Local

Regional Collaboration Vital To Address Shared Challenges

Regional collaboration in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the public and private sectors could be a crucial strategy for dealing with shared challenges, such as disrupted supply chains.

This was the consensus reached yesterday during the “High-level SIDS Ministerial Dialogue: Key Challenges and Opportunities” at the Global Supply Chain Forum at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

The session dealt with ways to address the unique transport and logistics challenges faced by small island developing states (SIDS); fostering collaboration and formulating practical, actionable solutions to boost efficiency, sustainability, and resilience; and the importance of working together as a collective to enhance the economic resilience of the Caribbean and Pacific regions.

It was moderated by Barbados’ Ambassador to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and other international organisations in Geneva, Matthew Wilson, and participants included Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds; ministers and representatives from Curaçao, Fiji, Guyana, Martinique, Seychelles, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands.

Minister Symmonds pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic was an “eye-opener” for the region, in that it forced countries to consider efforts to build greater resilience in their supply chain by finding alternative places to source products, namely food items.

He highlighted CARICOM’s 25 by 2025 Initiative, which is a long-term social and economic partnership between member states, regional organisations, producer groups, development partners and civil society.

It outlines actions and critical areas of intervention aimed at tackling the region’s rising food import bill, improve intra-regional trade, and create wealth and economic opportunity for every CARICOM Member State.

During the session, the CARICOM Private Sector Organization’s Jeffrey Hall provided an opening perspective on the region’s supply chain challenges and possible opportunities.

He highlighted six key areas:

Trade is non-negotiable for small states.
Ships follow the volume – it is a cargo problem, not a shipping capacity problem.
What matters is not the size of the country, it is the attractiveness of the port that makes it draw traders.
Ease of doing business is fundamental – predictability and transparency matter.
Regional trade and re-consolidation are underexploited; and
Capital and financing are key to building ports that people will go to but access to private capital is challenging.

Another key point highlighted during the session was the need for a Vulnerability Index that considers the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS beyond GDP per capita, which would enable middle and high-income SIDS to access concessional funding for development.

The session concluded by adopting the SIDS Ministerial Statement on Sustainable and Resilient Transport and Logistics in SIDS.

The Declaration will be referenced by UNCTAD and small island states at the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, scheduled for May 27 to 30, 2024, in Antigua and Barbuda. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds (left), speaking during the “High-level SIDS Ministerial Dialogue: Key Challenges and Opportunities” at the Global Supply Chain Forum at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, yesterday. Looking on is Curaçao’s Minister of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning, Charles Cooper

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)

Local

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

Local

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