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Sunday February 28, 2021 $2 VAT Inclusive SUGAR HARVEST TO START TOMORROW ALL systems are set and Chairman, Winston Best; and at Portvale Sugar Factory, as part of a National Food workers stand ready to com- Jason Marshall, Director of Marlon Munroe meanwhile Security Plan for Barbados, mence the process for the Barbados Sugar Industries added,“It is hopeful grinding op- some critical decisions in rela- harvesting of Barbados’ Limited (BSIL) met with media erations will begin by the end of tion to the BAMC and the sugar sugar crop from tomorrow. officials at Wakefield Plantation the first week of March. As you industry had to be taken. This announcement came as in St. John yesterday,for a press know,there are a lot of bank hol- “We took a decision last year to DLP: Vaccine Minister of Agriculture and Food conference to discuss matters idays in the month of May and finish off bulk production for ex- Security, Indar Weir, and a relating to the 2021 sugar crop. April, so we expect grinding op- port and so now, all of our sugar plan unclear team inclusive of CEO of the “The start of the crop is March erations will be completed will be used in our local market Barbados Agricultural Manage- 1st, which is Monday,” Minister around the first or second week and then for export to the US ment Company (BAMC), Weir announced. of June 2021.” and to the UK. PAGE 2 Orlanda Atherley; BAMC Deputy Operations Manager Minister Weir explained that HARVEST on Page 3

BARVEN welcomes restart of vending

PAGE 3

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Indar Weir (right) on location at Wakefield Plantation in St. John with Chairman of the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (BAMC), Winston Best. CZMU head: Using Greenland for irrigation a good idea A SUGGESTION that the con- be used to develop an aquacul- Management Unit (CZMU) Dr. stabilised, it has established it- tentious Greenland site in St. ture industry, with the poten- Leo Brewster stated, “I think self, and is active in essence as Andrew could be put to more tial for local fishing and or the idea of using the area of the a water retention area. There's practical use, particularly as it creating another avenue for ex- area down there in Greenland, been sufficient time for the cli- relates to providing irrigation port and by extension creating using the water that has accu- matisation of the “pond” itself for farmers, is “worthy of fur- foreign exchange. mulated within that location as to be used for irrigation pur- ‘Behind the ther investigation.” The site was earmarked by a potential source for irrigation poses. So I think that's a good During the recently hosted the then Barbados Labour Party water to farmers in the area, is idea.” Riddim’ programme Let’s Talk About It, administration to be the coun- a very valid one. On the question of whether or which focused on the Blue try’s new landfill, but the multi- “I think that is something be- not it could be also used concep- New show highlights Economy, the suggestion was million dollar project was cause over the years, since the tually for aquaculture he added music producers made from a caller that the scrapped because of environ- location for the original that this may be a bit more dif- “pond” on the site which was mental concerns. Greenland landfill has ‘sea- ficult to visualise. constructed back in 1997, could Director of the Coastal Zone soned’, it has grown up, it has GREENLAND on Page 4 PAGE 21 2 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

DLP spokesperson: Vaccine plan unclear GOVERNMENT’S vac- or has incurred high debt cination programme Gibson calls for stimulus to help those in need through no fault of their has being brought own. under the microscope on the island. are set to arrive in 12 cination campaign would economic time for “It is time for the with calls for greater “We have been told that weeks. But can we wait 12 become compromised,” Barbados, she believes the Government of Barbados clarity on when the almost 30 000 Barbadians weeks when the second Gibson challenged. country should have flat- to accept accountability next batch of vaccines have been vaccinated thus dose of many of those Gibson, a pharmacist by tened the curve before for their actions and con- are set to arrive on the far,however,the plan that vaccinated persons would profession, also queried opening. sult with persons who island. is being presented in re- be due in eight weeks. whose science is the gov- “Based on what we are have knowledge of best Democratic Labour spect to the vaccines is un- Logistically you must fac- ernment currently follow- seeing, the cases are still practices when handling Party spokesperson on clear and misleading. tor in the lead times for ing. increasing, and we really global pandemics,” he said. Health, Paul Gibson, in a “We have heard the vaccination so that per- He alluded to an article don’t know what the true He challenged that statement issued yester- Prime Minister state that sons can be vaccinated published in another sec- prevalence of COVID-19 is while it was said that the day, made a call for the she will be asking for con- early. tion of the media where in society. Ideally, we BLP is taking the lead in BLP administration to tell tributions to the Vaccine “If we do not have the the President of BAMP would have liked to have helping poor people, giv- Barbados how many vac- Fund to pay for our next logistics of the vaccine in Dr. Lynda Williams noted seen the cases per one ing out hampers is not cines do we currently have batch of vaccines which place, then the entire vac- that while it is a difficult thousand leveling off and enough. the positivity ratio at less “Stimulate the economy, than five per cent. provide jobs, develop in- Flattening the curve dustries, this is also a core means allowing for the responsibility!” he ex- spread of the epidemic so horted. that the peak number of The DLP spokesperson people requiring care at a on Health maintained time is reduced and the that with so many positive health care system does persons staying home and not exceed its capacity,” not being picked up by she said. the authorities due to lo- He added: “What is fit- gistical administrative ting to note is that reasons, the aggressive BAMP’s President also spread of COVID-19 re- stated that she was not in sulted. discussions with the Gibson stated that the Prime Minister about people of Barbados need the reopening. Thus, I to know the truth about join with Dr. [Melissa] COVID -19 as it is impact- Goddard in asking whose ing families on a mental, science is she following? physical and economic Not only whose science is level. “Many families are she following, but where now on the breadline be- is her compassion for cause of the Government’s those who would have lost mismanagement of their lives due to this dis- COVID-19. Convoluted ease. Where is the empa- speeches mean nothing to thy?” persons when they are Gibson opined that hungry, unemployed, and there needs to be a stimu- trying to figure out a way lus plan to ensure that no to keep their bills paid and one in Barbados is hungry food on the table.”

Democratic Labour Party spokesperson on Health, Paul Gibson. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 3

Day nurseries to remain closed IN light of the recent an- March 1, the Child Care are reminded to ensure thanks the public for its nouncement by Prime Board has advised that all that they provide a safe understanding, as it con- Minister Mia Amor government day nurseries and secure environment tinues to work in the best Mottley, in relation to the will remain closed until for their children during interest of the nation’s staggered reopening of the further notice. this period. children. country from Monday, Parents and guardians The Child Care Board (Child Care Board)

Higher sugar yields expected this year HARVEST from Page 1 port to you that because This being the case, we of the favourable rainfall, are actually on the path to our yields are expected to starting this year’s sugar be about 17.84 per acre in harvest and in so doing, 2021, versus 12.14 in we have certain projec- 2020. So all around, every- tions that we are looking thing is trending in the to meet out of this year’s right direction”. harvest,” Weir said. CEO of the Barbados “If I were to compare Agricultural Management what we produced last Company (BAMC), year, sugar cane yields Orlanda Atherley later re- President of the Barbados Association of Retailers, gave us 90 000 tonnes and vealed that given the pres- Vendors and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN), Alister this year we are project- ent COVID-19 pandemic, Alexander. ing 107 000 tonnes, so measures are being put in therefore we are increas- place to ensure that those ing. We’ve produced 7 200 working in the sugar in- tonnes of sugar and we are dustry can do their jobs, BARVEN deliberately reducing that whilst having the correct now to 5 200 to satisfy the personal protective equip- domestic consumption ment (PPE) and meeting welcomes restart and then for export, as I the relevant health and said,” he added, noting as safety protocols, such as well that production of the sanitisation of hands of vending molasses will move from and social distancing. As CEO of the Barbados Agricultural Management 5 000 tonnes to 13 000 such, there will be in- Company (BAMC), Orlanda Atherley. By Marsha Gittens tion easier access to foods tonnes to assist the rum creased surveillance early that are necessary for the industry. on, and compliance offi- favourable and whilst not vealed, whilst noting that THE head of one or- upkeep of the nation’s Weir further stated, cers will be strategically focusing on a wage in- other areas of concern ganisation says it’s health. “These are good times.I stationed to ensure all crease, but more so on such as having enough welcome news that He added, “The re- am pleased to note what is goes well. ensuring the safety of fuel and not running out of vending will once entry of vendors into the happening in the industry Negotiations with workers, these are con- bagasse have also been ac- again be allowed fol- distribution network is and I am happy to also re- unions have also been cluding Atherley also re- counted for. (RSM) lowing the month-long already welcomed with National Pause. celebrations not only by President of the the vendors, but by the Barbados Association of nation.” Retailers, Vendors and Alexander said meas- Entrepreneurs (BAR- ures have been imple- VEN), Alister Alexander, mented and will continue told The Barbados to be in place to keep ven- Advocate yesterday that dors and persons visiting members of the group the Market’s Mighty were understanding of Grynner Highway loca- the purpose of the pause tion safe in coming days. which was intended to He also said BARVEN reduce the spread of will be having a consul- COVID-19 locally, how- tation meeting with the ever, they are ready to get Market’s Division during back to work. the week “to make sure Prime Minister Mia that all that is necessary Amor Mottley on to observe the protocols Thursday in her ad- is done. dressed stated there will “We have to step up our be a phased reopening own game and go all out of the country. From to protect our nation. Monday, March 1, some How we are seeing it, it businesses and groups must be safe work that will be allowed to resume keeps our nation safe and operations, and among healthy. We are asking them will be markets and our members, [they] must vendors. be leaders in the neces- “It is not as if this pause sary COVID-19 proto- was not made in the best cols.” interest of the nation, but BARVEN Super BARVEN is sure the po- Outdoor Market along Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Indar Weir (front) as he gave details about the start of this year’s litical directorate is as ju- the Mighty Grynner sugar harvest, whilst (back row, from left) Member of Parliament for St. John, Charles Griffith; Chairman of bilant as we are about the Highway is slated to be the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (BAMC), Winston Best; and Permanent Secretary Terry easing of the restrictions open this Friday and Bascombe look on. that will give the popula- Saturday. 4• Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Aquaculture potential GREENLAND from the concepts of aquacul- Page 1 ture as part of that “Because you have to process... and you know, then look at the aspects it’s something that I of establishing the hatch- think can be raised with ery,the nursery,and then our Minister to that ef- putting them in the pond fect.” and being able to actually Dr. Brewster explained effectively harvest them that one of the biggest from the pond, while tak- challenges, however, is ing into consideration the the source water. feed sources of water into “Because remember that the pond that could intro- when we start going into duce parasites, etc. the dry season, the water “So that may be a little flow into areas like that more long term, but po- is not consistent. And tentially,it can be done. I therefore, especially do know that they have when you have long peri- looked at similar things Director of the Coastal ods of drought, water lev- in the Bawdens area up Zone Management Unit, els inside the same pond there in St. Andrew as Dr. Leo Brewster. area can fall. And there- well for doing similar fore you can then get aquaculture projects. water red tilapia and other issues relating with And that was way back they were experimenting low oxygen levels that in the late 80s, going into with them there as well.” can impact on anything the 90s. They also had He added: “It does pro- you’re trying to grow in the Greenland Agri- vide a unique opportu- there,” Dr. Brewster ex- cultural Station where nity for the Fisheries plained. they used to grow fresh- Division to be exploring (JH)

Barbados COVID-19 Situation Report for Friday February 26, 2021. COVID-19 update: 44 new cases, 74 discharged THERE were 44 positive already been at the males – and 2,344 persons COVID-19 cases recorded Harrison Point Isolation have recovered. There on Friday, February 26, Facility undergoing as- have been 33 deaths from out of the 795 tests con- sessment to determine COVID-19. Since ducted by the Best-dos whether their positive February 2020, the public Santos Public Health PCR test result showed health laboratory has com- Laboratory. that they were in fact pleted 125,187 tests. Seventy-four people re- newly positive, or whether There were 4,326 per- covered and were dis- they had COVID in the sons vaccinated on Friday, charged from isolation. past and were no longer as part of the National The number of active infectious. Vaccination Programme cases on the island is now Thirty-six of the new for COVID-19. 661. cases were Barbadians. To date, a total of 33,633 The 44 new cases com- Barbados has recorded vaccinations have been ad- prised 17 men and 27 3,038 confirmed cases – ministered – 14,482 men women. Seven of them had 1,417 females and 1,621 and 19,151 women. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 5

Farmers and vendors to get some ease

IT is expected that tional pause during the move towards a and Food Security, Indar “The Attorney general continue with the mark- farmers and vendors month of February will phased reopening of Weir, meanwhile says announced (on Friday) ers which we had to create who were affected by get some ease as the country tomorrow. those operating in mar- that first of all, those ven- space between those com- the recent period of na- Government seeks to Minister of Agriculture kets across the island and dors and farmers will be ing to the markets and in the agricultural sector able now to return to sell going to the vendors and in general will be required their produce directly to this will be done at to follow the recom- the customers and there- Cheapside as well,” he Government lauded mended protocols set in fore, the Spring Garden stated. place to reduce the spread Market which was estab- Just recently, Prime THE Mia Amor Mottley tance of moving towards ing systems,” the senator of COVID-19 given the on- lished last year will re- Minister Mia Amor Administration is being what I think this Act is indicated. going pandemic, and open,” Weir noted. Mottley and Attorney commended for its deci- driving us towards... to en- Admittedly, the senator measures will be put in “Clearly, the measures General and Minister of sion to introduce a new courage less use of cash, said there are some per- place to ensure compli- that were put in place will Legal Affairs, Dale national payment system, less use of paper transac- sons who will probably ance. be followed and for all the Marshall, announced a as it should help to drive tions,” he stated. have some difficulty ini- His comments came markets as well – the phased reopening of the down the operational costs Senator Nurse made tially grasping and mov- this weekend as he met measures that were put country from Monday, of government. the point while noting ing to a cashless society, with media officials at in place last year for the March 1.Those practising It is coming from that the new framework but he said with time and Wakefield Plantation in practicing of social dis- all forms of agriculture in- Independent Senator is important especially in patience those persons St. John for a press confer- tancing, sanitising, taking clusive of farming as well Lindell Nurse. He spoke light of the fact that there will become more comfort- ence, to discuss matters temperatures etc. – all of as fishing will be allowed to this during the debate are some persons who do able. relating to the start of the those will be in place as to open for business once in the Senate earlier this not utilise the banking 2021 sugar crop. well.And of course we will again. (RSM) week on the National system for one reason or Sensitise citizens Payment System Bill, as another. In that vein, he said it is he lauded Government for “I know for example, important that steps be embracing such technol- that banks now charge a taken to sensitise all citi- ogy, noting that it would fee on savings accounts for zens so that they recog- also go long way in facili- example, if they drop nise the importance of tating the development of below a certain minimum, moving in this direction of trade in Barbados, help which means it is not use- a cashless society.As such, our financial system to ful, or it is counterproduc- he is hopeful that the work efficiently, and pro- tive for certain persons to Government will employ vide Government with a have their little funds in a their usual education pro- means of reducing the savings account if you grammes. overall costs of its pay- know that you’re going to “...People like us will ment system. be penalised because it need to appreciate the im- “Government spends a drops below a certain portance of not having to considerable amount of its level. But all of those per- stand up in a line or stand expenditure, or used to, sons are still part of our up at the post office, par- writing payments of society, they still have ticularly in these days of cheques and so on and transactions to do, they COVID. If you could do a that becomes very costly. still have to go about their lot of your transactions at And so, therefore, to facil- regular daily business, home, or do a lot of trans- itate systems where vari- they still have to pay their actions at the point of sale, ous stakeholders will be bills, they still have to buy you can save yourself a lot comfortable to use alter- food. And therefore it is of time, a lot of effort, per- native systems to cheques important that there are haps even put some of and cash can definitely be alternatives ways which that time into more pro- a move in the right direc- will provide them, as far ductive or more desirable tion. Only within recent as possible, to have access things that you wish to weeks, Mr. President, to payment systems out- do,” he stated. we’re seeing the impor- side of having to use bank- (JRT) PM: Backlog cleared THE backlog of COVID- reagents and an adequate doctors can continue to 19 tests at the Best Dos number of swabs, she said treat patients in short Santos Public Health these would allow the labs times rather than in the Laboratory has been to work without issues for inordinately long times cleared. several months. However, that they were waiting be- And, according to Prime she stressed that in the fore”. Minister Mia Mottley, meantime, more of these Mottley stated that de- there are enough re- were being sourced so the spite the rising number of sources available to stave lab can operate without COVID-19 cases in off any further hold-ups interruption. Barbados and a spike in persons getting test “You would have seen within the last three days, results in a timely fash- the evidence of it with the the country still has the ion. lab being able to deliver ability to “turn the cor- Recently, the lab experi- results within 24 hours,” ner”. enced backlog in their she stated. “The truth is that the testing due to several de- In addition, she said evidence of the lockdown lays in the shipment of currently seven PCR ma- and restrictions, especially automated reagents, chines were in operation, the last weekend and the which expedite testing. one which will be given to last week, will more be Therefore, extractions at the Queen Elizabeth seen going forward and that time had to be done Hospital for the testing of not in today’s numbers or manually, which slowed patients there, “to ensure yesterday’s numbers or testing down considerably. that those lab results for the numbers the day be- Revealing there was an the QEH can come back fore,” she explained. “oversupply” of automated in short order now, so that (JMB) 6 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Lawyer asks for leniency for teen client Good Samaritans ATTORNEY Arthur as opposed to his numeri- being an employee or Mount of Praise Church, Holder has asked that his cal age, he is concern he member of an essential and he intended to dam- pay fines for men client be judged based on might not be competent to service or a person that age such property or was his psychological age as plea. He suggested that a had an emergency. reckless as to whether he faces five charges, in- specialist would be re- Also on that date, he such property would be charged with cluding one COVID-19 quired to say “if deemed was charged with loiter- damage. Directive breach. to be at that age then sir, ing on premises known as The Magistrate asked The 18-year-old ac- if he has the capacity Sol Service Station and the prosecutor if he ob- cused, of Bush Hall, St. therefore to commit a whom there was cause to jected to the accused get- breaching curfew Michael, went before criminal offence, the ca- suspect of being about to ting bail until the court re- TWO Good Samaritans also charged with contra- Magistrate Elwood pacity which is age 11 in commit an offence, to wit ceives a report, to which turned turn up at District vening this Directive by Watts on Friday in the law.” theft. he replied that he did not. “C” Magistrates’ Court on not wearing a face mask, District “C” Magistrates’ On February 24, the Meanwhile, he was However, he asked that Friday to pay fines of two face shield or face cover- Court. teenager was charged charged with some time guidelines be set that the individuals whose mat- ing. Holder explained to the with loitering on the between the 24th and accused stay at home. ters were heard in court He pleaded guilty to court that though the ac- premises known as 25th days of February, Magistrate Watts then earlier that week. these charges. cused’s numerical age is Latefa’s Bar and whom without lawful excuse, granted bail in the sum of One person paid the fine His father explained to 18 years old, his psycho- there was cause to suspect damage to one camera $1000, with one surety.He of Kevin Luke, a water the court that where his logical age is only eight of being about to commit and one window belong- also ordered that the ac- sports operator; while the son lives there is no water years old. He also stated an offence, to wit theft. ing to Shawndelle Ward, cused is to remain indoors other paid the fine of or electricity. He was un- during his academic jour- He was also charged on and that he intended to unless it is an activity Rakeeme Wilson. Each able to get to him in time, ney he attended Eagle the same day with contra- damage such property or that his surety has con- Good Samaritan’s deci- therefore his son left home Hall Special Unit, Ann vening Paragraph (3) sub- was reckless as to whether sented to. He said the sion was taken to make to go to his aunt to get Hill School and is paragraph (1) clause of the such property would be court would write to the payment after they food. Wilson was fined presently a student of Emergency Management damaged. Lifelong Skills Training read the case in the press. $250 forthwith or seven Lifelong Skills Training in (COVID-19) (Curfew) (No. Additionally, he was for a report on the ac- However, they did not days in jail for not wearing Fairfield Road, Black 4) Directive, 2021 by fail- charged with between the cused’s mental and intel- know either man person- the mask. Meanwhile, he Rock, St. Michael. ing to comply by leaving 19th and 25th days of lectual development. He is ally. was fined $1000 to be paid Holder told the court his home between 7pm February, 2021 without to return to court on Luke on Tuesday by April 15th or spend 30 that based on the ac- and 6am as specified in lawful excuse, damaging Friday, March 26th. pleaded guilty to on days in prison for being cused’s psychological age sub-paragraph (1), not one window belonging to (MG) February 22nd contraven- outside. ing Regulation 9 clause (a) The second Good of the Fisheries (Manage- Samaritan, attorney, ment) Regulations, 1998 Mitchelle Russell, said she and having a quantity of paid half of Wilson’s fine Businesses told to make sea egg roe in his posses- “because I don’t believe sion during the closed sea- that you can criminalise son, without obtaining people for being poor”. written permission of the “The man breached the sure customers follow rules Chief Fisheries Officer. Directive because he was He also pleaded guilty hungry. He left home to to contravening Para- get food, ended up being BUSINESS owners are graph (13) Subparagraph charged and if the man being warned to ensure (1) clause (a) of the cannot afford electricity, their customers abide Emergency Management water or food, how is he with the COVID-19 proto- (COVID-19) (Curfew) (No. going to pay a $1000 fine. cols within the environs of 4) Directive, 2021, by vis- He has until April 15th to their establishment or iting Bath Beach in St. pay the fine or he will be face penalties. John other than for the in prison. Why should he During Friday evening’s purpose of swimming or get a criminal record be- COVID-19 Management exercising. He was fined cause he was hungry? update, Attorney General $100 to be paid in seven That is the effect.” Dale Marshall highlighted days or 14 days in jail for She continued,“I always business owners are re- having the sea eggs. say if we do nothing, noth- sponsible for ensuring Meanwhile, he was fined ing changes. So rather those within the establish- $1000 to be paid in four than sit down and hope ment and those lining up months or spend three the best for the man, mi outside followed the proto- months in jail for break- sah mek me give him a lit- cols. ing the curfew. tle money because mi “So if you are a super- The Good Samaritan, have food, my light pay, market, it isn’t just the who did not wish to be my water pay, so if I can people who are inside of identified, said a group of help, I help. I can’t always your supermarket that individuals put together help.” you’re responsible for; the money to pay Luke’s Russell, who said she the people who are lined fine. Luke, who was on the “had to do something”, up on the outside also. Court’s compound at the said,“I plans to see if I can The obligation is on you time, said he did not wish get five friends to give me squarely to make sure to comment when ap- $100 and we cover the rest that those people follow proached by the press who of the fine because the the protocols. If they happened to be in court on focus should be on feeding don’t follow the protocols, Friday. him and paying his elec- the liability is yours Wilson on the other tricity and water and not and your establish- Attorney General Dale Marshall hand was charged with paying a fine that was im- ment can be closed,” he on February 20th contra- posed on him because he stressed. and outside of their enter- sure that their customers pots, will be allowed to vening the Emergency was hungry.” Insisting the onus of re- prises. line up and follow the operate, but in the event Management (COVID-19) The attorney said she sponsibility for customers The AG further pointed COVID protocols. that the individuals are (Curfew) (No. 4) Directive, believes more people are falling on businesses is out that this responsibility Sometimes because we not following the proto- 2021 by remaining out- willing to do a similar nothing new, Marshall also applied regarding mo- are not operating in a cols, we will shut them doors and not within the thing of assisting but stated that government bile businesses, like bread building with four walls down regrettably in ex- curtilage of his residence, “they just don’t know highlighted in each direc- vans. and so on, doesn’t mean actly the same way as not being an employee or where the need is and peo- tive that business owners “People who are operat- that you are relieved of we’ve shut down busi- member of an essential ple are not necessarily lob- are responsible for what ing bread vans have a that obligation, so bread nesses,” he stated. service or a person that bying.” is happening on the inside legal obligation to make vans, just like bread de- (JMB) has an emergency. He was (MG) The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 7

