CASC
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SPECIAL EDITION
8 pages b o n u s
See the S i te s Feat u r e
Barbados Welcome to
P R E - D E PA R T UR E T R AV E L GUID E
WHAT TO EXPECT, What you should bring and all the exciting features that CASC 2013 has to offer!
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Publisher: Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Barbados Design/ Layout: Kreative Studios
For questions about, or suggestions on CASC Insider, please contact the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award at Tel: (246) 436-8754 Fax: (246) 436-1630 or email:deabarbados@caribsurf.com ___________________________________________ CASC Insider is produced by the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Barbados. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information presented here is accurate. This publication cannot be copied in whole or in part without the explicit permission of the Publisher. ____________________________________________
WELCOME! Barbados is pleased to invite you to the 2013 Caribbean Award Sub-regional Council (CASC) Adventurous Journey - Code Name: Journey to a Greener Barbados. Enjoy all that Barbados has to offer, sample Barbadian culture while traversing the country’s many gullies,watercourses and breathtaking coastlines. Be a part of the exciting celebrations as we mark 50 years of youth development. See you there!
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Welcome to
Barbado
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of coral & limestone Barbados is a coral island and its beaches are made from finely ground coral forming a clean fine grain. There are few beaches that are not fine sand. Natural sand dunes are not common but some exist in Long Bay on the south-west coast.
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ou are visiting “Bim” at a time where the country is a hive of activity as we celebrate during our Crop Over Season. To help you navigate we take this opportunity to introduce Barbados, offer a synopsis of how we do things and highlight the range of activities that you can take advantage of during your stay on the island. LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
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arbados is comprised of beautiful coral and limestone and spans 166 sq miles. Located northeast of Trinidad and southeast of St. Lucia, it is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands. The 11 parishes are divided as follows: • • • • • • • •
North - St. Lucy and St. Peter West – St. James Southwest – St. Michael South – Christ Church Southeast – St. Philip East – St. Joseph, St. John Northeast – St. Andrew Inland – St. Thomas and St. George
The main shopping areas are: • Bridgtetown – Capital – South west • Speightstown – North • Oistins – South • Warrens – central
THE PEOPLE Barbados is an Independent state in the Commonwealth since November 30th, 1966 with a parliamentary democracy modelled after the British Westminster system, given the England occupation over the country prior to independence. The head of state is the Governor General and the government comprises of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. The population is estimated to be 280,000 mainly of African descent with some European, Asian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Syrian influence. The official language is English and most Barbadians speak their national dialect which is referred to as Bajan.
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CURRENCY
Our currency is issued by the central bank of Barbados and $2 BDS = $1 US approximately. Our notes are issued in denominations of: $100, $50, $20, $5, and $2 and coins are denominations of: $1, 25cents, 10 cents, 5 cents and 1 cent. Eastern Caribbean (EC) currency is not widely accepted for currency exchange. You can use Barbados dollars and American dollars and in some places Canadian dollars. Foreign currency can be changed at the base camp - but only EC, US and Pounds Sterling are changed to Barbados Dollars. The rate used is determined by the bank rates, but usually $1 US = $2 BDS, £1 = $3.30 BDS and $1 EC = $0.74 BDS. You can visit the Central Bank of Barbados’ website to confirm rates. For your convenience, feel free to exchange the foreign currency (US Dollars are ideal) you require in your country! The nearest commercial banking facilities to the basecamp are in Warrens. The banks are: Scotiabank, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank and Republic Bank (formerly Barbados National Bank). SHOPPING / PURCHASING
The best prices can be accessed if you are duty free shopping. You must have the following to permit the store to facilitate your duty free purchase: passport and ticket. Outside of the capital Bridgetown, the greatest variety can be found in Speightstown in the north, Warrens near inland and along the south coast in Christ Church. 6
Independence Square, Bridgetown, BARBADOS 7
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Bus Stop in BARBADOS
TRANsPORTATION
The country has a good network of roads with the main ones being along the coast and the ABC Highway (which cuts through the island south to north and vice versa). The Barbados Transport Board Buses (blue and yellow in colour) are government owned and travel main routes only. In addition, the other large buses are privately owned and operated mini buses (mainly all yellow in colour) and route taxi services (usually white in colour seating between 10-13 persons). All buses and route taxi’s charge $2.00 BDS per route of one point to another. The connections take place in Bridgetown. Finally there are the general taxi’s either operated by individuals/companies/co-ops and the fee depends on the distance travelled from one point to another which starts at around $20.00 BDS - $100.00 BDS. LOCAL TELEPHONE PROVIDERS
Currently the telephone service providers are expanding and they include: Cable & Wireless LIME – landline, cell Digicel – Cell and landline Flow (Karib Kable and Telebarbados) – landline (new provider) *Remember to check with your telephone provider to enquire on the roaming charges and what they entail and your options on using a local sim card as it relates to the compatibility of your phone. MAKING INTERNATIONAL CALLS
The country area code for Barbados is (246). When dialing Guyana and England from Barbados there are specific dialing requirements: Guyana 011 England 0110 in front of the full number The international operator can be reached if you dial “0” to confirm if they are any other dialling requirements to any other countries. ELectricity/ voltage
Our electricity grid in Barbados caters to the 110 volts. You would need to walk with adapter/s for the smaller prong plugs if your electronic device carries the wider prongs to plug in, should you be coming from a country that has different voltage requirements compared to Barbados. If you are travelling from countries like St. Lucia or the UK, please check your voltage requirements/needs being adaptable to what we have in Barbados.
