Ashfall Likely, Barbadians Told BARBADIANS Should Be Prepared to Since the Start of the Phenomenon, Comes,” She Said

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Monday April 12, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive ‘STAY OFF THE ROAD’ FOR as long as this country contin- rious challenge to all categories of mo- vehicle ahead of you. We also want traction will be reduced with the ash and ues to be affected by ashfall from torists, and even pedestrians traversing persons to slow down; there really is with the added rainfall it would become the La Soufrière volcano on neigh- the country’s road network. no need to speed, especially in these even more slippery. bouring St. Vincent, an appeal is Moreover, she noted that as the ash conditions,” she told The Barbados “As visibility will be reduced at times, going out to motorists to limit their plumes passed over the island on Advocate. persons should make themselves con- time on the nation’s highways and Saturday and yesterday, ash blanketed With that in mind, the BRSA presi- spicuous by driving with their headlights byways. the streets, which she maintained dent is advising motorists who know the on. Headlights are not only for you to see The appeal is coming from President of made for even more dangerous driving tyres on their vehicles may not be in good ahead, but also for others on the road to the Barbados Road Safety Association conditions. condition, not to venture out at all. She see you. We do not want to see any acci- (BRSA), Sharmane Roland-Bowen, who “Because of what is on the road the said with the low visibility because of the dents on the road, and so the best advice said that persons should only venture tyre traction would be reduced as well, ashfall, coupled with the ash on the road, to persons is to stay off the road. If you out if it is absolutely necessary. and so it is going to take you longer to the probability of an accident occurring don’t have to leave home, then please The road safety advocate made the call stop. What we would advise then, if you is higher than normal. stay home, the safest place is home,” the as she said that the low visibility result- have to go out, is that you leave adequate Roland-Bowen stated, “If you need to road safety advocate contended. ing from the ash fall has been posing a se- following distance between you and the buy tyres leave that trip out, because (JRT)

Scenes like this were the norm across the island yesterday. INSET: Director of the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre, Dr. Erouscilla Joseph. More ashfall likely, Barbadians told BARBADIANS should be prepared to Since the start of the phenomenon, comes,” she said. possibly ride out the effects of the cur- Barbadians have been asking about the With winds in Barbados coming tra- rent ashfall from the La Soufriére vol- length of the event, and Dr. Joseph said ditionally from an easterly direction cano in St. Vincent for weeks. that there was no conclusive way to and St. Vincent lying to our West, Dr. This from Director of the University predict the end. Joseph explained that the height of the of the West Indies Seismic Research “Unfortunately, the worst case sce- eruption columns were taking the bulk Centre, Dr. Erouscilla Joseph, as she nario is that this can go on for weeks be- of the ash into the upper levels of the at- spoke during a virtual media confer- cause of the changes in the dynamics of mosphere. As the wind direction above ence held yesterday. the system. We just have to keep mon- 10 kilometres moves to the West and With the volcano experiencing a se- itoring the seismicity associated with sometimes even loops around, she gave ries of explosive eruptions since this the volcano and advise based on that. the reason for why the ash made it to past Friday,layers of ash have been de- But given the previous eruptions, they Barbados and was able to come from scending on Barbados since the wee have lasted six months to a year, so the all directions. hours of Saturday morning as a con- worst of it could be days to weeks, but ASHFALL on stant cloud hangs lazily over the island. we will update as more monitoring data Page 2 2 • Monday April 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Vehicle owners covered their cars to protect them from the falling ash.

Mottley: No need for panic Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. from Page 1 type of eruption that is being affected in the way wear masks and long essary.I have led the foun- said that there was no The La Soufriére vol- evolving. This particular in which it is by the ash. clothing while cleaning dation for why we cannot need for panic. cano erupted in 1902 and eruption, while showing And, of course, the volume and to shovel or sweep the leave it any further or wait “We don’t need to panic 1979, however, the effects very similar characteris- of the ash that is being ash into garbage bags for for Seismic and others to and we certainly don’t felt in Barbados were not tics as the 1979 and 1902 generated by these verti- disposal. tell us that it is over before need to do things that as severe as they are now, eruptions in terms of ash cal eruption columns,” she “We’re not in a position we do anything. It must escape common sense. and Dr. Joseph hypothe- columns and pyroclastic said. to deal with knowing start as long as visibility The one theme through- sised that the increased density currents, what is Noting that the when this will end, but we allows and as long as out this is going to be that intensity was due to those different about this one is International Volcanic know that we have to start safety can be guaranteed we are going to fight this two eruptions creating an the jetting and the height Health Hazard Network the cleanup. And as a as far as possible,” she with common sense. It easier path to the surface of the ash columns that recommended cleaning in consequence, tomorrow said. may need a few cents and for gas and magma. are being generated. This small increments to avoid (today) must be seen as Adding that as bad as dollars too, but the first “The reason why this is was not seen in the previ- build-up of ash, Prime the beginning of the na- the situation was that it thing we need is common happening now and it is ous eruptions.This is why, Minister Mia Amor tional cleanup which may could be much worse, sense.” so much is because of the unfortunately,Barbados is Mottley urged persons to go on for as long as is nec- Prime Minister Mottley (MP) The Barbados Advocate Monday April 12, 2021 • 3

QEH Out-patient Clinics closed THE public is kindly asked Out-Patient Clinics will be Help Desk at 536-4800 to note that the Out- contacted by a member of or send an email to Patient Clinics of the their medical team to dis- [email protected] for Queen Elizabeth Hospital cuss their ongoing care. guidance before visiting (QEH) will be closed, and Affected out-patients the Accident and the Pharmacy Medication will also be contacted by Emergency Department Delivery Service sus- the Medical Records (AED). Given the climatic pended today Monday, Department and provided conditions, all necessary April 12. This interim with rescheduled appoint- precautions are to be taken closure does not include ment dates and times. to ensure you reach the patients scheduled for dial- We are aware that some QEH safely if advised to ysis treatments at the hos- persons remain ill at home visit the AED. pital’s Artificial Kidney while awaiting the date of The QEH regrets any in- Unit. their next out-patient ap- convenience caused, and As most out-patient vis- pointment. If you believe looks forward to your con- its are routine follow-ups, you require emergency tinued cooperation as we patients affected by the un- or urgent medical care, strive towards “Getting expected closure of the please contact the QEH Better Together”. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. BWA and BL&P give assurances GENERAL Manager of you need not fear about the Barbados Water contamination – it is not Authority (BWA) Keith- vulnerable to ashfall; it is roy Halliday has given the well secured. assurance that the coun- “We are aware that try’s “water quality is there is some misinforma- sound and our delivery tion that is circulating on services remain intact”. one or two viral videos that He sought to allay con- claim that our reservoirs cerns which stem from a are either contaminated, number of fake news posts or will be contaminated, circulating over the week- and that is not the case. end as volcanic ash from There’s also been refer- neighbouring St. Vincent ences to cave systems and the Grenadines being vulnerable or being hovers over Barbados. able to produce contami- “I want to assure nates into our system. We Barbadians that we have in fact only have one such closed network distribu- cave system which feeds tion system – what that our Bowmanston system, means is our system is and there is already a principally secured or procedure and protocol sealed. Our reservoirs are whenever we have heavy General Manager of the Barbados Water Authority Managing Director of the Barbados Light & Power sealed and because we rely rainfall or whenever we (BWA) Keithroy Halliday. Company, Roger Blackman. principally on water ab- have run offs – the way in straction from the ground, which we treat it; in the Barbados Light & seeing any sparking wires designs which is some- Blackman also took the whether we treat it which we manage it,”he Power Company Roger or anything like that, we what unique in the opportunity to advise cus- through our well pumping stressed. Blackman said that there are asking you to contact Caribbean, but again it is tomers not to spray water system or a through a de- However, the BWA has been no major impact us at our emergency num- done that way for re- on their meters or service salination system – that General Manager is re- on the national electric ber. But no need to panic, silience and that provides connections, instead use a water is secured up to the minding the public that it grid at this time. However, our insulation levels are us with a level of protec- broom to brush the vol- processing of our reser- is the dry season and to the company continues to designed for higher volt- tion as well. canic ash away. voirs into a distribution therefore minimise use of monitor systems closely ages – both at the high “Notwithstanding that, “We are assuring the system,” Halliday ex- water. and reports as they come voltage and low voltage we do have a plan over the public that the electricity plained during the La “Wherever you can, in. levels than we currently next few days to assess system is holding up well, Soufrière Emergency manage your water; use it “Of course, the ash can operate at – so there is and wash down equipment there are no major issues,” Update (Barbados) yester- very carefully during the be highly conductive and level of protection already and do the relevant inspec- he said, also urging per- day. upcoming days,” he urged. especially when wet, and built into the design,” he tions.We can’t wait for the sons to only rely on legiti- “So I need everyone to Also addressing the therefore can have some explained. ash to build up, we need to mate new sources for understand, you need not press conference, impact on operations…So “Additionally, most of deal with it in phases,” he Barbados Light and Power fear…the water quality; Managing Director of if customers out there are our substations are indoor said. updates. PM: National cleanup to get started today TODAY is the begin- told the nation yesterday, go on for as long as is nec- be guaranteed as far as in environmental assess- Public Service and Head ning of the national “We are not in a position essary. But I have led the possible”. ment should report for of the National Union of cleanup, according to with knowing when this foundation for why we The Prime Minister duty. Public Workers – but I Prime Minister Mia will end, but we know cannot leave it any fur- also revealed that today “I have met with the am saying to you that Amor Mottley. that we have to start the ther, or wait for seismic, all retail businesses will Head of the Private only government essen- After a weekend of ash- cleanup”. and others to tell us that be closed. However, she Sector and spoken also to tial public services will fall from the La Soufrière “As a consequence, to- it is over before we do said that essential work- the General Secretary of open,” she stressed, also volcano which continues morrow (today) must be anything. It must start as ers should go to work and the Barbados Workers’ urging those who can to rumble in St. Vincent seen as the beginning of long as visibility allows. those persons who are in- Union (BWU) and I will work remotely to please and the Grenadines, she our cleanup which may and as long as safety can volved in cleaning up or speak to the Head of the do so. 4• Monday April 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Group seeking solution ‘in the best interest’ of students

RECONSIDER from Back evidence of CXC’s consis- sands of CARICOM chil- alternative solutions mend that CARICOM UK. Colloquially and pub- Page tently sub-optimal quality dren, and their teachers, have already been sug- appoints an independent licly, OFQUAL is often re- and all the teaching of communication and in- are enduring during this, gested by education stake- external regulator of CXC, ferred to as the exam time lost; and as it relates adequate engagement the second year of a pan- holders, and apparently which, inter alia, will ‘watchdog’. to Paper Two, they believe with students, parents demic.” ignored. enact an audit of CXC’s “CXC has demonstrated the proposed notice date and teachers, regarding The group is also urging “Ideally, alternatives to testing and communica- that it needs such a watch- for topics is far too late to the 2020 exam results and the regional examination in-person exams, such as tions processes and gener- dog. This will also aid in be of practical benefit to the 2021 exam plans. to, “properly engage us, as teacher-predicted grades, ally regulate its activities restoring the public’s trust students and may disad- It demonstrates callous- essential and relevant which do not result in the thereafter,in a similar role and CXC’s currently tat- vantage them. ness and disregard for stakeholders, to find a so- loss of an academic year as that OFQUAL, in the tered reputation.” “This is not a student- the context of mental, lution in the best interest should be considered,” the focused decision,” the emotional and economic of our region’s children”. group pointed out. group declared. stress that six cohorts of The Regional Coalition “As a long-term reme- “The following is clear exam candidates, thou- For CXC Redress said dial strategy, we recom- CXC still under fire MORE than six dren, already at risk and months after the re- stressed by the current lease of the Caribbean pandemic conditions, Examination Council have gone through the (CXC) 2020 results, gamut of emotions due to advocates for the re- these 2020 exam results: marking of the CAPE - shock, disappointment, Caribbean Advanced despair, demoralisation, Proficiency Exami- distrust of authority fig- nation, and CSEC – ures whom they expected Caribbean Secondary to protect them, to, sadly, Education Certificate lack of confidence in their – papers say that the abilities and, finally, ac- majority of affected ceptance of the erroneous students remain dis- results, the last as a advantaged. protective coping mecha- In a joint statement, nism. The last was CXC’s the Regional Coalition plan all along, we sus- for CXC Redress queried, pect.” “Why is CARICOM ap- The group commended parently enabling CXC’s the region’s teachers, continued callousness many of whom, they be- towards our region’s chil- lieved, were demoralised dren?” by their professionalism In September and and integrity being ques- October last year, hun- tioned regarding their dreds of students in grading of 2020’s SBAs. Barbados united in street “Some teachers who protests against the CXC have been moderating grades, as well as stu- SBAs for 20 - 30 plus dents in Trinidad & years, had their marking Tobago. questioned in 2020, im- The group said that the pugning their integrity CXC review process, orig- and capabilities. Even if inally promised by CXC it were true that there to be completed within a had been inappropriate week, was apparently behaviour by a few, they largely a delay mecha- were all ‘thrown under nism. the bus’.” “The vast majority of The Regional Coalition those disadvantaged chil- for CXC Redress has dren saw no change to therefore made it clear their grades: less than that its demand remains 1.8% and less than 0.6% the same as last year. of CAPE and CSEC “We demand, on behalf Reviews, respectively, of our CARICOM chil- resulted in grades up- dren: CXC’s 2020 graded. Grading methodology de- This lack of change, ac- tails; upward revision of cording to parent and the grades of those ad- student advocates, does versely affected students; not indicate that the evidence of remediation grading process was cor- of CXC’s quality control, rect. Instead, they said, to ensure that 2021 “It demonstrates, as we Exams are not similarly feared, that a flawed adversely affected; and grading methodology, commitment to greatly unaddressed and re-used improved communication in the review process, and real engagement resulted in the same of key and relevant edu- original flawed grade re- cation stakeholders: sult. students, parents and “Many of these chil- teachers.” The Barbados Advocate Monday April 12, 2021 • 5

COVID-19 update: 11 new cases, 20 recovered ELEVEN new positive There have been 3,730 have been conducted by COVID-19 cases – all fe- confirmed cases of the public health labora- males – were identified on COVID-19 (1,815 females tory. Saturday, April 10, from and 1,915 males) recorded To date, 65,873 people – 321 tests conducted by the since the pandemic began 27,137 men and 38,736 Best-dos Santos Public in March, last year. women – have been vacci- Health Laboratory. Additionally, 3,607 per- nated as part of the Twenty people also re- sons have recovered, and National Vaccination covered from the viral ill- 44 persons have died from Programme for COVID- ness. There are now 79 the virus. 19. persons in isolation. A total of 146,135 tests (BGIS) Need for attitude of gratitude DESPITE the hard- ships seen by persons from all strata of life in Barbados, an attitude of gratitude is what we should all exhibit. This from Priest-in- Charge of the St.Bartho- lomew’s Anglican Church Rev.Ian Claridge as he delivered the church’s Harvest Thanksgiving Service virtually yesterday. With the island and the rest of the world currently under heavy manners due to the COVID-19 pandemic and most recently, the ashfall caused by the eruption of the La Soufriére volcano in St. Vincent, Rev. Claridge said that he knew that the journey of life had become even harder and difficult to navigate since last year. However, he noted that life calls on us to adapt. Having just come out of Priest-in-Charge of the St.Bartholomew’s Anglican the Easter Holy week, Church, Rev. Ian Claridge. Claridge stared that Thanksgiving was not just “I have heard clergy and to make it normal or like the act of saying ‘thank laity alike fretting about previous experiences. you’, but more in the way worship in the pandemic. What we need to do is to we approached life. ‘What are we going to do? experience and connect to “Thanksgiving is about How are we going to con- our God now,” he said. more than simply saying duct liturgy when we can- Continuing to cement mere words or counting not be together in person? the message of gratitude, our blessings. Gratitude is How can we make it tan- Rev. Claridge said that not defined by our circum- gible and meaningful?’ I faith would see us through stances in our life, in the get it. We don’t know all that came. world, nor is it shaped by what’s going on. But are “I don’t know when or the things we do, say we bold enough to say ‘I how we will get through or have. My friends, do not know but I trust this pandemic, but I know Thanksgiving is a way of God.’? Will we continue to this: every cross flowers being. It comes from who run around like chickens with new life; every tome we are in our core being,” without heads wondering is a workshop of resurrec- he said. what will happen next tion; and every Good Going on to say that and responding, not to Friday gives way to events of the past year God’s love, but to what we Easter, and so we must may be asking us to sit up feel, what we think? The give thanks to God. We and pay attention as life pandemic, my friends, must allow our gratitude has been harsh superfi- does not stand as a bar- to change us. May our cially and in reality, rier or in opposition to lives, our world be the raw Claridge addressed the the worshipping of the material for a new crea- sentiments of many Christian. The pandemic ture and together, with Christians across the is- is our reality for the mo- God, we will overcome.” land. ment.We don’t need to try (MP) 6 • Monday April 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

This ambulance was covered in ash. Gas stations made sure that they cleaned up from the volcanic ash. Barbados continues to be affected by volcanic ash VOLCANIC ash af- with heavy volcanic ash fected the island again deposits which started yesterday, as eruptions around midday and continued at the La continued into the after- Soufriere volcano in noon. St. Vincent and the Pictured below are Grenadines. some images from around The day started with the island yesterday some welcome showers showing the impact of the but was quickly replaced ashfall

The approach to the Bussa Roundabout showed how visibility was gone yesterday.

