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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF BAM – JASON THOMPSON

The passing of Gwenyth Squires is a significant loss for the Barbados Association of Masqueraders and the entire masquerade industry. On hearing of the passing of my collegue in mas, my mind went back to my personal masquerade journey, which started in her Kiddies Jadooment Band “The Settlers”, were I played in the section Arawaks. It is there that I established a love for mas, and laid a foundation on which I have then built.

Gwenyth’s last role on the BAM executive was as the Public Relations Officer, where she made her towering voice heard advocating for the development of policies and masquerade in Barbados.

“Gwenyth Squires!”
“Gwenyth Squires coming!”
“Wait, Gwenyth Squires pass here yet?”
“Gwenyth Squires win Band of the Year, again!”

Gwenyth Squires became a brand all of her own as she employed her creativity year after year to produce outstanding Junior and Grand Kadooments bands. Gwenyth devoted most of her life to costume designing. Her entry to the National Crop Over Festival was an embellishment to the standard and quality of mas producing, as she built many winning King and Queen individual costumes.

If you played in a section of Gwenyth Squires’ band, you played as an individual that was part of a whole. Therefore, if you were a pride of Barbados flower, you looked like one, and the portrayal and was expected to convince the viewer that you were that specified flower. Squires understood masquerade and theater of the streets. Her band’s presentations were like watching a movie. You understood each section(chapter), and saw the interrelations of all the sections.

Grandlady of Kadooment, take your bow. We thank you.
The world has lost an exceptional, hard-working costume designer. Go now Gwenyth, design the streets of the King’s highway.
May you rest in peace and rise in Eternal Glory, Gwenyth.

Jason Thompson
President (BAM)

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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