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Emerging Entrepreneurs’ Marketplace Deemed A Success

An initiative aimed at showcasing and empowering young entrepreneurs has been hailed as a “resounding success” by participants and government officials alike.

The Emerging Entrepreneurs Broad Street Mall Marketplace, being held every Saturday this month in Bridgetown, was visited last Saturday by Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith.

Praising the initiative, which provides exposure and opportunities for young business owners, many of whom operate online or from home, Mr. Griffith said: “This is a fantastic initiative. I’ve visited about 10 of the entrepreneurs so far, and every single one of them, without fail, indicated that this is a really, really great initiative for them.”

Noting that being situated in the heart of Bridgetown offers visibility that these young entrepreneurs could not otherwise afford, he said: “Several of them said that this is something they could not pay for and have been waiting for but couldn’t figure out on their own.”

One of the entrepreneurs, Latoya Beckles of Labecks Kreations, when asked what she thought of the marketplace place, shared: “I think it’s really good for entrepreneurs because we don’t get this much exposure on a day-to-day basis, but having people coming to town shopping, passing through Broad Street is good exposure. My business is online, and I do pop-ups. So, this is very good that we can have a nine to six, the whole day, for our products to be showcased.”

Mr. Griffith pointed out that the initiative is part of government’s broader strategy to promote self-employment among young people and noted that the “quality of the products is outstanding”.

He said similar events should be held quarterly, allowing young entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and help expand their businesses.

The Youth Minister added that he hopes the success of the initiative would inspire more young people to pursue entrepreneurship so that “next year when we start new courses, participation will multiply even further”.

Mr. Griffith also urged the young entrepreneurs to consider the Caribbean and extra-regional markets as potential avenues for business expansion, noting that it could lead to them becoming employers. (PR/GIS)

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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)

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