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Sunday December 13, 2020 $2 VAT Inclusive Clear, effective action necessary to address climate change PRIME MINISTER Mia Amor Prime Minister Mottley was anniversary of the landmark “Global greenhouse gas its part to assist in climate Mottley is warning that the at the time addressing the Paris Agreement. During her emissions continue to rise change mitigation. Mottley future of many countries virtual Climate Ambition brief intervention, Mottley told unabated and our window to referred to the country’s around the world are in Summit hosted by the United other world leaders that the end the crisis is closing,” she new nationally determined jeopardy if decisive action is Nations, United Kingdom and “optimism and joy” felt with lamented. contribution (NDC) of becoming not taken on the matter of France, in partnership with regards to the Paris Agreement She made the point while climate change. Chile and Italy,to mark the fifth now seems short-lived. noting that Barbados is doing CLIMATE CRISIS on Page 4

SHIFT WATER

Frustrated bathers looking on at the water park, which has impeded their bathing space at Brandon’s Beach. AT TOP: A church group gathered yesterday at the same location where the PARK water park has been positioned at Brandon’s Beach. THE placement of a new management of Rascal’s shift most comfortable. coming, but it’s the location expressed to the media that attraction dubbed the the structure. “We don’t want the structure which is our concern… It could the water park is a good idea “Caribbean’s largest water This was the collective moved out of the water. We stay there for 100 years, just that has been implemented park” at Brandon’s Beach agreement coming from scores understand that it is a tourism shift it from our space,” pleaded incorrectly. has some bathers a bit of beachgoers yesterday project, but it has been placed Pearce Adamson, who also “There is a feature of unsettled. morning, some opting not to go where we have been bathing for revealed that it has been close Brandon’s Beach that is special However, they are not in any for their regular swim because many years. We just need it to to 50 years he frequented the to us – the way how the beach way calling for its removal, the water park has taken over be shifted to the right in front of popular beach spot. but simply asking that the the space in which they felt Rascal’s. We are not against it Christopher Williams WATER PARK on Page 3 2 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 3

Former senator queries process undertaken to approve attraction WATER PARK from Page 1 idea, but we also understand Kirk Humphrey, but received that it has been implemented no response as yet. has developed. There is an area wrong. There are a lot of ques- “This issue became apparent we call the ‘clear patch’ or the tions; a lot of concerns that we from Tuesday, November 24, ‘clear hole’ that is like prime have as residents, as people when they were putting some beach where because of the who have been here first.” kind of rock structure out there conditions most people gravi- Former government senator, and I asked persons there what tate towards there; people Maxine McClean, a bather at was happening, and I was told swim in that particular area the location for the past 15 that they were installing a and a lot of activities go on years, said that there was no water park. By the next morn- there,” he explained. warning that such an attrac- ing, there were structures in “We have not indicated that tion was being considered at the water and what emerged we want this water park to the beach. So concerned, she according to their website is move. We all recognise progress disclosed that she has even supposed to be the ‘Caribbean’s and that times change and we written to Minister of Maritime largest water park’ and they all respect that this is a good Affairs and the Blue Economy, are talking about development of other space at the beach.” She is therefore querying the process undertaken to approve the attraction, as well as other future development proposed by the same business. “We need as citizens of Barbados, as users of this beach, for someone to extend us the courtesy of saying this is a project, these are the permissions that have been granted,” she insisted. “I want to hear whether it is the National Conservation Commission, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Town and Country Planning, the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Tourism or whoever. Let somebody tell us what has been approved for here and what are the impli- Former government senator, Maxine McClean. cations for us as Barbadians – people from this neighbour- hood who have utilised this beach for a long time,” she added. Reckless call Former member of parlia- ment, James Paul, said that in other countries, there are IT is reckless to call for the trying to treat to the problem. some spaces that cannot be de- full closure of Lawrence T. However, finding the exact veloped in such a way as it is a Gay Primary School with- cause of the odour, which has Christopher Williams expressing his concerns about the newly public beach. out allowing health officials left teachers and students established water park at Brandon’s Beach. “I really want to appeal to the chance to fully address falling ill with itchy eyes, rash, Barbadians; this has nothing all potential causes to its nausea and vomiting, was not to do with politics and I want to environmental issues. proving an easy task. make that very clear. Because Minister of Education, Santia “It is very difficult for them to if the previous government Bradshaw,made this clear while identify precisely what the prob- approved this in any way, speaking to the media on Friday lem is, so we are trying to elim- shame on them. And certainly, at the Erdiston Teachers’ inate what we believe to be the whoever has facilitated this Training College. obvious problems. So we fixed process, it is also shame on She was responding to the call the issues with the sewage sys- them because you are prevent- by some that as environmental tem, the mold … and cleaned up ing people from enjoying the problems continued to plague around the premises. External beach in which they are histor- the Spooner’s Hill school in a to those issues are cars driving ically accustomed to, in a man- similar fashion as to what hap- on the highway outside of the ner in which they feel comfort- pened with the Louis Lynch school as it is a highly trafficked able. And you cannot take away Secondary School over a decade area,” she stated. those public rights from peo- ago, the same solution should “We are trying to fix as many ple; it is not right,” he stressed. be taken – that of permanently things as possible before we “Also, Brandon’s is a turtle closing the educational institu- start drawing conclusions that it nesting zone. The question tion. is the school and it has to close. needs to be asked – has the “The same approach that we I think it is really a reckless Coastal Zone Management have taken with the COVID-19 approach to simply call for the people come in and look at the pandemic is the same approach closure of the school without a impact of the placement of I will take to Lawrence T. Gay clear understanding as to the things such as these on the and any other institution where efforts being made by the health beach?... You can see persons there are environmental prob- authorities and I think we can gathered on Brandon’s looking lems. I have to be led by the do better as a society. I think we at a turtle that is actually nest- health professionals, whether need to approach this scientifi- ing.To what extent when you that is environmental health or cally as best as we can and ac- incur certain developments the medical side,” she insisted. cept that there are some things would it prevent things like Pointing out these profession- we will not always have the that from happening? And the als have made recommenda- answers to, but the fact is that so-called environmentalists we tions after visiting the school we have to eliminate and that is have in this country need to plant, Bradshaw stated the what the Education Ministry is speak to things like this – don’t ministry was following these in doing,” she assured. (JMB) Former member of parliament, James Paul. just stay silent.” (TL) 4• Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Ignatius Byer students to gain more agricultural experience STUDENTS at the Barbados and across the Ignatius Byer Primary Eastern Caribbean for School are poised to over 25 years. gain additional hands- Deputy Head Boy, on agricultural experi- Duane-Diego Watson, ence and they have thanked the company for ARC Irrigation Inc. to its generosity on behalf thank for it. of the northern school. In response to a re- Pupils from Classes 3 and quest for assistance with 4 witnessed the handover equipment to enhance and some students were the school’s present also given the opportunity Agricultural Science pro- to assist with the instal- gramme, the company lation of the irrigation made a donation on system. Class 4 teacher, Thursday, December 3, Anderson Rollock, stated 2020.The donation was to that the equipment would supplement the on-site be used to enhance the Students from Class 3 and Class 4 of Ignatius Byer Primary School, along with teacher Anderson Rollock, garden, which required a school’s science pro- were not only present for the handover, but some assisted with the installation of the ARC irrigation system. more efficient irrigation gramme. In addition to solution. providing practical oppor- shops and supermarkets. Although not present tunities for students, the It is hoped that the school for the handing over, experiences gained would could develop its own Managing Director of also open doors of entre- brand as part of the entire ARC, Rodney Reader, co- preneurial possibilities for project. ordinated and facilitated the students. In light of the concerns the installation of the do- It is the intention of the surrounding food produc- nated equipment.This in- school to commence a tion and security which cluded a filtration system, marketing and sales ini- COVID-19 has brought along with a drip irriga- tiative as an extension of to the fore, Ignatius Byer tion line, inclusive of shut- the present agricultural Primary will be actively off valves which allow for science programme. This playing its part in educat- the regulation of irrigation will first include the sale ing, equipping and mobil- to individual beds. ARC of produce to persons in ising its students through has been a specialist in the community and then this agricultural and mar- irrigation systems in an expansion to nearby keting initiative. Large countries must do their part: PM CLIMATE CRISIS from Page 1 fossil fuel free by 2030 at best, and carbon neutral at worst, suggesting that it is an “even more ambi- tious target than that of ARC Irrigation Inc. representatives work on the water piping for the system. 2015”. “My Government has created the enabling envi- ronment for this transi- tion through legislation, incentives and empower- ing Barbadian citizens to participate in our energy revolution. Our vision is that 2030 most Barbadian homes will have solar PV panels on their roofs and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley an electric vehicle in their garage,” she stated. crisis is addressed, there of their future. However, the Prime will be no build back “I would like to believe Minister said that despite better for countries and that the major emitters these efforts, the future of economies like mine,” she are not capable of what countries like Barbados warned. would in essence be close depend a lot on the efforts She went further, to climate genocide. I’d of large countries to do stating that at the global like to believe that we are their part to address cli- level we need to move visible and indispensable mate change. from “placatory rhetoric for them. Let us therefore “The fact is that the to real, effective action”, together act on the re- level of mitigation ambi- as she cautioned those sponsibility which the tion contained in your viewing the live stream climate crisis imposed on NDCs will determine the that if such is not done, all nations and all people. fate of countries like my numerous nations across The time is now,” she The drip irrigation line includes shutoff valves, which allow for the regulation of own, for unless the climate the world will be robbed maintained. irrigation to individual beds. The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 5