Roads were clear for the most part yesterday. The Grantley Adams International Airport check-in area was blanketed in ash. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 12, 2021 • 7

China approves new COVID vaccine for clinical trials A NEW COVID-19 vaccine developed by duction does not require facilities with China’s Sinopharm has recently been ap- high biosafety levels since the process proved for clinical trials. does not involve live viruses. The new recombinant COVID-19 vac- The recombinant vaccine is the com- cine, developed by the National Vaccine pany’s third COVID-19 vaccine. Last & Serum Institute, a R&D centre of December, an inactivated vaccine devel- Sinopharm’s bioscience subsidiary the oped by the Beijing Biological Products China National Biotec Group (CNBG), Institute Co., Ltd. under CNBG became got approval from the National Medical the first Chinese COVID-19 vaccine to Products Administration on Friday, the have conditional marketing authorisa- CNBG said on its official Weibo account tion. on Saturday. In February, another inactivated vac- The vaccine is based on the structural cine from the Wuhan Institute of features of the receptor binding domain Biological Products, a CNBG affiliate, (RBD) on the virus’ spike protein (S-pro- was allowed to enter the market on a tein). It uses genetic engineering to grow conditional basis. harmless copies of the virus S-protein to More than 161.12 million doses of induce neutralising antibodies. COVID-19 vaccines had been adminis- The company said that recombinant tered across China as of Friday, the People receive COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site in Gulou District of vaccine technology is mature and suit- National Health Commission said Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, April 9, 2021. able for large-scale production. The pro- Saturday. ‘Waste not, want not,’ minimalists say AS an eco-minimalist, Su Yige has bottled drinks and restaurant takeouts. maintained an environmentally No matter where she goes, she carries a friendly and sustainable lifestyle reusable plastic box so she can avoid for the past three years while study- disposable plastic containers. ing in Canada. Even before she met Su online, the She takes her own bag when she goes 23-year-old, who graduated from the grocery shopping and uses second-hand Central Conservatory of Music in items as often as possible. Beijing last year, had been endeavouring As she has attended online classes at to make her parents more aware of en- home in Toronto for the past year,Su vironmental issues. hasn’t used any sanitary napkins and She scored an early success, though it avoids almost all paper-related prod- sparked a series of small quarrels ini- ucts unless she has to use a public toi- tially. let while away from home. “I frequently asked my father to bring However, her eco-friendly actions have the plastic bag back home after dump- often led to the 23-year-old being mis- ing our waste in the trash bin. He was taken as Japanese. unhappy, and argued that instead of Initially,she believed it was a result of making that request, I should go down- similarities in Asians’ appearance in the stairs to dump the waste myself,” she eyes of many Westerners, but after long said. observation she has concluded that it is In another move, her father criticised based on “environment-related racism her for doing too much shopping online. against Chinese people”. Eventually, they both made steps to- That conclusion prompted her to ward becoming better environmental- launch an environmental video blog as Su displays her replacement for sanitary napkins and paper kitchen towels. She ists. a platform to address this perceived always tries to avoid paper-related products. Her father brings the bag back for racism. reuse and she has only bought two She didn’t expect that the move would supermarkets, she said. Despite that Perseverance pieces of clothing online in the past six lift the curtain on the ongoing story of fact, she sees a prejudice against Through her vlog, Su soon found that months. how she and many other young Chinese Chinese people from an environmental she was not alone in living a sustainable enthusiastically lead and promote a perspective. lifestyle. Growing trend lifestyle that aims to minimise waste. Many dramas from the United States At the beginning, very few people While carefully classifying garbage at Diligence and thrift are time-hon- show young Chinese leading extrava- watched the films she uploaded to video- home, even sending trash as small as oured traditional Chinese virtues. Su’s gant lives, while environmental news sharing site Bilibili. However, her perse- plastic tissue wrappers to a recycling family is a good example of this, accord- related to the country,though positive in verance over the past year has paid off company, Beijing housewife Mai Mai ing to the native of Weihai, Shandong itself, often attracts negative comments as many of the 23 videos she has made has been turning kitchen waste into province. Although they have little for- online, she said. have been viewed about 20,000 times. compost, which she applies to a veg- mal “green” knowledge, her parents lead The idea of launching an environmen- In one of her videos, she shows how to etable plot on some land she rents. a very environmentally friendly life. tal vlog came when she failed to find make reusable beeswax food wraps. In Overall, the 37-year-old now ensures For example, the family has used the many examples of such content on another, she illustrates the process of that roughly 80 percent of the waste same hair dryer for more than a decade, Chinese social media platforms, though making natural washing powder. generated in her home is recycled. and Su remembers many of her mother’s it is common on the internet in the She has amassed over 10,000 follow- In addition to encouraging her family clothes from as far back as kinder- West. ers in a minimalist group she set up on to reduce waste, Liu Xiaodan from garten. “As long as something can still be She probably would not have put the Douban, China’s major review platform. Tianjin has persuaded the head of the used, my mother will not replace it with idea into practice so quickly if she had- Almost 500 of her die-hard fans have general office at her company not a new item,” she said. n’t been mistaken as Japanese again in also joined a WeChat group she estab- to provide bottled water during meet- Before going to Canada six years ago, March last year, when she was cleaning lished, where they share environmental ings. Su thought Western countries per- up an area strewn with litter while tak- information and exchange objects they When she has raised enough money, formed well in terms of environmental ing a walk. no longer need. the 32-year-old plans to open the first protection. “What I found, however, was A Canadian man, who stopped run- Encouraged by Su, many members of zero waste store in Tianjin. far from my expectations,” she said, cit- ning and joined her, asked if she was the WeChat group have ratcheted up Back in Canada, Su is looking forward ing excessive packaging and waste in from Japan. Dressed in regular clothes, their efforts to lead environmentally to finding a job related to sustainable de- supermarkets as examples. she could find no reason for the mis- friendly lives. velopment in China after she graduates The waste is so bad that a lot of edi- take. “I suddenly realised that it’s hard For instance, Ding Nan from Xiamen, as a computer science major in the ble food is dumped in trash bins outside to break the prejudice,” she said. Fujian province, has said goodbye to all summer. 8 • Monday April 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial Cambodia criticises edited photos Affordable of Khmer Rouge victims AUTHORITIES in the victims,” it said. the men.” Lydia said she was the Cambodia have criticised Loughrey told the BBC The article made no niece of one of the people in breaks an artist after he altered he could not comment until mention of smiles being Loughrey’s photos. She photos of victims of the he had spoken to Vice. The added. said that his smirk had not DUE to the ongoing period of lay-offs and short-time Khmer Rouge genocide. media organisation did not Before the article was been edited but said work caused by the Covid-19 pandemic workers no Irish artist Matt respond to a request for removed, it was updated information Loughrey longer have the level of income that they have grown Loughrey colourised comment. with a disclaimer that gave about him in the accustomed to.This will lead to a reduction in travel images of photos taken in Loughrey colourised read: “It has been brought interview with Vice was and could negatively impact our tourism industry the notorious Tuol Sleng images of victims from S- to our attention that the false. which relies heavily on airlift in and out of the Island. prison. Smiles were 21 prison in the capital restored portraits The article stated her Travel for business will likely never return to pre- reportedly added to some Phnom Penh, where more published in this article uncle had been a farmer pandemic levels as businesses have learned how to faces. than 15 000 people were were modified beyond who was electrocuted and use technology to do more of the things that were In a Vice article, which sent to their deaths. colorization. We are set on fire. traditionally done in person. Still, there are many was later removed, These images were then reviewing the article and “We don’t know the exact other reasons to travel; for leisure, medical purposes, Loughrey said he had featured in a profile piece considering further actions way in which he died, and citizenship requirements as well as for educational wanted to humanise the in Vice. to correct the record.” there may be a record of purposes. Although finances may continue to be a victims. Loughrey said the On Saturday, a number that we haven’t seen,” she hindrance to travel for some time to come we can The brutal regime, in project had seen a “huge of people on Twitter posted tweeted. “But the rest is begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel when it power from 1975-1979, response” and added that the alleged original images false: he was not a farmer, comes to health-related travel restrictions. claimed the lives of up to he was talking with the alongside the colourised but a primary school The strong attempt being made by many countries two million people. museum about making the photo, saying the smiles teacher. It’s impossible for to vaccinate large portions of their population as Cambodia’s culture images accessible to had been added. Loughrey to have been in quickly as possible can give hope that a return to ministry said the altering everyone. This led to a huge contact with his son, some lifestyle that could be considered normal is of the images affected “the When asked by Vice backlash in Cambodia. because his only children slowly approaching. There has also been public dignity of the victims” and magazine about the smiles, One tweeter, Munthit also died.” discussion on whether a vaccine would be necessary called for both Loughrey he said that women Ker, wrote: “No words can “Responsible journalism for travel. Public officials have made clear that many and Vice to remove them. appeared to smile more ever fully describe the is crucial, especially when countries already require evidence that visitors have It said that the Tuol than the men in the photos dreadful feelings hidden it concerns the retelling of taken other vaccines before they can enter. This Sleng Genocide Museum he had seen. behind those faces who stories of real victims of a evidence may be in the form of a vaccination was the lawful owner of the “I think a lot of that has knew they would soon be terrible genocide. These certificate issued by the vaccination facility or by images. The ministry to do with nervousness,” he marched to the mass people have families and some digital record such as a vaccine passport. The vowed to take legal action said. “Also – and I’m graves. But here they were loved ones,” she added. International Air Travel Association is working with if “Matt Loughrey does not making an educated guess transformed into The Tuol Sleng Genocide airlines to launch a digital travel pass that should comply” with the request. – whoever was taking the celebratory, smiley Museum, which is on the confirm a traveller’s vaccine status and Covid-19 “We urge researchers, photographs and who was portraits for an artful show site of the former prison, test results. Until then, persons who need to travel artists and the public not present in the room might off. Inconsiderate and said that the altered can still do so safely by following all protocols and to manipulate any have spoken differently to offensive!” photos “seriously affect the being vigilant during their travels. This would historical source to respect the women than they did One woman named dignity of the victims”. require the use of good quality face masks securely worn, consistent use of hand sanitizer with at least 70 per cent alcohol as well as maintaining social distance where possible and handwashing where Bavarian leader joins race to run as available. Even though international travel has taken a hit, our tourism ministry must stay on top of the industry to make sure that Barbados always German chancellor candidate has the best opportunities to attract tourists. News broke in January that Royal Caribbean BERLIN – Bavarian the chancellorship,” CDU said Soeder. Many conservatives are plans to set up a homeport in Barbados for three of premier Markus Soeder leader Armin Laschet told “There is a great nervous about contesting its Caribbean cruises on its ship the Grandeur of the put himself forward on a joint news conference. expectation that a joint the September 26 federal Seas which will expose the Island to more tourists Sunday to run as the Laschet lags Soeder in solution will be reached election without Merkel, and give them an opportunity to continue their conservative candidate for opinion polls but, as sooner rather than later,” who has led them to four vacations here after cruising if they are interested. German chancellor in a leader of the larger CDU, said Soeder, stressing that victories. She has ruled These new cruise options will bring direct flights into September election and effectively has first the two rivals had agreed out standing for a fifth Barbados from Newark Liberty International and said he would settle the refusal and enjoys the to show each other term and has not Washington-Dulles International in order for question soon and support of some powerful respect. explicitly backed either persons to board and disembark the cruises at the amicably with his rival, state premiers. Laschet, 60, is a centrist candidate although she end of the year. It is hopeful that other tourists can the Christian Democrat With September widely seen as a has hinted that she would use that opportunity of increased airlift to come to (CDU) chief. elections nearing, candidate who would back the CDU leader. Barbados for their own vacations and to immerse Pressure is mounting conservatives are continue Merkel’s legacy, The conservative bloc themselves in our local culture. It also might provide for a swift decision on pressing for a decision on but he has clashed with has slipped to about 27 the opportunity for Barbadians to have direct flights whether Soeder, leader of the candidacy to end her over coronavirus per cent in polls, partly to new parts of the United States outside of the the Christian Social speculation which is restrictions. Premier of due to an increasingly typical New York, Miami and New Jersey. The loss Union (CSU), or the highlighting divisions. Germany’s most populous chaotic management of of the popular route between Barbados and Fort CDU’s Armin Laschet Laschet said the next state, North Rhine- the pandemic. In the 2017 Lauderdale, Florida which Barbadians would often should stand for the two- step would come on Westphalia, his chaotic election, it won almost 33 use for shopping and short vacations has left a void party bloc in the Monday with CDU and handling of the crisis has per cent. of affordable travel options. Caribbean destinations September 26 election, CSU committee meetings undermined his The Social Democrats may not be as attractive as they are often more making them the but he gave no time for popularity. have nominated Finance expensive without the added shopping opportunities. candidate to succeed the decision. Soeder, 54, is an astute Minister Olaf Scholz as Affordable travel options are great opportunities Angela Merkel. “We want to win this political operator who has their candidate for for retired persons to enjoy their time exploring the “Markus Soeder and I election in the autumn – sided with Merkel during chancellor, while the world. Many have saved for their entire lives so that had a long conversation that is the main aim. And the pandemic. No CSU Greens plan to announce they could enjoy travel after retirement only to be before today. We declared we are now thinking leader has become their nomination on April prevented from doing so by Covid-19. Children also our willingness to run for about the best formation,” German chancellor. 19. could have the opportunity to see new places while they are young if travel can somehow be made more Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes affordable. We look forward to the continued good E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves work of our Ministry of Tourism and hope that we Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan can see even more travel options available soon. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Monday April 12, 2021 • 9

Build a Global Community of Shared Future Free from Poverty By H.E. Yan Xiusheng poor households, and the completion rate which want to speed up development and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of in 2020 was 94.8%. lift the living quality of their people. UN China to Barbados Basic medical insurance coverage Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of the poor is over 99.9%. Some 19.36 recently extended congratulations to AT a grand gathering held on February million impoverished people have been President Xi on the occasion of the an- 25, 2021 marking China’s achievements covered by rural subsistence allowances nouncement of China’s successful efforts in poverty alleviation and honouring its or extreme poverty relief funds, and 60.98 in the fight against extreme poverty. model fighters against poverty, H.E. million by basic pension schemes for “This extraordinary result is a reason for Xi Jinping, President of the People’s rural and non-working urban residents, hope and inspiration to the entire com- Republic of China, solemnly declared achieving nearly 100% coverage. munity of nations,” the UN chief said. that China has completed the arduous Impoverished areas had gained 1.1 While advancing poverty alleviation at task of eliminating extreme poverty. million km of reconstructed highways home, China has always provided assis- China has completed eradication of and 35,000 km of new railways. Over tance to other developing countries to extreme poverty – the first target of 98% of poor villages have access to the best of its capacity. For example, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for optical fibre communications and 4G we set up the China-UN Peace and Sustainable Development – 10 years technology. Development Fund and the South-South ahead of schedule. 99.48% of villages in 22 provinces and Co-operation Assistance Fund, and Poverty is a chronic affliction of human equivalent administrative units in cen- helped establish agricultural technology society and a common challenge faced tral and western China had seen their demonstration centres in Africa, benefit- by the whole world. Poverty and its own cultural centres completed. ing local people.At the same time, China associated problems, including hunger, A total of 10.21 million impoverished has continued to seek greater synergy diseases, and social conflicts, are serious women have received skills training, over between the Belt-and-Road Initiative impediments to people’s pursuit of a 5 million of whom have increased their (BRI) and the 2030 Agenda.According to better life, so the eradication of poverty incomes through activities such as hand- a World Bank report, BRI co-operation Ambassador of the People’s Republic of has always been a wish to be fulfilled. icrafts, crop and animal husbandry, has the potential to lift 7.6 million people China to Barbados, H.E. Yan Xiusheng. China is the world’s largest developing housekeeping and e-business. Small-sum out of extreme poverty and 32 million country, with a population of 1.4 billion. guaranteed loans and micro credit out of moderate poverty. era, as its capacity allows. With that, In addition to its weak foundations and amounting to more than RMB450 billion As one of the countries that signed China and Barbados can march forward uneven development, the nation had long have been provided to impoverished MOU on BRI Co-operation with China, hand in hand along their ways to enable been plagued by poverty at a scale and a women. Barbados remains China’s long-stand- their peoples to live a prosperous life at level of severity that has rarely been seen More than 7 million poor people with ing and true friend. China will continue an early date, which will jointly make anywhere else in the world. Over the past disabilities have been lifted out of poverty to facilitate assistance to our friends, due contribution to the cause of poverty 100 years, the Communist Party of China as scheduled. The systems for providing Barbados included, to together overcome alleviation for mankind, and ‘build (CPC) has united and led the Chinese living allowances for poor people with challenges in their social and economic a global community of shared future people in the battle against poverty with disabilities and nursing subsidies for development, either providing vaccines free from poverty’, as proposed by H.E. unwavering faith and will. Especially severely disabled persons cover more and other PPEs during the COVID-19 President Xi Jinping at the 2015 Global since the 18th CPC National Congress in than 24 million. pandemic period, or strengthening prag- Poverty Reduction and Development 2012, the Party Central Committee, with Eliminating poverty is a challenge for matic co-operation in the post-COVID Forum! General Secretary Xi Jinping at the core, all countries. Each subject to different has fought a decisive battle against national conditions and at different poverty that is unprecedented in scale stages of development, countries adopt and intensity. I would like to use a set of different poverty reduction criteria, data to illustrate this great and arduous methods and approaches. Bearing in journey. mind its prevailing reality and under- During the past 8 years, the 98.99 mil- standing the nature of poverty in its do- lion people in rural areas who were liv- main, China has embarked on a path of ing below the current poverty threshold poverty alleviation, with upholding the JOB OPPORTUNITY all shook off poverty; all the 128,000 im- CPC leadership, and has accumulated The Sandpiper is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, famous for its warm hospitality and poverished villages and 832 designated several experience, including people- impeccable service. A family owned, five-star property where the tradition of guest comfort is a dedication poor counties got rid of poverty. centred philosophy, highlighting poverty shared by every member of its committed and long serving team. The Hotel is seeking to recruit an The per capita disposable income of alleviation in the governance, eradicating EXECUTIVE CHEF reporting to the Hotel Directors. We seek a creative, knowledgeable, and confident leader who has demonstrated creativity, attention to detail, consistency in high quality food preparation, training the rural poor increased from RMB6,079 poverty through development, pressing standards and team development: in 2013 to RMB12,588 in 2020, up by ahead with poverty alleviation based on 11.6% per annum on average. reality,letting the poor play the principal Key Responsibilities: . Ensure guest & staff satisfaction, by leading the daily operation of the kitchen. There are no dropouts from schools in role and pooling all resources to create . the countryside due to financial difficul- synergy. Liaise with the senior Restaurant/Kitchen Teams to monitor culinary product quality and resolve operational problems. ties; nine-year compulsory education is China’s approach may provide experi- . Communicate with guests about their food choices and circulate in restaurant during meal services. now available to all children from rural ence and options for other countries . Provide creative culinary ideas to project and enhance the image and reputation of the culinary operation, using only the very best quality of ingredients. . Lead in the development, evaluation and discipline of all staff in the Kitchen Team. . Ensure prompt and efficient purchasing, issuing of supplies, product quality and inventory control whilst maintaining budgeted food cost. . Monitor and analyse the menus and product of competitive restaurants and keep abreast of international culinary trends to maintain competitive advantage. . Ensure that required Health and Safety regulations (HACCP) are consistently adhered to. . Control labour, rostering and payroll preparation, ensure that they are in line with budget and business demand.. The successful applicant should possess: . A Degree/Diploma in the culinary field from a recognized tertiary level institution. . A food safety certification from a recognised organisation (e.g., HACCP). . A minimum of eight years’ experience in a similar position, in a luxury five star rated hotel environment. . International experience in a five-star rated kitchen. . A proven track record delivering a diverse range of international cuisines. . An understanding of menu content, impact, pricing guidelines and kitchen financial management. . A working knowledge of computerised systems for all aspects of management. Knowledge of Opera and Check systems preferred. . A high level of performance management with a proven record in staff development. To apply, please submit your application to the following to reach us on or before April 25, 2021. Please indicate the position of interest in the subject line where applications are sent via email.

