PM Stresses Safety First PAGE 3

Established October 1895 PM stresses safety first PAGE 3

Wednesday May 27, 2020 $1 VAT Inclusive Fortress: Good time to invest By André Springer

THE toll that the COVID-19 crisis has taken on economies and companies has been high, but low market prices make the conditions prime for long-term investment. Roger Cave, Investment Director of Fortress Fund Managers Limited, explained to the media during the quarterly Lunch and Learn with Fortress Fund Managers that despite the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, investors have been investing more into the fund, though some have opted to redeem. “We have seen more investors coming into the funds than we have seen re- demptions. Obviously, a few people have needed their money and they have been able to get it and we have redeemed directly into their bank accounts,” said Cave. Chief Investment Officer (CIO) for Fortress, Peter Arender, also stated that it has been good to see the way in which investors stepped forward. MASKED UP: Barbados is slowly starting to see some normalcy return to various aspects of daily life, although “It has been gratifying to see the extent citizens must now adhere to certain health guidelines designed to protect against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. which, when the assets in our portfolio Pictured here, this family made sure they followed the guidelines related to wearing face masks out in public. have gone on sale, our investors on balance have been looking to add money to their investments,” he stated. Arender went on to explain that the move by the investors was in keeping with the psychology that was encouraged by Fortress, and that good long-term outcomes were about staying the course. Highlighting a strong 2019 and the good start for 2020 regarding global equities, Arender acknowledged that the decline in equities was the largest and NOT THE WAY! quickest that possibly had ever been PdP says it will not support second deputy commissioner post seen. Two-thirds of the Caribbean Growth Fund, he noted, is invested out- THE People’s Party for Democracy “You can’t come and legitimise a Franklyn, who first brought the discrep- side the Caribbean, namely the United and Development (PdP) remains process, the basis for which in itself is il- ancies associated with the creation of a States and other international territo- resolute in its believe that the sec- legitimate, and use power of numbers in second DCOP post to the public’s atten- ries. The financial support given by the ond post of Deputy Commissioner that way.So if the Government brings to tion. Federal Reserve was a significant factor of Police (DCOP) does not legiti- Parliament what the AG has publicly in- While referencing Prime Minister Mia in seeing a partially better outlook in mately exist, and has therefore made dicated that they will, and if they want to Amor Mottley’s explanation regarding April and May 2020, but the real growth it clear that they will not support premise this thing on this nebulous posi- the creation of the post, Phillips, who is in economic recovery worldwide is the appointment that was made at tion of implied repeal, and bring that to an attorney, explained that while the expected in 2021. the beginning of this month. the Parliament in the way that the Minister of the Public Service may by However, Arender is encouraging per- In a virtual press briefing yesterday Attorney General has publicly indicated, Order establish offices in the public sec- sons to recognise that this is the best via Zoom, Maria Phillips, the PdP’s then we will not support that,” Atherley tor and determine the number of per- time to invest and build their wealth in spokesperson on law and governance, in- maintained. sons to be appointed, such Orders are the background, as the markets, compa- dicated that the political party’s decision Meanwhile, contending that there is subject to affirmative resolution by nies and earnings recover. has nothing to do with the competence of no reasonable justification for the post to Parliament. She lamented that it is a “It is important to recognise that there the chosen senior officer, but the fact the be created, Phillips said that the “burden” “bothersome trend” that parliamentary is an amount of money you keep on hand appointment was done in a manner that placed on taxpayers to cover the remu- procedures continue to be ignored. that you may need to spend on day-to-day showed “blatant disregard to the rule of neration of the proposed officer holder “This requirement for affirmative res- expenses and emergencies. Outside of law and the transparency of the parlia- should be alleviated by that money being olution according to the Interpretation that, what you would call long-term mentary process”. repaid to the Government as soon as Act of Barbados, section 41 (5) states that money needs to be placed in long- Adding to that, Leader of the possible. the statutory instruments and docu- term assets like stocks,” encouraged Opposition, Bishop Joseph Atherley said Phillips’ comments came as she threw ments shall not come into operation, until Arender. the PdP will contribute to the debate if the party’s support behind veteran trade and unless affirmed by a resolution of The CIO expanded on his point by the matter is brought to Parliament, but unionist and the party’s spokesperson on each House. explaining that the above average will not support it. public service matters, Senator Caswell NO SUPPORT on Page 5 FORTRESS on Page 2 2 • Wednesday May 27, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

PdP will fade away, warns political scientist POLITICAL Scientist floor shortly following the can predict quite easily think the prospects are them and that is why did not have any repre- Dr. George Belle is Barbados Labour Party’s that that party will fade poor,” he said. they did so poorly in the sentation in the House of forecasting a gloomy 2018 historic 30-nil win, away. I think the only Regarding the other last election, and they Assembly,it continued to future for the opposi- and this according to move that Bishop parties which contested would in the future until have a social base. tion People’s Party Belle was one of the Atherley made was that the election, Belle de- those two main social However, he expressed for Democracy and major reasons the politi- he was in a bit of an em- scribed these as “mock” bases behind the two disappointment with the Development (PdP). cal establishment would barrassing position and I and created due to “per- main parties in Barbados leadership given by its Speaking on Sunday not last. think he had aspirations sonalities” and “egos”. are eroded,” he contin- President Verla Depeiza, night’s People’s Business “That party that he re- for a cabinet post and “The other parties are ued. opining she will be chal- programme, Belle pre- cently established has there was a space there what you would call mock Pointing to the lenged soon by seniors dicted the party, which not yet demonstrated which, in a way,may have parties, personality par- Democratic Labour Party, within the party. was created by St. that it has a social base. helped the government in ties and ego parties, Belle stated that while it (JMB) Michael West MP Bishop It is a creation out of a creating an opposition things of that nature. Joseph Atherley,will soon parliamentary manoeu- leader, but in relation to Therefore, they lack sus- “fade away”. vre and that is not how making a judgement on tainability and viability Atherley formed the you build or sustain a po- that on the viability for and they will find it hard party after crossing the litical party. I think we an opposition party I to pull people behind

Political Scientist Dr. George Belle. ‘Trust the process’ FORTRESS from Page 1 his personal view.He said that from a long- investment returns term perspective, the in- were due to the lower vestment world had starting price. lived through times like He outlined that once this and would again. steady investors contin- Long-term investing is ued to add money to the the process of putting market because of the money in things that good prices, they would, will gradually increase over time, cash in on in value over time be- better returns. cause of the wealth gen- Director Cave acknowl- erated over time, day in edged that persons may and day out. The market find it difficult to trust prices can and will the strategy of investing change and the CIO ex- in companies that had panded on the silver lin- their value decline over ing of it. the past five months. He “What we find though, contended that despite once you look at this kind this, it is the best time to of episode from the per- invest and trust the spective of years instead long-term process with of days, it all tends to the understanding that come out. We cannot pre- the low prices were dict how it will, but it all perfect for a long-term re- tends to come out in the covery of three to five wash and the world gets years. on with the business of Arender, in encourag- living and then doing. ing individuals who are Even though we cannot in doubt about investing predict when or exactly due to the COVID-19 cri- how, I strongly predict it sis, gave thoughts from will happen.”

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday May 27, 2020 • 3

Cannabis Unit advises PM entrepreneurs to get stresses business plans ready THE Ministry of Agriculture – ing to more than 100 partici- Cannabis Unit is urging persons pants who attended the recently safety interested in getting involved in held Ministry of Agriculture – the medicinal cannabis indus- Cannabis Unit’s virtual try to get their business plan Farmers’ Forum. together. She also explained that while first Head of the Cannabis Unit, investment into the industry WHILE the Caribbean re- Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight will be capital heavy,that small gion looks forward to once called for persons to treat this farmers and entrepreneurs can again welcoming tourists, it industry like any other indus- certainly carve out opportunity, will not do so at the risk of try, noting that there was al- adding that one way is by work- its residents. ready interest in the export mar- ing together as groups as the in- Prime Minister and ket for Barbados. dustry opens up and expands. Chairman of CARICOM, Mia However, she added that “We shouldn’t think as soon Amor Mottley, made it clear while the Barbados Medicinal as day one we are going to have during an interview with BBC Cannabis Licensing Authority, the capacity to participate in the World News yesterday after- when launched, will help to fa- regime at the same level. There noon that the formation of cilitate in engaging those par- will be a period of learning, there safety protocols to prevent fur- ticipating in the industry, “that will be a period where will have ther spread of COVID-19 is each business must take respon- to gather investment, put the paramount to the islands seek- sibility for doing its own kind of coppers together, see what the ing to reopen their doors to market research and make sure best ways are and learn the les- tourism source markets. that it can reach the necessary sons. Therefore, we must give Stating that leaders across standards in order to penetrate ourselves time,” Dr Munro- the region are in deep conversa- that regional and international Knight said. tion on developing a common markets. “It doesn’t mean that because public health protocol in light “The Cannabis Unit has al- a big investor or two comes that Head of the Cannabis Unit, Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight. of the ongoing pandemic, she re- ready looked at markets and the the whole industry will become vealed talks are also being held respective requirements and we monopolised. It’s a growth spec- cultivators who grow,it’s not just three small businesspersons with the airline and cruise in- will be sharing information in trum.The industry will expand, going to need people working ex- getting together and say let’s industry on the way forward. relation to the necessary stan- and it will contract, and we will traction – the industry will need vest in transport vehicles that Mottley said while the air- dards and requirements. But we have to be able to look for the lawyers, consultants, service we will outfit to transport lines are doing a commendable cannot commit to any guaran- opportunities to be able to par- providers, people who are doing cannabis. job sanitising the aircraft, a tees for you. As a business you ticipate. Even if you start to marketing and advertising, we “So, I hope that we are not major issue which would deter- will have to compete not only participate as a worker it does- will need drivers, security. We being fatalistic about this indus- mine how fast the Caribbean with other businesses in n’t mean that you have to end up will need a whole spectrum of try. Let’s look at the opportuni- tourism industry will restart is Barbados but across the region there.” people to be involved in the in- ties that might be available if that of testing. as well in relation to getting She continued: “We must look dustry. There is a license cate- not from day one, certainly as “The big issue is testing, be- your product into the market.” at the full value chain. The in- gory for transportation...there the industry grows and ex- fore people get on the planes or Dr Munro-Knight was speak- dustry isn’t just going to need is nothing that prevents two or pands,” she said. testing when persons arrive. Quite frankly, it is more practi- cal before people leave, and we need access to rapid tests, or test protocols that would allow us to determine what is the risk Argentina willing to help dairy farmers that we are going to take if a person is tested 24 hours before BARBADOS is set to receive as- be able to prepare the projects. develop a more sustainable milk ter milk, more quantity and or should the person be tested sistance from Argentina, aimed For the next 30 days or so we sector, which he said could also more quality”. within a matter of hours before at helping to further develop the are not going to have any flights, assist in providing jobs for Meanwhile, referring to the going to check in,” she added. local dairy industry and boost- so use these 30 days to prepare Barbadians. importation two weeks ago of Pressed as to whether the is- ing milk production. the proposal and send it to me. “We have a very strong sector 159 pregnant heifers,Pandiani, lands are looking at a specific And so eager is the South Once you send it to me, in 30 in Argentina, probably one of the while lauding the farmers for time to reopen, she asserted, American country to lend its ex- days I will have my man on the strongest sectors; we are mainly making the effort to help boost “We are not going to be driven pertise to Barbados, that ground – that’s only two months. an agricultural country and we milk production in this way, by a date, but a satisfaction that Ambassador of Argentina to If we do it now we are going to want to pass on our experience. said his hope is that Barbados we have safe protocols that keep Barbados, Gustavo Pandiani be immediately ready when the We want to share with Barbados would not have to go this route our workers safe, that keep our told The Barbados Advocate first flight is available,” the what we used to solve our prob- again, but would be able to grow people safe, that keep our visi- that once flights resume to Ambassador added. lems and to help the farmers. the herds. tors safe.” Barbados, his country is pre- Pandiani, who has been quar- For me it is very important to “In this project the limit is the Pointing to the heavy impact pared to send experts in the field antined in his homeland after help the farmers...The economic sky. If the solution is to import COVID-19 has had with 40 to to the island to assist the dairy being stranded there as a result situation in Barbados will be some animals, we will do that. 50 per cent of government rev- farmers.This technical support, of the COVID-19 shutdown, re- very hard after COVID and it is But I don’t think the problem is enues being lost within tourism he said, is being facilitated flecting on a recent virtual meet- going to take time to recover, so solved by importing animals, dependent countries and unem- through cooperation between ing with stakeholders in the as we did with apiculture and I think you have to develop ployment figures in some cases the two governments and could Barbados dairy industry and the fishing community, we are your own genetics because trebling, she nevertheless in- be available in as little as two officials from the agricultural hoping to do with the farmers maybe an animal that is ok for sisted that safety for all is key. months’ time. sector in his country,noted that now,” he indicated. Argentina won’t work in “We want to remain safe for “... Once we receive the pro- the farmers revealed a number Pandiani continued, “If you Barbados because of the climate our people and the people who posal from Barbados outlining of challenges which need to be want an expert in water I can – the genetics may not be are visiting us, and this is not their needs, we just need 30 addressed if the sector is to grow. send you an expert in water. If good for the Caribbean. The only Barbados’ position but a days. If you give me the paper to- He said the fragile state of the you want an expert in forage I cows are not accustomed to number of countries in the morrow, in 30 days we’ll have sector was compounded by such can send you an expert in forage, your forage, your climate, so you Caribbean Community. This my man on the ground. When is issues as genetics; nutrition, if you want experts in both I can need to develop your own has been a difficult moment for he going to be able to fly? I including the quality of the send you both, but you need to herd and that’s where I think us all so that we are trying to don’t know,it depends on coron- forage and the declining herds, prioritise. The objective is very we can help,” the Argentine balance lives and livelihoods avirus, but during this waiting but he is confident that concrete, it is to help the Ambassador stated. like everywhere else,” she time, the Barbados side would Argentina can help Barbados to farmers produce more and bet- (JRT) stressed. (JMB) 4• Wednesday May 27, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Sagicor: Building Electrical work safety net vital scheduled for BWA’s THE anxiety created by Griffith stated that the Newmarket station today the experience of purchase of a life insurance THE Barbados Water ing districts. COVID-19 as it relates policy is one of the best Authority (BWA) wishes to the potential for fi- ways to build this net, to advise residents of In Christ Church nancial hardship due to pointing specifically to the some St. George, Christ Frere Pilgrim, Edey resulting economic way in which the accumu- Church and St. Michael Village, St David’s and stagnation and loss of lated cash value element districts that its surrounding areas. income, has showcased of the policy can be used by Newmarket station will the value of life insur- the policyholder in emer- be taken offline today, In St. Michael ance to an individual gency situations. Wednesday, May 27th, Upton, Fort George, and their family during “When an individual between 9:00 am and Sargeant’s Village, times of uncertainty. takes out a life insurance 1:00 pm to facilitate ur- Bartlett’s Tenantry, This from Sagicor’s Vice policy, over time this pol- gent electrical upgrades Wildey, Clapham and President – Barbados icy accumulates cash value being conducted by the surrounding districts. Sales, Gay Griffith. that can be accessed via a BWA in conjunction with Once the work is com- “What this experience loan. This gives the ability the Barbados Light & pleted, the system may has taught many, is the im- to borrow short-term from Power Company Ltd. take some time to fully portance of building a the policy for any number (BLPC). recover. safety net for themselves of reasons, such as paying This station is one of Residents are therefore and their families, as for home renovations, fi- the sources into the advised to store an ade- one significant event or nancing education, or even Hanson and Fort George quate supply of water to change in circumstance debt consolidation,” ex- Sagicor’s Vice President – Barbados Sales, Gay distribution network and assist during this time has the potential to cripple plained Griffith. Griffith. therefore customers in when their pipe borne a household,” he said. “In this case however,we some of the following supply is expected to be “Certainly, no one are focused on those indi- their feet, they can start ill or dies, the policy will areas may be affected affected. Water tankers started 2020 expecting to viduals who may have lost the process of loan repay- provide financial support by low pressure or water will also service cus- suffer a reduction in in- their jobs and therefore ment.” to their family. The same outages while this criti- tomers in the affected come from working less find themselves in a posi- The Sagicor executive can be said for business cal work is under way. districts as a temporary hours or being laid off from tion where they cannot emphasised that this is owners, where if the key measure. work temporarily due to meet their financial obli- even more critical for indi- individual dies, the policy In St. George The Barbados Water prolonged business clo- gations. Being able to ac- viduals who are the sole or would take care of the busi- Turnpike, Carmichael, Authority apologises to sure; however, life is full of cess funds from their policy primary breadwinner in ness’ outstanding debts, Constant, Dash Valley, its valued customers for uncertainties which we would allow them to ‘ride the household. “If the pri- which would otherwise Buttals, Buckley, Watts the inconvenience this should try our best to out’ the difficult period and mary breadwinner loses have become the responsi- Village, Lower Greys, necessary work may prepare for.” when they get back on their job, becomes critically bility of the family.” Ellerton and surround- cause.