New coalition wants action and leadership on CXC grade issue ACTION and leadership are the two a group of concerned Barbadian parents, sive change and leadership. She said the Caribbean,” said Moore. main components to rectify the recent made these comments during the group is seeking to get the attention of Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean Coalition for CXC 2020 CXC and the attention of CARICOM ‘No teacher misconduct’ controversy about the 2020 examination Redress press conference on Thursday. leadership for a prompt redress and The concerned parent stressed that con- results. The head of the coalition stated that resolution. During Thursday’s event, trary to media reports, there is no teacher Paula-Anne Moore, the co-ordinator of the organisation is aiming to have deci- Moore indicated the presenters will misconduct, rather it is CXC’s revised provide evidence which reveals that the exam process and the institution’s current preliminary grades from CXC change in grading methodology. She are erroneous and do not reflect the added that the change adversely affected Harmonisation thrust vital historical performance of these students students, citing grade suppression as a and they are against the teachers’ pre- consequence of the new CXC grading MINISTER of Tourism and and efficient,” she stated. dicted grades. system. International Transport, Senator Cummins went on to say that there is “These children primarily who have Dr. Michael Clarke, an education con- Lisa Cummins, says harmonisation also a need for concerted efforts to be made been adversely affected are from the sultant, was also invited to the press con- of travel protocols across the to improve consumer confidence. Her re- traditional high academic performing ference to comment on grade suppres- Caribbean region is essential as marks came as she lamented that at the centres, and these children who are more sion. He noted that when scores are not countries endeavour to help tourism level of air transportation, some partners adversely affected are predominately the reliable or consistent with historic scores, rebound and overcome the chal- have been able to take advantage of the higher-performing students within the the expectations are no longer valid. lenges posed by COVID-19. fact that there are different protocols Cummins, who is also the Chairman of across the region. She said where there the Caribbean Tourism Organisation are fewer restrictions or none at all, more (CTO), made the comments on Friday dur- and more international guests are going ing a virtual forum hosted by the CTO, the to those destinations. Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association “Quite frankly that is exactly how and the Global Tourism Resilience and COVID-19 has thrived, by opening our Crisis Management Centre, under borders in a way that does not manage to the theme “Tourism: The Key to the stress the importance of testing, and even Caribbean’s Economic Recovery”. minimised levels of quarantine that allow “...From the northern, to the southern, us to keep our populations safe, our visi- to the deep southern Caribbean, many of tors safe and our countries across the re- our travel restrictions remain very differ- gion COVID-free for the most part.And so ent and very divergent. One of the first there is an important need for us to avoid items on the agenda for us as a region having low protocols in place or no restric- ought to be the identification for the pur- tions in place for entry,that then allow us pose of air travel and then ultimately to put our populations at risk,” she stated. when the cruise industry resumes, of har- The CTO chairman also took the op- monisation across our travel protocols, portunity to touch on the matter of domes- because even with the introduction of tic and intra-regional tourism, contending vaccinations and therapeutics, there is that there is a need to place emphasis on still the expectation that there will be such. travel restrictions in place to contain the “I would welcome the day,across the re- spread of COVID-19 for the foreseeable gion, where we are able to have joint mar- future,” the tourism minister said. keting in the same way that the cruise in- She went further saying that it is also dustry comes on a seven-day and 14-day important that countries look at the col- itinerary and persons travel by sea to one laborations that are necessary across the or more, sometimes five or six destina- various agencies and entities within the tions in seven days. We would want to region, including the airports, seaports, welcome, across the region, joint collabo- ministries of tourism and health, as well ration which promotes seamless travel as the public health authorities. across the Caribbean, to experience mul- “We have looked at the kind of virtual tiple levels of Caribbean authenticity,” she integration and digitisation of touchless stated. transportation, and we now need to treat The minister spoke to this while noting to the co-ordination of our inter-agency that many external parties have “white travel as a multidisciplinary inter-agency labelled” the Caribbean as just a region of structure that allows us to be able to make sun, sea and sand, but she maintained immediate decisions across all agencies, that the region has much more to offer. therefore making travel seamless, timely (JRT) 6 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

More institutions urged to get involved AS the COVID-19 pan- of helping to build this ties that would otherwise In addition, she sug- not just simply about hav- “Our volunteer areas in- demic reduces the country with society- have been able to create gested the creation of ing students sign up for clude but are not limited to capacity of those insti- minded individuals, if large opportunities for a new organisations by in- other entities,” she noted, ushering at our events, tutions getting in- more community and non- wider cross-section of our dividuals and by tertiary adding: “The students … gardening, singing in the volved in the Give Back governmental organisa- people”. institutions, including if they want to create an choir, education, library programme, Education tions signed up. In spite of the chal- Erdiston, the Barbados entity that then can be assistants and clerical Minister Santia So far, the programme lenges, Bradshaw said out- Community College and registered, they can then duties… I believe this pro- Bradshaw is urging has 150 entities regis- of-the-box thinking was The University of the West work with partners to gramme allows students others to come forward. tered. now coming to the fore, Indies, “to be able to give be able to develop pro- to have a better apprecia- Speaking at Friday’s According to the minis- stressing that volunteer- people the opportunity to grammes going forward.” tion of the day-to-day func- launch of the programme ter, due to COVID-19 so- ing should not be pigeon- serve in as many different Co-ordinator of tions of the institutions at the Erdiston Teachers’ cial distancing protocols, holed to certain traditional capacities during the vol- Erdiston’s Give Back pro- and add value to their Training College, she out- smaller numbers of vol- areas like health and so- unteer period”. gramme, Gerry Haynes, educational experience lined while the response of unteers were now being cial activism, but should “Institutions have to see stated 145 students have by way of newly acquired students has been positive utilised and “therefore it’s encompass the environ- themselves as leading the already signed up out of skills,” he explained. to the initiative, more had a significant impact ment and others. charge of giving back. It’s the 373 eligible. (JMB) could be done in terms on the number of the enti-

From left: Interim President of the Students’ Guild at the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, Kristian Trotman; Minister of Education, Santia Bradshaw; Acting Principal, Ramona Archer-Bradshaw; and Co-ordinator of the programme at the College, Gerry Haynes, speak on several aspects of the National Give Back initiative. Head of BCC’s Music Department reports mixed semester HEAD of the Barbados protocols we had to social challenge”. Turning his open up our programme Community College’s distance… Both of our attention to speak about to persons outside of (BCC) Music groups have 30, 31 stu- the opportunities, he Barbados.” Department, Roger dents. We can’t fit 31 stu- stated the new online for- Gittens additionally Gittens, says the present dents, social distance in mat for some classes has said the Division of Fine COVID-19 environment the space that we would broaden the College’s Arts’ Music Department has brought with it chal- normally teach, so we had reach. has “plans for an exten- lenges, but also opportu- to divide them into two “So you are doing sion to the Performing nities this semester. groups, which meant that Harmony online, you Hall and the goal is to He stated one issue each group is doing the are doing Ear Training move to a degree pro- faced was the limited same thing twice when online, we are doing gramme in the next space available to accom- you think of the classes. Arranging online and it year or two.We are an modate some face-to-face Instead of one harmony means then that we can Associate Degree and classes while allowing class, there are two har- now attract students hopefully once we can for physical distancing. mony classes [and] ear from across the world if have the space, we can Therefore, students were training classes, there are we want to. They don’t grow to Bachelors”. He divided into two groups two. So that was the first necessarily have to phys- said the College’s and classes for the groups challenge – space…” ically come to BCC to do Principal, Annette were accommodated at Gittens, who spoke on the programme. So we are Alleyne, has been “look- different times. the sidelines of Monday’s developing those skills ing to agencies and fund- “Ordinarily we don’t ‘Music On The Mound and that repertoire of ing foundations” to obtain have a lot of space, but 2020’ at the campus, also materials that we can some assistance for the because of the COVID said “funding has been a now in the next year or so programme. (MG) The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 7

Destinations steadily opening back up AS OF November 1st, a report on Travel destinations, as well as to stressing that found that destinations their borders closed tend total of 152 Restrictions. explore the link between Governments have an with higher scores in to be within emerging destinations have The United Nations health and hygiene important part to play in health and hygiene economies with relatively eased restrictions on Agency,since that start of infrastructure, giving data-led and indicators as well as on low scores in health and international tourism, the pandemic, has been environmental responsible travel advice the environmental hygiene indicators and up from the 115 keeping track of performance and any and in working together performance index are environmental perfor- recorded on measures being taken in potential connection to to lift restrictions as soon among those which have mance index. The September 1st. 217 destinations travel restrictions. as it is safe to do so. eased restrictions faster. majority of these At the same time, 59 worldwide, helping “The lifting of travel Looking further into Moreover, these destinations are in Asia destinations have kept to support the mitigation restrictions is essential to current COVID-19 destinations are and the Pacific, with their borders closed to and recovery efforts of the drive our wider recovery related travel restrictions, increasingly applying many belonging to the tourists, a decrease of 34 tourism sector. For this from the social and the report sheds new light differentiated, risk-based SIDS (Small Island over the same two-month latest edition, the economic impacts of the on the factors connecting approaches to Developing States), LDCs period, according to the methodology has been pandemic,” Secretary- those destinations which implementing travel (Least Developed World Tourism updated to offer insights General Zurab have eased restrictions restrictions. Countries) or LLDCs Organization (WTO) 8th into the tourism flows of Pololikashvili said, also and those where borders “In comparison, desti- (Landlocked Developing remain closed. The study nations choosing to keep Countries)”. Details of the case continued; deadline for submissions set

RULE from Back Page

The tribunal heard again from the bank’s Senior Manager of Human Resources, Yvonne Hall, who was cross-examined by Attorney-at-Law Larry Smith Q.C., who represented the claimant, whilst Attorney-at-Law Kevin Boyce of Clarke Gittens Farmer represented the bank official. Chairman of the Employment Rights Tribunal (ERT), retired Appeal Court Justice Christopher Blackman, Q.C. indicated during Friday’s proceedings that he was ready for final submissions, in order for the Tribunal to come to a conclusion on the matter. However,whilst the bank’s attorney Kevin Boyce indicated that he could Chairman of the Employment Rights Tribunal give his submission in a (ERT), retired Appeal Court Justice Christopher week’s time, Toppin’s Blackman, Q.C. on location at the Warrens Office attorney noted that due to Complex on Friday. other pending matters, he would not be able to make Smith, Q.C. in cross tribunal had also heard his submission until after examining Yvonne Hall, that Toppin had borrowed the Christmas break and tried to find out from Hall some Bds$37,000 or the sometime after January whether Toppin had an equivalent of US$18,000 11th, 2021. unblemished record at the from a credit union. Justice Blackman then bank prior to her Smith did however indicated that he would termination, to which she stress that the quantum of allow for submissions to be agreed and whether Smith money allegedly found in made by Friday January had any knowledge of the Toppin’s possession as she 22nd, 2021 and the complainant ever been tried to leave the country Tribunal’s ruling would arrested in breach of the whilst at the Grantley come in the first ten days of Foreign Exchange Control Adams International the following month, in laws, to which Hall finally Airport, was one of the February. replied that she was not issues the bank had an As it relates to details of aware of any such move, or issue with. the case which was of Customs taking action After a number of continued yesterday, against Toppin. matters were revisited by former bank employee The senior bank Smith and Boyce had his Sonia Toppin is claiming manager had earlier turn of posing questions to she was unfairly dismissed agreed with Toppin’s legal the witness,Justice in April 2017, based on counsel that nothing Blackman queried allegations by the bank untoward was found in the whether the attorneys that she had committed an former sales supervisor’s were ready to “bring the offence under the Foreign bank account, nor was plane to a landing”, and it Exchange Control there any indication the was then the call for Regulations. funds came from an submissions was made. Toppin’s attorney Larry “improper” source. The (RSM)