PM Mottley says she welcomes opposing views Vaccinations making IN response to recent them all together that we with the scientist to better there is much to be gained a difference ning to allow countries to criticism of the will emerge with the best understand her viewpoint. at this time from focusing The Prime Minister also see a turn with respect to Government’s policies formula going forward for She also noted that the on the rear-view mirror. said she was heartened by the number of hospitalisa- on COVID-19, Prime Barbados”. vaccination efforts are in We have, as I said, to the number of Barbadians tions and serious cases, Minister Mia Amor Her comments came full effect. get ahead of this issue, who clearly understand and they are hopeful on Mottley has expressed after the publication of an “I don’t necessarily and that’s why I am so that vaccinations are crit- other aspects, but it is still her willingness to lis- online article by Dr. agree with Dr. Goddard, happy that… almost ical to them being able to too early with respect to ten to these opposing Melissa Goddard, a but I believe she has 22 000 people have been help control the virus in transmissibility, which is views. Barbadian research scien- a perspective that needs vaccinated [so far]. And I Barbados. She stressed why we say, continue In a press release, the tist who attributed the to be heard and I am really do hope that in a the impact global vaccina- wearing the masks, con- island’s leader said that recent surge in COVID-19 hoping that at some week’s time I will be tion has had in managing tinue doing the protocols she welcomes “all the cases in Barbados to point we can meet with in a position to give the coronavirus. because it is still too early views and perspectives of policy failures by the her and hear what Barbadians even better “And remember that for the scientists to tell us our citizens, residents and Government. she has to say in more de- news as it relates to that,” globally we are seeing ev- what the consequences well-wishers, as it is only The Prime Minister is tail. said Prime Minister idence where the impact are,” said Prime Minister by distilling and blending requesting a meeting “But I don’t know that Mottley. of vaccinations is begin- Mottley.

BARJAM’s concerns about COVID-19 press conferences being considered THE leadership of the made representation to the Barbados Association of Prime Minister and it is Journalists and Media being dealt with, but the Workers (BARJAM) has issue was, you call a press made representation to conference, you tout it as a Prime Minister Mia Amor press conference, you’re in- Mottley regarding the vited to a press conference, Association’s concerns in you’re there in Zoom and relation to the conduct of then, no questions.You are COVID-19 Updates and not allowed to ask ques- Press Conferences and the tions, end of press confer- treatment of media work- ence.” ers, and consideration is He then stressed, “Well, being given to these con- it is not a press conference cerns. if you are not able to ask President of BARJAM, questions. That is one of Emmanuel Joseph, indi- the biggest peeves we’ve cated the above recently. had in Barbados.” The matter came to the “The other thing is, as I fore as Joseph participated said, it is in the process of in a virtual conference being rectified, but on occa- via the Zoom platform, sions, before the host which focused on “The would interact with the Challenges to Press panel and carry on for the Freedom in the Carib- bulk of the time allotted bean”. The conference was and then (remark), ‘Over hosted by The Media to the media now,’ and you Institute of the Caribbean have very little time to and the US Embassy in have meaningful ques- Barbados. tions. So you end up prob- BARJAM’s President, ably with two or three along with George Davis, questions, because of the President of the Press time allotted. That is Association of Jamaica; ridiculous. If the case is and Wesley Gibbings, that you want to have a Founder of the Association panel discussion, have a of Caribbean Media panel discussion and don’t Workers, was at the time invite the media. Send a discussing some of the press release or some- challenges journalists thing,” he further ex- have been facing during plained. the COVID-19 pandemic , “So those were the two as part of a panel. When main things that we have asked by moderator Kiran been grappling with here Maharaj, President of in Barbados, with respect Media Institute of the to the COVID press con- Caribbean about some of ferences, updates and so the challenges being faced, on, but as I said to you, it is Joseph noted, “One of the a matter that has the at- main things right now,I tention of the Prime believe it might be in the Minister and we expect process of being rectified, that it should be resolved because BARJAM – the as soon as possible,” he media association – has stated. (RSM) 8 • Sunday February 28, 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 New things JESUS touched the leper which calls on the Are we ready for a and healed him. St international community Francis kissed a leper on to end criminalization of his hand. John Bradburne LGBTQ people and digital ID card? lived with lepers at support a world-wide ban THIS week, the Attorney General and Minister of Mutemwa in (now) on so-called ‘conversion Home Affairs, Dale Marshall indicated that the new Zimbabwe, and gave his therapy’, that’s to say digital ID and national ID card can store fingerprints, life rather than leave attempts to change, driver’s license, and other personal data. them. Lepers: unclean, suppress or erase a This is a huge step as Barbados adapts and evolves ostracized, cursed by God. person’s sexual into the 21st century.To say that the flimsy laminated At the virtual Intimate orientation and gender photo identification that most Barbadians carry around Conviction Conference, identity. with them is inadequate is an understatement. This based here last November, Conviction Conference the should be re- More than 370 religious change was long overdue. in which I was privileged Divine voice has spoken interrogated”, the bishops leaders, Christians, Jews, In theory, a digital identification card should make to be the host pastor,many again, and again. It’s now affirmed. Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, travel, processing of financial applications, banking, speakers, from across the been reported that the The draft liturgy in the Buddhists, from 35 social security services, and verification for law world, told us that LGBTQ Inter-American Commis- legislation will include the countries have signed the enforcement and security businesses easier. But this people are typically sion on Human Rights has renewal of marriage vows Declaration. A host of new technology could make vulnerable and referred to as ‘animals’ to called upon the Jamaican and exchange of rings.The Christian bishops and underprivileged people more invisible and alienated be ostracized and Government to repeal its service of blessing won’t cathedral deans have than before. rubbished. It suddenly buggery law immediately. be a thinly veiled signed. Other signatories occurred to me that many Angola has decriminalized marriage, but rather a include Archbishop Digital ID creates transparency, accessibility Christians, even here in it. Its new law provides for declaration that the Desmond Tutu and the Digital national IDs are used across the world. “beautiful Barbados”, a two-year prison term for “loving and faithful former Chief Rabbi of Malaysia was the first country to use the “MyKad” ID treat them as lepers: discrimination based on commitment” the couple Ireland, David Rosen – oh as a verification tool in 2001. Some of the features of the unclean, ostracized, sexual orientation. has made is “worthy of yes, and me. Of conversion card included “photo identification and fingerprint cursed by God. Then the Welsh bishops, acceptance by the Church therapy, Boris Johnson biometric data on an in-built computer chip embedded The movement for bless them. In December, by asking God’s blessing” has undertaken to ban it in a piece of plastic.”The Asian country wants to launch change, recognition, the bishops of the Church on it. The service, from in Britain. It’s “absolutely a more sophisticated digital ID that could not be respect becomes in Wales published which a priest may opt abhorrent”, he says. The tampered with. Germany announced that in autumn increasingly insistent, proposals to authorize out, would signal Declaration acknowledges 2021, its citizens will be able to have their national IDs increasingly welcomed for church blessings of those repentance of the Church’s that “certain religious on their smartphones which will remove the need to LGBTQ people. Yet the in same-sex partnerships pitiful history of teachings have show the physical card or the use of a card reader. stars remain in their and civil marriages. The persecuting LGBT people, created….oppressive In the Middle East, the digital ID is proving beneficial courses and the world proposals have been the bishops declared. ‘We systems that fuel for both the private and public sectors. The citizens of hasn’t caved in. Book texts circulated to the Church’s love each other. Please intolerance, perpetuate Kuwait are using an ID that acts as an authenticating won’t stop it. The Life Governing Body for debate bless us.’ ‘Yes, of course.To injustice and result in tool and is useful in legal and financial transactions. within all life allows and in April. There shouldn’t refuse blessing you would violence.” Of course: we’ve Through smartphone applications money transfers comforts it. If Gamaliel be a problem because in amount to a curse. God witnessed the intolerance are seamless, there is a connection to a network of self- was right, God must 2015 the Governing Body forbid.’ of the Christian ayatollahs service kiosks and lawyers can upload lawsuits approve it. Why then do voted in favour of allowing Now let’s go global. here. electronically through a government portal. some Christian same-sex weddings in Begin with a simple It’s a wonderful heterosexual people, given church, though this wasn’t precept – that all life is initiative. Maybe, just Adapting digital technology to society consent and adulthood, binding. sacred, that love and maybe, we’ll all be able to With a new technological tool, there will be several worry themselves “With new social, compassion for ALL “walk together” one day. questions and problems. Does the government know obsessionally about the scientific and psycho- people are the essential Go safely, then – until how many people, particularly young people have a sexual orientation of logical understandings of outcomes of religious faith. the next time. national ID card or social security number? Some others? When will they sexuality in the last one Without those, what’s the Barbadian citizens have never worked, travelled, or stop playing God by and a half centuries, we point? It’s not about Wising up, from the voted. With a digital ID card, people will need to know judging people? The believe that same-sex earning brownie points for boundary: “Forget the and understand how to use this card especially if it will Gospel of love is there for relationships can be Heaven, right? Right. former things….see, I am facilitate the transfer of funds and access to money from all of us, isn’t it? understood in a radically There’s now a Global doing a new thing! Now it social services.It can be argued this card could be used Well, since our different way,and that the Declaration, backed by the springs up; do you not to pay taxes and licence fees and duties. But the November Intimate teaching of Scripture British Government, perceive it?” (Is. 43: 18-19) technical support and security infrastructure to maintain the digital ID will not be cheap. Our biggest challenge is a lack of connectivity or synchronisation between private and public sectors and within the sectors themselves. Take a look at the Trump the dominant force at National Insurance Scheme (NIS), pensions, and the plight of senior citizens. Since the pandemic, long waits and long lines at various businesses and government conservative conference agencies have worsened. Most pensioners are paying the same debts and fixed WASHINGTON – A divisions over the extent was rigged against him. aides say he will use the financial obligations each month. These include conference dedicated to to which it should embrace “Donald J. Trump ain’t speech to reassert his insurance, credit card, loan payments, and utilities, the future of the Trump after losing the going anywhere,” said power. they also have medical bills,medication, and food needs. conservative movement White House and both Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, one The programme What if these all could be paid with a tap of a digital turned into an ode to chambers of Congress, of several potential 2024 underscored the split ID using their phones or kiosks in their communities? Donald Trump as those gathered at the presidential contenders raging within the GOP,as Why should anyone have to visit five different speakers declared their annual Conservative who spoke at the event, many establishment businesses or government agencies in Bridgetown or fealty to the former Political Action being held this year in voices argue the party any parish to complete transactions that could be done president and attendees Conference on Friday Orlando to bypass must move on from Trump electronically, remotely, or with minimal interaction? posed for selfies with a made clear they are not COVID-19 restrictions. to win back the suburban Also, some people do not have access to online golden statue of his ready to move on from the Trump today will be voters who abandoned services or financial institutions due to their likeness. former president – or from making his first post- them in November, underemployed or unemployed status. How many As the Republican Party his baseless charges that presidential appearance putting President Joe people are considered unbanked? It is true, a digital ID grapples with deep the November election at the conference, and Biden in the White House. is an innovative way of creating efficiency and improving outdated processes within private and public Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes sectors. But it will require significant investment in E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen infrastructure, parish by parish so the new technology Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan can facilitate all rather than a few. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 9

Barbara, the beautiful BARBARA was a beauti- few pedophiles who might always an independent It seemed that the more ful young woman. She was have cast an ugly glance. woman, Barbara’s friends he focused on Barbara’s in the kind of shape that Suddenly, it seemed, a persuaded her to walk pimples, the more often men would die for. And as new woman materialised away from the love she one would pop up, so he she matured and times from the body of a child. had for ten years because was moving from one pim- changed, so too would Out of the shy girl her partner went through ple treatment to another women. emerged a confident a rough patch. He lost his rather than providing a When men glorified the woman. Although still job and could not continue better living for Barbara. coke bottle shape, Barbara young, she knew that she with the standard of liv- His sole purpose in life, was the example that was could take on the world. ing he had before. She de- it seemed, was to own often used in conversa- In fact, her confident cided to move on. Barbara and stamp out tion. When a good-looking stride drew attention from But her new boyfriend her pimples. woman from a neighbour- men of all descriptions who thought that they inability to understand was obsessed with her “These damn black ing village was being de- and from all over the should be able to dictate to how a girl from a little pimples. When she awoke heads won’t keep away at scribed, it would often be world. And from women her what should be her country district could ap- in the morning, she would all. You pop out one, and said, “She looked some- too. way of life, she politely de- pear out of nowhere and find him staring at her another appears. One thing like Barbara.” And when she spoke, clined their advice and, in push her way to the top face intently. When she cream works for one and Almost all teenage girls she did so with authority, the most public of places, of almost every class or asked if something was you still have to find an- struggle with pimples. not born out of arrogance, informed them,“My dears, group. Put differently,they wrong, he would say,“I am other remedy for the next Teenage is a time of but grounded in the confi- I will be friends of all I were jealous as hell. looking for pimples. You one, since it won’t respond changing and exploding dent person she knew she choose to befriend, and no Barbara suffered with should always look for any to the old cream.”This was hormones and this is seen was. She wished to lord it one will be my natural mild acne. She expected sign that one might come Barbara’s boyfriend’s con- in widening hips, en- over no one, but knew that master. I will make my that she would outgrow up and destroy it as soon stant refrain, but he had gorged breasts, among there was none better decisions for myself.” her acne problem. This is as possible.” an unlimited source of other things.Acne is often than her. As is always the case usually a teenage issue The Government locked money, so he was able to present as well. Barbara On her first date, the with any successful per- that goes away with down the country in an ef- pay for the various meth- was no different. distinguished gentleman son, Barbara had her de- time, but every time she fort to control the spread ods he employed to get rid In her early teens, who invited her out in- tractors. But that was not thought that her pimples of the coronavirus, which of Barbara’s pimples. Barbara was a shy little formed her that he was a problem for her. She were all gone, another was challenging the entire He eventually took girl. Her physical poten- willing to pay for her entry heard them because she one would pop up. Her world. Rather than re- away Barbara’s beauty.He tial would have been evi- into the ball they were at- was not deaf and contin- boyfriends were not fazed main indoors as advised covered her face with too dent if one cared to look, tending.“That is very kind ued along her merry way. by a few pimples. They by the authorities, many different chemicals but in her tender years not of you,” she said, “but if I She was not perfect, but knew that they had a Barbara’s boyfriend would and they scorched her a lot of attention was could not pay the entry neither were the people quality woman and never leave home every day skin. The dermatologist given to what she could fee, I would not attend. who tried to pull her even paid attention to looking for another treat- was uncertain whether grow into. She just did not But you are very kind.” down. Much of their dis- those minor blemishes. ment to get rid of her pim- Barbara would ever be catch the eye, except for a To the dismay of many pleasure was due to their Although she was ples. beautiful again. US-Cuba normalisation could increase production of COVID-19 vaccines IF US President Joe Biden The scientific team cent of their people, despite inoculation programme eases the trade embargo claims that producing the Herculean efforts by gov- started. But to get to the against Cuba, one benefit coronavirus vaccine was ernments to secure vac- point of vaccinating 80 per to developing countries, made more difficult by the cines. The COVAX facility, cent of their populations including the Caribbean, sanctions on Cuba. They established by the World so as to achieve herd im- could be greater access to were not able to buy all Health Organisation, to munity, requires access to coronavirus vaccines at an the equipment and raw negotiate both supply more vaccines at prices affordable price. materials they needed, and price with the major less than the suppliers are Cuban scientists have including spectrometers vaccine suppliers, has en- offering. been working on four vac- used for quality control. countered major obstacles Given that the world’s cine candidates to counter Nonetheless, their work and is yet to deliver any richest countries have pre- the virus. They believe is continuing. They have of the vaccines for which ordered and pre-paid for that their most successful used a 20-year-old spec- Cuba would help to break which face a twin problem Caribbean countries have supplies, the big pharma- candidate, Sovereign 2, trometer that is still pow- the global control of the in relation to inoculating already paid. A rollout is ceutical companies are will enter a final phase of erful enough to analyse market by the big pharma- their people. The first is to scheduled to start soon, under no pressure to re- testing next month. the vaccine. ceutical companies in the access vaccines being pro- but it will be less than 10 duce prices, or ramp up Vincent Verez, one of the Cuba’s biotech sector is US and Europe. duced by the large phar- per cent of the quantities production, even as global leading scientists on the well developed, making Cuba’s geographical maceutical companies, that were ordered. demand is increasing rap- Cuban team, says that eight vaccines (for other location in the Caribbean particularly Pfizer and The generosity of the idly. Pfizer expects about clinical tests, in two trial diseases) administered to and its willingness to Moderna, and the second Indian government in do- $15 billion in revenue this phases so far, have re- children in the country share a successful vaccine is getting better prices. nating 570,000 doses of the year from its COVID-19 vealed that Sovereign 2 is and exported to more than with the developing world, CARICOM countries AstraZeneca vaccines to vaccine developed with “very safe with very few 30 countries. A successful would ease the pressure have not been able to vac- CARICOM countries has BioNTech. adverse effects”. coronavirus vaccine from on CARICOM countries, cinate more than one per helped them to get the SANDERS on Page 10

Partly sunny with a few brief isolated light showers.

