Labour of Love - Barbados Investment and Development Corporation

Market Development
The
French
Connection
Bid to Boost Trade with
Caribbean Neighbours
The Barbados Investment & Development
Corporation (BIDC) is targeting the French Caribbean
islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe for greater exploration
of trade.
During May 2010, the BIDC conducted market research in these
two French overseas departments to identify opportunities for
increased trade and investment. And the research findings indicate
considerable potential for select Barbadian goods.
Considerable interest was shown in Barbadian biscuits, juices, soya
bean oil, condiments and sauces, rum cake, T-shirts and polo shirts,
commercial uniforms, swimwear, solar water heaters, decorative
paints, trophies and prefabricated metal structures within the two
markets. And to capitalise on the interest shown, the Corporation is
moving to organise a trade mission to the French territories within
the next few months.
The BIDC has compiled comprehensive reports on the two
territories which can assist Barbadian companies in making sound
business decisions on: whether or not to enter the markets;
whether their product is likely to require further development before
launching in the markets; how the product could be supplied to
the markets; and how the product could be promoted within the
markets. The reports outline all packaging, labelling, quality standards
and sanitary and phyto-sanitary requirements which have to be met
to gain market entry, and provides useful insight into doing business
with the French-speaking territories. The research findings were
derived from in-market interviews with importers, distributors and
key business support organisations in both islands.
Successful penetration of these
territories could therefore serve as
a gateway to the wider EU region.
Barbadian companies looking to trade with Martinique and
Guadeloupe can expect to benefit from duty-free access under the
CARICOM/European Union Economic Partnership Agreement
(EPA). As French overseas departments, Martinique and Guadeloupe
are considered part of the European Union (EU).
Successful penetration of these territories could therefore serve as a
gateway to the wider EU region.
France and other countries within the EU are the main trading
partners of both Martinique and Guadeloupe. But given the close
proximity of Barbados to these islands, it is expected that Barbadian
manufacturers would enjoy some competitive advantages over them.
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
3

Barbados Business Catalyst April - June 2010 Vol. 6 #2
The French Connection - Bid to Boost Trade
Table of Contents
About the BBC
Editorial - Trade Shows, Expos & Conferences
CEO’s Desk
Barbados’ Sustainable Development Policy Initiatives
Green Business Incentives
Green Business Barbados
Inktech - Giving New Life to Printer Cartridges
Sinnfully Sweet Creations
Earth Mother’s Labour of Love
Went Caribbean
In the Winner’s Row
The BIDC is Going Green
Limited Resources, Limitless Imagination
Why Waste Your Waste
Regional Design Initiative
BBC Notebook
Energy Drive Gets Mega Boost
Ecoscope
Tradescope
ManuFacts
ManuFacts
On the cover:
Renewable energy logo by Paul Massiah, BIDC Design.
3
4
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
25
26
28
29
30
32
33
34
35
PG. 18
EARTH MOTHER’S
LABOUR OF LOVE
Disclaimer:
Some of the views expressed in this
publication are the views of the writers
and not necessarily those of the BIDC.
© 2010 BIDC.
The BARBADOS BUSINESS CATALYST
is published quarterly by the Research, Information
and Design Services Division of the Barbados
Investment & Development Corporation.
It offers information and advice on trade and
commercial issues to the business community.
Information contained herein may be reproduced
if accredited to the BIDC. Items of interest to
local manufacturers, exporters, entrepreneurs and
potential investors are welcome.
Editor:
Jane Brome, Email: jbrome@bidc.org
Editorial Team:
Sonja Trotman, Email: strotman@bidc.org
Fern Gooding, Email: fgooding@bidc.org
Ecoscope Coodinator:
Paula Bourne, Email: pbourne@bidc.org
Design & Layout:
G&A Communications Inc. Cnr. Harts Gaps &
Hastings Main Road, Christ Church.
Tel: (246) 437-2214; Fax: (246) 228-5204;
E-mail: info@gadesign.com.bb
Printed By:
COT Caribbean Graphics, #16 Newton Industrial Estate, Christ Church.
Tel (246) 420 8550 • Fax (246) 420 8555 Email: sales@cot.com.bb
PG. 16 PG. 20
Entrepreneur’s Forum:
Sinnfully Sweet Creations
Went Caribbean:
All’s Going Well-ness for
Went Caribbean
PG. 14 PG. 22
Inktech:
Giving new life to printer cartridges
In the Winner’s Row:
BMEX 2010 Awardees
4 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Editor’s Desk
By Jane L. Brome
The notion of sustainable
development was
launched two decades
ago, and quickly attracted a broad
following worldwide. Sustainable development was touted as a
means to organise economic development in a way that would
address the challenges of poverty and social exclusion while ensuring
the health of the planet.
Barbados was heavily involved in the early endeavours and in
April 1994, hosted the Global Conference on the Sustainable
Development of Small Island Developing States in which 125
countries participated. The major conclusion of that conference
was that sustainable development was the only logical and acceptable
future, and the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable
Development of Small Island Developing States was adopted to help
bring it about.
A sober assessment of developments ever since then must however
conclude that we have failed to make any substantial headway in
developing a sustainable future. And yet sustainable development
remains the only acceptable future for us all. If we are to achieve it,
or even advance significantly towards it, we will have to drastically
change our approach. We will have to take steps to ensure that
economic policy - like trade, investment or tax policy - offers strong
incentives to behave in ways that support sustainability. And we will
have to accept that sustainability will require not an adaptive set of
changes but rather changes that are transformative.
The combination of recent economic crises and the series of looming
environmental threats make it imperative that we aggressively pursue
this endeavour. In this issue we take a look at Barbados’ pursuit of
sustainable development.
Trade Shows, Expos and Conferences
August 5-7, 2010, Inaugural Diaspora Conference
This inaugural conference, which is being coordinated by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs is aimed at ensuring that Barbadians living overseas can make a
contribution to the development of the Barbadian society. Under the theme
Strengthening the Bonds that Unite Us, this conference, which is also being
referred to as the Barbados Network Consultation, will bring several topics
into the spotlight. Scheduled for the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, topics to
be discussed will include Tourism Development and the role of the Overseas
Barbadian; Philantrophy, Investment Opportunities; Cultural Industries, and
Returning to the Rock. It is hoped that this event will be held biennially for
Barbadians who are keen to learn of Government’s plans for nationals in the
Diaspora. It is also for those eager to get involved in the future development of
their island state.
CONTACT: www.foreign.gov.bb
September 16-19, 2010, Furniture Expo
The BIDC is partnering with the BMA to host a furniture expo. The event,
which is scheduled for the Lloyd Sandiford Centre, will showcase Barbadian
furniture as well as interior design and crafts to buyers only over a three day
period. It is expected that the event will draw interest from both the local and
overseas commercial segments.
CONTACT: E-mail: bidc@bidc.org
October 3-5, 2010, ICSTE 2010
The International Conference on Software Technology and Engineering
(ICSTE 2010) will be held in Puerto Rico during October 3-5, 2010.
The main objective of ICSTE 2010 is to provide a platform for researchers,
engineers, academicians as well as industrial professionals from all over the
world to present their research results and development activities in Software
Technology and Engineering. This conference provides opportunities for the
delegates to exchange new ideas and application experiences face to face, to
establish business or research relations and to find global partners for future
collaboration.
CONTACT: http://www.icste.org/
February 25-27, 2011, Agrofest 2011
Registration is now open for exhibitors and vendors interested in taking part
in next year’s Agrofest. According to an official at the Agrofest Secretariat,
persons who would like to participate in the 2011 agricultural exhibition can
come in and register to secure their booth space.Registration can be done at
the Agrofest Secretariat, C/o Barbados Agricultural Society, “The Grotto”,
Beckles Road, St. Michael, from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9:00
a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
CONTACT: Tel: (246) 436-6683/84 • E-mail: agrofest@caribsurf.com
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
5

CEO’s Desk
Developing a
Sustainable
Future
for
Barbados
By Wilbur “Basil” Lavine
Sustainable
development speaks
to a blending of
environmental, social and
economic opportunities
that strives to meet the
needs of the present,
without compromising
the ability of future
generations to meet
their own needs.
It has for more than a
decade been occupying
the attention of
Government and the
BIDC, as an agency
of government, is
committed to this vision.
Given our special responsibility for manufacturing and
entrepreneurial development, the BIDC has been tracking with
great interest, the emergence of the green economy as a central
pillar of sustainable development efforts. This new ethos, with
its shifting emphasis from conventional natural resources to
renewable solutions, is creating demand for a whole new range
of products and services. It offers much potential for economic as
well as environmental benefit. But more specifically, it may at the
same time further enhance the manufacturing sector’s capacity
to increase productivity and reduce costs, while contributing to
both economic and environmental performance.
Inherent in the notion of the green economy is the pursuit of
eco-efficiency. The term eco-efficiency was coined by the World
Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and
is based on the concept of creating more goods and services,
while using fewer resources and creating less waste and
pollution. According to the WBCSD, critical aspects of ecoefficiency
are: a reduction in the material intensity of goods or
services; a reduction in the energy intensity of goods or services;
What is needed is a commitment to
pioneering new technologies, shifting
resource policies and a new ethnic of
environmentally responsible behaviour.
reduced dispersion of toxic materials; improved recyclability;
maximum use of renewable resources; greater durability of
products and increased service intensity of goods and services.
All this translates into increased resource productivity, reduced
production costs and the creation of competitive advantages.
It also provides fertile ground for new product development.
Our own analysis has indicated that there are a plethora of
investment opportunities in pursuing eco-efficiency, spurred
6 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

