Established October 1895 Level 4 Travel Advisory for Barbados – Page 2

Wednesday April 21, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive ANOTHER ERUPTION TO BE EXPECTED A TOP Caribbean scientist is interview on NBC Radio St. Vincent mudflows also known as lahars. The rainy season, these mudflows will predicting that La Soufrière and the Grenadines on Tuesday geologist told Vincentians that a increase in the lower areas. The volcano in St. Vincent could erupt morning. mudflow was recorded at 4 a.m. on scientist noted that this will increase within the next seven days. In his update, he indicated there Tuesday which affected the southeast the risk of flooding and structural Professor Richard Robertson have been small long period hybrid along the Rabacca Dry River. damage. disclosed this information during an earthquakes, two rockfalls and He said as the island goes into the Continued on Page 2

Scenes from local media iWitness News in St. Vincent of affected areas Spring Village and Chateaubelair. Professor Robinson: Organisational culture crucial LEADERS ultimately impact their the Organisation”, yesterday. it provides clarity. It relies on plans and towards a shared purpose and foster an organisations through the strategies they “Strategy and culture are among the choices to mobilise people and you can organisation’s capacity to thrive,” he adopt, and the organisational culture main tools at a top leaders’ disposal as have rewards for achieving goals and stressed. that their styles and attributes create, they try to maintain the organisations consequences for failing to do so.” Research and experience suggests that which endures beyond their tenure, viability and effectiveness. Strategy Professor Robinson, who is also Head it is far more common for leaders seeking according to Professor Justin Robinson. offers a formal logic for the company’s of the Department of Economics at The to build high performing organisations to “If you are going to have success goals and orients people around them. UWI went on to describe culture as the be confounded by culture, according to beyond the tenure of a particular Whereas culture expresses the goals of “tacit social order of an organisation”, the Professor. In fact, he said many let it leadership, a lot of it will depend on what the company through values and beliefs shaping attitudes and behaviours in go unmanaged or leave it to the HR type of culture you are building,” advised and guides activity through shared wide-ranging and durable ways, and Department where it becomes a second the Chief Executive Officer of the Sagicor assumptions and group norms,” he cultural norms define what is order priority. Cave Hill School of Business (CHSB), explained. encouraged, discouraged, accepted, or “They may lay out detailed, thoughtful The UWI, Cave Hill Campus. “So, you have an organisation and rejected with a group. plans for strategy and execution, but He was the guest speaker at the Small many different individuals keep pulling “When properly aligned with personal because they don’t understand culture’s Business Association of Barbados (SBA) in different directions – strategy is that values, drives and needs, culture can power and dynamics their plans go off the webinar on “The Impact of Leadership on unifying mechanism; it is the roadmap, unleash tremendous amounts of energy rails.” 2 • Wednesday April 21, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Level 4 Travel Advisory for Barbados THE United States Department of risks to US citizens, including public State has updated travel advisories Three other Caribbean countries also listed health indicators, access to medical care, to Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, entry and exit requirements, and the St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the advancing their “strong economic conditions and following the Travel ability of the US government to assist in Grenadines, advising US citizens not relationship”. Advisory update, approximately 80 per an emergency. We also consider the to travel to these Caribbean Moreover, the release explained that cent of countries world-wide will have a mitigation strategies countries have put countries, citing ongoing risks due the travel advisory update will result in Travel Advisory Level of 4: Do Not Travel, in place, including COVID-19 related to the COVID-19 pandemic. a “significant increase” in the number of including Barbados, Antigua and restrictions on entry by US and other In a press release issued by the US countries being classified as Level 4. As Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent foreign nationals.” Embassy based in Barbados, which also such, it is being recommended that US and the Grenadines,” it was stated. Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic covers the Eastern Caribbean and the citizens reconsider all travel abroad and Acknowledging the “incredible efforts poses unprecedented risks for travellers, OECS, it was explained that the State where possible, put off their trips. of the national public health systems”, it the release indicated that the State Department is updating these travel “The CDC currently has over 140 was made clear in the release that the Department’s updated travel advisories advisories, to bring them in line with the travel health notices, including for the update does not imply a reassessment of mirror that warning, which it said has travel health notices from the Centres for United States and areas of the the current health situation in a given been a “consistent message” from the Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Caribbean, under “Level 4: COVID-19 country. CDC since the start of the pandemic. In The decision comes as the North Very High,” which recommend no travel. “It reflects an adjustment in the State that vein, the assurance was given that American country promised to continue Effective this week, the State Department’s Travel Advisory system to the State Department will routinely to work with their Caribbean partners to Department Travel Advisories will adopt give more weight to the CDC’s existing review conditions across the world and defeat the COVID-19 virus through the same advisories for those assessments.Travel Advisory levels take issue updated travel advisories when prevention and vaccination, while also jurisdictions. Given current global into account several factors that present appropriate. Financial sector to talk Renewable Energy Investment BARBADOS has set a target of becoming reduced use of fossil fuels and increased During the 90-minute session,William institutions can work with customers, to fossil free by 2030. Making progress adoption of renewable energy, both from Hinds, Head of the Energy Conservation increase and advance the transition to toward this goal requires buy-in from an environmental perspective and in and Renewable Energy Unit in the renewables. A householder who has householders, but the initial costs of terms of our economy.Greater reliance on Ministry of Energy; Aidan Rogers, 2nd already made the investment will also renewable energy systems can be renewable energy sources will reduce our Vice President of the Barbados share his experience, both in terms of prohibitive to some. So how can financial import bill and benefit our international Sustainable Energy Co-operative functionality and cost savings. institutions assist in this area? reserves,” said Central Bank of Barbados Society; Stacey Hem Lee, Manager,Retail Given the nature of the topic, This will be the focus of “Increasing Governor, Cleviston Haynes, explaining Services (Broad Street and Independence participation in this session, which is Household Investment in Renewable the Bank’s rationale for hosting the Square) Republic Bank; and Randy part of the annual Domestic Financial Energy: How the Financial Sector Can session. Graham, CEO of Massy Insurance will Institutions Conference series of events, Help,” an online panel discussion hosted “The more that household and other discuss the importance of renewable will be extended to persons outside the by the Central Bank of Barbados and the energy needs can be met through energy adoption at the family level, as sector. Anyone contemplating investing Financial Services Commission, on renewable sources, the closer we as a well as ways that households can both in a renewable energy system or simply Thursday,April 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. country will come to meeting the 2030 make and protect their investments. keen to learn more is encouraged to “Barbados stands to gain from the target,” he added. They will also explore how financial register to attend on the Bank’s website. Professor warns Vincentians to stay away from red zones Continued from Previous Page have been evacuated before,” said He warned that persons who are Professor Robertson. returning to areas with valleys should be The scientist strongly recommended aware of the danger of mudflows since that persons who want to get there is significant volcanic material on photographs and videos of the volcano the land. Professor Robertson noted that activity should find safe elevated vantage the volcano is trying to build a dome and points outside of the red zones. He told in its efforts, there will be rockfalls. his audience that taking footage of St. Vincent’s Minister of Education, Soufrière while it is still active in areas Curtis King who was also on the morning like Rabacca is a “bad idea". He explained broadcast highlighted that some people that this area is where pyroclastic flows were still returning to the red zones from the volcano will come down. He despite the present danger. cited that the area is known to be affected Professor Robertson noted that despite by pyroclastic flows and lahars and it is the lulls between explosive eruptions, extremely dangerous. people should stay away from the red Local media agencies have visited the zones as it is extremely dangerous. most affected areas like Chateaubelair “The volcano has shown that it can and Spring Village.The people in Spring change its pattern within minutes... it Village which is in the yellow zone have really makes sense to stay away from started shovelling ash in the streets. (the volcano),” said Professor Robertson. While in Chateaubelair which is located He noted that his team can give on the western side of St. Vincent, water predictions on what is happening but is scarce in the area and many people in they cannot be certain about what is Fitz Hughes were evacuated by happening. speedboat. However, some residents are “Don’t be fooled. It has been shown returning to the area to take care of from studies that these are the periods properties, livestock and pets. when people are most at risk and chances Presently, there are 85 active public of people being killed most when the shelters with 6 208 people there. volcano goes in this pattern where it Eighteen hundred families are in private looks like it is not doing very much. shelters with 12 775 people registering as People tend to drop their guard and do being displaced by Soufrière and 6 567 things that they should not be doing and people indicating they are in private they get caught out when they would shelters. Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Cleviston Haynes. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 21, 2021 • 3

Court Martial case commences

PROCEEDINGS in the Court Martial coxswain on board BCG vessel of Barbados Defence Force’s (BDF) ENDURANCE on the 19 April 2019, Private Shane Coulthrust got transferred 14 polythene packages to the underway on Monday. Fishing Vessel X17 which was moored in The accused’s case was heard in the Six Men’s St Peter area without Hodgson Hall Conference Centre, St. authorisation from any of his superior Ann’s Fort, the Garrison by a panel which officers. comprised President, Lieutenant 4. Conduct to Prejudice of Good Order Commander Fernella Cordle and the and Military Discipline contrary to Members – Lieutenant Commander Section 75 of the Defence Act CAP 159, in Robert Morris and Captain Randolph that he, while on duty as the coxswain on Clarke. The Waiting Members were board BCG vessel ENDURANCE on the Lieutenant Coast Guard Gordon Maxwell 19 April 2019, coopered with an unknown and Captain Len Cummins. speed boat in the territorial waters of Captain Neville Corbin is the Barbados without authorisation from any Prosecutor, while the Judge Advocate is of his superior officers. Lieutenant Commander Rita Evans. 5. Conduct to Prejudice of Good Order Coulthrust, who is represented by and Military Discipline contrary to attorney-at-law, Andrew Pilgrim, QC is Section 75 of the Defence Act CAP 159, in Judge Advocate, Lieutenant facing 12 charges. He pleaded not guilty that he, at HMBS PELICAN on or about Commander Rita Evans as she makes Attorney-at-law, Andrew Pilgrim, QC as to these charges. Originally,he faced eight 30 April 2019, gave 0222553 OS Simmons her way into the Hodgson Hall he goes towards the Hodgson Hall counts however during proceedings his J, a member of the Barbados Coast Guard Conference Centre at St. Ann’s Fort, Conference Centre at St. Ann’s Fort, attorney-at-law offered an objection to and a crew member on duty on 19 April the Garrison. the Garrison. and pointed out an issue with how one of 2019, approximately $2 200.00 Barbados the charges was written. He said it could Currency as an inducement not to report “Bones” as an inducement to use a vessel ENDURANCE, a vessel owned by the be seen as duplicitous. the unauthorised transportation of 14 owned by the Crown to collect 14 Crown, from an unknown speed boat in The panel agreed and the Ordinary polythene packages on board the polythene packages and transport the the territorial waters of Barbados to a Court Martial temporarily adjourned so ENDURANCE, a vessel owned by the said polythene packages to the Fishing fishing vessel X17 moored in the Six an amendment could be made to that Crown, from an unknown speed boat in Vessel X17 which was moored in Six Men’s St Peter area on the 19 April 2019. charge. There after the charges the the territorial waters of Barbados to a Men’s St Peter area on the 19 April 2019. 11. Making a False Document contrary accused is facing are as follows: fishing vessel X17 moored in the Six 9. Conduct to Prejudice of Good Order to Section 69 (C) of the Defence ACT CAP 1. Collecting. Conduct to Prejudice of Men’s St Peter area on the 19 April 2019. And Military Discipline contrary to 159, in that he being the coxswain of the Good Order and Military Discipline 6. Disobedience to Standing Orders Section 75 of the Defence Act CAP 159, in SBF Crew on 19 April 2019, made a contrary to section 75 of the Defence Act contrary to Section 47 of the Defence Act that he, at Bridgetown St Michael, on or written report on 20 April 2019, to wit his CAP 159, in that he, while on duty as the Cap 159, in that he on 19 April 2019, about the 24 April 2019, being a member Patrol Report, with intent to deceive, coxswain on board BCG vessel contravened Sec 1709.4 of the Barbados of the Barbados Coast Guard received $5 failed to accurately account for all details ENDURANCE on the 19 April 2019, Coast Guard Standing Orders, an order 000.00 Barbados currency from Corey of his patrol on 19 April 2019 while on collected 14 polythene packages, placed known to him or which is reasonably Watts as a final payment for using the board BCG vessel ENDURANCE in the them on the ENDURANCE a vessel expected that he should have known by ENDURANCE a vessel owned by the Territorial Waters of Barbados. owned by the crown without using his personal cellular phone on Crown, to collect 14 polythene packages 12. Conduct to Prejudice of Good Order authorisation from any of his superior board the ENDURANCE while on patrol and transporting the said polythene and Military Discipline contrary to officers. on the 19 April 2019. packages to the Fishing Vessel X17 which Section 75 of the Defence Act Cap 159, in 2.Transporting.Conduct to Prejudice of 7. Disobedience to Particular Orders was moored in Six Men’s St. Peter area on that he, at HMBS PELICAN on or about Good Order and Military Discipline contrary to Section 45 (1) of the Defence the 19 April 2019. 30 April 2019, gave 0823073 OS Webb O, contrary to Section 75 of the Defence Act Act Cap 159, in that he, on 19 April 2019, 10. Conduct to Prejudice of Good Order a member of the Barbados Coast Guard CAP 159, in that he, while on duty as the being the coxswain of the ENDURANCE, and Military Discipline contrary to and a crew member on duty on 19 April coxswain on board BCG vessel deviated without lawful authority, from Section 75 of the Defence act CAP 159, in 2019, approximately $2 200.00 Barbados ENDURANCE on the 19 April 2019, his patrol area in accordance with SBF that he, at HUMBS. PELICAN on or Currency as an inducement not to report transported 14 polythene packages to the Patrol Orders dated 19 April 2019. about 30 April 2019, gave 1623732 OS the unauthorised transportation of 14 Six Men’s St. Peter area without 8. Conduct to Prejudice of Good Order Gollop O, a member of the Barbados polythene packages on board the authorisation from any of his superior and Military Discipline contrary to Coast Guard and a crew member on duty ENDURANCE, a vessel owned by the officers. Section 75 of the Defence Act Cap 159, in on 19 April 2019, approximately $2 Crown, from an unknown speed boat in 3.Transferring. Conduct to Prejudice of that he, at Upper Weston St James, on or 500.00 Barbados Currency as an the territorial waters of Barbados to a Good Order and Military Discipline about the 16 April 2019, being a member inducement not to report the fishing vessel X17 moored in the Six contrary to Section 75 of the Defence Act of the Barbados Coast Guard received $5 unauthorised transportation of 14 Men’s St Peter area on the 19 April 2019. CAP 159, in that he, while on duty as the 000.00 Barbados currency from alias polythene packages on board the During the day’s proceedings, the Prosecution called five witnesses to the stand. They were Chief Petty Officer, Arlington Cadogan, Lieutenant Coastguard, Sena Price, Lead Seaman, Ian Mitchell, C. O Nicole Brathwaite and Sub – Lieutenant Alex Kellman. While speaking, Sub – Lieutenant Kellman shared about the investigation he conducted. He spoke about the statement taken from the accused when he was interviewed. Pilgrim objected and he asked if a recording device was used during the taking of the statement. Pointing to an amendment of the Evidence Act made in 2017, the law said a recording should be done. He asked for the statement not to be included. The Prosecution requested a temporary adjournment.This was granted and upon return, he said that the BDF has no capabilities to do any sound recording. Though no sound recorded, the statement should not be thrown out by the Court Martial. The accused, Private Shane Coulthrust being escorted by military police into the Hodgson Hall Conference Centre at St. The Court Martial continues on Ann’s Fort, the Garrison. Tuesday. 4 • Wednesday April 21, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Sagicor hands over first share of relief supplies to NEMO St. Vincent IN an immediate show of support for the morning of Thursday, April 15, by tanks and coolers. the way with more supplies soon the people of St. Vincent and The Stanley Browne, Sagicor’s General President & CEO of Sagicor Life Inc, expected from Dominica, St. Lucia and Grenadines, following the recent Agent and Principal Representative in Robert Trestrail, said mobilisation was Barbados.” eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. a team effort. “There was no hesitation Browne, who operates the Sagicor Sagicor pledged a donation of The company announced its support by our team members in St. Vincent offices in Kingstown and Arnos Vales, emergency supplies to assist with relief of the local government agencies in the and the Grenadines and the wider echoed similar sentiments. “We stand efforts in that country to help get its early days following the eruption on Eastern Caribbean when it came to ready to assist the government and its citizens back on their feet. Friday April 9, pledging to provide looking at the ways in which we could agencies in offering and mobilising The first share of these supplies was emergency supplies to those in provide immediate, critical relief. support to ensure that we emerge presented to the National Emergency immediate need, including mattresses, Thanks to the full support of the entire on the other side of this stronger Management Organisation (NEMO) on folding cots, blankets, face masks, water Sagicor group, more assistance is on together.” Outreach efforts going well says Major By Marsha Gittens