High: 4:48 a.m. and 4:50 p.m. New York: 11°C Yesterday: 0 mm Miami: 27°C Low: 10:28 a.m. For the month: 46.3 mm Max: 28.4°C Boston: 08°C and 11:03 p.m. For the year: 173.6 mm Min: 25.1°C Toronto: 05°C Montreal: 02°C London: 07°C 6:15 a.m. 6:07 p.m. 10 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Vaccine passports may hold the key to tourism’s safe return FROM Russia to Despite this, the the virus could be with us Hopefully, as WHO’s Singapore, nations development and use of for years to come, vaccine list of certified vaccines around the world are con- immunity certificates is passports coupled with increases, and if Cuba’s sidering providing citi- complex and contentious, the now urgently needed Soberana 02 vaccine zens who have been vac- raising practical and region-wide rollout of proves efficacious and be- cinated against COVID- ethical issues. vaccines and then later, comes available through 19 with digital immunity Technically, the devel- booster programmes, will the WHO’s COVAX fa- certificates for domestic opment of a COVID-19 become essential. cility, it will be possible and international use. vaccine passport involves What happened in before the year’s end to Their principal objective placing a validated se- much of the region over have vaccinated signifi- is to stimulate national cure machine readable Christmas and the New cant numbers of at-risk economic recovery and a QR code on a mobile Year makes the point Caribbean citizens, key gradual return to nor- phone. However, the that without both, workers, and others mality. real-world challenges in- If as many epidemiologists Caribbean tourism and deemed essential to eco- Such ‘vaccine pass- volved in achieving this the wider regional econ- nomic recovery. ports’ may,however, come are considerable. believe mutants of the omy are unlikely to re- In the meantime, gov- to play an important role A recent academic virus could be with us for cover sustainably. ernments, the industry, in the restoration of in- study published by the After the positive early and the Caribbean ternational tourism as Royal Society in London years to come, vaccine region-wide suppression Public Health Agency more people in wealthier describes in detail the of the virus in 2020, the (CARPHA) should be con- nations are immunised issues that every state passports coupled with the holiday period saw many sidering jointly respond- against COVID-19. would need to address be- countries in the region ing to the various logisti- Significantly, Israel, fore any COVID-19 pass- now urgently needed experience a surge in in- cal, commercial and ethi- having vaccinated 30 per port system is introduced region-wide rollout of fections from both im- cal issues raised by travel cent of its citizens and for international use. ported cases of the virus vaccination certification: over 80 per cent of those Vaccine passports for vaccines and then later, and local indiscipline. not least because pent up in older age groups, is travel would have to re- This occurred even demand among vacci- now negotiating bilateral veal in a receiving coun- booster programmes, will though visitor arrivals nated consumers in the protocols to establish try if the holder is pro- become essential. numbers remained very region’s principal source vaccine passport corri- tected from illness and low and the thousands of markets may soon surge, dors for those wanting unable to transmit the cruise passengers who driving the rapid intro- to holiday in Greece and virus; show vaccine effi- initially used to allow a The WHO, however, normally visit for hours duction of travel pass- Cyprus. cacy; be subject to inter- holder greater freedom continues to caution were absent. ports and global compe- Elsewhere, the African national acceptance; at home? against ‘immunity certifi- The consequence was tition for visitors. Union Commission is de- and detail whether the She is concerned that cates’. Despite this, it has that governments in To fully restart tourism veloping with the conti- vaccine given is effective vaccine passports require begun to explore the both the region and its and end the stop-start nent’s health authorities against new or emerging a level of agreement on issue, recently convening source markets have approach now being seen a ‘My COVID Pass’ for variants. It would also the science of immunity a group of experts to de- since adopted travel re- across the region will re- travellers, allowing for have to be easily and could “inadvertently fine specifications and strictions that are antipa- quire not just a review of the mutual recognition portable, interoperable, discriminate or exacer- standards for a digital thetic to the rapid return the confusing melange of of COVID-19 test results affordable, and have a bate existing inequali- vaccination certificate of the 31.5m stay-over entry requirements that and vaccines; the clearly defined use. Any ties”. Professor Mills also that could facilitate vac- visitors and 30.2m cruise now exist and their vari- European Council, at the such passport would also raises significant legal cine monitoring and ‘sup- landings the Caribbean able enforcement, but request of some member have to be secure, legal, and ethical questions, for port cross-border uses’. saw in 2019. new thinking about how states, is considering ethical, and non-discrim- example relating to the Although the group has Without widespread in future countries intend ‘passports’ as a way to inatory. denial of travel to those yet to report, it is already immunisation and vac- testing, tracing, and support EU economic Professor Melinda who are vaccine-less or apparent that any WHO- cine passports, it is there- responding to the high recovery; and in Britain Mills, the Director of the lack a mobile phone. related smart vaccination fore hard to see how the volumes of visitors the re- a high-level Cabinet-led Leverhulme Centre for What the Royal Society certificate will have to industry’s viability and gion has previously seen. task force is to report Demographic Science, report makes abundantly meet multiple criteria tourism’s broader eco- The region’s meagre re- soon on the issues in- one of the study’s au- clear is that if any vac- and will, as it says, need nomic role can start to be sources and over-depend- volved. At the same time, thors, says that a clear cine passport is to be to be ‘co-ordinated, time- restored, let alone the ence on tourism suggest the aviation industry, understanding of the use universally viable, it limited, risk-based, and high intensity contact that this will mean the through IATA, has begun to which any such pass- requires international evidence-based’ when it necessary to welcome development of safe trialling a multifunc- port is put is essential. standardisation and comes to international every visitor, so they can travel bilateral corridors tional ‘Travel Pass’ for Is it, she asks, a passport to follow the lead of travel. safely interact with sell- from North America and airline use that may be to allow international the World Health If as many epidemiolo- ers of services and the Europe, utilising digital rolled out soon. travel, or should it be Organisation (WHO). gists believe mutants of wider community. vaccine certification. Human rights have been disregarded SANDERS from Page 9 Sadly, the governments after successful testing. The critics of this listing President Biden asking collapse of the Cuban of the countries in which While he was cam- have rightly pointed out that the decision to in- government. Further, the govern- Pfizer and Moderna are paigning for the US that it is unjustified and clude Cuba on the list of President Biden’s in- ments of countries, in located have also spurned Presidency,Joe Biden serves no purpose other States sponsoring terror- stincts on normalisation which the large produc- urgings to facilitate such pledged to reverse sanc- than to further cripple ism to be revoked. of US relations with Cuba ers of vaccines are lo- exports. Human rights, tions placed on Cuba by the Cuban economy. More At the same time, oth- are grounded in the suc- cated, have implemented including the right to life former President Donald particularly, it will ham- ers, including the new cessful efforts of the measures restricting ex- and health, have been Trump in his efforts to per deals between Cuba Chair of the US Senate Barack Obama adminis- ports of COVID-19 vac- disregarded. win Florida where a large and other countries. Foreign Relations tration of which he was cines, citing intellectual For these reasons, it number of Cuban exiles Governments of Cuba’s Committee, Bob Vice President. Nothing property rights. Pfizer would be beneficial to the reside. closest neighbours, in- Menendez, continue to good will come from pur- and Moderna claim the Caribbean if the most One of the most cluding CARICOM, have demand harder and suing a decades-old failed rights to vast amounts of promising of the four vac- unfounded measures called for its reversal. tougher measures against policy that no one wants, intellectual property that cines that Cuba is devel- against Cuba is its list- About 20 churches and Cuba. The latter repre- except disgruntled will be useful, if not neces- oping could secure World ing, in the last days of religious organisations sent opposition, most Cuban-American exiles – sary,for others to develop Health Organisation Trump’s administration, in the US also sent a of whom want nothing a few of whom are in the vaccines in the future. (WHO) authorisation as a sponsor of terrorism. letter on 17 February, to less than the immediate US Congress. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 11

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • FAX: 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] I have Right and wrong MR. CHARLES the right thing according wing it. And we’ve been their “dictator” in the KNIGHTON, in “Human to their leader, Pol Pot. doing that ever since. sky is unchanging, questions... decency is not derived When the South African Hence, all the mess in steadfast, secure. So are from religion” (Letters, Government imprisoned the world. His laws, not only moral, THE polite version of and am the primary care- Advocate of Friday, Nelson Mandela and Right and wrong but also physical ones. what I want to say is this: giver for my mother, who February 26), is furious tortured or murdered are now subject to how Imagine how terrible it What the red rotating has several health issues that people who don’t any number of Black every individual feels would be if the laws of r**gate is going on? and limited mobility to pray and don’t follow any freedom fighters, it was or thinks. Morality is a maths or thermodynam- I registered 12 days deal with. I would like religion, are regarded by clearly the right thing moving target based on ics changed from mo- ago and have yet to re- to be able to interact in religious groups as ques- to do under apartheid. political correctness, ment to moment, or de- ceive any word on where person with my mother, tionable, even immoral... Centuries before, a human rights and who pended on versions of or when I can get my vac- whom I love dearly, se- heathen. He points out Jewish preacher named has the loudest voice. human rights or how the cination... cure in the knowledge that non-religious people Jesus was also nailed Dodds prison is full of electorate voted. It is On the one hand we that I am less likely to are completely capable of to a cross by the Roman youngsters whose notion only because His laws have the official advice to infect her with COVID- “doing a right action or army. The then Jewish of right is squarely at are stable and just that “Wait for your appoint- 19! (avoiding) a wrong one” Church told them it was odds with the rest of life is possible. ment”, but on the other This morning, a friend without being motivated the right and proper society. Paedophiles Now hear what this hand, every day I can of mine shared with me by the “hope of a divine thing to do. don’t get it that minors terrible “dictator” says hear from a variety of my their story of simply reward or the fear of The massive hole in shouldn’t be molested. to us: “Do not kill; do not friends that they basi- turning up at one loca- divine retribution” that Knighton’s argument Drug dealers see nothing steal; do not tell lies on cally walked into a par- tion, waiting for a couple motivates the religious. clearly centres on the wrong with poisoning your neighbour; don’t ticular location and got of hours and being able to He is absolutely cor- definition of right and minds. The CIA is be unfaithful to your their shot. So which is receive the vaccine and rect. Anybody can per- wrong. This actually perfectly convinced wife/husband.” Really, it, people in charge? their “blue card”. form right actions. That underpins the human that they can target how hard can that be? Inquiring minds want to Passing by one such is precisely why zealous problem. It is precisely America’s “enemies” That is the kind of know. location today, I saw at Nazis killed 6 million why the Bible begins by anywhere in the world. stability that gives life Barbados cannot be the least two hundred people Jews in the Holocaust. putting this issue up Islamic terrorists in and peace and joy. If first country in the world (my guesstimate) stand- It was the right thing front. Adam and Eve Nigeria kidnap hun- only the world would to roll out a mass vacci- ing in line, waiting to do. Hitler said so. The were given the choice: dreds of children as their listen. nation campaign of this (im)patiently, some of Kmer Rouge regime that accept God’s version of right. nature. So why are we them equipped with fold- murdered Cambodians right and wrong, or wing The advantage that TREVOR R. not simply copying the ing chairs, umbrellas and in their thousands did it yourself. They chose to Christians have is that SHEPHERD successful actions of water bottles. For one other nations? Are we moment, I was strongly trying to re-invent the tempted to join them. But wheel? If so, WHY? I decided against it. This Are we just incompe- line-up was painfully Are some B’dians barking mad? tent? reminiscent of standing Are the people in in line to renew my dri- IS it the same all over nearly mad myself, gave nary and a culturally un- Pause” as their dogs charge and the “ground ver’s licence a couple of Barbados or is this a up. But the dog didn’t acceptable thing. bark incessantly in their troops” communicating years ago. The difference feature confined to the stop – it kept going for Why? Because: backyards beats me. with each other? is that the line-up today Scarborough area of the rest of the day. 1. It indicates that the I believe there is a Is it a case of “The poses a substantial Christ Church? Add that count to the dog is being ignored. To branch of the RSPCA Boss” saying one thing threat to my life and my It seems here that in 25 other dogs I can hear a dog, being a social in Barbados. Are they and the folks at the ac- health and I am not will- the yard of every single (a very “rough, rough” animal, this amounts to aware of this issue? tual polyclinics and vac- ing to take that chance. house is a chained-up estimate of course) and cruelty. So, it barks to get Have they done any- cination locations doing I am furious, I am exas- dog. we’re up to over 60,000 attention. thing? another? perated, I am frustrated, Being chained-up and barks a day. And that’s 2. Treating domestic Are other areas Is there an actual pub- I am disappointed. And I ignored, the dog barks. not counting the animals badly in most of Barbados equally lic education campaign want some answers. I have surveyed some evenings when they cultures is considered an afflicted? I think we about this? I would love I demand some an- of the dogs within my continue to bark till way unacceptable thing to do. should be told. to know.And I am certain swers, as a Barbadian, a earshot and found that past midnight. Bad form and in many And are some I am not alone. And I do taxpayer, a responsible one of them, with a dis- Now in most countries, countries a criminal act. Barbadians really bark- not mean the quoting of citizen. tinctively deep voice, well certainly all the 3. It’s a bloody nui- ing mad to tolerate this numbers and largely pat- So, I repeat: What the barks 7,500 times a day countries I know and sance to EVERYONE state of affairs? ting one’s self on the back red rotating r**gate is AT LEAST. That’s 40 have lived or holidayed around as it disturbs with statistics. People are going on? barks a minute = 2,400 in (which is about 50% of their right to peace and DUNCAN not statistics. per hour X 3 hours = the 90 or so countries I quiet. Quite how the MCAUSLAND I am 60 years old, have KATHIE DANIEL, 7,200. I only counted have so far visited) this residents of Scarborough A here-on-business chronic health conditions AOCAD for 3 hours and, driven would be an extraordi- remain sane in “The visitor