CEO’s Desk
by the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and
renewable energy solutions, particularly in the areas of
construction, transport, manufacturing, waste and water
management. Barbados has already scored pioneering firsts in
this regard, having established itself as home to the region’s
first solar powered house, having commanded major status as
a player in the solar water heating industry and having proven
the scope of possibilities with solar drying technology and solar
powered transport shuttles and cars. But there is latitude to go
even further into eco-conscious innovation given the increasing
demand for energy efficient improvements to lighting and cooling
for all types of buildings, the growing desire to construct solar
and wind-powered plants and the rising popularity of hybrid
vehicles. Within the agriculture and food processing sector,
there is a growing preference for high-quality food products
with potential benefits for health. This therefore supports
the formulation and marketing of new functional foods like
nutraceuticals to satisfy the expanding health conscious consumer
base. Nutraceuticals, a term derived from combining the words
“nutrition” and “pharmaceuticals”, are food products that
provide health and medical benefits, including the prevention and
treatment of disease. Such products may range from nutrients,
dietary supplements and specific diets, to genetically engineered
foods, herbal products, and processed foods such as cereals,
soups, and beverages.
And then there are the opportunities in packaging which have
emerged with the growing insistence on new packaging that
minimises environmental impact with reduced wastage and
energy use, that promotes recyclability and that is far less likely
to end up as toxic litter.
In line with Government’s commitment to transforming Barbados
into a green economy, these are the areas that we would wish
to promote as the new engines of national economic growth.
It is our aim to encourage the development of export-focused
green products and technologies as a means of boosting foreign
exchange earnings and to promote investments intended to
achieve greater energy efficiency.
As we strive towards a more viable and sustainable future for
manufacturing, what is needed is a commitment to pioneering
new technologies, shifting resource policies and a new ethic of
environmentally responsible behaviour. The BIDC is cognisant
that we must lead by example. It is imperative that our own
decision-making processes and operations incorporate the
principles of sustainable development and, at the same time,
demonstrate good practices to Barbadians. Already we have
made some attempts to control the impact of our activities on
the environment by adopting green procurement practices,
improving the management of waste and water, improving
energy efficiency and adopting best practices. We are also
working with companies in the productive sector to provide
them with the information they need to plan for the future and
adapt to change. Continuing in this vein, we are confident that it
is far more likely that the coming years will bring a higher quality
of life, a healthier environment, and a more vibrant economy
for all.
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
7

Sustainable Development Policy
Barbados’
Sustainable
Development Policy Initiatives
Barbados will shortly be undertaking a national assessment
of the effectiveness of existing policies and incentives to
promote sustainable consumption and production (SCP).
The Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources and Drainage
is currently seeking, via the National Sub Committee on
Trade and the Environment (NSCTE), to undertake a sectoral
assessment of ongoing SCP initiatives in Barbados as a means
of identifying opportunities for new incentive measures and
potential projects.
The overarching goal is to produce a report describing Barbados’
national activities on SCP, the main objectives of which are to:
Describe the current status of sustainable consumption and
production in Water, Energy, Waste, Construction, Transport
and Food production; Describe where possible what policy tools
exist (e.g. taxes and subsidies, other economic instruments and
trade policies); Describe where applicable any analytical tools
utilized e.g. life cycle analysis, indicators, technology impact
Review Session of this international sustainable development
conference, during which the focus was on a thematic cluster of
issues including: chemicals; waste management; mining; transport
and the Ten Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable
Consumption and Production Patterns.
As a precursor to developing global enabling mechanisms to
address the challenges associated with sustainable development,
the conference sought to review progress, highlight lessons
learnt, and where applicable, identify options for new policy
interventions. The deliberations at CSD-18 were aimed at
providing an opportunity to share experiences and develop
potential partnerships as it relates to hazardous waste
management for Barbados.
National reporting to the CSD is the key instrument through
which Barbados fulfils its mandate to review and monitor
activities undertaken by Governments to implement Agenda
21. Agenda 21 is a comprehensive blue print of action to be
The Barbados Sustainable Development Policy (BSDP) has as it’s overarching goal, ensuring the
optimization of the quality of life for evey person by ensuring that economic growth and development
does not occur to the detriment of our ecological capital.
assessment; Indicate where measures can be taken to improve
consumption and production patterns e.g. inter alia application
of regulations and incentives, investment incentives, emissions
regulations and standards, cleaner production, pollution
prevention and resource efficiency; and provide a list of possible
demonstration projects on the issue of sustainable consumption
and production in accordance with the information obtained.
News of the project is contained in the National Report to
the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development
(UNCSD), presented at the 4th Implementation Cycle of the
Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-18) conference
hosted May 3-14 this year in New York. Minister of the
Environment, Dr. Denis Lowe, headed a delegation to the
executed nationally, regionally and internationally by the United
Nations, national governments and major societal groups in
relation to all aspects of human impact on the environment. As
such, it covers social and economic factors regarding changing
consumption patterns, demographic dynamics, health and the
integration of the environment into decision making. It also
deals with protection and conservation issues and the means
of implementation of its recommendations through science,
education, technology transfer and financial mechanisms.
Barbados’ national report also outlined to the CSD, the major
constraints and challenges to effective mainstreaming of SCP in
the National Development Framework. It notes among these:
the absence of an integrated, multi-stakeholder governance
8 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Sustainable Development Policy
mechanism (It should be noted that Government is committed
to re-establish the National Commission on Sustainable
Development) as well as the need for: an instituted monitoring
and evaluation mechanism on SCP at the national level. It is
critical that a system of indicators be institutionalized with the
requisite technical and human resources; a dedicated subregional
institutional mechanism to support the implementation
of the Caribbean Sub-regional Action Plan on SCP; dedicated
international facilities in the area of technological and financial
resources to support implementation of SCP. It was proposed
at the 5th regional SCP meeting that SCP be integrated in the
Global Environment Facility as a cross-cutting issue; economic
instruments and other enabling mechanisms such as cleaner
production centers to support private sector involvement in SCP;
targeted educational programmes on SCP; an integrated research
programme; heightened involvement of Small Island Developing
States in the SCP process and the need to widen the economic
space within the Caribbean.
Despite these hindrances, Barbados is reporting significant strides
in pursuit of sustainable development. The report notes that
the Environment Division will soon commence an assessment
of success of implementation of the Barbados Sustainable
Development Policy. Conservative estimations however indicate
that over an 80% implementation rate has been achieved.
It was in 2002, the Barbados Sustainable Development Policy
(BSDP) was finalized by the National Commission on Sustainable
Development (NCSD) and the Environment Division. It was
approved by Cabinet in 2003 and was laid in Parliament in
January 2004.The BSDP has as its overarching goal, ensuring the
optimization of the quality of life for every person by ensuring
that economic growth and development does not occur to the
detriment of our ecological capital. It outlines five core principles
of sustainable development for Barbados namely; Quality of Life;
Conservation of Resources (specifically mentioning the Polluter
Pays Principle); Economic Efficiency, Equity and Participation.
Within the BSDP, sustainable development is defined as
“development which optimises the quality of life of every person
without over-exploiting natural and environmental assets and
services, or jeopardizing social and economic development.”
The application and pursuit of the Green Economy in Barbados
is also rooted in the country’s pursuit of sustainable development.
Inherent in this, is thrust towards greater resource efficiency,
reduction of waste and the expansion of multiuse and reuse
where economically and environmentally viable.
The BSDP document is divided into two main parts. The
first section centers on the policy aims and objectives, in
addition to placing the principles of sustainable development
within a Barbadian context. The second part presents an
Action Plan. It articulates detailed policy recommendations
supporting sustainable development but which are focused on
specific sectors. These areas include: Fresh Water Resources;
Transportation; Agriculture; Terrestrial Biodiversity Including
Forestry Fisheries; Energy; Biotechnology; Research &
Development; The Built Environment; Land Resources;
Natural Resources; Education & Training; Waste Management;
Regional Cooperation; Concessions & Incentives; Human
Health, Well Being & Poverty; Gender; Population; Disaster
Management; Coastal & Marine Preservation; Consumption
Patterns; Implementation & Legislation; Indicators for Sustainable
Development and Sustainable Tourism Development.
The Environment Division of the Ministry of the Environment,
Water Resources and Drainage acts as the focal agency for
collecting, disseminating and reporting on issues pertaining
to sustainable development both locally and internationally.
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
9

