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Christmas Cheer Comes Early For Inmates At Dodds Prison

Inmates at Dodds Prison received an early Christmas lunch treat today, thanks to the registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) Care Community Group.

Acting Superintendent of the Prison, DeCarlo Payne, said since last December discussions and plans were being put in place for the initiative to bring joy to the inmates at the prison.

Mr. Payne noted that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NGO Care programme and its activities were on hiatus. He said he broached the idea of restarting the activities of the NGO with its President, Sonia Payne, and instead of providing for two of the compounds housing inmates under their rehabilitative programme, as was previously done, he suggested catering for the entire inmate population.

“Last year, we would have fed half of the prison and the reception from those individuals who took part in it was very positive,” Acting Superintendent Payne said.

He noted that the initiative is a very positive effort. “The inmates will welcome this with open arms, because it’s going to be a different taste, a lot more on the plate too and variety, including healthy options,” Mr. Payne added.

President of the NGO, Ms. Payne, said her organisation, which consists of about 12 persons, received help from several organisations and individuals to make the Christmas treat a reality.

She said contributions came via funds or ingredients to help make the healthy meals, which were prepared by the School Meals Department, Chef Adrian Smith, and caterer Sarah Cadogan, among others.

“This cost us around $19,000…. For many years, I was looking at the prison, at feeding the prisoners, but I used to do it in a small way. So, we decided to go bigger and better, and we started since January to put this plan in place, so we didn’t have to be rushing here and rushing there, everything was planned to a ‘T’,” she said.

As a result of the Care Community Group effort, 691 inmates (19 females and 672 males) received a special meal, which included green peas and rice, macaroni pie, buttered cassava, steamed vegetables, tossed salad, green banana salad, baked chicken, fry fish and beef stew; and for dessert, cake and ice cream. (PR/GIS)

CAPTION: President of the Care Community Group, Sonia Payne (yellow shirt) and volunteers prepare to serve inmates at Dodds Prison their Christmas lunch

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