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Beyoncé Knowles-Carter Stevie Wonder “Dear children, let us not love American singer, songwriter American singer, with words or speech but with & actress songwriter & musician LAUGHTER actions and in truth.” “If everything was perfect, you “Ability may get you to the Laughter is the shock – 1 John 3, vs 18 (NIV) would never learn and you would top, but it takes character to absorber that softens never grow.” keep you there.” and minimizes the bumps of life. 12 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Lunar samples on display at national museum Official calls BEIJING – Lunar artificial crystal. while the width videos. samples brought back by Designed in the shape represents the 22.89 days After the exhibition in for global 5G China’s Chang’e-5 probe of a zun, a traditional of the lunar probe’s Beijing, the samples will are on public display at Chinese bronze ware, the mission. begin a nationwide tour. the National Museum of container is 38.44 cm Besides the samples, The Chang’e-5 probe, teamwork at China on Saturday. high and 22.89 cm wide. the exhibition also which returned to Earth The samples, mainly The height represents features around 40 on Dec. 17, retrieved a soil from the lunar the average distance objects related to the total of 1,731 grams of surface, are preserved in between Earth and the lunar probe, together lunar samples from the telecom expo a container made of moon of 384,400 km, with multiple photos and moon. A SENIOR official from pandemic,” she said. China’s top industry Sixty-one countries regulator called around the world had 144 recently for deeper commercial 5G networks as international of January, and more than cooperation on 5G 400 operators in 131 cybersecurity. The countries are investing in comment comes as the 5G networks through tests, nation has invested pilots and planned or actual more than 260 billion deployments, reflecting the yuan (US$40.2 billion) to mounting enthusiasm for build the world’s largest the wireless technology, 5G network. according to the GSMA. Liu Liehong, vice- Yang Jie, chairman of minister of industry and China Mobile, the nation’s information technology, largest telecom operator, spoke at the opening said from 2020 to 2035, 5G ceremony of the Mobile is likely to help generate a World Congress Shanghai total global economic 2021. The event, the first output of $13 trillion. major offline exhibition for Information technology the international mobile such as 5G is a catalyst for communications industry the integration of real and since the start of the virtual economies, and it COVID-19 pandemic. can help match capital with Experts said China’s the needs of production and effective virus control promote industrial The lunar samples No. 001 brought back by China’s Chang’e-5 probe is displayed at the National measures made it possible upgrades, Yang said. Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 27, 2021. An exhibition displaying the lunar samples to hold such a large in- Frank Meng, chairman of No. 001 brought back by China’s Chang’e-5 probe was held yesterday. person event, which will the US tech giant help revitalize the global Qualcomm Inc’s China telecom sector and offer a branch, said this year will glimpse into how 5G can see wider popularity for 5G. China has over 300 satellites in orbit fuel global economic More smartphones will BEIJING – China’s recovery. support 5G connectivity, satellite application system Liu said over 718,000 5G and the superfast wireless has made great progress in base stations have been technology will spawn more 2020, with more than 300 built in China, accounting innovation in devices and satellites in orbit for for roughly 70 percent of the empower a greater variety various applications, world’s total. “To better tap of sectors. according to a recent report into the superfast wireless Hu Houkun, deputy released by the China technology,more efforts are chairman of Huawei Aerospace Science and needed to build a fair and Technologies Co, said it is Technology Corporation. healthy (telecom) business crucial to scale up the use of Among them are Beidou environment and to beef up 5G in businesses, and the navigation satellites, international cooperation company is working hard remote sensing satellites on 5G security,” Liu said. with partners to develop for meteorological and China now has more answers to specific industry marine monitoring, and than 200 million 5G mobile needs. communication satellites. subscribers. Last year, 167 Industrial production is China started the million 5G smartphones becoming more efficient construction of a high- were shipped out of and safer thanks to 5G throughput broadband factories to retailers across networks. Companies, for satellite communication the nation, accounting for instance, are using machine system in 2020, with the more than half of all vision technol-ogies to APSTAR-6D telecommuni- smartphone shipments in automatically inspect cation satellite launched in China that year, according industrial products, Hu July. to global market said. Also, employees are Based on satellite intelligence firm harnessing 5G to allow communication capability, International Data Corp. remote control of cranes in China provides communi- “5G is shaping the future, steel plants. cation services for users on and China will continue to Liu Jiwen, who is in the ground and in the sea be at the forefront of this charge of a steel plant in and air. The total number change,” said Sihan Bo Xiangtan, Hunan province, of direct broadcasting Chen, China head of the said 5G has helped protect satellite service users has telecom industry its technical employees exceeded 145 million.With association Global System from an environment of the improvement of space for Mobile Communi- high temperatures, noise infrastructure, aerospace cations Association. and dust. “They are now enterprises have promoted “Every sector is remotely controlling the the integration of undergoing deep cranes, with one employee aerospace and other transformation, and being able to remotely industries through satellite connected progress will operate multiple bridge operations and data A Long March 4C rocket carrying the second group of China’s Yaogan 31 stimulate global recovery cranes simultaneously,thus mining, according to the remote sensing satellites is launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and help the world significantly boosting report. in Northwest China’s Gansu province, Jan 29, 2021. overcome the effects of the efficiency,” Liu said. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 13 It’s a smash hit! Chinese return big-time to movie theaters BEIJING – The thrills and Poly Cinema’s Tiananmen chills of the big screen are branch in central Beijing. back big-time in the world’s Mask wearing is mandatory largest film market. and moviegoers must register With the coronavirus well with a cellphone app so they can under control in China and be traced in the event of an cinemas running at half capacity, outbreak. Only every other seat moviegoers are smashing is allowed to be occupied, making China’s box office records, with it even harder to obtain tickets domestic productions far for the most popular films. outpacing their Hollywood According to the China Movie competitors. Data Information Network, 95% February marked China’s all- of ticket sales came from the time biggest month for movie seven top-grossing films timed ticket sales, which have so far for release around the Lunar totaled 11.2 billion yuan (US$1.7 New Year festival, which began billion). China overtook the U.S. this year on Feb. 12. as the world’s biggest market for “Hi, Mom,” a time-traveling People wearing face masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus chat each other as movie ticket sales last year as comedy written and directed by the watch a film at Poly Cinema in Beijing on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. With coronavirus well the American box office took a and starring Jia Ling, was the under control in China and cinemas running at half capacity, moviegoers are smashing massive hit from the closure of top earner with 4.36 billion yuan, China’s box office records, setting a new high mark for ticket sales in February, with domes- cinemas because of the followed by action comedy tic productions far outpacing their Hollywood competitors. pandemic. “Detective Chinatown 3,” with Chinese theaters were able to 4.13 billion yuan. the “great resiliency and from staying at home watching billion in the U.S., which saw an reopen by midyear and have seen Wang Xiaoyu, 32, who works in powerful foundation of China’s videos. Successful online film 80% drop in ticket sales. “The steady audience growth since the film industry,was only able to film industry,” said Fu Yalong, promotion also helped attract Eight Hundred,” an action drama then. Local movies have also procure a ticket for “Hi, Mom” on deputy general manager of the many viewers to brick-and- glorifying China’s resistance to benefited from periodic unofficial Thursday and called the viewing Solution Center at ENDATA, an mortar cinemas, Zhang said. Japanese invaders in 1930s “blackout” periods, when only experience “deeply moving.” analysis firm focusing on the “I’m bored, and you can’t stay Shanghai, was the world’s domestic productions are allowed “I know there are some movies entertainment industry. at home watching (streaming biggest hit, making US$461.3 to be screened.A dearth of major that are released and streamed “During the Lunar New Year, service) Douyin all the time, so I million at the box office, most of Hollywood blockbusters over online. But I think the experience there were films with a variety of came to the cinema to watch a it within China. recent months appears to have of watching movies online is not genres and topics and the movie. There’s nothing to do,” China’s theaters also closed for also boosted the market for as good as that of watching in a audiences were satisfied,” Fu said Zhang, who is on winter a time during the height of Chinese films. cinema,” Wang said. said. “Even with the impact of break and came to the cinema to COVID-19 in the country last “People were encouraged to A lack of entertainment the pandemic and the increase in see “A Writer’s Odyssey,” a spring, but gradually reopened stay in Beijing for the Lunar New options helped pump up ticket ticket prices, we were still able to Chinese fantasy film which he over the summer. As of Friday, Year, and so watching movies in sales during the pandemic, score such achievements.” said he didn’t quite understand. China has gone 11 days without the cinema became the top choice foretelling a bright future for the College student Zhang Jiazhi, Last year, China sold an reporting a single new of entertainment,” said Chu Chinese film industry,Wang said. 21, said the movie theater estimated US$2.7 billion in case of local transmission of the Donglei, marketing manager at Recent box office figures show experience was a welcome break tickets compared to US$2.3 virus. China-made shots hailed as lifesavers Rapid takeup worldwide, a vaccine from Chinese government of China for this safe including via donations, attests drugmaker Sinopharm. product, known as CoronaVac. to friendly ties Algerian Communication The Turkish firm also Minister Ammar Belhimer conducted clinical trials of the ANKARA – Vaccines developed handed over a letter of gratitude Sinovac jab in Turkey, and said by China are an important tool from the Algerian government to the vaccine has a very good safety for defeating the COVID-19 the Chinese government for the profile. pandemic, saving lives around donation, saying “the Chinese “We thank the people and the the world as they are put to work Sinopharm vaccines come to administration of China. Sinovac in mass inoculation programs, sustain our vaccination campaign has helped overcome a serious foreign officials and experts said. ... and protect the lives of our hurdle in mass inoculation in A batch of a vaccine donated citizens”. Turkey and other countries. It by China arrived in Mozambique In Latin America, the makes lives better,” said the head on Wednesday to help the East Sinopharm vaccine arrived in of the medical company, African country fight the Bolivia on Wednesday for the CoronaVac’s distributor in coronavirus. It was also the first largest vaccination drive ever in Turkey. COVID-19 vaccine to be received the country. Turkey launched in mid- by the country. “Bolivia now has the vaccines. January a mass inoculation drive Mozambican Prime Minister We have the solution ... Now we with the Sinovac jab, aiming to Carlos Agostinho do Rosario are going to vaccinate everyone,” vaccinate 60 percent of its praised China’s role in fighting Bolivian President Luis Arce population ultimately. the pandemic and thanked the said. Some 7.5 million people have Chinese people for the friendship. been vaccinated so far,essentially The “rapid availability of vaccines Mass vaccinations health workers and the elderly, against COVID-19 reflects the Elsewhere in the region, mass according to data from the health Colombian health workers keep watch over newly vaccinated commitment and determination” vaccinations began last week in ministry.Education Minister Ziya residents of an aged-care home in Sibate, near Bogota, on of both the Chinese and Colombia’s capital Bogota with a Selcuk received his first shot on Wednesday. They were given the Sinovac vaccine. Mozambican governments in vaccine from Sinovac Biotech, Wednesday.Teachers are next in guaranteeing people’s well-being, health authorities said.The drive line as Turkey plans to reopen So far, China has provided Earlier, Sinovac announced he added. began with the immunization of schools as of March 1. vaccine assistance to more than that it will export semifinished The country’s vaccination plan healthcare workers. “This vaccine saves lives, we 50 developing countries in need, jabs to some countries, and help will prioritize high-risk groups In Turkey where a large have seen it in the global fight and exported vaccines to over 20 build local filling and packaging including health professionals, vaccination campaign has been against the pandemic, especially countries. It has also decided to lines in importing countries to said the prime minister,and more launched with the Sinovac in developing countries,” he said, provide 10 million vaccine doses improve production capacity and details will be shared by the vaccine, Canturk Alagoz, chief praising China’s practice in to multilateral vaccine alliance efficiency. health ministry. executive officer of Keymen making a vaccine against this COVAX to meet the urgent needs “China’s attitude to share it Also on Wednesday, Algeria Pharmaceuticals, said his deadly disease and sharing it of developing countries, many of with the rest of the world is right received a donation of supplies of country was grateful to the with other countries. which are in Africa. and fair,” Alagoz said. 14 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

COVID positive rate climbs to 40 per cent; four more dead in JA JAMAICA, on Friday,recorded a rate of 40.2 per cent. symptoms. and St. Andrew; and two men Clarendon 18 and Westmoreland positive rate of more than 40 per The new cases have pushed Four more people died ages 62 and 69 from St. James. 13 new cases. All other parishes cent for COVID-19 cases – the the number of positive cases yesterday from the infectious The Corporate Area accounted recorded single digit new cases. highest rate so far since the since March last year to 22,817 disease, which severely affects for the highest number of new Hanover accounted for seven arrival of the disease on of which 8,863 are active. people with suppressed immune confirmed COVID-19 cases on new cases, Portland six, Jamaican shores nearly a year The surge in new cases systems, especially the elderly. Friday, with 145. That is more Trelawny five and St Ann, St ago. continue to place the country’s The deaths increased mortality than double the number of cases Elizabeth, St Mary and St Mary Health officials revealed in health system under pressure, to 417. in St Catherine and St James, four each. their update yesterday morning as patients in hospitals across The dead are from St James which followed Kingston and St A total of 87 people recovered that there were 346 confirmed the island number 228. Twenty and the Corporate Area. They Andrew. They both recorded 56 from the disease, bringing the cases from a total of 861 samples are critical and 22 are are: an 87-year-old woman and a and 54 new cases each. number of recoveries to date to tested.This represents a positive experiencing moderate 68 year-old man from Kingston Manchester recorded 26, 13,318. J’ca PM hits back at critics accusing him of hiding JAMAICA – Stung by will enable the economy to On Friday, the Indian High states, such as those in the criticisms that he has been continue but to have the control Commission revealed that its Caribbean, vulnerable. largely absent from the front on movement that will prevent donation of 50,000 vials of vaccine “There is a situation now where line in leading Jamaica’s fight the spread of the disease,” could arrive in the island as early larger countries, more affluent against the COVID-19 Holness stated as he pushed back as next week. countries are able to secure pandemic, Prime Minister against critics who have “The work that goes on behind supplies. We are in the early Andrew Holness on Friday unfavourably compared his the scenes to get it to this point, phase of production of the said that he has been working approach to that of Mia Amor we don’t bring it to the public,” vaccines and, therefore, the in the background while the Mottley, the Barbados prime Holness said. “Because we don’t, demand for the vaccines for country awaits a roll-out of minister. it leaves a gap for speculation. outstrips the existing supply.And vaccines. Work behind the scenes You would have heard things like it is those persons who have the “People are saying they don’t Turning to criticisms from the ‘the rest of the Caribbean is ahead existing capacity and who have hear from me on the pandemic, Opposition that Jamaica has been of us’ and they have done things the sovereign control would and I reflected upon it.Very soon, slow out of the blocks to procure that we haven’t,” Holness said as obviously get the first control over I will be having a press conference COVID-19 vaccines, Holness he thanked the Indian supply,” Holness said. on the pandemic. insisted the Government has Government for its generosity. “For countries like Jamaica, “What the Government has been working closely with Holness also took issue with there should be greater Prime Minister Andrew been doing behind the scenes is to stakeholders to get approved bigger countries gobbling up consideration,” the prime Holness refine a new set of measures that vaccines to Jamaica. vaccine supplies leaving smaller minister asserted. Jamaica to receive 50,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from India JAMAICA is set to receive doses of COVID-19 vaccines is used to treat a wide variety of 50,000 doses of COVID-19 were expected from India. infections, which works by vaccines from India some time Jamaica is among several stopping the growth of certain next week, which will be the Caribbean Community countries bacteria; 11,800 paracetamol for country’s first shipment of the that will benefit from a donation pain or fever; and 713 drug. of 500,000 Oxford-AstraZeneca hydroxychloroquine tablets Indian High Commissioner to vaccines by the Government of (200mg) to treat rheumatoid Jamaica Masakui Rungsung India. arthritis or lupus. made the announcement Friday India has been pushing for “Ultimately, these medicines morning at the handover Jamaica to get the vaccines, are for meeting the requirements ceremony for medicine and Rungsung said, admitting that of common people, and it cannot supplies worth US$100,000 he has been pressing several have come at a better time than (J$13.5 million) to the Jamaican players to ensure that happens. this day. On behalf of the Government, and revealed that “I’ve gone to the extent of Government on India, I’m the vaccines should’ve already pushing our people in the honoured to formally hand over arrived in the country, but were Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we’ve medicines donated by India to delayed due to uncontrollable gone to pushing the Serum the people and Government of issues. Institute who are the producers Jamaica,” Rungsung said, “Jamaica’s share is ready to be of these vaccines.We’ve gone applauding Jamaica’s efforts to shipped! The vaccines should even a step further to go to the combat the novel coronavirus. have been here by now, as we Ministry of Civil Aviation to find “These medicines are essential speak. The shipment could not out exactly what the situation and critical to Jamaica’s be scheduled on time as was,” he said. response to COVID-19. It could expected. This situation has In a Facebook video post, help save many lives in health given us sleepless nights. As Minister of Foreign Affairs and facilities across the country. We much as you’re worried, we’re Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson are living in extraordinary times even more worried. But today, Smith said:“I am so pleased that where the best of health and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina just before I came here,I received our friends and partners, the medical facilities that human Johnson Smith good news that the vaccines are Government and people at the minds and knowledge have about to arrive next week,” Republic of India, have invented were caught completely from the pandemic presented an that’s coming from the people of Rungsung said, noting that he confirmed that their kind gift of off guard and thousands of lives opportunity for countries to unite India is a sign of our friendship. will not disclose a specific arrival 50,000 COVID-19 vaccines will from many developed countries and fight against the common In India, we are in a brutal fight date. arrive in Jamaica next week.” have fallen victim,” added enemy. against COVID-19, but that This news follows an Among the medicine donated Rungsung. “It has also presented us an won’t stop us from supporting announcement from the health by India were 14,000 On the other hand, he said, the opportunity to remind us of our our partner countries in their ministry, which said 50,000 metronidazole,an antibiotic that extraordinary times resulting age-old relationship. The gift own battle with the virus.” The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 15

Mitchell: Grenada cancels Spicemas 2021 Jamaica: ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, per cent of the island’s earner for the Government Minister. – Prime Minister of population of 110,000 but also for many citizens “Like we have done for Grenada, Dr Keith vaccinated. who use the Carnival the taxi association, [we Mitchell, has announced “I don’t see how we will period to make a living. will see] what can we do Cybersecurity the cancellation of the be able to achieve 60 per Against that for the cultural artistes Spicemas carnival 2021 cent by July,but even if we background, Mitchell said and other people involved celebrations. did, I think it will be a discussions will be held on who live by the cultural threat level Mitchell said there will mistake to go and have a possibly providing activities in the country.” be no carnival, even if 60 mass event. Because you assistance to those Grenada’s Carnival per cent of the population will still have 40 per cent of individuals. climaxes in August get the COVID-19 vaccine. the people who will not “We have asked the annually, but is normally raised to high This will be the second have been vaccinated. I Ministry of Culture to launched during the consecutive year Spicemas don’t think it is a smart meet with the various second quarter of the year. JAMAICA – The Cyber PICA website was not has been cancelled due to thing,” Mitchell said during stakeholders and see what There were no Incident Response breached. the pandemic. an interview with selected can be done to aid the pain, celebrations in 2020 Team in the national Further questions sent Grenada’s immunisation journalists. because many people live because of measures security ministry to her were not answered rollout began on February He acknowledged that and operate their enforced to control and yesterday raised the up to press time on 12 and health officials are the Carnival period is not livelihood by cultural contain the spread of island’s cybersecurity Friday. working towards having 60 only a major revenue activities,” said the Prime COVID-19. threat level in relation The latest in breach to government uncovered in the systems to high. JamCOVID system The heightened threat involves quarantine Grenada reopening level comes on the heels orders, including of a number of personal details such as weaknesses discovered addresses, issued to within the JamCOVID residents being publicly for tourism in April app and website, which accessible on the ST GEORGE’S – place to protect the was being used to store Internet. Grenada’s tourism sector country as far as the virus critical data regarding Under the law, most is expected to be more is a concerned and I must travellers and COVID-19 recently amended on active in another two say that we are getting patients in the island. February 1, data months, with the cooperation from the The website for the gathered for electronic resumption of commercial tourism sector at all Child Protection and monitoring “shall be passenger flights from the levels,” the Prime Minister Family Services Agency deleted upon the United Kingdom (UK) and said. also appeared to have expiration of the [14-day] the reopening of Sandals On Friday, the Grenada been breached this week quarantine”. That Resort and other hotel Hotel and Tourism and concerns were provision in the Disaster properties. Association issued a heightened as the Risk Management Act “The UK airlines have statement disclosing that Passport, Immigration would have been in place now reported that they Sandals Resort Grenada and Citizenship from as early as June 15, will be resuming flights had signed off on the Agency’s (PICA) went 2020, well after the roll- from April which coincide Ministry of Health’s offline. out of the application. with the movement by enhanced protocols that “Many GOJ The vulnerability of the some of the hotels to were designed to ensure applications process data servers is believed to reopen,” Prime Minister the safety of guests, and store results on back- have stretched back to Dr Keith Mitchell employees and the end database servers, this time. disclosed during an community. where sensitive data may The Major Organised interview on Friday. “The protocols include sit, and thus, there is Crime and Anti- He said Sandals, increased testing of both cause for concern. There Corruption Agency Grenada’s largest all- guests and staff, added are many potential yesterday said that its inclusive resort which has monitoring and security attacks that entities may investigators have a wide cross-section of measures, while also encounter which may observed persistent clients in the UK, United maintaining Sandals’ threaten to disrupt attempts to gain States and Canada, is set high-quality luxury brand business but can also unauthorised access to to reopen in early April as for vacationers,” said the Prime Minister of Grenada Dr Keith Mitchell lead to unauthorised government systems, well. statement. access to data,” the Cyber adding that measures In December 2020, the On December 21, 2020, in line with that taken by new strain posed a new Incident Response Team were being taken to hotel announced a the Ministry of Civil several other countries, health risk as it appeared disclosed. bolster their cyber suspension of operations Aviation said the was aimed at preventing, to spread more easily and The digital security defence. after the Government Government had taken as best as possible, the may be up to 70 per cent system used by PICA, In the recently tabled disclosed that a cluster of the decision to suspend all introduction into Grenada more transmissible than which processes some of Estimates of COVID-19 cases had been air traffic between of the COVID-19 strain the earlier strain.To date, the most sensitive Expenditure for fiscal identified among staff and Grenada and the UK, discovered in the UK. that variant has been personal information on year 2021-22, a little over guests. starting the previous day, Scientists, the identified in other Jamaican citizens, has J$1 billion to “continue “All efforts are being until further notice. Government said at the jurisdictions around the been strongly defended the procurement of made to put all systems in The decision, which was time, had advised that the world. by National Security software and hardware to Minister Dr Horace build out the Chang. cybersecurity capability At a recent Gleaner of the security forces”. OECS countries to get vaccine shipment from India Editors’ Forum Chang A further J$22.9 ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – programme in Grenada, citizens to become Lucia safely and in a said that “none of the million has been Grenada’s Health Minister which was rolled out on vaccinated,” said Steele timely fashion. The critical associated allocated for Nickolas Steele said a new February 12, to continue. who confirmed that the US$250,000 cost of the government points were cybersecurity service shipment of More than 2,700 adults fresh batch of vaccines are charter is being met by the affected, for example under the Information the Oxford-AstraZeneca have already received the from the gift arranged Eastern Caribbean PICA”. and Communications COVID-19 vaccine from first dose of the vaccine between the Government Central Bank. Marsha Grant, PICA Technology Access and India is due to arrive in St from the 6,000 doses which of India and the OECS The distribution to business development User programme, which Lucia on Friday, via a the island received from Commission. OECS member states will director, told The Gleaner aims to increase access chartered flight, to be Dominica, which shared its Prime Minister of St be conducted by a Regional that that the site was to, and use of, ICT immediately distributed to batch of vaccines gifted by Kitts and Nevis, Dr Security System aircraft. taken offline by PICA, in all sectors of member nations of the the Government of India. Timothy Harris, recently Minister Steele was but did not disclose the economy and Organisation of Eastern “We are continuing our told journalists that a unable to say how many whether other recent to modernise Caribbean States (OECS). vaccination for the plane was chartered by the doses of the vaccine cybersecurity events the Government’s He said this would allow population. We are not OECS Commission to have Grenada would receive triggered the move. She, governance frame- the immunisation stopping because we want the vaccine arrive in St from the shipment. however, said that the work. 16 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