THE public has responded positively to the Salvation Army’s appeal for donations to assist persons in St. Vincent and the Grenadines whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the La Soufriere volcanic eruptions. Divisional Commander, Major Brenda Greenidge told The Barbados Advocate on Tuesday that the outreach effort has been going “reasonably well”. “The greatest intake was water. We The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is collaborating with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), to build got quite a bit of water with much more capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. to come but persons have been dropping off stuff. We got some cleaning supplies and some hygienic supplies. CARPHA collaborating to fight COVID-19 pandemic So, the response has been good and some monetary funds as well came in THE Caribbean Public Health Agency Government of Canada shares the CARPHA Member States will participate which we will put towards the (CARPHA) is collaborating with the common goal with CARPHA of in this interactive training. assistance.” Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), strengthening in-country capacity to CARPHA has a long-standing Greenidge said already some of the to build capacity to respond to the prevent, detect and respond to current relationship with the PHAC. Currently, donations which were delivered to The COVID-19 pandemic. and emerging health threats.” CARPHA and PHAC are focussing on Salvation Army Headquarters at Reed CARPHA, the sole public health Additionally,Dr.Lisa Indar,Director of the following key areas of COVID-19 Street, Bridgetown have been sent off. agency responsible for preventing Surveillance Disease Prevention and response: Knowledge Exchange on Public She said “a truckload of stuff” disease, promoting and protecting health Control at CARPHA, who gave the Health Communications, COVID- 19 was “taken by the Coast Guard” on in the Caribbean, together with PHAC, opening remarks at the first F-ACES Surveillance Knowledge Exchange, Safe Monday. continues to strengthen the capacity of training session, emphasised, “This Travel and Tourism Discussion and She encouraged individuals to CARPHA Member States (CMS) through timely and important training provides Virtual Training on the Clinical continue to drop off their donations as the Facilitated – Acute Critical Events a unique opportunity to strengthen our Management of COVID-19. “the need continues. I am sure that the Simulation (F-ACES) course, delivered capacities as we continue to fight the CARPHA continues to support its people in St. Vincent, those in the by the prestigious Royal College of COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate the Member States and their response to shelters particularly will be Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. spread of the SARS-CoV-2 in the COVID-19 by providing technical there for a while, so the appeal Janice Merhej, Manager,Public Health Caribbean Region.” support and guidance, as well as, continues”. Agency of Canada, highlighted the The F-ACES course is a tailored, four- facilitating capacity building and Among the items needed at this time partnership of PHAC-CARPHA, stating, session training course that targets strengthening.CARPHA continues to are hygienic products and household “In the context of COVID-19, the Public Emergency Room Physicians and aims to work with CMS and both international cleaning agents. Health Agency of Canada has been enhance the Clinical Management of and regional partners towards a co- “We got quite a bit, as said earlier, collaborating on various activities with COVID-19, especially in an emergency ordinated, regional approach in fighting supplies of water with much more to CARPHA, with the aim of strengthening care setting. Starting on March 25 and the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigating come because we couldn’t take the regional health security and promoting culminating on April 29, 2021, a total of the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 in the volume that one particular company interagency collaboration. The 24 Emergency Room Physicians from 19 region. was donating. We couldn’t take the whole volume all at a go so we have taken just one set and I think it will come in two other portions. COVID-19 update: Nine new cases, 11 discharged So water is covered. So I would think THE Best-dos Santos Public Health persons in isolation. carried out 149 423 tests from February, that sanitary stuff like baby Laboratory identified nine new COVID- Since March 2020, there have been 3 last year. pampers, wet wipes, bath soaps, 19 positive cases – four females and five 793 confirmed COVID-19 cases (1 844 To date, 70 884 vaccinations – 29 244 deodorants, those hygienic stuff and males – on Monday, April 19, from the females and 1 949 males). A total of 3 men and 41 640 women – have been cleaning supplies like bleach and 494 tests conducted. 692 persons have recovered, while 44 administered as part of the disinfectants that [would be Meanwhile, 11 people recovered and people have died from the virus. National Vaccination Programme for welcomed].” were discharged. There are now 87 The public health laboratory has COVID-19. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 21, 2021 • 5

PM Mottley to public officers: Two post offices reopen; Embrace new way of working back to normal PRIME MINISTER Mia Amor as well as bring about an ease in doing The PM noted that some countries had Mottley is encouraging public business, so our economy should also adopted a similar method of flexible officers to embrace the new and benefit,” she stated. arrangements for their public officers working hours improved way of working, as out- The Prime Minister explained that at a and were already seeing positive lined in the recently approved Social Partnership meeting in 2018, she results. MEMBERS of the public are advised that Flexible Work Arrangement Policy mandated the Ministry of the Civil In a compressed week, an employee the Warrens and Airport post offices have for the Barbados Public Service. Service to Chair a Sub-Committee on the works his usual number of full-time hours reopened. PM Mottley said the flexible work Structure of Work, which focused on the in fewer days by working longer blocks of In addition, from yesterday – Tuesday, arrangements, which allow officers modernisation of the public sector. time per day. The suitable arrangement April 20, the normal working hours of to accept a compressed week, flexi-time, She pointed out that all of the must include health, safety and welfare 8 am until 3:15 pm resumed at all post staggered hours or telecommuting, stakeholders, including the workers’ considerations.A flexi-time arrangement offices. now bring the public service into unions, were involved in the process to allows management and an employee to The Postmaster General apologises for the 21st Century. make sure the best Flexible Work agree, within certain limits, for example, any inconvenience caused and reminds “When this administration came to Arrangement Policy was developed when to begin and end the workday and the public to follow the COVID-19 office in May 2018, the main focus was on and implemented. where the work period can vary from protocols in place at post offices. modernising the public service and bring- She added that research had been day-to-day. ing its operations into the 21st Century. conducted among public officers and With staggered hours, there are We started this process by removing temporary employees in 2019 and the ma- different start and end times for different anachronistic jobs and providing more jority of them had expressed a desire for groups of employees, but they must meaningful work for public officers. The the work structure to be revised to complete a period of work that is equal to next step was to modernise operations to include flexible work schedules, along a standard workday, as agreed by Court facilitate an ease in doing business with the standard workday. the Head of the Department. through technology and modern work “Given this forethought, we were Telecommuting entails an employee arrangements. prepared to respond to the impact of the performing specific work-related duties operations “We have now been able to achieve that COVID-19 pandemic since we had in from home or another remote location plan, so this new arrangement augurs place a blueprint to work flexibly. for a specified period. The officer would well for public officers and the public sec- Caregivers could work from home and be required to work from office at least tor, and it is a win-win for all involved. It therefore continue the organisation’s one day per week, unless there are resume should create work-life balance, improve business while not being physically in the extraordinary circumstances which will productivity and employee engagement, office,” she said. prevent this from occurring. Attorneys-at-law and members of the public are advised that the Supreme Court Complex, including the Records Section of the Registration Department, have reopened to Delayed start to SJPI evening classes the public as of yesterday, Tuesday, April 20. THE management of the Samuel courses, offered through the compound. The Registrar’s matters which were Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology Distance and Continuing Education The SJPI advises that the proposed scheduled for hearing yesterday, have (SJPI) regrettably informs students Division. date for the commencement of been adjourned to Tuesday,May 11, and of a further delay to the start of This is due to the ongoing clean-up these in-person sessions is Monday, Tuesday, May 18, respectively. Semester Two for all face-to-face operation to remove volcanic ash from the April 26. Unrepresented persons with queries may contact the Senior Legal Assistant of the High Court at 535-9700, or by emailing registrarsupremecourt@bar- bados.gov.bb. Meanwhile, Magistrates’ Courts BTMI to host entry and safety throughout the island reopened on Monday,April 19, with the exception of those sitting at Oistins, Holetown, District ‘B’ Boarded Hall and District ‘F’ protocols sensitisation workshops Horse Hill. The Oistins Magistrate’s Court will reopen today, April 21, while the THE Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Holetown Magistrate’s Court will sit at in collaboration with the Ministry of District D, Cane Garden, St. Thomas, Health and Wellness, will be until Thursday, April 22, to only hear facilitating two Entry and Safety protection orders and new charge Protocols Sensitisation Workshops sheets. on Thursday, April 22, and Friday, The Holetown Magistrate’s Court will April 23. return to its Holetown location on The workshops will be held at the Friday, April 23. District ‘B’ Boarded Hilton Barbados Resort, Needham’s Point, Hall and District ‘F’ Horse Hill re- St. Michael, and will offer attendees opened yesterday, Tuesday,April 20. the opportunity to gain first-hand On resumption of business, the information on the new entry and safety Magistrates’ Courts may be contacted protocols for the industry. at the following numbers with any There will be two sessions each day, queries: with the first session running from 9am District ‘A’ - Bridgetown – 536-3504/07; until 12 noon, and the second from District ‘A’ Civil & Domestic – 1:30 to 4:30 pm. St. Matthias – 536-3521/28; Tomorrow, the morning session is District ‘B’ Boarded Hall – 535-9930/31 geared towards transport providers, while or 850-3538; District ‘B’- Oistins – the afternoon session is for persons 535-0340/42/43/45; District ‘D’ – 536- in housekeeping, gardening, and 3572/73/74/75; District ‘E’ and maintenance, as well as for pool The workshops will be held at the Hilton Barbados Resort, Needham’s Point, Holetown – 535-9952/53/55/57/63; attendants, laundry attendants and St. Michael. District ‘F’ Belleplaine – 536-3574; public facility cleaners. and District ‘F’ Horse Hill – 535-9933. The morning session on Friday is and beach vendors.The afternoon session that there will be no pre-registration for Any inconvenience caused is catering to water sports, leisure craft and will be for transport providers. this workshop. Attendance will be on a regretted. jet ski operators, lifeguards, dive shops, Interested persons are asked to note first-come-first-serve basis. 6 • Wednesday April 21, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Red Cross warns of immediate, long-term humanitarian needs, following La Soufrière eruptions KINGSTON/GENEVA – Nearly 20 to the sheltered families. Immediate thousands of them will need support in 000 people have been directly af- needs include access to water,food, health reactivating their family economy and fected by La Soufrière volcanic care, and hygiene, as well as cleaning generating new income,” said Ariel eruptions in St. Vincent and The and COVID-19 prevention items. Kestens, IFRC’s Head of Delegation for Grenadines (SVG). As La Soufrière In response to this crisis, the the Dutch- and English-speaking volcano remains highly active, International Federation of Red Cross Caribbean. “Using cash and vouchers is these numbers may increase in and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has key not only to strengthen their resilience the coming weeks and months. launched an emergency appeal that and recovery from these overlapping So far, almost 1 500 families in SVG seeks a total of two million Swiss francs emergencies but also the local economy.” have been displaced and more than 8 000 (CHF) to support the Red Cross Societies Since the initial explosive eruption on people have been evacuated and are stay- in SVG, Barbados, St. Lucia and Grenada April 9, La Soufrière has erupted sev- ing at public and private shelters.Almost to deliver assistance and support for eral times. The Caribbean Disaster all of the 110 600 residents of the island 18 months to 5 400 people.The Red Cross Emergency Management Agency has re- have been indirectly affected by ashfall, actions will be focused on the distribution ported that explosions of similar or larger water restrictions and the destruction of of major household items, and providing magnitude are likely to continue to occur their livelihoods. An unquantified health care, psychosocial support, and over the next few days, resulting in ash- number of people have also been affected access to water, sanitation and hygiene. fall affecting not just St. Vincent and the in neighbouring islands. Protecting people's livelihoods will also Grenadines, but also Barbados, St. Lucia, SVG Red Cross volunteers have been be a priority. Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda.The supporting the evacuation efforts, pro- “We are here for the long run, we were IFRC warns that if the eruptions con- viding first aid, promoting COVID-19 here for the COVID-19 and dengue out- tinue into the coming hurricane season, Ariel Kestens, IFRC’s Head of prevention, and distributing water,blan- breaks, and we will be here when people this could lead to an even more complex Delegation for the Dutch- and English- kets, hygiene kits and basic needs items go back to their homes. Upon returning, humanitarian crisis. speaking Caribbean. Agriculture Germany allocates 300,000 euros to Ministers urged assist SVG with essential food supplies In view of the dire situation in St.Vincent much worse than past hurricanes.We feel to be ‘architects and the Grenadines after the explosions with the suffering population.” of the La Soufrière Volcano since April 9, In 2020 Germany was the 2nd largest 2021 the German Government is allocat- bilateral donor of humanitarian of recovery’ ing 300,000 euros (appr. US$360,000) to assistance worldwide, providing US$2.5 the World Food Programme’s disaster billion for live-saving assistance to people DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the Food and response efforts in St. Vincent and the in need across the globe. Germany Agriculture Organization of the United Grenadines for the provision of live is involved as an EU member state in Nations (FAO), Dr.QU Dongyu hailed the saving food assistance. ECHO, the EU humanitarian mechanism region’s contribution to preventing the German Ambassador Ute König ex- and is among the top three donors to COVID-19 health crisis from becoming plained, “Germany and St. Vincent and CERF, the UN Central Emergency a food crisis. the Grenadines are partners in the Response Fund. CERF has allocated 1 However, he urged Agriculture Alliance for Multilateralism and have co- Mio. USD$ to the disaster response in Ministers of the Americas,“Now,you need FAO Director-General, Dr. QU Dongyu. operated closely during their joint time in St. Vincent. to be the architects of recovery,a recovery the United Nations Security Council. We A German expert will also take part in with transformation”. COVID-19 in the Americas, as well as ini- are glad to be able to help in this terrible OCHA’s (UN Office for the Coordination Latin America and the Caribbean re- tiatives for the recovery and transforma- situation. The islands in the Caribbean of Humanitarian Affairs) Joint gion accounts for 14 percent of global food tion of agri-food systems. are among the most vulnerable. The vol- Environmental Unit planned environ- production and 45 percent of net interna- The Director General of the Inter- cano situation is ongoing and therefore mental emergency mission to St.Vincent. tional agri-food trade, and agri-food sys- American Institute for Cooperation on tems account for up to half of total employ- Agriculture (IICA), Manuel Otero wel- ment and 30 to 40 percent of economic comed the discussion on agri-food systems gross domestic product, he noted during during the meeting. "The prefix agro is the recently held Third Hemispheric key: it recognizes that, without agricul- Meeting. tural production, there are no raw mate- The new mission, according to the rials that can be later transformed into Director-General is to “drive the neces- food and, therefore, it would be a utopia to sary agri-food systems transformation so achieve food security.” that we can feed 10 billion people by The agri-food systems, he added “are al- 2050.” ready in a process of irreversible change, Dr. QU went on to explain that this which must continue to evolve through a transformation will require innovation synergistic alliance with the environment. and digitization, higher agricultural pro- We are facing a great opportunity to ductivity and a sustainable agri-food sys- develop more mature systems,with unre- tem that guarantees safe and healthy stricted respect for the environment and diets. an emphasis on nutritional quality.” In addition, he pointed out that public The Regional Representative of the and private investments will be required FAO, Julio Berdegué, also urged the to create agri-food systems with a lower ministers and secretaries of Agriculture to carbon footprint, which protect and con- put on the table the objectives of their serve the environment and biodiversity, countries and the conditions for the promoting greater equity for small farm- achievement of this transformation. ers,indigenous peoples, rural women, and “Latin America and the Caribbean must youth. play a key role and be an example at the The meeting allowed agricultural offi- global level. The transformation of cials to share the progress of policies, plans agri-food systems is already underway, and actions to contain the effects of and it is unstoppable”, he said. German Ambassador Ute König. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 21, 2021 • 7

