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PM Mottley & Dame Graça Plant African Tulip In Botanical Gardens

Barbados’ relationship with South Africa and Mozambique was further affirmed on Monday with the planting of the African Tulip by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and former First Lady of Mozambique and South Africa, Dame Graça Machel, in the National Botanical Gardens.

The two officials were joined by Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Blue and Green Economy, Adrian Forde; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munroe-Knight; Dendrologist and Director of the National Botanical Gardens, Nigel Jones, and other officials.

Dame Graça, while speaking on the significance of tree planting, told Prime Minister Mottley: “As part of my tradition, where I come from, planting a tree is part of affirming yourself as a part of the land, of the soil. So, whether you like it or not I’m affirming myself here.”

Ms. Mottley acknowledged the sentiments and noted that the Botanical Gardens, located at Waterford, St. Michael, was conceptualised as a place where persons across the island could come, relax and reflect. While revealing plans for expansion beyond the Gardens and the new Geriatric Hospital, currently being constructed, she outlined that there was also interest in an International Botanical Gardens.

*Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and former First Lady of Mozambique and South Africa, Dame Graça Machel, planting the African Tulip together in the National Botanical Gardens, Waterford, St. Michael.*

She added: “We will not only have this side, which is the local national Botanical Gardens, one which has multiple purposes, but we will also have the International one….”

PM Mottley noted the Garden was important for the island, and particularly for the parish of St. Michael, which has over 100,000 people, or more than a third of Barbados’ population.

Emphasising the importance of creating such spaces for people, she told Dame Graça: “We are going to invest because this country cannot do without architecture to support the creative sectors; so that will come, we’ve taken the decision. We’ve spent billions of dollars over the years on everything else, but the most we have is a theatre that holds 250 people. It can’t work, so, there will be an amphitheatre here.”

The Prime Minister further disclosed plans were in the works for an amphitheatre in Newton, Christ Church, and shared that work was ongoing to redevelop Queen’s Park.

“We are hoping to use this [in order] to change people’s psyche and people’s perception of themselves,” she told Dame Graça.

Environment Minister Adrian Forde, in welcoming Dame Graça to the National Botanical Gardens, stressed that one of its special features was its high resilience, and remarked: “It speaks to both our people and your people.”

Together, Prime Minister Mottley and Dame Graça turned the sod for the planting of the tree, following which, Dame Graça stated: “I have planted myself closer to you; so, part of my heart is here.”

The ceremony also saw the two officials unveiling a plaque by the tree to symbolise the occasion.

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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)

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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