US$24.45 million to be used for COVID-19 relief in T&T TRINIDAD – The acting affected by the coronavirus in It will directly benefit (1) Food Support Programme Minister of Planning and the immediate period and vulnerable populations in the – Expansion of benefits under Development, Allyson West, during the recovery. The form of: the Food Support Programme has announced the Support agreement does not see Trinidad (1) Protection using existing includes existing beneficiaries for Vulnerable Populations and Tobago taking on additional cash transfer programmes and of the programme and school- Affected by Coronavirus in debt but instead redirects (2) Protection for the age children registered in the Trinidad and Tobago existing uncommitted loan vulnerable population not on the School Nutrition Programme (SUVPAC) Programme. resources to new and urgent rosters of transfer programmes, (2) Senior Citizen Pension and It follows an agreement high priority public investment working in the informal sector. (3) Disability Assistance signed with the Inter-American areas that require financing Grant Development Bank (IDB) during this critical period,” The first component will The second component will recently. The initiative was stated Minister West. finance expansion or fund the temporary expansion of discussed during a bilateral The programme will see additional/emergency cash the Food Support Programme meeting with the IDB’s US$24.45 million deployed for transfers to beneficiaries of for households where a member President, Mauricio Claver- the creation of COVID-19 three existing programmes working in the informal sector Carone, on Friday. management measures aimed delivered by the Ministry of experienced a loss in income due Acting Minister of Planning “This agreement will support at ensuring that basic needs are Social Development and Family to the COVID-19 crisis, after and Development, Allyson minimum income for those met for vulnerable persons. Services: (MSDFS): March 1, 2020. West. Ecuador health minister Argentina’s health minister resigns after criticism of tests positive for COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine plan one week into job QUITO – Ecuadorean health functions of Minister of BUENOS AIRES – Argentina’s deliveries have lagged far minister Juan Carlos Zevallos Health,” Zevallos said in a newly appointed health behind initial projections. tendered his resignation on letter that President minister Carla Vizzotti said on The country has also recently Friday following accusations of Lenin Moreno published on Friday she had tested positive received deliveries from Chinese irregularities in a pilot Twitter. for COVID-19, one week after pharmaceutical company programme for coronavirus The National Assembly had her predecesor resigned Sinopharm, as well as the vaccination that the discussed impeaching Zevallos following reports that VIPs in Indian Serum Institute of government has been carrying for “poor handling of the the South American nation had COVISHIELD, its brand name out since January. pandemic and a poor jumped the line to receive for the AstraZeneca vaccine. Zevallos is under an vaccination process.” vaccination shots early. But those latest deliveries investigation by state Ecuador in January Vizzotti, who replaced former were quickly overshadowed by prosecutors for mishandling launched a vaccination pilot minister Ginés González García, reports and government the vaccine roll out after he program with doses purchased said on social media she would statements that revealed family participated in an inoculation from Pfizer to inoculate quarantine for several days as members of prominent effort at a nursing home where medical personnel and elderly she recovers from the illness. politicians had received early his mother lives. citizens living in nursing President Alberto Fernandez´s vaccinations. His resignation follows homes. chief of staff Santiago Cafiero Vizzotti has pledged greater scandals in Latin American Moreno via Twitter defended said he too would quarantine as transparency in the programme, countries including Peru and Zevallos, who he appointed in Ecuador’s Health Minister a precaution after recent while the Attorney for Argentina over nepotism and March 2020 at the height of Juan Carlos Zevallos ad- meetings with Vizzotti. Administrative Investigations favoritism in the distribution Ecuador’s epidemic in which dresses the media in Argentines have been growing has opened a file to look into of coronavirus vaccines. hospitals and morgues Guayaquil. more frustrated with a slow- whether there were any abuses “Given the current political overflowed in the city of moving vaccination program of power. situation, and in order to allow Guayaquil and corpses were difficult task of managing the wrought with scandal. Since Argentina, a top global grains the continuity of the National left uncollected on streets and country’s health in the worst December, Argentina has been producer, has reported 2.1 Vaccination Plan, I present to in homes. health crisis that Ecuador and using primarily Russia’s million cases of COVID-19 since you, Mr. President, the “I prefer to remember the the world have experienced,” Sputnik V vaccine to inoculate March of 2020, and more than irrevocable resignation of (my) minister who accepted the Moreno wrote. frontline health workers, and 51,000 deaths from the disease. Guyana set to receive 80,000 COVID vaccines from India soon GUYANA is expected to receive been approved by the World Institute. for vaccines globally” Anthony at large is grateful for the a donation of 80,000 doses of Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Srinivasa during the said. allocation that has been set the AstraZeneca vaccine for “You would all recall that meeting with the health He further added that while aside by India. COVID-19 from the Barbados sent 3,000 vaccines minister stated that the the COVAX facility is trying to The High Commissioner Government of India next from its quota, which was Institute hopes to produce coordinate the global effort for revealed that the government week.According to Health actually sent by India again. about 650 million doses of the most countries, there has been of India has so far donated over Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, Out of the 100,000 sent to vaccine by July/ August of this some level of selfishness, which 8 million doses of vaccines to the logistics for the arrival of Barbados, they then sent 3000 year. has put the facility in jeopardy over 30 countries around the the vaccines are currently across to Guyana but now Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony sometimes. world, with a number of other being worked out. Guyana will have its own expressed gratitude to the “We know that you have your countries still to receive their The announcement of the 80,000,” the high commissioner government of India for the own needs, you have quite a donations. donation was made on Friday. said. donation as he noted that large population and despite According to the figures Indian High Commissioner He further noted that the two experts believe that the only the needs that you have available up to Thursday, to Guyana Dr. K. J. Srinivasa governments will be working way to exit the pandemic internally, you have decided to Guyana has recorded a total of stated that the donation by the on a full collaboration in the successfully is to achieve herd share with the rest of the 8,513 COVID-19 cases, with 28 government of India will be the event that Guyana would want immunity through world, the vaccines that you new cases being confirmed on same AstraZeneca vaccines more vaccines on a commercial vaccinations. “And that is going have,” he told the High that day from the results of the produced by the Serum basis. This, he said, will also be to be a big task because right Commissioner before also testing of 763 samples. To date Institute which has recently facilitated through the Serum now there is such a scramble mentioning that the Caribbean there have been 195 deaths. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 17

Biden scores legislative win as House passes $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan WASHINGTON – President enhanced unemployment benefits and Joe Biden scored his first some other types of aid are due to expire. legislative win as the House of The action now moves to the Senate, Representatives passed his $1.9 tril- where Democratic Vice President lion coronavirus relief package Kamala Harris may have to cast a early Saturday, though Democrats tie-breaking vote in a chamber where face challenges to their hopes of Republicans control 50 seats and using the bill to raise the minimum Democrats and their allies control the wage. other 50. Democrats who control the chamber passed the sweeping measure by a Fate of minimum wage hike unclear mostly party-line vote of 219 to 212 Democrats will have to sort out how to and sent it on to the Senate, where handle a proposed minimum-wage in- Democrats planned a legislative ma- crease, which may have to be stripped noeuvre to allow them to pass it without from the bill due to the complicated the support of Republicans. rules that govern the Senate. The American Rescue Plan would pay The House-passed bill would raise the for vaccines and medical supplies and national hourly minimum wage for the send a new round of emergency financial first time since 2009, to $15 from $7.25. aid to households, small businesses and The increase is a top priority for pro- state and local governments. The bill’s gressive Democrats. big-ticket items include $1,400 direct However, the Senate’s rules expert payments to individuals, a $400-per- said on Thursday that the wage hike week federal unemployment benefit did not qualify for special treatment that through Aug. 29, and help for those in allows the rest of the bill to be passed difficulty paying rents and home mort- with a simple majority, rather than the gages during the pandemic. US President Joe Biden speaks after the House of Representatives passed his 60 votes needed to advance most legis- In brief remarks on Saturday from the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package in the Roosevelt Room of the White lation in the 100-seat chamber. White House’s Roosevelt Room, Biden House in Washington, US on February 27, 2021. Pelosi predicted the relief bill will pass said he called House Speaker Nancy Congress with or without the increase, Pelosi to thank her for her support and much of the current package was not stand in the way,” said Jamie Harrison, and said Democrats would not give up urged the Senate to take up the bill necessary, highlighting elements such chairman of the Democratic National on the matter. quickly. as a subway near Pelosi’s San Francisco Committee. It is not clear whether the minimum- “I hope it will receive quick action. We district. Only 9% of the total would go The House vote amounted to a suc- wage hike would have survived the have no time to waste,” Biden said, with- directly toward fighting the virus, they cessful first test for Democrats, who hold Senate even if it were to be kept in the out taking questions. “The people of this said. a narrow 221-211 majority in the cham- bill. At least two Senate Democrats op- country have suffered far too much for “It just throws out money without ber. Progressives and moderates in the pose it, along with most Republicans. far too long.” accountability,” House Republican party who are often at odds will face Some senators are floating a smaller Democrats said the package was Leader Kevin McCarthy said. tougher battles ahead on immigration increase, to the range of $10 to $12 per needed to fight a pandemic that has Democrats pointed to a recent and climate change initiatives that hour, while Democrats are considering a killed more than 500,000 Americans and Quinnipiac University poll showing 68% Biden wants to push. penalty for large corporations that do thrown millions out of work. of Americans supported the package, in- The president has focused his first not voluntarily pay a $15 wage, accord- “The American people need to know cluding 47% of Republicans, with just weeks in office on tackling the greatest ing to a Democratic aide. that their government is there for them,” 37% of Republicans opposing it. U.S. public health crisis in a century, Efforts to craft a bipartisan coron- Pelosi said in a debate on the House “This critical legislation has support which has upended most aspects of avirus aid bill fizzled early on, shortly floor. from Americans across the country American life. after Biden was sworn in as president on Republicans, who have broadly backed and the political spectrum, and yet Democrats aim to get the bill to him to Jan. 20, following a series of bipartisan previous COVID-19 spending, said Republicans in Congress are trying to sign into law before mid-March, when bills enacted in 2020. Cuba approves animal welfare law after civil society pressure HAVANA – Cuba has approved a long ments, the handling of strays and veteri- analysts say. recognised Yoruba Cultural Association called-for decree on animal welfare in narian practices amongst other matters, In a country where demanding any- of Cuba. what some rights activists are hailing as responded to concerns aired in a nation- thing of the government outside official Perez said the blood of sacrificed an unusual triumph of civil society in the wide debate over the new constitution channels is frowned upon as weakening animals had spiritual significance and Communist-run country where animal three years ago. the common front against old Cold War sacrifices had increased of late due to sacrifice and cock and dog fighting re- For decades though, animal rights foe the United States, it is unsurprising a growth in believers but also due to main commonplace. activists have called for legislation on that a topic not deemed to be particularly malpractice. The move aims to prevent cruelty and animal welfare, largely through official sensitive should be the one to galvanise The ministry said in a statement on its raise awareness about the need to pro- channels in the one-party state where many Cubans, they say. website that sacrifices would not be out- tect animals, marking a cultural advance public dissent is frowned upon. “While important, this decree law is a lawed but the decree would stipulate in a nation where strays abound and the In recent years, frustrated with the relatively low hanging fruit that both they be conducted in a “compassionate coast is strewn with chicken carcasses slow pace of change, a younger genera- the government and civil society ac- and rapid manner, avoiding pain and sacrificed in religious rituals. tion has opted to exert pressure on au- tivists can celebrate as having picked stress,” establishing some broad crite- Although details remain scarce, the thorities with marches, protests in pub- in a tense collaboration/standoff,” said ria. new legislation will become clear within lic spaces and social media campaigns. Cuba expert Ted Henken at Baruch Supporters of cock fighting, often 90 days when it is published in the “This has set an example for all com- College in New York. hosted in official arenas, say it is part of Official Gazette. munities that want their voice to be Cuban, and more broadly Caribbean, “Cuba was one of the few countries heard,” said Beatriz Batista, 23, who has Animal sacrifice culture. Activists say it should at the in Latin America that didn’t have an become one of the leaders of the move- The growing voice of activists has led to very least be strictly regulated to avoid animal welfare law so to have one now is ment. “You have to pressure, pressure.” a proliferation of citizen initiatives to unnecessary cruelty. an immense joy,” Fernando Gispert, The approval of the decree underscores rescue and sterilise strays and to clean To those worrying the decree may not President of the Havana branch of the extent to which Cuban civil society the coasts and river beds of the remains be far-reaching enough, Cuban inde- the Cuban Association of Veterinary has strengthened of late, particularly of animal sacrifices. pendent journalist Monica Baro said Medicine. thanks to the rollout of Internet which “We are fighting for dead animals not in a widely shared Facebook post: “It is The Agriculture Ministry said the de- has increased the flow of information to be left out in public spaces,” said José better to have a minimal framework of cree, which regulates scientific experi- and allowed citizens to better mobilise, Manuel Pérez, president of the officially legal protection than nothing.” 18 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Tributes paid by Captain Sir Tom’s family at funeral TRIBUTES have been Regiment members car- paid to Captain Sir ried the Army veteran’s Tom Moore by his fam- coffin, draped in the ily at his funeral. union jack, and an hon- Hannah Ingram-Moore our guard fired three described her father as “a volleys. beacon of light and hope After the military hon- to the world”. ours, which included a His other daughter flypast from a World War Lucy Teixeira said: Two-era plane, his fam- “Daddy, I am so proud of ily followed the coffin Captain Sir Tom Moore’s funeral cortege was driven through the village of Marston Moretaine. you. You may be gone but into the crematorium for INSET: Captain Sir Tom Moore. your message and your the private service. spirit lives on.” Ms. Teixeira and with Michael Ball and Cliffs Of Dover by Dame A version of the song posted it was “proud” The service for the Ms. Ingram-Moore were the NHS Voices of Care Vera Lynn, his daughter Smile, recorded espe- to be representing the 100-year-old, who raised joined by Capt. Sir Tom’s Choir. Lucy Teixeira told the cially for the funeral by British Army at the almost £33m for NHS four grandchildren and The celebrant conduct- service she was “proud” singer Michael Buble, funeral. charities by walking laps his sons-in-law. ing the funeral described of her father. was also played. They said it was a of his garden, began with The service opened him as “a proud British “You always told us to Capt. Sir Tom died “solemn, dignified and him being honoured by with a rendition of You’ll veteran and a gentle- put your best foot for- with coronavirus earlier fitting tribute to a man the military. Never Walk Alone, which man”. ward and that’s what you this month. who inspired millions”. Six Yorkshire Capt. Sir Tom recorded Following the White did last year,” she said. My Way by Frank Sinatra was heard Final resting place toward the end of the The veteran had spent service, as requested by the last few months of his Capt. Sir Tom, who said life writing a book which he liked the line about he had planned to pub- “having too few regrets lish just before his 101st to mention”. birthday. As his coffin was A section was released, carried by the Yorkshire in which he said he Regiment solders, a C-47 would “like to watch my Dakota, part of the Battle own funeral from a dis- of Britain Memorial tance” and laugh at Flight, soared past in “everyone making a lot of tribute to the man whose fuss over me”. charity efforts inspired “I want the service people across the UK. to end with My Way by A bugler sounded Frank Sinatra because The Last Post when the I always did things my service concluded, and way and I especially like St. Mary’s Church in the line about having too Marston Moretaine, few regrets to mention,” Captain Sir Tom’s home he wrote. village, led others across Captain Sir Tom was the country in ringing originally from Keighley their bells 100 times. near Bradford, and his A post on his Twitter family said that once page read: “So even if COVID-19 restrictions tomorrow is my last allow, his ashes will be day, if all those I loved interred in Yorkshire, are waiting for me then where he will rest with that tomorrow will be his parents and grand- Captain Sir Tom Moore’s son-in-law Colin Ingram, granddaughter Georgia, grandson Benjie and daughter a good day too” while parents in the Moore Hannah Ingram-Moore. (PHOTO: JOE GIDDENS/PA) the Yorkshire Regiment family plot. Official: 42 abducted from Nigerian school two weeks ago freed LAGOS, Nigeria – An of- rived in the state capital, where in northern kidnap for money and to nocent school students in by jihadist group Boko ficial says 42 people in- Minna. “We have received Nigeria, in Zamfara state. push for the release of the expectation of huge Haram of 276 girls from cluding 27 students who them,” she said. One resident said the their members from jail. ransom payments,” he the secondary school in were abducted two weeks The students, teachers gunmen also attacked a Nigerian President said. “Let bandits, kidnap- Chibok in Borno state. ago from a school in and family members were nearby military camp and Muhammadu Buhari said pers and terrorists not en- More than a hundred of northern Nigeria have abducted by gunmen from checkpoint, preventing on Friday the govern- tertain any illusions that the girls are still missing. been freed. the Government Science soldiers from interfering ment’s primary objective they are more powerful In December, 344 stu- The chief press secre- College Kagara. with the mass abduction. is to get all the school than the government.” dents were abducted tary for the Niger state Their release was Several large groups of hostages returned safe, Nigeria has seen from the Government governor, Mary Noel- announced a day after armed men operate in alive and unharmed. several such attacks and Science Secondary School Berje, told The Associated police said gunmen had Zamfara state, described “We will not succumb to kidnappings over the Kankara in Katsina Press on Saturday that abducted 317 girls from by the government as blackmail by bandits and years, notably the mass State. They were eventu- those released have ar- a boarding school else- bandits, and are known to criminals who target in- abduction in April 2014 ally released. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 19

Myanmar police launch most extensive crackdown; hundreds arrested POLICE in Myanmar launched Several journalists were among those their most sweeping crackdown detained, their media organisations in three weeks of nation-wide and colleagues said. protests against military rule on “People are protesting peacefully but Saturday, arresting hundreds of they’re threatening us with weapons,” people and shooting and wound- youth activist Shar Yamone told ing at least one person. Reuters. State television announced that “We’re fighting to end to this mili- Myanmar’s UN envoy had been fired tary bullying which has been going on for betraying the country,a day after he for generation after generation.” urged the United Nations to use “any Police confronted protesters across means necessary” to reverse the Feb. 1 the country. Among those detained in coup that ousted elected leader Aung the second city of Mandalay was Win San Suu Kyi. Mya Mya, one of two Muslim members Myanmar has been in turmoil since of parliament for Suu Kyi’s National the army seized power and detained League for Democracy (NLD), media Suu Kyi and much of her party leader- said. Myanmar’s ambassador to the United Nations Kyaw Moe Tun holds up three ship, alleging fraud in a November elec- fingers at the end of his speech to the General Assembly where he pleaded for tion her party won in a landslide. Wounded international action in overturning the military coup in his country as seen in The coup, which stalled Myanmar’s One woman was shot and wounded in this still image taken from a video, in the Manhattan borough of New York City, progress toward democracy, has the central town of Monwya, local New York, US, on February 26, 2021. brought hundreds of thousands of pro- media 7Day News and an emergency testers onto the streets and drawn con- worker said. 7Day and two other media world to answer that courageous call sure. Australia’s Woodside Petroleum demnation from Western countries, organisations had earlier reported that with action”. Ltd. said it was cutting its presence with some imposing limited sanctions. she was dead. China’s envoy did not criticise the in Myanmar over concern about rights Police were out in force early on Junta leader General Min Aung coup and said the situation was an violations and violence. Saturday, taking up positions at usual Hlaing has said authorities have been internal Myanmar affair, adding that Suu Kyi, 75, spent nearly 15 years protest sites in the main city of Yangon. using minimal force. Nevertheless, at China supported a diplomatic effort by under house arrest during military Confrontations developed as people least three protesters have died over Southeast Asian countries to find a rule. She faces charges of illegally im- came out despite the police operation, the days of turmoil. The army says a po- solution. porting six walkie-talkie radios and chanting and singing. They scattered liceman has been killed in the unrest. The Myanmar generals have tradi- of violating a natural disaster law by into side streets and buildings as police Activists called for another day of tionally shrugged off diplomatic pres- breaching coronavirus protocols. advanced, firing tear gas, setting off protests today. stun grenades and shooting guns into Saturday’s violence came a day after the air.Police set upon some people Myanmar’s Ambassador Kyaw Moe with clubs, witnesses said. Tun told the UN General Assembly he State-run MRTV television said more was speaking on behalf of Suu Kyi’s than 470 people had been arrested government and appealed for help to across the country. It said police had end the military coup. given warnings before dispersing peo- MRTV television said he had been ple with stun grenades. fired in accordance with civil service “People blocked the roads without rules because he had “betrayed the reason. Among those arrested, we will country” and “abused the power and scrutinise those who organise the responsibilities of an ambassador”. protests and take tough action,” it said. However, the United Nations has not The Assistance Association for officially recognised the junta as Political Prisoners rights group said it Myanmar’s new government. believed the number of arrests was UN Special Rapporteur Tom higher, with at least 10 prison buses Andrews said he was overwhelmed by carrying 40 to 50 people each taken to the ambassador’s “act of courage”, the Insein Prison in Yangon. adding on Twitter “It’s time for the

