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Ministry Of Youth Launches Volunteer Programme

Government has launched an initiative to increase the number of active volunteers who support and participate in its programmes.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, speaking at the recent launch of the Volunteer Connect Programme at the Wildey Gymnasium, Wildey, St. Michael, stated that with this initiative, his Ministry would now be able to staff some of its summer camps to impact on the lives of young people.

Mr. Griffith continued: “We have World Cup coming here in June of this year, and it will be a massive task in terms of having persons to come on board to volunteer, to assist and make the World Cup in Barbados the best that it has ever been.”

The Minister noted that there are also other programmes that could benefit from this initiative and urged the volunteers to help with mentoring the younger generation.

“There are a number of sporting events that will be on the calendar here this year that you can get involved in…. And I see…all of you filling that void in our Mentorship Programme. There’s a need for persons and individuals like you…to be involved in that particular programme to help guide some of our youngsters, and as long as you’re 21 and over, I believe that you can get involved in that Mentorship Programme,” he said.

Some programmes within the Ministry’s purview that require volunteers include: the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme; the Barbados YouthAdvance Corps; the Youth Development Programme; the Next Steps Training Initiative; the National Summer Camp Programme; Youth Achieving Results; and the Employability Programme.

The Volunteer Connect Programme seeks to harness the country’s human resources while creating an avenue for persons who want to give of their time in a meaningful way, through promotion and support of volunteerism. (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