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One-Off Bank Holiday For CARICOM’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations

Barbados will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with a one-off national holiday on Monday, July 31.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley made the announcement during a press conference, to give an update on her recent overseas travels. She disclosed that the event will be marked with the hosting of a concert on the night.

Speaking to the significance of CARICOM, Ms. Mottley maintained that the moment was “worthy of celebration”, while pointing out that Barbados was not only a founder of CARICOM, but was also one of the main beneficiaries of the regional integration movement.

Further, Ms. Mottley explained that while some territories will celebrate the day on July 4 – the day of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, the Cabinet met and agreed to stage Barbados’ celebrations at the end of the month.

“The actual agreement for the Community was signed on the first of August 1973…. Barbados will celebrate 50 years of the Caribbean Community on the 31st of July, as a national public holiday, on the eve of the first of August, which remains still sacrosanct for us, as a former slave society, as Emancipation Day.

“And to that extent, therefore, we felt that to do it on July 4 would have been a little too early. It has not escaped us that from every which way we look at it as a Government, that the best time to allow our appreciation for the visionary leadership of those who went before, to make a difference to establish the Caribbean Community, that we do it then,” the Prime Minister stated.

The Prime Minister added that the event to be held on July 31 was not being done to “offset anyone who has already announced something”, and said she has asked the Division of Culture to advise Government on other activities planned for that day.

Additionally, Ms. Mottley asked media houses to show content that would “reinforce and reflect moments of the last 50 years of the movement”.

To the critics of CARICOM, Ms. Mottley said: “Barbados, more than most others has benefitted from a single market and single economy. We started to benefit when you could…freely [offer] more services…cameramen, pool technicians, lab technicians, [and the] fellows who do the safes for the banks….

“You only have to go on any flight to the Eastern Caribbean and see, on a daily basis, …the number of Bajans who travel to…supply services that cannot otherwise be accessed in those countries, without [the Bajans] having the harassment of…complex documents and processes to fill in…. [That] makes you know, do not take the Caribbean Community for granted.”

Barbados and other member states met in Nassau earlier this year and agreed that they would find a tangible way to allow the people of the region to celebrate the 50th anniversary. (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