With just about 48 hours before Valentine’s Day dawn, some stores in Bridgetown are reporting less than favourable sales. One storeowner has described sales leading up to the big day as “low-key”, and is hoping they will pick up tomorrow.

Cave Shepherd retail manager Beverley Belgrave told Barbados TODAY the Broad Street-based company had put all of the marketing tools in place for Valentine’s Day. However, she said that over the years, what Cave Shepherd had found was that whenever the special day fell on weekends, more people chose to attend intimate dinners or family affairs.

But she added that this trend would not take away from the fact “Valentine’s is Valentine’s and people still expect gifts, flowers and confectioneries”.

“I am sure that we are still going to get those persons coming in; but I don’t think it is going to happen until [tomorrow] or Saturday. So we still have Saturday to work with.”

Keith Walcott of Highly Favoured Boutique, Swan Street, anticipates his gift items will sell well, due to the fact Valentine’s Day was falling on a Saturday when many people would be making their way into town.

Keith Walcott of Highly Favoured Boutique going through some of the Valetine’s Day sweets on display.

“I have a lot of things on sale for Valentine’s Day . . . . We have the bears and the roses; and then we have the sweets shaped in the form of hearts –– and the schoolchildren and adults buying!” Walcott declared.

Althea Welch of Imperial Balloons, City Centre Mall, reported that she was receiving many calls from people who were interested in finding out the prices for flower arrangements, baskets and other gifts. Welch too indicated that she was waiting on tomorrow and Saturday for that increase in sales of those unique items she has on offer.

Althea Welch (left) of Imperial Balloons helping customer Sylvia Phillips to find that right gift.

“I am willing to work with whatever they have because I know things are very hard for people in this economic climate,” she explained. “And I have already set up stuff for late shoppers; and right now I am working on my orders.

“And I’ve got the small gifts for the schoolchildren, and they are already coming for them. I always work with the schoolchildren for Valentine’s Day because they always support me,” Welch said.

Leonard Allsopp, a card vendor is also anticipating better sales in the next two days.

Customer James (left) looking for the right card for his special someone at the stall of Leonard Allsopp (right).

“There are lots of people unemployed, so you have to be thankful if somebody buys a card today. But people coming and looking and saying that they are coming back to buy on Friday and Saturday,”Allsopp told Barbados TODAY.

Teachers who have been away from the Parkinson Memorial Secondary and Alma Parris Memorial Secondary schools for the past four days will be back in the classroom from Monday.

But they will only stay if the environment is safe and conducive for learning.

President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) Pedro Shepherd told Barbados TODAY the teachers agreed to return to their duties on that condition.

Pedro Shepherd

“So we await reports from those teachers when they return to school next Monday as to if there is any change in the environment,” he said.

Teachers represented by the BUT have been off the job at Parkinson to protest the failure of principal Jeff Broomes to address indiscipline among students – including some children taking weapons to school – as well as similar issues at Alma Parris, for the past four days.

“I would expect that the ministry and police would have removed the weapons from Parkinson and make it safe. So once again, we are going back hoping that on Monday it would be safe with those removed,” Shepherd said.

He noted that the BUT had written the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, and again yesterday, stating the reasons for the teachers’ action and asking for investigations to be launched.

However, he said, the union had not received any response.

“I trust that they would respond between now and Monday,” he said.

The BUT head also said he hoped the principals would recognize the importance of communicating with teachers.

“They have to listen to the teachers, they have to communicate with teachers and respect teachers in order for the teachers to be able to function and function properly,” he insisted.

On Wednesday, the ministry issued a statement strongly condemning the teachers’ strike action, instructing them to get back to the classroom and warning they could face consequences for improperly withdrawing their labour.

All is still not well at the Parkinson Memorial Secondary and Alma Parris Memorial Secondary schools. However, protesting teachers were back in the classroom today after staying off the job for four days last week.

Pedro Shepherd

President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) Pedro Shepherd said based on reports received from both schools the situation was “quiet”.

However, he said the BUT would continue to monitor the situation in light of recent fears expressed by some of its members about students bringing weapons to school.

Shepherd warned that there were still several outstanding issues relating to indiscipline and poor management at both Government-run institutions.

“We did receive correspondence from the Ministry last week and we have to respond to the Ministry as well to some of the concerns that we would have had. Of course, it would just be a repeat but we are hoping to confirm again that the issues still remain at those two schools,” he said.

In the meantime, teachers at St Mary’s Primary School were off the job this morning.

Teachers and students of St Mary’s Primary School sitting outside the classrooms.

Shepherd confirmed that the teachers had refused to take students in the classrooms, complaining that they had not been cleaned since last week.

However, he said in the absence of the regular janitor, a request was made to the Ministry to have someone come to do the cleaning.

