In this regard, technical assistance from the   Government of Argentina should be forthcoming at month-end.

Word of this has come from  Agricultural Officer with the Agricultural Information Services (AIS) Unit, Mark Byer, who said  the  Argentinean team  will be on hand to conduct  an assessment of  the current  system,  outline proposed modes of assistance, including those geared toward the advancement  of remote sensing, as well as assist in GIS  training.

Meanwhile, on the home front, Mr. Byer noted that training has been ongoing, with a two-day training session slated to be held next week for the 25 members of staff who have been selected to assist with the system’s development within their departments.  “Training has been continuing, especially with regard to the use of ESRI Arc view which is one of the leading GIS softwares in the world. Most government departments that have started the implementation of GIS are going to be using this package,” he explained.

GIS enables users to visualise and analyse spatial information in a dynamic, digital environment, and provides tools for integrating, querying and analysing a variety of data types. These include scientific and cultural data, satellite imagery and aerial photography, with geographic locations providing the integral link between all the data.

The technology, which can be used for scientific investigations, resource management and development planning, might, for instance, allow emergency planners to easily calculate emergency response times in the event of a natural disaster.

In explaining the utility of the system within the Ministry’s context, Mr.  Byer said that it would basically allow officers to “see data on location,” and by extension create maps. He cited potential for mappings of plantation distribution; small farmers; areas of high and low density rainfall; diverse terrain and even the spread of the Giant African Snail population across the island, among other areas.

In terms of analysis, he stressed that the technology could allow persons to determine the best routes and nearest distances to be used in disaster and emergency management planning.

“If a disaster strikes, or if a new pest comes into the island, GIS can allow us to see what areas we would want to isolate or put a buffer around. It would allow us to see which districts are involved,” he explained. 

This reassurance was given today by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator Maxine McClean, to the staff of the Data Processing Department (DPD), as she delivered remarks at the opening of the department’s Strategic Planning Workshop at the Warrens Office Complex.

Minister McClean told the staff that traditionally, their agency had played a major role in the application of information technology (IT) in various government departments. And, she stressed that while technology had changed and processes and procedures had evolved, government was committed to ensuring that “as we go forward, the skills, the resources and the experience of the DPD are harnessed and deployed with any new configuration”.

She noted that she had recommended to Prime Minister David Thompson, that a new agency should not merely be superimposed on an existing structure of human resources and IT systems. “There needs to be a systematic inventory of what currently exists, an assessment of the level and efficiency and effectiveness of these applications. Across the public service you need to know what has worked well, something about the capacity and utilisation of systems you have in place,” Ms. McClean suggested.

She pointed out that to date, millions of dollars had been invested in IT across the public sector, but, according to the Minister, it had been invested blindly in some instances. “We have perhaps not had standards in place where individual departments could seek advice and act on it, and, therefore, a comprehensive review is necessary.

“Today is a first step in a process which will allow us to understand how you see yourselves contributing, how you see yourselves interfacing with other agencies and how we can eventually structure a central information management agency that is going to allow the taxpayers to reap the true benefits of an investment in IT,” Senator McClean stated.

She told the participants that IT was supposed to be facilitatory, and an effort should be made to ensure that as the operations and the delivery of service to citizens of Barbados was being facilitated, that it was being done in a manner that maximised efficiency and effectiveness.   

Meanwhile, in her brief comments, Director of the DPD, Juliet Agard, asked her staff if the benefits of government’s substantial investment in hardware and software, were being seen.

Noting that every government office now had computers, Ms. Agard suggested that the consolidation of equipment, shared services and the integration of other systems needed to be seriously considered, as a means of reducing duplication and under-utilisation of equipment.

According to Permanent Secretary (Special Assignments) Prime Minister’s Office, Captain Randolph Straughn, the proposed legislation is part of Government’s commitment to the principles of good governance.  He said: “The Bill is being circulated as widely as possible to allow persons to become familiar with the proposals therein and to obtain their meaningful feedback and input.”

The other meetings will be held at the same time. They are Wednesday, October 22, at the Alexandra School, Church Street, St. Peter; Wednesday, October 29, at the Deighton Griffith School, Kingsland, Christ Church and Wednesday, November 5, at the Princess Margaret School, Six Roads, St. Philip.  Members of the public are encouraged to come out and share their views.  

