was echoed by Committee member, Neil Barnard {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

“There are extreme lengths which the Committee takes to make sure nothing untoward emerges, with ambulances on standby – run by the former head of the QEH’s A&E, Bryan Charles…”

According to President Jeffrey Knowle, for the third straight year, the Caribbean’s biggest annual motor sport International, Sol Rally Barbados, has attracted a record number {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

“121 entries were posted on-line at the event’s official web site of which 108 remain on the provisional entry list, published by the Barbados Rally Club (BRC) with 63 International and 26 new entries.”

Title sponsor since 2008, Sol hosted the function to coincide with the official opening of its re-branded Sol Redmans service station and the start of its ‘Rally Up’ promotion: fans can win rally gear or tickets to VIP Hospitality by visiting Sol’s island-wide outlets, or by buying the official Sol RB12 programme, available from Wednesday.

(L to R) Neil Barnard, BRC President Jeffrey Knowle, (12 times the winner of the island’s premier event since 1990) Roger "The Sherriff" Skeete, SOL B'dos Country Mgr - Ezra Prescod & BRC Chairman - Barry Gale

It is one of the strongest sporting brand names in the Caribbean, particularly for visitors from Europe, and a key player in the island’s sports-tourism product. Each year, the event contributes comfortably in excess of Bds $2 million to the economy, much of it in valuable foreign exchange, and accounts for around 2,500 visitor nights at a traditionally quiet time in the tourism calendar.

In this season’s local events, overall wins have been shared equally between Skeete, 2003 and ’07 RB winner Paul ‘Surfer’ Bourne (Ford Focus WRC07) and Sean Gill (Suzuki SX4 WRC).

Sol has expanded its support for motor sport with sponsorship of Roger ‘The Sheriff’ Skeete, 12 times the winner of the island’s premier event since 1990. Skeete is chasing a third hat-trick of wins – his previous record includes consecutive triumphs in 1990-92 and 2000/02 – and his recent victory in the Valvoline Shakedown Stages is a good omen.

The Governor, Prime Minister and staff of the CBB who spent 38 of their career years in the Central Bank, wonder how they feel knowing how the economy is where it's at now?

Biggie Irie regales a huge throng at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (alias Sherbourne) when the Central Bank held a huge celebration looking at four decades – don’t you wish they used the money to give larger tax rebate for Bajans instead?

Barbados’ Cabinet will soon be considering changes to the proposed Cultural Industries Development Bill following new recommendations from stakeholders.

This disclosure has come from Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, who said the suggested enhancements to the Bill had emerged from the recently convened public consultation, held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, as well as other written submissions made directly to the Ministry.

Mr. Lashley explained that following Cabinet approval, “the next step would be to submit the changes to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel to have the redrafting of the necessary provisions done so we can have it approved and taken to Parliament.”

He is hopeful that the process would be completed this year so the legislation could be on the island’s statute books.

Describing the Cultural Industries Development Bill as “extremely important and critical”, he said it was necessary for all relevant sectors to move purposefully based on legislation that was relevant and practical, given the dynamics of the emerging creative sector in Barbados. “And, that is why we spent the time caucusing with the various stakeholders so we could understand their issues and come up with a Bill that makes sense, based on where the cultural industries are in Barbados and where we want them to go,” he stated.

Min. of Family, Culture, Sports & Youth - Stephen Lashley

He said his Ministry was encouraged by the many recommendations received from the public and promised that the useful suggestions would be incorporated into a redrafted Bill.

Turning his attention to the Preservation of Antiquities and Relics Bill, the Minister noted that several valuable contributions were made at a recent public consultation held at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed and his Ministry was now examining those suggestions. “I am also aware that the Barbados National Trust has set up a team to review the Bill and make recommendations to the Ministry.

“I am awaiting those recommendations before we finalise the proposed changes which will take the same route as the Cultural Industries Development Bill, that is, to Cabinet, on to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel and then Parliament,” Mr. Lashley indicated.

The Preservation of Antiquities and Relics Bill was taken to Parliament late last year, but Government suspended its debate in the Senate to allow for further consultations following public concerns about some of its provisions.

Giving the rationale for the Bill, Mr. Lashley said it was intended to ensure Barbados’ historic patrimony, relics, and buildings, among other things, were preserved for future generations. “We were also concerned in relation to archeological digs. The Bill seeks to set up a regime by which that process is appropriately licensed to ensure that persons involved in such digs follow certain requirements.

“The concerns have been in relation to the definition of relics, as well as the provisions relating to search and compulsory acquisition. Given the feedback from stakeholders, you may very well see a Bill emerging that is more focussed on voluntary registration of relics because we don’t want to have an arrangement where persons believe they are under pressure regarding items that belong to them. We want persons to see this as a partnership where we want to encourage them to register their items so we can help to protect them,” he declared.