“I am now learning that the janitor who was away from school this morning has now reported for duty and a second janitor came over from George Lamming School. They now have two janitors in place and I believe that all should be well at St Mary’s School within the next hour or two,” Shepherd reported around midday.

In light of what they describe as a “horrifying” 15-hour ordeal in the Accident & Emergency Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) last month, a traumatized Canadian couple is appealing to Barbadian authorities to take immediate steps to improve patient care at the state-run health care institution.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY from his home in Stouffville, Ontario, Canada this afternoon, David Taylor detailed what he said was nothing short of the couple’s “worst nightmare”,  which also ruined their month-long honeymoon.

David, 61, and his wife Pamela, 64, were married last June in Canada but had only travelled to Barbados on January 9 for their honeymoon in “paradise”.

The ordeal started just after 5 p.m. on Friday, January 16, a week after their arrival.

The couple had decided to take a swim in the Hot Pot at Brighton Beach, where they got engaged in January last year.

“When we started to get out of the ocean as it was getting very rough at high tide, my wife’s left leg got stuck in the sticky muck deposited by that Hot Pot,” said David, who explained that in addition to a broken leg, his wife almost drowned after she was knocked over by giant waves.

“I was thankfully just behind her but had difficulty dragging her out of the ocean as I too was stuck in the muck but managed to drag her on to the beach to safety,” he said, adding that “some local people, strolling on the beach just looked on offering no assistance at all, despite my wife’s screaming in pain”.

It was a vacationing family from Calgary, Alberta, who were staying next door to the couple’s Brighton apartment, who came to their rescue.

After a one hour wait, he said his wife was transported to QEH by ambulance.

“At no time did either of the ambulance attendants ask anything about my wife’s comfort or make any attempt to engage in conversation with us at all, leaving us feeling alone and alienated,” David said.

“The attendants simply drove us to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and placed my wife on a broken stretcher in the hallway of the emergency ward and then left,” he recalled, adding that “nothing prepared us for the ordeal we were to encounter that night and the next day in that hospital”.

“My wife still in her wet, sand filled, bathing suit, and only a wet towel to cover her, was left on a stretcher that was put close to the ground as she was told it was broken and could fall over.

“We were left like this in a crowded hallway where we were both completely ignored by all staff doctors and hospital personnel for hours on end. Whenever I attempted to ask questions from any hospital personnel or to inquire about getting any kind of pain relief for my wife, I was either ignored or told, ‘we will either get back to you’, or ‘someone else would deal with it’,” the visitor added.

He said despite his relentless pursuit to get some relief for his wife, he was met with “continuous indifference and a total lack of patient care, and compassion by all hospital staff”.

“Hours went by, with my wife in chronic pain and were continuously told they there was no ice to reduce the swelling on her broken leg and nothing for her pain. When my wife asked to go to the bathroom they said they could give us a bed pan, but then I had to ask several more times and everyone kept telling me someone else would have to get the bed pan.

“Another half hour passed before I pursued yet another hospital staff [member] who finally gave me a bed pan but no toilet paper or anything else to clean her up with,” he said.

The Canadian national, who is of Barbadian descent, said he was eventually given a small piece of gauze but his wife, who was in severe pain, was still forced to wait.

Pamela Taylor on her recovery bed at North York General Hospital in Toronto where
she received surgery for her broken leg on January 27.

“Finally, an unfortunate elderly man, who was foaming from his mouth, passed away across the hall from us, and my wife was only then, allowed to relieve herself in the room he had previously just died in as they wheeled him away, uncovered, to an empty room at the end of the hall,” he said.

“After, about an hour and a half sitting in this room alone together waiting for staff to see us, no one came or seemed to notice that we were in this room. Once again I ventured out to inquire about seeing a doctor and was told by a nurse that they must have forgotten about us, as we were no longer in the hallway.

“Again I asked this hospital staff for some pain relief and ice and water and was once again told there was no ice, no water, no food, and only when a doctor was available could we ask for pain relief.”

The 61-year-old certified family therapist said his wife was eventually given an x-ray and informed by a doctor that she required surgery, but this could not be done during the weekend.

A plastic cast was placed on the injury before the exhausted and hungry couple could return to their apartment.

“When I asked for crutches we were told by the doctor that none could be given or rented and that we could not even get a wheel chair to a cab . . . .”

They then agreed to pay for a private ambulance, which took an hour and a half to arrive.

After the weekend, as directed by the QEH doctor, the couple contacted a private clinic to book an appointment for surgery. However, after discussions with their insurance company, they eventually decided to fly back to Canada for the surgical procedure to be done there.

“My wife and I incurred hundreds of dollars in expenses while in Barbados as a result of her injury for medication, loss of purchased food, emergency travelling expenses etc.

“Doctor’s consultation fees, not to forget the undue week-long stress as a result of the trauma we both experienced at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and back and forth dealings between the medical system in Barbados and our travel insurance company, while on our honeymoon.”

