CBC News Barbados

The Intimate Hotels of Barbados Group has been lauded for its contribution to the island’s economy. Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill revealed the group, which includes over forty small, locally-owned hotels, guest houses and villas, contributes approximately 14% or 87 million dollars annually to the gross domestic product. According to him, the intimate hotels of Barbados have over time carved out a niche accommodation category, attracting independent travellers. He says the properties’ impact is undeniable. Mr. Gooding-Edghill’s comments came during a cocktail reception at Island Inn, in celebration of the Intimate Hotels of Barbados’ 25th anniversary. Nine properties were recognised during the event, as they have been with intimate hotels from its inception. Chairman Shireene Mathlin-Tulloch says over the 25 years the group has become a cornerstone of the local tourism industry, making significant contributions to the economy.

Grantley Adams Memorial School Alumni are seeking to raise funds to assist the institution’s breakfast programme. Commitee member of the Westgam Old Scholars Association Deborah King says ahead of the school’s 70th anniversary celebrations set for May, a fish fry will take place on February 15 between 4:00 p.m. And 10:00 p.m. at the Bay Street Esplanade. She says all are invited to the event, which will raise funds to support the breakfast programme and other extra curricular activities at the school. Ms. King is thanking those individuals and organisations that contributed to the fish fry and other events which will be held to commemorate the school’s milestone.

It’s mostly Jamaicans who have been applying to the Barbados Accreditation Council for the Skills Certificate which allows CARICOM nationals to work and live in other member states. Executive Director of the Council Lisa Gale says in the past, Barbadians and Guyanese nationals led the way. She gave the update at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Council and the National Transformation Initiative.