Barbadian officials are grappling with uncertainty as the United States gears up to implement a contentious visa bond policy later this month. The policy, disclosed by the US State Department, mandates visa applicants from select countries to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to secure a US visa. Initially, the pilot program will target citizens of Malawi and Zambia, with the possibility of expanding to other nations identified as having high visa overstay rates, inadequate vetting procedures, or citizenship-by-investment programs. Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kerrie Symmonds, expressed ambiguity about the policy’s potential impact on Barbadian travelers, stating, ‘I’m not entirely certain at this point, if, and how this will actually relate to us.’ The visas issued under this scheme will be valid for a single entry, with a maximum stay of 30 days within a three-month period. Applicants who comply with all visa conditions, including timely departure or proper filing for extensions, will receive a full refund of their bond. The pilot program is set to run until August 5, 2024, with its outcomes informing future decisions on visa bond implementation to address national security and foreign policy concerns.
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Another step in the consolidation of ties between Cuba and Belarus
In a significant display of diplomatic camaraderie, Major General Pavel Nikolaevich Muraveiko, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus and first deputy Minister of Defense, emphasized the shared global perspectives between Belarus and Cuba during his first official visit to the island nation. The high-ranking official expressed his gratitude for the warm reception extended by the Cuban people, describing it as a testament to the brotherly relations between the two countries. Speaking at the Cacahual Mausoleum, General Muraveiko highlighted the alignment of both nations’ views on global issues and the military-political landscape, underscoring the importance of exchanging experiences and opinions to bolster bilateral collaboration. His visit, marked by a packed itinerary, included tours of military units and industrial facilities, as well as insights into the training processes at Cuban military academies. The Belarusian delegation also paid homage to Cuban historical figures, including Antonio Maceo and Panchito Gómez Toro, whose remains are interred at the Mausoleum. Army Corps General Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, first deputy minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba, underscored the importance of preserving history as a means of safeguarding national identity. The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Belarus and Cuba, rooted in shared values and historical ties.
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Revolution is the supreme act of politics
One hundred and thirty years after his passing, Frederick Engels’ revolutionary ideas continue to resonate, shaping the struggle for the emancipation of the working class. Known as ‘The General’ among his peers, Engels, alongside Karl Marx, spearheaded the proletarian movement, leaving an indelible mark on history. Pablo Lafargue, a Cuban physician and socialist thinker, eulogized Engels, emphasizing the enduring unity and strength of the proletariat inspired by their shared vision. Born in 1820, Engels co-authored seminal works such as ‘The Communist Manifesto’ and ‘The German Ideology,’ while also contributing independently with texts like ‘Anti-Dühring’ and ‘The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State.’ His intellectual legacy, rooted in dialectical materialism, remains a cornerstone of social sciences. Hassán Pérez Casabona, a Doctor in Historical Sciences, highlights Engels’ foresight in advocating for multidisciplinary education to empower the working class. Engels’ 1893 message to socialist students underscored the necessity of expertise in fields like medicine, engineering, and agronomy for societal transformation. His vision anticipated modern emphasis on science, research, and innovation. Fidel Castro, inspired by Engels’ ideas, harnessed this intellectual force to drive the Cuban Revolution, from the Moncada program to the 1961 Literacy Campaign, fostering a nation of scientists. Today, Cuba’s model of collective intelligence and human capital stands as a testament to the teachings of Engels, Marx, Lenin, and Martí. Engels’ revolutionary deeds and his belief in the supremacy of political revolution continue to inspire, proving that his legacy is as vital now as it was over a century ago.
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Fidel’s causeways: A bold step towards tourism development
In the heart of the Caribbean, a bold vision by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz has reshaped Cuba’s tourism industry. What was once dismissed as madness or whimsy has proven to be a masterstroke in economic and tourism development. The construction of causeways connecting remote keys to the mainland has transformed forgotten, pristine regions into world-renowned sun and beach destinations. These engineering marvels, built under harsh conditions, have unlocked the potential of areas like Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, and Santa María Key, turning them into thriving hubs of sustainable tourism. The causeways, spanning kilometers over the sea, symbolize Cuba’s determination to overcome isolation and achieve self-reliance. Today, these destinations boast over 11,000 hotel rooms, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, and are recognized as Biosphere Reserves for their harmonious blend of nature and development. This project stands as a testament to Cuba’s capacity for innovation and perseverance, showcasing the nation’s commitment to sustainable growth and environmental preservation.
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Police probe unnatural death of guest at Hilton Barbados
Authorities in Barbados have launched an investigation into the unnatural death of a foreign guest at the Hilton Barbados Resort. Annmarie Thompson, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the hotel, confirmed the incident during a visit by Barbados TODAY, expressing profound sorrow over the guest’s unexpected demise. While the family of the deceased has been informed, the hotel has refrained from disclosing the individual’s identity, citing strict privacy protocols. Thompson assured the public that the resort continues to operate normally, with no disruptions to its services. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
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Govt rolls out new online visa and payment systems
The Barbados Immigration Department has taken a significant leap towards digitalization with the launch of a new online visa application portal and the introduction of online payments for all immigration services. The announcement was made by Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, during a briefing at the department’s headquarters on Princess Alice Highway, St Michael, on Tuesday.
