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China Marks 47 Years of Barbados Ties with One-China Policy Affirmation

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS – The 47th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Barbados was commemorated Thursday with a symposium at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, where H.E. Yan Xiusheng, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados, delivered a wide-ranging speech highlighting the robust bilateral cooperation while reinforcing China’s stance on the one-China principle regarding Taiwan.

Speaking at the symposium entitled “Upholding Founding Aspirations, Continuing Traditional Friendship” Ambassador Yan praised the “fruitful cooperation” across trade, development, culture and education since ties were established in 1977. The Ambassador also reasserted Beijing’s position that Taiwan is an “inalienable part of China’s territory.”

Citing the 1971 UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, which recognized the Beijing government’s representatives as “the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations,” Ambassador Yan stated this had resolved the issue of China’s representation at the UN, including Taiwan, “once and for all.”

“Taiwan is referred to as ‘Taiwan, province of China’ in all UN official documents,” the envoy stressed, quoting legal opinions that the UN does not consider Taiwan as having “any form of government status.”

Ambassador Yan warned that any attempt to “deliberately distort” Resolution 2758 amounted to “hollow[ing] out the one-China principle” and emboldening “Taiwan independence separatist activities” – efforts he vowed “will be resisted and opposed by the international force for justice and will not succeed.”

The Ambassador commended Barbados for upholding the One-China policy since establishing diplomatic ties in 1977, expressing China’s willingness to deepen political trust and continue supporting each other’s “core interests.”

Dr Chelston Brathwaite presenting a copy of his Book ‘Memories of China’ to H.E. Yan Xiusheng, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados

Among other speakers at the high-profile event was former Senator Dr. Chelston Brathwaite, who presented Ambassador Yan with a copy of his book “Memories of China” recounting the country’s role in supporting Barbados’ economic leap. Former Central Bank Governor Dr. Delisle Worrell, President of the Barbados-China Friendship Association, Mr. David Bulbulia, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute and Mr. Tyson Henry, Chief Information Officer of Barbados Government Information Service, also addressed the gathering.

Highlighting Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s visit to Beijing last year, Ambassador Yan said the two countries aimed to “jointly uphold multilateralism,” development initiatives and “a community with a shared future for mankind” as China-Barbados ties advance.

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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