C.O.B was a proud sponsor of the National Services Weekend 2017 hosted by the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries Inc. (BCSI) at the George Washington House. National Services Week is hosted each year in an effort to sensitize Barbadian citizens and the wider region of the importance of services and the development of a lucrative services sector. The theme of the event was called “Firefly” and showcased the many talents of various young artists specialising in fashion and jewellery design. There was also an auction held to raise funds for the hurricane ravaged island of Dominica. Here we have a few paintings of recognizable celebrities such as Bob Marley, our own Rihanna and Jack Sparrow of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Did you know?Our economy grew by 1.4 % over the first nine months of 2017.Effective December 1 2017, commercial banks will be required to place18% of their domestic deposits in stipulated securities.The 42nd Sir Winston Scott Lecture was delivered by the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland.

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Much has been reported about the Barbadian economy and we do know that this will be an area of constant interest and concern for you in the diaspora. Many of you either own properties or have investments here in Barbados and of even greater importance have family members who are impacted by various economic indicators. It is true to say that challenging economic conditions continue to arrest the attention of many countries, Barbados has not been spared. Global trends continue to impact on efforts to strengthen the local economy and adjustments have been made and continue to be implemented. The Diaspora Desk Team thought that we would use this medium to explain one of the trending terms that you may find interesting, Balance of Payments.

The Balance of Payments is a systematic record of all financial transactions between the residents, including the Government, of one country and those of other countries. The Balance of Payments is said to be adverse (in deficit) if payments abroad exceed receipts from abroad. It is said to be favourable (in surplus) if receipts are in excess of payments. A deficit in the Balance of Payments, which represents a temporary imbalance, is usually financed by drawing down the country's foreign exchange reserves and is supplemented, if necessary, by short term external borrowing.

A more fundamental deficit, one which is persistent and severe, will require corrective measures aimed at increasing output and exports and reducing imports in respect of goods and services. Over a given period a country may import more goods and services than it exports, a Central Bank maintains a Reserve of Foreign exchange to cover any temporary imbalance. This Foreign Exchange Reserve is maintained in the form of international trading currencies such as Sterling and US dollars or investments in such currencies held with the Central Bank's correspondents abroad.Your remittances, no matter how small are so vitally important to our economy.

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C L U BThe DiasporaDesk

The Royal Barbados Police Force School Quiz is now in its twenty-sixth year and previously involved only schools in the north of the island. For Barbados’ fiftieth Anniversary of Independence in 2016, the Quiz went national engaging all primary schools divided into the Nothern, Southern and Eastern zones. This year’s finalists comprised the St. Christopher Primary, Sharon Primary and the Rock Christian Primary Schools. At the end of the Quiz both Sharon and Rock Christian Primary Schools were on 180 points each. The tie-breaker saw Rock Christian Primary being the eventual winner.

Teams from left Sharon Primary, St. Christopher Primary and the Rock Christian Primary with Quiz Mistress, Sonja Goodridge.

The RBPF Independence Quiz: Over 25 years and growing stronger in the community

Showcase of talent atBCSI’s “Firefly” event

As part of our 34th Anniversary celebrations, C.O.B held its Member Appreciation Day and a Member Education Session. This session with a difference focused on diet and nutrition, healthy living, Alkaline water and its benefits as well as the importance of physical activity. The three presenters were very dynamic in the delivery of the many activities and information they provided.

C.O.B celebrates Anniversary with its members

On Monday, December 4, 2017, the City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union Ltd presented a Risograph to the Wesley Hall Junior School to assist with its printing needs. On hand to receive equipment were pupils of the school, teacher Mr. Kemar Cumberbatch along with Principal Mr. Herbert Gittens.

In the photo, Marketing Manager Winston Alleyne presents the Risograph to Principal Herbert Gittens as students and teacher Mr. Kemar Cumberbatch look on.

Risograph for Wesley Hall Junior School

Members participating in one of the many activities at the session.

DEAR C.O.B

I WANT A LAPTOP AND BRAND NEW

KITCHEN APPLIANCES.

MY BOYFRIEND HAS HIS EYE ON

THAT 55” FLAT SCREEN TV.

MY LITTLE BROTHER AND SISTER

ARE EXCITED ABOUT GETTING NEW

SHINY BIKES.YOURS TRULY

AMANDA

WISHESCOME

WE MAKETRUE!

Get what you want, to do

what you want!*It’s that SIMPLE!

DO MORE

C.O.BLOAN!

WITH A

CHRISTMAS

*Special Terms & Conditions Apply*Special Terms & Conditions Apply

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Dr. Worrell is the latest recipient of the Sir Arnott Cato ScholarshipThe City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. once again sponsored the Sir Arnott Cato Scholarship. This Scholarship is awarded each year to one student pursuing the Masters in Public Health programme at the University of the West Indies.

In the above photo, the President of the City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. Mr. Henderson Williams presents the cheque to this year’s recipient Dr. Leandre’ Worrell as Mr. Romaine Lovell, Administrative Manager of the Sir Arnott Cato Foundation looks on.

Students cultivate good business skills from BEF “Agripreneurship” programmeThe Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation Inc. held its graduation for participants in the programme at Almond Bay in Hastings. This was the culmination of a series of activities which commenced in 2016. These were students from several schools in Barbados who have chosen as their main focus, the Agricultural aspect of business. Throughout this exercise, students were asked to design a logo which depicted business and agriculture to be used as the “Agripreneurship” symbol. Some of the components of the course involved

hands-on experience on a farm, growing livestock, managing financial and other resources. Two outstanding students in the programme were Jelani Hunte and Ashley Griffith both students of the Lodge School who spoke on behalf of the students.

Above: Jelani speaks about his animal husbandry where he started with two sheep given to him by his aunt. He now has a total of twenty-six. Interestingly, he is able to employ some of his friends on his farm.

From left: Barbara Langdon-Thompson, Member Care Manager, C.O.B, winners of the various challenges, representatives and Winston Alleyne, Marketing Manager, C.O.B.

Our “Do more this Christmas” Loans are in full swing and we want you to apply for yours RIGHT NOW! Make your holiday season wonderful by taking that trip to see your loved ones or just finally doing those refurbishments to your home with an unsecured loan of up to $20,000 or maybe take advantage of our “TOP UP” line of credit up to $2,500 and get yourself and loved ones that special gift for Christmas. RequirementsPersons will be required to submit the following:

Recent job letterTwo recent pay slipsProof of AddressValid IdentificationApplications for the “Do More This Christmas” loans must be supported by documentation surrounding the purpose of the financing.

Promotional offers and ConditionsRepay as low as $15.00 per month until February 2018* (Special Terms & Conditions Apply)