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Monday April 19, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive ‘HELP AUTISTIC ADULTS’

By Marsha Gittens representatives from the National ended, from the age of 18 upwards need to do to present the paper to the Disabilities Unit, the Barbados when they leave the coverage of the Cabinet to say that this has to be PRESIDENT of the Autism Council for the Disabled, the National Ministry of Education, they need help.” corrected.” Association of Barbados, Frederick Insurance Department and the Welfare He continued, “They need a non- Johnson stated the paper to be Johnson, says presently adults Department to discuss and “to see what contributory pension and by that we produced will draw “upon the evidence who have autism and are unable we can do to spread wider the net of want to point out the fact that at the of surveys in the community which to work, do not qualify for a care for autistic children and adults”. moment, unless you are classified as shows just how difficult it is to survive non-contributory pension from “It is something we have been talking blind, deaf or mute or a combination with just your parents looking after Government. about for a long time… We put our case thereof, you do not qualify for a non- you as you grow up through your This is an area he would like to them that the plight of children on contributory pension, which is rather teenage years and into your young to see corrected. In this regard, the autistic spectrum who are not able unfair on this part of the community. adulthood where you can’t work or he said he jointly met recently with to work after their school years have So we are now negotiating what we you don’t work”.

The stretch from Warrens to Welches is one of the major arteries cleared and cleaned by the joint effort between Government and the private sector. Barbadians continue to adapt to ‘new normal’ IT has been just about a week since the of us making moves to get back to the tries to get their hands on what they taken the initiative to take care of their island had its last significant deposit of unusual routine of life that we have need to make their surroundings as neighbourhoods – a trend that has been ash from the La Soufrière volcano and been handed. tidy as possible.With a joint thrust catching like wildfire. Barbadians are doing their best to adapt Cleaning up has been the highest from Government and the private With the Grantley Adams to the situation. With many well aware priority on the list for most with sector to clean major roadways in International Airport and the Barbados that the ‘dust’ will be with us for quite hardware and housewares stores Barbados, many members of close-knit some time, this past weekend saw many reporting bumper sales as everyone communities across the island have ADAPT on Page 2 2 • Monday April 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Public urged to be cautious as road works continue MEMBERS of the Ministry of Transport, In a release made the National Clean-Up tinue on Highway 1 and speed limit of 30km per public are being Works and Water available to the media Campaign to remove other areas as necessary. hour in order to avoid urged to be cautious Resources issued a yesterday, Senior ash from highways Road users have been the impairment of visi- and mindful as they notice for road works Information Officer and subsidiary roads. reminded and encour- bility and the deposit of traverse the nation’s activities to be under- (Ag.), Joanne Kelly, Additionally, it was re- aged to exercise due care ash onto vehicles and roads in the coming taken for the rest of noted that the ministry vealed that road rehabil- and attention and to pedestrians and prop- days. This as the the month. would be engaged in itation work would con- maintain the temporary erty. (PR/MP) Damage assessment and needs analysis to be conducted ADAPT from Page 1 experienced in Barbados. Despite all that is Port being reopened going on, visitors and after being closed be- locals alike have been cause of the effects of doing the most to not the ashfall, the island let life pass them by. is once again good for Restaurants, activities the movement of people and public places are and cargo. Also, the being patronised as Ministry of Home much as conditions allow Affairs, Information and as the economy contin- Public Affairs is set to ues to attempt to right take the lead in a dam- itself after the added age assessment and blow of a volcanic erup- needs analysis to deter- tion on top of the COVID- Birthdays are still happening and these folks took the opportunity to make the most of their day with a mine the level of fallout 19 pandemic. (MP) photo session.

Many small communities in Barbados may have to take the decision to clean up their immediate surroundings.

Visitors still want to take in as much of the beauty Barbados has to offer as they can despite the current situation. INSET: The lot of a local car dealership. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 19, 2021 • 3

Consultation Not the way! coming on move Unions: Proposal a ‘political move’ ACKNOWLEDGING higher level. to contracts, say government officials’ “So we see it as very assertion that the divergent from the gen- change to contracts eral trend and we cannot government officials for senior officers in sit down and allow the the public service is Government or anyone to MINISTER of Foreign the Cabinet level, it was not new, General just make this across the Affairs and Foreign contemplated being on Secretary (Ag.) of the board statement, and Trade, Senator Dr. a contractual basis. National Union of then say it is just a dis- Jerome Walcott, main- Minister Walcott said it Public Workers cussion. It is too funda- tains that no concrete de- was recognised that in (NUPW), Wayne mental.” cisions have been taken terms of healthcare and Walrond, expressed Meanwhile head of the to make senior positions medicine, the changes concern about the way Unity Workers’ Union, in the public service con- and transformation is oc- in which this proposal Caswell Franklyn, tractual. curring that one can have was announced. charged that what the He was speaking dur- a person in place for three Speaking during Brass Government calls consul- ing yesterday’s Brass or four decades with Tacks Sunday yesterday, tation with the unions has Tacks Sunday where he nothing stating that Walrond said the first been merely informing sought to clear the air on they must continue with time they heard of this them of what is going to an article carried in an- training or be up to date proposal was in another happen. other section of the media on certain processes. section of the media last He challenged that the last month which caused “At a time when glob- month. move would transition some anxiety and confu- ally,we’re speaking about “...We were taken Barbados to pre-1855, i.e., sion in the public service. continuing professional aback. I don’t think that’s before the British Civil However, Minister education in our system, the way to treat a major Service was formed. Walcott stressed that this there was nothing that public sector union. That “The Americans have a is just a proposal at this said you had to do that.” is not the way to look saying, ‘If it ain’t broke, point. Dr. Walcott noted that at terms and conditions don’t fix it.’ Well, in this “I would want to say the current CMO works of service. We know the case, the public service at the outset that the on a contractual basis, Cabinet can make any is broken, but not the Barbados Labour Party as well as the chief agri- Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, proposal and put it to areas that they want and the Government cultural officer and the Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott. Parliament, but at the to fix. I think what the recognise the vital comptroller of customs. end, there is respect for Government should do is important role that the “We recognise that if making the call on that “And there was not a our consultation and to leave well alone. There public servants have we’re going to go in this because there are a num- problem either, because process. are a lot of areas that need played, certainly since direction, there will be ber of different balls that, a number of public ser- “And if you respect the fixing, but the area that Independence, in bring- discussion, there has to obviously, the Govern- vants opted, as Minister consultation process... this they are proposing to fix is ing us to where we are. be discussion. There has ment is juggling. But we Walcott indicated, for is too much a fundamen- not one of the areas that is We recognise that this to be engagement with have sight of the position fixed-term contracts. And tal shift, a paradigm shift broken. is not a government that the persons with the PS’s paper, and we have to go indeed this is provided for not to have serious dia- “It is one thing I can tell is opposed to public ser- (permanent secretaries) through it ourselves in the regulations. It is part logue first before you go you – currently we have vants or wants to get into group; and there has to some detail before we can of the recent drive to be- in the paper, because the COVID-19, we have vol- any war with public ser- be engagement with the start to sit down and dis- come more flexible in the way it was stated in the canic ash, and the Mottley vants. unions.” cuss it. public service. It gives paper it was a fait accom- administration. All of “...This just has been Minister of Labour “So we are now work- Government as the em- pli and the NUPW takes them have something in a discussion. There is no and Social Partnership ing through networking, ployer, the prerogative, or great offence to that.” common, very significant Cabinet paper... Indeed it Relations, Colin Jordan, reading through, under- the discretion of introduc- Walrond said it is in common. They are is a proposal where the stressed that nothing standing the paper that ing modern private sec- known that in the past making things worse. But Prime Minister requested major is going to happen has been submitted to us. tor techniques to the pub- there have been contrac- we cannot fix COVID, we a position paper for the without the consultation. And once we have that, lic service, in an effort to tual arrangements, espe- cannot fix the ash, but Ministry of Public Service “Now, if it wasn’t said be- then we go to our part- make the service more ef- cially project posts. “Or we can fix the Mottley on this proposal, looking fore, it is being said now... ners and we start to have ficient and effective. It is there is a specialised tech- administration. at chief technical officers that no major decisions a discussion. I do not not new,” he reiterated. nical area not existing in “I am speaking as and permanent secre- this Government makes, foresee that being any “I never came across the public service, you will Caswell Franklyn, citizen taries. That is what they no major decisions with- prolonged process in disgruntled civil servants recruit someone. We un- of Barbados and I am were looking at.” out first going to the terms of when we get to who were on contract. It derstand that is nothing telling you that they do He noted that as it re- Social Partnership.” start to speak with our was not an issue and it is new. not take time out to exam- lates to this arrangement He said that this pro- partners,” he said. an option available by “But this is across the ine things before they im- for chief technical offi- posal will be brought Former Permanent choice.” board statement, a gen- plement and as a result, cers, this is not new. He to the Social Partners Secretary, Elsworth He said whether this is eral statement. Whether they make things worse.” noted that back in 2004 within a month or two.“I Young, also weighed in on going to become a policy it is a proposal or inten- In response, Minister when the vacancy for do not think it could be the discussion and agreed now across the board tion of the Government, of Labour and Social Chief Medical Officer past another two months, that this move is “noth- would have different it really has taken the Partnership Relations (CMO) was discussed at maybe a month... I’m not ing new”. ramifications. (JH) NUPW by surprise be- Colin Jordan said, “We’ve cause it’s such a funda- been working hard with mental move. In terms of all of our partners since the terms and conditions, May 2018, to make things New date for start of vaccine second doses you have a recruitment better. The processes of code.You have a public government need to be THE administration of Immunisation Unit via St. Vincent and the officials to 10 or 12 service that functions strengthened and this the second doses of the e-mail, text or telephone Grenadines. weeks. on impartiality, trans- Government is pursuing AstraZeneca vaccine on when and where to Major Clarke further Scientific evidence parency, fairness, and this the strengthening of the will now start from go to get the second explained that, in some shows that the vaccine notion that contract work processes of government. today, Monday,April 19. shot. cases, the date stated is more effective if the all of a sudden will make The structure of govern- Co-coordinator of the Phase two of the pro- on the blue vaccination second dose is admin- the public service more ment also needs to be Vaccination Programme gramme was slated to certificates/cards for istered 10 to 12 weeks modern, I will bluntly modernised. This Gov- for COVID-19, Major start on Saturday, April second doses would not apart from the first. say it is really a political ernment is going to pur- David Clarke, said per- 17, but was delayed be applicable since the Persons are asked to move, to exercise more sue it with full and frank sons would be contacted because of the impact four-week timeline orig- walk with their blue control over public officers and open discussion. by the Ministry of of the ash fall from the inally given to persons cards when attending because we know that That’s our commitment to Health and Wellness’ La Soufrière volcano in was extended by health appointments. these appointments will the people of this country.” be influenced by the (JH) 4• Monday April 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Invest Barbados CEO shares innovative economic recovery approach INVEST BARBADOS have been severely im- as Barbados seeks to di- contributed to the pacted, resulting in signif- versify the economy and Island Innovation icant decline in business rebuild a more sustain- Forum 2021 this past activity, high levels of un- able and resilient one, by week, and its CEO employment and signifi- continuing to move to- shared the innovative cant economic hardships,” wards renewable energy, approach of Barbados she said. it will attract foreign in- to economic recovery “In the case of vestment. and growth. Barbados, by the end of “For economies like Kaye-Ann Brathwaite, 2020, there was a GDP ours, we must develop CEO of Invest Barbados, contraction of 18%, prima- other foreign exchange in her remarks during the rily due to the 71% decline earning sectors, as we set Kaye-Ann Brathwaite, CEO of Invest Barbados. session, stated that there in long-stay arrivals for our economy on a sustain- were many benefits for the year.” able recovery trajectory,” which were considering Barbados also needed to myriad of investment op- a tropical island like Brathwaite highlighted she said. establishing businesses build upon its leadership portunities in renewable Barbados. Speaking on that there was a spillover Shining the spotlight on on the island since taking in the solar water heater energy systems, energy ‘Economic Recovery in a effect which affected Barbados being ranked up the opportunity to re- space as it is transition- storage and energy-sav- Post-Pandemic World:The wholesale and retail busi- second for competitive- side here. ing into the solar voltaic ing devices. She also noted Barbados Perspective’, ness service sectors in- ness in Latin America Also outlined in the and wind systems and that there were several she cited that the short- cluding real estate, car and Caribbean in the 29th effort to become more other forms of renewable companies on the island term aim was to reset, rentals and the ancillary edition of the Global sustainable was a drive energy. With the goal who were operating in the recover and rebuild. service sub-sectors. Financial Centre Index, towards digitisation of the Government of sector and training was The overall focus of the Acknowledging that the the Invest Barbados CEO and digital payments, Barbados to be 100% available for those who discussion was to under- outlook is still uncertain, said that Barbados re- which includes online clean energy reliant by were interested in mak- stand how small island the CEO stated that the mained a resilient global Government services, re- 2030, Brathwaite ex- ing a future in the renew- projects would continue to continued push to suc- financial centre and also newal of driver’s licenses, plained that there were a able energy space. (AS) present opportunities for cessfully manage the highlighted that since its digital identification cards both business and con- spread of COVID-19 and appearance on the index and faster passport serv- sumers on the island.Also the continuation of world just three years ago, ices. This translates into discussed were key issues vaccinations, created the Barbados has gained over enhanced competitive- St. Philip Polyclinic closed and financial benefits re- notion of a positive future. 40 places to reach its cur- ness for Barbados as well lating to investment along She also stated that the rent position. as to make it easier to do Monday and Tuesday with economic recovery of implementation of effec- Speaking of the inno- business. the island. tive policies was impor- vative initiative of the The embracing of Green THE St. Philip Polyclinic, will be accepting emer- The CEO stated that tant to promote impactful Barbados 12-Month Technology and the com- located in Six Cross gencies. the pandemic had caused and sustainable economic Welcome Stamp, mitment to implementing Roads, will be closed from Persons are reminded unprecedented socio-eco- growth. Referencing the Brathwaite said that the transformational change today, Monday, April 19, that all second doses will nomic disruption all over recovery plan with the roll-out was a world first, was also mentioned as to Tuesday, April 20, to be done by appointment the world, especially in International Monetary and demonstrated that important steps by facilitate the administra- and they will be con- small island states like Fund (IMF), Brathwaite Barbados was an ideal Brathwaite and new ways tion of second doses of the tacted by the Ministry of Barbados. said that Barbados had a jurisdiction in which to to achieve food security, AstraZeneca vaccine. Health and Wellness’ “Industries, especially buffer to respond to the live, work, play and in- industrial transforma- However, while the Immunisation Unit to tourism and hospitality, unpredicted external vest. To date, Barbados tion, job creation and fuel polyclinic will be closed schedule their vaccina- the lifeblood of small is- shock of COVID-19. had attracted 2,500 wel- investment. to regular business, it tions. land states like Barbados, Brathwaite stated that come stampers, some of According to the CEO, COVID-19 update: 8 new cases, 9 recovered WhatsApp messages EIGHT new COVID-19 about vaccinations fake positive cases were iden- tified on Saturday, April CO-COORDINATOR of sanctioned by anyone 17, from the 365 tests the National Vaccination from the Ministry of conducted by the Best- Programme for COVID- Health and Wellness’ dos Santos Public Health 19, Major David Clarke, Immunisation Unit, Laboratory. has urged persons to stop and there are currently The new cases com- circulating fake mes- no walk-in vaccination prise two females and sages on social media sites. six males. Nine persons about vaccinations. Major Clarke said that also recovered and were He said this mischief while those who showed discharged. There are has caused an overload up yesterday at one of currently 84 people in on the system because the polyclinics named in isolation. people were turning up the fake messages were Confirmed COVID-19 without appointments at not turned away, this cases recorded, since polyclinics for COVID-19 would not be the case March last year, now vaccinations. He added going forward. stand at 3,781 (1,839 fe- that the only persons He reminded members males and 1,942 males), presently receiving vac- of the public that vacci- and 3,665 persons have cinations are frontline nations were being done recovered. There have workers. by appointment only, and been 44 deaths from the The WhatsApp mes- any information regard- virus. sages have been instruct- ing the vaccination pro- The public health ing people to walk in to gramme would be issued laboratory has carried There are currently 84 people in isolation. various polyclinics and though the Barbados out 148,641 tests since other locations to be vac- Government Information February 2020. nations – 28,671 men have been administered Vaccination Programme cinated. He pointed out Service and credible To date, 69,490 vacci- and 40,819 women – as part of the National for COVID-19. that this has not been news sources. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 19, 2021 • 5

Expectations high as Sunil Chatrani takes lead at Apes Hill APES HILL develop- our fully renovated golf as the best place to live in sponsible for marketing ment announced vet- course including our sig- Barbados and the best Barbados, developing its eran tourism execu- nature 19th hole.” golfing experience in the tourism product and the tive Sunil Chatrani Known as a transfor- Caribbean. Combined cruise and airlift into is now a shareholder mative business leader, with a world-class luxury the island. Previously and has taken up the as CEO of the Elegant villa rental offering, this Chatrani, as CFO of leadership role as its Hotels Group, Chatrani creates an unparalleled the Barbados Shipping Executive Chairman. focused the Group’s over- new contribution to the and Trading Company Chatrani, former Chief all business strategy, Barbadian tourism prod- Limited (BS&T), was in- Executive Officer of the leading the team that uct.” volved in several mean- Elegant Hotel Group, is took the company public Chatrani went on to ingful acquisitions, most building the team to re- on the London Stock highlight the scale of the significantly the cross- launch the 450-acre site, Exchange. In 2019, project. “In addition to regional public company currently undergoing sig- he then oversaw the the transformation of the merger between BS&T nificant redevelopment, Group’s successful sale golf course under the and Neal & Massy. and scheduled to reopen to Marriott Interna- stewardship of legendary Other career highlights in November 2021. tional. course designer Ron include being awarded, Kirby, we are building by the Caribbean Hotel Transformative leader Growth and potential 80 homes on new lots, and Tourism Association, Chatrani has more than Commenting on his new with 100 additional the Caribbean Hotelier 30 years of experience in role, Chatrani said, “I am homes also expected to of the Year for 2019 finance, tourism, mergers inspired by the incredible be built, all with a and he served in roles Veteran tourism executive, Sunil Chatrani. & acquisitions and strat- potential Apes Hill rep- forecasted value of over as Chairman of the egy, in Barbados and resents, so much so I US$500,000,000. We cur- Barbados Hotel & Redevelopment high- a full suite of amenities. throughout the region. am not only taking on rently have 75 employees Tourism Association lights These include an 18- “Sunil is a visionary, this role as Executive during this COVID pe- and CEO of Bahamas The redevelopment of hole golf course, par 3 9- trusted and proven Chairman, I have in- riod, but as we ramp up Supermarkets Limited. Apes Hill commenced in hole course, comprehen- leader,” commented vested in this unique construction over the He also worked with UK- late 2019 and includes a sive state-of-the-art golf Glenn Chamandy, who project as a shareholder. next six months, this based Commonwealth respectful environmental training facilities, gym, purchased the assets of The redevelopment of number will grow to a Development Corpor- approach for sustainabil- spa, paddle sports, hiking Apes Hill in early 2020, Apes Hill will bring a few hundred.” ation developing the ity.The community resort nature trails, farm shop “His market knowledge modern-luxury, environ- Most recently, Chatrani Jolly Beach Hotel in offers an activity-based and food & beverage of- and strong relationships mentally responsible served as the Chairman Antigua. experiential lifestyle with ferings. are exemplary. He is ide- resort community that of both the Barbados ally suited to drive the fu- is unmatched in the Tourism Marketing Inc. ture success of Apes Hill. Caribbean.” and the Barbados I look forward to working He continued, “The Tourism Product closely with Sunil, and to team is positioning Apes Authority. In this role, he the upcoming opening of Hill Golf and Beach Club guided the entities re- Fogging schedule for April 19 to 23

