Live in Barbados

It’s impressive to see how much the Bajan Fire Fighters have embraced the internet recently. Blogging and tweeting updates and news on house fires, cane fires and traffic accidents. One wonders if other public services would welcome such scrutiny of their work?

Bajan Fire Fighters

ALL WET beachwear have brought in a new selection of swimwear!

Contact Ingrid on either the mobile number or email below to arrange a visit:

Mobile: +1-246-230-1095
Email: ingrid.emmons@gmail.com

Silverpoint hotel is the newly refurbished Silver Rock hotel which is located on the South East coast of the island (about 5 minutes from the airport).

Last thursday, on Errol Barrow Day, four of us headed down to this boutique hotel to have a late lunch and ended up staying way after the sun had set.

The pool, bar and restaurant area is set up quite nicely, with lounges positioned on the deck so that you face the caribbean sea and witness the ballsy aerial jumps of the 20 odd kite surfers zooming so close to the deck that you think their kite is going to swoop down and get you!

If you want to spend the entire day at Silverpoint, they do offer a US$20 day pass which allows you to use all of their facilities…

Not sure if they offer local accommodation rates but I’m trying to find that out and will keep you posted.

Visit their website to find out more about this kite surfer’s paradise!

Looks like Leah’s had a busy few months since our last post on her accomplishments.  Click on the images below to see her recent work.

These images include photography taken by Steve Cumberbatch and Dave Cox.

If you’re interested in having your make-up done with perfection at an affordable price, please contact Leah on:

E-mail: leahnwhitehead@hotmail.com
Mobile: +1 246 259 2332

Justin Cole provides management and accounting services for international businesses in Barbados. He can be reached at his office: 20 Mount Clapham, St. Michael, via email at jcole@sunbeach.net or by phone at 431-0077.

Barbados is a well-regulated, low tax jurisdiction that offers a well-educated workforce, high-quality infrastructure and a fantastic quality of life. It is a very appealing location for international companies that wish to succeed in today’s highly competitive global marketplace.

Barbados offers a very competitive tax rate of only 2.5% down to 1% for international companies. This low tax rate allows international businesses to minimize their international tax burden by establishing the island as the hub of their worldwide operations. In addition, there are no withholding taxes on dividends or other income paid to non-residents by international businesses and they are also exempt from capital gains taxes. International businesses are exempt from exchange control regulations and are able to hold their bank accounts in major foreign currencies.

There are currently over 4,000 international businesses benefitting from these advantages. These businesses include international insurance, banking, treasury management, private wealth management, international trade and commerce, trust, and information and communications technology companies operating in markets across the world. International trading companies are set up to manage every kind of business imaginable including pharmaceuticals, oil and software.

Barbados’ reputation as well-regulated centre for international finance has been further enhanced by its inclusion on the “white list” released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on April 2nd, 2009. Inclusion on the “white list” means that Barbados is recognized as a jurisdiction that has substantially implemented the internationally agreed tax standard. This OECD standard provides for full exchange of information on request in all tax matters for the administration and enforcement of domestic tax law without regard to a domestic tax interest requirement or bank secrecy for tax purposes.

Barbados is one of only seven international business centres to be named to the “white list” of forty countries. Furthermore, it is the only independent, Caribbean jurisdiction on the “white list”, giving it a huge advantage over its Caribbean counterparts. As the leading international business centre in the Caribbean, Barbados has set itself apart and will therefore continue to have favourable growth and investment opportunities. In these turbulent times, when banks and financial centres are being extensively scrutinized by the international community, it is reassuring to both current and potential investors that the island has been formally recognized by the international community for its commitment to international standards on tax transparency.

The government began enacting legislation to provide tax incentives for international businesses decades ago. It now has an extensive network consisting of over 17 Double Taxation Agreements with foreign governments compared to the few signed agreements of its Caribbean counterparts. Barbados has developed its financial services through a treaty network that engages in tax information exchange and tax enforcement cooperation and has further enhanced its reputation by not being a tax secrecy jurisdiction.

Regulators ensure that the regulatory framework and legislation in place is enforced. The Central Bank plays an important role inspecting the financial institutions registered here to ensure operations are safe and in compliance with legislation resulting in a highly regulated and sound financial system. This stringent regulation has allowed the local banking sector to avoid the devastating bank failures that are shaking the world.

