Click here to download the new BGIS Alert App

The Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS) has enhanced its ability to disseminate critical Government notices to the public with the launch this evening of its Alert App.

Launched virtually via the BGIS website’s live stream page, Facebook page, @gisbarbados, and its YouTube Channel, @thebgis, the BGIS Alert App seeks to keep the public informed on a variety of topics, among them office and road closures, health and school notices and traffic and weather-related advisories. All categories are customisable upon setup, allowing users to choose which messages they wish to receive.

In his remarks during the virtual launch, Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, applauded the BGIS initiative and noted: “the critical role the dissemination of accurate, concise and timely public information plays in good governance”.

“I especially welcome the development of the new BGIS Alert App, which will assist in keeping us all informed of, among other things, the latest weather advisories, as we navigate another busy hurricane season,” he stated.

Minister Abrahams was also of the view that the BGIS Alert App would assist the Government in fulfilling its role of keeping its citizens informed.

“An informed populace is in a better position to participate in and contribute to the development of its nation. The numerous programmes and projects that have been rolled out by my Government to benefit citizens will have been for naught if the same citizens are unaware of them or how they can benefit,” he observed.

The creation of the BGIS Alert App evolved from the BGIS WhatsApp Alerts.  Following changes to WhatsApp’s sharing policy, the department experienced numerous challenges in sending alerts, and the BGIS’ Web and Social Media section, along with developer CrossMedia Inc., opted to design a stand-alone application. 

The upgrade to the BGIS Alert App also tackles the issue of disinformation.  Users receive authenticated government information straight to their devices, eliminating the need to question the message’s validity.  To download the free BGIS Alert App, persons may go to the Android (Google) or iOS (Apple) store and search for BGIS Alerts, or download it from the BGIS website

esther.jones@barbados.gov.bb