THE Vector Control Unit Drive, 8th Avenue Midsummer Drive, Santa in the Ministry of Health Husbands, 12th Avenue Rosa Drive, Westside and Wellness will be re- East Desert Road Ridge, Close, Catalina Avenue, turning to St. James next Sugar Cane Avenue West, Azalea Close, Orchid week to conduct another Independence Close and Drive, Husbands fogging exercise, under surrounding areas. Heights, Dracaena its mosquito eradication The communities of Avenue, West Terrace programme. Cassia Drive, Tulip 1-16 Avenues, Oxnards, The areas to be sprayed Drive, Croton Drive, Blue Cherry Drive, West on Monday, April 19 are: Bell Drive, Independence, Terrace Heights and Bagatelle Road, Desert Rose Drive, nearby districts. Bagatelle Park, Little Husbands Heights, Fogging will be con- Ridge, Hoytes Village Heliconia Drive, Oxnards ducted between 4:30 and Development, St. John Heights, Wanstead 7:30 p.m. each day, and The Baptist Drive, Heights and immediate householders are encour- 1st and 2nd Avenues areas will be fogged on aged to open their win- Thorpe’s Road, Holders Wednesday, April 21. dows and doors to allow Hill, Thorpe’s Main Road, On Thursday, April 22, the spray to enter. Denny Road, Thorpe’s the focus will be on The Ministry of Health Terrace, Halls Village, Wanstead Heights, 1st, and Wellness has re- Halls Village #2, Prior 7th, 8th, and 9th Avenue minded the public that Park Heights, Husbands Wanstead, Lily Drive, the completion of sched- and environs. Rose Drive, Wanstead uled fogging activities On Tuesday, April 20, Gardens, Alamanda may be affected by events the fogging team will Drive, Husbands Heights beyond its control. In visit: Sugar Cane Avenue, and the environs. such circumstances, the West Wood Close, West Then on Friday, April Unit will return to com- Wood Drive, Pelican 23, the team will spray munities affected in the Avenue, Independence Husbands Terrace, soonest possible time. 6 • Monday April 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

CARPHA providing technical assistance in response to volcanic eruptions in St. Vincent THE Caribbean Public Health who have offered a home away from Red volcanic hazard zone. More than feasible. Agency (CARPHA) is providing home to evacuees,” Dr. Joy St. John, 4,000 persons were evacuated to other Just recently, CARPHA developed a technical assistance in response Executive Director of CARPHA, re- parts of the island. Explosive eruptions COVID-19 Protocol During Evacuation, to the volcanic eruptions of the La marked. commenced at 8:42 a.m. on April 9, 2021 which has been approved for use by the Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent and On December 29, 2020, the alert level and have continued to present day with 27th Meeting of the Council for Human the Grenadines. for La Soufrière was elevated to Orange an expansive ash plume and pyroclastic and Social Development (COHSOD). CARPHA is part of the Rapid Response due to increased activity at the site, flows being reported.Ash fall has affected CARPHA has also developed a technical Team (RRT), which is spearheaded by which is located in the northern part of not only St. Vincent, but the neighbour- brief which describes how to choose and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency the main island of St. Vincent. Effusive ing islands of Barbados, St. Lucia and maintain the right respiratory protec- Management Agency (CDEMA). activity continued until April 8, 2021, Grenada. tion depending on the task and exposure “CARPHA leads the public health com- when The UWI Seismic Research Centre to a volcanic eruption, as well as info- ponent of the RRT.We will provide tech- team, based in St.Vincent, indicated new Concern about spread of COVID-19 in graphics for evaluating, choosing and nical advice and support to the Ministry seismic events were occurring that are shelters planning Emergency Shelters and the of Health officials in St. Vincent and the typical with explosive eruptions. The CARPHA has meanwhile indicated that prevention of transmission of COVID-19 Grenadines. We also stand ready to sup- Government of St. Vincent and the the risk of increased cases of COVID-19 in shelters. They also cover managing port neighbouring Member States that Grenadines raised the alert level to during this time, through evacuation and illness at the shelter and what to do if are being impacted by the ash, and those Red and ordered an evacuation of the gathering in emergency shelters is signif- seeking shelter in COVID-19 times. icant and thus, every effort must be made CARPHA notes that it will continue to to protect persons living in the emer- work with CDEMA and other agencies to gency shelters, including appropriate so- assess the need for further support. UN to launch funding appeal for cial distancing and hygiene measures, “CARPHA expresses deep concern and testing of symptomatic individuals, isola- sympathy for the residents of St.Vincent tion of COVID-19 positive individuals and the Grenadines, and nearby coun- St. Vincent and the Grenadines and quarantine of contacts in isolation tries affected by La Soufrière. We urge THE UN is set to launch a funding ap- shelters. Member States are also being Caribbean residents and visitors to take peal to support St. Vincent and the urged to continue their vaccination continued precautions and follow the ad- Grenadines, where ongoing volcanic “ex- rollout, to aid in limiting spread where vice of the authorities,” the agency noted. plosions” continue to disrupt life in the Caribbean island nation and nearby countries. EU provides emergency funding to support Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Co-ordi- nator for Barbados and the Caribbean, people affected by La Soufrière eruption briefed journalists on the response to the growing humanitarian crisis, sparked THE European Union (EU) has mo- Wasilewska, Head of the EU Delegation after the long-dormant La Soufrière vol- bilised 740,000 euros (EC$2.4 million) in Barbados remarked. cano erupted last week, displacing some in emergency humanitarian aid, to sup- The emergency funding will be man- 20,000 people or roughly one-fifth of the port those affected by the extremely dam- aged by the EU humanitarian aid de- population.Around 6,000 are considered aging consequences of the La Soufrière partment and implemented by humani- vulnerable. volcano’s protracted eruption in the small tarian partners, already active in the “We are about to initiate the UN fund- Caribbean island and developing state of area. It will prioritise interventions to ing appeal and response plan to support St. Vincent and the Grenadines. guarantee immediate access to water, the humanitarian response, but also the The information came in a press sanitation, hygiene, healthcare and dis- early recovery for the next six months,” release issued by the Delegation of the tributions of non-food items, in addition he said, speaking via video link from European Union to Barbados, the to the protection of the most vulnerable. Barbados. Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and A sum of 190,000 euros will be chan- “This is a crisis that is going to last cer- the CARICOM/CARIFORUM. nelled to the International Federation of tainly more than six months in the sub- Explosive eruptions started on April Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies region, in St.Vincent, and other islands.” 9, prompting the local government to (IFRC) through their Disaster Relief order an immediate evacuation of the Emergency Funds. The St. Vincent and Eruptions expected to continue Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Co-ordina- most directly exposed areas. The pyro- the Grenadines’ Red Cross is supporting St. Vincent and the Grenadines, located tor for Barbados and the Caribbean. clastic flows descending downhill and national authorities in co-ordinating and in the southern Caribbean, consists of the approximately 10km-high ash col- managing temporary shelters. Evacuees more than 30 islands and cays, nine of Caribbean nations. The UN Children’s umn, whose falling debris have covered will receive hygiene kits, COVID-19 per- which are inhabited. Fund, UNICEF, and the Pan-American villages, damaged the country’s electric- sonal protective equipment and the basic At 4,000 feet tall, La Soufrière domi- Health Organisation (PAHO), the re- ity grid and disrupted the water supply. healthcare they need. The remaining nates the largest island, Saint Vincent. gional office of the UN health agency According to local authorities, between 550,000 euros will be channelled through The volcano had been silent since 1979, WHO, are on the ground to assess needs. 16,000 and 20,000 people have already humanitarian partners already active but began spewing smoke and rumbling been evacuated, with at least 4,000 of on the ground in order to enhance their in December, before erupting on Friday. Clean-up also important them currently living in temporary pub- response to the emergency. “We are expecting that continuous ex- “Priority number two is really about lic shelters. The volcano’s increasing Through the EU Civil Protection plosions and ashfall will continue over shelter management,” he continued, activity has affected more than 110,000 Mechanism, on April 14, France has the coming weeks in St. Vincent and the highlighting the need for cots and basic people – almost the entire population of delivered 40 tons of first aid items Grenadines, but also in neighbouring hygiene items. UN teams, including from St. Vincent and the Grenadines – at a such as COVID-19 personal protective islands such as Barbados, which has the World Food Programme (WFP) are time when the country has been facing equipment, hygiene kits and drinking also been severely affected … as well as working with the Vincentian authorities a dengue outbreak in the middle of the water. St. Lucia and Grenada,” Mr. Trebucq on digital registration of beneficiaries coronavirus pandemic. In addition, the EU’s Copernicus satel- reported. for cash vouchers. “Our thoughts are with those who have lite service is currently providing maps “The clean-up of the ashes, finally, is been displaced, including those who have of the area and the EU’s 24/7 Emergency Water a top priority another important priority, in terms of been left without clean water or electric- Response Co-ordination Centre is in close Some 4,000 of the displaced people are environmental health, but also clean-up ity, due to the La Soufrière volcanic erup- contact with local authorities to monitor now living in 87 shelters, though many to make sure that life can come back to tion. We announce this emergency fund- the situation and eventually channel facilities lack basic services such as normal outside the red zone as soon as ing that will support St. Vincent and the further EU assistance. drinking water. Others have found refuge possible,” Mr. Trebucq added. Grenadines in their efforts to overcome The current emergency has expanded with families and friends, while a hand- Relatedly, UN agencies, in collabora- this disaster, in the context of the chal- beyond the sole St. Vincent and the ful fled to neighbouring countries on fish- tion with the European Union, are also lenging COVID-19 pandemic, which Grenadines, also hitting the nearby is- ing boats. working to provide experts who will de- will target in particular support to the land nations of Barbados, Dominica, Mr. Trebucq said right now, water vise a plan for the clean-up of volcanic evacuees, access to clean water and St. Lucia and Grenada which are receiv- is “priority number one”, as service has ash in St. Vincent and the Grenadines sanitation. The EU stands ready to step ing a limited number of evacuees and shut down in many areas and supplies and the other affected islands. up humanitarian support for those in are being affected by the volcano’s ash- are being transported from sister (Source: UN News) need in this urgent crisis,” Malgorzata fall. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 19, 2021 • 7

China, US commit to climate co-operation amid strained ties CHINA and the US are seriousness and urgency challenges to realise the They include co- completing the virtual summit with world “committed to working that it demands. This principles outlined in the operation on renewable arrangements for the leaders on climate change together” on the issue of includes strengthening Agreement to control the energy,green and climate- Paris Agreement, and the next week. climate change, and will their respective actions global average resilient agriculture, low- COP 15 of the Convention During an exclusive cooperate on multilateral and co-operating in temperature rise below carbon transportation, on Biological Diversity in interview with the fronts including the Paris multilateral fronts such as 2C, and strive to limit it to and emissions of methane Kunming, Southwest Associated Press on Agreement, said a joint the United Nations 1.5C. and other non-CO2 China’s Yunnan Province. Friday, Chinese Vice statement issued on Framework Convention The two countries will greenhouse gases. The statement was Foreign Minister Le Sunday between the two on Climate Change and continue to discuss, both The statement also issued right after talks Yucheng welcomed the sides following US climate the Paris Agreement,” said at the 26th UN Climate listed a number of short- between Xie Zhenhua, US’ return on envoy John Kerry’s visit to the statement released by Change Conference of the term actions that will be China’s special envoy for international climate Shanghai. the Chinese Ministry of Parties (COP26) to be held carried out to address the climate change, and US affairs under the Biden “China and the US, Ecology and Environment. in UK’s Glasgow and climate crisis. Special Presidential administration but urged together with other In particular,it stressed beyond, concrete actions in Some future co- Envoy for Climate John it “to redouble its efforts to countries, are committed the implementation of the the 2020s to reduce operation potentials on Kerry during his visit to make up for the time lost to co-operating with each Paris Agreement. The two emissions to keep the several international Shanghai from during its absence” when other on tackling the sides pledged to temperature limit aligned meetings are mentioned in Wednesday to Saturday, Trump withdrew from the climate crisis, to be strengthen their efforts by the Paris Agreement the statement, including which came ahead of US Paris accord during his addressed with the and together tackle the within reach. the COP 26 aimed at President Joe Biden’s term. Chinese premier Chengdu offers a glimpse of calls for tranquility amid bustling city life unremitting IF you have ever walked along the streets efforts to of Chengdu, the capital city of southwest ensure China’s Sichuan province, chances are food safety that you have experienced how BEIJING – Chinese commercial spectacles Premier Li Keqiang has exist side by side with urged unremitting efforts “greasy spoons” amid to ensure food safety, the hustle and bustle of highlighting its close daily life. That’s one of relationship to people’s the reasons why health. Sanlian Lifeweek Li, also a member of the Magazine has named Standing Committee of Chengdu China’s the Political Bureau of the metropolis with the Communist Party of strongest breath of life. China (CPC) Central Home to the country’s Committee, made the giant panda research and remarks on Friday in an breeding base as well as a instruction to a video hub for national conference commending consumption and cultural model organisations and tourism, Chengdu has long individuals for their work enjoyed a reputation for in the field. featuring a culture where Efforts should be made tradition and modernity to improve the oversight meet. This fusion allows mechanism, enhance visitors and residents to punishments for illegal embrace a sophisticated acts and strengthen the modern life without capacity to handle risks, forgoing the customs rooted An arial photo shows Chengdu’s Chunxi Road, a pedestrianised shopping street in the city. [PHOTO/VCG] according to Li. in China’s soul, giving a Vice Premier Han taste of tranquility. rectangular Xicun urban design creating a The Xicun Courtyard City for Humanity Awards, Zheng, also a member of This is also the case for Courtyard in the city’s park-like “green basin” for was thereby shortlisted for with final winners the Standing Committee Chengdu’s architecture Qingyang district skirts residents and functioning the Public Space Award announced at the awards of the Political Bureau of and overall urban several city blocks, its as a sanctuary amid and Architectural Design ceremony in Chengdu on the CPC Central planning.For example, the seemingly unconventional bustling urban life. Award in the 2020 Sanlian April 8, 2021. Committee, attended the meeting. Over the years, China Decarbonization to push transition of China’s construction sector has made steady headway in improving food safety, BEIJING – China’s efforts champions could benefit in environmental front may including the launch of the development plan for the Han said, noting that the to cut carbon emissions will the long-term from the deteriorate due to potential national carbon-trading next five years to improve challenges facing the drive the upgrade of its improvement in regulatory intervention market this year will the industrial structure country remain severe. construction sector, operational efficiency, and higher operational and provide economic and maximize the use of To address the benefiting leading mitigation of regulatory financing costs, the report incentives for companies to clean energy. prominent problems in companies in the building- risk, and lower capital said. proactively reduce Amid the efforts, more the field, the strictest material and construction costs, Fitch Ratings said in China’s building- emissions. cement, steel and standards and oversight industries,a report showed. a report. material and construction China has vowed to peak construction firms will tap measures should be Decarbonization may In contrast, the credit sectors generate over half carbon dioxide emissions China’s green bond market adopted and the toughest lead to a temporary profiles of smaller of the country’s carbon by 2030 and achieve carbon to finance their low-carbon punishments should be increase in investment and companies that perform emissions, the report noted, neutrality by 2060 and set transition, the rating implemented, Han said. costs, but corporate poorly on the adding that measures new targets in its agency said in the report. 8 • Monday April 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 Students’ struggles pushed Peru Another teacher to run for president CHUGUR, Peru – As day of planting sweet Fujimori. It is her third has promised to free him schools across Peru closed potatoes on his own land. attempt to become should she win. debt crisis on due to the coronavirus It was the last straw for president. The two candidates have pandemic, Pedro Castillo Castillo, who over 25 years Castillo’s unlikely had dramatically different tried to find a way to keep had seen his students campaign comes at a lives. the cards? classes going for his 20 struggle in crumbling turbulent time for the While Fujimori’s father fifth- and sixth-grade schools where teachers South American nation himself was a political JUST how close are we to another debt crisis facing students. But in his also cook, sweep floors and that has suffered like few outsider when he won developing countries, and in particular the smaller impoverished rural file paperwork. He’d others from the COVID-19 office, his daughter grew nations? community deep in the already dabbled in pandemic. It recently ran up in the halls of power. In recent times the possibility of another crisis Andes, his efforts were activism with the local through three presidents She attended Boston continues to loom as small and vulnerable countries futile. teachers’ union and helped in a week after one was University and got a continue to grapple with high debt, low economic Seventeen of the lead a national strike in removed by congress over master’s from Columbia growth, high unemployment and the prospects of not students didn’t even have 2017. But now he went corruption allegations. University in the United having enough resources to meet debt repayments. access to a cellphone. further, tossing his name Every president of the past States. She later served as A debt crisis is said to exist when countries facing Tablets promised by the into a crowd of 18 36 years has been first lady during her high debt repayment schedules decide they are unable government never arrived. candidates in Peru’s ensnared in corruption father’s last six years in to make loan re-payments and subsequently default “I called my students presidential election. allegations, some office. on their commitments to lenders. who have a basic Defying the polls, the imprisoned. One died by Castillo is the son of One of the consequence of this is that in the event cellphone, and the father elementary school teacher suicide before police could illiterate peasants, the the country is able to get out of the debt, no one will answers you from the came first in the April 11 arrest him. third of nine children. be willing to lend it money in a hurry because of the farm. You cannot connect voting, albeit with less Fujimori herself has While he went on to loan default. with the child,” he said. than 20% of the overall been imprisoned as part of complete a degree in This therefore forces these countries to seek out “You call again in the vote. The stunning result a graft investigation educational psychology at economic arrangements with the International afternoon or evening. The gave him a place in June’s though she was later Peru’s César Vallejo Monetary Fund and all of what those arrangements children don’t answer presidential runoff against released. And her father University, he still lives in can mean. because they are Keiko Fujimori, one of Alberto, who governed the country’s third poorest It is a high price some sovereign states have had to exhausted in bed.” Peru’s most established between 1990 and 2000, is district, his home pay for not honouring their commitments. “Where is the state?” political figures and the serving a 25-year sentence surrounded by cypress These countries have had to take the body blows the Castillo, 51, told The daughter of former for corruption and the trees, cornfields, pigs and COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted on their economies. Associated Press after a president Alberto killings of 25 people. She cows. Economies have been disrupted as COVID took hold. Tourism and the export of goods and services have taken a beating because of falling demands. So with high debt, onerous repayment terms and Half of US adults have received the likelihood that debt rescheduling is becoming an option, another debt crisis seems very much on the cards. These are occurrences that affected countries would at least one COVID-19 shot wish very much to do without. The crisis of the 1980s was terrible for those WASHINGTON – Half of is believed to be who lives in Alabama and least one shot, at 40.8%. countries that had to ensure it. Up front their all adults in the US have significantly higher. has been nervous about It’s trailed only by economies were affected by the global economic received at least one The country’s getting the vaccine after Louisiana, Alabama and slowdown brought on by the international recession COVID-19 shot, the vaccination rate, at 61.6 having a bad reaction to a Mississippi – three other triggered by higher oil prices. government announced doses administered per flu shot. Southern states that lean State revenues and export earnings have had to be yesterday, marking 100 people, currently falls “It’s a little emotional. I Republican and voted for diverted to pay external debt, and that had to be done another milestone in the behind Israel, which leads haven’t been able to see Donald Trump last fall. with foreign exchange. Governments in many nation’s largest-ever among countries with at my grandmother in a year Vaccination rates do not instances have had to cutback on social spending vaccination campaign but least 5 million people with and a half almost,” said always align with how because they either did not have enough funds to do leaving more work to do a rate of 119.2. The US Grimsley, 35. “And that’s states vote. But polling so, or because of the stringencies imposed by the to convince skeptical also trails the United Arab the longest my entire from The Associated lenders in giving priority to debt repayments. Americans to roll up their Emirates, Chile and the family has ever gone Press-NORC Centre for Usually such countries do face austere economic sleeves. United Kingdom, which is without seeing her. And Public Affairs Research conditions and with the so-called fiscal consolidation Almost 130 million vaccinating at a rate of 62 we’ll be seeing her in mid- has shown trends that they have had to undertake, this has increased the people 18 or older have doses per 100 people, May now.” link political leanings and burden on them. received at least one dose according to Our World in The states with the attitudes about the It is assumed therefore that if affected countries of a vaccine, or 50.4% of Data, an online research highest vaccination rates vaccines and other issues decided they are unable to repay foreign loans as was the total adult population, site. have a history of voting related to the pandemic, done by a number of the Latin American states in the the Centres for Disease The vaccine campaign Democratic and which has killed more early 1980s then another crisis will be in the making. Control and Prevention offered hope in places like supporting President Joe than 566 000 people in the Last week the Secretary General of the Economic reported. Almost 84 Nashville, Tennessee, Biden in the 2020 election: US Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean million adults, or about where the Music City New Hampshire at the A poll conducted in late (ECLAC), Ms. Alicia Barcena, called for a consensus 32.5% of the population, Centre bustled Sunday top, with 71.1%, followed March found that 36% of among countries and all the players in the global have been fully with vaccine seekers. High by New Mexico, Republicans said they will financial markets, to come to an amicable agreement vaccinated. demand for appointment- Connecticut, probably or definitely not on the matter. The US cleared the 50% only shots at the Massachusetts and get vaccinated, compared “I don’t understand what is going on,” she mark just a day after the convention centre has Maine, CDC data show. with 12% of Democrats. remarked. reported global death toll levelled off enough that The demand has not Similarly, a third of rural The previous crisis ended with the intervention of from the coronavirus walk-ins will be welcome been the same in many Americans said they were the international financial institutions. They were topped a staggering 3 starting this week. areas of Tennessee – leaning against getting able to work out agreements with the affected states million, according to totals Amanda Grimsley, who particularly, rural ones. shots, while fewer than a on easier repayment terms, converting some of the compiled by Johns received her second shot, Tennessee sits in the fourth of people living in outstanding debt into equity and where necessary Hopkins University, said she’s ready to see her bottom four states for cities and suburbs shared write off some of it. though the actual number 96-year-old grandmother, rates of adults getting at that hesitancy. This to our reckoning is what is necessary at this time to prevent the current situation from Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes deteriorating further and creating hardships for the E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen affected countries. Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan The sooner this is done the better for all involved. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Monday April 19, 2021 • 9

