Established October 1895 Regionalism discussed

Page 2

Saturday June 19, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive TEN HONOURED

IT was a special To be Ordinary Officers moment for ten in the Civil Division of the Barbadians on Friday Most Excellent Order of when Governor the British Empire were: General, Her Dr. David Byer for his out- Excellency Dame standing contribution in Sandra Mason pre- the field of emergency sented the Insignia to medicine, Sandra Field- the recipients of Kellman for her sterling awards in the 2020 contribution in the field of New Year Honours. Early Childhood This occurred at Education and the Girl Government House and Guide Movement and the day’s honourees were Condé Riley for his signif- recognised for their con- icant contribution in the tributions in fields such field of sports and in par- as sports, medicine, ticular cricket administra- healthcare, education, tion. music, law and the media. Meanwhile, to be In attendance at the Ordinary Members of the proceedings were Prime Civil Division of the Most Minister Mia Amor Excellent Order of the Mottley and Minister with British Empire were: responsibility of Foreign Arthur Blackman for his Affairs and Foreign Trade, significant contribution to Senator Dr. Jerome broadcasting and mass Walcott as well as rela- communications, tives of the honourees. Desmond Crichlow for his The Queen was gra- dedicated service to terti- ciously pleased on the ad- ary education and his con- vice of Her Majesty’s tribution in the develop- Barbados Ministers to ap- ment of information tech- prove that the ten hon- nology and Jean Holder ours be given. During pro- for her sterling contribu- ceedings, Barbados’ tion to nursing, particu- Governor General, Dame larly in the field of obstet- Sandra conferred the hon- rics and gynaecology. our of knighthood, Knight Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason conferring the honour of knighthood, Knight Addressing the gather- Commander of the Most Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George on Sir Cuthbert Gordon ing, Her Excellency Dame Distinguished Order of St. Greenidge. Sandra congratulated the Michael and St. George on recipients and she encour- Sir Cuthbert Gordon Most Excellent Order of given to: Bernell Arrindell Marshall for her out- Professor Velma Newton aged them to continue to Greenidge. This was pre- the British Empire to be for his outstanding contri- standing contribution to for her outstanding con- do the work that they sented for his exceptional an Ordinary Commander bution to the the development of local tribution in the field of have started. She also en- contribution to cricket and of the Civil Division of the International Business gospel music and promo- legal education and the couraged them to con- the development of sports. Most Excellent Order of Services and the Private tion of Christian values development of law li- tinue to be proud Appointments in the the British Empire were Sector, Margrita through music and braries. Barbadians. (MG) Skills and education reform crucial

MINISTER in the told the Caribbean (NTI), Government’s en- While my government was needed to drive the new of people do not under- Ministry of Economic Development Bank (CDB) tity commissioned to equip pleased to be able to return economy does not require stand investment and how Affairs and Investment, seminar ‘Reimagining every Barbadian with the to free tertiary education three- and four-year de- they can remove their sav- Marsha Caddle has em- Caribbean Economies in knowledge, skills, and val- for Barbadians, and that’s grees, it requires a differ- ings from earning 0.01% phasised the need for in- the Wake of the COVID-19 ues to be citizens of good been important, and that’s ent kind of skill”. in the bank and invest it in vestment in skills, and ed- Pandemic’. character and competence seen an increase in enroll- Minister Caddle also more productive things”. ucation reform in the Caddle highlighted in a digital world. ment rates at The UWI. said that life skills and fi- “And hopefully, one of Caribbean. Barbados' government lat- “We realised that we are But there is a huge seg- nancial literacy must be the things that we'll see She believes this is est collaboration to offer not going anywhere with- ment of the population embedded in the curricu- some investment in in the needed now, more than thousands of courses free out a reskilling of the pop- that is not inclined, not lum. She explained, region is growth and re- ever. of charge.The partnership ulation,” she stressed, also motivated, not incen- “We are now realising silience bonds -if we're able “This is something that is between Coursera, one revealing government’s tivised to go sit at UWI that one of the reasons we to structure those kinds of we've been saying over and of the world’s leading on- focus on micro- credential- getting certain qualifica- are seeing such under in- instruments so that we over. But the moment has line learning platforms, ing. tions. Micro- credentialing vestments, in terms of peo- can use local and regional arrived where there is no and The National “A lot of young people is the way of the future be- ple using their savings to savings, to invest in devel- stepping back from it,” she Transformation Initiative are not going to university. cause a lot of what is invest actively, is that a lot opment and resilience”. 2 • Saturday June 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

COVID-19 Regionalism discussed update WITH strength in unity, it versus national or local recom- tunately,we were able to share ple, via that route may not have is important that mendations. We have seen that in the bonanza at times, which been approved internationally. ONE new case of COVID-19, a Caribbean countries take a in variations in the recom- goes back to the first question, “So yes, all in all the regional female, was identified on regional approach to fight- mended regional protocols, and why the regionalism succeeded approach, I think, is beneficial Thursday,June 17, out of the 580 ing the COVID-19 pan- all we are saying is that some- because, as most of us recall, and preferred, but it does not tests conducted by the Best-dos demic, but an official of the times it might appear that the the initial rollout of vaccines come without some challenges. Santos Public Health CARICOM Secretariat ad- common regional approach were made available due to do- And while we have done rela- Laboratory. mits that there are some might be best, but we don’t al- nations from some third states, tively well in my esteem as- Twelve persons remain in iso- challenges to regionalism. ways have that happening,” he including India. And what hap- sessment, I think that there is lation. So says Assistant Secretary- stated. pened is that all individual a lot more to be done. And we A total of 4,040 confirmed General for Human and Social Dr. Slater continued, “For ex- member states were not bene- hope that we will continue with cases of the viral illness (1,953 Development, CARICOM ample, many of you know that ficiaries, but eventually our this regional approach. And we females and 2,087 males) have Secretariat, Dr. Douglas Slater. some countries have different member states shared among will get out to the end of this been recorded since March 2020. He spoke to this during a panel protocols and regarding the ourselves, and that was used relatively successful,” he said. There have been 47 deaths from discussion, discussing the re- quarantine, at home, or at a to start the programme. And so His comments came as he the virus. gion’s fight against COVID-19, hotel; how many days; even the that is another example of the said that the health of the re- The public health laboratory held on the first day of the testing to travel, whether you positive working of regional- gion is the wealth of the region has conducted 178,904 tests, so Caribbean Public Health do it three days before travel, or ism,” he said. and in order to be a healthy far. Agency’s 65th Annual Health five or seven days, we have One the other hand, the and a wealthy region, a re- Under the National Research Conference, hosted in variations here. So those are Assistant Secretary-General gional response is the best way Vaccination Programme for collaboration with the French some of the challenges, because some member states have ne- to go. COVID-19, 90,735 persons have Development Agency, as he ex- sometimes our common CARI- gotiated with other third “Together we should achieve, received their first dose to date. plained that challenges can COM citizens find themselves a states, but the outcome was not if we go independently, that Meanwhile, 64,688 persons have occur, because despite the fact bit confused as to which proto- as positive, because a vaccine may cause some disaster,” he received their second dose and that we are a Caribbean com- col exists in one member state that was procured, for exam- warned. (JRT) are fully inoculated. munity, we are not a homoge- versus the other”. neous union of states. Turning his attention to the “And that is very important, rollout of the COVID-19 vac- because our individual, con- cines, he said even in this re- BSSEE Booklet available online stituent member states, they spect, this matter has become still have the sovereign right “unnecessarily political” in to make decisions that they see some member states, which he THE 2021 Barbados non-national) are now load the documents from the as fit for their individual mem- maintained has not helped. Secondary School Entrance available online. Ministry of Education, ber states. That sometimes “We noticed that also, some Examinations (BSSEE) Parents and guardians Technological and causes, to some extent, a con- individual member states were booklet, and related forms of students preparing Vocational Training’s web- flict between the regional able to make bilateral negotia- (deferral, early sitters, to write this year’s site, at www.mes.gov.bb. process on recommendations, tions with third states and for- special request and examinations may down- (NP/BGIS) The Barbados Advocate Saturday June 19, 2021 • 3

Honourees grateful

HUMBLE, grateful and field of sports and in par- Dr. David Byer, who is award. I have spent 42 honoured were some of ticular cricket administra- too was awarded an OBE years in the nursing pro- the words used to ex- tion, said he was apprecia- for his outstanding contri- fession utilising my skills press the delight felt in tive of the honour. bution in the field of emer- in maternal and child having their contribu- “I believe that when you gency medicine, stated “it health and I would like to tions and their get involved in things like is a pleasure to be hon- thank all those persons outstanding service cricket, it takes up a lot of oured. It is pleasure to be who assisted me profes- recognised. time. You spend a lot of recognised for the work sionally and personally Four of the ten hon- time away from family and that has been done but the during the time that I was ourees who made the 2020 friends but I believe in work continues, so it is just there.” New Year Honours list told keeping the young people a part for the course.” The lone person during this to media yesterday. interested in sport as a Similar sentiments were the event to be conferred On this day while at better alternative to just echoed by Jean Holder the honour of knighthood Government House, liming on the block and who spent over 40 years in was Sir Cuthbert Gordon Governor General, Her probably being led astray. the nursing field. She was Greenidge. He received the Excellency Dame Sandra So, I believe that it has conferred the honour of Knight Commander of the Mason presented the now been 25 years that I Member of the British Most Distinguished Order Insignia to the ten recipi- have been working with Empire (MBE) for her of St. Michael and St. ents. cricket, especially at the sterling contribution to George for his exceptional Speaking to the media, Barbados Cricket nursing, particularly in contribution to cricket and Condé Riley, who was Association, before then at the field of obstetrics and the development of sports. awarded Officer of the the Barclays Sports Club, gynaecology. He stated,“it is a great ho- Order of the British and I am humble. I didn’t “I consider it an honour nour.It was very much un- Empire (OBE) for his sig- expect it but I’ll accept it and a privilege to have re- expected” to be recognised Condé Riley with the Insignia for Officer of the nificant contribution in the gracefully.” ceived such a prestigious in this way.(MG) Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Gospel singer, Margrita Marshall receiving the Jean Holder was conferred the honour of Member of Insignia for Commander of the Order of the British Dr. David Byer was awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her sterling contribu- Empire (CBE) from Governor General, Her the British Empire (OBE) for his outstanding contri- tion to nursing, particularly in the field of obstetrics Excellency Dame Sandra Mason. bution in the field of emergency medicine. and gynaecology.

Professor Velma Newton receiving the Insignia for Commander of the Order Bernell Arrindell receiving the Insignia for Commander of the Order of the of the British Empire (CBE) from Governor General, Her Excellency Dame British Empire (CBE) from Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Sandra Mason. Mason. 4• Saturday June 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

PAC continues probe into Transport Board

ISSUES of double in- Leader of the Opposition, in the presence of the in- could not offer an opinion invoicing further, asking made until 2019. Sue indi- voicing came up for Bishop Joseph Atherley, ternal auditor, and the on that, stating that she whether such could have cated that she was un- discussion yesterday spoke of double invoicing manager indicated a will- was not formally trained been a regular occurrence aware that the bus was al- afternoon as the Public in four instances to a local ingness to repay the funds in the use of the system due to the lack of knowl- legedly sold, until the mat- Accounts Committee company, to the tune of once he received evidence that the accounts depart- edge about the system; ter came before her when (PAC) continued its $257,000, with the of the overpayment. ment had been operating. Sue said it was possible. she was Acting General look into the state- amount that was overpaid Sue could not however The former Financial Questions were also Manager. The former fi- owned Transport being approximately state if that evidence was Controller also spoke of raised about the mysteri- nancial controller when Board, with the Former $128,000, and questioned provided to the company’s staff not being up to date ous bus BM506, the fate questioned, also stated Financial Controller Sue as to whether those manager, indicating that in the use of that system, of which was originally that based on her knowl- and Former General funds had been repaid by she had gone on vacation adding that despite re- raised in a previous report edge, the procedure for the Manager of the the company to which soon after that conversa- peated requests for manu- by the Auditor General on disposal of buses was not Transport Board, they were disbursed. In re- tion, and she did not check als, they were only pro- the Transport Board. followed. She went on to Felicia Sue, stating she sponse, the former to see if that money was vided with such when she Bishop Atherley,referring say that the matter of does not know whether Financial Controller said repaid when she returned was acting in the capacity to the bus, said it was al- seven other buses that the money that was that as soon as the matter to work. Moreover, asked of the General Manager. legedly sold in 2018 and a were reported missing, overpaid was recov- was drawn to her atten- why the double invoicing Opposition Senator receipt issued for the sale, was not one she recalled ered by the Board. tion she contacted the did not raise any red flags, Crystal Drakes pressed but the request for trans- being brought to her at- Chairman of the PAC, manager of the company, she indicated that she the matter of the double fer of ownership was not tention. Volcano’s Republic Group announces US$200m in support of climate finance goals eruption has PORT OF SPAIN – The nounced that capital will Republic Group has sig- be directed to the preser- naled its intention to lend vation of the environment, significant and invest USD$200 mil- supporting renewable en- lion by 2025 to support ac- ergy and green initiatives tions that would help and bolstering the blue achieve major Climate economy. impact on SVG Finance Goals. These According to the goals will be achieved by Group's President and activities which include CEO, Nigel Baptiste, the lending and invest- "Since signing the population ment for loans that enable Principles of Responsible the sale of electric and hy- Banking, we have been brid cars, loans that are working behind the scenes By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste moving persons out of aligned to the promotion to implement several im- churches, and out of sec- of clean fuels, renewable pactful and measurable THE impact of the erup- ondary schools,” she said. energy and technology, initiatives, all aimed at tions of La Soufriere has “We have actually that contribute to an im- supporting UN's been significant but the started some education provement in energy effi- Sustainable Development people of the St. Vincent hubs continuing in terms ciency and construction Goals (SDGs)." and the Grenadines are a of the children in Grade loans that deploy climate- He added, "Given the resilient people. Six, and the CSEC and resilient technologies. negative impact of climate Republic Group's President and CEO, Nigel This was highlighted CAPE students return- This comes as the Group change on the Caribbean Baptiste. by Michelle Forbes, ing. So we have had to rolls out its objectives as a and our dependence on Director of the National move on persons a bit signatory to UN's fossil fuels, we have iden- Development Goal 13 nance lending and invest- Emergency Management and have the children Principles of Responsible tified Sustainable (Climate Action) as prior- ment packages, we will be Organisation in St. getting back in school. Banking and the Net-Zero Development Goal 7 ity goals for Republic on a path to a cleaner, Vincent and the “And of course one of Banking Alliance. The (Affordable and Clean Group and we believe that greener and more sustain- Grenadines as she spoke the big things that we Group had previously an- Energy) and Sustainable through our climate fi- able future." during the live broadcast don't often hear about of the Seismic Research that has been the liveli- Centre and the hoods impact; agriculture University of the West has been devastated in Ministry to provide programmes Indies Mona, those communities closer Department of to the volcano and per- THE Ministry of Youth, “These programmes the establishment of busi- community organization. Geography and Geology sons in shelters have Sports and Community will have the broad objec- ness enterprises,” he said. Finally, that too, we have ‘Science for Today’ forum. nothing to do, if even if Empowerment, in con- tives that include prepar- “Developing communi- been doing for a while.” “The impact has been they go back home every- junction with its Anti- ing young Barbadians for ties social intervention The Minister took the significant on our people thing is gone and you Violence programme, in- participation in national projects to address the opportunity to thank the but we are resilient peo- have to start all over tends to provide a range of development as guided by issue of youth crime and partners for their support ple.We continue to meet again and there's no way complementary activities the National Youth Policy; reintegration of young and challenged persons to the needs of our people you can start over right for young Barbadians. retraining and retooling people coming from the get on board and be a part here in St. Vincent and now with inches of ash Speaking during the re- young people to meet the penal institutions into of the positive change tak- the Grenadines,” she covering, covering your cent virtual launch of the domestic, regional and communities, that too, we ing place in Barbados. said. land.” Campaign, Dwight global labor markets; en- have started. Creating He noted that the rally- She thanked all of the Forbes noted that these Sutherland, Minister of gaging in partnerships for synergies to support inno- ing call was to end vio- regional agencies that would be some of the Youth, Sports and the development and vation and creativity to lence now and like in 1979 played a role in respond- things that NEMO and Community mechanisms to support develop businesses and where 93,000 persons re- ing to the needs of over the Government would Empowerment revealed access to diverse employ- entrepreneurship within sponded to that call, 20 000 persons. have to look at as they that these activities are ment opportunities, which the communities to re- Sutherland believed that “As I speak, we have moved forward, “how do aimed at ensuring that will reduce unemploy- duce youth unemploy- today was the time for just over 2600 persons re- we rebuild, how do we human, financial and so- ment, youth crime and vi- ment, that too, we have persons to respond to end maining in the emer- continue as communities cial services are distrib- olence; providing targeted started. violence and make gency shelters. We are and how do we continue uted as front end invest- assistance to young per- “Visiting blocks and Barbados, the best place hoping to reduce those to build in those areas ments to build strength sons through the building other hotspots and utiliz- for young people to live, number of shelters, we and hopefully, how do we and minimise risk factors blocks project that we ing staff and community work, do business or raise are consolidating and build resilience.” for deviance. have started to support leaders to assist in the a family. The Barbados Advocate Saturday June 19, 2021 • 5 Expect more rain CARICOM’s Legal Affairs Committee approves Impact By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste

