Annex 3 Multi-Stakeholder forum on the Role of Telecommunications/ICT in Disaster Management and Climate Change 18–20 September, 2013 Bridgetown, BARBADOS INFORMATION NOTE 1. Venue of Forum The forum will take place at the COURTYARD by MARRIOTT: Courtyard by Marriott Bridgetown, Barbados The Garrison Historic Area, Hastings. Christ Church Bridgetown, BB15156 Barbados Tel: +1 246 625 0000 Fax: +1 246 625 0100 Web: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/travel/bgicy-courtyard-bridgetownbarbados/ 2. Registration of delegates Registration of delegates will take place at the place of the Forum, starting on Wednesday, 18 September at 08.00 hours. 3. Working languages The working language will be English. 4. Health Prior to departure to Barbados, travelers should enquire about the necessary vaccinations according to WHO international regulations. Annex 3 5. Visa Visas are not required for CARICOM nationals. Participants must however have a valid passport or other valid form of identification. 6. Time GMT – 4 hours. There is no daylight saving time in Barbados. 7. Transportation Transport will be available for delegates for transportation from airport to hotel, as well as from hotel to the place of the symposium and back. 8. Telecommunications There are three (3) Telecommunications providers in Barbados. LIME DIGICEL FLOW 8. Local currency, change and payment The official currency is Barbados Dollar BDS $ 1 US $ = BDS $1.98 1 EURO = BDS $2.65 9. Electrical network 110/220 volts/60Hz 11. Contacts Mr. Cleveland Thomas – ITU Area Representative Tel.: 1 (246) 431-0343/4 Fax : 1 (246) 437-7403 E-mail : Cleveland.thomas@itu.int Mr. Sylvester Cadette – ITU Programme Officer Tel. 1 (246) 431-0343/4 Fax : 1 (246) 437-7403 E-mail : Sylvester.cadette@itu.int Annex 3 Ms. Sheron Small – Administrative Assistant Tel. 1 (246) 431-0343/4 Fax : 1 (246) 437-7403 E-mail : Sheron.small@itu.int 10. List of hotels Participants are invited to make their own hotel reservation and to inform the local coordinators about their choice. NN Hotel name Ordinary Rate US$ Negotiated Tel: rate US $ Fax E-mail 1 Courtyard by Marriott $199.00 $173.00 1(246) 625-0000 1(246) 625-0100 Tawania.hinds@ courtyard.com 2 ACCRA Beach Hotel $175.00 1(246) 435-8920 1(246) 435-6794 lgibson@accrabe achhotel.com Rm,B/fast $195.00 *Marriott is the better option and first choice for accommodation in relation to this Forum FREE high-speed Internet access right in your guestroom. Internet Access at Venue Please Note: The SAVANAH Beach Hotel is in proximity and may have rooms but this is subject to availability. As at present it seems fully booked. SAVANAH Beach Hotel 1(246) 228-3800; 1(246) 228-4385; gaynelle.corbin@mwsunhotels.com; dionne.vaughan@mwsunhotels.com GENERAL INFORMATION ON BARBADOS Location: Caribbean Size: Barbados is 166 square miles Population: 254,000 Annex 3 Economy: The economy of Barbados is based on tourism, light manufacturing, agriculture and financial services. Government: The Parliament of Barbados is 350 years old, second only to Britain and Bermuda. Her Majesty The Queen is also the Queen of Barbados, represented on the island by the Governor General. The legislature consists of the House of Assembly with 28 elected members and the Senate with 21 appointed members. The Prime Minster is usually the leader of the majority party. Barbados had unbroken British rule from its beginning until it gained independence in 1966. This provided the foundation for the stability that Barbados is known for. Climate: Sunshine and sea breezes. 3,000 hours of sunshine each year with constant North-East Trade Winds usually keeping the daytime temperatures in the low 80's. Relative humidity is a pleasant 65 degrees. Rainfall is just enough to keep things green, but more plentiful from July to November. Barbados is lucky, most hurricanes pass the island, and they have not been hit by one since 1955, and before that in 1898. Local Time: GMT -4 hours Capital: Bridgetown Language: English Electricity: 110V AC Airport: Barbados Grantley Adams International, Christ Church International dialing: +1 (246) XXX-XXXX Tap Water: Drinkable Taxis: Plentiful (look for BTA badge) Annex 3 Driving Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Local permits are available from car hire companies. Credit Cards: Widely accepted Departure tax: Included in airline ticket Currency: The US dollar is widely accepted in Barbados and the Barbados Dollar is tied to the US dollar at a rate of $1.98 BDSs to US $1.00. Commercial banks give a better rate of exchange than hotels or shops.