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STAY VIGILANT It’s easy to let down your guard while in another country but always keep aware of your surroundings
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Personal Safety Do not be so carefree that you are not cognizant of your welfare and personal safety. Though Barbados is relatively safe, do not place yourself in a position to tempt an unfortunate circumstance being created. Therefore:
If you are travelling anywhere that is unfamiliar to you, especially if you are not in the company of a local person, ALWAYS let someone know where you have gone and possibly how long you expect to be. Do not go anywhere unless you confirm the area is safe from local persons who are hosting. Avoid going anywhere alone. Do not go anywhere alone that is not properly lit. Do not engage strangers in too much conversation, be polite and keep it brief. Secure your personal effects at all times. Do not wear flashy jewellery ESPECIALLY GOLD PIECES. Any participant who leaves the base campmust be granted permission to do so by the Expedition Leader and must be accompanied by their respective contingetnt leader. 10
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DO’s AND DONT’S 1. Good Morning/ Good Evening/ good night Good Manners are very important. When you enter a room/ location and persons are present a simple “Good morning/ Good afternoon” is adequate.
2. Excuse Me If you are passing in front of or around someone, it is customary to say ‘excuse me”.
3. Gratuity Tipping of service industry personnel may be made at one’s discretion.
4. Littering Littering, is frowned upon. Please keep your litter on your person until it can be disposed of in an acceptable manner.
DID YOU KNOW? W
hen first settled in 1625, Barbados was found to be almost totally covered in dense jungle, with a very large population of wild pigs.
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uring the period 1841 - 1845, Barbados was considered the healthiest place in the world to live, having 1 death per 66 people, compared to world averages of approximately 1 death per 35 people.
before anything else, preparation is the key to success. alexander graham bell
arbados is the birthplace of Rihanna, who moved from Barbados to the United States at the age of sixteen to pursue her music career.
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See the Sites
There’s lots to do and lots to see in Barbados. Here are just few of the exciting attractions that Barbados has to offer, especially at this time of year.
SOCA ROYALE
creative arts
foreday morning
kadooment
The day to take advantage of these kinds of activities is August 15, 2013 as this is the appointed day for shopping and siteseeing during CASC 2013.
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Places of Interest HARRISON’S CAVE Located in the central uplands of the island, this breathtakingly beautiful, crystallized limestone cavern is a testament to nature’s mastery. BARBADOS MUSEUM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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Barbados Museum & Historical Society is FREE for CARICOM nationals with identification and is located in the Garrison area which is part of the the UNESCO World heritage site, Bridgetown and her historic Garrison. The museum is celebrating in 80 years and has a special exhibit on display. It is within walking distance from the Radisson Aquatica Beach Resort Barbados where the ‘‘Train the Trainers’’ and CASC AGM are taking place.
ATLANTIS SUBMARINE See a different side of Barbados. Atlantis submarine visitors $183.00 BDS per person for a 1 hr 45 mins to 2 hr tour. Minimum of 15 persons (visitors) $190 BDS per person.
