Local

New Road Traffic Accident Investigation Policy Starts Sep.15

A new Road Traffic Accident Investigation Policy will come into effect on Sunday, September 15, which will see members of The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) mainly responding to fatalities and serious injuries.

In addition, police officers will attend road traffic collisions if a pedestrian is involved; there is a mass casualty traffic event; and a situation where there is a likely breach of the peace or acts of suspected criminality. They will also go to the scene of an accident if the free flow of traffic has been severely interrupted or where there is a road safety issue.

This announcement was made today during a press conference to discuss the new policy, at the Henry Forde and David Simmons Legal and Judicial Complex, Coleridge Street, Bridgetown.

Those participating in the conference were Attorney General Dale Marshall; Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce; TBPS’ Communications & Public Affairs Officer, Inspector Rodney Inniss; President of the General Insurance Association of Barbados (GIAB), Randy Graham; and Insurance Executive Anton Lovell.

Inspector Inniss underscored the importance of this new initiative, explaining that serious injuries and fatalities would continue to be investigated by the police, while the insurance industry officials have agreed to attend the non-injury accidents.

The Communications & Public Affairs Officer stated: “We in The Barbados Police Service have recognised the overwhelming number of road traffic accidents we have serviced, particularly in the last decade or so….

“On average, about 7,500 accidents are investigated annually. Of those 7,500, a large percentage, 71 per cent on average, are just damage only accidents, what you would normally call fender benders, no injuries whatsoever.”

Attorney General Marshall said he supported the new initiative which the police would be embarking on, especially since officials were trying to address the manpower needs of the service.

He noted that thousands of hours were spent yearly attending or investigating traffic accidents.

“Now, you may say that is an important part of public service, it certainly is. But in a situation where we are dealing with a deficit in terms of the boots we have on the ground, we need to see how we can more efficiently utilise police resources so that they can dedicate their time dealing with the more serious offenses, and immediately, of course, guns and homicides, burglaries, those kinds of things will come to mind.

“So, this is a proposition from the police service that I, as AG, support. I’m happy to say that the insurance industry supports it. And my mission here, really, is to ask Barbados to walk with us through this. It represents a complete transformation from what we are accustomed to, but it is a transformation that I think is in the best interest of this society,” Mr. Marshall said.

GIAB’s President, Randy Graham, said the insurance industry is in full support of the new policy.

“The country has to make a difficult decision, and the best decision is to use those resources towards more serious issues…. We’ve seen very high quality work by the police in coming to this decision, and that’s why we are in full support of the decision. It’s not one that was taken lightly….

“The insurance companies pay out between $85 and $90 million to clients for vehicular accidents every year. Ninety per cent of those accidents do not require a police report; 90 per cent of those accident [claims] are paid…within a few weeks, without any intervention necessary by the police, because the accident is determined between the statements from the two drivers…. Many times the police are at the scene and they take measurements and a report, that are not required,” Mr. Graham pointed out.

The officials noted that responders from the insurance companies had undergone training by The Barbados Police Service, which was structured to help investigators from the insurance companies gather the required information to facilitate any future civil action. (PR/GIS)

Local

Remembrance Day Parade On November 10, 2024

Barbados will remember the servicepeople who lost their lives during World Wars I and II, with the customary Remembrance Day Parade and a short inter-denominational service at the Cenotaph, National Heroes Square, The City, on Sunday, November 10.

The parade will commence at 8:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live on national television and radio.

Several armed and unarmed uniformed groups will be on parade, including the Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Legion, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides.

Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by the President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

The service will be followed by an informal inspection of veterans and a march-past by uniformed groups. Members of the public desirous of attending the event are asked to collect tickets from the receptionist at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael, from Monday, November 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Local

Key Reminders When Considering Investment Opportunities

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) is reminding the public to exercise caution when considering investments in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes. While MLMs may present themselves as legitimate business opportunities, some can be risky or even illegal, leading to significant financial losses.

