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Monday February 15, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive Reverend: Take the light into Lent ONE local reverend is encouraging “I know many [people] today feel op- those who cannot see or who may have Christians to take the vision of light pressed because of the pause, and some seen and still do not believe,” said Rev. and glory into the wilderness days of are suffering because of financial diffi- Archer. Lent. culties. My brothers and sisters in She added that some love the central Reverend Suzette Archer shared this Christ, this morning I am here to tell acts of the darkness or those who have message during her sermon at the you that Christ is indeed who He says allowed the changes and challenges to St. George Parish Church yesterday. He is,” said Rev. Archer. suppress the light. Rev. Archer refer- She noted that people who follow enced Mark chapter ten and the story of Jesus must follow Him in the way of the Exposed to the knowledge the blind Bartimaeus. She pointed out cross. of God’s glory that because of his faith, he regained The reverend highlighted that She said that over the past few his sight through Jesus as he recog- everyone has been carrying the weeks, Christians have been exposed nised that God is the light. cross since March 2020, but she to or reminded of the knowledge of The religious leader said that some said people must pick up their God’s glory through the light of Jesus may use the excuse that the Gospel is cross even if it means oppression or Christ. veiled, but it is only veiled to those who Reverend Suzette Archer. suffering. “This knowledge serves as a light to are perishing and lost, she noted.

Innotech Group Chair Anthony DaSilva assists with the loading of the cases. SPECIAL DELIVERY

THE nation’s Seek and Save initia- With the Seek and Save programme, The local military is also currently organisation is sending out their tive and the Barbados Defence Force which is being conducted by the overseeing the distribution of care pack- thoughts and prayers to all who are ei- will be kept hydrated in the coming University of the West Indies Cave Hill ages as well as carrying out security ther sick with the virus or have lost a days as they continue their fight Campus, counted as one of the national services across the island. loved one, DaSilva said that he hopes the against the COVID-19 pandemic. projects supervised by the Barbados Speaking to members of the media, donation is able to go a long way. The Innotech group of companies Defence Force, the Innotech Group Chairman of the Innotech Group “I hope that this goes some way to as- yesterday donated close to 5 000 bottles handed over 4 800 bottles of water Anthony DaSilva noted that he jumped sisting the efforts of the Seek and Save of Bajan Pure water to the cause, in a bid which is expected to keep operatives and at the opportunity to be of assistance initiative. Notwithstanding whatever to do their bit to bolster the national volunteers refreshed as they carry out when they were reached out to by Haigh the effort is in terms of human power, response. their duties. Communications Inc. Adding that his DELIVERY on Page 3 2 • Monday February 15, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Government facing ‘tricky situation’ GOVERNMENT is in a start of the year, econo- though borrowed, foreign crisis – health, financial, [International Monetary nomic impacts, and their “tricky situation” at mist Kemar Stuart said exchange reserves which and unemployment. Fund] sanctioned BERT response in terms of the this time, finding it the lockdown places the it has in hand if needed, Unfortunately, the busi- [Barbados Economic administration of the pub- hard to balance be- country in a catch-22 situ- the private sector does not ness community does not Recovery and Trans- lic health aspect,” the tween economics and ation. He said not restrict- have that same luxury have the wherewithal to formation] programme,” economist indicated. public health, and it is ing movement could put and cannot support an ex- support any extended he told The Barbados Stating that the greater being suggested that more people at risk of be- tended lockdown, as is lockdown beyond this pe- Advocate. impacts of the COVID unless they find the coming ill, but having being rumoured will occur. riod or for significant Stuart, who is the crisis and lockdown are right mix soon, things many businesses closed is “If they seek to rollback amounts of time. That Director of Business on households and busi- could get worse. subduing economic activ- restrictions now, it will would exacerbate the un- Development, Finance nesses, he said if Reflecting on the most ity and by extension ham- lead to partial recovery, employment problems, in- and Investment with Government can ease the recent lockdown the pering revenue collection but it will not have the in- creasing pressure on the Stuart & Perkins restrictions somewhat in Government has had to by the Government. tended impact for great re- already burdened NIS Caribbean, said based on terms of movement, that impose in an effort to con- He said while the covery, because the public [National Insurance the rising number of cases, would reduce some impact trol the spread of the Barbados Labour Party health threat still re- Scheme], which we all it is safe to assume that on households and busi- COVID-19 virus, given the Administration can draw mains. Unfortunately, we know is a target for re- the lockdown is not yield- nesses and ease the finan- upsurge in cases since the down on the healthy, are facing a three-pronged structuring by the IMF ing the intended results. cial and unemployment However, he said it is good crisis. that the rate of recovery “At the moment the poli- versus death is still quite cies which were rolled out, high, and Stuart insists which are targeted at the every effort must be made most vulnerable groups, to ensure this does not is the only cushion be- change. tween poverty and ex- To that end, he said treme poverty for many Government must seek to Barbadians,” he sug- improve its response to gested. the virus. His comments Meanwhile, Stuart is came as he said there are urging Government to still improvements needed also not put politics before in reducing the backlog people.As a ruling govern- of test results, timely ment, he said it is likely collection of positive pa- faced with having to ap- tients, adequate provision pease the electorate to of swabs and reagents keep itself viable. and the provision of haz- “Obviously, the main or ard pay to frontline work- one of the main tasks of a ers. political party in power is “Government should to remain in government, continue to focus on en- and so some decisions will couraging citizens to pro- be made based on the sur- tect themselves – mask vival of the political party up, social distance and as opposed to the overall sanitise. But they also benefit of the country, have to find a greater syn- which is not a good idea, ergy between easing new and that will be my cau- restrictions on move- tion to the Government,” ments, the social and eco- he concluded.

Economist Kemar Stuart. The Barbados Advocate Monday February 15, 2021 • 3

BAMP: Don’t listen to hearsay!

THE Barbados 19; and publication of a Association of Medical vaccine schedule for each Practitioners (BAMP) category of persons to be appreciates that de- vaccinated, in the inter- spite the national ‘call est of transparency and to arms’ for vaccina- equity, as soon as possi- Lt. Col. Junior Browne (left) and Innotech Group Chairman Anthony DaSilva pose with the cases of water tions, many individu- ble. yesterday just after the official handover. als have real concerns The medical prac- and questions. titioners also suggest the BAMP acknowledges vaccination of all persons that Barbadians are over 18 years of age in ac- Corporate Barbados urged to do more faced daily with a deluge cordance with the recent DELIVERY from Page 1 time all around for local have been stretched, same amount, everyone of information from interim guidance from manpower, money, gov- businesses and individu- there’s no two ways about can’t do the same efforts, 0various media, most of the World Health ernment support, if we als, DaSilva urged all those it, since the beginning of but surely there is some- which favours the world- Organisation (WHO), save only one person then who can help to offer some last year,but surely we can thing that everyone can do wide rise of vaccine hesi- which gives important that was an investment assistance to the fight. do more as corporate to assist this national ef- tancy. scientific evidence and that we ought to have “This is a challenging Barbados and we ought to fort because that’s what it Therefore, the um- rationale for the use of made,” he said. time for Barbados and assist where we can. is.This is a fight that we’re brella organisation of the AstraZeneca vaccine Noting that it is a tough Barbadian companies Everyone can’t do the in together,” he said. (MP) Barbados’ doctors and in the over 65s. They also medical students is en- recommend increasing couraging all citizens not the vaccine schedule to to rely on hearsay about an 8–12-week dosing in- Dr. Forde: the COVID-19 vaccine terval in accordance with government has acquired the scientific evidence from India, but to take that highlights increased Patients the opportunity to “talk efficacy (immune re- to your doctors and seek sponse) with the longer stealing their opinion on informa- time between two doses. tion presented to you”. “We also recommend “A national effort commencing genomic from still requires each surveillance to allow for person to make a very detection of new COVID- Harrison personal choice and you 19 variants that could af- should rely on your fect our vaccine response, healthcare professionals such as the South African Point to guide you through variant. This will allow SOME of those admitted this process,” BAMP’s us to tailor our vaccine to the Harrison Point COVID-19 Task Force ad- choices to our national Isolation Facility are steal- vised in a statement. situation. And we recom- ing items when they are BAMP also recognises mend continuing engage- discharged. that the limited avail- ment and communication Word of the worrying ability of vaccines means with the general public trend has come from the that allocation must be about COVID-19 vac- infectious disease special- based on the principles of cines, to overcome hesi- ist and head of the isola- benefit, equal concern, tancy and responding tion facilities, Dr. Corey health equity, fairness, decisively to misinforma- Forde. Expressing concern transparency and being tion.” about this behaviour, evidenced-based. BAMP BAMP applauds the ef- Forde lamented that peo- is therefore pleased with forts of public health ple were lifting such The Harrison Point Isolation Facility in St. Lucy. the policy decision to nurses, who have so far things as pillows, bed offer vaccination to all executed their duties effi- sheets and kettles, and even further measures in this point, you may get took the opportunity to healthcare workers, ciently and safely and more recently even a place,” he indicated. over it, you may get out speak of the good work which recognises that doctors, private and pub- PlayStation was taken. He He continued, “And it’s and get back to go back being done by the maintaining essential lic, who have undertaken is urging persons not to hard on the staff as well – home, to your families, but Harrison Point facility, healthcare services, in to be a part of this na- engage in such acts, as it everything comes back to what about the other per- noting that in spite of the parallel with COVID-19 tional effort in partner- puts others who come into the staff at the facility, be- son who is coming behind many criticisms that it response, is vital. ship with the Ministry of the facility for care at a cause it is hurtful. If some- you? I think we gotta start has gotten, they have re- Health and Wellness. disadvantage, and also one comes and says, ‘Oh, I being our brothers’ keep- ceived even more com- High-risk persons, On an individual level, puts pressure on the facil- didn’t have a pillow on my ers as well in this scenario. mendations, especially in frontline workers BAMP urges, “We must ity to replace those items, bed’ and you well know I mentioned it with re- recent times. should be a priority continue, even after vac- some of which have been there was a pillow there, gards to the elderly before, “People have gone to ho- Furthermore, BAMP rec- cination, practicing phys- donated. but somebody left and but now with regards to tels and said they want to ommends prioritisation ical distancing, wearing “It comes at an expense took up one from another properties and facilities, go back to Harrison Point. of high-risk, frontline masks, hand hygiene and and interestingly enough, room and put it in their you got to respect that as- I’m not making that up, healthcare workers, first cough etiquette. the expense is actually suitcase.” pect as well,” he con- that’s reality. I prefer to be responders, persons liv- “Nationally we must from us, because it’s our The doctor is therefore tended. back at Harrison Point. ing in nursing and care continue to prioritise taxpayers’ dollars or peo- calling on all those who In that vein, he lauded And that was so strange, I homes, elderly (over 70) public health in all di- ple who donate, and it’s come to the facility to re- corporate Barbados for the don’t know why it is, I as well as all persons mensions to gain a clear hard for me to say that be- spect the property of the donations that have been think because the friendly with comorbidities such path out of our current cause I don’t want people facility and understand made to the facility, as he staff is the same thing as obesity, diabetes, lockdown and to create not to donate because they that the items there are said they are still in need you’ll get in hotels,” he asthma, and hyperten- sustainable social and think something will be for the benefit of many. of assistance. stated. sion, which are associ- economic recovery.” stolen. But we are putting “We may help you at Meanwhile, Dr. Forde (JRT) ated with severe COVID- (TL) 4• Monday February 15, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Sagicor: If you are in a position to, now is a good time to invest FOLLOWING periods of fore, those who invest trend higher during such Neckles noted that far standable at this time any temporary dip in per- economic decline, history today are very likely to see stages.” The Portfolio too often individuals sit on given the economic tur- formance. has shown that the global positive returns on their Manager made the point the side-lines constantly moil that was created by As I said previously, economy typically goes investment over time.” that in investing, time is looking for that one the pandemic, in taking markets fluctuate, how- through years of gradual This is encouraging your best friend, as over week where markets did this approach they would ever, as long as investors growth and recovery, news for Barbadians fo- time markets very rarely poorly so that they can say be neglecting the several stay committed, the which is why Sagicor is ad- cused on building their record a loss. “I made the right deci- weeks prior where the records show that they will vising that now is a great savings and improving “The performance of sion”. markets did well, which reap the rewards in the time to invest if you have their financial position, fol- economies and markets “While caution is under- cumulatively outweighs long-run.” the financial capacity to do lowing the unforeseen fluctuates, but history has so. experience of 2020. For shown that they always This insight was shared as little as Bds$100 per de- rebound after a crisis.As a by Nicholas Neckles, posit, the frequency of result, when we look at the Portfolio Manager with which is at their own dis- performance trends of fi- Fogging schedule for this week Sagicor Asset Manage- cretion, investors can look nancial markets over a 15- THE Vector Control Unit School Road, Gully Hill, targeted. ment Inc., whilst provid- at instruments such as year period for example, of the Ministry of Health Bridge Road, and neigh- The Unit will conclude ing some perspective on mutual funds, which al- they have never lost and Wellness will concen- bouring districts on fogging for the week on financial markets and in- lows them to grow their money.If individuals stick trate its efforts in St. Tuesday, February 16. Friday,February 19, in the vesting within the context money during good times, to the minimum recom- Michael during the week The team will travel on districts of Deacons Road, of the ongoing global fight while providing them with mended investment time of February 15 to 19, as it Wednesday, February Deacons Farm,Ash Deane against COVID-19. the option to withdraw horizon of five years, they works to eradicate the 17, to Stadium Road, Village, Brighton, Black “Given the overall global from these funds to help can expect that what they Aedes aegypti mosquito. Spooners Hill, Butlers Rock, and environs. economic picture, now tie themselves over during invest today,will be worth Today, February 15, the Avenue, Paradise Road, Fogging takes place from would be a good time to get any difficult periods. more at the end of those team will fog Passage Syndicate Road, Stuarts 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. daily. into the market if you are Neckles explained that five years.” Road, Kensington Lodge, Road, Ellis Road, Pioneer Householders are re- able to.The reason for this “normally after a recession As it relates to the long- Baxter’s Road, King Road, Civilian Road, Bush minded to open their win- is that we are seeing there’s a period of eco- term performance of Street, Hunte Street, Hall Yard Gap, and envi- dows and doors so that the vaccines being widely dis- nomic growth and expan- Sagicor’s investment prod- Chapman Street, Green rons, where they will carry spray can enter. tributed successfully; sion, which can usually ucts, the 5-year average Park Lane, Lightfoot out the fogging exercise. Members of the public complete lockdowns have last for up to 5 or 10 years. annual return for the com- Lane, Sobers Lane, Maho- On Thursday, February are reminded that the mostly ceased and eco- We can’t predict the length pany’s Preferred Income gany Lane, Whitepark 18, Bush Hall Yard Gap, completion of scheduled nomic activity in most of time, but what we do Fund, Select Growth Fund Road, and surrounding Ocean View Road, fogging activities may be areas is improving glob- know is that we are cur- and Global Balanced Fund areas. Accommodation Road, affected by events beyond ally,” said Neckles. rently in the initial stages is recorded at 1.8%, 6.3% They will go to Perfection Road, Alleynes the Unit’s control. When “This means that as of an economic recovery, and 4.1% respectively, Tweedside Road, Nurse Land with Avenues, this occurs, the Unit will things continue to get which is always a great while the 15-year average Land with Avenues, Military Road, Tull Land, return to affected commu- better, the markets will time to get into the market stands at 3.8%, 3.4% and Grosvenor Road, Baycroft Review Road, and sur- nities in the soonest possi- continue to improve, there- given that asset prices 4.8% respectively. Road, Goddard Road, rounding districts will be ble time. Kiwanis North celebrates 34 years

THE Kiwanis Club of being conducted online via Barbados North re- zoom. However, the read- fuses to let the COVID- ing programme for the 19 pandemic halt its four-to-10-year age group mission of “changing at the Speightstown li- the world one child and brary, also on Saturday one community at a mornings, had to be sus- time”. pended. The main focus of the Feeling the brunt of service organisation, COVID-19 is Kiwanis which celebrated its 34th North Feeding Pro- Charter Anniversary yes- gramme, which ensures terday, has been assisting that needy families in the children, but expanded its northern parishes have at spectrum to include the least one hot, balanced entire family unit and meal every Sunday and community. on Christmas Day. And Marking the milestone though this programme with a service at the has been suspended, Church of God, President Goodridge reported that President of Kiwanis Club of Barbados North, Angela Angela Goodridge high- the Club was still able to Goodridge. lighted that among provide food hampers to Kiwanis North’s initia- the beneficiaries and pro- on persons to join or help sources as a way of giving tives is free lessons for vide a hearty Christmas out the registered charity, back to your community – children writing the meal last December. pointed out,“As with most please make contact,” she Common Entrance “In addition, we contin- charities the harvest is urged, also reminding the Examination this year. ued to distribute food ripe, but the workers are congregation of the She said these classes hampers, clothing and few. Church of God that were formerly held at The books to various homes “So if any of you are in- Kiwanis North will be Leacock Primary School and organisations,” she terested in assisting our happy to assist with any of every Saturday morning, said. Club in anyway – whether their community outreach but due to the pandemic The President, also tak- it is becoming a member programmes as well. the lessons are currently ing the opportunity to call or donating time or re- (TL) The Barbados Advocate Monday February 15, 2021 • 5 End child labour now!