8 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial I hear you…Part three Equality of work, DO you suffer from Pastor’ at a conference spreading scabs? What which was originally sup- about reddish-white posed to have been held remuneration, swellings with white hair? here in April. COVID Or boils or sores? Yes? cobbled that. So the con- OMG – you’d better go see ference ‘zoomed’. On the the priest (you know, second day, the keynote and access Aaron or one of his sons). speaker was the Chan- EQUALITY, it has often been said, is equity,although He’ll sort you out. But cellor of the University of that adage should be taken subject to an appreciation chances are you’re a leper, Guyana, Dr Edward of the starting points of the respective individual donees mate. It’s torn clothes for Greene. In his presenta- of the benefit. you, lower face covered, gest it’s a ‘history’ of the after a lifetime of ‘wander- tion he quoted from In any event, it came into high focus last week in two and life outside the camp “precepts of men”. They’ll ing’, finally settled in Mother Teresa to the effect distinct local contexts. First, for the employees of the to cry ‘Unclean! Unclean!’. call for your defrocking de- Mutemwa, in what was that love can’t be de- security services company,G4S, who bristled at the no- Sorry mate. But it’s all in spite your reverence for then Rhodesia, to care for manded, only responded tion that although performing the same work as other Leviticus 13. It says God the love-ful lyricism of so lepers. I recently bought a to. “You love God as much employees, they were less well remunerated merely be- said it to Moses and Aaron. much of it all and the CD of him reading his as the person you love cause they carried a different job title, and second, for So you better believe it. If teachings of Jesus. Yes, poems. One track particu- least.” As he spoke those some members of the Rastafarian community who you don’t, and suppose it’s “You are my strength, O larly touched my heart. It’s words, I had the most glo- perceived that in spite of their past criminal associa- all about priestly power- God, and I love you” (Ps a recording of Shona peo- rious vision of Mother tion with cannabis, they were now effectively being grabbing, you’re not a true 18:1). ple reaching the top of Mary, with arms out- denied access to participation in the nascent local Christian. You know what Of course the Divine Mount Chigona, which stretched, standing above medicinal cannabis industry in favour of others better THEY say. ‘speaks’ to us. But Spirit is stands above Mutemwa, to a rainbow, and became capitalised foreign concerns because of the exorbitant “THEY”? Well, the subtle – and tantalising. In pray at the cross dedicated tearful. The words “chil- licensing fees required. Christian ‘right’ the world his poem, ‘Logos’, the mar- to John. They are singing dren of Mary” came to me. Naturally, the first matter resulted in an industrial over who claim everything tyr John Bradburne writes the ‘Lourdes Hymn’ – It’s a phrase in the dispute that, as most of our industrial disputes, had a Biblical which says ‘and “We hear the Holy Ghost “Ave, Ave, Ave Maria…our ‘Lourdes Hymn’, but I did- strange conclusion in that the affected workers aban- God said’ was really spo- (in silence oft)”, and hearts are on fire…as chil- n’t know that then. The doned any claim to the payment of arrears of salary ken, once and for all that’s right. She feeds you dren of Mary”. Suddenly “children”? [back pay] and each of the disputants claimed satisfac- time and presumably in with nods and winks, whis- an eagle descends, some- The Conference was tion with the institution of a national sectoral minimum Hebrew, to very special perings, inexplicable coin- one sees a red cross, and the second Intimate wage regime to be fleshed out by no less than a “blue people by a God who rules cidences, visions, the the sun seems to spin just Conviction Conference, ribbon” committee, selected, it appears, by the govern- by threats and promises magical perception of as it did for the children at with speakers from as far ing administration. from somewhere ‘up there’. analogies, with sponta- Fatima. “The sun, it is away as India and the We have for long been intrigued by the nature of the He’s a God who orders neous tearfulness. She en- spinning…Look at the Philippines, dedicated to local industrial relation. Fiercely voluntarist, unlike genocide, forbids eating joins us be “prisoners to colours…It is beautiful… the removal of penal most of its neighbours, it seemingly abhors any at- oysters, and commands love and fly like doves”. Bless you, bless you.” It laws and discrimination tempt to put critical matters into statute although the killing of wayward Meanwhile, “The wind brought John very close to against LGBTQ people in that stance has seen some change recently with the en- kids, adulterers, Sabbath blows where it chooses, me, as if we were friends. Barbados.You work it out. actment of statutes pertaining to unfair dismissals, sex- breakers, gays. The list and you hear the sound of He was devoted to Mary Go safely, then – until ual harassment at work and workplace discrimination. goes on and on. You’d bet- it, but do not know where our Mother, our “Queen the next time. Yet other significant industrial relations matters ter believe it. Never mind. it comes from…” (John upon the throne of hearts.” Kabir, from the bound- such as the legal enforceability of collective agree- Despite His death-ridden 3:8). It’s a deeply personal And then it was as if he ary: “Do not deceive thy- ments and compulsory union recognition have been left penal code, He’s a ‘God of thing. – or She – spoke to me. It self with the witness of the legislatively untouched and subject to the understand- Love’. Don’t say any of this John Bradburne was a happened like this. Last Scriptures: Love is some- ing that this is best left to custom and practice, although if you’re a priest and sug- Franciscan tertiary who, week I was the ‘Host thing other than this…”. that itself appears to reside solely in the breasts of the officials of workers’ organisations and thereby suffers from a lack of certainty,one of the necessary criteria for the binding force of custom. UN: World needs to declare Readers may recall in this specific context the dispute between the union and the electronic firms in the Harbour Road some years ago. Even in the recent dispute between the Barbados ‘climate emergency’ Workers’ Union and G4S, the Prime Minister accused THE UN secretary general worldwide to now do the A number of big emit- been due to take place in the employer of infringing the ILO Convention pertain- has called on all countries same. ters, including Australia, Glasgow this year. ing to equal remuneration for equal work – the Equal to declare a climate emer- He said the emergency Saudi Arabia, Russia and UK PM Boris Johnson Remuneration Convention C100.While Barbados has gency. would only end when Mexico, are not taking said the year was coming indeed ratified this Convention, we have taken no fur- António Guterres was carbon neutrality was part, as their climate ac- to an end with “a certain ther steps to codify it in our laws so that it remains to speaking yesterday at a reached. Carbon neutral- tions were not deemed am- amount of scientific opti- date a legitimate expectation only of local workers and virtual summit on the fifth ity means that emissions bitious enough. mism” because “barely 12 not a substantive right. We were thus pleased to hear anniversary of the Paris have been reduced as The UK has announced months after the start of the Prime Minister’s faint promise a few nights ago to climate agreement, much as possible and any an end to support for over- the pandemic, we’re seeing rectify this general situation. He criticised rich coun- remaining ones are bal- seas fossil fuel projects,and the vaccine going into the So far as the Rastafarian community is concerned, tries for spending 50% anced by removing an has deposited a new cli- arms of the elderly”. we understand the nature of their complaint although more of their pandemic re- equivalent amount from mate plan with the UN.It’s He added: “Together we we do not agree that there is a necessary connection be- covery cash on fossil fuels the atmosphere, the first time that Britain can use scientific advances tween previous cultivation and/or use of the substance compared to low-carbon On the Covid recovery has had to do this, as it was to protect our entire planet and a leading role in its preparation for medicinal pur- energy. spending, he said that this previously covered by the – our biosphere – against a poses. If we are to draw any lessons from the develop- Over 70 world leaders is money being borrowed European Union’s climate challenge far worse, far ment of a COVID-19 vaccine, it is that the production are due to speak at the from future generations. commitments. more destructive even of a pharmaceutical product requires a significant in- meeting organised by the “We cannot use these re- Yesterday’s virtual gath- than the coronavirus. And vestment of money, time, and scientific knowledge. UK, UN and France. sources to lock in policies ering took place after the by the promethean power And if, as the Minister of Agriculture has signalled, Mr Guterres said that 38 that burden future genera- pandemic caused the post- of our invention, we can Barbados is not contemplating an industry where the countries had already de- tions with a mountain of ponement of the annual begin to defend the Earth bulk of the product will be sent overseas and then clared a climate emergency debt on a broken planet,” Conference of the Parties against the disaster of shipped back here as a refined product, then we are pro- and he called on leaders he said. (COP) meeting, which had global warming.” posing to be more than cultivators and to enter the pharmaceutical industry itself. Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes The infrastructure required for such a novel local un- E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen dertaking will demand much more than having a his- Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan tory of touted personal experience with the substance. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 9

