Established October 1895 SBA CEO gives breakdown of low wages prior to hike PAGE 3

Monday April 5, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive BAND OF HEROES By Marsha Gittens BAM president: Four bandleaders deserve top honour should be added to the list of National Heroes, in addition to recommending PRESIDENT of the Barbados same Winston Jordan and he was the getting us to where we are at today.So of what should be placed in the location Association of Masqueraders (BAM), bandleader of the band Wednesday 2000. course, if it was left to me or if I could give where the Lord Nelson Statue once Anthony Layne, would recommend But Kenny Bovell was also the President an input, those names would go down for stood in National Heroes Square, the four of this island’s top bandleaders of BAM and he would have been one of sure.” City. to be given National Hero status. the persons who started BAM, and he Within recent weeks, Prime Minister Thursday April 15 is deadline for peo- Responding to a question of who he was very instrumental in getting Crop Mia Amor Mottley,while speaking in the ple to offer their recommendations in would select from among the stakehold- Over, along with all the others I must House of Assembly,said it is time for a re- writing or via email to the Division of ers of the Crop Over festival, Layne said add, where we are at today.” examination of the institution of heroes Culture, Prime Minister’s Office. There Kenny Bovell, Gwyneth Squires, Betty He added, “I think Winston Jordan’s again. The Order of National Heroes Act are presently ten National Heroes, West and the late Winston Jordan. name should be there and I think Kenny was first passed by Parliament in 1998. with The Right Excellent Sir Garfield “Kenny Bovell would have been way Bovell, Gwyneth Squires and Betty West. She also indicated that Barbadians will Sobers being the only one currently before your time. He was in the era of the They have played a significant role in have a chance to suggest persons who alive. Reverend: Jesus is in control YOU cannot control Jesus or put him in a box. Bishop of the South Caribbean District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, Superintendent of the Circuit, Reverend Derick A. Richards, gave this message at the James Street Methodist Church yesterday. Reverend Richards made the point that people’s journey with Jesus will be on his terms, not theirs. “This is a walk of faith, not a walk where we are in control,” he said. He emphasised that faith in Jesus is a journey and a progression, as he refer- enced the story of Christ after his crucifixion. Speaking about the period of darkness that occurred after Jesus’ death, the reli- gious leader said based on this narrative, people are called to believe while it is still dark. He also reminded the congregation that even in darkness, “Jesus Christ is risen”. Reverend Richards acknowledged that the pandemic has brought darkness into our lives, and many people are struggling to see God’s purpose at work. However, he assured the congregation that,“This pandemic and the many issues of life that existed before the pandemic and made worse by and during the pan- demic will lead to celebration and thanks- giving.” Referring to the resurrection of Christ and John’s Gospel of the resurrection, the reverend said that by living through the darkness, people catch a glimpse of the new life. “Hope springs to life even if darkness ‘JUST CHILLING’: Barbadians re-emerged the day after Good Friday to make their way across the island, ahead seems to overwhelm us and is impossible of the restrictions of Easter Sunday and Easter Monday today. Some took the opportunity to hang out outside some bars to take. God dwells while it is still dark,” in Bridgetown, and this was one scene which The Barbados Advocate happened across last Saturday. said Rev. Richards. 2 • Monday April 5, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

COVID-19 update: 11 new cases, eight recoveries THERE were 11 new pos- isolation. A total of 103 So far, the public health itive COVID-19 cases – persons are currently in laboratory has conducted three men and eight isolation. 142,972 tests. women – identified on To date, there have been There have been 63,738 Saturday, April 3, from 3,679 confirmed cases of people vaccinated – among 433 tests con- the virus – 1,774 females 26,344 men and 37,394 ducted by the Best-dos and 1,905 males. The women – during the first Santos Public Health number of recoveries since phase of the National Laboratory. March 2020 is 3,534. Vaccination Programme Eight people recovered COVID-19 has claimed for COVID-19. and were discharged from the lives of 43 people. (BGIS) Company aiming to lower carbon emissions

HAVING seen a 39 per cent reduction in CO2 over the 2005 levels, officials of Emera, which owns some Caribbean electric utilities including the Barbados Light and Power, are fixing their attention on further reductions. This point was high- lighted in the Emera 2020 financial state- ments as Barbados and the international com- munity grapple with transforming their en- ergy systems and lower- ing carbon emissions, while dealing with the vexing issue of climate Scott Balfour, CEO and change. President of Emera. “Carbon reduction is central to our strategy existing coal units no and has been a key driver later than 2040; and of growth and innovation – at least an 80 per at Emera for over 15 cent reduction in carbon years,” said Scott Balfour, emissions by 2040. CEO and President of Just over a year ago the Emera. BL&P broke ground on a “We are continuing our Clean Energy Bridge. A progress by setting clear, company official said the clean, achievable goals Bridge was designed to and a vision to achieve maintain a reliable and net zero carbon emis- resilient supply of elec- sions by 2050,” Balfour tricity as Barbados tran- added. sitions to 100 per cent The company has said renewable energy. that with existing tech- The country has also nologies and resources set 2030 as the deadline and the benefit of for an end to fossil fuel supportive regulatory import, and has set aside decisions, it plans and at least 30 per cent of expects to achieve the renewables for small following goals: businesses. – 55 per cent reduction The Emera Group re- in carbon emissions by ported a 13 per cent 2025; growth in annual earn- – an 80 per cent reduc- ings last year, from ongo- tion in coal usage by 2023 ing regulated operations, and the retirement of less corporate costs. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 5, 2021 • 3

SBA CEO gives breakdown of low wages prior to hike CHIEF Executive Officer She noted in those stats that $350. So the total is 10 527.” of the Small Business 1 632 were receiving between Dr. Holder revealed that with Association (SBA), Senator $200 and $250 per week; and the information coming from the Dr. Lynette Holder, says prior another 1 063 receiving $150 to BRA and the NIS, these employ- to the recent wage increase, $200 per week... ees are from the formal sector. there were over 10 000 per- “And then can you imagine “So this is what we’re talking sons earning a salary of $350 that…2 199 were actually get- about – 10 000 workers approxi- weekly, with a group of over ting less than $150 per week. mately that would be at that low 2 000 people earning less This is actually happening in income category,and that would than $150 a week. Barbados today, that there are have gotten under $350 per She made the revelation yes- people…getting less than $150,” week.” terday during the Brass Tacks Holder noted. General Secretary of the Sunday radio programme, which The stats also indicated that Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) focused on the recent minimum 2 435 were getting between $250 Senator Toni Moore said it is im- wage hike in Barbados. to $300 per week portant to acknowledge that Crediting economist Senator Holder said the data these workers are from the for- Ambassador Dr. Clyde Mascoll indicates that prior to February mal sector. for his 2021 research, who as- of last year, of the 20 710 low “... And that’s what the BWU sessed information from the wage workers, there were many has been saying... we have to Barbados Revenue Authority employees earning less than push this. The transition of and the National Insurance $350 per week. workers from the informal to the Department, she said the two “A significant number,a signif- formal sector, because it has im- sets of data analysed suggested icant number of persons were plications not only for wages, but that there are some 20 710 work- actually earning less than $350 also has implications for social ers that were considered low per week. protection, social insurance, wage workers – that is, that “So 2 199 under $150; 1 063 health insurance coverage, all of Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Association would more or less be paid less under $200; 1;632 under $250; these things will be impacted.” Senator, Dr. Lynette Holder. than $25 000 per annum. 2 435 under $300; 3 198 under (JH) ‘Face Ripple effect? THE new minimum wage order companies. fears has gone into effect, paving the There is also speculation that way for a number of employees consumer prices could also be in Barbados to benefit from an increased as businesses look to with faith’ increase in earnings. recoup financing to pay for the It became effective last higher wages. REVEREND of the St. Philip’s Thursday and from conversa- There was another suggestion Parish Church, Trevor O’Neale, tions with some workers, they emerging from Geoffrey Roach, has urged members of that con- have welcomed it, while a few Chairman of the Barbados gregation to respond to their said they thought it should be Hotel and Tourism Association fears with faith. higher. (BHTA), who was speaking at This was among his words of Government has insisted that the BPSA news conference. He encouragement as he delivered the increase is necessary since cautioned that the cost of a va- the Easter Sunday message yes- workers are in need of it, having cation in Barbados could rise terday. Focusing in on the topic, to deal with a cost of living since some B Class hotels will be ‘Faith versus fear’, he urged which continues to rise year affected. those present to “live in faith after year. The hike can also make and not in fear”, However, there is a fear that Barbados less competitive with “What helps us in fear, when some of the ripple effects raised other tourism destinations in we are fearful, is our faith.A be- at a news conference could take the post-COVID environment. lief that God is with us, a belief place going forward. Clarke, who said the BPSA is that God will protect us, a belief A trade unionist told this not opposed to the pay hike, has that God is walking with us and newspaper that every time such argued for the proposal to be working through this thing with issues come up for considera- dealt with by the Barbados us, and that He is doing it for the tion, there is the talk about busi- Social Partnership good of all of us. When we think nesses and employers being un- “The Social Partnership is im- that we cannot get it done or it able to afford it, and the increase portant on how things are done is beyond us, our faith in God in the cost of doing business and in Barbados, and this measure says with God all things are pos- higher cost of operations. should have been brought to sible.As we live with God there- However, Edward Clarke of them,” he reasoned while stat- fore, things become possible for the Barbados Private Sector ing that this should be done in us.” Association (BPSA) said that the future. O’Neale in his sermon also en- the increase will impact nega- Another ripple effect which couraged the congregation to tively all of Barbados since it is the new minimum wage could live out their faith in God daily, a national order which has to trigger, Roach said, is that it and to share it with others who be adhered to. might very well cause other em- they may come in contact with. The BPSA was suggesting to ployees, like supervisors, to seek “Go and tell, who? Tell your government that the matter be higher pay which adds more family, tell your spouses, tell deferred until next January, costs to the wage bill. your children, tell your neigh- Reverend of the St. Philip’s Parish Church, Trevor O’Neale, as when businesses ought to be in Sheena Mayers-Gamble of bours, tell your friends, tell your he delivered the Resurrection Sunday sermon. a better position to make the the Barbados Employers co-workers, tell the people in the payment. Confederation said that with market, tell the people in the the people standing on the street Jesus. Share the gospel so that According to him, the new the order, businesses must now stores, in the supermarkets, tell [and] tell the people standing on they too will experience what minimum wage could lead to a begin the conversation with the people on the bus, [in] the the block. Wherever we are, you and I have experienced in situation where there is less regular employees on the new bus stand, [at] the bus stop, tell wherever we go, tell them of Jesus,” he said. (MG) newer employment, and smaller measure. 4• Monday April 5, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

BCCI head: COVID knocked private sector off its feet

PRESIDENT of the Tannis, maintains that says this is the worst a narrative being peddled Barbados Chamber of the private sector is not possible time to make pitting employers against Commerce and against an increase in the change. employees, government Industry (BCCI), Trisha the minimum wage, but Suggesting that there is against labour and labour against the private sector, she said this only clouds the issue at hand. ADVERTISEMENT She was at the time speaking on the Brass GOVERNMENT NOTICE Tacks Sunday radio pro- gramme, which featured a Tender for the Supply of Various Food Commodities To the Barbados Defence Force panel including Minister of for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2022 and 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023 Labour and Social Partnership Colin Jordan; 1. Tenders are invited for the supply of various commodities to the Barbados Defence Force for the General Secretary of the financial years ending 31 March 2022 and 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023. Barbados Workers’ Union Toni Moore; and head of 2. Further details, Instructions to Tenderers, Form of Tender and Price Schedule must be obtained the Small Business from the Chief of Staff, Barbados Defence Force, St. Ann’s Fort, Garrison, St. Michael between the Association, Senator Dr. hours of 8.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m Mondays to Fridays excluding public holidays. Lynette Holder. Pointing to the economic battering during the 2008- 3. The Instructions to Tenderers form an integral part of the tender document and should be read in 2009 recession from which conjunction with the Tender Notice. the country never recov- ered, the BCCI head said 4. All Corporate Tenderers must include with their tenders a copy of the Articles of Incorporation and the impact of COVID 19 a copy of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation as evidence of the fact that the Company is an cannot be ignored. BCCI President, Trisha Tannis. existing registered company as at the date of tender. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE CERTIFICATE “The pandemic essen- OF INCORPORATION WILL RENDER THE TENDER VOID. The Certificate must be in the name tially has almost deci- the economic activity, and see some of that trickle of the tenderer. mated normal trade, local the inability to rehire at down to the economy and trade, and has essentially the same levels as before.” that, essentially, we will 5. Local Tenderers are advised that the Certificate of Incorporation referred to at Paragraph 4 above made a bad situation even Tannis stated that even have the natural ripple ef- means a Certificate of Incorporation issued under the 1985 Companies Act of Barbados or where worse, impossible, in some though businesses have re- fect.” applicable a Certificate of Continuance and/or a Certificate of Amalgamation or a Certificate of cases. So from the private opened, they still have con- She stressed that the Amendment. Certificates must be dated after 31st December 1984. sector’s perspective, we do tractions on their trading goal is to avoid further dis- agree that we have to have hours. location in the private sec- 6. TENDERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THE LABOUR CLAUSES PUBLIC CONTRACTS ACT, a greater perspective look- “And this is the second tor. “We really did want to CAP, 349, SHALL IN SO FAR AS IS APPLICABLE TO THE TENDER APPLY TO ANY CONTRACT ing beyond COVID. But lockdown that we’ve just avoid any further disloca- MADE IN RESPECT OF THE TENDER. FULL DETAILS OF THE CONDITIONS OF THE ACT, when we do so, what we’re come out [of] in less than tion on what we consider to CAP 349 MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PRINTERY, BAY STREET ST seeing is a private sector 12 months. And we all un- be a very sensitive and pre- MICHAEL. TENDERERS SHOULD SUBMIT THE CERTIFICATE REQUIRED BY PARAGRAPH 3 essentially under tremen- derstand why.So this is not carious time right now.We OF THE SCHEDULE TO THE ACT WITH THEIR TENDER. dous contraction and to say that this is not some- don’t think that it is good threat. COVID essentially thing that shouldn’t have enough for anyone to lose 7. The successful tenderer(s) will be required to enter into a written agreement in a form approved knocked the legs from been done. We have the their jobs right now.We do under the private sector…I main engine of the econ- know that there is an ad- by the Solicitor General or another legal officer in the Public Service nominated by her. Surety for don’t have to go over what omy, essentially, still at an justment coming. And we the satisfactory performance of the contract is not required. To ensure that goods are satisfactory, we did and what we’ve ex- abeyance… do agree that companies an officer at the Barbados Defence Force shall:- perienced as a country over “But there’s almost near really need to look at soft- the last 12 months, but as unanimous agreement on ening the blow across as (a) Examine the supplies before payment for any commodity supplied under the contract is far as the private sector and the many factors and con- made to the supplier; or timing, we are faced essen- timing could not be worse. tribute to the business tially with the largest eco- And whilst there’s never a costs as possible. But we do (b) Test the supplies before payment for any commodity supplied under the contract is made to nomic decline, the Prime good time, we’ve chosen know that there essentially the supplier. Minister says, possibly possibly the worst time. are businesses that are not since World War II. And essentially, all you’re going to be able to do that. Payment will NOT be made for unsatisfactory goods. “We’ve lost close to $2 bil- asking was for a few more And that we have to actu- lion in economic activity. months... the winter sea- ally accept that one conse- 8. Tenderers whose business or undertakings are required to be licensed under the Health Services One cannot say that with- son, and the hospitality quence is going to be some (Food Hygiene) Regulations 1969 must submit a copy of the relevant valid license with their tenders. out admitting and realis- sector that drives and fuels job attrition.” Where businesses or undertakings have been inspected by the relevant Ministry of Health Authority ing that the private sector the economy,to have an op- “...It is not out of any de- and found to be in order and are awaiting the issue of the appropriate license tenders must submit has been in the middle of portunity to restart. We sire or need to contain or a letter to that effect from the relevant Authority with their tenders. Similarly, where businesses or that contraction, it has not chose January 1, 2022 suppress, you know,people undertakings are not required to be licensed a letter to that effect from the relevant Ministry of Health happened apart from the because we thought that at the lower end.We really Authority must also be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE COPY OF THE RELEVANT VALID private sector.We still have we would have an opportu- want to preserve jobs for LICENCE OR THE LETTER WILL RESULT IN THE TENDER BEING REJECTED. Tenderers’ own companies that are on lock- nity to kick-start the em- as long as we can and give statements regarding the inspection or licensing of their businesses or undertakings are not down as we speak.We have ployee hospitality sector. them an opportunity to do acceptable. unemployment at unprece- Somewhere in the middle better,as we’re doing better dented levels. Why? of that tourist season, as well,”Tannis said. Because of the contraction, hopefully, we will begin to (JH) 9. The completed Form of Tender and Price Schedule must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF VARIOUS FOOD COMMODITIES TO THE BARBADOS DEFENCE FORCE for the financial years ending 31 March 2022 and 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023”, and addressed to the Chairman, Tenders Committee, Government Procurement Department, Fontabelle, St. Michael to reach her no later than 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5th Increase in petroleum prices 2021. Tenders received after this time and date will not be considered. BARBADIAN consumers these products on the in- $1.23 per litre. are now paying more for ternational market. The adjusted price of the 10. Tenders may be placed in the Tenders Box located at the Government Procurement Department petroleum products, effec- Gasoline will now be sold LPG 100-lb cylinder will be or submitted to [email protected]. tive midnight, Sunday at $3.77 per litre, an in- $144.82; the 25-lb cylinder April 4. crease of 20 cents; the price will cost $41.30; the 22-lb 11. No tender will be considered unless it complies with the conditions set out in this Notice and in The retail price of gaso- of diesel increased by 14 cylinder, $36.51, and the the Instructions to Tenderers. line, diesel, kerosene and cents and the new cost is 20-lb cylinder, $33.19. liquefied petroleum gas $2.96 per litre. Kerosene The last price adjust- 12. The Government does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. (LPG) has increased, in has gone up by five cents ment for LPG was March keeping with prices for and is now retailing at 14. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 5, 2021 • 5

