Local

Shipwrecks Removed, Harbour Cleared

The two vessels which sunk at the Port of Bridgetown during the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024, have been removed from the inner basin of the harbour.

The last remnants of the vessels were raised off the seabed on Monday, September 16, 2024, bringing a close to the two-week salvage operation executed by the Trinidad-based company PK Solutions Salvage, an associate company of Ocean Marine.

Deploying a team of divers and utilising heavy-duty land-based equipment, the first salvaged component of the 24-meter-long, 141 Gross Tons Jolly Roger – the hull, was lifted on August 27, 2024, and assessed by its owners.

The 98 Gross Tons, 31 metres long MV Dream Chaser was cut into three pieces before being raised.

Efforts were made throughout the period the vessels were underwater to protect the coastal environment against leakage of contaminants or pollutants. A complete sweep of the seabed yesterday, September 17, 2024, ensures there is no remaining debris or impediments to the berthing of incoming cargo and cruise ships.

Barbados Port Inc. worked in collaboration with the Coastal Zone Management Unit, the Environmental Protection Department, and the Ministry of International Transport, to ensure the safe disposal of the wrecks. Towed to a final resting place at Carlisle Bay, they will serve as artificial reefs.

Barbados Port Inc. extends its appreciation to all parties who assisted in the salvage operations, including CG United Insurance, Trident Insurance and Sentry Insurance Brokers. (PR/GIS)

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