A pro-democracy protester is detained by riot police officers during a rally against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, on February 27, 2021. 20 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Belgium prisoners quarantined after virus outbreak INMATES are to be re- but will have a hot meal as “very serious”. have started to rise again rise in infections has put are now rising again,” he stricted to their cells and hygiene products de- All visits have been sus- with officials confirming the country roughly a said. in a Belgian prison livered daily. pended to the facility and on Friday that a more con- month back from where “It forces us to be partic- after more than half of One inmate is in hospi- several family members of tagious virus variant orig- it was. ularly careful... When a facility’s population tal with the virus, accord- prisoners gathered outside inally found in the UK has Belgium’s prime minis- there is a storm you can- tested positive for ing to officials. the prison on Saturday to now become dominant. ter, Alexander De Croo, not set out.With these fig- COVID-19. As well as half of prison protest the decision, public “Last week, we estimate said at a Friday news con- ures, we cannot ease.” Quarantine measures inmates, about 60 of the broadcaster Rtbf reported. that 53 per cent of infec- ference that he had hoped He said the government have been introduced at facility’s 115 staff mem- Belgium has been under tions were caused by the to announce a relaxation would take a “time-out Namur prison following bers have also tested pos- restrictions now for four UK variant, against 38 per of lockdown measures, but week” before making fur- the rapid spread of coron- itive for the virus. months with a night cur- cent a week earlier,” virol- the situation remains “ex- ther decisions. avirus among its 132 pris- Kathleen De Vijve, a few and all hospitality ogist and government tremely delicate” and at “a Belgium has seen more oners. spokeswoman for the closed, but schools remain spokesman Steven Van difficult moment”. than 766,000 confirmed Inmates will not be al- prison administration, open. Gucht said. “We were on a high cases and 22,000 deaths lowed walks or showers, described the situation Despite this, infections Prof.Van Gucht said the plateau, but the figures since the outbreak began. Spanish government says all cattle on pariah ship should be killed MADRID – More than insect-borne virus causes 850 cows that have spent lameness and haemor- months on a ship in the rhaging among cattle. Mediterranean are no Bluetongue does not affect longer fit for transport and humans. should be killed, Spain’s A confidential veteri- Agriculture Ministry said narians’ report seen by on Saturday, confirming Reuters on Friday con- an earlier Reuters report. cluded that the animals The cows were kept in had suffered from the what an animal rights lengthy journey and eu- activist called “hellish” thanasia would be the best conditions on the Karim solution for their health Allah, which docked in the and welfare. southeastern Spanish port The report did not say if of Cartagena on Thursday the cattle had bluetongue A crane moves a container next to livestock ship ‘Karim Allah’, that carries nearly a thousand Spanish after struggling to find a disease. cattle stranded on ship with suspected bluetongue disease, at Escombreras port, in Cartagena, Spain, on buyer for the cattle dur- In a statement on February 27, 2021. ing the past two months. Saturday, the Agriculture The animals were re- Ministry confirmed the “They should proceed to lations and, in the case of ities on Thursday to be thorities there blocked the jected by several countries report’s findings and said isolate and slaughter the not doing so, the Ministry returned so they could be shipment and suspended over fears they had bovine the ship’s owners should animals in accordance of Agriculture, Fisheries tested for bluetongue. live animal imports from bluetongue virus. The kill the cattle. with the applicable regu- and Food will do it in a “It (the report) does not Spain, fearing bluetongue subsidiary way.” mention any serious dis- infection. Miquel Masramon, a eases that explain why That rejection turned lawyer representing the these animals must be the ship, registered in Romania ships first batch of ship owner Talia Shipping destroyed,” he said. Lebanon, into an interna- Line, called for samples The vessel originally left tional pariah, as several AstraZeneca vaccine to Moldova taken from the animals Cartagena to deliver the more countries refused it and impounded by author- cattle to Turkey. But au- entry. BUCHAREST – Romania economist, Sandu de- aid.The rest will follow in shipped its first donation feated the pro-Moscow the coming months.” of AstraZeneca’s COVID- incumbent Igor Dodon in Sandu led a delegation 19 vaccine to neighbour- a presidential election, to receive the vaccines at Indian man killed by his own ing Moldova on Saturday promising to fight en- Chisinau airport as they to allow Moldova to start demic corruption and put arrived in a red air vaccinating frontline Moldova’s relations with ambulance plane from rooster during cockfight medical workers next the European Union back Romania, which has close week. on track. historical, linguistic and A ROOSTER that had farm. New Indian Express. Moldova and neigh- The eastern European cultural ties to Moldova. been fitted with a knife Police said the animal Cockfighting was made bouring Ukraine, two of country of 3.5 million, “Thank you, Romania! for an illegal cockfight was being readied to take illegal in India in 1960 Europe’s poorest coun- where the West and Thank you, European has killed its owner in part in a fight when it but fights are still rela- tries, have lagged behind Russia vie for influence, Union!” she wrote in a southern India. tried to escape. Its owner tively common in rural the rest of the continent in has been rocked in recent statement on Facebook. The bird’s owner was attempted to catch it but areas such as Telangana the scramble for vaccines years by instability and Moldova’s vaccine pro- impaled in the groin by was struck by the 7cm- with many falling around and welcomed donations corruption scandals, in- curement has stirred a the knife as the animal long (three inch) knife on the Hindu festival of from friendly govern- cluding the disappear- domestic political row as tried to escape. The man the animal’s leg during Sankranti. ments. ance of $1 billion from the Dodon accused Sandu of died on the way to hospi- the struggle. It’s not the first time an In December, Romania’s banking system. trying to block the entry of tal from a loss of blood. Those involved in the owner has been killed by centrist president, Klaus “Romania keeps its Russia’s Sputnik V vac- Police are now search- event face charges of their rooster. Last year a Iohannis, said Bucharest promise ... Today we cine. Sandu’s office denied ing for 15 more people manslaughter, illegal man in Andhra Pradesh would donate 200,000 deliver the first doses, doing so. involved in the event, betting and hosting a died after he was hit in doses of vaccine to 21,600 of AstraZeneca,” The government said which took place in the cockfight, the AFP news the neck by a blade at- Moldova, in a gesture Romania’s Prime this week it expects a first village of Lothunur in agency reports. tached to his rooster. of solidarity following Minister Florin Citu shipment of vaccines Telangana state earlier Local police officer B According to CNN, the the election of the pro- wrote on his Facebook under the global COVAX this week. Jeevan said the animal owner was taking his Western President Maia page. “It is the first batch scheme for poorer coun- The animal was held would be taken to court rooster to a cockfight Sandu. of the 200,000 total that tries to arrive in Moldova at a police station before as evidence at a later when the incident oc- A former World Bank we offer as humanitarian by March 3. being transferred to a date, according to The curred. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 21

‘Behind The Riddim’

New show highlights music producers

By Krystal Penny Bowen across various initiatives which in- cluded the hosting of Groovology, an he coronavirus has disrupted interactive drumming methods many sectors and for people workshop, he is also working on digital Tworking in the creative industry, distribution for Quantum Productions, it has meant that they have to find new releasing new music for local artistes, and innovative ways to stay he has created a music game app, relevant and earn a living. “Name The Instrument” and a music Many creatives are exploring the book made for students, teachers and world of social media, using the parents. Internet to reach a diverse audience To date, two of his wins include and engage them with their content. producing the reggae cover of Adele’s This year, an online show,“Behind “Someone Like You” featuring the The Riddim” is expected to reveal the band, Hygraid in 2011. The Youtube men and women behind our local video of the song has over 1.9 million and regional music with musician, views. Recently, Eastmond also did a music producer, and show host, voice-over project and made a Randy Eastmond. Transformers-inspired COVID-19 On Monday, The Barbados public service announcement on Advocate spoke to Eastmond about social media. The video on Instagram this new project and the other ventures has gone viral with over 30 000 views. he and his team are working on. He explained that through Quantum Creating – despite uncertain times Productions, the new programme will Eastmond is excited about Behind showcase stories, tips, tricks, and tech- The Riddim and told us that he is busy niques of local producers and allow the trying to finalise the technical ele- audience to learn more about the ments for the first episode. He and talented people working behind the technical co-ordinator Shamar Coombs scenes. He hopes to expand and feature want to ensure the quality of the pod- regional producers on the show. cast is of a high standard and repre- “During these testing times, I am sents the work of the producers well. working with my business partner He admitted during the pandemic, he Kevin “Sluggy Dan” Watson to find missed the vibe of being around people ways to create new content and reach but the lockdown and curfew have al- Showcasing talent the youth,” said Eastmond. lowed him to focus more on the music. For over two decades, the music producer has been working in enter- tainment and with different music artistes in Barbados and beyond.

A love of music from school days The Combermere alumnus became passionate about music at secondary school. Eastmond who was a cadet joined the Barbados Cadet Corps because of the organisation’s band. While at Combermere, Eastmond was a member of an acapella group called Rest Assured, with nine mem- bers who performed at the prestigious National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA). They were awarded two silver medals and two bronze medals for their musical contribution. However, Eastmond did not stop there as he continued to focus on music beyond graduation.

Teacher, game maker, and author A former member of the band Electrik, Eastmond made many connections with emerging artistes in his early years and maintained them to this day. Along with his recording studio and event management company, Eastmond has expanded his scope A man of many talents, Randy Eastmond uses his skills to help his colleagues in the music industry as well as educate the youth in the discipline of music. 22 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Tips for a quick beach workout e all know the beach is a great location for doing so many Wthings – swimming, medita- tion, picnics, romantic walks, surfing and sailing – just to name a few. Brandon’s Beach, Bridgetown, Barbados. However, during this COVID-19 pan- demic our normal routine of going to the even realising it. the rules. might wonder why you would leave the beach has had to change. • Check for an area that isn’t already safety and comfort of your own house to The beaches of Barbados are fabulous Here’s some tips for you to enjoy a occupied by other beach bodies. It might do this, but not everybody is blessed and it makes sense that when you’re quick beach workout without compro- not be your usual spot but if that is the with a garden or area they can workout looking to workout somewhere that mising your safety or the safety of situation then act sensibly and move to in at home. Sometimes it’s necessary to has lots of fresh air; plenty of space and other beachgoers during these COVID- another location, so you don’t put your- leave the place where you’ve been a free supply of vitamin D – you head 19 times: self at risk by not physically distancing keeping safe for some temporary straight to one of them. yourself from others. If there is nobody freedom and a return to sanity! You can clear your head by floating • Firstly, always remember the time else at a particular location, don’t ven- • If you’re feeling really conscientious, atop the beautiful calming waters or constrictions and adhere to the govern- ture into the sea unless there’s a life- take a trash bag and gloves along with tread water furiously, to loosen those ment’s COVID-19 protocols. Also re- guard present. Because If you get into you, so you can throw away any litter joints before attempting to swim away member this activity has been approved any difficulties while swimming, such you might come across during your from all of the worries in your world. for you to look after your mental and as getting leg cramps or feeling unwell, beach visit. Everyone can benefit from a simple physical well-being – it’s not intended to there will be nobody around to assist You have more than enough time to swimming session in the sea. Swim- be used as a time for you to socialise. you or call for help. get the recommended daily amount of ming is one of the best all-round • Make sure you are dressed appro- • Decide what workout you are going exercise in, which is generally at least methods of exercise, because not only priately and that you are prepared with to do after judging the lay of the land. If 30 minutes of moderate physical activ- does it keep your heart rate up while everything you are going to need for there are too many walkers/runners, go ity. So keep the fuss down and stick to taking some of the impact stress of your your workout. Make sure you have your for your swim instead until it is less the basics. This is not the time to start body, it also builds endurance, muscle mask! You may need to remove it while busy – and vice versa. setting Olympic Games standard chal- strength and cardiovascular fitness. A you are exercising, but you’ll be pre- • If you just want some fresh air and lenges. Motivate yourself to complete quick dip in the water can do so much pared if you experience any close en- sunshine find a good spot and meditate what you set out to do, in the specified for your mental health without you counters with anyone not adhering to to the sound of the ocean breeze. Some time period and return home. (DAB) Chicken and Bacon, Avocado Salsa & Spinach Salad TRY out this simple dish, full of protein and flavour!

Ingredients 3 strips of bacon 1 chicken breast

Avocado salsa • Half an Avocado • 1/2 onion • 1 pimento • 1/2 tsp coconut oil • 1/2 tsp lemon juice • Salt and black pepper to taste • Spinach side salad • 2 cups of spinach • 1/2 tsp coconut oil • 1 tsp citrus juice • 1 garlic grated • Salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings (optional) Cheese Sour cream Nuts Prepare this easy-to-make salad for a light lunch. Directions 1 In an empty cold pan on your stove- nicely browned and cooked through. top, lay out your bacon slices on the 4 Remove bacon from the pan and set 10 In a separated bowl, toss together pan. Cook bacon low and slow, the bacon aside. 7 Chop your cooked chicken into 2 all ingredients for the spinach side will begin to release some of its fat. inch pieces and set aside. salad and set aside. 5 In the same pan, pan sear the 2 After 2 minutes, flip each bacon chicken breast in the rendered bacon 8 Boil your eggs to desired degree. 11 Assemble the final dish, laying out slice. Allow bacon to brown evenly on fat. Note, chicken can be replaced with Cool, cut and set aside. your cooked chicken breast, your cooked both sides. salmon or steak bacon, avocado salsa and spinach salad. 9 In a medium sized bowl, toss to- Top with cheese, sour cream or nuts of 3 Render fat from bacon and allow it 6 Cover the pan and cook the chicken gether all ingredients for avocado salsa choice – adding salt and black pepper to to cook to desired texture. for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until and set aside. taste if necessary. Serve and enjoy. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 •23

The outside of a proof of concept 3D printed house is pictured in Long Island, New York, US, February 11, 2021. Would you live in a 3D printed house?

three-dimensional (3D) printed scale printer goes back and forth, blocks manually. “I think people are just unprepared house was recently listed on extruding these layers one by one, “We show up with a printer. We can for how this is going to change con- Aa property site for almost stacking, building all your walls.” replace the labour-intensiveness of struction,” he said. “This is the US$300 000. It is the first ever Andersen revealed the actual those guys and extrude concrete much beginning. This is just scratching 3D-printed house for sale. Would printing time for the walls took faster than they can lay the bricks,” the surface right here.” you ever live in one? about 48 hours, part of an overall he said. Again I ask, ‘Would you live in a According to recent news reports, eight-day process to build the entire As to be expected, not everyone 3D-printed house?’ If the house can the demo house in Calverton, New home. That is significantly faster in the construction industry is withstand extreme temperatures, York, will be constructed scan by scan and around 30% cheaper overall thrilled at that prospect. According to hurricanes, earthquakes, and the – its walls made using a giant three- than a home built using standard Andersen, the process has received other effects of climate change, who dimensional (3D) printer. The house construction methods, he said, where mixed feedback, with some scepticism knows? However, I’m not sold on it will cover some 1 400 square feet labourers need to tow in and stack in particular from older tradesmen. quite yet. (AC) (130 square metres), and will have a detached garage. The footings, foundation and slab, along with the walls, will be entirely made with the 3D printer. Construction firm SQ4D, which is behind this relatively new concept, wanted to show the public and indus- try what was possible. Kirk Andersen, the director of operations for SQ4D, pointed out that before the house could be constructed, he and his col- leagues had to design and build their own printer to fulfil their house-sized dream. “We took the idea of a plastic 3D desktop printer and wanted to make it much larger and spit out concrete,” said Andersen. However, SQ4D is not the first com- pany to create their own 3D printer to construct a house. A few years ago, a construction technologies company called ICON designed a 3D printer to produce homes. To test the technology, the company, partnering with New Story – a non-profit building homes in the developing world, printed a proto- type in Austin, Texas in March, 2018. It was the first site-printed, permitted 3D-printed home in the US, which was also made of concrete. In explaining how SQ4D’s printer operates, Andersen noted: “We in- struct the machine to go around and follow your floor plan each pass as we go by. We’re constantly building up. “We set tracks on each side of the structure where we plan to print. We set up our giant gantry, our large- The kitchen of a proof of concept 3D printed house is pictured in Long Island, New York, US, February 11, 2021. 24 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Views from Harrison Point

arrison Point. And in pre-COVID times, this When most Barbadians hear address was known as the site of Hthis name these days, I’m sure the temporary prison used to house thoughts of this island’s COVID-19 inmates after the HMP Glendairy fire medical isolation facility in St. Lucy back in 2005. come to mind. A place where persons go But this northern location is also to quarantine, receive care and home to Harrison Point Lighthouse – recuperate from this dreaded disease. one of the four lighthouses in Barbados (the others are found at Needham’s Point, Ragged Point and South Point) Symbolically, a lighthouse is thought to represent things such as overcoming challenges and adversity or guidance – The spectacular view from the top of the Harrison Point Lighthouse. exactly what the nearby isolation facil- ity is meant to do. Provide a literal and countryside as well as the seas which figurative light in a dark place. surround our isle. And although it’s no longer opera- Today, Homemakers brings you tional, this 85-foot-tall structure some snapshots from in and around provides stunning views of the this former watchtower. (LS)

The exterior of the Harrison Point This plaque, located inside of the lighthouse, near to the entrance, shows that A look outside one of the Lighthouse Lighthouse. it was built in 1925 and was officially lit on April 1, 1926. windows.

