Established October 1895 Franklyn brings lawsuit against Government PAGE 3

Friday March 12, 2021 $2 VAT Inclusive EASE IN RESTRICTIONS GOVERNMENT has seen a Prime Minister Mia Amor for work and business from cials within the Ministry of She however stated, “While considerable change in the Mottley made the announce- Monday March 15, caution Health and the COVID we are going to see some liber- behaviour of Barbadians in ment in an address to the na- must still be exercised as Monitoring Unit. Are we out of ating and some liberalising of relation to guarding tion yesterday, as she gave an “we are not yet out of the the woods? Absolutely not. the restrictions, I want to con- against the spread of update on the management of woods”. Do we have however a far tinue to repeat and to ask all COVID-19 since the recent the COVID-19 pandemic in “When the time came for us better sense and a far better Barbadians, do not drop your phased reopening, and as Barbados. to say we needed to tighten up, level of performance than we guard, we are certainly too such, there will be a further Stressing that “we are trend- I (told) you so, straightforward. did two weeks ago…? Yes. We close to getting to a point of ease in the restrictions gov- ing in the right direction”, she I have to thank Barbadians for are trending in the right direc- safety for us to do so at this erning how Barbadians can however stressed that as the most part for responding tion,” the Prime Minister stage.” operate going forward. Barbados opens up more places and for working with the offi- remarked. EASE on Page 3 Long-standing EMT retiring after 40 years HAVING responded to hun- and impact it has on society; dreds of emergency calls during and gun violence – things his career in the Emergency which were never seen or imag- Ambulance Service (EAS), ined in former years.” David Agard is stepping back She described Agard as hum- from the frontline after an ble by nature, selfless, and impressive career which spans going beyond the call of duty 40 years and four months. more times than could be He officially takes his final counted. call as an Emergency Medical “David was a mentor to EMT Technician (EMT) on March 17. students, new EMTs, and was However, yesterday fellow often paired with them as he health professionals pulled out would give a good analysis of all the stops to make sure that their EMT and driving skills Agard, who joined the public unbiased,” Chase further ex- service in 1976 at the tender pressed. age of 16 as an orderly at the Ambulance Officer Wendy Queen Elizabeth Hospital, was Cadogan who joined the EAS given a fitting send-off. the same time as Agard hailed It was in 1984 that Agard him as a “model EMT”. made the big move to become He told the intimate gather- among the first batch of EMTs ing at EAS’ Wildey Head- trained in Barbados for the quarters, “If you worked with establishment of an Emergency David as a partner, you had no Ambulance Service. problem in terms of writing Despite many of his recruit- your reports; if you are going ing colleagues having left the on a call, you would have no service, Agard remained and problem finding your location has seen decades of changes, – David was always on top of according to paramedic Shelly his game. Ann Chase. She highlighted “If he is not your partner, but that Agard would have seen, he is on another shift that you worked, and served faithfully are relieving, to take a vehicle through four Ambulance from David was like glory – Officers; six Ministers of David is impeccable – he cleans Health; five Hospital Directors; a vehicle thoroughly. If David four Prime Ministers; and three says the vehicle is ‘good to uniform changes. go’, it is good to go. And to me “David has seen the evolution that is what we need from of ambulances; the evolution of persons in this type of field, the QEH; the mass exodus of not just because of COVID, but emergency doctors from the that is something that we A&E department to the genesis should be doing,” Cadogan of 24-hour emergency clinics; declared. the official registration of Agard expressed his sincere Dr. David Byer, Head of the Emergency Ambulance Service (left), presents a fruit basket to EMTs and paramedics into the gratitude to his colleagues for retiring Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), David Agard. Barbados registry; the evolu- not only recognising his contri- tion of major roads to highways bution, but also for the perfect to leave some valuable advice comes through, you should al- that he coped with the stress of and the increase of motor vehi- retirement gift of a Toshiba for up-and-coming EMTs. ways be on guard and always the job by making exercise part cle accidents and mass casual- Smart TV. “Anytime you get a call, de- expect the worst – never drop of his routine. ties; and the use of illegal drugs He also took the opportunity spite the information that your guard,” he urged, adding (TL) 2 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Gov’t aiming for vaccines on demand COVID-19 update: 19 DURING a national address committee and the Barbados the risk to the population is re- yesterday, Prime Minister of Association of Medical Prac- duced. The PM added that vacci- new cases, 58 recoveries Barbados Mia Amor Mottley titioners (BAMP), it was decided nations would continue for the said that her government is that the island’s vaccination pro- over 70s, people between the ages THE number of COVID-19 re- The total confirmed cases aiming to have vaccines on gramme would continue to the of 18 and 69 with chronic NCDs coveries in Barbados has risen are 3 372, comprising 1 600 demand for Barbadians. tune of 38 600 doses, using some of and an expansion to more people to 3 060, as 58 persons were females and 1 772 males. She is adamant that Barbados the stock already on the island, on the frontline. released from isolation on Thirty-seven persons have needs to have access to multiple which would then be replenished “I ask you, for those of you who Wednesday, March 10. died from the viral illness. sources of vaccines to help protect by those expected soon. The are not yet vaccinated, please de- Meanwhile, 19 new cases – To date, the laboratory has the country, and also highlighted African Medical Supplies Platform termine if you are going to take it, seven males and 12 females – conducted 132,108 tests. that this government, along with and the possibility of two commer- talk to your doctors if you need to, were identified out of the 746 Additionally, 380 persons other CARICOM Heads of State, is cial procurements – for which the but believe you me, it is critical tests conducted by the Best- were vaccinated on continuing to fight for the equi- government is awaiting details – that we need to be able to go for- dos Santos Public Health Wednesday, under the table distribution of vaccines inter- were also mentioned as possible ward together. But in doing that, Laboratory.Eight of these per- National Vaccination nationally. sources of vaccination doses. the best example is for you to pro- sons were already at the Programme for COVID-19. “The reality is that you can get The PM acknowledged that the tect yourself and in protecting Harrison Point Isolation A total of 50 263 vaccina- some, but the prices are greater efforts of the government to vacci- yourself, you ensure that we are in Facility undergoing assess- tions have been administered than you would otherwise pay and nate the country have gone well to a position to protect each other,” ment. There are now 275 ac- to 21 127 males and 29 136 fe- as a result we made determina- date, and announced that as of 4 the prime minister stated. (AS) tive cases on the island. males. (BGIS) tions, especially since the donation p.m yesterday,the total number of of the 100,000 doses donated by people inoculated against COVID- the government of India, that we 19 in Barbados was 50 621. are prepared to purchase outside “That is by no means anything of what we have already commit- to be scoffed at; it is a major ted to receive from the COVAX achievement for us as a nation and Facility,” the PM said. I want to thank Barbadians who Barbados will be among some of have come out in their numbers. the countries in the region to re- Yes, it was not always seamless, ceive its batch of doses from the yes people had to wait long, but as facility, with the island due to re- I indicated before, these things will ceive 33 600 of the expected happen when things are in great 100 800 doses within the next few demand,” she said . weeks. Mottley also announced She pointed out that people that the government of Guyana want the vaccine because they un- donated 5 000 vaccine doses to derstand that it is important for Barbados, which arrived yester- more Barbadians to be vaccinated, day. if we are to turn the corner in She stated that when the EOC achieving herd immunity and re- met, along with the cabinet sub- turn to some semblance of life once The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 3

COVID-19 causing heart problems, doctor reveals PERSONS positive for doctors with what ap- not respiratory related, blood clots in their lungs sary of the global pan- neys and peripheral ill- COVID-19 are presenting peared to be heart related and when we tested they and blood clots in their demic. nesses where persons with heart-related symp- problems before they were testing COVID pos- peripheries; all of which He pointed out that have had to undergo am- toms. were tested and found to itive. COVID can give you are COVID-related,” he while originally the virus putations because of clots Specialist Emergency be positive for the virus. symptoms that are heart- revealed. is viewed as primarily a in their limbs, only be- Physician Dr. Brian “Initially, we thought related. Carried on the respiratory disease, it cause of COVID, so I say Charles revealed that COVID would present “So we are getting per- Caribbean Broadcasting was now realised that it all of this to say that while it is well known with the respiratory type sons with irregularities Corporation’s Facebook could present with a there is no one disease that symptomatic illness – sniffles, coughs, in heart rhythm, we are page, Charles was speak- multitude of other symp- pattern for COVID, COVID-19 patients often sore throat – but as we getting people with heart ing on the COVID toms. which makes it such a present with respiratory progressed we found per- attacks, we are getting Communication Unit’s “Strokes, heart-related complex and interesting conditions, several per- sons were presenting people with strokes, we COVID Queries yester- illnesses, illnesses of the disease to manage and to sons first headed to their with illnesses that were are getting people with day,the one year anniver- gut, illnesses of the kid- treat,” he opined. Curfew pushed back, salons allowed to reopen

EASE from Page 1 Hairdressers, barbers and the 60 per cent capacity aestheticians can open restriction has been re- Mottley later indicated back up, but the risk is moved in favour of 75 per that following yesterday’s still too high for those op- cent, with mask wearing Cabinet meeting, that it erating gyms, pleasure in full effect. was decided that the pres- craft and charters. It has There has meanwhile ent curfew will be relaxed also been noted that only been no change in relation and it will now be from 9 non-team and non-contact to beach access and the p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday will sports are permitted, ex- time previously allotted still remain a closed day cept for squash and table for exercise. for commercial activity, tennis, given the space di- Mottley also advised until further notice. mensions.Weddings with- that a meeting is to take Whilst restaurants can out receptions are al- place next week with open for in-house dining lowed, as well as funeral education officials, after purposes based on their services and church serv- which the way forward for space, fast food restau- ices, at a cap of 75 persons the education sector and rants cannot and only who must be six feet the reopening of schools drive thru or take away apart. will be outlined. business can occur. In the transport sector, (RSM) Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. Franklyn brings lawsuit against Government OPPOSITION Senator with the others.The Prime Caswell Franklyn has Minister cannot come and brought a lawsuit, filed make laws and people are with a Certificate getting imprisoned and of Urgency, against the matter is still up in the Government’s Covid-19 air. The matter has to be directives. settled,” he stated. Speaking to The The current Emergency Barbados Advocate yes- Management (COVID-19) terday afternoon after (Curfew) (No.4) directive, leaving the Supreme outlines that a fine of Court Complex, accompa- $50 000 or one year im- nied by attorneys-at-law prisonment, or both, may Shamar Bovell and Neil be imposed on anyone fail- A. Marshall, he remained ing to comply with the adamant that the direc- terms and conditions of tives are non-binding as the curfew. they have not first gained “Even if a state gives the approval of Parlia- you the power as a minis- ment. ter to make regulations, “We also filed a those must come before Certificate of Urgency, Parliament. In this case, asking the court to treat the Prime Minister must this as an urgent matter bring these emergency so we can hear it quickly, regulations within seven FROM LEFT: Attorneys-at-Law Shamar Bovell and Neil A. Marshall and Opposition Senator Caswell Franklyn as because this matter is too days, and so far since they descended the steps of the Supreme Court Complex yesterday after filing the suit against government. important to be strung our March last year this has through the legal system not happened. As far as I being punished for laws argued. moves to reduce the unionist nevertheless con- going on for years and am concerned, people have that cannot be properly Stressing he is not spread of the virus in the tended the correct steps years like what happens gone to jail and people are on the books,” Franklyn against government’s island, the veteran trade have to be taken. (JMB) 4 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

DLP wants Education Minister Tourism setbacks CLOSURES from Back Page tinue to employ staff and to ob- to ‘step up or step down’ tain much needed revenue dol- With specific regard to the ini- lars, which would assist in the THE Democratic Labour how to plan ahead,” the state- tial impact of COVID-19 on survival during the summer in Party is calling for the ment read. Barbados in March 2020, the further anticipation for an even Minister of Education, The statement also noted that BHTA CEO stated that tourism better winter 2021. Santia Bradshaw, to either the party strongly calls for the based enterprises had been However, according to the step up to the task of run- there to be a slight return to the blessed with three full winter BHTA CEO, on December 31, ning the Ministry of Edu- traditional delivery of educa- months (December,January and 2020, a further tourism setback cation more efficiently or tion, however, there are a few February) and during March, in 2021 became evident with the step down from the job. things coming out of the corre- had approximately 48.4% occu- COVID-19 transmissions and In a recent press statement, spondence that are of concern pancy. challenges which were an- they expressed dissatisfaction to them. “Even though March 2020 was nounced by the government of with the “ad-hoc manner” in Chief among these concerns a month where there was signif- Barbados. which the Ministry of Education are: when the school year for icant fall off in business, there He lamented the fact that in is being managed. 2021 to 2022 will begin; why has not been a month since then the twinkle of an eye the tourism This call came on the heels of nothing was done about the where occupancy has reached landscape had changed and the a circular that was sent to the Common Entrance Exami- the March 2020 level. The rev- prospect for a reasonable unions from the Ministry of nation even though COVID-19 enue cushion which hotels and tourism performance in January, Education on Wednesday, re- provided the perfect time to other tourism enterprises had in February,March and April 2021 questing a meeting this week focus on this topic; and what of 2020 is not now available.” were utterly shattered. The an- with all the teachers. the monitors that were sent Though 2020 was indeed ticipated decline was observed “The letter to unions caused into schools in September, Minister of Education, Santia tough, Grant stated in his report in January 2021 where the occu- concern for teachers who are and whether it is true that they Bradshaw. that the latter part of the year pancy recorded was 35.5% and now wondering if the new date were engaged on contract for showed signs of the tourism sec- there was an expected decline suggested for the Common one year and paid every former Deputy Chief. Yet there tor making a gradual recovery. further in the winter months of Entrance Examination now two weeks since December, has been not one meaningful en- He outlined that hotel occupancy February, March and April. means that they will be in school even though schools were not in gagement to discuss reform,” the increased from a low of 4.7% in Despite the unexpected and three weeks more to the end of session. statement said. June 2020 to 45.8% in December unwelcome first quarter disrup- July, as opposed to early in the The DLP believes that educa- “Our children are our future 2020. The senator also pointed tion, Grant contended that the first week of July as is the tion is far too vital to be treated and they deserve better. The out that while that occupancy BHTA has had to refocus, re- custom.They are also concerned with such “scant respect”. effects of our inability to take was down by 39.4% when com- think and reconsider the critical that after scant respect “COVID-19 provided a perfect action during this pandemic pared to December 2019 where issues and how through discus- was shown in consideration of a opportunity to effect a total re- will be far-reaching. It is occupancy was at 75.7%, there sions, lobbying and collabora- mid-term break, time will now form in this sector,but to date all high time Minister Bradshaw was an anticipation for a reason- tions guarantee the survival of be added on to Term 3 as we continue to hear is of a com- step up to the task or step able winter season which would tourism enterprises and the well; and parents have no idea mittee set in place and led by a down!” allow tourism enterprises to con- maintaining of jobs. The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 5