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday May 27, 2020 • 5 PAHO: Fight against COVID-19 must include chronic disease care Washington D.C – The Especially for our region, Prior to COVID-19, 81 that supply chains for es- Director of the Pan where NCDs are perva- per cent of all deaths in sential NCD medicines American Health sive,” she said. “We need the region of the Americas are protected and continue Organisation (PAHO), aggressive preventive were due to NCDs and 39 to function efficiently, and Carissa F. Etienne, measures to protect peo- per cent of these deaths that these products are yesterday said the re- ple with diabetes, respira- were premature, occurring distributed to the people sponse to the COVID-19 tory and cardiovascular before 70 years of age. who need them. pandemic in the diseases from the new PAHO’s Director said it “We also must ensure Region of the Americas coronavirus.” was important to find safe timely access to care for must include chronic Persons with diabetes methods of delivering es- chronic diseases to pre- disease care, as 1 in 4 are twice as likely to have sential clinical care for vent them from becoming people are at increased severe disease or die, and people with NCDs during life-threatening. PAHO is risk of poor outcomes 28 per cent of cancer pa- the pandemic. “For exam- working with countries in from COVID-19 due to tients who contracted ple, many countries are the region and providing underlying non com- COVID-19 died, compared quickly scaling up guidance to help plan and municable diseases with two per cent of telemedicine, prioritising implement these meas- (NCDs) overall patients, she said, scheduled appointments ures. As cases continue to Noting that more than citing recent studies. to avoid crowded waiting rise in our region, our ef- 2.4 million cases and over Smoking also increases rooms and providing serv- forts to protect those with 143 000 deaths have made the chance of severe dis- ices in novel ways.” underlying conditions the Americas the epicen- ease from COVID-19. Dr. Etienne said that must intensify,” she em- Director of the Pan American Health Organisation ter of the COVID-19 pan- Stay at home measures, countries should ensure phasised. (PAHO), Carissa F. Etienne. demic, Dr. Etienne said disruptions in provision of during a media briefing health care services, as yesterday, “As cases con- well as the fear of attend- tinue to rise in our region, ing care facilities have re- our efforts to protect those sulted in reduced elective Several charged for breaching curfew with underlying condi- clinic visits and lower ac- POLICE have arrested George Rico Jamar Browne, 29, months in prison. tions must intensify.” cess to renal dialysis, can- and charged several Daniel Anthony Omar of Allamby Gap, Spooner’s The fourth man Rico In South America, “We cer care, and delays in individuals for several Remis, 20, of No 10 Hill, St Michael Browne, while pleading are particularly concerned high priority treatments offences, including Constant, St George They all appeared be- not guilty to the Breach of that the number of new for patients with NCDs, breaches to the Josiah Nathanael fore Chief Magistrate Ian Curfew offence, pleaded cases reported last week Dr. Etienne said. Many Emergency Management Boyce, 18, of Valley Land, Weekes in the District 'D' guilty to several traffic of- in Brazil was the highest health workers who nor- (COVID-19) Curfew 9 St George Magistrates Court on fences. He was fined sepa- for a seven-day period, mally provide care for peo- (No.5) Directive, 2020 Jumario Kadeem Monday, May 25, 2020 rately $800 to be paid in since the outbreak began. ple with chronic disease which occurred on May 24, Phillips, 21, of 8F Bottom where four of the sixteen 12 weeks for the offence of Both Peru and Chile are “have been redirected to 2020 at Lears, St Michael. Close, Wildey, St Michael accused – Ean Antonio No Driver’s Licence and also reporting a high inci- the COVID-19 response, These accused are: Akeem Jamal Belle, 34, Lowe, 25, of Savannah No Insurance while he dence,” she said. For most adversely impacting the Ean Antonio Lowe, 25, of 5A Bottom Close, Road, Bush Hall, St was reprimanded and dis- countries in the Americas, timely diagnosis and Savannah Road, Bush Wildey, St Michael Michael; Tristan Herbert, charged for the offence “now is not the time to treatment of NCDs,” Hall, St Michael Chunia Shakir Welch, 31, of No 112 3rd Avenue of fraudulent number relax restrictions or scale PAHO’s Director added. Tristan Herbert, 31, of 21, of 82 J Parkinson Rowen’s Park, St George; plates. back preventive strate- Lower access to care No 112 3rd Avenue Field, St Michael Travis Akeem Marshall, He along with the gies. Now is the time to from disruptions in health Rowen’s Park, St George Dibbaggio Tyge Payne, 26, of Mayers Road, My twelve other accused who stay strong, remain vigi- care services “puts pa- Travis Akeem Marshall, 16, of No 19 Walker’s Lord’s Hill, St Michael; pleaded not guilty were lant and aggressively im- tients at higher risk of 26, of Mayers Road, My Valley, St George and Rico Jamar Browne, granted bail in the sum of plement proven public complications and death Lord’s Hill, St Michael Casey Terrell Wood, 23, 29, of Allamby Gap, $3000 with one surety and health measures,” Dr. from diseases which we Che Nicholai Singh, 20, of 16D Bottom Close, Spooner’s Hill, St Michael they are all scheduled Etienne said. know how to treat”, and of Nursery Road, Four Wildey, St Michael – all pleaded guilty to the to reappear at the District “We have never seen health systems must find Roads, St Philip Javon Ramone offences. ‘D’ court on the 25th such a deadly relationship ways to respond “or we will Kristen Khenraj Singh, Williams, 34, of Block 23 Ean Lowe, Tristan of August 2020, and are between an infectious dis- be faced with a parallel 29, of No 39 Cottage, St Haynesville, St James Herbert and Travis now the subject of a ease and non-communi- epidemic of preventable George Rasean Rico Ashby, 20, Marshall were all fined daily curfew from 6 pm to cable diseases. Some of the deaths of persons with Kevon Ramario Forde, of Exchange Road, St $8000 in 20 weeks with 6 am imposed by the data are truly alarming. NCDs,” Dr. Etienne said. 19, of Valley Land, St George the alternative of nine court.

Gov’t told to set better example

NO SUPPORT from also confused the issue, follow the law and keep Page 1 with the Attorney the particular senior General indicating an police officer in his So even though the ho- amendment would be substantive post of nourable Prime Minister done once the “strictures” Assistant Commissioner has stated that the of COVID-19 would of Police. Orders were signed, allow,which was followed “The post does not there is no evidence, even by the Prime Minister’s exist, Parliament has by review of the Order comments which intro- not approved it. Even if Papers in the Barbados duced the concept of im- the Prime Minister had Parliament, that this leg- plied repeal, asserting the authority to do islation was laid before that the signed Order re- so – to create the post – the Lower and Upper pealed the requisite pro- she still had to be bring Houses of Parliament vision within the Police it to Parliament and and that the Orders were Act. they have not brought in fact affirmed by a res- Adding to Phillips’ it to Parliament. It is olution of each House for comments, Senator as simple as that… them to be passed,” she Franklyn, adamant that “Government has to be- stated. the DCOP post does have better, it must set Phillips said the not exist, called on an example,” Franklyn Mottley Administration Government to simply maintained. 6 • Wednesday May 27, 2020 The Barbados Advocate ECLAC stresses value of regional dimension THE Executive Secretary of the Bárcena also described ECLAC’s actions Economic Commission for Latin to interconnect the regional commissions America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and UN country teams on subregional and Alicia Bárcena, emphasized the value cross-border issues. One such initiative of the regional dimension of sustain- that stands out is the Comprehensive able development as a key bridge for Development Plan (CDP) for Guatemala, El connecting global processes to new re- Salvador,Honduras and Mexico, drafted at alities on a national level in the con- the request of these very countries and text of the crisis produced by the coro- which has already produced four reports navirus pandemic (COVID-19), during with the formulation of 100 projects for the a high-level meeting held today with next five years to address the structural United Nations member countries and causes of migration from a development senior officials. perspective. Bárcena participated on Friday, May 22 With regard to COVID-19, ECLAC’s in a session entitled “Unleashing the UN highest authority explained that the development system’s regional assets: the Commission is carefully following the so- path forward” during the fourth session of cioeconomic impact of the pandemic in the the 2020 Operational Activities for region. In response to a request by the Development Segment of the United Community of Latin American and Nations Economic and Social Council Caribbean States (CELAC), the organiza- (ECOSOC), which is bringing together tion has developed the COVID-19 Member States and heads and senior rep- Observatory in Latin America and the resentatives of United Nations develop- Caribbean, with the support of UN resi- ment system organizations from May 19 to Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the dent coordinators and the Development May 27, to review within the framework of Caribbean (ECLAC), Alicia Bárcena. Coordination Office (DCO), to track the na- the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy tional measures and policy responses im- Review the advances achieved in the four The session was presided over by Juan are fully committed to this task, for which plemented to combat the effects of the coro- years since guidance was given by the UN Sandoval Mendiolea – Deputy Permanent we have consolidated the role of the Forum navirus in the region’s 33 countries. General Assembly’s member countries, Representative of Mexico to the UN, Vice- of the Countries of Latin America and the In addition, ECLAC is publishing a series along with the progress made on imple- President of ECOSOC, and Chair of Caribbean on Sustainable Development, of periodic reports on the socioeconomic sit- mentation of the global organization’s res- ECOSOC’s 2020 Operational Activities for which meets each year under ECLAC’s aus- uation and COVID-19’s effects in the re- olutions regarding the repositioning of the Development Segment – and it was moder- pices to analyze countries’ progress on im- gion, providing policy recommendations to UN development system. ated by Jens Wandel, Under Secretary- plementation of the 2030 Agenda and address the crisis and build the economy In her remarks, ECLAC’s Executive General and Special Advisor to the UN brings together member countries and the back better. To date, three special reports Secretary indicated that the regional di- Secretary-General on Reforms. Additional entire UN regional system,” she indicated. have been released along with several doc- mension of development goes beyond the participants included Vera Songwe, “ECLAC has a strong intergovernmental uments focused on issues like economic sum of actions at the national level, since Coordinator of the UN Regional architecture which ensures constant inter- growth, trade, poverty, statistical method- it addresses transboundary, subregional Commissions and Executive Secretary of action with the sectoral authorities of its ologies and inequality, persons with dis- and regional challenges, such as climate the United Nations Economic Commission member States and enables it to learn first- abilities, food security, work, and climate change or human mobility, thereby foster- for Africa (ECA); Mourad Wahba,Associate hand about their priorities on development change – some of these in collaboration ing cooperation and collective responses to Administrator a.i. and Director of the matters,” she emphasized. with the United Nations System’s agen- key areas of development. Regional Bureau for Arab States at the Bárcena also highlighted the develop- cies, funds and programs. “Making the financing of sustainable de- United Nations Development Programme ment of the Sustainable Development “At ECLAC, we stand ready to support velopment a priority is more critical than (UNDP); Alanna Armitage, Regional Goals (SDG) Gateway in Latin America, a countries by leveraging our intergovern- ever for all countries, regardless of their in- Director for Eastern Europe and Central joint effort with 22 agencies, funds and pro- mental architecture and convening power come level. In this area, ECLAC has been Asia at the United Nations Population grams of the United Nations System in the to organize ministerial dialogues on analyzing the options of middle-income Fund (UNFPA); and Neil Buhne, Regional region, which has become a powerful in- COVID-19 impacts and responses.We have countries in relation to debt restructuring Director for Asia and the Pacific at the UN strument for tracking the progress and already carried out meetings with social and relief, particularly for Caribbean coun- Development Coordination Office (DCO); needs of countries with regard to the 2030 development and gender equality minis- tries,” she stated.“We have made proposals along with various countries’ delegates and Agenda’s implementation and their head- ters, representatives of national statistical to ensure liquidity and avoid solvency prob- permanent representatives to the United way towards achieving the 17 SDGs. systems, ministers of finance and of sci- lems, for example, through the use of in- Nations. “Our regional commission can offer the ence, technology and innovation, with the struments such as the special drawing ECLAC’s Executive Secretary also in- mandate, the experience, the tools and the aim of facilitating the exchange of best rights (SDRs) of the International formed the participating delegates of the platforms that are crucial for supporting practices, identifying national priorities, Monetary Fund (IMF), emergency lines actions undertaken by the Commission to countries on the follow-up and implemen- coordinating regional and multilateral co- such as those issued by the World Bank, implement the recommendations set out tation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable operation, and highlighting key areas for and other innovative financing mecha- by UN Secretary-General António Guterres Development, even during these unprece- advocating their needs,” Alicia Bárcena nisms,” Bárcena added. one year ago.“As regional commissions,we dented times of pandemic,” she affirmed. stated. New strategies for development post COVID-19 needed SANTIAGO, Chile – The Executive She said the importance of under- damaging effects,” she said. reach a total of 214.7 million people Secretary of the Economic Commission standing that the crisis caused by the She added that compacts are needed (or 34.7 per cent of the region’s popul- for Latin America and the Caribbean coronavirus pandemic “made us aban- in strategic, priority sectors to move to- ation),” will also be an effect of the (ECLAC), Alicia Bárcena, says a “re- don the world of speculation and sud- wards a transition of an agro-ecological, pandemic, she said. silient, inclusive and low-carbon econ- denly rooted us in what is real, and energy, cultural, civic and governance- Bárcena warned that the rise in ex- omy” must be the “guiding axis” for the what is tangible. related nature. treme poverty is “especially worrisome,” post-coronavirus (COVID-19) economic “The lesson is that the world to come “At ECLAC, we have prioritised the with a 2.6 percentage point increase recovery. must be rebuilt on the basis of what is Escazú Agreement as that great civic foreseen (15.9 million more people) to “We are at a civilising crossroads and tangible, and one of the most tangible instrument for access to information, affect 83.4 million people in all. the ethical imperative is to rebuild, parts are the ecosystems, cities, peo- justice and participation in environ- She said that is why ECLAC proposes change the development model for one ple,” she said. mental matters,” Bárcena said, pointing providing a basic emergency income with greater equality, with a more sol- Bárcena warned that if the post to estimates indicating that the pan- (BEI) equivalent to one poverty line idarity-based economy,” Bárcena told a COVID-19 economic recovery has the demic's effects will produce the biggest over the course of six months to the en- high-level United Nations' virtual meet- same environmental consequences as recession experienced by the region tire population living in poverty in ing on the role of climate action in the those seen before the pandemic, “we will since 1914 and 1930, with growth pro- 2020, meaning 215 million people, or recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. witness a deepening of the climate and jected at -5.3 per cent. 34.7 per cent of the region’s population. “We need to take on precisely those water crises. “A significant deterioration in labour Bárcena said this would entail addi- big structural gaps that we continue to “This would mean leaving one crisis indicators in 2020 that will leave nearly tional spending of 2.1 per cent of gross face and that we have accumulated over to go into another of an even more 12 million more people unemployed in domestic product (GDP) “to reach all many years, and prevent another lost global nature, with a much longer the region, and an increase of nearly the people who will find themselves in decade,” Bárcena said. duration, and with more enduring and 30 million people living in poverty, to situations of poverty this year”. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday May 27, 2020 • 7 China to enhance public health system to better protect people’s lives BEIJING – China will control system; boosting automatically-triggered level, the report said. step up efforts in build- the epidemic monitoring, reporting mechanism for Wang Chen, a political ing a stronger protec- early warning and emer- public health emergencies advisor and a renowned tion network in the gency response capacity; with unknown causes. respiratory specialist, said public health domain to perfecting the treatment His remarks were China should enhance better protect people’s system for major epi- echoed by Ling Yun, an- medical education by es- lives and health as the demics; and improving other NPC deputy, who tablishing a sound mecha- country is shifting to public health emergency proposed that under the nism to attract talent to COVID-19 regular pre- laws and regulations. command system, com- study medicine and foster vention and control. At the ongoing “two ses- mand centers should be more health care practi- On Sunday, Chinese sions” that also include the set up at different levels tioners. President Xi Jinping, annual session of the coun- across the country. He also suggested build- also general secretary of try’s top political advisory The lawmakers and ing a higher-level national the Communist Party of body, issues concerning political advisors also institute of medical sci- China Central Committee public health security suggested enhancing ence, which can lead and and chairman of the have become some of the the treatment system coordinate overall medical Central Military most discussed topics, with for major epidemics and research and innovation Commission, stressed for- national lawmakers and strengthening the build- for the development of tifying the public health political advisors putting ing of qualified public health and life sciences. protection network as he forward bills and sugges- health teams. Yue Xihuan, an NPC was participating in a de- tions to improve the coun- According to the govern- deputy and a community- liberation at the annual try’s public health system. ment work report submit- level official, stressed the national legislative session In its annual work re- ted to the national legis- need to enhance the con- with lawmakers from port, the National People’s lature for deliberation, struction of public health central China’s Hubei Congress (NPC) Standing Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary China will increase inputs teams at the primary level. Province, recently hard-hit Committee, or the top leg- of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on the research and devel- “In the battle against by the epidemic. islature, said it will prior- and chairman of the Central Military Commission, opment of vaccines, medi- the COVID-19 epidemic, China’s public health itize legislation on public joins a deliberation with deputies from Hubei cines and rapid testing community-level medical and medical service sys- health this year. Province at the third session of the 13th National technologies. facilities have taken huge tems have played their key The committee said it People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, The country will also responsibilities for epi- roles in dealing with the will revise a slew of laws on May 24, 2020. (PHOTO: XINHUA/LI XUEREN) build more medical facili- demic prevention and con- epidemic, but some weak this year, including the ties for epidemic control trol, but these facilities are links and inadequacies Law on the Prevention Chinese lawmakers and Ge Minghua, an NPC and treatment, set up short on medical staff,” were also exposed, Xi said, and Control of Infectious political advisors proposed deputy, suggested estab- more mobile laboratories, said Yue. “We should in- urging prompt efforts to Diseases, the Frontier improving the emergency lishing of and improving ensure emergency sup- crease the flow of medical fix them. Health and Quarantine response mechanism for on a unified and efficient plies and strengthen pub- professionals to the com- Xi stressed reforming Law, and the Emergency major epidemics in a com- leadership and command lic health and epidemic munity levels and rural disease prevention and Response Law. prehensive way. system, and a direct and prevention at the primary areas.”