Cuban party electing new leaders amid generational shift HAVANA, Cuba – Delegates of Cuba’s powerful Politburo for the 2021-2026 also stand down: Jose Ramon Machado the United States had worsened under Communist Party were electing a period, official news portal Cubadebate Ventura, 90, the party’s number two, and Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump. new Central Committee yesterday, reported. Commander Ramiro Valdes, 88. In his last major speech as party head, with results due today as the When the 89-year-old Castro steps However,even as younger Cubans rise Castro on Friday called for “revitalising historic congress closes with a send- down as first secretary of the Communist to power, no major changes in policy are the process of updating the economic and off for long-time party leader Raul Party – the most powerful position in immediately expected. social model,” an initiative he began Castro. Cuba – it will end a nearly six-decade Most pressing on the congress’s agenda cautiously in 2008. The island’s dire economic crisis tops family hold on power that started in 1959 is the economy, which plummeted by 11 However, Castro told delegates on the agenda as 300 delegates from across under his revolutionary brother, Fidel, per cent in 2020 – the worst decline since Friday that Cuba would not renounce the country continue to meet in Havana, who died in 2016. 1993 – due in no small part to recent “the principles of the revolution and with the leadership vote expected As members of the post-revolutionary strengthening of the US embargo and socialism.” yesterday afternoon. generation take power, Castro will yield the coronavirus pandemic. Cuba, with a population of The 114-member Central Committee is power to the country’s 60-year-old Castro however committed the country approximately 11.2 million, faces set to meet today once voting results are president, Miguel Diaz-Canel. to “respectful” talks with the US recurrent shortages and must import 80 announced and will elect leaders to the Two other revolution-era figures will administration of Joe Biden. Ties with per cent of what it consumes.

Handout picture taken from Cuban website www.cubadebate.cu showing Cuban First Secretary of the Communist Party Raul Castro (C), Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel (3-R) and other members under a screen depicting (L-R) Cuban hero Jose Marti, founders of the PCC Carlos Balino and Julio Antonio Mella, and Cuban late leader Fidel Castro, reading “The party is the soul of revolution” during the opening session of the 8th Congress of the Cuban Communist Party at the Convention Palace in Havana, on April 16, 2021. Businessman charged One killed in plane with murder in crash off The Bahamas NASSAU,Bahamas – The Civil Aviation one was alert but appeared to be severely Authority has launched an investigation injured, the other appeared lifeless. following the death of a man after a plane Both were taken to the Bimini Clinic son’s shooting death crashed in waters near the South Bimini where one of them was pronounced dead. late Friday. The police report that the aircraft left KINGSTON, Jamaica – Detectives between Knight, who is a licensed It is reported that shortly before 10:00 Tamami Airport in Florida earlier in the assigned to the Half-Way-Tree Criminal firearm holder, and his son 38-year-old p.m. (local time), the police were called to day on Friday with four passengers. Investigations Branch have laid murder Ruel Knight during which the accused waters near the South Bimini They arrived at the South Bimini charges against 64-year-old businessman brandished a firearm and fired shots, International Airport, where the aircraft International Airport shortly before 9 Delton Knight in relation to the shooting hitting Ruel in the chest then fled the went down. a.m. and all four passengers death of his son at their business place on scene. It’s reported that the police, assisted by disembarked. Gordon Town Road, Kingston 6 on He was subsequently accosted and residents from Bimini, went to the crash Later that day,shortly after 9:00 p.m., Monday,April 12. questioned in the presence of his site some 200-300 yards east of the the two passengers took off from the Reports from the police are that about attorney and charged yesterday. airport runway. South Bimini International Airport 9:45 am, an argument developed His court date is being finalised. Two men were pulled from the water – before the plane crashed. 10 • Monday April 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

New programme to speed up action to tackle diabetes in the C’bean WASHINGTON, United States – The with COVID-19 have diabetes.” Pan American Health Organisation Dr. Tedros said the Global Diabetes says the World Health Organisation’s Compact will help to “catalyse political (WHO) new Global Diabetes commitment for action to increase the Compact aims to bring a much- accessibility and affordability of life- needed boost to efforts to prevent saving medicines for diabetes and also diabetes in the Caribbean and other for its prevention and diagnosis”. places and to bring treatment to all “Canada has a proud history of diabetes who need it. research and innovation. From the The compact was launched at the discovery of insulin in 1921 to 100 years Global Diabetes Summit, which was co- later, we continue working to support hosted by WHO and the Government of people living with diabetes,” said Patty Canada, with the support of the Hajdu, Minister of Health, Canada. “But University of Toronto. we cannot take on diabetes alone. We During the event, the president of must each share knowledge and foster Kenya joined the prime ministers of Fiji, international collaboration to help people Norway and Singapore; the WHO Global with diabetes live longer, healthier lives Ambassador for Noncommunicable – in Canada and around the world.” Diseases and Injuries, Michael R “Diabetes prevalence has been Bloomberg; and ministers of health from increasing rapidly,especially over the last a number of countries, as well as diabetes two decades, largely driven by increases experts and people living with diabetes, to in overweight/obesity,” PAHO said. “A highlight the ways in which they will large proportion of people with diabetes support this new collaborative effort. go undiagnosed and/or their condition is Other UN agencies, civil society poorly controlled, leading to increased PAHO director Dr. Carissa Etienne. partners and representatives of the morbidity and mortality due to diabetes. private sector also attended. “The rise in diabetes in the Americas communicable diseases). with diabetes”. “The need to take urgent action on signals the critical need to strengthen the “Although the exact toll is yet to be fully She said “one of the most urgent areas diabetes is clearer than ever,” said Dr. health system response in order to understood, we are very concerned about of work is to increase access to diabetes Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO improve quality of care for people living the consequences of adverse lifestyle diagnostic tools and medicines, Director-General. “The number of people with diabetes,” it added. changes, the interruptions in healthcare particularly insulin, in low- and middle- with diabetes has quadrupled in the last Dr. Carissa Etienne, PAHO’s services and the supply chain disruptions income countries. 40 years. It is the only major Dominican-born director underscored, which limited access to medications,” she “The introduction of a pilot programme noncommunicable disease for which the during the Global Diabetes Summit, that said. for WHO prequalification of insulin in risk of dying early is going up, rather than “Among the most concerning aspects of Dr. Etienne called for urgent action to 2019 has been an important step,” Dr. down,” he added. “And a high proportion this pandemic is the impact on people maintain essential health services, “to Etienne said. Currently, the insulin of people who are severely ill in hospital with diabetes and other NCDs (non- ensure continuity of care for people living market is dominated by three companies. Guyana’s health minister urges developed countries to supply C’bean with COVID-19 vaccines GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Minister of Anthony made the plea while speaking Dr. Anthony lamented, “Caricom and bolster the economy. Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has called on behalf of the Caribbean Community remains deeply concerned” about the “The Caribbean Community uses this upon developed countries to make an (Caricom), at a special meeting convened inequitable access and unbalanced opportunity to also reiterate the need for interim supply of vaccines available to by the United Nations (UN) Economic distribution of COVID-19 vaccines full funding for the Access to COVID-19 the Caribbean region. and Social Council. globally.” Tools Accelerator and its COVAX facility The health minister said that access to led by the World Health Organisation,” vaccines is particularly important for the health minister stated. small developing states since these He also appealed for low-cost financing countries continue to experience the from the international financial devastating health and economic impacts institutions (IFIs) so that all developing of the COVID-19 pandemic. countries, particularly small states, can He added that lockdown measures, contain and suppress the COVID-19 supply chain disruptions, sharp declines pandemic. He also reiterated the need in remittances, and a general decrease in for enhanced international co-operation travel, trade, and other economic and reiterated Caricom’s calls for a activities that the region depends on, Global Summit to urgently address have all been disrupted by the pandemic. equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, According to recent reports from the particularly for developing countries. International Monetary Fund (IMF), “We, therefore, urge developed there will be uneven growth in the real countries, in particular those in our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) across neighbourhood with populations that the Latin America and the Caribbean travel frequently to our region, and who (LAC) region. The Real GDP measures a host our largest diaspora populations, to country’s total economic output, adjusted make an interim supply of vaccines for price changes. Importantly, the IMF available to the Community, given the noted that the tourism-dependent immediacy of the need.” countries have been adversely affected The COVAX facility, a global due to the restrictions imposed by the vaccination alliance, was created with pandemic. the mandate of ensuring that there is Against this backdrop of the some equity in vaccine distribution. disproportionate impact the pandemic Several Caribbean countries are now has had on Caribbean states, the depending on COVAX for vaccine minister reiterated the Caribbean’s call supplies but the scarcity of vaccines for global and equitable access to caused the facility to scale vaccines stating that this will lessen the down the distribution of vaccines in the Guyana’s Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. impact of the pandemic, protect citizens, region. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 19, 2021 • 11

Hunger worsens in Brazil city slums THE queue snakes around the block against welfare spending. It pushed and each day it gets longer: hungry extreme poverty to its lowest level since residents of Heliopolis, São Paulo’s the 1970s – and boosted the president’s largest favela, waiting in line for the support. handout that will keep them going However, the relief was temporary. until the next morning. With ballooning public debt, the They are given a bowl of pasta with government first suspended the meat and a portion of rice, two packets of programme and then reintroduced it but biscuits and a carton of milk, shared at a far lower level of 250 reais and for between a whole household and usually fewer people. their only meal of the day. Before the The drop in aid has hit Luciana pandemic, 300 people would queue up Firmino and her family hard. She and here. Now it is over 1 000, and the charity her husband now depend on the food that runs it has 650 others across São handout to feed their five children, living Paulo. in a cramped couple of rooms in one of the The crisis caused by the pandemic has forced a growing number of people to “The vast majority of people who live in favela’s narrow alleyways. depend on food donations. the favelas work in the informal economy, When the pandemic hit, she lost her job as cleaners in homes or helping to bake in a manicure studio and her husband’s President Bolsonaro – who once have run here for 35 years". cakes, so when businesses close or houses occasional work dried up. dismissed the virus as “just a little flu", “President Bolsonaro wants to preserve stop using them, they feel the impact,” Clutching her nine-month-old opposed lockdowns and failed to secure liberty; he wants people to get out, work, says Marcivan Barreto, the local co- daughter, she says each day is a decision vaccine supplies in time – has lost feed their children,” he says. “He wants ordinator. whether to pay for milk or diapers. “We support, particularly as the food people to decide if they want the vaccine, "You see people queuing up at 03:00 for can’t afford the rent anymore. So we will handouts have declined. Attempts at not to be obligated by the state. Freedom food. I’m very worried that as the soon be out in the streets or under a impeachment are stirring. in Brazil has always been under threat.” pandemic continues, a hungry father will bridge.” However, he still has his devoted fans, I put it to him that the price of that start looting supermarkets.When you’re Then she breaks down. “I was hoping who insist “the establishment” are trying policy is the public health disaster that starving, despair hits.” for a good life,” she says through tears. to destroy him. Brazil is living through. “It’s not a During the first wave of the pandemic, “Sometimes I think I should give my Three hours’ drive out of São Paulo, disaster", he replies. “We don’t have all Brazil’s government introduced children away to social services.” the corn harvest is underway on the data from other countries so we don’t emergency relief, known as Brazil is in the grip of a health and Frederico D’Avila’s farm. He has 1 300 know true numbers of dead.” “coronavouchers". More than 67 million social emergency. It has the world’s hectares of the crop, as well as soybean, Supporters of the president echo the people received a monthly sum of 600 second-highest death toll from the barley and fava, nestled beside dense same line, hammered home by the reais (£83; $107, at the time). pandemic at over 370 000, and hospitals pine forests. effective Bolsonaro communication It was the biggest single injection of are near collapse. A study last week And as the harvester cuts through the machine with claims that if other financial aid in Brazil’s history, found that 60 per cent of Brazilian stalks of corn, he talks of how the institutions, including the Supreme introduced by a president, Jair households have food insecurity, lacking president is slashing “the system of Court, had not tied his hands, he could Bolsonaro, who had previously railed sufficient access to enough to eat. kleptocracy – chains of corruption – that have managed the pandemic fully. Once again, volcanic Caribbean island looks to recovery MEXICO CITY – A group of nervous fish pandemic was already battering the in 1979 and has a population of about 110 volcano top from the sugar cane sellers got very close to La Soufrière, the economy,including tourism. Still, regional 000. In 1902, the warnings of the fish plantations and places like Georgetown volcano on the Caribbean island of St. aid is arriving, the United Nations plans sellers who experienced the volcano up on the eastern side of St. Vincent Vincent, on the morning of May 7, 1902. to help, and the 1902 catastrophe is a close – the thick steam, the scorched contributed to uncertainty about what was “The top of the mountain was covered in reminder that St. Vincent recovered from vegetation, the sulfurous smell, the happening. To the west, people had no mist, and the foremost of them followed massive eruptions in the past. constant shaking – were at first dismissed. doubt. They prepared to flee while the path up to the base of the summit Recovery this time could take years, “They were received with incredulity, watching an enormous column of vapour cone,” according to a written account of requiring sustained support from around and when they came to Georgetown they billow into a mushroom-shaped cloud, their experience. “Some went up to quite the Caribbean and beyond, said Jenni were scoffed at as fools and cowards,” accompanied by showers of black, heavy near the lip of the crater, or possibly even Barclay, a volcanology professor at the according to an account of the disaster material, and lightning and thunder. to the actual edge. What they saw there University of East Anglia in Britain who commissioned by the Royal Society of In the 1902 climax, a ?Great Black was enough to dismay the stoutest hearts.? co-authored a study on the impact, relief London and published in 1903. The Cloud? raced down the volcano’s slopes, The volcano was about to erupt and response of the 1902-3 eruptions. authors were Tempest Anderson, an swept over homes and farms and surged explosively, devastating swathes of the “The most important thing is making ophthalmologist deeply interested in out to sea, raining scalding ash, stones island. Last week, La Soufrière once again effective use of the resources that they do volcanoes, and geologist John Flett. and sulfurous fumes on boats of people started spewing hot torrents of gas, ash have, some of the resources that are The names of the fish sellers are not rowing furiously away. and rock, forcing thousands to evacuate to actually just the ingenuity and the included in the report about what On the east of St. Vincent, plantation government-run shelters and private resilience of the people on the island,” happened on St. Vincent, where a white workers gazed in amazement as the homes. Barclay said. minority dominated a population that implacable black curtain descended Things look bleak, even if there are no St. Vincent is the biggest of the islands included the descendants of Indigenous toward them, then rushed indoors or died reported casualties. Crops, fishing and forming St. Vincent and the Grenadines, inhabitants and enslaved Africans. in the open. At Orange Hill, dozens other livelihoods are in peril. The which gained independence from Britain Clouds and a poor line of sight to the crammed into a rum cellar.

