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Training and work for Barbadians in Cyber Security

Over 200 Barbadians will soon get the opportunity to work in the area of cybersecurity with companies in Canada and across the rest of the world.

This will come as a result of persons being trained in the field when Barbados pilots the Cyber Nations Training Initiative, a programme created in Canada with the bold mission of training 100,000 people from the Caribbean and African countries as cybersecurity operations analysts, incident responders, and cyber literacy coordinators.

The pilot will be rolled out by METVT, Ministry lol Education in January 2023, with an online cohort of 200 Barbadians, in the first instance.  Learners interested in upskilling and joining the cybersecurity industry will embark on an intensive four-month online-learning programme, that culminates with a Cyber Security Analyst certificate from George Brown College, a fully accredited Canadian learning institution.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, speaking at a recent forum, noted that the programme, to be financed by the Student Revolving Loan Fund (SRLF), would provide lucrative opportunities for Barbadians.

She said: “It is intended to train 1,500 people in the next 18 months and the jobs starting will be at a minimum of CND $60,000, a year, per student who successfully complete the programme…. These are real opportunities, global jobs but living in Barbados.”

Successful graduates will be matched with participating organisations for lucrative employment opportunities.  The Coalition of Innovative Leaders Against Racism (CILAR) is a key partner that will also play a role in helping learners identify job placement opportunities.

The Government of Barbados is the first country in the Caribbean to launch the Cyber Nations Training Initiative created by Canadian cybersecurity firms – SDOCCA Cyber Inc. and Protexxa.

The initiative offers multi-dimensional solutions. Learners are provided with laptops, internet hotspots, online instructors, and financing is available through the SRLF.  Interested Barbadians can get more information and apply for the program at www.cyber-nations.com/Barbados before the January 13, 2023 application deadline.

With 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide, the programme aims to transform the Caribbean into a cybersecurity hub.

According to the FBI, cybercrime has quadrupled since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with cyberattacks happening every 39 seconds. At the same time, the cybersecurity industry is in the middle of a multi-dimensional crisis, spurred by the increasing prevalence of cybercrime and a global shortage of cybersecurity talent.

“With the growing number of cybersecurity vulnerabilities, there are not enough cyber professionals to protect the five billion people currently using the internet,” said Claudette McGowan, the creative mind behind the Cyber Nations Training Initiative.

“The Government of Barbados is tackling this problem with an innovative solution that not only aims to certify those interested in a future role in the cybersecurity industry, but also helps to put those skills to work immediately.” (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