Guizhou students stay healthy with traditional sports during COVID-19 pandemic GUIYANG, China – armpits to hold two sides added that this sport, the center of the play- “The winner is not just focus on their study When the bell rang at of a stick which is 1.6 me- once created for soldier- ground with a classmate just determined by his or work amid the epi- 14:30, Guo Heng, a stu- tres long and has a diam- selection in the late Qing after warming up under strength, but also by his demic. dent of Huang La Junior eter of 6 centimetres. Dynasty, is only pre- Ban’s instructions, then physical coordination and “We students practice School, rushed out of his When in competition, the served in Huang La they held a wooden stick smartness,” added Ban. Di Gang almost three classroom into the play- two males are usually today. and got started. After Bai Jun, Guo’s class- times a week at our ground with a big wooden standing in two concen- “In order to pass on this about three-minute mate, learned this sport sports class and we also stick in his left hand. tric circles, of which the sport to the future gener- fiercely competing, Guo five years ago. He said do it during recess some- “Our sports class is small one has a diameter ations, we brought it into forced his rival’s knee that people should not times,” said Bai. going to get started and of 3.2 metres and the big this school in 2006,” Ban down to the ground and we will perform Di Gang, one 6.4 metres.To win, added. won the game. a kind of traditional sport one must force the other On the playground, “I love this sport very of the Buyi ethnic group,” body to the ground or out Ban told Guo and his much, it shows males’ China says firmly opposes he said, adding that he of the big circle. classmates that “numer- strength and endurance,” and his classmates prac- “Huang La has a popu- ous people have died from said Guo. He started politicizing, stigmatizing tice this sport every week. lation of around 18,000 COVID-19 since the practicing this sport Guo lives in the town people, of which 86% are epidemic broke out and three years ago and he of Huang La, city of from Buyi ethnic group many of them were suf- has performed for differ- coronavirus origin Anshun, southwest and most of them know fering from diseases and ent audiences outside BEIJING – China firmly which runs counter to the China’s Guizhou how to do Di Gang,” said in poor health, which re- his town. opposes politicizing and professional opinions of province. Ban Shiwen, a teacher minds us of the impor- “It is good for the stu- stigmatizing the origin of the World Health Di Gang is a kind of at the school, who is also tance of keeping healthy dents, especially during the novel coronavirus, Organization, many re- sport where two males responsible for Di Gang through exercise”. the epidemic,” Ban ex- Foreign Ministry search institutions and use their hands and training and teaching. He Guo entered a circle at plained. spokesperson Zhao Lijian medical experts, as well as said yesterday,in response the efforts and expecta- to Japanese leader’s recent tions of the international remarks. community, including North China port sees surge in imports of frozen meat The origin of the coron- China and Japan, to jointly TIANJIN – Tianjin Port in Tianjin is a major port of frozen beef totaled 242,000 COVID-19 epidemic, avirus is a serious scien- combat the COVID-19 pan- north China handled im- entry for meat heading to tonnes in the same period, according to customs tific problem that must be demic,” he said. ports of 611,000 tonnes of markets in Beijing,Tianjin up 43.7 per cent. officials. studied by scientists and Political blindness frozen meat from January and Hebei Province. It Imported meat has pro- Imports from the medical experts on the should not override scien- to April, representing a saw 308,000 tonnes of vided strong support for European Union, Brazil basis of facts and science, tific judgment, and solidar- surge of 75.3 per cent year imported frozen pork in stabilizing the domestic and Argentina jointly ac- Zhao told a press briefing. ity and cooperation are the on year, according to the first four months,up meat market and meeting counted for 60.4 per cent of “China firmly opposes most powerful weapon Tianjin Customs yester- 156.9 per cent year on demand for domestic total frozen-meat imports politicizing and stigmatiz- for mankind to defeat the day. year, while imported consumption amid the via the port. ing the origin of the virus, pandemic, Zhao said.