Although retail stores are open for business, some sections remain closed off Shopping for books was a good way to keep children occupied during this Easter to the public. break. Easter shopping in the City

EVEN as the Easter end went as smoothly weekend started to as possible. take shape, Barbadians The Barbados descended on Bridge- Advocate was out and town to purchase some about in Bridgetown last items to ensure that the Saturday to see the rest of the long week- action.

Shoppers were out looking for bargains in these tough times.

Swan Street had some activity last Saturday. These shoppers stand patiently as they wait to be admitted to shop. 6 • Monday April 5, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

CIBC FirstCaribbean appoints three to executive positions CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Director, Operational best the region has to Chief Executive Officer, Risk, in the bank’s Risk offer in the field of finan- Colette Delaney, recently Management function. cial services. We are ex- announced that the The final announcement tremely pleased to have bank’s board of Directors made was that of Dr. them on FirstCaribbean’s has approved the ap- Jacqueline Bend, who will executive team and are pointment of three senior take up the position of positive they will con- executives in the bank. Managing Director of the tinue to contribute to the The bank has ap- bank’s Bahamas Oper- success of the company pointed Mr. Carl Lewis to ating Company, and who and help us chart the the position of Chief will be based in Nassau. course for the next sev- Financial Officer, to re- Ms. Delaney thanked eral years”. place Mr. Doug William- Mr. Williamson for his Mr. Lewis has over 20 Mrs Khadija Bourne Carl Lewis Dr. Jacqueline Bend son, who is returning to four years of service years’ experience in the Canada to take up a key to FirstCaribbean and finance and banking sec- Planning and Analysis in ment of people and ensur- years were senior leader- position with the bank’s wished him well in his tors and is a long-stand- 2005. Mr. Lewis played a ing that the Bank main- ship roles where she suc- parent, CIBC. new post in Toronto. ing member of the CIBC key Finance role in the tained a robust compli- cessfully led teams in Appointed to replace She expressed delight FirstCaribbean team, formation of CIBC ance and risk manage- Change Management, Mr. Lewis in his former at the appointment of the having joined the bank FirstCaribbean between ment environment. Operations, Reconcilia- role as Chief Auditor is three executives. She in 1998. He has held 2001/2. Prior to joining Her most recent role tion & Investigations, Mrs. Khadija Bourne, noted: “Carl, Khadija and multiple senior roles in CIBC FirstCaribbean, was that of Director, Cards Operations, and who formerly served as Jacqui are among the Finance, Corporate and Mr. Lewis was with Operational Risk, where Retail & Business Ban- Investment Banking and KPMG for several years she led a team responsi- king. Strategy. in the area of audit and ble for maintaining over- In her role as Director, BARBADOS During his career with assurance. sight of the Bank’s key Retail & Business Ban- CIBC FirstCaribbean, he Mrs. Bourne is a career operational risk pro- king Channels, Dr. Bend Land (Title Proceedings) Act, 2011 has amassed considerable banker with over 25 grammes including was responsible for (Act 2011-7) knowledge of the busi- years’ experience. Since Operational Losses, branch operations, people FORM 3 ness. He held a number joining CIBC First- Deficiency Monitoring, development, strategic of senior roles in Finance Caribbean in March 2000 Management Key Control initiatives and process NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR DECLARATION OF prior to moving to as a Customer Service Testing, Change Ini- improvement, risk and OWNERSHIP AND CERTIFICATE OF TITLE IN RESPECT OF Corporate Banking in Manager, she held lead- tiative Risk Assessments, compliance, expense ALL THAT LAND SITUATE AT SHOREY TENANTRY WORTHING 2006. These roles in- ership roles in Retail Risk Profiles and man- management, digital VIEW IN THE PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH IN THIS ISLAND cluded Manager - Banking and Operations agement of the Bank’s banking, and the CONTAINING 144.3 SQURE METRES Planning and Analysis; where she made signifi- Corporate Insurance. Customer Care & Service Controller and Head of cant contributions to Dr. Jacqueline Bend is a Centres. SUPREME COURT OF BARBADOS Planning and Analysis advancing the Bank’s seasoned banking profes- All three appointments IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE culminating with Head strategic initiatives, rev- sional with 30 years’ ex- took effect from 1st April of Strategy, Financial enue growth, develop- perience, of which 20 2021. I N THE MATTER OF THE LAND (TITLE PROCEEDINGS) ACT, 2011 (Section 3);

AND IN THE MATTER OF ALL THAT LAND SITUATE AT SUPERLATIVE IN THE PARISH OF SAINT GEORGE CONTAINING 2018.9 SQUARE METRES OR Plans to use technology THEREABOUTS AS SHOWN ON A PLAN CERTIFIED THE 30TH DAY OF MAY 2020 by DANIEL M JORDAN LAND SURVEYOR (HEREINAFTER CALLED “THE KEY PLAN”) ABUTTING AND BOUNDING TOWARD THE NORTH ON to boost agriculture LAND OF ADRIANA CORBIN DECEASED ON THE KEY PLAN TOWARD THE EAST ON LAND OF FRED MAPP ON AS Government seeks support and assistance. have been confronting “Very early last year in THE KEY PLAN TOWARD THE SOUTH OF LOT 5 AND to advance the agri- His comments came as the agricultural sector in anticipation of the hike LOT 1 ON THE KEY PLAN TOWARD THE WEST ON cultural sector, Minis- he gave an update on the Barbados over the years in prices of agricultural LANDS OF THE GOLDEN RIDGE PLANTATION ON THE ter in the Ministry of agricultural sector in this must urgently be ad- imports, which represent KEY PLAN TOGETHER WITH THE DWELLING HOUSE Agriculture and Food country,including the in- dressed,” he said. 80 per cent of our food re- OR HOWEVER ELSE THE SAME MAY ABUT AND Security,Peter troduction of the Farmers In that respect, he quirements, the Ministry BOUND. Phillips says greater Empowerment and spoke of the water avail- implemented an emer- focus will be placed on Enfranchisement Drive ability issues that farm- gency plan to increase TAKE NOTICE that KEITH CORBIN of No. 60 9th Avenue Newton innovation, research (FEED), which is a pro- ers have been facing. food production and en- Terrace in the parish of Christ Church in this Island has applied to the and embracing new gramme to encourage Phillips indicated that sure consistent supplies High Court for a declaration of her ownership and a certificate of title in technologies. more persons to become Government is being of fresh, safe and nutri- respect of the property described above. Speaking during the farmers, and by exten- proactive, and is building tious food and to save recently held Caribbean sion increase crop pro- dams in various areas to valuable foreign ex- Any person having an adverse claim, lien or charge or right or interest Regional Accountability duction and livestock capture storm waters to change,” he stated. against the said property should submit the claim duly authenticated on Seminar 2021 hosted on- rearing in this country. be used in the agricul- Phillips told the online oath to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Bridgetown, on or before the line by the Inter- “The Government has tural sector. Additionally, audience that local farm- 26th day of April, 2021 and immediately thereafter serve a true copy on American Institute for recently engaged in a he said to help advance ers responded positively the undersigned. Cooperation on public private partner- the sector, they are look- to the call for increased Any person who has any information relating to the ownership of the Agriculture (IICA), ship whereby urban ing at high yielding vari- production, resulting in said property is invited to give such information in writing to the Registrar Phillips said that as part farmers will have the op- eties of drought resistant crop production for the of the Supreme Court, Bridgetown on or before the 26th day of April, of that effort, they will be portunity to lease land and pest resistant crops. period January to 2021. looking more at the use of and be guaranteed sale Meanwhile, referring to December 2020 rising by hydroponics, aquaponics for a percentage of their the negative impact that nine per cent, compared Dated the 15th day of March 2021 and greenhouse technol- produce.We will certainly the COVID-19 pandemic to the corresponding pe- ogy in the agricultural wish to maintain the has had on the economy riod in 2019. He went on Felicia S. Morris sector, as efforts are interest and commitment and global supply chains, to say that in fact, the Attorney-at-Law for the Claimant made to boost production. from the farmers. Phillips said this has un- agriculture sector was whose place of business and address for service is He went on to say that However, while these ini- derscored the “critical the only sector which Alpha & Omega Law Chambers, Government is seeking to tiatives have the poten- need” for Barbados to in- showed growth during 1st Floor Trident House, Lower Broad Street establish an innovation tial to advance the sector, crease local agricultural 2020 with an output of in the City of Bridgetown in this Island centre and will be look- we recognise only too well production and to en- 1.9 per cent more than in ing to IICA for technical that the challenges which hance food sovereignty. 2019. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 5, 2021 • 7