BARBADIANS can expect more rain Justice Model Model Arbitration within the coming months. This was highlighted by Director of the Barbados Meteorological Services, Bill as a CARICOM model bill Dr. Sabu Best as he spoke during a re- cent press conference. AT the Twenty-Ninth meeting of the commercial arbitration and as a conse- “There appears to be a uptick on Legal Affairs Committee of CARICOM quence of which, any CARICOM Member trending for increased precipitation to held on June 11th, 2021, the Canadian State which enacts this legislation will be be gone in next ten to 14 days, so we can Government funded Improved Access to considered a State having legislation expect more and more rain. That heavy Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT that is UNCITRAL compliant. downpours, pretty much saturated a lot Justice) Project’s Model Arbitration Bill The IMPACT Justice Project is indeed of areas, and so any further inch or two received a resounding endorsement from very pleased about this development and of rain on that can easily flood, a lot of regional Attorneys-General and was ap- thanks the CARICOM Secretariat and locations,” he said. proved as a CARICOM Model Bill. the Legal Affairs Committee for recognis- “There’s no need to panic. We've been Based on the UNCITRAL Model Law ing the importance of this piece of legis- through this like last year with all those on International Commercial lation which can only auger well for the excessive rainfall events, we just have Arbitration, the IMPACT Justice Model development of the use of Arbitration as to be vigilant keep our own areas and Arbitration Bill was proposed to mod- an alternative to court proceedings in our communities and stuff clean and ernise and harmonise the arbitration the future and attract further foreign in- drainage and so on. laws in the Caribbean region as a part of vestment to the region. “But going outside of June, where are the Project’s mandate to increase access In addition to the Model Arbitration we heading to the rest of the year, we're to justice through the use of Alternative Bill, IMPACT Justice has also completed moving, not to be too technical, but Dispute Resolution mechanisms such as model legislation for Business Names we're moving into the time of the year Arbitration, Mediation and Restorative Registration, Community Mediation or the season which is expected to be Practices.The Bill, which is already being (adopted as a CARICOM Model in 2017), more conducive for heavy rains. Full considered for adoption in Trinidad and the Legal Profession, Major Organised stop.” Director of the Barbados Tobago, was completed in 2017 after Crime Agencies (adopted in Jamaica), Best stated that based on the work Meteorological Services, Dr. Sabu many months of meetings and consulta- Judicial Pensions (drafted for the OECS), the Barbados MET had been doing and Best. tions with various stakeholders across Sexual Harassment and Trade Marks. In from their deterministic model runs the region, including a former Barbadian addition to the regional models, the and starts, especially going into August what's to come. But like I said, the Justice of Appeal, a former Attorney Project drafted the Dominica Climate and September, they would have seen Prime Minister, what’s to come so far is General and three of the regions fore- Resilience Act, 2018 and more recently even more peaks of rainfall coming. no indication that it's going to be like most authorities on arbitration. The Bill completed a draft Hospitals Authority “So, building our resilience is not just last night. But if that does happen, was also submitted to the United Nations Bill for Dominica which is undergoing about building for near term, it’s about which is a freak event and odds are and Commission on International Trade Law public consultations. The Project also building it for months down the road. chances of that happening again is very, (UNCITRAL) where it was approved as drafted amendments to the Antigua and We have to be ready and be prepared for very slim,” he said. an UNCITRAL Model on international Barbuda Sexual Offences Act, 1995. Climate and health project builds capacity DURING a recently held European health co-benefit related needs, feasibil- Union (EU), Pan American Health ity for piloting, availability of data inputs Organization (PAHO), CARIFORUM at the local/national level to support the Health Co-Benefits webinar, representa- tools and capacity to support tools. tives from 16 CARIFORUM countries, PAHO/WHO Subregional Programme South America, North America and Director, Caribbean, Dean Chambliss, Europe, received an introduction to four described the training as supportive of WHO/PAHO tools to support the gener- the Caribbean Plan on Health and ation of evidence around the immediate Climate Change, approved by ministers health benefits from climate mitigation. of health and the environment in 2018. The more common mitigation strate- That plan focused on the evidence for gies applied to reduce greenhouse gas planning, decision-making and policy as- emissions include shifting to renewable sessment as well as the promotion of energy, reducing energy use, adding Health Impact Assessment (HIA) tools. healthy spaces to the built environment “PAHO with other partners in the and improving transportation options. EU/CARIFORUM project are moving locally and globally, provide policymak- island and low line coastal development These actions may significantly improve forward this important work to ensure ers with relevant, credible and useful in- states, we will be calling on our interna- health outcomes by reducing air pollu- that Member States and their peoples formation on potential health impacts tional partners to meet their targets and tion and improving physical and mental have a sustainable and healthy future.I and provide avenues for health to en- their levels of stated ambition to bring us health. The tools presented for piloting hope that over the short-term, countries gage with other sectors. Health co-ben- all within the 1.5 degree targets. So, in the Caribbean can determine the po- will be able to adapt the tools presented efit assessments may also provide the therefore, the issue of implementation is tential health impacts from improve- today to the Caribbean context, so that potential for large gains to national critical for us and training and exposure ments in air quality (AirQ+ and CAR- they may prove effective in determining economies and contribute to proposals to these tools and techniques are impor- BON-H), of active transportation on the health benefits associated with im- for climate and health financing. tant for our region as we seek to imple- health and carbon emissions (HEAT for provements in air quality, adjustments Programme Manager, Sustainable ment our NDCs and to realize meaning- Walking and Cycling) and from green to transportation systems, and in the Development at the CARICOM ful change on the ground,” Singh said. space (Green UR). creation of healthy spaces. Over the Secretariat, Amrikha Singh described Project manager and Climate Change Most participants had no prior train- longer term, my hope is that the findings the webinar as very timely. and Health Advisor at PAHO, Dr ing in the implementation of these tools. and recommendations generated from “The region has been focusing on Jonathan Drewry, outlined the plans The overarching objective of the webinar piloting these tools will inform and influ- building back better and building back over the remaining four years of the proj- was to present the EU/CARIFORUM ence public policies and programs,” greener, to advance our economic recov- ect as collecting information from CAR- project as means to support countries in Chambliss stated. ery for the region in the aftermath of IFORUM countries on interest in appli- the use of these tools to influence deci- Health co-benefits include greater con- this COVID-19 pandemic that we are all cation, training and capacity needs, se- sion-making towards creating a health- sideration to policies that achieve both facing… This region has always lead by lection of initial countries to pilot the ier Caribbean. Panel discussions were environmental and health goals, con- example and going into COP26 as an tools, and scale up based upon findings held to get a better indication of the tribute to improvements in health both important part of the grouping of small of initial demonstration sites. 6 • Saturday June 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Debt relief extension needed into 2022 SECRETARY-GENERAL of “COVID-19 – and the disrup- withstand future economic mounting debt before COVID- ical government spending on a the United Nations António tions in global trade – has shocks”. 19, the pandemic has further variety of development and cli- Guterres urges debt relief exposed and exacerbated the Guterres insisted that fi- aggravated these difficulties. mate objectives in the years to extension for middle-in- economic, social and en- nancing will be crucial. He ex- He highlighted that in small come”. come countries. vironmental vulnerabilities of plained that on the revenue island states, the collapse of The UN Chief therefore be- Guterres told the High-Level many middle-income coun- side, “We have to explore how tourism has greatly hindered lieves that a new debt mecha- Meeting On Middle-Income tries,” he told the General middle-income countries can their capacity to repay debts. nism must provide a menu of Countries yesterday that he is Assembly. mobilize domestic resources He also emphasised that options, including debt swaps, encouraged to see growing “In many, it has also ampli- and reduce inefficiency and while the global response to the buy-backs and cancellations. recognition of the necessity for fied structural challenges such waste. But official development debt crisis is rightly attempt- “This is the moment to tackle a new allocation of Special as limited healthcare capaci- assistance and external financ- ing to support low-income long-standing weaknesses in Drawing Rights (SDRs) by the ties, inadequate education sys- ing must play a complemen- countries, middle-income coun- the international debt archi- International Monetary Fund. tems and limitations in public tary role in minimizing the fi- tries must not be left behind. tecture, from lack of agreed However, he said unused SDRs administration. We have to use nancial constraints in many “We are facing an increas- principles, to restructurings must be re-allocated to support this moment to build resilience middle-income countries. We ingly severe situation in terms that provide too little relief, too vulnerable nations, including for the future. While some re- also need better mechanisms of fiscal space, and a world that late,” he said, also indicating middle-income countries. covery is under way, many and greater international co- is increasingly divided between that innovative instruments to He also believes that the businesses are facing serious operation to deal with the countries that can react and re- allow debt restructuring and Debt Service Suspension questions about how to struc- mounting and unsustainable cover in fiscal and financial meaningful debt reduction can Initiative must be extended ture their supply chains to in- levels of debt in many middle- terms and those that are on the help middle-income countries into 2022 but must be made sulate [them] from future dis- income countries”. verge of a debt crisis. Even if expand their fiscal space to available to highly indebted, ruptions. We need a more effi- The Secretary-General fur- these countries manage to boost investment and steer a vulnerable middle-income cient and predictable, multilat- ther stressed that while many avoid default, they will see resilient and sustainable recov- Countries that request it. eral trading system that can nations were dealing with long-lasting limitations on crit- ery from the crisis. Tributes paid to former Central Bank Governor

FUNERAL from structures that he championed Back Page as he reminded me one day after Martin spoke on the time his he left the bank ‘central banking dad took two weeks off work to is an intellectual exercise’. He fly to the US to help him bring recruited individuals whom he his grades back up at school. believed could fulfil this task Chris reminisced on an incident and insisted that they be well- with a shop-keeper who in- qualified, educated and in- formed him and his brothers formed. He therefore encour- that they could not come into aged our pursuits of academic the establishment unless they qualifications, promoted and were buying something and his backed our attendance at educa- father’s reaction to it, informing tional events and created oppor- his children and the startled tunities for international expo- Prime Minister Mia Mottley expresses sympathy to Sir Courtney Blackman’s sons shop owner that they could come sure. This allows many of us to Martin, Keith and Christopher outside of the Cathedral. and look around anytime they sharpen our skills, grow our wanted to. competencies and acquire global “We love you, Sir Daddy,” they capital and he did not worry echoed, as their mother and Sir about us seeking greener pas- Courtney’s wide Gloria Lady tures after such development. Blackman cast her gaze to the His was the view that he was cloth draped casket. developing citizens for the Meanwhile, Central Bank world. Our staff many of them Governor Cleviston Haynes paid retired laud and thank him for tribute on behalf of the former his foresight and in interest in governors of the financial insti- their personal and professional tution, saying the founding fa- development and appreciate the ther, who was the youngest gov- many doors he opened for us in- ernor at the age of 39, ensured it side and outside the bank,” he was highly respected, both here explained. and abroad. During the sermon, Dean of Speaking on Sir Courtney’s the Cathedral Reverend Jeffrey successes throughout his 15 Gibson said Sir Courtney’s love years tenure, including the deci- for his family and fellowman sion to peg the Barbados dollar and his service to his country to the US dollar rather than the should be lauded and replicated British pound, Haynes outlined by citizens. a man who was interested in en- “A rich pattern of life has been suring persons pursued higher complete, let us give God thanks educational attainment. and open ourselves to be com- “Sir Courtney’s contribution forted by God’s grace,” he said. to the bank should not be lim- Sir Courtney’s body was laid ited to the economic policies to rest at St. David’s Anglican which he crafted or the physical Church. Paying final respects to Sir Courtney Blackman. The Barbados Advocate Saturday June 19, 2021 • 7