Copies of the Freedom of Information Bill are available at all post offices or may be accessed online at www.gov.bb. Persons providing electronic feedback should do so at freedomofinfobill@barbados.gov.bb. Written responses should be addressed to the Permanent Secretary (Special Assignments) Prime Minister’s Office, Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael or may be faxed to 228-8234. Both electronic and hard copy responses should be forwarded by Friday, October 31, 2008.

Non-nationals applying for, or renewing licences must provide documentation verifying that they are residents or citizens of Barbados, or have work permits. 

Security guards, security guard agencies and private investigators are advised that Section 17 Clause (2) (c) and (d) of the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act Cap. 372 E states: “A licence is subject to the terms and conditions as are specified in the licence and is renewable in the month of January in each year upon application to the Board in the approved form and on payment of the prescribed fee.”

Persons falling into these categories should also note that Section 14 (1) and (2) of the Act reads: “No person may provide services as a private investigator or security guard  or operate an agency engaged in the business of providing the services of private investigators or security guards, unless he is licensed under this Act.”

Under Section 2 of the Act, “A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $5,000 or imprisonment for two years or both.”

To this end, its Entrepreneurial Division, will conduct new courses in wood carving and sculpture and wood turning (lathe work) next month, for persons who want to learn a new skill.       

Participants will be instructed in basic craft methods of wood crafting and lathe work using Barbadian mahogany and will also be taught how to make candle holders, face masks, wall plaques and cutlery.

Classes will be held from November 18 to December 18, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Unit 2B, Building No.2, Pelican Industrial Estate, Princess Alice Highway, and St. Michael.

Persons interested in wood carving and sculpture and lathe work may register at the BIDC, also located on the Princess Alice, Highway, St. Michael from Monday, November 3.

More information on registration may be obtained by calling telephone number 426-0766.

Barbados has expressed an interest in establishing a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTA) with Japan.

Barbados and Japan established diplomatic relations on August 29, 1967

Prime Minister, The Hon. David Thompson

Born on Christmas Day 1961, the same year that the Rt. Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, many years later his mentor, became the Premier of Barbados, it was as if David Thompson was destined for great things and high office.

The third child of Barbadians, Margaret and Charles Thompson, his early childhood spanned London in Britain, where he was born, and Barbados where he was nurtured and schooled.

He received his primary teaching at the St. Gabriel’s Junior School before proceeding to Combermere School for his secondary education. It was while at Combermere that he displayed and developed his considerable intellectual abilities. It was also there that he excelled in the cut and thrust of debate and public speaking.

Indeed, he came to prominence and public attention as the leading panelist for his alma mater, in the then popular secondary schools’ television debates – Understanding.

That forum and his active membership of the youth arm of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) of Mr. Barrow, virtually catapulted him into the national limelight and he was seen as a future leader bequeathed to Barbados by Mr. Barrow.

David Thompson completed his secondary schooling at Combermere, securing a Barbados Exhibition in 1979. He returned and taught at his alma mater for a year before entering the Law Faculty of the University of the West Indies where he read for a degree, graduating with honours in 1984.

He then pursued the Legal Education Certificate at the Hugh Wooding Law School of the University of the West Indies in Trinidad. That prepared him for his chosen and natural profession. He further honed his legal and oratorical skills at the feet of Errol Barrow Q. C. whose law firm, Trident Chambers, he joined in 1986. There, he rubbed shoulders with some of the other legal luminaries of the day: Asquith Phillips Q.C., George Moe Q.C., Carol Fields Q.C. and Philip Greaves Q. C.

Between 1986 and 1988, he served as a part-time tutor in law at the University of the West Indies. Following Mr. Barrow’s untimely death in 1987, he successfully contested the by-election in the constituency of St. John which he has represented ever since Mr. Thompson’s first Cabinet appointment was in 1991 when he was made Minister of Community Development and Culture.

His passion for and commitment to meaningful youth development, as well as his interest in culture, saw him in the vanguard in the establishment of the Barbados Youth Service and the Youth in Business Programme, as well as in the restructuring of the National Youth Orchestra.

From 1992 to 1993, he was switched to the Ministry of Finance as Minister of State, and between 1993 and 1994 he assumed full responsibility for that Ministry. During that time, he was responsible for restructuring the sugar industry and the offshore sector, monitoring the government’s successful stabilization programme with the International Monetary Fund and the structural adjustment programme that was implemented in 1993.

Often described as the consummate politician by his peers, David Thompson has also experienced the vicissitudes of electoral politics over 20 years. Always handsomely winning his own riding, and by overwhelming margins in all six attempts, he was, however, the leader of the Democratic Labour Party when it lost the general elections of 1994 and 1999.