WHO: Sinovac, Study predicts which Sinopharm show kids hospitalised with safety, efficacy RSV likely to worsen CHINESE vaccine mak- Immunization (SAGE), ers Sinopharm and said the information that CHICAGO – Children who had been experimen- the immune response Sinovac have presented the companies shared hospitalised with tally infected, showed that comes too late, when the data on their COVID-19 publicly at the SAGE breathing problems the health consequences of virus has already multi- vaccines demonstrating meeting last week clearly due to a common viral the defective genomes plied, it is likely very safety and good efficacy indicates “they have levels lung infection are likely depend on when they show damaging and leads to Carolina B. Lopez, a pro- against symptomatic of efficacy that would to get sicker and re- up in the course of illness. more severe illness.” fessor of molecular mi- COVID-19 disease, a vac- be compatible with the main hospitalised Those children and adults It is possible that a crobiology. cine expert from the World requirements that WHO if they have high levels who generate detectable similar pattern also may Health Organization has asked for this of defective copies of levels of defective genomes be found in other respira- what these secondary (WHO) has said recently. vaccine.” the virus, according to early in the course of an tory viruses, Lopez said. products of viruses are During a news briefing “They have all the safety a study by researchers infection had shorter and The researchers used doing to determine the on Wednesday, Alejandro data to show that this vac- at Washington Univer- milder illnesses than those a common laboratory course of the infection.” Cravioto, chair of the cine would cause no harm sity School of Medicine whose defective viral technique known as RSV is a common WHO Strategic Advisory in humans when used,” in St. Louis. genomes were not detected polymerase chain reaction, respiratory virus. People Group of Experts on Cravioto added. The researchers until later or those who or PCR, to identify the de- get re-infected many times analysed viral RNA in never developed defective fective viral genomes in in- over the course of nasal washes from genomes at all. fected people. Such a tech- their lives and usually 122 children under age 2 “The defective genomes nique could be adapted to only experience cold-like who had been hospitalised are kind of a proxy for the other respiratory viruses. symptoms. For young with Respiratory Syncytial immune response,” said “More and more people children and older adults, China to promote Virus Infection (RSV). senior author Carolina B. have been looking for de- however, RSV infection can Defective viral genomes Lopez, a professor of molec- fective genomes in viral in- be life-threatening. Every were found in 100 or 82 ular microbiology. “No fections, and every virus year in the United States, campus COVID- percent of the children. matter when in the course they’ve studied has turned about 58 000 children Those with defective viral of infection we detect out to have them,” Lopez under age five are genomes got sicker and defective genomes, we said. “We have more work hospitalised due to RSV 19 vaccinations stayed in the hospital see a stronger immune to do to learn whether infection, and from 100 to longer than those without. response. But timing these defective genomes 500 die.The virus also kills Further studies with in- matters here. A strong im- really are drivers of out- about 14 000 older adults CHINA’S Ministry of of charge, the notice said. fants who had been natu- mune response very early comes in different viral in- every year. Education has issued a It called on schools to rally infected with RSV after infection is good be- fections. But I do think it’s The findings were notice to ask local educa- provide school infirmaries, but not hospitalised, and cause it prevents the virus worth putting the energy published Thursday tion departments and stadiums and other facili- with healthy young adults from multiplying. But if into trying to understand in Nature Microbiology. universities to proactively ties, or set up tents, as cooperate with local temporary vaccination vaccination work. sites in accordance with China’s cloud gaming industry to grow fast: report The document urged requirements. local education depart- The document also BEIJING – The revenue tial markets for cloud ments and universities to called for greater publicity of China’s cloud gaming games, according to the join hands with local and mobilisation on cam- market is expected to grow report jointly released by health departments in pus, asking local educa- at a compound annual rate the Tencent research making reasonable plans tion authorities and of 135 percent from 2020 institute and Newzoo, for on-campus inocula- universities to dispel to 2023, an industry report a global games and esports tions, thus organising doubts by publicising the has forecasted. analytics provider. the vaccination of local positive role of vaccines The estimated revenue The number of potential schools in batches in protecting personal growth will be signifi- cloud game users in China in an orderly manner. health and controlling the cantly higher than the will hit 60.65 million Vaccination must be epidemic, along with other global average of 101 in 2021, and patent activ- done upon informed con- scientific information on percent, making China ity in the cloud gaming sent, voluntarily and free vaccination. one of the leading poten- sector increased by 81 per- cent year on year in 2019, read the report. Most major technology Preparing for return of tourism companies in overseas markets have entered the AS international travel that number evaporated revenues fell 85 percent. field of cloud games, and came to a standstill in 2020, even for Thailand lost 40 million many smaller companies in 2020, companies in domestic travel. The tourists and experienced have provided B2B the travel and tourism World Economic Forum the worst economic and B2C services. The number of potential cloud game users in China industries hit a wall. estimates the travel downturn since the Asian As the educational, will hit 60.65 million this year. Business dried up to industry lost $1.3 trillion financial crisis of 1997. meeting, entertainment almost nothing. in 2020. Foreign arrivals in and social functions of demic and recovery period, provide opportunities for Now, with vaccination According to the United Vietnam fell 79 percent TV have been activated interactive entertainment the development of cloud campaigns beginning Nations World Tourism to just 3.8 million, during the COVID-19 pan- in living rooms may gaming, the report noted. to pick up speed, Organization, or UNWTO, according to the General plans around travel one billion fewer interna- Statistics Office. bubbles falling in place tional arrivals were The plunging numbers and discussions around recorded in 2020 than have forced the industry vaccination certificates in 2019, a plummet of to adapt. China successfully tests liquid proliferating, there 74 percent. Even during Singapore’s Blue Sky is hope for a big the global crisis of 2009, Escapes is a good rebound that will the decline was just example of how the oxygen-methane rocket engine supercharge the moribund four percent. adaptation is playing industry. Malaysia recorded out. Blue Sky specialised CHINA has successfully The engine, named TQ, tested for more than 10 The year 2019 saw just 4.22 million tourist in outbound journeys tested a ten-tonne thrust was independently devel- 000 seconds, with its de- almost 2 billion interna- arrivals in 2020, but had to shift its liquid oxygen-methane oped by the private rocket sign, production, assembly tional tourism departures down from 26.1 million in offerings as COVID-19 hit engine, according to its de- company LandSpace. quality and working relia- around the world. But 2019, while tourism in February 2020. veloper. The engine has been bility fully assessed. 8 • Monday April 5, 2021 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial Europe ramps up vaccinations Preparation as virus haunts Easter holidays PARIS – The French city of stadium and a new sorting out vaccination are typically slower Lyon’s main stadium hospital built to help arrangements a challenge on weekends. opened as a mass vaccina- handle pandemic cases. for many immigrants. The accelerated Easter necessary tion centre during Easter With Spain fearing yet In Lyon, French first actions in some European weekend, and thousands another surge of infections division soccer club Union countries stood ON Sunday January 3, 2016, David Jesopp penned spent the holiday lining like the one now over- Olympique Lyon opened its in contrast to the slow his column in this newspaper, under the caption, up for injections at hip whelming French intensive stadium and provided vol- beginning of Europe’s “Is the Doha round at an end?”. podromes, velodromes or care wards, Spanish unteer employees to help vaccine rollout over It was a remarkable question coming so soon after other sites as France tried Health Minister Carolina medical workers and Christmas and New Year’s. the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded to speed up shots amid a Darias had urged regional firefighters with a While France remains its 10th Ministerial Conference weeks earlier (in new rush of coronavirus authorities to keep up mass vaccination drive far behind Britain and the December 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya) with little or no cases. vaccinations throughout that started Saturday. United States in terms of headway on benefits for small WTO members. But as Europe celebrated Easter Week. Authorities plan to admin- vaccinating its population, He wrote at the time that unlike the then recent its second Easter in a row The French city of ister 3 000 doses per day the pace is starting to pick climate change talks in Paris, or the late September under the cloud of the Sarcelles, north of Paris, during the first three days. up. France has adminis- (2015) global agreement on Sustainable pandemic, some cities put was among those whose Club President Jean tered 12 million vaccine Development Goals at the UN... the developed and vaccinations on hold over vaccination centre stayed Michel Aulas expressed doses overall, including developing countries parted ways over the Doha during the long holiday open Easter Sunday, amid hope that the effort would nearly 1 million in the development agenda. weekend – defying French mushrooming infections help create “social cohe- last three days. It all amounted to what he figured was the end President Emmanuel and demand. The centre’s sion” at a time of strain and Spanish authorities are of the round with several of the demands which Macron’s insistence that organisers planned to uncertainty, as France speeding up vaccination developing and more so small states were pressing “there are no weekends inject 2 000 doses yester- entered a third partial lock- efforts with the arrival for having gone up in smoke. or days off during day – twice their daily down starting yesterday. of 2 million doses over the Believing that the Doha Round of Trade talks was vaccination.” average. Meanwhile, the French past week, its biggest lot going to be based on a development agenda only to Medical workers need “a Those waiting to get military announced that it yet. Spain had adminis- hear what Mr. Jesopp had said and now admitted little rest at last,” said an of- inside felt lucky and re- would open seven vaccina- tered 8.5 million doses as of by Mr. Lamy, must be a heartbreaker for small ficial with the French city lieved.The surrounding Val tion centres starting Friday. countries. of Strasbourg, which shut d’Oise region now has the Tuesday to help inject Across the Channel, Lamy is a former Director General of the WTO as down vaccination facilities highest coronavirus infec- civilians. authorities in Britain were well as a previous EU Trade Commissioner. His from Good Friday through tion rate in France, and the In Italy, those fortunate planning to test a series thoughts on these issues will carry some weight. Easter Monday, a public situation in Sarcelles sym- to get a vaccine in Milan on of measures including Jesopp recalled that by way of background, in holiday. To ensure that bolises how the pandemic Sunday received an extra “coronavirus status certifi- Doha in November 2001, all WTO member states residents still had access to has worsened existing reward: an Easter cake in cations” over the coming agreed to negotiate new world trade rules in a potentially life-saving inequalities. the shape of a dove and weeks to see if they can manner that would see in a single agreement, vaccines, Strasbourg ex- “The problem is with peo- packages of pasta. Only one allow people to safely tariffs and other trade barriers reduced in ways panded vaccination hours ple who do not qualify yet hospital in the city admin- return to mass gatherings that particularly helped developing nations. and administered all of its and are in a hurry, which I istered vaccines on Easter, at sports arenas, nightclubs Since then much has changed as new global and weekly supply of doses understand as they want according to Italian media. and concerts. national economic and political imperatives have between last Monday and to get back to a normal Among those administer- People attending a range emerged. Thursday, the official said. life,” said Dr. Majida El ing the injections at Milan’s of events, including confer- This has meant that despite progress being made Spain, Italy and Mokhtari. “Unfortunately Niguarda Hospital were ences and soccer’s FA Cup, on the detail, every WTO Ministerial meeting from Germany faced a similar we are not able to vaccinate retired hospital doctors will need to be tested both 2008 on has ended without any consensus on how holiday vaccination chal- everybody with the doses volunteering their time. before and after. The trials to achieve an all-embracing single agreement that lenge. that are distributed to us.” “We’re just making will also gather evidence would meet the requirement of all developed Spaniards lined up for The city’s working class our contribution to this on how ventilation and and developing countries. shots on Easter Sunday in residents have higher important battle” against different approaches to so- As for the SDT,this facility offered small countries Barcelona and other points exposure to the virus be- COVID-19, Dr. Vincenzo cial distancing could enable many benefits in terms of market access to around the country, but cause many can’t work re- Rapisarda told SkyTG24 large events to go ahead. developed country markets, longer phased in time Madrid halted vaccinations motely. In the area’s hous- TV. British Prime Minister for liberalising, aid, and other preferential at local health centres to ing projects,many families German vaccination cen- Boris Johnson is expected provisions. give staff a break. The have multiple generations ters appeared to mostly to set out more details It had its origin in a view of trade and development Spanish capital continued living in close quarters. stay open over the holiday, about the coronavirus that questioned the desirability of developing to give shots at a soccer Language barriers make but numbers of injections passports today. countries liberalising border measures at the same pace as industrialised countries. The popularity of this approach, according to a paper made available to us, was in decline in many India state of Maharashtra developed countries as far back as the negotiations during the Uruguay Trade Round (1986 to 1993). Confirmation of this seemed to have come from to see curfew, weekend lockdown Pascal Lamy who recently gave a lecture on the Doha and the way forward for small states THE Indian state 93 249 new cases. 12.5m confirmed infections. after being vaccinated especially. of Maharashtra will More than half of those This is Maharashtra’s because they had stopped He told his audience not to hold out hope for the see tighter restrictions were in Maharashtra, second full lockdown and wearing masks. Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) which from today following a which has India’s largest government officials had “People have become topped the agenda of small states in the future sharp spike in Covid-19 city Mumbai as its capital. been warning the move complacent. We are in a negotiations. infections. PM Narendra Modi has was imminent for some catch-22 situation –- should He said that SDT has limited relevance going A night time curfew asked a specialist teams to time. we look at the economy or forward and that Caribbean countries must adjust will be enforced and the visit the state and investi- In a televised address, health?” Thackeray said. their trade policy to deal with these new elements state will be under a full gate why there has been Maharashtra’s Chief “If this condition contin- of trade. lockdown on weekends. such a severe spike there. Minister Uddhav Thack- ues, I have told you already Compared to earlier times, Lamy went on, when India saw its highest day Some 165 000 people eray said people were not that in 15 days we will protectionism was a major issue for states, of infections since mid- have died of Covid-19 in following safety rules and exhaust our [health] infra- “precautionism” is now the watchword.As such new September yesterday,with India, and there have been some had caught Covid-19 structure,” he added. trade talks will hover around this subject. There is supposed to be a WTO Ministerial later Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes this year and if they want to be part of that process E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves small countries have to be ready and be prepared. Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan Let’s hope they will be. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Monday April 5, 2021 • 9

Bermuda reports 108 new COVID-19 cases

HAMILTON, Bermuda – Eighteen Ministry will inform the school directly The mean age of all currently active people are now in hospital with who may be released from quarantine and cases is 40 years (median: 39 years), and COVID-19 – with four in critical care, when. the ages range from less than ten years it was announced Saturday night “The vast majority of parents are (age group: 0-9 years) to greater than in Bermuda. cooperating in this challenging situation, 80 years (age group: 80-100 years). It comes as another 108 people were but some are less cooperative and ques- The mean age of all hospitalised cases confirmed as positive from two days of tion the guidance provided by medical is 60 years (median: 57 years), and the testing. There are now 630 active cases and public health professionals. ages range from less than 30 years (age of Covid. “Please remember the safety of the group: 20-29 years) to greater than 80 Of those in hospital, the mean age of all entire island is paramount, and our pub- years (age group: 80-100 years). None of hospitalised cases is 60 with the youngest lic health measures are in place to protect the hospitalised cases includes people who in the 20-29-year-old age group and the the community. Please be patient.” are fully immunised (having had two vac- oldest being over 80. None of the people in The latest results are from testing that cine doses with the 2nd dose more than hospital are fully immunised, meaning took place on Wednesday,with 70 positive two weeks prior to hospitalisation) having had two vaccine doses with the out of 1 865 test results received and The mean age of all deceased cases is second dose more than two weeks prior testing on Thursday where there were 75 years (median: 77 years), and the ages to hospitalisation. 38 positive out of 1 474. range from less than 60 years (age group: The vaccines being carted off. Kim Wilson, Bermuda’s health minister, Twenty-two of the new cases are 50-59 years) to greater than 80 years (age (Photo: Guyana Ministry of Health) said Saturday evening,“Our hospitalised classified as local transmission with group: 80-100 years). Covid-19 patients are rising, and that is known contact as they are associated very disturbing. with known cases. The source of all cases is as follows: First batch of Russian “We need to all make sure that we are The additional 86 new cases are • 245 are imported doing our best to stop the spread and stay classified as under investigation. These • 901 are classified as local transmis- COVID-19 vaccines in our bubbles. cases are among residents with no sion of which: “There are quite a number of clusters of currently identified link to other known • 809 are local transmission with arrives in Guyana cases identified by the Case Management cases or history of travel in the past known contact/source and team. This very much reflects the conta- 14 days. • 92 are local transmission with an GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana has gious nature of the UK variant. Additionally, since the last update, there unknown contact/source received its first batch of the Sputnik V “Please be patient with our contact trac- were 15 recoveries. • 254 are under investigation COVID-19 vaccines, further boosting the ers as they aim to contact the increased A spokeswoman for the Health Ministry government’s immunisation campaign. number of persons confirmed with Covid- There are currently 630 active cases, said, “As investigations proceed, trans- A quota of 25 000 doses arrived at the 19 and their close contacts. of which; mission categories may change. Yester- Cheddi Jagan International Airport on “If a friend or colleague has told you • 612 are under public health monitor- day’s update has 23 cases moving from Friday and more are expected to come in that they have tested positive and you ing and; under investigation to local transmission the following weeks since the govern- are a close contact, please do not wait • 18 are in the hospital, with four in with known contact/source.” ment is paying US$4 million for a total of until the contact tracer contacts you. Put critical care. Of the over 200 000 test results 200 000 doses. yourself in quarantine. Since March 2020, Bermuda has reported, the mean age of all persons A press statement from the Ministry of “I also want to remind parents of recorded 1 400 total confirmed cases of tested is 43 years (median: 42 years), and Health noted that the vaccines were children who are in quarantine to work Covid-19; out of those, 758 have recov- the ages range from less than one year procured from the United Arab Emirates; with the Ministry of Health.The Ministry ered, and 12 have succumbed to Covid-19. to greater than 100 years. however, it is of Russian origin since that of Health assesses all test results. The mean age of all confirmed positive The seven-day average of our real-time is where it is being manufactured. “Negative test results by a particular cases is 41 years (median: 39 years), and reproduction number is 1.72. Citizens can see a possible rollout of child or teacher will not automatically the ages range from less than one year to Bermuda’s current WHO country status this set of vaccines this week and an- mean release from quarantine. The greater than 100 years. is ‘community transmission’. other batch will also be shipped shortly. The Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, was quoted in a Department of Public Information article as saying, “This vaccine is a two-dose vaccine as Cayman’s ‘Hurricane Ivan’ governor dies aged 75 well and we’ll have an interval of three weeks between first and second dose so the 25 000 that came in are all the first GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – on Tuesday,April 6 .” dose; we’ve made arrangements as well to Bruce Dinwiddy (1946-2021), who served Meanwhile, the current governor, start getting the second dose.” as the Cayman Islands Governor from Martyn Roper, said he was saddened to He also urged all that are eligible May 2002 until October 2005, has died in hear about Dinwiddy’s passing. In for vaccination to capitalise on the the UK. addition to his work in the aftermath of opportunity. Currently, those eligible for Dinwiddy was in office when the Hurricane Ivan, he also did much to vaccination are frontline health care islands were struck by Hurricane Ivan in develop the UK/Cayman partnership, workers and persons 40 years and older. September 2004 and was instrumental particularly on preparation for future “As we continue to roll out this process, in leading the recovery. He had been natural disasters, Roper said. we’ll get more and more people on board appointed to serve in these islands after “I know from discussions with many with their vaccinations. So, it is impor- almost three decades with the Foreign people across our Islands that he is fondly tant for people to get their vaccines Office. No information has been shared by remembered for his kindness and affec- because these vaccines would obviously his family or other sources about tion for these Islands,” the governor said. prevent people from getting sick with the former governor’s cause of death. “He will be greatly missed. I am sure I COVID,” Dr. Anthony was also quoted In a statement about his passing speak for everyone on our Islands in as saying. Thursday, Alden Mclaughlin, the outgo- expressing deepest condolences to The Health Ministry’s release also out- ing premier who was an opposition MLA Governor Dinwiddy’s wife Emma, his lined that the current vaccine rollout will when Dinwiddy was first appointed, said family and friends at this sad time.” ramp up from Tuesday and there will be “his compassion, humility and commit- André Ebanks, the former representa- almost 100 fixed vaccination sites ment to serving the Cayman Islands will tive for Cayman in London and now countrywide. The Sputnik V vaccine is never be forgotten”. political candidate,posted on social media the first registered COVID-19 vaccine After he left the jurisdiction and about the governor’s passing, and has been recommended for persons retired from the foreign service,Dinwiddy saying he was sad to hear the news. 18 years and older. continued to be a friend of the Cayman Bruce Dinwiddy. “I have always greatly admired him, Guyana has received 152 000 doses of Islands, making several return trips. He both as governor following Hurricane various vaccines to date. Of those was a staunch advocate for McLaughlin said. “On behalf of the gov- Ivan and as I came know him personally received were; 3 000 doses of the the environment and played a key role ernment and people of the Cayman where we developed a fondness for each AstraZeneca vaccine from Barbados, in the UK Overseas Territories Islands, I offer deepest condolences to his other during my time as the Cayman 20 000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine Conservation Forum. wife Emma and extended family.To mark Islands Representative to the UK,” he from China, 80 000 doses of the “He also worked to support the his passing the Cayman Islands flag will said. “On behalf of myself and my family, AstraZeneca vaccine from India, another Cayman Islands Government Office in fly at half mast alongside the Union Jack I would like to extend my deepest sympa- 24 000 doses from the COVAX facility London as an active member of the on all government buildings from thies to former Governor Dinwiddy’s and the newly arrived 25 000 doses of the Friends of the Cayman Islands,” the remainder of today and all day family and loved ones.” Sputnik V vaccine.Approximately 40 000 Guyanese have been vaccinated thus far. 10 • Monday April 5, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

