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Youth Energy Entrepreneurship Challenge Open

Young people have an opportunity to share their ideas and solutions on how to promote sustainable energy in Barbados and, by extension, the globe.

The Ministry of Energy and Business is hosting a Youth Energy Entrepreneurship Challenge for students 15 to 19 years old, who attend public and private secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions, except universities. They are required to submit a business plan for the creative use of the recently renovated Solar House in Queen’s Park.

In giving the rationale for the challenge, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Business, Keisha Reid, said it is designed to raise awareness among students about the importance and use of sustainable energy technologies in our daily lives.

“The objective of this challenge is to encourage collaboration and creativity among the country’s youth by encouraging them to prepare a business plan for the Solar House, which is a demonstration project highlighting energy efficiency and sustainable energy technologies,” Ms. Reid explained.

The challenge is divided into three categories – Fifth form, Sixth form and Tertiary institutions except universities. Students must present their work as a group of three persons or less, and no individual submissions will be accepted. Each group is permitted to submit only one entry and students are not allowed to participate in more than one group.

All work must be original and free from plagiarism. Each group should be guided by a member of the school’s teaching staff, who will serve as the focal point.

The deadline for submission of the business plan is Friday, February 14, 2025. Proposals must be emailed to energyinfo@barbados.gov.bb with the subject heading “Youth Energy Entrepreneurship Challenge”, or delivered to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Business, Trinity Business Centre, Country Road, St. Michael.

For additional information on the challenge, students may call 535-2553 or 535-2582, email energyinfo@barbados.gov.bb, or visit the Ministry’s website.

The Solar House, which was officially opened in June 2007, is a government initiative designed to highlight the integrative building design approach to energy efficiency and renewable energy. In 2024, the Solar House was extensively renovated, and a new hybrid photovoltaic system installed. (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