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Barbados Signs A Cooperation Agreement With The IOM

A Cooperation Agreement between Barbados and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been signed to establish an IOM Country Office for the Caribbean in Barbados.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, and IOM’s Regional Director for Central and North America and the Caribbean (UN Migration), Michele Klein-Solomon, initialled the agreement this morning in the Ministry’s conference room, Culloden Road, St. Michael.

Minister Symmonds expressed the hope that the establishment of the IOM’s Country Office would assist Barbados and CARICOM in developing a well-managed migration policy and migration strategies.

“This agreement sets out the framework for a closer relationship between Barbados and the International Office of Migration. It is, in my view, part and parcel of efforts at the national, regional and hemispheric levels to create conditions for safe, orderly, humane and regular migration,” he stated.

The Minister further noted that the signing of the agreement “has immense potential to continue to help the Caribbean community to harness the benefits of regular migrations even as we confront the challenges of our time”.

He listed among these challenges, migration triggered, for example, by climate emergencies caused by the impact of hurricanes and migration triggered by civil instability in the region. “Both of these examples have the potential to destabilise small island developing states and, of course, here in Barbados,” said Minister Symmonds.

Agreeing with the Minister that a well-managed migration policy is necessary, Ms. Klein-Solomon stated: “It is beautiful to hear… the notion that safe, regular, orderly and humane migration, when well managed can bring tremendous benefits not only to migrants and their families but to communities, and foster economic and social growth and development.

“But we need to be mindful that it needs to go into safe, regular and orderly means and not be left to the smugglers and other criminal organisations that take advantage of people’s desperation, and exploit in a way that is harmful, not only to individuals, but to the social fabric and communities. I couldn’t agree more.”

She noted that the IOM is committed to supporting Barbados in its own reflection on how migration can contribute to its sustainable development, to green economy transition, to alleviating the impact of immigration of skilled workers and to engaging with the diaspora.

In addition, Ms. Klein-Solomon mentioned that the IOM believes regional integration can help build resilience and promote sustainable development in ways that cannot be achieved alone, and that migration has a role to play in the integration process.

Barbados will not only host the IOM’s Country Office but also part of the Coordination Office for the Caribbean, with the Caribbean Coordinator, Patrice Quesada and a team of experts in different fields of migration governance.

Barbados was admitted to the International Organization for Migration as its 175^th member on November 30, 2022. The IOM was established in 1951. As part of the United Nations System, it is the leading inter-governmental organisation promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, with offices in over 100 countries. (PR/GIS)

CAPTION

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds and International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Director for Central and North America and the Caribbean (UN Migration), Ms. Michele Klein Solomon, exchange the signed Cooperation Agreement to establish an IOM’s Country Office for the Caribbean in Barbados.

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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