Square dancing, with earphones SQUARE dancing has always line, with many netizens calling been a relatively loud affair with for the practice to be imple- people strutting their dance mented nationwide. moves to music blaring from a But though many have ex- loudspeaker. pressed their support for the But the popular activity was new practice, others have ques- recently given a novel twist with tioned if dancing in such a man- dancers in Shanghai’s Jiading ner would diminish the charm of district using earphones to lis- square dancing. ten to the music that was played As such, the same group of at a designated frequency. dancers started using a small Dou Xiangxin, the team music amplifier to broadcast the leader of the dance group, told music at a volume that was just CCTV that this new way of loud enough for nearby by- square dancing allows the standers to appreciate. dancers to carry out their hobby without bothering their neigh- Residents in Shanghai’s Jiading bours. district dance to music received The video of people square through earphones instead of a dancing to music not audible to loud speaker. the public quickly went viral on- Climate talks set to bolster global efforts Rare EXPERTS have commended a China-US joint climate statement issued amid the rift between the world’s two ibises largest economies, saying it will inject impetus into the world’s multilateral climate process and boost confi- spotted dence to address the global climate crisis. The statement was made after a four-day visit to China by US in south special climate envoy John Kerry that concluded on Saturday, during which he talked with his Chinese coun- China terpart, Xie Zhenhua, according to a news release from the A PAIR of glossy ibises, Ministry of Ecology and rare birds once thought ex- Environment. tinct in China, have recently Aside from beefing up each been spotted on the shores nation’s climate action, the two of south China’s Fujian sides will cooperate with each Province. other under the United Nations Since April 13, the two Framework Convention on water birds have frequently Climate Change and the Paris been seen foraging on the Agreement on climate, the news tideland in Fujian’s Xiapu release said. Experts have commended a China-US joint climate statement issued amid the rift between the County. Reached in 2015, the Paris world’s two largest economies. Wildlife protection volun- Agreement aims to keep the teers and photographers global temperature rise this cen- mit’s goal of raising global cli- Zou Ji, president of Energy of the two nations and also the have captured photos and tury below a 2 C increase from mate ambition on mitigation, Foundation China, said the re- entire world, he added. videos of the birds. preindustrial levels and to adaptation and support on the sumption of China-US climate With various concrete actions “It’s so great to see glossy pursue efforts to limit the tem- road to the 26th UN Climate cooperation has far-reaching sig- to be taken, the joint statement ibises again,” said local bird- perature increase even further Change Conference of the nificance, as “it not only injects demonstrates the two countries’ watcher Wang Naizhu. “With to 1.5 C. Parties, or COP 26, to be held impetus into the multilateral willingness to promote practical the continual improvement “China and the United States in the United Kingdom in process of COP 26 and the Paris cooperation, he said. of the local environment are firmly committed to working November. Agreement, but also marks the According to the joint state- since 2009, they have finally together and with other parties Zhang Jianyu, founder and restart of dialogues on strategy ment, China and the US will come back.” to strengthen implementation chief representative of the and policy between the two gov- both take measures to phase out The glossy ibis, a close rel- of the Paris Agreement,” the Environmental Defense Fund’s ernments.” production and consumption of ative of the endangered joint statement said. China programme, said the joint He said the statement shows hydrofluorocarbons, a much crested ibis, is currently After reviewing the goals of statement shows that China that there are still valid founda- more potent greenhouse gas under China’s top level of the agreement, the two sides and the US have resumed their tions for cooperation between than carbon dioxide, as required state protection. Experts once pledged to make enhanced national-level climate coopera- the two countries on tackling by the Kigali Amendment to the believed the birds were ex- efforts to bring the goals into tion, which has been suspended the climate crisis, and the Montreal Protocol, which came tinct in the country due to reality while joining hands to for five years. two nations have “intelligence into effect in 2019. pollution and shrinking habi- identify and address opportuni- Sending a “strong, positive sig- and capability to roll out cooper- It also listed eight major areas tats. ties and challenges, it said. nal” to the international com- ation under complicated condi- that the two nations will dis- Thanks to strengthened The statement said China and munity, the statement will not tions”. cuss, including the decarboniza- local ecological restoration ef- the US both look forward to the only provide guidance but also Living up to expectations of tion of industry and power, forts, Xiapu County is now Leaders Summit on Climate add momentum to other nations’ the world, the statement is ex- energy efficient buildings and home to more than 280 bird hosted by the US on Thursday joint efforts to implement the pected to bring concrete bene- green, low-carbon transporta- species. and Friday.They share the sum- Paris Agreement, he said. fits to sustainable development tion. 8 • Wednesday April 21, 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 A bleak forecast By Dorian Bryan make it to this island. this country. This Govern- argument was political. Those without a vaccine ment must answer for its Sad reality in 21st century Be careful UNLESS you believe in must be placed in quaran- policy issues related to the Barbados. unicorns and an island off tine and this has to be en- tardiness related to the ex- What will be the plan ANOTHER year is rushing by and as we continue to our south-east coast with forced with the full force of pansion of water delivery going forward? Enforce- grapple with COVID-19 and more recently the fallout land selling at $1 a square our protective services. in this country. Why have ment of not allowing fats, from the volcanic eruptions at La Soufriere in St foot, then the prospects for COVID-19 is an existen- more desalination plans grease and other items to Vincent, we must continue to function cautiously. this island’s economy are tial threat to our country been so slow in implemen- be disposed in sewage sys- Frantic movements and decisions can lead to danger- bleak and, by extension, and its health. It is also a tation? Is there an imple- tem, and a careful atten- ous situations and injuries. our society is facing real threat to this island’s econ- mentation deficit, given the tion being paid to the pace During the critical early stages of the clean-up challenges. omy and society. When fact that we have a re- of development along the effort after the volcanic eruptions, there were many With vaccinations in- people are isolated, they source which surrounds coast line. Addressing the vehicular accidents as people sped through the streets creasing to combat cannot work and their fam- this country – water...duh! impact of sea water infil- to conduct their business. It was well publicised that COVID-19, this country is ilies lose critical income; This country deserves to tration under our existing the ash could make driving more dangerous because seeking to emerge from the then when released they hear what has become of coastline structures, espe- the roads become slippery; and in the case of wet ash, fear of the deadly disease to can face stigmatisation the tax imposed on water cially with the impacts of the mixture could cause sludge which is even more the prospect of a new global within workplaces. bills. We will have a cir- climate change on said hazardous when driving.These warnings were broad- outlook where COVID-19 When people know that cumstance where residents coastlines remains a good cast all over the media and still they were not heeded. might be contained, but someone had a disease, es- along Highway 2A and starting point. Luckily, it does not appear to have produced any se- never fully eliminated. pecially one as dangerous surrounding areas will re- Some businesses have vere injuries from those accidents or loss of life, and The prospect remains of as COVID-19, then some ceive bills which can realis- closed permanently.Those it is hoped that the drivers involved and others who a continuous vaccination to might not want to associate tically have minimum workers will have to try witnessed the incidents would begin to practise safer contain the spread of the with them for any pro- water usage, but maxi- and find work, in a de- driving on our roads. All persons should drive at a disease and the several longed period of time.That mum water tax. pressed working environ- speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions and try mutations which continue should not be the case, but This tax is unfair and ment, with precious little not to become distracted – even if they are extremely to develop, with booster we have to accept that should be repealed since opportunities. Some cus- competent drivers – because even if they are comfort- shots to stave off variants human nature is responsi- this country has received tomers are moving towards able risking their own lives, others have not agreed or mutations of the disease. ble for this. no update on a tax which online businesses to get to take such a risk. This includes other drivers, pas- This will be an ongoing COVID-19 restrictions was designed to aid with what they normally would sengers, cyclists, pedestrians and home occupants battle and this island must have impacted how busi- solutions to the South have sourced in person. who may be impacted by accidents caused by reckless remain vigilant to stave off nesses operate. Social dis- Coast sewage project. That is worrisome. driving. the disease which has un- tancing rules have meant Information on this project With a minimum wage Although many islands in the region consistently fortunately claimed several that fewer people will be has been insultingly slow. increase while businesses experience worse flooding than we do here in of our citizens. The deter- able to be in any enclosed This tax has been in place are now struggling to re- Barbados, we are not spared. At certain times of the mination, based on science, space for a prolonged pe- since the second quarter of gain some of their lost year, rescue missions are launched to save people will have to be made riod. It has led to long lines 2018, yet we are no closer market share and earn- whose houses and businesses are dangerously sur- whether this will have to outside supermarkets be- to the realisation of a new ings, we are facing a storm rounded by water, preventing them from safely be a yearly vaccine dose or fore they open. That has facility to deal with the unlike any we have seen leaving the premises and causing damage to vehicles not. been largely alleviated South Coast Sewage is- before. and household items. As a tourism destination, with more businesses sues, nor the admission Can businesses afford In an effort to prevent flooding caused by clogged the standing up of our being allowed to reopen, that solid waste manage- the increases? Can they af- drains, residents have been asked to follow strict pro- COVID-19 health complex but the necessary hassle ment is more than politi- ford to keep the levels of tocols for disposal of accumulated ash.These instruc- will have to continue. This of subjecting to tempera- cal catch-phrases. The employment, with precious tions are: to lightly dampen the ash and remove it by means a budgetary com- ture checks at every entry most recent issues involved little economic activity on sweeping or shovelling it up. After removing the ash mitment towards isolation point will discourage a system which was out- the island? from roofs and guttering, it should all be placed in facilities and the prolonged anyone from venturing dated for the rapid increase This while tourism work- sealed garbage bags and persons should not dump the implementation of proto- into any business unless in types of facilities which ers are effectively out of ash in the streets. In one press conference, the Prime cols, which will become a critical. we were using it, and for work. The secondary sec- Minister explained that the bagged ash will be col- part of our daily lives. That means businesses what was being dumped in tors which depend on lected for proper disposal. The wearing of masks, will suffer. Look at the sewage system. tourists are impacted as Whilst completing cleaning, homeowners also need using hand sanitiser and Bridgetown – most places Of course, the focus on it well.Tourism numbers are to take extra care to avoid accidents. Persons should implementing social dis- which have long lines are was political from various also down, yet we are to ensure that if they are uncertain about how to do a tancing rules will have to supermarkets and maybe sources, but the reality hope for better. certain task, especially if it is electrical, a profes- be enforced. bill payment services. is that regardless of admin- Government keeps men- sional should be contacted. The idea of inviting That means that tradi- istration, the problem got tioning capital projects and Ash will continue to be in our atmosphere for some tourists to this country tional retail will suffer. progressively worse as the tourism related projects, time, so children and the elderly should be encouraged must come with an under- This can be countered ini- South Coast became at- but that does not address to wear the advised N95 masks which block the ash standing that our rules tially with a series of sales tractive for tourism ven- the deepening economic particles, or wear two cloth or disposable masks to must be adhered to, with to encourage people to ues, businesses and beach storm which will filter into limit the amount of ash inhaled. no exceptions. Verifiable spend, but it has to be done access. Million dollar facil- the economy and society Although volcanic eruptions in the region are rela- proof of a COVID-19 vac- if business-owners want to ities were built but the in- which are linked. tively rare and therefore significant ashfall in cine, whether it is a single maintain their businesses. frastructure to enable a vi- We were told that the Barbados may occur once or twice in a century,a plan dose or a full vaccination Add to this the unaccept- able sewage system was economy was critical. It is can still be put in place to assist residents in prepa- must come when visitors able water issues facing not implemented, but the now on life support! ration for such events. For this reason, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has decided to add ashfall as a hazard in the island’s updated disaster management plan. The Atlantic Hurricane season approaches again Amnesty: Middle East states dominate list and it is expected that it will be another active one. The Prime Minister has already given clear instructions to the public to make sure that the of top executioners in 2020 on-going cleaning of volcanic ash not be allowed to Four of the world’s five top execu- according to a report by the human The overall number of executions jeopardise future safety of residents.This would occur tioners in 2020 were Middle East rights group. recorded in the Middle East and if ash is collected and dumped into open drains and states, Amnesty International says. It accuses them of displaying “a North Africa fell from 579 in 2019 to gullies. Iran, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia ruthless and chilling persistence” in 437 in 2020, Amnesty International In terms of preparing for further disasters, plans accounted for 88% of the 483 putting people to death despite the said in its annual report on use of must also be put in place to keep everyone safe. reported executions worldwide, challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. the death penalty. Barbadians have been inundated with negative news lately and are not interested in receiving any more of Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes it. No matter what you do, remember to keep safety 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 at the forefront so that we can all continue to live Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan healthy and happy lives in these uncertain times. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 21, 2021 • 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • FAX: 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] Time to throw off the shackles Difficult NOW that letter-writer George I am compelled to state that I Before rushing helter-skelter S Griffith has written to have penned no less than three and blindfolded down the road the editor about the “onerous letters in the past few years towards republicanism, we and unreasonable” notices about notices at government must be prepared to loosen the conversations: posted at the entrances of buildings forbidding the wear- ties that can bind and restrict Government buildings, it is my ing of certain apparel, clothing potential for the achievement hope that some good common- and styles. of our worthwhile goals and ob- sense will prevail and those Specifically, a notice at jectives. Fake news signs will be removed in short the entrance to the Registration We owe it to ourselves, our order. Department of the Supreme compatriots and our country. AFTER the volcanic eruption in to contend, so that the truth may Those signs are more than Court building prohibiting Please throw off the shackles. St Vincent, the Government be revealed by discussing an onerous and unreasonable. male and female short pants, Otherwise, we run the risk of held a news conference on 11 exchange of ideas. Those signs are insulting, shirts worn outside trousers, becoming a laughing-stock for April 2021, and declared that unnecessary, incommodious spaghetti straps, sleeveless the more progressive nation- fake news was killing us. The Barbados news media and clash with the customs and blouses and other such states of the world. Government explained that the Barbados’ news media have a modes of dress and fashion clothing. Commissioner of Police will be mix of responses to fake news. A typical of a people living in a MICHAEL asked to follow-up on fake news, few of them allow evidence- subtropical climate. Loosen the ties that bind RAY since it can lead to a loss of life. based discussions. This allows I expected the press to ask the public to see which argu- some questions about this new ments are supported by the path on which Barbados is being evidence, and which ones are directed. But the Government based on speculation. The re- A Biden-Putin summit: charmed the media present by mainder only allow the views of giving them an honorary non- their political party on politi- fake news title. It seems that cally sensitive topics. the media did not want to risk When media outlets spread Jaw-jaw is better than war-war having this new title taken obvious fake news, and block away. evidence-based discussions ON April 13, US president Joe “nation-building” quagmires mats assured their Russian At the news conference, the that can expose fake news as Biden spoke by phone with ending in embarrassing de- counterparts that peaceful dis- public was advised to repeatedly false, then it prompts citizens to Russian president Vladimir feats. solution of the Warsaw Pact sweep the ash from their roofs. ask why. Once people try Putin, whom he has previously Even if we accept as undi- would not result in NATO’s ex- I strongly advised against this, to answer that ‘why’ question, referred to, in pot/kettle fash- luted truth every bad thing pansion eastward. They broke noting foreseen death from they risk having their sugges- ion, as a “killer”. During the Kasparov tells us about their word. NATO has since falling off a slippery ladder. tions labelled conspiracy call, Biden proposed a summit Putin – that he’s a dictator gobbled up much of the terri- Last week, someone died from theories. between the two in the near fu- kept in power by oligarchs, tory in question, impinging falling off a ladder while trying ture. that he ruthlessly suppresses Russia’s sphere of influence to follow the advice. To whom Disservice to our youth Writing in the Wall Street domestic political opposition, and massing militarily on its should the Commissioner of The fear of discussing issues is Journal, Russian chess legend that his regime meddles in US borders. From the Russian per- Police be sent? doing the next generation of and political exile Garry elections and hacks US com- spective, the pro-NATO coup Barbadians a grave disservice. Kasparov denounces the idea: puter systems, and that his in Ukraine was apparently the Fake news careers They need to witness an honest “A summit? With a killer? support for independent re- last straw. Politicians normally make a ca- discussion of ideas, not a perse- In one stroke, Mr. Biden gave publics which seceded from At the moment, the Russia- reer out of falsely accusing their cution of those brave enough to Mr. Putin exactly what he Ukraine after the US-backed Ukraine conflict is more or political opponents – the ulti- offer different explanations of craves, equal status with the coup there in 2014 is a de facto less “frozen.” But if it thaws to- mate fake news. When they the evidence. president of the United invasion and occupation of ward war pitting US and form a government, they nor- Why are our media prevent- States.” Ukraine itself – those things NATO troops against Russian mally create fake news to avoid ing the next generation of Kasparov is mistaken. establish, rather than contra- forces there likely won’t be any disclosing inconvenient informa- Barbadians from benefiting Putin already enjoys that dict, the fact that Putin is a winners. tion. from evidence-based discus- equal status. He rules a coun- key actor on the world political In 1958, British prime Fake news is information that sions? try spanning two continents, stage. minister Harold Mcmillan, is provably false. All news In countries like North Korea, with a population of 150 mil- Nor, no matter what we paraphrasing predecessor media, without exception, their media persons must fear- lion. He commands a nuclear think of Putin, can we deny Winston Churchill, held that spread fake news. Some do it fully promote fake news as arsenal rivalling that of that the Russian Federation “jaw-jaw is better than war- unintentionally, and then issue truth, to avoid being executed. the US, and armed forces of would have real and vexing war.” corrections once they become That may be a valid excuse for similar size but with a seem- grievances with the US He was right. Joe Biden and aware of their errors. Others in- promoting fake news. So, what ingly much better 21st century whether he was running things Vladimir Putin need to have a tentionally spread what they is Barbados’ news media’s record of accomplishing their or not. long, serious talk. know to be false, in service to excuse? objectives instead of getting In 1990, as eastern Europe’s their political party. bogged down in decades- communist regimes began to THOMAS An independent press will GRENVILLE long “counter-insurgency” and disintegrate, western diplo- L. KNAPP allow all evidence-based ideas PHILLIPS II