THE countries of Latin almost 250 million to 152 mil- “Through this Fair Share America and the Caribbean lion, the problem still exists. Campaign, we are calling for a are being urged to do their “We have knowledge about fair share for our children in part to put an end to child the problem, we know the solu- all resources allocations, budg- labour. tions [and] we have much more etary allocations... We are call- India activist and Nobel technology, much more wealth ing for fair share in social pro- Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, is than ever before... We cannot tection programmes, in policies adamant that especially with afford, we must not afford to and laws and we hope that the pressures caused by the turn the clock back, and that's right from the ordinary people COVID-19 pandemic, the need why this event is a turning to decision makers, we listen to eliminate child labour is point where our collective re- to the voices of survivors and even more urgent. He contends solve and individual resolve give them the fair share. So far that the response to pandemic and our conviction and compas- we have failed our children, if has been unjust, inadequate sion have to increase and we look into our policies and and unequal and if steps are deepen,” he maintained. programmes no one can say not taken to address such, a With that in mind, he spoke that the children were able to larger number of children may of the Fair Share to End Child get the proportionate fair share fall victim to child labour. Labour Campaign formed by a in any walk of life,” the Nobel He made the comments last group Nobel laureates, stu- Laureate added. week while addressing the vir- dents, teachers, trade unions, Satyarthi maintained that tual launch of the employer organisations, corpo- countries have to take actions International Year for the rations, businesses, faith lead- now and work with a sense of Elimination of Child Labour in ers, the media, and multilat- urgency. the Americas. eral organisations. Through “We have to work with a gen- Satyarthi, who has long ad- this campaign, he said, they uine partnership as well as vocated on behalf of women are calling to give voices to mutual cooperation and coordi- and children, said that while most voiceless and face to the nation. We have to work with a some progress has been made, most faceless survivors of slav- sense of moral responsibility such that the number of child ery, trafficking and child and moral accountability at India activist and Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi speaking labourers has decreased from labour. every level” he contended. earlier this week. Children greatly affected by pandemic

WHILST the incidence of infec- on the million of children and education or the advancement tion and mortality from COVID- adolescents whose rights are of their learning. 19 amongst the child population being violated today, because Above all, she noted that the is low compared to other age they are in a situation of child lack of attendance at classes, to- groups, children are instead labour.” gether with the loss of house- being adversely affected by the She added, “Certainly, these hold incomes, has created condi- social and economic spin-offs of are difficult times for our region tions that lend towards the pos- the pandemic and above all, by and for the world. The coron- sibility of premature incorpora- their confinement. avirus pandemic has not only tion of children and adolescents Alicia Bárcena, Executive caused the largest contraction into the labour market, under Secretary of ECLAC, also known of Gross Domestic Product and very precarious conditions. She as the United Nations Economic world trade since the Great stressed that just last June, Commission for Latin America Depression of the 1930s, but has ECLAC and the ILO warned and the Caribbean made the exacerbated structural prob- that under the current socio-eco- above observation, during the lems of our development model, nomic conditions, there could be recent Regional Launch of the certainly highlighting our high a significant increase in the rate International Year for the levels of poverty and inequal- of child labour in our region. Elimination of Child Labour ity.” Recognising the complexity of (2021). This comes after the Bárcena said that given the the situation, Bárcena said that worldwide launch earlier this pandemic, the prolonged closure given the above, a fundamental year, in January. of schools has profoundly im- step is developing the relevant Bárcena noted, “This interna- pacted on the lives of the and effective measures for child Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of the United Nations tional year will provide a unique youngest and most vulnerable labour’s prevention and eradi- Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. opportunity to focus attention children, in terms of earning an cation. (RSM) Flow gives online safety tips to teachers, educations officials

BARBADOS’ leading telecom- tal footprint while other dilem- theme ‘Together for a better in- and security habits. gence of online teaching. As we munication provider is encour- mas can develop over time such ternet’. “From a service provider per- are all striving to deliver the aging teachers, parents and stu- as problematic gaming or inter- During the session, which was spective, it is our ultimate hope highest quality education for our dents to think about internet net use,” said Marilyn Sealy, facilitated by Flow’s tech expert that our teachers will reinforce young people, sustained collabo- safety as it relates to online Senior Manager, Greg Morris, the company en- internet safety and they will be ration between all stakeholders classes. Communications, Flow. couraged teachers to embrace better equipped to act if students is necessary and this of course With face-to-face learning on “There are also more acute technology and familiarise or parents approach them with includes the internet service pause and social distancing pro- concerns that require action themselves as much as possible any issues especially as it relates providers,” he said. tocols in place, Flow recently such as cyberbullying, sexting with the inner workings of to cyberbullying or destructive Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, hosted a virtual forum in con- and accessing inappropriate con- Google’s eLearning platform G- online behaviour,” added Sealy. Flow has also been working junction with the Barbados tent. As this is still a relatively suite for Education while follow- Herbert Gittens, General closely with the Ministry of Union of Teachers (BUT) to rein- new teaching environment, we ing guidelines as set out by the Secretary of the BUT, thanked Education, the Barbados Union force best-practices for safe and are keen to explore the ways in Ministry of Education. Flow for what he described as a of Teachers and the Barbados secure online learning. which we can provide even In addition to providing tips “timely and informative” pres- Secondary Teachers’ Union to “Students and teachers are greater support to teachers for livestreaming and recording entation. increase home internet speeds spending more and more time going forward.” sessions, the telecoms provider “We enjoy a good working re- for all teachers who are cus- online and this has the potential The message comes against said teachers should themselves lationship with Flow and I am tomers of the company, in addi- to create some digital dilemmas. the backdrop of Safer Internet be internet role models for their happy they are engaging teach- tion to donating devices to Some are ongoing considerations Day, which was this year cele- students by carefully consider- ers and education officials, espe- schools and individual students such as creating a positive digi- brated on February 9 under the ing their own digital identity cially at this time with the emer- in need. 6 • Monday February 15, 2021 The Barbados Advocate Sagicor donates computer equipment

THE continued impact to assist 45 students be- faced with crisis pregnan- of COVID-19 on the tween 3rd and 5th form, cies. Through the ability of our nation’s with access to the Pregnancy Help Center, children to access and AutoCAD computer pro- Unborn Justice has sup- receive education has gramme that is critical to ported over 50 mothers, fa- resulted in several ef- the pursuit of studies fun- thers and their families, forts by schools and damental to the disci- by providing baby sup- other organisations to plines of architecture and plies, food items, coun- obtain computer equip- engineering. The same selling and other pro- Receiving the donation of laptops from Sagicor’s Executive Vice President ment to assist with ef- number of systems were grammes, such as and General Manager, Mr. Paul Inniss, were Merlene Hercules, Secretary of forts to improve the ef- donated to the Optimist Computer Literacy among the Optimist Club of Barbados Central, along with Ms. Laura Arthur, fectiveness of Club of Barbados Central, other skills. Guidance Counsellor at the Lodge School. remote/virtual learn- to aid in their programme Speaking on the dona- ing. to equip disadvantaged tions, Executive Vice duty to provide as much said. “I’d like to thank our continue to work with our Following the rollout of students of the St. President and General assistance as we can to IT department, who vol- educators and charitable several COVID-19 re- Stephen’s Primary, Manager of Sagicor Life help facilitate the contin- unteered their expertise to organisations wherever sponse and relief pro- Sharon Primary and Inc, Paul Inniss, described ued education of our youth help prepare the donated possible, to facilitate in- grammes in 2020, Sagicor Lodge Secondary schools, them as a continuation of and the most vulnerable laptops for use by the var- creased access to online continues to answer the with the necessary tools to the company’s efforts to in our community”, he ious recipients. We will resources and technology.” call for assistance with participate in and benefit support the youth and overcoming the challenges from remote/virtual learn- community at large, by created by this unprece- ing. equipping them with the dented pandemic. Also receiving a laptop skills to build a future for The leading insurance donation was Unborn themselves. and financial institution Justice, a charitable or- “The COVID-19 pan- recently donated com- ganisation founded out of demic has had a tremen- puter systems to the a passion to see every un- dous impact on how we Industrial Technology born child given a chance currently live our lives, Department of Queen’s to live. As part of their ef- however, there are areas College, the Optimist Club forts, the group formed a being impacted today that and the Unborn Justice Pregnancy Help Center will have a lasting impact organisation. aimed at providing emo- on our future. Education Five laptops were do- tional and tangible sup- is one such area. nated to Queen’s College port to men and women Therefore, we saw it as our

Shavonne Grosvenor (left), Co-founder and Trustee of Unborn Justice, accepts the donation from Sagicor’s Marketing Officer, Cristal Jackman.

Accepting the donation from Mr. Paul Inniss, Sagicor’s Executive Vice President and General, was Principal of the school, Dr. David Browne. Don’t just pause, stop!

STOP from Back Page that if lots of people get ill, risk. to be at home; to the adult the situation could be “I foresee what is to who find themselves in a grave, as the country does come if we don't just, not gas station or the super- have a finite number of pause – stop! We need to market, practically for no doctors and nurses to stop [and] reassess. I’m reason, or to be walking treat persons. His com- not talking about me as a the road with no mask on ments came as he said his healthcare professional, with multiple people and staff are concerned that I’m talking about the aver- not appropriately distanc- there are too many people age Barbadian, to stop, re- ing”. who are not wearing flect on what you're doing Reiterating that we are masks because they feel and think about what at a critical stage in the well and are putting you're doing,” he insisted. pandemic fight, he warned themselves and others at (JRT) The Barbados Advocate Monday February 15, 2021 • 7

Shanghai China hopes US to speed up will invite WHO to conduct building source tracing BEIJING – China recently expressed the of five hope that the US government will invite World Health Organization (WHO) ex- perts to carry out novel coronavirus source ‘new cities’ tracing research in the United States. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang SHANGHAI – Shanghai will Wenbin made the remarks at a press accelerate the building of five “new briefing after US Secretary of State cities” in its suburbs to optimise its Antony Blinken said in an interview that development layout and boost China’s arrangements for WHO experts economic growth in the next five Photo taken on January 14, 2021 shows a night view of Lujiazui in Pudong of were not transparent. years, Mayor Gong Zheng told a news Shanghai municipality. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, conference recently after the China has always maintained close com- conclusion of the annual session of independent nodes among the city intelligence located along the G60 munication and cooperation with WHO on the municipal people’s congress. clusters in the Yangtze River Delta. Corridor, a national expressway that the source tracing issue in an open and “The five new cities are the top priority “Each city shall develop its unique connects Shanghai and Hangzhou. transparent manner,Wang noted, adding in Shanghai’s strategic plan for future industry, achieving industrial and urban Fengxian has been building up its that the visit of WHO experts to China is development,” Gong said, referring to integration by providing residents with beauty and healthcare industry in recent part of the global scientific research Jiading, Qingpu, Songjiang, Fengxian and public facilities, a pleasant environment years, and it plans to attract major cooperation on source tracing. The Nanhui. and convenient transportation,” he said. cosmetics companies to its Oriental Chinese government has provided strong According to the city’s 14th Five-Year Jiading has been leading Shanghai’s Beauty Valley industrial park. support and assistance to this end. Plan (2021-25) and Long-term Vision automobile industry development for Nanhui, which is also known as “Chinese experts have shared a large for 2035, which was approved by more than two decades. In recent Lingang New City, is in a pilot free trade amount of information and research the municipal people’s congress, the years it has focused on new-energy and zone and is connected to Shanghai results with their counterparts and government will support the building of self-driving vehicles and intelligent Yangshan Deepwater Port by a conducted several rounds of in-depth major industrial projects, high-quality sensors. sea-crossing bridge. It has advantages in exchanges on scientific issues of common public infrastructure and comprehensive Qingpu, which is part of the demonstra- international trade, cross-border finance concern. WHO and international experts transportation hubs in the five new cities. tion zone for Yangtze River Delta and modern shipping. made positive comments on this,” said The development of the five satellite integration, will place more emphasis on Gong said that detailed action plans for the spokesperson. cities around Shanghai’s downtown area environment-friendly research and each city are being formulated, and the Virus source tracing is a complex scien- was first mentioned in the city’s master development. government will launch construction of tific issue involving many countries and plan for 2035, which was released Songjiang boasts clusters of emerging major infrastructure projects and places. Many clues, reports and studies in- four years ago. industries such as electronic information, high-level schools, hospitals and public dicate that the COVID-19 pandemic had Gong said the new cities will become integrated circuits and artificial service facilities in the new cities. already broken out in many parts of the world as early as the second half of 2019, Wang added. He cited the example of a report by the Interest-free loans deliver village from hardship U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which says COVID-19 AT the end of January, Meng Yanzhou In its first few years, Meng’s company stock including goats and cattle, also re- antibodies were found in blood samples and his daughter were busy dealing with had five employees but they only dealt ceived an interest-free loan from the rural from routine blood donations collected a large number of packages at his express with a few packages a day. It now has credit cooperative to expand his business. in December 2019 in the United States. delivery company in Mengji village, eight, including a cook, and it made He remembers the hard times when he This means COVID-19 infections may Ningxia Hui autonomous region. a profit of 200 000 yuan last year. had to eat potatoes three times a day. have occurred in the US at that time, As Spring Festival approached, his com- “Our business grew bigger last year “The village is deep in the mountains earlier than the country’s first official case pany was handling deliveries of dried amid the COVID-19 epidemic, and we and had no access to good roads or electric- on January 21, 2020, he said. fruit, garments and other online benefited a lot from the country’s policy of ity,” he said.“We used to plant potatoes in “It is hoped that the US side will adopt purchases. tax exemptions for delivery services,” the mountain soil, nearly 1 kilometer from a positive, scientific and cooperative “Nearly 800 parcels were sorted and Meng said. home, but the rough mountain road made attitude and maintain transparency on dispatched every day in Mengji village His daughter has now taken over most the trip really difficult.” the virus source tracing issue, as China last year, twice the number in 2019,” of the business operations while he looks He borrowed 50 000 yuan from the co- has done, and invite WHO experts to carry Meng, 68, said. “Recently most of them after his mother. operative in 2014 to invest in raising black out source tracing research in the United were ordered by villagers to prepare for To celebrate the coming Spring Festival, goats, which could be sold at a higher States, so as to make positive contribu- Spring Festival.” Meng and his family have bought fruit price and were popular in the market. tions to international anti-epidemic The village, home to 1 089 people, is lo- from southern China such as pitaya “I was cautious about such a large loan cooperation and scientific source tracing,” cated in Xiji county in the south of and kiwi fruit through an e-commerce at that time for fear of failing to meet the he said. Ningxia. It was the final county in the re- platform for the first time. repayments, but our Party chief gion to be lifted out of poverty last year. The rural credit cooperative has not persuaded me to dream bigger,” Meng “I can tell from the volume of packages only supported small businesses in the Debiao said. that villagers have really got rid of village like Meng’s express delivery com- His herd of black goats has expanded poverty,” Meng said. “People are getting pany by offering interest-free loans, but from 20 to 100 and he later began rich and starting to shop online.” has also helped villagers develop livestock breeding cattle too. The business made a Parcels sent from Yinchuan, the breeding to lift Mengji out of poverty. profit of 100 000 yuan last year. regional capital, that arrive in the morn- The village’s income mainly comes from In 2017, Meng Debiao left the cave ing are delivered to villagers by nightfall. raising cattle, black goats and chicken, dwelling he had lived in since he married “The high efficiency of the express its Party chief, Meng Ruyong, said. in 1989 and moved into a tile-roofed house delivery service in Mengji encourages A cattle breeding farm was established with the money earned from raising live- online shopping, saving villagers money,” with a 500 000 yuan loan in 2014 to stock.The cave is now used to store forage. Meng said. encourage villagers to join the breeding Nearly every household in Mengji now He founded the express delivery industry. It now has 100 cattle and has a cow,and 52 of the 318 households in company in 2014 with a 50 000 yuan ($7 provides jobs for a dozen villagers who the village are raising more than five 740) interest-free loan guaranteed by are paid an average of 24 000 yuan a year, cattle, Meng Ruyong said. the rural credit cooperative. Meng Ruyong said. “I hope the interest-free loans can be “Back in 2005, I could hardly borrow The average annual income in Mengji extended for a few more years so villagers 1 000 yuan to start a small business,” he reached 10 730 yuan last year – up from can expand their livestock herds,” he said. said. “But it was easier to get a loan and 6 830 in 2016 – lifting the villagers out “By the end of this year, the average per business license in 2014 after the region of poverty. capita income is expected to reach Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang rolled out poverty alleviation measures.” Villager Meng Debiao, who raises live- 11 000 yuan.” Wenbin. 8 • Monday February 15, 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 Johnson: US democracy strong after Trump impeachment ‘kerfuffle’ A delicate BORIS JOHNSON has in- this year, with the UK peachment trial of Mr conversations about the sisted US democracy re- hosting the G7 summit in Trump, in which prosecu- way he sees things.” mains “strong”, despite the the summer and the tors failed to get the two- Five people died in the “kerfuffle” over former COP26 climate change thirds majority in the violence in Washington on balance President Donald Trump’s gathering in the autumn. Senate needed to convict 6 January. impeachment trial. During his interview for the ex-president. Earlier on Sunday, Mr ON Wednesday the two-week lockdown in The Senate acquitted CBS’s Face the Nation “I think the clear mes- Biden described democ- Barbados will come to an end, as Government’s Mr Trump of incitement show, Mr Johnson was sage that we get from the racy – in contrast to Mr directives outline. The idea of the lockdown is to to insurrection following keen to stress that their proceedings in America is Johnson – as “fragile” in contain the surge of the COVID-19 cases, which the storming of Congress two countries were “com- that, after all the toings the face of “violence and had increased significantly since December. on 6 January. ing together” on the envi- and froings and all the extremism". As we speak and assess what the government Mr Johnson told US ronment, ways of dealing kerfuffle, American He said of Mr Trump’s is likely to do, there are a number of considera- broadcaster CBS his rela- with Iran and the future of democracy is strong,” he trial: “While the final vote tions that must be factored into the equation of tionship with new Nato. said. did not lead to a convic- what is the next move in this programme to deal President Joe Biden was These were all issues on “And the American con- tion, the substance of the with the virus. “excellent”. which Mr Trump took a stitution is strong and ro- charge is not in dispute.” One of two options will be uppermost in the And he promised the different line to the UK bust. And we’re delighted But Mr Trump wel- mind of the administration. It can either extend American and UK govern- government, but the prime now,I’m very delighted, to comed his acquittal, call- the lockdown beyond Wednesday, or it can bring ments would work well to- minister called recent have a good relationship ing his impeachment a it to a halt. Whatever decision is made will have gether on issues like cli- statements by Mr Biden with the White House, “witch hunt”. to be based on how the Government sees the is- mate change and defence. “incredibly encouraging". which is an important part In his first telephone sues going forward and the challenges that will Mr Biden, who was in- Having previously con- of any UK prime minis- call to the prime minister redound to the health situation of the country augurated on 20 January, demned the violence in- ter’s mission. last month, Mr Biden said and the economy. has never met the prime side Washington’s Capitol “I’ve had some good con- he wanted to “strengthen There are some in society who figure that the minister in person, but building last month, he versations already with the special relationship” lockdown should be extended along with more this is set to change later was asked about the im- President Biden, fantastic between the US and UK. stringent requirements even as the country rolls out the AstraZeneca vaccine. As of now COVID cases and the number of deaths from the pandemic have increased and at New Zealand city alarming rates. Based on these two factors – the spike in cases and the associated hike in deaths – one would going into three-day lockdown conclude that there is no evidence to indicate to government to end the lockdown after Wednesday. after virus found Over the weekend the Best-Dos Santos Health Facility revealed that there were some 114 new WELLINGTON, New went back to work and required to spend two He described the cases positive cases. Zealand – New Zealand’s began attending concerts weeks in quarantine. as new and active. He said The reports indicated that the numbers came largest city of Auckland and sporting events with- Despite precautions, scientists are carrying out from samples collected between January 29 and will go into a three-day out the need to wear there have been several genome sequencing to see February 12, and were identified from among 2 lockdown beginning just masks or take other pre- times when the virus has whether they are vari- 720 tests conducted. before midnight Sunday cautions. leaked out from the bor- ants, and also to see In addition, the number of deaths increased to following the discovery of Indeed, Ardern on der before being con- whether they match with 24 with the majority of them taking place since three unexplained coron- Sunday had planned to trolled again, and officials any infected passengers. January this year. Up to May last year there avirus cases in the com- attend the Big Gay Out, are trying to determine “New Zealand has kept were just seven deaths. munity. an Auckland festival that whether that’s happened COVID-19 contained bet- On Saturday, Dr. Corey Forde, Head of the Prime Minister Jacinda celebrates the rainbow again. ter than almost any other Infection and Control Programme, was plead- Ardern announced the community and attracts In the latest case,an country,” Hipkins said. ing with Barbadians to observe the protocols. move after an urgent tens of thousands of peo- Auckland mother, father “But as we have kept say- He urged more caution on the part of young peo- meeting with other top ple. She ended up cancel- and daughter caught the ing, there is no such thing ple and suggested they get the vaccine and pre- lawmakers in the ing those plans and re- disease. Officials said the as no risk.” vent themselves from being infected. Cabinet. She said they de- turning to Wellington to mother works at a cater- New Zealand, with a Speculation is that the increasing incidence of cided to take a cautious manage the outbreak. ing company that does population of 5 million, cases will get worse before they get better, if approach until they find “I’m asking New laundry for airlines, and has reported a total of just Barbadians do not do what they are supposed to out more about the out- Zealanders to continue to officials are investigating over 2,300 cases and 25 in the prevailing environment. break, including whether be strong and to be kind,” whether there is a link to deaths since the pan- Dr. Forde indicated further that at the the infections are of the Ardern said at a hastily infected passengers. demic started. Harrison Point facility,there are at least 41 per- more contagious variants. arranged press confer- Officials said the woman The country has been sons who are critically ill and who are in the age The lockdown is the ence on Sunday evening. hadn’t been going aboard hosting the America’s Cup range of 37 years to 75 years. first in New Zealand in “I know we all feel the the planes herself. sailing regatta. Racing As such, these pointers therefore seem to six months and repre- same way when this hap- Officials said the rest of was due to continue on strengthen the arguments of those who would sents a significant set- pens. We all get that sense New Zealand outside of Wednesday in the Prada want the lockdown to continue and even with ad- back in the nation’s of ‘Not again.’ But remem- Auckland will also be Cup challenger series, but ditional stringent measures. largely successful efforts ber, we have been here be- placed under heightened organizers have an- Those in favour of ending the lockdown in- to control the virus. It will fore and that means we restrictions, although will nounced that a postpone- clude the business community as represented also force a delay in the know how to get out of not go into lockdown. ment will be necessary. by the Barbados Private Sector Association, and America’s Cup sailing re- this again, and that is to- “We are gathering all of Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada the Congress of Trade Union and Staff gatta. gether.” the facts as quickly as we Pirelli leads Britain’s Association of Barbados (CTUSAB) on behalf of New Zealand had suc- New Zealand’s greatest can, and the system that INEOS Team UK 4-0 in workers. cessfully stamped out vulnerability has been at served us so well in the the first-to-seven series. Their views have more to do with the impact community spread, and the border. past is really gearing up The winner will then take the lockdown will have on the economy,which is many people elsewhere in New cases are regularly to do so again,” said on Emirates Team New reeling from COVID-19 and the pressure it has the world looked on in caught among returning COVID-19 Response Zealand for the America’s placed on Barbadian workers. envy as New Zealanders travelers, all of whom are Minister Chris Hipkins. Cup. The issue for government is really how to bal- ance the interest of the economy with the health Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes of the nation. It ultimately come down to that. E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen The bottom line is that all Barbadians have to be Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan more responsible and that can aid the process. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Monday February 15, 2021 • 9

