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Celebrating The Life Of Errol Walton Barrow

Acclaimed as the Father of Barbados’ Independence, The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow was born in the parish of St. Lucy on January 21, 1920.

The son of the late Rev. Reginald Grant Barrow and the late Ruth nee O’Neal, Errol was the nephew of National Hero The Right Excellent Dr. Charles Duncan O’Neal, founder of the Democratic League, and the brother of Errol’s mother.

Over the 15-year period of his administration – first as Premier and then as Prime Minister – ending in 1976, he was particularly successful in securing many social changes for Barbados.

A founder-member of the Democratic Labour Party, Barrow swept to power as Premier in 1961 and held that position until 1966. He then took the island into Independence from Britain after his party won elections and he thus became Barbados’ first Prime Minister. Indeed, Barrow was twice Prime Minister, from 1966 to 1976 and again from 1986 to 1987.

Among his achievements as leader was the democratisation of the education process and expanded free education to all levels; the introduction of a National Insurance and Social Security scheme; school meals on an improved nutritional basis; improved health services; accelerated industrial development; considerable expansion of the tourist industry; and taking Barbados into Independence in November 1966.

Prime Minister of Barbados, Errol Walton Barrow and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Eric Williams. (BGIS Library)

Mr. Barrow also made Barbados a member of the Organisation of American States and in 1968, with other regional leaders, launched the Caribbean Free Trade Area, a forerunner of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

After spending 10 years in Opposition (1976-1986), Mr. Barrow again led his party to power, winning the General Elections by what was then the largest margin of seats in Barbados’ history, 24-3. Sadly, he did not live long enough to enjoy this victory. After only one year in office, he died on June 1, 1987.

He had, however, left an impressive record: First Prime Minister 1966-1976; the “Father of Independence”; supporter of the University of the West Indies (UWI) and regional unity; designer of a modern system of public budgeting; architect of the UWI Campus at Cave Hill, Barbados; creator of the Barbados Community College; co-founder of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA); inspiration for lowering the age of majority from 21 to 18; and co-founder of CARICOM.

Taken from the booklet ‘National Heroes of Barbados’ (1998). For more information on the life of National Hero The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, pick up a copy of our publication by contacting the Barbados Government Information Service (PR/GIS)

Local

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)

Local

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