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Aretha Franklin Beyonce Knowles “David also said to Solomon his (1942-2018) (1981) MAKING DREAMS son, “Be strong and coura- American singer, songwriter, American singer and COME TRUE geous, and do the work. Do not actress, pianist, and civil rights songwriter be afraid or discouraged, for activist The best way to make the LORD God, my God, is with “If everything was perfect, “We all require and want respect, dreams come true is to you. He will not fail you or for- you would never learn and man or woman, black or white. wake up. sake you until all the work for you would never grow.” It’s our basic human right.” the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. ” – 1 Chronicles 28:20 10 • Wednesday April 21, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Stocks close lower on Wall Street, led by tech and banks STOCKS closed lower The S&P 500 index was of smaller company stocks, on Wall Street, led by down 0.9% as of 2:27 p.m. which has been outpacing drops in technology Eastern. The Dow Jones the broader market all companies and banks. Industrial Average fell 332 year, was taking the brunt The S&P 500 gave points, or 1% to 33,746 and of the losses, shedding back 0.7%, pulling the the technology-heavy 2.4%. index further below Nasdaq slid 1.2% after The market has been the record high it set on shedding an early gain. swaying between gains Stocks closed lower on Wall Street, led by drops in technology companies and Friday. Small-company Bond yields fell and and record highs to pull- banks. stocks, which have weighed down banks, backs as investors weigh been beating the rest of which rely on higher yields solid economic growth Jablonski, chief invest- the economy from the coro- Kansas City Southern the market in recent to charge more lucrative against the risks still posed ment officer at Defiance navirus pandemic. jumped 16.4% after an- months, fell more than interest on loans.The yield by the virus pandemic. ETFs. On average, analysts ex- other Canadian railway other sectors. on the 10-year Treasury That push and pull will Investors are in the mid- pect quarterly profits company offered to buy the Investors are focusing on fell to 1.56% from 1.60%. likely continue as vaccine dle of first-quarter earn- across the S&P 500 to be railroad for $33.7 billion, company earnings reports Bank of America fell 3% distribution rolls on and ings season. Roughly 80 up 24% from a year ear- far higher than a $25 bil- that are steadily coming and Citigroup dropped various industries members of the S&P 500 lier, according to FactSet. lion offer made by out this week. On average, 3.7%. reopen. will report their results United Airlines slid 9.4% Canadian Pacific last analysts expect profits Technology stocks “Overall, we’re going to this week, as well as one after reporting a loss that month. across the S&P 500 to be accounted for the biggest have some volatility in the out of every three mem- was wider than analysts Markets in Europe also up 24% from a year ear- share of the decline in market this year, but bers of the Dow. Wall were expecting, and drug- fell. Germany’s DAX lost lier, according to FactSet. stocks, putting more everything to me looks Street will be looking to see maker Abbott fell after re- 1.6%, France’s CAC 40 slid Kansas City Southern rose pressure on the broader fairly rosy for the next six if Corporate America is re- porting revenue that fell 2.1% and Britain’s FTSE after another Canadian market. Apple fell 1.7%. months or so,” said Sylvia covering with the rest of short of forecasts. 100 gave up 2%. railway company made an The broader market took offer for the railroad. a more defensive posture Stocks were down in as utilities, real estate afternoon trading yester- stocks and a mix of compa- day,giving up more of their nies that make consumer recent gains as investors staples like food and weighed the latest batch of household products gained company earnings reports ground. General Mills rose for clues about the health 1.5% and Clorox rose 2.8%. of Corporate America. The Russell 2000 index

BANK RATES Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. Valid for April 21, 2021

Notes: Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 Canadian Dollar 1.56393 1.61019 East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 Euro 2.35551 2.45469 Pound Sterling 2.72787 2.84273 United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 Demand/Sight: Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Netflix Inc yesterday reported fewer paid subscribers in the third quarter as streaming competition in- Canadian Dollar 1.57283 1.60877 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 creased and live sports returned to television. Euro 2.39007 2.43946 Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 Pound Sterling 2.76789 2.82509 United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 Netflix misses expectations for paid Telegraphic Transfer Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.57581 1.60877 subscriber additions, shares slump East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.39457 2.43946 Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 NETFLIX INC added pandemic-led lockdown eted rivals like Walt ing to IBES data from Pound Sterling 2.74542 2.82509 fewer-than-expected paid last year also seems to be Disney Co’s Disney+ and Refinitiv. United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 subscribers in the first slowing due to vaccine roll- AT&T’s HBO Max, who Revenue rose to $7.16 quarter, weighed down by outs that have accelerated are looking to grab market billion from $5.77 billion INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL a lighter content slate in theater reopenings and share from Netflix, has in- during the quarter, CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE the first half of the year live sport events, giving tensified. edging past estimates of RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS due to Covid-19 production people more avenues The company said yes- $7.13 billion. N.B.: These rates are not meant to be used for trading. delays, sending shares of entertainment. terday it added 3.98 mil- Net income rose to $1.71 BDS$ tumbling 10% in after- Moreover, with more lion paid subscribers in the billion, or $3.75 per share, Guyana Dollar 0.00945 Jamaica Dollar 0.01322 market trading. households opting for quarter ended March 31. from $709 million, or T&T Dollar 0.29700 The rapid growth in sub- streaming over cable, the Analysts had expected it $1.57 per share, a year scriber base during the competition with big-pock- to add 6.25 million, accord- earlier. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 21, 2021 • 11

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline April 20, 2021 GODDARD ENTERPRISES LIMITED 598 2.2 2.2 2.2 0

One security traded firm as 598 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $1,315.60. Goddard Enterprises limited was the sole security trading 598 shares at $2.20.

Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $22.35 $22.41 $0.06 SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Wednesday April 21, 2021

LAST TRADE VOLUME HIGH LOW LAST CURRENT PRICE BID ASK BID ASK DATE CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE PRICE PRICE SIZE SIZE

ABV Investments Incorporated 15-Oct-20 - - - $0.05 $0.05 - $0.10 $0.30 1 10,498

BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 70 - INDICES Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES April 20, 2021 April 19, 2021 Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - Local 2,454.63 2,454.56 (0.07) Cross-list 1,140.86 1,140.86 - Barbados Farms Limited 18-Mar-21 - - - $0.68 $0.68 - $0.30 $0.40 7,574 6,561 Composite 601.19 601.17 (0.02) Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 23-Mar-21 - - - $4.10 $4.10 - $4.00 $4.10 72 1,081 MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions)

FirstCaribbean International Bank 14-Apr-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - - $1.80 - 11,126 TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES April 20, 2021 April 19 2021 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 12-Apr-21 - - - $0.16 $0.16 - - $0.16 - 1168 Local 4,934.02 4,933.89 0.13 - Dev Fund Cross-list 145.67 145.67 - Composite 5,079.70 5,079.57 0.13 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 01-Apr-21 - - - $0.56 $0.56 - $0.56 $0.58 5522 51870 MUTUAL FUND April 20, 2021 -Value Fund ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV CHANGE Goddard Enterprises Limited 20-Apr-21 598 2.2 2.2 $2.20 $2.20 0 $2.2 $2.23 1624 7462 16-Apr-21 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2629 0.0051 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 18-Mar-21 - - - $2.00 $2.00 - $1.78 $2.00 56,258 19,274 16-Apr-21 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2667 0.0003 16-Apr-21 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6767 -0.0002 One Caribbean Media Limited 30-Mar-21 - - - $2.20 $2.20 - - $2.20 - 1601 09-Apr-21 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.7773 6.7773 6.7773 0.0574 09-Apr-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.1004 0.0062 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 09-Apr-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0028 0.0030 31-Mar-21 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.6411 5.6411 5.5283 0.0393 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - - - $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - 31-Mar-21 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0516 1.0516 1.0306 0.0147 31-Mar-21 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6443 1.6443 1.6114 0.0016 West India Biscuit Company Limited 03-Mar-21 - - - $31.25 $31.25 - $31.35 - 100 - 16-Apr-21 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.82 0.03 Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $22.35 $22.41 $0.06 $25.01 - 100 - 16-Apr-21 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.74 0.02 16-Apr-21 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.99 0.01 * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD 598 NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. * = Security is Trading X-Div m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly *+* = Security is Suspended Fixed Income

** = Rights Issued Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 15-Apr-21 $60.00 $60.00 $80.00 34,828 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 NOTICES GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $70.00 19,617 Emera Incorporated - Directors have fixed March 22nd, 2021 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on May 20th, 2021. NEWS DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS West India Biscuit Company Limited – Directors have declared an interim dividend of twenty-five ($0.25) cents per share to be Home Depot to face boycott paid on April 30th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on April 19th, 2021.

Emera Deposit Receipt - Directors have declared a cash dividend of sixty-three point seven five (CDN $0.6375) cents per over Georgia voting curbs common share to be paid on May 17th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on May 3rd, 2020. Registered RELIGIOUS leaders in to media on Tuesday. holders of depositary receipts ("Depositary Receipts") issued pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Amended and Restated Deposit Georgia on Tuesday will “Blacks and others have Agreement dated February 2nd, 2016 among Emera, the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. and registered and call for a boycott of Home become wary and frus- beneficial holders of depositary receipts from time to time, are entitled to receive, in proportion to the number of Depositary Receipts held by them, respectively, a distribution in the amount of any cash received by the Barbados Central Securities Depot Inc because of its si- trated with spending their Depository Inc. (net of any applicable withholding taxes) in connection with the Dividend (the "Distribution"). lence on the state's new vot- money (at) companies that ing curbs that activists say do not support us on our BSE NOTICES make it harder for Black right to vote and other is- COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE people and other racial mi- sues,” Jackson said last Effective March 29th, 2021, the offices of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central Securities norities to vote. week. Depository Inc. (BCSDI) have reopened. Our office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Other Georgia-based cor- Republicans across the Kindly note that mandatory digital temperature checks and hand sanitizing for all persons entering the building will be enforced. porations – including Delta country are using former These checks will be conducted on both staff and clients alike by trained personnel. While we acknowledge that every person Air Lines Inc and Coca-Cola President Donald Trump's with fever may not be COVID-19 positive and that some individuals may present without symptoms, please note that any person Co – have been meeting false claims of voter fraud with a temperature reading of 100? F (37.8? C) or over will be denied entry to conduct business within our offices. with the activists for weeks to back state-level voting and issued statements op- changes they say are We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding, however, we must emphasize that this is a necessary step for the protection of staff and clients alike. posing the voting restric- needed to restore election tions. integrity. TRADING SUSPENSION Coca-Cola also hosted a Opponents of the moves The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to meeting of several compa- say they are intended to Section 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings nies on April 13 with the disenfranchise citizens who Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. faith leaders, but Home tend not to vote Depot did not attend and Republican. The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy has since “ignored a series More than 100 U.S. com- Industries Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. of follow-up requests, and panies including Apple Inc, has failed to speak publicly Amazon.com Inc, Ford The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected on the new law,” the ac- Motor Co and Starbucks by way of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in tivists – led by AME Bishop Corp have declared their Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Reginald Jackson and rep- opposition to voting curbs Corporation Limited. resenting more than 1,000 that a number of states are chruches – said in a notice considering implementing. 12 • Wednesday April 21, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

