Local

DISABILITY AWARENESS WORKSHOP HELD TODAY

Last Friday the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs in association with the National Disabilities Unit held an awareness workshop at the Radisson Hotel. The aim of the workshop was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the newly enacted Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill. Barbadians are being urged to support the various activities for the month of activities, the encouragement, came from Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, relayed by Permanent Secretary, Jehu Wiltshire, on his behalf, at the Radisson Aquatica Resort, Aquatic Gap, St. Michael.

Participants made up of persons from the corporate sector, financial institutions, members of and the trade unions gathered to listen to presentations from persons with disabilities who spoke frankly of their experiences as they sought employment, education and care of loved ones.

Janeil Odle, National Disabilities Advocate and Attorney at law spoke about and explained the various types of disabilities and guided Human Resource practitioners on the procedures to follow when interviewing a person with disabilities as well as how to address persons with disabilities using the correct terminology. She implored participants to speak directly and clearly when speaking.

Senator Andwele Boyce briefly spoke on the Persons with Disabilities Act stating that an agency, Social Empowerment Agency which will be responsible for the Social Policy Sector. That agency will handle and act on complaints of discrimination lodged with the agency. A tribunal will be set up to hear complaints setting a penalty for violations of the act up to $50,000. Senator Boyce advised that the act had not been passed as yet but once passed businesses will have at least three years to make the necessary adjustments to their offices.

The theme, “One Community: United in Action for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future”, encourages communities to actively include people with disabilities in all aspects of life and to actively ensure that PWDs are fully integrated and considered in all aspects of building a sustainable society.

Throughout the period, organisations representing the disabled community will engage in a range of events and activities focusing on recreation, healthy living, fundraising, knowledge building and awareness raising.

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

Local

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