The Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) will soon launch its new members portal to enhance its discount programme and help members save costs, says President Marilyn Rice-Bowen.
Speaking at BARP’s 29th-anniversary picnic attended by 400 members following a scenic Freedom Bus Ride through various historic sites, she said the purpose of the portal and revamped discount programme is to help members cope with the rising cost of living.
“In the last few months, the organisation has been meeting with members of the business community to secure discounts for you. So we’re gonna launch that very shortly; you’ll be able to access the portal on your phone by the end of December,” Rice-Bowen told members, adding that BARP plans to provide digital training at its Legacy Centre to ensure members can use the new online portal.
She further advised: “Whenever you go shopping, you ought to ask for that discount. We are all concerned about the cost of living in Barbados. Our way of addressing that is by ensuring that numerous business places across the island are offering discounts. So do not leave home without your discount card.”
BARP will offer its 22 000 members free non-emergency health checks, affordable eye care and essential services.
Rice-Bowen added that the association has negotiated a discounted rate with the Barbados Diabetes Centre for its members.
The BARP president also spoke about plans to make it easier for members to get to activities at night, as she noted the challenges some experience driving at night because of inconsiderate drivers.
“A lot of our members cannot attend activities at night because we have some people who drive with these bright lights, so you cannot attend the cantata, the concerts, the graduations or anything like that. We are in the final stages of negotiating with a reputable taxi company for the BARP taxi. What the BARP taxi will do is that you will order this taxi at a cost – it’s not a free taxi, but you will be able to order that taxi and let that taxi take you where you have to go,” she disclosed.
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