Mostly sunny.

Haze Outlook: A layer of slight dust haze will be visible across the island.

High: 6:32 a.m. and 8:44 p.m. New York: 12°C Yesterday: 0 mm Miami: 31°C Low: 12:24 a.m. For the month: 18.3 mm Max: 30.5°C Boston: 10°C and 2:06 p.m. For the year: 235.8 mm Min: 25.6°C Toronto: 11°C Montreal: 09°C London: 07°C 5:44 a.m. 6:12 p.m. 12 • Monday April 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Russia will face ‘consequences’ if Navalny dies – US THE US has warned Yesterday, a number of but an affront to the which you need to act Russia there will be countries joined the Russian people who want quickly, otherwise the “consequences” if the international protest their voices heard. irreparable will happen”. opposition activist Alexei against Navalny’s EU leaders are expected On Friday, four doctors Navalny dies in jail. treatment inside the to discuss the situation on wrote to prison officials to The UK, France, Russian jail in the town of Monday,and Josep Borrell, request permission to see Germany and the Pokrov, about 100 km (62 the bloc’s top diplomat, Navalny urgently, saying European Union have also miles) east of Moscow. said the EU was “deeply his potassium had reached expressed their concern US national security concerned” and called for “critical levels”. over his treatment. adviser Jake Sullivan told prison authorities to grant Dr. Alexander Polupan, Navalny’s doctors say he CNN there would be access to Navalny’s who treated Navalny after “will die within the next “consequences if Mr medical team immediately. he was poisoned with few days” if not given Navalny dies” and Russia The UK’s Foreign Office Novichock last year, said urgent medical attention would be “held accountable said in a statement: his blood test results were for acute back pain and leg by the international “Navalny must be given an “absolute indication” numbness. community”, while immediate access to that he needed urgent Russia’s ambassador to President Joe Biden said independent medical care. medical care or he would the UK has said that his medical treatment was We reiterate our call for his “die within the next [few] Navalny is attention “totally unfair and totally immediate release from days”. seeking and “will not be inappropriate”. his politically motivated Yesterday, his personal allowed to die in prison”. The US is already imprisonment.” physician, Anastasia A prominent critic of embroiled in a diplomatic Navalny’s 20-year-old Vasilyeva, who has President Vladimir Putin, row with Russia over the daughter, Daria previously been arrested Navalny, 44, was jailed in near-fatal poisoning of Navalnaya, who is for protesting outside February for old Navalny last year,with the currently studying in Navalny’s jail, tweeted embezzlement charges, chemical warfare agent California, wrote “allow a that she and the three which he claims are Novichock. doctor to see my dad” on doctors had “stood for two politically motivated. The Kremlin denies Twitter. hours and begged” to be let He started a hunger Navalny’s claims that Navalny’s wife Yulia into the jail, but they were strike on March 31 in President Vladimir Putin said he had lost 9kg (19 refused entry. protest at not being able ordered the attack. lbs) since starting his Also joining the call for to see his own medical However, US intelligence Alexei Navalny was jailed in February. hunger strike, according to action are more than 70 team, and his doctors say officials concluded that the AP. well known writers, artists recent blood test results Moscow government was Russian officials. life must be held Navalny’s supporters in and academics, who have indicate he could suffer behind the poisoning, Navalny should be accountable. The Russia are organising a signed a letter calling on kidney failure and go into prompting the Biden immediately released, and Kremlin’s attacks on nation-wide protest on President Putin to ensure cardiac arrest at any administration to impose the perpetrators of the Navalny are not just a Wednesday, saying “there Navalny receives adequate moment. sanctions on senior outrageous attack on his violation of human rights, are circumstances in medical care. Salisbury poisoning suspects ‘linked to Czech blast’ TWO Russian men sus- tions tying the blast to the pected of carrying out the GRU. 2018 Salisbury poisonings The country will inform are being linked to an ex- Nato and European Union plosion at an arms depot in allies about its suspicions, the Czech Republic. and will discuss the mat- Evidence links the 2014 ter at an EU foreign minis- explosion, and an at- ters’ meeting on Monday, tempted poisoning in its acting Foreign Minister Bulgaria, to a unit of Jan Hamacek said. Russian military intelli- The Russian foreign min- gence – the GRU – the BBC istry said it would “take re- has learnt. taliatory measures that European intelligence will force the authors of this agencies believe the GRU’s provocation to fully under- Unit 29155 is tasked with stand their responsibility sabotage, subversion and for destroying the founda- assassination. tion of normal ties between The Russian government our countries". Alexander Petrov, left and Ruslan Boshirov. said the claims were un- A huge explosion tore founded and absurd. apart an ammunitions worked at the site were Salisbury poisoning, Group, the company which and Nicolaj Popa, a Czech authorities say storage depot in a forest in found more than a month European security services operated the depot. Moldovan citizen. they are expelling 18 the Czech Republic on later. have been investigating a It claimed to come from The pictures on the pass- Russian diplomats believed October 16, 2014. The blast was assumed series of previously unex- the National Guard of ports match those of the to be intelligence opera- Windows in nearby to have been an accident. plained events. Tajikistan. It asked for two two men accused by Britain tives in retaliation for the buildings were blown out However,painstaking de- For Czech police, that in- men to be given access to of the Salisbury poisoning. explosion, which killed two and local schools were evac- tective work by Czech au- cluded the October 2014 ex- the site for an inspection The two men travelled to people. uated as emergency vehi- thorities has pointed the plosion. A crucial find, visit. Scans of their pass- the UK in March 2018 Czech Prime Minister cles rushed to the scene. finger at Moscow – and sources close to the investi- ports were attached. The under the names Ruslan Andrej Babis said the coun- The remains of two men – Unit 29155 of the GRU. gation have told the BBC, men were said to be Ruslan Boshirov and Alexander try had to react to revela- aged 56 and 69 – who In the wake of the was an email sent to Imex Tabarov from Tajikistan Petrov.

Barbados Advocate

April 19, 2021 IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS DO BUSINESS FINDING FUNDS ‘NOT A PROBLEM’ ‘$50 billion of savings in banking system and $25 billion in insurance and pension savings system can be mobilised for investments, says Professor PROFESSOR Avinash new asset class, the first in the Persaud is convinced that world, called “Growth and there is no shortage of Resilience Bonds,” he told the funds to finance invest- function at the Sagicor Cave ments in Caribbean Hill School of Business, at the economies. UWI, Cave Hill. He has stated in a discussion Persaud revealed that fund on the Caricom Commission managers will invest the money Report, that one of the chal- raised from the bonds in things lenges facing development is that will move the needle on re- how to find the funds necessary silience. There will be inde- to finance development. pendent assessors who will de- However, according to him, this termine whether the invest- is not a problem for the ments are sustainable and “we Caribbean. as savers can put our money The Professor indicated that into these funds and we will get there is at least $50 billion of more returns than those from savings in the banking system, the banks”. in addition to another $25 bil- According to him, “What you lion in the insurance and pen- will see in the future is a bond sion savings system, which can issue that will explain that be mobilised for investments. when you invest in this bond, “So we need to mobilise these you get a five per cent return, savings for investments, invest- the money will be spent only on ments that build resilience,” approved projects that will said Persaud, who chairs the make this region more re- Commission. silience to climate change and Professor Avinash Persaud “So we are trying to plan a natural disasters.”

Storage is key Future Operation Hand in RE goal of the CARICOM in Hand sends Economy (Part 1) donation to SVG PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 2 • Monday April 19, 2021 Business Monday

Initialling ceremony held for post-Cotonou successor agreement

THE post-Cotonou ne- Negotiators, the Thuli Dladla, Minister of Ambassador of Samoa, the agreement, noted that UN General Assembly for gotiations for a succes- Organization of African, Foreign Affairs and representing the Pacific. its implementation will re- a replacement agreement. sor agreement has Caribbean, Pacific States International Cooperation This Agreement marks a quire meaningful engage- Negotiations concluded in been formally con- (OACPS’) Minister Robert of Eswatini representing new phase in the partner- ment with a wide cross the later part of 2020. cluded with an ini- Dussey of Togo and EU Africa; Senator the ship between the African, section of stakeholders. There was then a pe- tialling ceremony in Commissioner Jutta Honourable Kamina Caribbean and Pacific She thanked all the nego- riod of legal review at the Brussels. Urpilainen, initialed the Johnson Smith of Jamaica States and the EU. tiators, who had the chal- end of which there was So says Deidre text of the Agreement at representing the Senator the lenge of continuing their agreement to initial the Brathwaite of the the ceremony in Brussels. Caribbean, and H.E. Honourable Kamina work under COVID-19 re- text. Caribbean Export. There was virtual par- Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Johnson Smith of strictions. Brathwaite reported She said that the lead ticipation by the Hon. Dr. Paolelei Luteru, Jamaica, in commending She highlighted the con- that the Agreement has tribution of Guyana, an overarching foundation which was the lead nego- section and three regional tiator for the Caribbean protocols for Africa, the for its regional protocol. Caribbean and the Pacific. When the negotiations It will provide the legal commenced, the Hon. Carl framework for the rela- Greenidge, then Vice tionship between the President and Foreign OACPS and the EU for Minister of Guyana, was the next 20 years. As well lead negotiator. as maintaining the Said Brathwaite, “the ACP/EU structure, this Agreement is to be signed new Agreement will also later this year in Samoa, strengthen the relation- COVID permitting, follow- ship at the regional level. ing completion of national Funding to the three re- and regional procedures gions will come from the for approval. The EU’s recently announced Agreement will enter into ‘Global Europe’- force after ratification.” Neighbourhood, The Cotonou Development, and Partnership Agreement International was scheduled to expire in Development Instrument 2020 and thus negotia- (NDICI), the EU’s over- tions commenced in seas development assis- September 2018 in New tance, valued at ¤79.5 bil- York on the margins of the lion. BANK RATES Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. Valid for April 19, 2021

Notes: Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 Canadian Dollar 1.57857 1.62527 East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 Euro 2.34679 2.44561 Pound Sterling 2.70945 2.82355 United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 Demand/Sight: Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.58756 1.62384 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.38122 2.43043 Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 Pound Sterling 2.74921 2.80602 United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 Telegraphic Transfer Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.59057 1.62384 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.38570 2.43043 Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 Pound Sterling 2.75438 2.80602 United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS. N.B. These rates are not meant to be used for trading. BDS$ Guyana Dollar 0.00945 Jamaica Dollar 0.01320 T&T Dollar 0.29540 Business Monday Monday April 19, 2021 • 3

Private sector has role to play in battling region’s unemployment

BARBADOS and other fabric and stability”, if the while Barbados and the needs to be a key engine if Caribbean economies Caribbean is unable to Caribbean are in the im- not the key engine of will have to grow by at meet the demands of our mediacy of the COVID-19 growth if we are to have least 12 per cent per people. pandemic, the volcanic sustainable growth for our annum for five years if Dr. Robinson partici- eruption and the worst people,” according to the countries are to bring pated in the discussion ti- dengue outbreak in UWI official. an end to unemploy- tled, “Caricom decades, are challenges, In his brief overview of ment in the region. Commission on the and maybe a catalyst for where the Caribbean is at This is the view of Dr. Economy Report”, pre- reform since the region’s present, Dr. Robinson re- Justin Robinson, head of sented by Professor economic decline has been called that in 1969 aver- the Sagicor Cave Hill Avinash Persaud, at which going on for a very long age income per head in the School of Business at the a call was made as well for time. region was four times that University of the West the private sector to step “Professor Persaud and of other small states Indies, Cave Hill. up to the plate and become myself are of the view that worldwide. Dr. Robinson has also the engine of economic while there is a massive Fifty years later, he warned that “the risks are growth. role for governments to went on, our average in- greater if our economies The academic commu- play the key to having sus- come per head of small cannot deliver jobs, cannot nity along with other com- tainable growth is the pri- states is a fraction of other Dr. Justin Robinson, head of the Sagicor Cave Hill deliver opportunities, can- mentators have long con- vate sector,” Dr. Robinson small states and is still School of Business. not deliver purpose for cluded that while remarked. falling. those on the block and in Governments had a role He therefore suggested According to him, we slow growth and runaway that fiscal costs from terti- the field”. to play, the private sector that this Commission on have moved from the environmental costs have ary immigration is 13 per According to him, some- needs to get cracking and the Private Sector is quite mono-culture of sugar to led to large debt levels and cent of GDP while remit- thing more elemental take up its role in driving timely. “So we don’t make a very limited diversifica- little fiscal rules to man- tances add two per cent a than GDP deficits is at economic growth, which any apology in that while tion. Stating the decline age climate and health is- year,and despite poor pro- risk along with “our social remains extremely low. we see the role for govern- begets decline, the UWI of- sues. ductivity economic growth communities, our social The UWI official said ment, the private sector ficial maintained that Dr. Robinson indicated has been jobless. Storage ‘Become a global is key in exporter of services AS their search continues some markets. bours in Latin America RE goal for economic renewal, The Chairman said that and where democracy was Barbados and other if one were to tabulate the absent, the Caribbean did AS Barbados looks to its CARICOM states now amount of money spent on well because the rest of the ambitious target of 100 have an opportunity to be software by regional social world was very … unsta- per cent renewable energy a global digital player, security funds like ble and undemocratic,” he by 2030, storage is going to buying and selling goods National Insurance said. be an important factor in across the region. Scheme during the past He recalled that what that 100 per cent This suggestion has decade, that figure would Caribbean countries in- means. come from Professor come to over one billion vested heavily in public So said Aidan Rogers, Avinash Persaud, while dollars. education, coming from Vice President of the presenting the findings of And yet all of that stuff late based on what could Barbados Renewable a Commission on the we import because we do have been achieved. Energy Association Economy at the Sagicor not have a market to cre- However, from the mid (BREA), and one of the Cave Hill School of ate software producers to late 1980s the country’s leading lights in Aidan Rogers, Vice President of the Barbados Business. and those developing Caribbean has been the renewable energy sec- Renewable Energy Association. “We have to be a global apps. “If we procured as under-performing the rest tor. exporter of services to the one group and offered of the world because those According to Rogers, plained, investors will technologies with respect world, we have to sit at prizes for those who cre- other countries got their storage is going to deter- have to decide how best to offering some viable so- home or in our offices and ate apps, we might be able acts together. mine whether it means a they will be able to meet lutions for Barbados. export professional serv- to have an industry that In that time as well the partial 100 per cent or full some of the policy objec- He said too that the ices down a fast broad can then be global,” he rea- Caribbean also suffered 100 per cent where we tives and add some issue of the project devel- band connection,” he said soned while noting the from natural disasters, ris- have a redundant system greater technical and in- opment process is an area while indicating that there prizes can ignite the inge- ing fiscal costs and the dis- that can stand on its own vestment clarity as to that needs to be looked at is a role in this for govern- nuity of our people. mantling of preferential for maybe a day or two what they can provide to as well. Stating that his ments to build markets. The establishment of trade agreements within days. the Barbados jurisdiction involvement in the renew- “If we do that we are on the Commission on the the World Trade The BREA official was in the business and to able energy sector spans a track with the way the Economy in 2019 came Organization. one of the featured presen- make that 2030 vision a decade, Rogers said he has world is, although we against the background of “We are the most in- ters at an Invest Barbados reality. had the benefit of some in- won’t be dominant,” said the Caribbean’s poor eco- debted region.We are now function dealing with in- Rogers maintained that sight and so is the case Persaud, who chairs the nomic performance, low the region’s slowest vestment in the sector. essentially special focus with several members in Commission which CARI- growth, high unemploy- growth and has the high- Invest Barbados is one of should be placed on inno- the BREA. COM created to help ar- ment and other macro-eco- est incidence of non-com- the Government’s leading vative hybrid solutions “So you would really rest the widespread eco- nomic shortcomings, and municable diseases,” he investment promotion that are specifically suited want on entering the ju- nomic decline in the re- the need to revitalise these added. agencies. to offload some of risdiction to get a survey of gion. economies. Apart from Persaud, Rogers,also an attorney- Barbados’ base load fossil what potential invest- Professor Persaud said Looking back at the other members of the at-law, said that potential fuel capacity. ments opportunities are that the days of the Caribbean’s experience, Commission were Damien investors and future de- Noting that there are there, you have to engage Caribbean being a manu- Professor Persaud said King, Ngozi Okonjo- velopers will therefore some limitations using in selecting the right in- facturing exporter are long that we benefited from in- Iweala, Pascal Lamy, have to look to the oppor- biomass as an option, he vestment partner locally, gone. stability in other countries Therese Turner-Jones, tunity of bringing innova- advised therefore that and that can be a reliance He pointed out that gov- while taking democracy Gregory McGuire, Roger tive solutions to the island. Barbados needs to look at on a cadre of professional ernments need to play the for granted. McClean, and Wendell In that way, he ex- the core renewable energy skill sets,” he added. role by helping to create “If you look at our neigh- Samuel. 4 • Monday April 19, 2021 Business Monday

Editor’s Future of the CARICOM Notebook Economy (Part 1)

The future of the CARI- COM and other selected comprehensively on inno- and islands in, the COM economy will be ad- jurisdictions with a vative and disruptive Caribbean Sea. Caribbean Fixing dressed in two successive stronger economic per- strategies for change. The countries which are over- columns. Part 1 gives a formance, followed by ex- Caribbean region of the seas jurisdictions of historical synopsis of the amples of CARICOM’s Americas comprises France and The CARICOM environment, economic development Central and South Netherlands are not in- fallout from strategic economic com- challenges and possible so- American states, the cluded in these discus- parisons between CARI- lutions. Part 2 will focus coasts of which border on, sions.

