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Minister says thanks for a good year of Culture

The Prime Minister’s Officer, Culture hosted an End of Year Mixer on Friday evening at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society at Dalkeith, St Michael.

Stakeholders from a cross-section of sectors and interest groups mixed and mingled with the sweet sounds of the steel pan in the background thanks to pannist Mark Forde.

Among those in attendance were Member of Parliament Trevor Prescod, Senator John King, Ambassador to Caricom David Comissiong, Director of the Museum and Historical Society of Barbados, Alissandra Cummins, and diplomats.

Senator John King (left) has the ear of Chairman of the National Cultural Foundation Dr. Jasmine Babb (right).

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Cultural Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight said it was to simply say thanks to those who contributed to the ministry’s success.

“I want to say thanks but I also want to wish you some rest. This year has been for all of us one that has been quite hurried. We have done quite a bit wherever you sit. Perhaps it is time for us to take a breath and reflect that notion of reflection is certainly one in the context that we are seeking to make sure that we imbue.

Dr Munro-Knight said while the ministry did great work this year, the intent is not to become complacent.

“We take a breath and relook everything that we are doing to make sure that it continues to be responsive. We are not intended, in 2023, to sit on our laurels in terms of those things that we have done and those things that can possibly be termed as successful. We will continue our process by making sure that our work continues to impact and change lives. That is our mission for 2023 that notion of being transformative. Through all of the agencies in the Division of Culture that is the theme that we will be taking forth.”

She added: “In the conversations that we had this evening, there is a need for us to make sure that our work continually impacts the communities that we directly serve. We must make sure that what we do from henceforth is grounded in community, grounded in lived experience. We must also make sure that we put our resources to bring those talents to bear.” PR

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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)

Local

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