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Newly Designed Passports Available

Barbadians started receiving newly designed passports bearing enhanced security features and aspects of the country’s historical and cultural landscape from today, Monday, December 12.

Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, made the announcement during a press conference flanked by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Deborah Payne; Chief Immigration Officer, Margaret Inniss, and members of her team.

“It is a top of the line, first-rate, first-class, very, very, secure passport, and I am pleased that we are putting it into operation from today,” Mr. Abrahams said.

He added that while the issuance of new passports takes immediate effect, old passports will remain valid until their expiration date.

“So, going forward, you are going to have two sets of passports until the old passports are renewed out of the system,” the Minister stated.

He noted that the businessman’s passport had been discontinued, and business persons would now receive an ordinary passport.

The Home Affairs Minister explained that previously passports were stamped at every port of entry, and business persons were issued with a thicker passport because of their travel.

However, Mr. Abrahams added that passports were not always stamped at ports of entry; they are swiped rather than stamped, allowing them to last longer, therefore reducing the need for business persons to have a separate passport.

“So, we took the decision to phase out the businessman’s passport because it makes more sense to have a standard book. So, you are not ordering different stock. You have one book that you can use for everybody,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Inniss said this was the first time since the printing of passports in Barbados that there was a change in its design.

“It captures basically the landscape of Barbados, and certainly the cultural component of Barbados. Within that passport, you will definitely see the Parliament Building, the Pelican and you will see the rock at Bathsheba. You will see Kensington Oval, and a number of other features within this passport,” she said.

She explained that the Barbados passport was already recognised as number one in the Caribbean, and ranked globally at number 25.

Ms. Inniss added that the new passport boasted of enhanced security features which would maintain the high ranking worldwide and within the region.

Immigration Officer II, Kareem Carter, explained that the new passports featured intaglio printing, a different type of laminate, a chip, and were more tamper resistant. In addition, there were a number of features incorporated which could only be detected using a special UV light.

The lifespan of the ordinary passport is 10 years, while that of the official and diplomatic passports is five years. (PR/GIS)

From left to right- Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information, Deborah Payne; Chief Immigration Officer, Margaret Inniss; and Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, display the new passports.

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)

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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