“For I know the plans I (19) African, Caribbean volcano have for you, declares and Pacific Group of the Lord, plans for welfare States; (20) Bilateral TODAY marks the start of another week in the and not for evil, to give you agreements with African difficult period for St. Vincent and the a future and a hope.” - countries. Grenadines, which has been affected by the erup- Jeremiah 29:11 What can CARICOM tion of the volcano in that island. learn from the relatively Pictures carried in yesterday’s Barbados THE one attempt to es- better economic perform- Advocate newspaper highlight the ravages that tablish a political ance of four selected di- La Soufriere’s volcanic eruption has done to the union of ten British verse jurisdictions: small Caribbean island.We have also heard of the Caribbean colonies, Singapore, Lima (Peru), damage wrought to the island’s agricultural and The West Indies with regional and interna- States; (7) European the United States Virgin tourism-based economy and what it will require Federation (1958-1962), tional organizations to Union Islands (USVI), and to get the affected Vincentians back on their feet collapsed because of in- share policy positions and and Caribbean Economic Barbados? The graphic once again. ternal political con- develop trade arrange- Partnership Agreement; ( herein presents an inter- Any significant fallout for the economy in St. flicts among its mem- ments towards stimulat- 8) United Nations esting 2019 comparative Vincent and the Grenadines could take a while for bers. ing sustainable growth. Economic Commission for profile of GDP per capita; measures to correct, especially at a time when at- CARICOM (established Yet, the CARICOM eco- Latin America and the land area; population; and tention has to be paid to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 1973) is today a 20- nomic performance of US Caribbean; (9) North leadership between CARI- which has been with us for more than a year. country grouping of for- $12,608 GDP per capita American Free Trade COM and these jurisdic- Governments dealing with such economic crises mer British Caribbean (2019) has not been stellar. Agreement; (10) tions. are known to engage in fiscal and monetary meas- colonies (12 now inde- First world countries are Caribbean Examples of ures to correct economic imbalances, that have to pendent) and six current packing a punch of at least Canada Trade Agreement CARICOM’s economic de- be borne by the average persons. British Overseas US$40,000 per capita. ; (11) United States velopment challenges and It is hoped that this won’t be a major issue for Territories (including These diverse organiza- Agency for International possible solutions include: the people of St. Vincent, although it is still early Bermuda in the tions, partnerships and Development; (12) (1) The failure to ad- days to know the magnitude of the problems western North Atlantic agreements include: (1) Canadian International dress the establishment of there. Ocean), together with Caribbean Development Agency; (13) a CARICOM political We wish them well. Haiti and Suriname. The Community Secretariat; United Nations; (14) union, in the last 60 years, Conference of Heads of (2) Organization of International Monetary has hindered economic de- Government of these American States; (3) Fund; (15) World Bank; velopment progress. A Member States consti- Association of Caribbean (16) Inter- American United States of the tutes the leadership of States; (4) Caribbean Development Bank; (17) Caribbean solution is pro- CARICOM. Forum, (5) Caribbean Caribbean Development posed along the lines of the These self-governing Single Market and Bank; (18) Caribbean USA. Caribbean countries have Economy; (6) Organization Export Development (2) Arable land, mining, established partnerships of Eastern Caribbean Agency; the blue economy, warm climate, renewable energy sources, intellectual capi- tal, talent, and spiritual power, are the major as- sets of CARICOM. A solu- tion is proposed where we exploit all business value • THE Sagicor General propositions which em- Insurance, Sagicor Life and brace these assets, import manpower where neces- Sagicor Asset Management sary, and rationalize op- portunities for local and Offices will re-open to the foreign private sector in- public from today. vestment, and develop- ment assistance. (3) The human asset is our most important re- • The authorities in source. Training systems Barbados will today carry out often lead to certification for which there are no jobs an assessment of the impact of available. One solution is the Soufriere volcanic ash on to drive the training sys- tem by matching work- the island. force demand with work- force supply. Next week we shall de- • The Barbados Teachers lineate and propose a com- prehensive set of solutions Co-operative Credit Union will in greater detail. Until then, let’s stay fo- be re-opened from this morn- cused on solution-oriented ing. approaches to today’s chal- lenges and opportunities. Business Monday Monday April 19, 2021 • 5

Operation Hand in Hand sends donation of water to SVG

CORPORATE Barbados has forward”. been lauded for generously Meanwhile, Grant said they giving to the government’s were happy to receive the dona- relief efforts for individuals tion. He explained from in St. Vincent and the Wednesday they have been col- Grenadines, whose lives lecting items for the relief ef- have been affected by the forts, known as Operation: Hand volcanic eruption of La in Hand. Soufriere. “We started this Operation On Friday,Brydens Stokes do- two days ago and the support so nated 500 cases of bottle water. far from the private sector in These were accepted by Special Barbados has been absolutely Envoy for Reparations and overwhelming. I must say that Economic Enfranchisement, Barbadians from all walks of Brydens Stokes’ Divisional Head, Food and Consumer Division, Rohan Campbell (right) Prime Minister’s Office, Trevor life- individuals, private sector, making the donation of 500 cases of bottle water. These were accepted by Special Envoy Prescod and Programme the government are coming to- for Reparations and Economic Enfranchisement, Prime Minister’s Office, Trevor Prescod Advisor in the Office of gether to reach out to our broth- (center) and Programme Advisor in the Office of Reparations and Economic Reparations and Economic ers and sisters in St. Vincent.” Enfranchisement, Rodney Grant. Enfranchisement, Rodney He added, “This shows the re- Grant. silience that we have as tinue to build out a Caribbean and the Grenadines. Food and Consumer Division, Addressing the media, Caribbean people and in times for our people.” He further said they have Rohan Campbell. He said the Prescod thanked this company like this, it shows who we are as Grant stated the collection of been working with a number of company was pleased to “donate for their donation while stating a Caribbean people. This shows items which include medical non-governmental organisa- in total 1000 cases Catherine’s they “could not do this in any- all the things that we thought supplies, water, water tanks, tions to gather the items that Peak alkaline water.” He said way meaningful without corpo- we could not do in terms of com- tents and hazmat suits will con- have been requested. these will be given in two rate Barbados and I am ex- ing together and we just hope tinue into next week. These Making the presentation on trenches, “500 through the tremely proud of Brydens that this kind of support, it con- items will be shipped by govern- Friday on behalf of Brydens Office of the Prime Minister and Stokes to see that you stepped tinues in other ways as we con- ment next week to St. Vincent Stokes was Divisional Head, 500 through the Chamber.”(MG) CIBC FirstCaribbean donates to relief efforts in St. Vincent AS the region rallies to assist people of St. Vincent and the the thousands of people in St. Grenadines as they are con- Vincent and the Grenadines dis- fronted with the twin threats of placed by the eruption of the La an erupting volcano and the on- Soufriere Volcano, CIBC going Covid-19 pandemic”. FirstCaribbean has sent a ship- She said the eruption in St. ment of much needed supplies to Vincent and the subsequent ash the island. falls in Barbados and neigh- The shipment, which was co- bouring islands demonstrated ordinated by the Barbados how interconnected the islands Coast Guard, left the island on of the region are. She also noted Thursday evening aboard the the sense of community demon- Some of the supplies to be sent to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Admiral Bay which was due to strated within the Caribbean in arrive in St. Vincent early times of disaster, which she ob- Friday morning and will be pre- served was borne out in how sented to the National quickly the Caribbean reached Emergency Management out – within hours of the first Cave Shepherd seeking Organisation (NEMO). eruption – with offers of aid to The relief supplies which in- the people of St. Vincent. clude over 40 pallets of food, “It is a testament to the close- increased shareholding in Group water, cleaning supplies and ness and sense of family of our sanitary items were purchased region. We’ve seen this in times CAVE Shepherd and Company quent to the 2020 year end, According to them, by funds donated by the bank’s of disaster and need over and Limited is looking to increase Cave Shepherd entered into an SigniaGlobe was adversely af- charitable arm the over again. It proves that de- its shareholding in the agreement subject to regula- fected by the COVID-19 pan- FirstCaribbean International spite our differences of opinion SigniaGlobe Financial Group. tory approval, to acquire the in- demic. ComTrust Foundation. and sometimes our squabbles, This is reported in the Cave creased shareholding. However, they said that it The foundation’s Chair and family always comes first. Our Shepherd annual financial “Once the purchase is com- positively [adjusted] to the the bank’s Chief Executive thoughts immediately go to the statements for 2020. pleted, our participation will changes required to operate Officer Colette Delaney said the people of St. Vincent and our It was revealed in the joint increase from 40 per cent to 50 remotely during the lock- bank shared a “deep concern for prayer is that they will continue statement by Sir Geoffrey Cave per cent,” said the two company down in the second quarter of the wellbeing and safety of the to be safe,” Ms. Delaney said. and John Williams that subse- officials. 2020. 6 • Monday April 19, 2021 Business Monday

Sandals and the Caribbean open for business Resort group gets message out to millions worldwide in aggressive marketing thrust SANDALS Resorts sulting in over 50 million marketing and promo- International says it impressions,” Sandals tions. We're one of the has welcomed nearly stated in a news release. most well-known hospital- 200 influencers, Radio remotes see inter- ity brands across the Sandals South Coast General Manager Adrian Whitehead (centre) takes a celebrities, and travel national radio stations world and that's due to our promotional photo with Max Schaeffer and Amy Wormsley, presenters of media to its resorts broadcasting live from well-oiled marketing ma- Max and Amy in the Mornings which airs on WHO News Radio 104.0 and across the Caribbean Sandals and Beaches chinery,” the release KDRB The Bus 100.3. The duo, who are from Des Moines, Iowa, broadcast and hosted several Resorts to their listeners quotes Sandals' Executive their show from Sandals South Coast, Jamaica, as part of Sandals’ aggres- major radio remotes, back home. This element Chairman Adam Stewart. sive marketing thrust to return vibrancy to the tourism industry. creating close to 300 of the company's strategy “We've been doing radio million global media began as early as remotes for many years been working strategically experiences through their earn a living through impressions in what it September 2020 at and we know the reach is with a number of influ- social media platforms. tourism,” Stewart said. described as “an ag- Sandals Grande St Lucian significant. Now, more encers with a combined Stewart said that with To date, Sandals has re- gressive and strategic with broadcast reaching than ever, it is important global audience of several COVID-19 vaccinations opened 15 of its resorts marketing thrust” to 19 key markets in the that we harness the power million in addition to top- trending upwards in across the region includ- inform the world that United States. of these activities and our tier publications with mil- source markets and across ing those in Jamaica, Sandals and the “On the heels of these radio remotes have proven lions of readers around the the region, he is confident Antigua, St Lucia, Caribbean islands are successful radio remotes, instrumental in reaching globe. As a result, the that the Caribbean is Grenada, The Turks and open for business. Beaches Turks and Caicos our audience and letting Caribbean is trending. poised for a record come- Caicos Islands and The all-inclusive luxury is set to host its own radio them know that the Millions of eyes are on the back. Sandals Emerald Bay in resort chain has been en- remote in May with addi- Caribbean is open for busi- region and in many of our “We are already seeing The Bahamas. Its gaged in this marketing tional remotes tentatively ness,” added Stewart who islands where tourism is our bookings increase at a Barbados resorts are set initiative, a key compo- slated for Barbados, is also executive chairman the largest economic steady pace and we expect to reopen in a few weeks. nent of its marketing Grenada, and The of the Jamaica Observer. driver, this attention is hotel occupancy of 65 to 80 The company said that strategy,since it reopened Bahamas,” Sandals stated. Explaining the com- well-needed and much-ap- per cent in June and July. approximately 80 per cent its first resort last June The resort group said pany's decision to ramp up preciated.” I am very optimistic, not of its group-wide team is after forced closures that in addition to US its influencer marketing Sandals noted that the just for the recovery of our back at work with team caused by the novel coron- radio stations, it intends campaigns, Stewart said, power of its brand has also own brand, but for the re- members who were at re- avirus pandemic. to invite stations from the “The power of influencer seen the company enjoy covery of the region's duced pay now returned to “So far in 2021, Sandals United Kingdom to marketing and online strong organic publicity tourism sector, all the in- full salary and job oppor- South Coast has hosted Grenada and/or Barbados marketing is undeniable, through a number of dustries that rely on tunities across the region two radio remotes reach- later in the year. especially now when our celebrities who have tourism and, of course, for being offered to those ing approximately five “Our company has al- audience spend most of openly shared their posi- the thousands of whose resorts remain million listeners and re- ways been an innovator in their time online.We have tive Sandals and Beaches Caribbean nationals who closed. SolarWinds hacking campaign puts Microsoft in the hot seat BOSTON – The sprawling – with more than 85% panies that Microsoft has identity and access archi- sneak into the cybersecu- tication vulnerability first hacking campaign market share – federal supplied with early access tecture – which validates rity firm Malwarebytes identified in 2017 – allow- deemed a grave threat to lawmakers are insisting to data on vulnerabilities users’ identities and and to target customers of ing the intruders to im- US national security came that Microsoft swiftly up- detected in its products. grants them access to Mimecast, an email secu- personate authorized to be known as grade security to what Following the sanctions email, documents and rity company. users by minting the SolarWinds, for the com- they say it should have announcement, Microsoft other data – did the most The campaign’s “hall- rough equivalent of coun- pany whose software up- provided in the first place, said Positive Tech was no dramatic harm, the non- mark” was the intruders’ terfeit passports. date was seeded by and without fleecing tax- longer in the program and partisan Atlantic Council ability to impersonate le- Microsoft officials stress Russian intelligence payers. removed its name from a think tank said in a re- gitimate users and create that the SolarWinds up- agents with malware to Seeking to assuage con- list of participants on its port. That set the hack counterfeit credentials date was not always the penetrate sensitive gov- cerns, Microsoft this past website. apart as “a widespread in- that let them grab data entry point; intruders ernment and private net- week offered all federal The SolarWinds hack- telligence coup.” In nearly stored remotely by sometimes took advan- works. agencies a year of “ad- ers took full advantage of every case of post-intru- Microsoft Office, the act- tage of vulnerabilities Yet it was Microsoft vanced” security features what George Kurtz, CEO sion mischief, the intrud- ing director of the such as weak passwords whose code the cyber spies at no extra charge. But it of top cybersecurity firm ers “silently moved Cybersecurity and victims’ lack of multi- persistently abused in the also seeks to deflect CrowdStrike, called “sys- through Microsoft prod- Infrastructure and factor authentication. But campaign’s second stage, blame, saying it is cus- tematic weaknesses” in ucts “vacuuming up Security Agency, Brandon critics say the company rifling through emails and tomers who do not always key elements of Microsoft emails and files from Wales, told a mid-March took security too lightly. other files of such high- make security a priority. code to mine at least nine dozens of organizations.” congressional hearing. “It Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., value targets as then-act- Risks in Microsoft’s for- US government agencies Thanks in part to the was all because they com- verbally pummeled ing Homeland Security eign dealings also came – the departments of carte blanche that victim promised those systems Microsoft for not supply- chief Chad Wolf – and into relief when the Biden Justice and Treasury, networks granted the in- that manage trust and ing federal agencies with hopping undetected administration imposed among them – and more fected Solarwinds net- identity on networks,” he a level of “event logging” among victim networks. sanctions Thursday on a than 100 private compa- work management soft- said. that, if it had not detected This has put the world’s half-dozen Russian IT nies and think tanks, in- ware in the form of admin- Microsoft President the SolarWinds hacking third-most valuable com- companies it said support cluding software and istrative privileges, the in- Brad Smith told a in progress, would at least pany in the hot seat. Kremlin hacking. Most telecommunications truders could move later- February congressional have provided responders Because its products are a prominent was Positive providers. ally across them, even hearing that just 15% of with a record of where the de facto monoculture in Technologies, which was The SolarWinds hack- jump among organiza- victims were compro- intruders were and what government and industry among more than 80 com- ers’ abuse of Microsoft’s tions. They used it to mised through an authen- they saw and removed. Business Monday Monday April 19, 2021 • 7

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline

April 16, 2021

There was no activity on the Regular Market. Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Week in Review Close Close Decline EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $22.28 $22.31 $0.03 This week, the Regular Market traded a total volume of 9,408 shares. The three companies traded were Eppley Caribbean property Fund SCC – Development fund with 4,397, FirstCaribbean International Bank with 2,692 and Goddard Enterprises Limited with 2,319 shares. BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Friday April 16, 2021 INDICES LAST TRADE VOLUME HIGH LOW LAST CURRENT PRICE BID ASK BID ASK TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES DATE CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE PRICE PRICE SIZE SIZE April 16, 2021 April 15, 2021 Local 2,454.52 2,454.49 0.03 ABV Investments Incorporated 15-Oct-20 - - - $0.05 $0.05 - $0.10 $0.30 1 10,498 Cross-list 1,140.86 1,140.86 - BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 70 - Composite 601.16 601.15 0.01 MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - April 16, 2021 April 15, 2021 Local 4,933.80 4,933.74 0.07 Barbados Farms Limited 18-Mar-21 - - - $0.68 $0.68 - $0.30 $0.40 7,574 6,561 Cross-list 145.67 145.67 - Composite 5,079.48 5,079.41 0.07 Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 23-Mar-21 - - - $4.10 $4.10 - $4.00 $4.10 72 1,081 MUTUAL FUND FirstCaribbean International Bank 14-Apr-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - - $1.80 - 11,126 April 16, 2021 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 12-Apr-21 - - - $0.16 $0.16 - - $0.16 - 1,168 CHANGE - Dev Fund 09-Apr-21 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2578 0.0090 09-Apr-21 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2664 0.0010 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 01-Apr-21 - - - $0.56 $0.56 - $0.56 $0.58 5,522 51,870 09-Apr-21 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6769 -0.0001 -Value Fund 09-Apr-21 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.7773 6.77736.7773 0.0574 09-Apr-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.1004 0.0062 Goddard Enterprises Limited 15-Apr-21 - - - $2.20 $2.20 - $2.10 $2.20 4,012 598 09-Apr-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0028 0.0030 31-Mar-21 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.6411 5.6411 5.5283 0.0393 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 18-Mar-21 - - - $2.00 $2.00 - $1.78 $2.00 56,258 19,274 31-Mar-21 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0516 1.05161.0306 0.0147 31-Mar-21 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6443 1.6443 1.6114 0.0016 One Caribbean Media Limited 30-Mar-21 - - $2.20 $2.20 - - $2.20 - 1,601 09-Apr-21 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.79 0.03 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 09-Apr-21 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.72 0.02 09-Apr-21 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.98 0.00 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - -- $2.80 $2.80 - - - -- * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE West India Biscuit Company Limited 03-Mar-21 - - - $31.25 $31.25 - $31.40 - 100 - FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $22.28 $22.31 $0.03 $25.01 - 100 - m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly

TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD - Fixed Income Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size * = Security is Trading X-Div GOB Series B 15-Apr-21 $60.00 $60.00 - $60.00 - 34,828 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 - - - - *+* = Security is Suspended GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 - - - - ** = Rights Issued GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 - $70.00 - 19,617 NOTICES NEWS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

Emera Incorporated - Directors have fixed March 22nd, 2021 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to Nike says it’s paid over $9 receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on May 20th, 2021.

DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS billion in taxes since 2016

West India Biscuit Company Limited – Directors have declared an interim dividend of twenty-five ($0.25) cents per share to be paid AS the Biden administra- tax obligations in the US on April 30th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on April 19th, 2021. tion floats the likelihood of are based on several factors, higher corporate taxes, big including the investments Emera Deposit Receipt - Directors have declared a cash dividend of sixty-three point seven five (CDN $0.6375) cents per common share to be paid on May 17th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on May 3rd, 2020. Registered holders of companies like Nike (NKE) made in the US, which fuel depositary receipts ("Depositary Receipts") issued pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated have come under fire from a growth around the world, February 2nd, 2016 among Emera, the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. and registered and beneficial holders of depositary number of politicians – in- and changes in tax law re- receipts from time to time, are entitled to receive, in proportion to the number of Depositary Receipts held by them, respectively, a cluding Sen. Bernie sulting from the Tax Cuts distribution in the amount of any cash received by the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. (net of any applicable withholding taxes) in connection with the Dividend (the "Distribution"). Sanders – for not paying and Jobs Act of 2017. NIKE their fair share. is paying $1.1 billion in BSE NOTICES In a statement given to transition taxes through COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE Yahoo Finance, the Swoosh 2025 imposed by the Tax Kindly note that the offices of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. (BCSDI) brand says it pays federal, Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. are temporarily closed to facilitate an industrial cleaning of the premises as a result of the ash fall associated with the numerous state, and local taxes. To date, NIKE has paid eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent. While we are hopeful that on completion of this work we will be able to “NIKE, Inc. is a global nearly $300 million of those recommence operations in office on Monday April 19th, 2021, we are cognisant of the fluidity of this situation and will advise the business with 73,000 em- transition taxes.” public on any subsequent changes to our operations. ployees and we comply with On April 2, Sanders called We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding in these unprecedented times. tax laws everywhere we do out Nike for allegedly pay- business. NIKE is paying ing $0 in federal taxes for significant US federal, three years. TRADING SUSPENSION state, and local direct and If you paid $120 for a pair The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section indirect taxes every year.In of Nike Air Force 1 shoes, 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were fact, including customs du- you paid more to Nike than suspended effective December 10th, 2019. ties, Nike has paid more it paid in federal income The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section than $9.1 billion in US taxes over the past 3 years, 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited taxes since 2016,” the state- while it made $4.1 billion in were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. ment read. profits and Nike’s founder, The statement went to Phil Knight, became over The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by way of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor cite the its tax obligations $23 billion richer. Yes. We Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited. and contributions: “NIKE’s must #TaxTheRich. Barbados Advocate Sandals and the Caribbean open for business

IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS DO BUSINESS Page 6 CHALLENGES

FOR CAVE Company reports millions SHEPHERD in loss

WERE it not for their financial serv- Group’s continued operations saw a profit ices businesses, the very existence of of $3.4 million that was offset by a loss of Cave Shepherd and Company $36.9 million on discontinued operations. Limited could have been threatened. According to them, the discontinued This position was echoed by Sir operations relate to the disposal of the Geoffrey Cave, Chairman, and John shareholding in Duty Free Caribbean Williams, the Managing Director, while (Holdings) Limited. “That entity, which reviewing the performance of the Cave operates the main retail businesses, in- Shepherd Group during the last financial cluding the legendary department store Chairman of Cave Shepherd and Managing Director of Cave Shepherd year. in Bridgetown, as well as the duty-free Company Ltd., Geoffrey Cave. and Company Ltd., Jonathan Cave Shepherd incurred a loss of $38.1 businesses in Barbados and throughout Williams. million in the financial year which ended the Caribbean islands,” they reported. December 31, 2020, compared to a profit It was revealed in their assessment Although unable to say what 2021 will full brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, of $8.5 million the previous year. that one of the outcomes of the last year mean in terms of improved results, they which has eroded their revenue and prof- The Group’s financial services compa- demonstrates the benefit of a diversified intend to see the year through. However, itability. nies include Fortress Fund Managers, portfolio. the Group further expects “to come out The two officials added: “there is no the Cave Shepherd Card Business, the To this end as the group looks to invest the other side as a stronger company doubt that 2021 will be another challeng- SigniaGlobal Financial Group further in their financial services busi- poised for further growth and profitabil- ing year for our company, but we have the Incorporated, and the DGM Financial nesses, they will also be actively explor- ity”. cash reserves not only to survive but also Group. ing other sectors for investments, said Since 2020 companies in Barbados and to seek out exciting profitable growth op- The two officials said that while the Sir Geoffrey and Mr. Williams. around the region have been feeling the portunities in which to invest.”

Cave Shepherd on Broad Street, Barbados.

Printed and Published by ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC. Fontabelle, St. Michael. Telephone 467-2000, Fax 434-2020/434-1000 The Barbados Advocate Monday April 19, 2021 • 13

Macron says nations must ‘define red lines’ with Russia PARIS – French President have to define clear red lines with Emmanuel Macron says that while Russia. This is the only way to be dialogue with Russia is essential, credible.” “clear red lines” carrying possible However, he added “I think that sanctions must also be drawn with sanctions are not sufficient in Moscow over Ukraine. themselves, but sanctions are part of Referring to a recent build-up of the package.” Russian troops on Ukraine’s border, The interview aired Sunday on “Face Macron said in an interview with the Nation.” It was recorded after American broadcaster CBS News, “We Macron met Friday in Paris with will never accept new military Ukrainian President Volodymyr operations on Ukrainian soil.” The West Zelenskyy and the two held a virtual must demonstrate diplomacy and conference with German Chancellor credibility in making that point, he said. Angela Merkel. Macron and Merkel “And I think after an unacceptable demanded the withdrawal of Russian behaviour, indeed, we have to sanction,” troops concentrated in western Russia French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Macron said when asked about the as tensions with neighbouring Ukraine Zelenskyy hold a press conference following their meeting at the Elysee Palace possibility of sanctions. “And I think we rise. in Paris Friday April 16, 2021.

The girl was found with her mother in an abandoned factory in Sainte-Croix. Girl found with mother accused of ordering abduction in France

AN eight-year-old girl who was to her mother 20 minutes later. No accused of involvement in the case, abduction considered himself a kidnapped in eastern France on Tuesday violence was used. including three who allegedly carried out “dissident” in the style of fictional has been found with her mother in Yesterday, Pérain said investigators the kidnapping. Local prosecutor Nicolas gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. Another Switzerland, officials say. determined that mother and daughter Heitz said while one suspect waited in believed he had saved the child’s life, The girl was in good health after being entered Switzerland on the day of the the car, two approached the grandmother although he admitted he might have found in an abandoned factory in the kidnapping and spent the night in a hotel pretending to be child protection officers. been manipulated by the girl’s mother. border village of Sainte-Croix, French in Estavayer-le-Lac, near the border with A search of the home of one of the The suspects allege they were asked prosecutor François Pérain said. France. suspects in Paris revealed a prepared over the Internet to carry out the plot. Her mother, Lola Montemaggi, was They then went to the nearby town of script to be read to the grandmother, as Custody of the girl was given to her taken into Swiss police custody. Neuchâtel, where a woman hosted them well as a Citroën C15 minivan said to maternal grandmother last January Officials say she ordered the abduction for another night. On the following day, have been identified by witnesses. after her mother reportedly told a family of the girl, of whom she no longer had Pérain added, they were taken to the Three of the arrested are described as judge she wanted to “live on the margins custody, from her grandmother’s home. factory. known survivalists – a type of anti-state of society". Prosecutors said she had Authorities previously said the girl had The girl will now be reunited with her individual living on the fringe and often previously expressed the desire to sell been abducted in Poulières, in the Vosges grandmother. linked to the far right. up and live in a motor home “under the area, by three men who handed her over Five men had already been arrested Heitz said one of those involved in the radar". 14 • Monday April 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Delights of Ramadan disappear for Syrian refugees in Lebanon BHANNINE, Lebanon – yogurt-cucumber dip; her It was messy and hectic sister sent over a little in Aisha al-Abed’s chicken and fish. kitchen, as the first day “This is going to be a very of Ramadan often is. difficult Ramadan,” al- Syrian refugee Ayesha al-Abed, 21, right, prepares food as her Husband Raed Mattar, 24, left, plays with Food had to be on the Abed said. “This should be their daughter Rayan, 18 months old, before they break their fast on the first day of fasting month of table at precisely 7:07 a better meal ... After a Ramadan, at an informal refugee camp, in the town of Bhannine in the northern city of Tripoli, Lebanon, p.m. when the sun sets day’s fast, one needs more Tuesday, April 13, 2021. and the daylong fast nutrition for the body. Of ends. course, I feel defeated.” Lebanon, home to more compounded crises, a UN previous year. in their pain.The economic What is traditionally a Ramadan, which began than 1 million Syrian study said the proportion More people resorted to turmoil, which is the jovial celebration of the Tuesday, comes as Syrian refugees, is reeling from an of Syrian refugee families reducing the size or culmination of years of start of the Muslim holy refugees’ life of economic crisis living under the extreme number of meals, it said. corruption and month around a hearty displacement has gotten exacerbated by the poverty line – the Half the Syrian refugee mismanagement, has meal was muted and even harder amid their pandemic and a massive equivalent of roughly $25 a families surveyed suffer squeezed the Lebanese, dispirited for her small host country Lebanon’s explosion that destroyed month per person by from food insecurity, up plunging 55% of the Syrian refugee family. economic woes. The parts of the capital last current black market rates from 28% at the same time country’s 5 million people As the 21-year-old struggle can be more August. – swelled to 89% in 2020, in 2019, it said. into poverty and mother of two worked, with pronounced during the Citing the impact of the compared to 55% the Refugees are not alone shuttering businesses. her toddler daughter in holy month, when fasting tow, reminders of life’s is typically followed by hardships were festive feasting to fill everywhere: In the empty stomachs. makeshift kitchen, where “High prices are killing she crouched on the people,” said Raed Mattar, ground to chop cucumbers al-Abed’s 24-year-old next to a single-burner gas husband. “We may fast all stove. In their home: a tent day and then break our with a concrete floor and fast on only an onion,” he wooden walls covered in a said, using an Arabic tarp. And, definitely, in proverb usually meant to their iftar meal – rice, lentil convey disappointment soup, french fries and a after long patience. Table Mountain fire ‘burns out of control’ in Cape Town The vote is expected to give Assad another term. Syria to hold election in May after years of war A WILDFIRE is raging out (06:45 GMT). Local of control on the slopes of environment chief Anton SYRIA is to hold a About 400 000 people 2014 – dismissed as was not in doubt, but the Table Mountain above the Bredell said the situation presidential election next have been killed and over undemocratic and future of President Assad city of Cape Town, South was serious and the wind month, the country’s half of Syrians displaced. illegitimate by opponents was. Back then it was still African authorities say. was picking up, which he parliament says – a move The election for a within Syria and by the possible that he could be The blaze has destroyed said was a cause for likely to maintain president who will serve a US and EU – saw Assad defeated and forced from part of a cafe at the Rhodes concern. President President seven-year-term will take win 92% of the vote. power. Russian military Memorial overlooking the Residents in the area Bashar al-Assad’s grip on place on May 26, Speaker The 2014 vote was also intervention a year later – city’s port. have been warned of power. Hamouda Sabbagh said. the first time in decades coupled with growing It has also burned the smoke and soot in the air, Assad is not expected to Prospective candidates for that someone other than a Western disengagement – historic library at the and told to keep windows face serious opposition the election would be able member of the Assad was decisive in his favour. nearby University of Cape and doors closed. despite continuing conflict to register from Monday family had been allowed Militarily his situation Town, forcing the Meanwhile hikers in the and a growing economic while Syrians abroad to stand for president in now seems secure with evacuation of hundreds of Table Mountain National crisis. would be able to vote at Syria. But the other two the main cities under his students. Park have been urged to After ten years of war embassies on May 20. candidates were not control. He has proved Helicopters are water- leave and drivers who have the Syrian government It is the second widely known and himself a survivor but bombing the flames. parked in the area have controls most of the big presidential election to received little publicity. remains dependent on Firefighters were first been told to collect their population centres in the take place during the civil At the last presidential Russian and Iranian alerted at 08:45 local time vehicles. country. war. The previous vote in election in 2014 the result support. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 19, 2021 • 15

Egypt says 11 killed in train crash north of Cairo CAIRO –A passenger mishaps are common in train derailed Egypt, where the railway yesterday north of system has a history of Cairo, killing at least 11 badly maintained people, Egyptian equipment and authorities said. It was mismanagement. The the latest of several rail government says it has accidents to hit the launched a broad country in recent renovation and years. modernization initiative. Four train wagons ran President Abdel Fattah el- off the railway at the city Sissi said in March 2018 of Banha in Qalyubia that the government province, just outside needs about 250 billion Cairo, the railway Egyptian pounds, or $14.1 authority said in a billion, to overhaul the statement. Videos on run-down rail system. social media showed Hundreds of train wagons overturned and accidents are reported passengers escaping to every year. In February safety along the railway. 2019 an unmanned The train was travelling locomotive slammed into to the Nile Delta city of a barrier inside Cairo’s Mansoura from the main Ramses railway Egyptian capital, the station, causing a huge statement said. explosion and a fire that The Health Ministry killed at least 25 people. said in a statement that That crash prompted the besides the dead, at least then-transportation 98 people were injured, minister to resign. with most of them In August 2017, two suffering from broken passenger trains collided bones, cuts and bruises. People gather at the site where a passenger train derailed injuring at least 100 people, in Banha, Qalyubia just outside the At least 60 ambulances province, Egypt, Sunday, April 18, 2021. At least eight train wagons ran off the railway, the provincial gover- Mediterranean port city of were sent to the scene and nor’s office said in a statement. Alexandria, killing 43 the injured were taken to people. In 2016, at least 51 nearby hospitals, the the causes of the crash. At Banha University said Tarek Gomaa, one of injuring 200 others, people were killed when ministry added. The state-run Ahram hospital, people lined up the injured. “We found including children. two commuter trains Salvage teams could be daily reported that to donate blood for the ourselves on top of each Prosecutors said they collided near Cairo. seen searching for authorities have detained crash victims.Families other.” found that gross Egypt’s deadliest train survivors and removing at least ten railway were also present looking Yesterday’s train negligence by railway crash was in 2002, when the derailed wagons. It officials, including the for loved ones who had accident came three employees was behind the over 300 people were was not immediately clear train driver and his been travelling on the weeks after two passenger deadly March 25 crash, killed after a fire broke out what caused the train to assistant, pending an train. trains collided in the which caused public in an overnight train derail. Prosecutors said investigation into the “We were surprised by province of Sohag, killing outcry across the country. traveling from Cairo to they were investigating crash. the strain speeding up,” at least 18 people and Train wrecks and southern Egypt. Thousands stranded in traffic over Kenya Covid rules THOUSANDS of motorists and passengers were stuck in traffic for hours after police blocked major roads in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, to enforce a Covid curfew to battle infections. Videos and pictures posted on social media showed ambulances struggling to manoeuvre through the snarl-up. Many people have criticised the authorities for imposing the measure. Last month President Uhuru Kenyatta Thika road was among major highways closed on Saturday night. introduced a 20:00-04:00 curfew to deal with a third movement in five counties economy, these measures The doctors union said Covid-19 patients. The UK and US have Covid-19 wave. including Nairobi. are temporary...the cost of at the time that there Kenya has confirmed issued travel bans to the He also ordered the “Whereas the foregoing not acting now will be were no free intensive- more than 151 000 cases country because of Covid- closure of bars, schools measures will have a much greater,” Kenyatta care beds because of an of the virus and just over 2 19 and other security and restriction of negative impact on the said. increase in hospitalised 400 deaths. concerns. 16 • Monday April 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Facebook encryption plan ‘must not hamper child protection’ FACEBOOK’S plans to In her speech, the Home safety of children as and detect questionable roll out encryption Secretary is expected to seriously as they do the use of private messaging across its messaging demand that Facebook business of selling – such as an older person services could does more to take into advertising, phones and chatting to underage users jeopardise ongoing account public safety when online games". they do not already know. work to combat child it makes changes to its End-to-end encryption The NSPCC argues that abuse, the Home platform – and in guarantees privacy by rolling out the encryption Secretary is to warn. particular seriously making sure only the as planned would “render Such encryption means consider the effect on sender or recipient can these [scanning] tools only the sender and children. read the messages. useless", and is calling on recipient can read She will say: “Sadly,at a While it travels, it is Facebook to reconsider.An messages. time when we need to be scrambled to be estimate from the US “We cannot allow a taking more action, unreadable, including by National Centre for situation where law Facebook are pursuing law enforcement.The only Missing and Exploited enforcement’s ability to end-to-end encryption way to read the message is children suggests as many tackle abhorrent criminal plans that place the good usually to get physical as 70% of child abuse acts and protect victims is work and progress access to an unlocked reports around the world severely hampered,” Priti achieved so far [on fighting device receiving it. could be lost if it goes Patel will tell a charity- the issue of child abuse] in Currently, only one of ahead. hosted event. jeopardy. Facebook’s major The NPSCC says it will Priti Patel Facebook says its plans “The offending will messaging platforms – unveil research that for wider encryption continue, the images of WhatsApp – uses end-to- suggests social media solution to satisfy both predecessors, Amber protects users’ privacy. children being abused will end encryption by default. users are keen to see some sides currently exists. Rudd, argued in the wake The National Society for proliferate – but the The company has plans to guarantee that children’s Other possible solutions, of the 2017 Westminster the Prevention of Cruelty company intends to blind make the privacy feature safety will be protected. such as on-device software attack that “we need to to Children (NSPCC), itself to this problem the norm on Facebook The charity is that scans messages make sure that our which invited Ms Patel to through end-to-end Messenger and Instagram demanding a “reset” of the before they are sent, have intelligence services have speak, has claimed that encryption which prevents – but has not yet done so. debate, arguing that it has their own privacy the ability to get into... private messaging “is the all access to messaging When messaging become stuck as an concerns. encrypted WhatsApp". front-line of child sexual content.” platforms are not end-to- “either/or” debate between Encryption still ‘popular’ And former Prime abuse". “This is not acceptable.” end encrypted, tech giants personal privacy and child Gaining access to the Minister David Cameron, Encrypting messages by The minister will tell a such as Facebook can use safety. content of encrypted in the wake of the 2015 default could lead to the group of international automatic scanning of Instead, it is calling for a messages has long been a Paris attacks, declared easier spread of child experts in child protection their users’ posts to “balanced” solution that topic of debate in that there should be no abuse imagery or online and law enforcement that identify the sharing of protects both. government. “means of communication” grooming, it has said. Facebook must “take the known child abuse images However, no clear One of Ms Patel’s which “we cannot read". Founder of Adobe and developer of PDFs dies at age 81 LOS ALTOS – Charles PostScript, an innovative man in the world.” “Chuck” Geschke – the co- technology that provided a After earning a doctorate founder of the major radical new way to print from Carnegie Mellon software company Adobe text and images on paper University,Geschke began Inc. who helped develop and sparked the desktop working at Xerox Palo Alto Portable Document publishing revolution. Research Centre, where he Format technology, or Chuck instilled a relentless met Warnock, the Mercury PDFs – died at age 81. drive for innovation in the News reported. The men Geschke, who lived in company,resulting in some left the company in 1982 the San Francisco Bay of the most transformative to found Adobe, developing Area suburb of Los Altos, software inventions, software together. died Friday, the company including the ubiquitous In 2009, President said. PDF, Acrobat, Illustrator, Barack Obama awarded “This is a huge loss for Premiere Pro and Geschke and Warnock the the entire Adobe Photoshop.” National Medal of community and the His wife said Geschke Technology. technology industry, for was also proud of his In 1992, Geschke whom he has been a guide family. survived a kidnapping,the and hero for decades,” “He was a famous Mercury News reported. Adobe CEO Shantanu businessman, the founder Arriving to work one Narayen wrote in an email of a major company in the morning, two men seized to the company’s US and the world, and of Geschke, then 52, at employees. course he was very, very gunpoint and took him to “As co-founders of Adobe, proud of that and it was Hollister,California, where Chuck and John Warnock huge achievement in his he was held for four days.A developed groundbreaking life, but it wasn’t his focus suspect caught with $650 software that has – really, his family was,” 000 in ransom money revolutionised how people Nancy “Nan” Geschke, 78, eventually led police to the Dr. Charles M. Geschke, president, co-chairman and co-founder of Adobe create and communicate,” told the Mercury News on hideout where he was held Systems Inc., delivers his keynote address about the future of workplace Narayen said. “Their first Saturday. “He always captive, The Press information on the final day of PC Expo at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention product was Adobe called himself the luckiest reported. Centre. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 19, 2021 • 17