Revised treatment protocol for asthmatics visiting A&E Country THE Queen Elizabeth Department (AED). effective as the use of the workers. of their prescribed main- must be able Hospital wishes to re- In accordance with cur- nebulizer when treating However, patients who tenance medication as mind the general public rent international guide- mild to moderate asth- are experiencing severe directed by their physi- to measure that due to the COVID- lines, asthmatic patients matic attacks. asthma attacks will cian as doing so can 19 public health emer- presenting to the AED The objective is to avoid continue to be nebulized. prevent an asthma at- cost of gency, there have been with mild to moderate the creation of liquid Patients are further tack. some changes to the asthmatic attacks will droplets produced during reminded to bring their The Queen Elizabeth treatment protocol for be treated with bron- the nebulization process personal inhalers and Hospital thanks you corruption patients experiencing chodilators via a metered which can potentially spacers when visiting for your continued under- BARBADOS’ inability to asthma attacks who pres- dose inhaler (MDI) and spread COVID-19 or any the AED; and all asth- standing as we continue measure the cost of cor- ent to the hospital’s the use of a spacer. This other virus to nearby matics are strongly ad- to strive towards “Getting ruption must be ad- Accident and Emergency treatment protocol is as patients and healthcare vised to continue the use Better Together”. dressed, since in most cases, money lost through corruption comes from the pockets of the taxpayers. Corruption, terrorism should be separate matters, says Payne Opposition Leader, Bishop Joseph Atherley, AT least one Member of an Anti-Corruption and legislation. All of the had reason to bring in the suggested the above as he Parliament believes that Anti Terrorism Agency to speakers who have spo- Public Order Act. I don’t made his contribution to legislation dealing with investigate acts of cor- ken so far, have spoken think that terrorism was the recent debate of the matters of corruption ruption and terrorism to the issue of corruption, an issue and I think that Anti-Corruption and should have been sepa- and would provide for and maybe it would have we should not have Anti-Terrorism Agency rated from that dealing related matters. been better to have had saddled this legislation Bill, 2020, where he called with terrorism. “I believe that over 50 a separate bill dealing with the question of for whistleblower legisla- Member of Parliament per cent of us in this with the issue of terror- terrorism. We should tion and rules to govern for St. Andrew, George House would not have ism, because nobody have had two separate party financing, amongst Payne, made this sugges- been in this House if we has spoken with respect pieces of legislation. It other things. tion as he made his did not flag the issue of to terrorism,” Payne defies me why we have “I wonder too about our contribution to recent corruption, in the man- said. combined the two of these capacity or incapacity to debate of the Anti- ner in which we did in the “Terrorism has not together,” Payne as- measure the cost to the Corruption and Anti- last election. In that been an issue in this serted. Barbados economy of cor- Terrorism Agency Bill, connection, I find it diffi- country at any time, even ruption. There is a cost at- 2020. cult to understand how in the early days when Member of Parliament for tached to corruption and This Bill would provide we could sort of cap ter- the first prime minister St. Andrew, George Payne. in our context of scarce re- for the establishment of rorism with this piece of was in office, when we sources, in our context of weak earnings capacity,in our context of an over-re- liance on borrowing both at home and abroad. We talk about loss in terms of Symmonds: Modern foreign exchange leakage, but there’s a cost attach- ing to some of the contrac- tual arrangements we get challenges call into, especially those which are characterised by some measure of cor- ruption. Contract costs for a new approach and the cost of supplies, these things cost small BARBADOS, like many which is beginning to be ously], the consequences nations such as we. The of its regional neigh- tormented by number of of automatic firearms money has to come from bours, faces a number very serious crimes and in finding themselves within somewhere when it is lost of modern challenges fact atrocities, which we our borders. None are to corruption and it is that call on govern- as a society and we as a re- manufactured here, but from the pockets of tax- ment to be able to put gion have to take very se- they are here and they are payers, it is coming from itself in a position to riously,” Symmonds a plague on our society the hard labours of respond to them in a pointed out. and a plague on this re- Barbadians,” he com- serious manner. “Some of these modern gion,” he continued. mented. Minister of Energy, challenges that are facing “The region, as does “Corruption is an ugly Small Business and us cannot just be brushed Barbados, understands thing and whatever form Entrepreneurship, Kerrie aside and they have to be the connection between it takes, it has to be rooted Symmonds suggested this given the full glare and those things and offences out and we have to be able as he made his contribu- amplification of public against the person, to measure the cost to us tion to the recent debate of scrutiny.It is an important whether those offences be of corruption,” Atherley the Anti-Corruption and thing for a government to murder or rape or what- stressed. Anti-Terrorism Agency be able to put itself in a ever else, and they under- “If you look at bribery Bill, 2020. position to be able to re- stand the connection alone globally, about two “We have a very serious spond seriously and sensi- between those types of to three trillion dollars, a piece of legislation which bly to these challenges,” he firearms and terrorism, significant percentage of is before this House. The stressed. and even if we didn’t global output, and that is bill generally addresses “The region that we live understand it, we are a lit- Minister of Energy, Small Business and only bribery. One wonders the features of corruption in understands now in a erate population. In coun- Entrepreneurship, Kerrie Symmonds. the level at which it ob- in society and it generally way that was not thought tries in Latin America tains in Barbados and addresses the features of of in 1950 or in 1960, the within this hemisphere,a which in some parts of the visit our shores and worst what is the percentage of corruption in public life. concern of growing and in- boat ride away,we have all developing world, they yet, turn a blind eye to the our economic output that More specifically, it estab- creasing cases of child heard of the cartels, we have seized people’s girl reality that in some re- can be seen in the light of lishes an agency whose pornography. It under- have all heard of the children and held them for gards and in some cases, the level of corruption, time has come. It is an stands in a way that was narcotraffickers, we have ransom,” he added. those plagues have al- whether it is bribery or agency which will have not understood in the all heard of the massive Symmonds said,“It is an ready visited our shores not. So our incapacity to sufficient independence 1950s and 60s narcotic movement of firearms, we impossibility for any small and that is the reason why measure is something and autonomy to do the trafficking and the conse- hear of the impact on or- economy not to look at this government has to that we have to be able to type of investigative work quences of that. It under- ganisations which have these things and reflect on put itself in a position to address. I say that that is necessary in a stands in a way that was sprung up seemingly the reality that those be able to respond in a humbly,” Atherley com- country and in a region, not understood [previ- overnight and the way in plagues can one day too serious way.” mented. 6 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate 300 health care workers across region to receive complimentary Sandals vacations ALMOST one year since the first of what has now become a year- out the red carpet and pamper Bahamas, Grenada, Saint Lucia consistent efforts, Stewart said, COVID-19 case was confirmed long fight. our heroes at our luxury-included and The Turks and Caicos “This fight is not just for the in Barbados, Sandals Resorts “Our health care workers have resorts.” Islands are also set to receive Government. This is everyone’s International has announced its been our heroes throughout this The resort company will work complimentary vacations. fight. The private sector must intention to gift 300 health care pandemic,” Stewart said. “This closely with Ministries of Health Since the onset of the COVID- join hands with the public sector workers across the region with has been an extremely difficult in the seven islands where it op- 19 crisis, the Sandals Group has so we can fight this pandemic to- complimentary two-night stays year for everyone but our heroes erates to identify the beneficiar- consistently lent its support to gether.We have all been affected at its award-winning all-inclu- on the front lines and our health- ies of its latest act of generosity, the fight, supporting regional by this pandemic and we con- sive resorts. care workers in particular have starting in Jamaica where the governments in their efforts to tinue to be affected one year later. The gesture, according to the demonstrated a level of persever- company is working with the combat the disease and sharing This is everyone’s challenge and company’s Executive Chairman, ance and commitment that is Ministry of Health’s Staff its robust Platinum Protocols of finding solutions should be every- Adam Stewart, is in recognition awe-inspiring. This is our way of Welfare Programmes Depart- Cleanliness document with re- one’s business. Sandals Resorts of the selfless efforts of health saying thank you and showing ment to gift a number of the is- gional travel and tourism associ- International remains commit- care workers across the region, our appreciation for what we land’s healthcare workers with ations and other resorts to assist ted to playing our part and we who continue to exhibit ad- know has been a very difficult vacation packages. in the safe reopening of the re- are thrilled to be able to extend mirable bravery and make time. These vacations are well- Health care workers in gion’s tourism industry. this latest offer to our very de- tremendous sacrifices in the face deserved and we can’t wait to roll Antigua, Barbados, The Speaking on the company’s serving health care workers.” Clinics being repaired GOVERNMENT is executing repairs on two community clinics and intends to start repairs on another in the fu- ture. Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic, spoke to this earlier this week in the House of Assembly, as he sought approval for a supplemen- tary to the tune of $609,748.66 as additional funds to pay the two contractors currently carrying out the work on the St. Andrew and St. Joseph Community Clinics. He explained that the funds previously approved were not suf- ficient to cover the new scope of Minister of Health and Wellness, US Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS Linda Taglialatela, Barbados work that is required at the clin- Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic. Director of Public Prosecutions Donna Babb-Agard QC, and UK Chargé d'Affaires Craig Fulton with ics, which were in desperate need new laptops gifted by the US and UK to support remote criminal justice operations in Barbados. of repair. Bostic said that those Thomas later, so that the com- clinics along with the St.Thomas munities that benefit from those Community Clinic were closed services would be able to continue last year because the facilities did to benefit rather than having to US, UK Governments provide not have the physical capacity to trek all the way to Maurice Byer, facilitate the delivery of health- or Eunice Gibson, or to the Glebe equipment to Barbados prosecutors care services in a COVID-19 en- [Polyclinics] or not at all.And this vironment. was a very,very important thing, YESTERDAY the United States some criminal matters before Taglialatela stated,“The United “We had to do a complete because these community clinics and the United Kingdom pro- the court, preventing delays and States is pleased to continue col- rewiring of both facilities. So a lot have really provided yeoman vided $75 000 of equipment to further backlogs in Barbados. laborating with the Barbados of electrical work had to be done, service to the people of those com- Barbados prosecutors to support Speaking with US and UK DPP. This equipment will allow including installation of ducts, munities.” remote criminal justice opera- diplomats, Director of Public prosecutors to ensure robust, and also the provision of access, With that in mind, the health tions. The equipment will be Prosecutions (DPP), Donna speedy trials via safe remote electronic access for those two fa- minister said these clinics have used to facilitate remote work- Babb-Agard QC said, “We take court hearings, a major innova- cilities, and that is why we had to helped to foster community spirit. ing and virtual appearances this opportunity to express our tion in the provision of justice.” come here to seek the funding in He noted that there are genera- at court proceedings, and gratitude for the continuing UK Charge d’Affaires Craig the amount of $609 748.66. tions of persons from the commu- further efforts to mitigate and support from the US/UK Fulton said,“The UK is commit- “This for us is a very, very im- nities the clinics service, who contain the spread of COVID- Criminal Justice project. This ted to supporting efforts to portant thing, because the peo- have passed through the clinics 19. gift will assist the Public strengthen the criminal justice ple of St. Andrew and St. Joseph as children and are now young The equipment gifted through Prosecutions Department system in Barbados.We are really were deprived of these fa- adults having their own children the US/UK Criminal Justice tremendously in enhancing our therefore delighted to be able to cilities for over a year…and even and still seeking healthcare Reform Project will be used by mandate to effectively prosecute hand over this equipment to as- in the case of St. Joseph, even in there. police prosecutors in the criminal matters in a timely sist prosecutors in conducting the pre-COVID period when the “We believe strongly as a caring Department of Court manner. It is especially wel- remote court hearings, which facility was still being used, sev- government, that that is some- Prosecutors of the Royal comed during this global are especially important at this eral rooms were not available be- thing that ought to be main- Barbados Police Force and pros- COVID-19 pandemic, which has time given the challenges from cause they were not in a good con- tained. So in keeping with our ecutors in the Department of made remote court hearings COVID-19.” dition to be utilised. So health- manifesto pledge and our prom- Public Prosecutions. The dona- inevitable in the delivery of Last month the US and UK care was being compromised, ise to the people of Barbados, in tion will support both depart- criminal justice in our jurisdic- governments provided fifty e- things like the changing of band- this case to the people of St. ments in their roles in manag- tion.” learning programmes on ages and some other things that Andrew and St. Joseph, the two ing and presenting criminal Similar sentiments were Human Trafficking to the Office really could not have taken place community clinics, the work has cases in Barbados and help to expressed by the Deputy of the Attorney General in within that environment,” he started and we expect that in a limit operational disturbances Commissioner of Police, Erwin Barbados; and is continuing to said. few weeks’ time, those two prop- and reduce health risks caused Boyce who expressed gratitude work across the region to Minister Bostic continued,“We erties will be returned to the peo- by the pandemic. The equip- on behalf of the Royal Barbados strengthen capacity on criminal felt it necessary to really have ple of the two parishes and that ment will also go a long way in Police Force for the gifts. justice reform and the prosecu- these two facilities brought up to we will be able to continue those ensuring the swift disposition of US Ambassador Linda tion of serious crimes. par, and we will work on St. services,” he stated. (JRT) The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 7 Country tries to solve challenge of the ages WITH the number of births expected believe the trend will continue for the to continue falling in China, experts next few years at least, and a population have called for further policy decrease is inevitable. improvements to ease the impacts Yuan Xin, a professor of population on social and economic development studies at Nankai University in Tianjin, caused by an ageing population expects the number of births last year and shrinking workforce. on the mainland will have fallen again. Demographics have been a major topic “The number of births last year will not of discussion during the ongoing two ses- exceed the level for the previous year, sions – the annual meetings of the judging by factors such as people’s de- National People’s Congress, the top creasing willingness to have children, the legislative body, and the National fertility rate and the dwindling number of Committee of the Chinese People’s women of childbearing age,” he said. If Political Consultative Conference, the the trend continues, China will start to see leading political advisory body.Proposals a decrease in its population sometime Volunteer Zhang Wei (right) sings with senior residents on a public green in a made range from adjusting the family between 2025 and 2030, Yuan said. resettlement community for impoverished families in Nudian, Yunnan province. planning policy to offering tax breaks to By the end of the century,the fall could encourage couples to have a second child. be as drastic as 50 percent from the cur- children or as many as they want, Lu said. end of 2019, more than 18% of the In a blueprint released last year rent level. Under such a projection, China Health Commission found that the two population on the Chinese mainland was mapping the country’s development over would be the third-most populous nation main reasons the 2016 second-child policy age 60 or older. the next five years and beyond, China’s behind India and Nigeria, according to had not fostered a population boost were This demographic is expected to con- top leadership listed improving family a study published in the medical journal ongoing concerns about the high cost of tinue expanding over the next five years. planning to promote balanced population The Lancet in July. raising children and the lack of nursing Meanwhile, the workforce has been development as a key task of the national assistance to care for babies. quickly decreasing in recent years, and a strategy to tackle an ageing population. Planning ahead further reduction of 35 million is expected Major measures include developing “China is undergoing tremendous demo- ‘Facilities needed’ over the next five years, You said. affordable nursery services, reducing the graphic changes,” Yuan said. “It will face A major hurdle that deters couples from Yuan said by the middle of the century cost of child raising and education, and an accelerating ageing population prob- having children is the serious shortage of about 500m people in China will be 60 or boosting elderly care industries and lem in the future due to the declining affordable nursery facilities and kinder- older, placing the country among the top services, according to the blueprint. birthrate and increasing life expectancy, gartens in China, forcing parents to send ranks of nations with elderly populations. The official number of births for last which will have a far-reaching impact on their infants to costly private facilities, However, an ageing society coupled year has not been released yet; however, social and economic development.” said Lin, who is also an NPC deputy. with a shrinking workforce does not it has fallen in recent years despite the im- Experts have called for further adjust- However, if the existing family necessarily mean China will lose its plementation of the universal second- ment to the family planning policy to planning policy is relaxed it is still competitiveness in economic develop- child policy at the beginning of 2016. cushion the impact of the demographic unlikely to solve the numerical imbalance ment, Yuan said. In 2019, there were about 14.7 million changes on social and economic develop- of China’s rapidly ageing population. “China can improve the overall quality births on the Chinese mainland, a drop of ment. “Even if the birthrate increases, it of the workforce through improved more than half a million over the previous Lu Jiehua, a professor in population cannot fundamentally alleviate the ef- education and training to cope with the year. It was the third consecutive year of studies from Peking University,said there fects of the greying population,” Yuan, decreasing workforce,” he said. falling births since 2016, according to the is a consensus among population experts from Nankai University, said. In addition, various measures should be National Bureau of Statistics. that the second-child policy will be further “The number of newborns today can taken to tackle a greying population, Meanwhile, the birthrate dropped to adjusted to encourage more births. only offset the ageing population problem including boosting economic development, 10.48 per 1 000 people last year, the low- However, more research is needed on a couple of decades later.” improving the labour supply and the est level in seven decades. Many experts the details, such as to what extent the You Jun, vice-minister of human social security and medical insurance policy will be relaxed and whether all resources and social security, said at a systems, and developing elderly care couples will be allowed to have three news conference last month that by the services, he said. China strengthens penalties for false- Political adviser calls for extending virus relief A POLITICAL adviser from Hubei recovers over the coming months amid to land jobs, he said. litigation crimes province has urged the extension of a China’s mass vaccination effort. Since April, the provincial government COVID-19 relief package that helped Wuhan, Hubei’s provincial capital, has rolled out a slew of measures to BEIJING – China’s law-enforcement and China’s hardest-hit region stay afloat as was the Chinese city hit hardest by boost consumption, including digital related authorities have vowed crack it endured lockdown-induced economic the virus. consumption coupons and subsidies for down on false-litigation, with a view to woes last year. Guo said tax revenues in Hubei are car buyers equivalent tos 3 percent of the upholding judicial justice and authority The extension, suggested to run until expected to rebound to just 90 percent of purchase price. while promoting social ethics. the end of the year, would include a those in 2019 due to the lackluster Provincial officials announced in The nation’s top court, the top value-added tax exemption for a small performance of the real estate and service January that they will work to hit a 15 procuratorate, and the ministries of number of qualified groups, according to sectors. percent growth target for retail sales public security and justice released a set a proposal submitted by Guo Yuejin, a Central authorities earmarked more this year. of guidelines Wednesday on further member of the Standing Committee of than 150 billion yuan ($23.2 billion) in The province’s economic performance strengthening punishments in criminal the 13th National Committee of the financial aid to the provincial government was better than expected last year, but cases of false litigation. Chinese People’s Political Consultative last year, and Hubei will be forced to caution should be used to avoid a “benefit The crime of false litigation refers to Conference, the country’s top political ad- scramble to finance projects, bail out cliff”, said Yan Zhi, a Hubei deputy to the concocting civil disputes based on fake visory body. businesses and protect people’s livelihoods 13th NPC, referring to a sudden halting evidence and fabricated facts and initiat- Terms of loans made to the province’s on its own if central subsidies vanish this of relief measures introduced at the height ing civil litigation in the people’s courts, small and medium-sized businesses also year, Guo said. of the pandemic. leading to disruption of the justicial order need to be extended until the year’s end, The proposal also followed a 9.1 per- Yan,also a renowned entrepreneur,said or serious infringement of others’ the proposal said. cent decline in business profits in Hubei the province saw no mass collapse of local legitimate rights and interests. Deputies to the National People’s from January to November last year, and businesses or widespread unemployment The guidelines provide a list of civil Congress, China’s top legislature, and the grim situation is projected to continue during a “disastrous year “in 2020. cases prone to false litigation crimes, members of the CPPCC National this year. He said the relief package introduced to including disputes over private lending, Committee have been holding plenary Smaller businesses,which offer the ma- aid the province in areas including property and contracts, and require sessions in Beijing since early jority of China’s urban jobs, could face finance, business fee cuts and investment people’s courts and procuratorates to pay this month that are known as the two “bigger problems” when the assistance is in major projects should remain in place special attention to such cases. sessions. gone, Guo said. to ward off a “policy vacuum” or “benefit The document also clarifies the Guo said central authorities need to In addition, more than 460 000 college cliff”. punishments that judicial personnel and “help the province to get on the horse and graduates in Hubei are expected to enter “We need to ensure the continuity, lawyers should face for taking part accompany it for a period”, advocating the job market this year, while 100 000 stability and the sustainability of the aid,” in false litigation. continuing bailouts as Hubei’s economy students who graduated last year have yet he said. 8 • Friday March 12, 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 France sees no reason to suspend Cancel culture AstraZeneca shot, minister says CANCEL culture is a recent social phenomenon PARIS – French health tion of blood clots in some briefing. ple have experienced blood through which an individual can be socially or pro- authorities see no reason people who had been He said investigations coagulation problems, fessionally ostracised by groups of people who have to suspend the use of vaccinated. were continuing in France which is in line with the a negative view of that person or some behaviour of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Veran said the French and abroad and added number of cases one would that person. It often occurs where a public figure vaccinations, despite sus- drug safety agency,in line that Britain – which has expect for five million makes an offensive statement and is usually about pensions in some other with its European Union vaccinated millions with people who had not been things such as religion, sexual orientation or race. European countries, counterpart, had advised the AstraZeneca shot – vaccinated. The process itself can become problematic due to French Health Minister that there was no reason advised continuing with it “We are looking system- the fact that there are always many different opin- Olivier Veran said yester- to suspend injections with and had not noted large- atically at each declared ions about any given issue. Although cancel culture day. the AstraZeneca vaccine. scale excess risk related to case of undesired serious may seem trivial, it can have a serious financial im- Health authorities in “The benefits of the the vaccine. side-effects ... each case is pact on the persons who are affected by it, who tend Denmark, Norway and AstraZeneca vaccine are Veran, who is a neurolo- analysed for a link of not to be just the person who committed the ‘offence’, Iceland yesterday sus- considered higher than gist, said that for about causality with the vacci- but also their relatives and friends.The result can be pended the use of the risks at this point,” five million Europeans nation, which so far has lasting damage to their careers, reputations and AstraZeneca’s shot follow- Veran said at the govern- vaccinated with Astra- not been formally identi- brands and it can cause people to lose endorsements ing reports of the forma- ment’s weekly coronavirus Zeneca, only about 30 peo- fied,” Veran said. and other contracts if there is too much negative dis- cussion surrounding the issue. The idea has become popular recently as a form of ‘We’re not racist’, says Prince William social activism, using social media and the internet to share information. Society has also become more sensitive to issues affecting minority groups, with the growth of movements such as the local “life in leg- after Meghan and Harry interview gings” call to awareness on gender based violence and LONDON– Prince William were saddened by how the United States, has California last year, have the Black Lives Matter movement in the United denied yesterday that challenging the couple had proved divisive among the also spoken out about States and the world over. Britain’s royals were racist found the last few years. British public. what they say is press re- Cancel culture is mostly a foreign concept but it has after Meghan, wife of his But it was the couple’s For some, Meghan’s ac- porting tainted by racism, now seeped into every day life, especially in cases younger brother Harry, accusation that one of the cusations confirmed their and Harry said his family where race relations are challenged.The recent local said one unnamed member royals had made a racist belief that the monarchy is had failed to call out case of a Caucasian business man making racial of the family had asked comment which has domi- an outdated and intolerant “colonial undertones” in slurs in a viral video is one occasion where cancel cul- how dark their son Archie’s nated coverage and has the institution, while others articles. ture has been observed locally. It has also occurred skin might be. potential to cause lasting decried it as a self-serving “That hurts, but I also where businesses display poor customer service or Meghan, 39, made the damage to the 1 000-year- assault that neither am acutely aware of where unhealthy habits.Although ‘cancelling’ an individual allegation during an explo- old monarchy. Elizabeth nor her family my family stand and how or business is a harsh action to take, especially in sive tell-all interview that deserved. scared they are of the cases where all of the context about a situation is not she and Harry, 36, gave to Who said it? The crisis over Meghan tabloids turning on them,” known to the public, it can be a very useful tool to Oprah Winfrey and which Meghan, whose mother is and Harry comes a year Harry, who said the prevent similar undesirable behaviours from public was aired on Sunday, Black and father is white, after his uncle Prince tabloids’ behaviour was figures. Occasionally, however, innocent parties are plunging the British said while she was preg- Andrew was forced to quit a major reasons why he negatively impacted by the effects of cancel culture monarchy into its biggest nant with Archie there royal duties following a dis- had left Britain, told such as the employees of businesses and affiliated crisis since the 1997 death were “concerns and conver- astrous TV interview to ex- Winfrey. companies which have little to do with the person who of Princess Diana,William sations about how dark his plain his friendship with The couple’s criticism of performed the offensive behaviour.The knowledge of and Harry’s mother. skin might be when he’s late US financier Jeffrey the media prompted a re- how innocent parties can be affected by cancel culture On a visit to a school in born.” Epstein, who killed himself buttal from the Society of causes individuals and companies to make hasty east London, William said Neither she nor Harry in a US prison while await- Editors, which represents public statements condemning negative behaviour, he had not talked to Harry said who had made the re- ing trial on sex trafficking many of the tabloids, say- and disassociating themselves from the “cancelled” since the interview was mark, although Winfrey charges. ing it was “not acceptable” party. broadcast just over three later clarified that Harry Polls show the division for the couple to make Historically, boycotts of people and places could days ago. had said it was not the has fallen mainly down claims of racism in the have been fuelled by word of mouth discussion and “I haven’t spoken to him queen or her 99-year-old generational lines, with press “without supporting might have been less effective than the quick and de- yet but I will do,” William, husband Philip, who has those aged over 65 backing evidence”. cisive actions that can be taken with the use of social 38, said. been in hospital for three the queen and the senior However, its head, Ian media. These new ways to engage in social activism Asked by a reporter if the weeks while the crisis un- royals, while younger peo- Murray,stepped down over can allow people who are unable to march or speak royal family was racist, folds. ple supported Harry and those comments after out about matters which concern them to feel as if William said: “We’re very “That conversation, I’m Meghan. being accused of trying to they are still a true part of a movement. Initiatives much not a racist family.” never going to share,” The divided response – defend racism, which he such as Black out Tuesday ,which was supported by In the two-hour show, Harry said during the in- part of what commentators denied. many celebrities last year as part of Black Lives nearly three years after terview.“But at the time, it say is a wider “culture war” Also worryingly for the Matter protests, can send strong messages to their star-studded wedding was awkward. I was a bit waging on social and tradi- monarchy in the long term, Governments and big businesses when they are in Windsor Castle, Meghan shocked.” tional media – was exem- surveys have indicated accompanied by a clear purpose which can affect pro- said the royals had ignored In the statement from plified by reactions to pug- that the popularity of the ductivity and spending. her pleas for help while she the queen, the palace said nacious presenter Piers Elizabeth’s heir Charles, Careful use of social media boycotts should there- felt suicidal. issues of race were con- Morgan losing his high- 72, has also fallen amid the fore be supported locally to give more Barbadians a Harry said his father, cerning and would be profile breakfast TV slot crisis. voice on the issues which impact them. Of course, heir-to-the-throne Prince treated very seriously, but after saying he did not be- During the interview, such action may have little effect on large businesses Charles, had let him down pointedly stated “some rec- lieve Meghan. Harry also laid bare how like hotel and restaurant chains, but the message will and that he had felt ollections may vary”. The His remarks had at- distant he had become still be heard and changes may be made without trapped. Palace has said that it was tracted 41,000 complaints from the other members of negative impact. On Tuesday, Bucking- a family matter that to Britain’s media regula- his family,saying his father In essence, individuals and companies should be ham Palace issued a state- should be dealt with pri- tor. had stopped taking his held accountable for their public behaviour.However, ment on behalf of 94-year- vately. calls at one point, and we must ensure that responses are not emotional or old Queen Elizabeth, the The interview, watched Media backlash that there was “space” in irrationally charged, but that a clear point is made princes’ grandmother, in by 12.4 million viewers in The couple, who quit their his relationship with through which persons can be educated about what which she said the family Britain and 17.1 million in royal roles to move to William. is politically and socially correct, and what actions are deemed unacceptable by society – whether it be Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes locally or worldwide. Luckily for some, public state- E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen ments are often quickly forgotten so a boycott is Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan unlikely to continue for any extended period of time. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • FAX: 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] The planning process But what can they say? “If you do not know where you are determining the current situation fol- THE declaration by the Barbados by every word that proceeds out of the going, any road will get you there.” – lowed by the objective analysis, alterna- Christian Counsel (BXC) shows how mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. He also Lewis Carol tive analysis, activity listing and sched- much some ministers of late have gone, said, “Let your yea be yea and your nay ules, design framework, and assumption not to please God, but themselves. How be nay.” Why? The answer is simple; “If you do not know where you are, any analysis that define the outputs and de- can anyone with a modicum of common the word of God is already settled in road will likely take you where you do liverables (destination or goals), which sense not understand that: heaven. Psalms 119:89. not want to go.” – Anon are required for implementation plan- God’s word is not judged by the world, Modern ministers therefore should ning. Without such implementation but the world is judged by God’s word not fall into the same trap as Balaam FORTY-FIVE years ago (1976) the logi- planning, our Public Sector will never and of course so is the Church. who believed that one’s position can cal approach to planning was first intro- improve its 70% implementation deficit That there is nothing called consen- nullify the direct words of God and that duced to Public Servants in Barbados by that has been identified by all the inter- sus when it comes to the word of God. for filthy lucre and/or glamorous posi- consultants engaged by the new admin- national agencies. Jesus Christ himself did not rely on tions, he can change or compel God to istration of Prime Minister Tom Adams. his own intellect but said to Satan, change his mind. He found out to his The focus of that newly proposed plan- PETER WEBSTER “Man shall not live by bread alone but own death that it cannot happen. ning process was on the outputs or deliv- Therefore, when it comes to certain erables (goals or destination) of the plans doctrines, neither BXC nor BEA nor with the secondary benefit of improving any other institution can get God to the budgetary process. Such a process A risky investment? change his mind about serious matters would have assisted the financial plan- or for that matter, any matter. ners in better determining the costs and IT seems the seaside community of Barbados the first point of contact of hur- Homosexuality was wrong in Sodom benefits of various proposals from the Bathsheba is in line for a $2.4 million ricanes crossing the Atlantic? Did this and Gomorrah back in Genesis and is wide range of Ministries in order to bet- dollar Community Centre, to be com- thought not occur to Minister of Youth, still wrong today. ter allocate scarce resources. pleted within the next six to eight months. Sports and Community Empowerment, So, at the end of the day, what can That Mr. Adams failed to get the pub- Artist renderings are quite impressive, Dwight Sutherland, or his staff? Seems to you say but “thus saith the Lord”? lic servants to change their archaic budg- depicting a well-appointed and welcom- be a rather risky investment to me. eting methodology from the “activity” sys- ing facility. EVAN. STEPHEN BARKER tem is a matter of record and the reason Question: Is not the East Coast of CHARLES KNIGHTON Shalem Evangelical Church why so much misallocation of our scarce resources still occurs. A typical example of this misallocation has been the recent treatment of flooding in Speightstown Economic and social justice and enfranchisement and Holetown, which allocated millions HISTORICALLY, problematic periods can quickly erase gains and dig deeper By design, life’s pathway to the green of dollars to drainage or treatment of the unlock doors of denial, rejection, and re- social and cultural holes. fields and meadows passes through a symptom in these places rather than the covery. Additionally, the hidden under- The road back to the male as the fam- “lion’s den”. That road is paved with cause – runoff from the hills. belly of societies is exposed, and if the ily leader may now get longer. That pos- antagonism, hostility, and moments of Would you believe that two previous society chooses, affluence, confidence sibility will further endanger the return disadvantage.As scary as it may appear, 10-year Physical Development Plans vision, arise. Turning points are change of the family as a foundational unit of the history confirms that the “lion’s den” is prepared by the same Public Sector au- agents.World War 1 redrew political bor- community – and by extension, will com- seasonal. The path out of the den has no thorities and approved by two different ders and initiated the increase of new promise the bedrock of every civil society. shortcuts. Acceptance, patience, and un- Administrations and Parliaments ideas. Secondly, before the 1928 Great Furthermore, male identity is already derstanding make it easy. It is akin to proposed construction of small check Depression, the United States of America punctured. Too many males become hand carving a majestic clay bowl. Using dams in the gully courses leading to had no unemployment insurance or adults without male mentors and rela- the clay and tools you have. Letting the Speightstown and Holetown? That solu- social security. Congress’ 1935 Social tionships. The absence or loss of a job clay show the next step. Knowing that no tion to the flooding problems on our West Security Act filled the void.Thirdly,adult will therefore reduce his status at home two blocks of clay are ever quite the same. Coast had been recommended by several suffrage, the political party system, and and among his friends. Knowing that the furnace will be the qualified engineers. Those check dams trade unionism in the Caribbean grew Student confidence is now also at risk. final arbiter of the carving. would have significantly reduced such after the 1937-1945 disturbances and Several students faithfully followed the Post-COVID will be a steep climb. It flooding and consequent pollution of our the Moyne Commission. prescribed education program. Their will require significant leadership and pristine West Coast beaches while in- However, to move forward, clarity re- dreams are likely to be unexpectedly lifestyle changes. The tools of effort are creasing the recharge of our aquifers that quires leadership to thoroughly define halted. What happens if they question free: discipline, using what you have, are being rapidly depleted by too much and assess the issues of the inflection the said education system? helping those who don’t have, saving extraction. It is an absolute shame that moment. “Reimagine, re-engineer, and COVID has transitioned from the per- rather than spending, respecting and lift- such plans were never implemented by replace” from leaders are empty words to fect storm to the unwanted hurricane. ing up others, working with rather than our Public Sector. the anxious; hollow platitudes to anyone The reasons. The collision of issues, the competing with nature. It is fair to say Barbados public servants need to drag with a haversack on their back and an of- decay of values, the disappearance of in- some big idea is needed and in the mak- themselves into the twenty-first century ficial notice to exit their shack, and cer- termediaries and mediation, the parti- ing. If it is economic and social justice and and introduce an improved budgetary tainly not comforting to persons whose san nature of politics, and the transition enfranchisement, then Barbados’ road to system, which involves the well-tested employment is on hold. from the village to the urban community. recovery will be easier and shorter than methodologies of a “Logical Approach to Seldom are the solutions to core issues Many platforms are broken and cannot expected. Planning”. Such methodologies utilise just economics. Loss of dignity,mistrust, carry the new lad. However, this crisis the stakeholder and problem analyses to unfulfilled promises, and expectations may peel away old habits. WALTER EDEY