PM Chastanet defends 500 register for COVID-19 Easter curfew measures vaccines in Tobago Port of Spain, Trinidad – Secretary from a third wave.The world is in a finan- CASTRIES, Saint Lucia – Prime of Health, Wellness and Family cial crunch and we are no different.” Minister Allen Chastanet has de- Development Tracy Davidson-Celestine Davidson-Celestine said every citizen fended Saint Lucia’s new curfew has revealed more than 500 Tobagonians has a responsibility to ensure they protect measures for Easter, citing short were pre-registered to receive the first themselves “even while we play this term pain for long term gain. doses of 3 000 COVID-19 vaccines. Easter. He recalled that he has said in the past On Wednesday,TT received 33 600 vac- She observed the number of new that the Island’s COVID-19 protocols are cines in the first tranche from the World COVID-19 cases are increasing rapidly. not like a switch that the authorities Health Organization’s Covax facility. “That is a cause for concern for me and can turn either on or off. Of that number, Tobago got 3 000 vac- I hope it is for all of us. Let’s play safe this “We said it’s a dimmer switch, ” cines on Thursday, which is expected to Easter. Let’s work together to keep the Chastanet observed. vaccinate an estimated 1 500 people. numbers down.” As a result, he said depending on what’s Among those to be vaccinated are Davidson-Celestine added: “We must happening, Saint Lucia can either essential or frontline workers along with take control of ourselves from gathering increase or reduce the lighting. people with chronic illnesses. and partying.” “You’re always adjusting it based on The roll-out is expected to begin She said while she understands the what’s trending,” the PM stated. tomorrow at the Scarborough and Canaan need for people to socialise “we are still He made the comments last week health centres. The Prime Minister has in danger. during an appearance on Blazin FM. said he will receive his vaccine in Tobago. “We cannot sacrifice lives for a good Chastanet noted that the authorities Speaking to Newsday on Friday, time. the new deaths and new cases every- had the Christmas and New Year Davidson-Celestine said, “We have more day are a signal that we need to heed. If experience. Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen than 500 persons pre-registered for the we don’t take better care we cannot reopen “We had protocols in, we reduced the Chastanet. vaccine and the numbers are climbing our borders and economy.” amount of time, we reduced the amount steadily.” On Thursday, general manager of pri- of people,” he recalled. persons going to river limes and people She added the division expects to hit its mary care at the Tobago Regional Health But he said that sadly, Christmas and going to house parties,” Chastanet told quota of 1 500 soon. Authority (TRHA) Dr. Roxanne Mitchell the New Year are ‘emotional’ times and Blazin FM. “All systems are go to start the vaccina- said the vaccine roll out will begin at the people were unable to contain themselves. “So we had to put this in,” he said of the tion on Tuesday. The vaccines are safely health centres at Scarborough and Chastanet said because of that, Saint change in curfew hours. stored at the CMOH’s (County Medical Canaan. She was on hand to receive the Lucia recorded a significant increase Chastanet cited examples in the Officer of Health’s) office in a controlled en- shipment at ANR Robinson International in COVID-19 cases. Caribbean and the world. vironment.” Airport in Crown Point. He asserted that indiscipline caused And he declared that everyone now Davidson-Celestine also expressed Mitchell noted that with the vaccina- the surge. recognises that during important concern about the large numbers of people tion programme will come the expected However,the PM noted that with other vacation periods, they need to tighten who were not wearing masks at the return to some level of normalcy in terms measures that the authorities put on COVID-19 protocols. beaches on the Good Friday holiday. of the social and economic well-being on place, the numbers have been coming The PM said to do otherwise could “As I drove around the island, I see the island. down. result in a significant outbreak and beaches full and overflowing with beach- “It is the first step towards that. We are Nevertheless he said people seem to be everyone will pay the price. goers.But what struck me is that a signif- hoping that persons will register and that getting overconfident. From Thursday to Good Friday, a 7pm icant number of persons weren’t wearing persons would keep their appointments “When we spoke to the CMO and in to 4am curfew was in effect. a mask and weren’t following the proto- once they get an appointment for the particular the police, they were terrified The curfew changed by an hour on cols.” vaccine. The sooner we can vaccinate the – both groups, as to what they were see- Saturday, beginning at 6pm. She added the island and country,by ex- population, the sooner we can return to ing trending and how they were going to But Saint Lucia adjusted it further for tension, cannot survive another lockdown. what we call normal on the island.” now control just a 7 o’clock curfew,partic- Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, “I am not sure certain that our econ- The acceptance of the vaccine, she said, ularly persons going to the beaches, running from 3pm to 4am. omy can survive another lockdown arising is voluntary.

Deceased Bunny Wailer being ‘held hostage’, says family KINGSTON, Jamaica One month after The family, which includes all 13 of must be making sure that their father Bunny Wailer’s passing, the family has Bunny Wailer’s children, is of the opinion gets a proper burial. Maxine was his still not been able to get his death certifi- that if their father’s affairs were being manager for years and his caregiver,and cate owing to unpaid hospital bills. managed in the way they should, they this is not about me liking or not liking The family of reggae icon, Bunny would not have been in the position that anybody. I am not on anybody’s side. Wailer, is expressing concern over events they are in. “There [should be] no reason The Ten Commandments say it clearly, that have transpired since his death and for there to be outstanding hospital bills ‘honour thy father’, and I really want charge that their father,though deceased, since 2020. We should not have to sign a to emphasise that,” Gary Himelfarb, aka “is being held hostage”. One month after record deal to bury our father.The truth Doctor Dread, said. his passing, the family has still not been is, however,Bunny Wailer’s legacy speaks He feels that in the interest of main- able to get Bunny Wailer’s death certifi- for itself,” the children said in the taining the dignity that rightfully cate, which is hanging in the balance joint statement. belongs to a singer and activist of Bunny over the signing of a record deal which is They reiterated comments in a previ- Wailer’s calibre, the deal should be signed said to be the only way to free up funds ous interview that Maxine Stowe, who in order to free up some funds.“This deal needed to cover unpaid hospital bills. has been Bunny Wailer’s manager and is a quick solution. Bunny needs to be laid In a joint statement, the beneficiaries caregiver up until the time of his passing, to rest in peace. It’s not like the company said a shroud of secrecy surrounds their “has no authority whatsoever as it will own the rights to his catalogue. The father’s estate, even as they have been relates to our father’s estate”. hospital needs to be paid, the funeral told that there is no money to bury him. RAS Records founder, Doctor Dread, home needs to be paid, and the only thing “We have been kept in the dark by in- who has had a 20-year friendship and I am seeing now is this deal that will dividuals who should have our best inter- business relationship with Bunny Wailer, enable Bunny Wailer to get a proper, est at heart. Some of us have taken the says he is all for a quick solution to the dignified burial,” he said. initiative to begin organising our father’s impasse. In an interview with The personal and business affairs. In doing so, Gleaner, he said that he had toured the Silver Lining we have discovered that, contrary to what world with Bunny Wailer, and over the Honouring their father is exactly what we were being told, there has been (and years, they had several discussions. the family intends to do, and that is) more than substantial income to cover “Even though he asked me back for his includes protecting his intellectual prop- Bunny Wailer. all expenses. Our father, though de- publishing five years ago, we remained erty. ceased, is being held hostage, while we very good friends. I was in Jamaica in “The silver lining is that this whole ex- We would love to thank everyone for their are being forced to sign a deal with VP 2019 visiting with him, and I really am perience has brought all the children of continued prayers at this time. Time Records to cover these costs,” the state- upset at what is happening. I have spo- the estate closer together to protect and will be the judge,” the statement ment said. ken to the family, and their focus now secure our father’s intellectual property. concluded. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 5, 2021 • 11

President Sagasti urges Peruvians to vote PERUVIAN President Francisco staggered schedule – based on the last Sagasti on Saturday urged digit of the voters’ ID – has been Peruvians to go to the polls on suggested. Sunday, April 11, in order to elect “We will hold fair, safe, and transpar- the country’s ruler for the next ent elections that will reflect the popular five years. will (...). I urge all voting-age citizens to According to the Head of State, the go to the polls to choose their preferred Government is committed to holding fair, candidates,” Sagasti expressed. transparent, and safe elections, under “The future of the country depends on strict neutrality,and such commitment is the decisions taken on April 11,” he being fulfilled. added. In addition, he noted that the Ministry Remarks were made on Saturday of Health (Minsa) and the National Office morning as he supervised the COVID-19 of Electoral Processes (ONPE) have vaccination of members of the Peruvian coordinated safety protocols to avoid General Volunteer Firefighters COVID-19 infections. Department. In this sense, the statesman The activity took place at the Garibaldi Peruvians need to go to the polls on Sunday, April 11, in order to elect the coun- emphasised that the number of polling Volunteer Fire Company headquarters try’s ruler for the next five years. stations has been increased and that a in Callao.

Peru expecting to receive 200,000 Pfizer Colombia to extend COVID restrictions BOGOTÁ – Colombia will extend Santa Marta and Barranquilla are also vaccine doses a week from Wednesday coronavirus restrictions based on intensive being watched for decreasing intensive care unit occupancy rates, President Ivan care unit capacity. Duque said yesterday, amid rising case Curfews based on ICU capacity will be PERU will receive 200 000 Pfizer vaccine “We have signed a contract to numbers. in place from today and continue through doses a week starting Wednesday, receive 200 000 Pfizer vaccines per The Andean country,which has recorded April 19, he said. April 7, according to the contract signed week starting next Wednesday,” he more than 2.4 million coronavirus cases Cities with an ICU occupancy of above by the Government, the President of the added. and nearly 64 000 deaths, has so far 85% will have a curfew from 6 pm through Republic Francisco Sagasti affirmed According to Sagasti, the Government administered nearly 2.4 million doses 5 am, while those with between 80% and on Saturday. will soon publish the contracts signed of COVID-19 vaccines. 85% capacity will have curfews beginning The Head of State explained on by Peru, as well as the estimated The government has repeatedly warned at 8 pm. Saturday morning as he supervised the deadlines, given that some problems at people not lower their guard during the Curfews will start at 10 pm. for cities COVID-19 vaccination of members of the production plants around the Easter holidays – traditionally a popular with between 70% and 79% occupancy, Peruvian General Volunteer Firefighters world may delay the delivery of travel period - and put in place weekend while those with between 50% and 69% Department, that given the lack of vaccines. curfews. will be restricted from midnight until 5 COVID-19 vaccines worldwide, the The President emphasised that Peru “It’s clear that... some municipalities am. Executive Branch is trying to define the has secured 48 million doses to have shown increases in recent weeks and Bogota, the country’s largest city, had number of vaccines that the country will vaccinate all Peruvians over 18 years of there also exists the risk of a new national ICU occupancy rates of 65.5% as of receive each quarter, and the number of age. increase in the coming weeks,”Duque said Saturday evening.Coastal cities including doses per week is defined as the next In addition, he affirmed that all people in remarks broadcast on social media.“We Caribbean port Barranquilla had rates quarter approaches. working on the frontline of the must act, prevent and take appropriate hovering around 90%. “That is what happened with Pfizer. battle against COVID-19 and all elderly decisions.” Shopping and other activities will be We knew 50 000 doses were going to ar- people will be vaccinated by the Capital Bogotá and the cities of regulated by ID numbers, Duque added. rive in March, and they did…, then came end of the Transitional Government Manizales,Armenia,Tunja, Barranquilla, Those who travelled over the holiday to the announcement of additional 117 000 period. Monteria, Leticia and Pereira are under areas with high contagion should self-iso- doses through COVAX (Facility),” he ex- “This most vulnerable group will be observation for increasing cases and late for at least seven days upon returning pressed. protected.” deaths, Duque said, while Medellin, Cali, home, Duque added. Brazil hopes veterinary facilities can help increase COVID-19 vaccine output SAO PAULO – Brazil hopes to use began, said he hoped to include has come to have the world’s worst daily that is going through early-stage veterinary facilities to increase veterinary facilities that make vaccines COVID-19 death tolls, Bolsonaro is mak- studies. COVID-19 vaccine output, authorities for pets. ing a bigger push to secure vaccines, in- Queiroga did not get into specifics, such said on Saturday, as the country “This is not just to supply the internal cluding asking the United States for spare as the capacity of veterinary accounts for the world’s worst daily death market and increase our capacity doses. facilities and whether any initiative tolls and its vaccination efforts lag. but also for Brazil, as a leader in Latin Brazil’s Fiocruz Institute has a would require pharma companies to Brazil already makes or finishes coron- America, can offer its vaccines to partnership with AstraZeneca Plc to waive intellectual property rights. avirus vaccines at its two main public other countries,” Queiroga told reporters. manufacture its vaccine, while the On Saturday, Brazil registered 1 987 health institutes, although those efforts Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has Butantan Institute has a similar partner- new COVID-19 deaths, the health have not been enough to supply been widely criticised for his handling of ship with China’s Sinovac Biotech to ministry said, bringing the total to 330 Latin America’s largest nation. the pandemic, for downplaying the sever- make CoronaVac. 193. Deaths now total 330 193. Cases rose Marcelo Queiroga, Brazil’s fourth ity of the virus, to undermining social dis- Butantan has also separately by 43 515, the ministry said, and now health minister since the pandemic tancing efforts and lockdowns. As Brazil developed a vaccine of its own total 12,953,597.

