CREDITS:Design & Layout: GreenLeaf Design Inc.

Printing: GreenLeaf Design Inc.

Editor: Martin Hall

Volunteer Project Assistant: Carlyn Barrow

Photography: Marcille Haynes

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CONTENTS:EDITORIAL NOTE............................................3

VARIETY THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY CARING FOR OUR YOUTHS........................................4

UNSUNG HEROES - FIRST CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK...................................8

THE CANCER SUPPORT SERVICES CARING FOR THE ILL...................................................9

FEEDING THE HUNGRY - KEMAR SAFFREY.......................................................11

I’AKOBI RESOURCE CENTRE SUPPORTING OUR HUMAN RIGHTS...................................14

NATION PUBLISHING - SUPPORTING MEANINGFUL CAUSES.................................18

ALICIA COLLINS: ADOPTING THE GANG, GUIDING THE YOUTH...................................21

REACHING OUT TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST TINA, INSPIRING THE LIVES OF OTHERS........................................................24

THE BANANA MAN: THE MAN WITH THE RADIO...........................................................25

EDITORIAL NOTECPDC is pleased to present the first edition of JUST US, a magazine which celebrates

acts of altruism and corporate social responsibility that improve the lives and wellbeing

of people.

JUST US shares with you the little stories of ordinary people who take extraordinary

approaches to uplift the lives of others. These mammoth examples of care-giving

happen quietly everyday and the selfless heroes and sheroes often remain unnoticed

and unsung. Several of these are young persons who inspire us with their maturity,

determination and love.

JUST US features the Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society, led by a young

man with an unswerving commitment to care for older men who find themselves in

need. The Society manages a weekly feeding programme and grooming service. The

Society plans to further uplift recipients by providing housing in the near future and

preparing them for employment in the longer term.

“Adopting the Gang, Guiding the Youth highlights a young woman in St. Kitts whose

sensitivity to the problems some young men face led to her own extraordinary approach.

She ‘adopted’ a gang of young men – who are at risk – in order to prevent them from

becoming victims of crime.

“Inspiring the Lives of Others” features a lady whose selfless actions inspired the life of

a young woman who in the face of adversity forged her way to success. This young

woman lost her mother to HIV at the age of seven and was the only one of three

siblings to have contracted the disease. In turn, she devoted her life to community

development and to helping those she viewed as less fortunate than herself.

These are only three of the articles featured in JUST US which brings you the voices of

your neighbours explaining how they change the lives of many families for the better.

Should you know about any ordinary people who use extraordinary approaches to

help less fortunate persons, tell their stories to JUST US, and inspire the whole world.

Contact CPDC at cpdc@caribsurf.com or at 246-437-6056. Visit our website

at www.cpdcngo.org

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VARIETY THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY

CARING FOR OUR YOUTHS.

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Variety the Children’s Charity is an international organization which started in

the theatre district of Pittsburgh U.S.A in December 1928, when the manager

of the Sheridan Square Theatre found an abandoned infant with a note saying

from “A Heart-Broken Mother.” The note told the story of the mother who was

unable to continue caring for the child. It was not long before the Variety Club

was formed to raise funds for “Catherine” and other disadvantaged children.

The club’s first fundraising event was held under a circus big top, which is

why the circus vernacular (Tent for Club; Crew for members; and Barker for

President) is used worldwide within the club structure to this day. Variety

Tent 73 of Barbados, a registered charity, was formed in 1994, eventually

receiving its charter from Variety International in April, 1995.

The Charity is best known for its Gold Hearts and Row for Charity events

and has donated funds to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Queen

Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados, and to individuals for medical and

educational assistance over the years. The familiar sight of Aunty

Olga on the road with the Sunshine logo on her vehicle is a

product of a special Variety programme which provides coaches

for various organizations to assist in transporting the physically

handicapped to schools and other important appointments.

The Gold Hearts and Row for Charity Campaigns rely heavily

on businesses to contribute through donations, the sale of hearts

at their various locations, and the hosting of events relating to its

programmes. The fundraising events are not only great for building the

awareness of social responsibility in businesses but it also possesses

the added values of charitable giving and team building, values which both

the organisation and the individual can benefit from. Many employees of

these businesses get involved initially through this corporate partnership

and subsequently sign up with Variety as volunteers and members. This

philanthropic approach continues to grow as companies and individuals

alike experience the joy of giving. Over the years Variety has, with the help

of its volunteers, sponsors and benefactors, assisted many children and

organisations in need.

Since the founding group first worked assiduously to raise $200,000 to start

a Variety chapter in Barbados, Variety – Tent 73 has been instrumental in

funding the majority of equipment for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados. Now equipped with the

only PICU in the region, the QEH can handle emergency admissions for

young patients requiring various levels of life support and care for immediate

post-operative open heart surgical patients, orthopaedic and neurological

patients from Barbados and other Caribbean countries.

