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Minister Humphrey Outlines Government’s Initiatives In Support Of Girls & Women

Women in Barbados have made significant progress in every sphere of endeavour, according to Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs (MPEA), Kirk Humphrey.

Speaking in New York at the headquarters of the United Nations, Minister Humphrey observed ahead of International Women’s Day, how the briefing serves to remind everyone to pay attention to the gender digital divide that disproportionately and negatively affects women and girls.

Mr. Humphrey added that Government recognises that digital literacy and innovation must address both access and affordability to achieve gender parity.

“Barbados remains committed to ensuring that even as we advocate for the use of technology for all, it must not be used to exploit or abuse women and girls,” the Minister emphasised.

He also pointed out to the global assembly some of the initiatives Barbados is pursuing. These include:

Our Bureau of Gender Affairs, together with UN Women, is in the process of launching a Gender Equality Communications Campaign to raise awareness of gender mainstreaming, which would target both the private and public sector, as well as Members of Parliament, Civil Society and the general public.
Our Ministry of Education established a mentoring programme entitled Girls Power-Tech Barbados 2018 for girls aged 13 and 14, which provides opportunities for girls to enter into careers in STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics).
During COVID 19, Government, together with the private sector, provided computer devices to all students who did not have access to devices for online and virtual learning.
The Government continued the Community Technology Programme which targets the most marginalised communities but particularly women and girls who traditionally would not have had access to computer training and technology.
In 2016, Barbados enacted a revised Domestic Violence Legislation, which adopted a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence in all its forms. The legislation expanded on the definition of gender-based violence to include harassment and stalking online and in digital spaces.
Barbados has sought to reduce digital inequalities and enhance the economic empowerment of women through a process of issuing indigenous micro loans known as Trust Loans to persons who are unable to obtain financing from established financial institutions. Furthermore, through our Fund Access Programme small businesses owned by women have been equipped with the technological skills necessary to compete in a digital environment.
To allow for greater access to digital spaces for women and girls, the Government has provided free Wi-Fi access in our capital city of Bridgetown.

Minister Humphrey and Permanent Secretary Jehu Wiltshire were attending the fifth plenary meeting of the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. (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