The Human Resources Manager The Coral Reef Club/The Sandpiper Porters, St. James Email: [email protected] 10 • Monday April 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Region praised for vaccine sharing THE strong solidarity vice versa with others. Facility, a global effort cinated. This is no doubt that Caribbean govern- everyone is safe,” Dr. shown within the This is really the type of between the Coalition for the most effective way ments have demon- Kamuragiye said. Caribbean as coun- unity that must be ap- Epidemic Preparedness out of this pandemic.” strated in doing all in Dr. Yitades Gebre, tries shared their lim- plauded as it serves as a Innovations (CEPI); “I want to give my their power to ensure PAHO/WHO Represen- ited first batches of true model of solidarity Gavi, the Vaccine assurance that the UN that the COVID-19 vacci- tative for Barbados and COVID-19 vaccines for the rest of the world.” Alliance; UNICEF; the system remains commit- nation is introduced, as the Eastern Caribbean hasn’t gone unnoticed He was at the time Pan American Health ted… And we remain res- an additional public Countries, further re- by the international participating in the UN- Organisation (PAHO); olute in calling for global health intervention to vealed that the COVAX community. sponsored press confer- and the World Health vaccine equity, partic- control the pandemic. facility has delivered On Friday, United ence in commemoration Organisation (WHO). ularly as it relates to “Procurement and de- some 38 million doses to Nations Resident Co- of World Health Day and “With a second round low- and middle-income livery of vaccines are in- over 100 countries. He ordinator, Mr. Didier the Arrival of COVAX of delivery expected in countries,” Trebucq said. sufficient without public said that in the Americas, Trebucq, expressed that Vaccines to Barbados and the second quarter hope- UNICEF Represen- trust, confidence, will, PAHO delivered 2.9 mil- it is heartening to see the Eastern Caribbean. fully, we would have cov- tative for the Eastern and demand for vaccines lion doses in 28 countries, that this level of solidar- “We cannot end this ered, under the COVAX Caribbean Area, Dr. which are key prerequi- including seven in the ity is truly alive in the crisis unless everyone facility, 20 per cent of Aloys Kamuragiye, ex- site for any country Eastern Caribbean, last region. within the Caribbean the populations to be pressed support for the to reach the herd immu- week. “For example, we region and elsewhere vaccinated,” he indicated, vaccination programme. nity. “Seven effective vac- have observed the in the world has a fair encouraging all citizens, He warned that the “Vaccines will help us cines have been devel- Government of Barbados access to vaccines,” he especially the most vul- longer the pandemic goes end this pandemic, but oped and approved at sharing doses with stressed, also reporting nerable to get vaccinated. on, the more intense the only if there is fair access record speed. The chal- Caribbean sister-nations that the first round of “And I really want to impact on women and to all countries. The lenge now is to ensure which were received over 180,000 vaccine call on the people of the children. He also took the COVID-19 pandemic that they are available as donations from the doses were delivered last region to seize this oppor- opportunity to commend has made clear to us all to everyone who needs Government of India – week under the COVAX tunity offered to get vac- the effective leadership that no one is safe until them,” he added. COVID-19 not going anywhere in a hurry, says PM Mottley PRIME MINISTER Mia cines received through side of the pandemic. Amor Mottley expects the COVAX facility. “It is clear to us that that Barbados and much After receiving a fur- we are going to be in this of the rest of the world ther 33,600 doses of the battle for some time still. will be under the thumb Oxford-AstraZeneca to Largely because we have of COVID-19 for some bolster the island’s mass not acted in a co-ordi- time to come. She was inoculation campaign, nated way globally,but to speaking to members of Prime Minister Mottley the extent that we accept the media at the Grantley revealed that she believes that we are still going Adams International that there is still some to be in this battle, then Airport for the arrival of way to go before the world there are some urgent the first tranche of vac- comes out on the other things that need to be done,” she said. Listing the use of prox- ies and criteria such as maternal mortality to de- termine access to thera- peutics and vaccines as one of the issues needing remedying, Mottley noted that the level of production was also a major factor hindering the global response to the pandemic. “You cannot have the kind of constrained pro- PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dr. Yitades duction in a world today Gebre (left) and Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic, look on that has been fighting as Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley speaks. this virus for over 12 months. The fact that we “The biggest battle that plants, in the use of what the need once again for have not planned out the world will face be- we are giving to animals global leadership, Mottley production better, partic- tween now and 2050 is that are commercially concluded by drawing ularly in large continents the battle dealing with raised in difficult condi- reference to the fallout like Africa and Latin antimicrobial resistance, tions. And by extension, caused by the Spanish flu America and the what we call the slow mo- because of what we are and the bubonic plague Caribbean as a sub-re- tion pandemic. And the doing as human beings and stating that the world gion, is perhaps regret- mere fact that I’m using and with our livestock should work towards not table, and an absence of that ‘p’-word again should and our plants, it is hav- being in a similar situa- the co-ordinated foresight frighten everyone glob- ing its impact also on our tion again. that was required if we ally, because the slow mo- environment in terms of “We cannot afford again were going to get on top of tion pandemic has the po- the run-off and how it af- for the world to be taken this early. And I suggest tential to make a visit to fects our water supply,” by surprise.We read to you better now than the doctor or simple child- she said. about the bubonic plague, never, because this is not birth an exercise now like “This is our reality and you know about all the going anywhere in a Russian roulette. And therefore when I speak different things through- hurry,” she said. why? Because our bodies about scaling up produc- out history. It is up to us Revealing the fact that have developed a resist- tion, it’s not just scaling now as a global commu- she also chairs the One ance regrettably to a lot of up production potentially nity to plan through ex- Health global initiative, the antibiotics we have for this pandemic, but it is panded production, ex- the Prime Minister ex- been overusing over the scaling up production for panded co-operation, but plained that the eyes of years, not just as human whatever else might face rooted always in fairness the world should also be beings, but in the use us.” and equity,” she said. set on the future. of stuff that we put on Going on to highlight (MP) The Barbados Advocate Monday April 12, 2021 • 11

CDB co-ordinating multi-tiered response to St. Vincent volcano eruption THE Barbados-based Caribbean active lines of communication with Development Bank (CDB) has ex- the Government of St. Vincent and the pressed concern about the chal- Grenadines. The response here will be lenges facing St. Vincent and the tailored by the immediate support Grenadines in the wake of the requested by the Government and the COVID-19 pandemic as the La damage assessment. Soufriere volcano continues to “CDB is also now in dialogue with de- erupt. velopment partner organisations and the In a statement yesterday,the CDB says international donor community to pool it joins with the regional and inter- resources and harmonise efforts for a national community “in expressing more impactful long-term outcome.” our solidarity and best wishes to the This structured response aligns with Government and People of St. Vincent CDB’s Disaster Risk Management Ash covers palm trees and a church a day after the La Soufriere volcano and the Grenadines. Strategy and Operational Guidelines erupted after decades of inactivity, about 5 miles (8 km) away in Georgetown, “Our team is now actively co-ordinating (DiMSOG), aiming to contribute to sus- St. Vincent and the Grenadines on April 10, 2021 in a still image from video. a multi-tiered response intended to effec- tainable development and poverty re- tively support ongoing efforts to address duction in CDB’s Borrowing Member a critical role in supporting the response portation resources, supplies and equip- citizens, residents, and organisations’ im- Countries (BMCs) by reducing the bur- to the eruption and evacuation of comment to facilitate safe movement to des- mediate, medium and longer-term needs.” dens caused by disasters due to natural munities. ignated shelters in the green zone. The regional institution says the first hazards. The statement added that the trained “CDB is in it for the long-haul. We will tier will involve supporting the regional The ongoing support from CDB to the Community Emergency Response Teams work closely with the Government and response mechanism through the Seismic Research Centre under the have been activated and community people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Caribbean Disaster Emergency Global Affairs Canada and European emergency response plans, hazard maps to restore normalcy in the shortest possi- Management Agency (CDEMA). Union funded Community Disaster Risk and evacuation routes developed under ble time and continue the development The second tier will entail the provision Reduction Fund’s (CDRRF) Volcano the project have been rolled out.This has agenda. The full details of the support of funds to assist with urgent needs at Ready Communities Sub-Project assisted with the evacuation of vulnera- response will be made available as plans the national level. CDB is maintaining launched in April 2018, continues to play ble persons and the mobilisation of trans- are finalised.” Brazil’s virus outlook darkens amid vaccine supply snags RIO DE JANEIRO,Brazil – April is shap- measures to halt infections and for clash- sisted he wouldn’t force anyone to get enough for 10 per cent of its population of ing up to be Brazil’s darkest month yet in ing with governors and mayors who did. vaccinated and only recently said he 210 million. the pandemic, with hospitals struggling Failure to control the spread has been might get a shot himself. “I was so anxious when that was going with a crush of patients, deaths on track compounded by the Health Ministry bet- Denise Garrett, vice president of the on; I couldn’t believe they weren’t going to for record highs and few signs of a ting big on a single vaccine,AstraZeneca, Sabin Vaccine Institute that advocates sign it,” said Garrett, who is Brazilian. reprieve from a troubled vaccination then buying only one backup, the for expanding global vaccine access, said “When I heard they signed, I was relieved. programme in Latin America’s largest Chinese-manufactured CoronaVac, after she despaired at the government strategy. We were all relieved. But they signed for nation. supply problems emerged.Authorities ig- Brazil has been far and away Latin the minimum amount possible. ... Brazil The Health Ministry has cut its out- nored other producers and squandered America’s immunisation front-runner, isn’t in a better vaccination position now look for vaccine supplies in April three opportunities until it was too late to get so much so that she hadn’t seen it in the because of the incompetence or inactivity times already, to half their initial level, large quantities of vaccine for the first same league as the region’s other coun- of the federal government.” and the country’s two biggest laboratories half of 2021. tries. In February, Brazil began signing con- are facing supply constraints. With extensive experience in success- Given the problems in vaccine develop- tracts with other pharmaceutical compa- The delays also mean tens of thousands ful, massive vaccination programmes, ment and distribution, “it’s definitely nies, but none of their shots have been ad- more deaths as the particularly conta- Brazil should have known better, said not a good idea to put all your eggs in one ministered. Of the 10 per cent of people gious P.1 variant of COVID-19 sweeps Claudio Maierovitch, former head of basket,” she said from Washington. who received one dose so far, the vast Brazil. It has recorded about 350,000 of Brazil’s health regulator. Stalled supplies of the AstraZeneca vac- majority received Butantan’s shot and the 2.9 million virus deaths worldwide, “The big problem is that Brazil did not cine in January amid pressure for Brazil the rest got the AstraZeneca shot, which behind only the US toll of over 560,000. look for alternatives when it had the to begin its vaccination campaign government health institute Fiocruz is Brazil’s seven-day rolling average has chance,” he said.“When several countries prompted the Health Ministry to acquire bottling. increased to 2,820 deaths per day, com- were placing their bets, signing contracts tens of millions of shots from Sao Paulo Both Brazilian labs face supply prob- pared with the global average of 10,608 with different suppliers, the Brazilian state’s Butantan Institute, which is mix- lems. Butantan said on Wednesday it was per day, according to data through April government didn’t even have vaccination ing an active ingredient from China with suspending production while it awaits 8 from Johns Hopkins University. on its agenda.” a sterile solution and bottling it.The shots shipments of the active ingredient from The death toll is forecast to continue For months, Bolsonaro’s administra- were the fruit of the state’s negotiations China. Fiocruz has produced only 4 mil- rising in the next two weeks to an tion ignored pleas to sign more than one with Chinese company Sinovac and went lion of the 50 million doses it agreed to average of nearly 3,500 per day before contract for vaccines. The president pub- ahead despite Bolsonaro’s criticisms. deliver by the end of April. receding, according to the University of licly questioned the reliability of other Brazil’s government also dragged its That threatens to reduce the speed of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics shots and scoffed at contractual terms, feet in signing on to the World Health vaccinations, which finally hit 1 million and Evaluation. suggesting that recipients of the Pfizer Organisation’s COVAX initiative pro- doses per day last week, according to a Public health experts blame President vaccine would have no legal recourse were viding vaccines to poorer nations. It consortium of local media that compiles Jair Bolsonaro for refusing to enact strict they to transform into alligators. He in- ultimately bought the bare minimum – data from state health secretariats.

Obscured skies with a few brief scattered light to moderate showers. Haze Outlook: A plume of thick volcanic ash and dust haze will significantly reduce visibility across the island and marine area.

High: 3:58 a.m. and 4:33 p.m. New York: 11°C Yesterday: 0 mm Miami: 30°C Low: 10:04 a.m. For the month: 0.7 mm Max: 26.5°C Boston: 08°C and 10:03 p.m. For the year: 218.2 mm Min: 25.1°C Toronto: 16°C Montreal: 17°C London: 04°C 5:47 a.m. 6:11 p.m. 12 • Monday April 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

US army officer sues police over violent traffic stop A BLACK US army lieutenant has Windsor Police Department officers, Joe filed a lawsuit against two Gutierrez and Daniel Crocker, alleges policemen who pointed their guns violations to his constitutional rights, and pepper-sprayed him during a and includes assault, illegal search and traffic stop. illegal detention. Army Second Lieutenant Caron There was no immediate response from Nazario is wearing his uniform during the Windsor Police Department. the bodycam footage, taken in December The lawsuit comes at a time of in Virginia. increased scrutiny over alleged police “Im honestly afraid to get out,” he tells brutality towards minorities and racial the two police officers. “Yeah you should justice. be,” an officer says. Ex-police officer Derek Chauvin is Police say he was stopped for failing to currently on trial for the murder of The traffic stop was captured on police bodycam footage. display licence plates but temporary George Floyd. The footage of Chauvin, plates are visible in the video. who is white, with his knee on African- kept his hands outside the window,while that they were going to kill him,” Arthur During the incident, the soldier, who American Floyds neck during an arrest asking the policemen why he was being told CBS. The suit filed by Lt Nazario was handcuffed while his car was sparked global protests against racism. stopped. says that Gutierrez acknowledged why searched, asked why force was being used Lt Nazario, who is Black and Latino, Attorney Jonathan Arthur, who is the army officer had waited to pull over against him and was told by a police was in uniform and driving with a representing Lt Nazario in the lawsuit, in a lighted area. officer:“Because you're not co-operating.” temporary paper licence plate on his back said that the army officer knew it was “I get it, the media spewing race He was later released without charge. window on December 5, when he was vital he kept his hands on show. relations between law enforcement and The suit, filed at the US District Court told to pull over in the town of Windsor. “To unbuckle his seatbelt, to do minorities. I get it,” the policeman said, of Norfolk, Virginia, against the two He then stopped at a petrol station and anything, any misstep – he was afraid according to the suit.

