Business

FAQs On The Electronic Vehicle Registration Process

QUESTION ONE: What is the Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR) system?

Government is transitioning from a manual vehicle registration system to an electronic one. The Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR) system is the new process Government is using to monitor the registration and insurance compliance of vehicles driving on the island’s roads.

A radio frequency identification sticker, known as an RFID tag, will be placed on your windshield as proof that your vehicle is legally registered with the Barbados Licensing Authority, and that your insurance is up to date.

There is NO cost for vehicle owners to get the EVR process done.

QUESTION TWO: What is the radio frequency identification (RFID) tag?

The RFID tag is an electromagnetic sticker that will be placed on your vehicle’s windshield when you complete your EVR process.
Your name, address, vehicle registration, chassis and engine numbers, and insurance status will be readable via the RFID tag only by EVR cameras at gantries and poles, and police hand-held scanners when they become operational.
It provides proof your vehicle is registered and insured to be on the roads.
The RFID tag can last up to ten (10) years.
It is tamper-resistant, so if it is removed or damaged you will need to have it replaced.
If you sell your vehicle, the RFID tag is transferable to the new owner and your information will be removed from that tag.

QUESTION THREE: Where can I go to have my vehicle tagged with the EVR?

There are three EVR Centres you can visit.

Oistins car park, behind Granny’s Restaurant, Oistins, Christ Church
National Cultural Foundation car park, West Terrace, St. James
Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St. Michael (Gymnasium car park)

EVR Centres are open Sunday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

QUESTION FOUR: What documents do I need to submit to complete the EVR process?

Private vehicle owners will need to submit a printed copy of the following documents to the EVR Centre:

Proof of insurance
Proof of address (utility bill, bank, or credit union statement)
Your identification (ID) card, valid driver’s licence, or a valid form of picture ID.

If you do not have proof of address, a person living with you will need to send a letter verifying your occupancy at that residence. That person will also need to send their ID or valid form of picture identification. That person is liable for the information they provide as being truthful.

If your vehicles are company owned, you will need to submit a printed copy of the following documents:

Company documents issued by Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO)
Proof of insurance (certificate or cover note)
List of vehicles owned by the company & their registration numbers

QUESTION FIVE: Can someone register and have the vehicle tagged on my behalf?

Yes. They can register the vehicle on your behalf, but they must bring their ID, a copy of yours, and the other documentation requested above. That person is responsible for confirming your identity on your behalf and is liable.

QUESTION SIX: Who should get their vehicles tagged?

All vehicles will eventually need to be registered with the EVR system. Initially, emergency and government-owned vehicles, as well as public service vehicles, were given the opportunity to get tagged under different phases of the pilot programme.

While some of these vehicles are still being done, however, some owners of private or company vehicles have opted to “get a head-start” or “beat the rush” before the EVR system is fully implemented.

Therefore, persons who wish to have their vehicles tagged may visit an EVR Centre of their choice to complete the EVR process.

QUESTION SEVEN: Is there a difference between registering my vehicle with the Barbados Revenue Authority and with the new EVR system?

The Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) is the revenue collection agency for Government. If you are “putting a vehicle on the road” for the first time as its new owner, you need to register it first with the BRA.

All first-time registrations for private vehicles will incur a registration fee of four hundred dollars ($400.00). Commercial vehicles will incur a fee of one thousand dollars ($1000.00). The renewal of commercial vehicles will also incur an annual fee.

All vehicles must be registered with the Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA) to legally drive on the road. Vehicles that are already registered with the BLA can go ahead and complete the EVR process.

The EVR system is the new process Government is using to monitor vehicle registration and insurance compliance.

An RFID tag will be placed on the windshield of vehicles and the information will be readable by police scanners and EVR scanners at gentries and poles. All vehicles need to complete the EVR process and no payment is required.

QUESTION EIGHT: Where are the EVR gantries or portals located?

Highway 1, Holetown, St. James
Church Street junction, KNR Husbands Highway, St. Peter
Ronald Mapp Highway, Bagatelle, St. Thomas
Highway 5, Six Roads, St. Philip
The Mighty Grynner Highway, Brandons, St. Michael
Highway 7 by the Garrison
Highway 3, Waterford, St. Michael
ABC Highway along Wildey, St. Michael

QUESTION NINE: What will happen when a vehicle passes through EVR gantries or portals?

Currently, the EVR cameras at gantries and portals are not operational. However, when they become operational and vehicles with RFID tags drive under EVR gantries or portals, the tag will be scanned and the registration and insurance status of the vehicle will be verified.