8 • Wednesday May 27, 2020 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 Water – A cautionary tale By Dorian Bryan I have dealt which chal- evenings had very low How is that fair? lenges to potable water de- pressure after 5 p.m, after I am tired of getting STAR date - Monday May livery, particularly from reported burst mains in angry when I see the same Planning ahead 25th 2020....forgive me, this facility for a while Mount Standfast, Porters behavior being repeated DURING the Covid-19 curfew it has become more that was a Star Trek flash- now. Lodge Hill supplies and other areas in St. over and over again. Last frequent to hear news of illness and death of persons back. water to Shop Hill which James. Add to that the weekend, parts of St – family members of friends on the island and in Sometimes it seems as services my area, so over usual statement when you James bore the brunt of other countries – who have been infected with this though we are in another the years, I have been able call into the call centre the outages and what the virus. Collective thoughts likely turn to our personal dimension, but if we we to decipher the language when the water levels public got was a press re- mortality, no matter the age. In early May there were, perhaps we would to understand what the struggle to even come lease, indicating that the were 3.58 million confirmed cases worldwide with be able to synthesize basic real language behind the through the taps, that the following were the burst 252,000 deaths, however there were 1.17 million re- necessities such as food, releases mean. Shop Hill Reservoir is suf- mains for the day and that coveries, giving some hope to those who may be and in the case of When, as the release fering from low levels and the BWA was working to showing symptoms of the virus.At home in Barbados Barbados...water. stated, that work would that it would take time to fix the issues and that we have 92 confirmed cases, with 7 deaths and 71 re- I secretly hoped that I take place on the main be- recover so they can start water tankers would be coveries.The virus seems to be changing every week would not have to contin- tween 9 am to 7 pm., I pumping or the best would dispatched. with new symptoms being added periodically to the uously write about the on- know that this would be be that they had to manu- Is a consistent water original list of coughing and high fever along with going problem of poor de- an optimistic assessment. ally restart it. supply a right or not? I shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.The list livery of potable water That means that outages I am quickly becoming have not even added in the was further extended to add chills and shaking, mus- into homes in this coun- would, in most cases per- used to hearing the same possibility in the not to cle pain, headache, sore throat and more recently try, but clearly with slow sist way past 7 p.m., with excuse over and over distant future could be the new loss of taste or smell. There have also been re- to non-existant improve- residents without water again. Is this fair to pay- potential yearly upgrades ports of associated skin rashes on the hands and feet. ments from the Barbados into the evening and ing customers? We keep at the Ionics Desalination There is also ongoing research into new cases of the Water Authority (BWA), it night. Residents have be- hearing that the BWA op- plant which results in a rare Kawasaki disease in children which may be appears as though I have come accustomed to hear- erating costs are depend- shutdown for almost 2 linked to Covid-19.According to the New York Times, to continue writing about ing that the system needs ent on monthly bills being days. the disease causes inflammation of the blood vessels, it. time to rebuild to the lev- paid. We heard from a I admit that I have col- including coronary arteries. Not all of these new The date at the start of els which were in place be- Minister of Environment leagues who often ask me Kawasaki disease patients have tested positive for this column is instructive, fore work started. that the attached tax on 'wait you are writing Covid-19 however, which means there could be an- so let me start there. The That usually means water bills has seen a de- about the BWA again". I other reason for the increase in patients. BWA sent out a release on that another 12 hour time- cline in the monies which respond that until I see The suffering of patients of Covid-19 is described its various platforms frame is added to the ini- would be used to fund the consistent improvements, as terrifying. Persons recall a literal fight for their life alerting customers, in the tial inconvenience. So Sanitation Service then I will not relent. with each breath taken and feeling themselves and immediate surroundings imagine being told to store Authority (SSA). There are many who do the state of their lungs deteriorating, but due to con- of Lodge Hill, that it would water for a 10 hour period Clearly the Minister not have this platform and sistent hard work by medical teams all over the be making a 16 inch con- only to have it mean a should tap his Cabinet col- suffer in silence. You can- world, many persons, even some who had to be placed nection. close to 24 hour period league to ask if people not continue to blame the on ventilators at one point, have survived to tell the Now I re-read the re- without the critical re- were getting water on a drought for poor service. tale. lease and all it stated was source. This time, the regular basis and if the The Barbadian public is In a time of such uncertainty it is a good idea to put that a connection would water started to return at meters installed would not understanding, to a point. things in place for the inevitable future so that no be made to facilitate the 6:30 p.m, but as expected, record that information. People get nervous matter when it becomes necessary,plans are already installation of a new tank. after returning to reason- Maybe instead of what he when their water or elec- in place for loved ones to carry on without you with- Now, it might be a small able levels, started to dip said, he should look at the tricity supplies are im- out enduring extra hardships while mourning their oversight, but the release in intensity at 7 a.m. on sanitary challenges which pacted, and need to be re- loss. This, is of course a topic which is disliked by did not mention that the Tuesday May 26. I wish I having no water presents assured. I concede that an many, but is necessary all the same. connection would be made could say that I was sur- with children being home. unstable electricity supply Efforts should be made to simplify a future for at the BWA facility in prised but I am not. I still ask how in good con- has hampered activity at family and close friends. Plans can be made early for Lodge Hill, which would Children are at home, science, can the funding of some BWA stations, but funerals so that when the time comes these plans can mean that all areas serv- people have to go to work, the SSA being tied to a even that could be ex- just be passed on to whoever is chosen to take over iced by that facility would and this is the reality critical resource like plained better. such planning, allowing loved ones to focus on their be impacted. I often use which we face as a coun- water, when the public es- The cautionary tale is own well-being. It is also necessary to think about the saying that if you try. pecially the lowest earn- that we can do much bet- how end-of-life expenses would be financed. This sneeze too hard that some- That is not even the best ers can find themselves ter and if that is the case could be by way of savings to prevent families from thing impacts this facility, part. In the days previous paying double what the why are we struggling to having to take loans from financial institutions to but more on that later. to Monday May 25, some traditional bill would be? do so? provide a nice funeral, which is often desired. It is also possible to outline specific desires for cremation or burial, such as the place, colors to be used, dona- tions to be made and flowers. These early decisions may help a family at a time when thinking about UK PM faces growing rebellion these things will be particularly difficult due to their grief. BRITISH Prime Minister inated the headlines for the resignation piled more cumstances -- or face fines. It is also a good idea to create instructions for pay- Boris Johnson on Tuesday days continued unabated. pressure on it and Cummings, who had ment of bills, such as how and to whom they are nor- faced a mounting internal "I have constituents who Cummings. virus symptoms around mally paid and if possible where funds can be sourced rebellion, including a min- didn't get to say goodbye to He held a press confer- the time of the trip while with which to pay such bills. Also the whereabouts isterial resignation, over a loved ones; families who ence Monday to justify his wife was also suffering of important documents such as insurance policies scandal around his top could not mourn together; driving his wife and young from COVID-19, has and titles to vehicles and property should be known aide Dominic Cummings people who didn't visit sick son on a 264-mile claimed he complied with by a trusted individual. taking a cross-country trip relatives because they fol- (425-kilometre) trip from the guidance because The option of estate planning can help with docu- during the coronavirus lowed the guidance of the London to Durham in childcare needs were one ments such as a will, through which items can be left lockdown. government," Ross said in northeast England in such exception. for loved ones, property can even be gifted to loved Dozens of Conservative a statement. late March during the The Brexit campaign ones during one’s life to prevent any issues when the lawmakers have now de- "I cannot in good faith height of the coronavirus mastermind, a divisive fig- time comes for that property to be used by that loved manded the controversial tell them they were all crisis. ure within British politics, one. adviser quit or be sacked wrong and one senior ad- Earlier that week said he wanted to leave his Persons should also save for any medical proce- while Douglas Ross, a visor to the government Johnson had introduced a four-year-old son at his dures that may become necessary even if health in- minister for Scotland, re- was right." stringent lockdown requir- parents' house in case surance is available. There are often certain things signed in protest, as a po- The government said it ing people to stay at home both he and his wife be- that are not covered in Health Insurance policies. litical crisis that has dom- regretted his decision, but -- barring exceptional cir- came incapacitated. One should settle as many things as possible while happy and healthy so that peace of mind could be Executive Editor: Allison Downes Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan had, instead of worries about what could be. Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke E-mail Address: [email protected] Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan The Barbados Advocate Wednesday May 27, 2020 • 9 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • F:AX 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] CXC’s July exam proposal seriously flawed CXC’s decision to administer CSEC and means or foul have in fact acquired such exams”, which students will do online. time or money.Our Minister of Education CAPE Exams in July has been greeted Paper 1s over the years. They continu- Just imagine that!!! At the tertiary level (Anthony Garcia) has reliably informed with a barrage of protests from various ally drill their students with these pa- at our most esteemed educational institu- stakeholders today (Thursday,21st May) stakeholders across the region. Whereas pers and have even been brazen enough tion, academics and administrators have that the decision as regards the July pro- the criticisms by these stakeholders have to use them as Mock Exams. Given these implemented an Exam proposal just to posal can only be rescinded by a meeting focused on the issues of timing as well as circumstances, how valid can any CXC allow students to graduate or proceed to between all the representative Ministers the health and welfare of the candidates Exam be if it uses Paper 1 as a principal the next level, all in the overriding inter- of the member territories and CXC. I, involved, another critical issue namely means of assessment in awarding final est of time. How will the degrees of the therefore, urge our Minister (Garcia) and the validity of the said Exams has been grades? CXC must be aware of these graduating students of this period com- Mia Mottley,the Chairman of CARICOM, placed on the backburner. security breaches. If so, how can it even, pare with those awarded in previous to call such a meeting with the utmost CXC’s proposal to use only Paper 1 with the slightest modicum of integrity, years? One is only left to wonder what dispatch. A new meeting will allow CXC (multiple choice) together with the stu- insist on an Exam where Paper 1 is only would have been the final decision if to at least salvage some of its integrity, dents’ SBAs or IAs to assess them is seri- one of two components by which students the region was in fact engaged in actual which has been seriously tarnished in the ously flawed. This is simply because this will be assessed? Such an exam cannot be warfare. relentless pursuit of its proposal for July proposal does not in any way cater for as- deemed valid, even if one were to stretch CXC cannot afford to compromise its Exams. sessment of the critical skill of ‘the use of one’s imagination to its ultimate limit. standards or the welfare of our most pre- knowledge’ in a Paper 2, which has been It is nothing short of amazing that in cious resource in the interest of either MIGUEL BROWNE the standard over the years.To compound the face of the multitude of bone fide con- the issue, CXC has been woefully silent on cerns that CXC has chosen to go full speed the final weighting for either Paper 1 or ahead with its misguided proposal for the SBAs and IAs, thereby making the July Exams. Here I wish to ask the sim- entire issue of validity of the 2020 Exams ple question: Who controls CXC? Don’t Out in the sunlight all the more dubious. the respective territories make annual “One impulse from a vernal wood and not a DNA double strand structure. In addition, one has to pose the very contributions to its very functioning? How May teach you more of man Of course I am open to correction on that pertinent question: How does CXC pro- then can CXC so flippantly disregard the Of moral evil and of good, point. Yet it was reported, albeit briefly, pose to correct the students’ SBAs and IAs legitimate concerns of stakeholders in its Than all the sages can…” that the strain in the USA was similar to under the restructured examination for- contributing territories? In the same vein, The Tables Turned – William that found in Italy, not the one in China. mat? Rather than the traditional require- I humbly ask: How can the Ministers of Wordsworth So there must have been some mutation ment of 5 SBA samples per subject for Education of Trinidad and Tobago, and as is widely reported the symptoms each school, CXC is now demanding the Jamaica and Barbados, which have the THAT poem suggests that nature is vary. submission of all SBAs. What new plans lion’s share of candidates sitting these the best teacher, however, in our present In the past, vaccines took between five does CXC hope to put in place in such a CXC Exams, not use this advantageous circumstances we have locked ourselves and seven years to develop.This was done short timeframe to correct SBAs and IAs position as leverage to ensure that these away from nature. Fear has put the lock through a methodical process to deter- from each candidate? This question is genuine concerns are in fact addressed on the door to sunlight and thus pre- mine its safety, efficacy, side effects if any especially important in the subjects of by CXC? vented us from accessing vitamin ‘D’, one and of course designed to combat a strain English and Maths where the quantity of CXC must seriously reconsider its of the builders of our immune system. of the virus. One is left to wonder which SBAs would reach formidable proportions rigid July proposal. Is it that CXC is so Our children who have been accus- strain of the virus this ‘warp speed’ vac- since both are compulsory.Does CXC plan obsessed with the issue of time that it is tomed to being in the sunshine daily for cine is being developed to combat. And to employ additional moderators and willing to sacrifice the integrity of its own at least half an hour or more during most interesting of all, how could the ap- markers given the tremendous increase Exams in the pursuit of it? It cannot act school time and much longer during hol- propriate elements of the weakened virus, in volume? What provisions will be made as if it is business as usual in the face of idays, may now only be receiving the blue which will constitute the vaccine, have for the requisite training of such new a crisis, which will place the lives of so light from the television screen. Let them been so quickly identified – a process that moderators and markers in such a short many of our students, teachers and in- out in the sunlight, please. Let us all re- might before have taken years? timeframe to guarantee the necessary vigilators at risk. If CXC is charged with discover some of the wonders of nature. We are being told that better technology ‘quality assurance’ in the marking of the responsibility for an area as critical as Some of these wonders are naturally oc- is allowing a faster process. Yet, as I am these SBAs? It is a monumental task to education, it must exercise due diligence curring in fruits and vegetables, but I told, the annual ‘flu shot’ does not prevent say the least and stakeholders must feel in the discharge of that responsibility. Is have a concern that we take it for granted people from getting the flu. Similarly, I confident that CXC is equal to the new it not better to delay the proposed Exams that as long as we consume the appropri- have to wonder if this ‘warp speed vaccine’ challenge that it has set for itself. and assess our students properly, rather ate fruits and vegetables then we, ‘ipso will prevent the populace from getting The most worrying aspect of CXC’s July than administer early exams where the facto’, (by that very fact or act) shall be COVID-19? There will no doubt be those proposal is its undue emphasis on Paper instruments of assessment are grossly ingesting the vitamins and minerals who will believe in its efficacy, just as 1, which simply tests knowledge. It is no defective and the health of thousands is associated with that food. I however have there are those who believe the reported secret that CXC recycles the multiple at risk? If other reputable examining bod- to ask, “What of the soil from which the number of deaths from the virus in China. choice items that it uses in its Paper 1s for ies like Cambridge could temporarily plant has sprung, can we be certain that Warped? the various subject areas examined. It is shelve their scheduled Exams in the face the plant will be rich in the vitamins and Just as our bodies embrace the for this reason that CXC does not allow of the COVID-19 crisis, what prevents minerals if the soil is poor?” sunlight, we can only hope that all the teachers to see Paper 1 nor does it circu- CXC from following suit? Yet we must do all we can to strengthen facts and truth surrounding this virus, late the said Paper after the completion Apparently none of our regional insti- our immune system and not depend on a its origin, its construct, its mutations, its of the Exam. I with some thirty years of tutions responsible for education seems vaccine to prevent us becoming a victim variety of ill effects, its vaccine, the cause teaching experience have never seen a willing to consider delaying exams in the of COVID-19. of its spread, and the true death toll will Paper 1. Despite this security measure face of a “virus crisis”, which is akin to a It is my understanding that this cur- some day be out in the sunlight. adopted by CXC over the years, there is war. The UWI, like CXC, has gone full rent virus is not one that is naturally oc- a sizable number of teachers who by fair speed ahead with its plans for “open book curring since it has an RNA single strand MICHAEL RUDDER

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Nancy Pelosi Clarence Thomas “For God did not send his Son Speaker of the United States Associate Justice of the into the world to condemn the House of Representatives US Supreme Court COURAGE world, but to save the world through him.” “We have so much room for im- “Good manners will open provement. Every aspect of our doors that the best education Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but – John 3, vs 17 NIV lives must be subjected to an cannot.” inventory... of how we are taking to call out our courage and responsibility.” strength. 10 • Wednesday May 27, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Floor trading resumes at NYSE, with masks and plexiglas THE New York Stock ted for the first round of Exchange, the sym- the NYSE relaunch. bolic heart of Wall NYSE market makers, Street, reopened its who provide liquidity to floor Tuesday after a other market participants, two-month closure due are still working from to the coronavirus, home until exchange offi- with traders donning cials open up more masks and separated broadly. by plexiglas. All people on the floor The New York Stock Exchange, the symbolic heart of Wall Street, reopened its floor after a two-month Stocks surged following must wear masks and closure due to the coronavirus, with traders donning masks and separated by plexiglas. the trademark opening have their temperature bell, which was presided taken before they are al- NYSE, saying it “reopened ness. vided better health trends offering. over by New York lowed in. Traders will be smarter than before: fewer The financial industry hold. This would permit The floor also has cere- Governor Andrew Cuomo separated by plexiglas and people, wearing masks, is among the essential sec- manufacturing, construc- monial benefit for compa- and NYSE officials – all required to respect social new precautions that the tors. Cunningham has tion and curbside pickup nies to market IPOs and wearing masks. distancing protocols. Stock Exchange has incor- said the NYSE waited to from non-essential retail- other corporate initiatives. While the NYSE is The NYSE has also porated, not because gov- resume floor trading until ers. Investors greeted the ramping only gradually, asked floor participants to ernment said they had to, it could implement effec- While many share NYSE’s reboot, lifting the the moment was an im- not take the subway or but because the stock ex- tive safety strategies. transactions now are Dow by about 530 points, portant one symbolically other public transport to change is smart.” The city still remains in executed through comput- or 2.2 percent, to for Wall Street and the limit the risk of contami- a largely dormant stage ers – enabling the market 24,995.11, on optimism United States as the coun- nation. Stocks keep surging through June, although to function even when about coronavirus vac- try charts its recovery “We are starting cau- After emerging as the epi- some restrictions are physical trade was halted cines and the reopening of from the COVID-19 crisis. tiously, with new safety center of the global coron- expected to ease after – NYSE leaders say the economy. “The really important measures to limit the avirus struggle in March, that. physical trading facili- President Donald thing is to get us down strain on the health-care New York City has stabi- New York City Mayor tates orders particularly Trump touted the latest there, to get trading, to be system and the risk to lized its case loads Bill de Blasio said he was in the final moments of surge as a sign the there symbolically,” said those who work beneath through strict social dis- targeting the “first phase” the day, or during first “Transition to Greatness longtime trader Peter our roof,” said NYSE tancing and the shutdown of reopening for the first or trades of a new company has started,” he said on Tuchman, 62, who stayed President Stacey of most non-essential busi- second week of June pro- following an initial public Twitter. away as he is recovering Cunningham. from the coronavirus. Cunningham, in a re- “We’re willing to step cent Wall Street Journal back into the floor and to op-ed, said the virus “will be part of the reopening of remain a stubborn real- Latin America’s largest airline the economy,and markets ity,” but that she hoped the and the world,” he told exchange could help “chart AFP. a path that other busi- Only about 80 traders, nesses in densely popu- LATAM files for bankruptcy in US primarily from smaller lated areas might follow.” LATIN America’s largest tourism sectors have been tion industry,LATAM has The airline said there companies, will be permit- Cuomo praised the airline LATAM filed for hammered by the conta- been forced to make a se- would be no immediate bankruptcy in the US on gion, as they are directly ries of extremely difficult impact on passenger or Tuesday, the company affected by border closures decisions in the past few cargo flights. said in a statement, fol- and population lock- months,” said the airline’s “The US Chapter 11 fi- lowing a drastic slump in downs. chief executive Roberto nancial reorganization business caused by the “Given the impact that Alvo in a video statement. process provides a clear coronavirus pandemic. the COVID-19-generated “LATAM Airlines Group and guided opportunity to The world’s travel and crisis has had on the avia- and its affiliates in Chile, work with our creditors Peru, Ecuador and and other stakeholders to Colombia entered into a reduce our debt, address voluntary reorganization commercial challenges under Chapter 11 protec- that we, like others in our tion in the United States,” industry, are facing,” its he added. statement said. Chapter 11 proceedings It came just two weeks allow a company that is after Latin America’s sec- no longer able to repay its ond largest airline, debt to restructure with- Colombia’s Avianca, also out pressure from credi- filed for bankruptcy in the tors. US to reorganize its debt Last month, the “due to the unpredictable Chilean-Brazilian airline impact” of the pandemic. said it was scaling back its The International Air operations by 95 percent Transport Association has in response to the global forecast a $15 billion loss health crisis. It also an- in revenue for Latin nounced hundreds of job American airlines this cuts earlier in May. year. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday May 27, 2020 • 11