Both King Abdullah and Prince Hamzah were among those at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of Jordans independence. Jordan royal family pictured together following royal rift BOTH King Abdullah and Prince It is the first time Prince Hamzah has take legal action, but Prince Hamzah had within our house and outside it,” his Hamzah were among those at a been seen since the rift erupted a week “dealt with this request negatively”. address said, adding: “The sedition has ceremony marking the 100th ago. He added that at least 16 people, been nipped in the bud.” anniversary of Jordans independence On April 3 Prince Hamzah, 41, released including a former adviser to King The eldest son of the late King Hussein Jordans King Abdullah and his half- two videos to the BBC in which he said Abdullah and another member of the and his favourite wife Queen Noor, Prince brother Prince Hamzah have appeared in he had been placed under house arrest. royal family, had been arrested over the Hamzah is a graduate of the UKs public for the first time since claims of a He said a senior official had told him he plot. However, no members of the armed Harrow School and the Royal Military royal rift. was not allowed to go out or communicate forces were said to be among those Academy at Sandhurst. He also attended Prince Hamzah last week said he had with people because of criticisms of the detained. Harvard University in the US and has been put under house arrest as part of a government or king voiced at meetings On Monday, Prince Hamzah signed a served in the Jordanian armed forces. crackdown on critics. He was accused of where he had been present. letter confirming his loyalty to King He was named crown prince of Jordan plotting to destabilise the kingdom, The apparent house arrest is thought Abdullah. In the letter, released by the in 1999 and was a favourite of King which he has denied. to have followed a visit by the prince to palace, Prince Hamza is quoted as Hussein, who often described him in King Abdullah expressed his “shock” at tribal leaders, where he is said to have saying:“I place myself in the hands of his public as the “delight of my eye”. the alleged plot in a statement. garnered some support to destabilise the majesty the king... I will remain However, he was seen as too young and The pair were seen attending a kingdom. committed to the constitution of the dear inexperienced to be named successor at ceremony together on Sunday. Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.” the time of King Husseins death in 1999. They joined other members of the royal said the prince had been liaising with On Wednesday,King Abdullah released Instead his elder half-brother, family commemorating the 100th “some foreign entities” and had been a statement which was read out on state Abdullah, ascended the throne and anniversary of Jordans independence. monitored for some time. television, describing news of the alleged stripped Hamzah of the title of crown Images posted to social media show He accused the prince of seeking to plot as “painful”. prince in 2004, giving it to his own son. members of the royal family laying mobilise “clan leaders against the He reassured Jordanians that the The move was seen as a blow to Queen wreaths at the memorial to the unknown government”. Mr Safadi said officials had crisis was now over. Noor,who had hoped to see her eldest son soldier. tried to discourage the prince rather than “Parties behind the sedition came from become king.

Barbados Advocate

April 12, 2021 IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS DO BUSINESS ECONOMIC EXPANSION BENEFITS

BARBADOS stands to “This will be a positive benefit from the for our Caribbean economic expansion economies, as (US) which the businesses try to administration of minimise their tax United States liability,” he remarked. President, Joe Biden The Barbados economy has earmarked for declined 18 per cent last that country. year with all the Professor Justin economic sectors Robinson, Head of the contracting. Sagicor Cave Hill School It isn’t likely that there of Business at the was growth in the first University of the West quarter of 2021 but Indies, Cave Hill, this will be known when has suggested this the Governor of the possibility while looking Central Bank of at the prospects for Barbados, Cleviston Caribbean economies Haynes, reviews the from the policies the economy for those three new President is months. proposing. However, with the Biden has divulged number of COVID-19 plans to embark on a cases seemingly on the major infrastructural retreat the country is programme expected to banking on an economic cost almost two trillion rebound during US dollars. the remainder of the Dr. Robinson said that year. countries with international business AT RIGHT: and financial services Professor Justin sectors could see an Robinson, Head of the increase in the demand Sagicor Cave Hill for global tax School of Business at management in the the University of the face of increasing West Indies, Cave taxation. Hill.

Training programme to Maximizing business Customer service available enhance export-readiness of virtually via Sagicor ‘eConnect’ services providers viability PAGE 2 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 2 • Monday April 12, 2021 Business Monday

Training programme to enhance export-readiness of services providers AS services industries and providers across the region learn to navigate the global pandemic, Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA), in collaboration with a number of Coalition of Services Industries, will be hosting a number of training programmes. JoEllen Laryea of CEDA reports that the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries, Belize Coalition of Services Providers, Jamaica JoEllen Laryea of the Coalition of Services Caribbean Export Industries, Grenada Development Agency Coalition of Services (CEDA). Industries and the St. Lucia Coalition of Coalition of Services Services Industries will be Providers; Reynaldo holding the programmes. Guerrero (Belize); They are designed to Dr. Tamu Browne (St. enhance the export-readi- Kitts); and Rabindra ness of services SMEs, Jaggernauth (Trinidad commencing April 2021 and Tobago). for three months. “Services play a crucial The training will role in the development of support 120 services the economies in CARI- providers operating in the FORUM, not just as a business and professional sector but also due to the services; information, significant impact on communication technol- other sectors such as the ogy (ICT); health and manufacturing sector. wellness sectors; and Caribbean Export is sports and recreational deeply committed to the services. development of the re- “The Services Go-Global gion’s services sector and (SGG) training will take it is hoped that firms large place virtually over four and small capitalise upon days and will provide an this opportunity to build opportunity for busi- their capacity to take ad- nesses to develop their ex- vantage of the CARIFO- port plans, access regional RUM-EU EPA and better and international mar- integrate into the global kets and develop their economy,” expressed global brand,” the CEDA Allyson Francis, Services official said. Specialist at Caribbean The SGG programme Export. was developed to optimise There are currently a CARIFORUM countries’ number of opportunities export of services by for small firms to enter building the capacity of new markets, and it is service providers to capi- anticipated this will be talise on opportunities increased once they have under the CARIFORUM- participated in the EU Economic Partnership Services Go Global train- Agreement (EPA), CARI- ing programme. This COM Single Market & human and institutional Economy (CSME) and capacity-building initia- other existing trade tive goes hand-in-hand agreements; and to build with another joint project national capacity through between the Development a cadre of certified train- Agencies, which aims to ers for the SGG pro- enhance the sustainabil- gramme geared to assist ity of the national services SMEs in the services coalitions which provide sector. critical business support The workshops will be services to local services facilitated by master providers such as train- trainers – Yvonne Agard, ing, advocacy and market President, Caribbean visits. Network of Services “Services Go-Global is a Coalitions (St. Lucia); timely and comprehen- Dr. Dionne Chamberlain, sive training programme President, Belize for services exporters.” Business Monday Monday April 12, 2021 • 3

CARICOM nationals urged to take advantage of opportunities BARBADOS and other gional leaders,” Myers with the intention of in- ment wherever the pos- Caribbean nationals pointed out. creasing free movement sibilities exist. need to take hold of He has told Business of persons skilled in 12 Mr. Myers recalled the opportunities gov- Monday that the broad- categories, to pursue em- that the International ernments have put ening of our horizons ployment opportunities. Labour Organisation in place to allow for can be done with a tool The areas covered had reported that 34 mil- the free movement of – The Certificate of are Graduates, Media lion jobs were lost in skilled persons. Recognition of CARI- persons, Artistes, Latin America and the This piece of advice COM Skills Qualifi- Musicians, Sports Caribbean. was relayed to Business cation. persons, Professional Moreover, the Inter- Monday by Marcus According to him, Nurses, Teachers, American Development Myers, Information “The free movement of Artisans, Holders of Bank (IDB) found from Officer of the Barbados skills/labour entails the an Associate Degree, a survey that 46.3 per- Accreditation Council, in right of a CARICOM Household domestics, sons had lost jobs during light of the COVID-19 national to seek work or Security guards and the COVID pandemic pandemic having caused engage in gainful em- Agricultural workers. with the bulk of the jobs massive employment ployment in any of the With the COVID-19 having been lost in such here and elsewhere. qualifying CARICOM pandemic having caused sectors as tourism, ac- “It is time that CARI- member states.” significant job losses, commodation, food serv- COM nationals take This follows a decision there is speculation that ice, construction and in advantage of the oppor- by regional leaders to many persons will be the wholesale and retail Marcus Myers, Information Officer of the Barbados tunities created by re- facilitate the provision inspired to find employ- trades. Accreditation Council. Several factors responsible for low trading activity on BSE: Prof. Robinson

THE low trading activ- that there are a number exchange as an avenue to what is wrong in recalled that around there is a need for ity, which continues of factors responsible to list and to grow their Bridgetown. 2012, the then Barbados greater education in to characterise the for the low level of share operations. The official of the Government introduced stock market invest- Barbados Stock trading on the BSE. Clearly in his view, Cave Hill School of some fiscal policies ments in Barbados. “This Exchange (BSE), can be He said that one they don’t see the cost Business maintained which offered incentives is part of what we (at the corrected if major domes- factor stems from the benefits of the trade-off that Jamaica’s domi- to small companies to Sagicor Cave Hill School tic companies become small size of companies, of going to “the public nance of the equity mar- list on the BSE. of Business) are doing listed on that market. whereas another is re- equity market as the ket had to do with the However, that was not with a webinar like this,” This is the view lated to the macroeco- optimal mean of grow- dramatic growth of the taken up and the meas- he noted. of Professor Justin nomic instability coun- ing their business,” financial sector there, ures similar to what Dr. Robinson added Robinson, head of the try’s economy went Professor Robinson re- the strong regulatory Jamaica had done, have that they intend to hold Sagicor Cave Hill School through in recent times. marked. framework in place, the since been withdrawn. a second-quarter webi- of Business. Presenting However, the Professor The low activity on strong performance of He suggested that nar. the 2021 first quarter re- noted further that while the Barbados market the Junior Stock Market, port on the performance there are large vibrant was compared to the vi- the size of the country, of six Caribbean stock companies that continue brancy of the Jamaica and the macroeconomic BANK RATES exchanges during a we- to do well in Barbados, Stock Exchange and stability of Jamaica. binar, Dr. Robinson said they do not see the stock evoked a question as The UWI Professor Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of business on Friday by the Central Bank of Barbados. Valid for April 12, 2021

Invest Caribbean Now, The Ritzury Notes: Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 Group raising funds to help Vincentians Canadian Dollar 1.57478 1.62137 East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 HOURS after the news release, is to help serve the direct needs of and debt funders to add Euro 2.33132 2.42948 La Soufrière volcano financially support the individuals and small depth, breadth and re- Pound Sterling 2.68615 2.79925 in St. Vincent and the long-term needs of many grassroots organisations sponsiveness to clients United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 Grenadines erupted, Vincentian families, supporting those directly fund-raising and investor Demand/Sight: Invest Caribbean Now students and children displaced by the ongoing relations efforts in the Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 (ICN) has pledged assis- who will be displaced for disaster. real estate, cannabis, Canadian Dollar 1.58375 1.61994 tance to the island. months to come. ICN and Ritzury will health care, energy, min- East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 The NY and South The immediate finan- provide full transparency ing and manufacturing Euro 2.36552 2.41441 Florida-based global pri- cial prerequisite is to buy in all monies raised, in- sectors. Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 vate sector investment and provide key items cluding video documenta- The company, through Pound Sterling 2.72556 2.78188 agency of the Caribbean, such as food and water, tion of donations. Donors CaribPR Wire and Hard United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 and its partner, The non-perishables includ- can donate to this emer- Beat Communications, Telegraphic Transfer Ritzury Group, pitched ing canned goods and gency effort now at go- also offers global content Currency Buying Selling into action to find a way juice, toothpaste, tooth- fundme.com/f/saint-vin- distribution including Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 to help the people dis- brushes, toilet paper, cent-volcano-disaster-re- SEC filings and IR web- Canadian Dollar 1.58675 1.61994 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 placed by the natural soap, deodorant, sham- lief/donate. casting and teleconfer- Euro 2.36997 2.41445 disaster. poos, sleeping mats, blan- Invest Caribbean Now encing as well as cus- Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 The two organisations kets, feminine hygiene was founded in 2011 by tomised digital experi- Pound Sterling 2.73069 2.78188 have launched the Saint products, masks, baby Caribbean-born immi- ences and creatives. United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 Vincent Volcano Disaster diapers, hand sanitizers, grant, Felicia J. Persaud, The Ritzury Group – Relief GoFundMe to help manual can openers, and is the global private Bespoke Division is a INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL raise immediate funds to buckets, masks, mosquito sector investment agency Barbados-based inter- CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE satisfy the urgent needs repellent, first-aid kits, of the Caribbean. ICN national project services RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS of displaced individuals and antibiotic ointments. provides specialised, division with a focus on N.B.: These rates are not meant to be used for trading. to Barbados, as well as Anyone can donate no fund-raising support for project design and devel- BDS$ Guyana Dollar 0.00945 those who have now been matter the amount from project developers and opment, project opera- Jamaica Dollar 0.01356 forced into shelters. any location globally. governments, and works tions management and T&T Dollar 0.29884 The goal, according to a Funds raised will go to alongside private equity investor – client relations. 4 • Monday April 12, 2021 Business Monday

Editor’s Maximizing business Notebook viability “He who has a slack hand business. Each team becomes poor,but the hand member has been provided of the diligent makes rich.” with a gift of 24 hours per Clyde Jones – Proverbs 10:4 day of time to be used in the pursuit of happiness. THE primary concern of The management of this each nation is economic time is the secret of the development because, with member’s success. A will be sadly good leadership, it can personal budget for the reduce wealth inequality distribution of the time and foster greater socio- between (1) earning a economic well-being. productivity (increasing be best explained by a living; (2) missed The collective thrust of output for a given level of story. sleeping/exercising; and (3) successful businesses leads input), and decreased unit AJapanese high-quality personal/community IT is with much sadness that this country to economic growth, which costs. manufacturer received an service activities, coupled recently learned of the death of Clyde Jones a drives economic Customers provide us order from an American with the characteristics of long-standing New York-based Barbados Photo development. with revenue which is the company for 10 000 units commitment and Journalist. Our social partnership “life” of a business and this of a product but had a punctuality; go a long way Jones who was well-known and leaders must therefore is driven by sales, query: “What do you mean to achieving the pinnacle well-liked passed away in the USA after ailing build an enabling marketing, public relations when you say that you of happiness. for some time. Jones was well liked, had many environment for existing and advertising. Customer would accept ten per cent Enhanced productivity, friends, got on well with people and on occasions businesses, start-ups and satisfaction is paramount defects?” The Americans simply stated, is achieved when he was in Barbados especially for Crop NGOs to create new jobs, because it leads to explained and the by working smarter than Over, he would entertain friends at his home stimulate the circular flow customer retention and Japanese were still harder to achieve here. of money, make higher word-of-mouth marketing. puzzled but diligently effectiveness and efficiency. For all of these and more Clyde Jones will be returns, reinvest these Consumers trust their fulfilled the order. The Think out-of-the-box to get sadly missed. His work graced the pages of this returns, and maximise friends and listen to the Americans received two things done quickly.We are Business Magazine during the several business viability. advice from friends and packages one marked “9 living in a technological years he was associated with The Barbados Simply put, business family sometimes more so 000 good items” and the age which facilitates the Advocate and for that this column would like profitability may grow by (according to a Nielson other “1 000 defects”. Of formal and informal to say a big thank you to his immediate increasing revenue and study) than they do to course, the Japanese focus learning process and relatives. containing costs. However, advertising. is a Zero Defects culture. provides powerful On many occasions he would submit business viability is not There is a culture of Happiness is the shortcuts to speed up photographs whether they were about only about making profits. “service excellence” which ultimate fulfilment of a processes. This then Government officials touring the USA and in It also embraces customer pervades any high-quality human being. A happy contributes to enhancing particular New York where he was based, or on satisfaction, service environment. It may be team is a productive team, our global competitiveness. matters dealing with Tourism, to us. He had a excellence, team described as the “Zero which benefits the Decreased unit costs commitment to the profession he had chosen happiness, enhanced Defects culture”. This may individual and the have a major impact on and enjoyed it to the fullest. increasing profitability. In Rest in peace Clyde Jones and rise in production, when glory. businesses leverage economies of scale they produce cost advantages, where the cost of unit of output decreases when scale increases. There is an important April concluding statement to the theme of maximizing business viability: Even though there are economies of scale in production, the same is not true in management. If team members are employed to manufacture • Caribbean Export and some products or deliver services at some point there will be regional Coalition of Services an optimal number of team members to deliver the Industries have teamed up to host a output. If we scale the series of training programmes for number of team members beyond this point, the costs small enterprises. will increase, and the operation will experience diminishing returns. • Directors of WIBISCO have declared Let us adopt a holistic business approach as we an interim dividend of 25 cents a accept the challenge of share to be paid to shareholders on economic development in the Caribbean. record. (Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a Change- Engine Consultant. His • The recently tabled Caribbean email address is basilgf@marketplaceex Commission on the Economy is to be cellence.com. His columns may be found discussed at a Webinar on Thursday. at www.nothing beatsbusiness.com.) Business Monday Monday April 12, 2021 • 5