The Minister said the wording of some provisions of the Bill might give the impression that Government could move in and seize certain things. However, he maintained that was never the Bill’s intention and informed that his Ministry was seeking to correct any misinterpretation.

Mr. Lashley stressed, however, that those persons who still wished to make contributions to both Bills should immediately contact the Division of Culture and Sports in the Warrens Office Complex.

Meanwhile, the Ministry will soon continue its dialogue with Government ministries and agencies which are key to cultural industries development and discussions with the private sector will follow. (Courtesy: BGIS/SA)

This suggestion has come from Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Association, Lynette Holder who says the body, which is the island’s non-governmental, non-profit representative agency for micro, small and medium enterprises, is doing its part to facilitate SMEs spreading their wings outside of Barbados.

“There is this view that a business that would normally export is one that can be considered a large company, but this is not entirely true. Here in Barbados, according to some figures that I have seen, since 2009, there has been some growth in terms of the exports that SMEs are doing,” she explained.

According to Holder, in 2008 when the SBA started its export programme, between 7 to 9 percent of its membership was exporting goods or services.

“Based on that, we thought that that number could be a bit better and so we started our export thrust, conducting training workshops and seminars with them, in an attempt to help build their capacity and by extension, increase their export chances. As that effort continued, we over time saw that the low numbers that were there initially, we were seeing initially increasing with more small businesses venturing into markets outside of Barbados, as many of them diversified their clientele,” she explained.

The Small Business Association (SBA) is the island’s non-governmental, non-profit representative body for micro, small and medium enterprises. The SBA seeks to expand business opportunities for its members, provide educational and developmental services and lobby to ensure an enabling environment for the growth and sustainability of the SME sector.

The SBA’s CEO noted that this was critical as there was some promise from foreign markets as they rebound from the ongoing global economic crisis.

Holder said: “taking advantage of the chance to tap the market at this time can ultimately result in an SME lowering its production cost because if you as an SME has to increase your output as a means of servicing your increased clientele, then logic would have it that your production cost, especially per unit should decrease.”

Drawing reference to The Development of Tourism Micro-Projects initiative which started in January 2010, she noted that over its 30-month duration, the joint venture between the Ministry of Tourism, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the SBA, who is the executing agency for the project, saw over US $240,000 in funds from the IDB, under the Multi-Lateral Investment Fund programme focusing on three areas – agro processing, woodwork and Arts and Crafts, and small hotels.

“Specific areas of need will be identified within the three clusters, and appropriate assistance, in an effort to increase productivity and business possibilities. One such area is Agro-processing which has held great growth potential for the local economy for some time now. There are products like our Jams and Jellies, pepper sauce and seasoning which, when you look at the Diasporas in North America, the UK and Europe, that is a ready, willing and waiting market,” Holder said.

(CLICK FOR BIGGER) Also featured during the evenings events, will be a musical interlude by Alex Cummins and a short fashion show by Elena Branker. Clothing displayed has been made for and inspired by the photography featured. All are invited to attend.

“In Black & White” will be held at the Art Splash in Hastings on the 25th of May, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

The worlds of Chutney-Soca and Reggae have come together for what is being described as a major mid-year groovy ballad. Karma’s Ravi B and T&T Reggae crooner Isasha have combined musical styles for the new track entitled “Jab Jab Bahar Aaye”.

This latest Caribbean collaboration is produced by top Trinidadian producer Big Rich of the ‘The Punkalunks Factory’ who in recent years has been responsible for some of the biggest hits in the Chutney and Soca genres. The song unites Ravi B’s sweet, sensual Hindi lyrics with Isasha’s raw, unmistakable vocals, set to the tempo of a groovy Chutney-Soca riddim for a truly melodious and danceable number.

T&T Reggae crooner Isasha - who feels he looks cool while posing with his hands set in this gesture, but right now the Sign Language community are having a huge laugh... That way of setting one's hands means "VAGINA" in AmeSlan

Although it has only been recently released, music fans and industry insiders have been giving the new tune positive reviews and have already branded it as a modern day wedding anthem. Upon listening to the single, a well known entertainment blogger defined Jab Jab Bahar Aaye as ‘a festive Caribbean party atmosphere meeting a passionate wedding setting’ due to its romantic overtones matched with its infectious percussive beats.

Isasha whose real name is Brendon Young is recognized as one of T&T’s premier Reggae balladeers and in 2012 he proved his ability on the Soca stage with his Carnival 2012 track ‘Wining Symptoms”. On Jab Jab Bahar Aaye he impressively complements Ravi’s smooth Hindi vocals with his rootsy Ragga technique.

This new musical offering, however, does not mark the first occasion that the Chutney and Reggae worlds have combined as Ravi B’s sister and Karma band mate Nisha B has previously teamed up with Jamaican superstars Beenie Man and Busy Signal creating the Dancehall-Chutney sub-genre.

