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Exercise Tradewinds 2024 A Major Success

Acting Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Lovell, has expressed deep appreciation to the United States Government, through its Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), for investing just over US$8 million for this year’s Exercise Tradewinds (EXTW24).

Lt. Col. Lovell also thanked SOUTHCOM for the technical and logistical support provided, which helped to make the 39th staging of the exercise a success.

Speaking during the closing ceremony at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, he said the significant financial investment was a “true testament to the United States’ commitment to hemispheric security”.

The Acting Chief of Staff conveyed “the collective thanks”, on behalf of a grateful region, to United States Ambassador Roger Nyhus and Deputy Director of the United States Southern Command, Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey, for their support.

Lt. Col. Lovell declared that EXTW24, under the theme Tailored for the region, by the region, promoting a secure Caribbean 2024 and beyond, was “an emphatic success”.

He pointed out that it had achieved the aim of ensuring high operational readiness and improved regional interoperability as law enforcers sought meaningful solutions to issues affecting regional stability while preparing to host the International Cricket Council’s T20 Men’s World Cup Finals.

“The lessons and strategies gleaned from this exercise will stand us in good stead. In the context of our dynamic complex on some things on certain hemispheric realities, the selection of relevant exercise themes, such as the enhancements of regional interoperability, the promotion of regional cooperation and the improvement of military capabilities, collaboration, and cohesiveness, were of immense value to the region…

“I am proud to say that the level and scale of training brought to bear during this Tradewinds has never before been experienced in the Eastern Caribbean and has provided participants with the tools needed to face whatever is ahead…. I say to you that our regional networks are stronger. We are stronger now than ever before,” Lt. Col. Lovell emphasised.

He thanked Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and the Cabinet for readily agreeing to host the EXTW24, participants from the regional forces, and the public for embracing it and making the foreign troops feel welcomed.

Vice Admiral Holsey praised the participants for their cooperation and shared commitment to global stability, peace, and prosperity.

“Together, our allied forces remain ready to respond to today’s dynamic security challenges. The security threats we see today in this region are pervasive. Transnational criminal organisations…cybercrime, natural disasters, environmental degradation, and fuel instability are affecting us all. These challenges are not solely confined to the Caribbean, or the Western Hemisphere, but the scale and complexity, are at the global proportions…,” he said.

The Vice Admiral also thanked Ms. Mottley for welcoming the troops to the island and Ambassador Nyhus and his team at the United States Army for their efforts in maintaining regional security and prosperity across the Caribbean.

Exercise Tradewinds 2024 concluded on Thursday, May 16. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Acting Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Lovell, speaking during the closing ceremony of Exercise Tradewinds 2024 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre recently.

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)

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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