Local

Effort To Improve Response To Vulnerable Persons During Crisis

The Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology is working with other government agencies to better respond to the vulnerable, especially during a crisis.

This was revealed by Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science, and Technology, Marsha Caddle, as she addressed a Women, Peace, and Security Senior Leaders Forum held at the headquarters of the Barbados Defence Force, St. Ann’s Fort, The Garrison.

Ms. Caddle said peace building and peace keeping were related to how security was established and how governments responded to vulnerability, noting that her ministry was working across ministries and agencies that were in a position to strengthen gender-sensitive responses during crises.

She said this could be achieved by mapping vulnerabilities using data and technologies and developing systems that allowed agencies to know where the vulnerable are located during crises.

“So, what we are working on is using data that we gathered from the census, data that we gathered from the Coastal Zone Management Unit, [and] from the Lands and Surveys Department, who, through their Building ID project were able to assign a building identifier to different kinds of buildings.

“We’re also able through our Digital ID project to be able to put all that information together to understand exactly what groups of people are vulnerable; which groups of people are more vulnerable during crises and insecurity; and importantly, how can we find those people; [and] how can we deliver essential goods and services to those people during a crisis,” Ms. Caddle stated.

The Minister further disclosed that her ministry was also developing technology that allowed citizens to send alerts for help in times of crisis.

“And so, we believe that through this kind of technology, people who have specific needs, whether related to health interventions like pre-natal care in the middle of a conflict or crisis, or emergency, or whether it is the care of children or shelter, we believe that this kind of technology allows citizens to send across various categories [and] puts us in a better position to support how we respond to women, men, and families in conflict,” she noted.

She said her ministry was also working with The Barbados Police Service to strengthen its use of technology to improve its response to domestic and intimate partner violence and expressed the hope for the creation of a digital court in the future.

Ms. Caddle pointed out that it was important to have sensitive data remain anonymous and stressed that adherence to the data protection policy was critical, as well as the ability to use AI technology effectively.

Other areas highlighted included ways of improving cyber security and promoting STEM education, the arts, and gender equality, with respect to peace and security. (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

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