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RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BARBADOS-CHINA FRIENDSHIP HELD TODAY

The Association for Barbados-China Friendship (ABCF) celebrated its fifth anniversary with a special reception that brought together key stakeholders from both nations to reflect on the growing bilateral partnership. The prestigious gathering attracted top media executives from Advo Magazine, The Nation newspaper, Government Information Service (GIS), Dr. Delisle Worrell, President of the ABCF, representatives from Chinese companies in Barbados, and the Vice President of Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology.

The event featured five (5) significant speeches highlighting the deepening bilateral relations between Barbados and China, showcasing achievements across diplomatic, medical, and infrastructure development sectors.

In his address, Chargé d’Affaires, Counselor Huang Xinhua noted that 2024 marks the 47th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The relationship has flourished under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, with ABCF playing a crucial role since its 2019 establishment in fostering people-to-people connections.

Mr. Tyson. Henry, Chief Information Officer at GIS, spoke passionately on behalf of the media, highlighting the benefits of the China Barbados friendship, and how it continues to give much-needed, technical training and support to journalist and people of Barbados. Mr. Henry went on to highlight that if we have ever needed friendship before given the state of the world, we need it now. Dr. Delisle Worrell, President of the ABCF, spoke of the group, its formation, successes, and continued efforts as the group and friendship continues to grow.

*Dr. Delisle Worrell*, *President of the ABCF*

The Chinese medical team lead of the 7th medical delegation to Barbados, Dr Ao Meng, revealed that seven medical teams comprising 61 personnel have served in Barbados, providing consultations to more than 43,200 patients. These teams have conducted 1,520 surgeries and participated in 1,044 critical care interventions. They have also introduced 177 new medical techniques across various specialties, including nuclear medicine, orthopedics, vascular surgery, and anesthesiology, while training 4,061 local healthcare professionals.

*Dr Ao Meng*, *Leader 7th batch of the Chinese Medical Team*

Mr. Wu Weizhong, Manager of the Construction Technology Team for the cChina aid Hope Agricultural Training Institute Project

Barbados President Sandra Mason’s letter of appreciation was shared during the event, acknowledging the medical team’s high level of professionalism and dedication to their work. The medical cooperation has significantly enhanced healthcare delivery in Barbados, with Chinese medical professionals serving as both healthcare providers and trainers for local medical staff.

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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