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International Organization for Migration (IOM) to assist Barbados

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), will assist Barbados in developing a new immigration policy.

IOM’s Regional Director for Central and North America and the Caribbean (UN Migration), Michele Klein Solomon, has agreed to offer technical assistance to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information in its quest to craft a new immigration policy.

This was one of the main subjects discussed during a courtesy call paid on Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, by Ms. Klein Solomon.

Mr. Abrahams noted that Barbados is in the advanced stages of preparing new immigration and citizenship legislation, which would contain aspects of policy that deal with migration.

“We have a declining population. Now that puts all of our structures at risk, and it is something that we have to address but we have to address it in a comprehensive, meaningful, thought-out and structured way. And that’s where you [IOM] come in…. I am very happy for the offer and I will tell you upfront that we will happily accept assistance with the policy on migration,” Minister Abrahams stated.

The Regional Director explained the role and approach of the IOM which involves supporting a government according to its priorities.

“Please, rest assured that we see our role as to support government. We’re not here to bang you over the head and say you must do X, Y and Z. We’re here to listen to you about what your priorities and your challenges are, and to bring the experiences that we’ve had by working with governments around the world and governments in the Caribbean, in particular, so that you can benefit from those exchanges,” Ms. Klein Solomon stated.

Other topics the two officials conversed about included migration governance indicators; climate change migration and the situation in Haiti.

Also present at the courtesy call were: Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Yvette Goddard; Foreign Service Officer II, LaToya Archer; IOM’s Deputy Coordinator for the Caribbean, and Head of Office Guyana, Ms. Eraina Yaw; IOM’s Project Coordinator for the Western Hemisphere Program, Brendan Tarnay; and IOM’s Administrative Assistant, Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean, Renee Evelyn. Barbados was admitted to the International Organization for Migration as its 175^th member on November 30, 2022. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams presents the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Director for Central and North America and the Caribbean (UN Migration), Ms. Michele Klein Solomon with a gift following a courtesy call.

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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