Investment Incentives
GREEN
BUSINESS
INCENTIVES
If you ever thought about becoming an innovator
or entrepreneur offering environmentally-friendly
products, services or renewable energy options,
now might be a good time to make a move.
Government has enacted several pieces of legislation
to encourage investment in this sector and now
provides a number of tax incentives from which you
may stand to benefit. These incentives translate not
only into substantial cost savings but also encourage
sales of “green” products and services by making them
more affordable to consumers – that is good news
either way for investors!
Where “green business” is the mainstay of the business
itself, incentives are available within the Barbados
Income Tax Act. Under section 12 of the Act,
companies which have incurred capital expenditure in
respect of machinery or plant are allowed to claim an
initial allowance of 20% of such expenditure.
However certain green business activities may be
entitled to an investment allowance. For example,
the use of recycled plastics to produce new plastic
products by a company could entitle it to claim an
investment allowance of 20% of the expenditure
incurred in respect of machinery or plant. The benefit
of claiming the investment allowance is that unlike the
initial allowance, it is not deducted from the cost of
the asset for the purposes of determining the annual
tax depreciation.
As Government moves towards its
goal of transforming Barbados into a
green economy, it is expected that
additional incentives will come on
stream.
Additionally, for companies manufacturing “green
products”, they are allowed to claim an annual
allowance on 150% of the capital expenditure for the
assets used in the business.
Government has also sought to assist companies keen
on engaging environmentally sound practices in their
operations. Under section 12E.10 of the Income Tax
Act companies seeking internationally recognized
environmental certification as a testimony of their ecofriendly
actions, can now claim a deduction of 150%
of the expenditure incurred in an income year for the
purpose of acquiring the certification. This extends to
ISO 14000 certification for manufacturing firms; the
Green Globe programme certification or its equivalent
for tourism organisations and the Leadership in
10 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Investment Incentives
Compacted plastic bottles being made ready for recycling.
Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) certification or its
equivalent for firms in the building industry. This is intended
to alleviate the usually high costs associated with acquiring the
standard requirements and to make the certification more
affordable to companies, which can in turn use it as a means of
promoting their products and services.
Under section 12C1 of the Income Tax Act, companies are
also entitled to a deduction of a maximum of $3 500 in respect
of expenses incurred in installing a water storage facility on a
commercial building.
It was announced in the 2008 Budgetary and Financial Statement
that individuals and businesses will now be entitled to claim
an Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Deduction
allowance of a maximum of $5,000 per year over each of five
years to cover the cost of an energy audit and 50% of the cost
of retrofitting a residence or building or installing a system to
produce electricity from a source other than fossil fuels.
This applies to businesses whether incorporated or
unincorporated. Government has also reduced import duty
payable on materials that promote energy efficiency by keeping
buildings cooler. Materials such as thermal barriers, roof
insulation, window tint, and ceramic roof coatings have been
classified as “energy efficient systems/components” and now
attract an import duty of 5%, down from the previous 20%.
Under Part II B item 87 of the Customs Tariff, various items of
wind turbines, photovoltaic components and systems, bio-fuel
systems, hydropower systems, solar thermal systems, wave
or tidal power systems, fuel cell systems and geothermal
heat pump systems are exempted from import duty
(20%) and environmental levy, on the basis of
ministerial approval. The need for ministerial
approval in each and every instance no longer
applies and these items now automatically enjoy
the concession from the Customs Department.
In addition to the duty free importation of these alternative
energy systems, new legislation was proposed to enable
independent power producers to produce electricity from
renewable sources which can be sold to Barbados Light & Power
at rates set by the Fair Trading Commission.
To encourage use of transport systems which utilise alternatives
to fossil fuels, some special concessions now apply. Hybrid
vehicles, solar energy vehicles, compressed natural gas and LPG
vehicles now attract an excise tax at a fixed rate of 20%, a rate
far lower than that of regular cars.
As Government moves towards its goal of transforming Barbados
into a green economy, it is expected that additional incentives
will come on stream. In support of its own environmental
programmes, Government recently announced an increase
in the environmental levy from 1.5% and 2% to 2% and 3%
respectively. This tax, which was only applicable to imported
goods, will now apply to both imported and locally produced
goods. The rate of environmental levy on both new and used
cars was standardized and will now be fixed at the rate of $1,500
per vehicle.
Contains excerpts from Green Business Tax Incentives,
Barbados Tax Alert by Ernst & Young.
The Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle was recently
launched in Barbados.
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
11

Green Certification
The Future Centre Trust (FCT) has launched a major
initiative that is destined to bring Barbados closer to
becoming a green economy.
It comes in the form of the Green Business Barbados
programme.
Coordinator Lani Edghill gave the Barbados Business Catalyst
some insight into the initiative, which was awarded grant
financing in May this year from the Ministry of the Environment.
She explained that through this programme, companies will get
the opportunity to be part of a truly green revolution which will
ensure that green business practices will become the rule, rather
than the exception. Green Business Barbados, she said, provides
the country with a realistic and true contribution to the reduction
of its ecological footprint. It will promote and create a change in
generational thinking which will be of direct benefit to business,
and in turn the population of this country.
Edghill said Barbados has the opportunity, with this project, to
show the world we are taking serious interest in reducing its
carbon and ecological footprint. “Not just taking an interest,
but taking action as we, through this same process, implement
adaptation measures to the impacts of climate change on the
region. By creating a truly green economy, we become the
forerunners and the examples of how we can choose to ensure
the sustainability of our country,” she added.
Programme Components
The programme, which will award green certification to
participating companies is comprised of five major components.
Edghill explained that these components were developed based
on existing green business programme standards from all over
the world. These standards, she added, had been localised
through consultation with a Technical Advisory Committee and
were based on affordable and attainable options for large and
small businesses alike in the local business community.
The five components of the project are:
• Waste Reduction & Recycling- which focuses on options
available to reduce consumption;
• Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy Developmentwhich
focuses on reducing reliance on unsustainable energy
sources and the creation of new habits to reduce consumption.
• Pollution Control & Management- which addresses the
need for businesses and organisations to consider more their
emissions and their direct impact on the physical environment.
• Water Conservation- which addresses issues related to the
preservation of water resources and encourages organisations
to assess their water use practices and reduce consumption in
any way possible.
• Education and Outreach- The implementation of the above
four components would not be possible without human
behavioural change. Our current system is not set up to
allow for informed sustainable decisions to be made. Thus
changing behaviour and awareness on environmental, social
and economic issues can help to create an environment where
businesses, organizations and individuals alike feel a sense of
social and environmental responsibility.
“Not just taking an interest, but
taking action as we, through
this same process, implement
adaptation measures to the
impacts of climate change on
the region. By creating a truly
green economy, we become the
forerunners and the examples of
how we can choose to ensure the
sustainability of our country.”
Green Business Certification
Companies which wish to achieve green certification under
the programme are encouraged to contact the FCT. An initial
consultation with the organisation will be undertaken to
highlight the benefits and costs associated with the programme
and to assess parts already implemented within the business/
organisation. This will then lead to the creation of a Green
Strategy and Action Plan with business owner/director and green
team/representative. A further assessment of existing conditions
within the organisation is then conducted based on the five
component areas. A report is issued with recommendations
on areas where improvements can be made to meet the
programme requirements. There will be a period allowed for
implementation of requirements not yet attained, based on the
goals and objectives outlined in the plan and another assessment
is then undertaken. Based on the level of achievement, the
business is given a green business award. For those companies
not meeting the requirement for Green Business status after the
re-assessment, a green officer is assigned to work closely with
that company to make it happen. Staff training is a requirement
for all companies seeking to go green as well as the creation
of green teams and the appointment of a green team leader to
spearhead operation changes required.
Quarterly green business products, services and resource
updates are required and each participating company will need
to be reassessed every year in order to retain its Green Business
status.
12 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Green Certification
Green Business Benefits
In explaining the motivation behind encouraging companies to go
green, Edghill stated “Going green not only makes good business
sense, but can result in considerable savings through a reduction
in water and energy bills as well as a reduction in overall
consumption.”
When a company achieves compliance with the green business
standards, it receives a Green Business Barbados logo which can
be used in print and electronic marketing to compliment that
business’ corporate responsibility image. This affords companies
a marketing edge, making them more appealing to potential
customers who support socially and environmentally responsible
business organisations.
Companies certified under the programme will be listed in
the green business directory at www.BusinessBarbados.com,
one of the main supporters for creating a local green business
certification body and the marketing link for businesses who are
approved, or applying for approval in Barbados. They will also be
listed on the FCT website, www.futurecentretrust.org.
In March 2010 the British High Commission became the first
business organization to achieve the green business award and
was presented to the public on World Water Day, March 22nd
during the Green Reception hosted by the High Commission.
This award was given after four months of green business
assessment and implementation. This period was considered
a trial run and revealed a number of real world lessons. It also
allowed for the creation of partnerships with local companies
to provide environmentally friendly goods and services that are
required by the programme. It therefore has been creating new
business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses
who wish to provide environmentally friendly products and
services.
The FCT is hoping to make the Green Business Barbados
programme the leading one for Barbados and the wider
Caribbean region. In addition to private sector partnerships the
programme has also formed a partnership with the Ministry of
the Environment. This partnership recognizes the importance
of the project to sustainable development goals for the country
and the need for non-profits to assist government in the
implementation of some of these goals through such beneficial
projects. This partnership also helps to bridge the gap between
private and public realms in a cross sectoral fashion in order to
jump start the new green economy.
For more details please visit www.futurecentretrust.org or
log on to Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.
php?id=695275462&ref=profile#!/group.php?gid=1102283
75677829&ref=mf.
Coordinator Lani Edghill can be contacted at
lani@futurecentretrust.org
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
13

