Established October 1895 Evacuation Order issued

as La Soufriere shows signs of eruption

Page 2

Friday April 9, 2021 $2 VAT Inclusive

Separate protocol for NEW RULES vaccinated visitors

By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste ferent set of protocols to those persons “Remember, these are vaccinated per- The Prime Minister went on to note who are un-vaccinated. The protocols sons. The chances of being able to be in- that Barbados has reached a stage FROM May 8th, 2021, a separate will be released to the public, but in fected after having received a vaccina- where we have over 64 000 persons vac- protocol will come into effect for essence it still requires that even though tion is still potentially there, but the cinated and with the additional vaccina- vaccinated visitors and returning you are vaccinated you come to the is- chances they believe are minuscule and tions due to come into the island this nationals. land with a PCR test that is negative to that extent we have tried to develop week, she stated that they would con- This was announced by the Prime within the last 72 hours and that upon protocols that meet the risk that the tinue with the vaccination programme. Minister, Mia Amor Mottley,during yes- arrival in the country on the morning country will face from those persons who With these additional vaccines, she terday’s press conference. after that you will do a PCR test, are vaccinated. revealed that an additional 10 000 per- The Prime Minister explained that a whether a rapid test or a classic PCR “We know these protocols will con- sons will receive the vaccine. vaccinated person was defined as a per- test and that you will have limited tinue to change, especially when we She went on to state that her admin- son who received both doses of the vac- movement in the hotel or in a reach herd immunity, but we are being istration was committed to ensuring cine plus 14 days or a person who re- Government facility, but we will con- conscious those persons once they re- that persons who already received their ceived a single dose plus 14 days. tinue to review these protocols to en- ceive a negative test result, will be free first dose will be able to get their second “As a result, they will now be permit- sure that they are functioning well,” she then to move about as a vaccinated per- dose and added that they already had ted to come into Barbados under a dif- said. son in the community.” those second doses on hand. Guidance needed for students on Public Transport

AS children return to school, with the majority having to use public trans- portation, the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) is hoping that the next Emergency Management (COVID- 19) Directive places the “management of schoolchildren” as top priority. In-person classes, according to the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, will resume on Tuesday,April 20, for all class three and class four primary school students, as well as all fifth and sixth form sec- ondary students. “There is need for guidance for chil- dren who don’t have a luxury of having their parents own a car and being dropped off at school. Thus, the major- ity of schoolchildren take public trans- port, and we as a society have a role to Chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) Roy Raphael and AOPT’s Director of Government Affairs play in providing a safe environment for Shadia Simpson speaking with PSV operators. them,” AOPT’s Director of Complaints, Craig Banfield, expressed. safety of minors who take public trans- Along with the standard health pro- “There is no room for era at this par- He was at the time speaking to the port, but this goes even beyond the AG tocols of wearing a mask, and sanitising ticular point in time. Parents are put- media on the sidelines of the handing- because it also touches on the Ministry on entering public transport, the AOPT ting their trust in the government of over ceremony of 50 hand sanitising of Education, Ministry of Health, and will be pushing to have monitors trav- Barbados as well as our public service dispensers to AOPT from the Barbados the Ministry of Transport. These min- elling on their vehicles to ensure the sector, to ensure that their children re- Light & Power Company. istries together have an interest, and enforcement of COVID-19 regulations, main safe while going to school and re- “I feel that the Attorney General we would love to have discussions with as well as for the use of temperature turning from school,” he further needs to draft Directives to manage the them on the way forward.” guns. stressed. (TL) 2 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Evacuation order issued as La Soufriere shows signs of eruption

ONE of the worst fears zones in the country sending a wave of panic of the UWI Seismic Council and once again that has changed since the of residents of St. yesterday evening. across the island.The alert Research Centre, pre- called on Dr. Robertson to last briefing though is that Vincent and the La Soufriere volcano, level has moved from dicted that there could be give his professional as- last period of tremor was Grenadines became a which last erupted in Orange to Red, which indi- explosive activity from the sessment of the volcano. accompanied by periods of reality yesterday as in- 1979, has been active since cates that an explosive volcano within hours or Dr. Robertson confirmed venting gas, significant creased volcanic activ- December of 2020 with eruption is imminent. days. that the conditions had pulsing of the volcano, ity prompted Prime seismic activity intensify- There are some 20 000 per- Just before 5pm, Prime further deteriorated at La where it looks clearly like Minister Dr. Ralph ing within the last few sons to be evacuated. Minister Gonsalves hosted Soufriere since the press ...for want of a better word Gonsalves to issue an days. In fact, smoke/steam During a press briefing another press conference briefing just a few hours like it’s trying to clear his Evacuation Order of could be seen billowing yesterday afternoon, Dr. with NEMO officials and before. throat. areas identified as red from the site yesterday, Richard Robertson, head the National Emergency “The significant thing Continued on Page 3 Vincentians on high alert

VINCENTIANS are on Water supply could be morning,” said Greaves. high alert as they make disrupted the necessary prepara- Although his family is in Loud explosions heard tions for the pending erup- the safe zone and may The husband and father tion of the La Soufrière only experience periods of said that early in the day volcano. falling ash from the vol- he heard loud explosions Speaking to The cano, Greaves noted that and the visibility deterio- Barbados Advocate late there was still a need to rated to the point that it yesterday evening, one prepare. He explained was difficult to see the resident, Vonley Greaves, that with the water com- neighbouring island, who lives on the south side ing from the hills, the Bequia. of St.Vincent and the water lines could be shut At 10 am yesterday, the Grenadines, revealed that down to protect the sup- National Emergency There is increased seismic activity at La Soufriere volcano. on his way home, he saw ply. Management Vincentians in the City As his large family lives Organisation (NEMO) is- rushing to pick up sup- close to each other,he said sued La Soufrière Bulletin plies at the local super- they will have to use a No.49, which maintained markets. He indicated water tank, store as much its orange alert while re- that the gas stations were water as they can, as well minding the public that no also busy as people filled as stock up on bottled evacuation had been is- up their tanks in case of water. sued. emergency. “I will have to buy some By Thursday afternoon bottled water (Friday) however, the region was hearing reports that resi- dents in the north of the island were being evacu- ated. One local newspaper stated that people on the northeast and northwest of St. Vincent were being evacuated and the NEMO had also raised the alert to red. Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Dr. Ralph Gonsalves also de- clared a disaster alert for the island as noted Professor Richard Robertson of the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre suggested that an event could occur in the next 24 to 48 hours. Areas to be evacuated included Georgetown, north to Fancy, on the east coast, and Richmond, Chateaubelair, FitzHughes and Petit Bordel on the west coast. Director of NEMO, Michelle Forbes indicated that emergency shelters This map of St. Vincent and the Grenadines shows are available to the af- the red zone and the area where persons must be fected residents and ves- evacuated for their safety. On Thursday after- sels are also on the way to noon, with increased activity at La Soufrière, the Chateaubelair to remove Prime Minister of SVG, Dr Ralph Gonsalves issued individuals using a sea a disaster alert for the island. route. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 3

Cruise lines, countries in region offer help

Continued from Page 2

“So it indicates to us that we can have explosion. We cannot say for sure, and give any further clear warning that noth- ing would happen within the next 24 to 48 hours...So, right now, we would not be surprised, for example, if sometime in the Dr. Richard Robertson, head of the next 24 to 48 hours, there are explosions UWI Seismic Research Centre. Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. from the volcano that are much more sig- nificant than I’ve seen so far.” lands, including Barbados, have offered to St.Vincent and the Grenadines who had ships I indicated, to come on board that Acting on the directive of the NEMO take in evacuees. He revealed that cruise to be evacuated to other countries in the you would be required to be vaccinated. and the laws of SVG, Prime Minister lines have offered to assist in the evacu- region [that] have offered temporary hos- The countries which have indicated that Gonsalves said:“I hereby order as follows ation process. pitality namely St. Lucia, Grenada, they would accept us, they would want us 1) the evacuations of all premises in the “Royal Caribbean is offering three Barbados, Antigua. to be vaccinated before we come there. In areas designated as the red zone, on the ships, two of them will come tomorrow He noted that the British Virgin Islands the case of St Lucia [the] suggested op- northeast and northwest of St. Vincent, (Friday) morning. A third one will come has also offered assistance and discus- tion is that they could be done there, but since the evacuation and the evacuation subsequently and Carnival cruise line sions have also taken place with Trinidad clearly it is better if we do it all here.” of the areas themselves...2) the exclusion through the Minister of Tourism has in- and Tobago and the Republic of Guyana, It was noted that with confined spaces of persons of vessels or vehicles from such dicated that by tomorrow (Friday) Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis. in shelters and cruise ships persons premises and areas, except for the pur- evening, there will be two cruise ships Prime Minister Gonsalves in his ad- should have a layer of protection from pose of effective evacuation.” from Carnival. I should point out that the dress to the nation made an appeal for the vaccine with community spread of Calling on residents not to panic, he re- cruise ships from Royal Caribbean will be persons to get vaccinated.“I would like to the COVID-19 virus reported on the is- vealed that a number of neighbouring is- first used to transport the persons from reiterate what I said earlier. The cruise land. (JH) Police needs public’s assistance in locating wanted men

THE Royal Barbados Police Force is seek- lowing OTF, FTO, NBA, YOHO, ing the assistance of the general public in TAMARA, LIFE, OG all on the right arm locating two wanted men. and has the word GAZA on his left fore- First is Damian Rico Hunte, alias arm. “Roots” of Clapham Heights, Saint Any person, who may know the where- Michael, who is wanted for questioning in abouts of Damian Rico Hunte or Kadeem connection with a number of serious mat- Kwmane Hunte is asked to contact the ters. He should be considered armed and Oistins Police Station at Telephone num- dangerous. ber 418-2612, Police Emergency at 211, Damian Hunte is 5 feet 8 inches tall, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477), or dark complexion and of slim build. He the nearest police station. has a broad nose, normal ears, broad Members of the public are also re- mouth and thick lips. He has a number minded that it is a serious offence to har- of tattoos including a cross between his bour or assist wanted persons; any per- eyebrows, the word ‘OUTLAW’ an image son caught committing this offence can of a firearm on his left forearm, the word be prosecuted. Damian Rico Hunte Kadeem Kwmane Hunte “RICO” on his right forearm, the letters “R.I.P” on right arm and the word “UN- DERGROUND” on his left arm. Also wanted is Kadeem Kwmane Seven females test positive Hunte of Rock Hall, Saint Philip, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a number of serious matters. He THE Best-dos Santos Public Health There are 95 persons in isolation. conducted 144,608 tests. should also be considered armed and Laboratory identified seven new positive The island has recorded 3,704 (1,795 fe- On Wednesday,nine persons were vac- dangerous. cases – all females – of COVID-19 on males and 1,909 males) confirmed cases cinated as part of the National Kadeem Hunte is 6 feet tall, dark com- Wednesday, April 7, from among the 453 of COVID-19 since March 2020.A total of Vaccination Programme for COVID-19. plexion and of slim build. He has a bul- tests conducted. 3,576 people have recovered from the To date, 63,747 vaccinations have been bous nose, normal ears with a lump Eleven people recovered from the virus viral illness. There have been 44 deaths. administered - 26,350 men and 37,397 under his right ear and black broad thick and were discharged from isolation. The public health laboratory has so far women. (BGIS) lips. He has a number of tattoos of the fol- 4 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Mental ill health plaguing young people

YOUNG people are experiencing Latin American-Caribbean region, it is COVID-19 on mental health, said that several challenges as it relates to the third-leading cause,” she stated. the disruptions caused are felt more sig- their mental health and well-being. The UNICEF official went on to say nificantly for children and adolescents Adolescent Health Specialist with that the impacts of poor mental health on because of the rapid pace of development UNICEF,based in New York,Dr.Joanna children and adolescents are not only im- and growth for that age group. Lai, raised the issue during a recent mediate, but there are also longer-term “Healthy diet, physical activity, ade- panel discussion, which was hosted on- health as well as socio-economic implica- quate sleep are really fundamental for line by The UWI’s COVID-19 Task Force. tions that cannot be ignored.With that in growth and development of this age Adolescent Health Specialist with According to Lai, while the COVID-19 mind, she indicated that 50 per cent of group, and during the pandemic, reports UNICEF, Dr. Joanna Lai. virus has negatively impacted this age adolescent mental health conditions start and surveys across the world have indi- group, it is not the only factor as prior to by the mid-teens and we see that 75 per cated poor diets, limited opportunities food insecurity and families being pushed the pandemic, the mental health of chil- cent of mental health conditions among for physical activity, disrupted sleeping into poverty. She stated that estimates dren and adolescents had been under adults start by the mid-20s. Moreover, patterns, and we've also seen an increase for the UNICEF Data Hub, show that strain. In fact, she referred to statistics Lai stated that based on calculations of in screen time in many parts of the since the start of the pandemic, 140 mil- which indicate that 10 to 20 per cent of loss of productivity,mental ill health will world... As the other presentation also lion additional children are projected to children and adolescents worldwide will cost the global economy US$16 trillion by mentioned, that school meals is an im- be in households living below the poverty experience mental ill health in any given 2030. portant thing and data does show that up line and 44 million children may have year, and that one in four children have “Yet, despite this, there are still really to 370 million children may have missed gone hungry in 2020. a caregiver with a mental disorder. major gaps and missed opportunities in out on nutritious school meals during “Of course, these stressors are often “Based on the most recent global meeting the mental health needs of this the last year because of school closures. linked with exacerbated substance abuse health estimates, anxiety disorder was population around the globe, and partic- These kinds of different changes in in the household, and as previously men- among the fourth-leading causes of dis- ularly in low- and middle-income coun- lifestyle have also been found to be asso- tioned as well, the risk of violence, ex- ability among 10- to 19-year-olds; and tries where most adolescents with men- ciated with not only lower quality of life, ploitation and abuse has been increased. for Latin America and the Caribbean, tal health conditions do not actually re- but also higher levels of psychological There are 66 per cent of the countries re- anxiety disorder was actually the sec- ceive the care they need, and there is distress for the child, as well as the par- porting a disruption, some kind of disrup- ond-leading cause of disability for 10- to continued underinvestment in promo- ent and caregiver,” she explained. tion in their violence against children-re- 14-year-olds, and childhood behavioural tion, prevention and early intervention Additionally,speaking about the wider lated services during the pandemic, and disorder was the first. Also, suicide is for this population group,” she stated. effects of the pandemic, she noted that of course death or severe illness in the globally the fifth-leading cause of death The Adolescent Health Specialist, turn- throughout the pandemic, there has been family is a reality for many families,” she among 10- to 19-year-olds; and for the ing her attention to the impact of an increased risk of financial instability, stated. (JRT) The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 5

