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Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) Independence Message

These days the years go by quickly however, the memories of our forefathers and foremothers are still etched in our minds – the steps and journeys they embarked upon to make sure that we can celebrate being free people with free choices.

We are told that the passage to Independence was a long, tiring but well rewarding journey. The stories fill us with pride each year as the 30^th of November approaches. This year, as we celebrate the 57th anniversary of the hard work of those who came before us, we are reminded that the movement to Independence and becoming a Republic does not conclude our journey.

It may have begun over a century ago, but we have many more steps to take as a country and as the proud people that we are. As Barbadians we must now stand up and take ownership of where we wish to be by the time we reach our 100^th year of Independence and beyond.

As we acknowledge that we survived the toughest time in our most recent history – the crippling Covid-19 pandemic. We are more than aware that we did not just lose economically and socially, but we lost loved ones as well. Despite this, we carried on and Barbados is now front of mind as a result of many notable achievements and partnerships across our glorious industries.

One such industry is tourism. We must remember however that tourism is not just “a sector”. It is one of the few with linkages to all other sectors. When we put tourism down, we must remember what happened when we put sugar down. We must never forget that when this industry does not do well, it is our people who suffer.

These are the people who have loved this industry and who have put their sweat and tears into it as team members, leaders and owners. These are the people who must be applauded and boasted about to the world, for our successes. Tourism may not be for everyone but it surely caters to all, in the returns by financial impacts and most importantly, sociable experiences that form a lifetime of memories.

We have ‘steadied the ship’ for the most part and now we are sailing towards a brighter future. One that must involve each of us as we plot a way forward for tourism and that we must be ‘smart’ about, particularly in the next 10 years, which is considered ‘the Decade of Change’.

We must find ways to incorporate more of what is truly ‘Barbadiana’ through the eyes, hands, mouths and energy of our people, while excelling in creative sustainable developments that entice the ‘minds and pockets’ of the dreamers who want to enjoy a piece of the rock. This rock is special to us as a people and we must steer the investment in the direction that protects our indigenous traits and bloodline, while promoting a prosperous future for generations to come.

For those of us who work directly in the sector, we are ecstatic with the direction the country is heading in, coming out of the pandemic and years of poor economic performance. As our industry leads the economic direction of the country and supports other sectors through strong linkages, we will continue to strengthen and promote these partnerships.

The future is bright with new refurbishments and redevelopments which directed us out of Covid-19 including the Barbados Museum in 2021, Harrison’s Cave Eco Adventure Park and Walker’s Reserve in 2022. In addition, we close the year with the opening of the historic property Sam Lord’s Castle – A Wyndham Grand Resort, while ground has also been broken on Hotel Indigo (IHG brand). The mixture of indigenous, historical and international brand development is key to the direction that the industry is going.

There are also numerous success stories across the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) membership in the form of new restaurants, attractions and local and international hotels. We are confident that this list will continue to grow and build on what others before were so successful in doing in the past.

The BHTA has been assisting in the development of the economy of Barbados for 71 years and we represent all team members as well as local and international brands across the sector. The headlines may speak to a company’s name, but we wish to highlight that the energy, enthusiasm, and love of our team members paved the way for companies to be successful. That success has in turn paved bright futures for many children and for families to grow in this country.

The love and bond that is shared amongst us in the industry is much more than anything seen before and we must take pride in knowing that it has allowed us as a country to be leaders in tourism for decades. Celebrating 57 years with Barbadians for the world to see is also, in part, celebrating our people within the industry from team members to owners and supporting stakeholders. We wish to jointly celebrate you!

In closing, I wish to take this opportunity to speak to the people of Barbados intimately and directly. On behalf of the BHTA, we thank you for supporting our team members and leaders by sharing great memories within the industry locally, regionally, and internationally. Your love and appreciation does not go unnoticed. Do not ever forget, we as a country are better and stronger when we are together.