5

100 children enjoyed movies such as Karate Kid and

Marmaduke along with the usual movie extras such

as popcorn, drinks and snacks. Our Variety at Work

programmes also facilitates outings for children such as

picnics, tours and parties.

Members of the public who require

assistance with sick or disabled children

may appeal to us for consideration.

While not all appeals are

guaranteed acceptance, Variety’s

Appeal Committee promises

to investigate thoroughly all

applications and wherever

possible assist either directly or

by referrals. Appeals should be

made in writing accompanied by

an Appeals form, supporting medical

reports and full details of requirements. Forms

are available on our website at www.varietybarbados.

org or can be collected from our offices in Plantation

complex, Harmony Hall, St. Lawrence, Christ Church.

Interested persons may also call the office at 246-428-

9258.

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Over the past decade the Unit has helped more than

1,000 children receive life-saving procedures. Variety

continued its relationship with the PICU, by spearheading

a $1million dollar project for the refurbishment and

expansion of the Unit.

In addition, Variety has funded individual

medical procedures for children who

were forced to seek medical

attention overseas and has

funded educational initiatives for

care givers and organisations

catering to the needs of

the mentally and physically

challenged and the less

fortunate in the community. Our

Sunshine Coach Programme

has provided seven coaches to

organisations such as the Children’s

Development Centre, The Challenor School, and

The Thelma Vaughn Memorial Home to transport the

children to and from school, and to other important

appointments. A vehicle was also provided to Auntie

Olga of the Needy Children’s Fund to continue her

amazing work with disadvantaged children. We also

assist by paying the salaries of physiotherapists who

work with children with special needs.

Apart from the medical and educational needs of the

children, Variety also is mandated through its mission

statement to the “...improvement of the care given to

them and the quality of their lives in general.” Children

need to play, laugh, participate in fun activities and

generally feel loved.

Variety therefore interacts with children’s homes through

the Child Care Board and other community services

to reach the less fortunate children. These children

are invited to many of the fund raising events, and to

special events hosted for them during the year. This

summer, Variety partnered with the Olympus Theatres

to provide the children with the Summer Movie Morning

series. Each month this summer, over

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Social responsibility is an important focus for our Bank. We are serious

about responding to the needs of the communities we serve and are

committed to giving back to our Caribbean brothers and sisters in

tangible ways.

“CIBC FirstCaribbean is committed to the well-being of its communities

and that is why our social programmes are geared towards the

betterment of the lives of Caribbean people and the environment.

We care - Social and physical health are important to us. Let’s work

together to achieve this.”

Personal Banking

Wealth Management

Small Business Banking

Corporate Banking

Investment Banking

Cash Management Solutions

Credit Cards

Internet & Telephone Banking

The CIBC logo is a trademark of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, used by FirstCaribbean International Bank under license.

Social Responsibility

Commitment is caring

It is a region-wide initiative and all countries in which

FirstCaribbean operates participate in the programme.

FirstCaribbean is of the view that many deserving causes

and important projects miss out on financial and other

support simply because people don’t know that they

exist.

FirstCaribbean wants to not only provide financial support

but also, importantly, bring attention to as many of these

causes and to showcase the work that is done day

and night by ordinary men and women. These Unsung

Heroes who seek no fame or reward make the lives of

the disadvantaged and underprivileged in this Region so

much better. They are living examples of the best we

can be.

FirstCaribbean International Bank wants to uphold these

persons as examples for the various communities by the

work that they do. This must be done in such a way

as to tell the world their story. FirstCaribbean’s Unsung

Heroes programme represents one of the most unique

and useful community support initiatives in the Caribbean

today.

FIRST CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANKUnsung Heroes are all among us throughout the Caribbean Region. They

exist in almost every community—from small fishing

villages to our larger nation capitals. They come from all

walks of life, indeed they come in all shapes and sizes,

and guises. Despite this, they all share one elevated trait-

-they make positive things happen for others. They’re

enablers, and they stand out within their communities as

a result, but are otherwise unknown to the wider public.

Unsung Heroes are not fully developed media

personalities. They go about their charity and their good

works without consideration for reward or self acclaim

(-hence ‘Unsung’). They’re not politicians, or popular

social figures looking for a cause on which to hitch their

public relations fortunes, instead they are everyday,

ordinary people, looking for genuine ways to contribute

their efforts towards improving the social surrounds for

us all.

They could be champions of small or large causes,

popular or esoteric causes. The

key commonality is their shared

determination to make the world a

little more pleasant, a little better than

it was before. It is with this awareness

that FirstCaribbean’s Unsung Heroes

programme was piloted in 2003 and has

become the flagship for volunteerism in

the Caribbean.