Explore domestic, intra-regional tourism on a wider scale

THE time may have come need to patronise the services of for Tourism Ministers from people in the hotel industry various Caribbean coun- such as taxi operators, bar- tries to explore on a wider tenders, restaurateurs and scale the whole concept of hoteliers, given that these are having more intra-regional the persons “feeling the pinch” visitors in an effort to help at present, given the decline of regional economies during the tourism sector. This is key the current COVID-19 pan- he said, given that many in demic and domestic tourism tourism have overlooked those must get some attention as in the domestic market and well. even across the region, as being The suggestion came as the important to the sector and Caribbean Tourism have instead focused heavily on Organisation (CTO) presented a international markets. virtual session entitled “The Anguilla’s Tourism Minister COVID Lessons”, which fea- Hadyn Hughes meanwhile said, tured tourism ministers from “We’ve been talking about intra- across the region, who discussed The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) recently presented a virtual session entitled “The regional travel for a very long a matter of pandemic-related COVID Lessons”. time and we don’t look at us as matters and what they have tourists. If I travel to Dominica, learnt from COVID. Present gent meeting. gional countries, as a means of Kingdom and Canada. But right they don’t view me as a tourist were Dominica’s Tourism After Dominica’s Tourism keeping the islands' tourism now, persons from the region and that is something that we Minister, Denise Charles; Minister Denise Charles re- sectors viable. cannot go into Canada. They have to get past. A tourist does- Minister of Tourism for St. Kitts vealed that that regional island St. Vincent’s Tourism have closed their borders. n't necessarily have to come and Nevis, Lindsay Grant; put together a number of stay- Minister Carlos James stated, Similar protocols are coming for from North America or Europe.” Tourism Minister for St. cation packages to offer its citi- “We have about 43 million peo- the UK and parts of Europe and He meanwhile suggested that Vincent and the Grenadines, zens more “domestic tourism” ple within the Caribbean and it clearly means that if we are to a barrier to more intra-regional Carlos James and Minister of as visitor arrivals heavily de- we have to obviously focus a lot look at a sustainable tourism travel however may be the cost Tourism for Anguilla, Haydn clined during 2020 on account of more on domestic tourism, industry, we have to focus a lot of airfare and airlift in general Hughes. Barbados’ Minister of the pandemic, the focus of the intra-regional tourism, the more on domestic travel, move- into the respective islands, a Tourism, Senator Lisa panel discussion turned to rely- movement of people within the ment intra-regionally, we have point with which St. Kitts Cummins who was scheduled ing on locals in various coun- region. It’s important.” to focus on even staycations, a Tourism Minister Lindsay to be a part of the panel was not tries to help sustain the tourism “When we look at interna- point made by my colleague Grant agreed, stressing that able to participate, as modera- sector and also having citizens tional countries, our target mar- from Dominica,” Minister countries may need to reduce tor Johnson Johnrose indicated of various Caribbean countries kets are from North America, James asserted. taxes and fees, to have more that she had to attend an ur- explore the offerings of other re- Europe and the United Minister James stressed the travel in this area. (RSM) 6 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Workshop equips CARICAD pushing ahead public servants to with its Leadership Development Programme improve service CARICAD’s Leadership and one regional institu- cused on the Enabling Development Programme tion. Environment for PUBLIC servants transforming new knowl- The event was prima- (CLDP) kicked off earlier “The programme is Leadership Development across the region are edge into value through rily borne out of the im- this year with the delivery geared at equipping cur- and Practice, showcasing being equipped with innovation and ensuring pact of the COVID-19 pan- of its virtual Leading rent and future executive the research, assessment the capacities to pro- its assimilation as digital demic, as it has high- Change Workshop. leaders in transforma- tool and toolkit available mote innovation and government calls for a lighted more than ever the With 24 participants tional leadership skills. to clients, to improve lead- digital government for multi-dimensional or ho- critical role that govern- from across member The programme is de- ership at the organisa- effective public service listic approach that in- ments play in ensuring states’ public services as signed around five central tional level. In February, delivery. volves change in local and people’s access to public well as two regional organ- themes – Leading Self, the webinar theme was In a recently held work- regional levels of govern- services that are afford- isations, the workshop was Leading Through Others, Public Sector shop entitled ‘Innovation, ment, organisation, able, responsive to their geared at developing Leading in Context and Transformation – Lessons Digital Government and processes, institutions and needs, accessible and peo- change leadership compe- Complexity, Leading the from the Caribbean. In Public Service Delivery for individuals. ple-oriented. tencies. The new compe- Policy Process and this webinar, CARICAD’s Sustainable Development The United Nations In responding to the cri- tencies and tools were then Leading Transformation. Schema for Public Sector in the Caribbean Region Department of Economic sis, the DPIDG of the UN- applied to participants’ The programme is slated Transformation was show- Facilitated Online and Social Affairs (UN- DESA developed a real-world change initia- to end in July 2021” Devon cased. In addition, Mrs. Capacity Development DESA), through its Curriculum on tives currently underway. Rowe, Executive Director Marjorie Johnson, Chief Training’, persons were Division for Public Governance for the Back in February 2021, of CARICAD indicated via Technical Director, Public informed on how the Institutions and Digital Sustainable Development the second virtual delivery the Centres’ recently pub- Sector Transformation availability of new,digital Government (DPIDG) and Goals composed of train- of CARICAD’s lished Horizon newsletter and Modernisation technologies can help pub- the SIDS Unit of the ing of trainers toolkits Transformational for March 2021. Division, Office of the lic organisations achieve Division for Sustainable that were converted into Leadership Development It has meanwhile been Cabinet, Jamaica, shared significant improvement Development Goals Facilitated Online Programme was launched. noted that as CARICAD on the lesson in Public in the delivery of public (DSDG), the Caribbean Training Courses. According to the Centre, continued its monthly we- Sector Transformation services as well as to solve Centre for Development The initiative therefore this is the 16th intake of binars in 2021 , the focus from the Jamaican expe- “wicked” problems and de- Administration (CARI- was also aimed at comple- its premier Leadership was on its mantra, rience. Both sessions were liver new services. CAD), and the Caribbean menting and supporting Development “Transforming Public well attended and re- Held over five two-hour Community (CARICOM) the UN Secretary- Programmes and this co- Services of the Region for ceived” the organisers long sessions, the work- co-organised the training General’s initiatives in re- hort had 18 participants the People of the Region”. noted, as of March this shop underscored how sessions. sponse to COVID-19. from five member states “January’s webinar fo- year. Local companies partner to bring free water station to bus terminal OVER the past year, we has come on board to spon- have seen how a virus like sor this water station in a COVID-19 can disrupt the crucial location like the way how we think and op- Constitution River Bus erate. The adverse effects Terminal, which can see on persons with co-mor- foot traffic in the thou- bidities like diabetes,as sands each day. well as the risk for severe Following the theme of illness increasing with age, “Together for a fairer, has not boded well for healthier world”, “the countries such as World Health Barbados, which has a Organization (WHO) calls high elderly population for urgent action to elimi- and where non communi- nate health inequities and cable diseases already ac- mobilize action to attain count for 83% of the coun- better health for all and try’s deaths. leave no one behind”. On World Health Day, Everyone deserves access Newport Water partnered to water, whether it be our with Massy Card and kids at school, the tourists Transport Authority to visiting and walking along The Massy Card (sponsor), Newport Water and Transport Authority (host) team were delighted about the new part- provide an essential public the Hastings Boardwalk, nership. amenity by means of a or the general Barbadian Hydrate Barbados water public in this bus terminal refill at a station like this tion of sugar sweetened more easily access water novation. It is one step station. The aim of the and other key locations. is one less single use plas- beverages, which are con- when they're out and closer in the effort to elim- Hydrate Barbados Water woes are no tic bottle in a gutter, tributing to the high NCD about on their daily busi- inate health inequalities Programme has been not stranger to Barbadians, dumped on a beach or a rates and obesity in our is- ness. And there’s no need by making world-class only reducing plastic and because Newport can- public space, but it also land. to worry about the sta- amenities available to waste in the environment, not do it alone, it issued a means persons are choos- As the Eighth Hydrate tion’s safety or sanitiza- every local and tourist but to encourage healthier call on all partners and ing water as their drink of Barbados station was tion, as it’s completely con- alike. It is hoped that the lifestyles and habits across clients to ensure that no choice, and this helps in launched, it meant that tactless due to the foot public will utilize the sta- our nation. Massy Card one is left behind. Every combatting the consump- people in Barbados could pedal water dispensing in- tion wisely. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 7

Chinese scientist wins int’l award for unravelling mystery of locust swarms

BEIJING – Chinese scien- ecology, the Chinese including his latest study vinylanisole or 4VA, has cust swarms, which is ex- The prize has been tist Kang Le has won the Academy of Sciences said which found that a smelly been identified as an ag- pected to be very signifi- awarded every year by the 2021 Silverstein-Simeone on Wednesday. compound emitted by gregation pheromone that cant in the control and pre- International Society of Award, an international Kang, a researcher with locusts can attract the in- is responsible for the be- diction of locust plagues, Chemical Ecology since prize recognising scientists the academy’s Institute of sects in the wild to form a haviour of the swarm. The and inspire scientists to 1995. Kang is the first for their outstanding work Zoology,bagged the award giant cluster. discovery for the first time solve the global food prob- Chinese scientist to re- at the frontiers of chemical for cutting-edge research, The compound called 4- revealed the mystery of lo- lem. ceive the honour.

Happy rebirth-day: Wuhan marks one year of recovery since COVID-19 lockdown ends WUHAN – Wuhan resi- forcement of regular anti- dent Yuan Baohua car- virus measures have ried a sense of respon- made Wuhan a post-pan- sibility with her when demic “city of safety” and going for the COVID-19 lifted its “psychological inoculation, which she lockdown.” believed will help boost Shopping blocks, pedes- the city’s collective im- trian streets and restau- munity a year after a rants in the city are again COVID-19 lockdown crowded with people. Li Li was lifted. queued for nearly two “Though I’m old, I’m in hours on the popular good health, and many of Hanjie Street to taste this my peers have already year’s crayfish. taken the vaccine,” Yuan The 26-year-old local said while getting the first resident was comfortable of two doses after the city with dining out in a expanded COVID-19 inoc- restaurant packed with ulation to include elderly people. “Why not? I think residents in late March. we are in one of the safest Accompanying her at cities in the world,” she the vaccination site was said. her daughter-in-law Celia Wuhan has reported Medical workers who had assisted with the fight against the epidemic in 2020 enjoy the cherry blossom sea- Esquivel Salguero, who no new local infections son at Wuhan University in central China’s Hubei Province, March 13, 2021. has lived in Wuhan for since May 18, 2020. As of over 10 years. Tuesday, nearly 3.7 mil- try,” Zhang said. has doubled since the out- According to the opera- noodles, Luo Sisi now gets “I told my parents in lion doses of COVID-19 To defend the victory break and will continue to tor of the Wuhan Tianhe up at 3 a.m. to prepare the Guatemala about my deci- vaccines have been ad- against the novel coron- increase. International Airport, the food as customers return sion to take the vaccine, ministered in Wuhan, ac- avirus, Wuhan has been “And now not only the airport handled a daily av- in large numbers. and they fully supported cording to the municipal empowering its public CDC but also personnel erage of 536 domestic pas- “Our sales are even 10 me,” she said. health commission. health sector since last from hospitals, civil serv- senger flights and 65,800 percent higher than that Yuan’s family has faith- About 2 km from Hanjie year. It has built four ice, police and communi- domestic passengers in in the year 2019,” said fully participated in Street stands the Zhong- 1,000-member teams to ties will join epidemiolog- March, up 14.03 percent Luo. Wuhan’s previous mass nan Hospital of Wuhan conduct epidemiological ical investigations,” he and 4.99 percent respec- Reopened on April 15, mobilisation that helped University, one of the first investigations, disinfec- said. tively from the same pe- 2020, Luo’s noodles shop the city triumph over the hospitals in Wuhan desig- tion, testing and epidemic riod in 2019. also witnessed the city’s virus, from months-long nated to treat COVID-19 control respectively. Economic recovery As the Chinese city hit psychological recovery.He home quarantines to city- patients and also among “I barely had a break at During Wuhan’s lockdown hardest by the virus, felt relieved, especially wide nucleic acid testing. the last to resume normal the peak of Wuhan’s epi- that saw outbound flights Wuhan’s GDP dropped by when seeing parents tak- “Now the vaccination operation. demic. During the day, I and trains suspended, a moderately 4.7 percent ing their children out to will add more defence, and Zhang Dongdong, a was busy with epidemio- Zhai Chenfei, a pilot with in 2020, compared with a eat breakfast. I’m looking forward to the physiotherapist at the logical investigations, and China Southern Airlines, 40.5-percent contraction “People are more toler- day when we are no longer hospital, saw the return of I had to collect and report piloted his car instead of a in the virus-ravaged first ant after the epidemic. afraid of the virus,” Yuan his patients as evidence related information at plane to help deliver veg- quarter. The investments Everyone is more patient said. that the city is back on its night,” recalled Tan etables and medicine for it received last year even when queuing up to buy feet. Yefeng, a doctor at residents and medical rose 6.7 percent to 930 bil- noodles, and everything is City of safety “At first, many patients Wuchang district’s centre workers. lion yuan (142 billion U.S. more orderly,” said Luo. On Thursday, the megac- would not dare come for for disease control and It was not until dollars). Luo’s parent shop oper- ity in central China’s rehab, as our ward had prevention (CDC). September that Zhai was The uptrend continued ates over 70 branch stores. Hubei Province marked been used to receive Epidemiological investi- able to be back in the cock- this year, with 215 large Although a dozen closed the first anniversary since COVID-19 patients, but by gations track the routes pit. projects worth 330.54 bil- during the epidemic,27 it ended the 76-day isola- last September, our de- and sources of new infec- “Flying through the blue lion yuan launched in new shops opened after tion and the 10th month partment was once again tions, which is vital for of- sky made me feel my life February, and 112 projects June 2020. without reporting any filled with people,” the ficial interventions to con- had finally returned to the inked with a total invest- “The hot dry noodle is locally transmitted infec- therapist said. tain any further spread. right track,” said Zhai. ment of 346.2 billion yuan not only a popular food but tions. “My job is to help pa- Tan testified to the sub- “Though the number of in March. Both hit record also a spiritual icon of the Strict quarantines dur- tients gradually stand up, stantial improvements in flights and passengers re- highs in Wuhan. city,” Luo said. “We have ing the lockdown, the city- walk and run through the epidemic response sys- mained sluggish for a long The service sector is also not only survived the epi- wide nucleic acid testing physical training, just as tem, including the expan- time, I can see the indus- in steady recovery. demic, but are now capa- drive that tested nearly 10 Wuhan recovered with sion of the district CDC try pick up steam these Running a shop selling ble of helping more people million residents and en- help from across the coun- personnel, whose number days.” Wuhan’s signature hot dry start a business.” 8 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial Countries world-wide hit new Turning records for virus cases, deaths NATIONS around the The US has now fully Britain. The news comes about 80 per cent Black, world set new records vaccinated nearly 20 per at a time when only one officials said they plan to yesterday for COVID-19 cent of its adult per cent of the population start visiting homes to deaths and new population, and New has been vaccinated and talk about the importance the corner coronavirus infections, Mexico became the first as Thais prepare to of protecting themselves and the disease surged state to get shots in the celebrate the traditional from the virus with IT seems like it is that time when residents in even in some countries arms of 25 per cent of its Songkran New Year’s vaccinations and how to Barbados can breathe a sigh of relief with the that have kept the virus residents – milestones holiday next week, sign up to receive the knowledge that the worst of the Covid-19 in check. In the United that are still far off for typically a time of shots. pandemic spike may be behind us.Although recent States, Detroit leaders many hard-hit countries. widespread travel. “We’re going to knock on statistics have not yet fallen into single digits for began making a plan to In India, home to 1.4 That variant is more every residential door in daily positivity rates the numbers have been knock on every door to billion people, only 11 contagious, and the US the city,making sure every consistently trending downward.This is a positive persuade people to get million are fully Centers for Disease Detroiter knows how to result of the almost month-long National pause shots. vaccinated. In Brazil, less Control and Prevention make an appointment,” which residents and tourists had to endure. Brazil this week became than three per cent of the said this week that it is Victoria Kovari, an Such pauses or lock-downs limit economic just the third country, country’s 210 million now the most common executive assistant to growth and stability for countries but the number after the US and Peru, to people have received both variant in the United Detroit Mayor Mike of people who remain consistently in lines at the report a 24-hour tally of doses, according to Our States, raising concerns it Duggan, told The Detroit supermarkets and bread shops during the pause COVID-19 deaths that World in Data, an online will drive infections and News. Only 22 per cent of suggests that persons were still spending quite a exceeded 4 000. India hit a research site. cause more people to get Detroit residents have bit of money just on foodstuff alone. After the peak of almost 127 000 South Korea reported sick. received at least one pause ended and Barbados entered into a gradual new cases in 24 hours, and 700 more cases, the Michigan has averaged vaccine dose compared to re-opening of the economy and local businesses, Iran set a new coronavirus highest daily jump since more than 7 000 new cases 38 per cent for all of even more lines began to form which resulted in infection record for the January 5. Health a day – a number that Michigan, according to persons spending money to purchase goods or pay third straight day, authorities were expected makes the state second in Michigan’s Department of for services. On the very first day of the phased re- reporting nearly 22 600 to announce measures to the nation behind New Health and Human opening, a popular fast food restaurant was forced new cases. strengthen social York. Michigan also has Services. to halt its food delivery service early because of the Indian Prime Minister distancing following a the highest number of new Other Midwestern overwhelming amount of orders and each food Narendra Modi urged meeting Friday. cases per capita, with 1 of states have seen troubling delivery is usually at an additional cost to the people to get vaccinated, In Thailand, which has every 203 state residents signs in recent days, customer. writing in a tweet: reported only 95 deaths getting diagnosed with including a school district This is not to say that there are not Barbadians “Vaccination is among the during the pandemic, COVID-19 between March in Iowa where 127 who are struggling to make ends meet but to few ways we have to defeat health officials reported 31 and April 7, according students and five staff suggest that maybe the impact on the economy as the virus. If you are the country’s first local to data compiled by Johns members tested positive a whole might not be as dire as an untrained eligible for the vaccine, get cases of the coronavirus Hopkins University. for the coronavirus or are person might think when the country is forced to your shot soon.” variant first detected in In Detroit, which is presumed positive. close.The Honourable Prime Minister herself used stunning and unexpected language when sharing her government’s decision to extend the pause for an additional 11 days in February.She stated that AstraZeneca woes grow as Australia, Philippines, yes, the country could financially handle a bit more time on pause. African Union curb COVID-19 shots Previously, it was felt that to close the country even for a day could lead to financial ruin for AUSTRALIA and the cases of blood clots among efficacy in older people, is working with British companies, or at least that was the tone from Philippines limited use of some adult recipients, and now on worries about and European regulators certain private sector leaders. But sadly,even with AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 although it still believes rare dangerous side to list possible brain a fully open economy,some business owners would vaccine yesterday, while that the vaccine’s benefits effects in younger people. blood clots as “an be unlikely to make much revenue in this the African Union outweighed its risks. That, coupled with extremely rare potential uncertain time. If one mistake is made, cases could dropped plans to buy the Australia recommended production setbacks, will side-effect”. spike again and take a considerable amount of shot amid global people under 50 should delay the rollout of South Africa also time to get under control. So people will be shortages, dealing further get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines across the globe paused AstraZeneca reluctant to purchase luxury items or large blows to the company’s vaccine in preference to as governments scramble vaccinations last month amounts of clothing and materials. The priority hopes to deliver a vaccine AstraZeneca’s, a policy to find alternatives to after a small trial showed will be the purchase of necessities and comforts for the world. shift it warned would hold tame the pandemic that the shot offered minimal like wine and chocolates to help get through this The vaccine – developed up its inoculation has killed more than 3 protection against mild-to- mentally draining period. The nature of some with Oxford University campaign. million. moderate illness caused businesses simply does not allow them to thrive in and considered a front- AstraZeneca’s shot is Italy on Wednesday by the dominant local a time like this. So where there is strong runner in the global sold at cost, for a few joined France, the coronavirus variant. resistance, to measures which could keep our vaccine race – has been dollars a dose. It is by far Netherlands, Germany AstraZeneca is residents safe from illness, from persons in those plagued by safety the cheapest and most and others in grappling with production sectors it must be taken with a grain of salt concerns and supply high-volume launched so recommending a issues that have led to because little can be done to help their bottom problems since Phase III far, and has none of the minimum age for shortfalls of its vaccine in line at this time. trial results were extreme refrigeration recipients of several countries. When the world rights itself and our vaccination published in December, requirements of some AstraZeneca’s shot, and Indonesian Health program begins to show its results, life will with Indonesia the latest other COVID-19 vaccines, Britain said people under Minister Budi Gunadi hopefully revert to its pre-covid state. Businesses country forced to seek making it likely to be the 30 should get an Sadikin said on Thursday will thrive again and money will be spent as doses from other mainstay of many alternative. South Korea the country was in talks normal. drugmakers. inoculation programmes also suspended use of the with China on getting as The persons most affected by the pause were The Philippines in the developing world. vaccine in people under 60 many as 100 million businesses like gyms, salons, and barbershops suspended the use of But more than a dozen this week, while COVID-19 vaccine doses which have consistent clientele and have missed AstraZeneca shots for countries have at one time approving Johnson & to plug a gap in deliveries out on additional income as they remained closed people under age 60 after suspended or partially Johnson’s one-dose caused by delays in the for a longer period. Those persons are in a difficult Europe’s regulator said on suspended use of the shot, vaccine. arrival of AstraZeneca financial position but luckily for them, their Wednesday it found rare first on concerns about AstraZeneca has said it shots. services are in high demand now that the doors can crack open. Some of them are already fully Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes booked for the coming week.All in all some persons E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen have made major sacrifices so that this country can Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan be a safe place once more. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • FAX: 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] ‘Robbing Peter Tribute to Clyde Jones, to pay Paul’ WHILE I believe holidays. an Outstanding person Government would never It would behove intentionally make Government to more OUTSTANDING people described the objective of He set an alarm clock, left was broken. If officials decisions that would clearly explain its live a fulfilled life.They are his work: “the camera is his Brooklyn home and posed for a picture in front benefit a certain set of reasoning regarding such selfless, embrace the how I convey a meaning, a covered major cultural, of the American flag, Jones individuals to the decisions before locals ordinary and write untold mood, of a sensation to social, political and waited until other detriment of locals, such a become more resentful at memories. others. I like to think of my tourism events in photographers finished. “robbing Peter to pay what they feel are burdens As a young man, the late work as primarily a form Barbados. Then, with a stern smile, Paul” sentiment is gaining they should not have been Clyde O Jones, after his of communication. I am an In addition hard news, he would invite officials to traction among the asked to bear, as well as brother turned down his agent of the facts, and my he often shared human stand in front of the populace. As just one more recalcitrant if future father’s request, he traded photographs are a registry stories. One day, he Barbados Flag. example, the recent surge impositions on their jobs and became a prison of ideas and emotions”. chanced upon a familiar Jones arrived early at in COVID-19 cases and freedoms become officer. Jones a proud member face. When he noticed the functions. He sat, observed the recurring shutdowns necessary. Robbing Peter Later in life, Jones of the Barbados Regiment person’s hush puppies, he and surveyed audiences in response, are being to pay Paul only makes revealed that it was the worked tirelessly through approached then an from a distance. Never in a attributed to Peter sore, and you can’t best decision he ever many nights. Except for inquired if he could help. hurry,waiting for the right Government’s decision to do business with a sore made. “Imagine it was an Steven Massiah, who He took the hand of late moment, and taking permit tourists to travel to Peter. inmate who introduced the assisted him with the “Tom Adams,” then the pictures with a long lens Barbados, particularly CHARLES eleventh commandment – design, few included his leader of the opposition, from the shadows. during the winter KNIGHTON man know thyself, to me. It wife Thelma Jones, was assisted with the purchase He leaves a collection of was in a prison that I aware of the second edition of a camera. Adams photographs that learned the power of until after it was became Prime Minister. historians will use to write fairness.” Jones often completed. According to According to Jones,Adams part of the history of What makes boasted. Jones lived that Jones, a local printer was called him later and said: Barbados in America. self-image idea. He walked surprised by the quality of “Clyde, our politics are Jones, a former daily with a package of the publication. different, but I want you computer clerk at lifelines – that included: Jones also surprised to be Barbados’ official Chemical bank, completed “(1) When I wake up in the Thelma Jones,his wife and photographer when studies and Canada and a true morning, and I look into friend of more than 50 President Reagan visits at the New York the mirror, I see Clyde years. He included her Barbados.” University. Jones was an Jones, not you. (2) Ever so successful banking career Jones appreciated every accredited internal welcome, wait for a call. (3) story – and character assignment and moment journalist and travel National Hero It is better to keep your reference. He mentioned – smiling and saying consultant and contributor mouth closed and let that she was also an thank you after each to the Barbados Advocate THE subject of National the lives of the majority of people think you are a fool, employee of Her majesty’s picture he took or note he and the Nation News. Heroes is another topic I a country’s citizenry for than to open it and remove prison in Barbados. wrote; and expressing Jones immigrated from wish to join with the better. all doubt.” Jones was a true compassion and Barbados is the sixties and Historian Trevor While it is true that In Jones’ self published adventurer. He attended a strengthening died in Brooklyn, New Marshall and agree that service, sacrifice and two hundred page full- wide-cross section of relationships. Yet he was York, on Easter Saturday, at this time there is no selflessness can achieve colour pictorial “The Man events, built relationships unafraid to alert officials 2021. need for anymore of much, the impact must be and His Camera – Jones with al classes of people. and others when protocol WALTER EDEY them. felt across the widest Marshall asserted, and expanse of the society I wholeheartedly agree rather than selected that the rare status of nooks and crannies. Leadership skill should not be “demigod” be put to the It is not about a village test of the service, or community hero. sacrifice and selflessness. It is about persons who However, I kindly ask have impacted an entire gender-based but individual-based permission to apply my nation and sometimes “litmus test” in which a beyond – people like WHEN an employer qualifications. If one reads purposely omitted, which otherwise it may seem single factor is the Winston Churchill, demands good specific or hears of not may not be the case. With sexist or sexual? And that’s supreme determinant. Martin Luther King Jr., leadership skills and enough women in business no chauvinism, all – the naked truth. This supreme Toussaint L’Ouverture competence,gender should leadership and heads of applicants should be Thanks and please print determinant is the ability and Simon Bolivar. not be a factor, but only boards, it “cements” to confirmed only at their as letter to the editor. and capacity to change MICHAEL RAY individual talent and imply that there are being merits- not by their sex, TREVOR HARPER

