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Thanksgiving Service for Independence this Sunday

By Grace Through Faith: Perseverance, Resilience, Strength is the theme for this year’s National Independence Thanksgiving Service, to be held on Sunday, November 27, at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, from 10:00 a.m.

As Barbados prepares to celebrate its 56th year of Independence and mark its first anniversary as a Parliamentary Republic, the theme chosen by the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector sums up the true spirit of Barbadians, as they continue to surmount the various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

The multi-faith service, which is expected to last for 90 minutes, will be attended by President of Barbados Her Excellency The Most Honourable, Dame Sandra Mason. Barbadians here and in the diaspora will be able to follow the service on the online platform.

Addressing last week’s press conference, Archdeacon, The Venerable Eric Lynch, explained that the service was a collaborative arrangement between the faith community and its partners in Government. He said it seeks “to bring before Barbadians an opportunity of praise and thanksgiving for God’s riches blessings to us in our nation”.

Encouraging all Barbadians to come out to the event, Archdeacon Lynch said: “I hope that all of you would want to be present for [it]. Now that we have gotten a relaxation in the protocols with respect to COVID-19, we want you to be present with us at the Gymnasium in that wonderful complex and let us give thanks and praise to Almighty God.”

Meanwhile, Chair of the Communications Committee, Senator Pat Parris, noting the service also aims to cater to persons in the international world, said: “We know we have a Barbadian everywhere and I am sure they will want to be a part of the service, so we will share the link so persons can join.

“When we held the service [last year] we had limited numbers; on this occasion we want to pack the Gymnasium, so Barbadians come out! It is as though you are worshipping on a Sunday…. So, please come on out and be part of this service. It’s our 56th Anniversary of Independence; so, having gone through so much within the last two/three years, …we have lots to celebrate.”

Additionally, patrons can expect a musical medley by the Band of The Barbados Police Service, and the recital of the National Pledge by a student of Irving Wilson School.

Press conference on the National Independence Thanksgiving Service. (PMO)

While Archdeacon Lynch will be the officiant, Chairman of the Barbados Christian Council, Reverend Dr. Cicely Athill-Horsford, will undertake the duties of preacher at the service.

Participation by others in the faith community will include the Invocation by the Orisha Faith; the Barbados Muslim Association’s reading from the Holy Qur’an, and a pray from the Baha’i Faith. However, other faith leaders have been assured that their participation may come via virtual greetings to the National Independence Thanksgiving Service.

The event will also see the presentation of the National Flag of Barbados by the Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinders; a liturgical presentation by the Barbados Dance Theatre Company’s Junior Corps, as well as prayers by the Girl Guides Association of Barbados; the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association and the Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps.

Barbadians desiring bus transportation to the national event, at the Wildey Gymnasium, will be accommodated by the Transport Board. A bus service will be provided from the Princess Alice Terminal at 9:00 a.m.; it will then travel on to The Granville Williams Bus Terminal (formerly the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal) where patrons can also board. Additionally, there will be a service from the Oistins’ sub-terminal, beginning at 8:30 a.m., and another from the Speightstown terminal, at 8:15 a.m.

All services will leave on demand and there will be no change in the fee structure. The Transport Board will also be returning churchgoers to their respective terminals at the end of the service.

The National Independence Thanksgiving Service is among the main events held to celebrate Barbados’ Independence. Other activities include the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA), which is a month-long event, and the Independence Parade at Kensington Oval on November 30.

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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