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History And Archiving Processes Discussed With IRCICA

Religious history and archival processes were the key talking points when Director General of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), Professor Dr. Mahmud Erol Kılıç, paid a courtesy call on two Government officials, recently.

The meeting with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, and Minister of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector, Colin Jordan, was held at the Civil Aviation Building, Charnocks, Christ Church.

Minister Munro-Knight highlighted that Barbados possessed one of the oldest archives which houses parish documents such as births, baptisms, marriages, deeds and wills, with some of those documents dating back to the early settlement days of the 1600s. She shared that the documents are housed in an environmentally-controlled building and the Archives Department is in the process of digitising them.

She noted that the IRCICA is known for its Ottoman Archives and said any assistance offered in the area of digitising would be welcomed, as it aligned with the Government’s plans regarding the Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny (ROAD) Project, which has as one of its goals to share the history and culture of Barbados on a global scale through published works and film.

Minister Jordan posited that our culture and religion are tied to our historical background and that his Ministry has been working towards an understanding between the different religions practised in Barbados, where they meet and discuss matters, particularly as they pertain to country development and not inter-faith dialogue.

Noting that the dialogues intend to create an atmosphere of understanding, he said it would allow the different religions “to learn about each other, even though we believe what we believe, because we are living in the same space”.

Minister Jordan on the topic of Barbados’ Atlantic Slave Trade and its connection to Islam, noted there was little to no data on the subject and any assistance in researching this area would be appreciated.

Professor Kılıç expressed his willingness to cooperate and exchange ideas on areas discussed with the Ministers and alluded to the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding.

Other areas discussed included Atlantic slave trade records, Ottoman Archives, inter-faith dialogue sessions, climate change, Arabic script translation and information exchange/knowledge sharing.

Also present at the courtesy call were: the Deputy Permanent Secretary (ag), Prime Minister’s Office – Culture, Carolyn Estwick-Best; Project Manager, The ROAD Project, Chereda Grannum; and Consultant on Muslim Affairs, Suleiman Bulbulia. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, and Minister of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector, Colin Jordan, recently met with Director General of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), Professor Dr. Mahmud Erol Kılıç, and discussed religious history and archival processes. Also present were Project Manager, The ROAD Project, Chereda Grannum; and Consultant on Muslim Affairs, Suleiman Bulbulia.

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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