Admission: BDS $60 (US $30) non-nationals. Groups must be booked at least one week in advance. A 5% and 10% discount is available for groups of 15 persons (non-nationals) and over in a group. Tours start every 20 minutes starting from 8:30am - 4:30 pm Visit www.harrisonscave. com
NATIONAL HEROES GALLERY & MUSEUM OF PARLIAMENT With over 350 years of which we can boast, surpassed only by Bermuda and Britain, these buildings hold the history of the Barbadian system of Government which is the third oldest political system within the Commonwealth. Admission: $10 BDS. A tour into sections of the Parliament of Barbados is included. Open, Monday to Sat and closed on Tuesday as parliament is in session.
SCUBA DIVING Barbados offers an array of both wreck and reef dive sites, and there are several welltrained, experienced and professional dive operators to lead you to them.
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Places of Interest CATAMARAN CRUISES Catamaran cruises where one can swim with the turtles (lunch and drink is usually included in the price starts at $110 BDS per person)
AERIAL TREK ADVENTURE
ZIP
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$92 US per person includes transportation and $87 US without transportation and the tour is 1 hr. Group rates (6-11 persons) $74 US per person CARICOM, (12-19 persons) $80 US per person, 20 persons or more $74 US per person. – CARICOM rates are slightly cheaper.
ADVENTURELAND TOURS Adventure tours (island touring includes some off road locations) open Monday – Sat $75.00//$87.50/$92.50 US depending on the tour. Congaline Itinerary (Land only): Welchman Hall Gully (guided casual walk - entrance fees included), The ‘‘Atlantic View“, Chalky Mount Pottery (live demonstration of making clay pots & guests can purchase souvenirs), Cattlewash (The East Coast), ‘‘Soup Bowl“ Bathsheba, Martin’s Bay, St. John’s Parish Church, Lunch Stop at Sunbury in St. Philip. Surf and Turf Itinerary (land and sea activity): Welchman Hall Gully, The ‘‘Atlantic View“, ‘‘Soup Bowl“, Joes River Forest, Redland Gully, Transfer to Wildcat Powerboat at Carlisle Bay, Shipwreck Snorkel & Boat Ride, Lunch & Beach Swim at Copacabana Beach Bar & Grill
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY 28.
SOCA ROYALE
Admission $25.00 BDS per person. There are two competitions - the Sweet Soca Monarch and the Party Monarch. Start time: 11:00 AM Venue: Bushy Park, St. Philip
JULY 31.
vISUAL ARTS FESTIVAL - EVENING OF INTERPRETATION
Admission $5.00 BDS per person. The exhibition shows the best of entries from the public into the annual Crop Over Fine Arts and Fine Crafts competitions and is open to Barbadians 18 years and over. It will showcase much of the best of contemporary fine art and craft being produced in Barbados today. Start time: 7:00 PM Venue: Queen’s Park Gallery at Pelican
AUGUST 1.
EMANCIPATION WALK (Public Holiday)
Admission: FREE Start time: 8:00 AM Venue: Emancipation Statue to Independence Square
AUGUST 2.
PIC-O-DE- CROP FINALS
Nine calypsonians selected by the judges as the best for the year, join last year’s winner in this the finale of the annual Calypso Competition. Before a capacity crowd, they each perform two calypsos. Fans scream and dance in the aisles and sometimes on their eats. The nine will compete against Red Plastic Bag, the 2012 winner. This is perhaps the most looked-forward-to event of crop over! Admission: $27.50/ $32.50/ $37.50 BDS per person, depends on where seats are located. Start time: 8:00 PM Venue: Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, Wildey, St. Michael
AUGUST 2,3,4. bridgetown markET Street Market selling local art, craft and food. Admission: FREE.
AUGUST 3.
