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Door-To-Door Delivery For Some Immigration Documents

The days of persons returning to the Barbados Immigration Department (BID) to collect documents has come to an end.

Persons may now opt to have their documents delivered directly to them wherever they are, during working hours.

This follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the BID and the Barbados Postal Service at the Immigration Department’s Princess Alice Highway headquarters.

Chief Immigration Officer, Margaret Inniss, explained that the service was an expansion of that currently being offered for passports, and would include the collection of documents for citizenship, work permits, immigrant status, permanent residence, special entry permit, and the endorsement of passports.

However, Ms. Inniss explained that in cases where specific documents for citizenship required the applicant to take an oath, they would not be delivered as the oath had to be done in the presence of an Immigration Officer.

“Every service where you have to come back and collect a document, we are now in partnership with the Barbados Postal Service, so that they can be delivered to you, at the beach [or] at work,” she said.

Ms. Inniss stated that an 85 per cent reduction in persons returning to the Immigration Department to collect documents was expected as a result of the new service. She added that the other 15 per cent would be those who needed to return to take the oath.

The Chief Immigration Officer also noted that the security of the system was proven after several tests, and zero complaints recorded. As a result, she said the Immigration Department was confident in releasing additional services for delivery.

Acting Postmaster General, Joann Busby, further confirmed that all documents delivered on behalf of the Immigration Department and the Barbados Licensing Authority were in secure packages with a secure seal.

“The only way to open them is to cut them. Once they are placed in that packaging…, they cannot be tampered with. We also have labels in three parts. There is a section for the recipient to sign, [and] that information goes back to Immigration…,” she said, noting that recipients must present a form of identification before receiving their package.

Ms. Busby added that the new service was an expansion of the postal service’s door-to-door delivery service by post express couriers. She explained that since the postal service started delivering passports in 2020, there were steady increases.

“Over the calendar year January to December 2022, the delivery of passports on behalf of the Immigration Department accounted for 60 per cent of post express courier deliveries. If we compared the first quarter for 2022 and 2023, that is January to March, respectively, it shows a 400 per cent increase in deliveries to customers this year,” she said.

Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, pointed out that while the service was not mandatory, it was convenient, and urged residents to use the service.

Mr. Abrahams said the “bulk of persons” applying for Barbados passports now opted to use the service. He noted that it was anticipated that there would be a similar response for the other documents. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Acting Postmaster General, Joann Busby (left) and Chief Immigration Officer, Margaret Inniss, shake hands following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two departments. Looking on is Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams.

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RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BARBADOS-CHINA FRIENDSHIP HELD TODAY

The Association for Barbados-China Friendship (ABCF) celebrated its fifth anniversary with a special reception that brought together key stakeholders from both nations to reflect on the growing bilateral partnership. The prestigious gathering attracted top media executives from Advo Magazine, The Nation newspaper, Government Information Service (GIS), Dr. Delisle Worrell, President of the ABCF, representatives from Chinese companies in Barbados, and the Vice President of Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology.

The event featured five (5) significant speeches highlighting the deepening bilateral relations between Barbados and China, showcasing achievements across diplomatic, medical, and infrastructure development sectors.

In his address, Chargé d’Affaires, Counselor Huang Xinhua noted that 2024 marks the 47th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The relationship has flourished under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, with ABCF playing a crucial role since its 2019 establishment in fostering people-to-people connections.

Mr. Tyson. Henry, Chief Information Officer at GIS, spoke passionately on behalf of the media, highlighting the benefits of the China Barbados friendship, and how it continues to give much-needed, technical training and support to journalist and people of Barbados. Mr. Henry went on to highlight that if we have ever needed friendship before given the state of the world, we need it now. Dr. Delisle Worrell, President of the ABCF, spoke of the group, its formation, successes, and continued efforts as the group and friendship continues to grow.

*Dr. Delisle Worrell*, *President of the ABCF*

The Chinese medical team lead of the 7th medical delegation to Barbados, Dr Ao Meng, revealed that seven medical teams comprising 61 personnel have served in Barbados, providing consultations to more than 43,200 patients. These teams have conducted 1,520 surgeries and participated in 1,044 critical care interventions. They have also introduced 177 new medical techniques across various specialties, including nuclear medicine, orthopedics, vascular surgery, and anesthesiology, while training 4,061 local healthcare professionals.

*Dr Ao Meng*, *Leader 7th batch of the Chinese Medical Team*

Mr. Wu Weizhong, Manager of the Construction Technology Team for the cChina aid Hope Agricultural Training Institute Project

Barbados President Sandra Mason’s letter of appreciation was shared during the event, acknowledging the medical team’s high level of professionalism and dedication to their work. The medical cooperation has significantly enhanced healthcare delivery in Barbados, with Chinese medical professionals serving as both healthcare providers and trainers for local medical staff.

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Remembrance Day Parade On November 10, 2024

Barbados will remember the servicepeople who lost their lives during World Wars I and II, with the customary Remembrance Day Parade and a short inter-denominational service at the Cenotaph, National Heroes Square, The City, on Sunday, November 10.

The parade will commence at 8:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live on national television and radio.

Several armed and unarmed uniformed groups will be on parade, including the Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Legion, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides.

Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by the President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

The service will be followed by an informal inspection of veterans and a march-past by uniformed groups. Members of the public desirous of attending the event are asked to collect tickets from the receptionist at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael, from Monday, November 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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Key Reminders When Considering Investment Opportunities

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) is reminding the public to exercise caution when considering investments in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes. While MLMs may present themselves as legitimate business opportunities, some can be risky or even illegal, leading to significant financial losses.

Here are some key things to consider before making any investments:

1. Research the Company/Person(s): Thoroughly investigate the background, business model, and reputation of any of the company or persons involved. Verify whether the company or persons associated with the investment are registered and regulated by relevant authorities like the Financial Services Commission.

2. Understand the Business Model: Genuine businesses generate revenue primarily through the sale of products or services, not recruitment of participants. Be wary of models that emphasise recruitment over product sales.

3. Check for Red Flags: Promises of high returns with little effort, emphasis on recruiting others, or pressure to make large upfront investments are warning signs.

4. Consult with Experts: Seek advice based on your financial goals and wherewithal from regulated individuals or companies set up to provide such guidance.

The public is urged to approach all investment opportunities with caution and conduct their due diligence to safeguard their financial well-being.

It is an offence for persons not registered or licensed with the Commission to offer investment advice, sell financial products or deal in securities.

The public is encouraged to notify the Commission of any situations where entities or individuals engage in these practices without being duly registered and/or licensed. (PR/GIS)