Established October 1895 Ten more charged with breaking curfew PAGE 5

Wednesday April 15, 2020 $1 VAT Inclusive

CLOSERTHE COVID-19 pandemic He explained that with the we canTIES fill the vacuum created substitute that VITALby doing more announcing that the meeting may just be the impetus negative impact the spread of by the disruption of activity among ourselves,” he would take place, PM Mottley CARICOM needed to propel COVID-19 around the world international trade and said, while considering some spoke of the region’s need for a the regional integration is having on trade, where the economic relations. of the issues that may be common border policy and movement. international supply chains on “So we are going to have to discussed among the Heads common public health protocol So says Barbados’ which we depend for critical try to be much more self-reliant today. – two concepts Ambassador Ambassador to CARICOM, imports into our countries have as a Caribbean region and no The Ambassador added, “I Comissiong agrees are David Comissiong. He made been disrupted, the region doubt there will be a lot of think a fundamental point that required for CARICOM to the comments while speaking must of necessity look to discussion about how do we Ms. Mottley will be making is advance. He bolstered his to The Barbados Advocate work more closely together. do that; how can we ramp up that this crisis really heralds, position, while noting that the about today’s special meeting Comissiong said the focus regional food production; how or should herald the full current public health issue will of the CARICOM Heads of would have to be on how the can we enhance our single recognition of the critical likely plague us for some time Government, which is expected region can “ramp up” our market and single economy importance of CARICOM for us to come. to be led by the current Caribbean integration mechanisms, where we no and that we must go forward “COVID-19 is not going to Chairman of CARICOM, Prime movement and the drive longer have access to various from here making full use of end overnight, but we still have Minister of Barbados Mia towards the CARICOM Single international supplies of the CARICOM mechanism.” Amor Mottley. Market and Economy, so that capital and goods. We can On Saturday evening, in CARICOM on Page 2 New shopping schedule in effect today BARBADIANS are eagerly awaiting their chance to transact business at supermarkets, fish markets and hardware stores as well as banking institutions, when a new arrangement comes into effect today, Wednesday, April 15, that will allot them specific days to do so, based on the first letter of their surnames. It was just on Saturday that Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, announced that a 24-hour curfew, which was in effect to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, will now be extended until midnight, May 3, 2020 and with that, she also revealed that there will be a relaxing of the restrictions limiting the movement of Barbadians, as a number of new measures come into effect under a new order today.

New shopping schedule Persons should therefore take note that under the new arrangement, those persons whose surnames begin with the letters A and B may transact business at the supermarket, fish market or hardware store on Mondays, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and again on Fridays between 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Their day for banking is Monday, from The scene outside Crumbz Bakery in Eagle Hall, St. Michael, where patrons have settled into a social distancing routine when 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. queuing up. From today, a new system for shopping will be rolled out, allowing members of the public to resume their activities at supermarkets, some financial institutions and hardware stores across the country. Persons are however urged to continue NEW SCHEDULE on Page 3 practising social distancing. 2 • Wednesday April 15, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Regional leaders must think outside the box: Comissiong CARICOM from Page 1 But now as we come to the realisation that this thing is not going to end to produce and we have to find a way overnight, we have to prepare to generate financial resources if we ourselves to face the other challenges are to live... Obviously we just can’t go that we have to deal with.” back to what we were doing before, not In that vein, he spoke of the unfair with a COVID health issue hanging treatment meted out to countries over our heads. So some of the considered by the international questions to be asked are – how do we financial entities as middle income, come together and how do we come to denying them access to concessionary collective decisions, how do we permit financing. Comissiong said that PM some travel and movement across our Mottley and her Antiguan counterpart, national boundaries – those Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who discussions needs now to start in has lead responsibility for financial earnest,” he suggested. matters within the CARICOM quasi- Noting that we cannot remain Cabinet, have both already written to indefinitely in a state of total the International Monetary Fund shutdown, as this would lead to the (IMF) and the World Bank to make a collapse of our economies and societies, case for new arrangements to be put in Comissiong said regional leaders have place, so that CARICOM countries can to think outside of the box and come up have greater access to financial with workable solutions. resources, and can have a relaxation in “This is the new reality that we are some of the targets of the IMF going to have to contend with certainly programmes of some of our countries. for several months. This is where the “It is better to deal with them as a new thinking will have to come on collective group than as single nations. stream. I think we are beginning a I think these are going to be among the process, I think we have done good so main issues under discussion. I’ve seen far in preparing for COVID in doing the letters written by Prime Minister our national shutdown, our lockdowns, Mottley and Prime Minister Browne Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong. in putting in place our social and they have indeed laid out very distancing, in putting in place persuasive cases, but now it is going to CARICOM now becomes so critical. At things together, than each country mechanisms to help the more call for follow-up diplomacy and a time of crisis, we realise more and trying to row its own boat by itself,” he vulnerable segments of our population. activism on our part. This is where more that we are much better off doing declared. (JRT) The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 15, 2020 • 3

Shoppers urged to carry some form of ID NEW SCHEDULE from CARICOM Page 1

Those with surnames beginning with the letters region lauded C, D, E, and F can do so on ONE diplomat is our Caribbean Commu- Wednesdays, from 8:00 commending the nity Implementation a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and CARICOM region Agency for Crime and again on Saturdays, from on its response to Security and by our 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. the COVID-19 global Caribbean Disaster Their day for banking is pandemic. Emergency Management Wednesday, from 9:00 Speaking to The Agency and of course a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Barbados Advocate overarching all of that, Shoppers with yesterday morning, this has been the work of the surnames that start with country’s Ambassador to CARICOM Secretariat.” the letters G, H, I, J and K CARICOM, attorney-at- He added, “The whole may do so on Thursdays, law, David Comissiong, approach of CARICOM to from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. said that in the efforts by this issue has been to en- and on Mondays, from CARICOM to stay ahead sure that we stay ahead 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. of the curve, the member of the curve, that we stay Their banking day is states have been doing ahead of both the public Thursday, between 9:00 relatively well to date. He health curve and the eco- a.m. and 1:00 p.m. believes that if regional nomic curve and so far we For surnames countries continue to have have acquitted ourselves beginning with letters a hands-on and assertive quite well. Any objective L, M, N, O, P, Q and R, Shoppers will be allowed to enter supermarkets to shop, by showing some form approach to the pandemic, observer would have to these individuals will of picture identification. they would be able to agree that the CARICOM be allowed to shop on weather the storm. He region has been better Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. made the point while re- prepared and better or- to 11:00 a.m. and on flecting on the special ganised to deal with the Tuesdays, from 1:00 p.m. meeting of CARICOM public health challenge to 4:00 p.m. These Heads of Government that COVID-19 repre- individuals get to do their expected to be convened sents, than many much banking transactions on today,contending that the larger and possibly devel- Fridays, between 9:00 CARICOM region is bet- oped countries. So I think a.m. and 1:00 p.m. ter prepared than most to so far, so good,” he stated. Persons with the handle the current crisis. But, reflecting on the surnames beginning with His comments came as impact of the COVID-19 letters S, T, U, V, W, X, Y he said one of the major on economies across the and Z will have the reasons the countries world, he said there are opportunity to shop on within the region have challenges that our Heads Saturdays, from 8:00 a.m. done relatively well so far of Government will need to 11:00 a.m. and on in responding to the pub- to come together and Wednesdays, from 1:00 lic health crisis, has been grapple with at this time. p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Their because of the work of en- On the public health front, day to do banking tities like the Caribbean Ambassador Comissiong transactions is Public Health Agency said there is obviously the Wednesday, between the (CARPHA). He stated issue of maintaining con- hours of 1:00 p.m. and Barbadians seem eager to get their hands on essential items, given the backlog that not only did the tinued access to critical 4:00 p.m. of orders that previously burdened some supermarkets. CARICOM grouping have medical supplies, which Seniors and persons the foresight to establish a he believes will be one of who are disabled will be Sundays from 11:00 a.m. some form of picture wait”. Additionally, they number of institutions to the issues discussed when given the opportunity to to 2:00 p.m., and on identification, before are to observe the social work on behalf of the in- CARICOM leaders meet do their shopping on Thursdays, from 1:00 p.m. entering the premises of distancing rule of a terest of member states, today. Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Their day for these businesses. It is also minimum of six feet or two but the dedicated, hard “I have not seen a de- to 11:00 a.m. and on banking is Thursday, strongly recommended metres apart from others. work of the staff of those tailed agenda and I sus- Tuesdays, from 8:00 a.m. between 1:00 p.m. and that they wear a cloth face It should also be noted agencies has been excep- pect there is no detailed to 11:00 a.m. Their day 4:00 p.m. mask in public, bring that post offices will now tional. agenda, but common for banking is Tuesday, Shoppers are advised a shopping list of the open from Monday to “Our response has been sense tells me that one of between 9:00 a.m. and to carry their National essential items needed to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to guided by the Caribbean the items of the agenda 1:00 p.m. Identification Card, ensure a speedy shopping 3:15 p.m. and fruit and Public Health Agency would be how can we col- Healthcare and other Driver’s Licence or experience and have an vegetable vendors will and their work has been laborate with each other essential workers are Passport with them, as umbrella and drinking be allowed to sell their greatly facilitated by the more, on collectively required to shop on they will have to show water “in case of a long produce. (RSM) Regional Security System, sourcing critical medical supplies, that all over the world countries are in a mad competition to gar- ner for themselves,” he CARICOM Heads to hold online Emergency Meeting today stated. AS Member States of the recently noted that this look and see whether this we know.” ally are our brothers’ The Ambassador indi- Caribbean Community Special Emergency is not the moment where Mottley suggested that keeper and our sisters’ cated that in addition to continue to battle the Meeting of the Conference CARICOM’s true promise up for discussion would keeper, then I believe that that, there is the economic COVID-19 pandemic and of Heads of Government is upon us, that the notion likely be “a common public it will make us stronger issue to be considered. its spin-off effects and im- of the Caribbean of a single domestic space, health protocol and com- as we go forward.” Noting that this health pact on lives and liveli- Community (CARICOM), that the notion of a single mon border policy”. In the early years of the crisis has landed all of us hoods, a special meeting will be conducted online. market and what there- Stressing that citizens recovery from this pan- in an economic crisis, he of CARICOM Heads of “I have written to my fore are those things that should recognise that demic, Mottley suggested, believes the Heads are Government is scheduled colleague Heads and we need to do, in order their country and its re- countries in the region are going to have to think to be convened today, asked that we meet on truly to allow our sover- gional neighbours were going to have to rely out- very carefully about how Wednesday, for heads to Wednesday, April 15, so eign boundaries to have in the fight against the side of their boundaries we can gradually get liaise. that we can share ideas, a virtual reality that is COVID-19 pandemic “for and on their neighbours economic activity going Prime Minister of share experiences first a CARICOM entity, the the long haul”, she said, and hence, there is no again, without compro- Barbados, Mia Amor and foremost,” Mottley Caribbean community, “At the regional level, as better time than now to mising the public health Mottley, who serves as said. while the legal sovereign I said, if we can get that start the dialogue and the safety of our countries. CARICOM Chairman, She added, “But also boundaries remain what working so that we liter- process going. (RSM) (JRT)

4• Wednesday April 15, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Shoppers heed social distancing advice By André Springer

BARBADOS is under a 24-hour curfew with the allowance of people being able to shop for essential groceries, and the public have been out and about getting what is needed but adhering to the social distancing mandate set down by the govern- ment. Y esterday at pharmacies, bakeries, minimarts, village shops and even around vegetable vendors, customers were holding on to the wisdom of social distancing. Customers stand a few feet apart while waiting to get their ground provisions and fruit. The measure which has been urged by Prime Minister of Barbados, the distancing, as it can not only slow the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley and her spread of the virus but also save administration in keeping with the lives. strategies put in place by the World Today the supermarkets will HealthOrganization, is an important reopen with the new guidelines set out plan in facing the threat of COVID-19. by the prime minister this past With a vaccine still a little way over the weekend. It is the hope of the horizon, the declared national state of government and indeed all of Barbados emergency had placed all persons at that the new name system is home with the exception of essential a successful mechanism in which workers or persons leaving their homes essential supplies can be acquired. to get necessities. Barbados has come from chaos at the The previous outline set by the supermarkets to well-organised and government had been for customers peaceful lines outside businesses. who needed supplies to order A backward step now would be a sad via multiple online streams from situation, especially with cases participating supermarkets. Also still rising daily. However the positive implemented was a system of prepack- outlook is that Barbadians have aged bags of varying values, with pulled together and seemingly specific advertised items, which the island is headed in the right could be collected at various supermar- direction. kets and also village shops remained Persons are reminded to travel open. with their national identification The system had been working card, passport or driver’s licence as relatively well and Barbadians have photo identification on their respective Collins Pharmacy has been a hive of activity daily since people have been embraced the need to employ social days. allowed to conduct essential business.

A small area outside Zephirin's Bakery saw bread lovers still adhering to the Shoppers wait for bread outside of Purity Bakeries. national mandate.

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 15, 2020 • 5 Ten more charged with breaking curfew YESTERDAY, ten more persons vidual pled not guilty and was remanded. headed to the magistrates’ courts The ten were arrested over the weekend charged with breaking curfew, and by police officers stopping and questioning up to press time six were already persons on the streets after curfew. behind bars having pled guilty Several had additional charges, including to the offence. one man known to the law courts, who They will join two earlier violators was charged with burglary and breaking in spending between six months to a year curfew and was sentenced to a year on at Her Majesty’s Prison Dodds. One indi- each charge to run concurrently.