China’s investment into BRI China lists key tasks in countries expands in Jan-May medicine, BEIJING – China’s outbound direct for 17.2 percent of the total, according to The manufacturing sector attracted 7.2 investment (ODI) into countries the Ministry of Commerce. billion dollars in the first five months, up healthcare involved in the Belt and Road From January to May, the country’s 11.8 percent year-on-year. Initiative (BRI) increased in the total ODI rose 2.6 percent to $43.29 The ODI from China’s local enterprises first five months, official data billion from the same period in 2020, the reached 32.75 billion dollars, up 3.8 reform for 2021 showed. ministry said. percent from a year earlier and CHINA will strive to balance medical re- During the period, such investment Specifically,outbound investment into accounting for 75.7 percent of the total sources and build up the public health into BRI countries expanded 13.8 percent manufacturing and information ODI in the period, according to the system in 2021, according to the cabi- year on year to $7.43 billion, accounting transmission sectors continued to grow. ministry. net's new annual plan for further reform- ing the medicine and healthcare system. Efforts must be made to accelerate the synergy of reforms relating to medical services, medical insurance and pharma- ceuticals, said the document, which was published on the General Office of the State Council’s website on Thursday. The country will carry forward the bulk-buying mechanism to further slash medicine prices in 2021. Its tiered system of medical diagnosis and treatment will be refined and the development of health- care consortiums will be accelerated, ac- cording to the document. Disease prevention will be emphasized in the building up of China's public health system. The document called for efforts to boost the capabilities for early warning, risk evaluation and on-the-spot epidemiological investigation. The State Council also made clear Twenty-foot equivalent units are stocked at the goods yard of the Sino-Kazakhstan International Logistics Base in which authorities are responsible for Lianyungang, Jiangsu province. each task within the reforms. Space agencies congratulate China on manned mission BEIJING – Three Chinese astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-12 spaceship entered China’s space station core module Tianhe on Thursday, embarking on the country’s first crewed mission during the construction of the station, a space trip that has won congratulations from space agencies and scholars across the world. “Roscosmos sends sincere congratulations to China on the successful launch of three taikonauts on the Shenzhou-12 crewed spacecraft to the new Chinese Tianhe space station”core module, said Russia’s state space corporation in a statement released Thursday on its official website. “China has made another confident step forward,” Roscosmos said, adding that Russia and China will become “lasting and reliable partners” in long- term exploration of the outer space. “Congratulations to the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on the launch of three ‘taikonauts’ on their Shenzhou-12 mission to the Tianhe (Heavenly Harmony) space station,” the European Space Agency tweeted. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson also extended his congratulations to China on the latest mission. “I look forward to the scientific discoveries to come,” according Screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, June 17, 2021 shows three to his Thursday statement on the U.S. Chinese astronauts onboard the Shenzhou-12 spaceship saluting after entering the space station core module agency’s website. Tianhe. The Brazilian Space Agency tweeted it congratulates the CNSA on “the insights into the living, work and health and cooperation, said Francis in an vastly improved functions compared with successful launch of the first crewed conditions of an astronaut in interview with Xinhua, after the launch. the previous Shenzhou series, undertook mission to the new Chinese Space microgravity,which in turn “will be useful Pablo Hollar, an Argentine expert in the country’s first round-trip mission to Station.” for future moon missions or Mars aerospace engineering, told Xinhua that the space station, illustrating the great “We wish many achievements to China missions or further afield,” said Paul China once again sending three progress of China's scientific research, in this challenging space initiative,” the Francis, an astrophysicist at the astronauts to the outer space is an said Hollar,who also leads the Aerospace agency noted. Australian National University. achievement that attracts worldwide Division of VENG, a company held by The crew’s planned three-month stay in The Chinese mission may serve as a attention. Argentina’s National Commission for the station will offer scientists more boost to international space exploration The Shenzhou-12 spaceship, with Space Activities. 8 • Saturday June 19, 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 UN assembly condemns Myanmar Men must coup, calls for arms embargo

UNITED NATIONS – In Core Group including the ousted Aung San Suu to refrain from violence.” a rare move, the UN European Union and Kyi’s party from power But it has never been able better care for General Assembly many Western nations and put her under arrest to condemn the coup or yesterday condemned and the ten-member along with many authorize an arms Myanmar’s military coup Association of Southeast government leaders and embargo or other and called for an arm Asian Nations known as politicians, as well as sanctions because of an their health embargo against the ASEAN, which includes strong opposition to the almost-certain veto by country in a resolution Myanmar. military crackdown on China, and possibly BARBADIANS will celebrate Father’s Day on that demonstrated A UN diplomat said protesters demanding an Russia. Sunday June 20, by recognising the awesome widespread global there was an agreement end to the army’s The coup reversed years work many dads do to ensure their children know opposition to the junta with ASEAN to seek takeover. of slow progress toward that they care. Whilst many may be wondering and demanded the consensus. But in the vote, The resolution’s democracy in Myanmar, what they can do for the men who are fathers and restoration of the its members were divided. approval follows calls for which for five decades men in general this year, it may be to insist that country’s democratic Myanmar, whose UN more aggressive UN languished under strict they do more to care for themselves. transition. ambassador supports the action by many countries military rule that led to In the past, reports have gladly shown that Supporters had hoped ousted democratic and Myanmar’s UN international isolation more men in Barbados have been stepping the 193-member UN government, voted “yes” Ambassador Kyaw Moe and sanctions. As the forward to get health checks and to generally General Assembly would along with Indonesia, Tun, who has been generals loosened their care for themselves, but of course, the numbers approve the resolution Singapore, Malaysia, charged with treason by grip, culminating in Aung could always be better. Men have heard time and unanimously by Vietnam and the the military junta. San Suu Kyi’s rise to time again that they should be getting regular consensus, but Belarus Philippines while The more powerful UN leadership in 2015 medical check-ups, to ensure that they are called for a vote. The Thailand, Laos, Cambodia Security Council, whose elections, the staying healthy and to pick up on early warning measure was approved and Brunei abstained. resolutions are legally international community signs of illness. Doctors can easily detect many with 119 countries voting Even though the binding, has adopted responded by lifting most illnesses in their early stages, such as “yes,” Belarus voting “no” resolution didn’t get the several statements on sanctions and pouring cardiovascular (heart) disease, diabetes and some and 36 countries overwhelming support its Myanmar, including investment into the cancers. Yet, many men have been refusing to go abstaining including backers hoped for, the condemning the use of country. The coup took near a doctor’s office, until it is sadly, too late. Myanmar’s neighbors action by the General violence against peaceful place following November Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic upon us, the China and India, along Assembly, while not protesters, calling on the elections, which Suu Kyi’s visit to doctors by men may be even less. with Russia. legally binding, reflects military to restore the party won Let us acknowledge that for many men, the The resolution was the international democratic transition and overwhelmingly and the dreaded health check is the Digital Rectal Exam result of lengthy condemnation of the “exercise utmost military contends were for Prostate Cancer Screening. Of course, most negotiations by a so-called February 1 coup that restraint” and “on all sides marred by fraud. men will tell you that they are never, ever stepping into a male doctor’s office for such a check. However, as men get older and as they get a few health scares here and there, their Apathy greets Iran presidential perspective about life and critical health checks do change at times and as such, we may see a change in how men approach this whole business of health checks, especially screening for prostate vote dominated by hard-liner cancer. Cancer is not the only issue our males need to DUBAI, United Arab the office again. expected to have initial overnight, seeking to get tested for.We know here in Barbados as well, Emirates – Iranians voted As night fell, turnout results and turnout figures portray a last-minute rush that many men are succumbing to end-stage yesterday in a presidential appeared far lower than in Saturday morning at the to the polls. kidney disease. It is said that diabetes and election dominated by Iran’s last presidential earliest. However, since the 1979 hypertension are often contributing factors and Supreme Leader Ayatollah election in 2017. At one “My vote will not change revolution overthrew the as such, men should take their health a lot more Ali Khamenei’s hard-line polling place inside a anything in this election, shah, Iran’s theocracy has seriously. Too many men are overweight as well, protege after the mosque in central Tehran, the number of people who cited voter turnout as a or even obese. We also cannot forget the need to disqualification of his a Shiite cleric played soccer are voting for Raisi is huge sign of its legitimacy, have testing for HIV and AIDS carried out as strongest competition, with a young boy as most of and Hemmati does not beginning with its first well. Thus, the onus is not only on women to go fuelling apathy that left its workers napped in a have the necessary skills referendum that won forward and get checked for various ailments or some polling places largely courtyard. At another, for this,” said Hediyeh, a 98.2% support that simply illnesses, but men must be more proactive in deserted despite pleas to officials watched videos on 25-year-old woman who asked whether or not taking care of themselves. support the Islamic their mobile phones as gave only her first name people wanted an Islamic Now it is a well-known fact that chronic non- Republic at the ballot box. state television blared while hurrying to a taxi in Republic. communicable diseases account for 80 per cent of Opinion polling by state- beside them, offering only Haft-e Tir Square after The disqualifications total deaths in Barbados. Further, it is said that linked organisations, along tight shots of locations avoiding the polls. “I have affected reformists and one-quarter of adult Barbadians have a chronic with analysts, indicated around the country – as no candidate here.” those backing Rouhani, non-communicable disease and this statistic is that judiciary chief opposed to the long, Iranian state television whose administration both expected to rise to one-third, by 2030. Given the Ebrahim Raisi – who snaking lines of past sought to downplay the reached the 2015 nuclear pandemic, we no longer have the numerous already is under US elections. turnout, pointing to the deal with world powers health fairs around the country that we had in sanctions – was the front- Balloting came to a close Gulf Arab sheikhdoms and saw it disintegrate the past, which would allow citizens to get some runner in a field of only at 2.a.m. Saturday, after surrounding it ruled by three years later with free testing done. Therefore, it is key for men in four candidates. Former the government extended hereditary leaders and the then-President Donald particular to be proactive and do their part to Central Bank chief voting to accommodate lower participation in Trump’s unilateral seek out care for themselves. Abdolnasser Hemmati is what it called “crowding” Western democracies. withdrawal of America Apart from health checks, perhaps families can running as the moderate at several polling places After a day of amplifying from the accord. Former use this time to pamper the males in their candidate but hasn’t nation-wide. Paper ballots, officials’ attempts to get hard-line President families and ensure that they take better care of inspired the same support stuffed into large plastic out the vote, state TV Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, their physical and mental health. For Mother’s as outgoing President boxes, were to be counted broadcast scenes of jam- also blocked from running, Day there has always been a fuss about Hassan Rouhani, who is by hand through the night, packed voting booths in said on social media he’d pampering women and rightly so, but now is the term-limited from seeking and authorities said they several provinces boycott the vote. time to fuss with the dads and get them to see why they need to care for themselves more, so Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes they can be around longer for their offspring. E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Men must better care for their health Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Saturday June 19, 2021 • 9 PM Mitchell outlines key priorities for OECS during his chairmanship GRENADA – Reinventing also speed.” The other priority the economy of the areas are: Reinventing the Organisation of Eastern Economy; Valuing the Caribbean State (OECS) Environment; Building and building resilience are 3 Resilience and Enabling Equity of five key priorities that and Inclusion. “The last 4 will be the focus of Prime represent a matrix foundation Minister of Grenada Dr which must be constructed as Keith Mitchell who became essential to the regional the new chairman of the integration project,” said the Authority as of yesterday – Prime Minister. the 40th anniversary of the “Infusing this approach will subregional body. be cross-cutting themes that “What therefore should be enrich the quality of the effort. our north star in the next year? Entrepreneurship, gender Prime Minister Dr the Rt Hon. Keith Mitchell at OECS Assembly, 16 June 2021. It is simply to accelerate the equity, digital innovation and process of regional integration the empowerment of youth are have affected us, have impacted nightmare imaginable. The Prime Minister Mitchell said, to create a better quality of life the interlinked strands which the entire planet. They have Covid-19 pandemic crippled “When we examine how far we for the people of the OECS,” Dr will make the process stronger, also exposed many weaknesses health care systems and caused have come and measure Mitchell told the region in a and the results better,” said of the global development millions of deaths around the ourselves against the rest of virtual ceremony to mark the Mitchell who is taking over model that require world. Global trade was almost humanity in this global storm, start of his chairmanship of the from Dominica’s Prime transformation and we have the totally shut down,” he said. we have much to be proud of. In Authority. Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.” opportunity as small island “What we witnessed sisters an environment in which there Outlining the 5 key priorities Claiming that in every developing states, to build to and brothers, was basically,the were no templates, no ready- for his leg of our journey, Dr situation of crisis there are scale, a greener, bluer, more cutting off at the knees, every made solutions; in a climate Mitchell said that “Accelerating seeds of opportunity which, if inclusive, more resilient and inch of progress that we have characterised by volatility, regional integration” is high on properly reaped, can yield more sustainable OECS. On painstakingly made against uncertainty, and complexity,we the priority list. “We must pick transformational harvest, Dr this 40th Anniversary there is poverty, our efforts towards have emerged – in the words of up the pace of this relay and as Mitchell described the Covid- no better time for this building resilience, and towards Buju Banton – “buried alive… we round this dangerous curve, 19 pandemic as presenting recommitment.” achieving the Sustainable but still breathing… I don’t we must recognise that our opportunities despite the “In the past 15 to 18 months, Development Goals set out by know what tomorrow may integration marathon is not challenges. our region and in fact, the the UN and subscribed to by us bring; but I’ve got a feeling… simply about endurance, but “The concurrent crises that world, has faced the worst all.” there must be a reason.” St Kitts and Nevis records first COVID-related death ST KITTS and Nevis’ Minister Ministry of Health and the sector of society and all Corrections at Her Majesty’s of Health, Akilah Byron- Ministry of National institutions and encouraged Prison (HMP), Terrance James, Nisbett, announced on Security. one and all to adhere to all said that the management of Thursday that the Federation According to the St Kitts and health and safety protocols, HMP is making every effort has recorded its first COVID- Nevis Information Service and stressed the importance of possible to protect the staff and 19-related death. Byron-Nisbett reminded the being vaccinated. residents at the facility from “At about 12:14 pm we general public that “we are not Between March 2020 to an in-house spread of COVID- received word that the immune to the ravages of present, St. Kitts and Nevis 19. Federation of St. Kitts and COVID-19, including severe has recorded a total of 279 At a press conference on Nevis has recorded its first disease, and death it causes. confirmed COVID-19 cases – Thursday, the Head of HMP death as a result of COVID-19. Just yesterday, we were 264 in St. Kitts and 15 in Nevis said that to date 37 inmates We wish to extend condolences reminded of the significant with 70 fully recovered and one and two members of staff have to the family and loved ones of milestone crossed with (the death. Currently, 208 active tested positive for COVID-19. the dearly departed,” Byron- US) having 600,000 deaths.” cases are being monitored with The infections are confined to Minister of Health Akilah Nisbett said during a joint She said that COVID-19 five hospitalizations. the male block within the Byron-Nisbett Press Conference with the continues to threaten every Meanwhile, Commissioner of correctional facility. J’ca: Review of Parliament’s HR capabilities to be undertaken KINGSTON, Jamaica – additional positions where Parliament, in partnership with acquiring speech-to-text comprehensive review of the Minister of Tourism and Leader necessary to attract and retain the Cabinet Office and e-Gov technology for real-time system of sessional committees of Government Business in the the hard-working, capable and Jamaica, is also working on the reporting of the proceedings of and make recommendations as House of Representatives, qualified individuals that we formulation and both Houses and their to the resources needed to Edmund Bartlett, says an have and to explore solutions, implementation of an Committees. improve their effective organisational review of the such as contracted consultancies information and He added that the Parliament functioning,” Bartlett said. human resource (HR) to boost capacity in some areas,” communications technology is also in the process of securing He said that this is in progress capabilities required for an Bartlett said. (ICT) development plan for the approval from the Public “and we will report accordingly efficient Parliament is being He was speaking in the Houses of Parliament, in order Procurement Commission to in the next parliamentary commissioned. House of Representatives as he to improve efficiency in all the enable all of this. session, which will begin in “This [is] to enable us to closed the 2021/22 Sectoral operations of the Parliament. “The prime minister has also September, when we have the justify [the] reclassification of Debate on Tuesday. Bartlett noted that the asked me to immediately and start of the State of current positions, creation of Bartlett added that the Parliament is in the process of expeditiously undertake a Constituency Debate”. 10 • Saturday June 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

