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Immigration Department Hailed For Service Excellence

The Barbados Immigration Department (BID) has been described as the “poster department for service excellence” among Government departments.

This accolade was bestowed on the department by Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, as he congratulated 16 Immigration Officers who made up the first of the BID’s Institutional Strengthening Clinic which got underway in October 2022.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony at BID’s Princess Alice Highway headquarters this morning, the Minister commended the graduates for taking the opportunities offered by the COVID-19 pandemic to “reset, redesign, rebrand and reestablish” how they wanted to be known as a department.

Sitting left to right – Chief Immigration Officer, Margaret Inniss; Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams; and Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Janice Robinson, pose with graduates of the inaugural clinic after today’s ceremony.

Immigration

“This clinic and your exuberance placed this department in a prime position to lead in the service industry as a Government department. You are now the poster department for service excellence,” he said.

Noting it was a heavy responsibility, the Minister pointed out that it was that level of service excellence that was needed across the entire spectrum of Government.

“We need the next leaders, we need the people who are going to take our departments, our policies, our initiatives where they can go to. We are limited by the productivity in the different departments in Government. [But], I am happy to say I don’t feel limited in the Immigration Department,” Mr. Abrahams pointed out.

He encouraged the graduates to spread their approach to service delivery with those from other departments and explain to them that productivity in departments started with the attitudes of those who worked in them.

“I urge you to respect, appreciate and listen to others as you undertake the responsibility to support the management in the transition of services that will set best practices for new policies, processes, employee competences, professional development and service excellence,” he said.

At the same time, Mr. Abrahams encouraged stakeholders to continue supporting the department as its staff endeavoured to be national team players in the rebranding of Barbados’ tourism product and the protection of the island’s borders.

The Minister noted that the clinic was designed to ensure there was succession planning to build out middle managers and prepare newly promoted persons to assume leadership positions.

“This clinic is a landmark for Barbados. I have not heard of any department who has looked at what they have considered, what they needed and gathered from among themselves and created a programme aimed solely at filling in the blanks and strengthening the department as a unit,” Mr. Abrahams highlighted. 

Speaking during the graduation, Chief Immigration Officer, Margaret Inniss, said the department was in the “reconstruction phase” of how it did business, looking at its image, repositioning Barbados, addressing border security matters along with trade and development. (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)

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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

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