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Barbados Seeking Help With Food Production

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley will be seeking help from the Kingdom of the Netherlands to boost the island’s food production capabilities.

She signalled her administration’s intention to work with the global leader during the ground breaking ceremony to commence construction on the Duke’s Agricultural Research Park in St. Thomas, recently.

Ms. Mottley stressed that the country’s ambition to significantly increase food production must be buttressed “not by the plantation model of agriculture, but an infusion of technology, capital and passion from our citizens while reinforced by global certification to ensure that we can do much more in a more effective and efficient way”.

The Prime Minister also addressed other frontiers that the island must pursue to realise expanded economic opportunities for the sector.

“The other major frontier for us as we go forward will be in aquaculture and mariculture and we have made it absolutely clear that a country that has this level of tourism profile and exposure cannot continue to simply see itself as importing all of its needs, but can in fact, produce enough for ourselves and the rest of the region in terms of prawns and other types of fish – both freshwater fish and ocean fish,” she proffered.

The $34 million facility, which is funded by a bilateral grant arrangement between China and Barbados, is being established through a tripartite relationship between the Government, the private sector and the Cave Hill Campus.

Upon completion it will comprise 13 buildings that will house laboratories, production facilities and a conference centre. In addition, the facility will boast 14 acres of land for agricultural use. The land was donated to the university by philanthropist Eddie Edghill and his family in September 2012. (PR/GIS)

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley in discussion with China’s Ambassador to Barbados, Yan Xiusheng, at the recent ground breaking ceremony for the Duke’s Agricultural Research Park in St. Thomas. Looking on (from left to right) are Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Professor Clive Landis; Member of Parliament, Cynthia Forde; Education Minister, Kay McConney; and Minister of Agriculture, Indar Weir.

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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