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MESSAGE FOR WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY 2024

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) welcomes you to join us as we celebrate World Meteorological Day under the theme: At the frontlines of climate action.

As the national entity for issuing forecast and alerts for the various Meteorological and Hydrological hazards that affect our small island and marine space, we understand the BMS’ very critical role in addressing the impacts of climate change.

The BMS has extensively improved its observational and modelling capacity over the past five years as we seek to provide our country with more impacts focused alerts and improve accuracy of forecast.

The introduction of over 90 Automatic Weather Stations across the island, has enabled us to provide information on meteorological variables such as rainfall and temperature changes across the island for every parish.

Flash-floods are no strangers to Barbados and the installation of water level sensors at some of our waterways enables us to provide valuable information on the height of flood waters at a few locations, while providing data on how effective current mitigation efforts have been. These sensors also give us the ability to measure changes in tidal variations along some of our coastlines.

Going beyond land observations, the BMS has introduced four unmanned sea-surface drones to capture marine data and information on tropical systems that pose a threat to this island nation. Data from all of these instruments are not only meant to feed our forecast models, therefore providing even more accurate predictions but also to build future datasets for research and verification on the changes experienced on a local scale.

Understanding the impacts from systems that have impacted Barbados in recent years, such as Tropical Storm Bret in 2023 and Hurricane Elsa in 2021, the Met Services’ push towards tackling climate change and the increasing variability also involves an active engagement with our stakeholders and the wider community.

By engaging in conversations with the public, the BMS is in a position to provide more tailored, sector specific forecast and climate services and communicate meteorological information more effectively. Our engagement with the media ensures that alerts reach all members of society, regardless of vulnerabilities.

In keeping with its outreach initiative, the BMS commenced celebrations for World Meteorological Day this year with a Church Service and a coastal hike on March 17. Celebrations will culminate on Saturday, March 23, (World Meteorological Day) with an Expo held at its Charnocks, Christ Church location from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This Expo will give a tour of the BMS Operations office with insight into the department’s equipment, including its 3D Printed Stations and Sea Surface Drones along with its forecasting models. It will also feature exhibitions from various partnering agencies such as the Barbados Water Authority, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre and the Department of Emergency Management, to name a few. Running concurrently, will be a Scavenger Hunt from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for the adventure lovers.

We welcome you all to come out and enjoy the activities as you learn about our weather, water and climate and interact with staff of the Met Office. This is a wonderful opportunity for all, as we stand together at the frontlines of climate action.

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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