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Ciara Ray Charles (1930-2004) “Know therefore that the Lord American singer, songwriter, American singer, BE OPEN TO your God is God; he is the dancer & model songwriter & pianist RECEIVING faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand “As we get older, it's important “What is a soul? It's like elec- We not only need to generations of those who love for us to help hand back some of tricity – we don't really know be willing to give, but him and keep his command- what we've gained as we've grown what it is, but it's a force that also to be open to older. It should be one of your can light a room.” ments.” receiving from others. – Deuteronomy 7, vs 9 responsibilities – it's almost like (NIV) being a mentor.” 10 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Installation of the solar panels at West Indies Rum Distillery. WIRD invests in million-dollar solar plant A MILLION-DOLLAR footprint on the island, 2030. WIRD’s new solar establish and transform stalling the solar panels,” solar energy plant is the West Indies Rum “We are constantly plant is expected to gen- the distillery into a car- added Michael Marshall, currently being in- Distillery (WIRD) is researching innovative erate an output of more bon neutral operation Engineering Manager, stalled at Barbados’ making the investment opportunities to further than 400 kilowatts and within the next ten WIRD. leading and largest at its Brighton, St. improve sustainable and is estimated to produce years. WIRD continues to rum producer. Michael home with the socially responsible busi- 747,000 kWh in the first “This solar plant is the invest in creating a sus- Aimed at reducing ultimate goal of becom- ness practices. We also year of operation, which cornerstone of our green tainable rum industry, the impact of its carbon ing carbon neutral by have new and ambitious will provide for at least initiatives. The roof while providing mean- environmental goals, and 20% of the electrical con- structure first had to ingful jobs and producing we are looking at inno- sumption of the distillery be redone, and then the fine Barbadian rums BANK RATES vative systems in order – or the equivalent of 100 roof sheets had to be re- such Plantation Rum. to significantly reduce local households. placed. Williams Solar of The distillery also Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of the use of fossil fuels and To this end, WIRD has Williams Industries is has other plans in the business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. to reduce our total en- also retained a renew- the company responsible pipeline to assist with ergy usage,” said Andrew able energy consultant for phase one of project. the reduction of carbon Valid for March 12, 2021 Hassell, Managing with thirty years’ experi- The Williams Solar team emissions that will come Notes: Director, WIRD. ence in the field to study, are in the process of in- on stream later this year. Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 Canadian Dollar 1.57271 1.61923 East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 More to be trained in solar installation Euro 2.34708 2.44592 Pound Sterling 2.73727 2.85253 MORE clients of Verdun Company Limited at the Substance Abuse undertaking. It is going to United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 House will receive train- (BL&P). The electricity is Foundation constantly be an expensive under- Demand/Sight: ing in solar installation in generated from the 502 engage with them”. taking, but we do believe Currency Buying Selling the near future within solar panels which are Carrington told the that there are social in- Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.58167 1.61781 Phase 2 of the Substance installed on the rooftops listening audience that vestors on the world map East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Abuse Foundation (SAF) across six buildings at the “the success of the that will see the value of Euro 2.38152 2.43074 Inc.’s solar photovoltaic facility. Some “159.6 kilo- roof-mounted system us establishing this plant Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 project. watts of power” is gener- at Verdun has really and to support our sus- Pound Sterling 2.77743 2.83483 SAF Inc.’s Chief ated and it earns SAF Inc. encouraged us to pursue tainability goals by con- United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 Executive Officer, “approximately $100,000 our plans for perhaps tributing to this plant. So Telegraphic Transfer Marietta Carrington, a year”. Some clients of a far more substantial we suspect that within Currency Buying Selling revealed this as she Verdun House and their ground-mounted system the next year to 18 Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 spoke during the call-in families receive training on lands, which we have months, once the pan- Canadian Dollar 1.58466 1.61781 radio programme ‘Green as well as obtain CVQs in at Verdun”. demic settles down and East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.38600 2.43074 Economy: Let’s Talk solar installation within This system will be set allows the wheels of Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 About It’ recently. She this phase of the project. up during Phase 2, which Government to turn a lit- Pound Sterling 2.78266 2.83483 was one of the five panel- The CEO said eight of they are into. She said, tle more quickly and that United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 lists speaking during the the individuals who grad- “At the minute we have our funding appeals bear show. uated from that cohort an application into Town fruit that very soon we INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL Phase one of the project “are now working within and Country Planning will have another cohort CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE has seen the all-male res- the sector and the reports to allow us to establish a of clients and their fami- RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS. idential treatment facil- that we have gotten are one megawatt solar plant lies and individuals N.B. These rates are not meant to be used for trading. ity located in St. John that they are all shining. on land that cannot be within the St. John area BDS$ generating its own elec- They are surpassing otherwise used for agri- who will be able to join Guyana Dollar 0.00945 Jamaica Dollar 0.01353 tricity and selling the others who have already culture at the Substance the team of next set of T&T Dollar 0.29623 excess to the Barbados been working in this field Abuse Foundation.” training that we will be Light and Power and of course, all of us She added it “is a big providing”. (MG) The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 11

