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Calls For Mutual Respect, Unity, & Peace Across CARICOM

A call for mutual respect, unity, and peace in the fight against terrorism was echoed by speakers at the commemorative ceremony for the 48th Cubana Airline bombing of Cubana de Aviación flight 455.

Those speaking at the ceremony were acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Sandra Husbands; Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong; Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Barbados, Yanet Stable Cárdenas; Consul General of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to Barbados, Geneva Ross-Tyndall; and Assistant Secretary General CARICOM Single Market and Trade, Ambassador Wayne McCook.

Minister Husbands gave Barbados’ commitment to peace as she denounced terrorism in all its forms.

“Although almost five decades have passed, the sadness and outrage caused by that tragedy still pervades our consciousness, but those sentiments have also made us determined to denounce terrorism in all of its forms by whomsoever it is perpetrated. For us, there is no small or large act of terrorism, and there are no lives whose loss should go unnoticed or disregarded.

“As we remember their families and the nations from which they came, let us maintain our resolve to strengthen the fraternal relationship between Barbados CARICOM and the Republic of Cuba, and together with like-minded nations and peoples, let us continue to fight against the scourge of terrorism in all of its manifestations, whatever, its source, and wherever it occurs,” Minister Husbands emphasised.

Consul General Ross-Tyndall, who expressed similar sentiments, said: “This occasion serves as a powerful reminder of how swiftly peace can be shattered, yet it also ignites within us a renewed determination to take decisive actions that will safeguard our region and ensure the Caribbean remains a sanctuary of peace….

“Our work at every level must uplift the dignity and rights of every individual to create a just, equitable, and peaceful world. Agreeably, through solidarity, vigilance, and open dialogue, we can confront this global threat and work towards a safer future for all. Let us continue to advocate for a world where compassion for humanity triumphs over cruelty and violence.”

In addition to the calls for peace and unity, Ambassador Comissiong pleaded for the United States of America’s State Department to remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and to terminate its 62-year-old embargo.

The ceremony also marked the second CARICOM-Cuba Day Against Terrorism, which was designated by the Heads of Government of CARICOM and Cuba at the Eighth CARICOM-Cuba Summit held in December 2022.

Ambassador Cárdenas noted that the designation signalled the commitment of member states to maintain peace among Caribbean people as they worked together towards a united future that benefits the development of its people.

The ceremony also included performances by spoken word poet Cindy Celeste, singer Marissa Lindsay, and the Haynesville Youth Group. It concluded with the laying of wreaths in remembrance of the 73 victims, including 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese and five North Koreans, who perished on that day. (PR/GIS)

Caption:Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Sandra Husbands (in white) and Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Barbados, Yanet Stable Cárdenas, lay wreaths at the Cubana monument yesterday, in honour of the 73 victims who perished in the bombing of Cubana de Aviación flight 455.

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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