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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR THE NEW ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION POLICY

What is the new policy regarding The Barbados Police Service’s (TBPS) handling of road traffic collisions?

TBPS will attend road traffic collisions only where there is:

  • A fatality;
  • Serious injury;
  • A situation where there is a likely breach of the peace or acts of suspected criminality;A mass casualty traffic event; and
  • A pedestrian-involved accident.

TBPS 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.

What is a serious injury?

A serious injury is one where a person requires hospitalisation; or has any of the following injuries (whether or not the person is detained in hospital) – fractures, concussion, internal injuries, crushing, severe cuts and lacerations, as well as severe general shock requiring treatment.

Why is the policy being introduced?

The management of The Barbados Police Service has recognised that a tremendous number of man-hours are expended on the response to accidents that do not involve serious injuries or road fatalities. There will be a more efficient use of police resources by not attending incidents that do not require a police presence.

When will the policy take effect?

The policy will take effect on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

Is this policy in place in other countries?

It is followed in many countries, including:

  • United States of America
  • United Kingdom, and
  • Canada, to a lesser extent.

What should a person who is involved in an accident do?

It is the duty of the parties to stop and exchange information.

What action does The Barbados Police Service take once a motorist reports an accident to 211?

When the report is made and there is no fatal or serious injury, specific information will be taken to determine whether the presence of a police officer is needed at the scene.

The information includes:

  • Is the traffic flow interrupted?
  • Did a driver leave the scene without exchanging the required information?
  • Is a pedestrian involved?
  • Is it a mass casualty accident?
  • Is there likely to be a breach of the peace or an act of suspected criminality? 

If it is determined that a police officer is not needed, the person reporting the accident will be informed and advised to contact his or her insurance company.

Where the presence of the police is deemed necessary, police officers will be deployed.

If a motorist feels pain a few days after the accident, what should he/she do?

Motorists should seek medical attention and contact their insurance company.

Have the insurance companies’ accident investigators been trained for this change?

Responders from the insurance companies have been trained by The Barbados Police Service at the Regional Police Training Centre. These courses have been specifically structured so that the insurance companies’ investigators can gather the required information to facilitate any future civil action.

What if the other party does not have insurance?

An investigation will be conducted and if that is proven, the necessary court process may be instituted to deal with the defaulting parties.

What if the other driver leaves the scene before the insurance representative arrives?

  • The person has 24 hours to report an accident to the police. He/she should also report the accident to the insurance representative. If that person leaves the scene of an accident without complying with the law, he/she may be prosecuted.  
  • Additionally, it is suggested that all persons involved in vehicular accidents should, wherever possible, use their cellular phones to record the scene.

How will this new policy benefit The Barbados Police Service?

  • The new policy will allow for the more efficient use of police resources and facilitate timely responses to other calls for service and enforcing the law.
  • The implementation of this new initiative will allow The Barbados Police Service to reduce the response time to emergency and critical situations.

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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.

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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)

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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

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