Restaurants using innovation to stay in business during COVID-19 FINE dining restaurants, which rely on the fine dining restaurant did not sure what the future holds. She said said this is not an idea that they want the hospitality and tourism industry to provide before COVID-19. there is hope that a level of stability will to consider since many of her colleagues earn revenue, are adapting to the “‘Takeout and delivery’ is now some- come to the industry with the vaccine have dedicated their lives to the hos- COVID-19 environment through inno- thing that is available in Barbados, rollout. The top chef added that there is pitality field. During her remarks, she vation. which was unthinkable in 2019. So there hope with the smaller businesses and considered the plight of Barbados Head Chef at Fusion Restaurant, is that evolution of the industry to look adaptations that this will help the sec- Community College (BCC) hospitality Rhea Gilkes, disclosed this development forward to. But it doesn’t negate the fact tor, but unemployment is still an issue. students, who are on the verge of during the “Talking Tourism with that we have lost way too many of our “We are also aware that if stability graduating and pondering their job the Ladies”, hosted by the Barbados institutions, way too many of our busi- does not return to the industry,we could prospects. Tourism Marketing Incorporated nesses,” said Gilkes. see many of our comrades stay at home,” Due to COVID-19, Gilkes said her col- (BTMI) to celebrate International said Gilkes. leagues will use innovations like cooking Women’s Day. Uncertain future ahead She noted that even if business at clients’ homes/private dinners as Gilkes said her employer is offering She pointed out that with the upcoming resumes and everyone returns, some people will feel comfortable having this delivery and takeout services – options season, many of her colleagues are not people will still be out of work. Gilkes experience within this environment. Collaboration is key Strong voice IT is imperative, in the post-COVID reality, that countries in the for region Caribbean continue to work IN a bid to build more productive, sus- together for the future economic tainable and equitable food systems, sustainability of the region. Chair of the Scientific Group for the UN That’s the view of the Head of the Food Systems Summit, Joachim von Delegation of the European Union to Braun, urged Latin America and the Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, Caribbean to project a “strong voice” in the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFO- the organisation of the global meeting RUM, Malgorzata Wasilewska. She that is slated to take place at the end of made the point while delivering remarks September. during the recently held virtual launch of Von Braun made the appeal during his the Barbados Port Community System presentation as a special guest of the (PCS) Project, which is funded by the Advisory Council for Food Security in Barbados Port Inc. in collaboration with the Americas of the Inter-American the CARIFORUM/European Union Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) (IICA). The Council is comprised of ex- and the CARICOM Single Market and perts from ten countries with a track Economy (CSME) Standby Facility record of major contributions to the Project. agri-food sector, in the areas of policy and According to Ambassador Wasilewska, academics. collaboration is key as we try to navi- As Chair of the Scientific Group for gate these uncharted global economic the UN Food Systems Summit, von Chair of the Scientific Group for the waters where greater emphasis must be Braun leads a team of close to 50 experts UN Food Systems Summit, Joachim placed on increased digitalisation and whose purpose, according to him, is to en- von Braun. efficient global supply chains in goods sure that “the Summit uses the most out- and services that meet the highest stan- Head of the Delegation of the standing scientific evidence from around America and the Dominican Republic dards possible. European Union to Barbados, the the world, based on shared knowledge that an information campaign would be Earlier she referred to the PCS project, Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and experience, to foster more sustain- launched throughout the Americas, in a noting that its establishment is expected and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, able, inclusive and equitable food sys- bid to spark a hemisphere-wide discus- to increase efficiency and transparency in Malgorzata Wasilewska. tems”. sion to ensure that deliberations at the the trading and clearance of goods as a Agnes Kalibata, UN Special Envoy for Summit reflect the interests of agricul- result of reduced clearance times, lower wider programme of support under the the Summit, recently remarked that the tural producers in this region – the compliance costs and improved docu- European Union’s 21 million euro grant global forum “should serve as a turning world’s major net food exporter. ment workflow through digitalisation. for the implementation of the Economic point on the path that the world should On September 1 and 2, prior to the UN “The PCS will provide seamless au- Partnership Agreement, which also in- take to achieve the 2030 Agenda Food Systems Summit, the ministers of tomation in the local trade facilitation cludes support to the Caribbean in five Sustainable Development Goals”, and agriculture of the Americas will attend a process and these combined improve- other areas – innovation and intellectual thus, she reaffirmed that the “Scientific meeting of the Inter-American Board of ments will ultimately see Barbados move property rights; technical barriers to Group plays a critical role”, by present- Agriculture (IABA) – IICA’s highest gov- closer towards world-class standards in trade; sanitary and phytosanitary meas- ing “bold science-based measures and erning body. Here, they are expected to port operations with enhanced logistics ures; capacity building in the areas of innovative solutions in the interest of arrive at a common position for the global efficiency, trade competitiveness, and competition, public procurement and cus- a more equitable future for upcoming forum. improvements in the ease of doing toms; and trade facilitation. The overall generations”. At the meeting with the IICA Advisory business,” she stated. objective of the programme is to con- At the invitation of Kalibata, IICA Council, von Braun remarked on the im- Her comments came as she said the tribute to the integration of CARIFO- Director General, Manuel Otero, joined portance of governance to the process of project falls in line with a series of proj- RUM into the worldwide economy and the Summit Champions Network, one of transforming food systems. “Food sys- ects being supported by the Standby the effective operation of the EPA,” she the four main support structures of the tems have evolved rapidly in the last Facility, which is funded by the European stated. global meeting. three decades and the issue of processed Union and managed by the Caribbean Moreover, she indicated that the EU Von Braun, who is also a Professor at foods is as much a rural as an urban one. Development Bank. She explained that has also contributed 30 million euros to the University of Bonn, stressed that “it It is critical that we work with industry the standby facilities were created to sup- assist in strengthening the CSME inte- is important that Latin America and the to develop affordable and sustainable port member states in the region in the gration and co-operation process. She Caribbean project a strong voice leading diets.We cannot transform food systems effective implementation of the EPA and said that under that programme, they up to the United Nations Food Summit”. without addressing issues of gover- CSME and they address the various im- are supporting two key objectives – “I hope that the Latin American and nance,” he indicated, adding that he also pediments to trade that may be unique improving the institutional regulatory Caribbean region will emphasise the role hopes that IICA “will be one of the actors” to each country. and financial environment relevant to of food trade and the development of a in the meetings of scientific groups prior With that in mind, she said more has the consolidation of the CSME and im- sustainable trade agenda – trade that is to the Summit. to be done for the region to fully capitalise proving the effectiveness in use and man- rules-based trade and that allows us to The IICA Advisory Council for Food on the EPA and to advance on the imple- agement of technology statistics and reduce the global footprint of food sys- Security in the Americas monitors the mentation of the CSME. She added that knowledge relevant to the CSME. tems. It is important that the voice of impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on it is for this reason, the EU continues to It is in that regard that she highlighted the region be heard,” he added. food security in the region, with a view to focus and provide support at the national the importance of countries working Recently at a meeting of the Central presenting an analysis and recommen- and regional levels for the implementa- closer together if they are to survive and American Agricultural Council (CAC), dations that may be useful for decision- tion of both the EPA and the CSME. thrive in the post-COVID environment. the IICA Director General advised the making by various public and private “The standby facility forms part of a (JRT) ministers of agriculture of Central sector entities. 12 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline March 11, 2021 GODDARD ENTERPRISES LIMITED 250 2.15 2.15 2.15 0

One security advanced as 250 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $537.50. Goddard Enterprises Limited was the sole security trading 250 shares at $2.15.

Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $20.32 $20.44 $0.12 SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Thursday March 11, 2021

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

ABV Investments Incorporated 15-Oct-20 - - - $0.05 $0.05 - $0.02 $0.30 8,080 10,498

BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 70 - INDICES Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES March 11, 2021 March 10, 2021 Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - Local 2,443.96 2,443.83 0.13 Barbados Farms Limited 22-Jan-21 - - - $0.40 $0.40 - $0.35 $0.68 1,000 25,342 Cross-list 933.43 933.43 - Composite 595.52 595.49 0.03 Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 28-Jan-21 - - - $4.10 $4.10 - $4.00 $4.10 72 1,100 MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) FirstCaribbean International Bank 24-Feb-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - - $1.80 - 14,251 TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES March 11, 2021 March 10, 2021 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 19-Feb-21 - - - $0.16 $0.16 - - $0.16 - 5,066 Local 4,912.55 4,912.28 0.26 - Dev Fund Cross-list 119.19 119.19 - Composite 5,031.73 5,031.47 0.26 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 26-Feb-21 - - - $0.56 $0.56 - $0.55 $0.57 1,600 1,000 MUTUAL FUND -Value Fund March 11, 2021 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV Goddard Enterprises Limited 11-Mar-21 250 2.15 2.15 $2.15 $2.15 0 $2.10 $2.15 17,805 51,936 CHANGE 05-Mar-21 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2142 0.0151 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 23-Feb-21 - - - $2.00 $2.00 - $1.80 $2.00 1,087 22,200 05-Mar-21 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2581 0.0003 05-Mar-21 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6719 -0.0001 One Caribbean Media Limited 18-Feb-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - - $2.20 - 1,000 05-Mar-21 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.4913 6.4913 6.4913 -0.0965 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - -- $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 05-Mar-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.0953 0.0019 05-Mar-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0200 0.0009 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - -- $2.80 $2.80 - - - -- 28-Feb-21 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.6018 5.6018 5.4998 0.0320 28-Feb-21 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0369 1.0369 1.0162 0.0128 West India Biscuit Company Limited 03-Mar-21 - - - $31.25 $31.25 - $31.26 - 156 - 28-Feb-21 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6427 1.6427 1.6098 -0.0002 05-Mar-21 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.73 -0.02 Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $20.32 $20.44 $0.12 $30.00 - 50 - 05-Mar-21 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.65 -0.02 05-Mar-21 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.98 0.00 250 TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS * = Security is Trading X-Div ENTRY COSTS. m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly *+* = Security is Suspended Fixed Income ** = Rights Issued Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 04-Mar-21 $60.00 $60.00 $60.00 102,990 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 NOTICES GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $70.00 19,617 FirstCaribbean International Bank – Directors have fixed February 1st, 2021 as the record date for the determination of NEWS shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on March 12th, 2021. The meeting can be accessed virtually here: https://web.lumiagm.com/286-507-132. Shareholders who wish to attend the annual meeting must contact FirstCaribbean International Bank by March 10, 2021 at [email protected] to obtain the GM says US should extend Meeting ID and Password to join the meeting. consumer, investment tax Emera Incorporated – Directors have fixed March 22nd, 2021 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on May 20th, 2021. credits to boost electric vehicles BICO Limited – Notice is hereby given that the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the shareholders WASHINGTON – General Thursday in his post. of BICO Limited is scheduled to take place on April 13th, 2021 at the Company’s registered address: Harbor Industrial Park, Motors President Mark Reuss also called again for Bridgetown, BB11145 at 5:00 p.m. Reuss said on Thursday the the $7,500-EV tax credit to BSE NOTICES US government should ex- be extended to more vehicles. tend new investment tax GM hit the 200,000 cumula- COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE credits for electric vehicle tive EV vehicle sales thresh- manufacturing and supply old in late 2018 and the Kindly note that effective February 26th, 2021, the offices of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados chains and expand consumer credit fully expired for all Central Securities Depository Inc. (BCSDI) remain closed in accordance with the recommendations contained in Directive incentives to electric vehicle GM EV buyers in April 2020. No. 5 issued by the Government of Barbados for the period March 1st, 2021 to March 14th, 2021. purchases, including for used GM sold 2.55 million vehi- Kindly note, however, that while our physical offices will be closed, all trading, clearing and settlement operations will remain vehicles. cles in the United States last fully operational as staff will all be working remotely during this period. While our offices are closed, we remain easily In a LinkedIn post, Reuss year, but only about 20,000 accessible via email. For Stock Exchange related queries, kindly email us at [email protected] and for Shareholder related also called on US policymak- were EVs, including the queries contact us at [email protected]. ers to invest “in infrastruc- Chevy Bolt hatchback. It ture that includes fast- said in November it was in- We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding and trust that all and sundry remain safe during this time. charging stations, particu- vesting $27 billion in electric TRADING SUSPENSION larly in urban areas and and autonomous vehicles along highway corridors”. over the next five years, up The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject In January,GM said it was from $20 billion planned to Section 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks setting a dramatic goal to before the coronavirus pan- Holdings Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. sell all its new cars, SUVs demic. and light pickup trucks with President Joe Biden has The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados zero tailpipe emissions by called for 500,000 new charg- Dairy Industries Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. 2035, a dramatic shift by the ing stations to speed electric largest US automaker away vehicle adoption and backs The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement from gasoline and diesel en- expanding tax credits for effected by way of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and gines. consumers and for retool outstanding shares in Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the “2021 is the tipping point factories to build EVs and security Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited. toward EVs,” Reuss said on components. The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 13 Trinidad and Tobago judge takes oath as ICC member JUSTICE Althea Alexis-Windsor on Registrar of the court Peter Lewis, out- Wednesday took the oath of office going president Chile Eboe-Osuji and in- as a judge of the International coming president of the Assembly of Criminal Court (ICC). States Parties to the Rome Statute of the The ceremony was held at the seat of ICC Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi ad- the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands. dressed the ceremony. Alexis-Windsor attended the ceremony Also in attendance were TT’s virtually, a statement from the Ministry Ambassador to the Netherlands, based in of Foreign and Caricom Affairs said. Belgium, Colin Connelly, and Justice Alexis-Windsor was endorsed by the Geoffrey Henderson, whose term as an Caribbean Community, and was elected ICC judge ended on Wednesday. on December 23 to serve at the ICC for Henderson was elected in November 2021-2030. 2013, to fill a vacancy left by then Justice She has over 23 years’ experience in Anthony Carmona, who resigned from criminal law,international criminal law, the court in March that year, to serve as Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor takes the oath of office, virtually, as a judge and served as trial attorney and appeals president of TT. of the International Criminal Court during a ceremony at The Hague, counsel at the International Criminal He was assigned to the trials division, Netherlands, on Wednesday. (International Criminal Court) Tribunal on Rwanda. working on high-profile cases including The ministry reminded that the ICC’s those involving former presidents of sev- He also worked on pre-trial situations with jurisdiction over international advisory committee, in assessing Alexis- eral African states. Some of the notable involving Bangladesh, Myanmar, crimes in an address to the UN General Windsor,said she possessed “exceptional cases Henderson presided over included Georgia and Bolivia. Assembly. judicial experience at the national level” those of Kenyan president Uhuru Muigai In the release, the ministry said, “TT “The Government congratulates as a judge of the Supreme Court of Kenyatta and Jean-Pierre Bemba continues to be recognised internation- Madam Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor Trinidad and Tobago. Gombo; former Cote d’Ivoire president ally for its pioneering work in the estab- on being sworn in as a judge of the The committee also noted that on the Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé; lishment of the ICC which predates the International Criminal Court and basis of “her professional experience and Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain; and entry into force of the Rome Statute. acknowledges with appreciation the her answers during the interview,” she Bosco Ntaganda, who were charged with “”In 1989, the then Prime Minister,the outstanding service of Justice Geoffrey was highly qualified for the appointment various offences involving crimes against late Arthur NR Robinson, resurrected Henderson to the International Criminal as a judge of the ICC. humanity and war crimes, among others. the idea of the establishment of a court Court,” the release said. CARICOM seeking to bolster relations with the United States HEADS of Government in the Caribbean High on the agenda will be a focus on commitment in the fight against Community recently exchanged views on the accessibility to vaccines, the risk of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and agreed CARICOM relations with the United having banking systems de-risked and to a démarche articulating their concerns, States of America, given the change in matters related to the arbitrarily with the modalities of the TIP Report. administration in the US. They have blacklisting of countries in the region and They underlined the importance of emphasised that the country remains one the influx of arms and ammunition into engaging also with the US Congress and of the Community’s most important our region, amongst other things. its specialised committees. This would external relationships. Meanwhile, in a communique, the allow for engagement on issues of interest Chairman of CARICOM Dr. Keith Heads of Government agreed that every such as blacklisting, correspondent Rowley revealed that indeed, CARICOM effort would be made to engage the new banking, access to concessional financing is seeking to bolster relations with the US Administration at all levels, once and other security issues. US,during a press conference which came sufficient groundwork has been laid. They also urged the Community to at the close of the recent Thirty-Second Efforts will also be made to build on broaden its outreach beyond USA state- Intersessional Meeting of the Conference existing formal initiatives such as the to-state institutions to include academia, of Heads of Government of the Caribbean US-Caribbean Strategic Act and active labour,the private sector,think tanks and Community (CARICOM). platforms of engagement on energy,trade, the Caribbean diaspora whose advocacy “Yes, a very specific decision has been security, education, disaster management could be of assistance in advancing the taken for that to happen and it is and resilience. Region’s interests. happening. We also agreed that we The Heads called for greater Heads of Government welcomed the shouldn’t just seek to make that contact cooperation on firearms, including early indications from the US that there at the level of the presidency, but at other locating an ATF officer in the Southern would be greater emphasis on the fight levels, in the Congress and elsewhere in Caribbean, along with a Homeland against climate change, an issue of Chairman of CARICOM Dr. Keith the US administration, where we do have Security Investigations Officer. Heads of existential importance to the Community. Rowley contacts ongoing,” Dr. Rowley noted. Government reaffirmed their (RSM)

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

High Tide (First) 3:48 High tide (Second) 15:36 London 06 Clear Yesterday: 0.0 mm Boston 22 Cloudy Low Tide (First) 9:21 For the month: 13.6 mm Max: 29.4 °C Montreal 12 Cloudy Low tide (Second) 21:50 For the year: 188.7 mm Min: 24.6 °C Toronto 19 Fair New York 13 Fair Miami 24 Partly Cloudy 6:08 am 6:09 pm 14 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate Former PMs join call for Jamaicans to take vaccine JAMAICA – Former Prime and also urged Jamaicans to Ministers, the Most Hon. PJ take the vaccine as soon as Patterson and the Hon. possible so that the country can Bruce Golding, have joined return to normality. the call for Jamaicans to “The procedure was simple, take the coronavirus straightforward [and] virtually (COVID-19) vaccine. painless. It involved less stress They were among persons than when you go to your doctor who received the injection at The for an examination. They ask Good Samaritan’s Inn in you a few questions in terms of Kingston on Wednesday (March the processing. That took less 10), on the first day of the than five minutes. The implementation of the vaccine administration of the vaccine programme. took less than three minutes,” Mr. Patterson said that the Mr. Golding said. take-up of the vaccine “will “It was a pleasant experience ensure that our systems are and I want to use this strengthened to resist the virus”. opportunity to really encourage “I have taken my vaccination. all Jamaicans, as soon as the By being able to do so on the first opportunity is available, to take Former Prime Ministers, the Most Hon. PJ Patterson (left) and the Hon. Bruce Golding, are in day that the vaccine programme the vaccine,” he stressed. light conversation before taking the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine at the Good has started, we are intending to Widow of late former Prime Samaritan’s Inn in Kingston on Wednesday (March 10), on the first day of the vaccination show to the nation that there is Minster, Hugh Shearer and programme. no reason whatsoever why Professor of Public Health and people should not accept the Ageing, University of the West More than 3,000 healthcare Government intends to The Ministry of Health and vaccine when it is available,” he Indies (UWI), Dr. Denise workers were targeted to receive vaccinate 17,050 healthcare Wellness also expects some noted. Eldemire Shearer, also received the vaccine on Wednesday, workers. 14,400 doses of AstraZeneca “I would plead to all those the vaccine on Wednesday. comprising 1,930 personnel from Next week, members of the vaccines by March 11. persons, and particularly those She described the experience the South East Regional Health Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Another 1.8 million doses are beyond age 65, to avail as “awesome”. Authority (SERHA); 530 from and the Jamaica Constabulary to be supplied to Jamaica, themselves of the first “The shot does not hurt… and the Western Regional Health Force (JCF) will be vaccinated. starting in April, under the opportunity to get the vaccine. it is the start of freedom,” Dr. Authority (WRHA); 520 from the On Monday (March 8), African Medical Supply By doing so, they will protect Eldermire Shearer said. North East Regional Health Jamaica received a donation of platform. themselves and offer some “It has been a year and it is Authority (NERHA); and 300 50,000 doses of vaccines from The Government had protection to others,” he added. time for us to get back to normal from the Southern Regional the Government of India, to indicated that it has the Mr. Golding, for his part, said life, to exercise, etc, and this is Health Authority (SRHA). facilitate the start of the vaccine resources to secure vaccines for that the process went smoothly the start,” she added. At the end of week one, the programme. some two million Jamaicans. Jamaica gets US$75 Million loan from IDB to strengthen COVID-19 response KINGSTON, Jamaica – policy through the introduction in 2020,” said IDB Country student loan relief. It added that Jamaica will get a US$75 of temporary measures to Representative and Manager of it will support small business million loan from the Inter- protect the income of vulnerable the Caribbean Department, grant programmes, especially in American Development Bank households and increase Therese Turner-Jones. “I am the tourism sector. (IDB) to strengthen the liquidity for businesses during hopeful that these resources will The loan will also support efficiency and effectiveness of the crisis. help with both the health and measures to strengthen fiscal public policy and fiscal In addition, the loan will recovery of the country.” institutions to improve management in response to the promote economic and fiscal Noting that Jamaica, like efficiency and transparency of health and economic crisis recovery in the post-pandemic other Caribbean countries, has public investment as well as the caused by COVID-19. period, the IDB said. been hit hard by the pandemic formulation of strategies and The bank said the loan – the “This loan comes at a crucial as nearly a third of its output public policy responses to limit first of two policy-based loans – moment in Jamaica’s fight and employment are linked to the economic fallout of the crisis will promote the availability and against COVID-19 as the the tourism sector, the IDB said and bolster subsequent timely execution of public country begins the process of the loan will help finance cash economic and fiscal recovery IDB Country Representative resources to respond to the vaccinating its population to transfers to employees, grants efforts, the bank said. It has a and Manager of the health crisis caused by COVID- save lives, but also as it prepares to low-income informal workers, 20-year maturity and 5.5-year Caribbean Department, 19. It said it will strengthen the to ramp up economic activity in vulnerable groups and the grace period and its interest rate Therese Turner-Jones countercyclical effect of fiscal the face of the economic fallout unemployed, and provide is LIBOR-based. Record 12 deaths in one day as J’ca reports 695 new COVID cases KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica This pushes the total con- from St Elizabeth; a 62-year-old Meanwhile, the ministry said tions. The other cases were re- has recorded 12 deaths due to firmed deaths to 475 and the male from Kingston and St of the new cases reported, 409 ported in St James (63), COVID-19 in 24 hours,the high- total confirmed cases of the virus Andrew; a 48-year-old male from are females and 286 are males Westmoreland (43), Manchester est number of deaths in one day since the outbreak in the island St Catherine; a 67-year-old male with ages ranging from four days (41), St Elizabeth (37), St Thomas since the first case of the virus to 28, 968. from St Ann; and a 73-year-old to 91 years. (36), St Ann (28), Clarendon (23), was confirmed locally in March The latest deaths include two male from Westmoreland. The parish with the highest Trelawny (21), Hanover (13), St 2020. females, ages 54 and 37, and two Another death was also re- number of cases on Wednesday is Mary (three), and Portland (two). The country’s case count also males, ages 79 and 33, from St ported as coincidental and one Kingston and St Andrew, which The ministry also reported 137 inched closer to 30,000 on James; three males, ages 75, 77 more was reported under inves- had 202 cases, followed by St more recoveries, pushing the Wednesday, with 695 new cases. and 87, and a 76-year-old female tigation. Catherine with 183 new infec- total recoveries to 14,781. The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 15

