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Guyana’s Morning Glory Cereal Donation Reinforces CARICOM Food Security Goals

By Deanzer Roberts

Barbados on Sunday February 24^th 2025, welcomed a significant donation from Guyana, reinforcing the deepening partnership between the two nations under the Saint Barnabas Accord. The generous contribution of 750 packets of Morning Glory Rice Cereal was presented at Agrofest 2025, underscoring the growing collaboration in food security and humanitarian efforts.

The Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) donated the boxes of Morning Glory breakfast cereal to the One Family Programme in Barbados. Morning Glory Inc. is a company based on the east coast of Guyana, Office Manager, Indrawatie Natram, expressed gratitude and pride in bringing the product to Barbados. “We feel very honored and privileged to contribute in this way,” she said. “Humanitarian efforts have always been a core part of our company, and we have previously supported orphanages in Guyana as well as the national school feeding program. During COVID-19, we also made significant donations.”

Receiving the donation on behalf of Barbados was Chetwyn Rice, Resource Mobilization and Strategic Partnership Specialist for the Government’s flagship poverty alleviation initiative, the World Food Program. “This contribution is fantastic, especially considering the high percentage of children in our program. I was also educated that rice is much more nutritious than cornflakes, and I made a mental note of that,” Rice stated. She emphasized that the donation aligns with the Government of Barbados’ vision of strategic cooperation and mutual support among CARICOM nations.

The initiative was spearheaded by Guyana Invest, with Chief Investment Officer and Agency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment Dr. Peter Ramsaroop highlighting its dual purpose. “This donation is part of our commitment to supporting our citizens across the region and showcasing Guyanese products. As CARICOM moves toward reducing its food import bill by 25% by 2025, we must consider why we are importing cereal from other regions when we have high-quality options right here in the Caribbean,” he said.

Dr. Ramsaroop further elaborated on the broader vision under the Saint Barnabas Accord, emphasizing the importance of regional food security and trade. “This initiative is about more than just one donation—it’s about strengthening supply chains between Barbados and Guyana. Our goal is to ensure that products like Morning Glory Rice Cereal become a staple in Caribbean households, rather than relying on international imports.”

Looking to the future, the partnership between Barbados and Guyana is expected to expand, with plans for a food terminal in Barbados to serve as a regional distribution hub and a soon-to-be-finalized ferry service enhancing trade logistics. These initiatives will not only bolster economic ties but also contribute to food security across the region.

The donation from Morning Glory Inc. stands as a testament to the potential of intra-regional cooperation, reinforcing the principle that together, CARICOM nations can achieve greater food sustainability and economic resilience.

Caption: R-l Juan Edghill Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Investment Officer and Agency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Rayann Hickinson HR Officer Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), Indrawattie Natram Office Manager Morning Glory Inc, Chetywn Rice.

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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)

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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