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Helen Keller Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1880 - 1968) (1803 - 1873) “Each of you should use US blind & deaf educator English dramatist, whatever gift you have novelist, & politician DUTY received to serve others, as “Character cannot be developed There is no such thing as faithful stewards of God’s “Refuse to be ill. Never tell in ease and quiet. Only through luck. It's a fancy name for grace in its various forms.” people you are ill; never own experience of trial and suffering being always at our duty, it to yourself. Illness is one of can the soul be strengthened, – 1 PETER 4:10 (NIV) those things which a man and so sure to be ready when ambition inspired, and success should resist on principle.” good time comes. achieved.” 10 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

S&P 500 scales new record high on tech boost THE S&P 500 hit a understates the rapidly record peak yesterday, improving labour market helped by gains in conditions. tech-related stocks as “While states balance weaker-than-expected the vaccine rollout with jobless claims data bol- stop and start reopening stered the Federal plans, the labour market Reserve’s stance to continues to feel the heat,” keep interest rates said Mike Loewengart, lower for a longer pe- managing director of in- riod. vestment strategy at Apple Inc, Microsoft E*TRADE Financial. Corp, Alphabet Corp and “But the disappointing People are seen on Wall St. outside the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, US, March 19, Amazon.com Inc rose be- read actually puts some 2021. tween 1% and 1.5% and firepower behind the Fed’s were among the top boosts accommodative stance.” dustrials, materials and points, or 0.32 %, to “People are saying (mar- Co Inc for C$323.3 million to the benchmark index. The Fed acknowledged energy fell the most 4,093.04 and the Nasdaq kets) have had a great run ($256.9 million), as the High-growth tech stocks the economy was on its among major S&P sectors. Composite gained 117.70 now, let’s see if the earn- world’s biggest cannabis have recovered in recent path to a strong rebound The Russell 1000 points, or 0.86%, to ings can support the run,” producer bolsters its port- sessions as US 10-year backed by massive fiscal growth index, which con- 13,806.54. said Joe Saluzzi, co-man- folio to tap surging de- bond yield backed off from spending and accelerating sists of tech-related The first-quarter earn- ager of trading at Themis mand. its 14-month peak, push- vaccinations, minutes re- stocks, gained about 1%, ings season begins in Trading in Chatham, New Advancing issues out- ing the tech-heavy leased on Wednesday while its value counter- earnest next week with Jersey. numbered decliners by a Nasdaq to a seven-week showed. However,the cen- part, comprising mostly fi- results from big US Tesla Inc gained 2% on 1.1-to-1 ratio on the NYSE high and within 2% of its tral bank noted it would nancials and energy banks. Analysts have the Joe Biden administra- and by a 1.2-to-1 ratio on record closing high. be “some time” before con- names, dropped about raised expectations for tion’s $174 billion pro- the Nasdaq. Latest data showed the ditions improve enough 0.3%. first-quarter S&P 500 posal to boost electric ve- The S&P 500 posted 31 number of Americans for the Fed to rein in its At 11:31 a.m. ET the earnings increase to hicles. new 52-week highs and filing new claims for un- support. Dow Jones Industrial 24.2%, according to US shares of Canopy one new low, while the employment benefits un- The tech sector hit a Average rose 1.04 points, Refinitiv IBES data as of Growth Corp dropped Nasdaq recorded 101 expectedly rose last week, record high, while econ- or 0.00% , to 33,447.30, the April 1, versus 21% fore- about 3% on a deal to buy new highs and 20 new but the increase likely omy-linked financials, in- S&P 500 gained 13.09 cast on Feb.5. rival Supreme Cannabis lows.

BANK RATES Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of Oil falls on surge in US gasoline stocks business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. LONDON – Crude oil weakened by the impact prices fell yesterday after of the coronavirus. Valid for April 9, 2021 official data showed a big At the same time, Notes: increase in US gasoline Russian oil output in- Currency Buying Selling stocks on the back of creased from average Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 higher refinery runs March levels in the first Canadian Dollar 1.57015 1.61659 while demand remained few days of April, traders East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 subdued compared with said. Euro 2.33416 2.43244 pre-pandemic levels. Iran and the United Pound Sterling 2.69104 2.80436 Brent crude fell 22 States held talks with United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 cents, or 0.4%, to $62.94 a other powers on reviving Demand/Sight: barrel by 1318 GMT. US a nuclear deal that al- Currency Buying Selling oil fell 37 cents, or 0.6%, most stopped Iranian oil Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.57909 1.61517 to $59.40. from coming to market, East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 While crude oil stocks reviving tentative hopes Euro 2.36840 2.41735 in the United States Tehran might see some Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 fell more than forecast sanctions lifted and add Pound Sterling 2.73053 2.78695 by analysts, gasoline in- to global supplies. United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 ventories rose sharply, However, the Telegraphic Transfer the US Department of International Monetary Currency Buying Selling Energy said on Wednes- Fund said this week that Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 day. the massive public Canadian Dollar 1.58208 1.61517 “A huge build in road spending deployed to East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.37286 2.41735 fuel stocks is not what combat the COVID-19 Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 the market was expect- pandemic could increase Pound Sterling 2.73567 2.78695 ing and concerns over the Pump jacks operate at sunset in Midland, Texas, US, global growth to 6% this United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 speed of the oil demand February 11, 2019. year, a rate not achieved recovery resurfaced, leav- since the 1970s. INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL ing traders wondering nearly 502 million bar- “The increase in oil Higher economic CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE how stable road fuel rels while gasoline stocks product stocks is proba- growth would boost de- RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS. usage actually is,” said increased by 4 million bly not due to weaker mand for oil and its prod- N.B. These rates are not meant to be used for trading. Rystad Energy analyst barrels to a little more demand ... but to high ucts. BDS$ Bjornar Tonhaugen. than 230 million barrels refinery utilisation,” ANZ Research said it Guyana Dollar 0.00945 Jamaica Dollar 0.01363 US crude oil invento- as refiners ramped up Commerzbank analysts expects Brent crude to T&T Dollar 0.29911 ries dropped by 3.5 mil- output before the sum- said. reach about $75 a barrel lion barrels last week to mer driving season. Still, demand remains in the third quarter. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 11

Beijing now has more billionaires than any city BEIJING is now home to more billionaires than any other city in the world, according to the latest Forbes’ annual rich list. The Chinese capital added 33 billion- aires last year and now hosts 100, said the business magazine. This narrowly beats New York City, which hosts 99 and has held the to p ranking for the last seven years. China’s quick containment of Covid- 19, the rise of its technology firms and stock markets helped it gain top spot. Although Beijing now has more billion- aires than the Big Apple, the combined net worth of New York City’s billionaires remained US$80bn (£58bn) greater than that of their counterparts in Beijing. Beijing’s richest resident was Zhang Yiming, the founder of video-sharing app TikTok and chief executive of its parent firm ByteDance. He saw his net worth double to $35.6bn. In contrast, New York City’s richest resident, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, had a fortune worth $59bn.

China’s e-commerce boom China, along with the US, has seen its technology giants become even bigger during the pandemic as more people shopped online and looked for sources of Beijing added 33 billionaires last year, according to Forbes. entertainment. This saw the massive creation of Half of China’s new billionaires made 1,149 billionaires from Asia Pacific were personal wealth for the founders and their fortunes from manufacturing or One billionaire every 17 hours worth $4.7tn, compared with the shareholders of these tech titans. technology ventures, including female A record 493 newcomers joined the list US billionaires’ $4.4 tn. China, whose figure included Hong billionaire Kate Wang, who made her globally last year, roughly one new Jeff Bezos, founder and chief executive Kong and Macao in the Forbes count, money from e-cigarettes. billionaire every 17 hours, according to of Amazon, remains the world’s richest added more billionaires to the list than With 698 billionaires, China is closing Forbes. person for the fourth consecutive year. any other country globally, with in on the US, which still leads with India had the third-highest number of His net worth grew by $64bn to 210 newcomers. 724 billionaires. billionaires, with 140. In total, the $177bn last year. World Bank warns against ‘high’ global tax minimum Undocumented

THE head of the World Bank has warned world leaders against setting a global workers in NY minimum tax rate for companies that is too high. could get up to In an interview with the BBC, David Malpass said he did not want to see new rules that would hinder poor countries’ $15,600 in ability to attract investment. The 21% global minimum rate called for pandemic relief by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen “strikes me as... high”, he added. NEW YORK STATE likely will offer Officials said on Wednesday they one-time payments of up to $15 600 to hope to reach a global tax deal by undocumented workers hurt by the mid-year. pandemic but who couldn’t access federal Ms Yellen has said a global minimum relief. Nearly 300 000 people may be tax on companies is necessary to stop a eligible for the programme. “30-year race to the bottom”, which has As part of the $212 billion 2022 budget seen countries slash rates on companies, deal reached this week by state lawmak- in an effort to woo business investments. ers and the governor, the state plans to She is in favour of having all countries allocate $2.1 billion to an Excluded agree to a minimum tax rate of 21%. Worker Fund. The budget passed the Meanwhile, the US under President Joe Democrat-controlled Legislature on Biden is seeking to increase its corporate David Malpass, President of the World Bank. Wednesday and now needs to be approved tax rate to 28%. by Governor Andrew Cuomo. To US lawmakers, Ms Yellen has made week said it supported the idea of a must consider how a new global “The $2.1 billion fund to aid excluded the case that establishing a global mini- minimum tax, officials declined to minimum tax might fit in with other workers in this pandemic is urgently mum tax would allow the US to remain comment on a specific rate. proposals to tax carbon and digital needed, thoroughly deserved, and will competitive, despite that increase. Some countries, such as Ireland, have services provided by tech giants – other benefit not only workers and their The UK is also looking to raise taxes on expressed reservations about the priorities for the negotiations. families but also the communities where corporations from 19%, up to 25% in 2023, US proposal. “The critical thing is to have growth for they live,” David Dyssegaard Kallick, in what would be the first increase since The average corporate tax rate globally countries around the world,” Malpass deputy director of the New York-based the 1970s. is about 24s%, according to the Tax said. “Tax rates matter for everyone and Fiscal Policy Institute wrote in a report Foundation. Europe has the lowest so there also needs to be a legal analysing the proposal. Global tax deal regional rate at roughly 20%. environment that attracts new invest- The programme makes up less than Earlier talks led by the Organisation for Malpass told the BBC he was encour- ment into the poorer countries.” 1% of the budget deal, which also includes Economic Co-operation and Development aged by signs of renewed focus on the He added that Ms Yellen’s proposal of a $2.4 billion for a rent relief programme (OECD) had focused on a minimum global tax talks, which have dragged on 21% global minimum tax “strikes me as and a $1 billion aid package for small corporate rate of 12.5%. for years without coming to resolution. a high corporate rate, but this is not businesses, arts, entertainment, and While the European Commission this But he cautioned that world leaders my call”. restaurants, among other provisions. 12 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline April 8, 2021 GODDARD ENTERPRISES LIMITED 5250 2.15 2.1 2.1 -$0.05

One security declined as 5,250 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $11,037.50. Goddard Enterprises Limited was the sole security trading 5,250 shares at a high of $2.15 and a low of $2.10 before closing down five ($0.05) cents at $2.10. .

Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $22.24 $22.37 $0.13 SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Thursday April 8, 2021

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

ABV Investments Incorporated 15-Oct-20 - - - $0.05 $0.05 - $0.10 $0.30 1 10,498

BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 70 - INDICES Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES April 8, 2021 April 7, 2021 Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - Local 2,443.28 2,448.80 (5.52) Barbados Farms Limited 18-Mar-21 - - - $0.68 $0.68 - $0.30 $0.40 7,574 6,561 Cross-list 1,140.86 1,140.86 - Composite 598.48 599.79 (1.31) Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 23-Mar-21 - - - $4.10 $4.10 - $4.00 $4.10 72 1,381 MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) FirstCaribbean International Bank 23-Mar-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - - $1.80 - 13,978 TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES April 8, 2021 April 7, 2021 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 18-Mar-21 - - - $0.16 $0.16 - - $0.16 - 5,565 Local 4,911.19 4,922.28 (11.09) - Dev Fund Cross-list 145.67 145.67 - Composite 5,056.86 5,067.95 (11.09) Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 01-Apr-21 - - - $0.56 $0.56 - $0.56 $0.58 5522 51870 MUTUAL FUND April 8, 2021 -Value Fund ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV CHANGE Goddard Enterprises Limited 08-Apr-21 5250 2.15 2.1 $2.15 $2.1 -0.05 $2.1 $2.15 4012 22 02-Apr-21 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2488 0.0069 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 18-Mar-21 - - - $2.00 $2.00 - $1.78 $2.00 56,258 19,274 02-Apr-21 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2654 0.0056 02-Apr-21 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6770 0.0014 One Caribbean Media Limited 30-Mar-21 - - - $2.20 $2.20 - - $2.50 - 800 26-Mar-21 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.6469 6.6469 6.6469 -0.0853 26-Mar-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.0951 -0.0002 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 26-Mar-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0199 -0.0001 28-Feb-21 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.6018 5.6018 5.4998 0.0320 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - - - $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - 28-Feb-21 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0369 1.0369 1.0162 0.0128 28-Feb-21 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6427 1.6427 1.6098 -0.0002 West India Biscuit Company Limited 03-Mar-21 - - - $31.25 $31.25 - $31.34 - 100 - 26-Mar-21 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.75 -0.02 Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $21.84 $21.16 $0.32 $25.01 - 100 - 26-Mar-21 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.68 -0.01 26-Mar-21 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.98 0.00 * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD 5250 NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. * = Security is Trading X-Div m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly *+* = Security is Suspended Fixed Income

** = Rights Issued Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 18-Mar-21 $60.00 $60.00 $60.00 $80.00 14,752 34,828 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 NOTICES GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $70.00 19,617 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS Emera Incorporated - Directors have fixed March 22nd, 2021 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to NEWS receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on May 20th, 2021.

