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Coastal Hazards & Earthquake Smart Month In March

Coastal Hazards and Earthquake Smart Month 2023 will be held under the theme: All Aboard with Coastal Resilience from Wednesday, March 1, to Friday, March 31.

This year’s activities will kick off with a launch at the Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve, Holetown, St. James, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on March 1.

This will be followed by an open day, which runs until 2:00 p.m. and will highlight the work and capabilities of various agencies, including the Barbados Fire Service, the Marine Police section of the Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Meteorological Services, the Barbados Defence Force and the Department of Emergency Management (DEM). It will also feature a cultural presentation from the Tuk Band and the Barbados Landship.

Then, on Friday, March 3, the public is invited to take part in the National Earthquake Preparedness Day Drill from 10:00 a.m. This activity is designed to increase earthquake awareness among residents and test earthquake procedures across the country. To take part in this event, persons are encouraged to activate an alert to signal an earthquake simulation at 10:00 a.m. This may be done by setting off alarms or bells.

Persons are expected to practise their respective earthquake drills by doing the ‘Drop, Cover and Hold’ procedure, and recording video footage and uploading to social media, tagging the DEM through its Facebook and Instagram pages.

On Tuesday, March 7, members of the public will have a chance to participate in a pop up question trivia show at Sol, Speightstown, St. Peter, from 10:00 a.m. during the Coastal Hazard Community Awareness Drive.

Activities continue on Saturday, March 11, when the Coastal Zone Management Unit hosts a Coastal Sundown walk from Martins Bay, St. John, to Bathsheba, St. Joseph, beginning at 3:00 p.m. This walk is geared towards showcasing the various coastal features along Barbados, and is a health and wellness family-oriented event for those five years and older. Buses are expected to leave Warrens Tower II, Warrens, St. Michael, at 2:15 p.m. sharp, en route to Martin’s Bay.

Climate Change and the Impacts on Barbados will be the focus on Sunday, March 12, when a team of experts – Director of the Coastal Zone Management Unit, Dr. Leo Brewster; Director of the Barbados Meteorological Services, Sabu Best, and Chief Fisheries Officer, Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox – appear on People’s Business at 8:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, March 22, Deputy Director of the DEM, Captain Robert Harewood, will be the featured speaker at the Insurance Corporation of Barbados’ virtual lunch time presentation at noon. He will present on coastal hazards.

The annual Caribe Wave Exercise comes off on Thursday, March 23, from 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by the Run Tsunami Run, on Sunday, March 26, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The 5K event will move off and climax at the Worthing Post Office, Worthing, Christ Church. (PR/GIS)

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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