Ricardo Antonio Agard. Region yet to feel full force of COVID-19 IT is the belief of Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, support the battle against the virus and Director of the Pan American Health promises to continue to use all the Organization (PAHO), that the region is resources available to it. Etienne also yet to bear the full force of the COVID-19 brought to light one of the long term plans virus and is imploring countries in the needed to be put into place. region to take action. “We need to plan now and guarantee Virtually addressing the region during that drugs and vaccines that are being de- the weekly PAHO press briefing, Etienne veloped are accessible to all in our region, contended that the region needed to especially in the most vulnerable prepare for more cases and a greater communities.” urged the director. escalation of people in need of health Highlighting the proposal of Carlos services. Alvarado Quesasda, President of Costa “COVID-19 has yet to hit with full force Rica to the World Health Organisation in our region, particularly in Latin (WHO), of a pool of patents being pre- America and the Caribbean and we pared, Etienne said she commended the expect it to intensify in the next few initiative. The mechanism would ensure weeks. Indeed the rise of hospitalisations equitable access to critical supplies that and deaths like we see in some countries, would allow for more efficient support of highlight how quickly the situation can those infected and also fight against the Shiamar Tashaka Callender. change.” said Etienne. spread of COVID-19 and future Speaking directly to the heads of pandemics. (AS) governments across the region, the director pushed for an urgent and Replacement revenue earner crucial immediate response to what presents it- THE tatters the Covid-19 pandemic has ourselves. Our tastebuds must be self to the region as a consequence of the left the tourism sector and its dependent retrained to eat what we produce. pandemic. Making it more personal for industries in outlines clearly the need And we must never drop the ball again. all, she explained that the fight against for a total rethink and rebuild of this Give agriculture its due respect,” she COVID-19 was literally a fight of life and island’s revenue earning capacity. said. death where the aim was to protect one- President of the Democratic Labour She also stressed that time must be self, the family and community. Etienne Party Verla Depeiza reiterated that the spent cultivating a brand new revenue reiterated that the cost of action had need to diversify the economy was a earner, which is “not as fickle and is never been greater in the region. central pillar of the development of quintessentially Barbadian”. The director sought to further point out a brand new, self-sufficient Barbados. “This revenue earner will be one the necessary action to governments of “This was prescient as we are thrust which will cushion us from external addressing not just the short term but immediately into that mode.We need shocks and allow us room to meet our also the long term needs of the region. as a matter of urgency to find a significant debt liability, not least to the “For the short term, there is a dire need replacement revenue earner. And in International Monetary Fund,” she to expand ICU (Intensive Care Units) the meantime, get used to a new normal,” continued. capacity in the region. PAHO met just she stated. The political party’s leader asserted this morning to speak on the delivery and Depeiza also highlighted the need for that the intention is to shape a different management of intensive care for the country to be able to feed itself, Barbados, where the spotlight is on COVID-19.” explained Etienne. pointing out that its supply chains have Barbados and Barbadians, a society Recently PAHO gave the opportunity to been disrupted, even if temporarily. which places the wellbeing of people as the Ministers of Health from the region to Dr Carissa F. Etienne, Director of the “We know this to be true as we follow the primary objective of policy making. learn from experts from China, Spain and Pan American Health Organization the shut downs around the world and “For it cannot be acceptable, post-covid, other countries who had been managing (PAHO), says the organisation believes appreciate the domino effect. We may that so many of our people are at their outbreak.The organisation has also that the full force of COVID-19 is yet to have baulked at the idea before, but we breaking point after missing just one been using its inter-americas networks to hit the region. must get to the point where we can feed paycheck,” she stated.

6 • Wednesday April 15, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Stop illegal burning Legacy of rubbish, warns benefits Home Affairs Minister HOME Affairs Minister and St. of the curfew, what with more people likely after James North Member of Parliament being home and perhaps clearing their Edmund Hinkson is warning per- homes of what they no longer need. sons to stop the burning of rubbish “This practice has to stop. It is a breach on their properties. of the law to do so. It is also insensitive COVID-19 “The Fire Service (Fees) Order, 2020 to those neighbours, many of whom may COVID-19 Czar Richard Carter fore- came into effect on April 1. It mandates suffer from asthma, sinus ailments or sees that there are some positives that that permission must be sought and have respiratory issues, and who are in- can come out of the pandemic in obtained from the Fire Services variably affected in an adverse way by Barbados. Department to burn rubbish or stuff what is clearly a public nuisance. It also The COVID-19 Czar was speaking re- which people wish to get rid off. A fee of goes without saying that some persons cently during a C19TV interview where $150 is payable on application. This is a who will be affected by this practice will Home Affairs Minister and St. James he said, “Already there are tremendous reasonable legal requirement, since the be more susceptible to catching Covid 19 North Member of Parliament, Edmund legacy benefits that are being identi- Fire Services would have knowledge and as a result of their pre-existing respira- Hinkson. fied.” can come and supervise the burning so tory ailments. He briefly pointed to e-Governance that it does not get out of hand. “I am therefore appealing to all persons no longer wish to have are available and (electronic) and the the ability to work “It is clear,however,from many reports to be considerate and to give a thought ought to be utilised. from home using flexible working hours reaching the various authorities, that for those who reside in their vicinity and “The authorities will have no choice as an example. many persons are ignoring this new law. to desist from burning rubbish indiscrim- but to enforce some hefty civil penalties Additionally, Carter alluded to con- In fact, indiscriminate burning has ap- inately in their yard or any where else. against perpetrators if this unacceptable siderations in relation to how to marry parently increased since the institution Alternative means to get rid of what you practice continues,” he said. the public health reality with social constraints in a way that allows both objectives to be met. Carter, who was the Director of Youth Affairs in Barbados for over a Fortress decade before moving on to the UK Department for International Development, said before taking on encourages his current role, he was working with the Thorne Commission on Local Governance, going out into communi- clients to ties. He highlighted the benefits that could have been derived from local gov- ernance during this pandemic. keep investing “I really wish we had gotten that LEADING fund manager,Fortress Fund started, and gotten that on board, be- Managers, is encouraging its clients to cause imagine a society where we had keep investing as global markets react to local governance to the extent that we the COVID-19 pandemic, while making contemplated and how useful that sure that they benefit when recovery would have been in terms of the decen- inevitably comes. tralisation of messaging and informa- In its second special update to clients tion and care for the elderly and care for in March, Peter Arender, Chief people who are vulnerable. All of that, Investment Officer, Fortress Advisory & the world of possibility now awaits us Investment Services advised, “The best post-COVID-19,” he said. thing to do, as always, is simply to The czar also addressed the matter of stick with your long-term investment messaging during the pandemic, and programme.” pointed out that there has been a shift In the update Arender noted that in recent days, which includes focusing global share prices and corporate bonds more on what persons can do to help continued to come under pressure in re- protect themselves and their loved ones. cent times as fears of the economic im- “It was important however to get the pact of forced liquidation of assets from messages out about what not to do be- the spread of the virus reached panic lev- cause that is how you protect yourself. els. So getting clear messaging out about “Since the beginning of 2020 the global Peter Arender, Chief Investment Officer, Fortress Advisory & Investment Services. distancing, about hygiene etiquette, stock markets have now fallen more about how you conduct your self in than 30%, with some areas down more the situation at hand and those things noted: “Viewed from the comfort of hind- public...all of that is really important to than 50%. Shares in Trinidad and that could be controlled. sight, panics often have similar get front of mind, because that is how Jamaica also dropped last week, in a “Day in and day out we continue to outcomes. Episodes like this that, for you protect yourself from the disease delayed reaction that reflects the lack of monitor markets using our disciplined varying reasons, have seen similar de- taking off. liquidity in our regional markets.” process to ensure the portfolios are clines in global stock indices were in- “I know one of the things we have With regards to its own funds, Fortress positioned in good, profitable companies evitably followed by substantial positive been concerned about and I have spoken reported that its Caribbean Growth trading at reasonable valuations. When returns in the ensuing years as life (and to someone in the cultural media about, Fund, which has a broadly diversified quality securities are ‘on sale’ we get prices) returned to normal.” is how do we engage our children and portfolio of regional and global shares, more interested in buying them. Over Research by Fortress indicated that how do we find creative uses of that had declined 24% this year as of March the past few weeks, this is exactly what across a range of ten past episodes with huge array of talent and potential that 20th.“Its compound annual return since we at Fortress have been doing. During US stock market declines of 30% or more, is there to help mobilise that section of inception is now 7.2% per year, none of this month we have gradually added to returns from the bottom of the episode the population in response to the pan- which was accomplished in a straight positions in global stocks and corporate averaged + 66% over the following three demic. line,” Arender reminded. bonds and are working on adding to hold- years, + 110% over five years and + 210% “Children have been on vacation for a ings in the Caribbean, too, if prices be- over 10 years. “Lower prices today drive while now.It is possible that might have Fortress buying global stocks and come equally attractive. Most of all our higher returns in the future,” Arender to be extended if we don’t get over the corporate bonds ‘on sale’ job in times like this is to make sure that concluded. epidemic. How do we engage our chil- With regard to Fortress’ response to our clients benefit appropriately when Fortress manages more than $700 dren? How do we engage our young peo- COVID-19, the chief investment officer the recovery inevitable comes.” million across 11 different funds with ple creatively?” he said. noted that it was important to focus on And in offering a silver lining Arender regional and global investments. (JH) The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 15, 2020 • 7 BANGO wants greater financial assistance for NGOs THE COVID-19 pandemic is putting challenge.” to benefit others. Where will the finances a strain on the work being carried She explained that NGOs’ mandates co- come from to help existing and new ben- out by the third sector, not only in alesce around poverty alleviation and the eficiaries in this new normal?” Barbados but the wider Caribbean. protection of people and the planet. It is against this backdrop that Dr. This is according to secretary general of “All of these are buttressed by the Brandon used the opportunity to call on the Barbados Association of Non Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). government and the private sector to as- Governmental Organisations (BANGO), With COVID-19, NGOs’ major concerns sist NGOs as they continue to build the Dr.Marcia Brandon, who says NGOs have include more persons needing our serv- economy of Barbados. for years been resilient and masters of ices, whether our services are business “In speaking with a number of NGOs in “doing a lot with nothing”. She lamented and entrepreneurship development, Barbados and the wider Caribbean region however that the work being carried out health and wellness, homeless shelter, about the impact of COVID-19 on their by this group is under threat. domestic and sexual abuse, mental health, work to date, many of them expressed con- “In this era of a new normal, NGOs in community development, water, environ- cerns about the effect of the pandemic on Barbados and throughout the Caribbean ment, counselling, elderly care, youth the people they serve and on their team find themselves in more of a continuity co- development, media, food security and members. nundrum than ever before. Just at a time safety among others. “These are extremely valid concerns, when most NGOs are currently accepting, “While NGOs are flexible and nimble, because as with many micro, small and learning and just beginning to practise with extensive on the ground and commu- medium enterprises (MSMEs), several social entrepreneurship as a main method nity expertise, and know how to reach the NGOs are one-man shows. Even if they for their sustainability and their benefici- people, many of them are presently using have many volunteers, the direct impact Dr. Marcia Brandon aries’ longevity,COVID-19 presents a new family finances to implement programmes of the pandemic lies with the leader.There are no NGOs in Barbados or the and highly meaningful to both donors and Caribbean that are rich, some are more those in the local community. We have sustainable than others, but most are very, recognised over the years that this works Medical students join healthcare team very vulnerable and quite fragile. to engage and motivate our beneficiaries, DOZENS of medical students enrolled at that matter, I’d be more than willing to She said while many NGOs rely on implementing partners, and other stake- The University of the West Indies Cave give my services,” she said. grant funding to carry out their mandate; holders towards a shared vision and own- Hill are lending critical support to Her compatriot, aspiring physician very few receive Government subventions. ership.” Barbados’ fight against the coronavirus Aziza Maynard, a fourth year student, “And when they do, it is not very substan- Dr. Brandon said the organisation’s pandemic as authorities gear for a possi- has also welcomed the prospect to give tial. Many corporations and foundations thoughts and prayers are with Govern- ble surge in the number of COVID-19 freely of her time and talent. have come on board, over the years, to as- ment and front line workers and all other cases across the nation. “I saw this as an opportunity to gain ex- sist the third sector financially and with essential services workers at this time. The volunteers, who are at the clinical perience and exposure before actually other resources, often as part of fulfilling “There are many of us NGOs on the training stage of their academic careers, graduating … and I wanted to be part of their own corporate social responsibili- ground in communities, coordinating es- will substitute for clinicians and other helping others,” she noted. ties. But this is still not enough.” sentials, delivering meals, groceries, flow- medical personnel now serving on the Fifth year Barbadian student Makaila She said the important consideration ers and other necessities to help make COVID-19 front line, which has caused a Denny felt duty-bound to offer her services for all legitimate NGOs is impact. “When someone’s life better. We salute all of you depletion of staff at primary care facilities. to her country. we in the NGO community measure im- and hold you up in prayer as we work When classes were suspended in March “I believe that I can and should lend pact we seek to keep our measures simple through this pandemic,” she said. following confirmation of COVID-19 in my assistance in this crisis. I accept I could Barbados, volunteering in his homeland be placing myself in harm’s way,but I am seemed like an obvious next step for fifth relying on the provision of reliable safety year medical student Nathan Gibson. equipment and supervision by others “It was really simple. One of the reasons already in the fight to assure me of a safe I chose medicine in the first place is to be work environment. able to help people and to be able to serve, “I see this as an opportunity as a stu- and this gives me an opportunity to do dent to help my country in a time of great that in a real world scenario because yes, need. I also expect this to be a powerful on- at medical school we have clinical experi- hand learning experience to take me ence, but there is nothing like this. I’m not through my future career in medicine,” sure if we’ll ever see something like this she said. in our lifetime again so it’s a great learn- Meanwhile, former Deputy Dean ing opportunity,” he said. (Preclinical) of the Faculty of Medical He added that the experience he and his Sciences, Dr Kenneth Connell, has lauded colleagues will gain will prepare them for the students’ decision to serve. dealing with any future health crisis in the “I am very pleased to welcome UWI stu- region. dents into the health care environment in “If a scenario like this happens [again] a very realistic sense. Their UWI degree my generation or my group of doctors will is preparing them to be agile practitioners be the ones at the forefront and this oppor- to respond to the dynamic health land- tunity would be invaluable.” scapes, such as an emerging pandemic. Gibson is one of some 40 medical stu- “I am certain that the experience gained dents from Barbados and Trinidad who from their volunteering, and all of them have volunteered to provide supplemen- have been eager to assist in any way pos- tary support to doctors and nurses sible, will etch an indelible mark in their involved in the fight against the COVID medical career. I am so proud to observe 19 pandemic. this,” he said. The students have already been trained The medical students are part of a wider in the correct use of personal protective team from the UWI Cave Hill Campus equipment (PPE) and infectious disease community that is contributing to precautions regarding the management of Barbados’ fight against the COVID-19 laboratory samples from COVID patients. pandemic. Their training was conducted in A number of members of the Faculty of accordance with the World Health Medical Sciences are providing critical Organisation’s (WHO) training standard. care for COVID-19 patients at the isola- Once they are formally deployed they tion and quarantine centres, including will provide much needed support for front bedside assistance, diagnosis and ongo- line staff at local isolation centres. ing treatment. Other members have also For Trinidadian Bridget Thomas, an- been providing voluntary assistance to other final year student, volunteering for the national effort in various capacities in- this humanitarian cause also seemed like cluding operating hotlines and logistics the right thing to do. preparation. “Currently the world is experiencing a Director of Medical Services at the pandemic that no one has ever experi- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Dr.Clyde Cave, enced before, so if I could help in any way is coordinating the support activities of the possible, in Barbados or any country for medical students.

