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Minister Humphrey Leads Social Dialogue On Behalf Of Caribbean Region

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, delivered powerful remarks on social development at the 40th Session of Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean(ECLAC) held in Lima Peru, from October 9 to 11, 2024.

The agenda focused on the identification of strategies to address impediments to the achievement of sustainable development in the region.

The meeting was intended to stimulate discussion and solutions in four key areas of development: productive development, inequality and social inclusion, sustainability, and financing for development. It was notable for the official launch of the ECLAC document “Development Traps in Latin America and the Caribbean: Vital Transformations and How to Manage Them”.

Mr. Humphrey, in his address on the topic “How to reduce inequality and foster inclusion and social mobility”, noted the redoubled efforts of ECLAC to include the Caribbean in meaningful dialogue.

He also lauded the renewal and increased stridency of Caribbean SIDS voices in international financial and development forums such as ECLAC’s.

The Minister also highlighted the need for the region to create an enabling environment to spur national and regional development characterised by relevant, fit for purpose institutions that reflect our respective capacities.

Mr. Humphrey warned against the phenomenon of “isomorphic mimicry”, where institutions are created to address problems but are not endowed with the resources or capacity to fulfil their mandate, thus being doomed to failure.

While addressing the matter of persistent inequality, the Minister identified the recent historic trajectory of development in the region, recalling the progression from agricultural-based societies to the emphasis in the English-speaking Caribbean on a services-based economic model.

In noting this, Mr. Humphrey remarked that the region became so good at the provision of services that the goal posts were moved despite the fact that we were ‘playing by the rules’ of the international financial regime.

He posited that the constant framing and reframing of the global financial rules continues to stymie the abilities of the region to achieve fundamental and sustainable development for its citizens.

The Elder Affairs Minister acknowledged the efforts of Barbados and other English-speaking Caribbean countries to frontally address inequality in their societies noting substantial and continuing investments in public goods citing Health, Education, National Insurance, Social Protection and progressive taxation policies, even in the face of low levels of regional and international economic growth.

While noting these are vital yet insufficient efforts, Minister Humphrey exhorted the international financial and development community to reshape their operations and take full cognizance of the existential realities of the Caribbean and other Small Island Development States. (PR/GIS)

CAPTION: Minister of People Empowerment & Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey (centre), speaking at the 40th Session of Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) held in Lima Peru recently

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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