Customer service available virtually via Sagicor ‘eConnect’ SAGICOR recently development of digital the company. All that is of objectives we seek to launched a virtual tools and platforms, for required is a mobile achieve. From the onset of customer experience the purpose of providing phone, laptop, or tablet, the global pandemic we service “eConnect”, clients and other along with a reliable quickly put our focus on giving clients the stakeholders with Internet connection. ensuring that we could ability to engage convenient and easy to use Paul Inniss, Executive continue to deliver on our customer service alternatives. Vice President & General promise to our clients, representatives ‘face to To access this virtual Manager for Sagicor Life whilst ensuring the safety face’ from the experience, clients just Inc, said the development and security of our team convenience, safety need to visit of this service was always members and valued and comfort of their www.sagicor.com/econnect on the cards, noting that clients. This meant own home, or and book an appointment advances in technology providing alternative anywhere they choose. based on their preferred have allowed the company channels through which The COVID-19 time. The client then to continue its pursuit of clients could conduct pandemic has drastically receives an email new and innovative business with us,” changed the way in which confirming the date and approaches to conducting explained Inniss. institutions look at time, following which they business. However, the Immediate moves were transacting business and simply need to log on ongoing COVID-19 therefore made to provide Paul Inniss interacting with their using the link sent via the experience resulted in a wide range of online clients given the confirmation email. priorities being shifted, options for the payment of outside to collect cheques. also gives them the prevailing health and During the virtual with medium-term premiums, while the eConnect is a part of the opportunity to have our safety protocols, which are meeting, clients will be strategic initiatives such company sought to roll out of the digital tools knowledgeable expected to be in place for able to transact any as this being brought acquire banking details of Sagicor,having recently representatives walk the foreseeable future. business that they can at forward as immediate for all its clients to launched WhatsApp for them through how to use In response to this a Sagicor office, such as necessities. facilitate the direct deposit business and upgraded its and get familiar with environment, leading matters related to life and “Every year we look at of pensions and other Sagicor Go mobile app. these various options, insurance and financial health insurance, finding ways to enhance insurance benefits to their “The launch of this especially for those institution, Sagicor, mortgages, pensions and the customer experience, accounts, thereby Virtual service not only individuals who are not continues to fast-track its investments, or any of the with ease and convenience removing the need for provides another online technologically savvy,” plans surrounding the products and services of being at the top of the list individuals to venture option for our clients, but said Inniss. Latin America and the Caribbean lost 26 million jobs during a year of the pandemic A NEW ILO analysis COVID-19 over the past forced labour, are part of between 2019 and 2020, rate was reduced collapse has warns that “ambitious year. the ongoing challenges in from 8.3 per cent to 10.6 (temporarily), in the disproportionately actions” are needed for the “It is now time to rebuild the region,” he added. per cent. context of the widespread impacted some segments regional labour market to the jobs lost by the The ILO regional This situation would collapse in employment of the population, recover in 2021 – a year pandemic and create new technical note, “The have begun to change, demand, especially in the amplifying labour and that began marked by decent work employment crisis in the explained Roxana early months of the social gaps – especially new waves of contagion. opportunities,” Pinheiro pandemic: Towards a Maurizio, ILO Regional pandemic. gender gaps – that The strong labour impact said, noting that despite human-centred job Labour Economics But that situation has characterise the region,” of COVID-19 was adversity, action must be recovery", emphasises Specialist and author of already started to change. she continued. aggravated by pre- taken and consensus that the labour impacts the technical note, who “There is a high risk of “The outlook for existing structural reached so that “2021 is were devastating in the commented that in 2021 informalization that adds economic recovery by 2021 problems. the year of vaccination second quarter of 2020 there could be “a to the already high levels is modest and still very The Latin American and and economic recovery when the employment significant increase in the of labour informality that uncertain, so expectations Caribbean region lost 26 with more and better and participation employment rate when countries had before the about a possible reversal million jobs as a result of jobs.” indicators plummeted, millions of people who had pandemic,” said Maurizio. of the critical labour the pandemic, and started However, the ILO and then partially ceased to participate in According to available market situation should 2021 with a complex Regional Director recovered. the labour force return to data from seven countries, be very cautious.” employment landscape highlighted that “in the However, by the end of the workforce.” employment recovery in The ILO has proposed aggravated by new waves pursuit of recovery, 2020 the region’s average In addition to lost jobs, the second half of 2020 has developing recovery of contagion and slow addressing pre-existing employment rate had the region experienced a been almost entirely strategies based on a vaccination processes that conditions in the region fallen from 57.4 per cent to sharp contraction in contracted by informal Policy Framework with make the prospects for will be unavoidable and 51.7 per cent, a sharp drop working hours, as well as employment growth. four main pillars: recovery in labour those conditions are key equated to the loss of a reduction in labour These occupations account stimulating the economy markets more uncertain, to understanding why the around 26 million jobs, of incomes, which account for for more than 60 per cent and employment; support says a new technical note impact of the pandemic on which 80 per cent, or more 80 per cent of what people of the total increase in businesses, jobs and from the International employment was so than 20 million people, left in Latin America and the employment. incomes; protect workers Labour Organisation strong. Many of the the workforce. Caribbean earn. The “The formal work in the workplace; and (ILO). challenges we had before This significant exit region has recorded the deficit, in turn, is likely to resort to social dialogue to “The quest for better the pandemic remain in from the workforce was largest losses in hours become more apparent to find solutions. normality will require place, although they are unprecedented and has worked world-wide. certain types of workers The technical note ambitious action to now more urgent.” been characteristic of The ILO’s technical note such as young people, highlights that in a recover from setbacks in “High informality, small 2020. By comparison, the indicates that during the women and adults with scenario as complex as the the world of work,” warned fiscal spaces, persistent unemployment rate has crisis both formal and lower qualifications – current one “social Vinícius Pinheiro, ILO inequality, low only partially reflected the informal employment groups that traditionally dialogue and the building Director for Latin America productivity and poor magnitude of the experienced very experience greater of new consensuses, pacts and the Caribbean, when coverage of social difficulties faced by labour pronounced contractions, difficulties in accessing or agreements are more commenting on the note, protection, coupled with markets in the region, but with greater intensity formal employment,” she relevant than ever” to which presents the latest problems that still persist increasing by just over 2 for the latter and for this added. advance the recovery of data on the impact of such as child labour and percentage points reason the informality “The macroeconomic employment. 6 • Monday April 12, 2021 Business Monday

CDB endorses US$383 million programme A US$383 million programme has decades to reduce poverty and inequality, thirds of the Fund will be used for Sustainable Development Goals. been endorsed by the Caribbean however, pressing development concessional loans to BMCs with the The strategic direction of the Fund is Development Bank for the tenth challenges persisted and the ongoing remainder allocated to grants. built on three pillars, namely: a)social cycle of its Special Development Covid-19 pandemic has undermined The top five contributors to SDF 10 resilience and leaving no-one behind, Fund (SDF). some of the socio-economic gains are: Canada (C$81.4 million / US$59.6 which includes social infrastructure, The fund was devised to reduce achieved. million), United Kingdom (£21 million / education and training, initiatives poverty and inequality and transform “A key concern for the Special US$26.5 million), Germany (¤12.4 geared toward capacity-building, youth the lives of citizens in its Borrowing Development Fund over this cycle will be million / US$13.7 million), Jamaica development, agriculture, rural Member Countries (BMCs). the need to respond meaningfully to the (US$13 million) and Trinidad and development, water, and sanitation; b) The SDF represents the principal pool challenges of poor and vulnerable groups Tobago (US$11.3 million). economic resilience for inclusive growth, of concessional resources available to the whose conditions have been made worse “The impact of Covid-19 has put which encourages the expansion of Bank to assist BMCs in addressing by the Covid-19 pandemic. The priority tremendous stress on social protection climate-resilient economic poverty, sustainable development, will be a focus on developing social systems that were already challenged infrastructure; private sector governance, capacity development, resilience by building the capacity of to respond to the needs of the poor and development, including micro, small and gender inequalities, environmental individuals, communities and countries vulnerable. The Bank welcomes the medium-sized enterprises, and blue sustainability, climate change, disaster so that they are prepared for shocks, and sustained commitment of the economy initiatives, and; c) risk management, and regional co- can cope when they do occur,” CDB Contributors to the Special Development environmental resilience, which operation and integration. Established President Dr Wm Warren Smith said. Fund. Through this solid partnership, encompasses environmental in 1970, the Fund is a unique Member countries have pledged to CDB can continue to lift people out of management, climate adaptation and partnership among the Bank’s contribute US$188.2 million to the SDF poverty and support countries in the mitigation, disaster risk management stakeholders with both borrowing and for the period 2021-2024 while the Bank recovery phase,” Smith said. and promoting sustainable energy non-borrowing members contributing to has allocated US$162.8 million from To tackle the fall-out of the pandemic solutions. its resources. internal resources, such as loan and make further development gains, Four cross-cutting themes, namely The CDB outlined that with its repayments. The remaining gap in the the overarching goal of SDF 10 is to gender equality, good governance, support and that from development programmeme funding of US$32 million assist BMCs to reduce poverty and digitalisation, and regional co-operation partners, BMCs have been making is expected to be provided by existing inequality, and to transform the lives of and integration run through these consistent efforts over the past two and prospective contributors.About two- BMC citizens consistent with the pillars. Record penalty for Ma’s Alibaba marks tumultuous stretch for its founder BEIJING – Once seemingly untouchable, Alibaba founder Jack Ma has endured a tumultuous run that saw his Chinese e-commerce giant hit with a record 18 billion yuan ($2.75 billion) antitrust fine on Saturday, resolving one key uncertainty even as others persist for himself and his business empire. The reversal of fortune for the 56- year-old Ma, who has all-but- disappeared from public view since an October speech blasting China’s regulatory system, has been striking for an entrepreneur whose transformation of commerce in China – and his relentless optimism – commanded cult- like reverence. Ma, who stepped down from Alibaba in 2019 but looms large in the corporate psyche and in the eyes of investors, had revelled in pushing boundaries with Jack Ma, billionaire founder of Alibaba Group, arrives at the ‘Tech for Good’ Summit in Paris, France May 15, 2019. audacious statements, taking a high profile even as most Chinese peers kept government has its limits,” said Duncan Hangzhou, ultimately building a and Ma’s business tactics. their heads down. Clark, chairman of Beijing-based tech colossus that spans e-commerce, Ma-isms such as “Today is hard, Friends in high places, as well as pride consultancy BDA China and author of a financial services, cloud computing and tomorrow will be worse, but the day in Alibaba’s success, had protected Ma, book on Alibaba and Ma. even supermarkets, making him China’s after tomorrow will be sunshine”, are sources have said. “But for Ant and Jack, there’s no line most famous businessman. common in Chinese business circles. In That was until his Shanghai speech drawn yet,” he said. He was also China’s richest, until the Hangzhou, small firms have been triggered a backlash that led to the Alibaba declined to comment on Ma, clampdown knocked him back to fourth known to set up altars adorned with scuppering of a blockbuster $37 billion and his foundation did not immediately place on the Hurun Global Rich List images of Ma to bring good fortune. IPO for Alibaba financial technology respond to a request for comment published in March, although Ma and However, in a February snub, Ma was affiliate Ant Group, as well as a yesterday. his family’s wealth still grew last year left off a list of Chinese entrepreneurial clampdown by authorities on the e- Ma’s absence from public view became by 22 per cent to 360 billion yuan, leaders published by state media. commerce giant itself and the wider conspicuous until he surfaced for the according to the list. Franklin Chu, president of Sage “platform economy”, which continues to first time in three months in late In 2018, Ma was revealed to be a Capital in Rye, New York, noted that reverberate. January,speaking to a group of teachers Communist Party member by its official Alibaba shares are trading at a 30 per Ant, whose rapid growth and by video, which sent Alibaba shares newspaper, debunking a public cent discount to their 52-week high. freewheeling lending practices drew surging. He has continued to keep an assumption that he was politically “I call this the ‘Jack Ma arrogance regulatory concern about financial risk, extremely low profile. unattached. discount,’ combined with the recent remains subject to an enforced “He’s playing a lot of golf and Ma has often been described in round of China-bashing coming out of restructuring that is expected to rein in improving his handicap,” said one Chinese media as a source of national Washington,” he said. some of its most profitable businesses person who knows him. pride and even legend. His global Alibaba, he said, “needs to work hard and slash its valuation. A former English teacher, Ma co- prominence made him an almost- to re-establish an accommodative “Entrepreneurship has to be founded Alibaba in 1999 from a shared diplomatic figure. Countless books have relationship with its regulatory disruptive. But being provocative to the apartment in the eastern city of been published on Alibaba’s founding handlers.” Business Monday Monday April 12, 2021 • 7

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline GODDARD ENTERPRISES LIMITED 480 $2.20 $2.15 $2.20 $0.10 April 9, 2021

One security advanced as 480 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $1,054.90. Goddard Enterprises Limited was Deposit Receipts the sole security trading 480 shares at a high of $2.20 and a low of $2.15 before closing up ten ($0.10) cents at $2.20. Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $22.37 $22.14 -$0.23 Week in Review

This week, the Regular Market traded a total volume of 5,890 shares. The two companies traded were Goddard Enterprises Limited with 5,730 and FirstCaribbean International Bank with 160 shares. BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Friday April 9, 2021 INDICES LAST TRADE VOLUME HIGH LOW LAST CURRENT PRICE BID ASK BID ASK TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES DATE CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE PRICE PRICE SIZE SIZE April 9, 2021 April 8, 2021 Local 2,454.34 2,443.28 11.06 ABV Investments Incorporated 15-Oct-20 - - - $0.05 $0.05 - $1.10 $0.30 1 10,498 Cross-list 1,140.86 1,140.86 - BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 70 - Composite 601.11 598.48 2.63 MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - April 9, 2021 April 8, 2021 Local 4,933.43 4,911.19 22.24 Barbados Farms Limited 18-Mar-21 - - - $0.68 $0.68 - $0.30 $0.40 7,574 6,561 Cross-list 145.67 145.67 - Composite 5,079.10 5,056.86 22.24 Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 23-Mar-21 - - - $4.10 $4.10 - $4.00 $4.10 72 1,381 MUTUAL FUND FirstCaribbean International Bank 07-Apr-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - - $1.80 - 13,818 April 9, 2021 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 18-Mar-21 - - - $0.16 $0.16 - - $0.16 - 5,565 CHANGE - Dev Fund 02-Apr-21 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2488 0.0069 02-Apr-21 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2654 0.0056 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 01-Apr-21 - - - $0.56 $0.56 - $0.56 $0.58 5,522 51,870 02-Apr-21 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6770 0.0014 -Value Fund 26-Mar-21 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.6469 6.6469 6.6469 -0.0853 26-Mar-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.0951 -0.0002 Goddard Enterprises Limited 09-Apr-21 480 $2.20 $2.15 $2.10 $2.20 $0.10 $2.10 $2.20 4,012 2,917 26-Mar-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0199 -0.0001 28-Feb-21 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.6018 5.6018 5.4998 0.0320 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 18-Mar-21 - - - $2.00 $2.00 - $1.78 $2.00 56,258 19,274 28-Feb-21 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0369 1.0369 1.0162 0.0128 28-Feb-21 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6427 1.6427 1.6098 -0.0002 One Caribbean Media Limited 30-Mar-21 - - $2.20 $2.20 - - $2.50 - 800 01-Apr-21 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.76 0.01 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 01-Apr-21 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.70 0.02 01-Apr-21 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.98 0.00 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - -- $2.80 $2.80 - - - -- * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE West India Biscuit Company Limited 03-Mar-21 - - - $31.25 $31.25 - $31.40 - 100 - FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $22.37 $22.14 -$0.23 $25.01 - 100 - m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly

TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD 480 Fixed Income Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size * = Security is Trading X-Div GOB Series B 29-Mar-21 $60.00 $60.00 - $60.00 - 25,000 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 - - - - *+* = Security is Suspended GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 - - - - ** = Rights Issued GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 - $70.00 - 19,617 NOTICES NEWS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS Microsoft in talks to BICO Limited – Notice is hereby given that the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the shareholders of BICO Limited is scheduled to take place on April 13th, 2021 at the Company’s registered address: Harbor Industrial Park, Bridgetown, BB11145 at 5:00 p.m. buy AI firm Nuance Emera Incorporated - Directors have fixed March 22nd, 2021 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on May 20th, 2021. DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS Communications West India Biscuit Company Limited – Directors have declared an interim dividend of twenty-five ($0.25) cents per share to be paid on April 30th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on April 19th, 2021. for about $16 billion BSE NOTICES COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE Effective March 29th, 2021, the offices of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central Securities Depository – source Inc. (BCSDI) have reopened. Our office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. MICROSOFT CORP. is in could still fall apart. Kindly note that mandatory digital temperature checks and hand sanitizing for all persons entering the building will be enforced. These checks will be conducted on both staff and clients alike by trained personnel. While we acknowledge that every person with fever may advanced talks to buy Burlington, not be COVID-19 positive and that some individuals may present without symptoms, please note that any person with a temperature artificial intelligence and Massachusetts-based reading of 100˚ F (37.8˚ C) or over will be denied entry to conduct business within our offices. speech technology company Nuance whose voice recog- Nuance Communications nition technology helped We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding, however, we must emphasize that this is a necessary step for the protection of staff and clients alike. Inc. at about $16 billion, ac- launch Apple Inc.’s assistant cording to a source familiar Siri, makes software for sec- TRADING SUSPENSION with the matter. tors ranging from health- The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section The price being discussed care to the automotive in- 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. could value Nuance at about dustries. $56 a share, the source said, The deal with Nuance The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section adding that an agreement would be Microsoft’s second- 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited could be announced as soon biggest deal, after its were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. as Monday. $26.2 billion acquisition of The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by way Bloomberg News, which LinkedIn in 2016. of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor first reported the deal Microsoft and Nuance did Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited. between Nuance and not immediately respond Microsoft, said talks are on- to Reuters’ request for com- going and the discussions ment. Barbados Advocate

CDB endorses US$383 million programme

Page 6 IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS DO BUSINESS Caribbean WIBISCO REMAINS market – despite challenging continues HOPEFUL first half of financial year ALTHOUGH expressing concern machine for the sweet biscuit line,” he to struggle about the time frame for Barbados’ remarked. economic recovery, Chairman of That project has now been completed WHILE international stock markets the West India Biscuit Company and the company is seeing the benefit of have shown recovery during the first (WIBISCO), David Bynoe, said they the installation, with lower scrap levels quarter of this year, the same cannot remain hopeful. and increased throughput. be said about the six markets in the He was at the time reviewing the Bynoe said that operating expenses Caribbean including Barbados. performance of the manufacturing decreased by 4.9 per cent over the prior The regional market continues to company for the half year to February year.He indicated that the reduction was struggle and according to Professor 2021. driven mainly by the advertising and Justin Robinson, the Caribbean market Bynoe said that during the first half of promotional activities not executed in lagged what has taken place in some WIBISCO’s financial year, the company both the local and export markets due to key international markets. continued to experience unprecedented the global pandemic. Professor Robinson is the head of the challenges in the economy due to the In the first half of the year, WIBISCO Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business COVID-19 pandemic. invested an additional $2 million in the at The University of the West Indies WIBISCO recorded revenue of $29.5 Williams Industries Renewable Energy (The UWI). He released the first edition million. According to Bynoe, this was a Bonds at 3.25 per cent for two years. of the Quarterly CARICOM Investment reduction of $1.2 million or four per cent “While we are uncertain of the Report for the period January to March compared to the corresponding period economic recovery time, we however will 2021. last year. remain hopeful that the economy will In those three months, a total of “Our revenues were affected not only recover in the not-too-distant future,” 1.2 billion shares were traded on the by the slowdown of the economy due to he noted. six markets: Bahamas, Barbados, the pandemic, but by the closure of the The Chairman added that the brand Eastern Caribbean islands, Guyana, plant to facilitate the installation and remains strong in both the local and Chairman of the West India Biscuit Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. commissioning of a new packaging domestic markets. Company (WIBISCO), David Bynoe. Dr. Robinson said that the period saw 74 stocks (or 34.5 per cent) posted gains in the quarter, and 104 others (or 49.7 per cent) declining. The others showed no movement. However, The UWI Professor said that companies in Jamaica did well and were the top performers. According to him, Ciboney of Jamaica posted the largest movement in share price, registering an increase of 128.7 per cent. That company’s share price increased from 22 cents (US) a share to 52 cents (US) a share, while at the same time some 32.4 million of the company’s shares were traded. The companies surveyed were drawn from such sectors as Communications, Conglomerate, Energy, Finance, Manufacturing, Property, Retail, Tourism, and Utilities. Preference shares were also assessed. Professor Robinson said that the quarterly report was built around a number of unique indices, including two broad market indices and five sector indices. The creation of the indices showed a market value of Bds$64.2 billion at the end of March. The UWI official told the audience that the Caribbean All Share Index (CASX), which tracks returns on all listed shares in CARICOM, stood at 999.2 points, a decline of 0.80 points. The CARICOM Select 30, which deals with returns on the 30 most influential stocks across the region, declined three The West India Biscuit Company (WIBISCO). per cent.