8 • Wednesday April 15, 2020 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial Tackling a COVID-19 Barbados By Dorian Bryan high and judge others Anyone remembers the in some cases, but the Stay focused when they fail to take the Game of Thrones character orchestrated assault was BARBADOS has joined the time to analyse why people known as the Three-Eyed uncalled for. rest of the world in tackling act the way they do. Raven? He told Brandon Moving on, who is the deadly pandemic COVID-19 is the latest Stark, who was his monitoring the process in on the fight known as COVID-19 or issue which has taken the replacement, that ‘we the supermarkets? THIS morning would have seen the start of the novel coronavirus. national attention, but watch, we listen and we Concerns have been raised new system of shopping and banking as an- An extremely dangerous most recently it was the remember’.Timely reposte, related to the cost of items nounced by Barbados’ Prime Minister, the Hon. flu strain, it has deadly threat of single-use given the lack of collective on the shelves, pre- Mia Amor Mottley this past weekend. The sys- results, especially among plastics, which threatened adherence to keeping an shutdown and the cost to tem, which continues for the duration of the 24- the elderly and those who our coral reefs and Administration honest. the consumers, through the hour curfew period, allows for some access to su- may have pre-existing represented an existential That being said, as this delivery process? If the permarkets, hardware stores and some financial conditions, especially threat to life as we know it island faces another two stock is the same, why in institutions on particular days, based on the let- conditions which impact in this country. weeks of curfews, Prime some cases, as some have ter with which one’s surname begins. the person’s ability to Those who ran around Minister Mia Amor raised concerns about, have For the thousands who have been denied entry breathe, notably coronary the island, on television, or Mottley, in an address, last the prices increased in to these conveniences for well over a week and conditions, hypertension, in conveniently placed Saturday, spoke of the some cases? If as the Prime who have been on some level of curfew for slightly asthma or even diabetes. articles and stories, argued development of a Jobs Minister stated, there is no longer, the opportunity and freedom to leave That makes a society like that those who opposed the Council, including two food shortage, then prices home and carry out familiar shopping activities Barbados, much more ban on single use plastics, former Ministers of should have remained the must look quite appealing. However, everyone susceptible to a rapid were somehow not Finance, former PM Owen same.! should be cautioned that the new system is not onslaught of the disease, concerned about the Arthur and Chris Sinckler. It remains one of the an invitation to lime and meander around places with high cases of Non- environment. People were I must applaud the latter, concerns for most of us in of business as some sort of recreation. Individuals Communicable Diseases or deemed as unpatriotic and despite years of targeted the age of COVID-19. The are still warned to stay at home unless it is ab- NCDs and a large elderly stupid. The lectures which attacks from this other is the fact that the solutely necessary for you to leave to conduct population. were thrown around failed Government, in and out of cold and flu season has business at the specified locations. Rapid intensification of to take note of the fact that office and slanderous social taken on new emphasis. Over the past week, bakeries, pharmacies and the disease’s impact is people had legitimate media posts from those Coughs and sneezes take a few of the other legitimate operations have contingent on whether concerns. who support the on a whole new meaning. seen an unprecedented number of patrons. Under Barbadians adhere to For one, no person had Government, the needs of Runny noses, sinus normal circumstances, these numbers would social distancing guidelines an issue with the ban, but Barbados came first in his headaches, sinus drips, have been far fewer, so it raises the question, ‘Are or if we are reckless. Strict having to pay per unit of estimation. It takes a gritty and dry eyes all all of these customers carrying out essential busi- adherence to these the alternative reusable strong disposition to come represent a challenge for ness?’ For instance, is it necessary for someone guidelines remains critical bags is unconscionable back into the public eye, all of us normal suffers.The to purchase bread or baked goods every single to the ability of public given the tight economic after being trashed, with challenge of healthy eating day, or every other day? Couldn’t purchases be health officials to be able to circumstances which many your professional is also problematic when made on one day to last for three or four days?’ ‘flatten the curve’ in persons face. These reputation destroyed, with the food which is generally Taking this behaviour into consideration, one relation to the spread of the concerns were swept aside no apology offered to you or unhealthy is often so hopes that people demonstrate good sense in disease. by the policy developers yet your family. accessible. these upcoming days and continue to remain in- The problem is that if the major supermarkets were Sinckler was accused of Also a note. We are side unless absolutely necessary. If shopping is disease moves into our given an extension, which so many things, with no constantly hearing that too required, try to limit outings to one or two times vulnerable elderly represented a callousness evidence offered to support many people are on the and where possible stock up enough that you population, we could face a to the concerns of ordinary these claims. He should roads. If bakeries are open have no need to leave home in the near future. catastrophe. The images of citizens. have demanded a public till midday,then farms and In essence, Barbadians are being asked to re- people in that category COVID-19 and the move apology and an exposition butcher shops are also main focused on the fight against this pandemic lining up in Bajan parlance to first partially reopen of the facts that a series of open; pension cheques are and not become complacent in their behaviour or in the ‘hot sun’ waiting to supermarkets to online events contributed to the being cashed, gas or diesel judgement as they go about their business. It cash their pension cheques, orders with deliveries, or island’s economic woes. being bought, takes a while and repetition for new behaviours then to struggle to line up curbside deliveries, then Most notably, the Bankers commonsense would to be learned, so it is no stretch of the imagina- to buy their groceries is surnames, has laid that Association refused to take dictate that people would tion to believe that people may forget or omit worrying, but we as a entire systematic process on Government paper and be on the road. some precautionary measure that they had in- country, should show of demonising plastic bag the private sector To those who object, are tended. Therefore, be wise and commit to the 24- concern but be sympathetic users bare.Ask yourselves, investment in major they less cars on the roads hour curfew for the remaining few weeks. to their current what are these groceries projects was non-existent. after the curfew was In the meantime, people can keep themselves circumstances. being ordered being Set the record straight. Of implemented? If the and their minds occupied by reflecting on possi- I have noticed that some parcelled out in during the course, decisions which answer is yes, then check ble career opportunities that might arise out of Barbadians tend to sit on partial reopening? were made were not correct the negativity. this unfortunate time. For instance, the brief pe- riod where online ordering of groceries was being encouraged revealed the need for a comprehen- sive listing of websites and agencies offering this Amazon ordered to deliver only essential items in France service. In addition, the need for training in so- AMAZON has been is taking adequate per day if it fails to comply. The company’s French cial media and internet usage, especially for the ordered to limit its precautions to protect its Amazon has hired arm was taken to court by seniors in our society, became very evident with deliveries in France to staff. thousands of extra staff the trade union group the closure of traditional business operations essential goods only, amid Amazon has not world-wide as business Solidaires Unitaires and the shift to online transactions. claims it is failing to commented on the court booms in countries where Démocratiques (Sud), Also, there are numerous Do-It-Yourself (DIY) protect its workers from ruling. shops have closed and which claimed that more classes online where individuals could learn var- coronavirus. The company has lockdowns have been than 100 workers were ious skills and trades during this curfew time. A court in Nanterre, previously said it abides imposed. being forced to work in These too can be used as sources of income in the near Paris, ordered the by health and safety In France, a nation- close proximity to one future. online retail giant to guidelines. wide ban on public another. In the final analysis, everyone is encouraged to deliver only food, hygiene The court said Amazon gatherings has been in Amazon also came hold strain and respect the restrictions in place. and medical products in had “failed to recognise its place since mid-March. under scrutiny from At this time we wish to commend the Royal the country from obligations regarding the President Emmanuel labour inspectors who Barbados Police Force for its continued hard yesterday. security and health of its Macron has extended the ordered it to improve the work, especially in the face of previously un- This is to allow officials workers”. The company lockdown measures until conditions at five of its heard of challenges to their own personal health to assess whether Amazon faces a fine of ¤1m ($1.1m) May 11. sites. safety, as they enforce the curfew against those amongst us who have no regard for their health Executive Editor: Allison Downes Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan or indeed others’. Kudos to you and a job well Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke done. E-mail Address: [email protected] Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 15, 2020 • 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • F:AX 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected]

Resurrection, IVF (Part 1) UNDER the leadership tourism it’s time to stop Stop blaming the public of Donald Trump no one-upmanship. Multi- WE have repeatedly the $500 fine, but we advertisements. thought. other country can use destination means praised PM Mottley’s obeyed. That is why Solutions Barbados do The complying public the United States as a everyone can get a piece efforts in calming our attempting to blame not play those dirty should be allowed to template for anything, of the cake, such as it nation during this Barbadians for any part games. express their opinions – including how to kick may be. COVID-19 event. We of this event is so wrong. When operatives without being swarmed start the economy Manufacturing:- believe that she Whenever unreasonably attacked by political operatives. We shattered by the Covid- Decide which country or genuinely cares. That Governments make the DLP’s Chris Sinckler, are designed to express 19 virus. Trump and his two countries (East genuineness is evident in mistakes, they UPP’s Lynette Eastmond, our frustration with Republican cronies in Caribbean – to include her press statements, to automatically blame the and BLP’s Mia Mottely, perceived injustices. the Senate and Trinidad and Guyana the extent that we may last administration. In we defended them with Pent-up frustration is House will no doubt and the West to include, feel sympathy for her, for Barbados, the facts. We may be emotionally and suggest ‘ways and Haiti and Belize) shall having to deliver bad Government temporary political physically unhealthy,and means’ that will benefit develop metal or plastic news to us. continuously refers to the competitors, but we are should never be big business first, second 3d Printing or metal Barbadians are “lost decade”, in reference foremost, Barbadian encouraged by and third. extrusion; in other words generally obeying her to the DLP’s management brothers and sisters. Governments. Under those developing those among instructions. She says do of the economy.This is an However, back to the Solutions Barbados circumstances Barbados other forward looking and we did. We: closed our indicator of the number scapegoat. The intends to consistently and the region has no technologies. The businesses, stayed away of mistakes that they are Government has blamed give our best professional option but to develop a purpose is to provide from our churches, did making. the public for: panic advice, whether it is unique approach which equipment of the size not visit our family and No amount of public buying, not adhering to accepted or not. Our shall probably exclude a and on the scale suitable friends, and remained at relations can believably physical distancing, not advice to the Government European paradigm, a for our small economies home. This separation blame the last staying at home, and at this time is simply to region itself drowning in and replacement spare affected our emotional administration for listening to fake news. We do what you were elected uncertainty or a parts in general. For fragile, but we rally Government’s mistakes are supposed to believe to do. That includes Chinese economic Belt instance, sand and clay around each-other: with COVID-19. that Government’s managing this COVID-19 in the backside fused at high virtually,on the phone, or Therefore, to comply with mistakes are somehow event to the best of your which might see all real temperatures, probably across the yard. the number one rule of our fault. ability. profits on the Road back like a sandwich, will Barbadians are modern politics (never We are supposed to What does that mean? east. create a new material I generally a compliant accept blame), a accept any further It means: using available Our Prime Minister am told. That’s the people. That was proved scapegoat must be found. disruptions to our lives in resources, considering Mia Mottley has opposite from Google with the successful The reason for the silence. Now is not the alternate solutions, and reverted to the drum- reports. implementation of the number one rule, is to time to complain – stop blaming others for beat of a Caricom action Agriculture / Wellness: seat belt law in 2002. prevent opposition neither is later. Never is your mistakes. plan or is it the beating It is time we stop talking Some complied because of parties from using such the only acceptable time GRENVILLE the old Caricom drum. In agriculture and begin safety, while others feared admissions in political to voice an independent PHILLIPS II her brief comment on a promoting wellness.I few agenda items for the am sure there are many urgent Caricom Heads of studies and trials Government meeting I previously undertaken am ‘ad idem’ with her which show the proposals. Being possibilities of, say, a Reverse mortgage funds as realistic, however, we marriage between unfortunately have few Jamaican coffee and political leaders who East Caribbean cocoa look beyond the next among many other stimulus for local economy election rather than be product marriages. RECENTLY there has Most likely, these are likely to appreciate the local economy is sure to willing to let all ideas Equally, I am sure that been information borrowings will be repaid year after year. rebound with stimulus contend. Despite that there are a number of published in a section of at some time in the future It is worthy of note that funds sourced from reverse unwillingness of some, I published recipes the Press saying that by beneficiaries and non- according to international mortgages. hope that in each for most of our Barbadians are likely to beneficiaries alike. practice, there are models This letter-writer is country the Heads shall agricultural products. become the recipients of Therefore, the question that afford a measure of adamant that the invite groups to Let’s get serious and stimulus financing to help is why are policy and flexibility and elbow-room Barbadian economy is ripe have brain-storming systematic about use prop up the economy. decision-makers taking so and not necessarily for a stimulus injection sessions prior to the and promotion of local Apparently this long to implement the idea subjected to a strict regime with funds from reverse meeting. produce. financing has been sourced of “Reverse Mortgage” of repayment schedules mortgages as part of our Let me introduce a few from international facilities that can untie and and exorbitant interest senior citizens’ thoughts: - Tourism – To be continued... financial institutions and liquidate funds from the rates. contribution to the lifting develop multi- not money earned, neither property assets of our With a large and of heavy weight. destination packages. MICHAEL granted nor gifted. senior citizens? Assets that increasing pool of seniors, MICHAEL RAY Every country needs RUDDER

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Eric Schmidt, Mary Beard, American businessman English scholar and classicist “In him we have redemption OPTIMISM “Yes is how you get your first job, “It doesn’t much matter what through his blood, the and your next job, and your forgiveness of sins, in line of argument you take as spouse, and even your kids. Even a woman. If you venture into accordance with the riches of if it's a bit edgy, a bit out of your The point of living and of God’s grace.” traditional male territory, the comfort zone, saying yes means abuse comes anyway. It’s not being an optimist, is to be that you will do something new, foolish enough to believe the – Ephesians 1:7 what you say that prompts it meet someone new and make a - it’s the fact that you are best is yet to come. difference.” saying it.”