However, David made it clear he was not telling his story in order to get compensation, but merely in the hope that there could be better patient care at the QEH.

HAPPY TIMES: David Taylor and his wife Pamela after their wedding ceremony which was held in their backyard in Ontario, Canada last June.

“It was a very difficult situation because we didn’t expect it was going to be that bad. I only found out after that there were cut backs at the hospital. Everything took us completely by surprise,” said David, who was surprised to learn, based on his recent experience, that the island had the best health care system in the Caribbean.

The couple said they contacted the Canadian consulate and tourism authorities while here and since they returned home. However, they did not receive a response from any of these entities. Nonetheless, David said he still loves Barbados, which is home to several of his relatives but he is unsure that his wife will ever return to the island.

Efforts to reach hospital CEO Dr Dexter James today for comment proved futile.

anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb

Cabinet’s approval last week of $3 million to fund 3,000 bursaries for University of the West Indies (UWI) students for the 2014/2015 academic year has been simply “too late” in coming, says student spokesman Damani Parris.

The president of the UWI Guild of Students at the Cave Hill campus told reporters at a media conference today that many students, who had been banking on the promised financial assistance since last September, had been forced to leave the Cave Hill campus empty handed.

President of the UWI Guild of Students at the Cave Hill campus, Damani Parris

“The University simply indicated to [students] that because Government has not made any indication of the bursaries that they simply have to make the payments themselves or not be registered as students,” said Parris, who quoted figures from the UWI student registry to show that there had been a significant fall off in student enrollment by over 1,600 students.

The Guild President reported there were currently 5,022 students enrolled at the institution, compared to 9,000 the previous year, with the total number of Barbadian students at the Cave Hill Campus now below 60 per cent.

However, he believes the effect of the late bursary payments has primarily affected this year’s student enrollment, which has fallen by 1,778 from 6,800 students last September.

“Of course this was very concerning for us as the Guild of Students and hence we drafted a letter asking for the Prime Minister’s urgent attention,” he said.

The approvals were announced last Friday after the Minister of Education Ronald Jones announced since last July that with Government no longer paying the tuition costs for Barbadian students attending the UWI, it would be providing about 3,000 bursaries to assist those who could not afford to pay.

However, the outgoing president who has six weeks left in office, said while the Guild was “extremely grateful” for Cabinet’s decision to provide the bursaries, which were promised seven months ago, “we have to indicate that it is a decision that may have been too late”.

“In a realistic situation, we do not know how helpful those bursaries can be at this point,” he added.

Describing the recent process as “untidy and messy”, the Guild President therefore called on Government to ensure that if bursaries are offered to students in the future, that they are issued “in an appropriate time” to avoid what he described as a situation where the student body “would be again traumatized by the action of the processing time of Government”.

“To my mind there has to be substantial negotiation where the Government of Barbados and the University of the West Indies try to ensure that there is a process in place for the provision of bursaries.

“So that even if the money does not arrive on the day that registration takes place, that the process itself has been ironed out to avoid the situation where essentially students [are] registered when money is paid on their behalf by the Government of Barbados and then they have to wait until next year to come back [to complete their studies].

“All of this is very untidy and messy as a system and it simply has to be solved,” he said.

anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Guild of Students has expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Freundel Stuart’s response to its recent letter of concern, dated January 23.

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart

The letter, which was shared with members of the media earlier today states in part: “Sir, as I pen this letter, the student roll of my University campus has fallen to just above 4,000 students, from 9,000 in the previous year. This is important as Cave Hill boasts almost 2,000 regional and international students, which admittedly has also declined.  However, it is nothing short of alarming and disappointing that almost half of my campus is now non Barbadian, not due to growth, but decline. Sir, what my public has witnessed therefore is a magnificent breach of promise, of agreement and of word.”

The letter adds, “The Guild of Students has been a responsible organization throughout this exercise.  We have stated our philosophical position on free education; we have stated our divergent policy positions on this matter; we have provided solutions based on a comprehensive understanding of the University system and how your policy might be more effectively adopted, but our views have not be sufficiently consulted and further the measure maybe considered draconian.”

In the two page letter, the Guild also expressed concern that Government had held “little consultation” with them.

“Respectfully, Prime Minister, I must request your offices most urgent intervention into this matter, to restore confidence, to provide stability and to speak to the people on the way forward.

Sir, if we cannot have a response from your office which provides the student body with confidence, and with comfort, then I shall have no choice but to seek a mandate from the general body of students at our Annual General Meeting on February 11, 2015, and to follow its commands.  I trust this situation will not arise and look forward to your response. As always, I am,” said the letter, signed by President Damani Parris.

However, speaking at a press conference today, Parris said the letter had merely sought to make the country’s leader aware of the concerns of the student body.

