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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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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