Government

National Consultation On Domestic Violence March 24 & 25

Barbados is working towards developing a Roadmap for a National Domestic Violence Action Plan, which will strengthen its domestic violence response framework.

To this end, a National Consultation on Domestic Violence will be held on March 24 and 25, to advance a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to domestic violence.

The Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, and the Bureau of Gender Affairs, in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank and UN Women, are convening the two-day meeting.

It will bring together policymakers, law enforcement, civil society representatives, service providers, and international partners to assess the current landscape, address critical gaps, and chart a path forward to develop the actionable roadmap. The Roadmap for a National Domestic Violence Action Plan will be structured around legislation, policy, social norms and prevention, essential services, data and collaboration.

Attorney General Dale Marshall emphasised the importance of the discussions towards the creation of the roadmap. “The consultation will provide a platform for key stakeholders to examine legislative and policy frameworks, explore evidence-based interventions, and strengthen institutional collaboration to ensure victims and survivors receive the protection, justice, and services they need.

“The discussions will also highlight good practices from the region, and across the international community, foster peer learning, and support the development of concrete, actionable recommendations that align with national and international commitments to addressing gender-based violence,” Mr. Marshall said. (PR/GIS)

Government

SPECIAL POLLING DAY NOTICE

Government

Offence To Sell Liquor In St. James North On By-Election Day

The public is advised that on Wednesday, May 21, the day of the by-election in St. James North, it is an offence to sell, offer, expose for sale or give away any intoxicating liquor at any premises in that constituency to which a licence has been issued under the Liquor License Act Cap 182.

In addition, persons are reminded that it is an offence to supply intoxicating liquor to any person on the premises of a club at any time between the opening and closing of the poll.

For more information on the Election Day Regulations, persons should call the Electoral and Boundaries Commission at 535-4800. (PR/GIS)

Government

Employees Must Be Allowed Reasonable Period For Voting

Employers are reminded that on polling day for the by-election in St. James North on Wednesday, May 21, they must allow each elector in their employ who resides in that constituency a reasonable period of not less than one hour for voting.

Employers must not make any deductions from wages, salaries or any other remuneration, or impose upon the elector any penalty due to their absence for the period of voting.

According to the Election Offences and Controversies Act, any employer who directly or indirectly refuses, or by intimidation, undue influence, or in any other way interferes with an elector’s right to vote, is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500 or to imprisonment for six months.

For more information on Election Offences, members of the public should call the Electoral and Boundaries Commission at 535-4800.