Green Business in Action
Inktech
giving
new life
to
printer cartridges
By Jane L. Brome
Increasing emphasis on green economics and creative frugality
has been creating business opportunities for entrepreneurs
who can anticipate trends and respond with smart solutions.
One such entrepreneur is Tom Fountain. He will shortly be
officially launching Inktech Inc., to remanufacture printer
cartridges using the most up-to-date technology with a policy
that minimises environmental impact.
Barbados generates an estimated 10 000 unit sales of printer
cartridges monthly, and according to Fountain, an estimated 3.6
tonnes of empty cartridges are disposed in the landfill annually.
With careful handling and proper
use, cartridges can be reused
between 6 and 12 times.
He noted that these cartridges contain plastics, metal and
electronics that don’t break down in landfills. Inktech is therefore
moving to encourage a greater number of persons to recognise
both the environmental and economic value of reusing cartridges.
According to Fountain, cartridge remanufacturing (an advanced
form of refilling) will not only reduce the amount of nondegradable
waste heading to the landfill but can save consumers
between 30% and 60% of the original manufacturers’ prices.
It will also encourage significant foreign exchange savings, given
the estimated $5 million spent annually on imported cartridges in
Barbados.
With careful handling and proper use, he said cartridges
can be reused between 6 and 12 times. Inktech is aiming to
support 80% of the inkjet cartridges sold in Barbados, and
will be constantly reviewing its product range as new models
emerge and market demand changes. The company can also
remanufacture cartridges outside of those it stocks on special
request and guarantees all the cartridges sold.
To clarify exactly how the remanufacturing process works,
Fountain explained that Inktech collects empty cartridges
from retailers and offices across the island. The company has a
mobile distributor service in place where it facilitates scheduled
collections of empties and delivery of refills simultaneously.
He explained, “It’s not like you wait while we refill the same
cartridge you bring in. We keep a buffer of finished cartridges in
stock, so you can purchase a remanufactured cartridge without
having to wait a few days to get back refills.”
Inktech distributes cartridges through a number of outlets in
Christ Church, St. Michael, St. James and St. Peter to facilitate
convenient purchases by individual customers and companies.
Fountain said their aim was to execute a ‘Cartridges For Cash’
programme, where businesses, schools, charities, groups and
individuals could be paid for cartridges collected. The company
14 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Green Business in Action
is offering a rebate of $1.50 when you exchange an empty
cartridge for a replacement Inktech cartridge. The cartridge
however must be in good condition and not previously
refilled (except by Inktech).
Fountain noted, “If the cartridge isn’t the same as the
one you’re buying, that doesn’t matter so long as it’s one
we sell. We’ll take other cartridges too, including toner
cartridges, but generally without paying a rebate.”
On exchange, the empty cartridge is cleaned, refilled with
compatible ink and tested to ensure it meets quality standards.
“We have pretty tight controls in place to ensure that we
produce a finished product that is of a quality close to a brand
new cartridge…we have done a number of tests and it’s really
hard to tell the difference between a brand new cartridge and a
re-manufactured one,” Fountain said.
The company is now test-marketing and Fountain reported a
positive response from all who have been using the products and
services. He has also been gaining referral business from clients
who have been using Inktech and spreading the word about it.
The company chief noted that they were not just getting into this
venture just to make money, stating, “While we have to make a
profit at the end of the day, we want to feel good about it.”
Inktech is therefore committed to manufacturing an
environmentally responsible product. Fountain explained,
One of the Inktech collection boxes in use at the
BIDC’s Small Business Centre.
“Our packaging minimises the waste others include with new
cartridges. We fit a clip to seal and protect the print head and
place it in a re-sealing, antistatic outer bag. We encourage
customers to reuse both the clip and the bag to protect the
cartridge while it is returned to us. There’s minimal packaging left
to throw in the trash.”
The company is also opting to utilise a network of existing
retailers, foregoing the need to invest resources in ‘brick &
mortar’ outlets so that it can focus on consistent processing
and minimise the environmental impact of its operations to
everyone’s benefit. Customers can also place orders online at
the Inktech website www.inktechbb.com where Fountain
explained “you can add the cartridges needed to ‘Your Cart’
but you don’t pay at this stage. For first-time buyers, we find
your nearest distributor, or you can choose the one you find
most convenient and they prepare your order. You just pay the
distributor for the goods as you receive them and hand in any
empties for the rebate.”
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
15

Entrepreneur’s Forum
Sinnfully Sweet
Creations
In each edition, we aim to showcase new and enterprising
Barbadian businesses. In sharing their success stories, we hope to
inspire the creation of an innovative and entrepreneurial culture
within the wider community. In this issue we put the spotlight on
Sinnfully Sweet Creations and its founder Tam-y-ko Ellis. Ellis is
a professional chocolatier certified by the School of Chocolate Arts,
Vancouver, Canada.
What’s the nature of your business?
Sinnfully Sweet Creations is an artisan chocolate and novelty/
celebration cake and pastry manufacturer.
When did you start the business?
Sinnfully Sweet Creations was born out of a love of good food
and a simple piece of chocolate in November 2006. The initial
focus was on sensuous miniature desserts and celebration cakes,
providing clients with a unique taste of what a Sinnfully Sweet
celebration could really be. Three years later, the first line of
chocolates – Island Gurlz Artisan Chocolates - was launched.
They are all island- inspired chocolates, carefully handmade in
small batches, using only the finest quality local, regional and
international ingredients. No preservatives are added and every
piece has the same attention to detail and flavour. Even the
names and flavours of the
chocolates are taken from
everything in the Caribbean
– the history and culture,
the spices, fruit and flowers,
and of course Barbados’
award-winning Rum!
Why did you choose to
start your own business?
I started my own business
because I’ve always loved
to bake and cook. It was
something instilled in me from childhood, especially being raised
in a family with my great grandparents, grandmother and mother
for guidance. Shortly after receiving my B.A. in Psychology &
Management (Hon.) in 2004, I was made redundant from a
long-term job. I bounced around from part-time job to part-time
job trying to find my niche, but what I really wanted was to find
something permanent that I loved doing. I was tired of putting
my all into someone else’s dream while I put my dreams on the
backburner. So I started looking around for culinary courses
abroad and I stumbled across a course like no other, one that
16 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Entrepreneur’s Forum
taught you how to make mouth-watering works of art out of
chocolate and the rest, as they say, is history.
What did it take to get the business started?
It took three years of research and number-crunching, to find the
perfect packaging, materials and specialised equipment. But the
hardest part was trying to find the capital needed to get started.
It was impossible to find a financial institution, government or
commercial bank, willing to take the chance on a new business
idea. I had more doors politely and not so politely slammed in my
face, than I care to remember. Finally a private lending institution
loaned us the capital to get started.
That money allowed
us to make the
minor, yet necessary
structural changes, to
create our production
and office space, as
well as purchase the
initial packaging, raw
materials and specialised
equipment needed to
get started.
With the help of the
BIDC Design Dept.,
notably Mr. Paul
Massiah, we were able
to come up with logos
for both the company and
the brand, along with professionally taken product photos, that
were then used in the advertising material that launched the
Island Gurlz Artisan Chocolate line in December 2009.
How has the market been responding to your products?
The market has responded very well to all of our products, cakes
and artisan chocolates alike. In the last year we’ve had
the privilege of creating mini desserts, celebration
cakes and artisan chocolates for several functions,
from intimate weddings to large-scale horse
racing events. Our artisan chocolate gift boxes
have even travelled as far as Spain.
Sealy in the May 25th issue. We were also featured in the Sunday
Sun’s Easy Magazine on the 13th June, 2010, in an article entitled
“Sinfully Sweet Taste” by Anesta Henry. This has led to even
more business opportunities.
What’s the one thing you would say your company does
better than others?
We do not compromise on the quality of our products. We
firmly believe that you can only create the best product by using
the best ingredients. Which is why everything we produce is
preservative-free and handmade in small batches from the finest
local, regional and international ingredients. With ever-growing
awareness of healthy lifestyles, we at Sinnfully Sweet Creations
take great pride in the fact that our chocolate line is made from
the finest Dark Couverture Chocolate on the market, thus
making one of the sweetest taboos better for you as well.
Are there any plans to enhance existing product lines or
introduce new products? What can we look forward to from
your company?
As a serious businessperson you have to be cognisant of your
clients’ needs and be willing to meet those needs. Yes we
will be introducing new products, especially where the Island
Gurlz Artisan Chocolate line is concerned. Our lady’s stiletto
shoe was a big hit at BMEX and we’ll be expanding that line
of hollow novelty chocolates to include other shoe styles and
complementing pieces. We will also be introducing a men’s
novelty chocolate line geared at recreational activities.
There is so much you can do with chocolate and I have so
many ideas, too numerous to elaborate on, but let’s just say the
chocoholic public will not be disappointed!
Sinnfully Sweet Creations is located at Wanstead Terrace,
St. Michael. For further information contact Managing
Director Tam-y-ko Ellis at Telephone: (246) 425-4250;
Email: sinnfullysweetcreations@hotmail.com
The BIDC afforded us the opportunity to
participate in this year’s BMEX Expo and crowd
response to the product was unbelievable! I’ll
admit I had my doubts about participating in the
expo but I am truly glad that I did because apart
from the favourable crowd response, it also gave
me the opportunity to network with individuals
and companies which have led to several special
projects.
Thanks to the exposure at the BMEX Expo,
Sinnfully Sweet Creations had the honour of being
on the cover of Barbados Today the May 24th
issue, as well as being featured again by Donna
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
17