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UWI med class of 2025 delivers best results in five years
The 2025 graduating class of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, has set a new benchmark for academic excellence, achieving the best results in five years. Out of 37 students, 36 successfully passed their final clinical exams, with 14 earning honours and four receiving distinctions. The remarkable achievement was celebrated during the Hippocratic Oath Taking Ceremony held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Auditorium on Thursday. Dr. Damian Cohall, Dean of the Faculty, lauded the performance as one of the most outstanding in recent memory. He noted that 36 out of 38 candidates passed, with one granted a medical exemption. The ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous five-year journey, including three years of pre-clinical studies and two years of clinical rotations in local hospitals and health centres. The final assessment, the unified Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) clinical exam, took place on May 30. While the event celebrated academic success, it also emphasized the deeper responsibilities of the medical profession. Dr. Cohall reminded the graduates that medicine is not just about knowledge but also about compassion and ethical practice. He highlighted the evolving landscape of healthcare, shaped by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and robotics, but stressed that the human touch remains irreplaceable. ‘ChatGPT may become your medical colleague, but your humanity, judgement, and compassion cannot be programmed,’ he said. Dr. Anthony Harris, Director of Medical Services at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, echoed this sentiment, urging the graduates to focus on patient care in an era of rapid technological advancement. ‘Medicine remains a personal profession,’ he said. ‘At the end of the day, it’s a human being in front of you who needs care.’ The Hippocratic Oath, a centuries-old tradition, served as a solemn reminder of the ethical and moral responsibilities that come with the title of doctor. The Class of 2025 was encouraged to prioritize patient care and uphold the noble values of the profession, even as the medical field continues to evolve.
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Vonda Pile can no longer practise law in Barbados
In a decisive ruling, the Court of Appeal has mandated the immediate removal of Vonda Minerva Pile from the roster of licensed attorneys. The appellate board, comprising Chief Justice Leslie Haynes and Justices of Appeal Francis Belle and Margaret Reifer, issued the verdict following the Barbados Bar Association Disciplinary Committee’s recommendations. This action stems from Pile’s prior conviction and imprisonment for criminal misconduct during her legal practice. The court has also ordered that all client files under Pile’s management be transferred to the Registrar within a seven-day period. Pile was convicted on June 5, 2019, for embezzling $191,416.39 from her former client, Anstey King, between April 29, 2009, and October 26, 2010. Although she faced additional charges of money laundering, she was acquitted on that count. After serving a three-year sentence for theft, Pile had resumed her legal career, a move now definitively halted by this ruling.
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System for design: a road travelled and still to be travelled
The Cubaindustria 2024 event, currently underway, features a dedicated Design Forum focusing on the recently approved industrial design policy, its environmental implications, and its alignment with the circular economy. This forum highlights the progressive economic transformations in Cuba, which have paved the way for new opportunities and challenges in the design sector. The cornerstone of these advancements is Decree 88, approved by the Council of Ministers in 2023, which established the National System for Industrial Design and Visual Communication.
Gisela Herrero García, Director of the National Design Office (ONDI), emphasized the historical significance of this development. ‘We were pioneers in creating an office that itself represents the first public policy in design. Thanks to Fidel Castro’s vision, an organization was established in 1980 to evaluate, develop, train, and promote design. This was a bold initiative,’ she remarked. The journey to this milestone included the creation of the Evaluation System and the Registry of Designers, culminating in nearly 45 years of dedicated effort.
The newly approved policy and system are the result of collaborative efforts involving professionals from various disciplines. Given its dynamic nature, the system requires continuous updates to adapt to evolving technologies and methodologies. ‘The National System is a work in progress, constantly reinventing itself. As disciplines evolve and new technologies emerge, designers must be equipped with the tools to address contextual challenges,’ Herrero García added.
Although the design policy is relatively new within the industry sector, it has a cross-cutting influence on other areas such as industrial development, automation, maintenance, recycling, and packaging. This integration, according to Herrero García, strengthens the national economy. ‘Design must serve the economy. It’s crucial to position design as an investment rather than a cost, ensuring it adds value to processes and outcomes,’ she explained.
The policy’s implementation has already yielded tangible results, including enhanced partnerships with various entities and a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of design evaluation. For instance, the Cuban Apiculture Enterprise (Apicuba) underwent significant transformations following an evaluation, leading to improved product quality and organizational efficiency. ‘Even small improvements can have a profound impact, enhancing both the product and the organization’s strategic management,’ Herrero García noted.
Looking ahead, the priorities for the design sector are extensive, ranging from introducing design concepts at an early age to creating solutions for the elderly. ‘Design and communication must be recognized as key drivers of company development,’ Herrero García stressed. The systemic approach to design emphasizes collaboration and process-oriented thinking, ensuring that design continues to play a pivotal role in Cuba’s economic resilience.
Herrero García concluded, ‘Without political will, we wouldn’t have reached this point. The design policy is a strategic tool for training and development, and with a systemic approach, it will continue to enhance our economy.’
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Biomodulin T to be part of primary health care
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez emphasized on Tuesday the importance of integrating Biomodulin T into primary health care across Cuban communities. During a meeting with health experts at the Palace of the Revolution, he urged that medical professionals be adequately trained to prescribe this innovative treatment. The discussion highlighted the significant role of Biomodulin T, a bovine thymus extract-based drug, in addressing immune dysfunction and recurrent infections, particularly among the elderly. Clinical trials involving nearly 9,000 nursing home residents demonstrated a remarkable reduction in acute respiratory infections (ARI) by over five times, and a 50% decrease in mortality risk compared to those outside such facilities. The drug also showed a 70% reduction in respiratory infection incidence among the elderly, a leading cause of death in Cuban nursing homes. Additionally, Biomodulin T has proven effective in oncology, rejuvenating patients’ immune systems when combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. It has also been successful in treating thymic hypoplasia in children, with 83% of treated children achieving normalized thymus size and function, and 71% showing clinical improvement. Given these promising results, President Díaz-Canel called for expedited efforts to incorporate Biomodulin T into national health strategies, especially in light of Cuba’s aging population. The drug, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic with over 1.9 million units distributed and more than 238,000 patients treated, has been recognized with two awards from the Academy of Sciences in 2022 for its efficacy in treating lung cancer and its immunomodulatory effects in older adults.