My wish is for each ‘Bajan’ to take pride in our country. Remember that we are unique in every way possible and that there is no place like home. We must face the challenges for improvement and the WINS must be celebrated. Use the 57^th Anniversary of the Independence of Barbados as a time to reflect, reset and recharge on a path towards a stronger Barbados and a Barbados where we work together progressively, as we celebrate in love and happiness.

I wish love and blessings for all of Barbados and congratulations for where we are and where we are about to go, together! Happy Independence Barbados!

Ryan Forde – CEO – Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association

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Tips For The Hurricane Season

Here are some tips to get you prepared for the hurricane season. Also find out how to keep safe before, during and after bad weather.

Before the Storm

Protect your windows from the threat of flying debris, by installing shutters.
Ensure that your roof and foundation are secure.
Check for termite damage.
Trim tree branches.
Have an up-to-date insurance policy.
Secure emergency supplies and important documents in water tight containers.
Have a portable first-aid kit.
Know the location of the nearest emergency shelter.
Monitor the amount of rainfall outside.
Secure emergency supplies and important documents in water tight containers.
Keep on hand lumber, a hammer, torchlight, masking tape, medicine, boots, rubber gloves, raincoat, nails, rope, wires, plastic sheeting, and sandbags.
Have enough water stored in sealed plastic containers to allow for cooking, bathing, washing and other domestic chores for two weeks.
Have canned foods and dried goods and a portable transistor radio.
Keep listening to your local radio station for updates and advisories.
Always have a plan for your home as well as your office.
Persons living in low-lying areas should move household items to higher levels and prepare to evacuate when the water begins to rise.
Turn off all electrical appliances.
Remove TV antennas from the roof.
Have emergency cash available.

Before the Storm – Farmers

Store livestock feed and supplies above expected water levels.
Keep on hand material such as lumber, plywood, nails, rope, wire, hammer, sandbags, boots, raincoats, lanterns and a battery-operated radio.
Store important documents in watertight containers.

Terms to Know

Flood Watch – Period during which flood monitoring, forecasting and flood warnings are carried out. During this time the probability of flooding is assessed and information disseminated.

Flood Alert – Period of intense data collection, monitoring and assessment. The possibility of flooding is present.

Flood Warning – Issued when indications show that water levels will exceed the alert level within 24 hours.

Small Craft Advisory – Issued when weather conditions make small craft operations marginally safe. Issued for moderate sea conditions, winds of 20 mph or low visibility due to haze.

Small Craft Warning – Issued when conditions are unsafe for small craft operations. Issued for tropical depressions, storms, hurricanes and rough seas.

Storm Warning – Issued for an area when tropical storm conditions are expected to occur within 24 hours or less.

Tropical Wave – Is a low-pressure trough or a weak low-pressure circulation.

Tropical Cyclone – The general term used for anti-clockwise circulations originating over tropical waters.

Tropical Disturbance – An area of organised convection in the lower atmosphere which may or may not be associated with a surface low-pressure system and which has maintained its identity for at least 24 hours.

Tropical Depression – Is a tropical cyclone in which the maximum average surface wind is 38 mph or less.

Tropical Storm – A well organised tropical cyclone has maximum average surface winds of 39-73 mph.

The District Emergency Organisations (DEOs)

The District Emergency Organisation (DEO) operates as the volunteer arm of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM. The role of the DEO is to organise and coordinate the resources of the community so as to allow for an effective response in time of crisis.

The DEO works with the community to develop and operationalise disaster prevention and disaster preparedness programs to lessen the impact of identified hazards such as hurricane, flood and earthquake, fire, aircraft and vehicular accidents and is also becoming more and more involved in the fight against environmental hazards.

Joining a District Emergency Organisation in your community is another step towards getting ready for the season. And, you receive training in first aid and chainsaw operation. Here’s how you can help.

Find the nearest DEO and become a volunteer.
If you are a carpenter or artisan you can offer your assistance.
In case of a storm or hurricane, members can assist with makeshift housing after the system has passed.