Nasa’s Ingenuity Mars helicopter set for first flight NASA is set to make history as it at- Crater. The robot carried the helicopter tempts to launch a helicopter from beneath it as it made the perilous de- the surface of Mars. scent to Mars’ surface in February. If successful, it would be the first pow- Perseverance then drove to an ered, controlled flight on another planet. “airstrip” about 20m away from its land- The demonstration should see the ing site, lowering Ingenuity to the ground Mars-copter - called Ingenuity - rise to and taking a selfie of the two of them. about 3m, hover for roughly 30 seconds, Engineers say the helicopter looks in swivel and then land. good shape for its test flight. A software A selfie of the Ingenuity helicopter and the Perseverance rover. But with never-tried-before technology patch to take care of a technical glitch and challenging flying conditions, the was installed and tested in recent days, close-ups of the action. With luck we Ingenuity before it left Earth. It’s worth flight will be difficult to pull off. but everything should now be ready for should also get to see some video. noting that the Wright Brothers’ first “It feels absolutely nuts,” says Farah the big moment. All this has its complications as well. flight lasted just 12 seconds. Great things Alibay, a systems engineer at Nasa’s Jet A full-speed rotor run-up was per- Both the rover and helicopter function start with small steps. Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). formed on Friday. autonomously and carry separate clocks. The hope is this small technology “We’ve been flying on Earth for just “We have fully confirmed that The timing devices will need to be in sync demonstration could eventually trans- over 100 years, and now we’re like,‘yeah, Ingenuity has enough energy and power for the photography to work. form how we explore some distant we’re gonna go to another planet and fly’. to perform this flight at Mars,” said MiMi Key frames have already been selected worlds. It’s crazy. But that’s the beauty of explo- Aung, Ingenuity project manager, at a for priority return in the data downlink “You can traverse places without being ration.That’s the beauty of engineering.” pre-flight press briefing. on Monday.We’ll just have to wait to see hindered by the terrain in the same way Ingenuity is scheduled for lift-off at If the flight works, a further four flights if these were lucky choices. as a land-based vehicle is,” explains 07:30 GMT (08:30 BST) on Monday.The will be attempted over the coming days, “We have practised it, so we hope Havard Grip, Ingenuity’s chief pilot. first data revealing whether the chop- each one taking the helicopter further everything will go well… But we know “It could do scouting missions for fu- per experiment worked should start ar- afield. there’ll be surprises,” said Elsa Jensen, ture rovers, perhaps, or even for astro- riving back at Earth some three hours uplink operations lead. nauts, and then we’re also thinking about later. What images will we see? it in terms of the potential for carrying its This information has to be relayed Ingenuity has two cameras onboard. Why is this flight so important? own science instruments to places that through Nasa’s Perseverance rover and A black-and-white camera that points The US space agency says the flight will are very hard to access.” a satellite at Mars that will beam it to down to the ground, which is used for be a “Wright Brothers moment” - a refer- Nasa has already approved a helicop- JPL. navigation, and a high-resolution colour ence to the first powered, controlled air- ter mission to Titan, the big moon of camera that looks out to the horizon. craft flight here on Earth in 1903. Saturn. This has a very thick atmos- Where will the flight take place? The rover will also be snapping away To mark the connection, a postage phere. Dragonfly, as the mission is The Perseverance Rover landed in a re- from a distance of about 65m. It will be stamp-sized piece of fabric from a wing of known, should arrive at Titan in the mid- gion of the Red Planet called Jezero using its zoom cameras to try to get some the brothers’ plane was taped to 2030s. Iceberg that became a social media star melts away THE iceberg that was for a time the some serious scientific investigation. biggest in the world is no more. Its place of origin, Larsen C, is an enor- A68, as it was known, covered an area mous floating platform of ice, built by the of nearly 6,000 sq km (2,300 sq miles) merging of glacier tongues that have slid when it broke away from Antarctica in off the land into the ocean. 2017. A68’s life story will almost certainly That’s like a small country; it’s equal to tell researchers something both about a quarter of the size of Wales. how ice shelves are constructed and how But satellites show the mega-berg has they break apart to produce icebergs. now virtually gone, broken into count- “The one thing that is probably worth less small fragments that the US mentioning as a scientific result was how National Ice Center says are no longer much was learned about the fracture worth tracking. toughness of the suture zones where in- A68 calved from the Larson C Ice Shelf land glaciers joined together to form the on the edge of the Antarctic Peninsula, floating shelf ice,” commented and for a year it hardly moved. But then Christopher Shuman from the it started to drift north with increasing University of Maryland, Baltimore speed, riding on strong currents and County (UMBC) and Nasa-Goddard. winds. Wide but extremely thin: A68 was about 230m thick on average “Because we had new sensors seeing The billion-tonne block took a familiar the rift evolution more frequently, I’m route, spinning out into the South - it’s like four pieces of A4 paper stacked who isn’t worried about penguins in sure useful insights were gleaned that Atlantic towards the British Overseas up on top of one another. So this thing is peril? could not have been ‘seen’ in the decade Territory of South Georgia. The small is- incredibly flexible and fragile as it moved The daily conversation on the likes of before. This is a real testament to the in- land is where many of the biggest ice- around the ocean. It lasted for years like Twitter and Instagram was made possi- vestments being made in Earth observa- bergs go to die. Caught in the local shal- that. But it eventually broke into four-to- ble by today’s easy access to a suite of tion.” lows, they are doomed to gradually melt five pieces and then those broke up as publicly available space data tools. Most glaciologists regard A68 as the away. well.” “A68 caught the attention of a lot of dif- product of a very natural process. Ice But this one somehow managed to es- ferent people,” commented Laura shelves will maintain an equilibrium, cape that particular fate. Born into the age of satellites Gerrish, a mapping specialist with the and the ejection of bergs is one way they Instead, it was the waves, the warm A68 will probably be best remembered as British Antarctic Survey (BAS).“We saw balance the accumulation of mass from water and higher air temperatures in the first iceberg to become a star on so- every little twist and turn. We were able snowfall and the input of more ice from the Atlantic that eventually consumed cial media. to follow its progress with daily satellite the feeding glaciers on land. A68. It simply shattered into smaller and People around the world shared satel- images, at a level of detail we’ve not re- So in that sense, A68 cannot be pre- smaller fragments. lite pictures online, especially as the ally been able to do before.” sented as a poster child for human-in- "It’s amazing that A68 lasted as long as frozen block neared South Georgia. Had duced climate change. it did,” Adrian Luckman, from Swansea it grounded, the berg’s immense bulk What did we learn from A68? All that said, A68 did showcase the University, told BBC News. could have disrupted the foraging behav- Of course, the iceberg wasn’t just an ob- sorts of processes through which warm- “If you think about the thickness ratio iour of the island’s many penguins - and ject of wonder; it was also the target of ing can destroy ice structures. 18 • Monday April 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Alma Wahlberg dies at 78

ALMA WAHLBERG, “Wahlburgers,” about the the mother of enter- family’s burgeoning tainers Mark and burger chain. Donnie Wahlberg and “She made no apolo- a regular on their re- gies for who she was, but ality series never put herself above “Wahlburgers,” has anyone else. She kicked died, her sons said on our butts if we messed social media Sunday. up, kicked anyone else’s She was 78. butts if they messed with “My angel. Rest in us. Taught us right, peace,” Mark Wahlberg made us pay the price tweeted. when we were wrong,” Donnie Wahlberg Donnie Wahlberg wrote In this Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005, file photo, Mark posted a longer tribute to Sunday.“She was the Wahlberg, executive producer of the HBO series his mother on his epitome of the word "Entourage," and his mother Alma pose at the Instagram account. grace.” HBO party after the 62nd Annual Golden Globe “It’s time to rest peace- He also included a Awards, in Beverly Hills, California. fully, mom,” Donnie video of them dancing at Wahlberg wrote. “I love his wedding to one of her children went on to great said in an interview with you, miss you, thank you favorite songs, “If I successes and fame. Her Boston’s WCVB-TV in and will celebrate you, Could” by Regina Belle. son Paul Wahlberg, who 2018. “I’ve lived with al- today and always.” He wrote that she is the chef behind the coholism and abuse; No information was danced to that song at namesake burger chain, struggled with poverty given about the cause, each of her children’s also named the Alma and experienced great date or location of her weddings, but at his own, Nove restaurant in wealth; lost so many that death. Donnie Wahlberg he surprised her by hav- Hingham, I’ve loved; struggle to often posted about his ing Belle there to per- Massachusetts, after her. raise nine children, and I mother on his accounts form it live. “People know me as love them more than and in July updated his On the “Today” show in being the mother of fa- anything else; watch fans on her health, writ- 2018, Alma Wahlberg mous children, and al- them suffer, learn and ing that she “didn’t re- opened up about her par- though this fact has come out on the other member much and was enting and how hard it brought many gifts into side; lost myself; found often confused but some- was early on. “I invented my life and has afforded myself, again and again; how she was still Alma.” the craziest meals,” she me opportunities that and kept moving for- The Boston-born said. English muffin piz- may never have been ward, no matter what.” mother of nine became a zas were among her cre- possible otherwise, there Alma Wahlberg is sur- household name thanks ations to feed her hungry is a whole lot more to my vived by eight children. to her appearances on lot. story than most people Her daughter Debbie Bridge the A&E series More than a few of her know,” Alma Wahlberg died in 2003. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 19, 2021 • 19 SSPPOORRTTSS Zane Maloney finishes third at Imola

BARBADOS’ Zane Maloney recov- This allowed the top two to pull away ered from mechanical gremlins in the race, which is 30 minutes plus the day before to finish third at one lap. the Formula Regional European Maloney, with less than 10 minutes to Championship in Imola, Italy go, had to defend his third place once yesterday. again after a safety car brought the pack At the start of yesterday’s race, back together. Maloney immediately went into third He did not have the best restart as the place as his teammate, Hadrien David, two leaders managed to get a small jump who was second on the grid, had a bad on him while he was left under pressure start and virtually stood still when the by the fourth place. lights went out. With some rain seemingly approach- Less than two corners later, Maloney ing, there was less than three minutes had a look on the outside of the second- left. place driver, but then tucked in behind Maloney had closed in on second place Zane Maloney celebrates after finishing third at the Formula Regional European him. while still holding off the pressure of a Championship’s second race at Imola. The early look to move into second full rearview mirror of his teammate place may have caused him to lose a bit David, who had a look and tried to bait at the same gap. third place less than half a second ahead of momentum as he was challenged by Maloney into a mistake. David once again showed on the inside of David. David Vidales for his third place soon af- With two more laps, it looked like at the start of the final lap, but Maloney The winner was Grégoire Saucy and terwards, but managed to hold on. Maloney had helped David consistently kept his cool and went on to claim the second was Paul Aron. (CG) European Super League: UEFA and Premier League condemn 12 major clubs signing up to breakaway plans UEFA, the Premier League and UK UEFA released a joint statement, to have broken ranks, to the fury of The Football Supporters’ Association Prime Minister Boris Johnson have together with England’s Football UEFA, whose president Aleksander said it is “totally opposed” to the plans, condemned 12 major European clubs, Association, the Premier League, the Ceferin wanted to stave off a Super which it said were “motivated by noth- including the ‘big six’ from England, Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), League threat. ing but cynical greed”. signing up to a breakaway European La Liga, and the Italian Football The Premier League said a European It added: “This competition is being Super League. Federation (FIGC) as well as Serie A, on Super League would “destroy” the created behind our backs by billionaire Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Sunday. dream of fans that “their team may club owners who have zero regard for Manchester City, Manchester United They said they will “remain united” climb to the top and play against the the game’s traditions and continue to and Tottenham are part of the group. in trying to stop the breakaway, using best”. treat football as their personal fiefdom.” La Liga’s Atletico Madrid, Barcelona both judicial and sporting measures if It added such a league would “under- The PFA said it had “substantial con- and Real Madrid and Serie A’s AC required. mine the appeal of the whole game” and cerns” about the proposal, adding it Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus are in- They also reiterated FIFA’s stance that they would work with the FA, the would “detract from the strength and volved. that players taking part in the Super English Football League, Professional joy of domestic football and diminish UEFA said it will use “all measures” League would be banned from all other Footballers’ Association (PFA), League the game for the vast majority of fans possible to stop the “cynical project”. competitions at domestic, European or Managers Association (LMA) and fans across the continent”. Senior figures at European football’s world level and could be prevented from to “defend the integrity and future France’s President Emmanuel governing body are furious about the representing their national teams. prospects of English football”. Macron said he “welcomes the position proposals. In a separate statement, the Premier The FA said it will “not provide per- of French clubs to refuse to participate” Johnson said the plans would be “very League said it condemned the proposal mission to any competition that would in a European Super League “that damaging for football” and that the UK as it “attacks the principles of open com- be damaging to English football” and threatens the principle of solidarity and government supports the sport’s author- petition and sporting merit which are at will “take any legal and/or regulatory ac- sporting merit”. ities “in taking action”. the heart” of domestic and European tion necessary” to stop it. A statement from the French presi- He added: “The clubs involved must football. Bundesliga sides are opposed to the dency added: “The French state will answer to their fans and the wider foot- Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said plans because the German model means support all the steps taken by the LFP balling community before taking any in a statement the government is “con- commercial investors cannot have more [France’s professional leagues governing further steps.” cerned this plan could create a closed than a 49% stake in clubs, so fans hold body], FFF [France’s football associa- The European Clubs’ Association shop at the very top of our national a majority of their own voting rights. tion], UEFA and FIFA to protect the in- (ECA), which represents Europe’s clubs, game”. French Ligue 1 side Paris St-Germain tegrity of federal competitions, whether held an emergency meeting on Sunday He added: “We have a football pyramid are not part of the group either. national or European.” in the wake of the reports. where funds from the globally success- UEFA said it thanked “those clubs in It has been agreed the new-look BBC Sport understands none of the ful Premier League flow down the other countries, especially the French Champions League will involve an clubs mentioned in the Super League re- leagues and into local communities. and German clubs, who have refused to initial phase where every club plays 10 ports responded to a request to attend “I would be bitterly disappointed to sign up” to the breakaway league. matches each rather than the current the meeting. see any action that destroys that.” “We call on all lovers of football, sup- group phase. The meeting was chaired by Ajax chief Labour leader Keir Starmer said the porters and politicians, to join us in In addition, there would be play-offs, executive Edwin van der Sar. Bayern clubs involved should “rethink immedi- fighting against such a project if it were followed by a knockout phase. Munich and Paris St-Germain were ately” or “face the consequences of their to be announced,” it added. The most controversial aspect of the among the clubs who were present. actions”. “This persistent self-interest of a few proposals surround the allocation of the In a statement the ECA said it would “This proposal risks shutting the door has been going on for too long. Enough four additional places, with two being be “strongly opposed” to a “closed super on fans for good, reducing them to mere is enough.” reserved for the clubs ranked highest league model”. spectators and consumers,” he said. Quite when the European Super in UEFA’s co-efficient table who fail It has pushed plans for a 36-team Juventus owner Andrea Agnelli, League would start is unclear. to qualify for the Champions League Champions League, which UEFA had Manchester United executive vice-chair- However, world governing body FIFA through their domestic competition, hoped would head off the formation of a man Ed Woodward and AC Milan has already said it would not recognise but do secure some kind of European Super League. The Champions League chief executive Ivan Gazidis would all such a competition and any players in- football. reforms are set to be confirmed today. have had a significant input into the volved in it would be denied the chance At the moment, Liverpool and Chelsea BBC Sport was told last week of plans Champions League discussions on to play at a World Cup. would be the clubs who benefited for some sort of confirmation about a Friday. Serie A has called an emergency board from that system if it was in place this European Super League. However, those clubs are among those meeting to discuss the matter. season. 20 • Monday April 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Max Verstappen wins Inchcape, St. Philip Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 4355 sq ft $ 96,000

