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ILO Director General & Prime Minister Mottley Hold Talks

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley wants to see greater capacity building in negotiations so that the skills of industrial relations practitioners can be further enhanced on behalf of their constituents.

She made the assertion during a recent courtesy call with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Director General, Gilbert Houngbo, at Ilaro Court.

Ms. Mottley proffered that the development of a modern Barbados was “inextricably intertwined” with the labour movement.

The Prime Minister stressed that labour negotiation must be seen as an art and practitioners needed to know how to do so effectively, pointing out that “the more people know how to negotiate and what is good and bad negotiations on all sides, the quicker we are able to get a resolution”.

Ms. Mottley added: “I do not get flustered by the language … by the sentiment or by the aggression sometimes, because I understand [the process]. If you have context and you understand what they are doing, then you are less likely to take umbrage.

“So, I really feel that we have taken too much for granted and that there needs to be a dedicated effort to capacity building and public education across the board on all labour rights, and all the rights of the stakeholders. But similarly, in the art of negotiation…because negotiation is an art and people need to understand how to do it, what good negations look like and what bad negotiations look like.”

In response, Mr. Houngbo said his organisation was happy to lend its expertise in this regard and promised to follow through on the Prime Minister’s request for capacity building training.

He also expressed deep admiration for Ms. Mottley’s work on the international stage and her advocacy in several areas.

The Prime Minister also touched on the work of the Employment Rights Tribunal, whose operations are currently part-time. Ms. Mottley told the ILO Director General about the growing backlog of cases and the need for the ILO’s assistance to make the transition to a full-time tribunal.

“I have previously mentioned that I want to transition the existing tribunal to a full-time operation, but we don’t want it to be ‘hobbled down’ in the same way that the judiciary and the traditional law courts have been hobbled down with cases. So, we need to get the right balance and I think that we are beginning to turn the corner. I am sure that we will be approaching you for resources to make that transition,” Ms. Mottley stated.

The two officials also discussed the role strong unions and a strong private sector play to ensure stability, fairness, and better conditions for all employees; pension reform; and the ongoing transformation of key sectors. (PR/GIS)

Caption: ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo greets President of the Barbados Union of Teachers, Rudy Lovell while President of the Barbados Secondary Teachers Union, Mary-Anne Redman and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, look on.

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