Building a Sustainable Company
Earth
Mother’s
Labour of Love
Sustainable development is about promoting
economic growth while preserving environmental
quality. The essence of this form of development
is the ability to maintain a delicate balance between
human activities aimed at improving lifestyles and the
feeling of well-being on one hand, and the protection of
natural resources to ensure that we do not diminish the
prospects for future generations to enjoy a quality of life
at least as good as our own. It advocates the adoption of
lifestyles and development paths that respect and work
within nature’s limits.
For most, it is a concept that is hard to grasp. For Earth
Mother Botanicals Limited (EMB) however, it’s the
way of life it has embraced and practised to perfection.
The Barbados Business Catalyst visited Four Cross
Roads, St. John, where its office and production facility is
tucked within the cozy, rural community, for a first-hand
look at operations.
Earth Mother Botanicals Limited, celebrating 10 years in business
this year, produces an all-natural range of skin care products
and is credited with establishing the first botanicals company of
its kind in Barbados. As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amy
LeMay explained, “we have been doing things in a natural and
sustainable way from Day 1”. EMB products are manufactured
from organic herbs, fruits and flowers all indigenous to Barbados
and the majority grown right within the company’s own gardens.
No imported plants are used, a factor which LeMay said keeps
the lines authentically Caribbean.
The Solar Sparkle Sunbloc
Growing their own
plant materials, the
CEO stated, not only
gives them control
over “knowing exactly
what has gone into the
plant from the time it
is put into the ground,
harvested and put into
production”, but also
guarantees a top quality
final product. “From
the time plants are
cut, oxidisation begins.
The Earth element range on display at BMEX 2010, where
Earth Mother Botanicals was awarded for best booth design.
If we grow the plants here we can cut them and get them into
production within the hour and so we can retain the highest
potency possible,” she explained.
The gardening process itself is ecologically sustainable, employing
the use of permaculture and organic techniques to maintain a
chemical-free environment and minimise water use. Traditional
practices like harvesting by the moon are also engaged. No
chemicals are used to control weeds and pests. Instead they rely
on insects, creepy crawlers and plants. A rainwater catchment
system is in the works which will allow for water distilling and
reuse in the gardens. What EMB doesn’t grow, it sources locally,
chiefly from within the St. John community - farms at Redlands,
Upland, Lemon Arbor and Wakefield where organic agriculture is
also practised.
EMB’s manufacturing processes are also sustainable. Operations
Director, Sandra Weekes, said no chemical preservatives, colours
or artificial fragrances are added to the products. The plants are
combined with high quality oils and other natural food grade
ingredients. A lot of the mixing processes are done by hand or
by utilising only small appliances. There is therefore no heavy use
of electricity.
18 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Building a Sustainable Company
Within the blending process, Weekes said they strive to keep
in sync with nature, maintaining “a musical balance of high,
medium and low notes in each of the products” that is reflected
in their captivating scent. And, she added, the products are
blended and packaged to capture the universal elements in their
aromatherapy. Products grouped under the sun are energising
and reduce stress. Those under the earth element are calming,
promoting connection of the body, mind and spirit, while those
capturing the element of air are cooling and relaxing.
Those under fire stimulate circulation and brain activity; those
under water are cleansing, detoxifying and antibacterial while
those under the moon are relaxing and promote restful sleep.
Throughout the manufacturing process EMB keeps waste
generation to a minimum, with only one tall kitchen bag of
trash being sent to the landfill weekly. All glass, plastic, metal,
cardboard and paper are recycled and the remaining organic
waste is composted and put back into the garden. Raw materials
are purchased in large containers to minimise packaging waste.
Weekes said EMB also keeps its own product packaging to
a minimum and utilises mainly natural resources and items
handmade by local craftspersons. These include paper made
from West Indian Sea Island Cotton, sugar cane bagasse and
banana leaf by local artist Chris Ishmael; pottery containers made
by Hamilton Wiltshire of Hamilton’s Pottery and soap dishes
skillfully crafted from dried coconut shells by retired fisherman,
Carl Coppin. EMB is looking at taking its recycling efforts further
by encouraging customers to return their product containers for
reward and to bring their own containers for refilling.
All EMB products are formulated to comply with stringent
European Union quality standards for organics. That is the
highest international industry standard and as LeMay observed,
“having satisfied that, then we know we can meet all others”.
As demand for the products continues to grow, LeMay reflected
on what she described as “an interesting growth path” for the
company, which officially unveiled its first product line at the
Barbados Manufacturers’ Exhibition (BMEX) in 2000. Since then,
the number of employees has grown from two to eight and the
products have found their way into some of the top spas on the
island, including those at the Sandy Lane and Hilton hotels, the
Chakra Spa and Chateau de Beauté. They are also placed in
numerous hotels’ guest rooms like those at Peach & Quiet, Sea
U, Round House and several villas.
The products are retailed through leading outlets including
the Super Centre, Jordan’s and Trimart supermarkets and the
Best of Barbados gift shops. EMB also retails from its St. John
headquarters, and two kiosk locations at Sheraton Centre and
the airport departure lounge. EMB products are also retailed in
Europe, with distributors in the UK, Scotland and Wales. Some
are also exported to Canada and the US. LeMay said since
discovering the ample market opportunities within the US,
efforts would now be undertaken to expand export sales there.
The EMB line includes a clinical range with products like
the popular Bug Be Gone Cream. It’s an insect repellant
made from lemon grass and recommended even by local
Some of the soaps packaged
in handmade paper.
paediatricians as it is safe for use on infants. The Green Earth
Soothing Skin Salve has proven effective in treating eczema and
other skin irritations, and the Morinda Leaf Muscle & Joint Rub
is popular among persons suffering with arthritis, joint pain and
inflammation. LeMay said it is also bought by athletes, as it is
safe to use on broken skin. This product has no menthol or
other added essential oils that can cause irritation or burning
on the skin. There is also the Solar Eclipse Sunbloc which she
said has been tested and proven more effective than leading
chemical brands, and the Minty Cool Foot lotion and Neem
Nail Oil, now used in local podiatry. The range also includes
high-end goodies like the Barbados Black Belly Sheep Milk
and Molasses soap, touted as “a Bajan beauty secret”, and is
constantly expanding with new introductions. The newest is the
four-step Soca Breadfruit anti-aging facial line made of breadfruit
and pomegranate and packed full of antioxidants and other
nutrients. The line includes a facial scrub, clay mask, toner and
a moisturising cream. LeMay said it has received a very positive
response since its launch at BMEX in May this year.
Beyond building a sustainable company, EMB also believes in
building sustainable communities. And for this reason, Weekes
said the company has over the years worked closely with several
cultural and sporting associations and educational institutions.
These include the St. John Parish Independence Committee,
St. John Sonnets football team as well as the cricket team and
national volleyball team. The company donates a portion of
sales of its turtle-shaped, coconut shell packaged soaps to fund
the UWI Sea Turtle Project and works closely with local models
and designers. EMB also lends assistance to the Samuel Jackman
Prescod Polytechnic and hosts UWI student interns during
the semester breaks, teaching them the value of heritage and
traditional uses of plants and herbs.
Both LeMay and Weekes liken their dedication to maintaining an
eco-conscious enterprise to “a labour of love”. It is one from
which they have derived much satisfaction and the result -
a highly sought-after line of products that preserve traditional
knowledge, that are safe and effective is for them a fitting
reward.
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
19

Exploiting the Health & Wellness Niche
All’s going well-ness
for Went Caribbean
By Jane L. Brome
Went Caribbean Inc., a multi-faceted company
established by culinary entrepreneur Derek Went,
is moving to advance the health and wellness
options available in Barbados with a healthy
lifestyle support system that is inclusive of a range of products
and services.
Already, the enterprise has made significant headway. Chef
Went, in a wide-ranging interview with the Barbados Business
Catalyst said they have been successful in launching the
WentWorx line of natural herbs and spices and making it available
in 70 retail outlets across the island, inclusive of supermarkets,
mini-marts, convenience and health food stores as well as visitor
While he insists that he “doesn’t tell people
what to eat and what not to eat”, Went said
he is committed to helping everyone make
more informed choices about the connections
for producing health and wellness.
centres. He said Went Caribbean is now targeting the more
high-end boutique-style retail outlets at Barbados’ ports of entry
and the corporate gift market, with new gift packs that bundle
the spices with other high-quality, indigenous inputs. Efforts
are also well-advanced to launch the products into regional and
North American export markets through a joint venture shipping
arrangement with local conglomerate Goddard Enterprises.
The WentWorx line is an aromatic blend of natural herbs and
spices that are free of sugar, salt, MSG, preservatives or additives.
Went said the all purpose seasonings are all locally blended, with
the majority of the ingredients being traditional, such as garlic,
onion, parsley, cayenne, ginger, bayleaf, nutmeg and thyme
among many others. The line features five main products in
three sizes plus bulk poundage, each of which, he said, is custom
blended and taste-formulated to reflect “the creolization” of
new Caribbean cuisine. There is Island Heat for All Meats, Island
Treat for Poultry, Island Sweet for Vegetables, Island Street for
Seafood, and Island Beat for “The Works”.
The WentWorx blends are also fully intermixable to allow for
creative culinary exploration.
Chef Went revealed that he will be shortly making available a
CD of New Caribbean Cuisine recipes and other educational
information on how the spices can be used to create healthy,
easy-to-prepare meals. This project sees Went Caribbean
partnering with Barbadian band, Spice & Co. to create a ‘gift
pack’ that will include their CD “Born In Barbados”. As he
explained, “this unique gift pack will combine some of Spice’s
more popular songs with the WentWorx aromatic spice blends
and the recipes will all feature the names of their songs”.
The CD is expected on the market in time for the 2010 Crop
Over season and will be promoted as music and food to feed the
body and the spirit. “You can dance while you cook”! said Went.
Many of the new initiatives being undertaken by Went Caribbean
were made possible through funding from the Barbados
Entrepreneur’s Venture Capital Fund, managed by Bimventures.
20 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Exploiting the Health & Wellness Niche
The company is one of the first five beneficiaries
of that Fund and through the Fund’s shepherding
facility, has received assistance from Dr. Frances
Chandler, who plays a fundamental role in
business development.
Beyond expansion of the WentWorx spices, the
company also offers “Went Talks”. This is how
the company chief, who is also a chef, has been
educating persons on healthy lifestyle options
through practical cooking demonstrations.
Went, working with the Ministries of Health
and Labour, groups and organisations, has been
appearing at trade shows, health fairs and other
events where he not only showcases simple
recipes and uses the WentWorx products, but
speaks to their beneficial effects and tries to
show “the link between the foods we eat and
how they relate to our entire well-being.” And
the response, he said, is such that “the more I
do, the more I am being asked to do”.
Went also hosts monthly in-store sampling for
the Super Centre group and will be continuing to
take his message on healthy eating and healthy
lifestyles in general to children at summer camps.
In all this, he said “I am emphasizing the use
of local vegetables, fruits, meats and natural
products.”
While he insists that he “doesn’t tell people
what to eat and what not to eat”, Went said
he is committed to helping everyone make
more informed choices about the connections
for producing health and wellness. As part of
this commitment, Went revealed that he is
supporting the work of the National Commission
on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases
(CNCDs) be demonstrating how these problems
could be addressed with good Caribbean
food as the foundation for well-being. The
growing incidence of CNCDs like diabetes and
hypertension is of increasing concern and it is
advocated that they could be prevented and
better controlled with the adoption of a healthy
lifestyle. His mission therefore is to “feed every
aspect of choice and to foster an informed
awareness of the sources of physical, emotional,
mental and spiritual health” through the products
and services of Went Caribbean Inc.
So with the physical element basically covered through
WentWorx and Went Talks, Eye Went − a third dimension
of the company − is directed at promoting spiritual and
mental well-being. Eye Went concentrates on capturing and
disseminating visual images of local landscapes and things
of beauty. Went said its products, some of which are also
marketed with inspirational messages, are targeted mainly at
Chef Derek Went, Director of Went Caribbean Inc. and
creator of the WentWorks line of natural herbs and spices.
various corporate offices and in addition to providing visual and
emotional stimulation, are intended “to foster an appreciation
of our natural environment so hopefully persons would feel less
inclined to disrespect, disregard and abuse it”.
Chef Went can be contacted through his wellness blog at
Went Caribbean on Facebook
or by Email: derekwent@hotmail.com.
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
21

