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ST LUCY RESIDENTS HONOURED

Ten distinguished residents of St. Lucy have be recognized for their exceptional service to community life, making them the first recipients of the We Gatherin’ 2025 Honours List.

The honorees, celebrated for their dedication across various sectors of society, were presented with commemorative pins during a ceremony at State House on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley commended the awardees for their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of their fellow parishioners. “Those of you here today represent individuals who, for decades and across different communities, have enriched the lives of others in St. Lucy,” she stated. “Because you have been nominated by your peers and parishioners, we are here to say thank you for your efforts.”

She further emphasized that many of the recipients had contributed selflessly, never expecting recognition. “When you were out in the fields or working with young people, no one was thinking about a reward. But as a nation and as a community, we have a duty to pause and express our gratitude.”

Among the awardees was Trevor Boyce, honored for his dedication to enhancing sporting infrastructure, particularly cricket, in St. Lucy. For the past 32 years, he has served as curator of the parish’s Lord’s Cricket Ground. A man unaccustomed to the spotlight, Boyce expressed his appreciation: “I feel deeply honored. While I don’t seek recognition, I am grateful to be here today.”

Fiona Griffith, known for her long-standing efforts in education, sports, and youth development, was also recognized. She encouraged Barbadians to take an active role in their communities. “I am a community person—I do a lot of work in St. Lucy and across Barbados. I was pleasantly surprised by this recognition, and I give thanks to God. I encourage more people to give back; it’s important, fulfilling, and shows that we care.”

Lyman Phillips, who was acknowledged for his outstanding service in healthcare, community leadership, and mental health advocacy over four decades, reflected on his deep connection to St. Lucy. “I am incredibly proud to receive this award. Having lived here for the past 51 years, I have been actively involved in the community. St. Lucy is a beautiful parish, and I hope to see more people engaging in community initiatives to keep our programs thriving.”

The We Gatherin’ 2025 Honours List aims to recognize those who have made significant contributions to their parishes, fostering a spirit of community and national pride.

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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