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Motorists Warned Against Tinting Their Windows Dark

Motorists who are driving around with dark tinted vehicle windows have been put on notice to comply with the law or face the consequences.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley warned that this action would not be tolerated as she addressed the nation during a press conference on Thursday, at Ilaro Court.

“We have laws that govern tints on vehicles; they don’t allow dark tints. It must stop and the Government has set a target date that no later than the 14th of October, persons who are not having tints that are compliant, in other words, the light tint, will be fined….

“If you are involved in behaviour that leads to those tints still being there, such that the police or anybody passing through can’t see you, and you believe that you can just drive around with impunity, … start paying some fines,” Ms. Mottley said.

She also indicated that the regulation of number plates is another area of concern. “This notion that any and everybody can make a number plate – those days are done – and there will be strict regulation, and the fines will be high…”, she stressed.

The Prime Minister spoke about the trend where some persons were walking on public highways with masks and shirts on their face.

“It stops the police and other legitimate people in this society from seeing and knowing who it is that’s standing next to them, or who it is that’s doing something opposite them…. The Highways Act passed in 1925, 99 years ago, made it an offence for people to walk on the streets or be in a public place with masks….

“Unless you have the permission of the Commissioner of Police, you cannot be wearing these masks, and you cannot be wearing these T shirts on your face to conceal [it]. The operative thing will be concealment, so, there may have to be an amendment to the actual section, but the section talks about masks….”

Ms. Mottley noted that those employed on construction sites or in landscape may need to have their face covered while working, and she pointed out that transparent masks could be used, so faces could still be seen.

She also disclosed that she had asked Attorney General Dale Marshall and Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw to meet with the owners in the hired cars industry.

“If your car is going to be used as an instrument of crime, remember that one of the first pieces of legislation that this Government passed…was the Proceeds and Instrumentalities of Crime Act, and that means that it can be confiscated and forfeited.

“Having said that, we don’t want to set about doing that, we believe that there is room for greater levels of regulation and greater Know Your Customer guidelines for anybody wanting to hire a car in this country,” the Prime Minister said.

During the wide-ranging address, Ms. Mottley stated that because of the misuse by some of 3D printers, persons would require a licence to import them.

“We will bring a regulatory framework for 3D printers, and it will also include the right of law enforcement to periodically inspect those who have these printers to ensure that they are not being used for nefarious purposes,” she added.

Cabinet members attending the address included Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw; Attorney General Dale Marshall; Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott; and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds. (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)

Local

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

Local

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