FOREDAY MORNING JAM
This a street party with thousands of revellers jamming behind music trucks in the early hours of the morning. Also known as ‘Mud Mas’ revellers daub themselves with paint and mud and do their best to similarly daub their friends. It’s a lot cooler at that time of morning! Plenty of food and drink available. Organised by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), the event is expected to attract many bands of registered revellers. There’ll be many ‘unregistered’ as well! Security is provided. This year there will be 46 bands - the largest number ever with 23,000 revellers expected. There are three starting points: - The BTI Car Park, Lower Bay street - The DaCosta Mannings / Carlisle Car Park, by the old helipad - The BIDC, Trevor’s Way. The jump starts as soon as the Pic-O-De-Crop finals ends, sometime after midnight. It ends as usual at Spring Garden. t Market selling local art, craft and food. Admission: FREE. Venue: Bridgetown Helicopter Pad to Spring Garden Highway. *This event is becoming more and more popular, people who are not in any official band wear their own t-shirt and bottoms/paint their bodies and have a ball. Google “Foreday Morning Barbados” and you will see it all
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUGUST 4. Cohobblopot This is a carnival-like show with members of the Kadooment bands displaying their elaborate and stunning costumes. There is also a huge entertainment package with the most popular calypsonians and bands performing to packed audiences. Start time: 8:00 PM Venue: Kensington Oval, Fontabelle, St. Michael.
AUGUST 5. KADOOMENT DAY (PUBLIC HOLIDAY) This carnival parade features large bands with members dressed in elaborate costumes to depict various themes. Designers compete for the coveted Designer of the Year prize while the revelers are intent on having a good time! The revelers make their way from the National Stadium to Spring Garden accompanied by the pulsating rhythm of calypso music. People line the route to watch and photograph the bands go by, joining in the merriment where they can. When the revelers reach Spring Garden, the party continues with more fantastic music, lots of food and drink and, for some, a quick swim at the nearby beach. A grand end to a grand festival. The bands parade across in front of the stands at the National Stadium (Admission into stands to view the bands is $10 regular and $20 VIP) before proceeding to Spring Garden. Admission: FREE (once you are not officially jumping in a band and viewing from the road) Start time: 9:00 AM Venue: from Warrens to Spring Garden Highway *Note that Kadooment band costumes cost between $500.00 - $1200.00 BDS per costume and this year they are selling quickly. Google “Kadooment Bands Barbados” and view the various bands.
BEHOLD THE SPECTACLE ‘‘Grand Kadooment’’ is the official finale celebration of the season, usually held on the first Monday of August. This parade of Masquerade Bands, revel through the streets before judges in a Carnival-like fashion to be judged at strategic points. The street party ends at the beach-front Spring Garden Highway, where they await the results of the day in merriment in the presents of a beautiful fireworks display.
all tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketpal.com Please note that all ‘early bird’ tickets are cheaper than the above quoted prices.
You would be responsible for paying for your transportation to and from any of the above mentioned site seeing tours/Crop Over Events, BUT if needed you can be advised on which transportation to use.
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HOTEL ACCOMODATION Hotel Accommodation for AGM: Radisson Aquatica Beach Resort Barbados (of the Radisson Chain of international Hotels) and the rates are: Single Rooms $190 US and Double Rooms $210 US (Includes: tax, service charge, WIFI and dialling Breakfast). To book with the hotel please visit www.radisson.com/duke or log on to Radisson.com and type the word DUKE in the promotion code tab.
VISAS Ensure that no visa is required to travel to Barbados from where you are coming from or based on your passport country of origin. Ensure that you passport is up-to-date and that your insurance (if you have) is in order and you travel with you necessary documentation.
WIRE TRANSFERS Wire transfer details are: Account name: “Caribbean Award Sub-Regional Council 2013” Account number: 1001113356 Name of Bank: First Caribbean Address: Fontabelle, St. Michael. BARBADOS Swift Code: FCIBBBBB *NB. In the field 70A which states“Details of Payment”, kindly insert the name of the organisation and country of who is sending the money and then email a scanned copy of the receipt payment received from the bank. This will greatly assist with the tracking of payments. In addition, remember to enquire about the wire transfer costs to ensure that the full $200.00 US is received, if not the bank will automatically take out their fees thus creating a shortfall payment on our end. OR let us know if you are bringing the payments in hand and what they relate to.
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Please email the DEA Barbados Office once you have completed the wire transfers.
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CASC T-Shirt Design “.......examination of the logo shows ‘dukers’ leading the way to a greener society with the use of bio diesel, solar and wind energy away from dangerous emissions from homes and businesses.”
Volunteers Participants
Trainee Leader s
Staff
The shirts depicted here are representations of the shirts that will be issued at CASC 2013. Actual colours may vary slightly. Did you note your t-shirt size on your registration form for your CASC 2013 shirt?
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