He therefore felt it was “unfortunate” that the Prime Minister had described it as “threatening” during a recent lunchtime lecture put on by his ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) on February 6.

A prominent local businessman says he fears that too many knee-jerk decisions are being made in Barbados.

The director of A-One Supermarket Ltd Andrew Bynoe voiced this concern today, during the launch of  the University of the West Indies Project Award, being sponsored by his company.

Managing Director of A1 Supermarkets, Andrew Bynoe

It is being proposed that the winning research paper – which will be based on economic competitiveness  - be used to influence decision making in the country.

“This can make a big difference in the way things are done in this country. And if out of this people can derive information that is accurate, then I think that decisions would be made from a better basis. I fear too often in this country decisions are made by knee-jerk.

“We listen to the call-in programme and that becomes fact without any basis. Too many decisions are made in this light and it is because of that that we would like to change this way of doing business and here is our way of attempting to inject objectivity in the way business is done in this country,” he said.

Bynoe said that the subject for the competition, which coincides with the supermarket’s 34th anniversary celebration stemmed from a statement by the Central Bank of Barbados issued on January 2015.

“The statement led us to ask the question, ‘what is the current empirical evidence saying?’

“It is therefore the intention to critically examine the noted seven pillars: our institutions, infrastructure, health standards, educational standards, efficiency of the labour market, development of the financial market and technological readiness,” he said.

Cave Hill’s Deputy Principal Professor Pedro Welch welcomed the competition, which is open to graduate students and offers a $5,000 award.

Welch said that at a time when Government had cut its funding of tuition fees for nationals, partnerships with the private sector were needed.

A full investigation has been launched into claims by two Canadian visitors, who allegedly suffered a “horrifying” 15-hour ordeal in the Accident & Emergency Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) last month.

QEH’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Dexter James told Barbados TODAY that after reading their story on the back page of the February 18 edition of this newspaper, he immediately ordered that a thorough probe be carried out, and was currently awaiting the findings.

Dexter James

“Different departments are pulling together their recollection of the event and at the appropriate time we will have a response,” James said in a brief interview on Friday.

Speaking from his home in Stouffville, Ontario, Canada on Wednesday afternoon, 61 year old David Taylor detailed what he said was nothing short of the couple’s “worst nightmare”.

He also reported that their month-long honeymoon was effectively ruined after his wife Pamela, 64, was transported to the hospital with a broken leg.

HAPPY TIMES: David Taylor and his wife Pamela after their wedding ceremony which was held in their backyard in Ontario, Canada last June.

The Canadian, who is of Barbadian descent, said upon arrival at the QEH, his wife was placed in the hallway on a stretcher and “completely” ignored for hours. He also charged that despite his relentless efforts to get some pain relief for his wife, he was met with “continuous indifference and a total lack of patient care, and compassion by all hospital staff”. 

A new survey is to launched next week at the District A police station with a view to accessing public satisfaction, or lack thereof, with the current level of police services.

Speaking to reporters after the opening of a Boys To Men Workshop, Director of the National Task Force on Crime Prevention Cheryl Willoughby also announced that her department had undergone a name change, and should now be referred to as the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit.

“The name change reflects our research arm and the planning opponent speaks to the crime prevention work that we are currently engaged in.

“We want to also look at the formulation of policy documents so as to inform legislation in policy and programming,” said, Willoughby, whose unit also has plans of carrying out research on gangs, gun violence and marijuana use, as well as Barbados’ spending on crime.

Rector of St Matthias Church Hugh Sandiford being greeted by Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force Alvin Quintyne.

The new Rector of St Matthias Anglican Church Reverend Hugh Sandiford was today named as the senior chaplain of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF).

The announcement was made this morning by Chief of Staff Alvin Quintyne during the annual Barbados Regiment Colour to Church Service held at the church.

The position was previously held by Reverend Canon Devere Murrell, who served up to December 31 last year.

Members of the Barbados Defence Force participating in the church service.

Quintyne congratulated the new chaplain on behalf of the officers, enlisted ranks, cadets, civilian members of staff of the BDF and their families.

“Reverend Sandiford, we are truly delighted to welcome you warmly into our midst as a special member of the BDF’s family and we do look forward with great expectations to your wise counsel and spiritual guidance in the years ahead,” the Chief of Staff said.

As he delivered his first sermon in his capacity as the newly appointed senior chaplain, Reverend Sandiford commended members of the force for their “good work” in protecting the country.

Residents of a St Michael district say they are living in fear, after a group of armed men opened fire in their community last night.

Police are investigating the shooting that occurred around 9:30 p.m. in 7th Avenue New Orleans, and left two men and one woman with gunshot wounds.

While none of the injuries was life threatening, one man had to undergo surgery. He is warded at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in stable condition.