This is the Bank’s flagship corporate

social responsibility programme where

a significant amount of our resources

are directed.

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UNSUNG HEROES

THE CANCER SUPPORT SERVICESCARING FOR THE ILLCancer could come in all forms such as: Lung ; Oral;

Stomach; Kidney; Bladder; Skin; Lymphoma; Leukaemia;

Endometrial and the most prevalent Prostate, Ovarian,

Breast and Pancreatic. Being diagnosed with cancer

could be a crushing blow to an individual and supporting

family members. Cancer Support Services provides

a haven where patients and their families can gain the

emotional support they seek and have their fears and

concerns addressed.

Cancer Support Services, founded and registered as a

Charitable Organization on the 17th of April 1996, was

primarily formed to assist patients and their families, to

help them get over the stigma and myths associated

with being diagnosed with cancer. This organisation

has an executive body that governs and oversees the

philanthropic activities being done by its members.

Located at “ARBORSIDE”, Belmont Road, St. Michael,

Barbados, the organization serves not only as a health

recovery program for some patients with cancer, but also

lend the moral support and helping hand where needed.

This organization aims to provide a voluntary service to

persons diagnosed with cancer; assist all persons through

education and counselling to make decisions relating to

their basic physical, social, mental and spiritual needs. It

also seeks to offer assistance, without discrimination to

patients with cancer, and any other persons with chronic

diseases who seek help from this charity. Cancer Support

Services also participates in activities which are deemed

necessary to further its cause.

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UNSUNG HEROES

Through the provision of the following activities, the

organization was able to address and alleviate many

of the possible problems which a diagnosis may bring.

These activities include:

• Counselling services to help families come to grips with

this type of challenge.

• Assistance with nursing care to patients who choose

to remain at home.

• Financial assistance to needy families.

• Educational material to families interested in learning

about their relative’s condition.

• A podiatrist and a barber to provide the necessary care

to all patients on ward C12.

Having adopted Ward C12 at the Queen Elizabeth

Hospital, Cancer Support Services maintains the ward

by supplying linens for the beds. A private launderer is

also contracted to do the laundry of the linen for the ward.

A supply of privacy screens was also donated to the

ward to add more privacy for the patients. Upkeep of the

ward to a high standard solely rests on Cancer Support

Services, and this includes having it fully maintained to

make those patients feel ‘a home away from home’

Apart from adopting Ward C12, the organization plays a

crucial role in the lives of the children whose parents have

been diagnosed with cancer. Not only providing for the

emotional and psychological trauma, but they also help

with the purchasing of school supplies for the beginning

of each school year in September.They also help with

purchasing some medications for patients.

This organization has an on-going out-reach programme

where they go into the various communities around the

island to conduct Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing.

This outreach programme seeks to encourage males to

be tested for cancer. Not only do they do testing during

the outreach programmes, but they also seek to educate

members of the public about various cancers as well.

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Cancer Support Services has a series of accomplishments

when it comes to cancer care and educating the public

about cancer, as well as the programmes available.

Apart from adopting the Ward C12 and launching the

PSA Testing outreach Programmes, they have also

refurbished the Radiotherapy Department and donated

wedges, drapes and furniture. They also provide

training to members in counselling, bereavement and

First Aid. Cancer Support Services has also donated

two Braun Perfusor PCA-Module Pumps to the Queen

Elizabeth Hospital to assist with pain management. With

pain management treatment in focus, the organization

sponsored a doctor and a patient to visit the Pain

Management Centre of Sloan Kettering hospital in New

York, U.S.A to observe their Pain Management Treatment.

This organization has various sources of funding.

Some of these are; The Orange Ribbon Drive,

sponsored walks, tea parties, cake sales, luncheons,

general donations, covenants, membership fees and

donations at funerals in lieu of flowers. There are a

number of upcoming events such as a Sponsored Walk,

a Concert and a Tea Party. A proposal for a Hospice was

put forward to the Ministry of Health in 2003.

Membership in Cancer Support Services is open to any

member of the public. The organisation holds monthly

meetings at Queens College Secondary School,

Husbands, St. James, Barbados on the fourth Saturday

of each month at 4:00 p.m. Cancer Support Services

has three membership categories available; the General

Membership which is $30.00 annually, Life Membership

400.00 and Corporate Membership $500.00 annually.

For further information visit the website www.css.org.bb.

FEEDING THE HUNGRYKemar Saffery

Not everyone is fortunate to have a home, a hot meal, clothing, and other forms of security that helps them to balance their daily living. Unforeseen incidents and circumstances

do occur, and when they do, each person needs a

helping hand to reinstate their personal niche.