Mexico’s Congress approves Regional landmark cannabis bill response MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s lower to disaster house of Congress on Wednesday approved a bill that would decriminalize cannabis for management recreational, medical and scientific uses, bringing it a step closer to creating one of the world’s largest markets for the plant. important Backed by the administration of By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the bill marks a major shift in A REGIONAL response to a country bedeviled for years by violence preparing for natural disasters is between feuding drug cartels. important. Lawmakers approved the bill in Speaking during the Institute of general with 316 votes in favour and 127 International Relations, The UWI against. Now,the Senate needs to review Panel Discussion on CARICOM/ and approve the bill. Regional Action on Disaster Risk If passed, the law would create a huge Reduction Management recently, Dr. market, which foreign companies are Michelle Scobie of the Institute of eager to tap. International Relations expressed that The bill would allow five types of Caribbean islands were highly licenses for the cultivation, vulnerable to natural disasters and transformation, sale, research and export were made more vulnerable based on or import of marijuana. Only people 18 the nature of the economies and the years and older,and with a permit, would locations of the islands. be able to grow, carry or consume Additionally,over the years, she noted marijuana and its derivatives. that these disasters have cost the “Today we are making history,” said region quite dearly. Simey Olvera, a lawmaker from Lopez As such, that while the Caribbean Obrador’s ruling Morena party who was has been proactive in working together wearing a mask with marijuana leaves with regional agencies and have had printed on it. the support many public private “With this, the false belief that partnerships, she still believed that cannabis forms part of Mexico’s serious more needed to be done and it was health problems is left behind.” important for the region to continue to Lopez Obrador, whose ruling Morena An activist in favor of legalized marijuana holds a marijuana plant during a work together to prepare for future party has a majority in both chambers of march as they wait for Congress for passage of a bill that would legalize it, disasters. Congress, has argued that in Mexico City. “The pandemic has contributed even decriminalizing cannabis and other more to our concern about narcotics could help combat Mexico’s production and sale of marijuana in In 2018, Canada also legalized the need to develop proper systems for powerful drug cartels. modern times. Other countries in the marijuana, including recreational use, disaster risk management,” she In late 2013, Uruguay became the first region, such as Argentina, Chile, with several large U.S. states also said. country in the world to legalize the Colombia and Peru, allow its medical use. regulating its legal use. Elizabeth Riley, Executive Director (ag) of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) highlighted the benefits Cayman: Quarantine shortened achieved by the organisation, stating that having a common system where every partner worked together has to 10 days from March 22 proved to be beneficial for the effective preparation of countries to natural CAYMAN ISLANDS – The mandatory 14-day quarantine, as currently anyone disasters. quarantine period will be reduced to 10 under the age of 16 cannot get However, she was also of the view days from 22 March, Premier Alden vaccinated. Family members that there was still much more McLaughlin announced Wednesday, as quarantining with the children would work to be done to Cayman reached its target of vaccinating also need to remain in isolation for 14 ensure the sustainability of the 90% of the over-60 population. days. partnerships. There are approximately 5,000 people Cayman’s borders remain closed to Riley noted that CDEMA was the living in the Cayman Islands who are general tourism. McLaughlin said first global organisation of its time, but aged 60 or over. Speaking at a press between 70% and 80% of the entire there were still issues briefing Wednesday morning, the population would need to be vaccinated associated with maintaining the premier said Cayman had reached the before the borders could be fully opened, sustainability of regional arrangements “much-anticipated milestone” and more while keeping other protection protocols that need to be addressed, including than 91% of that population had been in place. He stated Cayman had “a ways how they maintained them vaccinated. to go still, but we’re certainly well on and the obligations of the participating “This gives us confidence that the most the way”. states. vulnerable have been protected for the As of Tuesday, more than 30% – or Riley went on to note that they were worst of COVID-19 disease,” he said. 28,997 – of Cayman’s estimated noticing that the humanitarian From 22 March, people arriving on population of 65,000 had received at landscape was changing. island who have been vaccinated at least least one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech “The reality is that the humanitarian two weeks beforehand will only need to vaccine, according to health officials. Of landscape is changing. We are be in isolation for 10 days, rather than those, 9,447 had completed the two-dose seeing a lot of trends that are emerging the current 14 days. Travellers will course. where the importance of continue to be required to provide a There are currently 30 active cases of regionalism is growing overtime and negative PCR result from a test taken COVID in Cayman, including two people there has been a significant shift within 72 hours of travel, as well as a who are symptomatic. None of these Premier Alden McLaughlin points to at the global level from globalisation negative result from a test taken at the cases have required hospitalisation. his ‘I got my COVID-19 vaccine’ to nationalisation and that is airport upon arrival. Since March last year, 460 cases of badge following a press briefing on why the regional institutions have The premier confirmed at the briefing coronavirus have been reported in Wednesday to announce a shorter been increasing in prominence,” she that children will still need to undergo a Cayman. quarantine period. said. 16 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Biden signs $1.9 trillion stimulus bill into law on US lockdown anniversary WASHINGTON – demic rages, and offer on a promise to curb the President Joe Biden hope amid a growing num- pandemic more effectively signed his $1.9 trillion ber of vaccinated people than his Republican pred- stimulus bill into law across the country. ecessor Donald Trump, on Thursday, commem- Biden’s signing of the has told Americans since orating the one-year legislation, called the his January inauguration anniversary of a US American Rescue Plan, that more deaths and pain lockdown over the had initially been sched- were coming from COVID- coronavirus pandemic uled for Friday, but White 19. with a measure de- House chief of staff Ron With the vaccinated pop- signed to bring relief to Klain said it was moved ulation slowly increasing, Americans and boost up after it arrived at Biden is conveying fresh the economy. the White House on hope even as he urges US President Joe Biden signs the American Rescue Plan, a package of economic The Democratic-led US Wednesday night. people to continue to be relief measures to respond to the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) House of Representatives “We want to move as fast cautious to prevent further pandemic, inside the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, on gave final congressional as possible,” Klain posted flare-ups. March 11, 2021. approval to the measure on Twitter. A celebration Biden and top aides are on Wednesday, handing with congressional leaders planning a nation-wide his 8 p.m. EST (0100 urged continued mask administration pushed to the Democratic president would still take place on tour to sell Americans on GMT) address to discuss wearing, social distancing speed up vaccine develop- a major victory in the early Friday, he said. the benefits of the pan- “what we’ve been through and good hygiene, and he ment. months of his term. The package provides demic relief bill, including as a nation this past year” has discouraged cities and The former president “This historic legislation $400 billion for $1,400 di- Pennsylvania next and lay out the next phase states from loosening their and his wife Melania is about rebuilding the rect payments to most Tuesday and Atlanta on of the government’s guidelines on large gath- Trump did not appear in a backbone of this country,” Americans, $350 billion in March 19. COVID-19 response. erings even as more local- public service announce- Biden said before signing. aid to state and local gov- Roughly 530,000 people The president is ex- ities relax restrictions. ment released on Biden signed the meas- ernments, an expansion have died from COVID-19 pected to warn Americans Trump played down the Thursday encouraging ure before a prime-time of the child tax credit and in the United States, and who, like people world- crisis in its early stages COVID-19 vaccinations speech he plans later on increased funding for about 10% of Americans wide, are weary of pan- and eschewed mask wear- and featuring all of the Thursday to herald the an- COVID-19 vaccine distri- have been fully vaccinated. demic restrictions, not to ing, while repeatedly pre- other living former US niversary of the lockdown, bution. Biden said on revert to normal behaviour dicting the virus would presidents and their urge vigilance as the pan- Biden, who campaigned Wednesday he would use prematurely. Biden has soon disappear even as his spouses. US House passes two Democratic-backed gun control bills WASHINGTON – The US gun control measures.The killed by gun violence House of Representatives legislation may face a daily in the United States, on Thursday approved a tougher battle in the US with that number grow- pair of gun control bills as Senate, where Biden’s ing to 100 if suicides and Democrats seized upon a fellow Democrats hold an accidental deaths involv- shifting political land- even slimmer majority ing firearms are counted. scape that they said im- than in the House. At the same time, proved chances for enact- The bills follow a series Thompson said, 170 felons ing new laws after years of of deadly US mass shoot- and 50 domestic abusers failed attempts. ings over the past decade. are stopped from buying The first measure, Gun control is a divisive a gun every day. which passed the issue in the United States, “It only makes sense Democratic-led House which enshrines gun that if you expand it you’ll 227-203, would close a rights in its Constitution. stop even more felons, long-standing loophole in Most Republicans more domestic abusers,” gun laws by expanding strongly oppose gun Thompson said. background checks to restrictions, while most Republicans opposing those purchasing weapons Democrats argue that the bills argued that the over the Internet, at gun new laws are needed to legislation would not shows and through cer- curb gun violence. make American streets tain private transactions. The House Judiciary safer and would infringe Only eight Republicans Committee’s senior upon the right to bear joined the Democrats in Republican, Jim Jordan, arms guaranteed under backing the bill. wrote on Twitter that the US Constitution’s The second bill, passed House Democrats were Second Amendment. 219-210 with only two “making it harder for law- With Democrats now Republicans supporting it, abiding citizens to buy a controlling the White would give authorities 10 gun”. House along with both business days for federal Many Democrats want chambers of Congress, background checks to be to go further by banning they are seeking to pur- completed before a gun sales of some high-capac- sue liberal goals thwarted sale can be licensed. ity, military-style rifles when Republicans led ei- Currently, such sales can that can fire ammunition ther the House or Senate. proceed if the government rapidly. Democrats have said their cannot complete compli- Democratic position has been further cated background checks Representative Mike strengthened by turmoil of prospective buyers Thompson, who has within the National Rifle within three days. spearheaded a drive for Association, the influ- President Joe Biden is expanded gun control for ential gun lobby closely a supporter of expanded years, said 30 people are aligned with Republicans. The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 17

Shock and uncertainty after death of Ivory Coast PM Bakayoko ABIDJAN – Ivory Monday while Bakayoko to all sides of the conflict. Coast faced shock was in hospital, “Bakayoko meant and uncertainty on Bakayoko’s passing everything for Ivorians, Thursday following leaves a vacuum for a minister who listened the death of Prime Ouattara to fill as he to the whole population, Minister Hamed continues his search for even the opposition,” Bakayoko, the West a potential successor. Abdijan resident Kevin African nation’s sec- “It will be difficult to re- Bigore told Reuters. ond premier to die place him because of his His capacity to gain the in office in less than standing, his way of doing trust of all sides includ- eight months. things,” Abdijan resident ing former rebel soldiers A close ally of President Maturin Bamouni said. who staged a series of Alassane Ouattara, “Even when they are not mutinies in 2017, threat- A newspaper seller works at her roadside stall a day after the death of Ivory Bakayoko, who died of from his political side, ening a fragile peace in Coast’s Prime Minister Hamed Bakayoko, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on March 11, cancer a few days after he still managed to sort the world’s top cocoa pro- 2021. his 56th birthday,was ap- things out.” ducing nation, saw him pointed prime minister A central figure in appointed as defence 2020 presidential elec- from 2017 until now,” “The circumstances of in July 2020 after the Ivorian politics over the minister in 2017, and tion, said Abidjan-based Banga said. life have unfortunately death of his predecessor past two decades as the kept the portfolio when historian and military Guillaume Soro, a led us to take different Amadou Gon Coulibaly, country was plunged into he became prime minis- analyst Arthur Banga. former rebel leader who political paths, opposed Ouattara’s handpicked a prolonged conflict and ter. “He succeeded in build- later led a government and sometimes conflict- successor. a partition, Bakayoko, He ended the mutinies ing trust between the sol- with Bakayoko as a min- ing, but we have known, Although Ouattara a jovial character with and carried out reforms diers, the chain of com- ister before falling out above all, to keep and named his chief of staff roots in media and show- that helped keep soldiers mand and the regime, with the current govern- preserve our brotherhood Patrick Achi as interim biz, emerged as a concil- away from the political which contributed a lot ment, said he had lost a and our mutual affec- prime minister on iatory figure, able to talk scene during the October to the stability observed friend and a brother. tion,” Soro said. Myanmar junta accuses Suu Kyi of taking bribes, 12 protesters killed MYANMAR’S junta central town of Myaing to the country.” “He strongly said that,” added new bribery alle- when security forces Adding corruption the spokesman told a gations to its charges fired on a protest, the charges to the accusations news conference. “We against deposed leader Assistance Association against Suu Kyi could have verified those facts Aung San Suu Kyi on for Political Prisoners mean she faces a harsher several times. Now the Thursday, while an advo- (AAPP) said. penalty. She currently anti-corruption commit- cacy group said security In Myanmar’s biggest faces four comparatively tee is continuing the in- forces killed 12 protesters city,Yangon, protester minor charges - including vestigation.” in one of the deadliest Chit Min Thu was killed illegally importing six Aye Ma Ma Myo, a days since the military in the North Dagon dis- walkie talkie radios and member of the dissolved took power. trict. His wife, Aye Myat flouting coronavirus re- parliament belonging The bloodshed came Thu, told Reuters he had strictions. to Suu Kyi’s National hours after the UN insisted on joining the The junta spokesman, League for Democracy, Security Council had protests despite her ap- Brigadier General Zaw rejected the claim. called for restraint from peals for him to stay home Min Tun, said Suu Kyi “It is no longer un- the army, which has been for the sake of their son. had accepted illegal pay- common to see slander trying to put down daily “He said it’s worth ments worth $600,000, as against politicians and ef- anti-coup protests and dying for,” she said well as gold, while in gov- forts to crush the party paralysing strikes since it through her tears. “He is ernment, according to a while innocent young peo- took power on Feb. 1. worried about people not complaint by Phyo Mien ple are killed in public,” Aung San Suu Kyi was detained in February when Among the dead were joining the protest. If so, Thein, a former chief min- she told Reuters in a mes- the military took over Myanmar. eight people killed in the democracy will not return ister of Yangon. sage. Judge allows third-degree murder charge against officer on trial in George Floyd’s death MINNEAPOLIS – A consider a third-degree the conviction of a white state prosecutors, who as Floyd, a 46-year-old medical examiner ruled Minnesota judge agreed murder charge against police officer for killing a had sought the addi- Black man, pleaded for Floyd’s death a homicide on Thursday to allow 44-year-old Chauvin, Black man. tional lesser murder his life and called out for caused in part by the prosecutors to reinstate whose trial got under The trial of Chauvin charge in part to afford his dead mother. police restraint holds. an additional charge of way with jury selection began with jury selection them an extra path to a Prosecutors say Police were arresting third-degree murder this week in this week, where he al- conviction should the Chauvin, who was fired him on suspicion of using against Derek Chauvin, Minneapolis. ready faces a more seri- jury find the evidence alongside three other po- a counterfeit $20 bill at the former Minneapolis “I have to follow the ous charge of second- does not support the lice officers involved the the store. police officer who is on rule that the court of ap- degree murder, which most serious charge. next day, used excessive Jury selection resumed trial for last year’s peals has put in place,” carries a sentence of up The third-degree murder force. later on Thursday, and a deadly arrest of George Cahill said. to 40 years in prison, as charge carries a sentence Chauvin has argued sixth juror was seated: a Floyd. The decision was wel- well as a charge of sec- of up to 25 years in through his lawyers that man who said he was Judge Peter Cahill’s comed by prosecutors in ond-degree manslaugh- prison. he followed his training addicted to true-crime decision comes after the Minnesota attorney ter. Chauvin was seen in and that the fentanyl the podcasts. the Minnesota Court general’s office who are The reinstatement of videos with his knee on medical examiner found The judge has prom- of Appeals ruled last seeking something rare a third-degree murder Floyd’s neck for nearly in Floyd’s blood was the ised jurors anonymity for Friday that he must re- in the United States – charge was a victory for nine minutes on May 25 main cause of death. The the duration of the trial. 18 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 19

20 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Barbadian Icon Jackie Opel: A true musical genius His life, talent and legacy remembered during a virtual discussion