10 • Wednesday April 15, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

UK firms at risk of making ‘permanent’ job cuts ‘World faces FIRMS are at risk of cent of an employee’s about extending the companies will be able to “permanently” axing staff monthly pay until June 1. national coronavirus provide data to HMRC of unless the government The Treasury said the lockdown, Ms Fairbairn those employees who provides clarity over scheme could be extended said: “What we are saying have been furloughed worst recession whether it will extend its if necessary. to government is that under the scheme. job retention scheme. CBI director general firms need to be able to Wages are then The Confederation of Carolyn Fairbairn told plan. expected to be in workers’ British Industry (CBI) the BBC’s Today “These are massive bank accounts by the end since Great said it is worried programme: “We are very decisions being taken on of the month, according to companies will be forced concerned that a day-to-day basis that HMRC. to start redundancy businesses will be forced affect people’s lives and Workers are eligible for procedures this Saturday into a position potentially livelihoods, and having the scheme provided that Depression’ to comply with the of having to make people that clarity of a 45-day they began in their THE global economy reconstructed Bank of minimum 45-day permanently redundant.” notice period for business current employment on will contract by three England data dating back consultation period. While she said she is absolutely vital.” or before February 28. per cent this year as to the 18th century. The government’s expected clarity from the The coronavirus job However, some people countries around the However, this is half the scheme will pay 80 per government “this week” retention scheme, under who changed jobs around world shrink at the annual rate expected by which the government this time have found fastest pace in decades, the OBR, which expects pays the majority of a themselves without any the International GDP to drop by 35 per cent person’s monthly salary income. Monetary Fund says. in the three months to up to £2 500, covers Felicity Williams, age The IMF described the June. wages for March, April 30, handed in her notice global decline as the worst The UK’s furlough and May. at the Richmond-on- since the Great Depression scheme, which is designed A Treasury Thames estate agency of the 1930s. to keep workers in a job spokesperson said: where she worked on 27 It said the pandemic had amid the government “We’ve been taking February, with her last plunged the world into a lockdown, is expected to unprecedented action at day set for March 28. “crisis like no other”. limit the rise in unprecedented speed to “Obviously between The Fund added that a unemployment to 4.8 per support businesses, jobs those two dates it became prolonged outbreak would cent in 2020, from 3.8 per and our economy during apparent that the test the ability of cent last year. this crisis – including coronavirus was going to governments and central UK Chancellor Rishi through the Coronavirus shut things down and banks to control the crisis. Sunak has pledged billions Job Retention Scheme. there would be some Gita Gopinath, the IMF’s of pounds in wage “The scheme is open for difficulties with me chief economist, said subsidies and loan an initial three months starting my new job on the crisis could knock guarantees to help workers and we hope conditions April 1,” she said. $9 trillion (£7.2 trillion) off and businesses through will improve sufficiently Although government global GDP over the next the shutdown. during this period. guidelines state that Ms two years. The Bank of England However, the Chancellor Williams can go back to While the Fund’s latest has also slashed interest has been clear he will her previous employer World Economic Outlook rates to a new low and review extending it for and ask them to furlough praised the “swift and freed up billions of pounds longer if necessary.” her, she said the company sizeable” response in for commercial banks to From next Monday, is unwilling to help. countries like the UK, lend. Germany, Japan and the Ms Gopinath said that US, it said no country for the first time since the would escape the Great Depression, both BANK RATES downturn. advanced and developing Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of It expects global growth economies were expected business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. to rebound to 5.8 per cent to fall into recession. next year if the pandemic The IMF warned that Valid for April 15, 2020 fades in the second half of growth in advanced Notes: 2020. economies would not get Currency Buying Selling Gopinath said today’s back to its pre-virus peak Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 “Great Lockdown” until at least 2022. Canadian Dollar 1.41890 1.46087 presented a “grim reality” The US economy is East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 for policymakers, who expected to contract by 5.9 Euro 2.15042 2.24098 faced “severe uncertainty per cent this year, Pound Sterling 2.47391 2.57809 about the duration and representing the biggest United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 intensity of the shock”. annual decline since 1946. Demand/Sight: “A partial recovery is Unemployment in the US Currency Buying Selling projected for 2021,” said is also expected to jump to Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.42698 1.45958 Ms Gopinath. “But the 10.4 per cent this year. East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 level of GDP will remain A partial recovery is Euro 2.18198 2.22707 below the pre-virus trend, expected in 2021, with Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 with considerable expected US growth of 4.7 Pound Sterling 2.51021 2.56209 uncertainty about the per cent. United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 strength of the rebound. The Chinese economy is Telegraphic Transfer “Much worse growth expected to expand by just Currency Buying Selling outcomes are possible and 1.2 per cent this year, Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 maybe even likely.” which would be the slowest Canadian Dollar 1.42968 1.45958 The IMF predicts the growth since 1976. East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.18608 2.22707 UK economy will shrink by Australia is expected to Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 6.5 per cent in 2020, suffer its first recession Pound Sterling 2.51494 2.56209 compared with the IMF’s since 1991. United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 January forecast for 1.4 per The IMF warned that cent GDP growth. there were “severe risks of INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL A decline of this a worse outcome”. CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE magnitude would be bigger It said that if the RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS than the 4.2 per cent drop pandemic took longer to N.B.: These rates are not meant to be used for trading. in output seen in the wake control and there was a BDS$ of the financial crisis. second wave in 2021, this Guyana Dollar 0.00945 Jamaica Dollar 0.01459 It would also represent would knock an additional T&T Dollar 0.29733 the biggest annual fall eight percentage points off since 1921, according to global GDP. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 15, 2020 • 11

Meeting calls for enhanced prevention measures CHINA will send expert groups als will be punished in accordance and test kits, facilities and medical with the law. treatment equipment to bolster The meeting’s decision came as novel coronavirus containment and China reported 108 new COVID-19 treatment in the nation’s border cases on Sunday, of which 98 were im- regions, according to a decision made ported from overseas. Heilongjiang at a meeting chaired by Premier Li province and the Inner Mongolia au- Keqiang on Monday. tonomous region, which both border The leading group of the Communist Russia, accounted for a majority of the Party of China Central Committee on new imported cases, according to the responding to the novel coronavirus National Health Commission. outbreak underlined the importance The authorities must ensure the of unrelenting efforts to tighten early detection of confirmed and management at border crossings asymptomatic cases through preven- and minimize unnecessary traffic to tion measures at communities and curb the importation of COVID-19 fever clinics before enforcing isolation cases. and treatment measures, it added. A staff member wearing a face mask is seen at the Suifenhe Port in Northeast Expert groups will be sent to The group underscored that the China's Heilongjiang province, on April 12, 2020. [PHOTO/AGENCIES] support epidemic containment, the testing and health management of building of temporary hospitals, the individuals departing from Wuhan establishment of quarantine facilities must be reinforced, and measures to and designated medical institutions expand the scope of nucleic acid testing China limits admission as and the treatment of infected patients and testing for antibodies must be in border areas, the group said in a carried out at an early date. statement. The nucleic acid testing must cover outdoor tourist sites reopen The meeting highlighted the need those working as teachers, medical BEIJING – Chinese authorities have re- circular, adding that indoor tourist sites for coordinated steps to ensure port workers and in public venues and leased a circular, only allowing outdoor should remain closed amid the epidemic. management, quarantine, separated transport vehicles at their destina- tourist attractions to reopen amid the The circular required tourist sites to transfer of patients and stronger isola- tions, it said, adding that other groups COVID-19 epidemic. encourage visitors to reserve visiting slots tion and treatment measures. departing from Wuhan will also be The tourist sites that resume opera- in advance to control visitor flows and China will step up international encouraged to receive the testing. tion should receive no more than 30 per prevent large gatherings of people. cooperation in epidemic containment Individuals who have been tested cent of their daily visitor capacity,accord- While noting some tourist attractions and carry out strict quality supervi- negative or proved with specific anti- ing to the circular jointly released by the have seen large crowds of tourists after sion of its exported medical supplies, bodies against the virus within seven Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the resuming operation, which increased the the group said, adding that ineligible days before their arrival in their des- National Health Commission. risk of virus transmission, the circular exporters, those who failed to follow tinations can return to work or school The reopened tourist attractions should demanded temperature checking at the quality standards and those inflating without having to self-isolate, the take measures to prevent the number of entrance of tourist sites and major scenic the price of products and raw materi- group said. visitors from exceeding the limit, said the spots. Shanghai’s new policies aim to boost confidence THE COVID-19 pandemic has not open up the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free the beginning of April, Gong Zheng, has formulated a package of 20 meas- held up Walmart’s pace in China, Trade Zone, especially the newly Shanghai’s acting mayor, said more ef- ures for expanding investment and sta- where a new Sam’s Club hypermar- included Lingang Special Area. forts should be made to build Shanghai bilizing economic activities after the ket, covering 70,000 square meters, Telecommunications, science and tech- into a magnet for foreign investment. novel coronavirus epidemic tapers off, an is expected to open next year in nology services, education and health- Customized and online business solicit- official said on Friday. Shanghai. care will be the focus of further opening- ing services should be rolled out and Wang Kouzhu, an official with the Plans for the new store were an- up. replicated across the city, he said. Shanghai Development and Reform nounced on Friday by Yang Wen, Easier cross-border capital flow is The latest policy measures show how Commission, said the measures have four Walmart’s East China business director, also included in the newly announced local authorities have acted efficiently categories: promoting major projects to during a media interview. policies, so that foreign companies can and attended to enterprises’ needs since resume operations, effectively extending While Walmart Inc, the world’s largest expand their business operations in the outbreak of COVID-19, and this gave government investment, perking up so- retailer, has already opened 26 Sam’s China with funds raised overseas. foreign businesses fresh confidence, said cial investment, and continuously opti- Clubs in China?two of which are in Meanwhile, Shanghai will perfect the Wang Wei, president in China for mizing the investment environment. Shanghai?the new store will be mechanism for foreign investors to file Ireland-based pharmaceutical company Wang said 152 major projects and Walmart’s largest building in China, and complaints and protect their legal rights. Allergan. 60 additional ones, with a total invest- will be a destination for entertainment Heavier penalties will be imposed on Jiang Ying, China vice-chair of global ment of 2 trillion yuan ($284 billion), will as well as shopping. those who have significantly infringed consultancy Deloitte, said Shanghai be launched this year. On the same day that Walmart’s upon foreign companies’ intellectual stands out as an investment axis, given “Although the COVID-19 epidemic has Shanghai store-opening plan was property rights. its commitment to opening-up and inno- stopped businesses from opening for unveiled, the municipal government Shanghai has long served as an indi- vation and its service-oriented sentiment. more than one month, we are confident of Shanghai announced 24 new policies cator of foreign investment in China. “It took us less than two weeks to get that through well-organized planning to further improve the city’s business According to the Shanghai Statistics regulatory approval for setting up a new and implementation, we can finally reach environment and attract more foreign Bureau, the city had cumulatively at- subsidiary in China, a strong indication this year’s goal,” Wang added. investors. tracted up to $264.2 billion in foreign of streamlined government procedures The local government also looks to op- The measures were introduced to im- investment by March this year. In to facilitate business operations,” Jiang timize approval and planning procedures plement the country’s deepened opening- addition, the regional headquarters of said, adding that the new measures un- for primary projects, in a bid to consis- up policies, step up investment promo- 730 multinational companies, and 466 veiled on Friday are set to further unlock tently attract new projects and increase tion, make business opportunities more regional research and development cen- local research and development poten- capital support for the development of accessible to foreign investors, and ters, have been established in the city. tial and attract foreign enterprises. the projects. protect their legal rights, according to By the end of last year, more than Compared with previous policies, the In addition, the costs of recovering from the municipal government. 60,000 foreign-invested companies were 24-point circular has moved from sim- epidemic impacts can be eased through Specifically,the city will help foreign in- registered in Shanghai, contributing ply attracting foreign investment to the special loans, and enterprises can get an vestors to enter industries emphasized in more than one-fourth of the city’s annual better use of foreign capital in real-life extension on payment of fees and taxes. the country’s new round of opening-up, GDP, according to the city’s statistics bu- scenarios, which is bound to shore up Meanwhile, manufacturing and mod- with the finance and new energy vehicle reau. Up to 20 percent of the working confidence of multinational corporations ern services will receive more support in sectors likely to see the first break- population in Shanghai is employed by in China in the long run, Jiang said. capital raising, and medium-to long-term throughs. these foreign-invested companies. Domestic vitality is also given priority. low interest loans will be available to More efforts will be made to further In a municipal executive meeting at The municipal government of Shanghai strategic emerging industries. 12 • Wednesday April 15, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

World Bank: Guyana to escape regional recession GEORGETOWN, transform Guyana, there sought the assistance of situation. Guyana – Guyana is are risks as illustrated by CARICOM through its Granger on Saturday expected to see an a “still incomplete election Chair, Barbados Prime said his administration is overall economic outcome and compounded Minister Mia Mottley to becoming better prepared growth of 51.7 per cent by falling oil prices and have a team be present for to fight the virus. He noted for this year, with the COVID-19 epidemic. a recount of the votes, that while the country has further projections Weak public service which he said, would end embarked on a path of im- over the next two delivery and monitoring all speculations of fraud proved public health, years. systems constrain the as purported by the polit- there are still many chal- T he World Bank, in its development of policies to ical opposition. lenges ahead before the recent semiannual report reduce poverty and pro- That request was later disease is defeated. of the Latin America and tect the vulnerable.” challenged by private He said his government Caribbean region, titled Guyana remains locked citizen Ulita Grace Moore is better equipped to pro- “The Economy in the Time in an electoral disagree- and the Appeal Court sub- vide proper Personal of COVID-19”, said the ment more than one sequently ruled that the Protective Equipment country will, in 2021 and month after citizens went elections body should (PPE)for the medical staff 2022, see an 8.7 per cent to the polls on March 2, not allow any outside carrying out testing and and 2.6 per cent GDP 2020. Weeks of litigation element to undertake its treatment along with ma- growth respectively. have seen the process now constitutionally mandated terials and equipment The report stated that returning to the Guyana responsibility. The court, such as beds, respirators Guyana’s economy had Elections Commission however, did not bar the and ventilators for those expanded by some 4.7 (GECOM). recount. who become critically per cent in 2019, with an- A request for a national GECOM is currently in afflicted. President of Guyana David Granger. ticipated oil revenues recount of the ballots cast the preparatory stages of spurring expansion in in the National and the national recount and non-traded sectors. Regional Elections by will meet again today to It said oil production is President David Granger continue the process. T&T Education Minister projected to boost the last month is coming to Meanwhile, Guyana country’s GDP growth to bear, albeit without the continues its fight against says schools unlikely to an unprecedented level “supervisory role” of the the novel coronavirus this year. Caribbean Community pandemic and the The report said, how- (CARICOM). government is reporting reopen before September ever, that while this could The President had successful handling of the EDUCATION Minister announcement at a news in Trinidad Anthony conference yesterday af- Garcia has said that it is ternoon. unlikely that schools He said that even after will be able to reopen school reopens, it will take until September this about a month before year. CXC can administer ex- Minister of Education The Minister made the aminations. Anthony Garcia.