Printed and Published by ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC. Fontabelle, St. Michael. Telephone 467-2000, Fax 434-2020/434-1000 The Barbados Advocate Monday April 12, 2021 • 13

‘My father was my teacher, supporter and critic’ THE Princess Royal has He said the Royal Family said her father the Duke was grateful for all the of Edinburgh was her “absolutely amazing “teacher, supporter and tributes” to Prince Philip, critic”. who died at Windsor Castle Princess Anne – the on Friday, aged 99. duke’s only daughter – said He added: “The Queen, he would leave a “legacy as you would expect, is an which can inspire us all”. incredibly stoic person. Her written statement “She described it as comes after her brother,the having left a huge void in Duke of York, said the her life but we, the family, Queen had described the the ones that are close, are death of Prince Philip as rallying round to make sure “having left a huge void in that we’re there to support her life”. her.” He and his brother the Speaking of his love for Earl of Wessex earlier paid his father, Prince Andrew tribute to their father. said:“He was so calm. If you In a statement on the had a problem, he would Royal Family’s website, the think about it. princess said she “most “He was always wanted to emulate” her somebody you could go to father’s example of a “life and he would always listen well lived and service freely The Princess Royal and her father the late Duke of Edinburgh. so it’s a great loss. given”. Prince Andrew stepped She said “his ability to footsteps and it has been a Royal Family, as for every separately to the chapel. Winfrey last month. back from royal duties in treat every person as an pleasure to have kept him other, no words can reach The Duke of Sussex will Meanwhile, Prince 2019 after criticism of his individual in their own in touch with their into the depth of sorrow fly from the US for the Andrew has said that his ties to convicted sex right with their own skills” activities,” she added. that goes into service, though it is not father’s death was a offender Jeffrey Epstein was reflected in the On Sunday, a special bereavement”. clear when. His wife, “terrible loss”, and his intensified following a BBC organisations he worked remembrance service for A ceremonial royal Meghan, who is pregnant, family was “rallying round” interview. with. Prince Philip was held in funeral will be held for the will remain at home in to support the Queen. The Earl of Wessex, the More people in more Canterbury Cathedral as duke at St. George’s California on the advice of “We’ve lost the Queen’s youngest son, said: places trust BBC News the UK observes a period Chapel, in the grounds of doctors. grandfather of the nation,” “However much one tries than any other news of official mourning. Windsor Castle, at 15:00 It will be the first time he added, as he left a to prepare oneself for source. It was led by the BST on April 17. The event Prince William and Prince service at Windsor’s Royal something like this, it’s still Register for a BBC Archbishop of Canterbury, will be televised. Harry will meet face to face Lodge. a dreadful shock.” account to see why. Justin Welby, who is Members of the Royal since the Sussexes aired He was joined by the Earl The Countess of Wessex “I regard it as an honour expected to officiate at the Family will walk behind the criticisms of the Royal and Countess of Wessex said the Queen was and a privilege to have been duke’s funeral on Saturday. coffin ahead of the funeral, Family in an interview to and their daughter Lady “thinking of others before asked to follow in his He said that “for the while the Queen will travel US broadcaster Oprah Louise Windsor. herself”. ‘Terrorist act’ at underground Natanz facility A NUCLEAR facility in centrifuges at the Natanz Iran was hit by a site, which is key to the “terrorist act” a day after country’s uranium it unveiled new advanced enrichment programme, uranium centrifuges,a in a ceremony broadcast top nuclear official says. live on television. He did not say who was Centrifuges are needed to blame but urged the to produce enriched international community uranium, which can be to deal with nuclear used to make reactor fuel terrorism. – but also material for Israeli media suggest nuclear weapons. the incident was a result It represented another of an Israeli cyber attack. breach of the country’s Last year, a fire broke undertakings in the 2015 out at the Natanz deal, which only permits underground facility, Iran to produce and store A satellite image of Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility taken last October. which the authorities limited quantities of alleged was the result of enriched uranium to be network. “Condemning this to take action against the broadcaster Kan said that cyber sabotage. used to produce fuel for Mr Kamalvandi did not despicable move, the perpetrators.” it could be assumed that The latest incident commercial nuclear provide further details Islamic Republic of Iran The IAEA said it was the incident was an comes as diplomatic power plants. but told Iran’s Fars news emphasises the need for aware of the reports of an Israeli cyber operation, efforts to revive a 2015 On Sunday, a agency there had been “no the international incident but would not citing the discovery in nuclear deal – abandoned spokesman for the Atomic casualties or leaks". community and the comment. 2010 of the Stuxnet by the US under the Energy Organisation of Later state TV read out International Atomic Last July, sabotage was computer virus, believed Trump administration in Iran (AEOI), Behrouz a statement by AEOI Energy Agency [IAEA] to blamed for a fire at the to have been developed by 2018 – have resumed. Kamalvandi, said an head Ali Akbar Salehi, in deal with this nuclear Natanz site which hit a the US and Israel, On Saturday, Iran’s “incident” had occurred in which he described the terrorism,” he was quoted central centrifuge which was used to President Hassan the morning involving the incident as “sabotage” and as saying. assembly workshop. destroy centrifuges at Rouhani inaugurated new nuclear facility’s power “nuclear terrorism". “Iran reserves the right Israeli public Natanz. 14 • Monday April 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Israel At least four migrants found pledges to dead on boat off Canary Islands EL HIERRO – At least four people were helicopters deployed to airlift the in 2019, with the impact of COVID-19 found dead on a migrant boat off the injured to safety. on tourism and other industries in Canary Island of El Hierro yesterday, The Red Cross said that of the 23 north and sub-Saharan Africa pushing work with the Spanish Red Cross said. people aboard the boat, 16 were in a many more to embark on the dangerous The vessel was spotted by a fishing “serious condition” and three in a better journey. boat around 120 miles (193 km) to the state had been airlifted to Tenerife. The Hundreds died or went missing last south of El Hierro, one of the smallest four dead would be taken to El Hierro. year after attempting the crossing to US on Iran of the Canary Islands, according to local The number of undocumented the islands, often in rickety, media. migrants arriving in Spain’s Canary overcrowded boats with unreliable JERUSALEM – Israel’s defence A rescue operation was underway Islands in the Atlantic Ocean was more engines, the U.N. refugee agency minister pledged yesterday to yesterday afternoon, with three than eight times higher last year than UNHCR has said. cooperate with the United States on Iran, voicing hope that Israeli security would be safeguarded under any renewed Iranian nuclear deal that Washington reaches. “Israel views the United States as a full partner across all operational theatres, not the least Iran,” Benny Gantz said after hosting visiting US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. “And we will work closely with our American allies to ensure that any new agreement with Iran will secure the vital interests of the world and the United States, prevent a dangerous arms race in our region and protect the State of Israel.” Austin, making the first visit to Israel by a senior Biden administration official, told his counterpart that Washington views the alliance with Israel as central to regional security. Austin’s visit includes talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is worried about the Democratic administration’s desire for a US return to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal with Boats used by migrants to reach the Canary Islands coasts, are seen piled up at Arinaga port, in Aguimes, on the island of major powers, which the previous Gran Canaria, Spain November 13, 2020. Republican administration quit. Netanyahu has said Israel will not be bound by a renewed deal, which he describes as a temporary cap on French Gov’t disgusted by attack on Muslim centre Iranian nuclear capabilities that would PARIS – The French government on pave the way to bomb-production in the Sunday condemned the defacing of an longer-run. Tehran says its atomic Islamic cultural centre in western France ambitions are purely peaceful. with Islamaphobic slogans, and said an Israeli officials have long threatened attack on Muslims was an attack on the last-ditch military action against Iran Republic. if they deem foreign diplomacy a dead- The tags, daubed on the side a building end. used as a prayer room in the city of In his public remarks, Austin did not Rennes, were found shortly before the comment on Iran specifically. Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins in He said the Biden administration France on Tuesday. would continue to ensure Israel’s Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin “qualitative military edge” in the said it was a disgusting attack against the Middle East as part of a “strong fundamental freedom to believe in a commitment to Israel and the Israeli religion and that Muslims deserved the people”. same protection as any other religious “Our bilateral relationship with group in France. Israel in particular is central to “Attacks against Muslims are attacks regional stability and security in the against the Republic,” Darmanin said Middle East. During our meeting I after he visited the site. reaffirmed to Minister Gantz our Among the slogans scrawled on the commitment to Israel is enduring and building were “Catholicism – religion of it is ironclad,” Austin said. the state” and “No to Islamification”. Israel and Iran have in recent weeks The French Council of the Muslim Faith reported sabotage to their ships at sea. (CFCM), one of the main groups Syria has accused Israel of air strikes representing Muslims in France, called on its territory. Israel says it is trying the incident an “unbearable aggression”. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin speaks during a news conference on to stem a build-up of Iranian forces “As Ramadan approaches and in the the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Paris, France December 10, within next-door Syria. face of a surge in anti-Muslim acts, the 2020. Yesterday, Iran’s Press TV said an CFCM calls on Muslims in France to be electricity problem had caused an vigilant,” the association said on Twitter. government, is the main sponsor of Senior representatives of all religions incident at the Natanz underground France follows a strict form of legislation passing through parliament were consulted during the drafting and uranium enrichment site, without secularism, known as “laicité”, which is which the government says is designed to the CFCM supports the bill. casualties or pollution. Israel, which designed to separate religion and public tackle what it describes as encroaching While the legislation does not single lists cyber-sabotage in its arsenal, did life. Darmanin, a conservative in fundamentalism that is subverting out Islam, some critics say it points the not comment. President Emmanuel Macron’s French values. finger at Muslims. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 12, 2021 • 15

India vaccination crosses 100 million doses INDIA says it has become the “fastest target. trials. to supply to every Indian”. country in the world” to administer Everyone aged over 45 is now eligible India launched its vaccination drive on Serum says it has been providing 65-70 more than 100 million doses of for jabs at vaccination centres and 16 January, but it was limited to million doses every month to India, and coronavirus vaccines, amid a deadly hospitals. Most doses have so far been healthcare workers and front-line staff – exported nearly an equal amount since it second wave of infections. given to front-line workers and the over- a sanitation worker became the first began production early this year. It achieved the feat in 85 days, whereas 60s. Indian to receive the vaccine. The firm was aiming to boost the US took 89 days and China 102 days, Since the pandemic began, India has From March 1, the eligibility criteria production to 100 million doses a month. the health ministry said. confirmed more than 12 million cases was expanded to include people over 60 Now it says it would not be able to meet However,the country reported a record and over 167 000 deaths. It has the third- and those aged between 45 and 59 with that target before the end of June because daily increase of over 150 000 cases – and highest number of Covid-19 infections in other illnesses. of time taken to repair damages from a more than 800 new deaths – on Sunday. the world after the United States and The third phase, which began on April fire at its facilities in the western city of And there are reports the vast Brazil. 1, includes everyone above the age of 45. Pune in January. vaccination drive itself is struggling. Over 90 million people have received India also wants to scale up the drive Experts believe India should ramp up This week, half a dozen states reported one dose, and over 11 million people have quickly to stem the recent spike in cases. vaccination in areas of high transmission a shortage of doses even as the federal been fully vaccinated after receiving two So it placed a temporary hold on all and in five states where elections are government insisted that it had 40 doses. exports of AstraZeneca, which is being being held. million doses in stock and that the The country’s drugs regulator has given made by India’s largest vaccine Bhramar Mukherjee, a biostatistician “allegations” of vaccine scarcity were the green light to two vaccines – one manufacturer, the Serum Institute of at the University of Michigan, told the “utterly baseless”. developed by AstraZeneca with Oxford India (SII). BBC that India needed to administer ten The inoculation drive aims to cover 250 University (Covishield) and one by Indian The vaccine maker recently said its million shots daily “instead of being million people by July,but experts say the firm Bharat Biotech (Covaxin). Several production capacity was “very stressed” complacent with three million” doses a pace needs to pick up further to meet the other candidates are at different stages of and that it was “still short of being able day. ‘Dozens killed’ in military crackdown in Bago MORE than 80 people have been killed by Myanmar security forces in a crackdown on a protest in the city of Bago, activists say. The military is reported to have taken away the bodies of those killed, and the true number of deaths may never be accurately established. Witnesses told local media that soldiers had used heavy weapons and had shot at anything that moved. More than 600 people have been killed since the February 1, military coup. The military has resorted to increasing levels of violence to maintain its grip on power. The latest killings in Bago, near the main city of Yangon, are reported to have happened on Friday but took a whole day to emerge as many residents were forced to flee to nearby villages. Monitoring group the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said the actual number of deaths was A woman casts her ballot in N’Djamena. likely to be much higher. The Myanmar Now news outlet quoted protest organiser Ye Htut as saying: “It is like genocide. They are shooting at every Chad presidential election: Idriss shadow.” Mass protests have been taking place across Myanmar, also known as Burma, since the military seized control of the Déby seeks sixth term amid boycott South East Asian country and declared a year-long state of emergency. PEOPLE in Chad have been voting in a protesters could set on fire, reports opposition campaigners have defied a The armed forces claim there had been presidential election that is expected to Reuters news agency. ban on protests and the authorities have widespread fraud during a general give one of Africa’s longest-serving Elite troops from the Republican Guard violently broken up even relatively small election late last year which had returned leaders a sixth term. were deployed to the central polling gatherings. elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her President Idriss Déby, who seized station where President Deby himself Police and troops have surrounded National League for Democracy (NLD) power in a military coup in 1990, has voted, AFP news agency says. party headquarters and the homes of party to power. The election commission been accused of stifling dissent in the President Déby was first to cast his their leaders. has dismissed this. lead-up to the vote. ballot at that central polling station. In February security forces attempted On Friday ousted MPs and Myanmar’s Most prominent opposition leaders “I’m calling on all Chadians to come to arrest opposition candidate Yaya Dillo UN ambassador called on UN Security withdrew from the race, alleging attacks out and vote for the candidate of their and left five members of his family dead, Council members to take action against by the security forces. choice who will have to tackle the major according to his party, although the the military,including extending sanctions They urged supporters to boycott the challenges facing our country over the government says three people were and imposing an arms embargo and no-fly election and to protest. next six years,” he said to journalists after killed. zone. The authorities appeared to have voting. The weekly anti-government protest The UN meeting was also warned that braced themselves for violence. Human Rights Watch has described a marches were demanding a peaceful Myanmar was “on the brink of state A man in N’Djamena searches for his ruthless crackdown on key opponents transfer of power. failure". name on the electoral roll and protesters. President Idriss Déby is considered the International Crisis Group senior Soldiers were out on the streets in force It says recent anti-government main contender. adviser Richard Horsey said the military’s across the capital N’Djamena on Sunday demonstrations have been met with He has been in power for three decades actions were creating a situation where morning and the previous day municipal brutal force. and is running for a sixth term and has the country could become ungovernable. workers collected car tyres that Every Saturday for several months promised peace and security. 16 • Monday April 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Canada’s Telesat takes on Musk and Bezos in space race to provide fast broadband OTTAWA – Canada’s Telesat and Amazon’s, and the company tion on an Air Canada napkin. is racing to launch a low- has been in satellite services Those ideas eventually led to earth-orbit (LEO) satellite decades longer. In addition, Telesat’s LEO constellation, constellation to provide instead of focusing on the con- dubbed Lightspeed, which will high-speed global broad- sumer market like SpaceX and orbit about 35 times closer to band from space, pitting the Amazon, Telesat seeks deep- earth than GEO satellites, and satellite communications pocketed business clients. will provide Internet connectiv- firm founded in 1969 Goldberg said he was literally ity at a speed akin to fibre optics. against two trailblazing bil- losing sleep six years ago when Telesat’s first launch is lionaires, Elon Musk and he realised the company’s busi- planned in early 2023, while Jeff Bezos. ness model was in peril as there are already some 1,200 of Musk, the Tesla Inc. CEO who Netflix and video streaming Musk’s Starlink satellites in was only a year old when Telesat took off and fibre optics guaran- orbit. launched its first satellite, is teed lightning-fast Internet con- “Starlink is going to be in putting the so-called Starlink nectivity. service much sooner ... and that LEO into orbit with his com- Telesat’s 15 geostationary gives SpaceX the opportunity to pany SpaceX, and Amazon.com (GEO) satellites provide serv- win customers,” said Caleb Inc., which Bezos founded, is ices mainly to TV broadcasters, Henry,a senior analyst at Quilty planning a LEO called Project Internet service providers and Analytics. Kuiper. Bezos also owns Blue government networks, all of Starlink’s “first mover” advan- Origin, which builds rockets. whom were growing increas- tage is at most 24 months and Satellite controller Sean Sauve works at the offices of Telesat, Despite the competition, Dan ingly worried about the latency, “no one’s going to lock this whole a Canadian satellite communications company, in Ottawa, Goldberg, Telesat’s chief execu- or time delay, of bouncing sig- market up in that amount of Ontario, Canada on March 24, 2021. tive officer, voices confidence nals off orbiters more than time,” Goldberg said. when he calls Telesat’s LEO con- 35,000 km (22,200 miles) above Telesat in 2019 signed a They are Japan’s Mitsubishi Telesat aims to launch its first stellation “the Holy Grail” for earth. launch deal with Bezos’ aero- Heavy Industries Ltd., Europe’s batch of 298 satellites being his shareholders – “a sustain- Then in 2015 on a flight home space company Blue Origin. ArianeGroup, and Musk’s built by Thales Alenia Space in able competitive advantage in from a Paris industry conference Discussions are ongoing SpaceX, which launches the early 2023, with partial service global broadband delivery.” where latency was a constant with three others, said David Starlink satellites. Wendling in higher latitudes later that Telesat’s LEO has a much theme, Goldberg wrote down his Wendling, Telesat’s chief tech- said a decision would be taken same year, and full global serv- lighter price tag than SpaceX initial ideas for a LEO constella- nical officer. in a matter of months. ice in 2024. S.Korean battery makers agree $1.8 billion settlement, aiding Biden’s EV push WASHINGTON/SEOUL – to hike their sales and expand South Korean battery makers charging infrastructure. LG Energy Solution and SK SK Innovation agreed to pay Innovation Co. agreed on LG Energy Solution, a wholly Sunday to settle disputes over owned subsidiary of LG Chem electric-vehicle (EV) battery Ltd., 2 trillion won ($1.8 bil- technology, avoiding a poten- lion) – 500 billion won each tial setback for US EV ambi- this year and next, and royal- tions. ties for at least six years. The settlement after “We expect our payment plan marathon talks by affiliates of will not be financially burden- two of South Korea’s biggest some,” an SK Innovation offi- conglomerates was announced cial told Reuters. just hours before a Sunday The companies agreed to night deadline for President drop all litigation in the United Joe Biden’s administration to States and South Korea and decide whether to take the not to raise further lawsuits rare step of reversing a against each other for 10 years. US International Trade “The two companies now can Commission decision (ITC). coexist in the global market In a statement, Biden called and compete in good faith,” LG the settlement “a win for Energy Solution said in a American workers and the statement. SK said it would in- A woman rides an electric bike in Paris, France, on June 14, 2020. American auto industry.... We vest actively both in South need a strong, diversified and Korea and abroad now that un- resilient US-based electric ve- certainties for its EV battery Trading clunkers for electric bikes: hicle battery supply chain”. business in the United States The core dispute had threat- have been cleared up. ened the EV plans of Ford The US Office of US Trade France moves to offer financial incentive Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG, Representative had faced a as well as a Georgia plant Sunday night deadline on PARIS – France is offering the the measure in a preliminary in an ageing vehicle for an elec- that is key to the growing in- whether to take the rare step of owners of old, exhaust-belching vote. It was an amendment to tric or folding bicycle, the French dustry. reversing a US International cars the opportunity to hand a draft climate bill passing Federation of Bicycle Users The resolution is also a win Trade Commission decision over their vehicles for scrap through parliament that aims (FUB) said. for Biden, who has made boost- unless the companies had in return for a 2,500 euro to reduce greenhouse emissions “For the first time it is recog- ing EVs and US battery pro- agreed a deal. ($2,975.00) grant to buy an by 40% in 2030 from 1990 levels. nised that the solution is not to duction a top priority. The The Biden administration, electric bicycle. If adopted, France will become make cars greener, but simply global auto industry is racing Volkswagen and Ford had been Lawmakers in the National the first country in the world to to reduce their number,” said to develop EVs, and Biden has pushing the Korean companies Assembly have just approved offer people the chance to trade Olivier Schneider of the FUB. proposed spending $174 billion to settle. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 12, 2021 • 17