Political inclusion, economic exclusion “I and I was left out.” learning anything. how can there be a strike? known and while others But you were never in- “Not ‘bout here” applies It is not only big works have to sing for their sup- cluded brother. to many things that many that must go through her. per, they are above that It is amazing how find convenient to ignore. Protest action must be need. Others sing to and gullible our people remain The Rastafarian commu- approved by her too. for them. Requiring the after living in this society nity did not recognise that How can the Barbados business class and Sir for so long. It could only be it applied to their becom- Workers’ Union, whose Roy Trotman to raise gullibility that would ing legitimate economic boss is the employee of the their voices was overkill, allow the Rastafarian players in this country. Prime Minister, go ahead but that seems to be a brethren to believe that If you do not know your and call a national strike strategy that has been they would be included in history, and knowing is in this country? Not ‘bout identified and is being any great economic initia- different from hearing a prised or disappointed but gradually over time. here. It is clear to me that stuck to. tive in this country under story, you are doomed to that there is no room for But Barrow had one life- she does not want to, had Just like lining up big a government that has al- repeat it and will stumble them in this country’s time and could not live no intention of ever doing men and women like ways had the remit of into the future, not know- plantation economy, ex- long enough to see it so, and could not, even if dumb little children be- looking after another ing where you are going cept as workers. through. The forces that she had that desire. Not hind the general who group that does not and merely hoping for the Barbados was estab- have always been arrayed ‘bout here. speaks on issues for which include them or their best. That is a recipe for lished as a plantation and against his planned It seems like something those standing behind are progenitors. disaster.One must be able all of its land and most of changes never gave up out of the story books for a supposed to be responsi- The protests of being ex- to plan for the future, and its people were owned by their fight and have member of the business ble. One wonders if these cluded from the coming this requires certain fixed others. The owned people successfully brought community to open his muzzled pawns know how bounty that the marijuana identifiers from which were never intended to be down every leader who mouth and talk about they look. project is expected to bring one may reason a way other than a labour force. stood in the way of their not striking because the Barbadians need to pay will be confined to that forward. While the features of reversal of Barrow’s ini- economy is fragile. Well, attention to what is hap- group only, for no one else Black people in labour may change ac- tiatives. Their instru- well, well. So the economy pening around them. in this country expected Barbados should locate cording to the demands of ments of destruction was not fragile in 2018 We live in a world where anything different. Maybe themselves in this coun- the market, it was in- were always the black when that same group individualism is king. the promises that were try’s history and use it as tended that the labourers faces of those who the joined with the workers’ We should bear this in made to them blinded a platform from which to would always labour in people were convinced representatives and the mind when Greeks come them to their reality and look ahead. That history the service of others. were on their side. now ruling party and shut bearing gifts and prom- the realities of this coun- must include our social, The education revolu- In like manner, many down the country? ises. try, but I wish I could say economic and political tion introduced by the are not recognising that There was no need for My Parthian shot: that they will learn. It record. If the Rastafarian Right Excellent Errol the Prime Minister is also the business sector to what benefit did the BWU does not seem to be the community had done that, Walton Barrow, promised leader of the labour move- speak on these issues. and the Prime Minister case that our people are they would not be sur- to change that scenario, ment in this country. So Their position is well gain for the G4S workers? Upholding human rights against arbitrary arrest THE Government of sons to influence govern- vulnerable and the most the endorsement of the Canada has taken an ini- ments amounts to de- ‘at risk’ if the practice of governments of Antigua tiative to promote a manding a ransom. It arbitrary arrest, deten- and Barbuda, Guyana Declaration by like- is a troubling develop- tion and sentencing pre- and St Lucia. As the for- minded countries against ment in international re- vails. The governments of eign minister of Antigua the use of arbitrary de- lations, one which is small countries do not and Barbuda, E. Paul tention in state-to-state contrary to international have the military might Chet Greene, put it in a relations. law and which seeks or economic clout to message to his colleague The objective of the to replace legal and diplo- confront the authorities foreign ministers of Declaration is to achieve matic norms with a of powerful countries Caribbean Community an end to the practice by form of inter-state black- that employ these prac- (CARICOM) countries: some states of arbitrarily mail. conditions, persons are deleterious effect on tices. Further, small “The Declaration is as arresting, detaining, and Apart from severely in- exposed to extreme forms tourism, business travel countries do not have the much a further layer in sentencing foreign na- juring the process of of suffering while their and eventually on trade plethora of Embassies the structure of protec- tionals and then bargain- peaceful international re- rights are completely ig- and commerce. Instead of and Consulates around tion for small countries, ing with their release to lations, this kind of be- nored, including their advancing to a world of the world that could try as it is for the strengthen- influence policies or posi- haviour directly affects right to a fair and public freedom, underpinned to protect their nation- ing of international tions of their govern- innocent persons who hearing by a competent, by respect for human als. The only tool avail- cooperation by all States ments. could be arrested, de- independent, and impar- rights and international able to governments of to end arbitrary arrest, Arbitrary arrests and tained and sentenced tial tribunal in instances law, the global commu- small states is respect for detention or sentencing detentions of foreign na- simply to be used as where a state-controlled nity would recede to an international law by all as means to exercise tionals by a government pawns by governments judiciary sentences age of lawlessness and states. leverage over other gov- is a form of institution- that cannot get their way them. conflict. That is why this ernments”. alised kidnapping. Using through international Fear of being arbitrar- The peoples of small Declaration proposed by CONTINUED on the release of such per- law and norms. In such ily arrested would have a states would be the most Canada has already won Page 10

Sunny with cloudy periods with the occasional intermittent scattered light to moderate showers.

High: 2:54 a.m. and 2:23 p.m. New York: 12°C Yesterday: 0 mm Miami: 26°C Low: 8:16 a.m. For the month: 22.1 mm Max: 30.0°C Boston: 07°C and 9:08 p.m. For the year: 1310.5 mm Min: 23.9°C Toronto: 06°C Montreal: 01°C London: 05°C 6:12 a.m. 5:34 p.m. 10 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

What future now for Venezuela? IT is hard to know what that has seen him preside likely option is to search tinuing pressure on all the future holds for over the demise of a once for a country or countries borders in the hemi- Venezuela, its opposition wealthy country. that might be an effective sphere, including that leader Juan Guaidó, or the Despite sitting on the interlocutor with the gov- with the US. present US-led policy that largest reserves of oil in ernment in Caracas. For the Caribbean, per- emphasises sanctions and the western hemisphere, There will always be manent political change in isolation. Venezuela has been so neutral countries like Venezuela is likely to be Last week, as was badly mismanaged that Norway prepared to help yet another factor recon- wholly predictable, over 4.5 million of its peo- achieve this. However as figuring regional relation- President Maduro’s ple have fled to neighbour- controversial as it may be, ships. US pressure has United Socialist Party of ing countries, hunger and Cuba could also be among already shown how in Venezuela, and allied par- crime have become com- the other most influential Washington’s eyes the ties, took 67 per cent of monplace, and there is support that President been outplayed and are in contenders. Havana would region can be divided seats in the National ample evidence that the Trump provided is closing. a quandary as to their clearly value some form of into the willing and un- Assembly in an election smuggling of gold, His policy of ‘maximum next steps. Some observe broader gradual normali- willing. not seen as legitimate by narcotics and other illegal pressure’, sanctions and that Mr Guaidó’s popular- sation in its relations with Venezuela could have the Washington, the EU, cross border activities attacks on Venezuela and ity has waned, the opposi- the US, albeit not at the been a shining example of and many Latin American continue unchecked. socialism may have tion is fragmenting and is cost of its principles or a relatively benign well- countries. Much of the op- By any normal measure, helped win Florida, but short of funding, and ques- sovereignty and could managed Latin American position boycotted the poll an inflation rate this year they have done nothing tion whether alternative see value in creating a socialist state able to and according to President of 4,087 per cent, daily to deliver change in leaders such as Leopoldo basis for dialogue with address the many social of Venezuela’s National shortages of food, fuel, Venezuela. Lopez, now outside the Venezuela. inequalities which the late Electoral Council, Indira water and electricity, and In a recent interview country, could garner Whether countries like President Chavez identi- Alfonzo, only 31 per cent of a collapsing health care with Reuters, Eliot widespread support. it or not, President fied and brought him to the country’s 20 million system should have seen a Abrams, the US special President Maduro has Maduro is now both de power. Instead, as each registered voters partici- sitting government fairly representative on said that he is now going facto and de jure in control year has gone by,the coun- pated. defeated at the polls, but Venezuela and Iran, sug- to “write a new history” of Venezuela. Short of a try has sunk further into The outcome means the sense now is that with gested that US backing for free of sectarianism and coup or internal power an abyss making any that that Mr Guaidó, this election the opportu- Mr Guaidó remains firm that the new National struggle, he can now pur- rapid return to stability who is recognised as nity for democratic change and has urged President- Assembly which meets in sue the policies that are unlikely. Venezuela’s interim pres- of the kind normally seen elect Biden to maintain January will have as its in the interests of those at One starting point for ident by 58 countries across the Americas has strict sanctions enforce- "vital" themes, economic all levels who support gradual change may be for around the world, has lost gone. ment. This seems likely. recovery,and a political di- him. Mr Biden to take an early his standing, and maybe Mr Guaidó is now hop- Mr Biden, who during alogue on reconciliation, The reality is that sanc- decision to reopen a broad- over time the interna- ing that support for his the election campaign and the future electoral tions will fail as they have based pragmatic dialogue tional support he has had ‘consulta popular’ which criticised Mr Maduro’s route for the country. little practical effect on with Cuba to establish as President of the coun- ends on December 12 will government, is thought He has also indicated those in power, let alone whether there are recip- try’s National Assembly. see Venezuelans indicate likely to continue with that he hopes that a chan- on the countries that sup- rocal steps that might lead As understandable as it they do not accept the out- present polices as they nel of communication and port Mr Maduro and see to a more normal US rela- was, his decision not to come of the election and offer leverage in any fu- dialogue between Vene- geostrategic opportunity: tionship. participate may come to want a change of govern- ture dialogue, but is zuela and the US is Russia, China, Iran, While Havana is not be seen as a strategic ment. To boost his legiti- widely expected to review opened. Turkey, and possibly now going to throw metaphor- error. macy, he needs a greater with allies a better coor- So what happens next? India too. ically Mr Maduro under The bigger consequence number of voters than dinated approach and new For the EU and Latin They will also not stop the bus he may once have is that Mr Maduro has those who supported Mr solutions. nations that continue to and may promote the flood driven, it may be time to now captured every Maduro’s party. In this he Despite this, the support the US line, short of refugees who through recognise that it has the Venezuelan institution is backed by the US strongest impression is of taking the improbable no fault of their own greatest interest in and effectively has a free Administration. that governments opposed decision to initiate a bilat- continue to destabilise achieving a more stable hand to pursue an agenda However, the window of to President Maduro have eral dialogue, their most neighbours, placing con- hemispheric future.

