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Three-Day Energy Meeting May 30 – June 1st

Over 200 persons are expected to gather in Barbados next week to participate in the three-day IRENA-Caribbean Cooperation for Fostering Energy Transition Investments and Finance Conference.

The high-level meeting, to be held at Hilton Barbados Resort from May 30 to June 1, will be co-hosted by the Government of Barbados, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative.

Key stakeholders, including Ministers of Energy in this region, senior government officials, regulators, the private sector, project developers and financing partners, are expected to participate in the dialogue. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley will deliver the keynote address during the opening ceremony, while Director General of IRENA, Francesco La Camera, will give the welcome remarks.

In highlighting the importance of the conference, Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, said it would provide an excellent opportunity for Barbados to further cooperation efforts among Caribbean island states to develop strategies to attract investment in the renewable energy sector.

Senator Cummins continued: “We are going to discuss the issues of renewable energy and the renewable energy transition and how those issues are being navigated by small island developing states, in particular those in the Caribbean, and how together, we can take a multilateral approach to finding solutions to the problems that are confronting us.

“In addition, our partners will be able to see what Barbados has been doing in the area of renewable energy.”

Director General La Camera explained that through the event, IRENA was reinforcing its commitment to the small island developing states (SIDS) by accelerating the implementation of energy transition projects in vulnerable communities.

“Supporting the energy transition in small island developing states is a key priority for IRENA. With this investment conference, we aim to build momentum towards the implementation of energy transition projects that support the most vulnerable nations.

“Our commitment remains unwavering, and together, we can turn climate pledges into concrete action that benefits people and communities on the ground,” Mr. La Camera stated.

The objective of the meeting is to promote an environment conducive to energy transition investments, and facilitate access to affordable and appropriate forms of finance for the implementation of energy transition projects in the Caribbean’s SIDS. It is being held in partnership with the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator, the Caribbean Development Bank and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. (PR/GIS)

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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