A young child playing and interacting with these

vagrants and homeless persons vowed one day, that

as he reached an older age he would do his best to

help these persons. Kemar Saffery had a different vision

from most boys his age; his vision was “to see vagrants

and homeless persons focused and back on their feet

again - giving them the dream of living the lifestyle of

any regular person once more.” Today the Barbados

Vagrant and Homeless Society, a registered charity since

October, 2009 of which Saffery is the founder, is making

this a reality. Saffery, a former student of the St. George

Secondary School, who sits as Executive Chairman of

the Board of Directors in the organisation; holds an

Initiative for a Competitive Inner City Award , awarded

by University of Harvard Business School. He was also

awarded the Barbados Youth Business Entrepreneurship

Award for 2009.

According to Saffery, he has not faced many challenges

with the organisation thus far and it has received an

amazing response, from both the corporate sector and

persons who are willing to give of their time to help the

organisation reach its goals. His goal for the Barbados

Homeless and Vagrant Society is to see it expand

throughout the Caribbean and foster partnerships

with similar organisations, to help these individuals

become productive products of society once more.

The Barbados Vagrant and Homeless Society’s weekly

feeding programme, on Thursday evenings in Heroes

Square, has become something to look forward to by

many homeless persons who benefit from this venture.

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In the upcoming months this Society would be hosting

several events in which any member of the public can

become involved, to show their support for the Society

and for the cause.

The Barbados Vagrant and Homeless Society upcoming

events include a Dollar drive in partnership with First

Caribbean Bank, whereby each individual or employee

of the bank would place a dollar in collection cans

placed throughout the island to help with the feeding

programme. Furthermore, the Society is planning to

have daily feedings to better cater to actual needs. Also,

there will be a Buy a Brick Project, where each person

can purchase a brick and donate it to the housing

programme for the homeless and vagrants. Moreover,

through a partnership with Hanscell Inniss, funds will be

raised which will be given to the Association.

Saffery firmly believes in getting sponsorship on his own.

He acknowledges that while many organisations depend

upon government to give them funding, he is trying

to avoid that by creating other opportunities to create

financial support for his organisation.

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13

I’AKOBIRESOURCE CENTRESUPPORTING OUR HUMAN RIGHTS

turn dreams into reality. It was impossible to resist the

call. I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney was a man of exemplary

character. He embodied the concept of making

something out of nothing. Coming from the inner city of

Bridgetown, Barbados, in an area known as Reid Street,

he was raised in a family that accepted and practiced the

Rastafarian faith. They acknowledged the significance

of an African way of life – something that is commonly

suppressed and even oppressed in a post-colonial

society. Amidst the harsh reality of this environment, his

parents were able to provide the building blocks and

fundamental tools that would propel him into a life of

continued achievements and recurrent successes. The

life of this man, who at the age of 23 was a Regional Debate

Representative, a Barbados Exhibition Award winner, a

Valedictorian who graduated Magna Cum Laude from

UWI and a Chemical Engineer

among other things, had

touched those even beyond

his immediate associates.

He was cherished by all he

came to know, and all those

he knew, loved him.

The founders of the I’Akobi

Youth Resource Centre know,

as spoken by his Mother,

that I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney

continues to speak to us.

They strive to uphold those

same basic principles that his

life came to exemplify. Their

mission: to be a part of the

solution that brings an end

to the senseless pain and unwarranted suffering. They

have turned the IYRC (as it is affectionately known)

into a place that sponsors culturally rich activities and

events that support the overall growth and development

of individuals, families and communities. At the IYRC

there are Dance for Life African inspired dancercise

classes which are family friendly, to which Mothers are

encouraged to bring their children. There are also West

African Family Drum classes. Capoeira, an African-

Brazilian martial art is practiced or “played” by adults and

children alike. Weekly the Centre hosts the Nu Afrikan

Traditional Religion as it explores concepts of

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The lights deliberately soften, and the faint

glow of the candles dance as the sound

of a djembe silences the crowd of anxious

patrons. The conga joins in and the incessant rhythm

pulls the onlookers to the floor. One by one, dancers

grace the floor as the

microphone is passed like

a baton from one artist

to another. The space

is filled with the acoustic

sounds of melodic voices,

chants and spoken words

- telling stories of love,

strength and struggle.

Every aspect, every

player, is seamlessly

woven together creating

a ritualistic tone. A ritual

that is known as Afrika

Move Me.

If anything can be said

about the I’Akobi Youth

Resource Centre, it would

be that every event assumes the form of a ritual. Afrika

Move Me is only one of the many activities staged at the

centre, and this space - a seed planted by a tragedy -

has been nurtured with the tears, dreams, hearts and

of course, the hands of a collective that wants only to

create something beautiful from something that was

a crime against a Man, his family and his community.