BWA to Declaration against arbitrary detention is install district in the interest of the Caribbean’s people meter in Ruby, St. CONTINUED from who framed them did not European Union and na- 1991, the UN Commission states that violate them. Page 9 envisage circumstances tions in Africa and on Human Rights set The majority of where governments the Caribbean, plan to up a Working Group on Caribbean countries exist Philip International human would abrogate them. launch the Declaration on Arbitrary Detention that and thrive as open THE Barbados Water rights law and instru- Therefore, they provide December 17. By then, has been automatically re- economies that encourage Authority wishes to advise ments, particularly article for no sanctions or other countries are ex- newed every three years, and promote tourism, residents and businesses 9 of the International international measures pected to join. with a mandate to grap- travel, trade and com- in St. Philip that it will be Convention on Civil and against offending govern- The question arises as ple with the issue. But merce, guaranteeing the installing a district meter Political Rights (ICCPR), ments which use state- to why the Declaration is after all this time, the es- rights of foreign nationals in Ruby on Tuesday, assert that “No one shall controlled machinery to not being presented and sential question of dealing in their countries by ad- December 15th between be subjected to arbitrary achieve political ends, in pursued within the with states that deliber- herence to international 9:30 am and 12:30 pm. arrest or detention”. this fashion. United Nations frame- ately use arbitrary arrest, law. As a result, customers They also set out obliga- The laws certainly did work. detention and sentencing These Caribbean coun- Ruby Development and tions of states to safeguard not contemplate circum- Sadly, the answer is that as a means of coercing tries are entitled to expect the immediate surround- these rights. However, stances in which any state despite the efforts of a other states, has failed the same regard and pro- ing areas may experience the rights for which would arbitrarily arrest, progressive Secretary- to be addressed ade- tections for the rights of low water pressure or out- provision is made in the detain and sentence for- General in António quately. their people in foreign ages. ICCPR apply to individu- eign nationals so as to Guterres, there are mem- For those governments countries. Residents are asked to als who are within the compel actions by other bers of the UN that are that resolutely stand for That’s why the store an adequate supply territory of the country states. guilty of these unwhole- the human, civil and Declaration Against the of water to help during this and subject to its jurisdic- Canada and the coun- some practices. They political rights of peoples, Use of Arbitrary period. tion. tries that endorse the pro- would emasculate the including their own, Detention in State-to- The BWA apologises for The problem with all posed Declaration, includ- Declaration, stifling it in the Declaration is a strong State Relations is in the any inconvenience this these laws and instru- ing the United States of their own interest. display of their collective interest of the Caribbean’s contained service disrup- ments is that the persons America, the 28-nation It is noteworthy that, in denunciation of those people. tion may cause. The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 11

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • FAX: 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] Bridges: To build or to burn The birth “All the bridges you with the much maligned unto you: when in Babylon, tributes to the pollution of crossed and thought you verse 9. It makes perfect burn your bridges with her. the moral climate that is burned are still looming sense in context of the On Intermission, @truth- changing in ways that of a pothole ahead.” – Marty Rubin Psalm, especially when one onduty presents an alter- wreaks havoc; especially on considers how Babylon op- native to the harlot’s the streets where ordinary AFTER an asphalt pave- placed with new. If the WHEN it comes to bridges erates. (The Sophisticates narrative that sanctifies folks go about their busi- ment has been laid for weak base is not com- of the literal or metaphori- who object to it often have (and profits from) victim- ness. about a decade, it is pacted, the pothole will cal variety,the options are: no problem endorsing hood.“True story I grew up In Papa San’s home land, normal for rectangular reappear – like magic. build, cross, or burn. killing the unborn. But in the hood too/But my the Letter of the Day shaped cracks to appear Only it is not magic. It is Context determines the that's life in Babylon for momma still proud of me / (Jamaica Gleaner, Decem- on the surface. These simply the consequences wisdom of our choice, but you.) In the purely sym- So not a product of my en- ber 4) resonates: Have we cracks can be economi- of a badly repaired pot- the first option aptly bolic sense the harlot vironment/My environ- got used to killings? Mr. cally sealed to prevent hole. describes the project represents “the sphere of ment is a product of me /I Fitsroy Randall, a UWI further damage to the by @truthonduty and idolatry and worldliness decided not to be defined final year journalism stu- pavement. Political patches @Limoblaze titled, well, under the temporary con- by the narrative.” dent writes,“Once a nation Sometimes, a road is not There are several other Bridges. Multicultural and trol of Satan, a worldliness He deals with legitimate gets immune to murder,we designed for the actual reasons why an asphalt multiethnic, it is an exam- in opposition to the people grievances, but ultimately have lost our way as a soci- amount of traffic, and the layer cracks and weak- ple of building bridges in and work of God, a worldli- rejects the overarching vic- ety.” If senseless murders pavement can crack from ens. But we seem disinter- what has been the most ness epitomised first by timhood narrative in the become the new normal he overuse or fatigue. These ested in such matters. We trying and divisive of years: Babylon and then by golden age of exoneration. ends, “we will no longer be cracks can be straight are a caring people. We politics, pandemic, and of Rome” (Anchor Yale Bible Backed by mindless mate- ‘Jamaica: The Land of cracks in line with the cherish our pregnant course, the politics of said Dictionary). rialism posing as actual Wood and Water’” but road, or shaped like the roads, and joyously cele- pandemic. A symbol epitomised by, science; we are told that we “‘Jamaica: The Land of skin-pattern of alligators. brate each new birth. Papa San’s line on though not localised to, are a product of our envi- Bloodshed and Murder’.” These cracks can also be When we nurse, or drive Meantime got me thinking America. More specific still: ronment but never hear a As I said, epitomised by not economically sealed to over the pothole, we cause about empires: “Me nah Hollywood. Our sophisti- peep about the fact that localised to America. prevent further damage. it to grow from a juvenile, serve Babylon/Dat a cated secular friends will our environment is also The idea of Babylon in If these cracks are not to an adult crater. fyah bun.” In The Cross interpret this as “funda- a product of us. As Revelation was influenced sealed, then when the Why don’t we seal the and the Lynching Tree, mentalists” railing against Propaganda (The City) by Jeremiah 51:6–10 and wheels of vehicles go cracks to abort the pot- James Cone, reflecting on cards and cinema. It is said: “You are NOT your verse 9 serves as an eternal over the cracks, they can holes? Why don’t we Reinhold Niebuhr’s failure much more of course. In hood, homie. It did not reminder to modern exiles. force powder sized parti- properly repair potholes to reckon with race, asks, American Babylon, make you/… You ain’t gotta Although the literal em- cles out of the underlying that result from base fail- “If the American empire Richard John Neuhaus de- sing along.” We don’t have pire(s) that epitomise what base through the cracks, ure? The answer appears has any similarities with scribes it as “a secular to sing along to Babylon’s Babylon represents sym- which appear as powder to be political. that of Rome, can one order, but it is not, as the songs. bolically changes over time, on the surface. This sig- Before a general or by really understand the the- proponents of secularism Songs that simultane- there is to be no bargaining nals that a pothole is in election, the government ological meaning of Jesus would have it, an order de- ously sanctify victimhood with her. On Conquer, gestation. If the embry- normally hurriedly on a Roman cross without signed to exclude religion and glorify violence. On the Propaganda says,“Admit it onic pothole is not aborted patches potholes very seeing him first through and religiously grounded more “sophisticated” end, we participants and citi- by sealing the cracks, the badly. These political the image of blacks on the moral discernment from the narrative is that our zens/Of Babylon your road will give birth to a patches are known to only lynching tree?” our common life”. greatest existential threat innocence is long gone.” pothole. bring temporary relief. Similarly,we start to bet- “Such an exclusion”, he is climate change. Babylon True that. Therefore, no Sometimes, small areas They do not last long, and ter understand our current continues, “is impossible if loves to babble on and on matter where Providence of the base layer, on which only guarantee that the predicament when we com- we understand politics as about anthropogenic cli- places you: forsake her and the asphalt layer is in- pothole will get worse pare the empire(s) of today the task of democratically mate change, but is eerily burn your bridges. stalled, is not compacted after the election. with Babylon. The lament deliberating and deciding silent about how she con- ADRIAN SOBERS sufficiently. The asphalt The problem is that this from modern exiles, “how how we ought to order our layer may depress or set- time, these political tings get so bout hey”, life together.” Dr. Ikael tle in that small area patches are still being echoes an ancient lament Tafari ended one of his and develop a pattern done, even after the elec- from the first santa of pieces (paraphrasing): in- of alligator-skin type tion is over. I understand Psalm 137 (vss. 1-4). This stead of casting the first Education fix? cracks. This is different the need to keep unskilled communal lament uses the stone (whether literal or lit- from the fatigue cracks, persons employed during first person plural for three erary), let us lay the first LOOKING back at my English. which also have an alliga- this time. However, why important actions: we sat brick. Taking that advice, student days in both ele- Here in Barbados we tor-skin pattern, but no not simply train them to down; we wept; we remem- along with Neuhaus’ obser- mentary and secondary are learning Chinese, settlement. seal cracks, and perma- bered. This retrospective vation, the question before school, I realise that ALL whilst from Common Sealing these settle- nently repair potholes? look at the exile is a re- us is this: How do modern teachers were ‘teachers of Entrance to CAPE we also ment cracks is not effec- The answer to that funda- minder to “we too”; modern exiles (we) order our collec- English.’ learn multiple choice. tive. The cracked asphalt mental question is blow- exiles in Babylon, that tive life in Babylon? Today the Chinese and Do we need an educa- should be removed, the ing in the wind. though she is powerful, You have heard it said natives of other countries tion fix? weak base material God still reigns. when in Rome, do as the whose language is not should be compacted, and GRENVILLE I personally take no issue Romans do; but we say English are learning MICHAEL RUDDER the cracked asphalt re- PHILLIPS II