Chile to let some prisoners out of jail, but not Pinochet-era human rights violators SANTIAGO – Some jail for more serious case had given the law the Chilean criminals are set crimes. “green light.” to be released from A group of 14 conserva- The bill still needs final crowded jails vulnerable tive Chilean senators from approval from the consti- to coronavirus after right- the ruling Chile Vamos tutional court and wing lawmakers with- coalition had initially ar- President Sebastian drew a controversial gued before the country’s Pinera’s signature to be- lawsuit that sought to constitutional court it was come law. also commute the sen- “discrimination” to ex- The commuted sen- tences of those convicted clude from the law those tences are expected to of human rights abuses convicted of crimes greatly reduce the popu- under dictator Augusto against humanity. lations of crowded prisons Pinochet. The case sparked out- where coronavirus would The fast-tracked legis- rage in Chile, where anger likely spread most quickly. lation, approved last week still simmers over dicator- Chile has reported in Congress, grants more ship-era abuses. nearly 8 000 cases of lenient terms, such as More than 3 000 people coronavirus, among the house arrest, to some died or disappeared in po- highest tallies in the re- 1 300 prisoners accused of litical violence during the gion. Health authorities petty or low-level crimes. military regime from 1973 say approximately 100 The bill focuses on crimi- to 1990.The secret service prisoners have contracted nals 75 years of age or and the army also tor- the virus. older, pregnant women tured and drove into exile Prisoners convicted of and those with young thousands of dissidents rights abuses are housed children. and leftists. in Chile’s Punta Peuco Prisoners held for Presidency Minister prison, a large facility human rights violations, Felipe Ward said in a tele- north of Santiago known however,are slated to stay vised broadcast that the for spacious cells and more put, along with those in senators’ dropping of the lenient conditions. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 15, 2020 • 13

Jamaica Opposition Leader returns to office after cancer surgery KINGSTON, Jamaica media last week and said media that efforts were — Leader of the he is in full recovery mode. being made within the Opposition Dr Peter He also indicated that party to replace him as Phillips returned to he will continue his president. office yesterday after public duties as he enters However, the party’s undergoing surgery the second phase of treat- spokesman on tourism recently for stage three ment over the next few and Member of Parlia- colon cancer. months. ment for Westmoreland Phillips made the reve- The Opposition leader’s Western, Dr Wykeham lation in a near three- return comes a day after McNeill has vigorously Peter Phillips made his return to work yesterday. minute video on social reports surfaced on social denied those claims.

Nurses at Mexico hospital hit by coronavirus say they were told to avoid masks MONTERREY, Mexico – that protective equipment deaths, a fraction of the fig- Nurses at a public hospital wasn’t necessary”, said ures in the neighboring hit by Mexico’s worst coro- nurse Charly Escobedo United States, but the navirus outbreak were told Gonzalez who works at the coronavirus arrived by their managers not to Monclova hospital. weeks later in the Latin wear protective masks at Answering questions American country. the start of the epidemic to from Reuters about the re- The Monclova hospital avoid sowing panic among ports that hospital man- became a coronavirus focal patients, nurses and other agement told staff not to point in the third week of medical workers said. wear masks, a senior offi- March, highlighting a lack Two doctors and a hospi- cial at Mexico’s main pub- of masks and even soap tal administrator have lic health service IMSS and bleach there, staff Hospital workers protest at a hospital after a doctor died, in the municipality of died and at least 51 staff which runs the hospital said. Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico. members have been said that the health work- As staff began to fall ill, infected since the new ers should be believed, but hospital floor managers in- tory masks offer more pro- Three nurses said that “In a morning clinical coronavirus was detected he did not confirm details structed healthcare work- tection from other people while some colleagues class, the sub-head told us at the IMSS General of the reports. ers not to use facemasks, who are infected while chose not to wear face- not to create panic...that Hospital in Monclova in “Specifically, if they are which some had bought for more simple surgical masks after being told by we shouldn’t wear face- the northern state of saying that then of course themselves due to the lack masks help the wearer managers or supervisors masks because we were Coahuila in late March, we have to believe it,” said of hospital equipment, avoid spreading the virus. that they were not neces- going to create a psy- the state health depart- the IMSS official, Raul seven workers told Due to a lack of proper sary,other staff kept wear- chosis,” said Hernandez ment said. Pena Viveros. He said Reuters. N95 masks, some staff at ing them. Perez, who did not want The hospital became there can be misunder- Pena Viveros said the the hospital were also her full name used. She is Mexico’s first hot spot for standings inside a hospi- hospital had been short of wearing inappropriate in- No ‘Panic’ now at home sick and has the COVID-19 illness tal about where it is protective equipment as dustrial-style masks that On the night of March 22, tested positive for the caused by the coronavirus. appropriate to wear pro- well as other materials to were donated to them, one of the heads of the COVID-19 respiratory At least four of the tective equipment. fight the coronavirus in Pena Viveros said. nursing staff told a group illness caused by the coro- infected workers are “Not all of the workers March. The lack of N95 masks of doctors and nurses gath- navirus. A second nurse currently hospitalised as a have to wear the same Health officials have not was later resolved, said ered in the emergency confirmed Hernandez result of the outbreak, equipment inside the hos- given a detailed explana- Pena Viveros, who was room to take off their N95 Perez’s account. which has fed concerns pital. And when this type tion of why so many sent by the head of the masks because they were After media accusations that Mexico’s underfunded of equipment is used Monclova healthcare IMSS from Mexico City to not necessary, according to that the Monclova hospi- healthcare system is ill badly...it runs out more workers became infected. investigate the Monclova a nurse who heard the tal badly lacked equipment prepared to cope with a quickly and they put work- Hospital workers are at hospital and spent a week order. to deal with the virus, the major epidemic in the na- ers who are in contact with greater risk of contracting there in early April. Staff Another nurse, sur- head of the IMSS, Zoe tion of nearly 130 million patients at risk,” he said. the coronavirus if they do say the hospital has more named Hernandez Perez, Robledo, announced in people. Mexico has registered 4 not wear protective equip- protective equipment now was given a similar order early April that the direc- At the beginning of the 661 people with the ment like facemasks and but that they still lack gear by a deputy head of nurs- tor of the hospital had been outbreak, managers “said coronavirus and 296 gloves. The N95 respira- such as masks. ing a few days earlier. temporarily replaced.

Mostly sunny, hazy and breezy at times.

High: 9:39 a.m.

New York: 13°C Low: 3:44 a.m. Yesterday: Nil Miami: 31°C and 5:00 p.m. For the month: 0.2 mm Max: 30.6°C Toronto: 06°C For the year: 145.1 mm Min: 25.1°C Montreal: 07°C London: 06°C 5:46 a.m. 6:11 p.m. 14 • Wednesday April 15, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Austria and Italy reopen some shops as lockdown eases THOUSANDS of shops clothes for babies and with enough capacity in From yesterday, shops have reopened in young children can reopen intensive care units to cope under 400 square metres Austria, as it seeks their doors but with strict with a second surge in (4 300 square feet) in size to ease restrictions rules on customer num- cases and increased test- were allowed to reopen, brought in to stem the bers and hygiene. ing, along with mass anti- along with hardware spread of the coron- Meanwhile, Denmark body tests. stores and garden avirus. has said it intends to ease Businesses, shops and centres. Garden centres, DIY its lockdown faster than schools should lead the However it is also stores and small shops can originally planned. way, followed by limited compulsory for people to open but with strict rules The European Comm- reopening of restaurants, wear a mask in supermar- on social distancing. ission has urged EU coun- bars and cafes. kets and pharmacies. In Italy, where over tries to co-ordinate with Austria was one of the “Experience in countries 20 000 people have died in each other to relax meas- first European countries to that have handled it well the pandemic, a limited ures gradually. follow neighbouring Italy has taught us that we number of shops and busi- Fears of a deadly resur- in imposing strict lock- have to move gradually,” nesses have been allowed gence down measures about a Economy Minister to reopen. An internal document month ago, and the Margarete Schramböck However some of the sent by the Commission to government says it has told Austrian TV. worst-hit regions have EU governments said managed to flatten the Larger shops, shopping decided to hold off. that even phased meas- curve of new infections. centres and hairdressers Lombardy and other ures would “unavoidably It has so far reported are due to reopen from regions in the north will lead to a corresponding about 14 000 cases and May 1, while restaurants maintain their measures increase in new cases.” 368 deaths. and hotels could for longer. Lifting restrictions had Last week, Chancellor reopen from mid-May if After five weeks under to wait for the spread of Sebastian Kurz unveiled health conditions allow, lockdown, shops selling the virus to be reduced for plans to lift restrictions Austria’s chancellor has books, stationery and a significant period, it said, gradually. said. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms, and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin. Battle of survival for animals in German zoos ZOOS that should have been crowded in the sunny Measles resurgence Easter holidays are now hard-up and asking for donations, as the coron- fear amid coronavirus avirus lockdown bites. MEASLES outbreaks may delay because of the A zoo director in north- occur as a result of the coronavirus pandemic: ern Germany has even coronavirus pandemic, of- • Bangladesh • Brazil • admitted that some ani- ficials say, because some Bolivia • Cambodia • mals might soon have to vaccination programmes Chad • Chile • Colombia • be fed to others, if the zoo are having to be delayed. Djibouti • the Dominican is to survive. Unicef says 117 million Republic • the Democratic “We’ve listed the ani- children in 37 countries Republic of Congo mals we’ll have to slaugh- may not get immunised on • Ethiopia • Honduras ter first,” Neumünster time. • Kazakhstan • Kyrgyz- Zoo’s Verena Kaspari told There have been several stan • Lebanon Die Welt. large outbreaks in • Maldives • Mexico Berlin Zoo has infant countries across Europe • Nepal • Nigeria panda twins, but their fans where MMR vaccine • Paraguay • Somalia can only watch them on- The panda twins Meng Yuan and Meng Xiang in Berlin Zoo would draw big crowds uptake has been low. • South Sudan • Ukraine line. in normal times. The UK has already lost • Uzbekistan The zoo’s spokeswoman Animals ‘missing its measles-free status, However Unicef says Philine Hachmeister told to euthanise animals, tropical enclosure has to humans’ because of rising cases of even more may face DPA news agency “the rather than let them be heated above 20 Some zookeepers have also the potentially deadly disruptions. panda twins are adorably starve,” she said. degrees Celsius. warned that the crisis has infection. “If the difficult choice to sweet”. Ms Kaspari’s zoo be- VdZ chief Jörg Junhold an emotional cost for cer- The disease, which pause vaccination is made “Constantly we’re think- longs to an association, said the lockdown was tain animals, because they causes coughing, rashes due to the spread of ing ‘the visitors should be which is not covered by the costing a typical German miss the attention they and fever, can be pre- coronavirus, we urge lead- watching them live’. We state emergency fund for zoo about 500 000 euros would usually get from the vented by two doses of the ers to intensify efforts to don’t want the little small businesses. weekly in lost turnover. public. mumps, measles and track unvaccinated chil- pandas to be grown up by She estimates the zoo’s Schönbrunn Zoo, one of Ms Hachmeister at rubella (MMR) vaccine, dren so that the most vul- the time we finally loss of income this spring Vienna’s top attractions, Berlin Zoo said, “the apes available free to all young nerable populations can be reopen.” will be about 175 000 says it can manage for the especially love to watch children in the UK. provided with measles euros (£152 400). time-being by drawing on people.” A measles is highly vaccines as soon as it be- Big appetites Besides direct appeals existing savings. She said seals and infectious, even small comes possible to do so,” it Ms Kaspari in Neum- for public donations, However on April 1 it parrots were also fasci- declines in uptake can said ünster said killing some Germany’s zoos are jointly sent 70 per cent of its nated by their visitors,and have an impact. Spokeswoman Joanna animals so that others requesting government 230 staff on three months’ “or them now it’s The WHO says coun- Rea added,“Disruptions to could live would be a last aid worth 100 million furlough – sent home with really pretty boring.” tries with no active routine vaccine services resort, and “unpleasant”, euros, DPA reports. their jobs safeguarded. Last week Moscow Zoo outbreak of measles can will increase the risk of but even that would Germany’s national zoo Austria has a “Kurzar- also said its two giant temporarily pause their children contracting not solve the financial association (VdZ) argues beit”(subsidised short- pandas were “missing immunisation campaigns deadly diseases, com- problem. that zoos, unlike many time work) system like something now.” if necessary. pound the current pres- The seals and penguins other businesses, cannot Germany’s, so that most “They’ve started to Twenty-four countries, sures on the national needed big quantities go into hibernation and workers do not lose their much more actively including several already health services and risks a of fresh fish daily, she run down costs. Animals jobs when their employer approach every single dealing with large measles second pandemic of infec- pointed out. still have to be fed daily hits hard times. person who walks past outbreaks, have decided to tious diseases.” “If it comes to it, I’ll have and looked after, while a their enclosure,” it said.