While police declined to disclose the identities of those shot, the female victim Susan Lovell spoke to Barbados TODAY after being discharged from the QEH. She said she was shot in the right leg while in a friend’s house where she had retreated to escape the gunplay.

“I went to shout a friend because we were going out and when I got there we talked a little, then I heard some gunshots, ‘tap, tap, tap’. I looked up the gap and see a fella running coming down, I couldn’t really see his face because he was far from me. I told the rest that this fella running coming down so you will get shoot at,” the 47-year-old said.

Lovell said she went into her friend’s house but she heard more shots and everybody started to run through the house.

“I fall over a wrought iron chair and when I got up and I saw the abrasion on my leg, I thought it came from the chair, but the muscle in the leg started to get stiff and when I looked back at my feet I had a lump behind my feet and the rest told me I got shot,” she added.

“The bullet went through the back and came out through the front of the right leg above the knee. I spent 22 hours at the QEH.”

She said she was concerned about the lawlessness that was taking place in Barbados.

“You can’t walk, you can’t go nowhere. Step out your house and your life in danger. They don’t care where you are, who you is, they just shooting . . . It is not fair to be living that way.”

When Barbados TODAY visited the area where four houses and two cars were pierced with bullets, some visibly upset residents said they were still shaken up.

Dacosta Ramsay said he was in his bed laying down when he heard the gunshots. The next thing he felt was a piece of board hitting his face after it fell from the wall when the house was struck by a bullet.

Dacosta Ramsey, seen here pointing to the area where a bullet came as he lay in bed, said he was “offset” by the incident.

“I can’t feel good about this here. It had me offset the whole night. I don’t even mix up with nobody or anything,” he said.

One elder in the community, whose home was also damaged, said he and other family members dropped to the floor when the gunfire started.

He declared that he was not at war with anyone and found it offensive and aggravating that his house was shot at, putting his family, a baby included, at risk.

“This thing is a young people thing that ain’t got nothing to do with me. I is an elderly man; just respect me, respect my home and my family. This is folly,” said the resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.

He said he believed the culprits last night were invaders who were looking for trouble.

Another man who said he was sitting by his door when his house was hit with the first of about eight bullets said while he too was angered, he was happy that his son who was playing video games at the time was not hurt.

“Bullets come from the front of the house and hit the sink. But I thank God that nothing ain’t happen to my son. I raise he from too young for them to take he from me,” the father cried.

Where one of the bullets pierced through galzanize.

(AH/FW)

Officers and enlisted ranks of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) have been reminded that their service has never been and will never be based on the 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 40-hour week framework.

This reminder came from the army’s chief of staff Colonel Alvin Quintyne as he reinforced the point that time in the military was not measured in such terms, and service called for personal sacrifice.

Chief of staff of the Barbados Defence Force Colonel Alvin Quintyne

Quintyne was speaking at yesterday’s annual Barbados Regiment Colour To Church service at St Matthias Anglican Church.

Justice Sherman Moore (at right) taking the salute.

“You the members of the Regiment, and indeed all our members of the BDF, are expected to respond whenever, wherever and however duty calls. Unlike public officers, the members of the force simply don’t have that choice allowed under Section 104 of the Safety And Health At Work Act , 2005 of refusing to carry our assigned tasks –– no matter how potentially dangerous the mission may be to your health, safety and well-being,” he said.

Quintyne stated that when duty came knocking at the doors of BDF members, being the “loyal sons and daughters of the Regiment and of this fair land”, they had to be at all times ready to respond, and to provide the best quality of military service through the sacrifice of time, energy and “even your lives in the interest of the security and well-being of the nation”.

“I seize this opportunity to remind the commanders of the various levels in the Regiment that this readiness to respond does not materialize overnight and neither does it depend solely on the machines, material and military might placed at your disposal. This readiness to respond, of which I speak, calls for good, decisive leadership at all levels in the Regiment’s hierarchy.

“In simple terms, machines, material and military might matter not, if the men and women at the tip of the force’s spear are not properly managed and led,” the chief of staff warned.

Quintyne also announced at the church service that the new BDF senior chaplain would be the rector of St Matthias Anglican Church, Reverend Hugh Sandiford.

Rector of St Matthias Church, Reverend Hugh Sandiford (left), greeting chief of staff of the Barbados Defence Force Colonel Alvin Quintyne (right) as Reverend Major (Retired) Mylon Springer (centre) looks on.

That position was previously held by Reverend Canon Devere Murrell who served up until December 31 last year as former rector of St Matthias.

Delivering his first sermon as the newly appointed senior chaplain to the military, Sandiford, who commended the BDF for the good work it had been doing in protecting the country, said he looked forward
to offering his service.

Let the killing of 23-year-old Lamar Carter serve as a wake up call that something must be done to repair a “disintegrating” society.