PM Skerrit: Police brutality Blinken to meet virtually will not be tolerated with 15 C’bean FMs WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet ROSEAU, Dominica – Prime Minister our country,” the Prime Minister said. virtually today with 15 foreign Roosevelt Skerrit is sending a clear Skerrit is also of the view that in many ministers of the Caribbean message to the members of the instances where protest actions led to Community (CARICOM), State Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force physical altercations between civilians Department spokesman Ned Price (CDPF) that police brutality will not be tol- and police, the officers have exercised con- said. erated by his government but is also straint. “They will discuss a number of issues cautioning civilians to respect the law “We have to understand that while we affecting our region, including climate enforcement officers. can demonstrate our disgust or our dissat- change and disaster resilience Just four months into the year, people isfaction with a particular matter,we must and reinforce the deep bond we have stated publicly in three different mat- do it within the confines of the law and not share with our Caribbean neighbours,” ters, that they will be seeking redress engage ourselves in troublemaking,” he Price said in a regular news against the police force for what they label noted.“But the investigation of these mat- briefing yesterday, adding that the police brutality. ters is ongoing and they will be investi- United States was continuing to Skerrit entertained reporters on his gated but the police also has a duty to support the people of Saint Vincent weekly talk show programme on Sunday maintain law and order and people must after the volcanic eruption on the and when questioned on what his govern- not believe that they can come and as- eastern Caribbean island earlier this ment is prepared to do to remedy the sit- sault the police officers or assault citizens month. uation, the head of government responded and not be held responsible.” The United Nations launched an by insisting that no individual is immune Skerrit urged citizens to not politicise appeal on Tuesday for $29.2 million to to prosecution except the President. the discussion or make it a partisan issue, help some 15 000 people displaced by “The issue of police brutality,no matter as the police are there to assist every res- the April 9 eruption of La Soufriere, where it happens, should not be tolerated ident of the country. which spewed dark clouds of ash some and I can say that this government will not “We have to understand that when we six miles (10 km) into the air and tolerate it,” he affirmed. find ourselves in difficulties where our prompted an evacuation. While indicating that his government rights have been violated, who are we The volcano, which had been inactive will not get involved in the process as, ac- going to call?,“he asked.“And when we call for decades, has continued to rumble cording to him, the Attorney General’s the police, how do we expect the police to and vent ash. Office has the obligation, as the country’s respond? The police cannot allow lawless- Four Caribbean nations are among legal custodian, to ensure the right of the ness to take place and just stand by idle only 14 countries around the world that public is respected, Skerrit gave the assur- and not bring order into the country.” maintain diplomatic relations with ance that the matters are being investi- According to the PM, the police have to Taiwan, a self-ruled, Chinese-claimed gated. maintain law and order and uphold their island the United States is bound by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “So whether you’re a police officer or duty to protect the protesters and also, law to provide with the means of you’re a bus driver or you’re a politician or the people going about their daily lives. defence. Guyana, where the regional organisa- school teacher, we all are subject to the Nevertheless, he reiterated that where Washington has been angered by tion is headquartered, abruptly laws of the country and the constitution there is excessive action from the police,it China’s efforts to persuade countries to terminated an agreement with Taiwan provides for people’s rights and privileges is important to have the matter investi- switch their diplomatic recognition to open an office there, hours after and we all have to respect each other’s gated and charge be brought, if they are at from Taipei to Beijing. China urged Georgetown to “correct rights as enshrined in the constitution of fault. In February, CARICOM member their mistake.” Vincentian man climbs volcano; scientist says action ‘dotish’

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent – The lead sci- the people who might have to rescue “We have to be very brave to face the In its latest bulletin the SRC said that entist monitoring La Soufrière volcano, them,” the volcanologist added. circumstances. If we want to live in this following this, some small, long-period and Professor Richard Robertson, yesterday A video has been circulating on social land that is really beautiful we have to hybrid earthquakes started to be recorded described as dotish and not an act of brav- media showing the man, later identified as deal with the volcano, we have to deal with again, at a rate similar to that before the ery the decision by a man to climb the “our guide”, going to the summit of the the hazards. You have to be brave to explosive activity. It said that this rate erupting volcano on Sunday. volcano which has been erupting since protect your family – that is brave. dropped significantly during the early “It is absolutely foolish; it is absolutely April 9 and has forced the evacuation of “Going up the mountain at this point in hours of Monday.. dotish to do that. People talk about brav- more than 16,000 people in the red zone time where you could be killed or where It said that the continuous GPS ery and to me somebody is brave when you area. you could get people with you killed, or you network is used to track changes in ground are aware of the risks that you put In the video the person is seen, without could inspire people who saw you that [it] shape on and around the volcano. As yourself through because of some positive a face mask, taking video selfies at the is a sensible thing to do the same thing, magma moves beneath the volcano, job, or they need to contribute to society in smouldering crater and describing the that is not brave, that is dotish. That is changes in pressure cause the volcano a fundamental way and you still take the scene – while a strong wind blows and what I would call it. I am sorry if I offend to change shape (inflate/deflate). action to save your family or something steam rises from the cauldron. He also anybody with that type of language,” “These changes may suggest magma like that,” Robertson told listeners to the captures video of a person climbing. Robertson told radio listeners. influx from deep within the sub-volcanic State-owned NBC Radio. “I would suggest that action like that is On Sunday the volcano continued its system, however more investigation is “So you are aware of the risk. You know not sensible. At this time I think for me, pattern of explosions.The University of the needed to confirm this interpretation,” you could be killed or you know you could people in St Vincent need to be brave, be West Indies Seismic Research Centre the SRC said, adding “the volcano be hurt, but you still do it. That's a brave bare to what we have to face. We have to (SRC) said that the episode of continuous continues to erupt. Its pattern of seismic person. A brave person is not somebody face a country in which we will have seismic tremor generated by explosive activity over the last few days is typical who goes up to the mountain, putting tremendous devastation because of the activity at La Soufrière lasted until about of the growth and destruction of themselves and their parties at risk and volcano. 9 pm. lava domes...”

Mix of sunshine and clouds with a few brief isolated light showers

High: 10:27 a.m. and --:-- p.m. London: 11°C CLEAR Yesterday: 0.6 mm Boston: 23°C CLOUDY Low: 4:32 a.m. For the month: 21.5 mm Max: 29.6°C Montreal: 09°C CLOUDY and 5:37 p.m. For the year: 239.0 mm Min: 25.0°C Toronto: 03°C OVERCAST New York: 17°C FAIR 5:42 a.m. 6:12 p.m. Miami: 28°C PARTLY CLOUDY The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 21, 2021 • 13

Largest shipment of COVID-19 vaccines arrives in Guyana

THE largest consignment of COVID- Sputnik V vaccine is different from the second dose, so that those persons who announced that 86,601 people across 19 vaccines, some 83,000 doses of the first, according to Health Minister would require their second dose, we will Guyana received their first dose of one of Russian Sputnik V vaccine, arrived Dr. Frank Anthony. have those second doses ready,” he said on the three vaccines across Guyana. On at the Cheddi Jagan International During his daily COVID-19 update on Monday before the arrival of the Friday last, Guyana began vaccinating Airport (CJIA) on Monday morning. Monday, he explained that the first dose vaccines. all individuals aged 18 years and older,in- Monday’s shipment is the third set of of the Sputnik V is known as Component Dr. Anthony also highlighted that dicating a significant scale-up in the local Sputnik V vaccines the country has r One, while the second is called another batch of the second dose of the vaccination rollout. eceived, after the government managed to Component Two. To be fully vaccinated vaccines is expected in the country shortly. Guyana still has some more vaccines to secure a procurement deal of 400,000 with this vaccine, an individual must As these vaccines arrive, they will be dis- receive from Russia through the procure- vaccine doses, which are administered in receive the first and second doses. tributed countrywide. ment deal that was made.Additionally,in two components at 200,000 doses each. “With these two (components), we will These 83,000 vaccines mean that the initial distribution phase, the COVAX Previously, Guyana received a total of be able to fully vaccinate 200,000 people,” Guyana has received a total of 265,000 facility, which is a global inter-organisa- 55,000 doses of the Russian vaccine. the minister said. He also assured vaccine doses. Earlier, 3,000 Oxford- tional effort geared at promoting vaccine President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently said members of the public that when persons AstraZeneca vaccines were received from equity,promised Guyana 100,800 vaccine that the country is paying US$4M (or are ready to receive their second dose, Barbados, after that country received a doses. With that facility only distributing more than G$800M) for 200,000 doses of which would be some 28 days after they donation from India; 20,000 Sinopharm 24,000 doses to Guyana thus far,the coun- the Sputnik V. would have gotten the first ‘jab’, the doses were received as a donation from try is still expected to receive a further This Sputnik V vaccine, like the Component Two vaccines will be made China; a further 80,000 AstraZeneca vac- 76,800 doses by May. Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vac- available. cines were received from India; 55,000 As Guyana awaits those vaccines, cines that Guyana has been using in its “We have received the first shipment of Sputnik V vaccines were received in two Dr.Anthony also confirmed that Guyana COVID-19 vaccination rollout, is given in those first doses and today; we will be re- shipments, and 24,000 AstraZeneca would be interested in ordering more two doses. While the second dose of the ceiving 43,000 of the first dose to comple- vaccines were also received through the vaccines from Russian in order to meet AstraZeneca and the Sinopharm is iden- ment what we already received as first COVAX facility. the local target of vaccinating the adult tical to the first, the second dose of the dose, and we will be getting 40,000 of the And on Monday, the Health Minister population by year-end. Argentina produces Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine in regional first MOSCOW/BUENOS AIRES –- An “We estimate that, if the process is the last week, forcing the government to Argentine firm has produced test positive, scale production would begin in tighten restrictions in and around batches of Russia’s Sputnik V June 2021,” Richmond said in capital city Buenos Aires and pledge to COVID-19 vaccine, the first in Latin a statement, adding it aimed to have the speed up its vaccination programme. America, with aims to scale up man- vaccine ready “in the shortest Russian scientist Denis Logunov,a lead ufacturing of the drug by mid-year as possible time for the country and the re- developer of the Sputnik V vaccine, said on the wider region grapples with a new gion.” Friday that the vaccine had proven itself surge in infections. Argentina’s inoculation program has 97.6% effective against COVID-19 in a Russian sovereign wealth fund RDIF relied heavily on Sputnik V. The South real-world assessment, based on data and Laboratorios Richmond said on American country was one of the first from 3.8 million people. Tuesday that the Argentina pharmaceu- globally to use the vaccine on scale to in- That was higher than the 91.6% rate tical company had carried out the test oculate its population and has faced de- outlined in results from a large-scale production and that the batches would lays getting other vaccines. trial of Sputnik V published in Doses of the Sputnik V (Gam-COVID- be sent to Russia’s Gamaleya Institute The country has seen cases of the novel The Lancet medical journal earlier this Vac) vaccine against the coronavirus for quality inspection. coronavirus hit daily records highs over year. disease (COVID-19). UN to provide food to Venezuela children amid crisis THE United Nations’ World Food child deaths had risen by 30% from the Programme (WFP) has reached a deal previous year. with the government of Nicolás Maduro The health minister at the time, in Venezuela to provide food to the coun- Antonieta Caporale, was sacked shortly try’s schoolchildren. after her department made the figures Child malnutrition has been on the rise public. as Venezuela’s once-prosperous economy The World Food Programme will set has gone into freefall and health services up a presence in Venezuela and aims to have collapsed. provide daily meals to 1.5 million stu- More than 5.3 million Venezuelans dents by the end of 2023. have fled their home country amid the The WFP will focus first on the most crisis. vulnerable children, those in pre-primary The WFP aims to reach 185 000 school and special education schools. It says that children by the end of this year. schools are the best way to reach commu- A study by the World Food Programme nities “in an independent manner”. published in 2020 suggested that one in Critics of President Maduro have in three Venezuelans was not able to put the past accused him of trying to use in- enough food on the table to meet mini- ternational aid to bolster his rule by mum nutrition requirements and was handing the aid only to those who back “in need of assistance”. his party. The study says that Venezuelans’ lack The government’s own food subsidy of dietary diversity was “of major con- scheme, known as Clap, has been cern” with many families not getting denounced by US officials as “vastly enough meat, fish, eggs, vegetables and Many Venezuelan parents are struggling to feed their children and have been re- corrupted” and as a way for government fruits. sorting to soup kitchens. officials to make money from vastly Families live mainly on cereals, roots overvalued contracts. and tubers, to which they add pulses, A 2020 WFP report placed Venezuela mortality to rise. WFP Executive Director David Beasley such as beans and lentils, the study – among the top four countries worldwide The Venezuelan government has not thanked President Maduro “for allowing which was based on a nationwide survey suffering from food insecurity. released any figures on infant mortality us to be independent and to not let any of more than 8 000 Venezuelans – Doctors are also reporting that severe in the past four years, but the health of our work to be politicised suggests. malnutrition is causing rates of infant ministry’s report for 2017 showed that by anybody”. 14 • Wednesday April 21, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Ex-cop Chauvin guilty of murder and manslaughter in Floyd case MINNEAPOLIS – Former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted yesterday of murder and manslaughter for pinning George Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black man’s neck in a case that touched off worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the US. Chauvin, 45, could be sent to prison for decades. Chauvin faces up to 75 years in prison People elated by the verdict flooded the when he returns for sentencing in surrounding streets downtown upon eight weeks. hearing the news. Cars blared their horns, and people ran through traffic, waving- An ecstatic Whitney Lewis leaned banners. halfway out a car window in a growing Floyd family members gathered at a traffic jam of revellers waving a Black Minneapolis conference room could be Lives Matter flag. “Justice was served,” heard cheering from the next room as the 32-year-old from Minneapolis said. each verdict was read. People holding placards after the verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis “It means George Floyd can now rest.” The jury of six white people and six police officer Derek Chauvin, in front of Hennepin County Government Center, The verdict was read in a courthouse Black or multiracial people came back in Minneapolis, Minnesota, April 20, 2021. ringed with concrete barriers and razor with its verdict after about ten hours of wire and patrolled by National Guard deliberations over two days. Chauvin was he was led away with his hands cuffed crowd roared, many people hugging, some troops, in a city on edge against another found guilty on all charges: second-degree behind his back. Sentencing will be in shedding tears. round of unrest – not just because of the unintentional murder, third-degree mur- two months. At the intersection where Floyd was Chauvin case but because of the deadly der and second-degree manslaughter. As the judge asked jurors if they pinned down, a crowd chanted, “One police shooting of a young Black man, His face was obscured by a COVID-19 reached a verdict, a hush fell on the crowd down, three to go!” – a reference to the Daunte Wright, in a Minneapolis suburb mask, and little reaction could be seen 300 strong in a park adjacent to the court- three other fired Minneapolis police April 11. beyond his eyes darting around the house, with people listening to the pro- officers facing trial in August on charges The jurors’ identities were kept secret courtroom. ceedings on their cellphones. When the of aiding and abetting murder in Floyd’s and will not be released until the judge His bail was immediately revoked and final guilty verdict was announced, the death. decides it is safe to do so. Rebels vow to take capital after Chadian president killed N’DJAMENA, Chad – Chad’s president rule could also align with the calls for of three decades died of wounds suffered change, he said. during a visit to front-line troops battling “Either scenario presents a high risk of a shadowy rebel group, the military civilian casualties and a likelihood that announced Tuesday, just hours after he fleeing civilians or soldiers could export was declared the winner of an election Chad’s instability to neighbouring states.” that would have given him another Deby’s 37-year-old son, Mahamat, is best six years in power. known as a top commander of the Chadian While the military quickly named forces aiding a U.N. peacekeeping mission President Idriss Deby Itno’s son as the in northern Mali. The military said country’s interim leader, the rebel group Tuesday he now will head an 18-month claiming responsibility for his death vowed transitional council following his father’s to continue its fight for the capital – setting death. the stage for a potentially bloody battle for However, Chad’s constitution calls for political control of the oil-producing central the National Assembly to step in when African nation. a president dies while in office. “Chad is not a monarchy. There can be The military called for calm, instituting no dynastic devolution of power in our a 6 p.m. curfew and closing the country’s In this Wednesday, February 6, 2008 file photo, Chad's President Idriss Deby country,” the rebels said in a statement land and air borders as panic kept many Itno, center-right, meets with French Defense Minister Herve Morin, center- late Tuesday. “The forces of the Front for inside their homes in the capital, left, in N'Djamena, Chad. Change and Concord are heading toward N’Djamena. N’Djaména at this very moment. With “In the face of this worrying situation, The army only said Tuesday that Deby how a head of state could have been killed, confidence, but above all with courage and the people of Chad must show their had fought heroically but was wounded in saying it cast doubt on his protective determination.” commitment to peace, to stability, and to a battle. He was then taken to the capital guard. The Chadian military has The circumstances of Deby’s death national cohesion,”Gen.Azem Bermandoa where he died of unspecified wounds. only acknowledged five deaths in remained murky and some observers im- Agouma said. The United Nations has about 1,800 weekend fighting in which it said it killed mediately questioned the events leading The circumstances of Deby’s death could staffers in Chad and spokesperson 300 rebels. up to Tuesday’s stunning announcement, not immediately be independently con- Stephane Dujarric said in New York that “We still don’t have the whole story,” raising the question of whether the mili- firmed due to the remote location of the the U.N. was “watching the situation hour Laith Alkhouri, a global intelligence tary handing over power to Deby’s son in- fighting. by hour.” adviser, told The Associated Press. “It stead of following the constitutional provi- The government has released few Some residents of the capital said they raises concerns regarding the security sions in place amounted to a coup. Others details of its efforts to put down the rebel- feared there was more to the story of forces’ assessment of the clashes and their raised fears of violence in the days to come. lion in northern Chad, though it did an- Deby’s demise. intelligence regarding the severity of “There is a great deal of uncertainty nounce Saturday that it had “totally deci- “The rumors that are going around the situation.” around how events in Chad will unfold: mated” one rebel column of fighters. about the transitional council give me the Deby,former army commander-in-chief, Whether the army will stay loyal to Deby’s The rebel group later put out a state- impression that some information is false,” was a major French ally in the fight son and continue the effort to repel the ment saying fierce battles had erupted Thierry Djikoloum said.“They are already against Islamic extremism in Africa, advancing rebels?” said Cameron Hudson Sunday and Monday. It released a list of talking about dissolving parliament ... So hosting the base for the French military’s with the Africa Center at the Atlantic five high-ranking military officials who it for me, I’d say it was a coup d’etat. He was Operation Barkhane and supplying Council. said were killed, and 10 others it said were killed.” critical troops to the peacekeeping effort Chadians fed up after 30 years of Deby’s wounded, including Chad’s president. Some foreign observers also questioned in northern Mali. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 21, 2021 • 15