BICO Limited – Notice is hereby given that the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of BICO Limited is scheduled to take place on April 13th, 2021 at the Company’s registered address: Harbor Industrial Park, Gucci owner Bridgetown, BB11145 at 5:00 p.m.

DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS Kering on track West India Biscuit Company Limited – Directors have declared an interim dividend of twenty-five ($0.25) cents per share to be paid on April 30th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on April 19th, 2021. with global logistic BSE NOTICES

COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE Effective March 29th, 2021, the offices of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central Securities hub in Italy Depository Inc. (BCSDI) have reopened. Our office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. MILAN – Kering has 2022. Kindly note that mandatory digital temperature checks and hand sanitizing for all persons entering the building will be enforced. completed the first phase of The hub will also be the These checks will be conducted on both staff and clients alike by trained personnel. While we acknowledge that every person its new global logistics hub first industrial complex in with fever may not be COVID-19 positive and that some individuals may present without symptoms, please note that any person in North-West Italy,helping Italy to produce more energy with a temperature reading of 100? F (37.8? C) or over will be denied entry to conduct business within our offices. increase the French luxury than it consumes thanks to We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding, however, we must emphasize that this is a necessary step for the group’s storage and speed up one of Europe’s largest protection of staff and clients alike. global deliveries. rooftop solar systems, it The group will keep some added. warehouses in Switzerland “The excess electricity will TRADING SUSPENSION but has already relocated be fed into Italy’s power The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to several teams to Italy, distribution grid, for use at Section 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. Kering Managing Director Kering stores and corporate Jean-Francois Palus told offices in the country,” the The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to reporters yesterday. Gucci brand owner said. Section 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Kering said in a statement Kering said the first part Industries Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. that it plans to increase staff of the building has been numbers at the site in the operating since March 2020 The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected Piedmont town of Trecate, and the second is scheduled by way of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial which is operated by XPO to start by the end of Corporation Limited. Logistics, from more than the second quarter of this 250 now to 900 by the end of year. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 13

Gov’t must lobby for students to defer CXC exams – PNP KINGSTON, Jamaica – People’s significantly impacted by COVID-19, and National Party spokesperson on while some schools were allowed to Education and Training, Dr. Angela reopen for face-to-face classes, many Brown Burke, is calling on the students have not had in-person teaching Government to make proper since March 2020,” she said. representation for Jamaican “Many of our students have missed half students to be allowed to defer all of the last school year, and almost all of aspects of their Caribbean this one, and are therefore at a Examination Council (CXC) exams disadvantage when compared with until January or June of 2022. students from other Caribbean islands.A According to the statement from Dr. request for deferral on this basis is not Brown Burke, the concern comes in light unreasonable, and a caring government of complaints from students and teachers should do all that’s within its power to Opposition Spokesperson on Education and Training, Angela Brown Burke. that contrary to previous negotiate favourable terms for its understandings, students who initially students with the CXC board,” she added. students sitting CXC examinations on a students have faced significant and thought they had the ability to defer, are Noting that SBAs account for up to 40 yearly basis, and this provides significant unequal odds over the last several now being told that the rule only applies per cent of the overall grade for most leverage for our Government to make months, and are deserving of the to written exams, and that School Based subjects, Dr. Brown Burke said the effective representation on behalf of our Government’s full support to give them a Assessments (SBAs) should still be Opposition is concerned that students students,” the statement said. fair shot at securing the best CXC submitted this year. may end up with automatic fails. Dr.Brown Burke called on the Ministry grades possible and safeguarding their “Education in Jamaica has been “Jamaica has the largest number of of Education to acknowledge that, “our future”.

Puerto Rico St. Vincent orders evacuations as police seize volcanic eruption appears imminent THE Caribbean island of St.Vincent has record declared a red alert and issued an evacuation order after seismologists US$50M worth warned that the La Soufrière volcano shows signs of an imminent eruption. The Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, of cocaine issued the order yesterday after several days of increased seismic activity. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The country’s National Emergency Authorities in Puerto Rico said Management Organisation said on yesterday that they seized US$50 Twitter there was a “substantial prospect million worth of cocaine, a record for of disaster”, and warned residents to “be the US territory’s police department. ready, get your things in order”. Antonio López, commissioner of the “Safe areas where people will be island’s Police Bureau, said 2 000 evacuated to are from North Union to La Soufrière’s most devastating eruption was in 1902 when about 1,600 people bricks of cocaine were seized around Kingstown, on the Windward side of the – most of them indigenous Caribs – were killed. dawn near the southeast coastal island, Barrouallie to Kingstown on the town of Yabucoa during a marine Leeward side and the Grenadine moving to “an explosive stage”. “The earthquakes were located patrol. He said officials spotted a Islands,” Nemo tweeted. Video posted on social media showed a beneath the volcano’s summit at 6km boat without lights and began A cruise ship from the Royal Caribbean plume of smoke towering above the depth. The largest event reached the chasing it, and the 32-foot boat with line was heading to the island to help volcano, which is the highest point in the magnitude of 3.5 that was felt by two 250-horsepower engines tried to with evacuation efforts, Nemo said. island country of Saint Vincent and the residents living close to the volcano,” the outrun them. The boat then crashed The geologist Richard Robertson said Grenadines. UWI said in a statement. into the shore and its occupants fled, that La Soufrière could erupt in a matter La Soufrière has been increasingly La Soufrière’s most devastating López said, adding that the of hours or days, according to the St active since November. On Monday, eruption was in 1902 when about 1,600 investigation is ongoing. Puerto Rico Vincent online newspaper News 784. researchers from the University of the people – most of them indigenous Caribs has long served as a transfer point Monitoring stations had reported long West Indies reported that its monitoring – were killed. for drugs headed to the US mainland earthquakes, which suggested that fresh station had detected a “swarm of small It last erupted in April 1979, but there and elsewhere. magma was trying to reach the surface, volcano-tectonic earthquakes”, which were no casualties as the local population and indicated that the volcano was increased steadily in magnitude. was evacuated.

Mostly sunny.

High: 2:38 a.m. and 2:38 p.m. London: 08 Cloudy Yesterday: 0 mm Boston: 11 Fair Low: 8:28 a.m. For the month: 0.7 mm Max: 29.9°C Montreal: 10 Cloudy and 8:48 p.m. For the year: 218.2 mm Min: 25.3°C Toronto: 20 Fair New York: 16 Fair Miami: 26 Fair 5:49 a.m. 6:11 p.m. 14 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Venezuelans seek online help in COVID pandemic CARACAS, Venezuela – Four family members with COVID-19, zero savings and no relief from Venezuela’s collapsed public health system: Gabriela Rodriguez saw no option but to seek help from crowdfunding. She is one of a growing number of people in the inflation and sanctions- hammered country looking online for assistance on sites such as GoFundMe. “This has been a nightmare, a horror,” 31-year-old Rodriguez told AFP. Having lost her job at a travel agency due to the pandemic, and making ends meet on $80 per month from a temporary job as a social media administrator, she quickly found herself responsible for her mother, 59, her grandparents aged 67 and 80 and a cousin, 52, all brought low by COVID-19. Caring for them at home due to a shortage of hospital beds, she soon found herself in need of US$300 per day just to pay for her family members’ medicines. She pawned her car, but this was not enough. Rodriguez put a call out on GoFundMe for US$5 000, and received US$1 075 from donors – money without which “I would be burying my mother now,” Rodriguez said with a quivering voice. People wearing face masks walk at a crowded street market in Caracas’ Catia neighbourhood, on April 6, 2021, amid the Like the rest of South America, COVID-19 pandemic. Venezuela is battling a harsh new pandemic wave fuelled, authorities say, Venezuelans largely fighting the time hospitals were overrun with blocked abroad due to sanctions against by more infectious virus variants from epidemic on their own. coronavirus patients. Maduro, to buy more doses from the Brazil. A well-known singer and even a “There is no other way.It is GoFundMe global Covax vaccine-sharing Officially,the country has had 165 000 politician are on the site asking for help or die,” she said. mechanism. cases and nearly 1 700 deaths, but with hospital fees, while a television Jaime Lorenzo of the NGO Medicos On Wednesday,Foreign Minister Jorge observer groups such as Human Rights presenter, also registered on the site, has Unidos Venezuela told AFP that demand Arreaza claimed in an interview with Watch question the numbers, which they since died. for hospital beds was far outstripping AFP that without the sanctions, “we say are likely vastly underestimated. "Help me to save my Mom’s life,” reads supply. would have been able to buy the 30 Finding a bed in a public hospital one of the entries. “Help my “The collapse is massive,” he said. million vaccines the country needs three grows more difficult by the day, and the grandmother get through COVID-19,” And Mauro Zambrano, a union leader, months ago.” prices in private clinics – from US$1 000 states another. said “clinics are completely full, as are Maduro’s reelection in 2018 is viewed to US$3 000 per day – are out of reach “I know that nobody has enough hospitals” in the capital Caracas. as fraudulent by much of the for most in this recession-hit country money... I would be very grateful if you The government aims to vaccinate 70 international community,who recognise with a minimum wage of less than one could help with a donation, no matter per cent of its 30 million inhabitants this opposition leader Juan Guaido as the dollar a month. how small,” Rodriguez wrote in hers. year, but has so far received fewer than country’s acting president. On the GoFundMe site there are more Maria Angelina Castillo went on a million doses. These are being given to Washington has frozen millions of than 2 300 appeals for all types of GoFundMe last year, when Venezuela health workers, teachers and dollars of Venezuelan money in US bank support, mainly for money to buy was in pandemic lockdown, looking for government officials. accounts, handing control of the funds to medicine and oxygen tanks from help to pay for cancer treatment at a Caracas is demanding access to funds Guaido. Mexican Senate leader suggests postponing debate on landmark cannabis bill MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s Senate “The Senate must act with a lot of majority leader said yesterday caution on this one,” he said, adding lawmakers may postpone the debate that various companies and lobbyists on a landmark bill that would were arguing for their interests. decriminalise cannabis, a potential The bill, which Congress approved setback to creating one of the world’s with 316 votes in favour and 127 largest markets for the plant. against, is backed by Lopez Obrador’s The bill, already approved by the administration and marks a lower house, could instead be picked major shift in a country bedevilled for up by the Senate in September, Ricardo years by violence between drug Monreal, who leads President Andres cartels. Manuel Lopez Obrador’s National If passed, the law would Regeneration Movement (MORENA), decriminalise cannabis for told a news conference. recreational, medical and scientific Monreal cited “inconsistencies” in the uses, creating a huge market that legislation due to modifications made foreign companies are eager to tap. by the lower house before it was Monreal said that the Supreme approved on March 10. Court, which had given Congress until Monreal cited ‘inconsistencies’ in the legislation due to modifications made by “I prefer ... that we give ourselves a December 15 to approve the the lower house before it was approved on March 10. pause, some time,” Monreal. regulations, should extend its deadline. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 15

Honduras trial in Indigenous activist’s murder paused TEGUCIGALPA, Castillo’s lawyers are Honduras – The trial of now asking the Court of an alleged mastermind Appeals to move the case in the killing of Berta to another court. Courts Cáceres, a prize- spokeswoman Lucía winning environmental Villars said the trial and Indigenous rights cannot continue until the defender in Honduras, Court of Appeals resolves was suspended recently the matter. It has three An alleged mastermind of the murder of Honduran environmental and Indigenous rights activist Berta as the defence team days to do so. Caceres, Roberto David Castillo is escorted by a police officer upon his arrival to the Supreme Court in attempted to change “There have been a Tegucigalpa, Honduras. the judge. series of decisions on the The pause came just one part of this court that are Castillo as those behind being opposed by the Indigenous Organisations prestigious Goldman Prize day after the trial of considered irregular” and him,” she said. “It is a activist. Castillo Mejía, of Honduras. She helped for her environmental Roberto David Castillo so they want the court strategy they’ve been who heads the project, was organise opposition to the activism in 2015. She was Mejía opened. changed, defence attorney using for awhile to exhaust arrested in 2018. Agua Zarca dam project, slain at her home in La The defence team had Juan Carlos Sánchez said. the fight in search of Castillo Mejía allegedly which was to be built on Esperanza on March 3, petitioned the court Cáceres daughter, justice for my mother.” paid the hitmen, gave the Galcarque River. The 2016. A Mexican activist Tuesday to delay the Bertha Zúñiga Cáceres, In December 2019, seven logistical support and river holds spiritual who was there with her proceeding while three said Wednesday she saw it men were sentenced to provided resources to those importance for the Lenca also was shot, but outstanding challenges as another attempt by the prison for Cáceres’ murder. already convicted, people as well as being a survived. were resolved and it defence to delay trial. At the time, prosecutors according to prosecutors. critical source of water.The The trial is scheduled to awaited results of some “They are trying said the killers acted on Cáceres was a co- dam project remains continue until April 30, forensic analyses. The maintain the impunity as behalf of a company,Desa, founder of the National frozen. after which a date will be court rejected the request. much for Mr. David that was building a dam Council of Popular and Cáceres won the set for a verdict.

JOB OPPORTUNITY The Sandpiper is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, famous for its warm hospitality and impeccable service. A family owned, five-star property where the tradition of guest comfort is a dedication shared by every member of its committed and long serving team. The Hotel is seeking to recruit an EXECUTIVE CHEF reporting to the Hotel Directors. We seek a creative, knowledgeable, and confident leader who has demonstrated creativity, attention to detail, consistency in high quality food preparation, training standards and team development: Key Responsibilities: . Ensure guest & staff satisfaction, by leading the daily operation of the kitchen. . Liaise with the senior Restaurant/Kitchen Teams to monitor culinary product quality and resolve operational problems. . Communicate with guests about their food choices and circulate in restaurant during meal services. . Provide creative culinary ideas to project and enhance the image and reputation of the culinary operation, using only the very best quality of ingredients. . Lead in the development, evaluation and discipline of all staff in the Kitchen Team. . Ensure prompt and efficient purchasing, issuing of supplies, product quality and inventory control whilst maintaining budgeted food cost. . Monitor and analyse the menus and product of competitive restaurants and keep abreast of international culinary trends to maintain competitive advantage. . Ensure that required Health and Safety regulations (HACCP) are consistently adhered to. . Control labour, rostering and payroll preparation, ensure that they are in line with budget and business demand. The successful applicant should possess: . A Degree/Diploma in the culinary field from a recognized tertiary level institution. . A food safety certification from a recognised organisation (e.g., HACCP). . A minimum of eight years’ experience in a similar position, in a luxury five star rated hotel environment. . International experience in a five-star rated kitchen. . A proven track record delivering a diverse range of international cuisines. . An understanding of menu content, impact, pricing guidelines and kitchen financial management. . A working knowledge of computerised systems for all aspects of management. Knowledge of Opera and Check systems preferred. . A high level of performance management with a proven record in staff development. To apply, please submit your application to the following to reach us on or before April 20, 2021. Please indicate the position of interest in the subject line where applications are sent via email.

The Human Resources Manager The Coral Reef Club/The Sandpiper Porters, St. James Email: [email protected] 16 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

