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Barbados Cadet Corps Seeking To Boost Numbers

The Barbados Cadet Corps will explore the idea of looking outside of its traditional base to boost numbers as the new Commandant, Commander David Dowridge, is on a mission to include all sectors of society into its ranks.

Commander Dowridge said he intends to grow the ranks from approximately 700 cadets to over 1,000 cadets in the short-term, as he spoke to the media today during the mid-morning break at the Principals’ Coordinating Conference at Hodgson Hall Conference Room, St. Ann’s Fort, The Garrison, St. Michael.

The Commandant stated that the Corps would employ creative ways to appeal to those outside of the normal base to come into the fold possibly starting from the next school year.

“So, we’re looking to appeal to people who may be, from a religious point of view, Muslims, Rastafari and other groups who are not joining. So, we are looking to have discussions with those representatives with a view to attracting them into the Cadet Corps so that they can benefit from the cadets. Inclusion is the word, so that we have a bigger pool to draw from. The cadets will increase in numbers but we get the opportunity to influence a wider cross section of the Barbados community,” he underlined.

Commander Dowridge acknowledged that if there is buy-in from other groups, some adjustments may be needed but stressed that discussions would be held with the representative bodies before any changes are decided. He also pointed out that there would be no changes to the Corps’ principles during the intake.

Meanwhile Deputy Chief Education Officer, Joy Adamson, pledged the Ministry of Education’s support in the Corps’ activities and endorsed the call for more numbers.

“I will support the cry for persons to come on as well and to volunteer. It is not only in cadets, but we know in a lot of our other groups … the Girl Guides, the Boy Scouts …. The numbers have dwindled because of COVID. Cadetting is one thing that we are pushing, especially in secondary school, and we are encouraging not only the public schools, but the private schools to come on board as well as …. So, the Ministry of Education is here to support….”

Mrs. Adamson also underscored the importance of disciplined students and those who showed leadership skills, and emphasised that this is what the Ministry was aiming to achieve in all schools.

Principal of the Frederick Smith Secondary School and President of the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools, Stephen Jackman, added that being a part of the Corps built teamwork among students.

“There is no way that you can be busy fighting when you’re working in a team. It is so important for our young people to learn how to depend on each other, that this is an important thing to do,” he maintained.

Mr. Jackman said at a time when the island’s youth “are facing so much”, it was now important that schools, the Cadet Corps, service organisations retool to offer young people alternatives other than “what is being fed to them as a regular diet everyday”.

The joint-conference had as its the had as its theme: Understanding the Future with Creativity, Commitment and Confidence. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Commandant of the Barbados Cadet Corps Commander David Dowridge; Deputy Chief Education Officer, Joy Adamson; and President of the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools, Stephen Jackman, in discussion during a break at the Principals’ Coordinating Conference, today

Local

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