Afghanistan withdrawal draws concerns over abducted American

WASHINGTON – As the complete by Sept. 11, con- Green Beret who served by other foreign policy ished in Afghanistan In an interview Monday, US moves to withdraw its ditioned on his release in Afghanistan, said in an matters, as appeared to while working on engi- Duckworth said she’s been military from Afghanistan from custody, fueling con- interview with The happen last week when neering projects in the reassured by the admin- over the next five months, cerns that the US could Associated Press. “So it’s the administration didn’t country. istration that Frerichs has concerns are growing lose bargaining power to just utterly dishearten- mention Russia’s deten- His sister, Charlene been part of the discus- about one American who get Frerichs home once its ing.” tion of two Americans, Cakora, said in a state- sions and that officials are risks being left behind. military presence is re- The Biden administra- even as it announced rea- ment that the military aware of his case. She said Mark Frerichs, a con- moved from the country. tion has said it regards the sons for taking punitive withdrawal “puts a time she spoke privately with tractor from Lombard, “Any leverage that we return of hostages to be a action against Moscow. stamp on Mark. We have Biden himself last Illinois, believed held for had, we’ve just now an- top priority. Despite this, Even so, for Frerichs’ 150 days to get him home Thursday, handing him a more than a year by the nounced to the world and the fate of a single captive family,the failure to make or our leverage is gone.” card with information Taliban-affiliated to the Taliban and the is unlikely to sway the his return a factor in the Frerichs’ home-state about the case. Haqqani network, was not Haqqanis that we’re going broader policy interest in withdrawal is a source of senators, Democrats “He said he was very mentioned in President to pull out. Not only is it ending a 20-year war that frustration, as is the fact Tammy Duckworth and well aware and he asked Joe Biden’s address on our leverage, it’s our mili- began in response to the that the Trump adminis- Dick Durbin, had raised me to also let the family Afghanistan last week. tary capability to rescue Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. It’s tration signed a peace deal similar concerns in a let- know that he was aware Nor was the troop with- him,” Rep. Michael Waltz, not uncommon for de- in February 2020, just ter earlier this year to and was on top of it,” drawal, scheduled to be a Florida Republican and tainee issues to be eclipsed weeks after Frerichs van- Biden. Duckworth said. Countries worldwide hit new records for virus cases, deaths

AMBULANCES filled home due to lack of avail- with breathless pa- able medical treatment. tients lined up in Brazil “We’re already living the as nations around the third wave.We have three world set new records times more calls,” in com- Thursday for COVID- parison with previous 19 deaths and new waves, said Adriano coronavirus infections. Pereira, director of the mo- The disease surged bile emergency care serv- even in some countries ice in Duque de Caxias, an In this April 7, 2021, file photo, cemetery workers wearing protective gear lower the coffin of a person that have kept the impoverished city outside who died from complications related to COVID-19 into a gravesite at the Vila Formosa. virus in check. Rio. In the United States, Brazil’s death toll has your shot soon.” variant first detected in cording to data compiled cluding a school district in Detroit leaders began risen past 340,000, the The U.S. has now fully Britain. The news comes by Johns Hopkins Iowa where 127 students making a plan to knock on second-highest total in the vaccinated nearly 20% of at a time when only 1% of University. and five staff members every door to persuade world behind the U.S., its adult population, and the population has been In Detroit, which is tested positive for the people to get vaccine where nearly 560,000 peo- the record is better in vaccinated and as Thais about 80% Black, officials coronavirus or are pre- shots. ple have been confirmed some states including prepare to celebrate the said they plan to start vis- sumed positive. Brazil this week became killed. The U.S. is the only New Mexico and Alaska traditional Songkran New iting homes to talk about In Massachusetts, just the second country, other country that has had — milestones that are still Year’s holiday next week, the importance of protect- where the seven-day after the U.S., to report a daily death tolls higher far off for many hard-hit typically a time of wide- ing themselves from the rolling average of daily 24-hour tally of COVID- than 4,000.A Peruvian re- countries. spread travel. virus with vaccinations new cases has risen to 19 deaths that exceeded port of 4,143 virus deaths In India, home to 1.4 bil- That variant is more and how to sign up to re- over 2,100 new cases per 4,000. India hit a peak of on Aug. 14 included lion people, only 11 mil- contagious, and the U.S. ceive the shots. day, the Massachusetts almost 127,000 new cases deaths from several days. lion are fully vaccinated. Centers for Disease “We’re going to knock on Public Health Association in 24 hours, and Iran set a Rio state’s 14-day mov- In Brazil, less than 3% of Control and Prevention every residential door in called on Republican Gov. new coronavirus infection ing average of COVID-19 the country’s 210 million said this week that it is the city, making sure Charlie Baker to reinstate record for the third daily deaths climbed from people have received both now the most common every Detroiter knows public health measures. straight day, reporting 112 to 207 between March doses, according to Our variant in the United how to make an appoint- The group urged Baker to nearly 22,600 new cases. 1 and April 7, with some World in Data, an online States, raising concerns it ment,”Victoria Kovari, an limit indoor dining capac- In the state of Rio de health analysts expecting research site. will drive infections and executive assistant to ity and other indoor activ- Janeiro, emergency serv- even worse days in the South Korea reported cause more people to get Detroit Mayor Mike ities, saying the rise in ices are under their next couple of weeks. 700 more cases, the high- sick. Duggan, told The Detroit cases and hospitalizations biggest strain since the Many hospitals warn est daily jump since Jan. 5. Michigan has averaged News. followed Baker’s decision pandemic began, with am- about the risk of shortages Health authorities were more than 7,000 new Only 22% of Detroit res- to loosen those restric- bulances carrying patients of oxygen and sedatives expected to announce cases a day — a number idents have received at tions. of all ages to overcrowded for intubation. measures to strengthen that makes the state sec- least one vaccine dose “We are currently in a hospitals struggling to Indian Prime Minister social distancing following ond in the nation behind compared to 38% for all of race between the vaccines care for everyone. Narendra Modi urged peo- a meeting Friday. New York. Michigan also Michigan, according to and the variants,” Carlene Authorities say over 90% ple to get vaccinated, writ- In Thailand, which has has the highest number of Michigan’s Department of Pavlos, the group’s execu- of the state’s intensive- ing in a tweet: reported only 95 deaths new cases per capita, with Health and Human tive director said care unit beds are taken “Vaccination is among the during the pandemic, 1 of every 203 state resi- Services. Thursday. “Without these by COVID-19 patients, few ways we have to de- health officials reported dents getting diagnosed Other Midwestern public health measures, and many cities are re- feat the virus. If you are el- the country’s first local with COVID-19 between states have seen troubling even more innocent lives porting people dying at igible for the vaccine, get cases of the coronavirus March 31 and April 7, ac- signs in recent days, in- will be needlessly lost.” 16 • Wednesday April 21, 2021 The Barbados Advocate Hungary’s poor Roma children struggle with digital education …Most of the Roma children in Bodvaszilas don’t have access to digital devices and aren’t completing printed homework assignments given out by the school.

BODVASZILAS, Hungary – Mihaly n’t understand.” Horvath, a 12-year-old in a village According to an August 2020 survey in northeastern Hungary, can’t by the National Democratic Institute, a wait for his school to reopen. U.S.-based nonprofit organization, only As a devastating COVID-19 surge 41% of Roma households in Hungary swept Hungary in the spring, classes have access to both cable and mobile were suspended and students were or- internet and 13% report no access to dered to study online. But Mihaly’s fam- the internet at all. ily,part of Hungary’s large Roma minor- A November 2020 report from ity,doesn’t have a computer or internet Hungary’s deputy ombudsperson for access at their home in Bodvaszilas, national minorities acknowledged that and he says he’s falling behind in his for Roma children from poor families, lessons as a result. “the transition to digital education mul- “Some students have telephones, tiplied their already existing disadvan- some have computers. But there are tages.” others like me who don’t have either,” he Mihaly’s relatives, like many Roma, said from the yard of a dilapidated rely on seasonal work or informal day house where he lives with nine other labor for income. But business closures family members. “It’s more difficult for and other pandemic restrictions have Gypsy kids like us. Some don’t even caused them to lose work, leading to Mihaly Kovacs, a 12 year-old Hungarian boy, works on his homework outside have writing utensils or anything else.” deeper impoverishment and food inse- his home in Bodvaszilas, Hungary, Monday, April 12,2021. Many students curity. from Hungary's Roma minority do not have access to computers or the inter- Deeper into poverty David Vig, director of the rights group net and are struggling to keep up with online education during the pan- His is one of thousands of Roma fami- Amnesty International Hungary, said demic. Surveys show that less than half of Roma families in Hungary have lies in Hungary that have been partic- the state has done little to help such cable and mobile internet and 13% have no internet at all. ularly hard hit by the pandemic. Many workers, who were ineligible for unem- already marginalized Roma adults lost ployment benefits or wage support in 2013, according to Eurostat. a month or police would be called to work as Hungary’s economy buckled when their jobs disappeared. The local municipality provides one evict them. under coronavirus lockdowns, pushing hot lunch to school-age children each “He told us to clean up the yard, clean their families deeper into poverty.Some No labour protection weekday, in place of the free meals stu- the house, remove all our furniture and have reported selling their belongings, “There is zero labor protection for those dents normally receive at school. But leave. But we don’t know where to go,” like mobile phones, to make ends meet. who work in (day labor),” he said. “Any Mihaly’s family still struggles to put Bastyur said. Karmen Bastyur, Mihaly’s great aunt, COVID-related state support, if you enough food on the table. “Our dream would be to have our own said most of the Roma children in don’t have an official (work) contract, is place where the kids could live in peace Bodvaszilas don’t have access to digital not there.” Adults sacrificing for kids ... so me and my two grandchildren devices and aren’t completing printed Roma make up nearly 10% of “Sometimes me and my husband don’t won’t have to live in this misery,” she homework assignments given out by Hungary’s population, according to eat and rather leave the food for the said, through tears. the school. some estimates, and many live in one of children,” said Bastyur, who lives with On Monday, Hungary reopened “There’s no help for them. (Mihaly) the 1,300 segregated slums across the Mihaly in the three-bedroom house kindergartens and the first four grades can’t take advantage of online educa- country. along with children, grandchildren and of elementary schools. Mihaly is looking tion since we don’t have a computer,” Bodvaszilas is located in one of the cousins. forward to May 10, when his grade can she said. “It would be easier because he least-developed regions in the 27-na- Two weeks ago, the family was told return to in-person classes. But by then, could talk with his teacher who could tion European Union. It’s GDP per that the small, decaying house they rent his family isn’t sure he’ll have a house help him with homework that he does- capita was only 40% of the EU average had been sold and they must be out in to come home to. Apple to host virtual iPad Daily Mail owner files antitrust event, may hint at new AirPods suit against Google in US MANY of us may be suffering from vir- taining their explicit permission to follow tual event fatigue after a year of video their online activities and whereabouts. THE owner of the Daily Mail website, more than 50%. calls. But not Apple, which plans new Facebook has fiercely resisted the pri- Associated Newspapers, is suing Google said in an emailed statement product announcements at what seems vacy tool, and has framed the forthcom- Google, saying the tech company’s dom- that the Daily Mail’s claims are inaccu- likely to be an iPhone-less online event on ing restrictions as a threat to small busi- inance in online advertising has rate and that use of its ad tech tools Tuesday nesses that depend on advertising to fi- harmed its business. “has no bearing” on a publisher’s search It’s the first such event for the com- nance their digital services. The suit, filed Monday in federal results in Google. The company said it pany in 2021. Apple so far has only said the new safe- court in New York, says Google pun- will defend against the claims. Analysts expect new iPads and likely guard, known as App Tracking ishes publishers’ search results if they Google commands about 29% of the new color versions of the iMac. The com- Transparency, will come out in the early don’t sell enough ad space through U.S. digital ad market, according to pany could also show off something called spring as part of a free software upgrade Google and that its control over the eMarketer.Facebook takes 25% of it AirTags, which look to be coin-sized track- to the iPhone. ad market depresses prices for publish- and Amazon, 10%. ing devices you can stick on stuff you And while you might be tired of watch- ers. Federal and state antitrust authori- don’t want to lose – your tortoise, your ing your coworkers’ sleepy heads in Brady “Google wields its monopoly search ties have sued Google. The Justice phone, your coffee cup or perhaps small Bunch-like rectangles on your monitor, engine to entrench its ad-tech domi- Department alleges that Google abuses children. Apple’s product launches, even the virtual nance,” the suit alleges, citing instances its dominance in online search and ad- Apple may also use the event to an- ones, are a different breed, says Wedbush when Daily Mail’s traffic from search vertising. nounce a software update that would let analyst Daniel Ives. fell unexpectedly. It’s also not the first time Google has users block snoopy apps from collecting “In this virtual environment Apple’s The company says that since the be- faced an antitrust suit from a publisher. personal information. Such data is fre- product launches have been very success- ginning of 2021, its U.S. search traffic to A West Virginia newspaper company, quently gathered from all smartphone ful in courting developers and consumers its website, known for celebrity photos HD Media, sued Google and Facebook users to help sell digital ads – without ob- around its new product lineup,” Ives said. and tabloid stories, has dropped by in January. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 21, 2021 • 17