Mix of sunshine and clouds with a few brief isolated showers

High: 10:09 a.m. and --:-- p.m. London: 11°C FAIR Yesterday: 0 mm Boston: 16°C FAIR Low: 2:17 a.m. For the month: 0.3 mm Max: 29.6°C Montreal: 12°C FAIR and 5:39 p.m. For the year: 217.8 mm Min: 24.8°C Toronto: 14°C FAIR New York: 13°C FAIR 5:52a.m. 6:10 p.m. Miami: 33°C PARTLY CLOUDY 12 • Monday April 5, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Pope calls wars in pandemic ‘scandalous’

VATICAN CITY – Pope tance and has the right to tary has violently sought Basilica, where the faith- Francis in his tradi- have access to necessary to quash those opposed to ful in the pews barely tional Easter Sunday care.” the pontiff said. a Feb. 1 coup that ousted a numbered 200 in keeping address denounced as He sounded a note of in- democratically elected with pandemic protocols, “scandalous” how dignation at the start of government. compared to the usual armed conflicts con- his address, decrying that Francis thanked thousands. tinue to rage even as there has been no short- Lebanon and Jordan for Normally,Francis would the coronavirus pan- age of war and conflict taking in refugees from give his Easter speech demic has triggered se- during the world’s worst war in Syria, praying that about world affairs is de- vere social and eco- health crisis in a century. peace finally comes to livered from the central nomic suffering and “The pandemic is still “millions are living in in- balcony of the basilica swollen the ranks of spreading, while the social humane conditions.” He overlooking St. Peter’s the poor. and economic crisis re- also prayed for ends to Square. Instead, for the Francis tempered his mains severe, especially conflicts in Yemen and second consecutive Easter, “Urbi et Orbi? address for the poor. Nevertheless Libya. he read it indoors to dis- (Latin for ”To the city and — and this is scandalous Citing suffering of peo- courage crowds from gath- to the world”) wishes of joy — armed conflicts have ple in Africa, he decried ering. on the Christian feast day not ended, and military “internal violence and in- “Dear brothers and sis- along with accounts of arsenals are being ternational terrorism, es- ters, once again this year, pain from the globe’s strengthened,? Francis pecially in the Sahel and in various places, many many armed conflicts in said, sounding angry. Nigeria.” Other troubled Christians have cele- Africa, the Mideast, Latin “That is today’s scandal.” areas he mentioned were brated Easter under se- America, Asia and The pontiff prayed that Pope Francis delivers his Urbi et Orbi blessing Ethiopia’s Tigray province vere restrictions and, at Eastern Europe. public authorities would after celebrating Easter Mass at St. Peter's and Mozambique’s Cabo times, without being able Describing vaccines as see to it that those needing Basilica at The Vatican Sunday, April 4, 2021, dur- Delgado province, which to attend liturgical cele- an ”essential tool” in the assistance have a “decent ing the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. has been blooded by days brations,” Francis said, be- pandemic battle, Francis standard of living. Sadly, of fighting with rebels for fore offering a special called for a “spirit of global the pandemic has dramat- which has been wracked agement to young people control of a town. Apostolic blessing to faith- responsibility” as he en- ically increased the num- by violent protests and po- in Myanmar who are Francis prayed for the ful worldwide. couraged nations to over- ber of the poor and the de- litical strife including an “committed to supporting safe return home of pris- “We pray that those re- come “delays in the distri- spair of thousands of peo- alleged coup. Francis democracy and making oners of long conflicts in strictions, as well as all re- bution of vaccines” and en- ple.” urged Haitians “not to be their voices heard peace- Europe, in eastern strictions on freedom of sure that the shots reach He lamented the plight overwhelmed by difficul- fully.” Demonstrators in Ukraine and in Nagorno- worship and religion the poorest nations. of people afflicted by war ties, but to look to the fu- Myanmar took to the Karabkh. worldwide, may be lifted “Everyone, especially and other conflicts, citing ture with confidence and streets holding painted Earlier in the day, and everyone be allowed the most vulnerable Haiti, one of the world’s hope.” eggs in a reference to Francis celebrated Easter to pray and praise God among us, requires assis- poorest countries and Francis offered encour- Easter. Myanmar’s mili- Mass in St. Peter’s freely,? the pontiff said. Myanmar anti-coup protesters launch ‘Easter egg strike’ YANGON, Myanmar – Overnight, a resident of Anti-coup demonstrators Yangon recorded video of a in Myanmar, adept at group of soldiers and po- finding themes to tie to- lice using sling shots to gether protests nation- fire stones at the windows wide, took to the streets of homes, breaking the holding painted eggs in a night’s silence. At other nod to the Easter holiday times, soldiers and police on Sunday. keep up their intimidation In the biggest city of at night with raids on Yangon, one group neighborhoods, during marched through the which they shout abuse, Insein district chanting shoot at random, make ar- and singing protest songs rests and vandalize prop- and cradling eggs bearing erty. the slogan “Spring On Saturday, police Revolution.” Many of the opened fire killing several eggs also bore a drawing of protesters in Monywa in the three-fingered salute, central Myanmar and a symbol of resistance to elsewhere. the Feb. 1 coup. With most of the inter- At dawn in Mandalay, net access cut or severely the country’s second restricted by the junta, it largest city,demonstrators is becoming increasingly gathered on motorbikes to difficult for people in shout protests against the Myanmar to get images of power grab that over- their plight to the outside threw the democratically world. elected government. Anti-coup protesters raise decorated Easter eggs along with the three-fingered symbols of resistance After weeks of overnight Myanmar’s military has during a protest against the military coup on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, in Yangon, Myanmar. internet cutoffs, the mili- violently cracked down on tary on Friday shut all protesters and others in forces opened fire on a Myanmar committed to ers laid flowers in public painted eggs on Twitter links apart from those opposition, with the latest crowd of protesters in supporting democracy and places to honor those and wrote that using fiberoptic cable, civilian death toll since Pyinmana in central making their voices heard killed by security forces, Myanmar’s people have a which was working at the coup at 557, according Myanmar, killing at least peacefully, in the knowl- and a “Silent Strike,” in “great future in federal drastically reduced to the independent one person, local news out- edge that hatred can be which people across the democracy,” reflecting speeds. Access to mobile Assistance Association for let Khit Thit Media re- dispelled only by love.” country left the streets de- hopes for the military to networks and all wireless Political Prisoners. More ported. Sunday’s so-called serted. step down and reinstate a — the less costly options than 2,750 people have Pope Francis, in his “Easter Egg Strike” fol- Dr. Sasa, the Myanmar democratic system. used by most people in the been detained or sen- Easter Sunday address at lows other themed days. special envoy to the U.N. Security forces have developing country — re- tenced, the group said. St. Peter’s Basilica, prayed They included a “Flower who goes by one name, continued to spread fear mained blocked on On Sunday, security for the “young people of Strike,” in which protest- posted an image of among ordinary citizens. Sunday. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 5, 2021 • 13

Floods, landslides, kill dozens in Indonesia and East Timor

JAKARTA – Flash Lamanele village... resi- “Heavy rains and over- floods unleashed by dents’ houses washed flowing water have torrential rains killed away by the flood,” drowned people’s homes 41 people on the Raditya said, referring to and have also claimed the Indonesian island of the eastern part of Flores. lives of several victims,” Flores on Sunday, the On Adonara island to East Timor deputy prime disaster management the east of Flores, a bridge minister José Reis said in agency BNPB said, and collapsed and rescuers a statement. at least three more were battling heavy rain, “There are roads that were reported killed in strong wind and waves, he have collapsed, trees have neighbouring East added. fallen, and made it diffi- Timor. In neighbouring East cult to access some areas,” Rescue workers evacuate people through the water in an area affected by At least 49 families were Timor,a two-year-old child he said, calling the inci- floods after heavy rains in Dili, East Timor.. hit on Flores, in the east of was among at least three dent the worst in East Indonesia’s sprawling ar- people killed in a landslide Timor in 40 years. since late on Saturday. buildings and vehicles southern part of Nusa chipelago, Raditya Jati, a on the outskirts of the cap- Power supplies were cut Civil protection officials submerged by flash floods. Tenggara province and BNPB spokesman said in ital, Dili, a Reuters wit- and the presidential in East Timor could not Indonesia’s weather East Timor’s north coast, a statement. ness said, although there palace was flooded as immediately be reached agency said a tropical cy- warning that it could “Dozens of houses were was no official toll of casu- heavy rain and strong for comment. Social media clone was approaching the bring yet more rain, waves buried in mud in alties or deaths. winds have lashed Dili posts showed collapsed Savu Straits between the and winds. 22 Indian security members killed in Maoist attack AT least 22 members of itant group say they are Indian security forces fighting on behalf of the were killed in a central poorest, who have not ben- Indian state by Maoist efited from a long eco- fighters, in one of the nomic boom in Asia’s bloodiest attacks by the third-largest economy. extreme left-wing insur- Since 1967 the group gent group this year, offi- seen as the greatest threat cials said on Sunday. to the country’s internal Security personnel be- security have asserted longing to the Central control over vast swathes Reserve Police Force’s elite of land in central and east- CoBRA unit, the District ern India, establishing a Reserve Guard, and the so-called “red corridor”. Special Task Force were The militant group op- attacked on Saturday in erate from thick forests, the tribal-dominated and their operations Chhattisgarh state during against the Indian admin- an anti-insurgency opera- istration and forces are tion. shrouded in secrecy. The “We can confirm that 22 group has not claimed re- of Indian force members sponsibility for the latest have been killed by Maoist attack. fighters,” said a senior gov- Hours after the attack, ernment official in Raipur, Prime Minister Narendra the capital of mineral-rich Modi wrote on Twitter Chhattisgarh. that the “sacrifices of the They were killed in fir- brave martyrs will never ing that lasted for four be forgotten. May the in- hours in the border dis- jured recover at the earli- trict of Sukma, 540 kms est.” (340 miles) south of Last month, five police- Raipur. Security force personnel carry the body of their colleague after an attack by Maoist fighters in Bjapur men were killed and sev- Om Prakash Pal, a sen- in the central state of Chhattisgath, India. eral others were injured ior police official in Raipur, in a blast in what police said combing operations The death toll was the Home Minister Amit response will be given to waged an armed insur- said was a Maoist strike to trace one missing secu- heaviest for Indian secu- Shah said the government prevent such attacks.” gency against the govern- targeting a bus carrying rity force member were rity forces battling the far- will not tolerate such The Maoists, also ment for decades. Leaders more than 20 security per- being conducted. left guerrillas since 2017. bloodshed and “a befitting known as Naxals, have of the hardline leftist mil- sonnel. Two Indonesian fishermen dead, 15 missing after collision

JAKARTA – Two fisher- authorities said. Habco Pioneer bulk car- in the vessel, 50 metres scouring the waters, said tonne capacity Habco men have died and 15 Other members of the rier. from the Habco Pioneer, Deden Ridwansah, head of Pioneer,which is owned by were still missing on 32-person crew on the Both vessels are Indonesia’s search and Basarnas’ local Bandung tugboats and barges com- Sunday after their boat Barokah Jaya fishing boat Indonesian-flagged. rescue agency Basarnas office, in a statement on pany PT Habco capsized following a colli- were evacuated and taken One of the victims’ said. the agency’s Instagram. Primatama. sion with a bulk carrier in to hospital after corpses was found stuck in Hundreds of rescuers - There were no reports of Authorities did not give the Java Sea, Indonesian Saturday’s crash with the a fishing net and the other including divers - were casualties on the 30,000- a reason for the collision. 14 • Monday April 5, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Jordan accuses Prince Hamzah of plot to destabilise kingdom