CDEMA to begin detailed damage assessment next week in Guyana GUYANA – Approximately from numerous regional 30 technical officials from agencies, which are partnering the Caribbean Disaster with CDEMA to execute the Emergency Management assessment. Agency (CDEMA) are set to He also said the CDEMA arrive in Guyana next week team would be supported by to begin a detailed damage CDC personnel as well as heads sectoral assessment of the of agencies within the relevant recent floods, which have ministries, and key persons devastated some regions. within the various An advance CDEMA team administrative regions. met the Civil Defence Lt. Col. Craig noted that the Commission (CDC) on assessment will be done in the Thursday to plan next week’s mining, agriculture, health, activities. water, sanitation, Speaking with DPI on the infrastructure (roads, bridges, side-lines of the meeting, CDC’s housing) and social sectors. Director General, Lieutenant Meanwhile, CDEMA’s Colonel, Kester Craig said, “the Programme Manager for purpose of the assessment is to Preparedness and Response, CDEMA Programme Manager for Preparedness and really get the total extent of Ms. Joanne Persad told DPI the Response, Ms. Joanne Persad during the meeting. damages and to also to come up Director General of the Civil regional body is, “here to give with estimations for recovery Defence Commission, Lt. the best support we can… We of reducing risk, building proclamation that Guyana is actions and that is a sector- Col. Kester Craig are very pleased to be here to resilience and reducing experiencing a national based assessment that require give support to Guyana and we vulnerability.” She expects that disaster due to flooding. The teams going to the most the report and send it to the stand in solidarity with the work the team will do over CDC had elevated flooding affected regions – Regions Two Government for approval and Guyana, and will offer any the next few weeks would across the country to a Level Five, Six, Seven and Ten. implementation as necessary.” technical assistance, relief “hopefully support that effort Two Disaster. CDEMA The team would be spending Additionally,the DG said the support, logistics support that in Guyana.” describes this level as one in about between eight to ten days report would help Guyana to we can provide once requested.” The Government was able to which the nation’s capacity to in terms of getting field work access funding from Ms.Persad said CDEMA benefit from support from respond is not overwhelmed, and data, and I think they have international bodies as the executes its functions on the CDEMA after President Dr. but some external assistance is a couple of days or so to prepare team boasts representatives principles of, “build back better, Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s acquired. Guyana’s Government insists Sputnik V vaccine safe as Opposition calls for suspension GEORGETOWN, Guyana, take the vaccine because…he Harmon’s statement about the directly,we tried manufacturers Guyana’s Minister of Health, Dr thinks the vaccine is fake. Now, Sputnik V vaccines was directly,and we tried diplomatic Frank Anthony, says the Mr. Harmon is not a medical “shamefully reckless, selfish and channels. We tried every single Russian-made Sputnik V person, he probably does not against the interest of Guyana thing and we continue to try vaccine is safe and effective and [have] much clue about and Guyanese”. every single day,” he stressed. encouraged residents to take the anything pertaining to vaccines, “This level of irresponsibility, Sputnik V is being used in jab, amid Opposition claims that yet he decides that the vaccine is this level of selfishness is beyond several Latin American the vaccine is not effective. not safe, hasn’t produced any anything that a leader or countries including Chile, Anthony said on Thursday evidence that they do not work, someone who has prided himself Argentina, and Brazil. It was that while the vaccine was yet he decides that it is not safe.” with the values of leadership approved for emergency use in initially given a 94.1 per cent World renown general can demonstrate,” he added. Guyana based on the findings effectiveness rating, that has medical journal, the Lancet has President Ali reiterated that in those countries, and by the now moved to 97 per cent. ranked the Sputnik V as one of his administration has been Food and Drug Department. He was responding to the most effective against working around the clock to The Government says it will Opposition Leader Joseph COVID-19 on the market. It is ensure that the population continue to use the vaccine as Guyana’s Minister of Health, Harmon, who had called on the being used in 74 other countries reaches herd immunity.He said part of its COVID-19 Dr Frank Anthony Government to suspend the use where it has been approved for the Government had explored immunisation campaign. of Sputnik V until its emergency use. all available avenues to save To date, 224,853 persons, or Government had approached authenticity is verified. Anthony said while the lives and keep Guyanese out of 46.2 per cent of the country’s the manufacturers of Pfizer, “There is no doubt about the Sputnik V is yet to be approved harm’s way. adult population, have received Moderna, and Johnson and efficacy of the vaccine, there is by the World Health “On more than one occasion, I their first jab of a COVID-19 Johnson, and several other no doubt about the safety of the Organization (WHO), the said to the Guyanese population vaccine, while 94,243 persons, countries to procure vaccines. vaccine.This vaccine works and, Sinopharm vaccine, which that this Government is going to or 19.4 per cent, are fully However, the manufacturers more recently, this vaccine has Guyana has been using since explore all avenues to ensure we inoculated. indicated they were unable to been working against all the the commencement of the get our people vaccinated. This Minister Anthony said this supply Guyana at the time. variants we have seen so far,” immunisation campaign, was is the only way we can get ahead was possible because systems “We had set ourselves a Anthony said, adding that only WHO-approved last month. of the curve and return Guyana were put in place to secure mission that we want to get our Harmon’s utterances about the The Minister also pointed out to normalcy, and that position vaccines. He said while the population immunized and so, safety and authenticity of the that he and his family have would not change. Every single initial consignments of vaccines to reach herd immunity, we Sputnik V vaccine are not only taken the Russian vaccine and manufacturer, developer, were donations from various would have to get at least ill-informed but reckless and said he was confident in the countries – whether it was for regional and international 500,000 persons immunized in malicious. findings of the clinical trials and Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and partners, the Government Guyana. So, the only options we “It was irresponsible of the studies conducted. Johnson, AstraZeneca, Sputnik procured the majority of had available was for us to Leader of the Opposition now to In a separate statement, – we tried. We tried countries vaccines. secure vaccines using China, call on people in a sense not to President Irfaan Ali said directly, we tried developers He noted that the India, and Russia,” he said. The Barbados Advocate Saturday June 19, 2021 • 11

Suriname announces complete lockdown on Sundays, holidays PARAMARIBO, During the curfew, only Suriname – Suriname the essential services and Thursday announced a people in possession of a complete lockdown on dispensation or who have Sundays and holidays registered through the until July 5, as the Dutch- Ministry of Justice and speaking Caribbean Police may use the public Community (Caricom) road. country recorded deaths The authorities said linked to the coronavirus that domestic flights are (COVID-19) over the past only allowed for cargo, 24 hours. repatriation of stranded The number of COVID- passengers and for 19 deaths in Suriname medical emergencies. climbed to 427 after nine Commercial domestic people died from the flights for regular virus, pushing the total passenger traffic are not for this month to 125. allowed. The country recorded They said borders via 283 new cases pushing land, water and air will the total number of remain closed to people Socialist Pedro Castillo claimed victory this week after the vote count gave him a slender lead over positives to 19,108. The unless authorised by the right-wing rival Keiko Fujimori. But Fujimori has not conceded. authorities said that 245 COVID-19 Crisis people have been Management Team for admitted to hospitals and urgent reasons. Peru’s electoral board says it 34 people are in intensive “The Minister of care units, while 149 Foreign Affairs, civilians have been cured International Business in the past 24 hours, and International is working at top speed to bringing the total to Cooperation will continue 14,572. to discuss the manner of The government said cooperation at the borders that the total lockdown with neighbouring resolve election questions during the week has been countries,” the statement lifted and that from said. LIMA – Peru’s electoral Electoral experts said questions about the centrist political parties Friday, the full lockdown The authorities said board said on Thursday the work of checking the possibility of a new wave “would bode well for the will only apply to Sundays that it will be against the it was working at top disputed votes could take of leftist governments in narrative of moderation, and July 1, which is a law to participate in a speed to check days or even weeks, given South America, with opening the door to a holiday in the country. group of more than five contested votes from that Fujimori’s party has elections due in the coming scenario of orderly regime It said that on the other people and that meetings the June 6 presidential asked for the annulment of 18 months in Chile, change,” the note added. days, the curfew goes into for mourning sessions and election to be able to some 900 voting tables. Colombia and Brazil. Like With 100% of the votes effect at 6:00 pm and runs funerals are only allowed “promptly” declare the In the 2011 and 2016 Peru, all have been marked tallied on Tuesday,Castillo until 6:00 am (local time). if and insofar as no more final results and end elections, contests in which by increasingly polarized was ahead with 50.125%, a Schools will remain than 10 people are swirling tension and Fujimori also ran and lost, politics and economic difference of 44,058 votes closed. present at the same time. uncertainty. the official announcement issues exacerbated by the against Fujimori, the Jorge Salas, president of of the winner took until the COVID-19 pandemic. daughter of imprisoned ex- the National Elections end of June, with fewer Castillo has insisted he president Alberto Jury, said in a message on contested votes. is no communist and will Fujimori. Tens of thousands Twitter that the Castillo has in recent use democratic means to The tight election has organization’s full staff days held meetings with redistribute wealth. deeply divided Peruvians. would be working through presidential candidates However, his pledges to Protest marches by in dark after the weekend to ensure the who ran in the election’s renegotiate mining taxes supporters of both checking of contested votes first round, other political and tear up the country’s candidates take place was “expedited.” party representatives, and constitution have alarmed almost daily in downtown blackout hits USVI Socialist Pedro Castillo civil society groups in a bid investors. Lima, calling for a swift SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – lost all generation claimed this week after to build bridges as he looks resolution and respect for The U.S. Virgin Islands’ capacity for unknown the vote count gave him a to form a government. ‘Orderly regime change’ the popular will. In a news power company yesterday reasons. slender lead over right- The apparent election of In a note on Thursday, conference on Thursday, reported a complete The Virgin Islands wing rival Keiko Fujimori. the 51-year-old former JP Morgan said the more Fujimori unveiled a team blackout in St. John and Water & Power Authority But Fujimori has not teacher and union leader “moderate message” of lawyers her party has St. Thomas, which is the said it did not know when conceded and has vowed to at the helm of a party that delivered by Castillo and appointed to challenge the U.S. territory’s most power would be restored. fight on, alleging electoral espouses Marxist ideas has his team since the vote had validity of as many as populated island. More than 51,600 people fraud for which her party alarmed Peru’s small, lowered collective blood 250,000 votes cast at 900 Officials said the outage live in St. Thomas and has provided scant urban elite. pressure. voting tables in mostly occurred late Thursday more than 4,000 people evidence. It has also raised Reaching out to more impoverished rural areas. when a key power plant live in St. John.

Mostly cloudy with breaks of sunshine and occasional scattered light to moderate showers.