Carbon ‘surge’ expected in post-Covid energy boom The cow wheat shield- bug. THE International would be sustained in the Energy Agency (IEA) is recovery from the pan- predicting a major demic, but these latest Rare bug surge in CO2 emissions predictions from the IEA Coal-fired power stations like this one in Guizhou province, China are ex- from energy this year, indicate that is not likely pected to play a role in the carbon surge. as the world rebounds to be the case. spotted for from the pandemic. Energy demand is "Global carbon emis- of electricity generation, tivities that lock us into Total energy emissions booming in the developing sions are set to jump by the highest level since the high CO2 emissions for first time in for 2021 will still be world, with a rise of 3.4% 1.5 billion tonnes this year beginning of the industrial decades." slightly lower than in predicted for this year - - driven by the resurgence revolution. Later this week, 2019, the agency says. this contrasts with richer of coal use in the power Reflecting the complex- President Biden will host more than But CO2 will rise by the economies, where overall sector," said Fatih Birol, ities of the global energy a climate summit, with second largest annual energy use is expected to the IEA's executive direc- picture, China is likely to around 40 presidents and 30 years amount on record. still be 3% below 2019. tor. account for almost half the prime ministers expected The use of coal in Asia is In the places where en- "This is a dire warning global increase in renew- to take part virtually. A RARE insect has been expected to be key: the ergy demand is growing, that the economic recov- able electricity this year. The US is also expected spotted in Scotland for the IEA says it will push coal is playing a key role. ery from the Covid crisis is "As we have seen at the to announce a signifi- first time in more than 30 global demand up by Overall global use de- currently anything but country-level in the past cantly improved emissions years. 4.5%, taking it close to the clined by around 4% in sustainable for our cli- 15 years, the countries cutting target for 2030. The cow wheat shield- global peak seen in 2014. 2020, but is expected to mate." that succeed to cut their According to the IEA, bug was found in wood- However,renewable en- rise by 4.5% this year. The emissions predic- emissions are those where these actions can't come land in Strathspey in the ergy is also booming, with This is mainly happen- tions for 2021 would be renewable energy replaces quickly enough if emis- Cairngorms. green sources set to sup- ing in Asia, where China is even worse, according to fossil energy," said Prof sions are to be reined in The discovery marked ply 30% of electricity this leading the way and ex- the IEA, if demand for oil Corinne Le Quéré, from to keep the temperature only the eighth time the year. pected to account for more increased to pre-covid lev- the University of East targets of the Paris cli- bug has been recorded in The empty roads, high than half of the global coal els. Anglia, who has studied mate agreement within Scotland. streets and airports that growth this year. By the end of this year, the factors that drive sight. Four of the previous marked the global re- But even in the US and oil use for aviation is still countries to change their "Unless governments records have come from sponse to coronavirus saw EU, where coal has been expected to be 20% below power systems. around the world move Strathspey, one from the biggest fall in demand on the back foot for some 2019 levels. "What seems to be hap- rapidly to start cutting Perthshire in 1879, one for energy since World time, demand is expected However there are some pening now is that we emissions, we are likely to from Argyll and Bute in War Two. to rise - although it will strong positives for renew- have a massive deploy- face an even worse situa- 1890 and one from Loch That decline saw carbon still likely remain below able energy in the IEA re- ment of renewable energy, tion in 2022," said Dr Birol Rannoch in 1989. emissions tumble by 2019 levels in these re- port.Wind, solar and other which is good for tackling from the IEA. The insect has a black around 6% in 2020, as the gions. sustainable forms grew climate change, but this is "The leaders' summit on body featuring two dis- more carbon-intensive According to the IEA, 3% during 2020, and in occurring alongside mas- climate hosted by US tinctive white spots. fuels such as coal and oil coal demand is likely to be the power sector they are sive investments in coal President Joe Biden this It is considered to be na- were hardest hit by re- close to the global peak expected to grow by 8% and gas." week is a critical moment tionally scarce across the strictions. seen in 2014 - and that this year. "Stimulus spending to commit to clear and im- UK, and scientists said Many hoped that these has implications for efforts Overall green energy post-Covid-19 worldwide mediate action ahead of there had been "worrying changes in energy use to rein in climate change. sources will provide 30% is still largely funding ac- COP26 in Glasgow." declines" of the creature in the south-east of England in recent years.

New species of 'Vital clues' The insect feeds on cow wheat, a plant common in dinosaur unearthed Scotland. However, the cow wheat shieldbug sur- vives where the plant in desert in Chile grows in sheltered grassy SCIENTISTS have iden- geologist Carlos Arévalo or wooded areas with a tified a new species of di- unearthed the remains in warm micro-climate. nosaur from parts of a the 1990s and carried out Genevieve Tompkins, a skeleton found in north- research in the 2000s.The field worker from the ern Chile. findings, published in the Rare Invertebrates in the The creature's remains journal Cretaceous Cairngorms partnership were unearthed in the Research, were made pub- project, found the Atacama desert - the lic on Monday. Strathspey bug. world's driest - near the The remains, according An artist's impression of the dinosaur whose remains scientists discovered She said: "Insects are city of Copiapó. to the team, included in Chile. hugely under-recorded, Experts say the plant- parts of a humerus, a but give us vital clues as eating titanosaur had a femur and the ischium, found in beds dating from tually be exhibited in and the third titanosaur to the health of our habi- small head and long neck, and vertebral elements of the Late Cretaceous, the Chile's Museum of from the western side of tats. and an unusually flat the neck and back. They last epoch before di- Natural History.The head the Andes in South "It is sad that this bug back. represent a small sub- nosaurs were wiped out 66 of the museum's palaeon- America, the team said. In has suffered from a de- Studies suggest the adult individual, with an million years ago. tology area, David Rubilar, 2014, one of biggest di- cline in traditional wood- creature lived in what estimated length of 6.3m The creature has been said: "This represents a nosaurs ever discovered land management. would then have been a (20ft). named Arackar licanan- relevant milestone for the was unearthed in "However, there is hope, lush landscape of flower- The creature was a tay,which means Atacama Chilean palaeontological Argentina, also a ti- with diverse woodlands ing plants, ferns and palm sauropod, or a long- bones in the indigenous heritage." tanosaur whose estimated once more becoming a key trees. necked, long-tailed, plant- Kunza language. This is the third di- length was more than feature of the Cairngorms A team led by Chilean eating dinosaur. It was The remains will even- nosaur named from Chile 37m. National Park." 18 • Wednesday April 21, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

This combination of photos shows actor-TV host James Corden, from left, actress Jennifer Garner and NBA basketball player LeBron James, who have received nominations for this year's Webby Awards Webby Award nominations for LeBron, Corden and Garner NEW YORK – An eclec- Headspace, Hulu, Land Rover Defender in Winners for all awards tic group of people – Mailchimp, Marvel an ad, “Ratatouille: The will be announced on including LeBron Entertainment, TikTok Musical,” the ani- May 18. James, James Corden, Rihanna’s Savage X mated music video for Nominees in podcasts Jennifer Garner and Fenty, Spotify,The Root Dua Lipa’s “Hallucinate,” this year include: “Dr. Sir David and Wondery. Attenborough’s Death: Season 2” by Attenborough – have “Despite so much ad- Instagram account, Wondery,“Under the nabbed nominations versity this year, the cre- Garner’s cooking series, Skin” with Russell Brand for this year’s Webby ators behind our nomi- James’ partnership with by Luminary,“Wind of Awards, recognizing nated work have found LyftUp and the social Change” by Spotify the best internet con- new and exciting ways to media presence of “The Studios, “Land of the tent and creators. use their platforms and Late, Late Show with Giants: The Netflix The International creativity to help the James Corden.” Effect” by Vox Media, Academy of Digital Arts world stay connected,” Awards are selected by “Our America with & Sciences announced Claire Graves, president the Academy, while The Julián Castro” by the nominees on of The Webby Awards, Webby People’s Voice Lemonada Media, “Office Tuesday, which also in- said in a statement. Award is voted on by Ladies” by Earwolf and clude the companies Nominees include the fans around the world. “America Dissected: Amazon, Adobe, CNN, viral “Savage Challenge,” Voting for that award is Coronavirus” by Crooked Bridge Disney, Google, John Mayer driving a open now until May 6. Media. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 21, 2021 • 19 SPORTSSPORTS West Indies cricket turn out for English County Cricket FOUR West Indies cricket players turned Also, in action was Kemar Roach, any close to the 400 landmark. Roach scored 46 runs with the bat. In the second in creditable performance for their Alzarri Joseph and Miguel Cummins. bowled 29 overs in the first innings and 16 innings he took one wicket for 35 runs off respective English County Cricket Clubs The senior West Indies fast bowler, in the second innings as the match ended eight overs and hit four runs with the bat. over the weekend. Roach was turning out for Surrey and has in a draw, Leicestershire 375 all out and Also in the County is Barbados pacer West Indies Test captain Kraigg signed to represent them in seven games 295/3. Surrey 672/8 dec. Miguel Cummins who took one wicket for Brathwaite helped his side this season. It is the first time in about ten Joseph played for Worcestershire and 92 runs off his 18 overs for Kent in the first Gloucestershire break Somerset’s home years since Roach has turned out for a took two wickets with two balls in the first innings while scoring 13 runs with the streak which started in 2017 as they came County team and in the first innings he innings against Derbyshire. His wickets bat. However he did not pick up any away with an eight-wicket victory in the snagged two wickets against came at the end of the first day and he too wickets in the second innings off his 14 4-day match. Brathwaite who was making Leicestershire. With those two wickets has signed for seven matches. overs and managed 12 runs with the bat his debut for the team scored 18 runs in Roach moves on to 395 wickets in first Joseph finished the first innings with but could not prevent Yorkshire from the first innings and then 36 runs in the class cricket however he went wicketless two wickets for 108 runs from his 24 overs securing a 200 run victory over Kent. second. in the second innings and did not move and then fell shy of a half century as he (CG) Seven to FIBA Esports Open III BASKETBALL is back! Sort of! After being one of the sporting casualties of governments restriction on contact sports in response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, seven local players are set to take on the world in the FIBA Esports Open III which starts on April 23-25. This third edition of the virtual competition will be played on the ever popular NBA 2K1 platform featuring some sixty national teams. Barbados opens their campaign in the North & Central American Conference with preliminary games on Friday against Mexico, Honduras and Costa Rica respectively. In making the announcement yesterday, President of the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association (BABA), Francis Williams, said “Given the lack of on court activity for the past year we felt that this was a great opportunity for Barbados to participate and keep our name out there even if just virtually.We did not have a lot of time to accept the invitation or go through a normal selection process but we are very excited to see what the response is like to this new format. Williams added, “For sure this has the potential to unlock an entirely new audience for us, it is not costly and given how big eSport is world-wide it could potentially be a new revenue stream, who knows? Worst case we finally have our own gym where our national team can practice and play whenever they want,” he quipped. The seven-man team captained by current national player Kelan Phillips CAPTION: The seven-man team will be captained by current national player Kelan Phillips, pictured here competing for the also comprises Rasheed Maynard, Deroni Burger King Clapham Bulls in the Co-operators General Insurance Premier League at the Wildey Gymnasium. Hurley, Brandon Hope, Stefan Clarke, Joshua Lowe and Richie Walker. given us the opportunity to represent doors for other players in the future.” will be shown on Facebook and Speaking on behalf of the team, Barbados in the FIBA Esports Open. All games will be available on the FIBA YouTube and commentated by remote Phillips said, “It is always a great While it is the first time for the country digital channels with live content being casters thanks to the partnership opportunity to represent your country participating in such an event, we are streamed across Facebook, Twitch and between FIBA and the commentating and we are thankful that the BABA has hoping we can do well and hopefully open YouTube channels. Group stage games platform Spalk. The Barbados Advocate REAL ESTATE Smith’s England selector role abolished, coach

