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Barbados Formally Establishes Diplomatic Relations With Palestine

Barbados and the State of Palestine formally established diplomatic relations on Tuesday, June 11, at a ceremony at the Barbados Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

This move follows the April 19, 2024, decision of the Government of Barbados to recognise the State of Palestine.

The Joint Communiqué was signed by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations, François Jackman, and Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad H. Mansour.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT), Kerrie Symmonds, speaking on the occasion of the signing, said: “Barbados is proud to have reached this milestone in its relationship with the State of Palestine. Today, as we formalise our relationship with the State of Palestine, we are making clear our support for Palestinian self-determination – the right of the people of Palestine to their own state, in accordance with their own wishes.

“We are also proud of whatever small impact our decision to take this step may have had in the wider geopolitical sphere. Barbados’ decision was closely followed in the region by the announcement that The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago were also recognising the State of Palestine. As a result of these developments, all CARICOM countries now recognise Palestine.”

Mr. Symmonds continued: “In addition, in the last two weeks, four European countries – Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain – have also announced their recognition of the State of Palestine.

“As it relates to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Barbados reiterates its principled position, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the war in Gaza. We also reiterate the many calls for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance in all its dimensions to the people of Gaza. We remain of the view that a ceasefire is an essential condition for a broader settlement and lasting peace in the Middle East. In this regard, we welcome the decision on Monday by the UN Security Council to support peacemaking efforts in the region.”

Barbados’ recognition of and establishment of diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine serves to strengthen its long-standing position in favour of a two-state solution to the situation in the Middle East.

In this regard, Israel was one of the first countries with which Barbados established diplomatic relations in 1967. These relations remain close and cordial and have seen numerous examples of technical cooperation in a number of areas. (PR/GIS)

CAPTION : Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations (UN), François Jackman, and Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to the UN, Riyad H. Mansour, shaking hands after the signing of the document establishing diplomatic relations at the offices of the Barbados Permanent Mission to the UN at New York. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade)

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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