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 15, 2020 • 15 Obama endorses former VP Biden for Democratic presidential nomination FORMER US President Barack his impact on the party. darkest times and heal us through a long Obama gave his endorsement of his “Bernie’s an American original – a man recovery,” and surround himself with a former vice president, Joe Biden who has devoted his life to giving voice to team that can guide the country through yesterday in a video message posted working people’s hopes, dreams, and the ongoing pandemic. to his social media accounts. frustrations. He and I haven’t always “This crisis has reminded us that “I’m so proud to endorse Joe Biden for agreed on everything, but we’ve government matters. It’s reminded us President of the United States. Choosing always shared a conviction that we have that good government matters.That facts Joe to be my Vice President was one of the to make America a fairer,more just, more and science matter. That the rule of law best decisions I ever made, and he equitable society,” Obama said of the matters. That having leaders who are became a close friend. And I believe Vermont Senator. informed, and honest, and seek to bring Joe has all the qualities we need in “We both know that nothing is more people together rather than drive them a President right now,” Obama said in a powerful than millions of voices calling for apart – those kind of leaders matter,” nearly 12 minute long message, which change. And the ideas he’s championed; Obama said. has received one million views in the first the energy and enthusiasm he inspired, Obama also acknowledged the ideolog- 39 minutes it was posted, according to especially in young people, will be critical ical shift in the party since he held the data from Twitter. in moving America in a direction of presidency, saying that he would not have Obama praised Biden in language progress and hope.” run the “same race,” that he did during his Former US President Barack Obama. strikingly similar to that used in his 2017 The former president also nodded to successful 2008 campaign. speech honouring the former vice a major theme of Senator Elizabeth “I could not be prouder of the viewers he will “see you on the campaign president with the Medal of Freedom. Warren’s presidential campaign, incredible progress that we made trail as soon as [he] can.” “Through all his trials, he’s never once arguing that “even before the [COVID-19] together during my presidency. But if The announcement comes as Biden has forgotten the values or the moral fibre pandemic turned the world upside down, I were running today, I wouldn’t run the continued to consolidate support that his parents passed on to him, and it was already clear that we needed real same race or have the same platform as within the Democratic party as the that made him who he is. That’s what structural change.” I did in 2008. The world is different; presumptive nominee. Sources familiar steels his faith – in God, in America, and While Obama did not explicitly there’s too much unfinished business for with former President Obama’s thinking in all of us,” Obama said. mention President Donald Trump in the us to just look backwards.We have to look had previously said he would hold off on A senior advisor to Biden previously video released yesterday, he issued a to the future. Bernie understands that. an endorsement during the Democratic told ABC News that they anticipated that stinging rebuke of the GOP, saying that And Joe understands that,” Obama said. primary, citing his belief that “a robust Obama’s endorsement would be done in “the Republicans occupying the White Obama also shared his support for primary in 2007 and 2008 not only made a way so that “everybody will know how House and running the US Senate Biden’s plan to expand his signature him a better general election candidate, strongly he feels about this.” are not interested in progress. They’re legislation, Obamacare, as the party but a better president, too.” Biden reacted to Obama’s endorsement interested in power.” continues to grapple with divisions over The endorsement will be the second in a tweet yesterday afternoon, writing: “So our country’s future hangs on this the issue of health care, and progressive show of party unity in the last two days “Barack – This endorsement means the election. And it won’t be easy. The other calls for a single-payer system. following Vermont Senator Bernie world to Jill and me. We’re going to build side has a massive war chest. The other “We have to protect the gains we made Sanders’ announcement on Monday that on the progress we made together, and side has a propaganda network with with the Affordable Care Act, but it’s also he is backing Biden’s bid.. there’s no one I’d rather have standing by little regard for the truth. On the other time to go further.We should make “Today, I am asking all Americans, I’m my side.” hand, pandemics have a way of cutting plans affordable for everyone, provide asking every Democrat, I’m asking every The video message went far beyond a through a lot of noise and spin to remind everyone with a public option, expand Independent, I’m asking a lot of simple endorsement of the former vice us of what is real, and what is Medicare, and finish the job so that Republicans to come together in this president – it also served as a message to important,” Obama added. health care isn’t just a right, but a campaign to support your candidacy – the Democratic Party over all about the Referencing the ongoing coronavirus reality for everybody.” which I endorse,” Sanders said Monday need to unify ahead of the election in crisis, Obama added that he believes While the campaign trail remains off on a joint livestream event on the November. Obama specifically praised Biden has the “character and the limits as the COVID-19 crisis continues, nation’s economic response to the novel Senator Bernie Sanders in the video for experience to guide us through one of our Obama concluded his video by telling coronavirus.

Trump ‘spoiling Prince Harry for a fight’ finding life ‘a bit challenging’ after over virus, says move to LA PRINCE HARRY is finding life “a bit NY governor challenging” after his move to Los US President Donald Trump is “spoiling Angeles, a friend has revealed. for a fight” over coronavirus, New York Dr. Jane Goodall said she has been in Governor Andrew Cuomo has claimed, as touch with the Duke after he quit royal the fallout from Monday’s White House duties to move to Canada then LA with news conference continues. Meghan Markle and baby Archie. Cuomo’s comments come as Trump The world-renowned activist believes used a media briefing on Monday to she may have been one of the first people attack fellow politicians and the media outside the family to hold Archie after she for criticising his handling of the was invited to Frogmore Cottage in coronavirus pandemic. Windsor last summer, The Sun reports. One television network described Dr. Goodall told the Radio Times: it as “the biggest meltdown from a “I don’t know how his career is going US president” they’d ever seen. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. to map out, but, yes, I’ve been in touch – At his own daily briefing, Cuomo though I think he’s finding life a bit said that the president was “clearly throughout this past 44 days is we’ve the US, with 10,834 people dying challenging right now.” unhappy”during his White House press worked together and we haven’t raised with COVID-19 since the outbreak She recalled a conversation with Harry conference on Monday, adding, “The political flags – even in his hyper began, far surpassing other areas of the about at an education programme event president is clearly spoiling for a fight partisan environment.” country. at Windsor Castle. on this issue. Cuomo added,“If he [President Trump] The president also claimed he had Dr. Goodall said, “I made Archie do the “The worst thing we can do in all of this wants a fight, he’s not going to get it absolute authority over the state Queen’s wave, saying, ‘I suppose he’ll is start with political division and start from me – this is going to take us governors over when to end their have to learn this’.” with partisanship. working together.” lockdowns – something which was Harry said, “No, he’s not growing up “The best thing we have done New York state has been hit hardest in questioned by other politicians. like that.”

16 • Wednesday April 15, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Australia’s PM issues direct plea to teachers to return to classroom Australia’s Prime Minister Scott children did not become the silent Morrison has issued a direct plea to victims of the COVID-19 crisis because teachers to return to the classroom they were denied an education. and join the “great heroes” of “And at this time, as our nation fights Australia including cleaners, this coronavirus, your role has become supermarket workers, nurses and even more important. Your students and paramedics who are fighting their families are relying on you more COVID-19 simply by doing than ever. The education of our children Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison has issued a direct plea to teachers to their jobs. hangs in the balance,’’ he said. return to the classroom and join the ‘great heroes’ of Australia. Warning parents the education of the “During these times, many students nation’s children was “hanging in the will continue distance learning. It’s a being urged to return to school as normal great teachers more than ever. balance”, he urged principals and choice that they may have, some more for term two. “We cannot allow a situation where teachers’ unions to hold talks on how than others. But we know for some But the nation’s capital, Canberra, has parents are forced to choose between classrooms could be made safe. families and students this won’t be proposed the most extreme restrictions putting food on the table through their However he could be picking a major possible. And their education, what they and closed down the majority of schools. employment, to support their kids and fight with unions despite his message of learn, is at great risk of suffering this This has forced parents to drive to hubs their kids’ education.” admiration for teachers, because many year.This will particularly be the case for where their children will be supervised While the Prime Minister conceded the educators insist it is not fair to put families who are disadvantaged and on outside of school hours by childcare risk to children was low because they them on the frontline of the COVID-19 lower incomes.” workers they have never met. The loca- appeared much less likely to contract the crisis. This week, infectious disease expert tion of the hubs has not been disclosed. virus, he accepted teachers had legiti- In a televised message to parents and Professor Peter Collignon told There will be no instruction from mate concerns about workplace safety. teachers, the Prime Minister has urged news.com.au that teachers faced a greater teachers and students will simply be “The expert medical advice throughout schools to work towards a return to COVID-19 risk from a supermarket than supervised to do the same online learning the coronavirus to date has not changed face-to-face classes. classrooms and urged teachers to return they would do at home. when it comes to the safety of children “As we confront these crises our nation to classrooms with conditions, including In South Australia, where the school going to school. They have consistently currently faces, the health crisis of the excluding teachers over the age of 60 attendance rate is much higher than in advised that the risk remains very low,’’ virus, the economic crisis of the impact it and pregnant women. New South Wales and Victoria, students he said. is having on people’s livelihoods, there However a patchwork of arrangements will be given the option to return to “The issue in our schools relates to the are people doing just amazing jobs, great has emerged with some states normal classes if they wish. safety, principally, of teachers. And we heroes,’’ he said. returning to school faster than other Morrison said disadvantaged kids had know that some teachers are in a “Of course, in our health care system, jurisdictions. the most to lose from the school high-risk category themselves and they our nurses and our doctors, our patholo- Political leaders in New South Wales shutdowns. need to be protected against; the gists, the paramedics, right across the and Victoria privately conceded fears “It’s so important that children are able workplace they are in need to protect board, the cleaners in our hospitals all teachers would strike if they kept schools to keep physically going to school, them. We understand that. doing incredible work and we thank them open were a major trigger for the decision particularly for these kids,’’ he said. “And it’s also true that some teachers for it. to defy the medical advice that schools “The kids of workers with no suitable will have their own caring responsibilities “But there’s another group I want to should remain open. care arrangements at home to support that will keep them away from the talk about today, and that is our teachers. Despite a majority of states including their learning. It is even more essential workplace. That is also understood, I want teachers to know from me, both as NSW,Victoria and Queensland moving to for those vulnerable students who we particularly in these times. Returning to a parent and as a prime minister, just distance learning, the Prime Minister has know won’t get an education at home. It’s a classroom may not be possible or safe for how appreciated you are and how never wavered in his insistence that the a sad reality,but we know it’s true and we those teachers. We get that. important the job is that you’re doing medical advice maintains it is safe for need to face it. “Our nation is very grateful for the right now and how much you are needed.” schools to remain open. “These children need you for our schools work that you’re doing as our teachers, However Morrison added it was vital In the Northern Territory students are to remain open. They need you as our and we need you more than ever. So let’s keep working together to ensure that we can be there for our kids, to keep them healthy, keep them safe, but to keep them learning.” EU donates $55m Earlier, the Prime Minister told Sky News that distance learning was no to Nigeria to fight substitute for face-to-face classes. “If online and distance learning was a coronavirus better way of delivering education, then that’s what we’d do all the time,’’ THE European Union has donated he said. $55 million to Nigeria to boost the fight “We wouldn’t have schools, we wouldn’t against coronavirus. have all of that infrastructure and all of According to a statement from the these sorts of things. Of course, teaching Nigerian presidency, the funding will in the classroom, teaching face-to-face, greatly help Nigeria in containing the teaching in that environment with kids virus and revitalising its healthcare together is a positive environment for system. children to learn. Nigerian President Muhammadu “And I think, you know, this has got to Buhari told an EU delegation he was be a high priority, particularly given the touched and grateful that the health advice and the risk of children. EU had the foresight to help its allies He conceded that teachers’ unions around the world despite the fact that remained a stumbling block but he was its member countries were also Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari hopeful of a solution. struggling with the coronavirus “When it comes to the health and work- pandemic. Nigeria has nearly 350 confirmed The EU support to Nigeria comes place environment of teachers, well, there He said such support from the EU will cases of the coronavirus with ten as the International Monetary Fund are some legitimate issues there that save millions of lives in many countries. fatalities. approved debt service relief for 19 African have been raised and which need to be EU Ambassador to Nigeria Ketil Experts have warned that a widespread countries. addressed and that’s what the medical Karlsen told Buhari the donation to outbreak of the virus in African countries The relief is for an initial period of expert panel has been working with the Nigeria was the largest support the EU with weak healthcare systems and six months to enable them to channel national cabinet and myself on and was providing anywhere outside Europe extreme poverty could have devastating financial resources towards dealing with there’ll be further discussions about that to fight the pandemic so far. consequences. the coronavirus pandemic. this week,’’ he said. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 15, 2020 • 17

