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Parliamentary Reform Commissioners Take Their Oath

Six Commissioners of the Parliamentary Reform Commission, including a medical doctor, a lawyer, and an economist, took the Oath of Office, at State House, this morning.

They were sworn in by Acting President, The Very Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Gibson, during a brief ceremony, which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw and Cabinet Secretary, Selma Green.

The Commissioners are: Senator Elizabeth Thompson; former Senator Maxine McClean; Professor Velma Newton; Dr. Richard Ishmael; attorney-at-law Corey Beckles, and economist Dr. William Chandler Jr.

Acting President Gibson, upon swearing in the Commissioners, extended his heartiest congratulations, and noted that they would be playing a critical role in helping to reform the island’s parliamentary system.

“I congratulate you on your appointment…. This is a very important juncture in the life of our nation, and you, as Commissioners, will play a significant role in helping to shape the future of our Parliament. Thank you for your willingness to serve in this capacity and I want to wish you every good wish in your deliberations and your eventual presentations. Congratulations to all,” Dr. Gibson stated.

Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw also expressed thanks to the Commissioners and told the media that the work of the Commissioners had already begun.

She said today’s swearing-in was the culmination of several discussions that the Government had regarding the appointment of persons who would undertake “some very important work …, which is the reform of Parliament”.

“I think we all recognise that in this age where persons want to perhaps understand and appreciate more of what we’re doing in Parliament, that the institutions which would have served us several decades ago can no longer serve this country. As such, we have embarked on being able to swear in these individuals,” Minister Bradshaw stated.

She shared that many significant reforms had taken place in the 1970s, when Barbados made the transition to single-member constituencies, and the time had come for an “overhaul” of the current system.

The work of the Commission for the next six months will entail all aspects of the reform of Parliament, including reviewing procedures and looking at the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Barbadians. It will also involve educating the public about the exercise, as members go through the process.

Minister Bradshaw said: “We look forward to very vigorous debates over the course of the next few months, but [it is] also an exercise where the public can be engaged in a meaningful way, to be able to help us to reform and to make Parliament more relevant to the people of this country.”

The Parliamentary Reform Commission has as its Chairman, Sir Richard Cheltenham. The Deputy Chairman is Sir Roy Trotman, and the Secretary is Pedro Eastmond. (PR/GIS)

Acting President, The Very Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Gibson (seated left) and Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw (seated right) pose with the six Parliamentary Reform Commissioners (from left) Senator Elizabeth Thompson; Professor Velma Newton; economist Dr. William Chandler Jr.; former Senator Maxine McClean; attorney-at-law Corey Beckles; and Dr. Richard Ishmael.

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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