If a vehicle is unregistered or without an RFID tag, EVR cameras at each gantry and portal site will photograph the vehicle’s licence plate, and the status of the vehicle will be verified. This information will be passed on to the police. (PR/GIS)

Business

B’DS PUBLIC WORKERS CREDIT UNION PARTNERS WITH BAY VIEW HOSPITAL

In a bid to make premium healthcare more accessible, the Barbados Public Workers Cooperative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL) has partnered with Bayview Hospital to ease the financial burden of medical expenses for Barbadians.

Announcing the initiative during a signing ceremony at BPWCCUL’s headquarters on Thursday, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Gail Best-Niles, highlighted the growing demand for financial assistance in healthcare.

“What we have found is that more than 50 per cent of our personal loans are being used for medical procedures. Unfortunately, many Barbadians do not have health insurance, and that’s something we intend to address with our members,” she stated.

Despite efforts to educate members on the benefits of health insurance, Best-Niles noted that a significant portion still remain uninsured, making healthcare costs a persistent challenge.

Through this new partnership, BPWCCUL members will receive exclusive discounts on various medical services at Bayview Hospital, including elective surgeries and maternity care.

“Whether it’s an elective surgery or maternity services, Public Workers members can now access world-class treatment at more affordable rates,” Best-Niles explained.

Recognising that even with discounts, medical expenses can still be overwhelming, BPWCCUL will also provide financing options for medical procedures, ensuring that members receive the care they need without undue financial strain.

Business

Heart & Stroke Foundation rehabilitation programme gets a boost from RUBIS

The recovery prognosis for Barbadians affected by stroke has been boosted by a RUBIS donation of BBD $20,500 to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados in support of its stroke rehabilitation programme.

The funds will help ensure that patients receive essential physiotherapy assessments before starting rehabilitation, to receive treatment tailored to their specific needs. RUBIS Brand Marketing Specialist Mellissa Broomes said the contribution falls under the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility roadmap, which is focused on education and healthcare.

“At RUBIS, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve, and our support for the Heart & Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Rehabilitation Programme reflects our dedication to health and well-being. We are proud to contribute to this vital initiative, helping stroke patients regain strength, independence, and an improved quality of life. As the Foundation marks its 40th anniversary, our team looks forward to volunteering throughout the year and is happy to continue our strong relationship in support of its mission.”

Heart and Stroke Foundation CEO Mrs. Greta Yearwood expressed her thanks to RUBIS, noting that it strengthened a relationship dating back several years. She said the donation was timely and would go a long way towards achieving stroke rehabilitation goals.

“We offer services in rehabilitative therapy for both cardiac and stroke patients, but this donation will specifically assist with the physiotherapy for those patients suffering from stroke. Prior to joining the program, they will be able to see a physiotherapist who will be able to assess them and ensure they are receiving the specific needs for their conditions. We love working with our partners. We also look forward to RUBIS coming on board to assist us as volunteers. This is our 40^th anniversary, and there are many areas the RUBIS team can assist in, including working at our sites, attending events and even at our gym.

The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados (HSFB) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting cardiovascular health and reducing the impact of heart disease and stroke in Barbados. The HSFB raises awareness about risk factors, prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices through education, advocacy, and community programs.

The foundation offers various initiatives, including heart and stroke rehabilitation programs, CPR and first aid training, health screenings, and public awareness campaigns to encourage heart-healthy habits. Additionally, HSFB provides support services for stroke survivors and their families, helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Committed to building a healthier nation, the HSFB works closely with healthcare professionals, corporate partners, and volunteers to drive impactful change in cardiovascular care and prevention across Barbados. (PR)

Caption:

From left are Mellissa Broomes, RUBIS Brand Marketing Specialist, Greta Yearwood, CEO of Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados Inc., and Andrea Gooding, RUBIS Marketing Programs Manager

Business

Business Hub & Business Expo On March 29

Clients of the Barbados Trust Fund Limited (BTFL) will get an opportunity to showcase their products and offer their services this weekend, and members of the public are encouraged to support them.

The BTFL will host a Business Hub this Saturday, March 29, at the Natural Heritage Department Grounds, Sturges, St. Thomas, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Various business support organisations in the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise sector and the Unified Trust Co-operative Society will participate in the hub.

Additionally, a team from the Co-operatives Department will be at the Harvest Market, Nature Garden and Business Expo at the Thomas Parish Church on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. They will share useful information on the co-operative business model, including how the movement can benefit individuals and entrepreneurs.

The Business Hub and Business Expo are part of the St. Thomas We Gatherin’ initiative.