Developmental Consultancy,Civil Society Organisation, The Barcam

Where Did it All Start?

In September 1988 when Selvyn C. Lewis, Bevon Edwards, Dexter Jeffrey, Jason Sylvester and Davon Felix ascended to the fourth form level of the Point Fortin Senior Secondary School, close friendships amongst them were forged. They formed an organisation called Daddy Pompey and the CIA Crew. The essential goal behind "Daddy Pompey and the CIA Crew" was to put forward positive messages through music.

By December 27th, 1989, the organisation had broadened its vision. It evolved into an entity, founded by Selvyn C. Lewis and renamed The barcam.‘The barcam’, is a word especially coined to mean; "The struggle to uplift and unify mankind".

It was necessary to coin a word, since no word existed previously which embraced the fullness of meaning that the group desired.

Vaughnette Bigford and Ernesto Kesar, because of close relationships with foundation members, soon joined The barcam. Anslem Lessey, Anthony Felix, Henry and Chris Thomas were also some of the key personalities who inspired the organisation's development.

Over the fifteen years of The barcam's existence, the organisation has developed useful links by forging partnerships in developmental initiatives with national, regional and international bodies. The barcam has devised a plan that allows the wider community to participate more effectively in youth development initiatives.

Consequently, The barcam can now be defined as a community based developmental organisation, which is primarily involved in the execution of activities and programmes aimed at the development of youth and communities through participation, education, the promotion of culture and a variety of humanitarian endeavours.

Logo Brief

The Logo of the organisation was designed to reflect the core philosophies of the group. It is a summary of what the organisation is all about.

Nowadays, organisations have got one challenge: RENEW. It’s transform or die. Every new day is a new chance to improve, looking for excellence while fulfilling the requirements of our clients… and more. "barcam", as an image of strength and trustworthiness, is in the very right moment for a new proposal, visually attractive and innovative, respectful on the tradition we are founded on and a projection with new emotions looking forward to the future.

Our new proposal is in possession of a vital energy, full of strength and dynamism, action and emotion, which in every chance may raise every one of the values that binds us. The circle, as a graphic element, possesses the capacity of generating a cycle, alive and able to restart at any moment. Joining the primary shape, we have another element which works in a way that it can look like links and probably, a chain. It is the union and support that we are providing to the people, our people.

To confirm this, the slogan had to change to adapt itself to this new proposal. The slogan was previously “The struggle to uplift and unify mankind”. However, this idea can be compressed in simply two words, showing more action through the gerund: “uplifting mankind”. This transforms it into something memorable, brief and euphonic, making it go beyond its time.

The colors are justified through the color psychology. Green is for nature, freshness, vegetation. When something grows it stirs up the hope for a new life. Green with a tendency for yellow takes active and sunny strength. It gives joy and enthusiasm. On the other side, violet is the color for temperance, lucidity, reflection. When it goes into purple it gives a majestic sensation. Together, they give an additional touch to the memorization of our new brand.

As it is then, the youth that comes from our symbol is the answer to our modern time, a time that won’t allow any holding back.

BARCAM in uppercase letters has been revitalized. Reading is slower when using caps, no matter how short texts are. The shapes of words set in lowercase provide a valuable cue to readers that helps speed the process of reading.

Being so, "barcam", as a new word that tries to have all those positive meanings, must be written in lower case, to ensure the best and holistic brand development.

Download Brief Logo The barcam

How Are We Organised?

The barcam´s base is located in the Borough of Point Fortin (south Trinidad) and also has an arm in the St. Augustine area (north Trinidad ) and Tobago . Members of these arms participate in the programmes created and governed by departments/organisations.

Lo. Pe. Li. Inc. - stands for Love, Peace and Life Incorporated and is also humanitarian based. Its membership includes members of The barcam as well as persons outside the organisation, who have an interest in one of Lo. Pe. Li.'s programmes.

Anonymous Promotions (commonly referred to as AP ) is the marketing arm of The barcam.

Training and Facilitation Section – The barcam has developed and crystallised any skills over the years. Many organisations are using The barcam services in Trainer of Trainers programmes and to facilitate workshops and symposiums

The Educative/Developmental Theatre Unit - a best practice of how young people can impact on the pedagogical development of other young people, adults and targeted communities. This goes far beyond the theatre that is used for entertainment and commercial purposes, and provides opportunities for audiences/participants to actively participate in the creative work.

ECO Environmentally Conscious Ones - This group does various environmental programmes. One of the major projects of this group is titled L.I.F.E. Living in Friendship with the Environment, a project that takes best practices of conservation, preservation and restoration to primary schools.

Is devoted to personal and professional development through participation and education. The company uses various participatory methodologies, through which personal and professional development can be achieved.

Download Selvyn C. Lewis Profile

Why use The barcam?