Never one to be daunted by transient setbacks, he relinquished both positions of Leader of the Opposition (which he held from 1994) and the leadership of the DLP in 2003; but came back in 2006 as Opposition Leader and DLP President.

During the interregnum, he turned to his law practice, specializing in corporate, insurance, international business and property law. Prior to this, he had also established a law partnership that lasted from 1994 to 2000.

In short time, following his re-appointment as Leader of the Opposition in 2006, he set about putting his stamp on the DLP. The party regrouped, as he reinvigorated its rank and file and went on a relentless two-year campaign to restore the DLP as the political party of choice for the majority of Barbadians.  His efforts turned around the fortunes of the DLP and saw it regaining the reigns of power in January 2008 when it won 20 of the 30 parliamentary seats.

Little wonder that at age 46, Prime Minister David Thompson, Mr. Barrow’s protégé, is the sixth holder of the office since Independence. He also has ministerial responsibility for the portfolios of Finance, Economic Affairs and Development, Labour, the Civil Service and Energy.

Over the years, David Thompson has provided consultancy services to a number of regional and international organisations, including: the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the Caribbean Law Institute, the Caribbean Policy Development Centre and the CARICOM Secretariat.

In addition, he is involved at the local community level in several cultural and sporting organisations. Among his many affiliations are: PAREDOS, Barbados National Trust, Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Barbados Cricket Association, the UWI Guild of Graduates, Combermere School Old Scholars’ Association, Rontana Dance Movement, St. John’s Cultural Cricket Club, Sussex Cricket Club and Sonnets Football Club.

His bold and much acclaimed Families First programme, in his beloved St. John, is a pioneering initiative that aims to re-establish and re-assert the family unit as the paramount and core constituent in the overall development of communities.

An avid reader, with a near insatiable appetite for literature on people, politics and international affairs, he lists cricket, football, music and community activities as his hobbies, whenever time permits.

Prime Minister David Thompson is married to Marie-Josephine Mara, nee Giraudy, and they are the parents of three daughters – Misha, Oya and Osa-Marie.

Minister of Community Development and Culture, Steve Blackett, made this observation over the weekend after viewing the opening of the play Macbeth at the Frank Collymore Hall.

Citing local drama groups such as the Green Room Theatre, Stage One Productions and the Barbados National Theatre Workshop, that once held sway here, he said Barbados enjoyed an excellent tradition of “serious theatre”.

While the Minister acknowledged that Barbadian audiences had shown a preference for the lighter, satirical comedy, he however opined that this could be due to a scarcity of “serious theatre” which had been hindered by prohibitive costs and lack of sponsorship.

He revealed that his Ministry would seek to rekindle interest in “serious theatre” by urging a greater appreciation for dramatic literature and the formation of drama groups at both the primary and secondary schools.

To this end, Mr. Blackett said the Ministry of Culture would be collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development to identify strategies for promoting and sustaining the rudiments for theatre in the school setting.

“Drama must be integrated into the school curriculum and not just as an extra-curricular activity. Exposing children from a very young age, encouraging them to be involved in dramatic presentations must be regarded as critical,” he said.

Mr. Blackett stressed that while the Ministry would “do everything in its power” to ensure that refurbishment work on the Queen’s Park facility was completed as a matter of priority, the lack of performance venues in Barbados was still an issue.

“The reality is that we need the kind of state-of-the-art venue which offers seating capacity in excess of one or two thousand, rather than two to five hundred…This is a matter which my Ministry will be addressing in detail, so that a workable and effective decision can be taken on the best way to solve this pressing problem,” Minister Blackett noted.

Minister of Health, Dr. David Estwick, made this statement today as he addressed the opening of the Lions Club of Barbados’ Health Fair at Heroes’ Square, in observance of World Health Day, April 7.

In this respect, the Minister said: “It means that if health problems have shifted the response must also be different.

“The social, economic and personal factors, which influence behaviour in relation to chronic non-communicable diseases, are not responsive to a prescriptive, medically-oriented solution,” he said.

The Health Minister  contended that “a different set of approaches are required; those which have at their core an understanding of the context in which people live, work, learn and play”.

Moreover, it had been well established that “the availability, strength and type of support systems that exist in communities are central to helping people to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercising regularly and consuming nutritious foods”.

“This is important because snack foods are more accessible and affordable than fruit; and the motivation to walk around the Garrison may wane after a full day’s work,” he added.