THE former crown also very popular with the prince of Jordan is ac- local tribes," she said. cused of trying to mo- Jordan has few natural bilise tribal leaders resources and its economy against the govern- has been hit hard by the ment, the country's Covid-19 pandemic. It has deputy prime minister also absorbed waves of Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani. says. refugees from the civil war Prince Hamzah bin in neighbouring Syria. Hussein worked with "for- However, high-level po- Afghan leader eign entities" to desta- litical arrests are rare.The bilise the state, Ayman country's powerful intelli- Safadi said. gence agency has gained The prince had earlier extra powers since the proposes peace released two videos to the pandemic began, drawing BBC, claiming he was criticism from rights being held under house ar- groups. road map in rest. He denied conspiracy, Who is Prince Hamzah? but accused Jordan's lead- The oldest son of the late three phases ers of corruption and in- King Hussein and his competence. favourite wife Queen KABUL – Afghan velopment” for Sixteen people, includ- Noor, Prince Hamzah is a President Ashraf Ghani Afghanistan moving for- ing a former adviser to graduate of the UK's will put forward a three- ward. King Abdullah and an- Harrow School and the phase peace roadmap for A senior government of- other member of the royal Royal Military Academy Afghanistan during a pro- ficial said Ghani has al- family, were arrested on Jordan's former Crown Prince Hamzah bin Hussein at Sandhurst. He also at- posed meeting in Turkey, ready shared his road Saturday, apparently in says his internet and phone lines have been cut. tended Harvard seeking an agreement map with foreign capitals. connection to an alleged University in the US and with the Taliban and a A date for the Turkey coup plot. and incite empathy, ac- ing Egypt and Saudi has served in the ceasefire before elections, meeting is yet to be de- In his videos, Prince cording to the state news Arabia have voiced sup- Jordanian armed forces. a document seen by cided, but multiple Hamzah, the king's half- agency, Petra. port for King Abdullah in He was named crown Reuters shows. sources told Reuters it brother, said he had been He said the prince had the wake of the operation. prince of Jordan in 1999 Washington is pushing could take place in two told he could not go out or been liaising with foreign The United States, which and was a favourite of for a conference to be weeks’ time. communicate with people. parties about destabilis- is allied with Jordan in its King Hussein, who often hosted by Turkey, with The Afghan government The move is thought to ing the country and had campaign against the described him in public as U.N. involvement, this and a number of politi- follow a visit by the prince been being monitored for Islamic State (IS) group, the "delight of my eye". month to finalise a peace cians said they would to tribal leaders, where he some time. described the monarch as However,he was seen as deal between the govern- have to agree on an is said to have garnered The prince is accused of a key partner who has its too young and inexperi- ment and the Taliban as a agenda with the Taliban some support. seeking to mobilise "clan full support. enced to be named succes- May 1 deadline looms for before the meeting. His mother, American- leaders" against the gov- sor at the time of King the withdrawal of all for- In a statement last born Queen Noor,has said ernment. What's behind this? Hussein's death. eign troops. month, the Taliban threat- she is praying for what Mr Safadi went on to Tensions within the royal Instead his older half- Ghani’s plan will be pre- ened to resume hostilities she called innocent vic- say that a man with links household had been visi- brother, Abdullah, as- sented as a counter to pro- against foreign troops in tims of "wicked slander". to foreign security services ble for some time, cended the throne and posals put forward by Afghanistan if they did had offered Prince Jordanian journalist Rana stripped Hamzah of the Washington, rejected by not meet the May 1 dead- What is the prince ac- Hamzah's wife a flight out Sweis told the BBC. title of crown prince in the Afghan government, line envisaged in an cused of? of Jordan. He did not spec- "The former crown 2004. that envisage immedi- agreement between the In a news conference on ify which foreign security prince is also seen as pop- The move was seen as a ately drawing up a new insurgents and the Trump Sunday, Mr Safadi said service was allegedly in- ular. He has a very candid blow to Queen Noor, who legal system for an in- administration last year. Prince Hamzah had used volved. resemblance to his father, had hoped to see her eld- terim administration to U.S. President Joe the videos to distort facts Regional powers includ- King Hussein, and he is est son become king. include Taliban represen- Biden said this month it tatives. would be “hard” to with- The document shows draw the last U.S. troops Ghani’s “Reaching an from Afghanistan by May Rockets fall near Iraqi base Endstate” proposal will in- 1 “just in terms of tactical clude, in the first phase, a reasons”, but he said he consensus on a political did not think they still settlement and an inter- would be there next year. hosting US contractors nationally monitored A senior government of- ceasefire. ficial said the Taliban was TIKRIT, Iraq –Two rock- showed attack aimed to armed groups that some manded that all foreign The second phase will willing to extend the May ets fell on Sunday in a strike Balad air base, Iraqi officials have said troops,including US forces be holding a presidential 1 dateline and would not rural area close to an Iraqi north of Baghdad, but the are backed by Iran have who number around 2,500 election and the establish- resume attacks against military air base hosting rockets fell short and hit claimed similar incidents in Iraq, leave the country, ment of a “government of foreign forces in exchange some US contractors, but the village of al-Bu Asi just in the past. calling their presence an peace” and implementa- for the release of thou- there were no casualties, to the southeast, the secu- US officials blame Iran- occupation. tion arrangements for sands of their prisoners Iraqi security officials rity officials said. backed militias for regu- A US-led coalition, moving towards the new held by the Kabul author- said. The last attack on Balad lar rocket attacks on US whose mission is to fight political system. ities. The rockets landed on air base was on March 15 facilities in Iraq, including Islamic State militants, is The third phase will in- Mohammad Naeem, a the outside fence of the when at least five rockets near the US Embassy in still stationed in Iraq, as volve building a “constitu- Taliban spokesman in base, the Iraqi military hit the base. Baghdad. well as a NATO-led mis- tional framework, reinte- Qatar, said no such offer said. No group immediately Iran-aligned paramili- sion that trains Iraqi secu- gration of refugees and de- had been made. Initial investigations claimed the attack, but tary groups have de- rity forces. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 5, 2021 • 15

France enters third national lockdown amid ICU surge

FRANCE has entered its third well as several new strains of national lockdown as it battles a the virus. surge in cases of Covid-19 that threatens to overwhelm the What about the rest of country’s hospitals. Europe? All schools and non-essential In Germany, President Frank- shops will shut for four weeks, Walter Steinmeier called on peo- and a curfew will be in place ple to play their part and get from 19:00 to 06:00. vaccinated. On Friday,the number of seri- Speaking in a television ad- ously ill Covid patients in inten- dress to the nation on Saturday, sive care units (ICU) increased he said the country was in the by 145 – the biggest jump in five middle of a third wave and that months. it faced more restrictions. President Emmanuel Macron He also admitted that mis- France is facing a peak of about 5,000 people in intensive care. has promised more hospital takes had been made - specifi- beds for Covid patients. cally in testing and in the vac- that people have direction, so Easter weekend. in either “orange zone” or “red France is currently battling a cine rollout - and talked about that this country can again All regions are now in the “red zone” restrictions until the end peak of about 5,000 Covid pa- there being a “crisis of trust” in achieve what it has within.” zone” – the highest tier of re- of the month. tients in ICUs. On Friday, the the state. Last month, German officials strictions – as the country The Italian government also country recorded 46,677 new “Of course, there is no single announced that the country records about 20,000 new cases announced it was placing 70,000 cases and 304 deaths. silver bullet to get out of the would be placed in a strict a day. extra police officers on surveil- As well as the restrictions that pandemic,” President Easter lockdown – only to re- Non-essential movement is lance nationwide, in order to en- came into force on Saturday, Steinmeier said. “And that is verse the decision just days banned, but people are allowed force the lockdown rules. from Tuesday people will also why political dispute is needed – later. to have an Easter meal in their “This is not the time to lower need a valid reason to travel but the arguing must not be- German Chancellor Angela homes with two others. our guard, and to let go of that more than 10 km (six miles) come an end in itself. Merkel called the plan for a lock- Churches are also open, but wor- sense of responsibility shown so from their homes. “Whether it’s about a federal down from 1 to 5 April a “mis- shippers are being told to attend far,” Interior Minister Luciana President Macron had hoped or state level, party or coalition, take", and said she took “ulti- services within their regions. Lamorgese told the newspaper to keep France’s coronavirus or whether opinion polls are up mate responsibility” for the U- Pope Francis delivered his Il Messaggero. “Because the cases under control without hav- or down - none of that can play turn. Easter message to a scaled back progress recorded by the cam- ing to impose another lockdown. the main role now. Italy also entered a strict group of about 200 people, with paign for vaccines finally gives a However, the country has “We need clarity and determi- three-day lockdown on Saturday St Peter’s Square empty for the glimpse of a different horizon struggled with an EU-wide nation, we need understandable in order to try to prevent a surge second year. that will allow us to gradually delay in the vaccine rollout, as and pragmatic regulations so in Covid-19 cases over the Different regions will remain return to normal.” Site manager, transport minister accept responsibility for Taiwan train crash HUALIEN, Taiwan – The that decision after the prosecu- the crash site overlooking the comes under it are facing a will do everything it can to help manager of a construction tors appealed it, sending the ocean and backed by precipitous number of questions, including survivors and their relatives, in- site whose truck slid onto case back to the lower court. mountains, Transport Minister why there was no proper fenc- cluding coordinating public do- rail tracks causing a cata- Lee read out a statement Lin Chia-lung said he too would ing at the site and whether too nations. strophic train crash in apologising for what happened “not avoid” responsibility. many standing-only tickets The damaged section of the Taiwan accepted responsi- as police took him away from “I am also in charge of min- were sold for the train journey. track will not reopen until April bility for the disaster on his residence,Taiwan media re- imising the damage caused by Deputy transport minister 20 at the earliest, Wang said, Sunday, as did the transport ported. the entire accident. After the Wang Kwo-tsai said late on though rail traffic continues on minister, although his offer “I deeply regret this and ex- whole rescue work is completed, Saturday the railway adminis- a parallel track that runs to resign was rejected for press my deepest apologies,” he I believe I will take the respon- tration needed to take hard look through another tunnel and now. said.“I will definitely cooperate sibility,” he said. at all these issues. was not affected by the accident. In the island’s worst rail acci- with the prosecutors and police Premier Su Tseng-chang’s of- The railway administration is The accident occurred at the dent in seven decades, 50 people in the investigation, accept the fice said Lin had made a verbal also without a permanent direc- start of a long weekend for the have been confirmed dead after responsibility that should be offer to resign on Saturday, but tor after its former chief retired traditional Tomb Sweeping Day, a packed express train carrying borne, and never shirk it. Su had rejected it for the time in January.The position is being when people return home to almost 500 passengers and crew Finally,I once again express my being, saying efforts for now filled in an acting capacity by tend to family graves. slammed into a truck near the sincerest apologies.” should focus on rescue and re- another deputy transport min- Survivors have described ter- eastern city of Hualien on A Hualien court said on covery. ister, Chi Wen-chung. rible scenes inside the wreck. Friday, causing it to derail and Sunday evening it had ordered Wang said Lin was working Priest Sung Chih-chiang told the front part to crumple. that Lee be detained for two Search efforts hard to find the right person to Reuters what surviving passen- The truck that the train hit months, saying there was a risk Workers are continuing to re- fill the job. ger Chung Hui-mei had told had slid down a sloping road he may destroy evidence. After move the train from inside the him. onto the track just outside a questioning by the judge and tunnel and look for other bodies, So angry “She could not find her daugh- tunnel. Officials are investigat- evidence from prosecutors, he is and officials have warned the The uncle of the youngest con- ter. When she yelled, she found ing the manager of the construc- suspected of causing death by death toll could go up or down firmed victim, a 5-year-old girl, her daughter was under the tion site, Lee Yi-hsiang, whose negligence, it said. as they verify identities. The tearfully told reporters he was steel panels. She put her effort truck is suspected of not hav- His lawyer told reporters that government revised the toll still waiting for an apology for to move those pieces one by one, ing its brakes properly applied. Lee wanted to face up to what down by one on Sunday evening the accident. “I’m so angry,” he but her daughter’s voice became Lee had been released on bail, had happened and was apolo- to 50. said. quieter and quieter, and then though the high court’s Hualien getic and expressed regret. The Transport Ministry and The government has prom- there was no response,” he branch on Sunday rescinded Speaking earlier in the day at the rail administration that ised compensation and said it said. 16 • Monday April 5, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Florida declares state of emergency over toxic wastewater leak

A STATE of emergency has immediately. The water contains small Manatee County area,” he said. been declared in Florida Officials said the 77-acre (31- amounts of naturally occurring Administrator Scott Hopes told Thousands of gallons per after a leak from a large hectare) reservoir holds mil- radium and uranium, and the a press conference that there minute is currently being pond of toxic wastewater in lions of gallons of water con- stacks can also release radon were concerns the water could pumped out of the reservoir Tampa Bay. taining phosphorous and nitro- gas. flood the area, which is mostly now to bring the volume of More than 300 homes in the gen from an old phosphate Attempts to repair the leak agricultural. water down, while other work- area have been ordered to be plant. late on Friday, by plugging the “We are talking about the po- ers have been charting the path evacuated, and a motorway The pond where the leak was hole with rocks and other mate- tential of about 600 million gal- to control the flow of the water. near the Piney Point reservoir found is in a stack of phospho- rials, were unsuccessful. lons (2.3 billion litres) within a By declaring a state of emer- has been closed off. gypsum, a radioactive waste Florida Governor Ron matter of seconds and minutes, gency, funds can be released to Residents were sent a text product from the manufacture DeSantis declared the state of leaving that retention pool and send more pumps and cranes alert telling them to leave home of fertiliser. emergency on Saturday. going around the surrounding to the area. Mustard gas among toxic waste in Wales’ old landfill sites

TOXIC waste including mus- from asbestos to PCBs to ra- tard gas is buried among more dioactive material, to more re- than 1,500 disused landfill sites cent chemicals like PFOA and across Wales. pesticide waste that has been Environmental campaigners dumped in a large number of lo- Greenpeace branded the 1,572 cations.” locations “ticking time bombs”. PCBs (polychlorinated Natural Resources Wales biphenyls) were banned in 1986, (NRW) data reveals hundreds having been used since the of the sites contain hazardous 1920s as cooling and insulating waste and only a few dozen are fluids for transformers and ca- protectively lined. pacitors. The organisation said it When incinerated they can worked with councils to ensure produce highly toxic dioxins - old landfills were not a pollution one was used in an assassina- One landfill site in Wales is said to contain “warfare chemicals” including mustard gas. risk. tion attempt on Ukranian politi- Its data showed landfill lies cian Viktor Yushchenko in 2004. “contaminated” with arsenic. to cancer, liver damage, vaccine flooding and coastal erosion to beneath homes, leisure centres, PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic Near Furnace, Ceredigion, the resistance and fertility prob- the UK, some of these sites are hospitals, parkland and along- acid, is used to make Teflon and data said in 1989 “landfill gas lems. at even higher risk of leaking side rivers. has been linked to cancer and was in explosive concentration” PAHs, or polycyclic aromatic their toxic contents. Dr Paul Johnston of birth defects. but was considered a “minimal hydrocarbons, are said to be “This is a difficult and costly Greenpeace’s Exeter University Elsewhere, the data reveals risk.” buried in Caerphilly. problem to tackle, but we’re science unit said:“Many of these “low-level radioactive waste”, at At Nash, Newport, “PFA These have been linked to going to have to do it at some landfill sites are ticking time Buckley, Flintshire. Cwmrhys sludge” is recorded. skin, lung, bladder, liver, and point, or there’ll be some nasty bombs. quarry, Lampeter, has”cyanide PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and stomach cancers. surprises in store.” “There’s a huge variety of containers” and at Bagillt, polyfluoroalkyl substances, are Dr Johnston said: “With the Older landfills often were not problems out there, ranging Flintshire, land is said to be chemicals that have been linked climate crisis set to bring more lined before waste was dumped, meaning chemicals could leak. Even modern lined landfills will Dinosaur-killing asteroid gave rise to Amazon rainforest eventually leak, according to studies. THE asteroid impact that killed records and more than 6,000 leaf that made up the forests were pling plants growing in the lower Prof Kate Spencer, of Queen off the dinosaurs gave birth to fossils from before and after the widely-spaced.The top parts did levels of the forest. Mary University of London, our planet's tropical rainforests, impact." not overlap, leaving open sunlit A second explanation is that called landfill “a huge problem” a study suggests. They found that cone-bearing areas on the forest floor. falling ash from the impact en- that needed “serious govern- Researchers used fossil pollen plants called conifers and ferns But post-impact, forests devel- riched soils throughout the trop- ment investment”. and leaves from Colombia to in- were common before the huge oped a thick canopy that allowed ics, giving an advantage to “At the moment it is being left vestigate how the impact asteroid struck what is now the much less light to reach the faster-growing flowering plants. to local authorities to deal with changed South American tropi- Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. ground. The third explanation is that the problem when it almost be- cal forests. But after the devastating im- So how did the impact trans- the preferential extinction of comes a crisis and we need a After the 12km-wide space pact, plant diversity declined by form the sparse, conifer-rich conifer species created an oppor- much more proactive response rock struck Earth 66 million roughly 45% and extinctions tropical forests of the dinosaur tunity for flowering plants to to assess what the scale of the years ago, the type of vegetation were widespread, particularly age into the rainforests of today, take over. situation is,” she said. that made up these forests among seed-bearing plants. with their towering trees dotted These ideas, say the team, She feared a “sticking plaster changed drastically. While the forests recovered with multi-coloured blossoms aren't mutually exclusive, and approach” was being taken. The team has outlined its find- over the next six million years, and orchids? could all have contributed to the Of 20,000 sites in the UK, ings in the prestigious journal angiosperms, or flowering Based on their analysis of the outcome we see today. about 1,500 were “at risk” on the Science. plants, came to dominate them. pollen and leaves, the re- "The lesson learned here is coast, Prof Spencer said. Co-author Dr Mónica The structure of tropical searchers propose three differ- that under rapid disturbances... “We are talking about very Carvalho,from the Smithsonian forests also changed as a result ent explanations. tropical ecosystems do not just large numbers of sites that are Tropical Research Institution in of this transition. During the late Firstly, dinosaurs could have bounce back; they are replaced, vulnerable to climate change,” Panama, said: "Our team exam- Cretaceous Period, when the di- kept the forest from growing too and the process takes a really she added. ined over 50,000 fossil pollen nosaurs were still alive, the trees dense by feeding on and tram- long time," said Dr Carvalho. “We can’t possibly just remove all that waste.” The Barbados Advocate Monday April 5, 2021 • 17