EMORIES of the late, great an extraordinary singer, but a talented Dalton Bishop aka Jackie Opel musician and a dancer was never truly Mflowed on Tuesday night, understood or appreciated in Barbados. further putting together the pieces of In fact, many held the view that not The late Dalton Bishop, also known as Jackie Opel. the amazing life and untimely death of enough has been done to recognise the the extraordinary singer 51 years ago. accomplishments of Jackie Opel. hours after that happened. But I be- He was just 32 years old. Cultural practitioner Adisa Andwele lieve my memory about the funeral is A virtual discussion called “Higher reminded that last year Culture always clouded by those events, which and Higher. Reflections: Jackie Opel – Minister John King assured that Jackie would have prevented him from either 51 years on” was hosted by the Faculty Opel’s birthday,August 27, would be having the happiest moment in his life, of Culture, Creative & Performing Arts recognised as Jackie Opel Day from by seeing a crowd in the Globe, or of the UWI Cave Hill and featured a 2021. However there was uncertainty having perhaps one of the saddest by panel who shared their own memories as to whether the day has been offi- not seeing many people in the Globe,” of Jackie Opel and all agreeing that the cially designated as a bank holiday. Gilkes recalled. greatness of the performer, not just as Cultural ambassador Dr. Anthony He noted that a little known fact was “Gabby” Carter while remembering that Opel was once signed by MGM Jackie Opel said, “He was just a master Records in the United States, for which with or without a microphone. The fact sold a million records before coming that he did not have a microphone, it back to Barbados and unfortunately meant nothing to that man. You know, met his death. Responding to this he was just a genius – put it that way.” revelation Gabby responded, “Where Former band members Phillip “Alps” is the money? I know he never got it.” Corbin and Ken Jones also shared Gilkes also noted that Opel had over personal memories with the latter 600 songs in “black and white” but recalling that on the day of his funeral, could boast of having over 1 000 songs. Opel’s personal microphone refused to He also noted that in one of his tracks work. “No one questioned it”, Jones recorded in Jamaica, his three backing said. They also dissected the musicality vocalists were none other than Peter of spouge and the different sound used Tosh, Bunny Wailer and Bob Marley. Moderator and host Dr. Marcia by the Troubadours at the time, which In his search for more of Opel’s music, Burrowes. was not fully accepted by Barbadians Gilkes said he came across a back then, but later took off extra- Portuguese band which is dedicated regionally. to only performing Jackie Opel music. While memories have started to fade During the discussion Andwele who for some, others like Al Gilkes, who was recently paid homage to Opel in song the first entertainment journalist in said persons still do not understand Barbados, was able to recount several the magnitude of Jackie Opel’s music. anecdotes about Opel during his time “And you really have to put Jackie at The Barbados Advocate, including into perspective, you’ve got to under- Al Gilkes was able to recount several a conversation just a day before the stand Jackie was a great Barbadian anecdotes about Opel. tragic accident that took the life of singer, the Jamaicans say he is the performer. Jamaican, a “great Jamaican singer” “Two nights before Jackie died, I but what that is saying – is that Jackie was at the then Barbarees Plaza, with is unique, really, within the Caribbean Mark Williams who was preparing a musical development. “ show for Jackie at the Globe cinema... “Because here it is that this man It was the very next night that Jackie from Chapman Lane impacting on the met his death.” development of two music forms in the “What is significant is that show was Caribbean, the development of Ska and intended to be more than anything else the development of spouge. It is like he for Jackie to prove that Barbadians is a cornerstone of those two, music loved him or if they didn’t love him. forms. There are not many other artists There was this perception that Jackie in the Caribbean that you could point was liked by everybody else except by to and say they are responsible for this his own people. They said that the only musical, genre. That even puts Jackie time Bajans came up to see Jackie was in a different level within the realm Cultural ambassador Dr. Anthony if he was on stage with an international of Caribbean music... he is special.” ‘Gabby’ Carter. act and they knew that Jackie would Andwele with the other panellists tear that act to pieces. And they got the mused at the fact that Jamaicans to post- Jackie Opel era did not incorpo- thrills out of that and they came out this day believe that Jackie was a rate spouge into their repertoire. He to see him.” Jamaican. His time in Jamaica was also lamented that Barbadian megas- “Jackie also expressed this senti- extensively researched by the late tar Rihanna has not utilised spouge in ment... that if people do not come to the Dr. Elizabeth Watson to whom tribute her music, which would put the genre show, he ‘don’t know what he’s gonna was paid during the discussion. back on the world stage. do’... If he’s still going to remain in Gilkes while delivering his closing Moderator and host Dr. Marcia Barbados. So I don’t know if it was remarks said his greatest disappoint- Burrowes assured that another discus- Artiste Andwele put Jackie Opel’s something supernatural or whatever ment was that the Merry Men who sion on Jackie Opel will be held in uniqueness into perspective. that caused what happened. Just some toured the region and globe in the November for Independence. (JH) The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 21

Auditions now open for PanoGrama 2021 – The World Cup of Steel Pan

ho will be the steel pan cham- lenges, considering that going out to pion for PanoGrama 2021? play gigs was no more. The goal of as- WFor Barbados, the USA and sisting was achieved through the offer the Caribbean, auditions have been of cash prizes, especially appearance opened since February 28 and close fees sponsored by Pan Trinbago; The March 21, 2021, for the latest musical world governing body for pan. Also, competition targeting pan enthusiasts. upon completion of the competition, a Chief Executive Officer and Founder sizable donation was made to the Social of PanoGrama and Barbados-based Prosperity Fund of Pan Trinbago, to aid T&T pannist, Kevin Roach explained those facing financial hardships within that during the peak of COVID-19 lock- the steelpan community,” said Roach. downs and restrictions of 2020, live en- The inaugural event was a huge suc- tertainment on Instagram sparked an cess, reaching 32 000 Instagram ac- idea to create a steel pan event. counts, hosting over 1 000 attendees at PanoGrama was born and made history the finals and garnering media atten- as the first-ever online steelpan compe- tion throughout the region. tition in 2020. Earl Brooks Jr. of Trinidad & Tobago It is an international steelpan compe- defeated a field of 20 musicians from tition that showcases talented up-and- Guyana, Barbados, Antigua, Puerto coming musicians, who provide whole- Rico, Jamaica, the USA and St. some and family-oriented world-class Maarten, to become the inaugural entertainment, while also contributing champion. He played a thrilling rendi- to the holistic personal, musical, and tion of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. professional development of these mu- Pan enthusiasts were not only sicians. PanoGrama is the flagship treated to the sweet sounds of steel. CEO and founder of PanoGrama, Nevin event of PanoGrama Entertainment; Guest performances by 5x Barbados Roach is hosting the biggest online so- Pannist and Winner of the inaugural the business that specialises in steel- Power Monarch Mikey, 2019 Vincentian cial media competition for steel pan in PanoGrama, Earl Brooks Jr played an pan entertainment. Ragga Monarch Hance John, the world. incredible rendition of Michael Monk/Riddim Tribe dancer Nandi Yard Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ during the online Giving pannists a platform and young steelpan sensation Jadon nars on personal/professional develop- steel pan competition in 2020. PanoGrama, a portmanteau of Philip also graced PanoGrama’s virtual ment, career guidance, musical devel- Panorama and Instagram was created stage to add another entertaining di- opment and music and business hosted chance to take home US$1,000 along to bring the entertainment of steel pan mension for the semis and finals. by professionals on behalf of with an all-expenses-paid trip to per- to the social media platform and give PanoGrama. Also, there will be oppor- form in Canada and more.PanoGrama pannists a virtual stage to showcase Competition offers educational and tunities for countries like Canada, the 2021 – The World Cup of Steelpan is their talent. training opportunities UK, Dominica to participate in the scheduled between May 7-16, 2021. “I also wanted to use the platform to This year, an educational arm will be event. More information is available at help pannists who faced financial chal- introduced where there will be webi- In 2021, the winner will have a https://www.pano-grama.com/audition. Sheppard dedicates tonight’s virtual show to raising funds for The Ark BARBADIAN entertainer extraordinaire, alleviate the costs associated with Alan Sheppard, is tonight dedicating his spaying and neutering and help us to Friday night virtual show to help raise help others who are reaching out for funds for the Ark Animal Welfare Society donations of chow to keep their pets fed of Barbados. during trying times,” Mohammed “I’m an animal lover and I recognise explained. the role that the Ark plays in rescuing, Established in 1998, the Ark is man- rehabilitating and rehoming stray and aged by a team of volunteers and is unwanted dogs in Barbados. It’s my completely self-funded. From inception, hope that others join in supporting this the Ark has operated from a rented, worthy cause by taking in my show kennelled facility from which hundreds this Friday night – and in return, giving of dogs have been cared for; plans are generously through the Ark’s account however afoot to build a modern animal or the GoFundMe details provided,” shelter, inclusive of on-site vet care and stated Sheppard. a cattery. Due to the impact of the Alan’s Friday night show begins at COVID-19 pandemic, the Ark’s future 9pm and is carried ‘live’ via Facebook plans have stalled and Mohammed for one hour. The link to the show is notes that while the vision to build a available via the ‘Alan Sheppard new facility is still very much on the Pianoman’ and the ‘Ark Animal Welfare cards, right now the focus is on increas- Society of Barbados’ Facebook Pages. ing the funds available for the immedi- Renatta Mohammed, Marketing ate day-to-day needs of the animals Consultant and an Ark volunteer or- under the Ark’s care and those across ganising the virtual fundraiser, thanked the island who are seeking support Sheppard for helping to raise aware- at this time. ness of the needs of animals, especially Donations to the Ark Animal Welfare those at the Ark – and the giving of Society can be made directly to the his time and talent to the ‘no kill’ Ark’s account at the First Citizens animal shelter. (Barbados) Ltd., Wildey Branch (online “Funds raised will go towards the or over-the-counter), using account daily care of the dogs at the shelter. The number 5003227003 and/or through donations will be used to help the Ark the Ark’s GoFundMe page (www.go- Barbadian entertainer Alan Sheppard. (FACEBOOK) maintain its food and medical supplies, fundme.com/help-build-the-new-ark). 22 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Nine writers announced on award longlist riters with roots in sense of narrative that does five different not break with the line: these WCaribbean territories characteristics make Country have been longlisted for the of Warm Snow a rare book that 2021 OCM Bocas Prize for reads with deceptive ease,” say Caribbean Literature, spon- the judges. “These poems move sored by One Caribbean fluidly across time and borders Media, owner of the Express while being rooted deeply in newspapers, TV6, and the place.” OCM radio network. The OCM Bocas prize, now FICTION in its eleventh year, is interna- The fiction category includes tionally considered the leading two debut novels and the lat- literary award for Caribbean est book by a former winner of writers. The Prize recognises the OCM Bocas Prize. These books in three genre categories Ghosts Are Family, the first – poetry, fiction, and literary book by US-based Jamaican non-fiction – published by au- Maisy Card, portrays a family thors of Caribbean birth or cit- and its entanglements over izenship in the preceding year. multiple generations. “At its Of the nine books longlisted for heart,” say the judges, “is the the 2021 Prize, five are by story of Caribbean enslave- writers born in Trinidad and ment and the legacy of trauma Tobago, with the other it has passed down from gener- longlisted authors represent- ation to generation. The way it ing Dominica, Guyana, tackles this live and current Jamaica, and St. Lucia. theme is always fresh and in- novative.” It is joined by Love narrative, “does not hide These will then go on to com- Friday 23 – Sunday 25, will POETRY After Love, by UK-based, shame or confusion as the pete for the overall Prize of take place online. NGC is the In the poetry category, the Trinidad-born Ingrid Persaud author comes to terms with US$10,000, which will be an- title sponsor of the Bocas Lit longlist brings together three – a story of deep love, deep how others interpret her nounced on Saturday April 24, Fest festival events, First writers ranging from a literary violence, and the meaning of colour, race, sexuality, and art during the annual NGC Bocas Citizens is lead sponsor, OCM veteran to a debut author. The family.“Above and beyond – and how she thinks about Lit Fest. is a prize sponsor, the Ministry Dyzgraphxst, the second book anything else,” write the herself.” The Undiscovered The 2021 judging panels for of Tourism, Culture and the by Canada-based St. Lucian judges, “Persaud creates Country, a “wonderfully intelli- the OCM Bocas Prize bring Arts, NLCB, Massy foundation Canisia Lubrin, is described by characters that we truly care gent” collection of diverse es- together Caribbean and inter- and UWI are sponsors. the judges as “a journey where for – feeling their highs and says on literary, artistic, and national writers, academics, meaning is often an unpaved lows, cheering when they political topics by Trinidadian and literary organisers. Opal The nine longlisted books road, but the ride is richly succeed and mourning their Andre Bagoo, “is full of in- Palmer Adisa, Jamaican poet are: satisfying… Reading this losses when they fail.” sights and surprises,” write the and head of the University collection makes you hold The third book in the cate- judges. “Where else would you of the West Indies Institute POETRY your breath and dive to gory is The Mermaid of Black find Trinidadian street food in for Gender and Development The Dyzgraphxst, by Canisia the ocean-floor and emerge Conch by UK-based, Trinidad- the same volume as an ap- Studies, chairs the poetry Lubrin (McClelland & riding the waves.” born Monique Roffey, who pre- praisal of Thom Gunn’s poetry, panel, joined by Trinidadian Stewart) Guabancex is the first po- viously won the 2013 OCM or Dylan Thomas rubbing poet Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné Guabancex, by Celia Sorhaindo etry collection by Celia Bocas Prize for Archipelago. shoulders with soca?” and Guyanese-Canadian (Papillote Press) Sorhaindo of Dominica. Named Her new novel is “a unique Formal innovation continues writer Kaie Kellough. Malachi Country of Warm Snow,by for a Taíno storm deity, the Caribbean fable that takes the in the final non-fiction book, McIntosh, editor of the journal Mervyn Taylor (Shearsman) book was inspired by the im- familiar story of a mermaid the memoir Musings, Mazes, Wasafiri, chairs the fiction pact of 2017’s Hurricane Maria abruptly thrust onshore and Muses, Margins by Gordon panel, joined by Roland FICTION on the author’s home country. brings it to a new place,” ac- Rohlehr, the eminent Gulliver, director of the These Ghosts Are Family,by These poems, write the judges, cording to the judges. “It reads Guyanese literary scholar Toronto Maisy Card (Simon & “build momentum… spiralling like the work of a novelist in based in Trinidad since the International Festival of Schuster) in and out, searching to find command of her material and late 1960s. Including autobiog- Authors, and writer Tiphanie Love After Love, by Ingrid language, form and expression focused on using a mythic raphy told through a split per- Yanique of the US Virgin Persaud (Faber UK/One World to hold the vastness and the ‘then’ to speak to now.” sonality and a playful dream Islands. On the non-fiction US) vulnerability of life on an is- diary, the book shows “at turns, panel, chair Rosamond S. King The Mermaid of Black Conch, land… Sorhaindo manages to LITERARY NON-FICTION the dark wit of Jouvay, the – a Trinidadian-American by Monique Roffey (Peepal convey a collective trauma that “Caribbean non-fiction is in gleeful frenzy of the Savannah writer and scholar – is joined Tree Press) moves through and beyond excellent hands,” write the stage, and the contemplation by Guyanese-American writer pain and loss to what is valu- judges for this genre category, of an Ash Wednesday service,” Gaiutra Bahadur and British NON-FICTION able and possible.” including books ranging from the judges report. writer Blake Morrison. of colour, by Katherine And Country of Warm Snow personal essay to memoir The overall chair of the 2021 Agyemaa Agard (Essay Press) by Trinidadian Mervyn Taylor to cultural criticism. The Next stage cross-genre judging panel is The Undiscovered Country, – the author’s sixth book of “boldly experimental” In the next stage of judging Trinidad-born, UK-based by Andre Bagoo (Peepal Tree poems – tackles the experience memoir of colour by US-based for the OCM Bocas Prize, writer Vahni Capildeo, winner Press) of living between two countries Trinidadian Katherine the judges will announce the of the 2016 Forward Prize. Musings, Mazes, Muses, over five decades. Agyemaa Agard, which incor- winners in the three genre cat- The 2021 NGC Bocas Lit Margins, by Gordon Rohlehr “Smoothness, clarity, and a porates visual material into its egories on Sunday March 28. Fest which runs in April, from (Peepal Tree Press) The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 23