Barbadian Success Stories
A patron tries some of the Lasagé jewellery.
In the
Winner’s Row
The Innogen Solar Water Heater which
won the best new product award.
As part of its thrust to assist in the development of
sustainable businesses, the Barbados Investment
and Development Corporation (BIDC) again
hosted ten emerging small businesses in its ecoinspired
pavilion at BMEX 2010.
The pavilion was designed with thematic concepts to showcase
the Corporation’s push to encourage greater use of green
practices, indigenous resources and renewable energy
technologies within the local manufacturing sector.
And three of the companies showcased took home top awards
in the island’s premiere manufacturers’ exhibition, hosted May
22-24 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
In the winner’s row were Bajan Beauty Enterprises whose
Mixology line captured the Best New Spa Product award;
Crystal Forms, which took the Best New Design in Fashion
22 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Barbadian Success Stories
Award and Innogen Technologies, the Best New Product/
Service Overall.
Bajan Beauty Enterprises, founded by Monique Welch, produces
natural skin care products under the Mixology brand. Handmade
with all natural extracts and with fragrances like Vanilla Biscotti,
Dessert, Oats & Honey, Cherry Vanilla, Bergamot & Mandarin,
Chocolate Fudge, Vanilla Fantasy and Floral Spa, new additions
like the Sugar Cake Soap Bar are constantly being added to this
island-inspired line.
Jamal Ifill of Crystal Forms which took the
Best New Design in Fashion Award.
Crystal Forms is headed by artist Jamal Ifill. He employs “glass
blowing” techniques and with the use of a flame torch, produces
an exquisite line of handcrafted jewellery, with pieces that
include earrings, finger rings, hair beads, and other pieces.
Innogen Technologies, founded by industrial designer Mark
Hill, is focused on designing and manufacturing affordable, smallscale,
alternative energy solutions. This new company is keen
on generating an additional 20% of Barbados’ domestic energy
needs through wind and solar technology by the year 2020.
The other companies which benefited from BIDC support in the
pavilion were Lasagé; Yahuda’s Originals; Christian Friis; Sinnfully
Sweet Creations; Kasava Designs; Financial Consulting Services
and Country Style Woodwork & Maintenance.
Lasagé, Yahuda’s Originals and Christian Friis all specialise
in jewellery production, but each is unique in its own right.
Lasagé’s specialty is in creating designs which express the
client’s personality and need, while Christian Friis, owned by
Keith Shepherd, produces an impressive collection of earrings,
bracelets and necklaces. Yahuda’s Originals, owned by Velda
Tyson, produces decorative accessories in addition to a line of
handmade jewellery. All her creations are inspired by nature and
this is borne out in her ability to transform fragments of nature
like wood, shak shak seeds and bamboo into exotic earrings,
necklaces, bracelets and armbands. Tyson has also found a way
to craft coconut fibres and mesh into unique floral decorations
and striking displays for the home or office.
Sinnfully Sweet Creations, the brainchild of chocolatier Tamy-ko
Ellis, produces island-inspired Artisan Chocolates. They are
carefully handmade in small batches, using only the finest quality
local, regional and international ingredients, with no preservatives
added.
Kassava Designs, a
textiles company inspired
by the natural tropical
elements of the Caribbean,
crafts functional and
durable products from
canvas, domestic, cotton
and aquatic.Their products
are enhanced with tropical
prints, appliquéd and
embroidered nature
motifs. Kassava Designs’
line of personal accessories
comprise beach bags
and wraps, handbags and
shawls. Matching placemats
and napkins, wine bags, slip
covers and accent cushions
form their soft furnishings
collection.
Financial Consulting
Services Inc. (FCSI) is a
full-service consulting and
training firm. It provides
strategic outlook and
business development
solutions to help clients
meet and exceed their
challenges in the private,
The BIDC Booth showcased the
Corporation’s push to encourage
greater use of green practices,
indigenous resources and renewable
energy technologies within the local
manufacturing sector.
public and not-for-profit sectors. FCSI specialises in financial and
business management and its services include the development
of business plans, the implementation of strategies for success,
analysis and restructuring of business, integration of personal and
corporate taxes, risk management, personal financial planning,
coaching and strategic planning that allow businesses to have a
holistic view of their organisation. They also provide financial
planning services designed to help clients develop specific
financial goals and then assist them in reaching those goals by
providing advice in the areas of risk management, insurance,
income tax, retirement, investment and estate planning.
Country Style Woodworking and Maintenance is best
known for its Secure Door Jam. The product designed to
enhance home security and developed by the husband and wife
team of Evariste and Dorothy Nurse, emerged the winning
entrant in this year’s National Innovation Competition. Country
Style’s product range also includes jalousie windows, fixed
shutters, doors and mouldings.
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
23

Reducing, Re-using & Recycling
The Barbados Investment & Development
Corporation (BIDC) is well on its way to
going green.
The company has undertaken several initiatives to
encourage recycling, reduce energy consumption, utilise
more natural resources and promote a cleaner, healthier
environment across its industrial estates.
Business Development Officer, Samuel Harrison, in updating
the Barbados Business Catalyst on BIDC’s efforts, said
recycling facilities had been installed at BIDC’s head office,
its Small Business Centre on Fontabelle, St. Michael as well
as a number of its buildings across the industrial estates.
These included Building # 8, 6 and 6A, 4, 5 and 2 at the
Harbour Industrial Park and Building #4 at Grantley Adams
Industrial Estate. The next step would be to introduce
a sorting and separation programme for collection of
recyclable plastics, glass and paper waste generated.
The BIDC is
Going Green
The BIDC will shortly be implementing a sorting and separation programme
for it’s recyclables which will be stored in these recently constructed facilities.
As part of efforts to reduce energy consumption
and improve energy efficiency, Harrison said the
BIDC had completed energy audits at its head office
and Small Business Centre and was able to identify
the major sources of energy use. Facilities are now
being put in place to reduce energy consumption
and a pilot project is being implemented to ensure
greater energy efficiency. The project demonstrates
BIDC progression from use of incandescent and
fluorescent lighting to the installation of LED lighting
across the estates. Harrison said this should cut
energy consumption by about 65%-70%. The
BIDC has also invested in solar street lighting, the
first of which should be installed in the coming
weeks.
The Corporation’s greening effort extends to
the utilisation of less toxic paints in its building
maintenance and renewal programme. Harrison in
fact noted that the new environmentally friendlier
paints had already been used in 12 building projects
across various estates. And the Corporation has
been stepping up efforts to incorporate more green
spaces within its properties with the introduction
of more foliage. This has already been done at the
Harbour and Newton industrial estates as well as
the Pelican Craft Centre, and will be expanded to
other properties within the Corporation’s portfolio.
24 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Executive Coaching
Limited resources,
Limitless
Imagination
By Cheryl Nyahra Gittens
Everything that we experience today was once an idea in
someone’s head. Maybe it was once an idea in your own
head. The first creation is thought and the second creation
is the manifestation of thought, so perhaps we can really make
something out of nothing.
Typically a discussion on the topic, “Living and working better
with limited resources” tempts the writer to write on saving
money, reducing debt and purchasing off the sale rack, but as
usual we want to change the direction of the conversation.
While we are considered to be living in tough economic times
globally, each of us has had periods - at the start of a new
business, new baby, new marriage, child going off to college in
two years, illness in the family, new house, or new business loan
- where we were forced to rely on what we have. For some this
is an exciting adventure; for others an excuse to complain about
life.
The difference between the two responses is a matter of
perception. The single resource that people focus on in tough
times is money since its value is rooted deeply in its exchange for
things we can acquire. However, before money (manifestation)
comes your imagination (thought) since money cannot be created
without a mental strategy to earn or acquire it. So it is the mind
(the ideas centre) that I want you to focus on in this article. Here
is my Top 9 list of the things the creative mind can make possible
in the face of limited resources:
1. Reconsider what it means to be wealthy.
Just consider for a moment that wealth could mean an abundance
of health, family, love, friends, ideas, laughter, good thoughts and
creative thoughts, to name a few. Why not try focusing less on
material things.
2. Give things multiple uses.
Play the game “How many uses can you find for this _____?” at
home and at work.
3. Play with your old toys.
Do you remember as a toddler driving the cardboard box car for
hours, setting aside the latest toy mummy got you? Take a leaf
out of your childhood playbook and search your cupboards for
stuff you can still enjoy before you buy new things.
4. Turn off the TV.
This is my favourite because I firmly believe that TV is really
about advertising punctuated with two-hour movies to keep your
attention till the next ad. So if you ‘turn off’ some of the “I-can’tfind-anything-to-watch”
channels, you will be less tempted by the
ads.
5. Borrow more.
So you need a black jacket for your presentation tomorrow.
Check with a friend first before breaking for the mall. Agree to
pay for the dry cleaning prior to returning it. What a saving!
6. Keep fit.
“Of all the risk factors for dying, the one that is most predictive is
fitness level” - Dr. James M. Rippe, M.D, renowned cardiologist,
founder of the Rippe Lifestyle Institute, USA. When you are fit,
you are less likely to have your budget interrupted by unplanned
medical expenses.
7. Cook from scratch.
All ready-made food is made from ingredients. Purchase your
own ingredients and turn the $15 lunch into several lunches while
learning new skills and involving family in the process. Bake your
own bread. Try growing your ingredients in drums and tyres.
8. Manage your time.
Yes, but I don’t have the time. Check carefully and you will find
that you do. We spend lots of time unproductively which we
blame on relaxation. Are you relaxing or wasting valuable time?
9. Make a budget...
And stick to it!
BONUS: List of attitudes for living on limited resources:
patience, tolerance, contentment, peace, faith, optimism,
discipline, abundance, limitless attitude, self-trust, openness to
learning, free stuff is everywhere and “I create my reality”.
Cheryl Gittens is a Lecturer (UWI), Master Executive Life
Coach, Business Coach and founder of Connect With Your
Passion Coaching. Visit www.connectwithyourpassion.com or
reach her on 1-243-3853 or 1-301-45-85-485
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
25