Bahamas denies ‘running out of money’ NASSAU, Bahamas – have historically taken a Bahamas, which has “an needed. liabilities determine the The Bahamas govern- very prudent approach to exemplary record that “I echo the Central legal floor on external ment yesterday de- fiscal and monetary policy should instill confidence Bank’s statement today, reserves. scribed as “false”, to protect ourselves in sit- in every Bahamian”. indicating that monetary These move in close sync reports that it is “run- uations like the emergency The finance minister policies have already with reserves because they ning out of money” and we face today,” Finance said that since the taken into consideration fund the balances. that the local currency Minister K Peter Turn- coronavirus (COVID-19) vital local needs, and any The Bahamian dollar is is under threat of being quest said in a statement. pandemic, the Central reports of devaluation not facing devaluation devalued. He said the country’s for- Bank has taken several threats are entirely threats. Policies already “Our economy has not eign reserves are managed “pre-emptive steps to misleading and without anticipate vital local survived and thrived for so by the capable Bahamian shore up our reserves, and merit. needs,” he added. long because of good professionals at the they will continue to take “The Government will The Central Bank had fortune. As a country, we Central Bank of the necessary action as continue to take the neces- earlier this month an- sary steps to stabilise the nounced several measures economy and support the to shore up foreign re- Central Bank in its man- serves, including the sus- date to preserve the in- pension of resident access SVG accepts offer from Grenada tegrity of the Bahamian to exchange for interna- dollar,” Turnquest added. tional capital market Central Bank Governor, investments through to assist Union Island with fuel John Rolle, said “contrary Bahamas depository GRENADA – St. Vincent between 8 am and 6 pm Minister Gonsalves re- to the misleading report, receipts and the Invest- Finance Minister K Peter and the Grenadines daily. ferred to a letter that he 50 per cent of our demand ment Currency Market. Turnquest. (SVG) will accept neigh- “The Grenada penned to Prime Minister bouring Grenada’s offer to Government recognizes Mitchell last month, sur- assist residents of Union the importance of being rounding a separate issue Island with refueling in our brother’s keeper concerning persons trav- the wake of the explosion which it considers to be elling between Carriacou and destruction of that even more important and Petite Martinique island’s only gas station. during this period. (part of the Grenada The UniGas gas station However, it also recog- Grenadines) and Union located in Clifton, Union nizes that due process Island to stock up on cook- Island, owned and oper- must be followed,” the re- ing gas and food supplies ated by Freddy Naert, 72 lease outlined. despite Grenada closing years, exploded on the The Grenadian govern- its borders because night of Tuesday,May 19, ment noted that during of the COVID-19 engulfing Naert’s, as well the time of COVID-19 pandemic. as a nearby property, in public health and safety There had been an ex- flames. “remain a priority” and change between the two The proprietor, and 12- therefore all recom- Prime Ministers, which year-old Lindini Neverson mended protocols will be ended in Gonsalves ex- have since succumbed to “duly enforced” while plaining in a letter that injuries that they received assistance is being his offer to help the resi- in the inferno, while given. dents of Carriacou and Shaniqua “Azaria” “The relevant authori- Petit Martinique if they Alexander, 17 years, is re- ties will determine the need food and cooking gas ceiving treatment for her recommended protocols was genuine and helpful serious burns in Trinidad. under which the proposed and not ‘grossly irrespon- Following the catastro- refueling assistance will sible’ as had been phe, the Grenadian take place and steps will described by Mitchell. Government, which is led be taken to ensure full Gonsalves recalled that by Prime Minister Keith compliance,” the Grenada he had indicated in the Mitchell, issued a release Government noted. letter “that all we (SVG) dated May 24, titled Prime Minister Dr. are trying to do is to help “Grenada offers help to Ralph Gonsalves, speak- in some organized and residents of Union Island ing Monday, May 25, has structured way,and that I in the wake of gas station indicated that SVG will will… that I’m sure that if fire.” accept Grenada’s offer. the shoe was on the other The release, which also “I should write Prime foot, Grenada will be help- offered condolences on Minister Mitchell, to say ing…” behalf of the Grenadian to him that we’d accept “…Now we have a prob- Government following the this offer and actually lem there (Union Island) death caused by the inci- we’d do it in an organised and Petit Martinique is dent, revealed that an and structured way,” nearby, certainly closer offer of refueling assis- Gonsalves relayed. than Canouan, so that we tance had been made He indicated that he can get something worked by the Grenadian does not like persons out, but we have to do it Government, to the travelling to Canouan for properly,” Gonsalves con- Director of Grenadines’ the purpose of refueling. tinued yesterday, while affairs in SVG. “There are two things speaking on radio. “Carriacou is located there: the journey to The Prime Minister just eight miles south of Canouan is a long jour- also informed that busi- Union Island, and like the ney, and secondly in what ness persons on Union rest of the tri- island condition are you bring- Island will be immedi- state, borders were closed ing the fuel? I don’t want ately on March 23, 2020, due to you to be bringing the fuel engaged to see who may the COVID-19 pandemic,” and we have an accident wish to work with any of the release outlined. at sea…God forbid, where the fuel distribution It continued that, pend- persons also get burnt,” companies, along with ing acceptance of the offer Gonsalves revealed. Government help in facil- by the SVG Government, He commented that itating and “putting Grenada intends for refu- there are security and en- things together,” in rela- eling support for citizens vironmental issues there. tion to the provision of of Union Island to be done In speaking, Prime fuel.

12 • Wednesday May 27, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Mexican coronavirus probe finds dozens of unlicensed retirement homes MONTERREY, Mexico – Officials to ripple through retirement homes of Public Health, who has written have discovered dozens of across the region, killing around extensively on elderly care in unlicensed retirement homes in 70 people and leading to investigations in Latin America. northern Mexico, raising fears Argentina and Brazil into whether Mexico’s de la O said some of Nuevo that so far undetected coronavirus the affected facilities had adequate Leon’s nursing homes were not following clusters may emerge in the protections in place for their health and sanitation requirements and thinly regulated sector. residents. that additional infections in the facili- As of May 25, there had been “These long-term care facilities are not ties could push Monterrey’s hospitals to 88 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in heavily regulated and don’t always the brink. the three homes in Nuevo Leon, have the capacity to implement “When we had the first outbreak we the department said on Monday. protocols,” said Antonio Trujillo, filled up a hospital,” he said. Antonio Trujillo, associate professor One person tested positive in a fourth an associate professor at the “We’re not going to have any more at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg home. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School capacity.” School of Public Health. Officials have not said if they have found evidence of outbreaks in the unregistered facilities, but said families should take home their elderly Brazil police raid Rio governor’s relatives. “There were conditions of deplorable hygiene: crowded sleeping quarters, residences amid COVID-19 probe beds crammed together,dirty bathrooms RIO DE JANEIRO/BRASILIA – comment. without toilet paper,” state health Brazilian federal police yesterday raided The latest in a long line of Rio state secretary Manuel de la O told reporters the residences of Rio de Janeiro Governor governors to be snared in corruption last week in reference to the Wilson Witzel as part of a COVID-19 probes, Witzel is a former-ally-turned- unregistered homes, without naming corruption probe, targeting one of foe of Bolsonaro.The two have clashed in them. President Jair Bolsonaro's political foes recent weeks over how to tackle the Latin America has so far been largely as the pandemic sweeps the nation. pandemic, and Bolsonaro views spared the mass outbreaks and deaths Two sources and a statement from the the former judge as a re-election rival. related to the coronavirus that elderly federal police said the search warrants The probe into Witzel also comes just care facilities have suffered elsewhere in were part of an investigation into alleged weeks after Bolsonaro changed the top the world. corruption involving the use of public official at the federal police amid an ugly Authorities say at least 19 people money destined to fight the coronavirus political scrap with former Justice have died after catching the pandemic in Rio de Janeiro state. Minister Sergio Moro. A popular graft- coronavirus in registered retirement No arrest warrants were issued, a source fighting crusader, Moro resigned after homes across Mexico – a fraction said. accusing the president of trying to of the thousands of deaths in such In a statement, Witzel said he was install his pick as the top Rio cop in order facilities in Europe and the United innocent, and accused Bolsonaro of “in- to protect his family from investigations. States. terference” in the probe. He said he was Police were serving 12 search and That may reflect a culture of caring for “surprised and outraged” to see social seizure warrants, the police statement the elderly in multi-generational fami- media posts that suggested the said. lies. In Latin America, some 0.5% president’s allies in Congress had prior The sources said the probe is looking of the elderly live in group care knowledge of the operation, suggesting into alleged irregularities related to facilities, according to the Inter- leaks and the “construction” of a false hospitals set up to treat patients with the American Development Bank. That narrative against him. COVID-19 respiratory disease. compares to more than 3 percent of US “Congratulations to the federal police,” The police raided the Palacio seniors, according to the Census Bolsonaro said in Brasilia to reporters. Laranjeiras, the governor’s official Bureau. “I just heard about it on the news.” residence, and his personal home in the However, small outbreaks have begun Janeiro’s Governor Wilson Witzel. The president’s office declined to neighbourhood of Grajaú.

Brazilian media boycott Bolsonaro residence due to harassment BRASILIA – Brazil’s four largest news Monday night to suspend coverage for The attacks on journalists have inten- Folha said it would resume coverage media outlets said they have withdrawn now at the Alvorada Palace. sified as Bolsonaro’s political situation only when there were guarantees given their reporters from coverage of right- Bolsonaro has made a habit of stop- has deteriorated under criticism of mis- to ensure the security of the journalists. wing President Jair Bolsonaro’s official ping at the residence's entrance to speak handling the coronavirus crisis that has Globo said in a statement sent to residence due to the lack of security to to cheering supporters, take selfies with killed more than 20 000 Brazilians and Bolsonaro’s national security adviser, protect them from heckling and abuse them and make comments to the journal- paralyzed the economy. He is also under Augusto Heleno, that the by his supporters. ists. investigation for allegedly interfering in “aggressions”have been increasing and Organizações Globo, owner of the coun- However in recent days his supporters law enforcement and his supporters see its reporters would no longer go to the try’s largest network, TV Globo, as well at the gates have turned on the reporters the media as part of a plot to oust him. residence because it was not safe. as O Globo and Valor Economico newspa- with angry verbal attacks. On Monday, On May 3, angry demonstrators at a Heleno’s office said in a statement that pers, joined TV Bandeirantes and the about 60 supporters heckled the re- pro-Bolsonaro rally in Brasilia knocked it regularly studies the situation and has large-circulation dailies Folha de S.Paulo porters loudly, with shouts of “liars,” a photographer off his ladder and kicked taken “sufficient measures to guarantee and Estado de S.Paulo and decided on “scum” and “communists”. and punched him on the ground. adequate security.”

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday May 27, 2020 • 13 France’s coronavirus deaths reach more than 28,500, cases slow PARIS – France’s coronavirus death The French health ministry said that with the rate of the last week and slower toll rose by less than a 100 for the the number of fatalities had risen by 83, than the week before. sixth day running yesterday, or 0.3%, in hospitals, to 18,195. But it Meanwhile, the number of patients despite nursing home data being lowered the toll in nursing homes to in hospital with coronavirus fell by 534, included again, raising hopes that 10 335, ten fewer than when it was last or 3.2%, to 16,264, the sharpest rate of the worst of the pandemic is over published, after a technical revision. decline in almost three weeks. Intensive for the country. The death toll on average increased care patients dropped by 54 to Tomorrow Prime Minister Edouard daily by 910 between April 1 and April 15 1 555, continuing a six-week downward Philippe is due to detail new steps to lift as France struggled to contain the trend. the lockdown, which could entail the coronavirus outbreak which has swept Both numbers, key indicators of the reopening of bars and restaurants in the globe. French health system’s ability to cope some parts of France, which has now In a statement its health ministry said with the pandemic, peaked at more than France’s Prime Minister Edouard reported 28 530 coronavirus deaths, the that the number of new confirmed cases 32 000 and 7 000 respectively in early to Philippe is due to detail new steps to world’s fourth highest. was up by 276 to 145 555, or 0.2%, in line mid-April. lift the lockdown tomorrow. Germany extends social distancing rules until June 29 BERLIN – Germany’s government and spokesman said. Italy, Spain, France or Britain, and an “We have in Italy, Spain and France its state premiers have agreed to extend Chancellor Angela Merkel originally initial easing of the measures does not ap- completely different infection numbers social distancing rules until June 29 to suggested extending the distancing rules, pear to have caused a major spike in compared to Germany so I ask the federal contain the coronavirus pandemic, a which require people to stay 1.5 metres cases. government to think very carefully about government spokesman said. apart, until July 5, as the conservative A government source said the cabinet this,” he said. Yesterday’s deal, confirmed by the leader is worried about a second wave of may also decide to lift a warning against “Nobody should be fooled. Corona spokesman after being revealed to cases that could require another costly travel to 26 fellow EU countries plus remains deadly,” Soeder said, describing Reuters by a source, follows a dispute lockdown. Britain, Iceland, Norway,Switzerland and Thuringia state’s shift towards adopting over how quickly to ease lockdown The country’s 16 states have been hit to Liechtenstein from June 15, opening the voluntary, localised measures as a measures that have helped Germany differing degrees by the coronavirus, and way to separate advice for specific “fatal signal”. weather the outbreak with far fewer Thuringia in the east, which has had regions. In a nod to Bavaria’s objections, the deaths than European peers. fewer cases, voiced its dissent in separate Markus Soeder, premier of Bavaria, cabinet might postpone its decision by Under the agreement, public gather- statement. the hardest-hit state, voiced opposition a week, but still lift the blanket travel ings of up to ten people would also be Germany has seen 8 302 deaths from to moving too fast in reopening warning from mid-June, media group allowed from June 6, the government the coronavirus so far, far fewer than in tourism. RND reported.

Russia to hold Victory Day parade on June 24, says Putin VLADIMIR PUTIN has said Russia will brings together more than 10 000 soldiers after local officials had instituted hold its postponed Victory Day military from around Russia, as well as foreign distancing measures. parade on June 24 and declared that the delegations and war veterans. Shoigu told Putin yesterday that in country’s coronavirus outbreak has “I order preparations to begin for the total 5 500 Russian soldiers had fallen ill stabilised, on the same day as it posted a military parade in honour of the 75th an- with coronavirus since March. record death toll from the virus. niversary of Victory Day in the capital, Russia has the third largest outbreak of The decision to hold the parade in a Moscow, and in other cities,” Putin said, coronavirus in the world behind the US month’s time is likely to mean thousands adding that the situation “in the country and Brazil, with nearly 350 000 total of soldiers being scrambled to begin as a whole, in most regions and in the cases reported. Officials have boasted rehearsals for the complex event, while armed forces is stable”. about low mortality rates for the disease millions of Russians remain under strict He noted that the new date matched in Russia, although they have warned orders to shelter at home. the “legendary, historic” Victory Day pa- that death rates from the virus would The rate of infections in Russia has rade of 1945. Putin also said he hoped rise considerably in new data published begun to slow,according to official data, al- the country could hold “Immortal this month. though the country still has the third Regiment” marches in late July, where In several regions, a considerable num- highest number of confirmed cases of nearly 1 million Russians gather in pub- ber of deaths ascribed to pneumonia have coronavirus after the US and Brazil. lic to march holding images of family not been counted among Russia’s official Russia said yesterday that another members who fought in the war. tally of coronavirus deaths. 174 people had died from coronavirus, Putin was forced to postpone the May President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. Several dozen Russian regions have the worst single day death toll yet, 9 parade in April after it became clear the begun relaxing quarantine measures, but although lower than other countries with Covid-19 pandemic would make celebra- parade. So far the leaders of Moldova and the country is still identifying between similar rates of infection. tions of the 75th anniversary of the defeat Kazakhstan have confirmed they will 8 000 and 9 000 cases each day. Putin, speaking with senior officials of Nazi Germany a health hazard. The attend the rescheduled event. Putin said, “I order you to ensure the during a conference call, ordered the event is an important public and political In April the military said it had quar- strictest security standards while prepar- defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, to holiday and the Kremlin had hoped to antined more than 10 000 soldiers, after ing for the parade. The risks for all prepare to hold the military parade next host the French president, Emmanuel they had remained at a training grounds participants must be kept to a minimum, month, an event that in normal years Macron, and China’s Xi Jinping at the outside of Moscow until mid-April, weeks and better excluded.”