BAFTA Film Awards 2021 nominations

Best Film Supporting Actor • Mikkel E.G. Nielsen (“Sound of Metal”) • “The Father” • Daniel Kaluuya (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) • Alan Baumgarten (“The Trial of the Chicago 7”) • “The Mauritanian” • Barry Keoghan (“Calm With Horses”) • “Nomadland” • Alan Kim (“Minari”) Production Design • “Promising Young Woman” • Leslie Odom Jr. (“One Night In Miami...”) • Maria Djurkovic, Tatiana Macdonald (“The Dig”) • “The Trial of the Chicago 7” • Clarke Peters (“Da 5 Bloods”) • Peter Francis, Cathy Featherstone (“The Father”) • Paul Raci (“Sound of Metal”) • Donald Graham Burt, Jan Pascale (“Mank”) Outstanding British Film • David Crank, Elizabeth Keenan (“News of the World”) • “Calm With Horses” Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director • Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer (“Rebecca”) • “The Dig” or Producer • “The Father” • Remi Weekes (“His House”) Costume Design • “His House” • Ben Sharrock, Irune Gurtubai (“Limbo”) • Michael O’Connor (“Ammonite”) • “Limbo” • Jack Sidey (“Moffie”) • Alice Babidge (“The Dig”) • “The Mauritanian” • Theresa Ikoko, Claire Wilson (“Rocks”) • Alexandra Byrne (“Emma”) • “Mogul Mowgli” • Rose Glass, Oliver Kassman (“Saint Maud”) • Ann Roth (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) • “Promising Young Woman” • Trish Summerville (“Mank”) • “Rocks” Film not in English Language • “Saint Maud” • Thomas Vinterberg, Sisse Graum Jorgensen (“Another Make up and Hair Round”) • Jenny Shircore (“The Dig”) Director • Andrei Konchalovsky, Alisher Usmanov (“Dear • Patricia Dehaney, Eryn Krueger Mekash, Matthew Bukky Bakray received a nomination • Thomas Vinterberg (“Another Round”) Comrades!”) Mungle (“Hillbilly Elegy”) for best leading actress at this year’s • Shannon Murphy (“Babyteeth”) • Ladj Ly (“Les Misérables”) • Matiki Anoff, Larry M. Cherry, Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia BAFTA awards for her role in ‘Rocks’. • Lee Isaac Chung (”Minari”) • Lee Isaac Chung, Christina Oh (“Minari”) Neal (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) • ChloÈ Zhao (“Nomadland”) • Jasmila Zbanic, Damir Ibrahimovich (”Quo Vadis, • Kimberley Spiteri, Gigi Williams (“Mank”) • Jasmila }bani Aida?”) • Mark Coulier (“Pinocchio”) (Quo Vadis, Aida?”) • Sarah Gavron (“Rocks”) Documentary Sound • Alexander Nanau (“Collective”) • Nominees TBC (“Greyhound”) Original Screenplay • Alastair Fothergill, Jonnie Hughes, Keith Scholey (“David • Michael Fentum, William Miller, Mike Prestwood Smith, • “Another Round” Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet”) John Pritchett, Oliver Tarney (“News of the World”) • “Mank” • Bryan Fogel, Thor Halvorssen (“The Dissident”) • Sergio Diaz, Zach Seivers, M. Wolf Snyder • “Promising Young Woman” • Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed, Craig Foster (“My Octopus (“Nomadland”) • “Rocks” Teacher”) • Coya Elliott, Ren Klyce, David Parker(“Soul”) • “The Trial of the Chicago 7” • Jeff Orlowski, Larissa Rhodes (“The Social Dilemma”) • Jaime Baksht, Nicolas Becker, Phillip Bladh, Carlos Cortés, Michelle Couttolenc (“Sound of Metal”) Adapted Screenplay Animated Film • Moira Buffini (“The Dig”) • Dan Scanlon, Kori Rae (“Onward”) Special Visual Effects • Christopher Hampton, Florian Zeller (“The Father”) • Pete Docter, Dana Murray (“Soul”) • Pete Bebb, Nathan McGuinness, Sebastian von • Rory Haines, Sohrab Noshirvani, M.B. Traven (“The •Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart, Paul Young Overheidt (“Greyhound”) Mauritanian”) (“Wolfwalkers”) • Matt Kasmir, Chris Lawrence, David Watkins (“The • Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”) Midnight Sky”) • Ramin Bahrani (“The White Tiger”) Original Score • Sean Faden, Steve Ingram, Anders Langlands, Seth •Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross (“Mank”) Maury (“Mulan”) Leading Actress • Emile Mosseri (“Minari”) • Santiago Colomo Martinez, Nick Davis, Greg Fisher • Bukky Bakray (“Rocks”) • James Newton Howard (“News of the World”) (“The One and Only Ivan”) • Radha Blank (“The Forty-Year-Old Version”) • Anthony Willis (“Promising Young Woman”) • Scott Fisher, Andrew Jackson, Andrew Lockley (“Tenet”) • Frances McDormand (“Nomadland”) • Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross (“Soul”) • Vanessa Kirby (“Pieces of a Woman”) British Short Animation Daniel Kaluuya stars as Chairman Fred • Wunmi Mosaku (“His House”) Casting • Renaldho Pelle, Yanling Wang, Kerry Jade Kolbe (“The Hampton in ‘Judas and the Black • Alfre Woodard (“Clemency”) • Shaheen Baig (“Calm with Horses”) Fire Next Time”) Messiah’, a performance for which • Alexa L. Fogel (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) • Mole Hill, Laura Duncalf (“The Owl and the Pussycat”) he received a nomination for best Leading Actor • Julia Kim (“Minari”) • Daniel Quirke, Jamie MacDonald, Brid Arnstein (“The supporting actor at this year’s BAFTA • Riz Ahmed (“Sound of Metal”) • Lindsay Graham Ahanonu, Mary Vernieu (“Promising Song of a Lost Boy”) awards. • Chadwick Boseman (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) Young Woman”) • Adarsh Gourav (“The White Tiger”) • Lucy Pardee (“Rocks”) British Short Film • Anthony Hopkins (“The Father”) • Jesse Lewis Reece, Ike Newman (“Eyelash”) • Mads Mikkelsen (“Another Round”) Cinematography • Akinola Davies, Rachel Dargavel, Wale Davies (“Lizard”) BAFTA film •Tahar Rahim (“The Mauritanian”) • Sean Bobbitt (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) • John Addis, Rami Sarras Pantoja (“Lucky Break”) • Erik Messerschmidt (“Mank”) • Ghada Eldemellawy (“Miss Curvy”) Supporting Actress • Alwin H. K¸chler (“The Mauritanian”) • Farah Nabulsi (“The Present”) awards 2021 • Niamh Algar (“Calm With Horses”) • Dariusz Wolski (“News of the World”) • Kosar Ali (“Rocks”) • Joshua James Richards (“Nomadland”) EE Rising Star Award • Maria Bakalova (“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”) • Bukky Bakray nominees • Dominique Fishback (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) Editing • Conrad Khan • Ashley Madekwe (“County Lines”) •Yorgos Lamprinos (“The Father”) • Kingsley Ben-Adir • Yuh-Jung Youn (“Minari”) • Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”) • Morfydd Clark announced • Frédéric Thoraval (“Prominsg Young Woman”) • Sope Dìrísù

ondon – A notably diverse list of who just a few days ago became the gender diversity among nominees was awards, including changes to its mem- nominations for the UK’s presti- first woman of Asian descent and also stark. bership and voting process. Lgious BAFTA (British Academy second woman ever to win the While accepting his award for best The changes, hailed by chair of Film and Television Arts) awards same award at this year’s Golden leading actor for “Joker” at the 2020 Krishnendu Majumdar as “a water- were announced Tuesday following Globes. awards ceremony, Joaquin Phoenix shed moment” in the academy’s his- last year’s controversy over a lack of Daniel Kaluuya as Chairman Fred called out the “system of oppression” tory, came after a seven-month review representation. Hampton in “Judas and the Black in the film industry. following the lack of diversity in last More than half of the 24 nominees Messiah,” a performance for which he “I feel conflicted because so many year’s nominations. in the acting categories are from eth- received a nomination for best sup- of my fellow actors that are deserving “Nomadland” and “Rocks” received nic minority backgrounds, including porting actor at this year’s BAFTA don’t have that same privilege. I think the most nominations this year Daniel Kaluuya for “Judas and the awards. that we send a very clear message to with seven apiece, while “The Black Messiah” and Bukky Bakray Last year, BAFTA bosses acknowl- people of colour that you’re not wel- Father,” “Mank,” “Minari” and for “Rocks.” edged the “infuriating” lack of diver- come here,” Phoenix said. “Promising Young Woman” received Four women were nominated in the sity in the 2020 nominations. Every BAFTA announced in September six each. director category, including person shortlisted for an acting award some 120 “wide-ranging changes” to BAFTA winners awards will be “Nomadland” director Chloé Zhao – in 2020 was White, while the lack of address a lack of diversity in the announced on Sunday,April 11. 24 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Adele finalises divorce with joint custody of son K singer Adele They announced their has finalised her separation in 2019, say- Udivorce from ex ing they were “committed husband Simon Konecki, to raising their son to- Los Angeles court papers gether lovingly”. Divorce have shown. papers were filed in The Brit and Grammy- September that year. winner separated from A representative for the charity boss in April the singer, who is cur- 2019. rently working on new Now, documents ob- music, previously said. tained by the PA news “As always they ask for agency have confirmed privacy.There will be no the pair will share cus- further comment.” tody of their eight-year- Adele, whose hit sin- old son Angelo. gles include “Hello”, Much of the divorce “Somebody Like You” and settlement, which was “Chasing Pavements”, arranged through media- was recently named the tion, remains confidential UK’s best-selling female and neither party will be album artist of the paying spousal support. century. Adele gave birth to the In October, she joked couple’s son in 2012, and about her recent weight later married the former loss and told fans “my investment banker in album’s not finished” as secret after dating for she hosted the US com- years. edy show Saturday Night She referred to him as Live. Adele’s divorce from her ex Simon Konecki has “my husband” during a “I know I look really, officially been finalised, two years after she first Grammys acceptance really different since you announced they were separating. speech in early 2017, but last saw me,” said the court documents show 32-year-old, as she took of all the Covid restric- bring half of me,” she the pair were wed in to the stage. tions... I had to travel joked. “And this is the Bridge 2018. “But actually, because light and I could only half I chose.” The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 25 SPORTSSPORTS Brathwaite Shai Hope loves the game of cricket and replaces Holder puts the team first By Corey Greaves that.” as West Indies But Hope who has an THOUGH scoring cen- average of 53.10 in ODIs turies may be important and 17 half centuries and Test Captain West Indies vice-captain, 10 centuries from the 79 Shai Hope who has one of games has played said he ST JOHN’S, Antigua – tribute to Holder saying: the best conversion rates continued to believe in Cricket West Indies “On behalf of CWI, I would from half centuries to cen- himself during the rough (CWI) has announced like to thank Jason for all turies places more impor- period of time and has that Kraigg he has given to the game tance on the team winning stuck to a game plan and Brathwaite will in the region while serving the match instead. the processes. replace Jason Holder as Captain of our Test Hope was speaking Now he is getting to do as the West Indies Test team.Throughout his five- ahead of today’s second what he loves which is the Captain. Brathwaite, and-a-half-year tenure, he One Day International game of cricket after he who has previously led has led with dignity while match in Antigua against had not played in a long the team in seven Tests always upholding the Sri Lanka and said he time. whilst deputizing for highest values of the would prefer to score 98 “It was good to get out Holder, including the sport. As the world’s not out and see his team there and get my feet wet recent 2-0 Test Series leading Test all-rounder, home to victory than to again,” said Hope who win away to we all believe that Jason score a century and be on added he loves wicket- Bangladesh, becomes still has a tremendous role Kraigg Brathwaite becomes the 37th Test Captain the losing side. keeping and loves being the 37th Test Captain to play in West Indies Test of the West Indies. It was because of this on the park. of the West Indies. Cricket for many years to mindset that he was visi- “I love doing anything on Holder, the current come.” delighted that he has opportunity and bly upset when he was dis- the park.” No.1 all-rounder in the Roger Harper, CWI accepted the role. In the responsibility to lead the missed in the 43rd over However the Covid-19 ICC Test rankings, Lead Selector said:“We all recent Test series against team. The recent Test and thus he was unable to pandemic put a halt into captained the West Indies believe that Kraigg is the Bangladesh, Kraigg was Series win in Bangladesh be in the middle to see the his plan of starting back team in 37 Tests since right man to able to motivate his was a fantastic team home to victory. competitive cricket. taking over from Denesh lead our Test players to play to a very achievement and I’m “The main aim is to fin- Leading up to the CG Ramdin in 2015, side at this high level and create the really looking forward to ish the game for the team Insurance Super 50 re- leading the side point in time culture we are looking to the upcoming home series and I didn’t do it so that is gional competition Hope to 11 wins, 5 and establish where the team against Sri Lanka and I’m why I was a bit upset.” who been selected to the draws and 21 I’m showed a collective excited about what I Hope who is also the Barbados team was forced defeats. determination to fight and believe this team can wicketkeeper of the team to stay home a bit longer. Jimmy a real hunger for achieve in the future.” and opens the batting said “The regulations are you Adams, CWI success.” The squad for the first that he signed up to be on have to get a test and it Director of Kraigg Brathwaite, Test against Sri Lanka the park for all 100 overs of put myself and my brother Cricket paid said:“It is a huge honour will be announced the match. out of the first part of the to be given the Captaincy tomorrow during the “That is what I signed tournament,” as they both of the West Indies Test interval of the second CGI up for… the aim is to be tested positive for the team. I feel extremely Insurance ODI at the Sir out there for all 100 overs virus. proud and humbled Vivian Richards Stadium if I can.The main aim is to “You have been working that the Board (SVRS). try and score as many runs towards something and and Selectors Test Series as I can and be the glue then you get slapped in the have given Schedule – West Indies v and build as many part- face and it’s back to square me the Sri Lanka nerships with the batters one.” March 21-25: 1st Test at coming down the line.” But it wasn’t the isola- the SVRS – 10am With this task in mind tion that was the big issue ECT/9am JT he prepares himself both for him as he had been March 29 to April 2: mentally and physically part of that having toured 2nd Test at the for the challenge. with the West Indies last Holder led the side to 11 wins, 5 draws and 21 defeats. He is SVRS – 10am ECT/9am “I make sure I am ready year. the current No.1 all-rounder in the ICC Test rankings. JT if I have to do an extra lap It was not being able to or extra in the gym.” play the game. Hope was making his re- “The key was getting turn to the team after not back on the park and since Safe guarding against complacency key for WI travelling to Bangladesh I couldn’t travel it was a SAFE guarding against together for the first time teams have quality West Indies batsmen’s which followed on the bit frustrating for me.” complacency will be key as in a long time as well. bowlers and quality game than just being heels of him being dropped Hope scored two cen- the West Indies take on Sri He said that they were batters so the key is to power hitters or ball from the Test team for the turies in the lead up to the Lanka in the second of the aware that Sri Lanka will make sure the West Indies beaters. New Zealand tour. regional tournament CG Insurance One Day be looking to bounce back are better. If they can limit the dot He has been working which he registered dur- International series in as well and the West Indies There was a different balls then he believes there and a few things to correct ing the Barbados trials. Antigua today. will need to make sure approach in the last game will be more consistent big his drop in form but said it However he was able to This was the view of they are capable and ready which saw less power totals from the team. was more a case of the play in the two games at West Indies vice captain for anything they throw at hitting from the West “We have been working mental aspect of the game the end of the tournament Shai Hope as he spoke to them. Indies than they normally on those options and how rather than a big technical and now for the West the media about today’s Along with adapting to showcase but in turn there we will play a particular one. Indies. game and the possibility of the condition of the game, was also more rotation of bowler to get those “I made sure I was fit up Though he was working wrapping up the three- Hope said that the West the strike and an attempt singles.” top and everything was in still at home despite being game limited over series. Indies will also have to to reduce the number of One thing is certain, the working order,” as he has tested positive he still had Hope said that he identify what they did well dot balls. West Indies will need to been working at home in the urge to make it back in believes the first ODI and repeat it and things Hope mentioned that pay attention and not be Barbados with a number the middle and now he has game was one of the best they need to improve on. there is still a lot of complacent in any of the of coaches and said that to- done so he is happy to con- games they have played in “Cricket is played on the improvement that can be remaining games if they gether they “identified a tribute to the victory for a long time as the nucleus day,” said Hope who made in this area but there want to secure the series few things and the key was his team and he has done of the team was back mentioned that both was so much more to the win. (CG) the game plan around so in a big way. 26 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Graydon Sealy hosts online Sports Day GRAYDON Sealy Secondary School has found a way to keep their students active thanks to the brainchild of Yuri Merritt. This term would have been filled with athletic events from Inter-House schools sports to the culmination with the Barbados Secondary Schools Athletic Championships but the Covid-19 Pandemic has forced everything to come to a halt. However Merritt along with the members of the Physical Education department and some other teachers hosted the first virtual sports day for a school in Barbados yesterday. The idea which was coordinated with the assistance of the PE department, Brian Parris, Stephanie Chase, Mario Scott and Janelle Bartlett, saw the children and teachers taking part in a number of challenges throughout the day online and offline. According to Parris “this term is the term to actually do sports and he didn’t want the students to feel neglected from having the sports term taken away from them due to the pandemic, so he decided to come up with the online events. Yesterday started off with a walk map challenge where a Challenges included star jumps, touch toes, push-ups, sit ups and jump squats. course was mapped and one tried to walk mileage to score It is good to see something points and was then followed positive and exciting coming by a cheerleading challenge from school children and out of which was a video submitted. COVID instead of always doom Other challenges were star and gloom.” jumps, touch toes, push-ups, sit Despite some of the ups and jump squats. limitation created by the online Mandy Springer PTA platform the members of President said that she was Graydon Sealy were able to “pleased we were able to do this utilize other digital platforms virtual sports in hopes of to assist where needed. keeping the children in a According to Parris a positive frame of mind where member of the Physical they have something exciting education department, “The and fun to do.” virtual event turned out well. Springer said she We had a few teachers who viewed some of the events from participated in the Map her desk at work and was challenge by going out and proud of the Graydon Sealy walking early this morning for students, teachers and parents 8 miles.” who supported the However the points event from beginning to end. accumulated by teachers were “This is a good idea of what it more so for bragging rights means to have Graydon Sealy while the students points went PRIDE. towards their house points. Children taking part in the toilet paper challenge. Campbell and Cornwall showcase their skills in ‘Best v Best’ contest ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Opener modest 94 for victory, left-arm earn a first innings lead o 20 wicket off Reifer (2-71). Campbell showing any John Campbell extended his seamer Raymon Reifer (2-15), runs. Kavem Hodge failed to Cornwall then hit nine enterprise with a top score of form with a half-century while leg-spinner Imran Khan (2-16) add to his overnight 59, falling fours and three sixes in a 55, to follow up his first innings Rahkeem Cornwall proved his and off-spinner Jermaine in the morning’s third over as sensational 63 off 51 balls hundred. all-round ability as 21 wickets Blackwood (2-17) bowled well he fended a quick short ball knock as he put on 55 for the He struck six fours and a six tumbled on an eventful third but Brathwaite’s XI got over from fast bowler Chemar ninth wicket with Preston off 118 balls in a shade over day of the “Best v Best” the line, scoring 95-6 – as Holder. Nkrumah Bonner McSween whose 34 came from 2169 minutes but left-arm match at Coolidge Cricket Cornwall ended the match with dived wide at gully to hold a 31 balls and included five fours spinner Veerasammy Permaul Ground. a big six off Khan. superb catch. Left-hander and a six. with 4-21, off-spinner Cornwall Kraigg Brathwaite’s XI won Resuming earlier on their Palmer, who unbeaten at the In their second turn at the (2-23) and left-arm seamer the match by four wickets over overnight 242-5, Brathwaite’s start on 31, added only one crease, Chase’s XI were McSween (2-25) bowled very Roston Chase’s XI. Set a XI were dismissed for 346 to before he fell to a catch at the dismissed for 113 with only well. The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 27

CARIFTA pushed back to August THE date for the conference yesterday. and according to Donna this meant a change to The other date which Carifta games has now The main reason for Raynor, President of the the Carifta dates.” they settled and agreed been changed to this change has been the Bermuda Athletics “As we know this and on was August 13th-15th August 13-15th 2021 date set for the Association where the last year has been a 2021 and it was also said following an Caribbean Examination games was to be held challenging year, many that if this could not work announcement by Councils exams which they called an immediate events have either been then they would have to Mike Sands president has now been scheduled meeting on receiving the cancelled or moved to look at cancelling the of the North to take place between news. later dates.” games. American, Central June 13th-July 16th. She said that when Two time frames were However this now American and As a result, the Carfita they received the proposed May 28-30 places it only a few days Caribbean Athletics games which had been communication “advising which Raynor said she before the World Junior Association (NACAC) slated for July 2nd-4th of the dates of the CXC advised it was too close Athletics championships at a virtual press fell in this time frame exams I was floored as to the original date and which are slated for enough would not have August 17-22 2021 at the been known in regards to Nyayo Sports the effects of the Complex in Nairobi, Mike Sands president pandemic and the exams. Kenya.(CG) of the NACAC

Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during his first round match against Great Britain’s Dan Evans on March 10. Qatar was a ‘stepping stone’ says Federer with eye on grass court swing ROGER Federer’s hopes important step forward his fitness before of winning a fourth title to me,” Federer, who beat Wimbledon. in Qatar were dashed Dan Evans in the last-16, Tied with Rafa Nadal after yesterday’s quarter- told reporters. on 20 Grand Slam wins, final exit but the Swiss “Like I said, I’m not Federer has won said his first event after 100% yet. I can feel it, I Wimbledon eight times. two knee surgeries was can see it. From that “We’ve just got to take just a “stepping stone” as standpoint, (what’s) a real good look at the he targeted full fitness important is to be 100% schedule and... see how for the grasscourt season. by the grasscourt much workload the body Federer took the season... I’m still building and knee can still take, opening set against up. what’s the best way to Nikoloz Basilashvili “So this is a stepping prepare for basically the before the Georgian stone. I’m actually happy beginning of the season fought back to win 3-6 6- how I felt today on court for me, which is the 1 7-5, ending the 39-year- overall.” grasscourt season,” he old Swiss’ challenge at Federer initially eyed a added. the tournament – his return at last month’s Federer also said he first event in 14 Australian Open but had not yet decided if he months. slow progress in his would play in Dubai, an “I’m actually happy recovery convinced him ATP 500 event which that I was able to play to skip the Grand Slam begins on Sunday. back-to-back three-set and he said he would “I’ll decide probably in matches against top play in events which the next 24 hours,” he players. That’s an would help him regain said. 28 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE Milan strike late to draw with Man United Diallo scores first goal MANCHESTER, England the English side five Harry Maguire somehow – A stoppage-time header minutes later. hit the post from point- from defender Simon The Ivorian winger used blank range at the back Kjaer earned AC Milan a clever movement to get post. TEL: 247-4469 1-1 draw at Manchester behind the Milan defence, Dan James missed Cel: 253-6319 United in their Europa was picked out by a lofted another sitter after United 828-4800 League last-16 first-leg ball from Bruno had gone in front, turning Email: caribbeanpropertiesltd match at Old Trafford Fernandes and found the Mason Greenwood’s cross @gmail.com yesterday. target with a smart back- wide when unmarked and Teenager Amad Diallo’s header over Milan keeper five metres out. PROPERTIES 50th-minute goal had put Gianluigi Donnarumma. Newly crowned Scottish United ahead before Kjaer United had been champions Rangers fought Kirtons, St Philip angled in a fine header fortunate to go in level at back to earn a 1-1 draw at 3 bedroom plus from Rade Krunic’s corner the break. Rafael Leao had Slavia Prague. 2 bedroom apt 4,790 sq ft in the final moments. a fifth-minute effort ruled Romanian Nicolae $685,000 The draw was justice for out for offside and then Stanciu fired the Czech Stefano Pioli’s Milan who were very lucky when a side ahead in the sixth Amity Lodge, Ch Ch had two goals ruled out in Franck Kessie strike was minute with a superb 3 bedroom plus REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE the opening 45 minutes as ruled out for a strike but Steven 1 bedroom apt they opened up United questionable handball call Gerrard’s side drew level 6,646 sq ft $650,000 Bushy Park, St. Philip 17,000 sq ft $170,000 Bagatelle, St. Thomas with surprising ease. by VAR. through Filip Helander. 62000 sq ft into 2 lots The 18-year-old Diallo, United keeper Dean The Scots had keeper Gibbons, Ch Ch $520,000 each, or who joined United from Henderson had to make Allan McGregor to thank, 3 bedroom plus Inchcape, St. Philip 4355 sq ft $ 96,000 $1M for both Serie A club Atalanta in several saves but the Ole though, for his fine save in 2 bedroom apt January, came on as a Gunnar Solskjaer’s side the final moments of the 9,835 sq ft Marley Vale, St Philip halftime substitute and should have gone ahead in game from Lukas $675,000 (reduced) Belle, St. George 4 acres $400,000 21,780 sq ft $275,000 claimed his first goal for the 39th minute when Masopust. Breezy Hill, St Philip Haggatt Hall, St. Michael Sandford, St Philip 3 bedroom, 2 bath 16,356 sq ft $300,000 reduced to $298,000 6336 sq ft $126,000 Under Offer Quarterfinal streak ends as

Black Rock, St Michael COMMERCIAL 3 bedroom, 1 bath Cane Garden, St. Thomas Messi, Ronaldo both eliminated 6732 sq ft $360,000 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft Private entrance. Mount Standfast, St James BACK before iPhones, Germain on Wednesday. wall, both turned their Two properties on From $187,681 Twitter and Instagram Barcelona entered its backs and the ball passed Enterprise, Christ Church 22,714 sq ft. 3 bedroom, 2 bath Asking $1,200,000 even existed, there was match against PSG trailing through Ronaldo’s legs and 5062 sq ft Ragged Point, St. Philip Lionel Messi or Cristiano 4-1 from the first leg, so into the goal. Porto 8,267 sq ft $166,000 $390,000 (reduced) Black Rock, St. Michael Ronaldo – or both – in the expectations were low. advanced on away goals Champions League Messi responded to Kylian after the matchup ended 4- Rolling Hills, St. George Warehouse/Storage The Belle, St George 4000 sf space 23,861 sq ft quarterfinals. Mbappé’s opening goal 4 on aggregate. Ronaldo Plantation style House 12,000 sq ft $310,000 (negotiable) $900,000 (reduced) Not this time. with a incredible strike has won five Champions Standing on 4 acres The two greatest players and, just before halftime, League titles – one with $1.1M Ocean City, St. Philip Foul Bay, St. Philip of the current generation lined up for a penalty. Manchester United and the 6150 sq ft $123,000 Approved for condos, were eliminated from the Barcelona fans were rest with Real Madrid, Frere Pilgrim, 39,242 sq ft $1,600,000. competition this week, the certainly dreaming that including three straight Christ Church Fortesque, St Philip first time both failed to another 2017-style from 2016-18. Messi has 3 bedroom, 2 baths with Dover, Christ Church reach the quarterfinal comeback was possible, but spent his entire career with two bedroom apartment. Agricultural Land Hotel 18 rooms fully stage in the same year goalkeeper Keylor Navas Barcelona and has won 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 494,500 sq ft $1,100,000 operational $2,950,000 neg since 2005. saved it. The match ended four Champions League under offer Hanson Heights, St George Silver Sands, “It’s a shame because 1-1, allowing PSG to titles, though he was 8321 sq ft $595,000 Christ Church both are great players who advance. injured for the 2-1 victory 7,129 sq ft $160,000 Dalkeith, Christ Church normally go very deep in Juventus was eliminated over Arsenal in 2006. 17,371 sq ft approved for Ealing Grove, this tournament, but we by Porto the night before The two have even met in Bushy Park, St. Philip shops and offices have to accept it,” after Ronaldo and the final, with Messi and Christ Church $495,000 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths 24,000 sq ft $190,000 Barcelona coach Ronald teammate Álvaro Morata Barcelona beating Ronaldo 9320 sq ft $565,000 Koeman said after Messi just missed blocking a free and Man United 2-0 in Apes Hill, St. James Roebuck Street, Bridgetown and his teammates were kick from Sérgio Oliveira 2009. Messi scored the LOTS FOR SALE 31,000 sq ft upward ousted by Paris Saint- in extra time. Lined up in a second goal. Large lots at $15 per sq ft Shopping Mall/Office space $8,100,000 negotiable Boarded Hall, Mount Wilton, St. Thomas Christ Church Batts Rock, St Michael China Olympic Committee offers 10,429 sq ft $157,000 15,500 sq ft and 22,066 sq ft $300,000 and $220,000 Guest House, 12,078 sq ft $2,850,000 negotiable Westbury Road, St Michael vaccines for Tokyo Games: IOC 2,520 sq ft $45,360 Union, St. Philip 7560 sq ft Cane Garden, St Thomas THE Chinese Olympic Due to the delay the body’s virtual session. $150,000 3.6 acres approved Committee has offered Beijing Games will now He did not provide any Goodland Gardens, Roadfront vaccine doses to be used start just over six months details on the number of Christ Church $1,650,000 negotiable for participants at this after Tokyo. doses. The Olympics 9,605 sq ft $145,000 Thorpes, St. James 11,376 sq ft with structure year’s Tokyo Olympics and “The IOC has received a involve more than 10,000 $235,000 Fitts Village, St James the Beijing 2022 Winter kind offer from the athletes while usually tens Nursery Road, St Philip Guest House, 4 Suites 9,266 sq ft $139,000 Games, the International Chinese Olympic of thousands more people Cottage, St George 6,135 sq ft Olympic Committee (IOC) Committee, hosts of the are involved in the Games $750,000 negotiable Lashley Road, St Philip 5000 sq ft said yesterday. 2022 Beijing winter as coaching staff, media, 5,839 sq ft, $150,000 $110,000 (negotiable) The Tokyo Olympics, Olympics, to make volunteers and officials. Mason Hill Street The City postponed because of the additional vaccine doses Bach was addressing an Morningside, St Philip 26,500 sq ft with buildings novel coronavirus available to participants in on-line presentation by Salters, St George $4,000,000 negotiable 2 lots 32,760 sq ft, $230,000 4567 sq ft $133,000 pandemic, were the first both editions of the new Tokyo Olympics chief All enquiries to Games outside wartime to Olympic Games, Tokyo Seiko Hashimoto, her first Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Jupiter Gardens, St Peter be cancelled but have been 2020 and Beijing 2022,” presentation to the IOC 7312 sq ft (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 14,876 sq ft. $110,000 or (246) 247 4469 rescheduled for July 23 to IOC President Thomas since taking over three $133,000 (negotiable) Aug. 8. Bach told the Olympic weeks ago. The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 29

Ferrari unveil new car for 2021 Formula 1 season FERRARI have unveiled the changes are largely free, but car they hope will revive development of the mechanical their fortunes after their and structural parts of the car worst season in 40 years such as suspension and chassis in 2020. have been limited to two ‘tokens’. Team boss Mattia Binotto said Ferrari have applied these at the revised car was more the back of the car, in search efficient and the new engine of greater rear grip, the lack of more powerful after straight-line which was another weakness in speed proved their biggest last season. weakness last year. The rear bodywork is notice- Ferrari have concentrated ably narrower and cut away The new Ferrari SF21. on the rear of the car in search of more deeply than last year, in performance. the quest for better airflow to of bodywork that can be used. “We have tried to learn from coming for 2022. “Last year was a big disap- the rear of the car and therefore Clawing back the downforce our mistakes and improve in the “I do believe our car is better pointment. We know we cannot greater and more efficient lost to these changes is likely to areas where simply we have not than last year,” he said.“We need repeat such a bad result,” aerodynamic downforce. be one of the deciding factors been strong enough. to be realistic. The gap to the Binotto said. In addition, there is a new in performance this season. “Of course in the frozen best was very important and not “We know we need to do better front wing and nose shape, Head of engine design Enrico technical regulations and the something we can recover in 2021.” which has an influence on Gualtieri said the engine had new financial regulations we in a single winter. Ferrari were sixth in the the airflow that heads under been revised to improve thermal know there is a limit in terms of “Our focus during 2021 will be constructors’ championship with the chassis and then both efficiency – a measure of how fast we can turn things developing the 2022 car – that a best result of second place. It under the floor and around the performance with the current V6 around, but we have been will be the main target so we will was their worst season since aerodynamic shapers either side turbo-hybrid engines – by trying to reconstruct methodi- not spend much time on the 1980, when they finished 10th. of the cockpit. changing the design of the turbo cally our way back to the more 2021 car during the season. All teams have been restricted Like many other teams, and compressor. competitive part of the grid.” “There is always a balance. in terms of the amount of Ferrari did not reveal the detail Sporting director Laurent Binotto added that the team But 2022 is such a big change changes they can make on their of the rear floor design, where Mekies said,“The 2021 season is would be unlikely to make major that there is a minimum cars for 2021 for cost-saving rule changes imposed with the about the lessons learned changes to the car during the quantity of exercise and design reasons in the pandemic. aim of restricting performance from an incredibly difficult 2020 season as they focused on the that needs to be developed so Bodywork and aerodynamic have reduced the amount campaign. major technical rule changes most of the effort will be there.” 30 • Friday March 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Miami Heat forward Leonard fined, given one-week ban for using anti-Semitic slur

MIAMI HEAT forward Meyers “It doesn’t matter the intent. It’s not Leonard has been fined $50 000 right,” added Spoelstra, who said he (£36 000) after using an spoke to Leonard after reading his anti-Semitic slur during an online apology. game stream. Heat captain Udonis Haslem said, Leonard, 29, has also been banned “We can’t tolerate that here. Right is from all Heat facilities and team right, and wrong is wrong. And since activities for a week. I’ve been here in this organisation, to The comment was made during the day I leave this organisation a Call of Duty game on Twitch and beyond, we’re going to try to be on on Monday. the right side of everything – especially “He said something that was issues like this.” extremely distasteful and hurtful The former Portland Trail Blazers and we’re left with the aftermath player is out for the rest of the of that,” said Heat coach Erik season after shoulder surgery last Spoelstra. month. In a statement, NBA commissioner He is known to be an avid Adam Silver said Leonard’s comments online gamer and has tens of were “inexcusable”, while adding that thousands of followers on the Twitch he will be required to attend a “cultural platform. diversity” programme. E-sports organisation FaZe Clan said Leonard apologised for using the slur it was “cutting ties” with him on in an Instagram statement on Tuesday and a number of other gaming Tuesday and said he had not known companies, including Astro Gaming and Meyers Leonard was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012 and was what the word meant when he Origin PC, have also severed their traded to the Miami Heat in 2019 used it. relationships. The Barbados Advocate Friday March 12, 2021 • 31

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES (March 21-April 19). It may mean having N to seek advice from a professional or accepting a lit- D tle help from a friend but you are determined to reach a self-set target. A goal you have been aim- C ing for is taking longer than you expected to realise. O You won't stop until you get there. N TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Don't keep your S practical ideas to yourself. A group effort would benefit from your clever contribution. Once you share your thoughts with the team, they will quickly take up your suggestions. Your ideas will work, you know this and as soon as they hear them, oth- ers will know it too. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Be gentle with your- self. Be kind towards others. You're restless and im- Z patient and could easily get annoyed with yourself I for making silly mistakes. Thinking before you T speak will be one way to avoid tension and argu- S ments. Friendships will be more harmonious once you start to relax. CANCER (June 22-July 22). An older relative is too proud to ask for help even though you sense they need it. They will be grateful for your assistance. An almost psychic awareness of other people's needs will help bridge a gap that's been growing between you and a partner. People will think you can read their minds. R LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Be patient. You long for E more freedom. You've never liked being told what X to do, who you can spend time with or where you can go. You just want to relax, have some fun and M enjoy life more. It shouldn't be much longer before O you feel less restricted. Until then, continue to tread R with caution. G VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Worrying about what A other people think about your ideas and decisions N is just a waste of time and energy. Make up your mind about what you want to do and then get on with it. If someone objects or tries to stop you, re- member it's your life and you have a right to make your own choices. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It won't be difficult to tune into the mood and feelings of those around you. P You've always been sensitive to atmosphere. If H friends have been arguing, you will know it even if A they're trying to hide this from you. A workmate N who never seems to worry about anything could ac- T tually need a shoulder to cry on. O SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your personal and M professional lives are out of kilter. You will find a way to balance these in the future but for now, your intention is to fulfil all business obligations. Career prospects will slowly improve and eventually you will make some worthwhile achievements. It will take time and effort before you bring this about. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You can't keep hiding your feelings to keep other people happy. M Your family and friends should realise that your A needs are important too. Tension in a close relation- R ship has a lot to do with you trying too hard to Y please others whilst disregarding your own needs, preferences and inclinations. W CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Someone who is O close to you is starting to feel neglected and ignored. R You aren't getting along with each other as well as T you used to. Because of this you will prefer to spend H as little time as possible in their company. You can't keep pretending someone doesn't exist. Deal with partnership problems as they arise. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Be honest and di- rect in all your dealings or misunderstandings will M occur. There are some issues you will find hard to O talk about. It's important to be open about our feel- T ings. Serious talks take precedence over the lighter H side of life. You can't afford to ignore the need to sort E out some difficulties any longer. R PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You and a romantic partner are slowly drifting apart. If you want to G charge your relationship up, arrange a short holiday. O The plan will be to spend quality time together so O S ignore a friend's pleas when they suggest coming E along for the ride. Two's company; three will be a crowd. Brathwaite replaces Holder as West Indies Test Captain

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Friday March 12, 2021 HOTEL SECTOR HIT WITH CLOSURES

ACCORDING to Senator with the BHTA it is likely that Rudy Grant, CEO, Barbados more hotels will close with their Hotel and Tourism reopening occurring around Association (BHTA), a survey October 2021,” said the CEO. undertaken by the entity had Senator Grant explained that shown that as of February 24, the closure of hotels and other 2021, four luxury hotels, six tourism businesses during the “A” Class hotels and four “B” winter season was an unknown Class hotels were closed. phenomenon. He highlighted Grant disclosed this that 25 to 30 years ago the information during his report at inherited practice was for hotels the BHTA First Quarterly to close during the summer Meeting, and went on to say that months where there was just a week and a half later the emphasis on renovations and BHTA observed that more hotels upgrades to properties with the also had to close their doors. winter season being the highest “While these fourteen (14) revenue earning time for tourism hotels represent a little less than businesses. eighteen percent (18%) of the hotel room stock of members CLOSURES on Page 4 Senator Rudy Grant, CEO, Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) Over $700 M in financing from foreign, domestic sources THE Barbados Government will In addition, $1.48 billion is million or four per cent of GDP. be looking to tap both foreign Estimates outline projections being projected for operating The Estimates also highlight and domestic sources for well expenses, along with statutory the shortfall in revenue up to over $700 million in financing foreign financing is expected to Debentures and a further $292 expenses of $900 million, the January this year as well as the during the next financial year be in the region of $447.6 million million from other sources $818 million will go towards higher spending undertaken in starting April 1, 2021. and domestic component $334.3 which were not named. debt service and $193 million in light of COVID 19, along with These projections are million. The Government In addressing the allocations respect of capital expenditure. the level of deficit the country is contained in the Estimates of prepared document revealed for the next financial year, Addressing the issue of likely to incur next financial Revenue and Expenditure for that the Inter-American current revenue is forecast at Government operations and year. 2021/2022 introduced earlier Development Bank will be $2.89 billion. However, financing, it was revealed in the It has been revealed that this week in Parliament. At the approached to underwrite Government said that on the Estimates that on the accrual current revenue collected to same time the Estimates are approximately $150.3 million of cash basis it is projected that basis, the net operating balance January this year was down projecting Current revenue at the foreign financing, following current revenue will be $2.55 is $85. 6 million or 0.9 per cent 13.5 per cent from the amount $2.89 billion, total expenditure by the Peoples Republic of China billion, some 6.2 per cent above of GDP.The overall fiscal deficit collected in the corresponding of $3.39 billion and a gap of and the Latin American the revised estimates of $2.41 on the Accountant general basis period to January 2020. $500.4 million to be filled during Development Bank. billion amount for the current with financing, is projected at However, current expenditure the coming year. An amount of $250 million in financial year which ends on $282.0 million of 8.1 per cent of at January 2021 was up 13.1 per The Estimates outline non project funding is included March 31. nominal GDP and market prices cent when compared to January revenue raising measures and in the projections for the coming As regards to total estimated at $9 604.4 million. 2020. the spending the Government year. expenditure the amount given When converted to Capital expenditure also at intends undertaking over the As for domestic financials, an for next financial year is $3.39 International Financial January 2021 was up 24 per next 12 months. amount of $41.8 million is billion, an increase of 0.6 per Institutions basis the fiscal cent over the same month in According to the information, earmarked to come through cent. deficit is projected $383.3 2020.

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