Local

Senior Counsels Admitted To Inner Bar

Eleven of Barbados’ newest Senior Counsels (SCs) were admitted to the Inner Bar, during a Special Sitting of the Supreme Court.

They are: The Hon. Wilfred Abrahams; Mrs. Tammy Bryan; Ms. Gillian Henderson Clarke; The Hon. Rudolph Greenidge; Ms. Kathy-Ann Hamblin; Mr. Edmund Hinkson; Ms. Anika Jackson; Mr. Stephen Lashley; Ms. Angela Mitchell-Gittens; Mr. Alliston Seale; and Ms. Liesel Weekes. His Hon. Arthur Holder was absent because he is on national duty overseas.

Those attending the sitting included Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham; Attorney General Dale Marshall; Justices of Appeal; Judges of the High Court; the Senior Counsels and their families.

In a brief address, Attorney General Marshall said it was appropriate that the step should be taken at this time. “It is fitting that in our new republic, shorn of the umbilicus which connected our institutions and our very psyche to the monarchy, that we should take this step in completing the process of true independence.

“These 11 attorneys, drawn from among our finest, have the singular honour of being the first SCs in our republic,” the Attorney General stated.

He noted that from the day Barbados took on a republican form of Government, a debate has raged over whether the island should keep the designation tied to a distant monarch, or forge its own path, and if on this path, the pledge should be to the State of Barbados instead of to the UK monarch.

“There was little doubt that in respect of other offices – parliamentarians, judges and the President itself, any duty and fealty should be owed to our Nation, and yet somehow, we, the lawyers, have been timid about accepting that the same precept would apply to the upper echelons of the legal profession. Some members of the Inner Bar, quite peculiarly, see nothing odd about continuing to accept an obligation to plead the King’s cause, in circumstances where these Courts are no longer the King’s Courts,” Mr. Marshall said.

He pointed out that on March 13, 1975, the Cabinet of Barbados determined that the granting of QCs would cease and under the new system, 15 attorneys were appointed to the rank of Senior Counsel. He noted, however, that the legal profession made representations to the Government to revert to the practice of appointing Qcs, and that the SCs should be referred to as QCs.

He added that on December 6, 1979, Cabinet agreed the title “Senior Counsel” conferred on members of the legal profession, should be re-designated “Queen’s Counsel”.

Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham warmly congratulated the new Senior Counsels on their appointments.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues and himself, Mr. Greenidge thanked those who made the recommendation for them to be called to the Inner Bar.

He stated: “We know that we will measure up to everything which you expect of us…. I can safely say that each and every one of us has gone beyond our legal practice and has made a contribution to the development of Barbados.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: Attorney General Dale Marshall (front row, third from left); Chief Justice Sir Patterson Cheltenham (centre); and President of the Bar Association Kaye Williams (front row, third from right), pose with eleven of Barbados’ newest Senior Counsels who were admitted to the Inner Bar

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)

Local

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

Local

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