High Tide (First) 10:50 High tide (Second) 23:18 London 13 Overcast / Light Rain Yesterday: 1.0 mm Boston 28 Fair Low Tide (First) 04:40 For the month: 34.9 mm Max: 30.3°C Montreal 19 Overcast / Light Rain Low tide (Second) 16:53 For the year: 313.4 mm Min: 25.8 °C Toronto 23 Cloudy New York 23 Fair Miami 30 Cloudy 5:33 a.m. 6:27 p.m. 12 • Saturday June 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

US Catholic bishops face clash with Biden US Catholic bishops are on a potential collision course with President Joe Biden after voting to commission a document that may call for him to be barred from Holy Communion. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) clashed online over whether to draw up a teaching document on politicians who support abortion. Holy Communion is the most important ritual in the Catholic Christian faith. The Catholic president regularly attends Church services. Responding to news of the bishops’ vote, he said: “That’s a private matter and I don’t think that’s gonna happen.” The Vatican has already indicated its opposition to the bishops’ move. After the debate on Thursday, the Most Reverend Allen H Vigneron, vice- president of the USCCB, announced the move had passed by 168 to 55, with six abstentions. Joe Biden outside St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware, last month. The US clergy is deeply divided on the issue. The Most Rev Robert McElroy, The document will return for debate particular individuals or limited to one Kennedy.He could be the first president bishop of San Diego, warned such a at the next bi-annual US Catholic issue, but I think we need to accept the to be denied Communion by his Church document would lead to the Bishops Conference in November. [Church’s] discipline that those who – a remarkable development that “weaponisation” of the Eucharist (the The controversial issue of whether obstinately persist in grave sin are not emphasises the divisive nature of more formal name name for Holy politicians who support abortion should to be admitted to Holy Communion.” abortion in US politics and religious life. Communion). receive Mass has become more Cardinal Luis Ladaria – the prefect Biden isn’t the only politician to However, the Most Rev Liam Cary, prominent with the election of Biden as for the Congregation for the Doctrine of support abortion rights who has faced the bishop of Baker, Oregon, said the president. the Faith, the Vatican’s theological sanction by Catholic clergy, of course. Church was in an “unprecedented Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of watchdog – urged the US Catholic Former Secretary of State John Kerry situation” with “a Catholic president Chicago, warned most priests would be Bishops Conference to delay the debate. drew similar warnings when he ran for who is opposed to the teaching” of the “puzzled to hear that bishops now want He wrote to the conference saying it president in 2004, and several members Church. to talk about excluding people at a time would be “misleading” to suggest of the Kennedy family have been The document will now be drafted by when the real challenge before them is abortion and euthanasia were “the only prohibited. the doctrine committee of US bishops. welcoming people back to the regular grave matters of Catholic moral and In addition, the resolution being However, although it will be a form of practice of the faith and rebuilding their social teaching that demand the fullest considered by the US Catholic bishops national policy, it will not be binding. communities". level of accountability on the part of would be non-binding, and Biden’s Each individual bishop has the right to However, proposing the motion, Catholics". church in Washington, the Jesuit-run decide who should be blocked from the Bishop Kevin Roades, of Fort Wayne- Joe Biden is the second Catholic Holy Trinity,seems unlikely to heed the Mass in his diocese. South Bend, said: “We weren’t targeting elected US president, after John F guidance. Setback for EU in legal fight with AstraZeneca THE EU has lost a legal battle in 80.2m doses by September 27. Brussels to force Anglo-Swedish drug If the company fails to do so, the order maker AstraZeneca to supply 120m says, it must pay a penalty of ¤10 (£8.5; doses of Covid-19 vaccine by the end of $12) per dose not delivered. June. The EU’s demand for 120m doses by It went to court last month after the the end of this month was not accepted. company delayed shipment of the vital Welcoming the court order, vaccines, having originally committed AstraZeneca said it had already to supply 300m doses by the same date. supplied more than 70m doses to the However, the EU demand was not EU and would “substantially exceed” satisfied by the judge in Brussels. 80.2m doses by the end of June. However, the judge did impose a It noted that the order acknowledged deadline on AstraZeneca to supply doses that “the difficulties experienced by to the EU over the summer or face hefty AstraZeneca in this unprecedented fines. situation” had had a “substantial impact Both the EU and the pharmaceutical on the delay” of vaccine deliveries. company talked up Friday’s court order, “AstraZeneca now looks forward to A medical worker in Latvia with a vial of the AstraZeneca vaccine. with Brussels saying it confirmed its renewed collaboration with the position and AstraZeneca saying it European Commission to help combat shows that our European vaccination been used to supply the vaccine to the welcomed the outcome. the pandemic in Europe,” it added. campaign not only delivers for our UK. The two-dose Oxford-AstraZeneca jab The President of the European citizens day by day. It also demonstrates, Among other things, the court order is one of the big three vaccines, along Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also that it was founded on a sound legal says: “The choice to monopolise the with those developed by Pfizer- welcomed the order but said it basis.” Oxford site for the benefit of the UK and BioNTech and Moderna, and has by far confirmed the Commission’s view that A lawyer representing the EU said in so doing to deprive the EU of an the greatest global reach. AstraZeneca had not lived “up to the the court order meant AstraZeneca expressly foreseen production site seems The judge at the Court of First commitments it made in the contract”. must also use a British factory, Oxford even more prejudicial considering its Instance in Brussels ordered that “It is good to see that an independent Biomedica, to deliver Covid-19 vaccines production capacity is twice that of other AstraZeneca should deliver a total of judge confirms this,” she said. “This to the EU if necessary. The factory has sites.” The Barbados Advocate Saturday June 19, 2021 • 13

Liberian convicted of war crimes in Swiss court ALIEU KOSIAH has been found guilty of war crimes in a Swiss court, becoming the first Liberian to be convicted over the country’s civil war. He was sentenced to 20 years for crimes including murder and rape. Around 250 000 people were killed in Liberia’s two conflicts between 1989 and 2003, and many thousands more fled. Switzerland recognises the principle of universal justice, meaning suspects accused of high-profile crimes elsewhere can be tried in its courts. The trial was the first under a 2011 Swiss law that allows prosecution for war crimes committed anywhere in the world. It also marked the first time war crimes charges have been heard by a Swiss civilian court. Kosiah, 46, was a former rebel commander, who fled to Switzerland before being arrested there in 2014. He was detained after a civil rights group, Civitas Maxima, presented the Swiss attorney general with evidence of his involvement in war crimes, including the deliberate killing of civilians, sexual violence, abuse of Around 250 000 people were killed in Liberia’s two civil wars. corpses and acts of cannibalism. The crimes took place while he was Before Kosiah’s guilty verdict, no federal court in 2009 for torturing and trial in Finland for alleged crimes fighting with Alhaji Kromah’s United Liberian had ever been convicted of killing people while he was the head of committed in Liberia. Liberation Movement of Liberia for crimes committed during the conflict. Liberia’s anti-terrorist services. Liberia has failed to hold war crimes Democracy rebel group against Charles Taylor was, however, convicted in 2012 Ex-warlord Mohammed “Jungle trials because of a lack of a political Taylor’s troops in the remote Lofa of committing war crimes in Jabbah” Jabateh has been jailed for 30 will, says BBC Liberia reporter County in the 1990s. neighbouring Sierra Leone. years in the US for lying about his past Jonathan Paye-Layleh. A post-war Liberia endured two bouts of brutal He is serving his 50-year sentence in as a leader of a force that carried out truth commission did name people who fighting from 1989 to 1997, after which a prison in the UK. multiple murders and acts of could be prosecuted, but as some have Taylor became president, and 1999 to His son “Chuckie” Taylor was cannibalism. And Sierra Leonean Gibril held key government positions a special 2003. sentenced to 97 years in prison in a US Ealoghima Massaquoi is currently on court has never been established. Palestinians cancel vaccine swap deal with Israel THE Palestinian Authority has vaccines that are about to expire,” he cancelled a deal under which Israel said in the statement carried by the was to give it at least one million official Wafa news agency. Covid vaccines. Melhem added that they would The authority said the Pfizer jabs instead wait for the consignment of were too close to their expiry date. vaccines the authority had ordered Earlier, Israel said it didn’t need an drectly from Pfizer. ageing stock of vaccines and they were In a tweet earlier yesterday, Israel’s to be used to speed up the Palestinian new health minister Nitzan Horowitz vaccination programme. said that the “coronavirus knows no In return, the Palestinians were to borders and does not differentiate give Israel a similar number of vaccines between people”. they are expecting from the Pfizer He said that the “important exchange organisation later in the year. of vaccines” was in the interests of both However, when the first batch of jabs sides and that he hoped for “co-operation Elderly Palestinians are among those being vaccinated in the occupied West from Israel arrived, Palestinian officials between Israel and its Palestinian Bank. said they were even nearer their expiry neighbours in other areas”. date than expected. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali About 55 per cent of eligible Israelis The Palestinians have already They said there wasn’t enough time to Bennett’s office said “Israel has signed have been given both doses as part of a received vaccine doses from Israel, as use them, and that the deal was off. an agreement with the Palestinian mass vaccination campaign. well as from Russia, China, the United Palestinian Authority spokesman Authority, and will supply The country reached a special deal Arab Emirates and the global Covax Ibrahim Melhem said the initial approximately one million doses of with Pfizer-BioNTech, in which it vaccine-sharing initiative. delivery of about 90 000 doses failed to Pfizer vaccine that are about to expire”, provided vital medical data in return UN experts had been critical of conform “to the specifications contained without specifying the use-by date. for a quick rollout of the vaccine. Israel’s failure to fully extend its in the agreement, and accordingly “Israel will receive the same amount Some 30 per cent of eligible vaccination programme to Palestinians Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh of doses of Pfizer in September/October Palestinians in the occupied West Bank under its control. instructed the minister of health to 2021, on behalf of what is destined for and Gaza have received at least one The Israelis said the Palestinians cancel the agreement”. the Palestinian Authority,” the Israeli vaccine dose, according to Palestinian were responsible for managing health “The government refuses to receive statement read. officials. matters in the territories. 14 • Saturday June 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Lisbon gave protesters’ data to foreign embassies

AUTHORITIES in the no public comments on Portuguese capital the issue. Lisbon illegally Medina on Friday handed over acknowledged that the protesters’ personal audit of city council details to the foreign procedures concluded embassies they were that protest organisers’ picketing, an audit has data had been illegally found. shared. Data was shared 52 There were 182 such times from 2018-19, said cases since 2012, but the Lisbon mayor Fernando mayor highlighted 52 Medina. instances which He declined to say happened after the EU’s which embassies were General Data Protection involved, but media Regulation – which bans reports cited China, such data sharing – came Israel and Russia. into force in 2018. Last week, a protest The mayor apologised, organiser said her and said the official personal details had been responsible for data shared with the Russian protection would be embassy in Portugal. dismissed. The woman – who has “This was an dual Russian-Portuguese inadequate policy which citizenship – said she did should never have not know whether she happened,” Medina said. would now be allowed Medina is now himself back in Russia. under pressure to resign, Russia, China and the BBC’s Alison Roberts Russian diplomats have not publicly commented on the issue. Israel have so far made in Lisbon reports. UN: Millions driven from homes in 2020 despite COVID crisis GENEVA – War, violence, and Afghanistan due to persecution, human rights protracted wars or fighting violations and other factors have dominated the UN caused nearly three million agency’s tally for years. people to flee their homes “This is telling, in a year last year, even though the in which we were all locked COVID-19 crisis restricted down, confined, blocked in movement world-wide,the our homes, in our UN refugee agency said in communities, in our cities,” a report Friday. Grandi said in an In its latest Global interview before the Trends report, UNHCR report’s release.“Almost said the world’s cumulative three million people have number of displaced people had to actually leave all rose to 82.4 million – that behind because they roughly the population of had no other choice.” Germany and a new post- “COVID-19 seems to World War II record. have had no impact on Filippo Grandi, the some of the key root causes In this Saturday, March 23, 2019 file photo, displaced families arrive after being rescued by boat from a United Nations’ high that push people to flee, he flooded area of Buzi district, 200 kilometres (120 miles) outside Beira, Mozambique. commissioner for refugees, said. “War, violence, said conflict and the fallout discrimination, they have UNHCR, which has its eases and borders reopen.. President Kamala Harris’ Washington when he was from climate change in continued, no matter what, headquarters in Geneva, “A good example is the recent trip to Central there recently. places such as throughout the pandemic.” said that 99 of the more United States, where America, where she told Among recent hotspots, Mozambique, Ethiopia’s UNHCR said 1% of all than 160 countries that already we have seen a people hoping to migrate Grandi said hundreds of Tigray region and Africa’s humanity is now displaced, closed their borders surge in people arriving in to the US “do not come,” thousands of people were Sahel area were key and there are twice as because of the coronavirus recent months,” Grandi Grandi expressed hope newly displaced in drivers of refugees and many forcibly displaced did not make exceptions for said, referring to a a US that the remark was not Mozambique and the internally displaced people people than a decade ago. people seeking protection provision called Title 42 reflective of overall US Sahel last year, and up to in 2020. Some 42% of them are as refugees or asylum- that let authorities policy. one million in the Tigray Such factors added under 18, and nearly 1 seekers. temporarily block asylum- “I think that messaging conflict that started in hundreds of thousands to million babies were born Grandi acknowledged seekers from entry for indeed, as it was reported, October. the overall count, the ninth as refugees between 2018 the possibility that many health reasons. “Title 42 is stark, and maybe shows “I’m worried that if the consecutive annual and 2020. internally displaced people will be lifted eventually – only one part of the picture international community increase in the number of “Many of them may who couldn’t leave their and I think this is the right now,” Grandi said, adding is not able to stop these forcibly displaced people. remain refugees for years own countries will thing to do – but this will that he had heard a “more conflicts, we will continue The millions who have fled to come,” the agency’s eventually want to flee have to be managed.” complex response” from to see the rise in the countries such as Syria report said. abroad if the pandemic Asked about US Vice other officials in numbers,” he said. The Barbados Advocate Saturday June 19, 2021 • 15