American Salary increases for public servants faked – covered under $10B allocation in Budget 2021, says Vice-President kidnapping, GEORGETOWN, nation is the primary ob- Jamaica Guyana – In respond- jective, the budget is also ing to claims that the aimed at ensuring that proposed 2021 budget there’s a diversified and police say does not include any resilient productive sec- KINGSTON, Jamaica – monetary incentive tor by facilitating large- The police say the claim for public servants, scale private investment made by American Vice-President, in both traditional and Kalina Collier that she Bharrat Jagdeo, has new and emerging sec- was kidnapped in affirmed that salary tors, creating 50,000 jobs Jamaica and was being increases are catered in the next five years, and trafficked by a local hotel for in this budget. promoting entrepreneur- is false, baseless and mis- The allegations that ship at the medium and chievous. the government did not small business level. The claim, initially cater for public servants Investments in critical made by Collier on social followed the presentation infrastructural projects media, has garnered sup- of the $383.1 billion and other major initia- port from numerous indi- budget by Senior tives are expected to viduals abroad, who have Minister in the Office of stimulate growth in the called for a boycott of the President with re- local economy.And, while Jamaica, after the young sponsibility for Finance, Dr. Singh has said that woman claimed that she Dr. Ashni Singh, in the the measures outlined was being held against National Assembly on in the budget will put her will. Friday. $50 billion back into the In fact, Collier’s claims Budget 2021, the coun- pockets of the average have been described as a try’s largest budget, is the Guyanese, there have ruse by the American to first full-year budget been calls for salary in- avoid quarantine, after presented by the People’s creases for public ser- testing positive for Progressive Party/Civic vants, something which COVID-19. (PPP/C) administration has been catered for in The police said on since being elected to of- the budget. arrival in Jamaica the fice in August 2020. It is Vice-President Jagdeo JetBlue employee tested $53.5 billion larger than said that over $10B has positive for the COVID- Budget 2020 and $46 been budgeted in the esti- Guyana’s Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo. 19 virus and was placed billion higher than the mates under the head, in isolation, in keeping Central Government’s “revision of wages and to make Guyana an eco- creating jobs for mean- tomorrow,” he reasoned, with Jamaica’s COVID- total expenditure for salaries”. nomic powerhouse, where ingful and rewarding noting that foremost 19 prevention protocols. 2020. “A huge part of that every single Guyanese employment. amongst these will be “She remains in isola- The aim of this budget, sum will go towards person can live, learn, “It also requires the technical and technology- tion and awaits medical as outlined by Dr. Singh, salary increase for public work, and retire in dig- cultivation of conditions based skills. clearance to be able to is to keep the population sector workers,” he said. nity and comfort; where conducive to the emer- The senior minister travel back home,” the po- safe from the novel coro- The Guyana Chronicle national prosperity is a gence of a dynamic said it requires all of the lice said in a statement. navirus (COVID-19) pan- understands that previ- reality, and where indi- entrepreneurial and other prerequisites to im- In the meantime, the po- demic, containing further ous PPP/C Governments vidual prosperity is a small business sector. prove quality of life being lice said representatives spread, treating those are known for setting realistic prospect for all Additionally, it requires in place, including world- from the Ministry of who are infected, provid- aside a “lump sum” of who are prepared to in- an education sector that class healthcare facilities Health and Wellness, the ing vaccines as soon as money, which is later vest the required effort. equips all of our people, and programmes to nur- Jamaica Tourist Board they become available, used to provide salary in- “The achievement of including those seeking ture the most vulnerable and the local police have and reopening the econ- creases and other mone- that objective requires a alternative pathways members of society, as been in contact with omy progressively, and tary incentives. broad-based resilient pro- to work, with the skills well as facilities and pro- Collier’s mother, who ar- then fully when it is safe Specific provisions ductive sector, including that they need to play grammes to encourage rived in Jamaica after to do so. aside, the PPP/C’s plan, vibrant industrial and meaningful roles in the and promote the talents her daughter. While protecting the according to Dr. Singh, is manufacturing sectors, economy of today and of of young people “She was visited by the local police on Saturday, February 13 and she is J’ca passes 19,000 mark with 205 new COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths not, nor was she at any time, in any danger,” the KINGSTON, Jamaica – country also recorded two and St.Andrew and an 80- tion. Trelawny, St. Mary (eight statement said. Jamaica has surpassed additional virus related year-old from Portland. The cases were re- each), Hanover (six), The police warned per- 19,000 cases of COVID- deaths, pushing the death Of the 205 newly re- corded in St. Catherine Portland (two), and sons to desist from shar- 19, as 205 new cases were toll to 374. ported cases, there were (51), Clarendon (39), St. Ann and St. Thomas ing social media posts confirmed on Saturday. According to the 98 males and 104 females Manchester (24), (one each). claiming Collier has been The new cases bring to Ministry of Health and with ages ranging from Kingston and St. Andrew There were also 48 new kidnapped, as sharing 19,035 the total number Wellness, the deaths four to 92 years. The gen- (22), St. James (20), patient recoveries, bring- false information can of cases that have been involved two men, a 58- ders of three of the cases St. Elizabeth (14), ing the total number of constitute an offence recorded in the island.The year-old from Kingston are still under investiga- Westmoreland (nine), recoveries to 12,593. under the law.

Sunny to partly sunny with a few brief isolated light showers.

High: 6:23 a.m. and 6:27 p.m. New York: 03°C Yesterday: 0.8 mm Miami: 28°C Low: 12:08 p.m. For the month: 9.3 mm Max: 28.6°C Boston: 00°C For the year: 136.6 mm Min: 23.5°C Toronto: -04°C Montreal: -07°C London: 04°C 6:21 a.m. 6:04 p.m. 10 • Monday February 15, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Former Belize PM calls on Independent UN rights expert Biden to end Cuba embargo calls for unilateral sanctions to BELIZE CITY, Belize – The former be dropped against Venezuela prime minister of Belize, Said Musa, GENEVA, Switzerland – Amid the Douhan stressed that unilateral meas- has called on US President Joe mass migration of Venezuelans to the ures are only legal if they are authorised Biden to lift the US embargo on Caribbean, particularly Trinidad and by the UN Security Council, used as Cuba. Tobago and neighbouring South and countermeasures, or do not breach any In a recent letter,the former prime min- Central American countries, an inde- obligation of states and do not violate ister said that removing the recent desig- pendent UN human rights expert has fundamental human rights. nation and lifting the embargo will be called for unilateral sanctions to be She also said that “humanitarian ex- “acts of justice” benefiting the Spanish dropped against Venezuela. emptions are lengthy, costly, ineffective speaking Caribbean island. “The devastating effect of sanctions and inefficient”. According to Musa, the recent action imposed is multiplied by extra-territori- The independent UN human rights taken on January 11 by former US ality and over-compliance adversely expert said lack of electricity, water, President Donald Trump of placing Cuba affecting public and private sectors, fuel, food and medicine, along with the on its list of state sponsors of terrorism is Venezuela citizens, and non-governmen- departure of qualified workers – many of a matter of grave concern. tal organisations,” said Alena Douhan, whom have left the country for better Musa added that the action comes Special Rapporteur on unilateral coer- economic opportunities – are having on top of the six-decade-long blockade cive measures and human rights, at the “enormous impact over all categories against Cuba’s people and government, end of a two-week visit to Venezuela. of human rights, including the rights which continues to cause immeasurable Former Prime Minister of Belize, Said Imposed by the United States, to life, to food, to health and to develop- damage. Musa. European Union, as well as other coun- ment”. He added that Cuba is a nation of tries, Douhan said the sanctions have She called on the sanction-imposing peace. In addition, Musa invited Belizeans sparked “economic, humanitarian and countries to observe the principles and “Cuba promotes co-operation not vio- and friends across the Caribbean and development crises, devastating the en- norms of international law and reminded lence. Cuba has been a victim of terror- Central America to support his statement tire population, especially those living them that humanitarian concerns ism. Cuban professionals have been with to the US Administration “in full solidar- in extreme poverty, women, medical should always be taken into account with many nations fighting pandemic and dis- ity with the people and government of workers, individuals with life-threaten- due respect to mutual respect, solidarity, asters like Ebola, AIDS, and COVID-19.” Cuba”. ing diseases and indigenous peoples”. co-operation and multilateralism.