Four dead whales wash ashore on San Francisco Bay area beaches FOUR dead grey beaches since March 31. ment, the center said. whales washed ashore Of the four animals, The center’s experts on San Francisco Bay two died from blunt force were joined by biologists area beaches in nine trauma from ship strikes, from the California days, with experts an- the center said. Academy of Sciences to nouncing that two of “It’s alarming to re- perform the necropsies. the giant aquatic mam- spond to four dead grey Climate change can af- mals died from ship whales in just over a week fect water temperatures strikes and an investi- because it really puts into which impacts on the gation was ongoing on perspective the current availability of food for the Saturday on the other challenges faced by this whales, which can grow to An adult female grey whale lies dead after being hit by a ship, according to an two. species,” Padraig Duignan, nearly 50 feet long and mi- investigating team of scientists from The Marine Mammal Center, the world’s Biologists with the non- director of pathology at grate about 10,000 miles largest marine mammal hospital, and its partners at California Academy of profit Marine Mammal the center said in a news every year between feed- Sciences, at Muir Beach near San Francisco, California, US, on April 8, 2021. Center in California said release. ing grounds in the cold, in a release on Saturday Other common causes of north Pacific waters and rently considered endan- and Atmospheric ulation of 27,000 grey that two dead whales grey whale deaths include breeding grounds in gered but is protected Administration fisheries whales. Data from a washed ashore in the Bay starvation and complica- warm-water lagoons of by the Marine Mammal division tracks whale pop- 2020 study is still being area on Thursday, join- tions from becoming en- Mexico’s Baja California Protection Act in the ulations. Its last published analysed, according to the ing two more that were tangled in deep sea fishing Peninsula. United States. study in 2016 found a pop- NOAA website. discovered dead in area lines nets and other equip- The species is not cur- The National Oceanic Illegal driftnet use Thousands protest in Belgrade widespread in Indian BELGRADE – Several thousand people blocked Ocean, Greenpeace says traffic in front of the Serbian parliament on NAIROBI – Greenpeace of other sea life they catch Saturday in a protest has uncovered wide- in addition to the fish against lack of govern- spread use of illegal drift- they are set for, the nets ment action to prevent nets in the northwest were banned by the water, land and air pollu- Indian Ocean, which it United Nations 30 years tion by industries such as says are decimating ma- ago. the mining sector. rine life in what is one of Greenpeace shared Protesters, who came to the world’s most ecologi- footage with Reuters of Belgrade from all over cally vulnerable fishing sharks and manta rays Serbia, held banners grounds. that had been killed in reading “Cut corruption During two weeks at the nets, set some 500 and crime not forests”, sea, the environmental miles (800 km) east of and “Young people are organisation says it Somalia. “Because of the leaving because they can- filmed seven ships within issues of bycatch we’re not breathe”. 20 square miles (50 sq. concerned about all fish In recent years Serbia km) using driftnets to in the Indian Ocean,”it has started selling its catch tuna. It detected an- said, adding that the mining resources to for- other eight vessels on same area had also seen a eign companies, despite People attend a protest against lack of government action to prevent investors radar using navigational huge increase in unregu- opposition by local resi- from polluting rivers, land and air in front of the Serbian parliament in Belgrade, patterns that also sug- lated squid fishing. dents who had warned Serbia, on April 10, 2021. gested use of nets. “What’s the point in a that increased ore explo- “If yellowfin tuna con- U.N. ban on driftnets ration could cause greater it seeks to join the told the crowd that in- they don’t care about tinues to decrease at the when all the fishing ves- pollution. European Union, Serbia vestors were all welcome ecology,” one protester, current rate then food se- sels we saw are using The former Yuoslav re- will need billions of euros in the country, but added, who gave his name only curity in the region, as driftnets?” asked Will public, which in the 1990s of investment to meet “But you cannot poison as Marjan and who had well as local economies is McCallum, head of oceans went through a decade of the bloc’s environmental our children.” driven from the town of going to take a huge hit,” for Greenpeace UK, in wars and economic crisis, standards. “None of the people who Jagodina, 140 kilometres Greenpeace said. comments to Reuters. has lacked resources Aleksandar Jovanovic, have power care about (90 miles) from Belgrade, Nicknamed the “walls “There is little to no en- to tackle pollution. As one of the protest leaders, anything else but money, told Reuters. of death” for the quantity forcement in international waters... We need a global ocean treaty ... to resolve this enormous French lawmakers approve a ban on short domestic flights governance gap.” FRENCH lawmakers from 1990 levels, though curbs. of climate change we must established by Macron to Nations are due to meet voted late on Saturday to activists accuse President Industry Minister Agnes reduce emissions,” she told help shape climate policy in August for negotiations abolish domestic flights on Emmanuel Macron of wa- Pannier-Runacher dis- Europe 1 radio. “Equally, had called for the scrap- over such a pact, designed routes than can be covered tering down earlier prom- missed criticism from the we must support our com- ping of flights on routes to attempt to set up safe- by train in under two-and- ises in the draft legislation. aviation industry that a panies and not let them where the train journey is guards for parts of the a-half hours,as the govern- The vote came days after pandemic recovery was fall by the wayside.” less than 4 hours. ocean similar to reserves ment seeks to lower car- the state said it would con- not the time to ban some Air traffic may not Saturday night’s vote in established on land. bon emissions even as the tribute to a 4 billion euro domestic flights, and said return to pre-crisis levels the National Assembly Last month, represen- air travel industry reels ($4.76 billion) recapitalisa- there was no contradiction before 2024, McKinsey was the first. The bill goes tatives of 30 nations met from the global pandemic. tion of Air France, more between the bailout and analysts forecast. to the Senate before a third to discuss ways to save The measure is part of a than doubling its stake in the climate bill. Some environmental and final vote in the lower fast-depleting tuna stocks broader climate bill that the flagcarrier, to shore up “We know that aviation campaigners have said the house, where Macron’s in the Indian Ocean. The aims to cut French carbon its finances after over a is a contributor of carbon bill does not go far enough. ruling party and allies meeting ended without emissions by 40% in 2030 year of COVID-19 travel dioxide and that because A citizens’ climate forum dominate. any new agreement. 18 • Monday April 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Box Office: ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ roars to $13.4 million in second weekend LOS ANGELES – “Godzilla vs. Kong” stormed to the top of the domestic box office, pick- ing up $13.4 million in its second weekend of release. That brings the monster mashup’s stateside haul to $69.5 million, an impressive gross considering it comes in the midst of a global pandemic. The Legendary and Warner Bros. release’s robust commercial performance has been all the more notable because it comes as COVID restrictions are in place, limiting capacity in theatres, and also as the film is available on HBO Max. The film dropped 58 percent compared to its opening Moviegoers sit socially distanced as they wait for the movie ‘Godzilla weekend gross of $32.2 million. vs. Kong’ on the reopening day of the TCL Chinese theatre during the Warner Bros. is releasing its entire outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Los Angeles, 2021 slate on HBO Max at the California, US, March 31, 2021. same time they debut in theatres as a concession to coronavirus and of release. Lionsgate and AGC Studios’ a way to bolster the streaming Sony’s “The Unholy” appears “Voyagers,” a riff on “Lord of the service. poised to capture third place with Flies” that transports the mayhem “Godzilla vs. Kong” is now the roughly $2.4 million, pushing its of adolescent sexuality and bad top-grossing film of the pandemic total to $6.7 million. The horror behavior to outer space, grossed era, bypassing Christopher film follows a young hearing- $1.3 million to round out the top Nolan’s “Tenet,” which earned impaired girl who can hear and five. Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose $58.4 million. The impenetrable speak after a supposed visitation Depp, and Fionn Whitehead “Tenet” still far outranks “Godzilla from the Virgin Mary.The good lead the youthful cast of space vs. Kong” when it comes to sheer news doesn’t last long, however, as exploring miscreants. narrative confusion. terrifying events accompany the Some Oscar contenders padded Universal’s “Nobody,” an action apparent miracle. their grosses, with A24’s “Minari” thriller which attempts to give Disney’s “Raya and the Last adding $118,000 to its haul to “Better Call Saul’s” Bob Odenkirk Dragon” was in fourth place with push its total to $2.3 million, while the full Liam Neeson, middle-aged $2.1 million, pushing the ani- Focus Features’ “Promising Young ass-kicker treatment, came in sec- mated feature’s North American Woman” netted $55,000 to bring ond, with $2.6 million. The film’s gross to $35.2 million. “Raya” is its ticket sales to $7.2 million. domestic total now stands at also available to rent on Disney Both films are up for best picture Bridge $15.6 million after three weeks Plus. at this year’s Academy Awards. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 12, 2021 • 19 SSPPOORRTTSS Brathwaite: Attitude, discipline and preparation key for West Indies By Corey Greaves to get better. However, with all the vari- But along with discipline and ants, he highlighted the prepa- ATTITUDE, discipline and attitude, Brathwaite also men- ration phase as the most impor- preparation are the key ele- tioned that the preparation for tant with the right mindset and ments which West Indies both series was a critical asset once the preparation continues Test captain, Kraigg to their performance – both the to be similar to what they have Brathwaite, believes will mental and physical prepara- had over the last two series,he be the way forward for the tion and said that one should believes the West Indies will regional team. have the same mindset in the continue to be competitive. In a far-ranging interview nets as they would have in the With several series slated for on the Barbados Cricket Test. the region, Brathwaite men- Association’s (BCA) social Brathwaite believes that the tioned that the pitch in the last media, Brathwaite pointed to preparation of the team thus far series, which was against Sri discipline in all facets of the has been good and is the reason Lanka, did not lend to the team game including the right atti- they have seen the perform- being able to take 20 wickets. tude. ances. Though admitting that the Brathwaite took over the The opening batsman men- pitches in the region have leadership of the team for the tioned that though discipline is gotten better over the years, Bangladesh tour and then for essential, there is a need for he wants his bowling unit and the first home series in the clarity as well so that everyone especially the fast bowlers to Caribbean, which has seen the knows their role and everyone be given something to work team keep a clean sheet in the knows the plan. with in the wicket. losing column. The West Indies look likely to He wants conditions that He credits this performance have three more home series will give them the opportunity by the team to the discipline and Brathwaite wants the team to bowl out the opposition and and attitude which they had to continue to do well as he cater to their strengths, which during the games and prepara- manages different personalities has been fast bowlers. tion periods. which he is fully aware of. Brathwaite said that in a test Having the right attitude There are different players match, the spinners would come each hour and every session is who play different roles such into the game on the fourth and also important and when the as being aggressive and fifth days, and he believes there players meet back up, he wants Brathwaite said one has to are some good spinners in the to have that same attitude, make everyone feel comfortable, region, but he wants pitches to which also saw the senior play- noting that players do not set be consistent and give the fast ers pushing the younger ones out to make mistakes. bowlers something. West Indies Test captain, Kraigg Brathwaite. Martinelli and Lacazette HPC needed to help next star in Arsenal victory generation of West Indian cricketers GABRIEL MARTINELLI opponents’ increased effi- THE High Performance Centre one game at a time. domestic level in 4-day cricket, scored in his first start since ciency. (HPC) was an important part Playing Test cricket can be Brathwaite said that adding a January as Arsenal ended a At 1-0 there was always a of West Indies captain Kraigg “so mentally draining at times best-of-the-best series at the run of four games without a chance that this generous Brathwaite’s pathway to the as it is tough mentally,” he end tournament would help to win with victory over the Arsenal side may provide the senior team and success. said. further enhance the players. Premier League’s bottom club Blades with a way back in, but The opening batsman, who Brathwaite added that he However, he believes that a Sheffield United. Martinelli’s strike ended such had marathon stints in the enjoys the grind as an opening regional T20 tournament is The Brazilian has endured home hopes, with Lacazette middle with the bat, said batsman and playing long pe- needed in addition to the CPL an injury-plagued season, but adding the final flourish. he went from the High riods – knowing which balls to T20. There are many players was on hand to net his side’s The win – complete with a Performance Centre (HPC) attack, which ones to defend throughout the region who do second with a finish into an first clean sheet in 15 games – straight into Test cricket. and for him playing the ball as well in their local domestic unguarded goal after Aaron lifts Arsenal above Leeds and Brathwaite was speaking late as possible. tournaments, but never get to Ramsdale had pushed out Aston Villa and up to ninth in about the importance of having He also enjoys the battle play T20 at the CPL. Nicolas Pepe’s shot. the table, with 45 points. a set-up that would help the after fielding for long periods The addition of the regional It was the 19-year-old’s first It did come at a potential next generation of players and then having to go out to T20 would give more players goal since January 2020. cost, though, with Bukayo reach their goals. bat to see out the day,knowing the opportunity to showcase It came between two Saka limping off in the second He mentioned that though that in the hour left the battle their skills and talents, giving Alexandre Lacazette goals – half with a thigh injury, mak- he had been training all his ca- is more mental. them the opportunity to get the first a neat first-half finish ing him a possible doubt for reer, when he reached the HPC The team-oriented captain into the CPL or higher. after Dani Ceballos’ back-heel the second leg of the Europa it was a different type of inten- said that recently, he enjoyed Brathwaite, who has not and the second a clinical ef- League last-eight tie with sity and the region needs to get knowing his Test team’s bowl- played limited overs for the fort in the closing stages after Slavia Prague on Thursday. back one. ing unit could put their feet up West Indies since 2017, said he he was put clear by Thomas Sheffield United remain The players need the support in the dressing room for long loves all forms of cricket and Partey. rooted to the bottom, 18 points and to follow a regime, so they periods as the regional side would someday like to play Sheffield United have from safety with just 21 left can get there as a group. had gone through some years limited-overs cricket for the won only four games this to play for. With their woeful Brathwaite has goals of car- struggling with the bat. senior team, but acknowledged season and none since Paul goal difference, a loss at rying his bat in two innings “It is a big step as a batting he has not had the opportunity Heckingbottom took caretaker Wolves next Saturday will once again and someday reach- group.” to play in either the 50-over or charge a month ago and they all but confirm their relega- ing 100 Test matches. Though Happy with the number of 20-over format for Barbados had little answer to their tion. the second goal he is taking it games played at the regional recently. (CG) 20 • Monday April 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Skerritt, Shallow elected Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy unopposed as President and 14,876 sq ft. $110,000