Barbados’ well-developed infrastructure makes it an appealing choice to international businesses that wish to establish the island as the centre of their worldwide operations. This includes a modern telecommunications infrastructure, a major international airport, and an educational system that produces skilled managers and workers. The local workforce can provide high-quality legal and accounting services needed by the international business community. The island’s long standing record of political, social and economic stability, coupled with its high rankings in the UN Human Development Index, Quality of Life Index and Index of Economic Freedom, further add to its appeal as a great place to invest, work and live.

The international business sector plays a major role in the local real estate market. The real estate market has benefitted in all areas including sales, long-term and short-term rentals. International business owners often purchase a second home in Barbados as they may choose to spend part of the year here overseeing their business. They may also purchase in order to take advantage of the investment opportunity offered by owning a piece of paradise. High-end rentals greatly benefit from foreign executives and managers who relocate here to work in the international sector and become long-term tenants of these properties. Short-term villa rental and hotel markets are also benefactors. Many business owners, consultants and managers from overseas operations frequent the island for a few days to several weeks at a time in order to conduct regular board meetings, consultations and on-site training. The international businesses themselves also become long-term tenants of offices, factories and warehouses from which they run their worldwide operations. International business companies are also allowed to acquire property and may choose to purchase instead of lease. Either way, the thousands of international companies that are established in Barbados provide huge benefits to the local real estate market.

Barbados truly has an appeal like no other. It stands out as a safe, regulated, low tax jurisdiction at a time when lapse regulation and risk taking around the world have resulted in the loss of trillions of dollars worldwide. Its highly developed infrastructure, high-quality of life, as well as its political, and economic stability, make the island a true gem amongst international business centres worldwide, and more specifically, within the Caribbean. Barbados really is a great place to invest, to work, and to live. After all, not much can top enjoying a rum punch while overlooking the Caribbean Sea after a board meeting!

How does Barbados’ inclusion on OECD’s “white list” benefit our reputation as a centre for international business?

Barbados’ strategy has been consistent since the introduction of a truly diversified international business sector over the past thirty years. It has focused on quality not volume mixed with transparency as opposed to secrecy. Inclusion on the OECD’s “white list” underscores this focus.
Dr. Trevor Carmichael, Q.C.
Principal, Chancery Chambers, Attorneys-at-Law

The positive endorsement of Barbados by the OECD has placed the Island at a major advantage when competing for business in the global arena. Our host of double tax treaties and bilateral tax agreements provide competitive advantages and attractive benefits for service providers and Barbados as a whole. In turn, this will improve longer term economic prospects and place Barbados in a stronger position to effectively navigate the global financial storm as the rebuilding of financial markets takes place.
Caroline Prow, ACIB MSI
Vice President, Butterfield Asset Management

Our inclusion in the recently announced OECD’s April 2009 and subsequent “white lists” is an endorsement of Barbados’ long standing philosophy toward the development of a responsible and prudently regulated international business and financial services sector. Fundamental to our international business brand is transparency and tax information exchange provisions – which form the bedrock of all our double taxation treaty agreements.
Wayne Kirton
Chief Executive Officer, Invest Barbados

Swimwear from Vix to Poka Pano, Sofia by Vix and many more is available for sale on Island!  I’ve already bought a few!

(more…)

De Vine Cafe is wonderful cafe located in the centre of the chattel house village in Sunset Crest.  We often head over to De Vine on a Saturday morning for their amazing coffee served by the cup or in your very own cafetiere and their full english breakfast which comes with eggs of your choice, tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, bacon and toast. (They are also open for lunch and my favourite is the flying fish sandwich!)

The staff are always super friendly and we always find ourselves staying their long after we’ve eaten, simply enjoying the chilled atmosphere or just catching up on the news.

De Vine Cafe is now open for dinner and the prices and menu selection are perfect for casual dining.