Alena Douhan, independent UN human rights expert. (PHOTO: CMC) Peru’s presidential election likely headed for second round, poll shows LIMA – Less than two months before mer President Alberto Fujimori. Peru’s presidential election, five candi- Left-leaning psychologist and anthro- dates have emerged in the upper tier pologist Veronika Mendoza has 8% sup- of a contest that appears headed for a port and retired military officer Daniel second round of voting, according to an Urresti has 7%. Centrist economist Julio opinion poll released on Sunday. Guzmán fell three percentage points to Support for front-runner and former 4%. soccer goalkeeper George Forsyth, of the The survey, including 1,210 respon- conservative National Restoration party, dents between February 10 and 11, had fell six percentage points to 11%, accord- a margin of error of 2.81 percentage ing to the poll. His closest rival is former points. legislator and lawyer Yonhy Lescano of The election for leader of the world’s the Popular Action party, who advanced second-largest copper producer is unpre- four notches to 10%. dictable, considering that eight weeks The survey by polling firm Ipsos Peru before the April 11 general elections, 32% and published in the newspaper El of Peruvians say they will not support Comercio. any candidate or do not know who to Right-wing presidential candidate vote for. Keiko Fujimori had 8% support in the A second round of voting will be held on survey.This is her third run for the pres- June 6 between the top two vote getters idency. She is the daughter of jailed for- if no one clinches more than 50% in April. The Barbados Advocate Monday February 15, 2021 • 11

Guinea declares new Ebola outbreak

CONAKRY – Guinea declared a new 2013-2016. It was not clear if the person buried on unlike coronavirus it is not transmitted Ebola outbreak on Sunday, as tests The seven patients fell ill with diar- Feb. 1 had also died of Ebola. She was a by asymptomatic carriers. came back positive for the virus rhoea, vomiting and bleeding after at- nurse at a local health centre who died The ministry said health workers are after at least three people died and tending a burial in Goueke sub-prefec- from an unspecified illness after being working to trace and isolate the con- four fell ill in the southeast – the ture. Those still alive have been isolated transferred for treatment to Nzerekore, tacts of the Ebola cases and will open first resurgence of the disease there in treatment centres, the health min- a city near the border with Liberia and a treatment centre in Goueke, which since the world’s worst outbreak in istry said. Ivory Coast. is less than an hour’s drive from “Faced with this situation and in Nzerekore. accordance with international health The authorities have also asked the regulations, the Guinean government World Health Organisation (WHO) for declares an Ebola epidemic,” the min- Ebola vaccines, it said. The new vac- istry said in a statement. cines have greatly improved survival The 2013-2016 outbreak of Ebola in rates in recent years. West Africa started in Nzerekore, whose “WHO is ramping up readiness & re- proximity to busy borders hampered ef- sponse efforts to this potential resur- forts to contain the virus. It went on to gence of #Ebola in West Africa, a region kill at least 11,300 people with the vast which suffered so much from Ebola in majority of cases in Guinea, Liberia and 2014,” the WHO’s Regional Director for Sierra Leone. Africa Matshidiso Moeti said on Twitter. Fighting Ebola again will place addi- The vaccines and improved treat- tional strain on health services in ments helped efforts to end the second- Guinea as they battle the coronavirus. largest Ebola outbreak on record, which Guinea, a country of around 12 million, was declared over in Democratic has so far recorded 14,895 coronavirus Republic of Congo last June after nearly infections and 84 deaths. two years and more than 2,200 deaths. The Ebola virus causes severe vomit- But on Sunday,DRC reported a fourth ing and diarrhoea and is spread through new case of Ebola in North Kivu contact with body fluids. It has a much province where a resurgence of the virus higher death rate than COVID-19, but was announced on Feb. 7.

Argentine presidential candidate Carlos Menem stands in front of a giant poster of former President Juan Domingo Peron, as he waves to thousands of followers in River Plate Stadium during the final rally of his campaign, in Buenos Aires, April 24, 2003. Flamboyant former Argentine leader Menem dies at age 90 BUENOS AIRES – Flamboyant time he dedicated to planning his bid for Argentine ex-President Carlos Menem the presidency. has died at age 90 after battling long- After his release he was re-elected term health problems, current Argentine governor two more times. President Alberto Fernandez said in a A charismatic speaker who favoured tweet on Sunday. stylish silk and linen suits, Menem saw Menem led a tabloid personal life while himself as the successor of his political he pushed Argentina to an economic mentor, Peron, who died in 1974 after re- boom, but his two-term 1989-1999 pres- turning from exile. idency crumbled under the weight of cor- While some Peronist leaders were ruption scandals and he spent years plot- trying to take the divided party down a ting an unlikely comeback. sedate middle road, Menem revived the With his black mane of hair and bushy political boss, or caudillo, origins of the grey sideburns, Menem at his peak enter- party,courting union leaders and rallying tained the Rolling Stones at his residence extreme factions from the left and the and put Argentina on the international right to win the party’s primaries in 1988. stage, sending troops to the Gulf War and Bosnia. Dirty war He won re-election after he privatised Under Menem, Argentina finally creaky state enterprises in a massive emerged from the polarisation of the transformation of Argentine institutions 1976-1983 “Dirty War” dictatorship dur- in the early 1990s and the economy flour- ing which as many as 30,000 suspected ished. dissidents were killed. He pardoned mil- But he left office under a cloud – itary chiefs and guerrilla leaders from charged with corruption and conducting both sides of the conflict. illegal arms deals in 1991 and 1995 with He inherited an economy burdened by Croatia and Ecuador. rampant inflation, and though he had Ten years later, he was cleared of the run on a populist platform, he began sell- arms smuggling charges, but Menem ing off state companies and instituting could never shake off the widely held sus- free-market reforms that transformed picion that he had been involved in shady the economy and drew praise from dealings even if he was never convicted. Washington and international lenders. The lawyer son of Syrian immigrants in He also adopted the controversial La Rioja province, 750 miles (1,200 km) one-to-one peg of the peso currency to the west of Buenos Aires, Menem became ac- dollar. tive in the Peronist party in the 1950s His policies were praised while the and 1960s and visited party founder Juan economy grew robustly in the early Peron in exile in Spain in 1964. 1990s, but he was later blamed for high He served as La Rioja’s governor from unemployment, corruption and over- 1973-1976. spending that ate away the benefits his After a 1976 military coup Menem was market-economy politics may have arrested and imprisoned for five years, a brought. 12 • Monday February 15, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

UK hits target: Gives at least 1 vaccine shot to 15 million LONDON, England – The UK govern- pressure on ministers to clarify their first shot. The figure includes most schools two weeks notice to give teachers ment said on Sunday that it reached when they will ease a lockdown im- people in the government’s top four prior- time to prepare for the return of students. its goal of giving at least one COVID- posed in early January. ity groups, including everyone over 75, Britain has reported over 117,000 19 vaccine shot to the most vulnera- More than 15 million people, or 22 per frontline healthcare workers and nursing virus-related deaths, the highest pan- ble people in the country, increasing cent of the UK population, have received home staff and residents. demic toll in Europe. “15,000,000! Amazing team,” Nadhim Mark Harper, a member of Parliament Zahawi, the vaccines minister, said in a from the ruling Conservative Party, has tweet that featured a red heart and three warned the government against “moving syringes. “We will not rest till we offer the goalposts” for deciding when to ease the vaccine to the whole of phase1 the 1- the lockdown. 9 categories of the most vulnerable & all Johnson should start by reopening over 50s by end April and then all adults.” schools, then gradually lift other restric- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tions as more people are vaccinated, said plans to unveil his roadmap for easing Harper, who leads about 70 lawmakers restrictions on February 22 amid signs who have lobbied the government to con- that infection rates, hospitalisations sider the negative economic and social and deaths have fallen sharply since impacts of the restrictions along with the England’s third national lockdown began health benefits. on January 4. “If you think about the restrictions that “This country has achieved an extraor- the government’s placed on everybody, dinary feat – administering a total of 15 they are the toughest set of restrictions million jabs into the arms of some of the that have ever been placed on the British most vulnerable people in the country,” people outside of the Second and First Johnson said in a tweet. World Wars,” Harper told the BBC.“So it’s Johnson said in England, everyone in kind of just worth stepping back a bit and the four top priority groups had been saying, ‘This isn’t normal, and it should- offered the vaccine. He plans to release n’t continue, frankly,for a moment longer further details on the vaccination effort than it’s absolutely necessary.’” on Monday. After meeting the target for reaching Jockeying has already begun between the most vulnerable people, UK authori- those who want the measures lifted as ties will progressively expand the vac- soon as possible and those who fear mov- cination drive to the next five priority ing too fast will lead to a resurgence of groups until everyone over 50 and vulner- the virus. able younger people with health condi- Britain got a head start on its vaccina- tions that put them at higher risk from tion effort in December, when it became the virus have been offered the vaccine. the first country to authorise widespread Public health officials say the top nine use of a COVID-19 shot. It ranks behind priority groups account for 99 per cent of only Israel, 71 per cent, the Seychelles, 53 the deaths caused by COVID-19 so far. per cent, and the United Arab Emirates, While the vaccines currently authorised 50 per cent in the percentage of people for use in the UK require two doses to en- who have received one dose, according to sure full protection against COVID-19, Oxford University. The US is fifth at 15 British authorities say one dose provides per cent. a significant level of protection. At the same time, coronavirus lockdown Because of this, they have made it their rules that have closed schools, restau- priority to give the first dose to as many rants and non-essential shops in the UK people as possible as quickly as possible. are starting to pay off.The number of new To do this, Britain has suggested that the infections, hospital admissions and second dose be administered after three deaths recorded over the past seven days months, instead of one month as recom- have all dropped by more than 20 per mended by the manufacturers. cent from the previous week. Jeremy Farrar,director of the Wellcome When Johnson announced the lock- Trust health think tank, said the number down, he said the government would re- of COVID-19 infections in Britain is still view the measures in mid-February based too high to think about lifting the restric- on their success in controlling the pan- tions. demic and progress in the vaccination ef- “We’ve made enormous progress … but fort. Johnson’s first priority is to reopen the transmission is incredibly high still schools, and he has promised to give and we’ve got to get it lower,” he said.

Rabbi Bieberfeld receives a dose coronavirus vaccine at the John Scott Vaccination Centre in London, on Saturday, February 13, 2021. (PHOTO: AP)

Barbados Advocate

February 15, 2021 IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS DO BUSINESS CIBC FCIB: GOOD RESPONSE TO ONLINE OFFERINGS AS CIBC challenges to “our people, processes while reducing The CEO further ex- FirstCaribbean our clients and our re- paper, the CEO said: “We plained that building on International Bank gion”. saw a strong response their leading online continues to roll out That period saw CIBC from clients, driven in Banking and Mobile App its digital and online FCIB introducing Digital part by the pandemic, to for personal banking banking platforms, it Client on boarding, which our efforts to help them clients, they have is seeing some very allows clients to apply to switch from cheques to launched an upgraded favourable responses open accounts, submit more efficient and timely Corporate Online from customers. supporting documenta- electronic payment solu- Banking. “This new plat- News of this has come tion online and dramati- tions.” form delivers an im- from Ms. Colette Delaney, cally reduce the time “We have also started proved client experience,” the bank’s CEO, who re- spent in branches for ac- to automate mundane, according to her. CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank CEO, called that 2020 was a count opening. It also saw repetitive, error-prone Referring to the six- Ms. Colette Delaney. year of transformation at the bank offering some operational processes to month moratoria on the financial institution, moratoria to clients on improve efficiency and to loans and the three- many clients have re- extended offer, as “we which has assets of bil- payments with loans and allow employees to spend month ones on credit card sumed repaying their continue to work to help lions of dollars. credit cards. more of their time fo- payments, Ms. Delaney loans. Some clients how- them resume servicing She said that last year Noting that they have cused on clients,” she re- said that those initia- ever, have opted to take their credit card obliga- brought unprecedented continued to simplify ported. tives have ended and that advantage of the Bank’s tions”.

CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank’s Broad Street branch. 2 • Monday February 15, 2021 Business Monday

Business Monday Monday February 15, 2021 • 3 No official figure on rate of unemployment in Barbados THERE is still no rate of unemployment was to the lockdown in early However, Haynes indi- official word as to how put to Governor of the 2020 to deal with the cated that unemployment many persons in Central Bank of Barbados, outbreak of COVID-19. will remain elevated for Barbados are unem- Cleviston Haynes, at “I am unable to give you much of 2021 because of ployed, or better yet, his last review on the an official figure but I am the circumstances in the rate of unemploy- performance of the econ- led to believe that the BSS which the country is ment in the country. omy for 2020. will shortly be making an operating. Scores of Barbadians The Barbados Statistical announcement on the un- “Clearly if there is a have lost their jobs in the Service (BSS) is responsi- employment rate,” Haynes faster return to normal ac- wake of the agreement ble for compiling data remarked. tivity and that will be in the country has with the on employment/unemploy- According to him, “un- the second half of the International Monetary ment through its regular employment is a technical year rather than in the Fund (IMF), and the household sample surveys. concept which they have first half, then we will subsequent impact from On the occasion of the to measure and there were see some ease in the the COVID-19 pandemic. review, Haynes told the some difficulties with the unemployment situation,” This had resulted in the media that it is difficult to surveys during the lock he added. unemployment benefit say where unemployment down period and they are All the economic sectors scheme of the National will go depending on how working to get up to speed have registered big Insurance Department protracted the lock downs with the rate. I believe slowdowns in 2020 with having to pay out millions are. they will be able to tell us the possible exception of of dollars in benefits to the “We had a big spike in in the next few days what non-sugar agriculture unemployed. unemployment last year,” the level of unemployment which was higher at Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, The question about the he said while referring it.” two per cent. Cleviston Haynes.

Ambassador: Find common ground concerning SP&T proposals

FOR years Barbados, tions to “show flexibility” merely to build on them. building programmes, The negotiations taking discussions, both formal the Caribbean and the and “find a new approach” Arguing that trade is not creating commercially place in the special and informal, have been vast number of developing in discussing the propos- a zero sum game, Clarke meaningful export oppor- session of the Trade and conducted by successive countries have been als on the table in a series said that Barbados will tunities, and ensuring that Development Committee chairs. Ambassador pushing the idea of of meetings over the seek nothing that takes governments can pursue are mandated by Hassan announced that a Special and Differential coming weeks. away something from policies to meet their Paragraph 44 of the Doha further four meetings Treatment (SP&T) at the SP&T has long been on other developing coun- development objectives. Ministerial Declaration, would be held on this World Trade Organization the agenda on the WTO tries. While some members which has been guiding theme in the coming (WTO). Doha Trade Round, offer- Under current discus- expressed support for the the WTO’s development weeks.The next meeting However, at a meeting ing special treatment to sion at the WTO are G90 proposals, others work over the last is tentatively scheduled on February 8, 2021, the small countries while ten agreement-specific reiterated concerns previ- 20 years. Extensive for February 22. Chair of the trade and allowing them longer proposals tabled by ously discussed in the development negotiations, phased-in periods to the WTO G90 group of committee. It was also Ambassador Kadra implement WTO agree- developing countries and stressed that reforms and BANK RATES Ahmed Hassan of ments. least-developed countries capacity-building pro- Dijbouti, encouraged WTO It will be recalled that in (LDCs) in March 2020 to grammes can help Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of members to find common a paper the then Barbados strengthen existing special developing countries meet business on Friday by the Central Bank of Barbados. ground on strengthening Ambassador to Geneva, and differential provisions their trade-related and special treatment for Trevor Clarke, Barbados and make them more development objectives. Valid for February 15, 2021 developing countries. The was not seeking to min- precise, effective and “Finding a way forward Notes: Chair called on delega- imise the proposals but operational. Over 100 on these issues will be a Currency Buying Selling provisions exist in major contribution to Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 the WTO’s agreements efforts to make the Canadian Dollar 1.55445 1.60043 and decisions, including WTO a more relevant East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 flexibilities such as longer and resilient organiza- Euro 2.37421 2.47419 transition periods for tion,” the Chair said. Pound Sterling 2.71416 2.82844 developing countries to im- Despite a continued United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 plement agreements and “feeling of disappoint- Demand/Sight: the right to impose higher ment” expressed by Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 import tariffs. certain WTO members, Canadian Dollar 1.56331 1.59903 “The COVID-19 crisis the Chair encouraged East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 reveals that effective and delegations to continue Euro 2.40905 2.45883 operational special and sharing experiences on Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 differential treatment pro- how special and differen- Pound Sterling 2.75398 2.81089 visions are much more tial treatment is imple- United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 than a negotiation tool mented and on the Telegraphic Transfer that allows levelling the challenges encountered. Currency Buying Selling playing field or support to She underlined the posi- Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 our rightful development tive spillover effect that Canadian Dollar 1.56627 1.59903 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 aspirations,” said South these negotiations could Euro 2.41358 2.45883 Africa on behalf of the have on other WTO nego- Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 G90 at the meeting. tiations: “If progress can Pound Sterling 2.75916 2.81089 According to the propo- be made in our work in the United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 nents, the aim of the Committee, this can have proposals is the effective a positive impact on other INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL implementation of existing discussions taking place in CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE special and differential the WTO which are also RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS treatment provisions, concerned with issues N.B.: These rates are not meant to be used for trading. including by setting imple- relating to special and dif- BDS$ Guyana Dollar 0.00945 mentation timelines, ferential treatment and Jamaica Dollar 0.01336 Chair of the trade and development negotiations, guaranteeing technical the development dimen- T&T Dollar 0.29680 Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan of Dijbouti. assistance and capacity- sion of the WTO’s work.” 4 • Monday February 15, 2021 Business Monday

EDITOR’S How can the USVI energize NOTEBOOK CARICOM?