President Biden announces steps to limit ‘ghost’ guns, plans to tackle assault weapons US President Joe Biden South Carolina, which online biography.He was a physician, with his wife, has issued an order target- killed five people, includ- well-known doctor and au- two grandchildren and a ing home-made guns one ing two young children, fol- thor of books about medi- person working at his day after a mass shooting lows two mass shootings cine. house were gunned down,” in South Carolina left in March that left a total of He also founded the the president said. a doctor and his family 18 people dead – one in Riverview Medical Centre “So many people sitting dead. Boulder, Colorado and the and Riverview House here today know what its “Gun violence in this other in Atlanta, Georgia. Calls/Riverview Hospice like when the seconds country is an epidemic, and Palliative Care. change your life forever.” and it’s an international What happened in South The suspect in the at- Mr Biden’s executive embarrassment,” he said Carolina? tack shot and killed him- order gives the Justice on Thursday. Dr Robert Lesslie, 70; and self amid the manhunt, ac- Department 30 days to The president is enact- his wife, Barbara Lesslie, cording to reports. propose a rule that will ing new measures through 69, were killed in the help reduce the number of an executive order, mean- shooting at their home in What did Mr Biden say? so-called “ghost guns”. ing he does not need ap- Rock Hill, South Carolina “Every day in this country These guns are self-as- proval from Congress. – 30 miles (48km) from 315 people are shot - every sembled, which means It includes efforts to set Charlotte, North Carolina day,” Mr Biden said dur- they do not contain a serial rules for certain guns, bol- – along with grandchil- ing remarks in the White number and cannot be ster background checks dren Adah Lesslie, 9; and House Rose Garden on traced. Background checks and support local violence Noah Lesslie, 5. Thursday,adding that 106 are also not required to prevention. James Lewis, 38, who people are killed each day purchase the assembly However, the president was working at the house by guns. kits. US President Joe Biden. will have an uphill task. was also killed. Robert “This is an epidemic for “Anyone from a criminal The right to bear arms is Shook, another worker, God’s sake. And it has to to a terrorist can buy this being seized in Los braces for pistols. Under protected by the Second was also shot and taken to stop,” he continued. kit and, in as little as 30 Angeles are ghost guns, ac- the rule, a pistol used with Amendment to the US hospital where he has He also offered condo- minutes, put together a cording to federal firearms a stabilising brace would Constitution and many undergone multiple sur- lences to the family killed weapon,” Mr Biden said. officials. be classified as a short-bar- people see gun control geries. in South Carolina. Experts say that these Mr Biden is also giving relled rifle, which requires laws as infringing on this Dr Lesslie had been “As I was coming to the homemade guns are in- the Justice Department much more stringent back- constitutional right. married to his wife for over Oval Office I got the word creasingly being used in two months to come up ground checks under the Wednesday’s attack in 40 years, according to an that in South Carolina, a crimes. Over 40% of guns with a rule on stabilising National Firearms Act. NFL player Phillip Adams killed five, then himself ROCK HILL, S.C.— Eventually, they found broad settlement between Adams to come out, and Former NFL player him dead of a single gun- the league and its former promised to get his dis- Phillip Adams fatally shot wound to the head in players over such injuries, abled mother out safely, shot five people includ- a bedroom, he said. because he hadn’t retired before Adams shot him- ing a prominent doctor, Tolson said both a .45- by 2014. self. his wife and their two caliber and 9mm weapon Adams’ father told a “This is something I grandchildren before were used in Wednesday’s Charlotte television sta- can’t grasp yet. I can’t put later killing himself, shooting. tion that he blamed foot- it all together and I’m try- authorities said yester- A person briefed on the ball for problems his son ing to, and I witnessed it,” day. investigation told The had, and which might Hope said. “I feel bad for York County Sheriff Associated Press earlier have led him to commit him because if it was men- Kevin Tolson told a news Thursday that Adams had Wednesday’s violence. tal or something going on conference that investiga- been treated by Lesslie, “I can say he’s a good kid in his life or whatever,you tors had not yet deter- who lived near his par- – he was a good kid, and I know, he needed help, and mined a motive in the ents’ home in Rock Hill. think the football messed that’s the sad part.” mass shooting Wednesday. Adams killed himself after him up,” Alonzo Adams Adams often isolated “There’s nothing right midnight with a .45-cal- told WCNC-TV.“He didn’t himself, even as a player, now that makes sense to iber weapon, said the talk much and he didn’t his agent, Scott Caster- any of us,” Tolson told a person, who spoke on con- bother nobody.” line, told the AP. news conference. dition of anonymity be- Deputies were called Casterline said he spoke Dr. Robert Lesslie, 70, cause he wasn’t autho- around 4:45 p.m. Wednes- regularly with Adams’ and his wife, Barbara, 69, rised to speak publicly. day to the Lesslies’ home, father, who left him a were pronounced dead at However, Tolson would which is not visible from voicemail Wednesday the scene on Wednesday not confirm that Adams the road. They evacuated morning. along with grandchildren had been the doctor’s pa- the neighbours as they “He was part of my fam- Adah Lesslie, 9, and Noah tient. spent hours searching for ily. I loved him. He’s a Lesslie, 5, the York County Adams, 33, played in 78 a suspect with police dogs. great kid, a great guy.This coroner’s office said. NFL games over five sea- Allison Hope, who lives is so unlike him. He had to A man who had been sons for six teams. He across from Adams’ par- not be in his right mind, working at the Lesslie joined the 49ers in 2010 ents’ modest one-storey obviously,” Casterline said. home, James Lewis, 38, as a seventh-round draft brick home, about a mile “All of us who knew from Gaston, was found pick out of South Carolina from the Lesslies, said po- Phillip are shaking our shot to death outside, and State, and though he lice allowed her to return heads. He struggled away a sixth person, who was rarely started, he went on home around 9 p.m. from the game. I tried to not identified, was hospi- to play for New England, Wednesday. Moments get him to come to Texas. talised with “serious gun- Seattle, Oakland and the later, a vehicle pulled into I was going to find him a shot wounds,” authorities New York Jets before fin- In this Oct. 25, 2015 file photo, Atlanta Falcons de- the Adams’ driveway and job, but he wouldn’t leave said. ishing his career with the fensive back Phillip Adams arrives for an NFL foot- law enforcement quickly South Carolina because Tolson said evidence left Atlanta Falcons in 2015. ball game against the Tennessee Titans. surrounded the property. he had a son. He was a at the scene of the shoot- As a rookie late in the She said they spent good father.” ing led them to Adams as 2010 season, Adams suf- 49ers again, getting re- Whether he suffered hours negotiating with “Seeing Phillip shoot a suspect. He said they fered a severe ankle injury leased just before the 2011 long-lasting concussion- Phillip Adams, using a two kids, it’s not him. I went to Adams’ parents’ that required surgery that season began. Later, with related injuries wasn’t im- loudspeaker and sending can’t fathom it. It’s devas- home, evacuated them included several screws the Raiders, he had two mediately clear. Adams in a robot to scan the tating for the victims and and then tried to talk being inserted into his leg. concussions over three would not have been eligi- house. She said authori- the families,” Casterline Adams out of the house. He never played for the games in 2012. ble for testing as part of a ties repeatedly asked said. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 17

Expert says George Floyd died from lack of oxygen GEORGE Floyd died from a lack of oxy- defence is due to begin arguing its case breathe.” gen as he was pinned “in a vice” against next week. Dr Tobin said that the position of Mr the street during his arrest, a doctor at The prosecution in the case of Mr Chauvin’s knee, pushing down against the trial of ex-police officer Derek Chauvin has now begun hearing from the left side of Mr Floyd’s chest, meant Chauvin in Minneapolis has said. medical experts. that it was “almost... as if a surgeon had Intensive care doctor Martin Tobin said Asked about the positioning of the gone in and removed the [left] lung”. Mr Floyd had died of asphyxia from the handcuffs behind Mr Floyd’s back, “Not quite, but along those lines. way he was restrained. coupled with the downward pressure of “He has used up his resources and is Mr Chauvin, 45, was filmed kneeling Mr Chauvin’s weight against him, literally trying to breathe with his fingers on Mr Floyd’s neck for more than nine Dr Tobin – an expert in pulmonary and knuckles against the street to try to minutes during his arrest last May. medicine – said that Mr Floyd’s ability crank up his chest, to try to get air into The ex-officer is on trial for murder to expand his chest was severely im- his right lung,” he added. and has denied the charges against him. paired. Dr Tobin also contradicted the de- He said it was his medical opinion that ‘Healthy person would have died too’ fence’s argument that the painkiller Mr Floyd died after a low level of oxygen Dr Tobin said that Mr Floyd had already fentanyl was the cause of Mr Floyd’s stopped his heart. shown signs of brain injury about four inability to breathe. A toxicology report “[George Floyd] is jammed down minutes before Mr Chauvin took his knee released last June said that Mr Floyd against the street, so the street is playing off his neck, and that a healthy person had fentanyl in his system. a major role in preventing him from who was put through this “would have However, Dr Tobin said that Mr Floyd’s expanding his chest. died” too. Intensive care doctor Martin Tobin said breathing did not slow down enough for “He’s against a hard asphalt street, so About three minutes before Mr Mr Floyd had died of asphyxia from the the drug to have been a factor in his total the way they’re pushing down on his Chauvin removed his knee, Dr Tobin way he was restrained. loss of oxygen. handcuffs combined with the street... it’s said, there was “not an ounce of oxygen The footage of Mr Chauvin, who is like the left side is in a vice.” left in his body”. the neck for another two minutes and 44 white, with his knee on African-American Dr Tobin said the positioning of the “The knee remains on the neck for an- seconds”. Mr Floyd’s neck sparked global protests handcuffs was also significant. other three minutes and 27 seconds after Dr Tobin used footage captured during against racism. “It’s how they’re being pushed, where he takes his last breath,” Dr Tobin said. Mr Floyd’s arrest to provide his medical The trial is in its second week and is ex- they are being pushed, that totally inter- “After the officers have found themselves opinion on the ninth day of Mr Chauvin’s pected to last for at least one month.The fere with central features of how we that there’s no pulse, the knee remains on trial in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Australia to scrap harassment exemption for judges and politicians SYDNEY – Australia will scrap exemp- tions for judges and politicians from sex- ual harassment laws, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday,as his gov- ernment struggles to contain a backlash over allegations of mistreatment of fe- male lawmakers and staff. Under broad changes aimed at empow- ering complainants in workplace gender- related disputes, employers will be re- quired to take a proactive approach to stopping gender discrimination, while complainants get a longer period of time to lodge complaints, Morrison said. Early last year,Australia’s sex discrim- ination commissioner called for broad changes to workplace laws including re- Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskiy visits positions of armed forces near the frontline with Russian-backed moving exemptions for public sector em- separatists during his working trip in Donbass region, Ukraine yesterday. ployers and people who hire volunteers. Morrison said on Thursday he would adopt all 55 of the commissioner’s recom- Merkel tells Putin to pull back troops mendations which include a blanket ban on workplace gender discrimination, BERLIN/MOSCOW – German Russia has said its forces pose no threat stances be forced to defend its citizens in mandatory training of company direc- Chancellor Angela Merkel told and are defensive, but they would stay Donbass and that major hostilities could tors and reporting by listed companies, as Russian President Vladimir Putin there as long as Moscow saw fit. mark the beginning of the end of Ukraine well as improved coordination between yesterday to pull back the Kremlin’s The Kremlin dismissed a Ukrainian ac- as a country. complaint-handling agencies. military build-up near the border cusation that the build-up was intended to The Kremlin said in its readout of the “Sexual harassment is unacceptable,” with Ukraine, while he in turn ac- distract from domestic issues, including Merkel phone call that “Vladimir Putin Morrison told reporters in the capital, cused Kyiv of “provocative actions” jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, noted provocative actions by Kyiv which Canberra. in the conflict region. ahead of September parliamentary elec- is deliberately inflaming the situation “It’s not only immoral and despicable Ukraine has raised the alarm over an tions. along the line of contact.” and even criminal ... it denies increase in Russian forces near its “This has nothing to do with any de- Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Australians, especially women, not just eastern border as violence has risen along tainees or anyone,” Dmitry Peskov told Zelenskiy flew to eastern Donbass in a their personal security but their eco- the line of contact separating its troops Reuters. Russia has to react with caution show of support on Thursday two days nomic security by not being safe at work.” from Russian-backed separatists in its when it has “such a restless region as after he called on NATO to lay out a path Public servants like judges and politi- Donbass region. Ukraine near our borders with the poten- for Ukraine to join the military bloc, whose cians are currently exempt from “The Chancellor demanded that this tial for renewed hostilities”, he added. expansion Moscow fiercely opposes. complaints about workplace gender dis- build-up be unwound in order to de-esca- On Thursday, Dmitry Kozak, a senior crimination, as are some employers of late the situation,” Germany’s government ‘Forced to defend’ Kremlin official, said Ukraine’s govern- volunteers, because of a legal loophole said in a readout of a telephone call be- A senior Kremlin official said on Thursday ment were like “children playing with which means they are technically not the tween Merkel and Putin. that Moscow could under certain circum- matches”. complainant’s employer. 18 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Reigning Mrs Twelve World released people on bail over beheaded in incident at Sri Mozambique Lanka pageant attack NEW DELHI – Reigning Mrs World Caroline Jurie was JOHANNESBURG – Twelve released on bail after being people, possibly foreigners, were arrested earlier yesterday found beheaded following an at- after a fracas at the Mrs Sri tack claimed by Islamic State Lanka pageant over the on the northern Mozambique weekend, a police spokesman town of Palma, a local police said. commander told the state The winner of the Mrs Sri broadcaster. Lanka pageant, Pushpika De Commander Pedro da Silva Silva, filed a complaint against told journalists visiting the Jurie, according to local town, near natural gas projects media reports, after she Reigning Mrs World Caroline Jurie (second left) leaves the police station after she was arrested worth $60 billion, that he could forcibly removed De Silva’s and released on bail by the police station, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, yesterday. not be sure of the nationalities crown saying she was a di- of the 12 people, but he believed vorcee and not qualified to win was later released on bail. De Silva clarified in a ers confirmed she was not a di- they were foreigners because the title. The winner of the Mrs Sri Facebook post on Monday that vorcee and apologised to her. they were white. Jurie was arrested when she Lanka contest goes on to com- she was not divorced but sepa- The official Mrs World “They were tied up and came to a police station to pete in the Mrs World contest. rated. Instagram account acknowl- beheaded here,” he said in record her statement, deputy Jurie, who won that competi- The prize was returned to edged De Silva’s victory in a footage broadcast on TVM on inspector general Ajith tion in 2020 in Las Vegas, told her on Tuesday at a news con- brief post with her photo on Wednesday, as he pointed to Rohana, said, adding that she media she will speak later. ference, after pageant organis- Tuesday. areas of disturbed earth where he said he buried the bodies himself. Islamic State-linked insur- Indian PM rejects calls to widen vaccine access gents have been increasingly ac- tive since 2017 in the northern NEW DELHI – Indian Prime Cabo Delgado province where Minister Narendra Modi Palma is located, although it is yesterday rejected calls unclear whether they have a from states to offer coron- unified aim. avirus vaccinations to Regional leaders from coun- younger people to help con- tries including South Africa, tain a record surge in cases. Zimbabwe and Botswana met Many states in India, the in Mozambique’s capital world’s biggest vaccine producer, Maputo on Thursday to consider which has exported tens of a response to the insurgency. millions of shots, have also com- Mozambique’s foreign minis- plained of shortages even for the ter Veronica Macamo Dlhovo priority groups of recipients. said the leaders resolved to send Inoculations are currently a mission to Mozambique this limited to those aged over 45 month. and health and frontline work- “The mission will come to as- ers. sess the dimensions of the “It’s not that you can set up threat and to see what means to these big vaccine factories employ, so that these means are overnight,” Modi said address- proportionate,” she said. ing chief ministers of states via A communique issued after video conference. “Whatever Thursday’s meeting referred to production we have got, we will a “technical deployment” to have to prioritise.” Mozambique and said further “In our cities, a huge segment meetings of regional bloc SADC is poor or elderly ... we should would be convened. take them for vaccination and The government has said prioritise it,” he added. dozens died in the latest assault India’s health minister said that began on March 24, and earlier there was no shortage of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives his second dose of a coronavirus disease aid groups believe tens of thou- shots for the groups eligible for (COVID-19) vaccine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in New Delhi, sands have been displaced. But vaccination, with more than 43 India, yesterday. the full scale of the casualties million doses in stock or in the and displacement remains un- pipeline. India has been inocu- many countries per capita. and offices have reopened. whether those seeking the clear. lating about 4 million people a The country reported 126,789 With 12.9 million cases, India shots were in the priority National police spokesman day. new COVID-19 cases on is the third-worst affected coun- groups. Orlando Mudumane said he However, vaccine centres in Thursday. Daily infections sur- try, after the United States and “We don’t know when the vac- had seen the TVM footage but several states, including hard- passed 100,000 for the first time Brazil. Deaths rose by 685 - the cine will be back in stock. It could not confirm its contents, est-hit Maharashtra, home to fi- on Monday and have now ex- most in five days - to 166,862, could be available later today or and that they were investigat- nancial capital Mumbai, have ceeded that mark three times, data from the health ministry maybe tomorrow,” one said. ing. been shutting early and turn- marking the biggest daily rise in showed. Notices saying “vaccine out of Reuters has not been able to ing people away as supplies run the world in the past week. Healthcare workers outside a stock” were plastered outside a verify accounts about the attack out. Odisha state said it had ‘out of stock’ government hospital in Mumbai centre in a neighbouring sub- on Palma independently. Most closed half its vaccination sites. The surge, much steeper than city were seen turning people urb, along with helpline num- means of communication with India’s vaccination drive has last year’s first wave, has caught seeking vaccinations away, bers. the town were cut off after the so far administered 92 million authorities by surprise.The gov- asking them to call a helpline In two other districts in attack began. doses, the most in the world ernment blames the resurgence number set up by the munici- Maharashtra, local officials said The army says Palma is now after the United States and mainly on crowding and a reluc- pal authorities. It was not inoculation efforts had been secure, after soldiers cleared one China, but much lower than tance to wear masks as shops immediately possible to confirm stopped and centres were closed. final part of the town. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 19

US could face a sixth year of above-average Atlantic storms HOUSTON – The United States should State research scientist Philip Klotzbach. Northeast this year, estimates Vice In recent years, thousands have died prepare for a sixth year of above-average The season begins June 1 and ends President of Weather Operations Renny and property damages routinely topped number of Atlantic hurricanes, Colorado Nov. 30. Vandewege. tens of billions of dollars from bigger State University (CSU) forecasters said If CSU’s forecast proves correct, it The year should be “much more normal storms’ fierce winds and storm surges. in the first official 2021 outlook yester- would continue a streak of above-average and less costly” than 2020 for oil produc- Insured losses from natural catastrophes day. storms and damaging hurricanes that ing and refining regions of the US Gulf in 2020 hit $76 billion, estimated Swiss The closely-watched outlook points to has lasted since 2016. Scientists have Coast, DTN said. The Gulf Coast area Re. an active year, but below the vast scale cited warming ocean temperatures lead- last year suffered the largest drop in The current La Nina weather system of 2020’s season. Last year saw a record ing to larger, more damaging storms. crude oil output since 2008. is expected to enter a neutral phase dur- of 30 named storms that ran through The US National Oceanic and Klotzbach said there was a 45% prob- ing this year, the US National Oceanic the initial 21 chosen names and required Atmospheric Administration will release ability for a major hurricane to strike and Atmospheric Administration said in nine Greek letters. its hurricane outlook in the second half the US East Coast including the Florida March. La Nina, caused by cooler water Colorado State forecasters on of May, according to spokesman Dennis peninsula and a 44% probability a major in the central and eastern Pacific en- Thursday estimated 17 named storms Feltgen. NOAA will start twice-daily hurricane would make landfall along the courages the formation of tropical storms and eight hurricanes will form this year, tropical weather outlooks on May 15, two Gulf Coast between the Florida panhan- in the Atlantic Ocean. above the historical average of 12 storms weeks earlier than in the past, reflecting dle and Brownsville, Texas. Offshore Gulf of Mexico oil production and six hurricanes. Those storms will May storms in each of the past six There is a 41% probability of a major accounts for 17% of US crude production produce four major hurricanes packing years. hurricane coming within 50 miles (80 and about 5% of natural gas production. winds of at least 111 miles per hour Commodity weather specialist DTN km) of Florida, according to the CSU Over 45% of total US petroleum refining (178.6 kph), according to CSU’s forecast. forecasts 20 named storms, with nine be- forecast. Louisiana has 23% probability capacity as well as 51% of total US nat- “We are forecasting a well-above aver- coming hurricanes. Upper level air flows of a major hurricane coming within 50 ural gas processing plant capacity lie age hurricane season,” said Colorado will steer more storms to the US miles and Texas has a 21% probability. along the Gulf Coast.