Everything that takes place seems destined; a part of a

divine plan. The founders of the I’Akobi Youth Resource

Centre came together to be the ears that acknowledge

the cries of the unheard, the voice that speaks for the

people and the hands that willingly put forth the work to

spirituality. Afrika Move Me is a periodic open mic/open

floor gathering. Monthly there is a CRY-I session that

through multi-media art exhibitions, recounts the story

of I’Akobi’s tragic passing and reaffirms the Centre’s

goals and objectives. The IYRC has hosted Movie

Nights, Kwanzaa celebration activities, health lectures,

women’s empowerment workshops and Watoto Village

(a culturally centered children’s art camp). There is an on

call herbalist and holistic health consultant affiliated with

the IYRC. Along with all of these things, the IYRC houses

the Aya Café, a vegetarian restaurant and café.

This may sound like a well orchestrated scheme that was

engineered from an intricate blueprint, but the Centre

and all of its many programs came together much like

the founders did – as though it were part of a larger plan.

Martin Evanson, one of the founders, can be seen doing

anything from painting the building to making sure that

every aspect of the Centre is running as it should. There

is rarely an event that he is unable to attend. Oneka Small,

a specialist in museum design and an art curator, is often

found in the kitchen of the Aya Café offering suggestions

and rolling up her sleeves. She conceptualizes and

produces each of the Cry-I sessions. She has taken on

the role of ensuring that the Centre continues to visually

and aesthetically represent its purpose. You might catch

Heru Holligan, the Holistic Heath Consultant, playing the

role of MC at any of the events or conceiving the next

project for the IYRC. He is often described as the engine

that keeps the car moving. Richard Goddard is the quiet

force that lends the strength of support. He maintains

the order while consistently guiding his partners through

each of the endeavors. These individuals, who have

selflessly come together, form a collective that makes the

magic known as the IYRC.

If you ask the founders if it has been easy, they will

undoubtedly say that the work is hard. At times it

seems never-ending and the rewards don’t come in the

form of immediate gratification from monetary gains or

compensation. But it is this work that has given new

meaning to their lives. One fateful event forever altered

their paths that once were separate – parallel maybe, but

varied none the less.

These paths are forever changed, joined as one on the

15

road to justice. They will each probably say that they

were just doing the right thing – what anyone would have

done if presented with this task.

But to anyone who visits the IYRC or takes part in its

activities and programs, it is obvious that the founders

have created something extraordinary. The passing of

I’Akobi Maloney was the catalyst that brought people,

families and communities together. His Spirit has laid

the plan and those at the IYRC followed the orders of the

Divine. It is that Spirit that reaches into the soul when the

Berimbau is played during the Capoeira roda or when the

Djun Djun keeps the rhythm throughout the drum class.

It cannot be denied. It is impossible to resist the call.

16

17

NATION PUBLISHINGSUPPORTING MEANINGFUL

CAUSESThe Nation Publishing Co. Limited has been built on a

foundation of philanthropy. Through our sponsorships,

donations and events, we aspire to foster strong

relationships with all Barbadians.

Our unwavering commitment to the community is innate

and goes way beyond corporate responsibility.

Thus, our loyalty knows no boundaries as we aim to give

back to all persons regardless of status by hosting various

events across all sectors. It is not just about producing a

high quality newspaper but about knowing what matters

to our readers.

Our annual Fun Walk is the oldest of our Nation events.

It is hosted annually in celebration of the company’s

anniversary. Over 10,000 Barbadians and visitors

participate in the walk. It caters to persons of all ages,

creating a fun-filled, relaxing and family-oriented

atmosphere. More recently, schools have become an

integral part of the walk vying for titles such as Biggest

Registered School and Best Uniformed School. The

walk is also used to raise funds for various events and

purposes within the schools.

The Nation Fun Ride is also the largest of its kind in

Barbados. Growing in popularity each year, the Fun Ride

attracts hundreds of Barbadians. It has raised substantial

amounts of money for many non-profit organizations and

service clubs. This event gives the public the opportunity

to come up with innovative ideas to transform ordinary

bikes into state-of-the-art pieces.

Within The Nation Group of Companies, we also have

a strong commitment to health. This has given way

to our healthy lifestyle mandate which is promoted in

conjunction with the Healthy Lifestyles Committee.

18

The Committee is made up of dedicated organisations

who also share our passion for health in Barbados.

These include: The Barbados Road Safety Association,

Spectrol Medical Laboratories, The Diabetes Association

of Barbados, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of

Barbados, Natural Energy, PAHO, Gyms of Barbados

and the Barbados Cancer Society.

Our efforts began with the Healthy Lifestyle Extravaganza

in 1996, which was the Caribbean’s largest health fair.