At the Shelter

The senior warden is the supreme authority in the shelter.
The senior warden can call on any occupant of the shelter to assist with its operation.
Every occupant of the shelter should be cooperative.
If a state of emergency is proclaimed at any time under the Emergency Powers Act, all persons within the shelter will be subject to the orders made under the Act and will be liable for such penalties as may be imposed for failure to comply.
The senior warden and all assistants cannot accept responsibility for anyone’s personal property. (PR/GIS)

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BLA Simplifies Annual Registration For Private Vehicles

The Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA) has simplified the annual registration process for private vehicles. From Monday, July 15, 2024, when private vehicle owners renew their insurance policies, they will receive an electronic notification from the BLA.

This initiative is a preparatory step for the upcoming Electronic Vehicle Tagging Registration (EVTR) system, commonly known as the EVR system, which will eliminate road tax discs and the registration stickers that were placed on the back of private vehicles.

When private vehicle insurance policies are renewed, insurance companies will send this information electronically to the BLA, and this will be automatically updated in the BLA’s database. Private vehicle owners will then receive the notification via email from the BLA confirming their registration status.

Persons will be required to provide a valid email address to their insurance company. In the absence of an email address, the registration notification will be posted. The notification should be kept in their vehicle to be presented upon request by a Police Officer or a Transport Inspector.

This new electronic process will eliminate the need for persons to make manual submissions and visits to the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA), making it more convenient for private vehicle owners. It will further ensure that BLA’s database is updated in real-time to reflect registration and insurance compliance of private vehicles as a legislative requirement.

According to Section 5(4) of the Road Traffic Act: “Every owner of a motor vehicle shall annually register the motor vehicle with the Licensing Authority on the anniversary date on which the vehicle was first registered.”

Traditionally, the registration process required vehicle owners to visit the BRA with their insurance documents to update their records, and receive a registration disc. However, since road tax was abolished for private vehicles in 2018, private vehicle registration is now onlytied to insurance compliance.

This collaborative effort amongst the BLA, the BRA and the insurance companies promises to improve efficiency, reduce paperwork, and ensure timely updates to vehicle registration records, making it easier for vehicle owners to stay compliant with the law.

The upcoming Electronic Vehicle Tagging Registration system will require private vehicles to be tagged with a single radio frequency identification sticker as proof that vehicles are insurance compliant and registered with the Barbados Licensing Authority. (PR)

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Prime Minister Mottley Pays Tribute To Former Sports Journalist Sam Wilkinson

Today, while preparing for the funeral of my dear friend and party colleague, Herbie Yearwood, I received the very sad news of the passing of a true Barbadian sporting icon, Samuel Algernon “Sam” Wilkinson — who most interestingly, would have been known to countless Barbadians as Sporting Sam.

While Sam, the consummate sports journalist, had been out of the limelight for some time as a result of retirement, for many of us, his voice was one that will never be forgotten. When 7-Up Sam did his morning radio sports reports, he commanded as much attention as any breaking news broadcast. He stood apart when it came to sports reporting.

His was a lifetime dedicated to sports news, and he was as comfortable before the microphone producing a radio report, or facing the camera with his Cover Point television sports programme, as he was in front of the typewriter “knocking out” a cricket, football, boxing or basketball report for the newspaper.

There is no doubt in my mind that many of today’s young sports journalists owe him much, even if they have never heard his commentary or rubbed shoulders with him on the sidelines as he did his reporting.

I can say that because I know that as the first Sports Editor of the then fledgling Nation Newspaper, he set a bold new standard for sports reporting for a population that was only just coming into its own as an independent nation. Sam did for sports and sporting enthusiasts what contemporaries like Harold Hoyte and Ridley Greene — both, sadly, departed — and Al Gilkes did for news.

And as we prepare for the Finals of the ICC T20 World Cup competition at Kensington Oval on Saturday, it is fitting we recognise that when it came to commentary and informed opinion of local, regional or international cricket, Sam Wilkinson stood tall among a very select group of respected Caribbean voices. Sam’s life as a sports journalist is in many ways as seminal as the event that will take place at The Oval this weekend.

To his wife of 54 years, Judy, and their two children, Samantha and Barry, I extend sincere condolence on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados. (PR/GIS)