BARP introduces new payment options for members

Due to COVID-19, the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP)
has implemented new payment options as it seeks to protect its
membership.

While reopening today, Monday June 22, President Marilyn Rice-Bowen is
urging the 27 000 strong membership to embrace the alternatives
instead of coming to the Hastings, Christ Church headquarters.

As of Wednesday, June 24 members will be able to pay fees at Surepay
outlets islandwide or Surepay online, or via their online accounts at
First Citizens; City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union; Barbados
Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited; as well as mMoney,
or the drop box for cheques only located outside of the BARP building.

“In addition to our reopening, we have been working behind the scenes
to offer our members online opportunities. It is their health and
safety that we are concerned about and though a lot of protocols have
been relaxed, COVID is still here, so we need to ensure that we
protect our seniors – we want to keep our members indoors,” Rice-Bowen
stressed.

“I am therefore encouraging the children and grandchildren and nieces
and nephews of our members – because you are more tech savvy – show us
how much you care for your loved ones by allowing them to use your
accounts, so you will pay those membership dues or premiums for your
loved ones, thus ensuring that they stay home.”

Furthermore, with an expired membership of about 7 000, BARP Interim
General Manager, Betty Proute is calling on those persons to not all
turn up on Monday, but to use one of the new payment options; or if
unable to do so, listen out for when to come to BARP.

She therefore revealed that persons whose membership expired between
February and April are welcome to visit BARP on June 22nd to July
10th; those with an expiry date in May, from July 13th to July 22nd;
and those with an expiry date in June and July, from July 23rd
onwards.

“We know you want to renew your membership, but we are working with a
plan to make sure we do so safely,” she expressed.

“We expect to see less people turn up at BARP because of online
options…So we are encouraging you to please wait your turn, we will
reach you, but please do not show up next week. This is very important
because we cannot allow more than 250 to turn up at BARP, we don’t
even want 100 – we do not want any lining up in this area because it
will be against the protocols for safe business.”

Persons doing business at BARP office must comply with all health
protocols – wear a mask, undergo temperature checks and sanitizing of
hands on arrival, and must engaged in physical distancing while there.
(TL)