Amazon apologises for wrongly denying drivers need to urinate in bottles

AMAZON has apologised rect. It did not contem- Amazon’s official account to a US politician for plate our large driver pop- responded: “You don’t re- falsely denying that driv- ulation and instead ally believe the peeing in ers are, at times, forced to wrongly focused only on bottles thing, do you? If urinate in plastic bottles. our fulfilment centres.” that were true, nobody Protesters in LA voiced their support for Amazon workers in Alabama. Mark Pocan, a It added that its fulfil- would work for us.” Democrat from Wisconsin, ment centres all have Several news outlets pening. apology on Saturday, want to be represented by referenced Amazon mak- dozens of toilets that em- then quoted numerous Amazon’s retraction tweeting:“Sigh.This is not the Retail, Wholesale and ing “workers urinate in ployees can use “at any Amazon employees who added: “We know that about me, this is about Department Store Union. water bottles” in a tweet. time". confirmed that they had drivers can and do have your workers - who you The effort has been The official Amazon Mr Pocan had criticised been left with little option trouble finding restrooms don’t treat with enough re- strongly opposed by Twitter account then Amazon for opposing ef- but to urinate in plastic because of traffic or some- spect or dignity. Start by Amazon. replied: “If that were true, forts by workers to bottles while working. times rural routes, and acknowledging the inade- The results are not ex- nobody would work for us.” unionise a major facility They also described relent- this has been especially quate working conditions pected until next week. If The company has now in Alabama. less working practices, the case during Covid you’ve created for ALL they vote yes, it will be- apologised after evidence “Paying workers $15/hr both in its fulfilment cen- when many public rest- your workers, then fix that come Amazon’s first US emerged of drivers having doesn’t make you a ‘pro- tres and as delivery driv- rooms have been closed.” for everyone and finally, union. to urinate in bottles. gressive workplace’ when ers. It said the problem was let them unionise without Amazon has success- “We owe an apology to you union-bust & make The Intercept also said “a long-standing, industry- interference.” fully fought off union ef- Representative Pocan,” workers urinate in water it had obtained internal wide issue” and said that Amazon workers in forts elsewhere in the US. Amazon said in a state- bottles,” he wrote last documents suggesting they “would like to solve Bessemer,Alabama, voted However, most of its ment. week. that Amazon executives it". in a historic poll last week European facilities are “The tweet was incor- Shortly afterwards, were aware of this hap- Mr Pocan rejected the to decide whether they unionised. Robot artist sells art for $688,888, now eyeing music career HONG KONG – that Winkelmann — sold for could generate art,” nearly $70 million, shat- Hanson said in an in- tering records and mak- terview. ing it the most expensive “Sophia is the culmina- digital artwork ever sold. tion of a lot of arts, and en- Henri Arslanian, gineering, and the idea PricewaterhouseCooper’s that she could then gen- Global Crypto Leader, said erate art was a way for her that NFTs give people to emotionally and visu- “bragging rights” of the as- ally connect with people,” sets that they own. he said. “And what is really Sophia collaborated amazing with NFT is that with Italian artist Andrea it not only allows you to Bonaceto, who drew por- actually show to the traits of Sophia. Sophia broader world that you then processed his work own this, but it really cre- via neural networks and ates this bond between the proceeded to create a dig- holder of the NFT and the ital artwork of her own. artists,” he said. The digital work that It also allows art to be sold for $688,888 is titled sold without traditional “Sophia Instantiation”, intermediaries, so that and is a 12-second video artists can connect di- file which shows rectly with buyers without Bonaceto’s portrait evolv- being constrained by gal- ing into Sophia’s digital leries or auction houses, painting. It is accompa- Arslanian said. nied by the physical art- Sophia will carry on work painted by Sophia. painting, Hanson said, The buyer, a digital art- and the next step in the work collector and artist robot’s career could be known as 888 with the Sophia’s artworks are displayed at Hanson Robotics studio in Hong Kong on March 29, 2021. Sophia is that of a musician. She is Twitter handle a robot of many talents — she speaks, jokes, sings and even makes art. In March, she caused a stir in working on several musi- @Crypto888crypto, later the art world when a digital work she created as part of a collaboration was sold at an auction for cal works in a project sent Sophia a photo of his $688,888 in the form of a non-fungible token (NFT). called Sophia Pop, where painted arm. The robot she collaborates with then processed that, account, the work was de- “As an artist, I have to art. “But my art is cre- Sophia’s artwork selling human musicians to gen- adding that image to her scribed as the first NFT computational creativity ated in collaboration with as an NFT is part of a erate music and lyrics, he knowledge and painted collaboration between an in my algorithms, creating my humans in a kind of growing trend. In March, a said. more strokes on top of her “AI, a mechanical collec- original works,” Sophia collective intelligence like digital artwork by artist “We’re so excited about original piece. tive being and an artist- said when asked what in- a human-artificial intelli- Beeple — whose real Sophia’s career as an In a tweet on Sophia’s collector.” spires her when it comes gence hive mind.” name is Mike artist,” Hanson said. 18 • Monday April 5, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Bridgerton fans mourn as Regé-Jean Page’s exit confirmed for second season HE is one of the stand- expected to only appear out stars of the most in one series – and in popular show ever on fact that was part of the Netflix. role’s appeal when he So news that Regé- discussed it with pro- Jean Page will not return ducer Shonda Rhimes. for season two of hit TV “I get to come in, I get period drama Bridgerton to contribute my bit and has left fans aghast. then the Bridgerton fam- “I WILL NOT have it", ily rolls on,” he said. wrote singer Dionne It now leaves his fans Warwick as she joined eager to know what the the reaction on social actor will do next. media. He has landed roles in Bridgerton was upcoming thriller The watched by 82 million Gray Man, alongside households in its first Ryan Gosling and Chris month on Netflix, mak- Evans, as well as the on- ing it the streaming plat- screen adaptation of role- form’s biggest original playing game Dungeons series. & Dragons. British-Zimbabwean Some even hope he actor Page played a lead- may take on what many ing role as Simon, the see as the ultimate part Duke of Hastings - an el- for a British male actor - igible but rebellious James Bond. young bachelor in an al- Regé-Jean Page Page has previously ternative telling of said he relishes the idea Regency era London’s "It’s been an absolute simply: “Wait!!! WHAT?” that people would like to debutante balls. pleasure and a privilege,” However, his exit will see him play the famous ‘Absolute pleasure’ said Page. not come as a surprise to spy. The announcement of “Joining this family – fans of the novels, by “I think the internet his departure came on the connection on and off Julia Quinn, on which thinks a lot of things, Friday in a memo from screen, with our cast, our the TV series is based. and that’s one of the the show’s fictional gos- crew, all the incredible The Duke of Hastings’ more pleasant ones, so I sip columnist Lady fans, has been like noth- story falls to the wayside can please as far as that Whistledown. ing I could have ever in the second book, goes,” he told US host “We’ll miss Simon’s imagined.” which focuses on the eld- Jimmy Fallon in presence onscreen, but Among those lament- est son of the Bridgerton January. he will always be part of ing on the news was real- family. But he said he did not the Bridgerton family,”it ity TV star Kim Page told Variety mag- think it was anything Bridge said. Kardashian who wrote azine that he had always more than speculation. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 5, 2021 • 19 SSPPOORRTTSS Coach: Turnaround in the stars for football

THE latest round of Concacaf 2022 Also, the spike in cases at the turn of the “It’s a lot of young men that we have World Cup Qualifiers could possi- year saw the team unable to train as a and these young men were able to bly mark the beginning of a new era unit. achieve this and bring that professional- in Barbados football. With Barbados Football Association ism onto the field as well. And I would With the Barbados Tridents recently executive taking a decision to send the say that is the aspect that is more pleas- returning home from a sound perform- team into the Dominican Republic ahead ing to me because with achieving this, it ance in the Dominican Republic, Head of their assignments, an undertaking to is easier to change whatever we need to Coach Russell Latapy has revealed that the tune of $400 000, Latapy had noth- change off the field. If we cannot get the this particular outing has brought some- ing but praise for the team, calling the players to behave off the field and follow thing new and different to the fore in level of maturity and discipline the most instructions, then it’s not going to work his players. pleasing thing to come out of the entire on the field,” he said. Speaking to members of the local exercise. With the next round of games in Group media recently from quarantine in “It was a very difficult 21 days that we D set for June, Latapy said the challenge Barbados via Zoom, Coach Latapy spoke were stuck in a bubble. And it is easy to now is to prepare for then. Noting that about the entire outing and the perform- lose focus in a situation like that. And I the time needed to be spent on the pitch ances against both teams. With the lack must say everything that we asked of the working on several aspects of their game, of finishing goal-scoring opportunities a players in terms of their behaviour, their Latapy said that it was all at the mercy hot topic among local pundits, Latapy attitudes, their spirit as a group off the of the local protocols going forward. said that scoring goals would always be field that we can then bring onto the “If it’s a situation that we can get per- difficult as it was ‘harder to create than field, we achieved that,” he said. mission or authorisation to train, that it is to destroy’. Noting that the tour was incident-free would be the best case scenario for us. If With the local team at a distinct disad- despite the restrictive protocols put in that is not the situation, we know that vantage due to the island’s protocols place and the rigorous training and well- what we did for these two games against under the COVID-19 pandemic, Latapy ness schedule, Latapy was particularly Panama and Anguilla, it’s a possibility called the entire process a fantastic proud of the mindset exhibited, as he that we definitely have to look into it learning experience. Since the virus was said the players were being asked to do again, and go back to somewhere and detected on our shores last March, there things that they are not used to and that have a camp for two or three weeks be- has been no competitive football played. they had not done in a long time. fore we compete,” he said. (MP) Head Coach, Russell Latapy. South Africa level series against Pakistan despite Fakhar’s 193 Second one-day international, stumps at the striker’s end. Johannesburg The laws of cricket state a fielder South Africa 341-6 (50 overs): should not “wilfully attempt, by word or Bavuma 92 (102), De Kock 80 (86), Van action, to distract, deceive or obstruct der Dussen 60 (37), Miller 50* (27) either batsman” after a delivery. Pakistan 324-9 (50 overs): Fakhar 193 If the umpires deem ‘fake fielding’ (155) has taken place, the penalty is to call a South Africa won by 17 runs dead ball and award the batting team five runs as well as any runs in PAKISTAN opener Fakhar Zaman hit a progress. stunning 193 but could not prevent Pakistan started the final over need- South Africa winning the second one- ing an unlikely 31 runs to win, but had day international by 17 runs. the umpires penalised South Africa Chasing 342 to win in Johannesburg, under this law, it would have left the the tourists fell to 205-7 in the 38th tourists needing 24 off six balls. over before Fakhar’s amazing perform- Fakhar said the run out was “my ance. fault” and that he “should’ve kept my He struck 18 fours and 10 sixes in his eyes on the ball” but was looking at 155-ball innings before he was run out Haris Rauf because he was worried by a direct hit in the final over, with his batting partner had set off Pakistan ending on 324-9. late. The series is tied at 1-1, with the final South Africa posted 341-6 thanks to ODI at Centurion on Wednesday. half-centuries from Bavuma (92), De Pakistan captain Babar Azam said Kock (80), Rassie van der Dussen (60) Fakhar’s knock was “one of the best in- and David Miller (50 not out). nings” ever, while South Africa coun- After the early loss of Imam-ul-Haq, terpart Temba Bavuma said it was Fakhar and Babar guided Pakistan to “incredible” and “probably the best” he 70-1 before Proteas fast bowler Anrich had seen. Nortje took three quick wickets to leave Left-hander Fakhar, 30, was run the tourists struggling on 85-4. out in strange fashion on the first ball Fakhar received some lower-order of the final over as he attempted a sec- support but the game appeared to be ond run. over once number eight Faheem Ashraf South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton fell, with Fakhar then on 97 from 105 de Kock appeared to gesture for Aiden balls. Markram to throw to the bowler’s end He added 96 from his next 50 balls, from long off and Fakhar slowed down including three consecutive sixes off as he looked over his shoulder, leaving left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, Fakhar Zaman now has five ODI centuries, including 210 not out against him a metre short as the ball hit the but South Africa’s total proved enough. Zimbabwe in 2018. 20 • Monday April 5, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE 3 bedroom, 2 bath Hundreds of reduced to $298,000 STAR BROOK Black Rock, St Michael French sports REALTY 3 bedroom, 1 bath 6732 sq ft $360,000 figures accused Enterprise, Christ Church 3 bedroom, 2 bath 5062 sq ft of sexual violence $390,000 (reduced) PARIS – A year-long, letes’ testimonies and The Belle, St George nationwide French ef- conducted a year of hear- Plantation style House fort to uncover and ings. Standing on 4 acres combat sexual violence In its statement, the $1.1M in sports has identified ministry called Abitbol’s Eagle Hall Main Road more than 400 coaches, testimony “a historic mo- Frere Pilgrim, teachers and others ment for French sport” Commercial property Christ Church suspected of abuse or that raised awareness and 3 bedroom, 2 baths with covering it up. has pushed authorities to two bedroom apartment. Most of the victims were crack down on abuse. A prime position, 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 under 15, according to new law on tougher data released Friday by screening of sports educa- excellent potential Hanson Heights, St George REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE the sports ministry.The al- tors, including volunteer 8321 sq ft $595,000 leged abuse included sex- coaches, went into effect Christ Church under offer ual assault, harassment or Friday, and the French Land area Ealing Grove, 7,129 sq ft $160,000 other violence. government and sports Christ Church Dalkeith, Christ Church Sixty people have faced federations have pledged 23,000 sq ft; 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths Bushy Park, St. Philip 17,371 sq ft approved for criminal proceedings, to respond faster and 9320 sq ft $565,000 24,000 sq ft $190,000 shops and offices more than 100 have been more effectively to reports $495,000 temporarily or perma- of abuse. Floor space LOTS FOR SALE Apes Hill, St. James nently removed from their Sports Minister Roxana 8,800 sq ft; 31,000 sq ft upward posts, and local investiga- Maracineanu has played a Boarded Hall, Large lots at $15 per sq ft Roebuck Street, tions are under way into key role in raising aware- Christ Church Bridgetown other cases, the ministry ness. In a recent interview 10,429 sq ft $157,000 Mount Wilton, St. Thomas Shopping Mall/Office space said. with The Associated Press, Now asking 15,500 sq ft and 22,066 sq ft $8,100,000 negotiable The abuse reached the former swimming $1.1 Mil BDS Westbury Road, St Michael $300,000 and $220,000 across the country and champion described her 2,520 sq ft $45,360 across the whole sector, own experiences facing Union, St. Philip Batts Rock, St Michael with accusations targeting sexism, and said it’s time Goodland Gardens, 7560 sq ft Guest House, 12,078 sq ft a total of 48 sports federa- for French mindsets to Call or Whatsapp Christ Church $150,000 $2,850,000 negotiable tions. change when it comes 232-3304 9,605 sq ft $145,000 Of those accused, 96% to women’s rights within Thorpes, St. James are men. Of the victims, the male-dominated sports 258-7198 Nursery Road, St Philip 11,376 sq ft with structure Cane Garden, St Thomas 83% were women or girls, world. 9,266 sq ft $139,000 $235,000 3.6 acres approved and 63% were under 15, At a government meet- Roadfront the ministry said. ing Friday to assess efforts Cottage, St George Lashley Road, St Philip $1,650,000 negotiable The fact-finding probe to fight sexual violence, Email 5000 sq ft 5,839 sq ft, $150,000 was launched in February Abitbol told the group that $110,000 (negotiable) starbrookrealty 2020 after ten-time French she’s “healing” and was Fitts Village, St James Salters, St George skating champion Sarah glad to see other victims @gmail.com Morningside, St Philip Guest House, 4 Suites 2 lots 32,760 sq ft, $230,000 Abitbol said in a book that speaking out, according 4567 sq ft $133,000 6,135 sq ft $750,000 negotiable she was raped by coach to L’Equipe newspaper. Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Gilles Beyer from 1990-92, Former tennis champion 14,876 sq ft. $110,000 Jupiter Gardens, St Peter 7312 sq ft when she was a teen. Isabelle Demongeot $133,000 (negotiable) Mason Hill Street The City Beyer was handed prelim- described the “battle” she Bushy Park, St. Philip inary charges of sexual faced among the public 17,000 sq ft $170,000 26,500 sq ft with buildings Bagatelle, St. Thomas $4,000,000 negotiable assault and the investiga- and colleagues after accus- 62000 sq ft into 2 lots tion is ongoing. ing her coach of rape. Inchcape, St. Philip In the wake of Abitbol’s Former hammer thrower 4355 sq ft $ 96,000 $520,000 each, or $1M for both accusations, more skaters Catherine Moyon de spoke out to denounce Beacque, who first spoke TEL: 247-4469 Belle, St. George All enquiries to alleged sexual violence out about abuse in 1991, Cel: 828-4800 4 acres $400,000 Marley Vale, St Philip (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 253-6319 21,780 sq ft $275,000 or (246) 247 4469 from coaches. The sports welcomed the current Haggatt Hall, St. Michael ministry set up a action “at the highest level Email: 6336 sq ft $126,000 Sandford, St Philip dedicated platform for ath- of the state.” caribbeanpropertiesltd Under Offer 16,356 sq ft $300,000 @gmail.com Cane Garden, St. Thomas PROPERTIES 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft COMMERCIAL Tom Brady rookie football card Private entrance. Kirtons, St Philip From $187,681 Mount Standfast, St James 3 bedroom plus Two properties on fetches $2.25M at auction 2 bedroom apt 4,790 sq ft Ragged Point, St. Philip 22,714 sq ft. $685,000 8,267 sq ft $166,000 Asking $1,200,000 NEW YORK – Quarter- auction house Lelands sional football career with back Tom Brady is broke a football card record the New England Patriots, Amity Lodge, Ch Ch Rolling Hills, St. George Black Rock, St. Michael proving he’s the GOAT not that was previously held where he won six Super 3 bedroom plus 12,000 sq ft Warehouse/Storage just on the football field but by Brady. Another of his Bowls. 1 bedroom apt $310,000 (negotiable) 4000 sf space 23,861 sq ft also in the collectibles rookie cards sold for $1.32 He continued his 6,646 sq ft $650,000 $900,000 (reduced) market: A rookie football million on PWCC Market- winning ways after part- Ocean City, St. Philip card just sold for $2.25 place last month. ing from the Patriots in Gibbons, Ch Ch 6150 sq ft $123,000 Foul Bay, St. Philip million. “Tom Brady continues to 2020 and joining the 3 bedroom plus Approved for condos, The card was signed by shatter records both on and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 2 bedroom apt Fortesque, St Philip 39,242 sq ft $1,600,000. the GOAT,a common refer- off the football field,” He earned his seventh 9,835 sq ft Agricultural Land ence to Brady that stands Lelands President Mike Super Bowl win when $675,000 (reduced) 494,500 sq ft $1,100,000 Dover, Christ Church for “greatest of all time.” Heffner said in a state- the Buccaneers beat Hotel 18 rooms fully The price fetched Friday ment. the Kansas City Chiefs Breezy Hill, St Philip Silver Sands, operational $2,950,000 neg night through online sports Brady began his profes- earlier this year. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 5, 2021 • 21

