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DEM ASKS THE PUBLIC TO PREPARE

Residents across Barbados are being encouraged to check on the stability of their homes and make alternative arrangements for shelter, if necessary, as the island continues to prepare for the approach of Tropical Storm (TS) Bret.

Director of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Kerry Hinds, is appealing to those whose homes are unlikely to withstand tropical storm conditions, to make plans now to stay with family or friends first, or a hurricane shelter as a last resort. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” she pleaded.

Ms. Hinds also encouraged persons to check on elderly relatives and neighbours, and be each other’s keeper during the system’s passage.

“Pack a go-bag with a change of clothes, important documents such as bank papers for your homes, insurance documents, passports and birth certificates, all medication and a supply of food for yourselves and your families,” Ms. Hinds said.

The Barbados Meteorological Service reported that at 5:00 a.m., Tropical Storm Bret was located approximately 556 miles east of Barbados. The system has maximum sustained winds of nearly 60 miles per hour and was moving westward at 16 miles per hour.

Outer bands from the system are expected to begin affecting the island from early tomorrow, Thursday, June 22, with showers and gusty winds. There are also projections for rainfall accumulations of one to three inches across the island, which may result in flash flooding in low-lying districts.

The DEM Director disclosed that the emergency services and Government agencies met on Tuesday, June 20, to assess the situation and finalise plans ahead of the storm’s impact, and urged the public to do the same.

She is also encouraging persons to remove loose objects from around their homes, secure garbage cans, and remove plant pots to avoid them becoming missiles.

She also cautioned persons against stocking their freezers with frozen items at this time, and reminded them that they should focus on canned or non-perishable food items.

“Make sure that you store water and have your torch lights handy,” she said, while underscoring the importance of listening for updates throughout the day.

Residents may download the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) app on their Android and Apple devices to stay abreast of the updates. Alternatively, they may also download the BMS app – BMS Insight – to receive updates on systems likely to affect the island. This app is only available for Android devices at this time.

In addition, persons may also find the list of emergency shelters on the DEM’s website or by clicking here.

Ms. Hinds stressed that in the event of an emergency, residents should contact the Barbados Police Service at 211; the Barbados Fire Service at 311 and the Barbados Ambulance Service at 511, in the event of an emergency.

To report in the wake of an event, they may contact the DEM at 438-7575.(PR)

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