Karma's frontman - Ravi B

Ravi shared that not only does this collaboration between himself and Isasha represent unity and creative comradry amongst Caribbean artistes but it also showcases the limitless possibilities for the Chutney-Soca art form as it gains momentum en route to achieving further global appeal.

Since Trinidad’s 2012 Carnival Ravi and Karma have been touring almost every weekend in the US, Canada and Guyana. He noted that the band’s next carded performance in Trinidad will be on May 29th for the country’s Indian Arrival Day celebrations after it returns from overseas appearances at events such as the Gemini Production’s Annual Mother’s Day Concert in Miami, the 10/10 cricket finals in Guyana and Orlando’s Carnival.

Most notably, Ravi B will also open for Bollywood superstar Sonu Nigam at the Jean Pierre Complex in Port of Spain on June 2nd and he will host The Annual Father’s Day Spectacular on June 16th alongside Karma at the Centre of Excellence.

An important step forward has been taken in the protection of the endangered San Salvador iguana. The new San Salvador Iguana Conservation Centre was opened recently at the Gerace Research Centre on San Salvador Island in the southern Bahamas, with assistance from CIBC FirstCaribbean. The Centre will breed and raise the local iguanas until they are large enough to be safely released in selected areas around the island. At present, only about 500 of these iguanas cling to a precarious existence on tiny offshore cays and small islets in the inland lake.

The project sponsor was Seacology, which recently entered into a partnership with CIBC FirstCaribbean to conduct three environmental projects, of which this is the first to be launched.

Seacology, a non-profit organization based in California, decided to become involved in the project as it falls in line with their mission of saving endangered species, habitats and cultures of islands throughout the world. Already their efforts have resulted in more than 1.6 million acres of critical habitat being preserved around the world. This is their first project in The Bahamas, but a second in Abaco is already underway. Executive Director Duane Silverstein, who attended the opening says, “It has been said that the sin for which future generations will least forgive us is extinction of species. Seacology is proud to do its part to keep the San Salvador iguana from vanishing from the face of the earth.”

(Left to right) Proud partners in the San Salvador Iguana Conservation Centre project: William K. Hayes, Professor of Biology at Loma Linda University, Duane Silverstein, Executive Director, Seacology and Michael Goffee, President of San Salvador Living Jewels.

For CIBC FirstCaribbean, support of this project is “further tangible evidence of our commitment to its communities, a promise made back in 2002 when the Bank was formed,” says Marketing Manager in The Bahamas, Andrea Myers-Tanguay.

The main iguana exhibition and breeding pen is now complete and ready for visitors, along with an information kiosk. Four females and two lucky males are currently residing in the exhibition and breeding pen. Professor of Biology Dr. William Hayes was, “absolutely amazed at how well adjusted the animals are. They nonchalantly explore their new home, watch us humans with curiosity, and eagerly consume the food provided.”

He explains how those animals were chosen for the project, “We selected animals from a single location on Green Cay so that they would be familiar with each other and adjust well socially. They should thrive in their new home as ambassadors for their kind. The females have ovulated, and if not pregnant already, they soon should become so. The main goal of the program is to raise juvenile iguanas to a size large enough where they can fare well upon release to the wild, thereby supplementing the natural population. We foresee this population increasing substantially in the years to come as the result of this new facility, thereby ensuring their survival for future generations of humans to enjoy.”

Of further interest to funders CIBC FirstCaribbean and Seacology was the partnership the project created between science and local conservation. San Salvador Living Jewels is working with the Bahamas National Trust to submit a proposal for a new National Park focusing protecting iguana and sea bird nesting habitat as well as an extensive tidal creek area, which acts as a nursery for a number of important species. Lindsey McCoy, Bahamas field representative for Seacology says, “It is the hope of all of us working together on this project that it will lead to the declaration of a much needed new national park on and around San Salvador.”

The two other projects to be undertaken jointly between Seacology and CIBC FirstCaribbean are the protection of the Sea Turtle nesting site in St. Kitts and preserving the critical mangrove forests of Grenada. The agreement between the two organizations runs for a period of three years.

Ian Bourne (left) makes a point as Deputy Public Affairs Officer Rachael Zaspel takes notes and both Kenton Chance (large screen) and Roy Morris (shiny pate) listen as their discussion is streamed for Facebook viewers

The panel includes veteran journalist and editor of Barbados Today’s online newspaper Roy Morris, Kenton X. Chance a Vincentian journalist living and studying in Taiwan who maintains the news blog I-Witness News and Ian Bourne former journalist and news anchor with the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation who is Editor of the daily news and arts website bajanreporter.com, they contributed to the event both physically at the Embassy in Wildey, Barbados – as well as using the internet to reach Kenton via Skype.

The discussion was streamed from the Embassy in a format which allowed Facebook users to volunteer questions. Topics examined included:

• How has digital media changed the way that news, culture and information are reported?
• What standard of ethics applies to digital media?
• What impact does digital media have on traditional forms of media, like television and radio?