TEL: 247-4469 Silverwood takes charge Cel: 284-4667 ED SMITH’S role as England national Silverwood will continue to take input 253-6319 selector has been abolished. from Test captain Joe Root and In a restructuring of the way the limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan, along Email: England men’s teams are selected, with performance director Mo Bobat and caribbeanpropertiesltd responsibility will now fall to head coach James Taylor, who takes on a new role of @gmail.com Chris Silverwood. ‘head scout’. “The restructure is in the best interests The ECB says the system will be sup- PROPERTIES of helping England men’s teams be ported be a “resource that will provide in- successful,” said England managing di- telligence from performance analysis, tal- Kirtons, St Philip rector Ashley Giles. ent ID, scouting, medical and sports sci- 3 bedroom plus The former England batsman, 43, will ence”. 2 bedroom apt 4,790 sq ft leave the England and Wales Cricket “It has been a huge privilege to work $685,000 REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Board at the end of the month. with great people trying to help England Amity Lodge, Ch Ch Smith had held the role of national cricket and I am excited about 3 bedroom plus selector since 2018. watching England’s continued develop- Bushy Park, St. Philip Bagatelle, St. Thomas Giles, who devised the new structure, ment,” said Smith. 1 bedroom apt 17,000 sq ft $170,000 62000 sq ft into 2 lots 6,646 sq ft $650,000 added, “The current process of selecting “I wish Ashley Giles, the coaches and all $520,000 each, or England teams has been in place for over support staff good fortune over the Inchcape, St. Philip $1M for both 120 years. coming months. I know how hard Ashley Gibbons, Ch Ch 4355 sq ft $ 96,000 “The new structure also makes lines of and his team work for England 3 bedroom plus Marley Vale, St Philip accountability much clearer, with Chris cricket. 2 bedroom apt Belle, St. George 21,780 sq ft $275,000 Silverwood, as head coach, taking “In particular, I’d like to wish Chris 9,835 sq ft 4 acres $400,000 ultimate responsibility for picking Silverwood good luck and every $675,000 (reduced) Sandford, St Philip Haggatt Hall, St. Michael 16,356 sq ft $300,000 England senior men’s squads.” success going forward.” Breezy Hill, St Philip 6336 sq ft $126,000 3 bedroom, 2 bath Under Offer reduced to $298,000 COMMERCIAL GSW coach hails Curry scoring streak Cane Garden, St. Thomas Black Rock, St Michael 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft Mount Standfast, St James after win over Philadelphia 76ers 3 bedroom, 1 bath Private entrance. Two properties on 6732 sq ft $360,000 From $187,681 22,714 sq ft. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS coach crazy,” Kerr added. Asking $1,200,000 Steve Kerr described Stephen Curry as “But nobody’s ever shot the ball like this Enterprise, Christ Church Ragged Point, St. Philip “just amazing to watch” after he extended in the history of the game. 3 bedroom, 2 bath 8,267 sq ft $166,000 Black Rock, St. Michael his scoring streak on Monday. And even by Steph’s own lofty standards, 5062 sq ft Warehouse/Storage Curry hit 49 points as his side beat the this is above and beyond.” $390,000 (reduced) Rolling Hills, St. George 4000 sf space 23,861 sq ft Philadelphia 76ers 107-96. Victory sees Golden State improve their 12,000 sq ft $900,000 (reduced) It was the 11th game in a row the season record to 29-29 as they chase a The Belle, St George $310,000 (negotiable) 33-year-old has scored 30 points play-off place from the Western Plantation style House Foul Bay, St. Philip or more. Conference. Standing on 4 acres Ocean City, St. Philip Approved for condos, “I don’t know what else to say,” said Kerr. Elsewhere, Devin Booker’s free throw $1.1M 6150 sq ft $123,000 39,242 sq ft $1,600,000. “It’s the same thing after every game – with 0.3 seconds of overtime remaining utter amazement at this guy’s skill level, helped the Phoenix Suns edge past the Frere Pilgrim, Fortesque, St Philip Dover, Christ Church heart, mind and focus. Just amazing to Milwaukee Bucks 128-127. Christ Church Agricultural Land Hotel 18 rooms fully watch.” The game ended in controversy,with PJ 3 bedroom, 2 baths with 494,500 sq ft $1,100,000 operational $2,950,000 neg Curry’s total included 10 three-pointers Tucker adjudged to have fouled Booker to two bedroom apartment. under offer – five of them in the final quarter against set up the winning free-throw for the Suns 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 Silver Sands, the Eastern Conference leaders. as a second period of overtime loomed. Christ Church Dalkeith, Christ Church It is the 21st time in his career he has The Denver Nuggets needed double Hanson Heights, St George 7,129 sq ft $160,000 17,371 sq ft approved for hit 10 or more three-pointers in a single overtime to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 8321 sq ft $595,000 shops and offices game and leaves him as the favourite for 139-137, with Nikola Jokic scoring Bushy Park, St. Philip $495,000 this season’s NBA Most Valuable Player 47 points. Ealing Grove, 24,000 sq ft $190,000 award. The Utah Jazz maintained their lead at Christ Church Roebuck Street, “Kobe Bryant earlier in his career had the top of the Western Conference with a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths Apes Hill, St. James Bridgetown a stretch, and obviously Michael Jordan comfortable 111-97 win over an under- 9320 sq ft $565,000 31,000 sq ft upward Shopping Mall/Office space had some stretches where he scored like strength Los Angeles Lakers. Large lots at $15 per sq ft $8,100,000 negotiable LOTS FOR SALE Mount Wilton, St. Thomas Batts Rock, St Michael Boarded Hall, 15,500 sq ft and 22,066 sq ft Guest House, 12,078 sq ft Gabba to be centrepiece of 2032 Christ Church $300,000 and $220,000 $2,850,000 negotiable 10,429 sq ft $157,000 Union, St. Philip Cane Garden, St Thomas Games if Brisbane bid successful Westbury Road, St Michael 7560 sq ft 3.6 acres approved THE Gabba stadium is slated for a A$1 in a statement. 2,520 sq ft $45,360 $150,000 Roadfront billion ($777 million) rebuild “The Gabba has been home to our sport $1,650,000 negotiable before hosting the opening and closing since 1895. A home for the 2032 Goodland Gardens, Thorpes, St. James ceremonies as part of Brisbane’s bid for Olympic Games could be its crowning Christ Church 11,376 sq ft with structure Fitts Village, St James the 2032 Olympics, officials said glory.” 9,605 sq ft $145,000 $235,000 Guest House, 4 Suites yesterday. Located in Brisbane’s inner-city sub- 6,135 sq ft Queensland state capital Brisbane was urb of Woolloongabba, the refurbished Nursery Road, St Philip Cottage, St George $750,000 negotiable 9,266 sq ft $139,000 named the preferred bidder for the 2032 stadium would be linked to a new railway 5000 sq ft Games in February and could be station under construction via a pedes- $110,000 (negotiable) Mason Hill Street The City Lashley Road, St Philip confirmed as host as early as July. trian plaza. 26,500 sq ft with buildings Queensland Premier Annastacia Australian PM Scott Morrison endorsed 5,839 sq ft, $150,000 Morningside, St Philip $4,000,000 negotiable Palaszczuk said the Gabba, formally Brisbane’s bid last month and told the 4567 sq ft $133,000 named the Brisbane Cricket Ground, International Olympic Committee all lev- Salters, St George All enquiries to would likely have its capacity boosted els of government in the country were 2 lots 32,760 sq ft, $230,000 Jupiter Gardens, St Peter (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 from 42 000 to 50 000 as part of a firmly behind it. 7312 sq ft or (246) 247 4469 Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy $133,000 (negotiable) renovation to cost “around the A$1 billion Palaszczuk said on Monday the bid was 14,876 sq ft. $110,000 mark”. still “contingent on guarantees” from the “Every games needs a home,” she said federal government. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 21, 2021 • 21

Teenage jockey fails drugs test Steelers sign coach Mike Tomlin to three-year days after denying taking cocaine contract extension TEENAGE jockey PITTSBURGH – Mike Benoit de la Sayette Tomlin wants to be part failed a drugs test of the post-Ben Roethlis- days after denying berger era in Pittsburgh. taking cocaine, it has The Steelers yesterday been announced. signed their long-time The 18-year-old was coach to a three-year con- shown in a film at a party tract extension that runs where cocaine was used, through the 2024 season. with the Professional Tomlin is 145-78-1 in Jockeys’ Association 14 years with the claiming it was a “mali- Steelers, winning one cious” video. Super Bowl and going to But De la Sayette another. The franchise failed a test days later, has reached the playoffs when the British nine times during Horseracing Authority Tomlin’s tenure and cap- Mike Tomlin took samples from the tured its seventh AFC rider. North title under him in son.” “I can’t apologise 2020. The Steelers went 12-5 enough for my actions, De la Sayette is a rising star who won the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster. “I am extremely grate- in 2020, winning their both for taking cocaine ful for this contract ex- first 11 games before and misleading those for top Newmarket take urine and hair sam- been as forthcoming as tension and want to stumbling down the around me,” he said. trainer John Gosden. ples from De la Sayette he ought to have been to thank Art Rooney II and stretch, including a blow- De la Sayette, who was Following the victory on 31 March. The urine those close to him and ad- everyone in the organisa- out loss to Cleveland at due to ride at Brighton he featured in a video sample returned a nega- vising him,” said the tion for the support in my home in the first round on Saturday, has been that was circulated on tive test but the BHA PJA. first 14 seasons,” Tomlin of the playoffs. The team suspended by the BHA Twitter of a party where said the hair sample was “He maintains that the said in a statement. “We is in the midst of a mini- until the conclusion of a cocaine was being used, positive for metabolites circulated video was from have a goal of winning overhaul, particularly on disciplinary process. but the PJA insisted at of cocaine. October 2019, that he did the organisation’s sev- offence after two assis- On 27 March, De la the time that the video “Benoit has now admit- not take cocaine on that enth Super Bowl cham- tants were let go and cen- Sayette rode Haqeeqy to was designed to discredit ted that he has previ- occasion and did not do pionship, and I couldn’t tre Maurkice Pouncey victory in the Lincoln him. ously taken cocaine and so after winning the be more enthusiastic and tight end Vance Handicap at Doncaster The BHA arranged to that he had initially not Lincoln.” about this upcoming sea- McDonald retired. 22 • Wednesday April 21, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Artistic swimming qualifier to Decision on domestic be held outside Japan in June spectators for AN Olympic artistic swim- ming qualifier scheduled for Olympics may Tokyo in May will now be held outside Japan in June come in June at a location to be decided, world body FINA said yes- A DECISION on limits for do- terday. mestic spectators for the The COVID-19 pandemic has Tokyo Olympics may not be disrupted preparations for the made until June, a month start of the 2020 Summer before the scheduled start Games, already postponed by a of the games, the Mainichi year, in July. newspaper reported yesterday. FINA said in a statement A decision that foreign spec- that the changes were due in tators would not be allowed was part to “challenges related made in March, and a decision to the international calendar on the number of domestic spec- and the necessary adaptation tators to be allowed had been of the venue to the Olympic widely expected in April. Games’ operations in mid- The games were put off for a May”. year due to the coronavirus An operational test event pandemic which is surging will be held in Tokyo in again in Japan. July. Organisers for the 2020 A marathon swimming quali- Games said in a statement fier that was scheduled for that, at a meeting of all the Fukuoka in late May has al- parties involved last month, “it ready been moved to Setubal, in was agreed that a general deci- Portugal, in June. sion on spectator capacity A diving qualifier and test in venues will be made in event will go ahead in Tokyo in April, with the understanding May, however. that COVID-19 circumstances The Tokyo Games are set to Team Peru in action during the Team Free Routine Finals at the XVIII Pan American Games in Lima may necessitate a flexible ap- run from July 23 to Aug. 8. in 2019. proach.” The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 21, 2021 • 23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES (March 21-April 19).You're worried you N have done, said or not said something that some- D one else was expecting from you. Anxiety is the cause of your sleepless nights. Keeping behind the C scenes seems to be the best way to avoid drawing O attention to yourself. Your humble outlook is mak- N ing a great impression on someone you admire. S TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Put yourself first for a change. This is a good time to promote your in- terests. Let people know what you are planning and aiming for. Your organised way of thinking will bring progress and success in professional affairs. You're aware of what other people are plotting but your aims are important too. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It takes time for things to settle after a big change. You don't want Z to make waves but you may not be keen on new I rules in your workplace or household. Rather than T waiting to see what happens, explore new and dif- S ferent opportunities you might want to take up in the future. CANCER (June 22-July 22). It's hard to know who is wrong and who is right in a contentious sit- uation. One person will have you persuaded they know what they are talking about until you talk to someone else who is equally as convincing. If you're still left confused, give yourself longer to think about it. R LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You're willing to consider E a second job if this will provide you with more money to buy luxuries. It's a great time to enhance X your skill set. Upgrading your technical skills will improve your career prospects. Specialised knowl- M edge you have already acquired will give you an O edge on the competition but there's a lot more you R can learn. G VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Disapproval will not A deter you. The more someone tries to persuade N you against going ahead with plans you are mak- ing, the more you will dig in your heels. If anyone criticises your ideas you will not take it to heart. You've put a lot of thought into this and you know your plans are realistic and practical. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're annoyed with yourself for having been taken in by someone's easy charm. You put yourself out to help them and P now they're acting as if they don't want to know H you. A long conversation with an older relative A will lead to a painful analysis of your uncertainties. N This is a lesson you do not want to repeat again. T SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A friend fails you when you had been depending on their support. O They seem to have forgotten how important M arrangements you had made are to you. It appears your friendship isn't as important to them as you thought it was. Someone you hardly know will offer to give you the help you need. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). A semi-duty journey or attending a business function on behalf of your company could lead to a totally unexpected M opportunity. When someone makes you an interest- ing offer, don't dismiss this out of hand. It would A help to have more information before making a big R decision. Approach a friend who might give the Y help, advice or facts you need. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You will wel- W come the chance to meet new people and to enjoy O a pleasant change of scene. Joining forces with R others in a community or fund-raising event will bring out the best in you. Sharing skills and re- T sources is a recipe for success. Where you go and H what you do isn't as important as being able to es- cape familiar surroundings. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). People around you are growing tired of being restricted. They're looking to expand their professional opportuni- M ties. Restrictions being extended or new rules put O in place in the workplace will be justified. Based T on all the evidence you can see why these are nec- H essary. Even so, you understand why everyone is E growing restless. R PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're starting to wonder whether someone has a right to use their G power in a way that causes upset and confusion. O You feel resentful because they keep making O changes to suit themselves. You don't want to feel S forced into doing their bidding. You might even be E tempted to challenge their authority. West Indies cricket turn out for English County Cricket – Page 19 Wednesday April 21, 2021 HOPE PROJECT CONCERNS LEADER of the Opposition, Bishop St. James to begin construction on the resiled from its remit given under Clause Sector principals; what is the mix of State Joseph Atherley has several first of 32 houses of the planned 165, all 9 of the relevant statute. This becomes a and Private involvement; and on what questions regarding the recently due for completion this year. matter of urgent concern in light of the basis did these Private Sector players launched Home Ownership The Opposition calls upon the Minister just launched HOPE Project. Clarification qualify over others for the privilege of Providing Energy (HOPE) Project. of Housing to inform Barbadians as to the becomes even more urgent in a context participating in the project? He has therefore written to the Minister role of the National Housing Corporation where Government just a few weeks ago “Barbadians have not yet had fully of Housing, Lands and Maintenance, Dr. (NHC). encouraged Barbadians to sign up for and ventilated and have not forgotten issues William Duguid requesting an audience “At the same time, it would serve well in signal their interests in owning lots; only raised on political platforms and even in on the matter of the state-owned the interest of transparency if the now to hear that houses will be built under the report of the Auditor General of 2017 enterprise, HOPE, under that Ministry Barbadian Public could be treated to fuller the HOPE arrangements and made relative to the project at the Grotto,” he which is offering a “one stop shop” disclosure on the matter of the HOPE available for purchase.” also pointed out. consisting of mortgage financing, attorney project, both dimensions of this Housing According to Bishop Atherley, there is “We have written the Minister services and house insurance at the lowest initiative,” Bishop Atherley indicated in a need to know the specifics of the requesting an audience on the matter. rates possible. press statement, yesterday. arrangements around the HOPE project; While we await a response, we press the HOPE broke ground last month at its “The question has to be answered what is the extent to which Private Sector matter as one of some significance to the first site at Vespera Gardens, Lancaster, clearly as to whether the NHC has now interests are involved; who are the Private interest of Barbadian taxpayers.”

HELP ON THE WAY; Stanley Browne (second from right), Sagicor’s General Agent and Principal Representative in St. Vincent and the Grenadines presents a portion of the relief contributed by Sagicor to the people of St. Vincent to representatives of NEMO and the Rotary Club at NEMO compound. (See Page 4) ‘Continue to practice COVID-19 protocols’

EVEN as the island continues to record the protocols to speak up or contact the not look as though it is the correct officer to take a look at what is going on smaller numbers of positive Covid-19 unit and the police. numbers or maybe you see a lime or in a particular area and we do that on a cases and a declining positivity rate, the Chapman also noted the importance of something of that sort. Give us a call regular basis, but we need to know.The public is being warned not to lower its ordinary persons taking such a stance and if you do not get through to us the RBPF has probably about 1 000 officers guard. when considering videos showing groups Royal Barbados Police Force would be and they are still not able to cover 100 Head of Covid-19 Monitoring Unit of persons breaking mask wearing and more than happy to take the call and per cent of the island at any one point in Ronald Chapman issued a caution to social distance protocols. they have some of the same, if not the time, so it is difficult to do so and there persons, especially the youth, to continue “If you are seeing something like that, same powers to deal with those issues,” will still be pockets in the country we to practice the protocols as “we are not the question is are you going to wait he added. would not be able to cover.The only thing out of the woods yet”. until later on or are you going to give us “The officers that we have are taken we can do is rely on those patriotic Speaking on Monday’s ‘Covid Queries’, a call? I would implore Bajans that if from the 30 constituencies across citizens in Barbados to do the right thing he urged those individuals seeing you see something, say something. If you Barbados and we have officers in every and be our brothers’ keeper,” Chapman persons or businesses acting contrary to see that there is a gathering that does single one so it is not hard to dispatch an continued.

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