Loot box warnings to be added to video games Apple launches VIDEO game ratings A spokesman for ESRB in the UK and rest of said its updated warning Europe will warn if a would apply to games site to show game has loot boxes and with “loot boxes, item or other random paid-for card packs, prize wheels, items. treasure chests, and Regulator Pegi has as- more”. how coronavirus signed a generic in-game The gaming industry purchases label to video faced calls in 2019 from games since September MPs that in-game spend- lockdowns 2018. ing should be regulated It says publishers will by gambling laws in the now be required to pro- UK. vide additional informa- ESRB’s loot box warning label. (PHOTO: ESRB) It followed the release affect movement tion regarding the nature of a report issued by the APPLE INC. (AAPL.O) ber of people moving, in- of these purchases. faced intense criticism an in-game virtual cur- organisation Internet yesterday said it would stead expressing the data A similar system is over its monetisation rency that itself can be Matters that found a release data that could as a percentage of re- being introduced in the features when it was purchased directly with quarter of the 2,000 par- help inform public quests compared with its US but it is unclear how launched in September real money. ents of four to 16-year- health authorities on mid-January baseline. effective either will be. 2019. In 2019, around 20% of olds it spoke to were con- whether people are Apple’s data is more lim- Global video game The new warning label all rating licences issued cerned about the amount driving less during ited than what Alphabet franchises including will provide consumers by Pegi had in-game pur- of money their children lockdown orders to Inc’s (GOOGL.O) Google FIFA and Overwatch are with additional infor- chases. were spending on in- slow the spread of the has made available to among those to offer in- mation concerning video North America’s video game purchases. new coronavirus. public health officials. game purchases built games that specifically game regulator, ESRB In 2018, Belgium be- The data is gathered by Google nearly two around random items. feature paid random (Entertainment Software came the first country counting the number of weeks ago released data A slot machine-style items. Ratings Board) an- to ban the sale of video routing requests from on more than 131 coun- system has become popu- Pegi defines “random nounced similar plans game loot boxes outright. Apple Maps, which is in- tries, comparing trips in lar in recent years, espe- paid items” as those that this week to update its in- China also recently re- stalled on all iPhones, and recent weeks to recre- cially in free-to-download can be purchased directly game purchases warning stricted the number of comparing it with past ational venues, train and games including Mario with real money, or those with more specific infor- loot boxes players can usage to detect changes in bus stations, grocery Kart World Tour, which that can be exchanged for mation. open each day. the volume of people driv- stores and workplaces ing, walking or taking with a five-week period public transit around the earlier this year. world, Apple said. For several countries, The information is being Google offers county-level updated daily and com- data, which is helpful pared with a date in mid- in countries such as the January, before most US United States where lock- lockdown measures were down orders are issued by in place, Apple said. More county officials. than 90% of Americans The Apple data, by con- are under stay-at-home trast, shows only data for orders and various lock- some cities, regions and downs are underway in countries and does not other countries around the show results for entire globe. U.S. states, including those The data would be ag- without lockdown orders gregated so that the re- such as North and South quests from individual Dakota. users would not be shown, The Apple data also does and it does not track indi- not capture trips where vidual users or their loca- the user has not asked for tions, the company said. directions from the Maps. The information, avail- Apple said it is continu- able on a public website ing to work with public www.apple.com/covid19/m health officials to identify obility, will show changes what other data types or Loot box warnings must be included after concerns about the amount children were spending on in-game for major cities and trends may be helpful. purchases. 63 countries or regions, Apple said. In the San Francisco Bay area, requests for driving directions as of Microsoft offers protection to healthcare staff April 12 were down 70% MICROSOFT will pro- Microsoft says human cyber-attacks, now or in already offer video-meetings app Zoom versus Jan. 13, and re- vide security tools to rights organisations the future.” AccountGuard. had “significant weak- quests for transit direc- healthcare organisations Amnesty International, The company said it “Subject to the review nesses” which might tions plunged 84%, the around the world amid a Freedom House, and had tracked five separate of local laws and regul- make it unsuitable for data showed. In New York spike in attacks during Human Rights Watch are nation-state groups at- ations, we will be adding some conversations. City, driving direction re- the COVID-19 pandemic. among those to have tempting to hack e-mail new countries based on Until recently, Zoom quests were down 69% AccountGuard will be taken advantage of the accounts at nine promi- need and local law.” was used mainly by large and transit requests were free to healthcare, human offer. nent human rights organ- WHO chief information businesses for video con- down 89%. rights, and humanitarian “Every patient deserves isations almost 1,000 security officer Flavio ference calls. Public health officials in groups during the crisis. the best possible health- times in the last year Aggio said attempted But the explosion in California said April 11 The program tells users care treatment, and we alone. cyber-attacks against the users during the coron- they were using data to when Microsoft has de- all need to thank and The spokesman added: global organisation had avirus outbreak has cre- track the effectiveness of tected an attack, and applaud the truly heroic “Both AccountGuard “more than doubled” last ated “a new gold rush for the state’s lockdown order, provides guidance on work by those risking for Healthcare and month, including an al- cyber-spies”, according to although they did not say stopping it. their own health to help AccountGuard for leged effort on 13 March. the Citizen Lab. whether they were using The World Health those who are sick,” said a Human Rights Privacy has also become The company said it Apple data. Organization (WHO) has company spokesman. Organisations will a major concern during would pause the develop- Apple does not provide been among the victims of “Their work is challeng- initially be available to the COVID-19 pandemic. ment of any new features the absolute number of re- attempted cyber-attacks ing enough but is being organisations in the A research team found to concentrate on safety quests or a specific num- over the last month. made more difficult by 29 countries where we that hugely popular and privacy issues.

18 • Wednesday April 15, 2020 The Barbados Advocate ‘American Idol’ announces plan to broadcast rest of season from home AFTER much specula- cast from the judges’ and happy to watch stripped- Staten Island’s Julia tion, and Idol produc- contestants’ homes. down performances on Gargano), the projects, ers reportedly explor- Seacrest, Perry, and television. or rural areas, may not ing “multiple options judge Lionel Richie will What will be key going have easy access to qual- within state guide- be participate from their forward is if producers ity video/audio equip- lines" to continue the Los Angeles living can figure out a way to ment or even a robust in- current season with- rooms, while judge Luke level the playing field. I ternet connection. A out an audience, it Bryan and mentor suspect that singer-song- source with knowledge of has now been con- Bobby Bones will be so- writer contestants accus- the show’s production firmed that the Idol cial-distancing from tomed to accompanying says it will soon be an- show will go on – from Nashville. And the con- themselves on acoustic nounced exactly how home. testants will compete guitars or small key- contestants will record Last Sunday was sup- from their own homes boards may have an ad- and submit their weekly posed to mark the start for America’s votes. vantage over flashy pop performances, but right of American Idol Season While many TV pro- singers who normally now the process is “still 18’s regular live competi- ductions that were previ- would have relied on a being ironed out.” tive episodes, but with ously dependent on live full professional backing “It’s very interesting; production recently sus- studio audiences – from band. But of course, it’s all sort of coming to- pended due to coron- late-night and daytime many of these Season 18 gether,” Seacrest mused avirus concerns and the talk shows to even kids have grown up with during a Tuesday con- just-announced top 20 Saturday Night Live – YouTube/Instagram cul- versation with Bryan on now quarantining with have switched to an at- ture, so they’ll be much his radio show, On the their families, the re- home format with vary- more comfortable Air with Ryan Seacrest. mainder of the season ing degrees of success, singing in their familiar “But the other thing that has been in flux. Instead, this setup could actually bedrooms than perform- Luke and I and Katy and last weekend ABC had to work wonderfully for ing on a fancy sound- Lionel and the contest- air a two-hour, behind- American Idol. The show stage, regardless. In fact, ants are still figuring the-scenes American has always been about two of this season’s hope- out... we are going to go Idol: This Is Me clip humble regular folks, the fuls, teenagers Cyniah on the air every single show. But that same proverbial girls and boys Elise and Lauren Sunday for America’s Sunday evening, host next door, pursuing their Spencer-Smith, went vote. Now, we’re not Ryan Seacrest did prom- dreams, so a peek inside viral long before they quite sure how — but ise viewers, “Soon, you the contestants’ homes were even on Idol, rack- we’re doing it! will vote on your top 20,” could resonate with long- ing up millions of views “It’s going to be a liv- and judge Katy Perry time viewers. for amateur videos of ing and breathing thing hinted in a Facebook Additionally, the ratings them singing at home or that we’re going to have Live Q&A that the series for recent at-home musi- in the car. to figure out, week after would “get creative” cal specials like Elton But some contestants week,” Bryan admitted. “from our own homes” in John’s Living Room may be less technologi- But Bryan also stressed the coming weeks. Concert for America and cally savvy.And others – that is the right way to And now, it’s official: ACM Presents: Our particularly those living proceed, given the crazy This season of American Country indicate that in hot zones (like situation. “I don’t want Bridge Idol will remotely broad- music fans are perfectly Harlem’s Just Sam and us to let dreams down.” The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 15, 2020 • 19 SPORTSSPORTS Sports Science is the way of the future By Corey Greaves which has already been start at the Alleyne said that one example of this some of the latest technologies to track Mona Campus. is that “many coaches and trainers do performance and process data, Alleyne SPORTS Science has become Some of the specialties in Sports not recognise that they are really said that Sport Science education is a increasingly important to athletic Science include Exercise Physiology, training the energy systems (Exercise must when training coaches and other world as the coaches and trainers Sport Psychology, Sport Nutrition, Physiology) and when they are personnel involved in sport. look for the most efficient and Biomechanics, Strength and designing programs this must be the “If you can get the training, effective ways of getting the best Conditioning, and Sport Medicine and underlying principle”. programmes and sports development out of their clients. the demand for the experts in these He pointed to the test currently used based in the sport sciences then the Sports Science is based in the study of fields are expanding. by the Cricket West Indies as one of quality of our sports and athletic the body and mind as a performance “The sport sciences provide the most their instruments to assess the cricket performance would improve,” he further machine. up-to-date and scientifically-based players. pointed out. “All sports are based in science and methods related to training and sport “A perfect example of this is the Yo-Yo Though Sport Sciences are academic therefore to train or practice must have development. The old way may have test being used by CWI as a selection disciplines based in research and a foundation in science. Over the past 40 worked but the new science-based tool. A training instrument that is theories Alleyne mentioned that it’s years the development of sports have approaches provide cutting edge primarily aerobic being used as an used to help identify strengths and included a more of scientific approach advances as we seek to produce the selection tool in a predominantly weaknesses and there are practical training,” Said Dr. Rudolph Alleyne. world’s best athletes,” said Dr. Alleyne anaerobic sport.” applications for sports in training, Alleyne who is the academic when asked to compare the old ways to “We need to include the use of the aimed at improving performance in coordinator for Sports Sciences at the the new. sport sciences as early as possible and athletes as well as elderly people and University of the West Indies Cave Hill However, there is still a need to make it common placed in athlete other people who are not looking to Campus said that UWI will start a embrace the sport science as part of development.” compete but improve their quality of Bachelor of Science in Sport Coaching training within sports in the Caribbean. With more sports disciplines using life. Bolt goes viral with ‘social distancing’ Olympic photo WASHINGTON, United States – Retired track star Usain Bolt showed he’s still a few steps ahead when he posted an AFP picture of him outstripping his rivals at the Beijing Olympics with the cheeky caption: “social distancing”. Bolt’s post, featuring a picture by AFP photographer Nicolas Asfouri of the 2008 Olympics 100m final, blew up on social media, drawing more than half a million likes and 90 000 retweets. It showed the Jamaican crossing the finish line at the Bird’s Nest stadium in a then-world record time of 9.69sec, glancing round from lane four as his despairing competitors trail two paces behind. “Savage", commented one Twitter user, while New York Times journalist Christopher Clarey posted another picture of Bolt out in front on his own, captioned “self isolation". Bolt’s chest-thumping celebration in Beijing added to a legend that grew further when he won the 200m in another world-record time. He retired in 2017 with eight Olympic gold medals This file photo taken on August 16, 2008 shows Jamaica’s Usain Bolt (right) crossing the finish line to win the men’s 100m and the current 100m mark of 9.58 sec, final as part of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. set in 2009. Bolt, 33, has been encouraging himself exercising at home and juggling Jamaica. launch a career in football, and had a Jamaicans to self-isolate during the footballs with a friend. He also helped After retiring from athletics, Bolt, a trial with Australia’s Central Coast coronavirus pandemic, posting videos of promote a major fundraiser, Telethon Manchester United fan, attempted to Mariners before contract talks failed.

