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Message for National Heroes Day from Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley

Twenty-five years ago, we as a nation chose this very special day to recognise the incredible accomplishments and contribution of 10 nation builders we identified as National Heroes.

Bussa, Sarah Ann Gill, Samuel Jackman Prescod, Charles Duncan O’Neal, Sir Grantley Herbert Adams CMG, QC, Clement Osbourne Payne, Sir Hugh Worrell Springer GCMG, CBE, Sir Frank Leslie Walcott KA, OBE, Errol Walton Barrow PC, QC, Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers AO, OCC, and in 2021, 10 became 11 as we recognised Robyn Rihanna Fenty among the national heroes of our proud island.

With the establishment of the Order of National Heroes Act in 1998, we recognised these sons and daughters of the soil who have transformed Barbados, given outstanding service, altered the course of our history, attained the highest levels of excellence, and contributed to the betterment of Barbados and Barbadians.

The world as we know it may have changed, but today on National Heroes Day, we remain steadfast in saluting our National Heroes, who continue to be an inspiration to Barbadians here and across the diaspora. Through their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs, we are provided with a clear example of the greatness we can achieve as a people and the high levels of excellence we can go to as a nation.

Today, I also use this opportunity to acknowledge that there are heroes amongst us who have and continue to give sterling service to their communities and their country. While the last few years have brought with it perhaps the most tumultuous times we have seen in recent history, with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the start of the conflict in Ukraine and the impacts of the climate crisis, you, the people of Barbados have channelled the spirit of our National Heroes, and have been heroes in your own right, stabilising and building our country in the process. It is through your works we now see the fruits of these heroic efforts as our country rebounds from the effects of the global economic downturn.

On behalf of the Government of Barbados I say thank you. It is through your heroic efforts that we bravely embark on Mission Transformation, creating a more sustainable, prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Barbados where future national heroes can thrive.

This National Heroes Day, let us remember that within each of us rests the pride and industry that propelled our 11 National Heroes to be the icons they are. (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