First Course or make your own platter… $10 Bds

• De Vine Hummus - Bajan style and served with garlic pita chips
• Samosas - Spicy vegetable filling with homemade chutney
• Pickled Flying Fish - Flying fish embraced by cucumber ribbons (House Special)
• Smoked Salmon - Served with cream cheese on brown buttered bread
• Caesar salad - Appetizer size

Next Course…

• Seared Chicken Breast – Herb encrusted with an Apricot Sauce, sauteed potatoes and steamed vegetables… $38 Bds
• Grilled catch of the Day – Balanced precariously on a bed of sauteed potatoes and steamed vegetables with a Red Pepper Coulis… $38 Bds
• Fish and Frites – ‘Banks Battered’ with home made ‘Frites’ and mushy peas served in the local newspaper… $32 Bds
• Chilli con Carne – Big bowl of ‘Nice and Spicy’ Chilli and hot Ciabatta… $32 Bds
• Herb Pancakes – Tortilla with Mushrooms and Chick Peas topped with a Cheddar Cheese sauce… $30 Bds
• Fettuccine Alfredo – Egg Fettuccine served with chicken or salmon in an Alfredo Sauce… $34 Bds
• De Vine Burger – Topped with Blue Cheese or Brie sitting on Ciabatta bread with homemade Frites… $32 Bds
• Vegie Burger – Mayonaise bun with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle garnish served with fries… $28 Bds
• Garden Salad – Tomatoes, onions, cucumber and other seasonal vegetables with a vinaigrette dressing… $26 Bds
• Greek Salad – Tomatoes, onions, cucumber, olives topped with Feta Cheese and warm pita bread… $30.50 Bds
• Caesar Salad – Romaine lettuce lightly tossed in Caesar dressing with shaved parmesan with extra dressing, homemade croutons and fresh bacon bits on the side… $30.50 Bds
• Additional with all Salads
  • Salmon Filet… $10 Bds
  • Flying Fish… $8 Bds
  • Chicken… $10 Bds

Side Orders… $12 Bds

• Sauteed Potatoes, Frites, Fries, Garlic Pita Chips, Steamed Vegetables and Side Salad

Last Course… $15 Bds

• Apple Pie – On its own or make it Bajan with some Rum & Raisin Ice Cream
• Triple Chocolate Fudge Cheesecake
• Banana Split – Walnuts, chocolate and strawberry sauce on the side

Opening hours?

Christmas is just around the corner and I have the perfect gift ideas that you should buy for your loved ones, friends and family!

I have a dear friend who is selling one of a kind jewelry, from bracelets to bangles, rings, dangly earrings to studs, necklaces and silver chains as well as pendants, pandora bracelets and charms, just to name a few!

A majority of these jewels feature semi precious stones as well as precious stones.

(more…)

Congrats to Gina Parravicino from Gina Francesca Photography & Design for winning a Silver and Bronze Award as well as a Top Selected distinction at NIFCA.

The National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) has always sought to unearth the very best of Barbadian talent, encouraging persons from all walks of life to create and submit their entries in seven disciplines: dance, music, drama, literary arts, culinary arts, fine art and craft and photography.

Well done Gina and keep up the good work!

In addition to Family Portraits, Gina Francesca Photography & Design is now offering Friends Portraits!

Give her a call or send her an email to book a photo shoot!

Phone: +1 246 244 5095
Email: ginafrancescap@gmail.com
Facebook Page: Gina Francesca Photography & Design

Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa has recently won the golden award for ‘Best Small Hotel of the Caribbean’ and we would like to congratulate the Managing Director, and good friend of ours, Rod Weatherhead on this fine accomplishment!!

Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa features a harmonious blend of luxury, tranquillity and seclusion. This select hill top boutique hotel overlooks the exotic West coast of Barbados and the Mediterranean architecture and warm ambiance, combined with lush Barbados tropical beauty forms a welcoming elegance and atmosphere.

Sugar Cane Club Hotel & Spa are currently offering some special holiday packages that should appeal to every visitor; from the quiet to the adventurous and the private/romantic to the more extravagant.

We have listed a few of these packages below:

Car Hire, Island Tour & Transfer Package

• a complimentary airport/hotel/airport transfer service
• a 1 day car hire (group A3 vehicle) from Drive-A-Matic Car Rentals
• an all day Island Safari Lunch Tour
• Price – $120 US

Sightseeing Package

• a Harrison’s Cave and Barbados Wildlife bus tour
• a Thriller Power Boat ocean excursion
• a 3 hour private car scenic island tour
• Price – $150 US

Romance Package

• a complimentary airport/hotel/airport transfer service
• an in-room bottle of Moet Chandon Brut
• one complimentary couples massage at the Sugar Cane Club Spa
• one complimentary dinner at La Salsa Restaurant
• Price – $175 US

Wedding Package

• packages start from $750 US per couple.  Please send them an email for more details.

All package rates are per person and based on double occupancy