Dr. Estwick lauded the organisers of the health fair, noting that the “Lions Clubs of Barbados are understood by the public as a ‘brand’, which will deliver a service of a high standard.

“The staging of the health fair is an indication that you have accepted your role alongside the public health sector, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and other service organisations to help improve the health and well-being of Barbadians,” he said.

The health fair was held under the theme for World Health Day, “Protecting Health from Climate Change”.

Scheduled to take place from April 21 to 23 at United Nations House, Marine Gardens, Christ Church, the meeting will address training in the areas of advocacy, governance and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). The various Ambassadors will also speak about their role in the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development as well as network with local youth leaders.

The forum will also provide an opportunity for the orientation of the Youth Ambassadors to their responsibilities. They are expected to discuss the benefits and opportunities available under the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme and their involvement in the refinement of the draft 2008-2010 Regional Strategic Framework.

Minister of Youth Affairs, Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo, will give the keynote address at Monday’s opening ceremony.

For approximately five weeks, this agency, through the Office of the Attorney General, will be examining the views and attitudes of the Barbadian population on crime, punishment and other matters of national interest.

NTFCP interviewers wearing identification badges will begin random face-to-face interviews with residents across the island from May 10, 2008.

An interviewer knocking on a person’s door will show an identification card bearing the name, Office of the Attorney General, and will ask the household to select one member, 18 years or older, for the interview.

The NTFCP appreciates the public’s cooperation in this “very important” survey, where all answers will be confidential and no individual will be identifiable in the research.

For further information, please contact the National Task Force on Crime Prevention at 436-4742/46/53.

According to the Minister, Senator Maxine McClean, this latest call is being made since failure by the visitors to voluntarily come forward is hampering arrangements being made to repatriate them as a single group.

She has also urged local residents who may be housing the visitors or know of their whereabouts to contact the Immigration Department as soon as possible at telephone numbers 426-9912, 426-0932, 426-1011 or 436-4881.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour, Senator Arni Walters

As Barbados prepares to promote the Decent Work agenda, there are a number of challenges with which it must grapple.

This was disclosed today by Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour, Senator Arni Walters, as he addressed the second Annual Labour Seminar at the Amaryllis Beach Hotel.

Minister Walters noted that these challenges included the effects of strikes, lock-outs and unresolved disputes resulting in the withdrawal of labour and losses which might be incurred on both sides; and the financial pressures placed on social security and welfare systems when employees become unemployed and have no immediate means of supporting themselves or their families. Senator Walters said they also included: “the adverse impact on employee productivity when employees become sick or are injured due to unsafe and unhealthy conditions of work; and the social tensions which could arise in the workplace as our labour force becomes increasingly diversified.”

In light of these obstacles, he stressed that consideration should be given to “the fact that Barbados existed in a volatile and uncertain global environment in which there are certain factors over which it has little or no control”.  In this respect, he alluded to the rising price of oil, wheat and grains; the new paradigm in search of renewable energy sources including shortages of food staples worldwide; inflation and its effect on disposable income which in turn puts pressure on companies to pay their employees higher levels of remuneration; and increased competition for local employment opportunities.

Stating that the challenges called for a combination of various economic and social responses, Mr. Walters said the Ministry of Labour and the Civil Service was “preparing the labour force to meet its maximum potential”.  He said his Ministry had been agitating for decent work elements to be incorporated into the Barbados National Strategic Plan 2006-2025; and had been proactive in spreading the decent work message to segments of the labour force through a series of workshops with the tourism sector.  

“Decent Work” as a concept was put forward by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 1999. It is defined as “productive work in which rights are protected, which generates an adequate income, with adequate social protection”. It also means sufficient work, in the sense that all should have full access to income-earning opportunities. 

In addition, it “marks the high road to economic and social development, a road in which employment, income and social protection can be achieved without compromising workers’ rights and social standards”.

At an ILO-sponsored Caribbean Employment Forum, held here in 2006, representatives from several CARICOM member states adopted the “Tripartite Declaration and Plan of Action for Realising the Decent Work Agenda in the Caribbean.”  At that forum, countries resolved to formulate Decent Work Programmes to advance decent work priorities in national development agendas.

Acting Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Patrick Todd, who is also representative for the City, will lead a six-member team on the tour, which will begin from the Cheapside Market at 11:30 a.m.

Minister Todd, who will be fully briefed by senior civil servants prior to the tour, is anxious to meet with and receive a first-hand account of the vendors’ concerns, and assure them of Government’s support. Following the tour, the officials are expected to speak with members of the media.