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) Jesse Owens (1913–1980) “The true light that gives light Former President of South Africa American athlete and to everyone was coming into Olympian DON’T GIVE UP the world. 10 He was in the “A good head and a good heart world, and though the world are always a formidable combina- “The battles that count aren’t When you reach the end of was made through him, the tion.” the ones for gold medals. The your rope, tie a knot in it world did not recognize him.” struggles within yourself—the and hang on. invisible, inevitable battles in- – John 1:9-10 side all of us—that’s where it’s at.” 12 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Chinese pop singer’s new song gives Chang’e-5 voice to victims of domestic violence executes AFTER several gruesome her husband who hid her sense of social responsibil- murders of wives by body in a freezer for three ity.” their husbands shocked months. “Those who were killed first Chinese society earlier “Our names are not re- so brutally by people this year, pop singer ally Xiaojuan, alias is our sleeping by their side lunar-Earth Tan Weiwei’s latest re- last line of defense,” read should not be forgotten. lease spotlighting the the lyrics in an apparent Thanks Tan for singing pain of abused women oblique reference to do- out their pain, now I know transfer has touched a raw mestic violence. music can be so powerful!” nerve of Chinese social During her live show, wrote another netizen. projection media. Tan was seen covering In another horrific case, “Every word poked deep her mouth while she sings, a woman named Lamu, in my heart, with bitter implying that many from Southwest China’s HAVING travelled cold,” wrote a netizen women who are victims of Sichuan Province, died around moon for about about the song’s lyrics. domestic abuse remain after her ex-husband Tang six days, the orbital Tan’s song released on silent and have little Lu allegedly doused her module of China’s Friday named Xiaojuan, choice but to remain in an with petrol and set her on Chang’e-5 lunar probe which apparently refers to abusive relationship. fire as she was attempt- executed yesterday its a woman’s name, and ap- “This song gives me ing to livestream on first lunar-Earth trans- parently references the chills. Every word stings September 14. fer projection, shifting gruesome murders of a me like a cold thorn,” On Saturday the its flight path from Hangzhou woman who reads one netizen’s post Jinchuan County People’s near-circular orbit was dismembered by her that gives Tan credit for Procuratorate in Sichuan, to a higher elliptical husband, and a Shanghai writing such “a brave song charged Tang with mur- orbit, Global Times woman who was killed by that shows the celebrity’s der. Pop singer, Tan Weiwei. learned from the China National Space Administration. The perilune, the closest point of the new elliptical lunar orbit of China’s gender imbalance the orbiter- reentry capsule combination of the spacecraft, is about 200 kilometres above may take decades to resolve moon surface, the CNSA told the Global CHINA is faced with a Times on Saturday. huge gender imbal- The projection, a ance, with the male lunar orbit manoeuvre, population exceeding aimed to enable the or- the female population bital module to enter by more than 30 mil- lunar-Earth transfer lion, data from China’s orbit. National Bureau of Carrying about 2- Statistics shows. The kilogramme lunar imbalance in the post- materials, the combi- 2000s and population of nation of orbiter and marriageable age are reentry capsule will even more urgent. conduct another such In 2019, the ages with projection manoeuvre the most imbalanced gen- to break free from der ratios (males per 100 moon gravitation force females) in China were and then enter lunar- children aged 10-14 years Earth transfer orbit to and 15-19 years. In these go on its journey back two age groups, the gender to home planet of ratios were 119.10 and Earth. 118.39, respectively,mean- Before the Saturday ing there were about 120 development, the men for every 100 women, probe’s ascender suc- data shows. cessfully docked with The gender imbalance the orbital module will cause a marriage in lunar orbit on squeeze in 20 to 30 years Children play near a newly-built kindergarten in Pumaqangtang Township of Nagarze County in Shannan, December 6, some especially in remote, rural southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, April 16, 2020. 380,000 kilometres and poor areas, and will from the Earth, and also lead to a declining same age groups. ulation and China’s efforts In China as a whole, critical thing is to change later completed the birth rate, Peng Xizhe, Cross-national mar- to crack down on illegal women live an average of people’s ‘son preference’ lunar sample transfer director of the Fudan riages and people flows in identifying the gender of five years longer than concept,” Peng noted. from the ascender to University Centre for areas and ages could be a the fetus, and illegal gen- men. Setting aside the im- A positive sign is, in the reentry capsule. Population and Develop- way to relieve the pressure der selection. balance in other age 2019, the gender ratio of China launched the ment Policy Studies, told on the marriage market, Data shows that, in groups,as long as there are 0-4 years old in China was ambitious moon mate- the Global Times. some experts suggested. 2019, Sichuan Province be- more elderly people in the 113.62, which is signifi- rial returning Chang’e- The marriageable popu- The gender imbalance in came the only province to population, the gender cantly lower than 116.85 5 lunar probe, the lat- lation is close to that of the China’s population has im- have more women than ratio will be narrower. of 5-9 years old, and 114.52 est of its increasingly post-2000s. The gender proved in recent years, men, with its gender ratio It is illegal in China to of 0-4 years old in 2018. complex moon explo- ratio among people aged with the gap narrowing at 96.7. Peng explained identify the gender before Solving the gender im- ration missions, on 20-24 and 25-29 reached from a record high 40.08 that the province has the birth for non-medical balance will take time. “It November 24, and the 114.61 and 106.65, respec- million in 2006 to 30.49 highest aging population purposes, or to terminate will take about 50 to 60 whole mission would tively, indicating that at million in 2019. in China as it is the pregnancy for gender pref- years to slowly resolve the take around 23 least one out of 11 men Experts said the im- province with the largest erence. gender imbalance formed days, according to the would not be able to get provement comes from the outflow of young labors to “To address the gender 20 to 30 years ago,” Peng CNSA. married with woman from aging tendency of the pop- other provinces. imbalance at birth, the said. The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 13

China donates more medical supplies for Myanmar’s fight against COVID-19

CHINA’S Hubei provincial gov- Hubei provincial government ernment has donated medical has a special significance supplies worth 2 million yuan as Hubei Province is China’s (about 305,614 U.S. dollars) to decisive battlegrounds Myanmar to be used in the against COVID-19,” Chinese fight against COVID-19 on Ambassador Chen Hai Friday. said. The donated protective The ambassador pledged equipment included 30,000 that China is ready to imple- personal protective equipment ment pandemic prevention and (PPE), 30,000 isolation control measures in tandem gowns, 42,000 N95 masks with pragmatic cooperation, and 150,000 surgical masks re- and will play its due role spectively. in helping overcome the out- The medical supplies were break and achieving socio- Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai (L) hands over medical supplies to a Myanmar’s handed over by the Chinese economic development in official in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 11, 2020. China’s Hubei provincial government has donated Embassy in Myanmar to the Myanmar. medical supplies worth 2 million yuan (about 305,614 U.S. dollars) to Myanmar to be used in the Department of Medical Mya Lay Sein, deputy minis- fight against COVID-19 on Friday. Research under the Ministry of ter for Health and Sports, ex- Health and Sports. pressed her gratitude to the medical supplies which are es- fight COVID-19 in the country. ported 104,487 COVID-19 pos- “The donation to the people and government of sential and useful for the front- According to the ministry’s itive cases, with 2,201 deaths Myanmar government from the Hubei Province for providing line medical professionals to latest figures, Myanmar has re- as of late Thursday. Good grain harvest lifts nation’s supplies CHINA saw another good grain harvest in 2020 with a 0.9 percent year-on-year in- crease in production, ac- cording to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Thursday. The total yield of grain, in- cluding rice, wheat, corn and soybeans, reached 670 million metric tons this year, marking the sixth consecutive year with grain production of more than 650 million tons, the bureau said. Of all major crops, soybean has seen the fastest increase in production this year?8.3 percent year-on-year, with a total pro- duction of nearly 20 million tons. Soybean is a major agricul- tural product for which China relies on imports to meet domes- tic demand, with 85 percent of domestically consumed soybean imported last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Among other major grains, the production of rice reached A farmer reaps wheat in a field in Wushi village, Sinan county, Guizhou province. 212 million tons, an increase of 1.1 percent compared with last producer in the world, and the tribute greatly to stable overall estimated that stocks of major measures this year that resulted year, while production of wheat per capita supply of grain in economic and social develop- grains in China can meet the in increased enthusiasm among increased by 0.5 percent to 134 China reached 470 kilograms ment. demand from the whole popu- farmers to grow grain and a 0.6 million tons, according to the bu- last year,above the 400 kg inter- “We have achieved another lation for more than one year, percent increase year-on-year in reau. national standard for food secu- good grain harvest this year. Qin Yuyun, chief of grain re- total farming area for grain. Food security has been a top rity. This has provided a solid foun- serves at the National Food and Meanwhile, a favourable cli- priority in China for years, given Of all 31 provinces, au- dation for China to cope with a Strategic Reserves mate in most parts of China this the nation’s large demand gen- tonomous regions and munici- complex and fluctuating domes- Administration, said at a news year also contributed to growth erated by its huge population. palities on the Chinese main- tic and international environ- conference last week. in grain production. In certain The country has realised self- land, 26 recorded increases in ment and to overcome all kinds Li, from the National Bureau parts hit by natural disasters sufficiency in the supply of grain production this year, said of risks and challenges,” he said. of Statistics, said local govern- such as flooding and typhoons, major grains after decades of ef- Li Suoqiang, chief for rural af- With consecutive large har- ments across China have in- intensified efforts were mo- forts. fairs at the bureau, adding that vests, the grain reserves have creased support for grain pro- bilised to alleviate their nega- China is now the largest grain a good harvest this year will con- also reached a historic high. It is duction and released various tive impact, he said. 14 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