Turning Trash into Treasure
Why waste
your Waste?
The idiom “one man’s waste is another man’s treasure” has
particular resonance to recycling.
Recycling refers to the process of collecting used materials
which are usually considered as ‘waste’ and reprocessing them.
In the process these used materials are sorted and processed to
be used as ‘raw materials’ for the production of new products.
Recycling differs from ‘re-using’ in the sense that while re-use just
means using old products repeatedly, recycling means using the
core elements of an old product as raw material to manufacture
new goods. Some of the most common items that are recycled
are plastic, glass, paper, batteries and aluminum.
Barbados is making significant headway in its reuse and recycling
programmes, reducing the amount of waste that goes to the
landfill, with the growing number of companies that are getting
involved in recycling. This has proven a lucrative venture not
only for them but also environmentally-conscious Barbadians
who are offered monetary rewards by some of the companies in
exchange for their “waste”.
For the most part, the majority of products collected in Barbados
is sorted, compacted and shipped to offshore locations for
reprocessing by waste brokers. The glass is melted and made
into new glass containers. Card is bailed and shipped off to
be made into new card, as are paper and magazines. Metals,
particularly aluminium, are melted and reprocessed and plastic
is recycled into a number of items depending on the grade of
plastic. At this time the only product recycled in Barbados in the
true sense of recycling, is used cooking oil. It is collected and
reprocessed by Amelot Oil Barbados Inc into BioDiesel. It is also
used to make animal feed.
Please find below our guide to turning your trash into treasure:
26 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Turning Trash into Treasure
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
27

Making It Happen
Barbados
manages balance
between
economy and
environment
Barbados has demonstrated a particularly mature approach
to managing the intricate relationship between economic
success and environmental stewardship.
This assurance came from Minister of Environment, Dr. Denis
Lowe, during a ceremony at United Nations House to launch the
2010 World Investment Report entitled “Investing in a Low-
Carbon Economy”.
Produced by the United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development, the Report has two themes, “Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) and Climate Change - a review of how
developing countries can promote FDI in low carbon sectors and
benefit from it”; and “The Transnational Corporation (TNCs)
Development Paradigm - a study of the changing operations of
TNCs and how these practices altered development”.
Dr. Lowe said the Caribbean was particularly sensitive to
environmental threats, such as loss of coastal wetlands and land
degradation. “As serious as these issues are, in recent years, a
much more global environmental threat has come to the fore -
the threat posed by climate change. Being particularly vulnerable
to issues such as sea level rise and more volatile weather
patterns, which are associated with the phenomenon, we, the
nations of the Caribbean, must leverage our resources to realise
effective mitigation strategies,” he observed.
The Minister stressed that transnational corporations and the
role of foreign direct investment could not be excluded from any
strategy, since much of this island’s economic success could be
attributed to FDI.
He contended that some countries had put restrictions on
foreign direct investment in certain sectors, citing concerns over
significant effects on the overall economy. “However, it cannot
be denied that transnational companies’ vast knowledge, leading
technologies, and global reach have made a contribution that has
been particularly effective in spurring developing countries on at
specifically-sensitive stages of their development,” Dr. Lowe
suggested.
Minister of the Environment, Dr. Denis Lowe
According to him, the region is at an exceptionally sensitive
stage of development and other shifts had to be undertaken,
where the focus must now be on process and efficiency.
“Today’s shift is one which positively responds to the threats
posed by environmental catastrophe, it is a shift towards a green
economy,” he maintained.
The Environment Minister told the gathering that Barbados’
efforts at laying a solid foundation for a low-carbon economy
had been multi-faceted, and he highlighted the new partnerships
being actively sought, as well as the collaboration within the area
of sustainable finance, as ways which showed the island had been
building on the Barbados Sustainable Development Policy and the
National Strategic Plan.
He continued: “We believe that this is a crucial development for
the region and offers us significant leverage if we intend to initiate
a low-carbon economy. Green projects represent an increasing
world of opportunities: eco-based tourism, renewable energy
projects, carbon-trading and credits, are all potential areas in
which foreign direct investment may be channeled.”
Dr. Lowe noted that a number of mechanisms had been
utilised to create an enabling environment for transnational
companies and he listed them as including the systematic
development of legislative mechanisms that form the basis of a
low-carbon economy. He also stated that the National Physical
Development Plan was a critical tool for ensuring a smooth
transition to a Green Economy. (BGIS)
28 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

News To Note
BIDC hosts Funding Seminar
The BIDC as part of its Innovation Support Programme
hosted a three-day commercialisation workshop to offer
the opportunity for clients in that programme and other
BIDC programmes the opportunity to develop a convincing
business case and a pitch to attract financing for their business.
institutions including the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
which also acted as co-sponsors of the workshop, the Barbados
National Bank (BNB), RBTT Bank Barbados, Caribbean Export,
the US Embassy, Caribbean Financial Services Company (CFSC)
and the Enterprise Growth Fund Limited (EGFL).
The workshop was conducted by Mr. Ian Ivey of NEXT, with
small group sessions at the Bagnall’s Point Gallery, Pelican Craft
Centre.
On the final day, the companies got the opportunity to “make
a pitch” before several banking and non-banking financial
New Entrepreneurial Courses
The Barbados Investment and Development Corporation
(BIDC), is placing greater emphasis on the development
of the local craft sector; a move that should lead to more
employment opportunities.
To this end, the BIDC’s Craft Development Unit has been
conducting new courses in wood work, wood carving and
sculpture and wood turning (lathe work), for persons who want
to learn a new skill.
This opportunity to pitch proved valuable for companies seeking
financing. Although it was primarily an educational exercise,
it is hoped that by having the financial institutions present and
evaluating the presentations, that there will be opportunities for
further discussions between interested parties.
Participants are instructed in the basic craft methods using
Barbadian mahogany. They are also taught how to make wall
plaques, jewellery boxes, magazine racks and masks.
The classes which end July 15, were hosted at Unit 2B, Building
No. 2, Pelican Industrial Estate, Princess Alice Highway,
St. Michael.
Marketing Barbadian furniture in Trinidad
Prospects for Barbadian furniture in Trinidad are
encouraging. This is according to preliminary findings of
sectoral market research conducted by the BIDC there
during May.
During the research, aimed at examining the prospects for
expanding exports of wooden furniture to this market, BIDC
officers visited several furniture distributors and retailers.
Investigations pointed to several opportunities for increased
exports to the market.
Minister visits BIDC
Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Affairs,
Patrick Todd, recently toured the Small Business
Development Centre (SBDC) as part of his efforts to
familiarise himself with his portfolio.
Minister Todd, who was the former Minister of State in the
Ministry of Education and Human Resources, explained that the
tour would help him to become familiar with the development
of the small business sector, as well as the general thrust to
Much of the furniture available in Trinidad is imported, the main
source market being Asia. And it is believed that Barbadian
furniture producers could capitalize on demand there for high
quality furniture derived from markets within close proximity.
The BIDC has compiled a comprehensive report on the Trinidad
Furniture Market which can assist Barbadian companies in making
sound business decisions on: whether or not to enter the market;
whether their product is likely to require further development
before launching in the market; how the product could be
supplied to the market; and how it could be promoted there.
support entrepreneurship to thereby empower the micro and
small business sector of our country. Also joining the Minister on
the tour were Chairman, Dr. Don Marshall; CEO, Basil Lavine;
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs,
Dr. Louis Woodroffe; Chief Business Development Adviser in
the Business Development Unit of the Ministry of Economic
Affairs, Francine Blackman; and Director of the Entrepreneurship
Development Division at the SBDC, James Campbell.
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
29

