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Barbados And China Discuss Civil Aviation And Tourism

Civil Aviation, the finalisation of an Air Services Agreement (ASA) and tourism were the focus of discussions between officials from Barbados and China, today, Tuesday, August 15.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, conversed widely with the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Barbados, Yan Xiusheng and Deputy Administrator, Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Cui Xiaofeng, on the above-mentioned subject matters.

The discussions took place during a courtesy call at the Ministry’s Headquarters located at One Barbados Place, Warrens, St. Michael.

The Tourism Minister expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by China to Barbados throughout the years and welcomed the opportunity to embark on other areas of mutual interest that would be beneficial to both countries.

Deputy Administrator Xiaofeng, head of a six-member CAAC delegation, noted the organisation was keen on further communicating with the Ministry on how cooperation could be provided to help the island develop its civil aviation and air navigation sector, whether through the sharing of best practices, knowledge expertise, training or technical assistance.

Minister Gooding-Edghill and Ambassador Xiusheng also spoke about sustaining and enhancing the two countries’ bilateral relations, as well as possible areas for future cooperation including training in civil aviation, management and Mandarin; technology; trade; and an exchange of people.

Deputy Administrator Xiaofeng gifted Minister Gooding-Edghill a copy of the original painting of a thousand Li (miles) of rivers and mountains painted by Wang Ximeng, a Chinese painter from the Northern Song Dynasty (1,000 years ago).

Also present at the meeting were Tourism Ministry officials including Permanent Secretary, Francine Blackman; Deputy Permanent Secretary(ag), Julia Best; Chief Technical Officer, Jacqueline Blackman; Senior Research Officer, Felicia Arthur and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Chief Executive Officer (ag) Craig Hinds.

Barbados and China established diplomatic relations on May 30, 1977.

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)

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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