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New Facility At BARP To Ensure Digital Access

A new facility at the Hastings, Christ Church headquarters of the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) has been designed to give seniors digital access to all their transactions in a comfortable setting.

This was emphasised recently when President of BARP, Marilyn Rice-Bowen, declared open its new Legacy Foundation BARP Members Business Centre.

Noting it was birthed to ensure members are both trained to use and are using the various digital platforms, she attributed the Centre’s genesis to October 1, 2021, World International Day for Older People, where the chosen theme “Digital Equity For All Ages”, resonated with BARP.

“We thought that we should have a dedicated space for seniors to access the digital spaces and of course that was before and during COVID-19,” Ms. Rice-Bowen said.

The president also noted it was borne out of the realisation that about a third of BARP’s members had email addresses but no access to equipment. Lamenting this, she said: “So, you would send messages and you would realise that they are never opened. So, during COVID we realised that persons needed to be exposed to the digital platform because, to be honest, it ain’t going anywhere it is here to stay.

“Initially, when the computer and all the digital spaces were being developed, people were saying don’t worry with that; that ain’t going last too long, but it is here to stay.”

She described the new facility as a project where members can come and be exposed, use the internet, and be trained how to use the internet, for instance, to file for visa application; to meet statutory obligations, to obtain a passport, etc.

Acknowledging that BARP sought funding from the Legacy Foundation, she commended Haniff Moore and his team as well as the various Boards and directors of BARP for their “pure volunteerism”.

Mrs. Rice-Bowen, who also reflected on last week’s outages caused by CrowdStrike, said it must be realised that digital “is the way that we are going, and they are not turning back”.

Adding that BARP must ensure all members are fully equipped, she revealed that her organisation would be deepening its relationship with Legacy’s other half, the Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union Ltd., to have access to its automatic teller machines (ATMs) so that seniors could get the experience and exposure to the world of the ATMs.

“We want to make our seniors very comfortable with all aspects of the technology,” she said noting these included all digital platforms and the ATMs, and BARP was intent on this due to concerns about financial abuse of seniors, who may at times seek assistance in the sphere and end up sharing their passwords and cards with other people, hence giving access to their monies.

Mrs. Rice-Bowen also assured all members that BARP would hold their hands and escort them through any changes in their lives. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey (left), and Chairman of the Legacy Foundation, Maureen Graham applaud as President of the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP), Marilyn Rice-Bowen (right) officially opens the new Legacy Foundation BARP Members Business Centre

Local

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