CHTA shares optimistic outlook for tourism’s recovery AS THE Coronavirus Disease 2019 businesses to adapt to a new reality. In greatest opportunity to recover and renew, (COVID-19) pandemic continues to addition to the all-important Comito pointed to opportunities for impact global tourism, top Caribbean strengthening of health and safety diversification not away from – but within private sector tourism leaders are protocols which are well underway – the sector,particularly by strengthening asserting that tourism is the region’s throughout the Caribbean, the training economic linkages to tourism to guide the best hope for recovery and renewal. of industry professionals in new region’s re-shaping. He also asserted During recent presentations to travel technologies and reinforcing the region’s tourism leaders and stakeholders must and tourism stakeholders, Pablo Jose noted culture of hospitality,are needed to address the region’s challenges such as Torres Sojo, the recently appointed move the region on the road to recovery. its vulnerability to economic downturns; president of the Caribbean Hotel and Torres stressed that the region’s natural climatic, political, and public health crises; Tourism Association (CHTA), and Frank beauty, its proximity to North American managing growth, affordable airlift and Comito, CEO and Director General of markets, its brand awareness, the natural rising costs; revenue leakage; competition CHTA, expressed the association’s welcoming nature of its people and its from other markets; insufficient public- confidence that tourism will once again allure as a wellness destination, are just private partnerships; the need to increase display its resilience and help lead the a few of the Caribbean’s most enduring support for local entrepreneurs and small region to recovery.They asserted that the charms. The visitor industry, the region’s businesses; and the balance between successful revival of the sector relies on its most important economic driver,he added, foreign and local ownership. ability to enhance its strengths, while boosts small business revenues and drives Torres and Comito cautioned that simultaneously reshaping itself to adapt large infrastructural and human tourism’s recovery must be accelerated Pablo Jose Torres Sojo, the recently to a changing global environment. resources development. without compromising environmental appointed president of the Torres observed that “while the tourism Participating in the recent Association diversity, sacrificing the progress made Caribbean Hotel and Tourism industry and economies are challenged in of Caribbean States (ACS) Business towards promoting sustainable Association (CHTA). unprecedented ways, the Caribbean Forum of the Greater Caribbean, Comito development, or diluting the cultural tourism industry is not a stranger to addressed the imperative of health and identity of the Caribbean.As visitor needs hospitality, culture, identity and diversity. crises, and there is every reason to believe safety in a COVID-19 environment, and behaviours continue to change, hotels, Moving forward, the CHTA leaders will that it will continue to show its resilience adding that communicating priorities tour operators, activities, dining continue to encourage the association’s and it will rebound.” quickly and clearly to markets and to the establishments, marine attractions and members to actively seek, pursue and Torres further reported that COVID-19 region’s tourism stakeholders was key to allied businesses must also adapt by develop opportunities for collaboration is accelerating changes in customer a dynamic and sustainable recovery. training and empowering staff to that will allow the Caribbean to play to its behaviors that are forcing tourism-related While tourism presents the Caribbean’s accentuate and differentiate Caribbean considerable strengths. Former Guyana president blanks meeting of former heads of state cites lack of agenda for examination GUYANA – Former President David the outcome that would be expected from 19 pandemic; unwarranted dismissals of Granger has declined an invitation to deliberations. The President’s intention public servants; harassment of Elections attend a meeting on Tuesday with on the other hand, according newspaper Commission officials and human rights President Irfaan Ali and three former reports was to generate ideas on violations – which can have consequences PPP/C Presidents. ‘Guyana’s development’”, the statement for Guyana’s short-, medium- and long- In a statement from the PNCR said. term national development. yesterday,Granger acknowledged receipt Granger said that he regards ‘Guyana’s Granger added that it would be a huge of a letter dated 4th December from Gail development as a serious matter’, public disappointment for the proposed Teixeira, Minister of Governance inviting recalling that, on 1st January 2020, he high-level meeting to take place,hurriedly him to a ‘working lunch’ at 12:00 hours on launched ‘Guyana’s decade of and in an “unorganized, Tuesday 15th December at State House. development, 2020 – 2029: Overcoming unplanned manner and without a “The Minister’s letter,however,neither crime, disease, ignorance and poverty’ in predictable prospect of progress or explained amply the purpose of the which he outlined his concept for the success”. intended meeting nor recommended an country’s long-term development. He recommended, therefore, that the agenda for his examination.There was no Granger emphasized in the statement meeting intended to be held on Tuesday indication of the preparation that would that there is public concern about certain 15th December 2020 be deferred until be needed, the relevance of the governmental actions – including the high these important issues could be Former President David Granger engagement to government policies and rates of deaths as a result of the COVID- satisfactorily settled. CARILEC urges its members and wider C’bean to remain vigilant CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The CARILEC membership body Notwithstanding the official closure of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season throughout the Caribbean This state of preparedness and seventh (7th) costliest one on CARILEC is pleased to report Association (CAWASA), the Region and beyond, survived the vigilance is essential, as we record, with thirty (30) named that both member utilities Deutsche Gesellschaft für 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season continue to navigate through storms, of which six (6) restored power to affected Internationale Zusammenarbeit with minimal devastation or this multi-hazard environment. intensified into major communities, within a timely (GIZ) and the European Union catastrophic damage. Current At this critical juncture, hurricanes. Within the region manner and without requiring Delegation to Barbados and the scientific and medical research CARILEC reaffirms its and the CARILEC membership, external assistance. Eastern Caribbean for their indicates the continuation of the commitment to supporting its Belize and Bermuda were hit by CARILEC also takes this continued collaboration and COVID-19 pandemic well into members in the areas of mutual hurricanes Nana and Paulette opportunity to extend its sincere support in areas of mutual 2021, notwithstanding assistance and disaster (respectively), both category one gratitude to our regional and interest. We look forward to breakthroughs with the management through the (1) hurricanes. While the effects international partners; the continuing this collaborative vaccines, and increased CARILEC Disaster Assistance of both hurricanes were not Caribbean Disaster Emergency effort in 2021 and beyond, frequency and intensity of Program (CDAP), health, safety utterly devastating, Belize Management Agency (CDEMA), alongside our members and weather systems, due to climate and environment (HSE) Electricity Limited (BEL) did the Caribbean Public Health regional partners, local disaster change and global warming. management and capacity report power outages in several Agency (CARPHA), the offices and government agencies It is therefore imperative that building. communities in Southern Belize Caribbean Association of to mitigate multi-hazard and CARILEC members and the The recently concluded and Bermuda Electric Light National Telecommunications disaster-related outcomes and to wider Caribbean Region remain tropical cyclone season has been Company (BELCO) reported Organisations (CANTO), the work towards the overall particularly vigilant, even described by meteorological that over 20,000 residents lost CARICOM Secretariat, the improvement of the lives of all outside of the hurricane season. officials as the most active and power for a period of time. Caribbean Water and Sewerage Caribbean people. The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 15

Legal cannabis In first, St Vincent law tabled in woman jailed for Bermuda’s House helping to hide of Assembly escaped prisoners KINGSTOWN, St who has been indicted in LEGISLATION to lay monitoring, inspection and Vincent – A 29-year-old the United States, where the framework for legal enforcement powers to the mother of two, who he lived for almost two cannabis in Bermuda regulator, the Cannabis admitted to having sex decades, in connection was Friday tabled in Licensing Authority.” with one of the two with the 2006 murder of the House of Assembly She described the murder accused who Chanel Petro-Nixon, 16, Kathy Lynn Simmons, legislation as an “agile escaped from prison in Brooklyn, New York. the Attorney-General and regulatory framework” earlier this week, has She told the court that the Minister of Legal that can develop and grow been jailed for a year after when the prisoners Affairs said the Cannabis as needed and adapt as she was found guilty of arrived at her home they Licensing Act 2020 would other models are acting to impede their were not wearing prison open the door for the legal introduced internationally. apprehension or clothes. She said later use of cannabis in Licensing categories prosecution. that night, Primus made Bermuda by those over the include a two-tier Shadene Farrel sexual advances towards age of 21. cultivation licence system appeared before a her and while she was The long debated law – one for personal use and Kathy Lynn Simmons, the Attorney-General and Magistrate Court on frightened, she still had also details for the one for commercial the Minister of Legal Affairs Friday, one day after sex with him. However, framework for commercial purposes – and a similar police re-captured Veron she added that he did not cannabis production and two-tier manufacturing cannabis at authorised allow them to enter any Primus and Ulrick force himself upon her. sales including licences for licence for the creation of public events. cannabis shops. ‘Chucky’ Hanson at her In his ruling, the importation, exportation cannabis infused products. Ms Simmons said the Ms Simmons said: “The home in Lowmans magistrate told Farrel, and transport. Licences will also be Bill would also allow the presented Bill is the Leeward, on the outskirts “you are not as innocent Ms Simmons said: developed to allow the minister to exclude culmination of a of the capital. as you want to appear “Provisions in the bill will importation and powerful strains of comprehensive social She became the first before me. You’re not that permit lawful activities exportation of cannabis to cannabis from the regime justice reform project to person here to be charged innocent at all”. relating to the cannabis countries where the drug is and make it an offence to liberalise our cannabis with the offence of The prosecution asked plant, medicinal cannabis, lawful, a transport licence sell or supply cannabis to laws in line with global knowing and believing that a strong message be cannabis products and to move the drug in anyone under the age of 21. contemporary thought, prisoners to be guilty of sent since those kinds of cannabis-infused food Bermuda, a research Licence holders will also scientific evidence and escaping lawful custody, offences are not products. licence and an event not be allowed to employ overwhelming public and without lawful acceptable. “It also grants licence to allow for sale of those under the age of 21 or support.” authority or reasonable The magistrate excuse, did an act to sentenced her to one year impede their in jail. apprehension or This is the second time Trinidad health minister not prosecution. that Primus, considered a She told Senior very dangerous prisoner, Magistrate Rickie has escaped prison, the happy about birthday parties that Burnett that when the first time being October prisoners turned up at 1, 2019. He was sentenced her home early in the to 16 months resulted in COVID-related death morning, she asked them incarceration for this. PORT OF SPAIN,Trinidad the parties. one case. if they had anywhere else Primus has been in – Trinidad and Tobago “Tobago is seeing, in our “We have been advising to go, and they told her custody since April 2016 Health Minister, Terrence view, a disturbing and the population not to have that the sun was coming when he was arrested Deyalsingh, yesterday significant upsurge in gatherings out of your up soon. and charged in criticised people who cases. And the contact immediate family. We are She said she was connection with the attended three birthday tracing has revealed a very concerned about what is frightened and that she November 2015 murder parties in Tobago resulting disturbing series of events happening in Tobago. We only left to purchase a of 33-year-old real estate in one death and numerous that took place in Tobago stand ready to support the phone because hers was agent Charlene Greaves, other positive cases of with the help of people from Tobago Regional Health not working, so she could whose body was found COVID-19, as regional Trinidad,”Deyalsingh said, Authority,” the minister Trinidad and Tobago not call the police. with stab wounds at her countries continued their noting that there were said. Health Minister, She apparently knew office on November 13, plea to citizens to take birthday parties in Tobago Meanwhile, the health Terrence Deyalsingh Primus because her best 2015. precautions and heed the on November 22 which led authorities said that 19 friend’s boyfriend is Primus was committed call to curb the spread of to five COVID-19 cases and new cases of the virus were Ministry of Health said related to him. to stand trial for that the virus. one death. detected here from samples that there are 627 active “Any reason why they killing but escaped prison Deyalsingh, speaking at He said on November 28, taken between December 8 cases, six people have been came to you as opposed to in September 2019. He a Ministry of Health news there was another birthday and 10. Of these, one was a discharged from public somebody else? Do you later turned himself in conference, said that 11 party leading to five more recently repatriated health facilities, and there know why? Any reason?” after that jailbreak and people had tested positive cases, and another on person. are 27 newly recovered the magistrate asked her, pleaded guilty to a charge for the virus as a result of December 8 which led to In its latest bulletin, the community cases. to which the accused of escaping lawful admitted that she would custody. have video calls with Police said that Hanson Primus from his cell in was also serving a six- Bermuda Gov’t reintroduces curfew as island prison. months jail term for The magistrate told her having prohibited items that the penalty of the in the prison. records nearly 100 new cases of COVID offence she was charged He is on trial together HAMILTON, Bermuda – from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am reduced to 10. of infections was being with is a maximum of two with Glenville Harry and The Bermuda government (local time) from Saturday Gyms must operate at driven by younger people, years in prison. Jerome Ollivierre, in has reintroduced a curfew until December 22 at reduced capacity and with more than half of the “When you set about to connection with the 2018 after the island recorded least. personal services such as latest cases aged under 30. do wrong, you have to murder of Rodney 86 new cases of COVID-19 He told legislators on barbers and spas cannot Bermuda has seven contemplate the George, a 50-year-old during a six day period. Friday that businesses provide any services that clusters of cases of the consequences,” he told the security guard, whose Premier David Burt told must close at 10:00 pm require a mask to be virus, up from two, but has defendant. body was found with his the House of Assembly and the maximum size of removed. not moved to community The court heard that throat slit on September that the curfew would be gatherings would be Burt said the new wave spread. the accused knew Primus, 1, 2018. 16 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Argentina’s lower house approves bill legalizing abortion BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – had spent the night outside the Lawmakers in Argentina’s congress building in Buenos lower house on Friday passed Aires, erupted with joy and a bill that would legalize embraced each other as they elective abortions to the 14th listened to the parliamentary week of pregnancy, a speaker reading the vote’s results proposal from President on screens. Many of them wore Alberto Fernández in face masks in the green color that response to long-sought has become a symbol for their Demonstrators in favour of decriminalizing abortion, who had spent the night outside the demands from women’s movement. congress building in Buenos Aires. rights activists in the Hundreds of meters (yards) homeland of Pope Francis. away,not far from the parliament as well as people who assist them Mauricio Macri, the upper house “To each woman who wears the The bill still needs approval building, hundreds of opponents with the procedure, can face voted against a similar bill to green scarf demanding to decide, from the country’s Senate in a dressed in light blue and carrying prosecution. Exemptions are only legalize abortion after it was to those who never lower their debate expected before the end of the national flag deplored the considered in cases of rape or if narrowly approved by the lower arms: May abortion be legal and the year. result, with some shedding tears. pregnancy poses a risk to the house free! Let it be law!” Lospennato The proposed law was Latin America has some of the mother’s health. Ahead of Thursday’s debate, said. approved in a 131-117 vote with world’s most restrictive abortion Before getting elected one year the Roman Catholic Church had But lawmakers from several six abstentions after a marathon laws. Mexico City, Cuba and ago, Fernández had promised to appealed to legislators for “a parties have argued that debate that extended from Uruguay are among the few push for making abortion second of reflection on what abortions would be a violation of Thursday into the early hours of places in the region where women voluntary and cost-free. respect for life means,” echoing the American Convention on Friday morning. Some of its can undergo abortions during the While the bill passed the lower the position of Pope Francis, an Human Rights, which they say backers were lawmakers in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy house, the outlook is less clear in Argentine, that abortion is part of takes precedence over the the opposition. regardless of the circumstances. the country’s Senate. Two years today’s “throwaway culture” that national Constitution and that Demonstrators in favour of Currently, many women who ago, during the administration of doesn’t respect the dignity of the establishes that the right to life decriminalizing abortion, who have an abortion in Argentina, more conservative President unborn, the weak or elderly. should be protected by law, “in Several thousand women general, from the moment of seeking abortions have died conception.” during unsafe, clandestine Opposition legislator Graciela Mexico procedures in Argentina since Camaño equated legalizing 1983, and about 38,000 women abortion to “the lack of political are hospitalized every year capacity to solve society’s approves because of botched procedures problems.” conducted in secret, according to “Instead of solving the causes – the government. the lack of education, poverty, emergency The bill approved Friday flaws – we are proposing for the follows more than a decade of solution to the problem to remain campaigning by the National in the private sphere of women use of Pfizer Campaign for the Right to Free and, worse even, without any and Safe Legal Abortion. chance for men’s opinion,” she Speaking minutes before the said. coronavirus congressonal debate ended, Silvia If passed in the Senate,a Lospennato, one of the opposition traditionally more conservative lawmakers who backed the chamber, abortions would be vaccine ruling party’s initiative, said it possible beyond the 14th week if MEXICO CITY – The Mexican was time “to finish writing the the pregnancy is the result of rape government’s medical safety rights and move on to the stage of or if it endangers the person commission approved the equality.” carrying the fetus. emergency use of the Pfizer- BioNTech coronavirus vaccine Friday, making Mexico the fourth country to do so. Bolivia approves Assistant Health Secretary Hugo López-Gatell said Mexico’s approval came after Britain, first same-sex union Canada and Bahrain. The Assistant Health Secretary Hugo López-Gatell United States announced its own approval of the vaccine López-Gatell downplayed official estimates place the real following legal battle shortly after Mexico. reports of allergic reactions death toll at closer to 150,000, DAVID Aruquipa, a 48-year-old rights standards and constituted Mexico is set to receive among some vaccine recipients due to Mexico’s extremely low businessman, and Guido discrimination under Bolivian 250,000 doses of the vaccine, in Britain, noting that “the level of testing. Montaño, a 45-year-old lawyer, law.“It is an initial step,but what enough for 125,000 people, immense, immense, immense Mexico City has become the were initially denied the right to inspires us is (the goal) of because each person requires majority of people in Mexico and central focus of increasing cases register their union in 2018 by transforming the law,” said two shots. López-Gatell has said the world will be able to take in the country. The capital’s authorities in Bolivia, who said Aruquipa, a well-known local that front-line health workers this vaccine.” hospitals were 78% full Friday, the country’s laws did not allow activist for LGBT causes. will get the shots first. Mexico posted a record a level that worried officials. same sex marriage. Despite considerable Vaccinations are expected to increase of 12,253 coronavirus Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum The couple, together for more opposition from religious groups, begin as soon as next week. cases Friday, for a total of issued an urgent appeal for than 11 years, took their case to gay marriage has become López-Gatell said the approval 1,229,379 infections during the residents of the capital to stay court. While the Bolivian increasingly accepted in Latin “is of course a reason for hope,” pandemic. home, saying the city of almost Constitution still does not America, with same sex couples though the initial rounds of Officials also reported 693 9 million was in a “coronavirus contemplate same sex unions, now allowed to marry in shots are not nearly enough for more deaths related to COVID- emergency.” Montaño and Aruquipa argued Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico’s estimated 1.6 million 19, bringing the country’s total López-Gatell called it an successfully the prohibition Colombia, Uruguay and parts of health care workers. to 113,019. However, even “extremely urgent” situation. violated international human Mexico. The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 17

