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KRYSTLE CLEAR: New Year, New Me

Every year without fail we hear persons repeat the popular refrain: “New Year, New Me!”. There is extra fervour this time given the change to 2020, which has introduced that additional passion to transform into an amazing human being capable of overcoming all obstacles set within his or her path.

KRYSTLE CLEAR: What do credit ratings mean for you?

Standard & Poor’s (S&P) recently upgraded Barbados’ foreign currency sovereign credit rating from ‘SD/SD to ‘B-B’. While it is certainly good news that we are no longer trending in the wrong direction, any celebration should come with a measured optimism as this rating represents a movement in the right direction with conditions.

KRYSTLE CLEAR: 53 years and counting

Barbados will soon be celebrating its 53rd year of independence. Approximately 185 years ago, we celebrated emancipation from physical slavery. Refrains of “Lick an lock-up done wid, hurray fuh Jin-Jin” permeated the air as Barbadians stepped into unprecedented territory, doubtlessly terrified and exhilarated all at once.

KRYSTLE CLEAR: Minimising Fraud

Fraud is a five-letter word that is often whispered with great trepidation. Even in the face of substantial evidence, we thread cautiously and take great pains before accusing anyone of fraud.

KRYSTLE CLEAR: Work Ethic – the Barbadian Way

Last week during ICAB’s Accountant’s week, the panellists for the free panel discussion spoke on the “The Economic Transformation of Barbados – A Business Perspective”.

KRYSTLE CLEAR: Don’t waste government funds

The Prime Minister spoke this weekend on the status of the country and included a detailed outline on the projects in the pipeline slated to generate much needed income and growth within our economy.

KRYSTLE CLEAR: Time to reflect on personal goals

With just over two months left in the year, now would be a good time to take a review of the resolutions and goals that would have been established when we were all excited about the new year and the brand-new person that would evolve on January 1.

KRYSTLE CLEAR: Change and Standards

14 October 2019

October 14 is celebrated as World Standards Day under the theme ‘Video Standards Create a Global Stage’. This theme places an emphasis on the importance of video technology. Read More

KRYSTLE CLEAR: Hold Ministers Accountable

07 October 2019

Today marks 500 days since the new administration took office on May 25, 2018 and a great deal has happened since that time, including the laying off of public servants. Read More

KRYSTLE CLEAR: The Voice of the Millennial

30 September 2019

Some time ago, I sat on a panel for the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators as a millennial representative on the topic of Next Generation Governance. Read More

KRYSTLE CLEAR: Budgeting for Natural Disasters

26 August 2019

Every year, Barbadians are faced with the arduous task of preparing for a natural disaster. Often, we find ourselves scrambling to obtain required necessities. Read More

KRYSTLE CLEAR: The value of the internal auditor

19 August 2019

The Government, through the Public Finance Management Bill, 2019 has recognised the value of Internal Auditors by including sections which speak to the Internal Audit Office and its responsibility for audits of Public Entities. Read More

SARGASSUM: Friend or foe?

16 August 2019

In 2011, two species of the brown, salt water macroalgae scientifically referred to as Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitans floated their way into the Caribbean Sea and have returned almost annually since. Read More

KRYSTLE CLEAR: The impact of writing off VAT

12 August 2019

The Value Added Tax (Amendment) (No. ) Bill, 2019 was recently passed in the House of Assembly and Senate in June and July 2019 respectively and declares in Section 2.60D: Read More

Sustainable Seafood

08 August 2019

Oistins. Friday night. Enjoying some delicious local fish? Bridgetown Fisheries Complex. Saturday morning. Choosing some fresh local fish to cook for Sunday lunch? Chances are that over ¾ of the ‘local’ fish that you are buying and consuming is not even local. Read More

The Blue Economy

01 August 2019

Our island has a culture deeply rooted in the Ocean. Browne's Beach. Sunday Morning. Mrs Brathwaite having her sea bath; Mr Jones casting his net for bait; people exercising (whether walking the beach, playing beach tennis or training) . . . Read More

KRYSTLE CLEAR: Think before you post

29 July 2019

Whenever an event of significance occurs, commentary is almost an absolute certainty. Most recently, the unfortunate tragedy involving a teacher and his two children left the nation reeling in shock. Read More

Start at home: separate and sort garbage

25 July 2019

Approximately 800 tonnes of waste has been received daily by the Sustainable Barbados Recycling Centre in 2019; that’s the size of four blue whales, the largest animal on Earth. Read More

KRYSTLE CLEAR: Questions for SSA

22 July 2019

Many Barbadians read with cautious excitement the news that there were twelve more Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) trucks on the way to Barbados, by latest October. Read More

Plastic Free Feteing

17 July 2019

Approximately 20 000 people attend Grand Kadooment alone. If everyone used at least one cup, that equates to 20 000 cups at one event! Read More

KRYSTLE CLEAR: Equity versus Equality Part 2

15 July 2019

Last week, I started the conversation on equity versus equality. We got a basic understanding of some general truths for various classes of Barbadians and tried to define what would truly be considered fair. Read More

Beware the false advertising

11 July 2019

Misleading marketing is everywhere. From the food and beverage industry, clothing and charity, consumers are constantly being misled and the emerging “Green” or “Eco-friendly” industry is no different. Read More

KRYSTLE CLEAR: Equity versus Equality Part 1

08 July 2019

The Collins dictionary defines equity as “the quality of being fair and reasonable in a way that gives equal treatment to everyone.” Equality is defined as “the same status, rights, and responsibilities for all the members of a society, group, or family.” Read More