Israel honours Holocaust victims as COVID-19 vaccines keep survivors alive JERUSALEM – A memorial siren brought traffic to a halt in Israel yester- day as it honoured six million Jews killed in the Nazi Holocaust, and gave thanks for its swift rollout of COVID-19 vaccines as a lifesaver for elderly sur- vivors. With around 57% of the population having already received at least one vaccine dose, Israel’s infection rate has dropped dramatically. That has allowed care and nursing homes to open their doors to visitors again, reuniting many of the country’s 180,000 survivors with their loved ones. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said 900 in that community had died as a result of the coronavirus. But many Nationalist youths throw stones at a police line blocking a road near the Peace Wall in West Belfast, Northern Ireland, times more had been inoculated in time. Thursday, April 8, 2021. Overall, Israel has recorded 6,270 deaths from the virus. “Some we did not manage to reach with vaccines in time, but writ large, the N Ireland leaders call for vaccine succeeded,” he said, addressing the survivors at a ceremony marking the start of the annual Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance calm after violence escalates Day. “You got vaccinated at a record rates.” BELFAST – Authorities in Northern Ireland has seen sporadic British and want to stay part of the Israel’s three national lockdowns, Northern Ireland sought to restore outbreaks of street violence since the U.K., while others see themselves as “were difficult for us all, but among calm yesterday after Protestant 1998 Good Friday peace accord ended Irish and seek unity with the neigh- many of you, they awakened painful and Catholic youths in Belfast “the Troubles” – decades of Catholic- bouring Republic of Ireland, an EU memories of the terrible loneliness of hurled bricks, fireworks and gaso- Protestant bloodshed over the status of member. your childhood”. line bombs at police and each the region in which more than 3 000 Unrest has erupted over the past As the sirens sounded nationwide, other. It was the worst mayhem in people died. week – largely in loyalist, Protestant traffic stopped and motorists stepped a week of street violence in the re- But Police Service of Northern areas – amid rising tensions over post- out of their vehicles to stand for two gion, where Britain’s exit from the Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Brexit trade rules and worsening rela- minutes in honour of the Holocaust European Union has unsettled an Jonathan Roberts said Wednesday’s tions between the parties in the dead. uneasy political balance. mayhem “was at a scale we have not Protestant-Catholic power-sharing In a ceremony in parliament, legisla- Crowds including children as young seen in recent years.” He said a total of Belfast government. tors lit memorial candles and read aloud as 12 or 13 clashed across a concrete 55 police officers had been injured over UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson the names of relatives who perished in “peace wall” in west Belfast that sepa- several nights of disorder and it was condemned the unrest, saying “the way the Holocaust. rates a British loyalist Protestant lucky no one had been seriously hurt or to resolve differences is through dia- In Bahrain, one of four Arab countries neighborhood from an Irish national- killed. logue, not violence or criminality.” He that established official ties with Israel ist Catholic area. Police fired rubber Britain’s split from the EU has high- sent Northern Ireland Secretary last year, the Association of Gulf Jewish bullets at the crowd, and nearby a city lighted the contested status of Northern Brandon Lewis to Belfast for talks with Communities planned a Holocaust re- bus was hijacked and set on fire. Ireland, where some people identify as the region’s political leaders. membrance event on the Internet. 20 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

ECKOnation’s Gozzy singing some of Allison Norville performing during ‘Gospel Monday – The Worship Experience’. his hits. Local talent performs during Gospel Monday – The Worship Experience

arbadians were treated to Foundation (NCF). group, Promise, which is celebrating high energy performances and Host, Paula Hinds, kicked off the 40 years of being in existence. Lead Bsweet gospel music on Monday show by warmly greeting the viewing singer, Sheldon Hope, rendered loved night when they tuned in to watch audience at 7:30 in the evening. hits such as ‘The Heart of Worship’ ‘Gospel Monday – The Worship Sharing that the concert will feature and ‘I Believe’. Experience’. “some wonderful artistes… who are Other featured artistes on the This over two-hour concert was just going to mash up the place for evening included Sister Marshall, shown on social media and on national Jesus”, she encouraged those Reverend Tony Lowe, Gozzy,Allison television. It was presented by CBC watching to dance, shout and sing Norville, John Yarde and Neesha TV8 and the Lifetime Credit Union, in along. Woodz. Some of these artistes did association with the National Cultural The first performance was by the covers as well as their original music. They were all backed by the band, Promise. Saxophonist, Romaro Greaves; steel pannist, Joel Devonish and story-teller, Lynette Taylor also graced the stage. Their performances were a welcomed addition to the overall show. In between the presentations, viewers who were in the Zoom room had the chance to not only see themselves Neesha Woodz brought the evening to a on television, but to win sponsored close with her high-energy perform- prizes. (MG) ance.

Pastor, John Yarde singing ‘Redeemed’. The local Queen of Gospel, Sister Marshall, singing her classics. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 21

Shadia Marshall.

The horn section blew the virtual audi- Uplifted! ence away. INSET: Biggie Irie. virtual concert was hosted on weigh heavily on many persons across Easter Sunday, sharing a mes- the country. Asage of hope at a time when the Those tuned into various social COVID 19 pandemic continues to media platforms were in awe and in-

Stedson ‘Red Plastic Bag’ Wiltshire.

spired, with many marvelling at the versatility and vocal range of the per- formers, the quality of the production and the undeniable musical genius of the Nicholas Brancker Band. “Uplift – We’re Better Together” was filmed at the Cathedral Church of Saint Michael and All Angels featured: RPB, Edwin Yearwood, Nikita Vaughn, Alix Cage, Cyndi Celeste, Dr. Phillip Forde, Biggie Irie, Kweku Jalani, Nikita, Alison Norville, Mahalia of 2 Mile Hill, JJ Poulter and Shadia JJ Poulter. Marshall. (JH)

Earth, Wind & Fire ‘Verzuz’ The Isley Kweku Jalani. Brothers was perfect Easter jam

FOLKS are to be forgiven if they were hear more music. exhausted on Monday after the Easter There was a generation’s worth of Sunday Verzuz. hits to choose from and the rounds in- That’s because the matchup between cluded The Isley Brothers’ “(At Your legendary groups Earth Wind & Fire Best) You Are Love” up against Earth, and the Isley Brothers lasted almost Wind & Fire’s “Reasons” as well as four hours. Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Devotion” vs. The But, boy, was it worth it. Isley Brothers’ “It’s Your Thing.” With decades worth of hits, they kept Social media lit up with memes and viewers jamming with their old skool people’s opinions as to who won “the hits. battle,” which was really more of a It was a “Boogie Wonderland” put to- celebration of the two iconic groups. gether especially “For the Love Of You.” The Verzuz livestream created by Actor and comedian Steve Harvey producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland hosted and jumped right in explaining became enormously popular on why that was so. Instagram during the pandemic as it “I belong here,” Harvey said. “This brought musical artists together to music made me. It shaped me.” “face off” with their catalogues. Actually, Harvey had plenty to say In March, the pair announced they Actor and comedian Steve Harvey during the Verzuz, sometimes to the had sold the Verzuz platform to the hosted the epic verzuz. consternation of viewers who wanted to Triller Network. Cyndi Celeste. 22 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Australian soap facing independent review following racism claims by actors ustralian soap Neighbours is fac- treated fairly and with respect, and are ing an independent review over free from unlawful discrimination, ha- Aallegations of racism. rassment, victimisation and bullying. It comes after actress Shareena “We do not tolerate behaviour that Clanton posted a statement on does not align to our anti-discrimina- Neighbours producers have requested an independent review into the allega- Instagram alleging she had suffered tion, equal employment opportunity, tions. “multiple racist traumas” during her harassment and bullying policy and time working on the “highly problem- take all complaints very seriously, better. The work is not finished. Even traumatising”. atic” show. investigating all allegations fairly when you think you have, just know Next to a picture of herself beneath Actor Meyne Wyatt, a series regular and thoroughly. you haven’t. Because you haven’t.” the famous Ramsay Street sign, she on the soap between 2014 and 2016, “We have asked Campfire X, creative In her lengthy statement, Clanton, said she had been “navigating ongoing later shared a series of tweets claiming leaders in indigenous cultural proto- who has an upcoming guest role as counselling” from her time on the soap. that he too had experienced racism cols, to conduct an independent review Sheila Canning, accused the Clanton said for legal reasons she on set. of Neighbours and the production Neighbours set of being a “culturally was not naming any of the actors she The actors, who are both Australian process.” unsafe space” and said her time on the accused of racism, but alleged: “Twice and of indigenous descent, also made Set in Ramsay Street, in the fictional show had been “lonely, triggering and I endured the ‘N’-word openly.” claims of sexism and homophobia. suburb of Erinsborough, Neighbours Fremantle Media, which produces has helped launch the careers of A-list the soap, has now said there will be an stars including Russell Crowe, Margot independent review and that it does Robbie and Kylie Minogue. Quindon Tarver, child singer from not tolerate discrimination. Wyatt, who played Nate Kinski, says Chris Oliver-Taylor, chief executive he was the first indigenous actor to of Fremantle Asia Pacific, said in a feature as a regular cast member. ‘Romeo + Juliet,’ dead at 38 statement: “Fremantle is committed to “Do better, be better,” he said in his providing an environment where em- tweets, addressing production compa- QUINDON TARVER has died at age 38. ployees and others in the workplace are nies and networks. “You can always do The former child star, best known for his performance in the 1996 film ‘Romeo + Juliet’, was killed in a car accident, his uncle, Kevin Tarver, confirmed. Tarver’s fatal crash happened on Harvey Weinstein appeals sexual Thursday, April 1, on the President George Bush Turnpike in Dallas, Texas, assault conviction, seeks new trial his uncle told The Dallas Morning News. “He had been through so much, but his FORMER Hollywood producer Harvey focus was on his music,” he said of his Weinstein on Monday asked a New nephew. “He was getting ready to make York state appeals court to throw out his comeback. He had been in the studio his conviction for sexual assault and working on a project that was supposed to rape and grant a new trial, saying the be released this year.” trial judge made several errors that Tarver, a native Texan, began perform- denied him an impartial jury. ing in church choirs when he was four, he Weinstein, 69, was sentenced in told the Australian Broadcasting March 2020 by Justice James Burke of Corporation in a 2017 interview.He went Manhattan criminal court to 23 years on to appear in Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” in prison for assaulting former produc- music video, before signing with Virgin tion assistant Mimi Haleyi and raping Records at age 12. Quindon Tarver. former aspiring actress Jessica Mann. In Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, Weinstein has denied any nonconsen- Tarver performed covers of Prince’s announced my name,it was like a coming sual sexual encounters. “When Doves Cry” and Rozalla’s to Jesus moment,” he said.“The applause His conviction was seen as a water- “Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good),” both of and the cheers of the people, it was like, shed moment in the #MeToo movement which appeared on the film’s soundtrack. ‘Wow, this is what I want to do. These against sexual abuse and harassment. “Me? A country boy from Dallas,Texas? people remember me! Twenty years later, Weinstein makes seven arguments To be on a movie screen where my friends these people remember me.’” in his bid to overturn his conviction, could go and see it? That blew my mind,” After his performance, he spent a from seating a juror that Weinstein’s he said during the 2017 interview. “That month in rehab, an experience he called lawyers accused of being grossly un- was amazing.” “a relief.” qualified to an unduly harsh sentence. Harvey Weinstein. In a tribute following Tarver’s death, “I walked out of [rehab] a free man and His lawyers also argue he was denied Luhrmann called him “a beautiful soul.” I have not looked back,” he said.“I’m back a presumption of innocence when women’s testimony could only be used Also in 1996, Tarver released his into my music and I think my passion is Burke allowed the jury to hear testi- as evidence of Weinstein’s intent, not self-titled debut album. He went on to stronger than ever.” mony from three women who alleged propensity to commit sexual assault. tour with both Brandy and Monica, and He released a single, “Stand Our Weinstein assaulted them even though Weinstein said the third-degree rape later appeared on seasons 2 and 7 Ground,” last year. their accusations did not result in a charge should be dismissed because the of American Idol. “I want to let people know that you are criminal charge. alleged misconduct occurred too long In his 2017 interview,Tarver revealed free, and that the only person that is hold- The three women described for the ago, and a new trial should concern a that he was currently working in insur- ing you from your freedom is yourself,” he jury what prosecutors characterised as single count of first-degree criminal ance, adding that his singing career said. “... I didn’t understand why I went Weinstein’s signature pattern of behav- sexual act. slowed after he was allegedly the victim through what I went through. But now I iour: luring women to hotel rooms or Even if his conviction were over- of abuse by his manager as a child and realise the reason I went through it was his apartment to discuss film roles, turned, Weinstein still faces charges “spiralled completely” with drinking so that I could be that beacon of hope to then attacking them. including forcible rape in Los Angeles and drugs. other people that have gone through those Weinstein’s lawyers had asked Burke involving five alleged victims from Tarver turned things around in 2016 types of things. I was used to helping during the trial to bar two of the three 2004 to 2013. Weinstein faces up to when he was invited to perform at people, let them know that they from testifying. 140 years in prison if convicted in a tribute to Prince following his death. can overcome. Because, if I can do it, so Jurors were instructed that the three that case. “When I got on the stage and they can you.” The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 23

Rihanna Shaquille O’Neal buys engagement joined ‘Stop ring for stranger in jewellery store SHAQUILLE O’NEAL paid for an en- gagement ring a young man was buying Asian Hate’ in a Georgia Zales jewellery store in a wonderful act of kindness. The current NBA analyst originally protest visited the store to purchase earrings when he overheard the stranger dis- cussing payment options for the piece of in NYC jewellery. New York Daily News reports O’Neal ihanna has made a special ap- stepped in, offering to pay for the ring pearance in New York City for the in full. Rfight against anti-Asian hate The heart-warming exchange was crimes. caught on video by Chaz Cherry, a Taking to the NYC streets on Sunday, friend of Shaq’s who works at Zales, re- the multi-talented media mogul joined a ports 11 Alive. The video was then #StopAsianHate protest alongside her posted on Instagram. assistant Tina Troung, ET Online re- “He told me his budget and picked out ports. Truong posted highlights from two rings that were within that budget,” the march on her Instagram. Cherry remembered. “The only problem “This is what solidarity looks like! was that the sale to keep it at that price #stopaaphihate #stopasianhate #callita- The multi-talented media mogul joined range ended that day and the next day hatecrime,” Truong captioned her IG her assistant Tina Truong at the ‘Stop the price was gonna jump back up to a post. Hate Asian’ protest. little over his budget.” The four-time NBA champion also discussed the meeting on Tuesday on NBA on TNT: “He was saying, ‘Hey, how Jeezy, Jeannie Mai use wedding much do I owe to pay off my ring?’ And I was like, ‘My man, how much is the registry to support Asian advocacy ring?’” After the transaction, the two posed Although lovebirds rapper Jeezy and TV According to PEOPLE, the newlyweds for a picture, which has since gone viral. personality Jeannie Mai recently tied launched a charity registry to raise “I’m into making people happy, so In a random act of kindness, the the knot in an intimate Atlanta wed- $50 000 for the Stop Asian Hate whenever I leave the house, I try to do a Lakers’ legend purchased a ring for a ding ceremony, they made sure their campaign, a nonprofit organisation good deed every day. It was a young guy young man discussing payment op- special day had a bigger meaning. The dedicated to fighting the recent wave trying to pay for his engagement ring on tions while shopping at Zales. pair decided to give back to their respec- of anti- Asian violence since the start layaway. I said, ‘you know what… tell tive communities, notably joining the of COVID-19 pandemic. your girlfriend I got, and I’ll take care of Jersey native has given back. frontlines to battle against Asian hate. “We want our wedding guests and it,” said O’Neal. “At first, he didn’t want According to 11 Alive, O’Neal, also loved ones to not only feel a connection to take it. I said, don’t worry about it. I called “Shaq-A-Claus,” gifted over to our unique backgrounds, but also to do it all the time. I’m just trying to 800 children with presents in 2020 at give back to a cause that is near and make people smile. That’s all.” the Henry County Schools Learning dear to our hearts as individuals and, This isn’t the first time the New and Support Center. together, as a couple,” the couple’s online registry message read. “The Real” co-host explained how their individual passion for giving back R&B artist Akon to build second actually further fuelled their connection to one another. “What bonded Jeezy and I most is our ‘futuristic’ city in Uganda passion to serve and take care of our communities,” Mai, who is of R&B artist Akon wants to build an The Post reports that the entertainer Vietnamese and Chinese descent, said expansive “futuristic” city in Senegal, will frontline the project’s investment in an interview with The Knot. but before he has even broken ground, and management in Uganda as he The duo continues to encourage fans the “Smack That” singer has already partners with Ugandan government to support the cause by donating via made plans to build a second Akon City to pick a theme for the city. their registry’s GoFundMe page. in Uganda. Akon has been open to discussing his The registry has raised just over $6 000 According to the Washington Post, desire to create a real-life version of as of April 6 with a goal of $50 000. both cities will be powered by the Wakanda, the futuristic African king- The Stop Asian Hate movement singer’s cryptocurrency called “Akoin.” dom depicted in the Marvel film Black was propelled after six Asian women “A place suitable in Uganda that has Panther. His first Akon City develop- in Atlanta were murdered at two not less than one square mile, which ment will have luxury condominiums, a separate massage parlours on March will be made available to him and his seaside resort, gravity-defying skyscrap- ‘We will spend the rest of our lives 16. Two weeks later, a 65-year-old Asian team,” Isaac Musumba, Uganda’s minis- ers be solar-powered and environmen- continuing to stand up against injus- woman was brutally attacked outside ter for urban development, said at a tally friendly, according to the Business tice, racism and hate.’ a Manhattan apartment building. news conference on Monday. Insider. Kim Kardashian joins billionaires’ club, according to Forbes LOS ANGELES – Kim Kardashian has to two lucrative businesses – KKW and West, 43, in February, citing irreconcil- 2017, promoting and selling the products added billionaire to her resume. Skims – as well as cash from reality able differences. online, helped by a social media presence The cosmetics and shapewear busi- television and endorsement deals, and Her half sister Kylie Jenner, however, that includes some 213 million nesswoman, who launched her career a number of smaller investments.” lost her billionaire status, Forbes said Instagram followers. She launched the off the reality TV series “Keeping Up The Forbes estimate means on Tuesday. It valued the 23-year-old’s multihued shapewear line Skims in with The Kardashians,” was included Kardashian joins her soon-to-be fortune at around $700 million, citing a 2019. on Tuesday for the first time on ex-husband Kanye West in the billion- tough year for cosmetic sales during the Kardashian celebrated on Tuesday Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s aire’s club. Forbes on Tuesday estimated coronavirus pandemic and what it said by posting a photo of herself in a bikini billionaires. West’s net worth at $1.8 billion, mostly were previous overestimates of revenue on a beach, with the caption “Bliss” and Forbes said it estimated that from deals on his Yeezy sneaker and from Kylie Cosmetics, now 51% owned announcing the launch of the first Kardashian, 40, “is now worth $1 billion, fashion line. by Coty Inc . Skims pop-up shop at a high-end shop- up from $780 million in October, thanks Kardashian filed for divorce from Kardashian founded KKW Beauty in ping mall in Los Angeles. 24 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Khloe Kardashian breaks silence over leaked unedited photo