Arsenal players ‘absolutely right’ to refuse pay cut, says Stan Collymore FORMER England forward Stan Premier League, though he admitted “To be fair to them, though, they are ‘Stan, these are exceptional Collymore believes that Arsenal players that this off-pitch unity has not been absolutely right to say they won’t accept circumstances and we need to defer are well within their rights to reject the mirrored on the field by Arsenal players a pay cut that will only become a your wages’, then I’d have had no club’s proposed wage cuts. for a number of years. deferral if they qualify for Europe, problems in doing it providing I got The Gunners are currently in a stand- “If Arsenal’s players had shown in the because the club shouldn’t be moving what I’d signed up for at some point off with their playing staff after they Premier League these past five or six the goalposts now on contracts that during my contract. rejected a 12.5 per cent pay cut worth years the sort of fight they’re showing were signed in good faith.” “But what I do have a problem with is £25m in total. in their wage battle with the club then The former Nottingham Forest and clubs who’ve raked in hundreds of The proposal included a clause they might actually have won one,” Liverpool man insisted that he would millions of pounds for many years now whereby the cuts would become wage Collymore wrote in his Mirror Sport have no problem in deferring wages if suddenly trying to find ways around deferrals only if Arsenal – currently column. he had been asked to, but believes that not paying players what they are owed. ninth in the table – qualified for Europe “They’re displaying Champions clubs should not be asking their players “Whether it’s when the 2019-20 next season. League-level unity in their discussions to take wage cuts. season ends or even when the 2020-21 Collymore believes that players’ around potential wage cuts or deferrals, He added: “As I have said several season ends, players should get back contracts should be honoured which isn’t something we’ve said about times these past few weeks, if a club had any monies they have deferred in the regardless of where they finish in the them on the pitch for some time. come to me in my playing days and said, coming weeks and months.” 20 • Wednesday April 15, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Tour de France set to Newcastle be postponed amid coronavirus pandemic United THE Tour de France looks summer. set to be postponed “It’s the pinnacle of following the French cycling,” he said. “It government’s extension of represents the sport and take-over a ban on mass gatherings certainly it’s the thing because of the coronavirus that’s keeping me going at pandemic. the minute. President Emmanuel “You’ve just got that Macron said on Monday target down the line. It’s deal worth that restrictions on public hard when you don’t know events would continue when it’s going to be to try until mid-July. and stay in that positive Cycling’s biggest race, frame of mind. £300m close won by Team Ineos rider “In my head I’m just A Newcastle United three Premier League Egan Bernal last year, is thinking the Tour is take-over has taken a clubs to have placed their due to run from 27 June to definitely going to happen. step closer after new non-playing staff on July 19. I don’t know when but documents show that furlough. Race organisers ASO hopefully it does. It would owner Mike Ashley News of Saudi Arabia’s Former NFL execs have been contacted for be great for everyone.” has entered into a sovereign wealth fund comment. On April 10, cycling’s charge agreement being involved in a take- British four-time governing body with potential buyer over first emerged in Polian, Kirwan look winner Chris Froome, a furloughed staff and cut Amanda Staveley. January. team-mate of Bernal, is leaders’ salaries as a Financier Staveley is At that stage talks set to race in this year’s result of the global leading a bid which were described as ahead to strange draft Tour, which is due to start pandemic. involves Saudi Arabia’s “advanced” but BILL POLIAN ran many teams are in a sea of in Nice. Froome missed The International sovereign wealth fund “complicated” and there an NFL draft, making him uncertainty as they last year’s race after Cycling Union blamed the and the Reuben Brothers. was criticism of Saudi the main man in the room prepare for a draft like no breaking his neck, femur, postponement of the It is understood to be Arabia’s human rights for several successful other. elbow, hip and ribs in a Olympics and worth £300m. record from Amnesty franchises. The collection of crash. Paralympics, plus losing The 31-page charge International. Next week, the Pro information has been Colombian Bernal won much of its annual agreement lodged at Staveley, who is Football Hall of Famer strong, but hardly as last year’s race following a calendar, for the move. Companies House lays believed to want a ten per knows who the guys in thorough as in normal battle with Britain’s The Giro d’Italia has the legal groundwork for cent stake in Newcastle, demand will be for all 32 times. Cancellations of pro Geraint Thomas, who won already been called off, a potential deal to be first attempted to buy the teams: the techs. days, in-person visits and the 2018 edition. along with the ‘monument’ completed. club in 2018. “I would say simply, I-T workouts at team Thomas said he hoped one-day races: Milan-San The documents include Sports finance expert I-T I-T,” Polian explains. headquarters, and in- the Tour can be Remo, Tour of Flanders details of a £150m claim Kieran Maguire told BBC “Make sure from the depth medical exams by rearranged for later in the and Paris-Roubaix. related to Staveley’s firm, Sport: “These are steps outset your team doctors adversely PCP Capital Partners, you’d expect to take place communication is affect preparation for each and its long-running legal in respect of a take-over, seamless and flawless. If franchise. case against Barclays it seems that things have you can get the name of the That said, Polian and Bank PLC. accelerated. pick in on time and can former NFL executive Pat McIlroy hopes The Premier League “The trouble with Mike effectuate trades, the rest Kirwan point directly to has also been informed of Ashley is that until you of it is relatively easy. team scouts who, like the potential deal and are see the final documents, “If there are glitches in every other year, were on delayed Masters understood to have begun it’s never completed but communications, for the road gathering data the process of carrying the other parties would example as we saw in the since last summer.So clubs out checks under its not waste their time like early stages of the with the strongest can help end wait owners and directors test. this unless there had pandemic, with Zoom and personnel staffs, who Newcastle and been progress in terms of other platforms, that is a usually have an edge Staveley would not a take-over.” problem. What happens if heading into the draft, for green jacket comment when While we are close, this you can’t communicate could have an even bigger World number one Rory have already been approached by BBC is Mike Ashley and and the clock is running advantage now. However, McIlroy expects this played, hopefully the Sport. Newcastle and we have out? It’s up to the I-T guys as Kirwan points out, the year’s Masters to feel a Ryder Cup’s already been Ashley said in October been here before. at both the club and league logistical limitations bit different and says the played. People will be in 2017 he wanted to sell the It looks like things are to make sure that caused by the coronavirus tournament being pushed their routine and in the club after ten years in progressing but how long everything works – and pandemic could outweigh back to November due to flow a little bit more,” he charge. might it take? That is the that they have a fail safe. some of that diligence – the COVID-19 pandemic said in an Instagram Live Initially, the deal was next question. “If I were running a particularly in attempting could help him win the chat with the US LPGA’s said to have been worth Papers have been club,” adds the man who to make trades. coveted green jacket. Michelle Wie. £340m, but the latest lodged with the Premier built the Bills, Colts and “Trading, which has The Masters is usually “I always feel there’s development will League but these things Panthers through the become a bigger part of the the year’s first major but this bit of anticipation encourage many tend to take about a draft,“I’d take a little more draft than ever, becomes the event had been going into Augusta, the Newcastle fans who want month to get some sort of time to make sure I problematic,” says Kirwan, delayed from its April slot first big event of the year. to see Ashley end his approval. rehearsed everything for who like Polian is an and will now take place There’s all this hype. association with the club, When you look at it the actual draft.We would analyst for SiriusXM, after the US Open and “It’s going to be a having taken over in purely from a financial always make sure all the which will cover every PGA Championship, different Masters this 2007. point of view whoever communications work and selection in the seven which were rescheduled year but personally, Supporters have cited does buy Newcastle everything lines up, but do rounds on April 23-25. for August and maybe selfishly, that’s a lack of ambition and United, the club will be it all in spades now. Don’t “Say we are all in a room September. what I need to get the have also criticised his in a better state take for granted they will and three guys are This year’s British jacket.” conduct during the financially that when work.” working phones, trying to Open has been cancelled The Northern Irishman coronavirus pandemic Ashley took over in 2007. The league and teams get the best deal. The due to the outbreak. won the US Open in where the club has I understand why there say they are ensuring that decision maker, he is not McIlroy, who needs the 2011, the PGA charged fans for next are some supporters who everything will run going to have the visual Masters to complete the Championship in 2012 season’s season tickets. are treating this with a smoothly, and a mock draft contact with them that he career Grand Slam, said and 2014, and the British There has also been degree of cynicism will be held soon as a test. usually has. How fast can the new date would give Open in 2014 but his best disappointment at because we’ve been here But really, this is they respond to make the it a “different feel”. showing at the Masters Newcastle being one of before. uncharted territory. NFL move? “Two of the majors will was fourth in 2015. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 15, 2020 • 21

22 • Wednesday April 15, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Indian Premier League 2020 set to be further delayed after lockdown extended THE 2020 Indian Premier League is set to be postponed further after India extended its lockdown until May 3, to contain the spread of coronavirus. The Twenty20 competition was due to begin on Wednesday, having been delayed from its original start on March 29. India’s prime minister Narendra Modi announced yesterday that the Mumbai Indians beat Chennai Super Kings to win the 2019 IPL title. nationwide lockdown will continue. The Board of Control for Cricket in forget IPL,” said the former India Under the lockdown in India, only All 12 editions of the IPL to date have India (BCCI) has not yet proposed a new captain. essential businesses, such as groceries taken place between the beginning of start date for the event. “Practically speaking, when life has and pharmacies, are allowed to remain March and June 1, that year. On Sunday, BCCI president Sourav come to a standstill everywhere in the open. The 2009 tournament was moved to Ganguly said the organisation would world, where does sport have a future in City transport services are limited to South Africa because of security “keep monitoring developments” but this?” emergency staff and those with special concerns, while the 2014 competition that it “can’t say anything” in the England players including World Cup travel passes, while all trains and flights was partly held in the United Arab current situation. winners Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes, Jos have been suspended. Emirates after the Indian government “It’s just simple common sense that at Buttler, Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Modi also suggested that the rules did not provide security forces when the the moment, nothing is in favour of any Moeen Ali are due to take part in this could tighten further over the next week event again clashed with general kind of sport anywhere in the world, year’s IPL. but did not give more details. elections in the country.

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday April 15, 2020 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A Aries – Expand your vision of what's possible. Taking the N traditional route will have diminishing returns. Apioneer like D you does best when exploring unknown territory. Don't worry about losing respect or resources. Experiments pave C the way to prosperity. Be patient and keep the faith. Keep O your temper under control. When things don't go according N to plan, be alert for a silver lining. S

Taurus – There is an appropriate time and place to promote ideas. If you're getting paid to do a job, focus on your work rather than trying to convert colleagues and customers. Wait to discuss your beliefs with like-minded people or those who ask you for insight. Someone will try to take advantage of your generosity.

Gemini – Uncompromising views drive opportunity from Z your door. There's always room for learning and growth. Be I flexible about listening to people who have ideas that con- T flict with yours. Suspend judgment while they speak. You S will hear something valuable that deepens your appreciation of life. It's difficult for you to air powerful emotions in pub- lic.

Cancer – Stop expecting others to make you happy. By tak- ing responsibility for your mood, it will be much easier to get what you want. Spend a few minutes each morning re- flecting on things that make you happy. When reality bites, daydream about an optimal situation. Resist the temptation to pour all your energy into your career. R E Leo – Cynicism can undermine your enjoyment of life. Get X into the habit of assuming all is well. Give people the ben- efit of the doubt. Expect everything will work to your ad- M vantage. The fastest way to end struggle is to cultivate op- O timistic expectations. Before beginning work on a project, R spend a few moments getting organised. G Virgo – This isn't a good time to take an emotional or finan- A cial risk. Maintain the status quo, even if it feels boring. Take N a few moments to show appreciation for all your blessings. By bringing attention to what's going right, you'll attract more love and prosperity. When it comes to getting support, you'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Libra – Emotional eating can slow down your system. When you feel anxious or needy, take a nap. Watch a funny movie. Listen to upbeat music. If you still feel blue after an P hour, treat yourself to a healthy snack. Mindful decisions will H boost your energy. Trying to change your best friend or ro- A mantic partner's behaviour is an exercise in futility. N Scorpio – Superficial knowledge of a subject isn't enough T to argue with an expert. Avoid challenging a person who has O spent years accumulating information and skills in a special M area. By deferring to them in this area, they'll behave more respectfully towards you. Are you suffering from an ache or pain? After talking with a medical professional, make it your business to feel as good as possible.

Sagittarius – Are you tired of taking orders? Assume a greater measure of control over your personal life. Rather than agreeing to do every undesirable job that comes along, M be more discerning. Devote more time to watching repeats A of your favourite sports or working on creative projects. If R you're collaborating on a project, your knowledge is appre- ciated. Y

Capricorn – You're overconfident about business. Take extra W pains to make sure an order is perfect before sending it out. O You don't want an embarrassing error to come back to haunt R you. Nobody denies you are gifted; just don't rest on your laurels. Clinging to reminders of the past keeps you from T making progress. Wonderful things are on the horizon, but H you must be alert to them.

Aquarius – Do you feel overwhelmed by people who want to be rescued? Change your priorities. We have all had to retreat from public life, so attend to your needs. Turn your M deaf ear to anyone who complains about being neglected. O Until you care for yourself, you have nothing to offer oth- T ers. You don't like limiting yourself to one area. H E Pisces – Are you lacking in discipline? It will be much eas- R ier to attend to responsibilities when you make time for your favourite activities. Set aside a certain hour each day to write, G play music or just daydream. Pleasurable pursuits will mo- O tivate and inspire you to work. Having lots of creature com- O forts won't dull an emotional ache. S E

Bolt goes viral with ‘social distancing’ Olympic photo PAGE 19

Wednesday April 15, 2020

PAYMENTSAS COVID-19 continues to battles against the virus which families directly impacted by the cies are renewed DUEby the start of ity at this time is to ensure that exact a heavy toll on the is affecting countries worldwide, virus. We wish to indicate that the hurricane season, which all insurance policies of our economies and societies of it is necessary to ensure that our team at CCRIF continues to according to several forecasts is members are renewed in time the Caribbean region, island preparations are also made for work as, like you, we know that expected to be more active than for June 1,” Anthony stated. states are being reminded of the 2020 hurricane season. we cannot lose sight of the up- normal, with Colorado State “As has been our custom as a the threat of the upcoming “The global outbreak and coming hurricane season and University predicting 16 named virtual company for the past 13 hurricane season. spread of COVID-19 is affecting the other natural hazard risks storms, eight hurricanes and years, we will continue to en- Chief Executive Officer of the each and every one of us. Our that countries in the Caribbean four major hurricanes. gage with you online and even- The Caribbean Catastrophe thoughts remain with our and Central America are ex- “With the uncertainties sur- tually face-to-face when we are Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF member countries, their com- posed to,” he said. rounding us, we nonetheless all back to normalcy,” he contin- SPC), Isaac Anthony, made it munities and people and our Anthony therefore reminded take this opportunity to assure ued, while urging all to keep safe clear that even as the Caribbean prayers and hearts go out to the countries to ensure their poli- our members that our top prior- during these uncertain times.

Barbados records fifth COVID-19 death A 52-YEAR-OLD Barbadian man, who passed away yester- day morning, became the fifth person to die from COVID-19 to date. Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Anton Best, on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, extended deepest con- dolences to his family and friends, and asked that they take solace in knowing that the God we serve continues to keep them and all of us in His care. Dr. Best also thanked the health professionals who con- tinue to work around the clock to treat those patients who are in isolation, and spare no effort in the fight against COVID-19. Since April 4, four men and one woman have succumbed to the viral illness. The number of COVID-19 pos- itive cases in Barbados now stands at 73, with one new case reported yesterday out of 22 tests on Monday.The latest patient is a 48-year-old man, who came into contact with a known case. Meanwhile,the number of per- sons who have recovered rose to 15 after two more persons left isolation yesterday, after receiv- ing two negative test results. Fifty-three people remain in isolation. The number of tests BRAVING THE SUN: With soaring temperatures and a prolonged drought, Barbadians have been complaining about the carried out by the Best-dos conditions outside. However, we should spare a thought for those who are working on farms across the country, who are doing Santos Public Health Laboratory their best to keep produce on our tables. Pictured, this worker braved the punishing sun to look after these field crops. since February 11 is 864. Printed and published by Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc. Fontabelle, St. Michael. Telephone 467-2000, Fax 434-2020/434-1000