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UNCTAD CONFERENCE May 21 to 24

The field is set for Barbados to host this year’s Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF), in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD).
This assurance comes Donna Forde, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke at the official media launch for this year’s forum, which is entitled Transport, Logistics and Trade Facilitation for Trade-driven Development.

The conference, which will see just over 100 delegates from across the world will be the first of its kind to be held, to help develop the global supply chain in a more sustainable and resilient way, particular for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) who often face a number of export and import challenges in the face of global economic shocks. Forde told media personnel that conference has come at the right time, given the challenges being face in the region and in other SIDS.

“Small Island Developing States are dependent on international trade for economic and sustainable development given their limited resource endowments. SIDS are heavily reliant on supply chains to ensure businesses and citizens have access to the required goods and services.”
She added: “Maritime transportation accounts for around 80 per cent of international trade, and disruptions to that section will undermine the economic recovery achieved thus far in the post-pandemic period.”

Statistics from July 2022 provided by UNCTAD demonstrate how seriously the supply chain crisis has affected SIDS. SIDS had increases in import and consumer prices of 26.7% and 8.1%, respectively, whereas global increases were 1.9% and 1.6%. Forde voiced worry about the financial strain this puts on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which may affect their capacity to continue economic growth, uphold living standards, and accomplish Sustainable Development Goals.

Carlos Wharton, Ministry’s National Coordinator for the GSCF, said that while immediately solutions to trade issues will not be solved, the conference is the first step in SIDS receiving equitable treatment.

“The major important milestone is the fact that UNCTAD is taking the time and the attention to focus on global supply chains. UNCTAD is a dedicated UN body responsible for trade and development, and it’s absolutely critical that at the core of the system, the United Nations has a say on how global supply chains are to operate.

“So, from my perspective, the success of this Forum is the fact that it is actually being held.”
The high-level conference will be held from May 21 to 24, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC)

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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