Racism case seen as threat to whole German army THE German defence minister has told April 20. the armed forces that reported racist and Ms Kramp-Karrenbauer said “these sexual abuse in a German platoon based misdeeds will be severely prosecuted and in Lithuania has put their entire punished, as far as expelling those reputation at risk. responsible from the Bundeswehr". The 30 soldiers have now been recalled. The platoon was part of Nato’s Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said the “Enhanced Forward Presence", a mission scandal was a “slap in the face” for all which trains local soldiers in the three those serving in the Bundeswehr (armed Baltic states and Poland as a deterrent forces). against Russian aggression. There are The reports spoke of a sexual assault, 620 German troops in Lithuania, leading bullying, anti-Semitism and Nazi songs. a Nato battlegroup. The platoon was part of a Nato mission. The minister said the abuses were “Through their behaviour these undermining the Bundeswehr at a time soldiers frivolously put the whole when it needed funding for new Bundeswehr’s reputation at risk,” she equipment and challenges such as said, addressing a Bundeswehr officers’ combating Russian disinformation. academy in Hamburg. She told the officers that their job was The allegations, first reported by Der to be “the armour that ensures Spiegel news, relate to a party held at a democratic stability", and they were the hotel in Lithuania at the end of April. “first line of defence against extremist German troops are leading a Nato battlegroup in Lithuania. Members of the platoon allegedly activities". filmed an incident of sexual assault German media report that far-right smoking outside a Lithuanian barracks the alleged offenders has been punished against another soldier and sang anti- abuses among the Lithuania-based made animal noises when a black French yet. Semitic songs. Later more allegations troops had already surfaced last year. soldier walked past. The last big scandal came last year, emerged of sexual and racial abuse in In one case, a soldier allegedly racially The cases were reported by the when far-right incidents in the elite KSK the platoon, including soldiers singing a abused a non-white fellow soldier. government, answering a question from commando unit triggered calls for it to be song to mark Adolf Hitler’s birthday on In another case, four German soldiers left-wing Linke MP Ulla Jelpke. None of disbanded. Ethiopia finally set to vote as PM vows 1st fair election KAMPALA, Uganda – Ethiopians will vote Monday in a landmark election overshadowed by reports of famine in the country’s war-hit Tigray region and beset by logistical problems that mean some people won’t be able to vote until September. The election is the centerpiece of a reform drive by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, whose rise to power in 2018 seemed to signal a break with decades of authoritarian rule and led to his Nobel Peace Prize the following year. He has described the poll as “the nation’s first attempt at free and fair elections”. Abiy’s ruling Prosperity Party,formed in 2019 by merging groups who made up the previous ruling coalition, is widely expected to cement its hold on power.The party that wins a majority of seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives will form the next government. “We will secure Ethiopia’s unity,” Abiy said ahead of his final campaign rally on Wednesday, repeating his vow of a free and fair election after past votes were marred by allegations of fraud. However, opposition groups have accused Ethiopia’s ruling party of harassment, manipulation and threats of violence that echo abuses of the past. And Abiy is facing growing international criticism over the war in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region. Thousands of civilians have been killed Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed greets children holding flowers on his arrival at the airport, ahead of a final and more than two million people have campaign rally, in the town of Jimma in the south-western Oromia Region of Ethiopia. been displaced since fighting broke out in November between Ethiopian forces, million in the region of 6 million. papers and opposition allegations of Yusef Ibrahim, vice president of the backed by ones from neighbouring No date has been set for voting in irregularities. Outbreaks of ethnic National Movement of Amhara, said Eritrea, and those supporting the now- Tigray’s 38 constituencies, where military violence have also killed hundreds of earlier this month. He said his party had fugitive Tigray leaders. personnel who usually play a key role in people in the Amhara, Oromia and been “effectively banned” from Last week, humanitarian agencies transporting election materials across Benishangul-Gumuz regions in recent campaigning in several regions, with some warned that 350 000 people in Tigray are Africa’s second-most populous country are months. party members arrested and banners on the brink of famine,a crisis that several busy with the conflict. Some prominent opposition parties are destroyed. diplomats have described as “manmade” Meanwhile, voting has been postponed boycotting the election. Others say they Neither officials with the amid allegations of forced starvation. until September in 64 out of 547 have been prevented from campaigning in Prosperity Party nor Abiy’s office Ethiopia’s government has rejected the constituencies throughout Ethiopia several parts of the country. responded to requests for comment on figure and says food aid has reached 5.2 because of insecurity, defective ballot “There have been gross violations,” such allegations. 16 • Saturday June 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Drought is a hidden global crisis, UN says

DROUGHT is a hidden global crisis according to the report. that risks becoming “the next “People have been living with drought pandemic” if countries do not take for 5,000 years, but what we are seeing urgent action on water and land now is very different,” Mizutori said. management and tackling the cli- “Human activities are exacerbating mate emergency, the UN has said. drought and increasing the impact”, At least 1.5 billion people have been threatening to derail progress on lifting directly affected by drought this century, people from poverty. and the economic cost over roughly that Developed countries have not been time has been estimated at $124bn immune.The US,Australia and southern (£89bn).The true cost is likely to be many Europe have experienced drought in times higher because such estimates do recent years. Drought costs more than not include much of the impact in $6bn a year in direct impacts in the US, developing countries, according to a report and about 9bn euros (£7.7bn) in the EU, published on Thursday. but these are also likely to be severe Mami Mizutori, the UN secretary underestimates. general’s special representative for dis- Population growth is also exposing more aster risk reduction, said, “Drought is on people in many regions to the impacts the verge of becoming the next pandemic of drought, the report says. and there is no vaccine to cure it. Most of Drought also goes beyond Containers are exposed as the waters of Sun Moon lake in Nantou, Taiwan, re- the world will be living with water stress agriculture,said Roger Pulwarty,a senior cede during a nationwide drought. in the next few years. Demand will scientist at the US National Oceanic and outstrip supply during certain periods. Atmospheric Administration and a degradation of land under intensive forecasting techniques were now Drought is a major factor in land co-author of the report. agriculture and poor farming practices as available. degradation and the decline of yields for He pointed to the Danube in Europe, playing a role. Deforestation, the She said working with local people was major crops.” where recurring drought in recent years overuse of fertilisers and pesticides, essential, because local and indigenous She said many people had an image of has affected transport, tourism, overgrazing and over-extraction of water knowledge could help to inform where drought as affecting desert regions in industry and energy generation. for farming are also major problems, and how to store water and how to Africa, but that this was not the case. “We need to have a modernised view of it says. predict the impacts of dry periods. Drought is now widespread, and by the drought,” he said.“We need to look at how Mizutori called for governments to take The report, entitled Global Assessment end of the century all but a handful of to manage resources such as rivers and action to help prevent drought by Report on Disaster Risk Reduction: countries will experience it in some form, large watersheds.” reforming and regulating how water is Special Report on Drought 2021, was Changing rainfall patterns as a result extracted, stored and used, and how land published on Thursday,and will feed into of climate breakdown are a key driver of is managed. She said early warning discussions at vital UN climate talks drought, but the report also identifies the systems could do much to help people in known as Cop26, which are scheduled Australia may inefficient use of water resources and the danger, and that advanced weather to take place in Glasgow in November. list east coast IMF staff: Global carbon price floor koalas as would limit global warming endangered WASHINGTON, USA – An agreement by “To help save the planet we must work Georgieva and other IMF officials argue some or all of the Group of 20 countries on together to prevent a climate crisis from that the right climate policies can also CANBERRA, June 18 – Australia is a flexible global carbon price floor would turning into a catastrophe,” Georgieva provide tremendous opportunities considering listing koalas on the coun- help limit global warning to 1.5 to said.“We see an international carbon price for investments, economic growth try’s east coast as endangered, Minister 2 degrees Celsius, the International floor as a viable option to reach such an and green jobs. for the Environment Sussan Ley said on Monetary Fund said in a new staff paper agreement and will continue our work The needed reductions in emissions Friday in an emailed statement. released Friday. on it.” were unlikely to happen unless the global Australia already classifies east coast Such an agreement would cover a big Experts say emissions must drop by one carbon price hit around $75 per ton by the koalas as vulnerable, their numbers percentage of global carbon dioxide emis- quarter to one half to keep global warm- end of the decade, up from just under pressure from logging, urban sions, marking a major step toward ing to below 2 degrees Celsius. The IMF $3 a ton now, Georgieva said. encroachment and a pervasive infection. needed reductions in greenhouse gases, has stepped up its efforts on climate Driving up the cost of polluting energy As well, bushfires across New South IMF Managing Director Kristalina change, citing what it sees as "huge risks sources would provide powerful incentives Wales and Queensland states in 2019 Georgieva told an event hosted by the to the functioning of the world’s for increasing energy efficiencies,said the and 2020 are estimated to have killed as Brookings Institution. economies.” paper, co-authored by Vitor Gaspar, head many as 30% of the population. of the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, Scientists and academics have warned and Ian Parry,a top environmental fiscal that the iconic Australian mammal could policy expert at the fund. become extinct by 2050 in New South The paper,which is still being discussed Wakes, and Ley said she has asked the with the IMF board and the fund’s country’s Threatened Species Scientific members, argues that adopting a flexible Committee to consider including koalas and differentiated carbon tax floor with on its endangered species list. prices ranging from $25 to $75 a ton “We want to see koala populations could reduce emissions by 23% recover and we are investing A$24 mil- by 2030. lion ($18 million) in habitat restoration, It said the scheme could start with the disease and genome research, popula- biggest emitters – the United States, tion mapping and veterinary support,” China, the European Union and India and Ley said. other G20 nations – and gradually Wildlife groups welcomed the move but expand to include other countries. said it should have happened much Georgieva said carbon taxes would be earlier. an efficient mechanism to implement a “Had Australia put in place an inde- carbon price floor, but regulation, pendent compliance agency in 2012 when emissions trading and other measures the koala in eastern Australia was first could deliver equivalent outcomes. listed as vulnerable, we could have A carbon price floor would also be “ess avoided this day. But we didn’t, we divisive and far more effective than kept on with business as usual,” said unilaterally imposed border carbon Stuart Blanch, senior manager at Vapor is released into the sky at a refinery in Wilmington, California March 24, adjustments,”Georgieva said, according WWF-Australia. 2012. to a text of her prepared remarks. The Barbados Advocate Saturday June 19, 2021 • 17

Facebook tests ads in virtual reality headsets FACEBOOK has begun displaying ads in its Oculus virtual reality head- sets, despite the founder of the plat- form saying it would never do so. In what the social network described as an experiment, ads will begin to appear in Facebook Inc said that it will start testing advertisements in its Oculus virtual reality headsets, a move that could benefit a game called Balston with other the tech giant that earns over 97% of its revenue from ads. Some analysts are predicting a backlash. developers rolling out similar ads. It said it would listen to feedback before policy would remain the same. and in the US are also offered for $299, games at Ampere Analysis, said launching virtual reality ads more widely. “Facebook will get new information, like and that price means it is being sold at VR offered big opportunities for the tech It also revealed it is testing new ad whether you interacted with an ad, and if “incredibly low or even loss-leading firms. formats “that are unique to VR”. so, how... for example, if you clicked on margins,” said Gebbie. “If people are spending more time using In 2017, shortly after Facebook bought the ad for more information or if you hid This could mean Facebook becomes the this technology, those that dominate the Oculus, creator Palmer Luckey told the the ad.” dominant player, as others are unable to online advertising opportunity – including Next Web: “We are not going to track It encourages customers to share their compete. Facebook and Google – want to be you, flash ads at you, or do anything feedback via the Oculus support page. “The long-term goal is for Oculus to be well-placed to take advantage of any shift invasive.” a platform for virtual reality and in consumer habits, so that they can But in a blog on Oculus’s website, the Barrier to adoption? augmented reality, with Facebook keen follow the audience with their advertising firm said, “We're exploring new ways for Last month the firm began testing ads to get as many people as possible using networks.” developers to generate revenue – this is a in the Oculus mobile app. it,”he said. But they needed to be careful about key part of ensuring we’re creating Leo Gebbie, an analyst with CCS But, he noted, there would probably be balancing advertising with a good user a self-sustaining platform that can Insight, said the move was unsurprising. a backlash against ads on the headset. experience, he warned. support a variety of business models that “Ultimately Facebook is built on “Facebook doesn’t have the best track “While there is nothing exceptional unlock new types of content and advertising revenue and if there was any record on privacy and there is a about having advertising in games, the audiences.” expectation that it wouldn’t build it concern that it will continue to push the intimate and immersive nature of VR Users will be able to hide specific ads or out into virtual reality, then that is a boundaries and creep towards something means that the consumer experience is those from a certain advertiser and little naive.” that is invasive.” likely to feel a lot different and that might Facebook promised that its privacy Oculus Quest 2 headsets start at £299, Piers Harding-Rolls, research director of represent a barrier to adoption.” ByteDance revenues more than NHTSA probes 30 Tesla crashes in US double on back of TikTok boom US safety regulators have opened 30 investigations into Tesla crashes BYTEDANCE, the Chinese parent of to $100bn. involving 10 deaths since 2016 where TikTok, more than doubled its revenues The company recently hired the an advanced driver assistance system last year as usage of the hugely popular former Xiaomi executive Shou Zi Chew to was suspected to have been in use. video app boomed. be its new financial officer,adding to spec- The National Highway Traffic Safety The company, which last year weath- ulation that it may be considering Administration (NHTSA) released a list ered pressure from Donald Trump to sell an initial public offering. offering details about crashes under its US operation as part of a trade war The Trump administration branded review by its special crash investigations with China, reported a 111% increase ByteDance a national security threat and programmes. in revenues to $34.3bn (£24.7bn). said it could shut down its US operation The agency, which has previously ByteDance also reported a 93% if it was not sold to a buyer. Suitors confirmed some specific Tesla crash inves- increase in gross profit to $19bn, accord- including Microsoft and Oracle emerged tigations, had not previously released a ing to an internal memo released to staff. but the change in administration full accounting of all Tesla crashes There has been stratospheric growth at the White House put an end to investigated where Tesla’s Autopilot in user numbers for ByteDance since Trump’s plans. system was suspected of being involved. TikTok launched worldwide only four Joe Biden subsequently revoked Of the 30 Tesla crashes, NHTSA has years ago, hitting 1.9 billion active Trump’s executive order to ban TikTok ruled out Tesla’s Autopilot in three monthly users at the end of last year.This and the Chinese app WeChat in the US. and published reports on two includes the Chinese version of TikTok, The order had been mired in legal of the crashes. called Douyin, and products such as challenges. NHTSA has said previously it had the news aggregation app Toutiao. TikTok only launched worldwide in However, on Thursday it was reported opened 28 special crash investigations TikTok has proved to be a social media 2017 but hit 1.9 billion active monthly that Biden signed an executive order into Tesla crashes, with 24 pending. The juggernaut, drawing hundreds of users at the end of 2020. earlier this month that would force some spreadsheet shows a February 2019 crash millions of users, most of whom are in the Chinese apps to take tougher measures to where Autopilot use was undetermined. advertiser hotspot of 12 to 24 years old, to ment, and not operational performance. protect user data if they want to Autopilot, which handles some driving short videos from creators including the The operating loss was $2.1bn, compared continue to operate in the US. tasks, was operating in at least singer Doja Cat, the social media with $684m in profit in 2019, and was In May,ByteDance announced the chief three Tesla vehicles involved in fatal personality Charli D’Amelio and mainly down to the cost of share-based executive and co-founder Zhang Yiming US crashes since 2016, investigators have the illusionist Zach King. compensation for shareholders. would step down into a new role by the said. Overall, ByteDance reported a net loss The rapid growth of the company,which end of the year. He is being The spreadsheet shows NHTSA has of $45bn last year. The company attrib- is Beijing-based and privately owned, has succeeded by the fellow co-founder opened eight investigations into Tesla uted this to a one-off accounting adjust- led to analysts estimating its value at up Rubo Liang. crashes since March. 18 • Saturday June 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