“He that hath ears to response to the COVID-19 hear, let him hear.” - pandemic and the success- Matthew 11:15 ful crisis communications In tribute protocol. THE Caribbean is a multi- Compared to the USVI, cultural, multiethnic, mul- CARICOM countries are tireligious, multilingual much more vulnerable to region. the lack of access to mar- to the late The Caribbean kets for locally produced Community and Common goods and services. There Market (CARICOM-1973) is also a paucity of funding was initially a group of for- is part of the Caribbean support programmes. for structural adjustment, Alec Waithe mer British colonies. brand, which constitutes There are few,if any,trade stabilization and economic Today, CARICOM’s mem- cultural diversity, agricul- barriers between the growth, which the region bership and associate tural history, warm USVI and the U.S. main- needs to produce a better TODAY this column pays tribute to the late Alec membership includes weather,tourism, oil refin- land as the islands are on quality of life for their cit- Waithe, who passed away on January 31, this Suriname, Haiti, and the ing, English language, the U.S. soil. izens and residents. year, and who has been a friend of The Dominican Republic. Blue Economy, soccer, The USVI pre-COVID- So what are the opportu- Barbados Advocate and the Business The islands of St. Croix, American football, base- 19 Gross Domestic nities for mutually benefi- Monday. St. John and St. Thomas ball, basketball, and Product per capita is at cial collaboration between Waithe became an acquaintance from the first remained under Danish cricket. In many ways, the least double that of CARI- the USVI and CARI- meeting at a 4-H awards ceremony at the St. rule until 1917.They were USVI is a microcosm of the COM countries. COM? Christopher School. That ceremony was put to- then purchased by the Caribbean as a whole,a In the COVID-19 dis- The “low hanging fruit” gether by Wayne Morris. He was presented with United States and became veritable melting pot pensation, the USVI are (1) Education and an award for the advice he gave and the support the U.S. Virgin Islands where countless residents Department of Tourism training – partnerships be- rendered to several of the participants. He also (USVI), a territory of the of CARICOM countries and Department of Health tween the University of underscored the contribution which Morris con- United States. have made their homes implemented a crisis com- the West Indies and the tinued to make to the 4-H Movement in The majority black pop- and raised families for munications protocol to fa- University of the Virgin Barbados. To this day Morris remains a stalwart ulation of approximately generations. It is not at all cilitate the seamless and Islands); (2) Tourism – em- of the 4-H Movement even as he resides in 110,000 people mirrors unusual to meet safe travel of tourists from bracing, enhancing and Canada where Waithe also lived – Waithe lived that of most of the former Vincentians, St. Lucians, the mainland to the benefitting from the work between St. Lawrence, Christ Church (Barbados) British CARICOM coun- Dominicans and many Territory. already done by the and Canada. tries, blended with a other nationalities living, Caribbean Journal, a Caribbean Tourism A very friendly and easy-going individual, Puerto Rican and Hispanic working or playing in the leading digital travel news Organization and the Waithe was full of praise for the Advocate news- cultural influence. There USVI. publication focusing on the Caribbean Hotel and papers and never hesitated to help up to connect are Diasporic linkages on The USVI has its own region, recognized the Tourism Association; (3) to activities taking place in Canada. He loved en- the U.S. mainland and internal self-government, USVI as Caribbean Food – mobilizing a tertainment and would keep up abreast with strong family ties between persons born there are US, Destination of the Year for Caribbean Food Barbadian entertainers when they performed the people of CARICOM, citizens, its currency is the its continued popularity, Revolution U.S. market- either in the USA or in Canada. the wider Caribbean, and U.S. dollar, and the an early-2020 campaign to pull initiative for We will miss Alec Waithe for his sterling con- the people of the USVI. Territory benefits from spotlight the island of St. Caribbean countries to tribution to life and to others. May he rest in The U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. federal government Croix, the swift and agile supply products to the U.S. peace and rise in glory. market; (4) Entrepreneurship – ra- tionalization of the vari- ous initiatives in CARI- COM and the USVI; (5) Cricket – a stronger bond between the USVI cricket authorities and Cricket West Indies; and (6) Oil re- fining given Guyana is one of the newest petroleum- producing regions in the world. The way forward to ex- plore how the USVI could energize CARICOM would be to convene a CARI- • Barbados Water Authority’s COM-USVI summit based on the tenets of the series of Town Hall meetings Commonwealth will continue tomorrow. Partnership for Technology Management smart partnership move- ment, albeit in a virtual • The current lockdown intro- environment. duced to slow the rise in For those who may think this is a pie-in-the-sky pipe COVID-19 cases should end in dream, how about one another two days. CARICOM country at a time partnering with the USVI in mutually agreed sectors? • Shareholders of Cave Remember that iron Shepherd are to receive a sharpens iron, and noth- ing ventured means noth- dividend on February 19. ing gained. Now,those that have ears to hear,let them hear. Business Monday Monday February 15, 2021 • 5

Being prepared, taking risks key ONE year ago this ties. wisely from his earned will set you apart from the still offering interest on fessionals concerning the month, February 2020, Many persons lost their monies through the years persons who was always yearly Term deposits and vaccines; we await the ad- the Barbados economy jobs or witnessed a reduc- that will have erected a delinquent in setting aside Premier Savings plans. vice from our leaders and was beginning to make tion in income across the cushion to soften the im- any portion of his salary in I advocate caution in economists and the private some rebound from the board, resulting in high un- pact of a financial blow. times past. these times but it’s the sector concerning further economic slump of the employment. That person is more re- The Fortress Fund ones who are willing to lockdowns and curfews.We previous ten years. With the number of lay- silient when they experi- Market, through its take risks that will see the also await the compliance The new Government offs skyrocketing, many ence a loss of income or Caribbean Growth Fund, benefits. of the public to the proto- had entered an agree- folks turned to self employ- a reduction in salary. its Caribbean High This year 2021 may not cols implemented to keep ment with the Inter- ment by opening their own Having financial reserves Interest Fund and its be a good year for us to see all of us safe. While we do national Monetary businesses from their in the bank, credit union, Caribbean Pension Fund growth in the economy be- all these things we pray to Fund (IMF), and homes selling items of food insurance company or is still witnessing slight cause of the proliferation Almighty God for healing also introduced the and other produce.As I tra- other financial institutions, growth in these turbulent of the coronavirus and the and protection for our Barbados Economic verse the island daily,I see money invested in stocks, times because of its out- virtual unknown of the country. Recovery and Transfor- lots of business activity on mutual funds, property or reach into the global mar- variants. We await the ad- (Article submitted by G mation (BERT) pro- our highways.Vending had other forms of investments ket. The credit unions are vice from the health pro- Leroy Straker) gramme, amongst other seen increased numbers measures to stabilize and small entrepreneurs the economy. can be seen selling items The masses were gener- like coconut water, water- ally satisfied that the gov- melons, and fruits and veg- ernment was doing a fine etables at competitive job. We had also looked rates. forward to the return of Because of the contrac- many of our citizens and tion in the economy, the friends to Barbados from masses have less dispos- the diaspora with our able income and spending Vision 2020, which was a is down. year long celebration from The National Insurance month to month through Scheme (NIS) made mil- all eleven parishes, culmi- lions of dollars in payout of nating in November. severance and unemploy- Projections for tourism ment benefits to workers and other indicators had during the period. Job looked very promising. losses reached a record But in March 2020 we high of approximately had an unwelcome visitor 40 000 persons. These to our shores called workers came from almost COVID-19 that suddenly every sector in the job mar- changed the outlook for ket, but hardest hit was the lives and livelihood on the tourism sector like hotels entire country. and restaurants, construc- This monster coron- tion, retail and the manu- avirus, which is believed facturing sectors. originated in China, en- COVID-19 had dealt an veloped our little island uppercut like a boxer’s and quickly disrupted our punch to the heart of the lives, even causing death. economy. It has caused Growth is critical for the sickness and death and stability of the island and continues till today to any growth was stunted. strike with venom. All through the year we I have travelled across witnessed massive loss of the length and breath of jobs through closure of this island since 1996 con- businesses, large, medium ducting personal finance and small. The tourist in- seminars to schools, dustry was brought to a service clubs, community sudden halt as aeroplanes centres, and church organ- reduced their frequency of isations, alerting folks visits and cruise passen- about the neccessity to gers were stuck on oceans save and protect their in cruise vessels all across hard-earned dollars.I the globe. In other words, have written two books tourism, which is the back- on money management – bone of the Barbadian “Money Talks..Listen and economy, had been heavily “Life is full of difficult deci- impacted by the cessation sions..Make them”. In of cruise ships to the is- these books I have empha- land. Our tourist industry sized what I refer to as a was decimated. money plan. I have ex- Government then had panded on the Laws of to concentrate on the re- wealth – this is the earn- construction of health fa- ing, saving, spending and cilities to house persons investing law. These laws who were affected by the when enacted will work coronavirus. Health care wonders for your financial professionals including life and bring you some doctors, nurses, laboratory success. technicians, orderlies, food When financial hard handlers and maintenance times come, and they will personnel were busy look- come from time to time,it ing after sick folks in quar- is the wise person who antine and isolation facili- saved, spent and invested 6 • Monday February 15, 2021 Business Monday

Beyond sun, sand and sea – Part 1 By Chelcee Brathwaite cessive energy and water Developing an inclusive, sustainable & resilient tourism sector in Barbados usage, etc.). However, BARBADOS’ tropical if developed correctly, temperatures, year- by COVID-19, which vir- sources of leakage in tourism can contribute to round sunshine and tually halted the industry Barbados’ tourism sector, SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, award-winning in 2020, with arrivals not SRC TRADING THOUGHTS and then, where possible 14, 15, etc. For example, beaches undeniably yet normalising. A snap- develop the local capacity initiatives like the UN- create a natural com- shot of the initial impact Plug leaks by creating mestic resource con- to plug these leaks. ESCO World Heritage parative advantage according to Minister linkages straints, but where possi- Leveraging the research Sites exist to preserve his- luring millions of Caddle stated that, “By When assessing tourism ble, strong domestic link- capacity of The UWI, and toric attractions (Historic tourists. Recording its early March 2020, rev- as a local development op- ages must be forged to stimulating entrepre- Bridgetown and its third consecutive year enues in the sector fell to tion, economists warn of counteract any avoidable neurship, through inno- Garrison). The Barbados of growth in stayover zero […] Between March the high associated eco- leakage. This requires vative finance mecha- Tourism Development arrivals, Barbados 23rd and April 23rd, un- nomic leakage. Economic greater integration of nisms and supporting Act, encourages sustain- welcomed 680,269 employment claims rose leakage occurs when local goods and services regulatory frameworks, able tourism investment stayover visitors and by about 24,500.” The full money leaves an economy, within the tourism value can greatly assist here. by offering incentives to 614,933 cruise passen- impact remains un- representing revenue lost. chain, as envisioned projects which conserve gers in 2018, according known, but certainly, the To conceptualise this phe- within the Barbados Align tourism with the natural resources and use to the BTMI’s latest an- consequences are far- nomenon, consider the Tourism Master Plan sdgs environmentally friendly nual report. reaching. cross-cutting activities in- 2014-2023. Although included as products. The Barbados Tourism, Barbados’ The silver lining, how- volved in delivering a The tourism-agricul- targets in the United Employment and biggest foreign exchange ever, is the opportunity tourism product (trans- ture nexus is the ‘poster Nations’ (UN’s) Sus- Sustainable Trans- earner, on average ac- presented for tourism to portation, accommoda- child’ for inter-sectoral tainable Development formation Plan (BEST) is counted for 39% of total reinvent itself as more tion, entertainment, food, linkages. Agriculture pro- Goals (SDGs), specifically set to transform the GDP, 38.9% of total em- inclusive, sustainable, etc.), and the extent to vides the tourism indus- under Goals 8 (Decent sector by “committing to ployment and 40.5% of and resilient. Building which these goods and try with resources for Work and Economic greening through water total exports, between upon measures by the services are provided food consumption, and a Growth), 12 (Responsible conservation and water 2014-2018, according to Barbados Government, through domestic suppli- background for attrac- Consumption and harvesting measures, and an IDB report. this SRC Trading ers. Polly Pattullo, author tions (agrotourism). Production) and 14 (Life the installation of renew- Classed among the Thoughts proposes rec- of Last Resorts: The Cost Strengthening this type Below Water), research able energy capacity” most tourism-dependent ommendations for trans- of Caribbean Tourism, of inter-sectoral linkage, suggests that tourism can as outlined in Prime nations of the world forming the tourism found that for every dollar can stimulate local pro- potentially contribute Minister Mottley’s recent (ranking 14th/166 coun- sector, responding to earned from tourists, duction, retain greater to all 17 of the SDGs. throne speech. tries in the IDB’s tourism Minister Cummins’ call 70 cents is lost importing tourism earnings locally, However, the sector has Going forward, joining dependency index), for a new “inclusive and goods and services. and improve wealth dis- not been positioned to the WTO’s negotiations Barbados is reeling from sustainable” tourism Certainly,some leakage is tribution, especially if contribute to sustainable on the Environmental the blow dealt to tourism product for Barbados. unavoidable due to do- those in rural communi- development. Goods Agreement (EGA), ties are able to partici- Economic wise, the which eliminates tariffs pate. WTTC noted that, “de- on environment-related The Coco Hill and spite the impressive products, can encourage Ocean Spray Agro-forest growth statistics, tourism eco-friendly imports. Project developed in in the Caribbean is not Increasing the visibility of Barbados by Mahmood doing as much as it could incentives under the Patel is a tangible exam- to relieve existing prob- Barbados Tourism ple of the tourism-agricul- lems of unemployment, Development Act and the ture nexus. This project, poverty and social dislo- BEST programme, while comprising a 53-acre cation.” The diversity of expanding their scope to agrotourism rainforest, players involved in the target the entire tourism offers guided tours and tourism value chain, and ecosystem, can holisti- supplies food to the resort. the fact that the con- cally promote sustainable To develop such linkages sumer comes to the pro- tourism. Developing eco- on a wider scale, several ducer, creates several friendly tourism products underlying challenges opportunities for local en- like agrotourism and need to be addressed, in- trepreneurs and SMEs to coral-reef restoration cluding “low productivity participate in this global tours can attract the and information asymme- market. Encouraging for- growing segment of try regarding the food eign-owned hotels, air- highly ‘sustainable intelli- standards required by lines, and tour companies gent’ tourists. Applying hotel and restaurant to make use of local re- Ellen McArthur Foun- chains, cruise ships and sources and talent and dation’s three principles the yachting sector”, as avoiding supply-side in- of the circular economy the FAO highlighted in its centives that create a (designing out waste and report. race-to-the bottom, will be pollution, keeping prod- Other inter-sectoral beneficial here. Such op- ucts and materials in use, linkages should also be portunities can contribute and regenerating natural pursued. Consider to SDGs 1, 4, 8, 10, etc. systems) can help balance strengthening relation- Streamlining the partici- the sector’s economic de- ships between the manu- pation of economically velopment with environ- facturing and tourism disadvantaged groups mental and resource pro- sectors, where locally into the tourism sector tection. manufactured goods are will require greater col- (Chelcee Brathwaite used to furnish hotels. laboration and organiza- is a trade researcher Consider improving links tion, innovative financing with the Shridath between artists and mechanisms, skills train- Ramphal Centre for tourism markets, allow- ing workshops, quality as- International Trade ing local artistic content surance and compliance Law, Policy & Services to be naturally embedded certifications, and other of The University of the into the tourism product. supporting frameworks. West Indies, Cave Hill. Consider bringing local From an environmental Learn more about the (tech) entrepreneurs on perspective, tourism is SRC at www.shri- board to modernize the often criticized for its neg- dathramphalcentre. sector. ative contributions (large com.) Moving forward, first carbon footprint, habitat concretely identify the degradation, pollution, ex- (To be continued) Business Monday Monday February 15, 2021 • 7 Morgan Stanley may bet on bitcoin in $150 billion unit A $150 billion Morgan marquee Wall Street Stanley investing arm is name behind a volatile considering adding asset class that’s still Bitcoin to its list of possi- struggling to win accept- ble bets. ance in much of the tradi- Counterpoint Global is tional financial industry. exploring whether the But a four-fold jump in cryptocurrency would be four months has stoked a suitable option for its in- customers’ interest, mak- vestors, according to peo- ing the digital asset even ple with knowledge of the harder to ignore. matter. As of Sunday morning Morgan Stanley’s affir- in New York, Bitcoin was mation would put the heft within 2% of crossing a of an almost-century-old $50,000 milestone.

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline February 12, 2021

There was no trading today on the Regular Market.

Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $20.12 20.14 $0.02 SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Friday February 12, 2021

LAST TRADE VOLUME HIGH LOW LAST CURRENT PRICE BID ASK BID ASK DATE CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE PRICE PRICE SIZE SIZE INDICES ABV Investments Incorporated 15-Oct-20 - - - $0.05 $0.05 - $0.02 $0.30 8,080 10,498 TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES February 12, 2021 February 11, 2021 BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 70 - Local 2,445.89 2,445.87 0.02 Cross-list 933.43 933.43 - Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - Composite 595.98 595.97 0.01 Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) Barbados Farms Limited 22-Jan-21 - - - $0.40 $0.40 - $0.35 $0.40 1,000 6,561 TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES February 12, 2021 February 11, 2021 Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 28-Jan-21 - - - $4.10 $4.10 - - $4.10 - 1,100 Local 4,916.19 4,916.14 0.04 Cross-list 119.19 119.19 - FirstCaribbean International Bank 05-Feb-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - $1.80 $2.00 239 707 Composite 5,035.38 5,035.33 0.04

Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 05-Feb-21 - - - $0.16 $0.16 - - $0.16 - 10,146 MUTUAL FUND - Dev Fund February 12, 2021 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 18-Dec-20 - - - $0.57 $0.57 - $0.55 $0.57 1,600 7,427 CHANGE -Value Fund 05-Feb-21 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2028 0.0124 05-Feb-21 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2678 0.0002 Goddard Enterprises Limited 11-Feb-21 - - - $2.16 $2.16 - $2.15 $2.20 5,975 5,880 05-Feb-21 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6730 -0.0003 05-Feb-21 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.5471 6.5471 6.5471 0.0627 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 22-Jan-21 - - - $2.00 $2.00 - $1.78 $2.00 78 9,700 05-Feb-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.1010 0.0008 05-Feb-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0227 0.0003 One Caribbean Media Limited 27-Jan-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - - $1.80 - 375 31-Jan-21 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.5698 5.5698 5.4584 -0.0020 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - -- $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 31-Jan-21 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0241 1.0241 1.0036 0.0000 31-Jan-21 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6429 1.6429 1.6100 -0.0006 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - -- $2.80 $2.80 - - - -- 12-Feb-21 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.78 0.03 12-Feb-21 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.70 0.03 West India Biscuit Company Limited 05-Feb-21 - - - $31.55 $31.55 - $31.25 $31.40 100 500 12-Feb-21 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 2.78 0.03 * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $20.12 $20.14 $0.02 $30.00 - 50 - NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE - FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD ENTRY COSTS. m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly

* = Security is Trading X-Div Fixed Income Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask *+* = Security is Suspended Date Close Close Price Price Size Size ** = Rights Issued GOB Series B 11-Feb-21 $60.00 $60.00 $60.00 $80.00 31,011 34,828 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $70.00 19,617 NOTICES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS BSE NOTICES

West India Biscuit Company Limited - Directors have fixed January 7th, 2021 as the record date for the TRADING SUSPENSION determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on February 12th, 2021. The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the FirstCaribbean International Bank - Directors have fixed February 1st, 2021 as the record date for the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on March 12th, 2021. The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the DIVIDEND DECLARATION Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited were suspended effective December 10th, Cave Shepherd and Company Limited – Directors have declared a final dividend of five ($0.05) cents per 2019. share to be paid on February 19th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on February 5th, 2021. The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Emera Deposit Receipt - Directors have declared a cash dividend of sixty-three point seven five (CDN Arrangement effected by way of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer $0.6375) cents per common share to be paid on February 16th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest of business on February 2nd, 2021. Registered holders of depositary receipts ("Depositary Receipts") Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited. issued pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated February 2nd, 2016 among Emera, the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. and registered and beneficial holders of depositary receipts from time to time, are entitled to receive, in proportion to the number of Depositary Receipts held by them, respectively, a distribution in the amount of any cash received by the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. (net of any applicable withholding taxes) in connection with the Dividend (the "Distribution"). Barbados Advocate

IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS DO BUSINESS Disposable income takes a hit THE contraction in impact of economic down- hard times come, and the Barbados economy turns. they will come from has eroded the disposable The contraction has time to time, it is the per- income of several Bar- resulted in high unem- son who had saved, in- badians. ployment forcing persons vested and spent wisely So said author and to turn to the National that will have a cushion Business Analyst, George Insurance Scheme for em- to soften the financial Straker, while suggesting ployment benefits and blow. that people look to save severance payments. According to him, or invest some of their According to him, job “Having funds in the earnings in these trying losses reached a record banks, credit unions and economic times. high of approximately in stocks and mutual In a statement to 40 000 drawn from across funds will set you apart Business Monday, almost all of the island’s from others who do not Straker, who has au- economic sectors. To him, have those assets.” thored books on money the hardest hit sector was (See also Page 5 for matters while also host- tourism. Straker’s full com- ing events dealing with Advising persons to ments). investments, said returns save or invest wherever from those strategies help possible, Straker rea- Author and Business people to cushion the soned that when financial Analyst, George Straker. SUGAR OUTPUT UNCERTAIN THE jury is still out in relation to the volume of sugar Barbados can expect from this year’s cane crop. Stakeholders are hop- ing to have the crop started at least by the end of this month, once cer- tain loose ends dealing with negotiations on be- half of sugar workers and other preparations are sorted out, the Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir was quoted in the media as saying. The Minister, along with officials from Barbados Farms Limited (BFL), the Barbados Agricultural Manage- ment Company and the Barbados Sugar Industry Limited, are expecting a bigger sugar output. In previous interviews, both Edward Clarke of BFL and Mark Sealey of the BSIL, said they were hoping for more sugar this year when compared to a year ago. This initial projection Estimates suggest that close to 10 000 tonnes of sugar were produced last year. stemmed from the excess rainfall which took place year. canes supplied to the lone for a long time, the These conditions, it was to one tonne of sugar. in Barbados in 2020, and However, as was sugar factory at Portvale, amount it was costing pointed out, are ideal for “This can only be im- support the cane farmers indicated to Business St. James, as well as the the country to produce harvesting. Currently, it proved once cane quality received from govern- Monday recently, produc- dry and favourable condi- sugar was higher than is still taking Barbados is better, the factory is op- ment. tion efficiencies are nec- tions currently prevail- what it was obtaining between 10 and 12 tonnes erating at full capacity, Estimates suggest that essary to bring produc- ing. from the sale of sugar per of canes to make a tonne and conditions are ideal close to 10 000 tonnes of tion up to higher levels, Barbados is considered tonne to the European of sugar.Years ago it used for harvesting,” according sugar were produced last along with higher quality a high cost producer and Union. to be eight tonnes of cane to an analyst.

Printed and Published by ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC. Fontabelle, St. Michael. Telephone 467-2000, Fax 434-2020/434-1000 The Barbados Advocate Monday February 15, 2021 • 13

1,000 clubbers defy COVID ban in Serbia Germany partially BELGRADE, Serbia – Around 1,000 par- seven million rarely exceed a few dozen tygoers were caught at a Belgrade night- participants. club flouting anti-virus restrictions in Serbia’s cafes and restaurants must Serbia, which has banned gatherings of close at 8 p.m. closes borders more than five people, the interior min- A health ministry official said the au- istry said on Sunday. thorities have carried out around 275,000 Three suspected organisers were held checks of restaurants since the start of for 48 hours, the ministry said in a state- the pandemic, imposing fines totalling ment.A report on RTS television said the 79 million dinars (more than 670,000 despite EU criticism three faced a fine as well as possible jail euros, US$750,000). terms of up to three years. Serbia has recorded more than 4,200 KIEFERSFELDEN, Germany – At the German-Czech border crossing Flouting of the measures is fairly reg- deaths from COVID-19 from around Germany partially closed its bor- in Bad Gottleuba, a police spokesman ular,but parties in the Balkan country of 420,000 infections. ders with the Czech Republic and said the checks had caused waiting Austria’s Tyrol on Sunday over a times of around one hour. Traffic is ex- troubling surge in coronavirus pected to be heavier from Monday, he mutations, earning a swift rebuke added. from the European Union. By Sunday afternoon, German police A thousand police officers were mo- had checked more than 1,700 vehicles bilised to ensure strict border checks, a and denied entry to more than 500. reminder of the much-criticised early days of the pandemic when EU coun- ‘Enough’ tries hastily closed their frontiers to each The European Commission, eager to other. avoid a return to go-it-alone pandemic At the Kiefersfelden crossing in south- responses, condemned Germany’s bor- ern Bavaria, masked officers in yellow der curbs. high-visibility jackets were out in sub- “The fear of the coronavirus mutations zero temperatures, stopping each vehicle is understandable,” EU Health coming from Austria. Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told Under the new rules, only Germans or Germany’s Augsburger Allgemeine non-German residents are allowed newspaper. through. “But the truth is that the virus cannot Exceptions are made for essential be stopped by closed borders,” she said, workers in sectors such as health and adding that vaccines and following hy- transport, as well as for urgent human- giene precautions were “the only things itarian reasons, the German interior that work”. ministry said. Everyone must be able to “I think it’s wrong to return to a provide a recent negative coronavirus Europe with closed borders like we had test. in March 2020,” she added. Among those turned back was German Interior Minister Horst Austrian driver Irene, who said she Seehofer rebuffed the criticism. would now have to make an hours-long “That’s enough now,” he told the top- detour. selling Bild daily. The EU “has made “I only wanted to drive through enough mistakes” with its sluggish Germany to go to Vienna,” she told AFP. vaccine rollout, he said. “The EU “This is a catastrophe, I have a dog in the Commission should support us... instead car who is 15 years old... I don’t know the of putting stones in our path.” way and I don’t have GPS.” German Health Minister Jens Spahn Austrian Interior Minister Karl said he backed a “border-free Europe”. Nehammer said it was “absolutely unac- “But there are times in a pandemic ceptable” that drivers were barred from when you must make these decisions for using a shortcut through Germany to everyone’s safety and health,” he told travel from one Austrian region to an- the Sueddeutsche newspaper. other. German rail company Deutsche Bahn Germany says the restrictions are has suspended services to and from the aimed at slowing the spread of more con- affected areas. tagious variants that first emerged in At Frankfurt airport, the country’s Britain and South Africa, and have cre- largest, federal police were checking ated new virus hotspots along the Czech passengers arriving from Vienna and border and in Austria’s Tyrol region. Prague.

A car drives along a deserted highway next to the border crossing between Austria and Germany, near the southern German village of Kiefersfelden, amid the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, on February 14, 2021. (PHOTO: AFP) 14 • Monday February 15, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Russians show Valentine’s Day support for Navalny with candle-lit vigils MOSCOW – Supporters of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny held candle- lit gatherings in residential court- yards across Russia on Sunday despite warnings that they could be arrested. Navalny’s allies have declared a moratorium on street rallies until the spring after police detained thousands of people in the past few weeks at protests against the opposition politi- cian’s arrest and imprisonment. But they wanted Russians to show solidarity with Navalny by gathering outside their homes for 15 minutes on Valentine’s Day evening, shining their mobile phone torches and arranging candles in the shape of a heart. People on social media posted pic- tures of themselves holding candles or phones with flickering flashlights across Russia, including in the Eastern Siberia city of Irkutsk, Yekaterinburg in the Urals mountains and Novosibirsk in Western Siberia. However, the vigils were mostly small and sporadic, unlike the huge street protests in recent weeks. Navalny was arrested last month on his return from Germany following treatment for poisoning with what many Western countries say was a nerve agent. He was jailed on Feb. 2 for violating parole on what he said were trumped-up charges. Participants form a human chain during a demonstration to support female political prisoners and to protest against police He blames President Vladimir Putin violence in Saint Petersburg, Russia on February 14, 2021. for the poisoning, and Western coun- tries are considering new sanctions Human chain There were no large-scale arrests or risked spreading COVID-19. against Russia. The Kremlin denies any Another activist called on women to clashes with the police. Putin has blamed the pandemic for involvement and questions whether form a human chain in Moscow on The OVD-Info protest monitoring fuelling the protests and tried to down- Navalny was poisoned. Sunday afternoon in support of group said nine people were detained play the role of Navalny. Speaking at a “Putin is fear. Navalny is love. That’s Navalny’s wife Yulia, who was reported in the city of Kazan, some 820 km (510 meeting of chief editors of mostly pro- why we will win,” Leonid Volkov, one to have flown to Germany this week, miles) east of Moscow, following a rally government media last week, Putin of Navalny’s close allies, wrote on and other women affected by the police against repression. Six of them had refused to call Navalny by name, refer- Twitter in a call for people to gather crackdown against protesters. been released already. ring to him as “the defendant”. on Sunday. More than 100 women turned up at Russian law enforcement agencies “This defendant is being used just Volkov, who is based in Lithuania, the Arbat in central Moscow to form on Thursday said that people taking as people’s fatigue is emerging all over is one of several Navalny allies now the chain, braving bitter cold and hold- part in unsanctioned rallies could face the world, including in our country,” he abroad or under house arrest in Russia. ing a white ribbon measuring more criminal charges. said. “Irritation has piled up, people He urged people to flood social media than a 100 metres long. Rights groups have accused police of have become disgruntled including with pictures of Sunday’s gatherings – “I really hope it will change things for using disproportionate force against by their living conditions, by the level a new venture for the opposition that the better, I sincerely want it,” a woman protesters in recent weeks. The of income.” resembles political actions in neigh- in the chain in Moscow said. Kremlin has denied repression by po- Navalny was in effect an outlet for bouring Belarus – using the hashtag Another smaller chain was formed in lice and says the protests were illegal anger at the authorities over the pan- #loveisstrongerthanfear in Russian. St. Petersburg. because they were not approved and demic, he said. Average US virus cases dip below 100K for 1st time in months GEORGIA, United States – Average “We are still at about 100,000 cases a to continue wearing masks. We have to outlining mitigation strategies necessary daily new coronavirus cases in the United day.We are still at around 1,500 to 3,500 continue with our current mitigation to reopen schools or to keep them open. States dipped below 100,000 in recent deaths per day. The cases are more than measures. And we have to continue get- Some teachers have expressed concern days for the first time in months, but ex- two-and-a-half-fold times what we saw ting vaccinated as soon as that vaccine is about returning to the classroom without perts cautioned on Sunday that infec- over the summer,” Dr.Rochelle Walensky, available to us.” having been vaccinated, but the guide- tions remain high and precautions to director of the Centres for Disease The US has recorded more than lines do not say that’s necessary. Dr. slow the pandemic must remain in place. Control and Prevention, said on NBC’s 27.5 million virus cases and more than Anthony Fauci said on ABC’s “This Week” The seven-day rolling average of new “Meet the Press”.“It’s encouraging to see 484,000 deaths, according to the Johns that it would be “optimal” if teachers infections was well above 200,000 for these trends coming down, but they’re Hopkins data. were vaccinated but that other measures much of December and went to roughly coming down from an extraordinarily With parents and political leaders laid out in the 24-page document can 250,000 in January, according to data high place.” eager to have children around the coun- lessen their risk. kept by Johns Hopkins University, as the She added that new variants, including try back in school for in-person learning, “Practically speaking, when you bal- pandemic came roaring back after it one first detected in the United Kingdom it is important that people continue to ance the benefit of getting the children had been tamed in some places over the that appears to be more transmissible observe precautions, Walensky said. back to school with the fact that the risks summer. and has already been recorded in more “We need to all take responsibility to are being mitigated, if you follow the rec- That average dropped below 100,000 than 30 states, will likely lead to more decrease that community spread, includ- ommendations and these new guidelines on Friday for the first time since cases and more deaths. ing mask wearing so that we can get our from the CDC, hopefully,I think that will November 4. It stayed below 100,000 “All of it is really wraps up into we can’t kids and our society back,” she said. alleviate the concerns on both sides,” he on Saturday. let our guard down,” she said. “We have The CDC released guidance on Friday said. The Barbados Advocate Monday February 15, 2021 • 15