Other officials participating in the tour will be: Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Frederick Forde; Deputy Permanent Secretary, Patson Alleyne; Manager of Markets, Henderson Greaves; Senior Superintendent, Israel Kirton; and Project Director, Wayne Baker.

According to Minister of Housing and Lands, Michael Lashley, in a recent interview, the reason for the SJPP’s keen interest in the programme is “to expose its students to a more practical hands-on experience, as it relates to the construction industry.

“The Affordable Housing Programme will offer opportunities for the Ministry of Housing and Lands to partner with key stakeholders in the housing and construction sector,” added Mr. Lashley.

The first phase of the scheme is planned for September this year.

This call has come from the Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Urban Development, under whose responsibility these Councils fall. A ministry official said it was important that many more Barbadians play a part in the formation of the Councils “since their establishment would assist them and Government to work together to solve local problems” and would allow them to have a say in how their constituencies are organised and run. 

By September this year, six of the Constituency Councils should be created, with the remaining 24 following soon after. 

The remaining town meetings, running until June 29, will be held on Sundays at 4:45 p.m. and on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.  They are as follows:  Sunday, June 8, Princess Margaret School, Six Roads, St. Philip; Wednesday, June 11 - Lester Vaughan School, Cane Garden, St. Thomas; Sunday, June 15 - Alleyne School, Belleplaine, St. Andrew; Wednesday, June 18 - Alexandra School, Queen’s Street, Speightstown, St. Peter; Sunday, June 22 - Grantley Adams Memorial School, Blackmans, St Joseph; Wednesday, June 25 - St. George Secondary School, Constant, St. George; and Sunday, June 29 - St. Christopher Primary School, St. Christopher, Christ Church.

Further information on the town hall meetings and the Constituency Councils may be obtained by calling the Ministry at 310-1600.

That is the word from General Manager of the National Conservation Commission (NCC), Keith Neblett, who said that 11 persons were currently undergoing basic training in lifeguard procedures.

The three-month training programme began in mid-July and the trainees will be exposed to a number of areas, including lifeguard theory and practice, lifeguarding techniques, lifeguarding and first-aid skills and the equipment used by lifeguards.

Mr. Neblett stressed that this training is being undertaken in an effort to make the beaches safer for Barbadians and tourists alike. “Over the years, we have put in place a number of systems to protect beach users. In addition to the warning signs we have erected, we regularly upgrade the skills of our lifeguards.”

“The Lifeguard Service undertook specialised and in-service training to prepare lifeguards for the summer holiday and the Crop Over season. Some beaches, for example, Enterprise, Browne’s Beach, Batts Rock, Folkestone, Bath and Rockley beaches have been strengthened, with the placement of more manpower to monitor the beaches to meet the increased demand,” he disclosed.

However, the NCC official advised beach users to swim only at lifeguard supervised beaches and obey the instructions of the personnel there. He reminded all persons that the yellow and red flags also served as warnings and they should be followed.

In addition, the General Manager appealed to bathers to refrain from over indulgence of alcohol when taking a swim, stressing that it dehydrates the body. “Avoid heat-related illnesses by being sun smart and use sun block, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, wear hats and sunglasses when in the sun and sit in shaded areas where possible. Diabetics should ensure that they take their medication to prevent any emergencies that may arise, for example, insulin shock,” he said.

Mr. Neblett further cautioned the public to desist from chasing beach balls when they have been carried out to sea by the wind or current and not to swim between power boats and jet skis so as to avoid injuries. He stressed that boat and jet ski operators should keep their vessels away from beach users and swimmers at all times.

There are 89 lifeguards who monitor 17 beaches around the island.

The project, which will involve dogs that have been impounded at the Centre and the Leptospira Laboratory, is scheduled to begin on August 11 and should last for approximately three weeks.

Cutaneous larval migran, a parasite found in dog faeces, is currently on the increase in Barbados. The eggs of the parasite are shed by infected dogs in the faeces and hatch within 48 to 72 hours in warm, moist soil. These eggs will proceed to develop into the infective second stage (larva) within a week.

In a recent release by the Ministry of Health, individuals were urged to desist from walking bare-foot in areas where cats and dogs frequent, since they could become infected when bare skin is exposed to the larva within animal faeces. Such areas would include beaches, sand heaps, cellars, basements and open lots.

If the parasite is contracted, persons would notice the presence of superficial tunnels (resembling a termite trail found around a building), in the areas where the skin was exposed to contaminated sand or soil. This would be coupled with reddish papules (ruptures with pus) at the invasion of the site, which would provoke intense itching and scratching.