Cambridge win the Women’s 2021 Boat Race. Cambridge triumph in Women’s Boat Race CAMBRIDGE beat Oxford by less time since World War Two. Dylan Whitaker, the winning cox, was and it worked,” he said on BBC One. than a length to earn a fourth Oxford were repeatedly warned by the full of praise for his opposite number Costi Sarah Tisdall, one of the Cambridge successive Women’s Boat Race umpire for encroaching on their rivals’ Levy. rowers, added, “Awesome race, massive win yesterday. line in a tight race along the Great Ouse “Massive, massive props to Costi congrats to Oxford.That’s the closest boat Because of the coronavirus pandemic, in Cambridgeshire. because she steered like an absolute race the females have had. Awesome day the race was moved from its usual course, But Cambridge held their nerve, champ.That was close but we knew what for women’s sport and really proud of this along the Thames in London, for the first having taken a slender lead after halfway. our plan was, we kept it calm and loose team. It’s been awesome.” 22 • Monday April 5, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Asgreen outsprints van der Poel to take Tour of Flanders DENMARK’S Kasper Asgreen won heading into the final 30km. his first Tour of Flanders title after Asgreen made a decisive attack at beating defending champion 27km to go and only Van der Poel and last Mathieu van der Poel in a thrilling year’s runner-up Wout van Aert were able two-man sprint. to follow the Elegant-Quick-Step rider, Van der Poel kicked with 250 metres to with team-mate Alaphilippe content go but Asgreen reeled him in and pulled to sit on in the second group. ahead before the Dutchman cracked The leading trio established a gap of and sat up. 30 seconds, before Van der Poel attacked They had been out in front alone for the on the Oude Kwaremont climb to shed final 17 kilometres of the cobbled long-term rival Van Aert and initially 254.3km ‘monument’ one-day classic distance Asgreen. in Belgium. But the in-form Danish national Greg van Avermaet beat fellow champion bridged the gap to set up a Belgian Jasper Stuyven in the sprint tense sprint finish. for third. Van der Poel was the favourite for “I felt good in the last kilometres still, victory but Asgreen made sure to stay so I decided to try and trust my sprint,” behind him, forcing the Dutchman to lead Kasper Asgreen finished second in the 2019 Tour of Flanders. said Asgreen, who won the E3 Saxo Bank it out. Classic last month. The Dane ultimately proved he had postponed until October 2-3 because of docked ranking points or be given time “It was a really hard race and we were more power left as Van der Poel sat up concerns over the coronavirus situation in penalties for throwing bottles or other both on the limit. and ruefully shook his head while the France. items outside of new litter zones. “It’s been an incredible classics winner celebrated. AG2R Citroen rider Michael Schar was Astana’s Yevgeniy Fedorov and campaign this year and I’m so happy to It is Asgreen’s first victory in one of disqualified from the Tour of Flanders Alpecin-Fenix’s Otto Vergaerde were also finish it off like this.” cycling’s five ‘monument’ classics – the after throwing a water bottle towards a disqualified within the first 15km after A group of around 20 riders, including most prestigious one-day races on the group of fans. Fedorov broke suddenly at the head of Asgreen, Van der Poel, world champion calendar. Cycling’s world governing body, the the race, Vergaerde responded with a Julian Alaphilippe and Britain’s Tom Another of those races, Paris-Roubaix, UCI, introduced new rules earlier this shoulder barge and then Fedorov Pidcock, on his Flanders debut, led was scheduled for 11 April but has been year that means riders can be fined, appeared to attempt the same. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 5, 2021 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A Aries - Be prepared for problems if you are trying to push N ahead with projects begun earlier in the year. Objections D and obstructions should not be dismissed too readily. Ignoring a small error could be a big mistake. Instead, C meet challenges head on and this will save you time and O money in the long run. N S Taurus - Family plans that have been postponed in the past are brought up in conversation. You can't help but feel sceptical about these arrangements. Something always seems to happen to interfere and you sense they will be delayed yet again. People will say there is nothing else they can do but are they now just making excuses? Z Gemini - Your mind is always buzzing with thoughts, I plans and ideas but this could make you inattentive. Text messages can distract you from what's going on around T you. It might be a good idea to pay extra attention to what S other people are telling you or you could miss out on something which could work to your advantage.

Cancer - The more organised you are, the better. If you have outside arrangements, meetings or appointments, leave early in case of delays. When a friend starts to openly discuss their financial or relationship secrets be wary. Sometimes it is best not to get too deeply involved in other people's business. R E X Leo - The day may begin quietly enough but a dramatic shift in events could send everything into turmoil. Some people will be unnerved by this. You might find it fun. You M can see the benefits in allowing some things to unfold un- O expectedly when certain areas of your life are ready for R a radical rethink. G A N Virgo - Change brings a degree of confusion and uncer- tainty. You might wonder whether it is all going to be worth it. Push any doubts and negative thoughts away and keep reminding yourself of the possible benefits coming your way once everything is organised. It takes time to settle into new routines.

Libra - Secrets hanging in the air make this a less than P ideal time to take drastic steps. Hold off from making im- H portant decisions. If a key person pulls out of a new ven- ture, it could be they have discovered something you A still aren't aware of. Observe and question all that is N going on around you. T O M Scorpio - In important financial and business matters keep your eyes wide open. A group project will require plenty of tact and diplomacy. Your main intention is to help prevent people from bickering with each other. This kid glove treatment will not only keep the atmosphere light but will encourage everyone to work progressively towards a mutual goal. M A Sagittarius - People are prying into your affairs and this is starting to annoy you. An overly helpful friend seems R to think that if you confide in them they will be able to Y give you the help and advice you need. You don't need anything other than that they leave you alone. W O Capricorn - Until a tense situation has blown over you might find it easier to deal only with mundane affairs. R Impulsive decisions will be regretted. You need time to T consider all the facts. A young relative's foolish antics will H upset you but you won't say anything. You aren't in the mood for arguments.

Aquarius - A job you had been dreading having to do will M not be as bad as you thought it would be in your imagi- O nation. It may also be that because you have prepared well T in advance, once you actually get down to work, it will H be easier to complete than expected. E R

Pisces - Unexpected events, in a roundabout fashion, will G boost your financial situation. A strange conversation O with an older relative will be comforting in some way. You O might be told of past events that have always been kept a secret and this will provide answers to questions you S have always had about your family history. E Coach:

Turnaround in the stars for football

PAGE 19

Monday April 5, 2021 Maintain TIME TO ADJUST support for people PENSION SCHEMES living By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste countries that have a high pro- ing workers’ and employers’ con- pension payments.Therefore, he portion of working people in the tributions. Some have increased is advising that policymakers BECAUSE of the ageing pop- total population. the age of retirement; others start making some provisions with HIV ulation, pension schemes “Countries all over the world have adjusted pension benefits and start anticipating these po- will come under increased have adjusted their pension for civil servants; and others litical events. AS the COVID-19 pandemic pressure in the coming schemes in order to anticipate have complemented their pen- Additionally, Brian Wynter, continues, the Pan-Caribbean years. these demographic changes, and sion schemes with additional former Governor of the Bank of Partnership against HIV and Speaking during the Central be prepared for the future, and modalities to cover a larger Jamaica, believes that there AIDS (PANCAP) insists that Bank of Barbados’ webinar se- offer adequate pension to their share of the population.” needs to be a big push towards maintaining support for People ries “Resilient Institutions and citizens,” he said. Schwartz stated that reforms persuading people from lower living with HIV (PLHIV) is What They Mean to Me”, Moises “These difficult issues are not need to be implemented in basi- incomes that saving for a pen- needed more than ever. Schwartz, Manager,Institutions resolved by themselves and cally every single Caribbean sion makes sense. Director Dr Rosmond Adams for Development Sector, Inter- those issues are difficult and country in order for the “This would require micro said that as the number of American Development Bank, might not be of immediate ur- Governments to face these pensions and other forms of sav- new HIV infections decreases outlined that in the Caribbean gency, but in the coming years pension problems down the ing,” he said. globally, there are still there are “pay as you go” pension Government will need to ad- road. “I think this is an area where subpopulations that remain at systems, where pensions are dress this problem and prepare He believes that in the technology can play a part as we higher risk of infection in the paid out of the current contribu- themselves. medium-term – 10 to 15 years go forward, but I think it re- Caribbean and have limited or tions of active employees. “We have already seen some from now – there is going to be quires more than technology to no access to prevention, care, However, he noted that these countries all over the world an- a lot of pressure on the fiscal ac- engage people in the importance and treatment. systems are financially stable in ticipate these events by increas- counts in order to face these of long-term savings.” He cautioned that the popula- tions that are the hardest hit are those that also lack power and experience high levels of food insecurity, poverty, drug abuse, incarceration among men, and those suffering from other infectious and chronic diseases. “As we struggle to ensure con- tinuity of services for PLHIV during the pandemic, we need to consider how we can better support them to ease the added burden of the pandemic.” The PANCAP Director thereby suggested that support can be in the form of ensuring food and other social protection services, including temporary shelters for key populations – People Living with HIV, and other vulnerable groups. “There is also the possibility to explore opportunities to provide cash transfers and other sup- port to PLHIV who have lost their jobs or are in vulnerable conditions, especially among key populations. Also, there is a need to provide services to support populations most af- fected by violence, especially among women, transgender women, girls, and migrant populations. “Let us use our collective skills and collaborate to support the WORK IN PROGRESS: Work has continued apace on the Constitution River rehabilitation project. This was the most vulnerable during COVID- scene recently in the area of Queen's Park. 19,” Dr Adams further stressed.

Printed and published by Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc. Fontabelle, St. Michael. Telephone 467-2000, Fax 434-2020/434-1000