London’s Notting Hill Carnival cancelled again due to COVID-19 LONDON – Notting Hill return to the road delayed the lifting of online festival because of Carnival, billed as where Carnival belongs remaining social distanc- the pandemic. Europe’s biggest street but safety has to come ing rules and said he The carnival dates party, has been cancelled first.” aimed to remove them back to 1959 when it was for a second year in a row The Notting Hill on July 19. first held indoors as a due to the COVID-19 Carnival traditionally Alternative events celebration for Britain’s pandemic, organisers takes place at the end would take place instead Afro-Caribbean said yesterday. of August. of the massed gatherings community. Street “This has been an in- The organisers said of people to watch the parades began in 1966 credibly difficult decision there was too much street parades and listen and they typically to make,” they said in a uncertainty about its to sound systems, the attract more than a statement. “Everyone feasibility this year after organisers said. million visitors over the involved in the event British Prime Minister Last year, the event August Bank Holiday desperately wants a Boris Johnson this week was replaced by an weekend.

Caribbean soca dancers displayed their costumes as they promoted the first ever digital Notting Hill Carnival, following the cancellation of the normal Carnival festivities last year due to the continued spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Bridge The Barbados Advocate Saturday June 19, 2021 • 19 SPORTSSPORTS West Indies hold South Africa to 218/5 on first day THE West Indies found some batsmen. deliveries and struck eight early breakthroughs in their Rewards came for the host as boundaries in the process. second Test match against South Africa slumped to 37/3 Elgar went, but not before South Africa but then were before their captain, Dean Elgar, sharing in a 79-run fifth wicket made to work hard for the who had played and missed a partnership with the in form rest of the day in St. Lucia. number of deliveries up until this Quinton de Kock. The West Indies won the toss point managed to mount some The West Indies opted not to and elected to field and at the resistance as the ball became take the new ball despite it close of the first day South Africa softer. becoming due before the end of were 218/5. Elgar joined forces with Kyle the day’s play and de Kock will The return of Shannon Gabriel Verreynne and the pair started to continue from his score of 59 runs, to the line up saw the West Indies counter the West Indies attack while the other unbeaten opt to go with four fast bowlers, moving the score from 37/3 in the batsman is Wiaan Mulder who is while the spinner Rahkeem 18th over to 124 before the fall of on 2. Cornwall was left out of the the next wicket which came in the Gabriel ended with two wickets playing XI. 50th over. on his return from a hamstring It proved to be a good move as The partnership amassed 87 injury to lead the attack. it was Gabriel who found the early runs for the fourth wicket with The West Indies have already break through after rain had Verreynne going to Gabriel as he amassed a whooping 42 extras delayed the start of the play. attempted to hook a ball but only from the first days play, 12 of The rain came once again early managed to edge it to the which are wides and 18 leg byes. in the innings but not before wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva. The full West Indies team is Gabriel had picked up the first Kyle Mayers proved to have the Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), wicket in the second over of the golden touch in the last session of Kieran Powell, Shai Hope, Roston day. the day as he had a ball swing Chase, Kyle Mayers, Jermaine When play resumed the West back into the left handed Elgar to Blackwood, Jason Holderm Indies continued their impressive remove the bails of the well set Joshua Da Silva, Kemar Roach, bowling with a number of balls batsman for 77 runs. Up to this Shannon Gabriel and Jayden Gabriel ended with two wickets on his return from a missing the outside edge of the point Elgar had seen 237 Seales. (CG) hamstring injury to lead the attack. Kane struggles as England held 0-0 by Scotland at Euro 2020 LONDON – Not even with the rotate the squad. Premier League’s top scorer The back line allowed the could England find a way past opposition far more space, and Scotland. Stephen O’Donnell found a way Maybe Harry Kane was as through to force a one-handed much as the problem as the save from England goalkeeper solution. Jordan Pickford in the 30th On his good days, Kane is one minute. of the game’s ultimate goal “At times we kept the ball threats for both Tottenham and superbly well and frustrated England. But the sluggish them,” Scotland captain Andrew striker never came close to Robertson said,“and on another scoring in the 0-0 draw between night we could have come away the two teams yesterday at the with more.” European Championship. The pandemic-restricted The England captain barely crowd of 22,000, most of them even touched the ball, and yet England fans, roared when Jack coach Gareth Southgate Grealish was shown on the big persisted with him for 74 screens on the England bench. draining minutes at Wembley The clamor was for an injection Stadium in his 60th game this of his creativity. season for his club and his Grealish came on for Phil country. England’s Harry Kane heads the ball during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group D Foden in 63rd, but Scotland “It was a tough game,” Kane match between England and Scotland at Wembley stadium in London, yesterday. wouldn’t buckle.And by the time said. “Scotland defended really Southgate made his second and well, made great blocks at the “So it’s not just about one person. when we had the ball and had 2020 official song, “We Are the final change – despite being able right times when we did have Scotland, I thought, marked him some chances.” People,” to drown out the to make five – Marcus Rashford chances.” extremely well. With the back The English will advance as smattering of boos that again lacked the time to make an England defender John five there wasn’t a lot of space.” group winners with a victory on greeted players taking a knee in impact as Kane’s replacement. Stones had one of those chances There was a shot from Kane in Tuesday against the Czech their anti-racism gesture before “We needed a few more runs when hit the post with a header the 59th, but it was tame and Republic, which also has four kickoff. behind,” Southgate said. “I felt in the 11th minute, and Mason was blocked by the defense. points from two games. Scotland For the renewal of soccer’s Marcus would give us that Mount had another when his Kane looked as exhausted as and Croatia, who also meet on oldest rivalry there was energy and had to try to get the shot was deflected wide at the England looked devoid of ideas Tuesday, have one point each. something of a throwback with win at that point.” start of the second half. against the dogged and well- The heatwave in London Scotland playing two strikers: The goal never came, with Scotland’s best opportunity to marshalled Scots, who lost their when England opened Euro Dykes and Che Adams. England managing only one get the winning goal came when Group D opener to the Czech 2020 by beating Croatia was England’s only changes from shot on target. No wonder the forward Lyndon Dykes had a Republic but still have a chance replaced by a chilly downpour the 1-0 win over Croatia were fourth-ranked team was booed shot cleared off the line by to advance to the round of 16. for the 115th meeting with in defense with Kieran Trippier off by its own fans after being defender Reece James in the “I thought we were unfairly Scotland – and a first 0-0 draw dropped and Kyle Walker not held by a team 40 places lower in 63rd. criticized after the game on between the neighbors at even making the bench. the FIFA rankings. “We have got to look at the Monday,” Scotland coach Steve Wembley. Southgate decided to bring back “I totally understand their whole performance, the use of Clarke said.“We worked ever so What also changed from a specialist left back in Luke reaction,” Southgate said. “We the ball and review where we hard when England had the ball Sunday was the stadium Shaw, with James on the right are expected to beat Scotland. can be better,” Southgate said. but the great thing is we played speakers blaring out the Euro for the technical ability and to They will be frustrated by that.” 20 • Saturday June 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Basketball: FIBA PLUS Strategy and Planning Program set in motion FIBA and the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) are happy to announce the launch of the FIBA PLUS Strategy and Planning Program in Barbados. The program, delivered by FIBA, is designed to assist National Federations in the development of basketball in their countries by helping them develop a sustainable strategic focus. The FIBA PLUS Strategy and Planning program is one of the initiatives undertaken by FIBA, as part of its 2019-2023 strategy to “Empower National Federations” to reach their full potential. This initiative is a tailor-made program for Barbados Basketball with the aim to put in place correct strategies for its Francis Williams President specific needs to improve the of the BABA. Barbados at the 2019 Centrobasket U17 Women’s Championship. federation’s capacity to organize, professionalize and BABA Board Members to action plans, at least for the next could not be better.The program foundation of our sport and a commercialize its basketball consider when defining their 24 months. FIBA will support will give us a detailed key driver of development in activities, ensuring the game’s future focus and developing the BABA along the way with assessment of where we are each country. With one of the successful development in their plan and provide strong mentoring, workshops while strengthening our ability main focus areas of FIBA for the Barbados. necessary performance and tailored assistance. A to plan and execute the cycle of 2019-2023 the After discussions with the baselines and benchmarks monitoring process will also be activities needed to grow the development of National BABA and its external which the federation can use to used to re-evaluate the strategy game locally. I have had nothing Federations, the FIBA PLUS stakeholders to better measure its future growth and regularly to ensure it’s still right but positive feedback from the Strategy and Planning Program understand how the federation progress. for the needs of the federation. other federations who have will provide the Barbados works, the environment in Throughout the FIBA PLUS All workshop sessions will be completed the program, so I am Amateur Basketball Association which it operates, and its goals, Strategy and Planning conducted via videoconference. excited to get started.” with a high level of expertise, FIBA will first support BABA Program, the Barbados BABA President Francis FIBA Americas President and knowledge and practical to help complete a situation Amateur Basketball Association Williams said “We are very FIBA Executive Committee guidance on each step of analysis. This analysis will will define goals, develop happy that FIBA has extended member Carol Callan said: their strategic planning provide information for the SMART objectives and detailed this assistance to us, the timing “National Federations are the process.” Houlihan’s name removed from United States’ trials start list SHELBY Houlihan’s name has preliminaries Friday. after she ate a pork burrito.There exhausted. Later, it said it would based in Switzerland, to that been taken off the updated start Houlihan was handed a four- are several examples of tainted not allow any banned athlete to country’s highest court. lists for the U.S. Olympic trials, year ban for testing positive for meats causing positive tests. compete. As of noon in Eugene, however, meaning the American record trace amounts of the performance USA Track and Field initially Houlihan could have appealed no word of such a filing had been holder does not have a place in enhancer nandrolone. She says said Houlihan would be allowed the decision by the Court of given, meaning her suspension the 1,500 or 5,000 meter the substance entered her system to run until all her appeals were Arbitration for Sport, which is remains in place. Nets and Bucks hope to avoid early exit in Game 7 today NEW YORK – Brooklyn’s the winner moving on to play East teams at Barclays Center 108 victory in Game 5. puzzles as we can and we’re blockbuster brought James for the Eastern Conference this season. “Since Game 3 to Game 6, also going to try to play our Harden to play with Kevin title and the loser falling well “We haven’t won on the road we’ve played four great games hearts out and enjoy the Durant and Kyrie Irving, short of expectations. yet and that’s the only way we and we’ve just got to keep opportunity, as we have done creating a team with potential “With everything we’ve built knew we were going to win this trusting one another, keep all year.We’ve found ways to to shoot its way out of any and been through, we got the series, if we got a win on the trusting our habits, keep persevere and give ourselves situation. second seed for this particular road, and it’s coming down to making it tough for them,” an opportunity when it didn’t Milwaukee’s move gave reason and we’ve just got to go the last game,” Middleton said. Antetokounmpo said. look good and for us inside our Giannis Antetokounmpo and out there and hoop,” Harden With Irving sidelined by a Durant scored 32 more in group we feel great.” Khris Middleton a top two-way said. “At home. One game.” sprained ankle and Harden Game 6 and Harden had 16, Meanwhile, Middleton comes guard in Jrue Holiday, who In a series where the home limited in his return from right but Blake Griffin was the only off his best performance, with could run his team and slow team has won every game, the hamstring tightness, the Nets other Nets player in double 38 points, 10 rebounds, five down the other. Nets hope their strong ending are a shell of the team that led figures with 12. Jeff Green assists and five steals in Game Both teams hoped their big to the regular season pays off the league in shooting managed only five after his 27 5 after struggling early in the trade was the one that would now. They won their final five percentage and was second in points in Game 5 and Brooklyn series. Antetokounmpo lead to a championship. games to finish two games scoring this season. got only nine points from its had 30 points and 17 rebounds, One of them won’t even get ahead of the Bucks for the No. The Nets have been held bench as Steve Nash largely his fourth straight 30-10 halfway there. 2 seed, giving them home-court below 100 points in three of the stuck with his starters. game. The Nets and Bucks play advantage in this round. last four games and might not “This is what it is. This is the Game 7 of their second-round Brooklyn is 6-0 at home in have gotten there without deck we have,” Nash said. BUCKS AT NETS series today in Brooklyn, with the playoffs and 24-3 against Durant’s 49 points in their 114- “We’re going to solve as many Game 7, 8:30 p.m. EDT,TNT The Barbados Advocate Saturday June 19, 2021 • 21