Belle, St. George as Lewis Hamilton recovers 4 acres $400,000 RED BULL’S Max later gave him a second Verstappen took his first opportunity and he made Haggatt Hall, St. Michael win of the year in a the most of it, fighting TEL: 247-4469 6336 sq ft $126,000 Cel: 828-4800 Under Offer chaotic, incident-strewn back from eighth at the 253-6319 Emilia Romagna Grand restart to finish second. Cane Garden, St. Thomas Prix as Lewis Hamilton After a race in which Email: 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft fought back to second he could have scored no caribbeanpropertiesltd Private entrance. after a rare error. points, Hamilton limited From $187,681 @gmail.com Rain at the start led to the damage and actually PROPERTIES Ragged Point, St. Philip one of the most topsy- retained the champi- 8,267 sq ft $166,000 turvy races in memory onship lead by a point Kirtons, St Philip as the treacherous condi- earned for taking fastest 3 bedroom plus Rolling Hills, St. George tions caught out the vast lap, despite Verstappen’s 2 bedroom apt 4,790 sq ft 12,000 sq ft majority of drivers at one best efforts to take it $310,000 (negotiable) $685,000 time or another. away from him. Amity Lodge, Ch Ch Ocean City, St. Philip There was an early And Lando Norris took 3 bedroom plus 6150 sq ft $123,000 safety car and later a a superb third place after 1 bedroom apt red flag, after a massive a strong weekend in the 6,646 sq ft $650,000 Fortesque, St Philip crash involving Mercedes’ McLaren. Agricultural Land Valtteri Bottas and Leicester reach 494,500 sq ft $1,100,000 Gibbons, Ch Ch Williams’s George 3 bedroom plus NOTICES 2 bedroom apt Silver Sands, Russell, rivals for a seat Christ Church at the world champions in first FA Cup 9,835 sq ft NOTICE $675,000 (reduced) 7,129 sq ft $160,000 2022. Even Verstappen Breezy Hill, St Philip Bushy Park, St. Philip IN THE MATTER OF 24,000 sq ft $190,000 almost lost his win, final since 1969 3 bedroom, 2 bath when he half-spun at the THE ESTATE OF IONA E reduced to $298,000 ARCHER also known Apes Hill, St. James restart following the red as IONA ARCHER, LEICESTER CITY come true. I watched Black Rock, St Michael 31,000 sq ft upward flag, but he managed to DECEASED boss Brendan the FA Cup when I was 3 bedroom, 1 bath Large lots at $15 per sq ft collect the car and streak Rodgers says his side little and now I get the 6732 sq ft $360,000 off into the distance as have “the chance to chance to play in the Mount Wilton, St. Thomas Re: In the Estate of IONA E 15,500 sq ft and 22,066 sq ft Hamilton fought to ARCHER also known create history” after final. Enterprise, Christ Church regain lost ground. reaching their first “I think the FA Cup 3 bedroom, 2 bath $300,000 and $220,000 as IONA ARCHER, 5062 sq ft It appeared as if deceased FA Cup final since loves me and I love the $390,000 (reduced) Union, St. Philip Hamilton had gifted his 1969 at the expense FA Cup.” 7560 sq ft main rival a huge advan- Notice is hereby given that it is the of Southampton at The game was played intention of Navisha Debideen- The Belle, St George $150,000 tage in what promises to Wembley. in front of 4,000 sup- Plantation style House Worrell, Attorney-at-Law of Anfield be a tight championship Law Chambers, Anfield House, 2nd Kelechi Iheanacho’s porters as part of a pilot Standing on 4 acres Thorpes, St. James fight when he lost control Avenue Carters Gap, Black Rock second-half goal proved scheme, with research $1.1M 11,376 sq ft with structure $235,000 trying to lap Russell and Main Road in the Parish of St. decisive for the Foxes, being carried out on slid into the barriers at Michael in the Island of Barbados whose last major final allowing fans back in to Frere Pilgrim, for MARK E ARCHER of 240 Christ Church Cottage, St George half-distance. of any description came sporting events as coro- 5000 sq ft Dudley Road, Bedford MA 01730 3 bedroom, 2 baths with But the crash between United States of America and in 2000, when they lift- navirus restrictions are $110,000 (negotiable) two bedroom apartment. Russell and Bottas a lap OTHNIEL A ARCHER of 41 Brinton ed the League Cup. eased. 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 Drive, Nashua NH 03064 United “That is what this Tickets were limited Morningside, St Philip REAL ESTATE States of America the Executors of Hanson Heights, St George 4567 sq ft $133,000 game is about, creating to residents of Brent – Hotel 18 rooms fully the estate of IONA E ARCHER, the 8321 sq ft $595,000 deceased late of 41 Brinton Drive, a memory,” said the north London bor- Jupiter Gardens, St Peter operational $2,950,000 neg under offer Nashua NH 03064 United States Rodgers, who is yet to ough where Wembley Ealing Grove, 7312 sq ft of America, widow who died at win major silverware in Stadium is situated – Christ Church $133,000 (negotiable) Nashua New Hampshire, United Dalkeith, Christ Church English football, but and key workers. 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths States of America on the 16th day of 17,371 sq ft approved for 9320 sq ft $565,000 Bagatelle, St. Thomas December 2014 to make application won seven trophies in Those inside Wembley 62000 sq ft into 2 lots shops and offices for the resealing by the High Court less than three years as witnessed a mainly $495,000 LOTS FOR SALE $520,000 each, or of Justice of Barbados of the manager of Celtic. dour game but $1M for both Certificate of Appointment of the Roebuck Street, “I have been made Leicester, playing in Boarded Hall, Estate of IONA E ARCHER, which Bridgetown aware since I’ve been at their first semi-final Christ Church Marley Vale, St Philip was made by the State of New Shopping Mall/Office space Leicester how impor- since 1982, will not care 10,429 sq ft $157,000 21,780 sq ft $275,000 Hampshire, Judicial Branch NH $8,100,000 negotiable Circuit Court, United States of tant this cup is for the – and neither will their Westbury Road, St Michael Sandford, St Philip America, on the 7th day of supporters. followers. Batts Rock, St Michael December 2020, to MARK E 2,520 sq ft $45,360 16,356 sq ft $300,000 “We have the chance Southampton were Guest House, 12,078 sq ft ARCHER and OTHNIEL A $2,850,000 negotiable ARCHER under the provisions of to create history. When strangely lacking in Goodland Gardens, the Probate and Letters of we arrived here, that intensity, barely threat- Christ Church COMMERCIAL Cane Garden, St Thomas Administration (Resealing) Act, was the ambition. From ening Leicester keeper 9,605 sq ft $145,000 Mount Standfast, St James 3.6 acres approved Chapter 247 of the Laws of a football perspective Kasper Schmeichel. Barbados in respect of the said Two properties on Roadfront we wanted to be able to Ibrahima Diallo went Nursery Road, St Philip Estate. Any person wishing to 22,714 sq ft. $1,650,000 negotiable 9,266 sq ft $139,000 oppose the resealing of the said compete and we have closest to an equaliser Asking $1,200,000 Fitts Village, St James Grant of Appointment (Letters been able to do that. for the Saints but his Lashley Road, St Philip Guest House, 4 Suites Testamentary) should lodge a Now we have a trophy powerful drive went 5,839 sq ft, $150,000 Black Rock, St. Michael Caveat to that effect with the Warehouse/Storage 6,135 sq ft to genuinely go for.” just wide. $750,000 negotiable Registrar of the Supreme Court of Salters, St George 4000 sf space 23,861 sq ft Judicature of Barbados the Law Iheanacho, who Rodgers’ side will now 2 lots 32,760 sq ft, $230,000 $900,000 (reduced) Courts, Bridgetown by the 17th day benefited from Jamie face Chelsea in the final Mason Hill Street The City of May, 2021. Vardy’s fine work to on 15 May, their first 26,500 sq ft with buildings Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Foul Bay, St. Philip score at the second appearance in the show- Approved for condos, $4,000,000 negotiable 14,876 sq ft. $110,000 Dated the 19th day of April, 2021. attempt 10 minutes piece since they lost 39,242 sq ft $1,600,000. All enquiries to after the interval, 1-0 against Manchester Bushy Park, St. Philip Navisha Debideen-Worrell (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 17,000 sq ft $170,000 Dover, Christ Church Attorney-at-Law for the Executors added: “It is a dream City 52 years ago. or (246) 247 4469 The Barbados Advocate Monday April 19, 2021 • 21

Yankees’ Jay Bruce, 34, retires just weeks into 14th season

NEW YORK – Jay Bruce had seen has happened since then. I’ve been in- enough. Having made the New York cluded and around a lot of different, in- Yankees’ opening-day roster, he credible situations. couldn’t stomach his poor start to “I saw Ken Griffey’s Jr.’s 600th home the season. run, been part of multiple no-hitters, big So the three-time All-Star outfielder games, with the Indians won 22 games in decided to retire Sunday,just 15 days past a row.I hit the walk-off double to win the his 34th birthday. 22nd game. I didn’t reach the top of the “Just the consistent underperformance hill. I didn’t reach the pinnacle. I didn’t for me,” he said before the game against win that World Series, but that’s OK.” Tampa Bay,his voice quavering at times. Bruce spent 43 games with the Indians “Felt like I wasn’t able to do it at a level in 2017 after he was acquired from the that was acceptable for myself.” Mets in a trade. Bruce informed Yankees manager “He’s a great kid,” Cleveland manager Aaron Boone of his decision during a 20- Terry Francona said. “He’s a fun kid to minute meeting in the manager’s office on have around. We were only with him for Friday, then made a public announce- a couple months, but that doesn’t mean ment before Sunday’s game. He received you don’t become fond of somebody. He an ovation when shown on the video was a pleasure to be around.” board before the eighth inning but did Bruce has become known for his gra- not get in the game. ciousness and charitable work for the Arc Bruce went to spring training with the of Greater Beaumont, Texas, and life Yankees on a minor league contract and New York Yankees outfielder Jay Bruce, third from left, waves from the skills department at West Brook High made the major league roster as a first dugout as injured first baseman Luke Voit, left, applauds, while outfielder School. baseman when Luke Voit injured a knee, Brett Gardner rests on the railing at Yankee Stadium in New York. “He’s going to be missed,” former earning a $1.35 million one-year deal. Cincinnati teammate Joey Votto said, He hit .118 with one homer and three (2017), Seattle (2019), Philadelphia (2019- Bruce’s best memory was his game-end- “whether it’s our banter back and forth or RBIs in 39 plate appearances this year. 20) and the Yankees. ing inning homer off Houston’s Tim talking about the league or talking about He started the first eight games at first “I was so lucky to have set a standard Byrdak in 2010 that clinched Cincinnati’s hitting, improving, meeting challenges.” base but just two of the next seven. DJ for myself throughout my career that was first division title since 1995. Votto’s tribute was played on the video LeMahieu shifted to first from second frankly very good most of the time,” he “The weirdest part about that is that I board before the eighth inning, and Bruce until Voit returns in a few weeks, and said. “And I don’t feel that I’m able to do was 23 at the time and I thought stuff like was applauded by both teams. newly acquired Rougned Odor was in- that, and I think that was the determin- that happened all the time,” he said. “To Bruce’s retirement will cost him serted at second. ing factor and in the decision. And I feel know that the single moment that I’m $1,219,355 in salary for the remainder of Bruce had a .244 average with 319 good about that decision and I feel thank- going to remember most of my career was the season. He talked proudly of signing homers and 951 RBIs in 14 major league ful honestly to myself that I could be hon- 10 or 11 years ago now is pretty crazy.And the autograph wall in the Yankees club- seasons with Cincinnati (2008-16), the est enough with myself to to understand looking back, it makes me appreciate house, a feature at new Yankee Stadium New York Mets (2016-18), Cleveland that it’s time for this chapter to close.” everything else more because so much that opened in 2009. 22 • Monday April 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Durant leaves Twins-A’s postponed for Minnesota’s Nets’ game in virus problems OAKLAND, California – ments against the Angels, The game between manager Rocco Baldelli Miami with Minnesota and the said this weekend. Oakland Athletics sched- Shortstop Andrelton uled for Monday night at Simmons already hadn’t the Coliseum has been made the trip to Anaheim thigh injury postponed because of the after testing positive early Twins’ continued COVID- in the week. 19 problems. Garlick played in the MIAMI – Brooklyn’s and three more for injury Major League Baseball Twins’ 10-3 loss to the Kevin Durant was management. made the announcement Angels on Friday night. forced to leave the Nets’ He appeared to be in- Sunday and said the delay The Twins aren’t sched- game in Miami on jured on a drive just 1:33 will allow for continued uled to visit Angel Sunday early in the into the contest and virus testing and contact Stadium again this sea- first quarter with a left missed both free throws – tracing. MLB said the son, and the Angels play thigh injury. only the second time this Twins and A’s are tenta- four games at Minnesota Durant exited with 7:57 season that he went 0 for 2 tively scheduled for a on July 22-25. to go in the opening quar- on a trip to the foul line. He straight doubleheader There have been six ter. He scored Brooklyn’s remained in the game for Tuesday as a makeup. MLB games postponed first eight points of the about 2 1/2 more minutes Games between the this year because of the game before coming out, before leaving for further Twins and the Los virus, including a season- and the team quickly an- evaluation and ultimately Angeles Angels in opening, three-game se- nounced he would not re- the diagnosis that would Anaheim were postponed ries between the turn because of what was keep him out for the re- Saturday and Sunday. Nationals and Mets after being called a contusion. mainder of the game. The Twins have had at Washington’s coronavirus Durant has missed 33 The Nets were also with- least four positive coron- concerns. games this season, with 24 out James Harden while avirus tests in the past There were 45 regular- of those related to a left he works his way back week. season games postponed hamstring injury. He from a hamstring issue. Kyle Garlick, another for virus-related reasons missed six others in accor- Miami was playing Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) leaves unnamed Twins player last year, but only two — dance with the league’s Sunday without Jimmy the court after a play during the first half of an and a team staff member between St. Louis and health and safety protocols Butler, sidelined with an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, tested positive in the two Detroit — were not made related to the coronavirus ankle sprain. Sunday, April 18, 2021, in Miami. days before the postpone- up. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 19, 2021 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES (March 21-April 19). Someone who tries to N force their opinions onto you is making a big mistake. D What they don't realise is that you respect them for having firm convictions but you don't appreciate the C way they seem to think they can convert you to their O point of view. The more they try to press their point, N the more you are likely to walk away. S TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You are easily dis- tracted and someone will take advantage of this by trying to get you to agree to something that isn't as practical as it sounds. If a scheme they put forward is still in its trial stage, this is not a good time to com- mit to anything. Wait for the results before you de- cide whether you want to invest in a new project. . GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Getting through life's Z challenges won't be easy. It will feel as if your life I has been turned upside down. Everything has T changed. You might suddenly find yourself out of a S job or there may have been a relationship break down. Don't try to hide your feelings. People will un- derstand. Take it slowly and somehow you will find a way through. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Don't listen to anyone who tells you that you can't change careers, start a fit- ness program or take up a new hobby. It isn't too late to transform your life if this is what you really want to do. All it takes is finding the determination and R willpower to turn your dreams into reality. Make a E list of steps that can help you realise your goals. X LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It's hard to do without lux- uries especially when you are overdue for some pam- M pering. You long for enough money to buy those lit- O tle extravagances you like to enjoy. This may be dif- R ficult on your current salary and that's why you might G be considering taking on a second job or making a A career change. N VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Someone's caginess will cause you to be more cautious about a risky venture. There will be disappointment when a friend or workmate fails to live up to your expectations. Your feelings for them are starting to change as you realise if they can let you down once, they can do so again in the future. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Before jumping in and P taking up an exciting offer as you are tempted to do H pause and take a deep breath. Listen to the advice of A a practical friend. You need to consider the negatives N as well as the positives. Does one outweigh the other? T Will it be worth it? It's a day to look before you leap. O SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Being at your charm- M ing best will go a long way towards helping you achieve harmony in the home. Someone in the fam- ily will value your praise and the appreciative way you listen to their ideas. If you extend this to your working life your plans will gain the support of someone in a position of power. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Trying to fig- ure out how something works is starting to frustrate M you. You feel you're wasting time but this is a job that A needs to be done. Why don't you ask someone who R already knows as two heads are better than one. Y Joining forces with a friend or workmate will get the job done more quickly. W CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You will be asked O to take on something you have never done before. No R matter how nervous you might feel inside you should T jump at this chance to gain new experience. This may mean seeing less of someone you care for but they H will understand why this is important to you and you will be given support to achieve your aim. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). An online inter- view may not work out as expected due to technical M difficulties. A phone call will be frustrating when you O can't seem to get a word in edgeways. A colleague T who is playing one-upmanship games will get under H your skin. It's not easy to shrug off such irritations E with a smile. R PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your threshold for boredom is low. You're trying to show an interest in G routine work but it really doesn't excite you any- O more. You would rather be enjoying a variety of ex- O periences than having to focus on any specific task S or area. Find a positive outlet for your nervous en- E ergy. Zane Maloney finishes third at Imola Page 19

Monday April 19, 2021 Coronavirus BUILD STRONGER ‘smarter’ at spreading SCHOOL SYSTEMS CHIEF Scientist of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that THE United Nations Educational, economic impact of the COVID-19 cope with future crises. The the coronavirus “has got smarter” at Scientific and Cultural pandemic alone. Without making recommendations cover actions that spreading. Organisation (UNESCO) has education a pillar of recovery plans address prevention, preparedness and “It’s just looking for opportunities,” advised that the response alongside health, jobs and climate, response to health emergencies and according to Dr. Soumya to COVID-19 must involve societies will fuel rather than reverse pandemics to help ensure no child or Swaminathan. strengthening education systems rising inequality, poverty and social young person is denied the fundamental “It likes close contact between to ensure they can overcome divides.” right to education. people. It likes crowded environments, adversity and are resilient to the According to a ‘COVID-19 Education Director of IIEP, Suzanne Grant and it likes close settings, indoor risks they face. issue note’ produced by UNESCO’s Lewis, said the goal of building settings with poor ventilation… We Assistant Director-General for section for Health and Education and resilience is long-term, calling for also know that many of the variants Education at UNESCO, Stefania International Institute for Educational ongoing review and reflection, and a that are circulating now, particularly Giannini, said building the resilience of Planning (IIEP), crisis and risk continual improvement of processes. the variants of concern, are much more schools and educational institutions management should be institutionalised “No child, youth or adult should be efficient, one and a half to two times benefits students, as well as the broader in education systems, and specific excluded from learning opportunities more efficient at spreading.” education community. programmatic options can help prevent that would give them an opportunity to Participating in WHO’s Science in 5 “When we talk about building the disease outbreaks and pandemics from fulfil their potential. Yet, the COVID-19 session on Friday, she reiterated that resilience of the education system, it is affecting education communities. pandemic and the resulting school mass gatherings such as weddings, not only about developing policies and The issue note, “Building back closures have had exactly that effect,” parties or bars, as well as sporting or providing services, it is about building resilient: How can education systems Lewis stressed. religious events, all have the potential the resilience of schools to provide prevent, prepare for and respond to “Building resilience must become to become mass spreading events. emotional support and care for teachers health emergencies and pandemics?”, a core part of the planning and “And we know from many and students and the resilience of the presents concrete recommendations to management of education systems, documented research studies done last students themselves,” she pointed out. build resilient education systems, ensuring they are able to prevent, year that mass gatherings did result in “The time for action is now.At least 24 strengthening them to respond to the prepare for, and respond to the global a huge increase in infections, which million children and youth are expected immediate challenges of reopening COVID-19 pandemic, and any other are usually seen a couple of weeks not to return to school because of the schools and positioning them to better possible future crises.” later,” she stressed. “So, knowing all of this, I think it’s important we understand that people are tired and, you know, they want to get back to normal life. But this is not the time to relax at all because the vaccination programs in most countries have not even begun to approach the levels of herd immunity that we need.” As it relates to how much protection are COVID-19 vaccines providing, Dr. Swaminathan said what has been shown so far is that if a person receives a full course of vaccination, then there’s enough protective immunity in the body to protect against severe disease, even from these variants. “So, even in the countries where there are a lot of variants circulating, people who have been vaccinated are not ending up in hospital or dying even if they do get the infection. So, I think overall the news is positive,” she pointed out. “Companies and labs around the world are working on newer versions of the vaccine, which accommodate the proteins of the variant virus. So, I think in the next few months, we will begin to see results from clinical trials which are looking at these new modified vaccines. And then we will be able to CLEAN-UP EFFORTS CONTINUE: Members of the Barbados Fire Service helping out with take a decision on whether people are the National Clean-up efforts over the weekend. going to need boosters or not.”

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