That was the advice of Reverend Dr Michael Clarke as he delivered a sermon to a packed St Thomas Parish Church, at the funeral service of the Spring Farm, St Thomas resident whose body was found in the back of a car on February 10.

“We are here today because our community continues to fall apart,” he said.

The church leader urged the gathering, as they reflected on the life of the young man who was snatched from the world at a young age under horrific circumstances, to look at the larger picture.He also accused some parents of failing society by not raising their children correctly and declining to introduce them to God and the principles of religion.

“Don’t just let us talk about how wonderful Lamar is or was. Let us remember that Lamar is a part of Barbados, Lamar is a part of a community that is disintegrating,” he said.

“Lamar’s death would be a waste if we don’t stop for a few moments and reflect as a community and to ask God for forgiveness for the ways in which we have not suffered the little children to come to him, the ways in which he have denied them the presence of God.”

Before Reverend Clarke’s sermon, cousin of the deceased Patricia Edwards delivered the eulogy in which she described the former Sharon Primary and Parkinson Memorial School student as a man of very few words.

Patricia Edwards delivering the eulogy.

She said his grandfather who took care of him when he was younger, while his parents were at work, remembered him as a good boy. Edwards said his grandmother Sybil would miss seeing him on Saturdays.

Other family shared fond memories of the young man who earned a living as a mechanic. One sister Tiffany said he tried to dance but really couldn’t; while another sister, Ruth, recalled that her brother never liked to eat as a child and she had to feed him from a saucer.

This loved one was crying out for Lamar as he hung over his casket.

“To his mother Victorene he was ‘Lah muh sweet boy’. Everything was Lah for her. It was Lah who would take her to work, pick her back up. Lah was there for her no matter what she asked, never complaining, always respectful, not only to her she would say, but to his dad and to his grandparents and all the neighbours . . . ,” Edwards said.

His father Andy, who nicknamed him Flash because of his ability to work quickly in the workshop, remembered that Carter was very dependable and reliable in transporting his mother to work and grandmother to and from town where she went to sell on Saturdays.

Edwards told the congregation: “Andy remembers up to Monday, the last day Lamar worked in the workshop, he was given three jobs to do and his dad left him with the work and went out looking for parts. To his amazement, when he reached back Lamar had everything done in a flash, true to his nickname.”

A picture of Lamar being signed by a member of the congregation.

“The work was supposed to continue on Tuesday to work on some other vehicles, but on that fateful Tuesday morning on February 10, [came] the news that shattered the hearts of a family, community and by extension a nation,” added a sad Edwards.

Carter’s body was laid to rest in the churchyard where loved ones struggled to hold back tears, particularly when the casket was lowered into the grave.

The man who was shot at a children’s party in Brittons Hill, St Michael in 2013 has died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Lamar Ricardo Brathwaite, 31, who was left parlayzed, passed away on Wednesday.

Lamar Ricardo Brathwaite

His father Ricardo St Clair told Barbados TODAY that although his son had been released from hospital after he was shot, he was readmitted because he was of “no help to himself.”

He said his son had fought long and hard and suffered in silence.

Hundreds of nursery, primary and secondary school students passed through Queen’s Park today. The occasion was the opening of the highly anticipated Agrofest 2015.

When Barbados TODAY visited, the students, especially the little ones, were all smiles, clearly impressed by the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, sturdy animals and array of birds at the annual event coordinated by the Barbados Agriculture Society.

A Green Monkey, accompanying a tuk band and Mother Sally, caused some stir among the younger pupils whom he ran after, giving them hugs, and even searching a few book bags. Some of the older students were spotted with their books and pens impressively taking notes.

The Green Monkey trying to take away Lodge School student Sherliza Griffith (centre) from her school friend Sharise Mason.

The pigs will keep grunting and the birds whistling, and the fruits and vegetables will be found tempting as Agrofest, now deemed second only to Crop Over on the island’s calendar of events, attracts expectedly as many as 60,000 patrons this weekend.

This pony was a hit at Agrofest.

Some of the students shared with the Barbados TODAY team why they came to Agrofest on this bright and sunny day.

Ursuline Convent student Ayla Greenidge said she was anxious to view the exhibitions and learn new things.

“Really and certainly I learnt more about sheep and pigs than I have ever known,” Greenidge said.

Her schoolmate Dana Bradshaw indicated that this was her first time at Agrofest. She fully enjoyed the experience and was looking forward to taking home the new pet fish she had bought.

It was also the first time their teacher Gillian Arangnren had attended the event. She said from what she had seen, she should have gone in previous years.

“I find it is very educational for the kids,” Arangnren said.

Toddlers making their way through the park.

It was early in the day, but vendor Natalie Harewood said while teachers were yet stopping by her stall to show the students the variety of what she had to offer, she found that some of the older ones needed a special lesson on the different types of fruits and vegetables, especially those grown locally.