There have been two dominant schools of thought as it relates to education and development, Child-Centre and Knowledge driven approaches. British educator and theatre director, Garvin Bolton describes the Knowledge centred approach as the teacher or facilitator being the full pitcher and the participant being an empty glass waiting to be filled with information. This approach leaves little room for participation and initiative.

The other view to development has been popularly called the Child-Centre. The emphasis of this approach is on the uniqueness of the individual and their creative potential. Within this school of thought, the facilitator creates an environment that is conducive to the participants’ natural growth. It is this approach that The barcam incorporates in its interventions, facilitation and development initiatives.

The barcam utilises a variety of approaches including but not limited to Interactive Simulations, Developmental Theatre, Capoeira and Workshop Games. These participatory approaches are used to bring issues to life and engage participants serving as a catalyst for discussion and to start off plenary. It allows for very powerful engagement and participants are allowed to show initiative because they are empowered by our practical approach.

We Have Many Reasons to be Proud

The following highlights some achievements of the organisation:

To date, the organisation has worked in at least twelve (12) Caribbean islands and other CARICOM states including Guyana, Suriname and Belize.

• The barcam has participated in exchanges and international projects in the U.K, Africa and Malaysia.
• The barcam has trained at least one thousand, five hundred (1,500) Peer Educators throughout the CARICOM region.
• Eight (8) members have received cabinet appointments from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to serve various interests.
• Sixty (60) members are recognised consultants in youth, community and developmental work and have repeatedly been called upon to lend technical support in capacity building and institutional strengthening for organisations within the Caribbean and internationally.
• Expanded its base from South Trinidad (Point Fortin) to a branch in North/East Trinidad (St. Augustine) while solidifying links for a branch in Tobago.
• E.C.O. The environmental department of the organisation received a BP TT award for the environment with funding for its LIFE project (2000).
• The barcam received grants from UNDP Trinidad and Tobago in 1999 and 2004 to pursue development work in communities throughout the country.

What Can We Offer You?

Through its various departments, The barcam caters to varied needs. Among the services offered are capacity building, mediation, environmental conservation, and personal and professional development programmes.

Contact us so that we can design a programme suited to your needs. Our professionals are always ready to discuss your development.

• Personal & Professional Development, Capacity Building Workshops.
• Events Management.
• Interventions(Developmental Theatre, Capoeira, Music & Dance).

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We Are Here to Serve You!

The barcam has been called upon by many organisations to serve in a variety of capacities. We are happy to serve, and will be proud to aid you in any way necessary. This fully encompasses the meaning of The barcam:
Who Has Utilised Our Services?

The services of The barcam have been utilized by several agencies and organisations, some of these are as follows:

• Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago.
• CARICOM: Youth Secretariat - Suriname, Grenada, St.Kitts and Nevis.
• Caribbean Alliance – Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago.
• Caribbean Conference of Churches - Bahamas, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.
• Caribbean Coalition of National AIDS Programme Co-ordinators.
• Commonwealth Youth Programme - Montserrat and British Virgin Islands.
• DPI – Disabled Peoples International – Caribbean and North American Office.
• Dr. Brader Braithwaite – (West Indies Player Association).
• Eastern Credit Union.
• EDC – Education Development Centre, Inc – Boston U.S.A.
• Lever Brothers Credit Union.
• Odyssey Consultinc Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).
• Ministry of Education (T&T).
• Ministry of National Security – O.D.P.M.
• Ministry of Education.
• Ministry of Sports, Youth and Housing (Bahamas).
• Ministry of Science Technology and Tertiary Education (T&T).
• Ministry of Social Development. (T&T).
• Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs (T&T).
• National STI / HIV / AIDS Programme – Anguilla.
• National AIDS Co-ordinatng Committee – Trinidad and Tobago.
• National AIDS Programme – Turks and Caicos Islands.
• National Alcohol and Drug Awareness Prevention Programme of Trinidad and Tobago.
• National Youth Council of Montserrat.
• North West Regional Health Authority – Trinidad and Tobago.
• PETROTRIN – TRINMAR Strategic Business Unit.
• SFU - Simon Fraser University, Faculty of Education - Vancouver Canada.
• South Western Court – Point Fortin.
• St. Mary’s Home for Children (T&T).
• Tobago Youth Council.
• TIDCO – Tourism and Industrial Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry Commerce.
• TSTT – Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and Tobago.
• TTUTA - Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association.
• UNATT.
• UNDP – Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago.
• UNESCO.
• UNIC.
• UNICEF. Belize, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago.
• UWI Credit Union.
• U.W.I. - University of the West Indies.
• Faculty of Medical Sciences.
• Education.
• School of Veterinary Science.
• W.A.C.K. Radio Station.
• W.A.Y. - World Assembly of Youth.
• YMCA – Trinidad and Tobago.