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Junior Tourism Minister & Genealogy Competition Winners Awarded

Winners of the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport’s Junior Minister of Tourism and the inaugural Genealogy Competitions were awarded their prizes at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, today.

Winning first place and receiving the title of Junior Minister of Tourism, was 17-year-old Josiah Grannum of Harrison College. He was awarded an HP Laptop, $500, a staycation, a round-a-bout game and a trophy.

*From left to right* – BTMI Chief Product Development Officer, Marsha Alleyne; Harrison College student Tahirah Mann, who finished third in the Junior Minister of Tourism Competition; BTMI Chairman, Shelly Williams; the new Junior Minister of Tourism, Josiah Grannum of Harrison College; Zahra Spencer of the Ursuline Convent, who took second place; and Minister of Tourism, Ian Gooding-Edghill. (BTMI)

Second place went to 15-year-old Zahra Spencer of the Ursuline Convent. She received $400, a round-a-bout game and a trophy. Harrison College student Tahirah Mann was third in the competition and was awarded $300, a round-a-bout game and a trophy.

In 2000, the Ministry of Tourism developed and implemented a Secondary Schools’ Speak-Off Competition on current issues and topics related to Barbados and the region’s tourism industry, for students aged 14 to 17. The national competition is facilitated by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), which seeks to drive tourism awareness and sensitisation among Barbadian youth.

Winner, Josiah Grannum, speaking about his participation in the competition said: “It was very exciting and the research that I had to do to get into it was very interesting, so I’m glad that I actually did it…. I would love to see more young people like myself actually interested in tourism and educated about it, so we can know what our part to play is, so that we can participate.”

In the inaugural Genealogy Competition, the Barbados Department of Archives and the BTMI invited interested students to submit one family tree representing both sides of their family, maternal and paternal, accompanied by a summary description in English and where possible photos.

There were two categories in the competition, seniors aged 12 to 16 and juniors aged seven to 11. In the secondary category, the winner was 14-year-old Gabrielle Lucas of Christ Church Foundation School, who received a trip for two to Panama and a trophy as her prize. Placing second was Springer Memorial School student, 12-year-old Haleigh Nicholls, who received a tablet and trophy. The third placed winner was 13-year-old Kai Merritt of Harrison College who was awarded $300 and a trophy.

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EBC Officers Conducting Verification Of Addresses Exercise

The public is advised that Registering Officers from the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) are in the field conducting a verification exercise to confirm the address of each registrant. This activity is in accordance with the Representation of the People Act Cap 12, Section 12.

EBC Registering Officers will be wearing the department’s branded T-shirts with the official ID prominently displayed as they visit residents in districts across the island.

Householders are encouraged to cooperate with the Registering Officers and secure their pets or animals during the visit. (PR/GIS)

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Police Service Tips For A Safe Bank Holiday Weekend

As persons prepare to attend various events over this extended weekend, Crime Prevention Officer with The Barbados Police Service, Inspector Roger Babb, is encouraging them to “stay in control” as they enjoy themselves.

Inspector Babb reminds members of the public that drinking alcohol impairs their ability to make good decisions, and drinking and driving may result in accidents that can be fatal.

The Crime Prevention Officer shared these useful tips:

Do not feel pressured to drink alcohol; it is okay to say no.
Do not drink and drive, always have a sober designated driver.
If you drink, do so in moderation and never leave your drink unattended.
Do not let anyone bring a drink for you.
To avoid having your drinks spiked, buy your own drinks, and watch the bartender make or open them.
If you think your drink was tampered with, let someone know and seek medical attention.
Be cautious with strangers and do not accept drinks from them.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Never mix alcohol with other drugs.
PR/GIS

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SANDALS BARBADOS RECEIVES (CARPHA) AWARD

Sandals Barbados is the proud recipient of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Healthier Safer Tourism (HST) award.

The presentation was made recently at the Ministry of Health and Wellness office located in the Frank Walcott Building, St. Michael, Barbados.

Accepting the award for the Luxury Included Resort was General Manager Bruno Couesnon.

In his brief remarks Couesnon thanked every one of the team members who contributed to the resort’s recent accolade.

“It’s always nice to win awards; but it takes a team effort to achieve the results for which we are being recognized, today. The health and safety of our guests and team members are important to us and it is great to be selected and celebrated by CARPHA for doing our part and succeeding,” said Couesnon.

Executive Director of CARPHA Dr. Lisa Indar commended the hotel for achieving this internationally recognized award and praised its commitment to health and safety procedures.

“The 2019 Covid pandemic led to global shut down of tourism but it also demonstrated the resilience of the Caribbean by being able to bounce back. Part of that bouncing back was to be able to create a healthier and safer tourism experience and the reason you are here today is by being part of the tourism health programme and implementing proactive measures,” said Dr. Indar.

Some of the benefits of this award include being regionally and internationally recognized for healthier safer tourism endorsed by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The award is the only traveler’s health award where compliance is assessed – it is measurable and verifiable, ensuring the safety of the tourist facility, staff and guests. It also gives a comparative, marketing advantage and gives value to the quality of service.(PR)

CAPTION: Sandals Barbados General Manager General Manager Bruno Couesnon (L) accepting the CARPHA award from Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kenneth George