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WATER RESTRICTIONS

Barbadians have been urged to implement water conservation methods, as this country begins a season of drought.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Works and Water Resources, Santia Bradshaw, made the appeal this morning at the Post-Cabinet press conference at the Barbados Water Authority’s headquarters, The Pine, St. Michael.

Ms. Bradshaw noted that with the extremely dry conditions across the country leading to fires and respiratory illnesses and the impact on the farming community, the conservation measures were necessary.

She announced that from Monday, April 24, until Friday, June 30, the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) would introduce measures to conserve water.

“These measures prohibit the use of potable water for the irrigation or watering of gardens, lawns, and grounds by hose or by sprinkler systems. Also prohibited is the filling or supply of tanks, ponds, baths or swimming pools, other than for dipping tanks for cattle, domestic baths not exceeding 120 litres or 32 gallons in capacity, and elevated reserve tanks not exceeding 800 litres or 211 gallons in capacity and connected to household sewerage or water.

“We’ve also prohibited washing roadways, pavements, paths, garages, out rooms, or vehicles by hose. Also, prohibition is on the washing of windows and building exteriors,” she stated.

The Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology and the Barbados Meteorological Services have predicted that the April to June period would have very low levels of rainfall, and Barbados would experience drought conditions during this period.

Ms. Bradshaw said the BWA and Government would continue to monitor the situation and keep the public informed of any updates, while having discussions with the citizens of Barbados, Ministry of Agriculture, the Barbados Hotel Association and other stakeholders.

She added that any breaches should be reported to the BWA via its hotline number, 434-4292, and the fine for breaking the prohibition would be BDS $500.00, or one-month imprisonment. (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