Here are some key things to consider before making any investments:

1. Research the Company/Person(s): Thoroughly investigate the background, business model, and reputation of any of the company or persons involved. Verify whether the company or persons associated with the investment are registered and regulated by relevant authorities like the Financial Services Commission.

2. Understand the Business Model: Genuine businesses generate revenue primarily through the sale of products or services, not recruitment of participants. Be wary of models that emphasise recruitment over product sales.

3. Check for Red Flags: Promises of high returns with little effort, emphasis on recruiting others, or pressure to make large upfront investments are warning signs.

4. Consult with Experts: Seek advice based on your financial goals and wherewithal from regulated individuals or companies set up to provide such guidance.

The public is urged to approach all investment opportunities with caution and conduct their due diligence to safeguard their financial well-being.

It is an offence for persons not registered or licensed with the Commission to offer investment advice, sell financial products or deal in securities.

The public is encouraged to notify the Commission of any situations where entities or individuals engage in these practices without being duly registered and/or licensed. (PR/GIS)

Local

Barbadians Continue To Benefit From UNESCO Training In Cuba

Barbadians continue to benefit from UNESCO training courses in Cuba, despite the country experiencing an island-wide blackout from Friday, October 18.

Three Barbadians are currently in Cuba participating in the Caribbean Cultural Training Hub of the UNESCO Programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, which was organised by the UNESCO Regional Office in Havana, and funded by the European Union.

Historian and Genealogical Researcher, Stacia Martindale, is participating in the course Designing Small Businesses in Heritage Tourism Destinations, while Landscape Architectural Technician, Kodi Husbands, and Assistant Coordinator and Researcher of the Barbados National Register of Historic Places, Rhianna Smith, are participating in the course Introduction to the Management of Integrated Development of Historic Centers.

They shared their experiences of being in Cuba and about the courses they are studying.

Ms. Martindale said: “So far, the experience has been very amazing. I’ve been loving the culture of Cuba and the general experience in class.

It’s really been exciting for me. It’s my first time in Cuba. I think I know quite a bit about Cuba just because I’m really interested in History. I’m actually a History teacher, so to come here, where that history has happened, is really, really exciting for me.”

Mr. Husbands, who is on his second visit to Cuba, shared that the first time he visited was on a vacation. “It really resonated with me. I got to understand the culture a lot more [and] I was able to identify with the people after speaking to them about their experiences and how they live. That’s what inspired me to continue working in sustainable architecture and design, and cater for society and the people, rather than doing it for money.

“So far, I’ve found different methods or techniques and practices which can be useful for back home in my field of architecture. And different ways I can further develop my country, whether it’s towns like Bridgetown, Speightstown, or Oistins. Or even smaller communities like in the East Coast, or in St. George or more rural areas as well,” he remarked.

It is also the second time for Ms. Smith, who previously benefitted from a course in June, this year, at the prestigious International Film and Television School of San Antonio de Los Baños, on the outskirts of Havana.

“This experience has been a lot different compared to when I was in San Antonio. Havana is a lot more active and has a lot more to see. And so, I’ve been able to immerse in the culture in ways that I was not able to the first time around,” Ms. Smith said.

She added: “We have been having some tours where we have been seeing examples of not only the restoration of historic sites and buildings, but also the repurposing of those buildings for uses that really fit the community. For instance, earlier this week we visited a daycare. But it was a day care for the elderly which doubles as a day care for babies, and so on.

“And so, what they are trying to do is to integrate those two generations and, of course, develop a consciousness of caring for the elderly. Things like that have led me to conclude that it’s been nothing short of inspiring so far, and I’m just looking forward to seeing where things go.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: From left to right – Rhianna Smith, Barbados’ Ambassador to Cuba, Dr. Sharon Marshall; UNESCO Director Anne Lemaistre; Stacia Martindale; and Kodi Husbands pose for a photograph