Fair to partly cloudy with a few isolated showers during the early morning.

High: 6:09 a.m. and 7:47 p.m. London: 21°C CLEAR Yesterday: 0 mm Boston: 17°CFAIR Low: 1:09 a.m. For the month: 23.7 mm Max: 30.9°C Montreal: 32°C PARTLY CLOUDY and --:-- p.m. For the year: 186.7 mm Min: 26.5°C Toronto: 30°C FAIR New York: 19°C FAIR 5:31 a.m. 6:20 p.m. Miami: 25°C OVERCAST SEVERE THUNDESTORMS/MIST

14 • Wednesday May 27, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Four Minnesota cops fired after death of unarmed black man FOUR Minnesota police officers officer in Maryland who fatally shot a have been fired after the death of man inside a patrol car. a black man who was taken into The incident in Minneapolis began custody and seen on video being after officers located the man in his car, pinned down by his neck. police said in a statement.They were told Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria the man, who has not been identified, was Arradondo said the four officers were now “sitting on top of a blue car and “former employees”. appeared to be under the influence”. Footage shows the man groaning and After being ordered to step away from Screen grab of video showing the incident in Minneapolis posted on social repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe” to the the vehicle, the man physically resisted of- media. white officer. ficers, according to police. “Officers were The incident echoed that of Eric able to get the suspect into handcuffs and tigation.” Democratic presidential candidate Garner, a black man who died being noted he appeared to be suffering medical Speaking to US media yesterday,Chief Joe Biden’s running mate – issued a arrested in New York City in 2014. distress,” the statement added. Arradondo said the force's policies statement calling for a “complete and The FBI has said it will investigate the In the ten-minute video filmed by a “regarding placing someone under con- thorough outside investigation”. Minneapolis incident, which took place witness, the man is kept on the ground by trol”will be reviewed as part of the probe. “Justice must be served for this man on Monday evening. the officer and, at one point, says, The FBI declined to comment. and his family,justice must be served for Minnesota police said the man, “Don’t kill me." Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar - our community, justice must be served believed to be in his 40s, died after a “med- Witnesses urged the officer to take his who has reportedly been shortlisted as for our country,” she said. ical incident” in a “police interaction”. knee off the man’s neck, noting that he They said he had been suspected of was not moving. One says, “His nose is committing forgery. bleeding”, while another pleads, “Get off Yesterday afternoon, Mayor Jacob Frey his neck.” Hong Kong security law: Carrie confirmed the four officers involved in the The man then appears motionless incident had been “terminated”. before he is put on a stretcher and into “This is the right call,” he tweeted. an ambulance. Lam dismisses concerns over rights At a press conference earlier, Frey had Police said no weapons were used HONG KONG’S leader Carrie Lam has She also spoke of the “positive response” described the incident as “completely and during the incident and that body camera said other countries “have no place” inter- from the public in the past few days, utterly messed up”. footage had been handed to the Minne- fering in the territory,as she robustly de- saying it “flies in the face of what those “I believe what I saw and what I saw is sota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, fended a controversial national overseas politicians are saying”. wrong on every level,” he said. “Being which is investigating the case. security law planned by China. The bill would target “a handful of black in America should not be a death After the video emerged, police said in The law would ban treason, secession, people” involved in terrorism or subver- sentence.” a statement, “As additional information sedition and subversion. Critics say it sion, she said, and anyone worried about It is the latest accusation of US police has been made available, it has been would limit the city’s freedoms. it should wait for the full details to be brutality against African Americans. determined that the Federal Bureau of However in her weekly press confer- released. Recent high-profile cases include an Investigation will be a part of this inves- ence, Ms Lam said it was a “responsi- Hong Kong’s freedoms, vibrancy and ble”move to protect the law-abiding core values “will continue to be there”, majority. she said, but added,“Rights and freedoms She denied that the law would curtail are not absolute.” the rights of Hong Kongers. The law would enhance Hong Kong's Canada tow-truck turf wars lead These rights – set out in the Basic Law status as a global financial centre, rather which is Hong Kong’s mini-constitution – than damage it, she said, calling those have been in place since it was handed fears “totally groundless”. to 20 arrests, nearly 200 charges back to China in 1997 by the UK. The There is also concern that the law could TORONTO – Police in Canada have enue agency, and has resulted in the Basic Law guarantees certain freedoms to allow China to install its own law arrested 20 people and brought hundreds seizure of cash, fentanyl, cocaine, all the territory,such as the right to protest, enforcement agencies in Hong Kong, of charges – including first-degree totalling CAD$1.5 million. Police also which do not exist on the mainland. alongside the city’s own. murder – in their latest attempt to confiscated 40 firearms, including At the weekend, there was a brief Ms Lam said fears that this could lead disrupt violent turf wars between rival handguns, rifles, shotguns – and return to the protests seen last year,with to people being arrested retroactively tow-truck operators. a machine gun – in their police firing tear gas as thousands of for taking part in protests were York regional police, which oversees a attempt to dismantle four criminal people took to the streets. “imagination”. region north of Toronto, announced the organisations. arrests yesterday as part of an investiga- Project Platinum also produced two What is happening with the law? tion dubbed Project Platinum. first-degree murder charges in the death It is not actually a law yet but a proposal “We allege that the competition for con- of tow truck driver Soheil Rafipour, who – being called a “draft decision” – that trol of the tow market has resulted in was shot dead outside his home will be put to a vote at China’s rubber- murders, attempted murders, shootings, in December 2018. stamp parliament, the National People’s assaults, arsons, threats and property The raid comes nearly a year after Congress (NPC), this week. damage,” said the superintendent, Mike another major police operation targeting Once that vote is passed, the proposal Slack, in a video announcing the arrests. the tow truck industry, dubbed Project will be fleshed out into a draft law and In recent months, concerns have Kraken. More than 70 people – including could be in force by the end of June. mounted that the tow truck industry in seven drivers – were charged with Ever since it was announced, it has the greater Toronto area has become a offences ranging from firearms faced fierce criticism internationally,but hotbed for organised crime looking to possession to conspiracy to commit Ms Lam said other countries had profit from lax regulation. murder. “no place in interfering with this As part of their investigation, police say In that operation, police recovered arrangement”. a number of towing companies Tasers and body armour, and found that No country would tolerate flawed colluded with repair shops, physiotherapy numerous drivers were armed and national security legislation, she said, clinics and car rental companies to “prepared to shoot other tow-truck and Hong Kong, as part of China, was no “grossly inflate” bills, with each group operators”, Toronto’s police deputy chief different. taking a slice of the illicit profits. They James Ramer said at the time. Opponents say the proposed law is a also allege that companies were Following yesterday’s raid, Slack said direct attempt to curtail the city’s unique “deliberately causing collisions” in order he expects “the extreme level of violence freedoms. to generate profits. we have seen in our community” to Addressing these concerns Ms Lam Project Platinum began in February as diminish in the coming weeks and said repeatedly said there had been no detail a joint operation between a number of the investigation could produce more yet, but that the text of China’s “draft Ontario police forces and the Canada rev- arrests. decision” should reassure the public. Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam.

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday May 27, 2020 • 15 Google deletes millions of negative TikTok reviews GOOGLE has deleted millions of negative TikTok reviews from its Play store after the app’s rating fell from 4.5 to 1.2 stars overnight. The video-sharing platform was inundated with one-star reviews after an Indian creator posted a spoof video of an acid attack. Faizal Siddiqui has apologised, and TikTok has deleted copies of his clip. However Google intervened after it determined that critics had set up fake accounts to amplify their protests. Even so, the move has had limited effect, and TikTok’s rating remains below two stars on the official Android marketplace. The video in question had appeared to show Siddiqui threatening a woman who had decided to leave him. In the clip, he threw liquid at the woman’s face. It was water, but the next scene showed the woman’s face covered in make-up that resembled the scars and bruising that acid might cause. “As per the policy, we do not allow content that risks the safety of others, promotes physical harm, or glorifies violence against women,” a spokesman TikTok star Faizal Siddiqui has apologised to those offended by the video. for TikTok said. “The behaviour in question violates our After TikTok became embroiled in the and comments,” he added. reported. guidelines and we have taken down backlash, Google removed more than The event coincided with TikTok’s Users can purchase virtual currency to content, suspended the account, and are five million of its recent one-star reviews monthly revenue from in-app charges spend on supporting their favourite working with law enforcement agencies but left many others active. topping those of any other non-gaming creators on the app. as appropriate.” A spokesman for Google said it had app in April, including YouTube and TikTok’s month-on-month in-app Siddiqui later said that, “As a social taken “corrective action”. Netflix, according to the analytics firm purchases revenues increased tenfold to media influencer,I realise my responsibil- “When we learn of incidents of spam Sensor Tower. The figure includes US$78 million (£63.8 million), with ity and apologise to anyone who was abuse, we review and take corrective sales via the Chinese version of the 86.6% coming from China, followed by offended by the video.” action to remove inappropriate ratings product, known as Douyin, Bloomberg 8.2% in the US.

Apple to reopen about 100 US stores, most with curbside pickup APPLE INC. plans to reopen about 100 with walk-in service will require “Throughout the day, we’re conducting reopening in the same US state at US stores, mostly with curbside pickup customers and employees to undergo tem- enhanced deep cleanings that place different times. but some with walk-in service, perature checks and wear masks special emphasis on all surfaces, display The company started shuttering its the company said yesterday. before entering.Apple will provide masks products, and highly trafficked areas,” China stores in January and reopened Apple shuttered stores worldwide as to customers who have none. Social- Apple retail chief Deirdre O’Brien wrote them by mid-March. Days later, Apple the novel coronavirus pandemic spread distancing rules will limit the number of in a letter to customers. closed all stores outside mainland China but has slowly opened them based on local people in the store at one time, which Apple has stores in several states where as the virus moved around the globe. health data. Earlier this month, the Apple said could create delays for local rules would have allowed it to open, Stores reopened outside the Greater company reopened a handful of stores walk-in customers. but it did not immediately do so.The com- China region in mid-April, starting in in Alaska, Idaho and Alabama. Apple plans to allow customers to pany has relied on local data down South Korea, and have continued through Under Apple’s new procedures, stores handle display products, as before. to the city level, sometimes even Europe, Asia and the United States.

Nokia shuts plant in south India after 42 test positive for COVID-19

NEW DELHI – Nokia last week to kick-start its economy which has been suspended operations at a telecoms gear pummelled by the shutdown. manufacturing plant in southern India, “We hope to resume operations soon at the company said on Tuesday, after a restricted level with skeletal staff some employees tested positive for strength,” Nokia added. COVID-19. Chinese smartphone maker OPPO last Nokia did not disclose how many week suspended operations at a recently workers at the plant in Sriperumbudur in re-opened plant on the outskirts of Indian the southern state of Tamil Nadu tested capital New Delhi after at least nine positive, but a source familiar with the workers tested positive for the novel matter said they were at least 42. coronavirus. The company said it had already The outbreaks at Nokia and OPPO implemented measures such as social underline the challenges of easing the distancing and changes to canteen two-month nationwide lockdown. facilities. India yesterday recorded a total of The factory had begun operations in a 145 380 coronavirus infections and a restricted manner over the past few death toll of 4 167, comparatively low Yesterday Apple Inc. revealed plans to reopen about 100 US stores, mostly with weeks, Nokia said in a statement, after figures for the world’s second-most curbside pickup but some with walk-in service. India eased the world’s biggest lockdown populous country.

16 • Wednesday May 27, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Justin and Hailey Bieber threaten to sue over TikTok videos JUSTIN BIEBER and obligations to third par- Hailey Bieber are ties.” threatening to taking They warn Dr. Barrett legal action against a that he is subject to Beverly Hills plastic “statutory damages for surgeon over claims each willful infringe- he made about the su- ment” and demand that permodel on TikTok. he issues a public state- In a cease and desist ment retracting his letter obtained by E! claims about Hailey and News, attorneys for remove all posts contain- Justin and Hailey accuse ing unauthorized refer- Dr. Daniel Barrett of ence or materials belong- using her “name, image ing to the A-list couple. and likeness” to “com- Dr. Barrett, however, is mercially advertise your standing by his remarks plastic surgery practice and keeping the TikTok and to spread false, un- video online – for now at corroborated claims that least. Mrs. Bieber has under- He tells E! News in a gone plastic surgery.” He statement, “The purpose is also accused of using of my TikTok account is “copyrighted protected to increase the trans- lyrics” from Bieber’s song parency of plastic sur- “Sorry” in his video. Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber gery and to educate peo- As seen in the TikTok ple about plastic surgery. video, Dr. Barrett shows plasty, he suggests including, without limi- The purpose of the video two photos of Hailey Hailey has undergone a tation: misappropriation was not to disparage taken years apart and skin tightening proce- of name, likeness, image Hailey Bieber in any says, “Pay special atten- dure, jawline contouring, and persona for commer- way, the purpose of my tion to the nose. What do genioplasty and gotten cial purposes, misrepre- video was to share my you think? Well, I’ll tell filler in her cheeks and sentation, defamation, opinion about the proce- you what I think. I think lips. slander, false light, viola- dures that I believed she it’s physically impossible The Biebers’ legal team tion of rights of publicity, may have had done without getting a little state in the cease and de- copyright infringement, based on photos alone. bit of help from someone sist letter, “These fla- trademark and service This is at the request of like myself to go from grant and conscious in- mark infringement, un- many of my viewers who this picture to that pic- fringements of our fair competition, dilution, follow me for this type of ture.” Clients’ rights constitute and interference with information and for my Bridge In addition to rhino- a number of violations our Clients’ contractual opinion.”