This was conceptualised to bring lifestyle diseases to

the top of the public’s agenda in Barbados. Over the

years, we have shifted emphasis on movement and

active lifestyles. This gave way to the Movement Fest

which was held in alternate years with the Healthy

Lifestyle Extravaganza. We have sought to narrow our

focus even more to target individuals in communities

across Barbados. Thus, Get Moving Barbados was

conceptualised. The Get Moving programme aims to

get persons involved in active lifestyles and features

live aerobics sessions as well as free health checks. In

addition, The Healthy Lifestyle Primary School Project,

now in its 6th year, reaches hundreds of school children

from selected primary schools across Barbados. This

programme has since been amended to include summer

camps.

The healthy lifestyles programme has indeed achieved

its objective and companies have carried on the mantle

and have established and executed their own healthy

lifestyles programmes, of which we are indeed proud.

Our Greening Barbados programme was another natural

progression. Fuelled by our awareness of the environment,

we launched The Greening Barbados Project through

the Green Expo Committee. This public/private sector

initiative was launched to promote the protection and

conservation of the environment. It highlighted the state

of the environment with a view to changing bad habits

into responsible, sustainable ones. The Expo featured

environmentally friendly products and services. We here

at The Nation Publishing Co. Limited, have also taken this

message to heart and have embarked upon an internal

Greening initiative in conjunction with the Future Centre

19

In January 2010, our Caribbean brothers and sisters

in Haiti were ravaged by earthquake. We heard their

call and led by our sister company Starcom Network,

organised the “Help Haiti Now” Radiothon. Persons from

all over the Caribbean pledged their financial support and

some even made their way down to Starcom Network

to personally make their donation to the worthy cause.

US$1.2 million was raised.

The Arts is also an important feature of our events

calendar. Through a partnership with the Collector’s Club,

the award honors some of Barbados’ greatest artists for

their outstanding contributions to art on the island.

Literature students of the Barbados Community College

also benefit from the annual John Wickham Scholarship,

which is presented to the student or students gaining

the highest grades in Literatures. This scholarship is held

in memory of the late NATION columnist, independent

senator and literary editor and scholar who died in August

2000.

The University of the West Indies, another beacon in

Caribbean education is not to be left out. We continue to

sponsor the biennial Elsa Goveia Lecture, held in memory

of the late Professor. The sponsorship of various other

seminars, lectures and conferences are also high on our

agenda.

We are aware of the intrinsic humanitarian nature of our

Barbadian people and we simply try to do our part in

highlighting their valiant efforts. One of the ways in which

this is done is through the Romelle Primus Award for

Bravery and Human Kindness. This award, in honor

of the brave St. Leonard’s schoolboy who lost his life

attempting to save others, is done in partnership with

The Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown.

One of the best-kept secrets is the fact that the Nation

staffers also do their own outreach in Barbados and the

wider Caribbean. The Nation’s Humanitarian team has

aided persons in Grenada and recently Haiti. They also

engage in various fund-raising activities, which assist

many persons in need across Barbados. The Nation

Group is not limited to staging events only. We receive

numerous sponsorship requests on a regular basis. This

also includes organisations such as the recently-formed

Crime Stoppers and the AIDS Foundation of Barbados.

These are but some of the ways in which we aim to

engage our readers and to stay in touch with them.The

corporate arm of the company ensures that our public is

satisfied, not just with the printed product but also with

our ability to show our human side.

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ALICIA COLLINS: ADOPTING THE GANG, GUIDING THE YOUTH.

As a child growing up in a single parent home, being the first of my mother’s two children I was always academically gifted. Upon my entrance in high School, I was a proud awardee of an academic scholarship presented by TDC Company Limited, that would fund my years of high school and college with the provision of uniforms and books as well as a training opportunity in their firm and many departments. This was an introduction to the world of work and its requirements up until my college years. My mother, being a strong dedicated woman, who multi-tasked her way through many jobs just to provide for our family still found time to instil both morale and spiritual values into the lives of my brother and I.

During my years of high school, I maintained grade A’s so I held on to my scholarship. In my final year of high school, I made some terrible choices and became impregnated. My life after that dived downhill, I suffered the great loss through a miscarriage, after which I became very ill and had to undergo two surgeries. When I had fully recuperated, it was too late for me to return to school without having to finance the 10 exams which I had qualified to write independently. My family was very poor and that would have been impossible for my mother and I to conquer so I went in search of a job. During those years I worked many odd jobs and had many health issues. After years of blaming and feeling sorry for myself, I began to assist less fortunate children with homework assignments and over the years, it resulted in a growing passion for me to dedicate my life to assisting any youth at risk.