The view of the ocean through the broken panes in the lantern room - the multi- A look at the spiral staircase used to provide a way up to the top of the tower. sided room at the top of the lighthouse tower. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 25

Stubbed Toe? Here’s why it hurts so much – and what to do next oing barefoot or wearing open-toed shoes can lead Broken bone Gto a stubbed toe. “This usually occurs when Whatever the cause, here’s how something comes in between to know if the injury is serious, the space between toes and how to treat it, and prevent forcibly separates them, which future ones. can result in a fracture,” Dr. It’s the middle of the night Trepel says. What can also and you wake up groggily in happen is that you bang your the dark to go to the bathroom, foot so hard, the direct impact only to hit your toe on the night breaks a bone. If you’ve broken table. Why are you in such your toe, you may notice pain? Is your toe broken? swelling around the toe or foot, Simply thinking about hit- discoloration like black or blue ting your toe – commonly bruising around the area, and called “stubbing your toe” – can extreme pain when you walk make you wince. We’re all fa- or put weight on the toe. miliar with how terrible it feels and the pain that lingers. So, Ligament tear we asked podiatrists about ex- Ligaments are flimsier com- actly what’s happening when pared to other structures in you do it and how to know if feet, and they can tear more you’ve actually injured your- easily, Dr. Trepel says. self. Skin laceration What does it mean to stub The impact breaks the skin your toe? and exposes the underlying A stubbed toe simply means soft tissue, says Dr. Torres- that “in the course of walking, Hodges. You should look for you hit your forefoot against an bleeding. Simply thinking about hitting your toe – commonly called ‘stubbing your toe’ – can make you object while barefoot or wear- wince. ing an open-toed shoe,” says Jam Michael Trepel, DPM, a podia- This refers to “one or more of trist in New York City.“It hap- the joints in the toe that have pens far more frequently than become compressed,” says Dr. you realise, but you’re wearing Torres-Hodges. shoes, so you don’t really feel it,” he says. (Check out the best Nailbed injury podiatrist-approved walking If your nail bears the brunt shoes for your feet.) of the impact, this can cause Most of these injuries occur bleeding under the nail, called at home, often in the dark, and a subungual hematoma. “There especially in the middle of the is a lot of bacteria around the night when you can’t see your nails, and so there’s a risk of surroundings and are in a infection with nailbed injuries,” sleep-induced haze. Other says Dr. Trepel. Make sure to times, you might be getting up keep the area clean. If there’s quickly – to answer the phone a blood blister under the nail, or attend to a pot on the stove – a podiatrist can drain it. and you hit your foot on the leg Otherwise, you may lose the of a chair or dresser, Dr. Trepel nail. says. Bruising Why does a stubbed toe hurt Immediately after or the so much? next morning, your toe may be Your feet – and specifically swollen and painful. Within a your toes – are your body’s win- couple of days after the hit, you dows to the world. “There are may notice that your toe turns more dense nerve endings black and blue. “The fact that around the toes because you bruising appears two days Immediately after or the next morning, your toe may be swollen and painful. need the tactile sense,” says later isn’t clinically significant. Dr. Trepel. “Therefore, an in- It does not mean you broke it,” tions, seek out medical care might not show a break but do to make them less likely: jury around the tip of the toe Dr. Trepel says. immediately. your toe can still be swollen • Make sure there’s a clear generates more pain than if it and painful. “That might war- path to the bathroom in case happened on the heel,” he says. How to care for a stubbed toe Tests and treatment for a rant a light compression dress- you have to get up to go in the If the pain goes away quickly stubbed toe ing, splinting of the toe to the middle of the night. What toes are most likely to and there are no obvious If your doctor is concerned adjacent toe, ice, and OTC pain • Move chairs and other be stubbed? changes to the nail or the toe about a break, they might con- medication,” says Dr. Trepel. objects out of the way of Florida podiatrist Grace does not look deformed, then firm the fracture with an X-ray. If your injury is a laceration common walking paths. Torres-Hodges says, “the great you don’t have to do anything If the bone is broken and dis- to the toe, then your doctor will • Wear closed-toe shoes. toe (hallux) and pinky toe (fifth to treat it. Otherwise, Dr. placed, the toe will look repair the skin to close up the • Place corner protectors digit) seem to be the ones that Torres-Hodges recommends crooked, and your doctor may wound and may consider around furniture legs. are most likely to be stubbed – that you rest, ice, and elevate perform manipulations in stitches, says Dr. Torres- A stubbed toe can be painful, and I’d say that the fifth toe is your toe. You can also wear order to get it back in align- Hodges. No matter what the but in most cases, the pain will in the lead.” comfortable flats and take an ment, Dr. Trepel says. Local fix, if you’re at the doctor for a quickly subside on its own. over-the-counter pain reliever, anaesthesia will help reduce stubbed toe, you don’t have to However, if you notice it lingers Temporary pain such as ibuprofen, if necessary. discomfort during this process. be embarrassed. “I always reas- for several hours, this could be The pain goes away in a However, if the toe is swollen, Your toe will have to be immo- sure patients that this is some- an indication that something is minute or so, you have not in- there’s a break in the skin bilised, so it’ll either be taped thing we all do,” she says. amiss and requires medical at- jured yourself, and you can re- where there’s bleeding, the toe to a neighbouring toe or you tention. Seek help from a med- sume normal activities. “It’s looks crooked or deformed, or may be fitted for a surgical How to prevent a stubbed toe ical professional to find the similar to hitting your ‘funny you’re in severe pain, or have shoe. Stubbed toes happen, but right course of action for your bone’,” says Dr. Torres-Hodges. diabetes or circulatory condi- In some cases, an X-ray there are a few things you can injury. 26 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Eleven-year-old Jamaican coder beats rivals in 70 nations KINGSTON, Jamaica – Standing tall at the time. This is my first time above young coders from 70 other entering an international competition countries, an 11-year-old innovator and to win it feels amazing.” from Jamaica has copped the top prize The young innovator said his in the international XPRIZE Code platformer game, which involves a Games Challenge. subject transitioning up different levels One of 17 winners from across the and eluding threats, took him a few world, Dominic Darby was awarded months to complete. ‘Best in Class’ and a cash prize of Dominic’s mother, Shellian Darby, US$1 000 for his video game entry, said her son was introduced to coding Eleven-year-old Dominic Darby shows off the game he created to conquer hun- using MIT’s Scratch coding software, and the platform Scratch at age six dreds of rivals across 70 countries in a coding competition sponsored by in the Junior division. during a summer programme held XPRIZE. (Photo: Ricardo Makyn) The challenge, created by XPRIZE – a at The University of the West Indies. non-profit organisation based in However, she revealed that he is forward to a long-standing collaboration the skills and knowledge of children i California that encourages technogical partly self-taught through his voracious with organisations such as XPRIZE to n technology. development through competitions, reg- appetite for books on coding and secure even more opportunities for That cooperation involves coding and istered more than 3 000 innovators YouTube videos. Jamaican children. robotics workshops. aged 10-18 for the 2020 competition. “The year 2020 was filled with so “... It’s about having our Jamaican D’Oyen said with coding being the Approximately 70 persons registered much doom and gloom, and for him to children meet world-class standards language of the future, the foundation from Jamaica and XPRIZE received find a positive way to come out of it and that’s why we do it. ... There is a was willing to partner with Halls of entries from 800 participants all told. with an additional skill and be able to surely nothing that Jamaican kids Learning and XPRIZE to hone local Dominic, who wants to study and achieve international recognition, I cannot do on a level with kids all over talent. work in computer science, said that the am extremely happy for my son,” the world,” Subratie told The Gleaner. “We want to invest in all our children sense of victory was “amazing” – partic- said Darby. Executive director of the Seprod because all of them have potential and ularly because he did not expect to win. Melanie Subratie, chairman of the Foundation, Lisa D’Oyen, said the we want to give them the opportunity “When I realised I won, I felt good and Seprod Foundation, an international organisation has for the past seven and resources to fulfil that potential,” I wanted to tell everyone, but I couldn’t outreach partner for XPRIZE, is looking years taken the initiative to advance said D’Oyen. Cayman film-maker lands Netflix movie deal

ayman Islands film-maker Frank their stories.” E. Flowers has landed a deal The details of the shoot have still to Cwith streaming giant Netflix to be finalised. direct a major feature film based on Flowers said he hoped it could be the islands. filmed on the islands but acknowledged Flowers will direct and co-write the there was work to be done to ensure movie set in the 1800s and starring Cayman could host a production of Zoe Saldana as the lead character this scale. Ercell, a Caribbean woman whose “Even before this project, I have been secret past is revealed when her island working with the Government and is invaded by pirates. other private sector parties to facilitate Flowers told the Cayman Compass filmmaking as a new industry for the that he and co-writer Joe Ballarini Cayman Islands. It has been a produc- came up with the concept while on tive start, with the Cisco commercial lockdown in Los Angeles. They are I directed last month and some other currently working on the script and productions which will begin shooting hope to shoot the movie, provisionally here in March. titled ‘The Bluff’, in Cayman. “There is still much to do in order to The title has a double meaning, attract bigger budget projects but with says Flowers, but literally refers to the right vision and support, anything its primary setting on the Brac is possible.” landmark during the early He said ‘The Bluff’ was a special settlements. project for him because it would show- “To maintain authenticity, it would case a story that reflects Cayman and be great to film as much of the movie its people. there as we can,” he said. “For too long, Caribbean stories have Deadline Hollywood announced been absent from mainstream films. Wednesday that Netflix had won a Flowers (right) pictures on a commercial shoot on the Brac hopes to base his Right now, audiences are asking for “hotly contested auction” for the new movie, ‘The Bluff’, on the island. (Photo: Naomi Johnatty) these authentic narratives, and I truly movie, which will be co-produced hope our efforts inspire more by the Russo brothers, whose previous incredible team of creatives come Caribbean stories Caymanians to embrace different credits include the Avengers movies together to make a feature film that He said the story was grounded in career paths, to take pride in our and Chris Hemsworth thriller has authentic Caymanian roots with Caribbean culture and based on histor- stories and realise that they need to be ‘Extraction’. commercial action elements and ical documents and folklore from the told. Zoe Saldana and Frank E. Flowers starring a female lead who hails from islands, mixed with a “tight, twisting “One day, Lord willing, we can evolve collaborated previously on his debut the Caribbean,” Flowers said. plot and visceral action”. to a place where film and television is a movie ‘Haven’. “Like many young women, my He added, “It’s an incredible opportu- viable, sustainable career option for Flowers said he was excited by the daughter looks up to Zoe and is in- nity for us to share a fresh narrative more artists in Cayman.” project and happy to work again with spired by her pride in her Caribbean about the islands, one that shows his- The movie will be produced by Saldana, who starred in his debut culture. I am so thankful to be part of torical richness and the varied physical Mariel and Cisely Saldana for Cinestar movie, ‘Haven’, filmed in Grand changing the narrative in Hollywood locations found within the shores. I also and by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Cayman in 2004. about what it means to be a hero.” see it as an opportunity to further train Mike Larocca and Angela Russo-Otstot “It is a blessing to have such an and inspire local filmmakers to tell for AGBO. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 27

‘Treasure of Barbados’ Tribute to Richard Godard By Professor Sir Henry Fraser Barbados, our history and our people. apart, because he knew so much that He will be remembered as a Treasure I wanted to know! ichard Goddard – farmer, busi- of Barbados. He had many skills and many inter- nessman, environmentalist, his- Although there have been many ests, but he was especially dedicated Rtorian and public citizen – died ways and situations in which we came to the goals and the work of the on Thursday, February 18th at his into contact after I came home to the Barbados National Trust. He was on home Bleak House, at the age of 85. UWI and QEH in 1977, it was hiking Council while I was president (1989- Many thousands of Barbadians from in early days and around the Council 94) and for many years thereafter. He all walks of life mourn his passing. A table of the Barbados National Trust was the brains and the brawn behind hero in his schooldays, a Canadian that I got to know the measure of the much of the work on Morgan Lewis Royal Mounted Policeman for many man called ‘Gorilla’ since school days, Mill, and he was actively involved in years, a businessman managing the and whose heart was big enough to the early exploration of Harrison’s famous Kensington Food Fair, a pig match his huge frame. Cave. He was always a man of his Richard Goddard was ‘especially dedi- farmer, an eminent historic preserva- Richard was passionate about word, did what he offered and prom- cated to the goals and the work of the tionist and environmental activist, a Barbados and our history. He re- ised to do, and was generous to a fault Barbados National Trust.’ spieliologist, hike leader, youth leader, searched many aspects of it, and al- with his time and knowledge. As oth- and an amateur historian, among though not necessarily with the rigour ers have said, he was frank, honest some of it may have gone to the great other lives and loves, Richard of a trained researcher, always with and outspoken when necessary, and beyond with him. But his commitment achieved a certain additional fame in the instincts and determination unlike so many people he had the to truth, integrity and Barbados may his frank and active opposition to the needed to find the answers – so many courage always to boldly speak have saved us from a huge ecological unwise proposal for the Greenland of which he did. And his passion was the truth. disaster. landfill. infectious, so in spite of our differ- Like others working in the field of We all cherish his memory and sym- He has been described as a living ences in professional disciplines we the environment and conservation, he pathise with his partner Margaret, legend... a library of Barbados... a got along like a house on fire. And I knew the full story of the Greenland his son Rene Bruce, his large family larger-than-life man, passionate about have often wished we didn’t live so far landfill, the facts and the risks, and and many friends.

Goddard was considered the ‘brains and the brawn’ behind a lot of the work on Morgan Lewis Mill. 28 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

ARIES (March 21-April 19).No one likes LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Once you put to be reminded of all the things they your mind to it, jobs you've been putting off haven't done. That's what's likely to HOROSCOPES for some time can be sorted out with happen to you today unless you roll up surprising ease. You might wish you had your sleeves and get on with a number dealt with such issues sooner as they have of outstanding chores. You will have your been preying on your mind. With financial and hands full with domestic matters but there will be help available if you business matters up to date, you will feel more relaxed. ask for it. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It can be easy to let your imagination TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Don't just rely on your own judgement run away with you when you aren't communicating with someone as when making an important decision. Talk to people who know you well well as you should be doing. Instead of imagining how someone feels, and whose advice you know you can rely on. A work-related issue will what they are thinking or what they are doing, ask them. This could be resolved with the minimum of fuss when an older colleague will save you both a lot of misunderstanding. have cleverly prepared for all eventualities. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your family will understand when GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Communication problems are making it you tell them you can't be there for them all the time. Someone who difficult for you to keep close relationships harmonious. Instead of has been relying on you for advice and guidance should be allowing discussions to go round in circles, give others a chance to go encouraged now to stand on their own two feet. You should be putting away and think things over. Once they are able to assess all the plans some time aside to do what pleases you most. and ideas you've been firing at them they may realise you are talking sense. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Unexpected problems will slow you down. Are you or have you been trying to do too much? Burning the CANCER (June 22-July 22). You long for a change of scenery. candle at both ends will leave you feeling out of sorts. A little quiet You've been dreaming of sunshine and sunny beaches for some time. relaxation might help put things right. A friend will reveal news in a After talking with family or friends from a distance, suddenly such quiet fashion that will ease your mind of a secret worry you've been dreams will seem like they're only an air ticket away. Expect to make harbouring. some headway in a project which has been slow to get off the ground. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You have a lot on your mind. The LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Emotional relationships intensify. A estimated costs of a home improvement project will far exceed partnership will grow stronger after a heart-to-heart talk. You are previous expectations. You need to decide now whether or not to starting to understand each other more and more. Your involvement in go ahead with your original intentions. Sometimes you have to an artistic project will give you a chance to demonstrate your creative accept whatever it costs to bring improvements into your life ability. You won't have expected the praise that comes your way. especially if you are making alterations to cope with expanding family needs. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The needs of an older relative will take precedence over all your other activities. You will want to take your PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). People want you to know how much time over making up your mind about a matter that affects more than they appreciate all you have recently done for them. The praise they just yourself but today you could be uncharacteristically rash in your are sending your way will be slightly embarrassing. Even so, you decision making. Be sure you really want to make a commitment deserve all the compliments. Your recent efforts have been over and before you speak out. above the call of duty. There is so much goodwill around you. Bible Challenge 1.) In order to es- cape from this king, 4.) Saul and his sons David pretended to died at which place? be: ______: ______A. A hero A. Mount Gilboa B. Saul B. The plain of Aphek C. Insane C. Valley of Jezreel D. A Philistine D. Jerusalem

2.) David placed his 5.) What did the family in the care of: Philistines do with ______Saul’s body? : _____ A. The king of moab A. Buried it B. Jonathon B. Burnt it C. Samuel C. Threw it in the river D. Achish D. Hung it from the wall 3.) David fled to the king of Achish, who 6.) What did David gave him a city to do to the man who dwell in. Which city ‘confessed’ to killing was it? : _____ Saul? : ______A. Bethlehem A. Rewarded him B. Ziklag B. Killed him C. Gath C. Promoted him

D. Hebron D. Hired him Ans: 1. C, 2. A, 3. B 4. A, 5. D, 6. B 6. D, 5. A, 4. B 3. A, 2. C, 1. Ans: The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 29

Lady Gaga’s dogs Kelsey Grammer to return for found safe after ‘Frasier’ reboot on Paramount+ rasier Crane is still firmed Wednesday. ViacomCBS’s new streaming service said. armed robbery listening. The show, which ended streaming service No date was given for the FThe hit 90s sitcom 17 years ago, starred Paramount+. revival. “Frasier” is set to return Grammer in the per- It will be the second CNN has contacted LADY GAGA’s two stolen Ryan Fischer, you risked to screens, with Kelsey snickety titular charac- time Grammer, 66, Grammer’s representa- French bulldogs have your life to fight for our Grammer reprising his ter and was a ratings reprises the role that has tives for comment. been found safe and family.You’re forever a role as radio psychiatrist success during its 11- defined his career – hav- One of the most suc- handed in to police, hero.” Frasier Crane in the re- year run. It will be a ing first appeared as cessful spin-offs in TV according to officials. Gaga is known to be boot, ViacomCBS con- flagship offering on Crane in the mid-80s on history, the show fol- The two dogs, stolen in extremely protective of the equally beloved se- lowed Crane back to his an armed robbery, have her dogs, who have ac- ries “Cheers.” hometown of Seattle and been “reunited” with the companied her to the But there was no word introduced a number of singer’s representatives, American Music Awards as to whether his sup- new characters that had police said. and her 2017 Super Bowl porting cast members not existed in “Cheers.” It Lady Gaga’s dog Halftime show. will join him in the new went on to make a name walker, Ryan Fischer, Footage has emerged series, meaning the fu- of its own, enjoying 11 was shot by two men who showing one of the sus- ture of Frasier’s brother popular years on the air. abducted the dogs in pects firing at Mr Fischer Niles, played by David Its return was an- Hollywood, Los Angeles, before making off with Hyde Pierce, and Jane nounced during a launch on Wednesday. the dogs, Koji and Leeves’ Daphne remain event for Paramount+, He is in hospital and Gustav. unclear. which will begin stream- his family said on Friday A third bulldog, named “Frasier’s back – and ing on March 4. Other that he was expected to Miss Asia, ran away and he’s more exactly the shows confirmed in- make a full recovery. was later recovered by same than ever,” cluded anthology crime Details of how the dogs police. ViacomCBS said in a series “American were recovered are un- The dog walker was statement Wednesday. Tragedy” and dark com- clear. The Associated shot in the chest, accord- “Kelsey Grammer edy “Guilty Party,” while Press said a woman had ing to reports in US reprises his role as the films including the se- brought them to the media. Dr. Frasier Crane.” quel to “A Quiet Place” Olympic Community His family released a Paramount+ added it and the seventh “Mission Police Station in LA and statement on Friday was bringing back “one of Impossible” instalment the singer’s representa- praising the medical staff the most highly ac- will come to the service tives had confirmed they who had been caring for claimed, most successful after their theatrical run. were hers. The woman him and saying they comedy series of all ViacomCBS has been appeared to be “unin- were confident for his full time.” heavily promoting the volved and unassociated” recovery, according to US “The revival will have platform, a rebrand of with the robbery, a police media. everything you love the existing service CBS spokesman said. “We cannot possibly about the original: cosi- All Access, including Lady Gaga had offered say enough to thank all ness, great writing, and with several TV spots $500 000 (£359 000) for of the first responders, Kelsey Grammer wil be reprising his role as radio of course, a cast led by during the Super Bowl their safe return but it is nurses and doctors who psychiatrist Frasier Crane in the reboot. Kelsey Grammer,” the earlier this month. not clear if the reward have worked so tirelessly has been claimed. to care for Ryan,” the The star – whose real statement said. name is Stefani “Of course, we also Germanotta – is cur- want to thank Lady Gaga rently in Rome working who has shown nothing on a new Ridley Scott but non-stop love and film, “Gucci”. In her first concern for Ryan and our public reaction to the at- family right from the out- tack, Gaga tweeted on set. Ryan loves Gustavo Friday: “My heart is and Koji as much as sick.” Lady Gaga does; so we “I am praying my fam- join in her plea for their ily will be whole again safe return.” with an act of kindness.I It is not clear whether will pay $500 000 for Lady Gaga’s dogs were their safe return.” specifically targeted in And in another Twitter the attack. post, the singer wrote: “I No arrests have been continue to love you made.

Lady Gaga’s two stolen French bulldogs have been found safe. 30 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 31

SSununddaayy A Addvvococatatee C Comicsomics 32 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

SSununddaayy A Addvvococatatee C Comicsomics The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 33 SPORTSSPORTS Barca sink Sevilla to keep title chase alive Barcelona forwards Ousmane and Lionel Messi fired the a deserved lead in the 29th and netted with a scrappy finish Sevilla can avenge the defeat Dembele and Lionel Messi fired Catalans to a confidence- minute after dominating the first after his first effort was saved. on Wednesday when they head to the Catalans to a confidence- boosting 2-0 win at in-form half and barely giving their hosts The result ended a six-game the Camp Nou for a Copa del Rey boosting 2-0 win at in-form Sevilla Sevilla on Saturday to keep a hint of a chance. winning streak in the league for semi-final second leg with a 2-0 on Saturday to keep the pressure the pressure on La Liga Sevilla improved after the Sevilla, who remained fourth in lead in the tie. on La Liga leaders Atletico leaders Atletico Madrid. break but Barca continued to the standings on 48 points, while Barca defender Gerard Pique Madrid. Dembele latched on to a have the edge and found a second Barca climbed above Real Madrid praised his side for putting their through ball from Messi and goal five minutes from time when into second place with 53 points, 4-1 Champions League drubbing SEVILLE, Spain: Barcelona knocked it through the legs of Messi played a one-two with two behind Atletico but having by Paris St Germain and a shock forwards Ousmane Dembele Sevilla keeper Bono to give Barca teenage midfielder Ilaix Moriba played two more games. 1-1 draw with Cadiz behind them.