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday May 27, 2020 • 17 SPORTS WI Test players resume training in Barbados MEMBERS of the whom played in the last Indies’ (CWI) Medical the tour will happen at West Indies Test team Test match against Advisory Committee, and some point this summer,” returned to training Afghanistan in India last was conducted behind said Grave. in small groups on December. Another Test closed doors. Other play- “Our next Board of Monday at Kensington player, Raymon Reifer, ers across the region are Directors teleconference Oval. After an extended also participated. expected to resume train- is on May 28 and if the period away from the They were under the ing later this week as CWI tour has to take place as nets – due to the guidance of West Indies continues dialogue with currently planned, by the COVID-19 lockdown, assistant coach Roddy the England and Wales start of June, we would captain Jason Holder Estwick, as well as several Cricket Board (ECB) on need to have their ap- and several teammates coaches from the Barbados the proposed tour,which is proval and support by then took to the pitch with Cricket Association. expected to feature three in order to get the charter an eye on the potential The initiative to get back Test matches. flight logistics in place and upcoming tour of to training has been given Johnny Grave, CEO of select the players. It’s great West indies captain, Jason Holder. England. local Government ap- CWI, gave an update of the news that the players are The skipper was joined proval, with strict proto- discussions. now able to begin their weeks, as we begin to pre- expect to hear from them by Kraigg Brathwaite, cols of social distancing, “Based on the informa- cricket training, having pare for defending the shortly once their bio- Shai Hope, Kemar Roach, observing the guidelines tion we have at the mo- been restricted to fitness Wisden Trophy. We are in secure plans have UK Shane Dowrich and as set out by the authori- ment, everyone is getting and conditioning work the final stages of discus- Government and ECB Shamarh Brooks – all of ties and Cricket West increasingly confident that at home for the past few sions with the ECB and we Board support.” NBA union boss: Players want return but need certainty NEW YORK – NBA “It’s time,” Roberts told a resumption of the NBA Friday that could reveal players overwhelmingly ESPN. “It has been 2 1/2 season and Roberts says more details about want to resume the months of ‘What if?’ My she plans to speak with COVID-19 safeguards 2019-20 season but “need players need some level players on all 30 teams and a full return plan. some level of certainty” of certainty. I think over the next week to in- Roberts said the union in a comeback plan, everybody does.” form players about the would not necessarily players’ union executive The NBA, whose play- plans’ safety measures need to vote upon any director Michele Roberts ers are conducting indi- to prevent players from comeback strategy. says. vidual workouts at team becoming infected and “If we thought we The National facilities where allowed, what would happen if needed a vote, we would,” Basketball Players is exploring a plan to a player does catch the Roberts said. “But our Association boss told resume the season in deadly virus. preferred method is talk- ESPN in a report yester- late July at Disney World “Our guys need to ing to people or just hav- day that most players in Orlando, Florida, know,” Roberts said. ing them talk to us. Then Michele Roberts, executive director of the National support the idea of although final details “Certainty will be good. if we get a sense of what Basketball Players Association, says players want to resuming a campaign of a plan have yet to be But the players really the sentiment is, then we resume the halted 2019-20 NBA season but need shutdown in March by determined. want to play.” can move forward. We certainty on plan details, including coronavirus safe- the coronavirus pan- The league and union NBA team owners plan talk to our players and guards. demic. have been in talks about a conference call on figure it out.” Bernard sees Super League as pathway to regional netball development MARVA BERNARD, the “When you talk about out logistics are major Zealand, the most domi- Tobago (10th) are AFNA’s longer [standard] version. administrative head of development you’re not challenges. nant countries in netball, best-ranked teams. There would have to be a netball in the Americas, just talking about develop- “There is a proposal doc- stage their own profes- Currently, neither has the decision as to when and believes the establishment ment of a player, you’re ument that was written sional netball leagues. financial clout to match where and how it would of a regional league would talking about development some years ago. I had The world number one- the competitions staged fit into the international serve the two-fold purpose of the sport – [including] dusted it off and had actu- ranked Australia hosts in Australia, New Zealand, calendar,” Bernard told the of developing the sport and your umpires, your match ally begun discussions the Suncorp Super Netball the UK, and Singapore. Observer. strengthening ties among officials, playing venues with local investors. It League, while reigning “It is going to take AFNA currently com- members and affiliates. and the whole business would require a regional global champions New money, a united asso- prises membership from “To fuel development we side of the game. And it approach to funding. Zealand are home to the ciation and a stronger Anguilla, Antigua and can have our own super would see the unification “It’s proven so difficult ANZ Premiership. Americas,” the Jamaican Barbuda, Argentina, league. This has been on of the region too.We would for the members of the re- In the United Kingdom, veteran netball adminis- Barbados, Bermuda, the cards for this region for want players from all gion to obtain sponsorship the sport’s top competition trator reiterated as she ex- Canada, Cayman Islands, years. It is still a dream in our member countries to for championships that we is the Vitality Netball plored the key ingredients Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, my heart because of what be eligible to play in this [already] know this will be Superleague. South Africa for a successful regional Jamaica, St. Kitts and it can mean for develop- league,” she told the a challenge. Travel and and Singapore also host league. Nevis, St. Lucia, St. ment,” said Bernard, the Jamaica Observer during hosting costs for teams to their respective elite com- “There would have to be Maarten, St. Vincent and president of Americas a recent interview. move around the Americas petitions. a buy-in from regional the Grenadines, Trinidad Federation of Netball Though the concept has region would be a huge A number of the top stakeholders. We in the and Tobago, and United Associations (AFNA) long been championed, expense because we are players in the Americas Americas would have to States. which governs netball Bernard, a former Netball divided by water more earn a living playing over- decide on how the teams Bernard said Venezuela in South, Central and Jamaica president, cau- than culture,” the AFNA seas. would be formed. We have and Guadeloupe have North America and the tioned that acquiring boss explained. Jamaica, fourth in the to decide on what format, expressed interest in be- Caribbean. sponsorship and ironing Australia and New world, and Trinidad and whether Fast5 or the coming members. 18 • Wednesday May 27, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Busch passes Cindric in OT to win Xfinity race at Charlotte CONCORD,N.C.– “I thought choosing the Kyle Busch normally outside was the right celebrates his victo- way but obviously it was- ries by climbing on n’t. I don’t know,” Busch top of his race car and said. “Those guys put up bowing to the crowd a whale of a fight tonight But with no fans in on restarts. I guess I’m attendance at Charlotte not good at it anymore.” Motor Speedway on Cindric thought he had Monday night due to the Busch beat. Kyle Busch (54) and Ross Chastain (10) battle during a NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race at Charlotte Motor coronavirus pandemic, “To almost beat one of Speedway on Monday, May 25, 2020. Busch passed on the the best in the business tradition after driving on worse tires, I never dropping him to 10th Cindric got a little loose being sidelined for two Jeffrey Earnhardt past Austin Cindric on lifted, I never lifted until place. between turns one and months because of the pulled out of his pits the final lap of overtime I knew I was done,” But Busch was far two and Busch was able coronavirus. too early and wound up to claim his 97th career Cindric said. “I wanted from done. to make a pass. It was a tough night turning a lap with a jack Xfinity Series win. to win so bad.” He battled back Busch drove a No. 54 for Darlington winner wedged under his car. “It kinda felt a little Busch has won 210 through the field with Toyota sponsored by Chase Briscoe, who fin- It was the second of odd,” Busch said. “I guess races overall across the help of a series of the Appalachian State ished 20th. four races in four days I could have bowed to the NASCAR’s top three se- strong restarts on the University class of 2020. Briscoe, who was look- at the 1 1/2-mile track camera.” ries, the most of any six cautions over the “Hopefully this will lift ing for his third Xfinity at Charlotte. After a crash involving driver. final 45 laps. your spirits, we won one Series win of the season, Brad Keselowski won several cars sent the race Daniel Hemric edged Busch recaptured the for you,” Busch said to drew penalties for an the Coca-Cola 600 on into overtime, Cindric Cindric for second. lead with 10 laps to go, the App State students uncontrolled tire and Sunday night in over- had a great restart in Cindric finished third but nearly gave it all who didn’t get to have a speeding on pit road and time after a late caution overtime and overtook followed by Ross away in overtime. traditional graduation then sustained damage flag cost Chase Elliott an Busch for the lead start- Chastain and Justin “I was surprised ceremony due to the to his car after hitting almost certain victory. ing from the inside lane. Allgaier. (Cindric) got as good of a coronavirus. the wall with 45 laps to The Truck Series re- But Busch battled back, Busch appeared in con- launch as he did,” Busch Busch is in the midst go when Timmy Hill’s turned to the track for driving by Cindric on the trol for most of the race said. “On that restart he of running all seven engine blew up. Things the first time in more backstretch of the final winning the first two passed me and I was races in 11 days went from bad to worse than three months on lap and holding on to stages, but was assessed like, ‘Oh man I don’t at Darlington and when he suffered dam- Tuesday night, followed win 18th overall race at a speeding penalty on pit know if I can get back to Charlotte since NASCAR age to the right front of by another Cup race CMS. row with 38 laps to go, him,” Busch said. But returned to action after his car with 28 laps to go. today.

Wilson, Rapinoe, Bird to host remote ESPYS feting heroism LOS ANGELES – It’s a tics.Wilson’s singer-wife, Smith said there’s at her production com- “We really love this letes and controversy way different kind of Ciara, is likely to make been a lot to learn in as- pany. “This is the first sort of pure reaction,” doesn’t quite fit with this year, and so The ESPYs an appearance, too sembling a pre-produced one of its kind. Maura’s Smith said. “We found year’s theme. In a differ- will be, too. For the first “We liked the idea of show with everyone in signature will always be ways to really be able to ent time, the Houston time, the show will fea- having athletes from di- different locations. on this show.” capture it.” Astros cheating scandal ture three hosts in re- verse sports that repre- “Typically, we are all The Arthur Ashe The ESPYs are typi- would have been ripe for mote settings and a sent something for every shoulder to shoulder and Award for Courage, the cally defined by viral the picking. changed focus. Instead of fan,” show producer Jeff looking through cuts and Pat Tillman Award for moments rather than “On this side of the honoring the past year’s Smith said by phone. arguing through story Service and Jimmy V viewers remembering pandemic, it’s hard to top athletes and mo- “We’re finding ways to ideas,” he said. “We Award for Perseverance who won what. Without really care about that,” ments in sports, the make this feel really con- found a different way to are among the honors a live show, Smith said said Rob King, ESPN show is celebrating hero- nected to the audience. connect with each other.” to be presented. But he still aims to mine senior vice president and ism and humanitarian They’re so ready to reach Shortly before the US there won’t be the those nuggets. editor at large. aid. out to this community.” shutdown because of the usual long acceptance “We’re finding access The show is taking Seahawks quarterback It’s quite a departure coronavirus, the show speeches read off the to athletes and celebri- a forward-looking ap- Russell Wilson, soccer from the red carpet suffered a blow when teleprompter. ties that in some way proach rather than star Megan Rapinoe and strutting and 5,000 audi- longtime executive pro- The producers hope to will surprise the audi- lament what the world three-time WNBA cham- ence members at the ducer Maura Mandt died show the winners get- ence,” he said. has endured during the pion Sue Bird will pre- show’s longtime home in unexpectedly at age 53 ting a call informing Comedy and music are COVID-19 crisis. side over the two-hour Los Angeles. Instead of on Feb. 28. them of the honor at the always part of the show, “In the not-too-distant broadcast airing June 21 its usual July date dur- “I wish we could have same time the audience and Wilson, Rapinoe and future after the show on ESPN. All three live ing baseball’s All-Star done this show together finds out. That involves Bird will get a chance airs, we’ll see a return to in the Seattle area. break, the show has been because she would have colluding with family to show off a sense of live sports that will drive Rapinoe and Bird are rescheduled and re- a really interesting per- and team members to humor. a sense of hope,” King partners who share a imagined as a result of spective on how we’re lure them to a video However, the host’s said. “We hope to have household, which conve- the coronavirus pan- doing this,” said Smith, screen at the appropri- usual opening mono- this show be really re- niently eases some logis- demic. who worked with Mandt ate moment. logue poking fun at ath- flective of that.”

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday May 27, 2020 • 19 McIlroy hopes Ryder Cup will be moved to 2021 RORY MCILROY believes did go ahead. I think that would be the McIlroy is facing a busy the Ryder Cup will be "I think the majority of right call." end to the year with the moved back to 2021 under players would like to see it European Ryder Cup PGA Tour set to return pressure from players to pushed back until 2021 so captain Padraig Harring- from June 11. not lose the unique atmos- that they can play in front ton has previously warned The PGA phere of the biennial event of the atmosphere they his players that they may Championship, US Open behind closed doors. want to play," McIlroy told have to sacrifice the thrill and Masters will follow in The coronavirus pan- BBC Northern Ireland. of playing in front of big August, September and demic has wreaked havoc "They want to play in crowds for the good of golf November respectively, on the golfing calendar front of crowds, that fans watching at home. but McIlroy is still disap- with the three US-based makes the Ryder Cup so "The players don't want pointed the Open was not majors moved to later in special. it but we might have to also rescheduled. the year and the British "At the end of the day take one for the world of "I was just as disap- Open cancelled. the players are the ones team sport and put an pointed as everyone else The Ryder Cup is still that make the Ryder Cup event on that people can that The Open got can- scheduled to take place and if they don't want to watch," said Harrington celled this year," he added. from September 25-27 in play then there isn't a earlier this month. "I think it would have Wisconsin, but spectators Ryder Cup. "It wouldn't be the same been a good date in would almost certainly not "I see it being pushed for us but we're craving September if we were able be allowed to attend if it back to 2021 and honestly sport on TV." to play it." Bayern Munich down NOTICES NOTICES Dortmund to close on Bundesliga title JOSHUA KIMMICH de- "Sometimes, games are ner two minutes before the Bayern bench and scribed his winning decided by brilliant mo- half-time when he chipped echoed around the near- goal as "brutally impor- ments and that was the Buerki from 20 yards. empty stadium. tant" after Bayern case today." It was the Germany in- Munich took a huge Dortmund's star ternational's third league Leverkusen crash step towards an eighth teenage striker, Erling goal from outside the box Elsewhere, Bayer straight Bundesliga Braut Haaland, who had this season. Leverkusen dropped to title on Tuesday with a scored ten goals in as In an attempt to turn fifth after being routed 4- 1-0 win at Borussia many league games, failed the game around, 1 at home by Wolfsburg, Dortmund to leave to make an impact against Dortmund coach Lucien whose defender Marin them seven points Bayern's watertight de- Favre brought on midfield Pongracic claimed two clear at the top with fence before going off in- enforcer Emre Can at the goals. just six games left. jured in the second half. start of the second half It was a shock defeat at Kimmich's brilliant ef- Jerome Boateng and and added the pace of home for Peter Bosz- fort came just before half- David Alaba gave him no Jadon Sancho on the wing. coached Leverkusen who time behind closed doors room, while Kimmich and The home side had a had won their previous 12 at Signal Iduna Park as Leon Goretzka in midfield shout for a penalty just be- games. hosts Dortmund missed made sure passes in- fore the hour mark when a Borussia the chance to turn up the tended for him rarely met Haaland shot was de- Moenchengladbach heat on the Bavarians their mark. The Norway flected wide by the arm of climbed over Leverkusen without the backing of forward limped off with 20 Boateng, but nothing was into fourth with a goalless their huge support. minutes left after a heavy given. draw at second-from-bot- "It was brutally impor- tackle from Boateng. Shortly after, Haaland tom Werder Bremen, who tant: I looked around to limped off to be replaced are two points from safety. see if everyone understood Cleared chances by 17-year-old Giovanni Eintracht Frankfurt how important it was," Things might have been Reyna. took a point at home in a Kimmich said of his deft different, with Haaland In the dying stages, 3-3 draw with Freiburg chip. coming close inside the Favre brought on 2014 thanks to late goals by Kimmich's captain first minute with an at- World Cup winner Mario Timothy Chandler and Manuel Neuer echoed the tempt that went through Goetze, who is out of con- Japan striker Daichi defensive midfielder's the legs of Bayern goal- tract next month and set Kamada. thoughts. keeper Manuel Neuer but to leave, in the vain hope Third-placed RB Leipzig "That was a very impor- was kicked off the line by of grabbing an equaliser. can draw level on points tant sign," said Neuer. Boateng. With time running out, with Dortmund if they Bayern won 4-0 when At the other end, Bayern striker Robert win on Wednesday at the teams met in Munich Lukasz Piszczek cleared a Lewandowski hit the post. home to Hertha Berlin, in November and they Serge Gnabry shot inches The league's top scorer who have won both games kept up their excellent re- from the line, while mo- then had a strong appeal so far under new head cent record against sec- ments later Dortmund for a late penalty waved coach Bruno Labbadia. ond-placed Dortmund. goalkeeper Roman Buerki away after a push in the Leipzig will be without "Now only Bayern can denied Kingsley Coman. area by Dortmund de- Danish striker Yussuf decide what happens," Bayern were in control, fender Manuel Akanji. Poulsen, who is set to miss said frustrated Dortmund and Kimmich grabbed But the roars of celebra- the rest of the season with captain Mats Hummels. what proved to be the win- tion at the end came from injury. 20 • Wednesday May 27, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline May 26, 2020 EPPLEY C'BEAN PROPERTY FUND SCC - VAL FUND 1524 0.58 0.55 0.56 -$0.02 Two securities declined and one traded firm as 1,983 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $2,040.86. Eppley FIRSTCAIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK 367 2.4 2.4 2.4 -$0.08 Caribbean Property Fund SCC – Value Fund was the volume leader trading 1,524 shares at a high of $0.58 and a low of $0.55 cents GODDARD ENTERPRISES LIMITED 92 3.25 3.25 3.25 0 before closing down two ($0.02) cents at $0.56. They were followed by FirstCaribbean International Bank and Goddard Enterprises Limited which traded 367 and 92 shares respectively. Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $18.63 $18.62 -$0.01 BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Tuesday May 26, 2020

