A hard lesson

“I hope that we can learn some serious lessons from what is happening and accept the fact that it is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when.”

Sobering words from Prime Minister (Ag) Richard Sealy, whose comments came against the backdrop of the destruction wrought in sister islands during the recent passage of three major hurricanes.

Addressing the congregation of St. Cyprian’s Anglican during a service to mark the start of Tourism & Maritime Week 2017, the Minister of Tourism, while highlighting the “nonsense” perpetuated by some Barbadians that “God is a Bajan” said: “Our turn will come. We need to only prepare ourselves and learn from what has happened elsewhere.”

Addressing several tourism and maritime partners in attendance, Sealy commended the response from Barbadians to the relief effort, noting that the Barbados Fire Service, Royal Barbados Police Force and officers from the Barbados Defence Force have been deployed to Tortola, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Martin and Dominica, mostly on a voluntary basis. He also noted that linesmen from Barbados Light & Power were volunteering to put themselves in harm’s way to help bring relief.

He also saluted the private sector effort for the provision of resources, vessels, as well as many other individuals who have chipped in to help their brothers and sisters in neighbouring hurricane ravaged countries and community organisations that have launched canned food drives.

“People are literally buying groceries and taking them to the Pelican (HMBS Pelican) so they can make their way over to the ravaged regions. That says a lot about the Barbadian spirit. Yes we are grateful for big corporate partners who are doing their part, but those many individuals with modest resources, still making sure they could send, if two bags of groceries or one case of water.”

The Acting Prime Minister said while there have been some increases in the tourism industry, officials can ill-afford to rest on their laurels; they must continue to work and pray. “We have to count our blessings.”

He noted that this week of activities, being held under the theme “Tourism for Present and Future Generations”, will focus on the sustainability of the tourism industry, adding that a concerted effort has been made to incorporate the youth. He also highlighted the activities in the Barbados Port, which he noted is the premier home porting facility in the region as well as the importance of the fishing industry in which 6 000 persons are directly or indirectly involved.

The week of activities will include a Tourism Road Runner today; an Open Day at the Grantley Adams International Airport on Tuesday. World Tourism Day will be celebrated on Wednesday September 27, which will be marked by the ‘I Am Tourism” premiere which will be held at Olympus Theatres. On Thursday Maritime Day will be celebrated at the Barbados Port Inc, as well as a Tourism Career Showcase to be held at the LESC. On Friday stakeholders will be celebrated during an all-day Restaurant Dine Around. Activities will culminate on Saturday with a Tourism Parade, followed by Speightstown Sizzle in Speightstown in the afternoon. (JH)