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Resiliency & Reintegration Unit For 2024

A new unit – the Resiliency and Reintegration Unit – will soon be located in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs.

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, revealed this today as he addressed the post-Cabinet press conference at Webster’s Industrial Park, Wildey, St. Michael.

Explaining the rationale for the Unit, which he noted should be in place by April 1, Mr. Humphrey said it was “going to be vital to the delivery of services”.

Adding that over the last few years, Barbados has been in a climate crisis; facing disasters; and persons had been evicted from their households and some made homeless, he said the unit is meant to address those things.

Describing the concept, he noted that such a Unit would have been necessary as a response to issues related to Hurricane Elsa such as housing needs which Government had been called upon to address at that time.

Noting that his Ministry was also now responding to housing needs where there is no Unit to address these, he said: “So, this one Unit brings together those three areas primarily… It allows us to fill a gap in the Government’s delivery of social services, and from April 1, this Unit will be in place. This Unit is now in the Estimates of Expenditure and will be functioning from April 1.”

Stating that it would not be staffed by new people, but would be a bringing together of two departments, the Poverty Alleviation Relief Programme in the Ministry and the Poverty Coordinator, he said what would be needed would be “a couple of field investigators to go and do some of this work”.

Disclosing that it would be a 24-hour response system, he said: “There are many times where these things happen in the middle of the night, and persons call the Welfare Department; persons call the Ministry, and of course the officers work nine-to-five, …. but these persons will be available 24 hours to allow persons to know that in the event that they have a disaster that this is a 24-hour Government, and we will be in a position to respond to those issues as they arise.” (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