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

ABV Investments Incorporated 13-Mar-20 - - - $0.15 $0.15 - $0.02 $0.30 8,080 10,500

BICO Limited 11-Mar-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 $3.56 9,260 500 INDICES Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES May 26, 2020 May 25, 2020 Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - Local 3044.44 3,104.84 60.40 Barbados Farms Limited 4-May-20 - - - $0.40 $0.40 - $0.30 $0.68 10074 25,342 Cross-list 1,400.14 1,400.14 - Composite 745.51 759.90 14.39 Cable and Wireless Barbados Limited -+ 21-Sep-17 - - - $2.29 $2.29 - - - - - MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 25-Mar-20 - - - $4.62 $4.62 - $2.50 $4.40 700 46810 TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES May 26, 2020 May 25, 2020 FirstCaribbean International Bank 26-May-20 367 2.4 2.4 $2.48 $2.40 -$0.08 $2.40 $2.55 230 2500 Local 6,484.05 6,612.68 128.63 Cross-list 178.78 178.78 - Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 12-May-20 - - - $0.19 $0.19 - - $0.19 - 47,500 Composite 6,662.83 6,791.46 128.63 - Dev Fund MUTUAL FUND May 26, 2020 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 26-May-20 1524 0.58 0.55 $0.58 $0.56 -$0.02 $0.55 $0.58 1,055 19946 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV -Value Fund CHANGE 22-May-20 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2677 0.0269 Goddard Enterprises Limited 26-May-20 92 3.25 3.25 $3.25 $3.25 0 $3.15 $3.25 9320 82123 22-May-20 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND* w 1.2077 0.0019 22-May-20 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6907 -0.0002 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 17-Mar-20 - - - $3.20 $3.20 - $3.15 $3.20 500 352,240 22-May-20 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 5.3898 5.3898 5.3898 0.0779 One Caribbean Media Limited 06-Mar-20 - - - $2.70 $2.70 - $1.80 $2.70 6264 6,264 22-May-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 1.9948 0.0095 22-May-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 0.9990 0.0048 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 30-Apr-20 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.2851 5.2851 5.1794 0.0347 30-Apr-20 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 0.9159 0.9159 0.8976 0.0085 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - - - $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - 30-Apr-20 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6369 1.6369 1.6042 0.0070 22-May-20 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.52 0.06 West India Biscuit Company Limited 25-May-20 - - - $31.00 $31.00 - $30.00 $32.50 100000 300 22-May-20 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.45 0.04 Emera Deposit Receipt 10-Feb-20 - - - $18.63 $18.62 -$0.01 $20.84 - 35 - 22-May-20 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.97 0.00 * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD 1983 FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly * = Security is Trading X-Div

*+* = Security is Suspended Fixed Income

** = Rights Issued Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 17-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 - $65.00 - 148822 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 GOB Series F 05-Feb-20 $89.00 $89.00 $89.00 1,847,619 NOTICES GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $75.00 103,713 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NEWS Barbados Farms Limited – Directors of Barbados Farms Limited (BFL) hereby notifies its valued Shareholders that it wishes to withdraw the previously published record date of March 26th, 2020 for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company. Once the country returns to some degree of normalcy and BFL is in a position to have its Annual Report together with the notice of meeting printed and mailed within the statutory timeframe, it will advertise a new record date Singapore warns of for determining Shareholders entitled to receive notice of the 35th annual meeting of shareholders.

Sagicor Financial Company Limited – The Board of Directors, of the parent company of Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited, economic contraction has fixed May 1st, 2020 as the record date for those shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the SINGAPORE'S virus-hit March – came as official Company to be held on June 15th, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be a virtual meeting, details of which will be included in the shareholder package. economy could shrink by as data showed the economy DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS much as seven percent this shrank 0.7 percent on-year Goddard Enterprises Limited – Directors have declared a final dividend of point five ($0.005) cents per share to be paid on May year – the worst reading in the first three months of 29th, 2020 to Shareholders on record at close of business on April 30th, 2020. since independence – the the year, while it reduced government said Tuesday, 4.7 percent from the COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE as it unveiled a fresh multi- previous quarter. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 contagion affecting the island, the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central billion dollar stimulus The financial hub is Securities Depository Inc. (BCSDI) have been instituting several procedural changes. package. one of the world's most Kindly note that effective May 18th, 2020, the BSE and BCSDI re-opened and will resumed normal office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 The city-state is seen as a open economies, and is p.m. Please also note that we have implemented digital temperature checks for all persons entering the building. These checks are being conducted on both staff and clients alike by trained personnel. bellwether of the global usually hit hardest and While we acknowledge that every person with fever may not be COVID-19 positive and that some individuals may present without economy, and the forecast earliest during any global symptoms, please note that any person with a temperature reading of 100? F (37.8? C) or over will be denied entry to conduct historic contraction shock. business within our offices. highlights the extreme The ministry said the We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation, however, we must emphasize that this is a necessary step pain being wrought on new estimate was made "in for the protection of staff and clients alike. countries by the killer view of the deterioration in BSE NOTICES disease. the external demand TRADING SUSPENSION The warning came as outlook" and the partial The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section Singapore's deputy prime lockdown imposed 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. minister unveiled a fresh domestically. A contraction support package worth of seven percent would be The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section Sg$33 billion ($23.2 billion) the worst since the city's 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited for the troubled city, which independence in 1965. were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. has been crippled by Shutdowns in major The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by months of lockdowns markets such as the United way of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor around the world. States, Europe and China Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation The trade ministry's have crippled demand for Limited. forecast – which was a exports, and a halt in The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that, as a result of the approved amalgamation of Cable and Wireless downgrade from the international air travel has (Barbados) Limited (CWBL) and Cable & Wireless West Indies Limited (CWWI), trading in the security - Cable and Wireless maximum four percent hammered Singapore's key (Barbados) Limited - has been suspended with immediate effect. contraction predicted in tourism sector. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday May 27, 2020 • 21

22 • Wednesday May 27, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Audi parts with Formula-E star who used ringer in virtual race AUDI Sport on Tuesday parted ways margin, arousing the suspicions of the with German racing driver Daniel organisers and rivals. Abt for cheating in a charity video The 27-year-old was disqualified and game race in which he passed the ordered to make a "compulsory donation" controls to a professional esports of 10,000 euros ($10,978) to charity. gamer while pretending he himself Abt won a real world race on the same was at the controls. circuit in 2018 and has been successfully Abt released a video late on Tuesday racing Formula-E since its creation in apologising, once again, but added it was 2014. not his intention to cheat just to show "It's a game, a simulation which does Daniel Abt first raced in Formula-E in 2014. that video racing was not like the real not have anything in common with real thing. racing. It's definitely very far away from Abt and making clear they did not see the denly went in a direction which I had "This virtual sin of mine has conse- what makes a real Formula E car," Abt funny side. not ever been able to imagine in a quences in the real world," he said. said, showing a video of a virtual a multi- "Integrity,transparency and consistent dream." "Today I had a conversation with Audi car pileup and saying "everyone drove compliance with applicable rules are top "I was portrayed as a cheater." that our ways will split from now on." as they liked." priorities for Audi – this applies to all ac- "I apologise to my family, my friends, In the race on Saturday, Abt, second "There were drivers taking it seriously tivities the brand is involved in without my sponsors,Audi, Unicef and to the fans bottom of the virtual series, passed con- who put a lot of time on the simulators," exception." with all my heart," he said. trol of his car to Pro esports gamer said Abt, adding he wanted a young sim Abt insisted he had not tried to cover "I made a huge mistake. I hope you Lorenz Hoerzing, 18, who was in Austria, racer "to show the other, real, drivers up the ruse and was shocked by the re- can forgive me." in the 'sim' for the race around Berlin- what he is capable of." action. "I feel like I couldn't fall any further.I'm Tempelhof. Earlier on Tuesday, Audi released a "It has never been my intention to lie on the floor but I'll get up again. I hope At one point, Abt's car led by a wide statement saying they had suspended to you," he said. "After the race it sud- you accept my apology."

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday May 27, 2020 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S

Aries – Spending time with family will lift your spirits. A It's so refreshing to be with people who accept your short- N comings and celebrate your quirks. Follow an impulse to D give a special keepsake to a relative. They'll greatly ap- C preciate this loving gesture. Don't feel threatened if a O loved one adopts a different lifestyle or belief system than N the one in which they were raised. S Taurus – Are you bored? Follow a friend's advice about a book, movie or album you should try. This work will have a profound impact on your outlook. Instead of feeling mired by an oppressive situation, you'll find a way out of it. Going on a short walk will make your heart soar. It will be so much fun to explore a nearby town that has beautiful architecture, and enchanting countryside. Z Gemini – Your heart and mind are working in perfect har- I mony. This is a good time to make decisions, especially about work. If you want a raise, talk to your boss. Point T out all the contributions you've made within the past few S months. Are you looking for work? Apply to a family owned business.

Cancer – Exploring new ideas fills you with excitement. Don't be surprised when you receive a lot of romantic offers. You're never more attractive than when you have your teeth sunk into a fascinating project. Using technology to make people's lives easier will attract fame and ac- claim. R Leo – You've got a fantastic imagination and are a born E artist. Instead of keeping your insights and inspirations to X yourself you should look for ways to put them before the public and see where it leads. If this means cutting back M your work hours or delegating household responsibilities O to others, so be it. R G Virgo – A brilliant idea will come to you while you're car- A rying out some mundane responsibilities. Pause to record N this brainwave on your phone or in your notebook. Be as descriptive as possible; you don't want to forget a single aspect of this notion. Spotting friends you haven't seen for some time on your daily walk will be fun.

Libra – This is a good time to tidy your workspace. Assign a place for everything you own. Being able to lo- cate whatever you need at a moment's notice will boost P your productivity. While you're at it, clear out anything you don't need. Negative thinking will undermine your H professional prospects. A N Scorpio – Searching for insight will take you down some T unusual paths. If you read about an internet-based course O that fills you with excitement, sign up for it now. You don't want to get shut out of this opportunity. You'll blossom M under the influence of a caring instructor. You're curious about people who have different beliefs.

Sagittarius – You'll leave no stone unturned when seek- ing the answer to a perplexing question. A search on a government archive will be illuminating. Don't get dis- couraged if you encounter a dead end. By varying your M search keywords, you'll discover the information you need. Beware of being blunt and sarcastic in your speech. A R Capricorn – A traditional approach to business can cre- Y ate distance between you and the younger generation. Don't change your approach to make them more comfort- W able. By standing by your methods and not criticising theirs, you'll gain their respect. There's room for all sorts O of different attitudes. R T Aquarius – Are you looking for work? This is a great time H to spread the word. A neighbour or relative will hear of a professional opportunity that is just perfect for you. Any job that offers intellectual stimulation is perfect. You love devising solutions to complicated problems. Beware of imposing your perfectionism on others. M O Pisces – Show off your creative talent. Whether you T paint, write or perform is unimportant. It's time to sell H your work on an artisanal website, submit a manuscript E to a publisher or audition for a role. Even an introvert like R you can enjoy the spotlight. A loved one will accuse you of being self-centred. G O O S E WI Test players resume training in Barbados Page 17

Wednesday May 27, 2020 NEW COURSE FOR STUDENTS

Robotics, Coding in schools from September The laboratory performed 100 tests on Monday. COME September when and to have a better the ability of students to the new school year understanding of the work cohesively in groups and opens, students will be opportunities that are out build creativity. COVID-19 update: No positive introduced to the world of there for them as well,” “Scratch and coding in coding and robotics. Minister Bradshaw said. general is nothing short of The Ministry of Education, Parkinson Memorial School an amazing asset to add to cases for third straight day Technological and Vocational teacher, Shane Downes, any school curriculum as it FOR the third straight day,the isolation yesterday. The Training will pilot the new shared during his allows teachers new ways Best-dos Santos Public Health numbers therefore remain the course in all secondary schools presentation that the course to engage with students Laboratory reported no positive same – 92 confirmed cases, and select nursery and has the potential to open and likewise for students cases of COVID-19. The 71 recoveries, 14 persons in primary schools. the minds of children to to engage, develop, learn laboratory performed 100 tests isolation and seven deaths. Teachers have therefore think logically and develop and grow together,” Downes on Monday. The public health laboratory been proactive ensuring its analytical skills; and foster further expressed. (TL) No one was released from has now completed 4,888 tests. success by taking part in an Erdiston Teachers’ Training College Coding and Robotics workshop. On Monday, several secondary school teachers had the opportunity to take part in the “Starting from Scratch” Showcase, displaying their coding ability, and received high praises from Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, the Hon. Santia Bradshaw. “It really pleases me to know that all of you have come on board and taken the time out to be able to improve what you already know, or learn new things as it relates to this programme. Because I know that the students are certainly excited about what is to come and excited about the opportunities certainly that would be presented from this,” she expressed during the virtual event. “I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to meet with a number of the ICTs in the school system. And we talked a lot about the reforms that needed to happen in education; we talked about the wider vision for education. “There are a lot of ideas as it relates to technology; this is really just one part of a bigger puzzle in terms of being able to introduce our young people to different aspects of WORKING HARD: Activity across the island has started to pick back up. In addition to construction, workmen computers and technology, from the Ministry of Works and Maintenance were also making sure that signs and road markings were also visible.

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