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE JOB SEEKERS Sydney Bushy Park, St. Philip McLaughlin 17,000 sq ft $170,000 Honest lady seeking job cleaning and ironing, chasing Dalilah Inchcape, St. Philip Monday to Friday. 4355 sq ft $ 96,000 Muhammad, Tel: 822-0591 TEL: 247-4469 Belle, St. George Edwin Moses CEL: 284-4667 4 acres $400,000 253-6319 and perfection Haggatt Hall, St. Michael VEHICLES Email: 6336 sq ft $126,000 in Tokyo caribbeanpropertiesltd Under Offer SELLING WHOLE OR IN PARTS @gmail.com SYDNEY MCLAUGHLIN is the future of athletics. Cane Garden, St. Thomas 2002 LANCER: PROPERTIES 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft That’s what they say. And ENGINE, AUTOMATIC the numbers agree. Private entrance. TRANSMISSION, DOORS, Kirtons, St Philip From $187,681 BUMPERS, HEAD LIGHTS, Nearly half a million 3 bedroom plus TAIL LIGHTS AND MOST Instagram followers. A 2 bedroom apt 4,790 sq ft Ragged Point, St. Philip OTHER PARTS seven-figure shoe deal. A $685,000 8,267 sq ft $166,000 place in Time’s Next 100 Call: 834-3766 list of emerging cultural Amity Lodge, Ch Ch Rolling Hills, St. George icons. 3 bedroom plus 12,000 sq ft REAL ESTATE As the Tokyo Olympics 1 bedroom apt $310,000 (negotiable) loom, so does McLaughlin. $900,000 (reduced) 6,646 sq ft $650,000 The 21-year-old Ocean City, St. Philip American’s star power Foul Bay, St. Philip Gibbons, Ch Ch 6150 sq ft $123,000 sells watches, isotonic Approved for condos, 3 bedroom plus drinks and sportswear as 39,242 sq ft $1,600,000. 2 bedroom apt Fortesque, St Philip brands anticipate her 9,835 sq ft Agricultural Land impact on the greatest Dover, Christ Church $675,000 (reduced) 494,500 sq ft $1,100,000 stage. Hotel 18 rooms fully However, McLaughlin Breezy Hill, St Philip Silver Sands, operational $2,950,000 neg herself is looking back. under offer 3 bedroom, 2 bath Christ Church Back to an athlete who was reduced to $298,000 7,129 sq ft $160,000 winning Olympic titles 20 Dalkeith, Christ Church years before she was born. 17,371 sq ft approved for Black Rock, St Michael Bushy Park, St. Philip Edwin Moses did shops and offices 3 bedroom, 1 bath 24,000 sq ft $190,000 endorsements. Before the $495,000 6732 sq ft $360,000 1984 Games, he was Apes Hill, St. James plastered on billboards Roebuck Street, Enterprise, Christ Church 31,000 sq ft upward around downtown Los Bridgetown 3 bedroom, 2 bath Large lots at $15 per sq ft Angeles, clearing a hurdle Shopping Mall/Office space 5062 sq ft $8,100,000 negotiable in his red tracksuit, $390,000 (reduced) Mount Wilton, St. Thomas soaring over a Kodak 15,500 sq ft and 22,066 sq ft Batts Rock, St Michael camera logo. The Belle, St George $300,000 and $220,000 Guest House, 12,078 sq ft Yet McLaughlin was Plantation style House $2,850,000 negotiable looking deeper. Standing on 4 acres Union, St. Philip During 2020’s enforced $1.1M 7560 sq ft lay-off, she wound back old $150,000 Cane Garden, St Thomas 3.6 acres approved footage of Moses, Frere Pilgrim, examining the technique Christ Church Thorpes, St. James Roadfront $1,650,000 negotiable that won two Olympic 3 bedroom, 2 baths with 11,376 sq ft with structure golds and established an two bedroom apartment. $235,000 Fitts Village, St James unprecedented decade- 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 Guest House, 4 Suites long dominance of their Cottage, St George 400m hurdles event. 5000 sq ft 6,135 sq ft Hanson Heights, St George Moses did what coaches $110,000 (negotiable) $750,000 negotiable 8321 sq ft $595,000 had told him was Mason Hill Street The City impossible. At 6ft 2in tall, Ealing Grove, Morningside, St Philip his long stride, impeccable Christ Church 4567 sq ft $133,000 26,500 sq ft with buildings $4,000,000 negotiable hurdling technique and 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths deep reserves of stamina 9320 sq ft $565,000 Jupiter Gardens, St Peter 7312 sq ft All enquiries to meant he could do what (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 no-one else could – a LOTS FOR SALE $133,000 (negotiable) or (246) 247 4469 consistent 13 steps Boarded Hall, Bagatelle, St. Thomas between each hurdle. Christ Church 62000 sq ft into 2 lots Now McLaughlin wants 10,429 sq ft $157,000 $520,000 each, or to do similar. $1M for both CHURCH “So far in my career I Westbury Road, St Michael NOTICES have just been training 2,520 sq ft $45,360 Marley Vale, St Philip hard, going out there and 21,780 sq ft $275,000 running, as opposed to Goodland Gardens, understanding the race JAMES STREET Christ Church Sandford, St Philip itself,” she tells BBC Sport. 9,605 sq ft $145,000 16,356 sq ft $300,000 “Last year really gave METHODIST CHURCH me the time to break down Nursery Road, St Philip BRIDGETOWN the 400m hurdles, 9,266 sq ft $139,000 COMMERCIAL understanding more about SUNDAY JUNE 20TH, 2021 the event. Lashley Road, St Philip Mount Standfast, St James “It is such a rhythm race 5,839 sq ft, $150,000 Two properties on 6:30 A.M. – normally people fatigue, 22,714 sq ft. REV. DERICK A. RICHARDS start to take more steps and switch legs. Salters, St George Asking $1,200,000 9:00 A.M. 2 lots 32,760 sq ft, $230,000 REV. AL WALCOTT - “No woman has run it Black Rock, St. Michael YOUTH SERVICE / with 15 strides between Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Warehouse/Storage FATHER'S DAY each hurdle. That’s what a 14,876 sq ft. $110,000 4000 sf space 23,861 sq ft perfect race looks like. 22 • Saturday June 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Verstappen fastest in French Grand Prix second practice

RED BULL’S Max Verstappen set fundamental was wrong. higher than ever before, one of the high- the pace ahead of the Mercedes cars However,Hamilton was losing time on est, but we are all sliding around and it’s of Valtteri Bottas and Lewis the straights compared to both Bottas a struggle out there for everyone.” Hamilton in second practice at and Verstappen, which suggests he was Hamilton was referencing an increase the French Grand Prix. running in a lower power mode and could in mandatory minimum tyre pressure The Dutchman led Bottas by just 0.008 well account for the performance imposed by supplier Pirelli following seconds, with Hamilton 0.253secs off the difference. two tyre failures at the last race. pace and complaining that there was When the drivers ran their race-simu- Pirelli have raised the level by 2psi “something not right with the car”. lation runs on full fuel loads later in the over the figure they had intended before Verstappen and Hamilton set their session, Verstappen appeared to have a the failures in Baku. fastest times – as expected – on the soft slight edge on Hamilton but the overall In addition, there are more stringent tyre while Bottas was on mediums. indications were that the two cars were checks on tyre pressures. Alpine’s Fernando Alonso was fourth closely matched. Another technical change this week- from Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Hamilton also appeared to be end is tougher rear-wing flexibility tests, The session raised many questions struggling when the drivers did their after accusations that Red Bull and other about the weekend to come as the teams race simulation runs on full fuel loads teams have been running rear wings that were finding their cars behaved very later in the session, when he was also flex back on straights in ways that differently across the different tyre slower than Verstappen. contravene the intention of the rules. compounds. Bottas ran a different tyre strategy for The only cloud over Verstappen’s day Bottas’ fastest time was set on the his race runs so his times were not was that he damaged his front wing theoretically slower medium tyre as he directly comparable to the other two. running wide over the kerbs at Turn Two. failed to improve on the soft. It was the first time Mercedes had been That promoted Red Bull sporting And while Verstappen found an extra outpaced in a practice session at the Paul director Jonathan Wheatley to ask second’s worth of lap time when he Ricard track since it returned to the whether the kerbs could be removed to switched to the soft tyre, Hamilton calendar in 2018. There was no French avoid car damage and police track limits Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. improved by only 0.1secs. race last year as a result of the pandemic. with an electronic timing loop. The world champion, who trails After the session, Hamilton said:“Quite Wheatley’s message echoed one from a small indiscretion. Verstappen by four points in this year’s a struggle this weekend. Probably for his opposite number at Mercedes, Ron Race director Michael Masi pointed out title chase, was struggling to match everyone. Meadows, who asked the same after that several team bosses had asked for Bottas all day and his radio “I don’t know if it’s the track surface or Bottas ran wide in the first session. Both physical track limits but said he message to engineer Peter Bonnington the track temperature, or these inflated pointed out that the damage was costing would look at the issue before today’s mid-session suggested he felt something tyres – they have put the pressures up hundreds of thousands of pounds for running. The Barbados Advocate Saturday June 19, 2021 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES (March 21-April 19). You wonder whether N you should let others who have a right to be informed D in on a secret. You feel uncomfortable now that you have been made aware of issues that until now have C been kept quiet. Follow your conscience when O making this decision. You've been in the same N position for too long now and you will do all you can S to get results. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). A close friend who knows you well will help you get a special project off the ground. This will be the shove you badly needed to get going on this. You have plenty of support from others around you and you won't want to let them down. Continue in the direction you have been going since the month began. Z GEMINI (May 21-June 21). A home improvement I project is in the planning stage. Until you are all in T agreement, it is not worth trying to move forward. If S you don't listen to your housemates' views, they will do their best to hinder progress once you do make a start. Choose colours and decor carefully so all who are concerned will be happy. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Someone has made you an offer you are going to find very hard to refuse. There may be problems ahead if you do go along with it and this is what is causing you to hesitate. At the same time they may have caught you when your resistance R is low and you are very tempted to say yes. E LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There are a number of X reasons why you and friends you used to see regularly haven't met up for some time. Private matters have M been keeping you busy but you're starting to feel a O little left out of things now. You might make an effort R now to catch up. Don't wait for others to take the G initiative, contact them and arrange meeting up. A VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). People have been N expecting to continue business and financial matters in the same way as before. You are taking a more creative and unusual approach. It will seem at first as if some- one is making waves but give them a little time to think about it. They will start to see the advantages of what you are suggesting. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). One reason you aren't in P the right mood to get down to business is because you H need a break. If life isn't very relaxing at the moment A you might look forward to a more restful time as the N month ends. If you're struggling to keep on top at work, a colleague will be extremely helpful. All T you have to do is ask. O SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You feel you have M been missing out on things lately. You've been contemplating something new but haven't yet been able to start on these plans. Soon you will get your chance to put these ideas into action. Until then there will be a need to keep some ideas under your hat. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You won't give up on your dreams even though some people think they M are unachievable. A small corner of your mind is still A thinking about new ways to achieve and new aims to R go for. This could lead you far but don't be in a rush Y to make new starts. The more thorough the planning, the more successful you will be. W CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). An unexpected O offer will have something to do with plans people are R considering for the future. Anumber of your friends are already interested and they hope you will want to be T included. This should suit you fine as you are taking H advantage of any opportunity to establish new relationships and to experience anything new. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Serious matters are the focus of your attention. Shared finances and M budgets will be discussed and you aren't expecting to O reach an instant agreement. Even so you are hoping T decisions will soon be made as you want this over H with as soon as possible. Remind a partner you are not E interested in taking risks. R PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You needed to think some things through thoroughly before explaining G your intentions to your family. Some people are going O to be surprised when they hear what you are planning, O including yourself when you realise you are definitely S going to go ahead and make these changes. This will E be a positive step forward. FIBA PLUS Strategy and Planning Program set in motion Page 20

Saturday June 19, 2021 A FINAL FAREWELL DISTINGUISHED Organization of the Courtney Blackman States, where he had economist, former United States and this has been laid to rest. resided for over two Permanent island’s first Central Three months after decades, a service of Representative to the Bank Governor Sir passing in the United thanksgiving was held at the Cathedral Church of St Michael and All Angels yesterday morning. Sir Courtney’s three sons, Keith, Christopher and Martin delivered the eulogy, each taking the time to share with the in- vitation-only congregants various stories of growing up with the economic pow- erhouse. Remembering his fa- ther’s stance of the need “to increase your human capital”, Keith pointed out the times when home- work-less days became times to read and be tested on various books chosen by Sir Courtney. After seeing a significant drop in his GPA, while ABOVE: Family and friends attending yesterday’s service of thanksgiving. INSET: Central Bank Governor Cleviston Haynes said Sir Courtney Blackman was pivotal in shaping his life. FUNERAL on Page 6 Barbados MET looking to improve communication streams

By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste Barbados experienced cial message for the most cation so more and more equipped with these warn- not be as intense as what seemed like a sud- part on our website or app of the public can be aware ing tools, and it will put all Wednesday night’s, he THE Barbados den, out of place weather that actually turns the of I.,The app, like I said is of us in a really good posi- urged Barbadians to mon- Meteorological Services is system, however Best as- alert level from green to freely available from our tion to be well aware of itor the systems with them looking to improve their sured that they would yellow. And our message website, download it, it these situations before via official outlets. communication efforts, es- have put out a warning on was up from yesterday af- can’t hurt you, it talks to they actually occur.” He explained that some- pecially during this hurri- their social media outlets. ternoon [Wednesday] indi- you, literally talks to you Best went on to note times the systems change cane season. “People will be wonder- cating the possibility of ex- and tells you what's actu- that we were in the hurri- on a day to day basis and This was stated by Dr. ing, what can they do or cess rainfall,” he said. ally going on. Outside of cane season and from time believed that it was imper- Sabu Best, Director of the what can we do to actually “This alert message was that, there is .Cap, which is to time, perhaps every two ative for persons who lived Barbados MET, as he de- help detect these things on our website, like I said, another official source of to three days, the island in the tropics to pay special livered remarks during a before they come.And like on the app,but we will look getting these alerts.” would experience tropical attention to these systems, recent press conference. I said most of the time,we for other ways to continue “ So I encourage all per- waves passing through, especially during the hur- On Wednesday night will actually issue a spe- to improve this communi- sons out there, get and while all of them may ricane season.

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