SUPER50 CUP CHAMPIONS!: Yesterday the T&T RedForce became the CG Insurance Super50 Cup Champions after beating the Guyana Jaguars. Captains Kieron Pollard of Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Leon Johnson of Guyana Jaguars were both confident they had the firepower to win. The last time the T&T Red Force won the Super50Cup was back in 2016. The Red Force made 362-5 (50 overs) and beat the Jaguars by 152 runs. Barbados Pride defeated by Leeward Islands again DESPITE a century from Leeward Islands Jonathan Carter the Hurricanes made 270 for Barbados Pride suffered a three off 48.3 overs defeated to the Leeward thanks to Devon Thomas Islands Hurricanes by who topscored with 117 off seven wickets with nine 129 balls with nine fours balls remaining in their and three sixes. CWI CG Insurance There were a number of Super50 Cup fifth place changes to the Barbados match at Sir Vivian Pride side with Kyle Hope Richards Stadium. replacing Shamarh It was the second time Brooks in the top order the two sides were meet- while Jonathan Drakes ing and Leeward Islands also came into the starting won the first encounter as line up. well. Supporting Thomas After a tentative start to who opened the batting for the innings the Barbados his team was Kacey Carty Pride got up to a total of who scored a half century 265/7 off their 50 overs. in the middle order ad Carter scored 100 runs along with Jahmar while opening batsman Hamilton who scored 37 Shai Hope scored 85. runs saw their team home Leeward Islands Devon Thomas led his side to vic- However, set 266 to win, safely. Barbados Pride Jonathan Carter. tory with a century over Barbados Pride. 34 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Recall of Gayle, Edwards should signal to players to work harder THE recall of Chris Gayle the fire power he offers once again available for in any regularity. players that we need to and Fidel Edwards have with the ball and the gap West Indies duty. With him not available have in the team. raised a few questions created when Oshane It will be almost 10 Harper said they were He hopes this will about the talent pool in Thomas did not reach the years since Edwards put looking for a type of encourage the younger the West Indies as these minimum fitness on the West Indies bowler who can offer that players to work harder in two players get set to requirement for colours and Harper said firepower and “we developing those skills in make their return for the selection. Edwards last that as they build thought that only person order to attain the top regional side. played a T20I in 2012 – towards the T20 who could offer us that standard which will catch Gayle is over 40 years against Sri Lanka – and Championship they were pace and fire power is the selectors eyes. old and Edwards is 39 has been playing in the looking to put a squad Fidel Edwards.” When asked about years and both have UK on the Kolpak stint together that will best The lead selector hopes spinner Sunil Narine, earned their selection to with Hampshire. serve them. it sends a message to the Harper said that Narine the West Indies T20 With the departure The speed of Thomas young players about the has indicated that he is Chairman of selectors squad to take on Sri from the European Union and Edwards is what standard they need to not ready to return to Roger Harper said that Lanka this week. and the end of the Kolpak caught the selectors eyes perform at and he hopes international cricket and Edwards was recalled Chairman of selectors he made the though Thomas has not that they understand the for that reason he was for the fire power he Roger Harper said that announcement earlier turned out for his standard they need to not considered for this offers with the ball. Edwards was recalled for this month that he was Franchise in the Super50 attain and the sort of series. Fitness for Danielle Titus creating waves West Indies TOP Barbadian swimmer third place going into the Danielle Titus, final day of the three day representing the Tulane swim meet in Dallas University at the Texas. selection 2021 American Athletic Former Barbados Conference Olympic Finalist and Championship Swim head coach of the team, meet became Tulane’s all Leah Martindale-Stencil discussed time record holder when described the team’s she clocked 53.85 seconds overall performance as in the 100 yard outstanding, stating,“I am Vital players meet requirements backstroke. so proud of their ACCORDING to the However he pointed out In the process, the first accomplishments so far. West Indies director of that they are going to be a year Green wave student Not only did we have cricket Jimmy Adams a number of times when earned her first medal of standouts but Danielle’s minimum fitness players for different reason the conference, a silver, record breaking requirement must be will be unable or incapable while being part of the performance was met by all players who of reaching certain University team sitting in outstanding.” wish to play at the standards around the international level. battery of test. Adams was speaking at a Some of the four key virtual media conference areas are ‘players age, West Indies director of cricket Jimmy Adams yesterday where many physiological make up, members of the media Injury history and training international level as they The Director of Cricket sough clarity on the policy history.’ seek to move the region’s also sough to clarify why of the Cricket West Indies “A number of players cricket in a certain some players can play for when it comes to selection. have been exempted under direction. the Franchise in the Four players were these four headings...” said Players are tested a Super50 tournament but mentioned in a press Adams who added that minimum of twice a year, still not make selection for release which was they are ensuring that they which can be done at the International team. published on Friday who don’t discriminate against anytime in addition to any He said that when a had not met the standard players. other time the coach wishes player fails to meet the according to the CWI and The minimum fitness the players to be tested but fitness standard for the they were the fast bowling requirement for players is while 40 is the minimum, Franchise they are fined pair of Sheldon Cottrell “Not a secret and it is each player has individual but in the case for the West and Oshane Thomas, communicated to the targets to be met. Indies they are not batsman Shimron players,” said Adams as the It is from the testing that selected. Hetmyer, and all-rounder West Indies get set to take an individual programme He went on to say that Roston Chase. on Sri Lanka later in the can be put in place as Franchises are free to set Adams said that one of week. Adams noted all the their individual minimum the items in the battery of Though cricket consists programmes are fitness requirement but if test was the YOYO test and of batting, bowling and individualized and when they are seeking to be players had to reach a fielding, Adams said that players leaves tours they available for international minimum of 40 in this to other considerations have are leaving with technical duty there will have to make them available for to be made for selection to and physical plans to meet the CWI minimum selection. the team to compete at the follow. fitness requirement. (CG) Danielle Titus Sailing: Auckland lockdown prompts America’s Cup review AMERICA’S Cup said yesterday that the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli the Authorities and racing when Auckland Racing resumed later organizers are reviewing country’s biggest city will and America’s Cup holders relevant agencies over the entered a three-day that week and the Italian plans for the head-to-head go into a seven-day Emirates Team New next few days to work lockdown. team completed a 6-1 final between Italy and lockdown from Sunday Zealand (ETNZ) is due to through the implications,” Luna Rossa, who held a victory to lift the Prada New Zealand after the after a new local case of the be held in the waters off the organizers said in a 4-0 lead over INEOS Team Cup and book a showdown latest COVID-19 lockdown coronavirus, of unknown Auckland on March 6. statement on Saturday. UK at the time, opposed with ETNZ in their bid to in Auckland. origin, surfaced. “America’s Cup is The Challenger Series pushing back the races win the oldest trophy in New Zealand’s Prime The opening race of the reviewing the situation final this month was until the restrictions in the international sport, which Minister Jacinda Ardern best-of-13 series between and will be working with halted after two days of city were lifted. began in 1851. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 35

James hits back at Ibrahimovic criticism of political activism LOS ANGELES Lakers forward who has been one of the NBA’s racism, voter suppression - things I understand how powerful this “He’s the guy who said in LeBron James on Friday fired leading voices against racial that go on in our community,” platform and my voice is.” Sweden, he was talking about the back at Zlatan Ibrahimovic and injustice and police brutality, James told reporters after the James also pointed to same things, because his last vowed to never stay silent about should avoid making the mistake Lakers’ 102-93 win against the comments made by Ibrahimovic name wasn’t a (traditional social causes after he was of getting involved in political Portland Trail Blazers. in 2018 when the Swedish Swedish) last name, he felt like criticised by the AC Milan matters and instead focus on only “I’ll use my platform to forward claimed there was some racism going on,” forward for sticking his nose into sports. continue to shed light on “undercover racism” had caused James said. politics. “I will never shut up about everything that’s going on the media to treat him differently “I speak from a very educated Ibrahimovic in an interview on things that are wrong. I preach around this country and around from players that had traditional mind. I’m kind of the wrong guy Thursday said sportspeople like about my people and I preach the world.There’s no way I would surnames like Andersson or to actually go at, because I do my four-time NBA champion James, about equality, social justice, ever just stick to sports, because Svensson. homework.” Wales beat England 40-24 in controversial Six Nations clash CARDIFF – Revitalised second on nine from their two Wales remained on course wins. Ireland, who beat Italy for the most unlikely of Six earlier on Saturday,are third on Nations Grand Slams after seven points, with England they beat an indisciplined trailing on six after two defeats. England 40-24 in a Wales led 17-14 at halftime controversial match in through two of the most Cardiff yesterday. controversial tries seen for Josh Adams and Liam many years in the Williams scored hotly-disputed championship. tries for the hosts but the game The first came when England was level going into the final were breaking out of a huddle quarter after tries for Anthony after the referee had instructed Watson and Ben Youngs for the captain Owen Farrell to address defending champions. his players and they were England’s discipline, terrible unprepared for Dan Biggar’s from the first whistle, came back kick to the corner that Adams Wales’ Josh Adams celebrates scoring their first try with teammates yesterday. to haunt them, however, as collected in acres of space. Callum Sheedy landed three Farrell’s complaints were an attacking platform and more penalties that resilience shown from our boys.” penalties. brushed away by French referee moved the ball wide for Watson replacement Sheedy gleefully Farrell was asked about the Cory Hill finished things off Pascal Gauzere and the captain to deliver his trademark converted, with Hill burrowing refereeing decisions. with a late try as Wales secured was fuming again when Louis step to evade a clutch of over at the death. “There is no point in talking a bonus point after scoring four Rees-Zammit appeared to knock defenders. “We had a tough time in the about it now. That is for against England for the first on – he certainly thought he had The Welsh lead was stretched Nations Cup and we showed everyone else to talk about. We time in 23 years and the Triple – before Williams scooped up the to 10 points again soon after the character in the previous two will control what we can Crown after wins over Ireland loose ball to score. restart when scrumhalf Kieran games, though we had a bit of control,” he said. and Scotland. It was also the The TMO ruled that there was Hardy caught the visitors luck as well, so we’re pretty “I thought the intent was good most points Wales have scored no knock-on due to the ball napping again with a tap and go pleased with how it went today,” today but we can’t let teams off in an international against hitting the young winger’s foot, penalty. said Wales captain Alun Wyn that many times like we did.We England. though pundits, including England kept calm, however, Jones. got our way back into it in that Having come into the former British and Irish Lions playing their best rugby of the Wales coach Wayne Pivac was second half and didn’t quite Championship on the back of a captains Martin Johnson and championship and Youngs delighted with his players. finish it off.” very poor 2020, they top the Sam Warburton, seemed split threw a dummy to scamper over. “Some people will say it (luck) On the stream of penalties standings on 14 points with on the technicality of the Farrell converted – bringing has been on our side the last conceded – Maro Itoje gave games against Italy and France offence. up his 1,000th international three matches but you have to away five – he said: “It’s the to come. point – to level the scores. be in games to win them,”he whole team’s job to make sure France, whose match against Attacking platform However, it was English said. “England put a lot of we’re all on the same page and Scotland on Sunday has been Farrell penalties kept indiscipline that settled the pressure on us and came back. It we’ll look at how to do that postponed due to COVID-19, are England in touch and they built issue as they gave away three was a hell of a game and a lot of better.” G League probes ‘coronavirus’ claim by Jeremy Lin: reports THE NBA’s G League has “Being an Asian American to US$1 million to coronavirus eyes mocked...We are tired of before moving to the Knicks, launched an investigation after doesn’t mean we don’t relief efforts, also said there being invisible...or told our where he sparked what became Jeremy Lin said he was called experience poverty and was a generational shift in struggles aren’t as real.” known as “Linsanity” following “coronavirus” on the court, U.S. racism,” the former New York Asian Americans. Warriors head coach Steve his exploits in the 2011-12 media said on Friday. Knicks guard said. “Being a “We are tired of being told Kerr expressed his support. season. Taiwanese-American Lin, nine-year NBA veteran doesn’t that we don’t experience “I just saw the post,”Kerr told He also had spells with the who is part of the Golden State protect me from being called racism, we are tired of being reporters. “Really powerful. I Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Warriors’ G League affiliate, ‘coronavirus’ on the court.” told to keep our heads down applaud Jeremy for his words Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Santa Cruz Warriors, made the A league spokesman and not make trouble,” he said. and echo his sentiments Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta claim in a Facebook post on confirmed to the New York “We are tired of Asian regarding racism against the Hawks and in 2019 became the Thursday but did not specify Times that an investigation American kids growing up and Asian American community.” first Asian-American to win an when or where the incident had been opened. being asked where they’re Lin began his NBA career NBA Championship, doing so occurred. Lin, who last year pledged up REALLY from, of having our with the Warriors in 2010 with the Toronto Raptors. 36 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

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James’ stellar outing bench. $10 sq ft Asking $1,200,000 Dated: February 12, 2021 Dated: February 12, 2021 halted the Lakers’ season- Fred VanVleet added 25 Inchcape, St. Philip Black Rock, St. Michael worst four-game losing points for the Raptors, streak and helped them who had lost their two Land 4355 sq ft Warehouse/Factory By Order By Order $ 96,000 4000 sf space win for just the second previous games. Victor Land 23,861 sq ft time in seven games. Oladipo had 27 points for Belle, St. George $900,000 (reduced) Althea C. Hazzard Althea C. Hazzard Dennis Schroder scored Houston and John Wall Land 4 acres Corporate Secretary Corporate Secretary 22 points for the Lakers had 21 points and 12 $400,000 after missing the previous assists. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 37

Swiatek claims second career title with Adelaide crown FRENCH OPEN champion Iga Swiatek breezed past second seed Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-2 in the Adelaide International final on Saturday to claim the second title of her career. The 19-year-old Pole shot out of relative obscurity last year when she became the youngest woman to win the Roland Garros title since Monica Seles in 1992. The world number 18 showed again why she is so highly rated with a superb week in Adelaide. Swiatek did not drop a set throughout the WTA 500 tournament and lost only 22 games in all. She fired 22 winners and made only six unforced errors in the final. “For sure, there is something that clicks,” Swiatek, who will rise to a new career-high ranking of number 15 on Monday, said of her good form during her title runs. “Not only in my head but also tennis- wise. I feel pretty good on court. I feel sometimes I have weeks when every- thing clicks and that’s the effect of the work we’re doing. “It’s good because I can see that I can play good tennis for the whole week. It wasn’t like one time during the French Open. It gives me more confidence that I’m more developed (as a) player... It Iga Swiatek (left) poses with her trophy next to Belinda Bencic, who she beat in the final of Adelaide International tourna- gives me motivation.” ment on Saturday. Swiatek went ahead 3-2 in the open- ing set of the final and broke Bencic’s three times before switching gears to at Memorial Drive Park. in the second set before closing out a serve when the Swiss double-faulted gain the early advantage in the contest The fifth seed then surged ahead 3-1 comfortable victory. 38 • Sunday February 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Woods ‘in good spirits’ after latest treatment TIGER WOODS is “in good spirits” Woods had been driving alone along after being moved to a new Los a downhill stretch of road that has a Angeles hospital for treatment high frequency of accidents, according from injuries he sustained in a car to police. accident. His SUV struck the central reserva- A statement on the golfing cham- tion, crossed into the opposite lane, pion’s Twitter account said he had re- rolled over several times and then ceived successful “follow-up procedures” plunged off the road and down at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre. an embankment. Woods suffered a fractured leg and Earlier this week, Los Angeles police shattered ankle in Tuesday’s said there was no evidence Woods had accident, which saw him cut from his been impaired by drugs or alcohol at the vehicle. time of the crash. Police say he will not face criminal County Sheriff Alex Villanueva told charges over the single-car crash. reporters that it was “purely an Friday’s tweet said the golfer and his accident”. family wanted to thank well-wishers He said the sportsman had survived “for the wonderful support and “what would otherwise have been a messages they have received over the fatal crash” because the interior of his past few days”. vehicle had remained largely Woods was initially treated at intact. Harbor-UCLA Medical Center after he Woods, who had been recovering from was removed from the wreck of his car a fifth round of back surgery in January, by firefighters and paramedics. was in Los Angeles to host last week’s Doctors said he had “open fractures” Genesis Invitational PGA Tour event on the tibia and fibula of his lower right and was driving one of the tournament leg and a rod was inserted into the tibia. cars when he crashed. Injuries to his foot and ankle were He recently said he had hoped to stabilised with screws and pins. recover from his back surgery in The move to Cedars-Sinai was made time to play in this year’s Masters “for continuing orthopaedic care and in April. recovery,” according to a statement from However, medical experts have said Tiger Woods is in ‘good spirits’ as he continues to be treated in hospital follow- Dr.Anish Mahajan, chief medical officer he faces a long period of recovery after ing a serious car accident in Los Angeles. at Harbor-UCLA. his latest injuries. The Barbados Advocate Sunday February 28, 2021 • 39

Recall of Gayle, Edwards should signal to players to work harder PAGE 34

Sunday February 28, 2021 Science faculty aiming to combat fake news By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste and contribute to helping about intelligence and this is The Dean explained that ma- persons understand the real not what people understand. chine learning has its problems DEAN of the Faculty of science. AI is a massive area and and could not distinguish or dif- Science and Technology at The “For example, last year we machine learning is just a tiny ferentiate if the data is cleaned, University of the West Indies, wanted to do a series of outreach aspect. and it only works with the data Cave Hill Campus, Dr. Colin events to talk to the public “Machine learning allows a that is put into it. However, he Depradine, believes that it is about things that are affecting software to develop its own solu- stated that companies tend to time for the faculty to exercise us now,like the issue of artificial tions based on the data, but market that as intelligence and their right of social responsibil- intelligence and society. People there is no intelligence in that.” this is what drives fear into peo- ity and educate the public on are having fears that one day He explained that in the area ple, as they believe that they matters that are of concern. they are going to wake up and of image process, because some may wake up one day and the Speaking during the annual this machine is going to take big companies only used the im- world would suddenly be taken FST Innovation and Entre- over the world and so on, and ages of a particular race, when over. preneurship Day (FST Nerd that has been fostered by the the image processing is used on Dr. Depradine highlighted Day 4.0), Dr. Depradine ex- marketing of companies that people in the Caribbean, Africa that these are the types of con- pressed that they have a respon- use machine learning, which is or other countries, there may be versations he believes the FST Dr. Colin Depradine, Dean – sibility to look at what is going a subset of AI,” he said. a bias because of the data that needs to be having with the Faculty of Science and on in the world with fake news, “Machine learning is not was presented. public going forward. Technology at UWI, Cave Hill. DR BEST: POSITIVITY RATE DECREASING

THIS island’s COVID-19 pos- February 14, to February 15, itivity rate is decreasing, and since then, there’s been a says Senior Medical Officer decreasing positivity rate, which Dr. Anton Best. is a good sign and that’s a trend As he spoke during Friday’s that we want to keep up,” Best COVID-19 update, he outlined explained. the island’s positivity rate now He also warned Barbadians stands at five per cent and said that as the island’s begins its this, plus other indices such as phased reopening tomorrow,the the seven-day rolling average, health officials will be monitor- must be watched closely as these ing these figures very closely are showing that the epidemic is and as such there will be a re- easing up in Barbados. sponse if things start to change. He outlined the clearance of “We are very responsive and the backlog of Covid-19 test we’re going to continue to make results now ensured that the recommendations where that is current situation is being re- concerned; where the directives flected in the figures, and as and social measures are con- such officials could now see the cerned,” he added. various cases diagnosed on spe- Therefore, Best warned resi- cific days apart from those being dents not to become complacent reassessed. and to ensure they followed “We also went through a usual the COVID-19 protocols process where the previous such as social distancing, wear- cases we assigned them to the ing face masks correctly and day that they were actually washing hands properly. tested, and not the days that “All of those will contribute to they were reported. So then, we declining infection rate of looked at the positivity rates, COVID-19 in Barbados, but we and when we did that, we saw all as individuals have a role to that we had a gradually rising play in order to beat this epi- positivity rate from the begin- demic,” the health official ning of the year when this out- stressed. break started. It peaked around (JMB) Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Anton Best.

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