KHLOE KARDASHIAN “to be acknowledged for attracted attention when has said she tried to get being human”. her team said websites an unfiltered photo re- “I’m not going to lie. It’s carrying the bikini photo moved from social media almost unbearable trying were infringing copy- because she feels “almost to live up to the impossi- right, and that the image unbearable” pressure to ble standards that the had originally been meet the “impossible public have all set for posted “without permis- standards” set by fans. me,” she continued. sion by mistake by an The reality TV star and assistant”. influencer wrote on ‘Not beautiful enough’ According to Twitter, Instagram: “In truth, the “For over a decade now the photo is subject to a pressure, constant in photos, every single Digital Millennium ridicule and judgment my flaw and imperfection has Copyright Act (DMCA) entire life to be perfect been micro-analysed and takedown notice. and to meet others’ stan- made fun of to the small- “Per our copyright pol- dards of how I should est detail and I am re- icy, we respond to valid look has been too much minded of them every day copyright complaints sent to bear.” by the world... to us by a copyright Her revealing state- “You never quite get owner or their authorised ment follows an attempt used to being judged and representatives,” a to take down an image of pulled apart and told how Twitter spokeswoman her in a bikini that was unattractive one is, but I told BBC News on posted “by mistake”. Khloe Kardashian. will say, if you hear any- Wednesday. The new post, which thing enough then you Some users who re- was accompanied by “un- right to ask for it not to start to believe it. posted it found the pic- retouched and unfiltered” be shared – regardless of “This is an example of ture had been replaced by videos of herself, said the who you are,” she wrote. how I have been condi- a message saying: “This original picture was The 36-year-old, who tioned to feel, that I am image has been removed “beautiful”. shot to fame in 2007 with not beautiful enough just in response to a report “But as someone who her family on the reality being me. from the copyright has struggled with body TV show Keeping Up “I love a good filter, holder.” image her whole life, With the Kardashians, good lighting and an edit It also disappeared when someone takes a quoted comments she has here and there.” They are from Reddit, with a photo of you that isn’t received calling her “the the same as putting on message saying it was flattering, in bad lighting fat sister”, “the ugly make-up, getting her “removed in response to or doesn’t capture your sister” and saying “her nails done or wearing a a copyright claim by a body the way it is after dad must not be her real pair of heels “to present third party”. working so hard to get it dad because she looks so myself to the world the But Kardashian’s to this point – and then different”. way I want to be seen”, efforts to have it removed shares it to the world – She said she was “not she explained. also spurred others to Bridge you should have every asking for sympathy” but Earlier this week, she repost it. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 25 SPORTSSPORTS No fans at Hampden Nine West Indians set to star in as Uefa starts work for Euro 2020 finals IPL 2021 which bowls off today THERE will be no fans inside Hampden Park for next month’s Scottish Cup final. THE 2021 Indian Premier League been retained by the Kolkata Knight • Nicholas Pooran retained by Punjab The May 22 showpiece will be held just (IPL) is set to bowl off today with a Riders. Narine recently turned down his Kings in INR 4.5 Crore three weeks before 12 000 supporters will match between Mumbai Indians West Indian selection stating he was not • Fabian Allen sold to Punjab Kings in be able to watch Scotland’s first match at (MI) and Royal Challengers ready to return to international duty, INR 75 Lacs. the European Championships inside the Bangalore (RCB). while Russell who was injured did not • Dwayne Bravo retained by Chennai same stadium. West Indian white ball captain Kieron take part in the recent tour with Sri Super Kings in INR 6.4 Crore However,the ground comes under Uefa Pollard will be turning out for the Lanka. • Andre Russell was retained by event control from May 14. defending champions Mumbai Indians Shimron Hetmyer who missed out on Kolkata Knight Riders in INR 8.50 Crore And Europe’s governing body will have who have retained him for the 2021 the limited overs selection after failing a • Sunil Narine was retained by already started preparation work for Euro season. fitness test for the West Indies was Kolkata Knight Riders in INR 12.5 2020 before the final. There were eight West Indian players retained by the Delhi Capitals, while Crore The Scottish government on Wednesday retained by their franchise for the 2021 Dwayne Bravo returns to the Chennai • Shimron Hetmyer was retained by gave approval for Hampden to season, while only one West Indian Super Kings. Delhi Capitals in INR 7.75 Crore accommodate 25 per cent of the stadium’s player, Fabian Allen was picked up A quick look at the nine West Indies The list of West Indian players who capacity for four matches scheduled there during the draft. Cricketers in IPL 2021 and what they entered the draft and were not picked during the finals. The players who were retained include cost up; Evin Lewis, Keemo Paul, Sheldon Uefa had given the 12 host cities until former West Indies Test captain Jason • Kieron Pollard was retained by Cottrell, Jayden Seales, Darren Bravo, Wednesday to submit plans for fan Holder who maintains his place at the Mumbai Indians in INR 5.4 Crore Carlos Braithwaite, Rovman Powell, attendance, with the likelihood of some Sunrisers Hyderbad. •Jason Holder was retained by Sherfane Rutherford, Oshane Thomas, venues being switched if no guarantees Allen joins Chris Gayle and Nicholas Sunrisers Hyderabad in INR 75 Lacs Shannon Gabriel, Kyle Mayers, Chemar could be given. Pooran at the Punjab Kings making it (approx U$100 000). Holder, Romario Shepherd, Alzari A final decision from the governing body three West Indians at the Franchise. • Chris Gayle picked by Punjab Kings Joseph, Akeal Hossain, Obed Mcoy, Jon is likely to come on Friday,with Scotland Sunil Narine and Andre Russell have in INR 2 Crore. Russ Juggesar. due to face Czech Republic on June 14. Sam Robson, James Vince, Tom Alsop and Tom Haines all hit first-day tons IT’S not quite right to say that normal service was resumed as the County Championship returned to the English cricketing menu for the first time in 18 months – as no spectators were allowed in to watch it. However, at least it all began bang on time this year after the sad loss of four months of the Covid19-hit 2020 season. And the 2021 campaign started in style too, with four centurions – two of them, James Vince, and Tom Alsop, helping Hampshire to pile up 431-4 on the road against Leicestershire. Vince carried on his victorious form with Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash down under, at more than a run a ball. He was still there at the close on 168 off 167 deliveries, after sharing a 224-run fourth-wicket stand with Alsop, who made a comparatively more leisurely 119. Another Tom in form was Sussex’s Tom Haines, with a superb career-best 155 to help his side recover from 127-6 to reach 293-9 in Manchester against Lancashire. However, the first centurion of the four first-day musketeers was Middlesex’s Sam Robson, with 165 out of 293-8 Former England opener Sam Robson made the first century of the 2021 county season – the 24th of his career. against successive red-ball runners-up Somerset. captain Alastair Cook cheaply, Dan Lewis Gregory took three of his four pay for three dropped catches to post the Essex’s Tom Westley ended the day just Lawrence returned from his winter wickets to help stem the tide, backed by third ton of his first-class career as Sussex 16 short of his century England adventures in the sub-continent Josh Davey (2-62), one for Craig Overton rallied from 40-4 to reach 291-9. And there looks likely to be a fifth with 46 to help Westley steer the hosts to and one for England spinner Jack Leach. Across the Pennines in Leeds,Yorkshire centurion early on day two, yet another 207-3 against labouring Worcestershire. Robson survived two early chances to were also on the wrong end of a fightback Tom, if Essex’s Tom Westley,84 overnight, Durham were aided by half-centuries post his highest red-ball score in five as half-centuries by Timm van der can go on to reach three figures against from opener Alex Lees (58) and new boy years – since a career-best double Gugten (80 not out), Dan Douthwaite (57) Worcestershire. David Bedingham (57) as they batted out hundred in the 2016 season opener and Kiran Carlson (55) helped He might already be there, in fact, if it the day at Trent Bridge to make a dogged against Warwickshire. Glamorgan fight back from 132-7 to close had not been for a bit of bad weather at 241-7 against Nottinghamshire. In the other Group Two game, despite on 310-8. Chelmsford – and an early finish. In the other Group One opener, Liam being deprived of a meeting between West In only the second professional meeting The Tom Tom Toms were hardly Norwell starred with 5-32 as much- Indies team-mates Kraigg Brathwaite between himself and elder brother Joe, beating too loudly when six of the nine fancied Warwickshire bowled out and Kemar Roach by Covid quarantine Billy Root contributed a steadfast 43, captains chose to field after winning the Derbyshire for 189. protocol, there was plenty to admire. while Michael Hogan weighed in with a toss. While Hampshire dominated in Group In the 70 overs possible, breezy unbeaten 40 off 41 balls late in the Only Essex, Hampshire and Sussex Two against hapless Leicestershire, Gloucestershire seamers Josh Shaw (4- day. Kent also had three half-centurions won the toss and chose to bat – but all scoring at four and a half an over, 48), Ryan Higgins (3-35) and David Payne in reaching 309-7 against three had no cause to regret that by the Somerset battled back well at Lord’s (2-49) helped limit Surrey to 220-9, of Northamptonshire at Wantage Road – end of a busy first day. against Middlesex. which Hashim Amla made 56. Ollie Robinson (84), Jack Leaning (79), Although Essex lost former England The hosts looked well set at 218-4, but Centurion Haines made Lancashire and Jordan Cox (62). 26 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Ireland sprinter on bail after being charged with drugs offences IRISH sprinter Leon Reid has been The police investigation is into the charged with drug offences in England. large scale supply of drugs, possession of Reid was released on bail after he firearms and ammunition, and money appeared with three other men at laundering. Bristol Magistrates’ Court on March 31. Reid won a bronze medal in the 200m The 26-year-old is charged with for Northern Ireland at the 2018 conspiracy to supply a class A drug, Commonwealth Games in Australia, permitting premises to be used in the and is aiming to represent Ireland in production of a class A crack cocaine, the same event at the rescheduled concealing criminal property, and Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer. acquiring criminal property. An Athletics Ireland statement, He denies all of the charges. released on Wednesday, said: “Athletics The four men will appear at Bristol Ireland has been notified today that an Crown Court on May 12. Irish international athlete, Leon Reid, A fifth man failed to appear before has been charged with a criminal the hearing on March 31 in Bristol and offence outside the jurisdiction of a warrant is now out for his arrest. Ireland. The South West Regional Organised “Athletics Ireland cannot comment Crime Unit said Reid, whose address further until all elements of due process was stated as Longmead Terrace in have been completed.” Leon Reid is aiming to represent Ireland in the 200m at the Olympic Games in Bath, and four others were arrested last A former European silver medallist Tokyo this summer. year as part of Operation Venetic, the at junior and under-23 medal for Great UK law enforcement response to the Britain, Bath-born Reid changed his two years. 2018 and competed for Ireland as take down of encrypted global allegiance to Ireland in July 2018, He reached the European recently as March at the European communications service EncroChat. following a process that lasted almost Championship 200m final in Berlin in Indoor Championships in Torun. Assistant referee’s autograph donated to charity A CHARITY is set to benefit from assistant referee Octavian Sovre’s decision to ask Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Braut Haaland for an autograph following Manchester City’s Champions League quarter-final first leg win recently. The Romanian official approached Haaland in the tunnel at Etihad Stadium and produced a red and yellow Erling Braut Haaland is a transfer target for Manchester City this summer. card for the striker to sign. Some observers questioned Sovre’s and often auctions items to raise money. sought-after talents and has been daughter. I’ve never seen it before, but actions, among them BT Sport pundit “The red and yellow signed cards, linked with a big-money move this the referee and the linesman were Owen Hargreaves, who said “it doesn’t which my kindergarten classmate summer. correct [during the match], they did a look right”. Octavian donated to our SOS Autism Asked for his opinion on the assistant good job. That’s all.” A childhood friend of Sovre has now Bihor centre, will be used for a noble referee asking Haaland for an Phil Foden’s late winner earned City revealed the cards are likely be cause,” said Simona Zlibut, who oversees autograph, City boss Pep Guardiola – a 2-1 victory, after Haaland had set up auctioned later this month to help a therapy centre set up by parents and who is among those who wants to sign Marco Reus to cancel out Kevin de provide therapy for autistic people at whose own daughter Laura, 21, is the forward – did not seem concerned. Bruyne’s opener. the SOS Autism Bihor centre in autistic. “Maybe he’s a fan of Haaland,” said The second leg takes place on Romania, which depends on donations Haaland, 20, is among Europe’s most Guardiola. “Maybe it was for his son or Wednesday, 14 April at 20:00 BST. Kevin Durant scores 17 points off bench as Brooklyn hammer New Orleans KEVIN DURANT came off the bench and two three-pointers, after being introduced “I expected to come out here and play was pretty cool coming off the bench, I scored 17 points on his return from a 23- in the second quarter. It was just the the way I played. I wasn’t trying to ease can’t lie.” The two-time NBA champion, game injury lay-off to help the Brooklyn second time in the 32-year-old’s career into the game. who also came up with seven rebounds Nets thrash the New Orleans Pelicans that he came off the bench in a game. “The game was fast-paced already so and five assists, had not played since 139-111. “I just wanted to go out there and dive from watching it from the bench I knew February 13, because of a hamstring Durant hit all five of his shots,including right into the action,” he said. exactly how I needed to approach it. It strain. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 27

Grand National 2021: Cloth Cap heads Aintree field as The Storyteller is withdrawn THE Storyteller was the only he 4-1 favourite to give owner Trevor withdrawal as the final field Hemmings a record fourth win in of 40 horses – headed by Cloth Cap his green, yellow and white colours. – was named for the Grand National Mullins is one of four amateur jockeys tomorrow. to be booked for rides in the race – It means Blaklion is the last horse to be with Jamie Codd on Milan Native, guaranteed a run in the big race at Derek O’Connor riding OK Corral and Tom Scudamore on Cloth Cap. Cloth Cap is the favourite for tomorrow’s race. Aintree. Sam Waley-Cohen aboard Jett. Some Neck and Welsh Grand National They will be bidding to be the first Rachael Blackmore – who made history Last year’s meeting was called off be- winner Secret Reprieve are the top amateur rider to triumph since Marcus at Cheltenham by becoming the first cause of the Covid-19 pandemic, while reserves. Armytage on Mr Frisk in 1990 and are woman to be leading jockey at the meet- this year’s contest will be held without Patrick Mullins will ride leading permitted to ride after the latest easing ing. spectators. contender Burrows Saint for his trainer of lockdown restrictions, having been Bryony Frost is on Yala Enki and Police are stepping up patrols around father Willie Mullins. barred from competing at last month’s Tabitha Worsley rides Sub Lieutenant in the meeting, with residents close to the Stable jockey Paul Townend will miss Cheltenham Festival. the hunt to be the first female jockey to Merseyside track warned not to gather the ride after suffering a foot injury. One contender who looks sure to be win in groups larger than six in their Cloth Cap, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, is popular is Minella Times, the mount of the Grand National. gardens during the races.

First black golfer to compete in Masters returns for honorary start LEE ELDER, the first black golfer to compete in the Masters, said playing a part in the ceremonial start to this year’s event “far exceeds anything that has ever happened” to him in the sport. The American, 86, made history when he played in 1975 - an appearance that saw him receive death threats. On Wednesday he joined decorated former winners Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player for the ceremonial first tee shot. “It’s something I’ll cherish the rest of my life,” Elder said. “It was one of the most emotional experiences I’ve ever been involved in. “To earn an invitation to the Masters and stand at that first tee was my dream and to have it come true in 1975 remains one of the greatest highlights of my career and life. “To be invited back to the first tee one more time to join Jack and Gary means the world to me.” Elder, who recorded a best finish of joint 17th in 1979 from six appearances, Lee Elder (left) with fellow honorary starters, six-time champion Jack Nicklaus (right) and three-time winner Gary Player received the biggest ovation of the three (centre). retired players when he was introduced. He was helped to his feet and held his Augusta National chairman Fred of America. They were undoubtedly the middle. driver but did not make a shot. Instead Ridley said Elder “made history once inspired by Lee Elder and his message Nicklaus, who won his record sixth he stood and waved to the crowd around more” at the Masters with his “presence, that the game of golf belongs Green Jacket 35 years ago this week, him. strength and character”. to everyone.” quipped “that was the hard part” after “In 1975, the strongest memory as “[He] blazed a trail that will inspire Three-time winner Player had the putting his tee peg in the ground and I recall was how nervous I was going to the game of golf and future generations honour of the first tee shot and placing his ball on it. He too drove down the first tee,” Elder said. of players,” Ridley said. the South African, 60 years on since he the middle before all three players “I had a wonderful round that day. “We are delighted today to have with us became the first non-American to retired to the clubhouse. Every tee and every green I walked a number of black golf professional win the Masters, gave a trademark Elder received a superb ovation on I got tremendous ovations.” who are proud members of the PGA high-kick after bunting his drive down when he was introduced. 28 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE Japan denies considering vaccine priority for

