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PRISON OFFICERS RECEIVE SERVICE MEDALS

The face of the Barbados Prison Service is about to change as Government seeks to make Dodds Prison “the model prison of the Caribbean”.

Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, shared this vision while giving the assurance that efforts to address concerns raised by prison officers were under way in order to bring about changes at the institution.

The reformed prison service will feature a parole system, electronic monitoring, an increase in programmes for rehabilitation, and a half-way house to assist with the reintegration of inmates into society on their release.

Speaking during the Service Medals Award ceremony for prison officers at the St. Philip penal institution this morning, Minister Abrahams stressed that the prison service must step into contemporary times and be relevant.

“It is no longer a focus on keeping people out of society until such a time that they have served their sentence and be released. While we have them, we must do something useful with them. While we have them, we must help them become their best selves. They are our charges…,” the Minister pointed out.

He said it was Government’s intention to put resources behind the prison to allow for attainment of CVQs, higher educational pursuits and achievements, and for the training of persons in relevant skills.

The Home Affairs Minister called for the “building of bridges” and the establishment of programmes that would allow employers willing to give persons released from prison a second chance the opportunity to take them on.

“We need to equip those who are here with the ability to work for themselves,” he added.

“My aim and vision for the prison [is] to create a model prison and give you officers the tools and training that you need to take yourselves to the next level. You need to be the best prison officers that you can be.”

He added that a number of tasks at the prison were presently done by prison officers, but Government was moving to assign civilian-type tasks to civilians.

Mr. Abrahams also tasked the acting Superintendent of Prisons, DeCarlo Payne, with the responsibility of ensuring that there is a grievance handling procedure in place to address concerns of prison officers going forward.

He added that next year’s estimates would also reflect Government’s intention to address those issues, already brought to the fore.

However, the Minister cautioned the prison officers to avoid forgetting what their duty is, and urged them to remain above board.

Prison officers received their Service Medal of Honour awards dating back to 2018 during this morning’s ceremony. (PR/GIS)

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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