Bushy Park, St. Philip Vice President of CWI 17,000 sq ft $170,000 RICKY SKERRITT and In addition to the Dr. Kishore Shallow have election for President and Inchcape, St. Philip been re-elected unopposed Vice President, the TEL: 247-4469 4355 sq ft $ 96,000 Cel: 828-4800 to the posts of President following persons were 253-6319 and Vice President duly elected as Member Belle, St. George respectively, of Cricket Directors of CWI: 4 acres $400,000 Email: West Indies (CWI). They Conde Riley – Barbados will serve a second two- Cricket Association caribbeanpropertiesltd Haggatt Hall, St. Michael @gmail.com year term. The re-election Calvin Hope – Barbados 6336 sq ft $126,000 process was conducted as Cricket Association Under Offer PROPERTIES one of the key items on the Bissoondyal Singh – agenda of the 22nd Annual Guyana Cricket Board Cane Garden, St. Thomas General meeting of CWI, Hilbert Foster – Guyana Kirtons, St Philip 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft 3 bedroom plus on Sunday April 11, 2021. Cricket Board Private entrance. Skerritt said: “I am Wilford Heaven – 2 bedroom apt 4,790 sq ft From $187,681 $685,000 humbled and deeply Jamaica Cricket honoured to be re-elected Association Ragged Point, St. Philip to serve as CWI President Dr Donovan Bennett – Amity Lodge, Ch Ch 8,267 sq ft $166,000 3 bedroom plus REAL ESTATE NOTICES for a second term. I take Jamaica Cricket the responsibility to lead Association 1 bedroom apt Rolling Hills, St. George 6,646 sq ft $650,000 Asking $1,200,000 the Board of this Enoch Lewis – Leeward 12,000 sq ft prestigious organisation, Islands Cricket Board $310,000 (negotiable) NOTICE Gibbons, Ch Ch Black Rock, St. Michael most seriously. We have Leon Rodney – Leeward Warehouse/Storage much unfinished work to Islands Cricket Board 3 bedroom plus Ocean City, St. Philip IN THE ESTATE OF 4000 sf space 23,861 sq ft ROSETTA BABB, do, and we renew our Azim Bassarath – 2 bedroom apt 6150 sq ft $123,000 9,835 sq ft $900,000 (reduced) DECEASED. pledge to work untiringly Trinidad and Tobago to help achieve sustainable Cricket Board $675,000 (reduced) Fortesque, St Philip Foul Bay, St. Philip NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN improvement, both on and Arjoon Ramlal – Agricultural Land Approved for condos, pursuant to Section 31 of the off the field, for West Indies Trinidad and Tobago Breezy Hill, St Philip 494,500 sq ft $1,100,000 3 bedroom, 2 bath 39,242 sq ft $1,600,000. Trustee Act, Cap. 250 of the cricket.” Cricket Board Laws of Barbados that all reduced to $298,000 Dr. Shallow said: “I am Julian Charles – Silver Sands, persons having any claim upon Dover, Christ Church again grateful for the Windward Islands Cricket Christ Church or affecting the Estate of Black Rock, St Michael Hotel 18 rooms fully continued support of the Board 7,129 sq ft $160,000 ROSETTA BABB, deceased, member representatives Dwain Gill – Windward 3 bedroom, 1 bath operational $2,950,000 neg late of 84 Oxnards in the parish 6732 sq ft $360,000 under offer for Ricky and myself. This Islands Cricket Board Bushy Park, St. Philip of St. James in this Island, who re-election is a victory for Due to the COVID-19 24,000 sq ft $190,000 died at the Queen Elizabeth West Indies cricket as we pandemic the meeting Enterprise, Christ Church Dalkeith, Christ Church Hospital, Martindales Road in 17,371 sq ft approved for continue on the path of took place virtually via 3 bedroom, 2 bath Apes Hill, St. James the parish of St. Michael in this shops and offices growing the game across video conference.All of the 5062 sq ft 31,000 sq ft upward Island on the 30th day of $495,000 the region, and achieving Territorial Board Member $390,000 (reduced) Large lots at $15 per sq ft September 2011, are required to send particulars in writing of good outcomes on all fronts Associations were fully Roebuck Street, their claims duly attested to and at all levels.” represented. The Belle, St George Mount Wilton, St. Thomas Bridgetown JULIETTE ROSITA BABB- Plantation style House 15,500 sq ft and 22,066 sq ft Standing on 4 acres Shopping Mall/Office space RILEY and CORLITA $300,000 and $220,000 ANNETTE BABB-SCHAEFER, $1.1M $8,100,000 negotiable the Executrices of the Will dated Man United come from Union, St. Philip the 23rd day of September 1992 Batts Rock, St Michael Frere Pilgrim, 7560 sq ft of the said deceased, in care of Guest House, 12,078 sq ft behind to win at Spurs Christ Church $150,000 Sharon C. I. Carter, Attorney-at- 3 bedroom, 2 baths with $2,850,000 negotiable Law, of No. 22 Ealing Park in the MANCHESTER United impressively for a win that two bedroom apartment. Thorpes, St. James parish of Christ Church in this Cane Garden, St Thomas inflicted further damage on leaves them 11 points 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 11,376 sq ft with structure Island on or before the 14th day 3.6 acres approved Tottenham’s hopes of behind leaders Manchester $235,000 of June 2021 after which date making the Premier City with a game in hand. Hanson Heights, St George Roadfront the Executrices will distribute $1,650,000 negotiable League’s top four as they Fred was involved in the 8321 sq ft $595,000 Cottage, St George the Estate among the persons entitled thereto having regard came from behind to build-up and conclusion of 5000 sq ft secure a fully deserved the equaliser after 57 Ealing Grove, Fitts Village, St James only to the valid debts and $110,000 (negotiable) victory. minutes, pouncing after Christ Church Guest House, 4 Suites claims of which they shall Spurs went into this Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths 6,135 sq ft have had notice at the time of Morningside, St Philip game knowing victory had saved well from 9320 sq ft $565,000 $750,000 negotiable distribution. 4567 sq ft $133,000 would keep them in touch Cavani. AND all persons indebted to with the Champions And Cavani finally got LOTS FOR SALE Mason Hill Street The City Jupiter Gardens, St Peter the said Estate are requested to 26,500 sq ft with buildings League places but another the goal his superb 7312 sq ft settle their accounts without colourless performance led movement and constant Boarded Hall, $4,000,000 negotiable $133,000 (negotiable) delay. to what could be an menace deserved with 11 Christ Church All enquiries to expensive defeat. minutes left when he 10,429 sq ft $157,000 Bagatelle, St. Thomas Dated this 12th day (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 Edinson Cavani thought launched himself to head 62000 sq ft into 2 lots of April 2021. he had given United a first- beyond Lloris from Westbury Road, St Michael or (246) 247 4469 $520,000 each, or half lead with a smooth substitute Mason 2,520 sq ft $45,360 SHARON C. I. CARTER $1M for both finish from Paul Pogba’s Greenwood’s cross. Attorney-at-Law for the pass but the goal was Greenwood completed the Goodland Gardens, Executrices of the Estate of Marley Vale, St Philip controversially ruled out by formalities with virtually Christ Church ROSETTA BABB, 21,780 sq ft $275,000 deceased. referee Chris Kavanagh the last kick of the game 9,605 sq ft $145,000 following a video assistant as he provided a finish that Sandford, St Philip referee consultation after was too powerful for Lloris Nursery Road, St Philip 16,356 sq ft $300,000 Scott McTominay caught at his near post. 9,266 sq ft $139,000 Son Heung-min with his Manchester United trailing arm. ended the first half feeling Lashley Road, St Philip COMMERCIAL United’s sense of as if the world was against 5,839 sq ft, $150,000 injustice was increased them, wounded by the Mount Standfast, St James when Son put Spurs ahead decision to rule out Salters, St George Two properties on before the break but the Cavani’s goal and then hit 2 lots 32,760 sq ft, $230,000 22,714 sq ft. visitors recovered by Son’s opener. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 12, 2021 • 21

Steph Curry’s offensive explosion helps Warriors crush Rockets STEPHEN Curry poured in including Golden State’s final quarter to a knee injury. a game-high 38 points to 20 of the period. Curry, who shot 8-for-15 on move within 18 of Wilt Seeking a third win in their 3-pointers, also found time Chamberlain’s career fran- last 11 games, the Warriors led for a team-high eight rebounds. chise record Saturday 94-80 after three periods, then Mychal Mulder added 10 night, lifting the Golden held off a late charge by the points for the Warriors, who State Warriors to a 125-109 Rockets. outshot the Rockets 53.8 per- victory over the visiting Curry increased his career cent to 46.6 percent. Draymond Houston Rockets. point total to 17,765, putting Green dished out a game- Andrew Wiggins chipped in him in a position to possibly high-tying seven assists to go with 25 points and Jordan catch and pass Chamberlain with seven rebounds, two Poole 21 off the bench for the (17,783) as early as Golden points and three steals. Warriors, who were coming off State’s next game, which is D.J. Augustin had 19 a potential soul-crushing, 110- Monday at home against points, while Christian Wood 107 home loss to Washington Denver. and Kelly Olynyk contributed the night before in their 18 apiece for the Rockets, pursuit for a bottom-end play- Longest streak who lost for the seventh time off spot in the Western Curry has scored 32 or more in their last eight games. Conference. points in six straight games, a Olynyk completed the game’s John Wall, who sat out career-best run and the longest only double-double with 11 re- Friday’s 126-109 road loss to streak of any player in the bounds, tying teammate the Los Angeles Clippers, re- NBA this season. Jae’Sean Tate for game-high turned to pace the Rockets Golden State won despite honours. with 30 points. having to go without Kelly Wall, whose 30-point effort Saddled with three early Oubre Jr., who injured his was his fourth of the season, fouls, Curry was held to 10 wrist in Friday’s loss to all since March 1, matched Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry shoots a first-half points before explod- Washington, before losing Green’s assist total with seven three-pointer during the game against the Houston Rockets. ing for 22 in the third quarter, James Wiseman in the first to lead the Rockets. 22 • Monday April 12, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Randy completes two rides, third loop postponed

By Krystal Penny Bowen first effects of the La importance of road safety in a clockwise direction. Soufrière’s eruption. and the cyclists who lost Vice President of CYCLIST Randy As light ash fell on his their lives earlier this the Barbados Cycling Licorish was able to shoulders, he did his best year. Union (BCU), Livingston complete two loops to finish his mission of Licorish was aiming to Headley, told The around the island over Ride for Lives. ride three loops around Barbados Advocate the two days, but his third On Friday morning the island, a loop a day last leg of the ride will be ride will be postponed at Freights Bay, Christ (325 km) starting at 6 a.m. completed at a later date, until the weather im- Church, Licorish, sur- The ride starts from hopefully next weekend proves. rounded by supporters, Freights Bay, Christ at the same time and On Saturday, family, and friends of Church, moving northerly location. Barbadians woke up to Melanie Watts, started his an overcast sky, but a de- ride around Barbados.The termined cyclist Randy 6 a.m. exercise was a part Licorish rode on, even of the campaign to sensi- as he encountered the tise Barbadians about the

Cyclist Randy Licorish, the lone rider, got the early effects of the volcanic ash and dust during his early morning ride on Saturday. He was able to complete Randy Licorish takes the time to remember the Ride For Lives campaign officially started on Friday a loop a day around the island over two days, but cyclists who died, before his ride around the island with the first loop around the island dedicated to the last leg will be postponed until the weather on Friday morning. the late cyclist, Melanie Watts. improves. The Barbados Advocate Monday April 12, 2021 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES (March 21-April 19). A letter you find hid- N den in a coat pocket or at the back of a drawer will con- D firm what you have been expecting. Someone has been spending money too easily. Is it time to per- C suade a partner to cut up their credit cards and to do O some economising? Your dilemma is how to explain N how and why you know this is a serious issue. S TAURUS (April 20-May 20). A seemingly endless supply of mental energy keeps you going strong. People will wonder how you can remain so positive when things have been so tough lately. Looking on the bright side seems to come more naturally to you now. You are also more hopeful about some private plans you are keeping to yourself. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Getting to know an in- Z triguing person will be good for you in many ways. By I working together you can gain skills that will be use- T ful in times to come. This is your chance to make an S interesting connection and with them by your side you will get to meet some powerful politicians, community figures and business people. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're longing for a time when you can put up a Business as Usual sign. All you want is to cautiously and carefully re-open and get back to some kind of normality. This is an important time for your industry. You aren't looking to expand or to offer anything unusual. There's lots of jug- R gling going on and you're simply plotting ways to get E life as normal as possible. X LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Someone in the family is longing for a change of scene. If you can't get away M anytime soon, booking a future holiday will give you O all something to look forward to. You know they ex- R pect you to turn their ideas down but because this is G so important to them, you will happily offer to pick up A some brochures or search the internet for possibilities. N VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Projects have grown despite everything. You started out with nothing and people believed in your ideas enough to invest. All the way along you have had sponsors and volunteers to help you and the results have been incredible. Your grit and determination along with your modest demeanour all packaged up has impressed and continues to im- press many people. P LIBRA(Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your positive approach is H at odds with someone you are spending the day with. A Plans and promises made a while ago which you had N every intention of keeping will be postponed. This is T all because other people have changed their minds. O Not only will this upset you but you feel annoyed M they've let you down. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It's no use crying over spilt milk. Achoice you made recently seems to be the wrong one. You've lost interest in ideas that had once been exciting. Mistakes made in the past are causing you some mild inconvenience. Learning from this experience will help you make better decisions in the future. M SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There's a grow- A ing expectation that when all restrictions are lifted, R there will be an opportunity to get back out spending Y again. You have high hopes for the future as new projects, plans and ideas are discussed. A team effort will W be accomplished a couple of days ahead of the target. O CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There is a hint of R loss, upset or disappointment. This won't mean the end T of a relationship or a project collapsing completely. You're just going through a difficult patch and feel un- H certain about the way things are going. When you do feel anxious, it is important to discuss your feelings. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). At last it is possible to get back to doing things you have been missing so M much. Progress has been relatively slow but the fact O that things are starting to move forward gives you hope T for a happier future. The mood is pretty different from H earlier in the year when you wondered whether or not E some hopes and dreams would ever be realised. R PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You should never feel guilty about needing to take some time off. You have G been doing a lot of late, this hasn't always been easy O and it is understandable that you feel drained and O lacking in motivation. If you feel you need it, get S some rest. Take a few days off and recharge your bat- E teries. Skerritt, Shallow elected unopposed as President, VP of CWI

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Monday April 12, 2021 RECONSIDER EXAM PLANS A GROUP of concerned par- strategy for the administration Advanced Proficiency Exami- and 031 the School-Based plans”, particularly as they re- ents in Barbados, Guyana of the 2021 regional summer ex- nation (CAPE), Caribbean Assessments (SBAs). late to the syllabus and options and Trinidad and Tobago is aminations, following a meeting Secondary Education Certificate But with teaching time being in Paper Two. calling on the Caribbean with the Council for Human and (CSEC) and Caribbean Cer- significantly reduced due to In a joint statement, the group Examination Council (CXC) Social Development (COHSOD) tificate of Secondary Level the COVID-19 pandemic, the said CXC has refused to reduce to reconsider its plans for – Education. Starting June 14, Competence (CCLSC) Regional Coalition for CXC the syllabus, despite the testing this year. the Barbados-based CXC will Examinations in their original Redress is appealing to CXC to COVID-19 pandemic context CXC recently announced its administer the Caribbean format – that is: Papers 01, 02 “urgently reconsider 2021 Exam RECONSIDER on Page 4

Water woes, heavy ashfall affecting SVG residents By Krystal Penny Bowen safety. This is occurring as members of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), THE residents of St.Vincent and the and other military personnel who arrived Grenadines (SVG) are dealing with in- on the island on Saturday, helped terrupted water supplies and heavy distribute necessary relief supplies to ashfall across the island. the people of St. Vincent and the Yesterday, The Barbados Advocate Grenadines. spoke to Vincentian Vonley Greaves via WhatsApp about the current condition, DEVASTATING BLOW: These are some of and how he and his neighbours are cop- the dreary images being shared by ing with the natural disaster. residents of St. Vincent and the Greaves, who lives on the south side of Grenadines. Many homes and businesses the island in the green zone, said that the have been affected by the heavy ashfall water was off around 8 a.m. yesterday.He caused by Friday's eruption of La told The Barbados Advocate that the Soufrière. The once lush and green water is being shared with other districts. island has turned into a grey and dismal He added that heavy ashfall has created wasteland. a thick blanket of grime on his vehicle, while covering most of the homes and vegetation. Residents from the Leeward and Windward side of St.Vincent have been relocated to safer zones. In his area, there are two shelters – a church and a school – with only the school having access to a water tank. Greaves, who is a mainte- nance worker, said it is his responsibility to ensure all is well at the shelter. Greaves said that supermarkets are open and busy and there is no shortage of food goods at this moment. On Facebook, St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited indicated the company is trying to restore full power after the outage which occurred early on Sunday morning. They were able to restore service to most of their customers, with teams in the field working on the problem. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves told the local media recently that the volcano caused approximately 13 million cubic metres of material to explode into the air,and carried ash across St.Vincent and Barbados. Internet images show the collapsed homes of Vincentians in the red zone. Tonnes of grey ash covered the land and buildings.Some residents seeking shelter were waiting on the roadside for a ride to

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