It is important that young black Barbadians who come from a background of family businesses understand that after they have become educated they should continue that family affair.

This advice came from Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner as she delivered remarks to the students of Harrison College this morning as they climaxed their African Awareness Month celebrations.

Sandiford-Garner told the students that their involvement in family businesses would aid in succession planning which she said some black business owners had historically neglected to do.

The topic of her speech was James A. Tudor, the “father of commerce” in Barbados, who had many businesses and land across the island. However, though he had 21 children, his legacy did not last because he failed to have a succession plan. The senator said currently only one of Tudor’s children operated a business.

Senator Irene Sandiford Garner speaking Harrison College students this morning.

“You always hear that being said about black businesspeople as a whole. We sometimes do not have a succession plan. I belong to that sector as well and I have always had.

“But I have a succession plan because I have told my children that you will not leave school and work for anyone else unless it is to get experience to come and use it for your family business.

“Those of you in here who have family businesses understand that you would have inherited a great legacy, and it is your responsibility to contribute to it because that is what feeds you, and that is what educates you,” Sandiford-Garner said.

The senator clearly indicated that she was not forcing anybody, but simply advising children that if they are exposed to a family business they should see how they can operate it or even take it to a different level.

“But keep it in your family. We work hard to establish these businesses,” she said.

Giving the students the history of Tudor’s life, Sandiford-Garner stressed that he never received a knighthood, was not accorded an official funeral, does not stand as a National Hero or nor has he been recognised as a treasure –– which she said was sad and unfortunate.

Students gathered in the hall.

“But the documented facts state without a shadow of a doubt that James A. Tudor is worthy of being recognized nationally as the black man responsible for changing the face of commerce in this country and enabling the success of every single black businessperson in operation today.

“It is unquestionable that his contribution deserves more than a roundabout carrying his name; and the fact that you this morning displayed to me that not many of you knew who James Tudor was articulates that more should be done to teach Barbadians about James A. Tudor.”

During the month the students of the Crumpton Street, St Michael institution engaged in various activities that heightened their African awareness.

The students and teachers of Harrison College dressed in African wear today.

Student Reniece Bonnett sparkling in her African outfit.

There was an improvement in the number of people passing through Queen’s Park on the first day of Agrofest, which officially kicked off yesterday.

Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave visiting one of the stalls.

Following a tour earlier today with Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave and Lady Belgrave, chief executive officer of the Barbados Agriculture Society James Paul told Barbados TODAY that more adults visited the exhibition on Friday than in previous years.

“We find that we had a larger attendance than we usually do which is good because it means that we are doing something right. But, I want to say that generally from what we can see the public is still very much interested in the agriculture sector,” Paul said.

One of the livestock stalls

The CEO indicated that while an increasing number of younger farmers were showing interest in Agrofest, he has also seen more participation in the livestock area of the exhibition.

During this morning’s tour that lasted an hour and a half, the Governor General and his wife interacted with vendors and farmers as they visited the stalls and pens housing livestock.

The Head of State and his wife also took the opportunity to purchase their fresh fruits, vegetables and even a few plants.

This year’s Agrofest is being described as a successful undertaking.

Chief executive officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), James Paul, told Barbados TODAY in a telephone interview this morning that, based on the unofficial numbers attending the three-day event last weekend at Queen’s Park, he was satisfied it was well executed.

Paul said that while this year’s edition of Agrofest was themed Inclusive Agriculture, Strengthening Linkages, Creating Synergies, the support from the public and stakeholders showed that Barbadians had recognized the importance of the policies the BAS had continually advocated to ensure the viability of the sector.

“It just finished yesterday and we still have to do our review and look at what really happened. But I am happy that every thing went to plan. We opened on schedule, we had the physical infrastructure in place, and even better than in previous years.

“Overall though, I think that the patrons had a wonderful experience. They were willing to listen to the messages, and maybe it matched last year’s,” the BAS chief said.

There were an estimated 300 stalls promoting local products and services, and the best of livestock, birds, fish and plants bred on the island.

Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave and Lady Belgrave, Acting Prime Minister Richard Sealy, Minister of Agriculture Dr David Estwick and Minister of Housing Denis Kellman were among top Government officials visiting Agrofest 2015.

Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave (right) discussing the Blackbelly sheep with farmer Richard Banfield.

Ministry of Agriculture Dr David Estwick and chief executive officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society James Paul touring Agrofest.

Minister of Housing Denis Kellman (left) looking on at one of the craft stalls.

During his tour of the exhibition, Sealy indicated he was impressed with the growth of the showcase which he said had potential and created opportunities for Barbadians.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Sealy (left) inspecting this pawpaw with the help of Barbados Agriculture Society CEO James Paul.

“Agrofest is getting bigger and bigger –– just look around. We are on to something good here, and we want that to continue. Look at what the schoolchildren are doing.