Armoured vehicles deployed to major Myanmar cities after mass protests SECURITY forces in of whom said they be- media showed, the first Myanmar opened fire lieved the army intended large-scale rollout of such to disperse protesters to cut off the electricity. vehicles across the coun- at a power plant on The security forces fired try since the coup. Sunday and armoured to disperse protesters out- The government and vehicles rolled into side one plant in Kachin’s army could not be reached major cities as the new state capital Myitkyina, for comment. army rulers faced a footage broadcast live Western embassies – ninth day of anti-coup on Facebook showed, al- from the European Union, demonstrations that though it was not clear if the United Kingdom, saw hundreds of thou- they were using rubber Canada and 11 other na- sands on the streets. bullets or live fire. tions – issued a statement As well as mass protests Two journalists from late on Sunday calling on around the country, the The 74 Media, which was security forces to “refrain military rulers were fac- broadcasting live from the from violence against Demonstrators hold up signs during a protest against the military coup and de- ing a strike by govern- site of the confrontation, demonstrators and civil- manding the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in Yangon, Myanmar, ment workers, part of a were arrested along with ians, who are protesting on February 13, 2021. civil disobedience move- three other journalists, the overthrow of their ment against the Feb. 1 the news outlet said in a legitimate government”. overnight between lays to international gave itself sweeping pow- coup that deposed the Facebook post. The US embassy in 1:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. flights. It added that on ers to detain people and civilian government led by As evening fell, ar- Myanmar earlier urged In the latest sign of Thursday four air traffic search private property. Aung San Suu Kyi. moured vehicles appeared American citizens to “shel- disruption by workers, controllers had been de- But hundreds of railway Soldiers were deployed in the commercial capital ter in place”, citing reports the Department of Civil tained, and had not been workers joined demon- to power plants in the of Yangon, Myitkyina and of the military movements Aviation said in a state- heard from since. strations in Yangon on northern state of Kachin, Sittwe, the capital of in Yangon. It also warned ment many staff had A pilot, who asked not to Sunday, even as police leading to a confrontation Rakhine state, live footage there was a possibility of a stopped coming to work be named for fear of retri- went to their housing with demonstrators, some broadcast online by local telecoms interruptions since Feb. 8, causing de- bution, said hundreds of compound on the out- staff from the department skirts of the city to order were striking. Soldiers them back to work. The were surrounding the police were forced to leave ‘The Bachelor’ host international airport in after angry crowds gath- Yangon late on Sunday ered, according to a live night, he said. broadcast by Myanmar Chris Harrison to step Trains in parts of the Now. country also stopped run- Richard Horsey, a aside over racism row ning after staff refused to Myanmar-based analyst go to work, local media re- with the International THE long-time host of hit announced the first black ported, while the military Crisis Group, said the US dating show ‘The lead, Matt James, as the deployed soldiers to power work of many government Bachelor’ has said he is next Bachelor on June 12, plants where they were departments had effec- stepping aside after wide- 2020, following the confronted by angry tively ground to a halt. spread criticism of his protests over George crowds. “This has the potential comments on race. Floyd’s death. The junta has ordered to also affect vital func- Chris Harrison drew ire When pictures surfaced Rachel Lindsay and Chris Harrison. (PHOTO: NOEL civil servants to go back tions – the military can re- after he excused behaviour of current contestant VASQUEZ/GETTY; OHN FLEENOR VIA GETTY) to work, threatening ac- place engineers and doc- of a current cast member Rachael Kirkonnell at an tion. The army has been tors, but not power grid that some said was racist, Old South fraternity for- he reiterated several times eventually retire, con- carrying out nightly mass controllers and central saying he was not the mal at a former slave plan- throughout the interview. demned his words. arrests and on Saturday bankers,” he said. “woke police”. tation in 2018, she drew After the interview went The momentum snow- “By excusing historical immediate criticism from live on Tuesday,a petition balled as the entire cast racism, I defended it,” the fans. Ms. Kirkonnell has for the network to fire him from this season posted a Sudan accuses 49-year-old host said in an since apologised. went viral. By Saturday joint statement standing Instagram post announce- In an interview with morning, it had amassed by Mrs. Lindsay. ment. Mrs. Lindsay on Extra TV, 38,000 signatures. Although Mr. Harrison Ethiopian forces of This current season is Mr. Harrison defended Mrs. Lindsay, who met issued an initial apology the first to feature a black Ms. Kirkonnell, a current her now-husband on the on Thursday it was not lead. front-runner who has yet show, addressed her 13- satisfactory for many crossing border, The show revolves to be eliminated from the minute interview with Mr. members of Bachelor around a single bachelor show. Harrison on a podcast she Nation, the self-pro- selecting a potential “I saw a picture of her hosts on Friday. claimed name given to escalating tension spouse from a pool of hope- at a sorority party five “During that conversa- fans of the show, and the KHARTOUM – istry officials could not fuls. years ago and that’s it,” tion, he talked over me number of people petition- Ethiopian forces crossed be immediately reached In June 2020, fans of the said Mr. Harrison. Mrs. and at me, during that ing for his firing grew. the border into Sudanese for comment. ABC show petitioned for Lindsay reminded him the conversation,” she said. After two days of silence, territory in an act of Clashes erupted late it to address the unequal photo had been taken in “He never gave me room he announced on Saturday “aggression”, Sudan’s last year between treatment of cast mem- 2018, which “wasn’t a good to talk. And he never gave he would be taking a step foreign ministry said in a Sudanese and Ethiopian bers of colour. look”. me room to share my per- back “for a period of time”. statement on Sunday. forces over Al-Fashqa, At the forefront of that “Well, Rachel, is it a good spective. He wasn’t trying “To the Black commu- “Ethiopia’s trespass an area settled by initiative was Rachel look in 2018? Or, is it not to hear it. He was just try- nity,to the BIPOC commu- into Sudanese land is Ethiopian farmers which Lindsay, who at the time a good look in 2021? ing to be heard.” nity: I am so sorry.My an unfortunate and un- lies on the Sudanese side was the only black lead to Because there’s a big Over the next few days, words were harmful,” he acceptable escalation, of a border demarcated have ever served on The difference,” said Mr. fans pressured former cast said on Instagram. which could have dan- at the start of the 20th Bachelor’s sister show, Harrison. members to speak out. Mr.James’ season is just gerous repercussions on century. ‘The Bachelorette’. To this, Mrs. Lindsay Ben Higgins and Joelle over halfway and has al- security and stability Last month, Sudan The show responded pushed back and said,“It’s Fletcher,both good friends ready been filmed, so Mr. in the region,” the claimed that an with a promise to address not a good look ever.” of Mr. Harrison and con- Harrison will not be ab- Sudanese foreign min- Ethiopian aircraft had their race issues by casting “I am not the woke po- sidered frontrunners to sent from viewers’ screens istry said in a statement. crossed the border, a more people of colour.They lice,” he replied, a phrase succeed him should he just yet. Ethiopian foreign min- charge Ethiopia denies. 16 • Monday February 15, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

UAE Hope mission returns first image of Mars THE United Arab Emirates’ Hope altitude of 24 700 kilometres (15 350 mission has returned its first picture miles) above the Martian surface at 20:36 of Mars. GMT on Wednesday – so, one day after ar- The spacecraft entered into an orbit riving at the Red Planet. around the Red Planet on Tuesday,mak- The north pole of Mars is in the upper ing the UAE the first Arab nation in his- left of the image.At centre, just emerging tory to have a scientific presence at into the early morning sunlight, is Earth’s near neighbour. Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the This first image will be followed by Solar System. Look right on many similar such views of Mars. the boundary between night and day,the Hope was put in a wide orbit so it could so-called terminator. study the planet’s weather and climate The three shield volcanoes in a line are systems, which means it also will see the Ascraeus Mons, Pavonis Mons, and Arsia planet’s full disk. Mons. Look east, to the limb of the planet, The UAE is the first Arab nation in history to send a probe to Mars. It’s a type of view that’s familiar fare and you can see the mighty canyon sys- from Earth-based telescopes, but less so tem,Valles Marineris. It’s part covered by Hope is now running in an initial ellipse It’s going to trace how energy moves from satellites actually positioned at cloud. around Mars that comes as close as 1 through the atmosphere from the very Mars. “The transmission of the Hope Probe’s 000km from the planet and goes out to al- bottom to the very top. They traditionally have been kept close first image of Mars is a defining moment most 50 000km. Over the course of the One of its quests is to study the leakage in to the planet so they can get high-res- in our history and marks the UAE joining next few weeks, this will be trimmed to a into space of neutral atoms of hydrogen olution pictures of the surface and act as advanced nations involved in space explo- 55-hour, 22 000km-by-43 000km orbit and oxygen – remnants from Mars’ once telecommunications relay stations for ration,” the mission’s twitter account that is inclined to the equator by about 25 abundant water. This will add to our un- landed robots in contact with Earth. stated. “We hope this mission will lead to degrees. derstanding of precisely how a previously The accompanying picture was cap- new discoveries about Mars which will It’s from this high perch that Hope warm and wet planet became the cold, tured by Hope’s EXI instrument from an benefit humanity.” plans to carry out some novel research. dusty, desiccated world it is today. Google apps Senate Committee advocates charging feel strain as tech giants for news in Australia NSW – Laws forcing Google and Facebook posed reasonable amendments” to the bill. to pay for news content are one step closer, “We look forward to engaging with pol- firm’s privacy after a fiery hearing culminated in cross- icymakers through the parliamentary party support for the plan. process to address our concerns and A senate committee recommended achieve a Code that works for everyone - standoff with on Friday the government’s media bar- publishers, digital platforms, and gaining code be adopted in full, after Australian businesses and users,” a Apple drags on securing bipartisan backing. Google spokesperson said. Under the laws, Google and Facebook The company said it had already held GOOGLE’S privacy standoff with Apple would be forced to pay Australian media 50 discussions with Australian publishers has lasted so long that even the company’s outlets for news content accessed on their about its News Showcase platform, which own apps are complaining about it. Of the 86 apps Google has published platforms. would see outlets receive compensation. Since early December, Apple has on the iOS App Store, only three have The report followed an acrimonious Showcase has been rolled out in required any iOS app to include a been updated in 2021. two-day hearing in January, where the Argentina and the UK. privacy “nutrition label”, listing all the plan was met by fierce resistance from the The Greens supported the bill in prin- ways the app uses personal data. began to complain about the lack of up- tech giants. ciple, but demanded outlets spend rev- Those labels, which are written by the dates. According to user reports posted Google and Facebook claimed it would enue from the code directly on resourcing app developers, range from short and on social media, a number of apps includ- drastically alter the way the internet public interest journalism. sweet – the podcast app Overcast, for in- ing Gmail, Google Maps and Google functioned. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young stance,lists six uses of personal data, from Photos issued notices warning their users But the laws received support from the has called for the government to establish usage information for analytics to user that the app was “out of date”, despite the Coalition, Labor and the Greens. a permanent trust to ensure Australian IDs for the app’s sign-in functionality – to fact the users were on the latest version. “Public interest journalism is more than Associated Press was supported through somewhat longer.Facebook lists 80 differ- “You should update this app,” the warn- just an ordinary consumer product that public funding. ent data categories it uses, for purposes ing read. “The version you’re using does- has been undermined or ‘disrupted’ by She also wanted an annual review of from tracking users around the web to n’t include the latest security features to new technology,” the committee found. the code’s impact on small and independ- personalising the app. keep you protected. Only continue if you “(It) is a cornerstone of democracy and ent news organisations. Google, however, has yet to provide its understand the risks.” its survival is imperative in a society in- Facebook reiterated a threat to prevent own labels.The company only has to do so Google was unable to immediately re- creasingly vulnerable to misleading in- Australians from sharing and accessing when it updates its apps, which it stopped spond to a request for comment from the formation that can so easily be spread on news on the platform. doing late last year. The iOS version of Guardian , but a spokesperson told the the internet.” CEO Mark Zuckerberg also lobbied Google Chrome,for instance, was updated tech site The Verge that the error message Google and Facebook both fronted the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg directly in an roughly every two weeks throughout was a “bug”. Others such as the first day of the inquiry, where Google unsuccessful bid to have the laws re- 2020, until two months ago when it re- TechMeme editor, Spencer Dailey,specu- threatened to withdraw its search engine versed. ceived its last update. Google Photos was lated that the “bug” was in fact “an auto- from Australian users if the plan went it But US software giant Microsoft backed updated almost weekly until two months matic check of how long it has been since ahead. the bargaining code in February,saying it ago; so too were YouTube, Google Maps the app was last updated”, which was not It conceded it had temporarily blocked represented a “a fundamental step to- and Gmail. expected to be triggered since in normal some Australian users from accessing cer- wards a more level playing field”. In fact, of the 86 apps Google has pub- times a two month-old version of the app tain news sites, but claimed the “test” was It claimed its own search engine, Bing, lished on the iOS App Store, only three – would definitely be out of date. preparation necessitated by the proposal. would soon be ready to fill a void if Google Google Slides, Google Play Music and TV, Google will shortly face further pres- PM Scott Morrison held “constructive abandoned the $4b Australian market. and Google Translate – have been up- sures from Apple’s privacy push. In a talks” with Google chief executive officer Tech giants and news outlets would be dated in 2021. Of those three, just one – forthcoming update to iOS, a new feature Sundar Pichai in February,saying he had encouraged to strike arrangements over Google Translate – has a privacy label, called “App Tracking Transparency” will gained confidence the tech giant would re- news content under the proposal. which lists 25 ways personal data may be require applications to ask for permission main in Australia. But an independent arbitrator would be used. before they are able to track users around But he insisted Google “understands established to determine how much would The vast majority of the remaining the web. The setting has sparked strong that Australia sets the rules” and the fed- be paid for content if the two parties were 83 apps received their most recent pushback from Facebook, which argues it eral government would not kowtow to the unable to strike an agreement. update two months ago, shortly before will hurt online advertising, but to date tech giant’s demands. Labor backed the bill, but attacked the the new requirements came into effect. Google has been quiet about how it Google said it remained “committed to government in Friday’s report for failing On Wednesday night, Google’s apps intends to respond to the requirement. a workable code” and said it had “pro- to effect the code by December as planned. The Barbados Advocate Monday February 15, 2021 • 17

US agencies donate equipment to monitor volcano

TWO United States agencies recently donated new equipment to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre which can aid in improving the seismic monitoring of La Soufriere Volcano in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. A statement from UWI said donated equipment will be used to build four seismic stations and radios to enhance communications on the island. Three of the stations are solar powered installations with posthole UWI scientists at the La Soufriere volcano in St Vincent. (Photo courtesy: The UWI) seismometers, which are sensors designed for subsurface installation to where human exposure to hazards Disaster Assistance Programme activity at La Soufriere, the enhanced optimise seismic performance while should be minimised such as volcanic (VDAP) after receiving a request from monitoring should allow our scientists minimising the cost and logistics of site craters. the Seismic Centre following the to alert authorities with sufficient time set-up. The fourth station is a spider The donations were made by the US effusive eruption in St. Vincent on to activate appropriate emergency seismometer – a device designed for Geological Survey and the US Agency December 29, 2020. responses such as evacuations, rapid deployment in high risk locations for International Development Volcano In the event of escalated volcanic the statement said. Italy gets green superministry as Draghi eyes EU funds

MILAN – Prime Minister Mario Draghi development. has put climate change at the heart of The creation of the new ministry his plans to run Italy by creating a helped to win over Italy’s 5-Star superministry to ensure a transition to Movement, which prides itself on its green energy drives recovery and makes green credentials, but had faced full use of European Union funds. internal strife over the prospect of join- Draghi’s first job will be to redraft ing a cabinet containing its political foes. Italy’s Recovery Plan, which must be “Since the first round of consultations handed to the European Commission by with the political parties, Draghi put the April to tap more than 200 billion euros ecology transition at the top of his ($240 billion) of funds needed to revive agenda,” said Vito Crimi, leader of the the recession-hit economy. 5-Star. Under an EU agreement, 37% of this money must be dedicated to the Limited scope transition to a low carbon economy. However, some 5-Star members were dis- The former European Central Bank appointed the new ministry will only ab- chief, who took office on Saturday as the sorb the energy arm of the industry min- head of a unity government created to istry and not the rest, which includes steer Italy out of the coronavirus crisis business crisis resolution and interna- and economic slump, has picked physicist tional trade. Prime Minister Mario Draghi poses for a picture after the new cabinet ministers Roberto Cingolani to head a new ecology For some, it also falls short of the more swearing-in ceremony, at the Quirinale Presidential Palace in Rome, Italy, transition ministry. ambitious French model for its transi- February 13, 2021. “Ours will be an ecological govern- tion ministry, championed by President ment,” Draghi told his first cabinet Emmanuel Macron, which oversees net zero emissions by 2050, and some “This is putting the Recovery Fund at meeting on Saturday. transport and infrastructure - though countries have already set up separate risk. Some 70% of the grants will be In his role, Cingolani will take over Cingolani will head an “inter-ministerial ministries, including France, Spain and disbursed between 2021 and 2023 and energy matters previously shared with Committee” Draghi will set up to Portugal to help deliver the goal. need to be spent by 2026, which is impos- other ministries and combine them with coordinate the transition. Draghi’s move comes as Italy prepares sible if permits are not there,” one source the environment portfolio. But businesses hope the new to co-host with Britain climate talks later involved in the Recovery Fund process, Chief technology and innovation officer superministry will solve a problem cre- this year, which are expected to raise said on condition of anonymity. at Italian defence group Leonardo and a ated by the industry and environment ambitions now President Joe Biden In December, EU leaders agreed to cut Ferrari board member, the 59-year-old ministries’ overlapping responsibilities has brought the United States back into their net greenhouse gas emissions by has worked in top scientific research for authorising projects. UN efforts to curb global warming. at least 55% from 1990 levels by 2030, centres in Germany, Italy,Japan and the “The two ministries have a history of It also coincides with Italy’s difficul- toughening an existing 40% target. United States, focusing on robotics, not seeing eye to eye and often reflect ties in meeting green targets as red tape That puts pressure on Italy to over- artificial Intelligence and “digital different political agendas,” Davide slows the development of renewable haul the energy plan it introduced last humanities”. Tabarelli, head of think tank Nomisma energy, which could thwart its plans to year calling for renewables to make up His appointment is a sign of Draghi’s Energie, said. “Putting the transition use European funds to the full. 30% of final energy consumption by 2030, intention to involve experts in employing under one roof should streamline things.” Many companies have complained that from 17% in 2019, and for green the EU recovery fund and picking the Climate policies are central to the an overly-complicated permitting process capacity to rise to 95 gigawatts from right technologies to drive long-term Brussels agenda, which wants to reach is holding back projects. 55 GW. 18 • Monday February 15, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