Owners exercising dogs on the beaches and highways of Barbados, must remove any excrement and dispose of it properly, to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Health. De-worming of family pets should also be a priority, as these two methods would prove effective in preventing the spread of this disease. (MB)

“I sought to make a valuable contribution to agriculture and to livestock in particular and I believe that I have done so,” a modest Mr. Hunte said a few days before his scheduled retirement leave.

“I am happy to have served the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.  I gave of my best and have always been cognisant of the fact that it was the taxpayers who educated me,” he added.

Mr. Hunte, a career public servant, who retires on October 1, joined the Ministry on July 15, 1974, as a Senior Agricultural Assistant (Livestock Extension and Development), where he was assigned to the Livestock station at the Pine, St. Michael.

His contribution, over the years, to the development of the livestock sector, and the Barbados Black Belly Sheep, in particular, was paramount. In this regard, the scope of his work dealt with issues of livestock management and improving the genetic qualities of the local sheep. He has been the author of numerous scientific publications and a number of technical papers in animal sciences.

The senior manager’s   specialised training took him as far away as Israel, where he received training in Intensive Dairy Cattle Production and Extension Methods as well as Livestock Extension. He also worked extensively with the United States-based University of  Lincoln  on a number of  production and meat studies  aimed at improving the meat quality  and nutritional value of the Barbados Black Belly Sheep.

Mr. Hunte’s contribution to the Ministry was recognised at an early stage and after only three years of tenure, he was promoted to the post of Agricultural Officer. Five years later in 1982, he was again promoted, this time to the post of Senior Agricultural Officer, where he assumed responsibility for the Extension Services Department.

After a 10-year stint supervising the Extension Unit, he was elevated to his current post of Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer in 1992, with a portfolio which spans Livestock Research and Development; Soil Conservation; Extension Services; Agricultural Information Services and the General Agricultural Services Unit. From all indications he has governed firmly, but fairly. During that period, he acted as Chief Agricultural Officer on a number of occasions, one stint lasting as long as two years. He also had two short stints acting as Permanent Secretary.

“Mr. Hunte has been a very strong manager, very forthright. His integrity is of the highest order; he is a total professional in his work,” Chief Agricultural Officer, Barton Clarke, said of Mr. Hunte, who is one of his two deputies.

Speaking fondly of an obviously valuable member of his management team,    Mr. Clarke also credited Mr.Hunte with “overseeing the professional development of a number of young scientists during his career.”

“He possesses what I call a very firm management style. He has demonstrated an ability to make tough decisions and has always given excellent, impartial and professional advice. I have enjoyed working with him and he has been my greatest supporter as Chief Agricultural Officer. He’s a really good guy, I’m going to miss him,” Mr. Clarke added.

Central to his duties as Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer, has been his oversight for, and coordination of, several major projects including the annual World Food Day observations and the National Agricultural Conference, the latter which he recently successfully concluded.

In  reflecting on  the Conference,  which was held on July 14 – 15, Mr. Hunte, who  is the outgoing Chairman of the Organizing Committee, had positive words for the event which attracted some 140 participants including scientists, ministry officials and academics from the region and further afield.

“I am pleased with the outcome; this year’s conference was a marked improvement over the previous year. Feedback from the various participants has been very positive and persons suggested that it was well received. The standards of the two lead papers were high, and that trend continued throughout the two days of the conference,” he said.

In reflecting on his diverse tenure, Mr. Hunte said that he was happy to have been of service to his country and expressed gratitude at having benefitted from two academic scholarships to pursue higher education. The first, the John R.  Bovell Scholarship which was conferred in 1971, and the Commonwealth Scholarship (UK Awards) in 1980, allowed him to read for the degrees of Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agriculture and Master of Science (MSc) in Tropical Animal Health and Production at the St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies and the University of Edinburgh, respectively.

Bringing down the curtain on what has been a deeply rewarding and fulfilling career, Mr.Hunte is poised to embark on a higher service.

“I feel a general call to Church Ministry, and it is there that I will be focusing my energies,” he explained.

The member of the Hillaby Nazarene Church, who also holds a Diploma in Theology from the Barbados Bible College, says that after some much-welcomed rest, he will be embarking on a Masters degree in Church Ministry with a view to ministering in the area of teaching.

“People often tell me that I am called to preach and that I should be a Pastor, but I truly believe that my call is in the teaching Ministry. It is bittersweet but it is time to go,” he concluded with his trademark smile.