“Look at what the young entrepreneurs in the sector are doing. We didn’t even talk about the horticulturist,
which is another element of agriculture that has tremendous potential . . . ,” Sealy remarked.

Stephen Proverbs, science department head at the St George Secondary School, who spearheaded an exhibition titled Making Agriculture More Palatable, said people were impressed with the project which looked at the linkage between recycling and agriculture, and shipping out pallets for agriculture purposes.

“This would be our fourth consecutive year, and for sure we have had a number of business opportunities because the products we have had on display from the recycled pallets are actually quite marketable. We have had a very good response and a number of persons have made commitments towards purchasing them,” Proverbs said.

Ashley Phillips, owner of Nature Mix Nurseries, was pleased with the business opportunities she was presented with, this being her first year at Agrofest.

“We definitely will be coming back. But I would like it to be advertised a little bit more, because a lot of people didn’t know that Agrofest was coming [last] weekend. People only realized it was Agrofest after schoolchildren came,” the young entrepreneur commented.

Once again, farmer Ian Branch won the Best Ewe On Show. Very proud of his accomplishment, he boasted to Barbados TODAY that this was the fourth consecutive year he had won the title.

“It is always a chat among the farmers, and winning the awards is for bragging rights. As long as you are the champion, people will come to you because everybody wants to get the breed that you have; but I am not one for exporting livestock.

“I don’t have a problem with exporting the semen, but I am not one for exporting our Blackbelly sheep, because it belongs to us,” Branch pointed out.

Family members, neighbours and friends spoke of a young man who was full of energy and lived carefree when they came together to reflect on the life of 34-year-old St Barnabas, St Michael resident Jamie Selman who died last Wednesday, two days after being hit by a car.

As residents spoke of the fond memories they had of Selman who was known and loved by the young and old in the community, his mother Lorraine was too overcome with grief to speak with Barbados TODAY, only indicating that she was in the process of planning her son’s funeral. His tearful sister Charmaine was too weak to speak.

The deceased’s father Kenrick Murrell (left) and mother Lorraine Selman at the vigil in honour of their late son.

However, his cousin Ryan Gilkes who grew up with him said that the deceased was a loving, caring person.

“Jamie lived his life the best way he knew how. He lived it carefree and enjoyed the moments and that’s what we are celebrating,” he said.

Meanwhile, Selman’s friend Shernell Blackman, who was one of those responsible for coordinating the event, said Jamie was “the neighbourhood person” that everybody took care of.

She said whenever he was around there was laughter and nobody could remain upset with him for too long.

“It is sad that Jamie has gone. The whole neighbourhood would certainly miss Jamie who was a fun filled person with a lot of energy,” she said.

Among those at the vigil was Jerry Trotman who witnessed the accident that claimed Selman’s life. He says the sight still haunts him today.

“Everytime I sit down at that spot I could remember that sound when he get hit and the way he fly through the air and landed in the road,” the sad resident said.

  The car that hit Selman on Two Mile Hill Road, near Chapel Gap, St Michael last Monday was driven by St James resident Grenville Belgrave.

Today businesses, schools, Government offices, and political and religious leaders were asked to pause for moments of supplication as the Caribbean Day Of Prayer was observed.

In churches across Barbados and the Caribbean people prayed for unity, preservation of the family, success of businesses, peace, unity and love within the schools, an end to crimes, including the illegal use of firearms and drugs, and for economies to improve exponentially.

Participants also offered prayers for the comfort of the families who had lost loved ones brutally and barbarically
at the hands of ISIS, especially fellow Christians.

This special day of prayer was led by the Prayer Warriors International Foundation, founded by evangelist
Courtney Selman.

“In the Caribbean we are faced with a number of maladies, such as crime, illegal drugs and alcohol abuse, spousal and child abuse, the disintegration of families, economic hardships and sadly even problems in the church.

“Prayer Warriors International feels that we should be more proactive now instead of waiting for the worst crisis to assail us,” a Press release from the foundation stated.

Around midday, Barbados TODAY visited the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Bay Street, St Michael, where a service of prayer was being led by Father Vibert Stephens.

Father Vibert Stephens says the Caribbean should be prayed for every day.

The priest said the church’s focus was always to encourage its congregation to pray for the good of everyone, even if conditions might look dismal. He said the church was aware of the sociopolitical problems and economic conditions the nations in the Caribbean faced, and the need to solve them.

“Our hope is in the Lord who is renewing our nation and renewing our people with gifts, talents, creativity, vision and aptitude to get on board to create a new society with Christian and good human values,” Stephens said.

A visit was also made to Victorious Living Ministries in High Street, Bridgetown, where worshippers prayed passionately for the Caribbean.

Prophet Abraham Obanrewaju praying for congregation members at Victorious Living Ministries.