TEL: 247-4469 Olympic athletes Cel: 828-4800 253-6319 TOKYO – Japan said yesterday it saying that the government was not was not currently looking to priori- looking to give priority to athletes. Email: tise COVID-19 vaccines for Olympic “This is really weird. Given that we caribbeanpropertiesltd athletes, dismissing a media report have no idea if even all the elderly will @gmail.com that sparked a social media outcry have received their vaccines by mid-June, since the country’s inoculations are you’re going to have all the athletes have PROPERTIES trailing other major economies. theirs?” a user with the handle “Aoiumi2” Only a million people have received the posted on Twitter. Kirtons, St Philip first dose of the Pfizer vaccine since Others noted that Japan’s original plan 3 bedroom plus February, out of Japan’s population of gives priority to medical workers, the 2 bedroom apt 4,790 sq ft 126 million, and the more vulnerable elderly and those with chronic conditions, $685,000 elderly do not even start getting their with ordinary citizens unlikely to get shots until next week. theirs before the summer. Amity Lodge, Ch Ch New infections have spiked ahead of A number of test events for some sports 3 bedroom plus REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE the Olympics, which are set to start in have recently been cancelled or postponed 1 bedroom apt July. Tokyo saw 545 new cases on due to concerns about the pandemic, and 6,646 sq ft $650,000 Bushy Park, St. Philip Thursday and its governor said she would on Tuesday leading business executive 17,000 sq ft $170,000 Bagatelle, St. Thomas Gibbons, Ch Ch 62000 sq ft into 2 lots ask the central government to impose Hiroshi Mikitani wrote on Twitter that 3 bedroom plus Inchcape, St. Philip $520,000 each, or emergency measures in the capital holding the Games was “risky”. 2 bedroom apt 4355 sq ft $ 96,000 $1M for both region. “Honestly,I feel that the Olympics this 9,835 sq ft AKyodo news agency report, citing summer are just far too risky. I am $675,000 (reduced) Belle, St. George Marley Vale, St Philip government officials, said Japan has against them,” wrote Mikitani, the CEO 4 acres $400,000 21,780 sq ft $275,000 begun looking into the possibility of of Japanese e-commerce group Rakuten Breezy Hill, St Philip ensuring its Olympic and Paralympic ath- Inc. 3 bedroom, 2 bath Haggatt Hall, St. Michael Sandford, St Philip letes are all vaccinated by the end of June. Even so, much of corporate Japan is reduced to $298,000 6336 sq ft $126,000 16,356 sq ft $300,000 “Give it to my mother first,” one Twitter still mobilised behind the Olympics. Under Offer user wrote, adding: “Athletes are all Atsushi Katsuki, the CEO of Asahi Black Rock, St Michael young and healthy.” Group, said he stood by holding the 3 bedroom, 1 bath Cane Garden, St. Thomas COMMERCIAL While the government has said it will Games and that the leading beer maker 6732 sq ft $360,000 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft push ahead with the Olympics as planned had benefited from being a sponsor. Private entrance. Mount Standfast, St James from July 23, a vast majority of Japanese “I want the Olympics and Paralympic Enterprise, Christ Church From $187,681 Two properties on want the Games to be cancelled or Games to be held,” Katsuki said in an in- 22,714 sq ft. 3 bedroom, 2 bath postponed again. terview with Reuters. Asking $1,200,000 5062 sq ft Ragged Point, St. Philip The outrage on social media continued “It’s unfortunate that the Olympics $390,000 (reduced) 8,267 sq ft $166,000 Black Rock, St. Michael despite Chief Cabinet Secretary have been scaled down, but we’re not too Katsunobu Kato denying the report and concerned about that,” he added. The Belle, St George Rolling Hills, St. George Warehouse/Storage Plantation style House 12,000 sq ft 4000 sf space 23,861 sq ft Standing on 4 acres $310,000 (negotiable) $900,000 (reduced) $1.1M Tiger Woods may have hit accelerator Ocean City, St. Philip Foul Bay, St. Philip Frere Pilgrim, 6150 sq ft $123,000 Approved for condos, instead of brake in high-speed crash Christ Church 39,242 sq ft $1,600,000. 3 bedroom, 2 baths with Fortesque, St Philip TIGER WOODS was travelling more than The one-car crash left the 82-time PGA two bedroom apartment. Agricultural Land Dover, Christ Church 40 miles per hour (64 km per hour) above Tour winner with a fractured right leg 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 494,500 sq ft $1,100,000 Hotel 18 rooms fully the speed limit when he lost control of his and shattered ankle, and stunned the operational $2,950,000 neg car, causing the crash that severely world of sport and beyond, with former Hanson Heights, St George Silver Sands, under offer injured him in February, the Los Angeles Presidents Donald Trump and Barack 8321 sq ft $595,000 Christ Church County Sheriff’s Department said Obama among those who offered support. 7,129 sq ft $160,000 Dalkeith, Christ Church on Wednesday. Woods was treated at Harbor-UCLA Ealing Grove, 17,371 sq ft approved for Heading down a notoriously dangerous Medical Center as well as Cedars-Sinai Christ Church Bushy Park, St. Philip shops and offices stretch of road in the Rolling Hills Estates Medical Center. 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths 24,000 sq ft $190,000 $495,000 community in Los Angeles County,Woods’ Woods was not cited for driving at 9320 sq ft $565,000 car reached speeds of 84 to 87 mph excessive speeds because there were no Roebuck Street, Apes Hill, St. James (135-140 kph) when he lost control along witnesses to the incident, which involved Bridgetown LOTS FOR SALE 31,000 sq ft upward a curve that has been the site of 14 other only his car, Villanueva said. Large lots at $15 per sq ft Shopping Mall/Office space $8,100,000 negotiable accidents, Sheriff Alex Villanueva said at “The decision not to issue a citation will Boarded Hall, a news conference. The speed limit was be the exact same thing for anyone in this Christ Church Mount Wilton, St. Thomas 45 mph (72 kph). room who went through the same situa- 10,429 sq ft $157,000 15,500 sq ft and 22,066 sq ft Batts Rock, St Michael The sport utility vehicle (SUV) was tion – a solo traffic collision, there’s no wit- $300,000 and $220,000 Guest House, 12,078 sq ft Westbury Road, St Michael $2,850,000 negotiable going 75 mph (120 kph) when it hit a tree, nesses, (it’s) infraction only,and we’re not 2,520 sq ft $45,360 Union, St. Philip Villanueva said. There was no evidence going to issue a citation on an infraction 7560 sq ft Cane Garden, St Thomas that Woods, 45, was impaired or that he not committed in a peace officer’s pres- Goodland Gardens, $150,000 3.6 acres approved had consumed drugs or alcohol, ence or independent witnesses,” he said. Christ Church Roadfront the sheriff added. On Twitter, Woods said on Wednesday 9,605 sq ft $145,000 Thorpes, St. James $1,650,000 negotiable The car’s so-called “black box” data that he had been informed by the sheriff’s 11,376 sq ft with structure recorder showed that Woods engaged the department that it had closed the investi- Nursery Road, St Philip $235,000 Fitts Village, St James accelerator and never applied the brake gation. The golfer expressed gratitude to 9,266 sq ft $139,000 Guest House, 4 Suites during the incident, said LASD Captain those who had helped him, including Cottage, St George 6,135 sq ft James Powers. passersby who called the 911 emergency Lashley Road, St Philip 5000 sq ft $750,000 negotiable That could indicate that he may have service, and paramedics who rushed him 5,839 sq ft, $150,000 $110,000 (negotiable) mistakenly hit the wrong pedal while to the hospital. Mason Hill Street The City trying to control the car, Powers said. “I will continue to focus on my recovery Salters, St George Morningside, St Philip 26,500 sq ft with buildings “It’s believed that when you panic or and family, and thank everyone for the 2 lots 32,760 sq ft, $230,000 4567 sq ft $133,000 $4,000,000 negotiable you have some sort of sudden interruption overwhelming support and encourage- while you’re driving, your initial thought ment I’ve received throughout this very All enquiries to Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Jupiter Gardens, St Peter is to hit the brake and it’s believed he may difficult time,” said Woods, who will miss 14,876 sq ft. $110,000 7312 sq ft (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 or (246) 247 4469 have done that but hit the accelerator,” this week’s Masters while recovering from $133,000 (negotiable) Powers said. the crash. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 29

Hulkenberg joins Aston Martin as reserve driver NICO Hulkenberg has joined tice at the British Grand Prix, Aston Martin as their reserve and at the Eifel Grand Prix only and development driver. in time for Saturday practice, The German drove for the when Stroll became ill. team three times last year,when “It’s great to get this deal it was known as Racing Point, signed up with plenty of notice - when drivers Sergio Perez and last year, I didn’t have quite as Lance Stroll contracted Covid- much time to prepare before 19. jumping in the car!” Hulkenberg The 33-year-old was a race said. driver for the outfit from 2012 to “I’m really pleased to once 2016, when it was called Force again work with this team - with India. whom I have driven many times Tendulkar scored a record 100 international centuries during his 24-year career. “The team knows it can rely during my career. on me to step in and do an excel- “It will also be interesting to lent job,” he said. help develop the team through “And I’m fully prepared for the season, and I’m really look- Tendulkar leaves hospital that challenge.” ing forward to pulling great lap Four-time champion times out of my arm sleeve.” INDIA legend Sachin main isolated while continuing 2013, is widely regarded as one Sebastian Vettel has joined Team principal Otmar Tendulkar has been re- to rest and recuperate”. of cricket’s greatest batsmen. Stroll at Aston Martin for 2021, Szafnauer said: “In these diffi- leased from hospital a week “I would like to thank every- He scored a record 15,921 and Hulkenberg said he hoped cult times, the requirement for a after he was admitted hav- one for all the good wishes and runs in 200 Tests and another both would “enjoy uninterrupted capable and experienced reserve ing contracted Covid-19. prayers,” he said. 18,426 in 463 one-day interna- seasons this year”. driver is especially important. Tendulkar, 47, said on 27 “I remain ever grateful to all tionals. Hulkenberg’s role will include “Nico proved last year that he March he had tested positive the medical staff who took such India is seeing a spike in coro- time spent on the simulator could jump in the car and per- and was taken to a Mumbai hos- good care of me and have been navirus cases with an average of helping to develop the car. form superbly at a moment’s no- pital six days later “as a matter working tirelessly for over a more than 90,000 daily cases in Last year, Hulkenberg was tice; now, with additional scope of abundant precaution”. year in such difficult circum- April. drafted in at extremely late no- for preparation and integration, The former batsman says he stances.” The Indian Premier League tice on two occasions - for Perez we know that we can rely on has returned home and “will re- Tendulkar, who retired in (IPL) begins today. just ahead of Friday first prac- Nico to do an excellent job.” 30 • Friday April 9, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

French Open postponed by one week THE French Open has Swiatek won her first been postponed by a Grand Slam title in front week in the hope that of a crowd of 1,000 fans, more spectators will which was the maximum be permitted to at- permitted at the time. tend. The 2021 tournament The Grand Slam tour- is now due to finish just nament at Roland Garros two weeks before the will now run from 30 start of Wimbledon. May to 13 June with Its postponement is set qualifying the week be- to have an impact on the fore. ATP and WTA calendars, France is in a third with the grass-court sea- nationwide lockdown son scheduled to start on amid a surge in coron- 7 June with tournaments avirus cases, which pres- in s’Hertogenbosch, ident Emmanuel Macron Stuttgart and Notting- previously said he ex- ham. pected to end in mid-May. The ATP and WTA The French Tennis governing bodies said in Federation (FFT) said a joint statement they postponing was the “best were “working in consul- solution”. tation with all parties “I am delighted that impacted by the post- the discussions with the ponement”. public authorities, the British tennis’ govern- governing bodies of inter- ing body the LTA said: national tennis, our “The decision to move partners and broadcast- Roland Garros will obvi- ers, and the ongoing Matches at the 2020 French Open were played in front of a maximum capacity of 1,000 fans. ously create a knock-on work with the WTA and effect for the summer ATP, have made it possi- “It will give the health newly-transformed sta- is vital for our tourna- the autumn because of grass-court season. We ble for us to postpone situation more time to dium that now covers ment, the spring’s most the pandemic. are currently looking at the 2021 Roland Garros improve and should opti- more than 30 acres. important international Rafael Nadal won the the implications for our tournament by a week,” mise our chances of wel- “For the fans, the play- sporting event.” men’s singles title – his events and if we will need FFT president Gilles coming spectators at ers and the atmosphere, In 2020, the French 13th at Roland Garros – to make changes to our Moretton said. Roland Garros, into our the presence of spectators Open was postponed to while Polish teenager Iga calendar.” The Barbados Advocate Friday April 9, 2021 • 31

P R O HOROSCOPES S A Aries - You will be relieved to take life at a pace N which is far removed from the busy time you have re- D cently had of it. You completely understand the enor- mous pressure other colleagues are under at the mo- C ment but you aren't able to do everything and it is time O to delegate some of your responsibilities. An older col- N league will offer support, both emotionally and phys- S ically.

Taurus - Community events and activities provide outlet for your restless energy. You won't be content stuck indoors all the time. A little light exercise will give you an attractive glow. Friends will enjoy your company. If you're tired of approaching routine tasks in the same way every day, take this opportunity to ex- periment with methods that are alien to you. Z I Gemini - You aren't interested in joining forces with people who pay lip service to group commitments. T You want to see that they are serious and you are S looking to work with people who are willing to put their money where their mouth is. You won't take too kindly to anyone whose behaviour offends your strong sense of justice.

Cancer - You need to reconsider a recurring problem when unless you deal with this situation, it is obviously not going to go away. Unless you do something to eliminate the obstacle, little progress will be made. R Don't be surprised if you find yourself feeling emo- E tionally drained and in need of time to relax and re- X cuperate.

Leo - A joke could easily go wrong and you will wish M you hadn't become involved. It would be better to O avoid becoming a party to this altogether. Keep every- R thing open and above board and think carefully before G you speak when you are in the company of a sensitive A friend or colleague. N Virgo - It's important to give those closest to you the freedom to do their own thing. They need to have the chance to prove they are more than capable of mak- ing their own decisions. Even if you feel as if a young- ster in the family is making a mistake try to resist mak- ing comments that will sound like criticism. P Libra - Someone will be urging you to enter a deal that H will appeal more to them than it does to you. The more you think about it, the more you can see the risk A involved. You can understand their excitement but N you would rather not get involved. Don't let them box T you into a corner. O M Scorpio - Jumping in at the deep end will not be as worrying as it might sound. In a work or community project you may find yourself having to get on with tasks you've never done before. As new as this expe- rience may be to you, your achievements will be something to be proud of. Sagittarius - An almost endless supply of energy will M help keep you on the right track. You aren't sure where A it is coming from but you're finding the motivation that has recently been lacking and you are starting to see R results. It doesn't matter if others are left behind at the Y first hurdle. You just want to get ahead while you can. W Capricorn - Try, as much as you can, to view any the- O atrical goings on with a sense of humour. Stay calm even if some people's overly dramatic reactions cause R you a twinge of irritation. Future plans are being dis- T cussed and one in particular will be important to an H older relative. You will be working incredibly hard to make sure this can happen.

Aquarius - You might hesitate about asking for advice from a friend or colleague. You know they have the M skills, qualifications or experience that would help you O achieve a specific goal. If you don't ask, you will T never find out whether they are willing to give assis- H tance and you could be surprised by their encourag- E ing response. R

Pisces - A program will be adjusted to adapt to chang- G ing circumstances. Your focus will be on your respon- O sibilities and this will help you forget the importance O of what you are doing until it is done. The experience will be an amazing one and if this relates to your pro- S fession you will know this is what you were born to E do. Nine West Indians set to star in IPL 2021

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Friday April 9, 2021 MORE EASING OF RESTRICTIONS PRIME MINISTER Mia Gyms to reopen light on bus crawls and karaoke, Amor Mottley made the an- saying that at this juncture, they nouncement yesterday that from Monday were still not permitted. after consultation with the Also announced by the prime Ministry of Health and the day, as the timeframe for minister was that from April Wellness, the decision was going to the beach will now be 11th, the restriction of 75 people made to include gyms in the from 5 am to 7 pm. for church services would be re- list of entities that can re- "There are to be no picnics and moved, but with physical dis- open as part of the further parties and we are asking peo- tancing of 6ft required. In the ease in restrictions. ple to come out gradually. Take categories of weddings and fu- As of Monday, 12th April, your time.You can stay on the nerals, a maximum of 100 peo- gyms will be allowed to reopen beaches, have your fun, but we ple has now been set and for with the stipulation that social are trying still to avoid the situ- weddings, celebration dining distance and health protocols ations of large gatherings and will be allowed for the memo- are established. Prime Minister people mixing in a way that rable occasion, but no partying Mottley stated that the new di- could cause the gains of the last is permitted. rectives would take effect from three months to be compro- Regarding the curfew, the the April 11th-26th and would mised," said the Prime Minister. Prime Minister stated that the be under review over the period. Small pleasure craft and decision was made to further Prime Minister the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley. However on April 11th, special water sport operators can also ease the curfew hours on the is- restrictions apply where only once again take to the water as land, by removing it completely and supermarkets closed on protocols. specified entities within the di- they are among those allowed on Mondays to Wednesdays. Sundays, but with restaurants Prime Minister Mottley also rectives will be open. to restart operations. The small From Thursdays to Sundays, the being allowed to operate," said stated that in the next two "Gyms have been kept closed pleasure craft are allowed 50% time for persons to be off the Mottley. weeks, discussions with the for sometime now, but we have capacity, but the large party road from April 11th-26th is Fast food restaurants, with Barbados Turf Club, Barbados allowed exercise outdoors. The boats are not yet on the list to 11pm-5am. physical distancing in place, can Olympic Association, National public health officials and others operate. "The Chief Medical Officer is now welcome patrons for in- Sports Council and other sports are of the belief that we can re- Bars will be allowed to open firm in the view that we must house dining. Also required is organisations would take place, open gyms but strict protocols their doors with 50% capacity continue to keep numbers re- the wearing of masks and the with the aim at charting a path must remain in place," she said. as of April 11th. However cine- duced as we move around the sanitizing of hands along with for the return of contact sports, Along with gyms, the public mas, theatres, nightclubs and country because we are not out the personal information of cus- including a framework for train- will now be able to go to the discotheques will remain closed of the woods. As a result he has tomers entering the establish- ing and games without specta- beach and to parks throughout and Mottley also shone the spot- asked that we still keep retail ment along with all other health tors. (AS) Effective planning the way forward

By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste were left unresolved. and offer module specific papers sions all the way back in any significant drive to rebuild “There is a palpable lack of on a phased basis and determine September of 2020 and August that confidence and that is a EFFECTIVE planning is the confidence in the integrity of a method of assessment which 2020,” he said. matter that will bedevil them way forward if CXC is to address CXC’s systems and their ability does not require extensive on “The CXC brand has badly for some time to come.” many of the issues raised by to administer examinations and site participation, pre-planning damaged since 2020.The issues He believed that CXC would teachers and students. fairly award grades and this pal- was the answer. that the teachers unions have be able to best restore public Speaking during a recent we- pable lack of confidence perme- “No one can predict the course been discussing which they have trust through improving and in- binar hosted by the Caribbean ates across the board and in- of COVID-19, but effective been discussing for many years stitutionalising meaningful con- Union of Teachers, student ad- cludes students, teachers and strategic planners will be able to now have been brought into versation and consultations vocate, Khaleel Kothdiwala parents,” he said. make decisions even though sharp focus and my hope is that with all stakeholders, teachers highlighted that the ghost of He noted that if we are to they might not be able to fully this would then spur the public parents and students and pro- 2020 loomed over the region and eliminate and re-engineer the see ahead of them and that support for much needed and fessionals as well as show that over 2021 as many of the issues SBA for 2021, combine long an- would have been be essential in necessary change but CXC has they were in fact sorry for the raised by students and teachers swer multiple choice questions the CXC making critical deci- not yet embarked in my view on happenings of 2020.

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