During the year of 2008, my community began to suffer greatly because of the growing gang epidemic here in St. Kitts and a few of my friends became victims of gun and gang violence. On 31st of December 2008, I visited a church with some of the young men who are members of a gang in my community and as I sat there, I saw the look of hope on their faces and I heard the silent cries for help it was right

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then and there I pledged to myself to dedicate the

year 2009 to do every and anything possible to bring

about something positive in those young men lives. I

have always worked with youths but I had never done

anything so drastic before. In January of 2009, by means

of informal gatherings the young men all showed their

concern of earning an honest day’s living as more than

thirty (30) of them were unemployed. I wrote some

proposals and made appointments to meet the Prime

Minister, who was also the constituency’s representative

who educated me about a program that the Government

was launching that would have provided young persons

around the country an opportunity to learn a skill and

receive a weekly stipend while learning life skills. I reported

back to the young men and they were all excited for such

an opportunity for which they all signed up and became

attached to this program, receiving a stipend and learning

important skills.

During that period, we all organized different community

oriented activities such as basketball festivals, meetings,

community festivals, etc. I just wanted them to focus on

positive things and keep them involved. Some of them

were shot at, and some were shot, I couldn’t dare stand

the thought of losing one of them to the streets. Those

were some of my motivation to keep moving forward

with them regardless of the many negative responses

I received from not only persons within our community

but also persons from outside who knew the boys

personally. I have realised, that being in a gang is about

power, leadership, family, some of the same topics we

teach but they find it from negative sources. It was my

job to empower them, to show them they belong and to

let them realize their true value and worth. Some of them

are fathers and they are responsible for the lives of little

boys, so it was imperative for me to use persons who

they cared about as their inspiration and motivation.

Ever since the formation of the group, the young men

received less visits from the police, no one had gotten

shot or shot at for almost a year now. The gang still exists

because they are friends and they all enjoy being around

each other, but the level of violence has decreased

drastically. Kudos has been given by the police officers

from our district as they recognized the violence rate did

indeed decrease and they offered to assist in any

projects where their presence and involvement would be

needed. I don’t expect things to change in one day, we

are taking it one day at a time, also because of lack of

funds, there are many projects I would love to organize

for the group but I must make do with the resources

we now have. Fifteen (15) of the young men have been

released back into the world of unemployment because

the Y.E.S workshop training period has now ended but

efforts were made to gainfully employ ten (10) of these

individuals. They are now equipped with new life skills and

a different attitude towards life. I am working tirelessly to

have these young men quickly employed by approaching

members of the business community to assist our young

men. Many young persons were interested in making

positive contributions to our Community, I welcomed

their assistance as we now organized a movement called

Save Our Youths At Risk (S.O.Y.A.R).

We have also incorporated assisting the younger males in

the community as young as six (6) years old because even

though we are continuing our fight to save our boys from

the gangs we must also implement measures to prevent

our future generation from becoming gang members

as well. Also, to serve as a support for teen mothers

who have the great responsibility of our youth; we must

equip these young ladies with the proper tools to nurture

our future. One might ask who or what motivates me

to continue the movement, this motivation comes from

more than one factor (i) my mother is one of the strongest

black women I know, she kept on fighting for what she

believed in (ii) because I lived years of mistakes and I

was given a second chance, and I know just how difficult

it is to find motivation, inspiration and hope in a society

where individuals relish on your past and seldom gives

you the opportunity to correct your wrongs. That in itself,

just pushes me that extra mile to save even one young

person and let them know, your mistake can indeed be

a motivation to another iii) also I live the philosophy of, if

one youth is saved, that is a wholesome part of our future

that have been saved.

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REACHING OUT TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST TINA, INSPIRING THE LIVES OF OTHERS.I was doing a master research project and was

introduced to the family and met Janice. What started as

an occasional visit to use the office computer became a

full blown friendship, and Janice has ended up a member

of our family.

Janice (not her real name) is a vivacious twenty year old young woman brought up in poverty in the tropical island of Dominica. She is passionate about developing her

country, and undertakes various social work projects

including a Meals on Wheels and Foodbank programme

for individuals living with HIV. She believes that it is

important for young people to reject a mendicant beggar’s

mentality. “We have a beautiful country and a strong and

healthy people, like our National Anthem says. HIV is a

problem but not a death sentence. No one owes us a

living, we have to work hard and we can make it.”

Losing her mother at seven to AIDS was hard enough

but being the only one of the three children to test HIV

positive was even harder. Rejected by her father she

was left in the care of her maternal aunt who also had

six children of her own and the care of her elderly mother

and mentally challenged brother. They all lived in a tiny

wooden house. Like the proverbial woman who lived in

a shoe, the Aunty hardly knew what to do to make ends

meet, but did her best to provide by making brooms

from coconut fronds and sending the children to fish or

pick guava from the trees.

Facing her CXC Exams at the end of her secondary

school career, Janice was not doing well physically. It

was hard to take the twelve pills a day required for her to

stay well and the side effects of nausea and drowsiness

were overwhelming.