The couple shared this black and white picture of themselves under a tree, with Harry resting his hand on Meghan’s head as she cradles her bump.. Meghan, Harry expecting 2nd child he Duke and A spokesperson for the Sussex said, “We can con- bearable grief”. Duchess of Sussex couple said they were firm that Archie is going “I knew, as I clutched Tare expecting their “overjoyed” at the news. to be a big brother. my firstborn child, that second child, a spokesper- The couple shared a “The Duke and I was losing my second,” son for the couple has black and white picture Duchess of Sussex are Meghan said in a said. of themselves under a overjoyed to be expecting piece for the New York Harry and Meghan are tree, with Harry resting their second child.” Times. preparing to welcome a his hand on Meghan’s In November, Meghan The couple quit their brother or sister for their head as she cradles her revealed she had suffered roles as senior working son Archie Mountbatten- bump. a miscarriage last July, royals in March 2020, Windsor, who turned one A spokesperson for the writing in an article of and now live in Bridge last May. Duke and Duchess of feeling “an almost un- California. The Barbados Advocate Monday February 15, 2021 • 19 SSPPOORRTTSS Superb win for West Indies in second Test, take series 2-0 DHAKA, Bangladesh – 5-74 in the first innings West Indies secured a with 4-105 in the second thrilling victory by 17 to bowl Bangladesh out runs over Bangladesh for 213, with the hosts on the fourth day of chasing a target of 231. the second and final Left-arm spinner Jomel Test to complete a Warrican took 3-47 clean of sweep of the and skipper Kraigg series on Sunday at Brathwaite had 3-25 with the Sher-e-Bangla his off-breaks as the spin- Stadium. ners took all 10 wickets. Off-spinner Rahkeem Brathwaite said: “It The victorious West Indies team celebrate their Test series victory over Bangladesh. Cornwall had an excep- was a total team effort tional bowling perform- and a fantastic win. It Simmons was delighted way he batted and today rable win. Nkrumah He sat through a few ance ending with match feels great to win the se- with the performance. he bowled well to get key Bonner was brilliant in tours and now he got his figures of 9-179 off 62 ries. We had plans and we “It’s unbelievable … the wickets.” his first and second Test chance and I’m very overs to be named Man- came out on top. We are joy is unbelievable. To West Indies won the matches and was named happy for him. Cornwall of-the-Match. He also very thankful for the op- come and win back-to- first Test by three wick- Man-of-the-Series. He was brilliant again and held three sharp catches portunity. I’m very proud back Test matches is ets, chasing a huge 395- had scores of 17 and 86 in continues to bowl well in the second innings – in- of the team. This will something really great run target, last Sunday in Chattogram and 90 and and learn and improve cluding the last wicket to mean a lot to everyone and I’m proud of the way Chattogram, when Kyle 38 in Dhaka. his skills. To get nine seal the historic win. back home.” the team played. Kraigg Mayers made 210 not out Simmons added: wickets is truly remark- Cornwall followed his Head Coach Phil led by example with the on debut to seal a memo- “Bonner was exceptional. able.” Simmons stars with 102, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force win again ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – night at the Coolidge over after Simmons made Lendl Simmons made his Cricket Ground. an entertaining 102 off 114 sixth List A century as After bowling out balls. He hit seven fours Trinidad and Tobago Red the Windward Islands and five sixes to take the Force had their second Volcanoes for 227, Red CG Insurance Man-of-the- win of the CG Insurance Force appeared to be full Match award as Red Force Super50 Cup on Saturday control at 159-2 in the 30th scored 228-6 off 45.3 overs – to win by four wickets with 27 balls to spare. Simmons reached the milestone of 4,000 List A runs during his innings but fell via the run out route thanks to some ex- cellent work from substi- tute Roland Cato. This led to a slide which saw four wickets for 22 runs off 40 balls, to leave Red Force on 181-5 the 37th over. Simmons shared an 81- run opening stand with Evin Lewis (37) and a 78- run second-wicket stand with Nicholas Pooran (17). Captain Kieron Pollard then hit 31 off 35 balls with three huge sixes but fell close to the end when he was well caught by Cato off left-arm spinner Larry Lendl Simmons made 102. (PHOTOS: CWI MEDIA PHOTO/PHILIP SPOONER) Edward (2-48). “In the first game I did- we now have two wins in balls to help Volcanoes ended with 2-25. n’t get a score, so coming our two matches so we rally. Off-spinner Jason into this game I wanted to want to continue the win- Mohammed (3-50) and Upcoming match do something special for ning ways.” fast bowler Anderson • Monday: the team. It feels good to All-rounder Keron Phillip (3-63) made in- Barbados Pride vs get a hundred, but I would Cottoy had earlier top- roads in the Volcanoes Trinidad & Tobago Red have liked to see it home,” scored with 72 from 75 innings while left-arm Force at Sir Vivian Simmons. “We are playing balls while captain Sunil spinner Akeal Hosein Richards Stadium – 9 a.m. Keron Cottoy made career-best 72. a good brand of cricket and Ambris stroked 66 from 77 opened the bowling and (8 a.m. Jamaica) 20 • Monday February 15, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Chepkoech sets Inchcape, St. Philip Land 4355 sq ft $ 96,000 new women’s

Belle, St. George Land 4 acres 5km road world $400,000

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Favourites Osaka, Williams into Australian Open’s last eight

NAOMI OSAKA saved two match 6-1 6-4. eight. points and Serena Williams It was the second successive match in The Taiwanese 35-year-old beat 19th was taken to three sets as two which the Romanian has had to come seed Marketa Vondrousova 6-4 6-2 to be- of the favourites reached the from a set down, but she found form in the come the oldest player to make a Grand Australian Open quarter-finals. second set to edge past the Polish teenager Slam quarter-final debut in the Open era. Having lost the opening set to Garbine in one hour and 50 minutes. “I just knew it was going to be tough,” Muguruza, Japan’s Osaka was a break Halep said it was “tough” to think about said 23-year-old Osaka, who was down in the second and faced two match playing Williams, whom she beat in the facing 14th seed Muguruza for the first points at 5-3 in the third. 2019 Wimbledon final. time. However, she won four games in a row “I will try to enjoy myself and I can only “I feel like I was a bit intimidated to win 4-6 6-4 7-5 against the Spaniard, beat Serena if I play my best,” she said. because I knew that she was playing who is also a former world number Osaka, who won the second of her three really well coming into this match. I feel Osaka won four games in a row to win one. Grand Slams at the Australian Open in like in the stressful points I just had to go 4-6 6-4 7-5 against Spaniard Garbine Williams then came through 6-4 2019, will face Hsieh Su-Wei in the last within myself.” Muguruza. 2-6 6-4 against Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka. The American surged into a 4-1 lead in an entertaining final set, before 22-year- Thiem stunned by Dimitrov, Djokovic wins old seventh seed Sabalenka broke back and levelled at 4-4. DEFENDING champion Novak Djokovic “In any other tournament than a Grand great job and I want to thank my team But Williams held serve and then came through a stiff test of his fitness Slam I would have retired from the event, and the ATP physios for being here for me. broke her opponent’s serve to clinch the as he moved into the Australian Open but because it’s a Grand Slam I wanted to “I’ve definitely been fitter but I’m win and keep alive her hopes of a quarter-finals, but third seed give my best,” Djokovic, 33, said. taking each day at a time and for me record-equalling 24th Grand Slam Dominic Thiem was stunned by Grigor “I didn’t know if I was going to play or training is just recovery.” singles title. Dimitrov. not. During the match it [the injury] was He will play sixth seed Alexander “I am happy to get through that one Bulgarian Dimitrov, a semi-finalist in on and off, it’s still not ideal but I can’t Zverev after the German beat Djokovic’s because it wasn’t easy,” the 39-year-old 2017, dismantled the US Open champion complain and won against a great player. compatriot Dusan Lajovic 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 10th seed said. “I felt like I was there, of Austria 6-4 6-4 6-0. Hopefully it will be even better in two 6-3. even the games I lost were super close World number one Djokovic, struggling days. Dimitrov, the 18th seed, will face and just one shot here or there.” with an abdominal injury picked up on “There was no preparation for this Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev, Williams will face second seed Simona Friday, beat Milos Raonic in four sets. match, I used every single hour I had to who stunned Felix Auger-Aliassime Halep, who recovered to beat 19-year-old The Serbian eight-time Australian recover and put myself in a position where as his dream Grand Slam debut French Open champion Iga Swiatek 3-6 Open champion won 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-1 6-4. I could compete. My physio has done a continued. 22 • Monday February 15, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Durant leads Brooklyn Nets to victory with 20 points against Golden State Warriors

KEVIN DURANT fired the helping Brooklyn complete a dominant Brooklyn Nets to a 134-117 win in the new arena in San Francisco victory against former team the that the Warriors moved into last Golden State Warriors, scoring season. 20 points. Elsewhere, Western Conference The two-time NBA champion was leaders the Utah Jazz claimed returning after missing the past their seventh victory in a row three games while in quarantine. with a 112-94 win over the “I loved my time here, I loved playing Miami Heat. for this team, but I’m glad we got a Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points, good W,” said Durant. Bojan Bogdanovic 19 and Rudy Gobert The forward spent three seasons as a 16 points for the Jazz. member of the Warriors before leaving The New York Knicks defeated in 2019. the Houston Rockets 121-99, Immanuel Durant won titles with the Warriors Quickley scoring 22 points, including in 2017 and 2018, earning NBA three critical second-half three-point- Finals MVP honours each year ers for the Knicks. before suffering a torn Achilles The Indiana Pacers overcame the tendon in the 2019 championship Atlanta Hawks 125-113 with series and then departing for the Aaron Holiday coming off the bench Nets. to score a season-high 18 points Kyrie Irving paced the Nets with and help the Pacers come back 23 points, and James Harden provided from a nine-point fourth-quarter Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant shoots the ball against the Golden State a game-high 16 assists and 19 points, deficit. Warriors. The Barbados Advocate Monday February 15, 2021 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S

Aries – You haven't yet thought it all through but ideas you A have for improving jobs you are working on are worth de- N veloping. Your imagination is working overtime. Some peo- D ple can't appreciate your great ideas but that's because they C aren't keen on a change of direction. Your cheerfulness and O wonderful sense of humour will keep everyone smiling. N S Taurus – You've always been creative and you have the abil- ity to turn the unwanted, the undesired, the rough and rugged into things of beauty. Taking an ordinary project and turn- ing it into something special will give you great pleasure. A surprise someone arranges for the end of the day will prove how much they care for you. Z Gemini – Even when all around you seems grey and unin- teresting, you will find the bright side. Not only will this help I you find a way forward it will also encourage friends and T loved ones to bring improvements into their lives. Through S your encouragement, others will take a gentler approach to- wards people who are struggling.

Cancer – It's early days yet and you aren't expecting to find out whether new plans and routines are going to be success- ful. You accept it will be a while before anything like this is determined. Action is required and this is ongoing until you get it right and find arrangements and procedures that work best for everyone. R E Leo – You are glad now, when you look back, that you have X been able to adapt routines to suit changing circumstances. You feel confident new ideas are going to be successful. M Some of the changes that have been brought about by this O pandemic are going to be here permanently but you have R found a way to cope. G A N Virgo – You're getting on better with someone you've not always seen eye to eye with over recent times. There have been times when their behaviour or attitude confused you. You are starting to realise that even though you don't share each other's beliefs there is still a lot you can learn from each other. Libra – There is someone you would like to get to know bet- P ter. If at first, they seem aloof or reserved don't give up on them too soon. Once you break down the barriers you could H be surprised by how much you both have in common. A A friend will try to manipulate you away from your chosen N path. Be firm and stand your ground. T O Scorpio – You're reluctant to open discussions but at the M same time you accept it is time to patch up an argument. Your partner or a close friend has been feeling neglected and lonely. You haven't been deliberately ignoring them but you do accept they are probably justified in asking that you start spending more time together.

M Sagittarius – Anew romance that looked like it could be the real thing' is causing you some disappointment. You haven't A had a lot of chance to spend time with each other and now R you're wondering whether you are compatible. Give it a lit- Y tle more time especially if you were hoping this relationship might make a big difference to your life. W Capricorn – You're anticipating a large sum of money in O the form of a rebate, insurance pay-out or bonus to arrive R very soon. It won't pay to build your hopes up too high. T Avoid disappointment and wait before you start imagining H how you might spend any extra cash that's coming your way.

Aquarius – It might seem as if a close friend or partner is trying to push you away. Plans they are making do include M you which is disappointing. It may be that a misunderstand- O ing has caused them to think you aren't interested. Once you T let them know you would like to be included, they will H change arrangements. E R Pisces – Friends are keen to encourage you to relax and have more fun. This is a wonderful time to abandon yourself to G pleasure. Those you are spending time with are open and O honest. Being able to discuss your thoughts and feelings O without worrying about anyone judging you creates a spirit S of harmony and cooperation. E Superb win for West Indies in second Test

Page 19

Monday February 15, 2021 STAY HOME, FOLLOW PROTOCOLS AS COVID-19 continues to that given the nature of the number of cases, Forde said spread rapidly in this coun- virus they could go from having while in the initial stages of the try, and younger, healthy no symptoms to having severe outbreak most people did not persons are being hit hard symptoms in a short space of know anyone with the illness, by the virus, Barbadians are time. the tide has changed and now being warned the country is According to Forde, at the the average citizen knows some- at a “critical stage” and they Harrison Point Isolation Facility one who has tested positive. He have to change their behav- in St. Lucy,some 41 persons are signalled that should we get to iour now. classified as very ill, ranging in the stage where everyone knows Infectious disease specialist age from 37 to 77 years old, some someone who died, “we will be and head of the isolation facili- with no comorbidities. He said up a creek”. Infectious disease specialist and head of the isolation facili- ties, Dr Corey Forde, said that this certainly dispels the myth Laying out the reality of the ties, Dr Corey Forde. the country is in this second that only old people are the in- situation, the infectious disease wave of the pandemic, unfortu- tensive care unit (ICU). specialist is telling Barbadians supermarket every day.There's me; it’s not the Minister of nately seeing an increase in Breaking down the figures, the in no uncertain terms to stay no need to run to the gas station Health; it’s not the Ministry of younger people presenting ill doctor indicated that that there home. He maintained doing because it's open because you Health. They can be involved in and more deaths associated are 18 patients currently in pri- such would help in decreasing just want to get $20 in gas. making the process the way it's with COVID-19. He noted dur- mary care at the facility – seven our rate of exposure to multiple Doesn’t make sense.We're in the supposed to be, and advising, ing an interview on CBC TV 8 on females and 11 males and three people. Equally, he said persons middle of a pandemic and people but the only persons... that can Saturday night, that so far the of them are intubated, includ- need to wear their masks, phys- are dying. The reality strike is change the wave of where we country has recorded 24 deaths ing one health care professional. ical distance and sanitise. His that people are dying”. are in this country to any de- – 17 this year alone, with three He added the remaining 23 per- comments came as he cautioned Forde added,“The only people gree, is every single Barbadian persons succumbing to the in- sons are in the secondary ICU that given the current circum- in this country who can change in every single household. From fection between Thursday and facility, 15 males and eight fe- stances, the situation will prob- the narrative of where we are the small child in the household Friday. He warned persons not males, and while not critical, he ably get worse before it gets bet- tonight, the only people in this who plays with the other child in to get caught up with the “idea said they have “severe disease”. ter. country that can change this, is the park when they're supposed of symptomatology”, explaining Referring to the increasing “...There's no need to run to a not the Prime Minister; it’s not STOP on Page 6 DLP representative outlines solutions for economy THESE are challenging times of Micro, Small and Medium earners then seek to spend enue owed to businesses from was currently under utilised. and we need to work together, sized enterprises in Barbados, it their money on other busi- the BRA to be paid over to these He explained that the facil- and it is against this backdrop was revealed that there are ap- nesses in society. businesses within 30 days. ity would act as security for that Ryan Walters, 1st Vice proximately 9600 formal busi- Walters noted that he was Furthermore, he said that small businesses who could President of the Democratic nesses in the country. If we get aware that this would be a they were also asking for prove to commercial banks that Labour Party, outlined a plan approximately half of these small sacrifice for some busi- Government to allow for a sys- they have a solid and legitimate that he believes, if imple- businesses, about 5000, to make ness owners, but stated that he tem that allowed them to fast case for financing. mented, has the potential to get a sacrifice and employ one new believes it is one that needs to track payments to vendors, who “I am humbly asking the rel- Barbados through these tough employee, we can employ 5000 be made for the greater good of were primarily small busi- evant associations and times, of our family, neighbor and the country. nesses as these small busi- Government agencies to con- He stated that plan hinged friends almost overnight. If For phase two,Walters out- nesses were usually on the sider these proposals as we on three phases and the first some businesses are able to em- lined that cash was king and verge of collapse whenever come out of our pause. If they part of Walters’ plan called for ploy two persons, then we can believed that businesses needed Government settled their bills cannot be implemented whole- jobs to be made a number one have 7500 persons employed cash flow, therefore, they were with them “four to six months sale, pick out what you can and priority. with haste,” he said. asking the Government for a down the road”. please implement it,” he said. He called for every legitimate He believes that this is para- pay extension of 30 days for all Finally, for phase three, “Remember we are more than business owner in Barbados to mount and reminded that if payments to NIS and the BRA Walters is asking for the en- an economy, we are a society hire just one new employee for persons are employed then it without penalty. hanced credit guaranteed facil- and we need both to work har- the next six months. creates a positive domino effect Additionally, he noted that ity at the Central Bank to be moniously together for us to get “In the 2016 National Survey in the society as these income they were asking for any rev- used as he believes that this through this pandemic.” (CLJB)

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