Renewable Energy Push
Energy Drive
gets Mega Boost
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved
more than US$2 million in technical assistance to promote
the development of a Sustainable Energy Framework for
Barbados (SEFB).
The IDB, through the Global Environment Facility (GEF)
fund, will also provide US$1 million in grants for pilot projects
promoting energy efficiency, and utilising fluorescent lighting,
photo voltaic and wind energy systems.
According to the bank, the overall goal of this project is to reduce
Barbados’ dependence on fossil fuel by promoting sustainable
energy, and therein contribute to the country’s competiveness.
“There is a tremendous amount of greenhouse
gas that emanates from landfills and we are
trying desperately to reduce that footprint to
achieve the Prime Minister’s vision of Barbados
becoming the most environmentally friendly
country in the Caribbean and Latin America.”
- Minister of the Environment ,
Dr. Denis Lowe
The specific objectives are to: “(i) support the formulation of
policy and legislation that will contribute to the promotion of
renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy conservation;
(ii) encourage measures to promote mitigation of greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions as well as initiatives for adaptation to climate
change in the energy sector; and (iii) encourage institutional
strengthening and capacity building requirements to achieve
sustainable energy.”
The project will create an institutional and policy framework
which will enable the Government to test energy efficiency
and renewable energy solutions, study bio-energy and solar
alternatives, and develop regulatory and financial incentives to
promote sustainable energy. This initiative will contribute to
a reduction of oil imports and hence liberate funds for other
purposes (social, educational, etc). It is expected that Barbados
will increase the use of renewable energy technologies and
will maximise energy conservation by adopting energy efficient
measures and more efficient use of fossil fuels. The IDB project
team estimates that with all the initiatives combined, Barbados
will generate US$130 million in energy savings over the next 20
years.
Government only recently announced that it is examining the
feasibility of introducing waste-to-energy facilities in Barbados.
Minister of the Environment, Dr. Denis Lowe, said the facilities
would address the issues of waste management, energy security
and carbon capture and storage.
Speaking during one of the several activities hosted to
commemorate Environment Month in June, Minister Lowe
said, “There is a tremendous amount of greenhouse gas that
emanates from landfills and we are trying desperately to reduce
that footprint to achieve the Prime Minister’s vision of Barbados
becoming the most environmentally friendly country in the
Caribbean and Latin America.”
He said Government was hoping that within two years, the
planned waste-to-energy plant would be commissioned. This
would allow for an end to the current disposal of solid waste at
the landfill.
Dr. Lowe further stated that given Barbados’ limited land space,
the future of solid waste management could not be the disposal
of solid municipal waste at landfills as “it is not in keeping with
the move towards First World status”.
As part of the modernisation of waste disposal and management
on the island, Government, through the Solid Waste Project Unit
of the Ministry of Health (SWPU), has recently commissioned
the development of a state-of-the-art Solid Waste Management
30 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Renewable Energy Push
Centre at Vaucluse, St. Thomas. Known as the Vaucluse Transfer
Waste Station, the facility, which is managed by Sustainable
(Barbados) Recycling Centre Inc., a private-public enterprise, is
adjacent to the existing Mangrove Pond Landfill site.
Operation of the facility involves:
• The receiving and sorting of waste at the transfer station into
landfill waste, chemical waste, organic materials, construction
and demolition waste, recyclables including plastics, glass,
metals and tyres;
• The loading and haulage (including supply and maintenance
of haulage vehicles) of landfill waste to the newly constructed
National Sanitary Landfill site (Greenland), chemical waste to
the Chemical Waste Storage Facility, organic materials to the
on-site composting facility, waste to various fill and/or stockpile
locations in Barbados, recyclable metals to Bagatelle Landfill,
and tyres to Phase 1 at Mangrove Road;
• The sorting and storage of chemical waste within the Chemical
Waste Storage Facility (shipment of the waste from the
Chemical Waste Facility to the final disposal location to be by
others);
• The receiving and pre-processing, including shredding, of
segregated organic wastes which may contain minor amounts
of municipal garbage, and tree and pruning wastes into a
suitable input stream for the composting system; and
• Primary composting of the organics, curing of the composted
material on-site, including any additional aeration or tilling as
required, and selling of the final composted product (including
all marketing, packaging and distribution.
Minister Lowe reported that the transfer station, set up primarily
to divert waste from the landfill was working well and currently
boasted a 65% diversion rate. He also reported some success in
marketing the by-products from green waste and construction
waste.
He however reminded that correcting the disposal of waste on
the island was not the sole purpose of the station. He added it
would be used “to assist the Government in converting waste to
energy and in helping us to continue to march forward in terms
of looking at energy efficiency, alternative energy and that whole
domain of energy-related considerations that would advance us
as a sustainable developed country”.
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
31

Our Environment
Controlling the
Impact of Chemicals
Submitted by the Environmental Protection Department
Chemicals…we use them
every day in one form
or the other. We use
them as fuels and lubricants in
our automobiles, to kill pests so
that we can sleep better at night,
and even to clean our clothes.
But how many of us realise that
these chemicals can have an
impact on human health and the
environment?
When we think about the impact
of chemicals, we have to consider
what mechanisms exist and how
effective they are at minimising the risk of the production, use,
storage and disposal of chemicals to health and the environment.
Fortunately, the Environmental Protection Department, with
the assistance of the United National Institute for Training and
Research (UNITAR), is spearheading a project to strengthen
the mechanisms existing in Barbados for the management
of chemicals from importation through to disposal, including
manufacturing. The project is being implemented under the
framework of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals
Management (SAICM).
The SAICM is a policy framework for international action on
chemical hazards. It supports achievement of the goal to ensure
that by 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that
minimise significant adverse impacts on the environment and
human health.
The project has three main components:
• Updating of a National Chemicals Management Profile;
• Preparation of a National Capacity Assessment; and
• National Priority Setting.
The preparation of a national profile is meant to contribute to a
better understanding of which problems or potential problems
related to chemicals exist in a country and what mechanisms
are available to address these problems. Locally, one issue that
has been identified is the need for increased control over the
importation of chemicals. Improving the ability to control the
types and quantities of chemicals imported would prevent toxic,
hazardous or ozone depleting substances from entering the
island. Additionally, the importation of substances that might be
difficult to dispose of after their usefulness or act as precursors
for hazardous substances would also be controlled.
Building on the information in a national profile and other
sources, the capacity assessment is intended to document
and evaluate existing national capacities regarding chemicals
management.
The priority setting component is intended to reach agreement
among Government and other stakeholders on a selected
number of priority topics of chemicals management that require
urgent actions and ways to address them.
By undergoing the process of SAICM, Barbados would be able to,
among other things:
• Identify priorities for chemical management where efforts
should be focused;
• Strengthen the enforcement and encourage the
implementation of national laws and regulations regarding
chemicals management;
• Develop and implement sustainable strategies which
strengthen the knowledge, abilities, skills and behaviour of
individuals, and improve institutional structures and processes
for the sound management of chemicals throughout their life
cycle;
• Ensure that knowledge and information on chemicals and
chemicals management are accessible and sufficient to enable
chemicals to be adequately assessed and managed safely
thoroughly their life cycle; and
• Minimise the risk to human health, including that of workers,
and to the environment throughout the life cycle of chemicals.
By doing so we can ensure that our children and our children’s
children come to know a quality of life that equals or exceeds
that which we know now.
For further information on the Chemical Profile,
please call the Department at 310-3600 or
Email: enveng@caribsurf.com
32 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Trading Developments
Barbados and
Panama hold talks
Barbados is looking forward to the strengthening of ties with
Panama, and the signing of a Double Taxation Agreement
between the two Organisation of American States member
countries will give impetus to those relations.
Prime Minister David Thompson told this to the Vice President
of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, who is also his country’s Foreign
Minister, during his June visit to Barbados.
Mr. Thompson alluded to the historic links between the two
countries, dating back to the construction of the Panama Canal
during the early 1900s, when many Barbadians had emigrated
there to assist with its construction.
Stressing that they should explore the possibility of air links
between the two countries to boost their tourism industries
and international business, he told the Vice President that such
a prospect would augur well for the further development of
those sectors. “Regular flights out of Panama to Barbados and the
region would enhance our relations, particularly with the modern
trend of multi-destination tourism,” Mr. Thompson opined.
Vice President Varela said Panama was also looking at similar
areas of business activity and other destinations in the Caribbean
and South America, and he expressed the hope that a Free Trade
Agreement with CARICOM would materialise in the near future.
“This would benefit both sides,” he observed.
Remarking that his country’s economy was performing relatively
well, given the current worldwide recession, Mr. Varela stressed
the importance of foreign investments and noted that bilateral
relations and reciprocal agreements were essential at this time.
Deputy Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart, and acting Foreign
Minister, Christopher Sinckler, attended the meeting.
Later in the day, Vice President Varela and this country’s
Minister of International Business and International Transport,
George Hutson, initialed the Barbados/Panama Convention for
the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal
Evasion with respect to taxes on income. That signing ceremony
took place at the Hilton Barbados.
Laparkan improves Export Services
Laparkan Barbados has announced that it is now capable of
better responding to the need for frequent, versatile and
cost effective export services.
John Marshall, Sales & Marketing Manager, has stated that in
addition to accepting bookings for Full Container Loads, Lessthan-full
Container Loads, and Airfreight to all major cities
worldwide, Laparkan is also offering export and import customs
brokerage services.
Marshall said Laparkan is the only forwarder to offer Less than
Container Loads to Guyana and Trinidad on a regular basis and
noted that the Jamaica service is gaining popularity.
For smaller shipments, he said “We offer Flat Rate Boxes airfreighted
to Guyana, Trinidad, and Suriname. There are three
standard size card boxes each with maximum weights of 20, 40,
and 70 Lb and starting at just US$29.00.
Laparkan Barbados is the local general sales agents for Vensecar/
DHL and ANA Aviation. This arrangement facilitates second-tonone
export air service to most major cities, from Auckland to
Stockholm.
For further information on Laparkan services visit their
website at www.laparkan.com
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
33

Industry By Numbers
SPECIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME
DISBURSEMENTS JAN-MAR 2010
Source: Barbados Investment
& Development Corporation
DOMESTIC EXPORTS JANUARY TO MARCH 2009/2010 (BDS$)
Source:
Barbados
Statistical
Service
34 Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010

Industry By Numbers
EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING AS AT MARCH 2009 /MARCH 2010
Source: Barbados Investment & Development Corporation
DISTRIBUTION OF INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING SECTOR 2009 AND 2010 (BDS$)
Source:
Barbados
Investment
& Development
Corporation
Barbados Business Catalyst • April - June 2010
35