Having regular meals and my consistent nagging about

medication has proved to really work as four years on

Janice is fit and well, and planning a long and fruitful

life. “I am not sure how to use the Associates Degree in

Tourism and Hospitality that I have, I am really interested

in community development or social work now!”

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THE BANANA MAN: THE MAN WITH THE RADIOHardworking, committed, patriotic, shy; and therefore

prone to anonymity, are some of the words which can

be used to describe the man who stood at the helm of

Windward Islands Farmer’s Union (WINFA) for the past

20 years.

A man referred to by many as the”banana man” or the

“man with the radio” because he kept himself informed

about World Affairs. He has been a tower of strength in

WINFA; moving it from an ordinary network of farmers

Organisations in the Windward Islands with minimal

activities such as training and farmers exchange, to an

internationally recognized Sub-regional

network of farmers. All of this was

done with minimal support from the

Windward Islands governments

and the private sectors. Such

an important feat cannot be

matched by many of his

contemporaries.

A man who has held

audiences spellbound

wherever he went, due to his

unique oratical skills and was

able to put the farmers’ issues on

the agenda of many important fora.

As a visionary, he had positioned WINFA

to withstand the external shocks brought on by the

World Trade Organisation (WTO) challenge to the EU

banana regime, where Caribbean farmers enjoyed

preferential treatment of the bananas exported to the

United Kingdom.

Recognizing the consequences of the competition the

farmers had to face up to from the big banana giants,

that such actions could have devastating effects on their

livelihoods, farmers were encouraged to diversify within

bananas and to sell their fruits under the Fairtrade label.

Renwick’s ideas were met with hostility and rejection

from policy makers and the leaders of the then regional

banana industry.

Yet he persevered, changing his tactics each time but

remained focused on his goal so that the farmers of the

Windward Islands would continue to have a stake in the

global market.

This introduction relates to none other person than

Renwick Ellsworth Adrian Rose who was born in St.

Vincent and the Grenadines to humble parents Reynold

and Germaine Rose of Stoney Grounds, Kingstown.

He had his primary education at the Kingstown Methodist

School and then to the St. Vincent Boys Grammar

School. After leaving school, he taught at the Kingstown

Preparatory School as well as lectured at the Teaching

Training College from 1965-1969. During that period, he

taught many individuals who are important in society

today. One year later he moved on to teach at

the Bishop’s College, Kingstown until 1973.

From 1973-1976, he worked as an

Account Clerk at the Development

Corporation.

During his stint

with politics, he

helped to build political

awareness among the mass

of Vincentian people, through various

media. He has also brought to the attention

of government the many issues that affect the lives of

ordinary Vincentians.

Mr. Rose has dedicated most of his adult life to working

in or contributing to groups and organizations locally,

regionally and internationally. He is the founding member

of the local Civil Society Forum and currently serves as

on the National Economic Social Development Council

(NESDEC) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines which

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comprised Government, the Private Sector and Civil

Society. Rose also served on the National Constitutional

Review Commission (NCRC) where he played an

active role in setting the framework for a proposed New

Constitution for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

On the regional scale, he is Chairman of the Board of

Directors of the Caribbean Policy Development Centre

(CPDC), an umbrella of regional NGOs, and a founder

of the Caribbean Reference Group (CRG), which is

involved in educational and advocacy work on Trade

Agreements such as

Cotonou, LOMÉ, FTAA;

and agricultural policy

issues.

He has led banana

farmers, especially the

women, through the

streets of the Eastern

Caribbean to protest

against the lack of real

support for development

in the rounds of

negotiations towards a

Caribbean Economic

Partnership Agreement

with the European

Union. These activities

included marches

and rallies under the

themes: ‘MAKE TRADE

FAIR’ and ‘STAND UP-

It’s about Livelihood.’

Mr. Rose attended

several for a organized

by the International

Fairtrade organisations in

Europe and the Fairtrade

Labeling organization to

address consumers of

the products.

He has held talks with Ministers of Agricultural and Trade,

as well the European trade representatives on bananas.

Mr. Renwick Rose is currently the Coordinator of WINFA

which is an Association of Caribbean Farmers in the

Windward Islands and agro processors. He pioneered

in the export of Fairtrade and has recently signed the

Sales and Purchase Agreement along with WIBDECO on

behalf of Windward Islands farmers. Today the farmers

of the Windward Islands are in control of the Banana

Industry.

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WINFA’s Coordinator is the Caribbean representative for the ACP civil society organization and participated in the European Commission Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) meetings. He has also represented the Forum at ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly and represents the organization at numerous international conferences, seminars and workshops.

His career spanned over 30 years as economic, social and political activist and also teacher and he has remained steadfast in his quest for equal rights and justice for all.

©2011 Caribbean Policy Development Centre. All Rights Reserved.