Trump lashes out at Supreme Court, Barr as efforts to overturn election fizzle WASHINGTON – President Democrat Biden’s victory official. the greatest voter fraud ever per- reported that Barr knew earlier been in question since he Donald Trump lambasted Trump, a Republican, has re- petrated on the United States of this year about an investigation said last week that a Justice the Supreme Court on fused to concede despite losing America.” into Biden’s son Hunter’s taxes. Department investigation had Saturday for declining to to Biden, who took 306 votes to The court said Texas did not In a statement released by found no sign of major fraud in take a case he hoped would Trump’s 232 in the state-by- have legal standing to bring the the president-elect’s transition the November election, contra- overturn President-elect Joe state Electoral College, which al- case, abruptly ending what team, Hunter Biden said on dicting Trump’s false claims. Biden’s election victory and lots votes to all 50 states and the Trump had touted in recent days Wednesday that the US The president has continued called Attorney General District of Columbia based on as his best hope for overturning Attorney’s Office in Delaware to press his allegations of wide- William Barr a “disappoint- population. the election. The three justices was investigating his tax affairs, spread fraud without evidence ment”. “This is a great and disgrace- nominated by Trump – Amy which he said he had handled despite dozens of failures in On Friday evening the nation’s ful miscarriage of justice. The Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch and “legally and appropriately”. courts. Though he has said he high court rejected a long-shot people of the United States were Brett Kavanaugh – signed on to Trump retweeted a comment will leave the White House on lawsuit by Texas seeking to cheated, and our Country dis- the court’s order without com- from radio host Todd Starnes Jan. 20 if the Electoral College throw out voting results from graced. Never even given our day ment. saying Barr should be fired. “A affirms Biden’s win, he is likely four states. in Court!” Trump wrote on In a series of apparently frus- big disappointment!”Trump said to continue to decry the election The decision comes ahead of a Twitter on Saturday morning. trated tweets, the president also in his tweet. as rigged and seek to undermine meeting by the US Electoral “The Supreme Court had lashed out at his attorney gen- Barr’s fate in the waning days the legitimacy of Biden’s presi- College on Monday to make ZERO interest in the merits of eral after the Wall Street Journal of the Trump administration has dency. Pro-Trump groups march and pray to protest president’s election loss WASHINGTON – Conservative groups alleging without evidence that President-elect Joe Biden stole the US election gathered for protests on Saturday, including one in Washington featuring President Donald Trump’s recently par- doned former national security adviser. Organisers Stop The Steal, linked to pro-Trump operative Roger Stone, and church groups urged supporters to participate in “Jericho Marches” and prayer rallies. The protests were planned in Washington and in the capitals of Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada and Arizona, where Trump’s campaign has questioned vote counts. More than 50 federal and state court rulings have upheld Biden’s victory over Trump.The US Supreme Court on Friday rejected a long-shot lawsuit filed by Texas and backed by Trump seeking to throw out voting re- sults in four states. “Whatever the ruling was yes- terday … everybody take a deep, deep breath,” Retired Army General Mike Flynn, Trump’s former national secu- rity adviser, told protesters in front of the Supreme Court, re- A man blows a shofar as supporters of US President Donald Trump rally to protest the results of the election in front of Supreme ferring to the court’s refusal to Court building, in Washington, US, on December 12, 2020. hear the Texas case. Flynn, who twice pleaded dence that he was denied vic- them to be worn outside. Pennsylvania, who sported a allegations. guilty to lying to the FBI about tory by massive fraud. Trump About 200 “Proud Boys”, a vi- tricorner Revolutionary War Lori Hood, who travelled from contacts with the former said on Twitter he was not olent far right group, joined the hat as he walked toward the Denver with her sons, Adrian, Russian ambassador, spoke in informed earlier about the march near the Trump Hotel. Supreme Court with his wife. 23, and Colten, 11, carried a his first public address since protest, “but I’ll be seeing them!” Many wore combat fatigues, Trump “is being railroaded sign reading “We love you Trump pardoned him on Nov. ballistic vests, and carried hel- out of office,” he said, adding Supreme Court but we won’t 24. Proud Boys mets. that Biden won with the collab- tolerate lawlessness”. Adrian, “My charge to you is to go Hundreds of Trump’s support- A truck-pulled trailer flew oration of the Supreme Court, wearing a US flag around back to where you are from” ers carrying flags and signs Trump 2020 flags and a sign the FBI, Department of Justice his shoulders, said courts in and make demands, Flynn made their way in small reading “Trump Unity”, while and the CIA. The Supreme Georgia, Michigan,Arizona and told the small crowd, without knots toward Congress and blaring the country song “God Court “didn’t even take the time Pennsylvania had illegally sub- being more specific. The US the Supreme Court through Bless the USA”. to hear the case,” Jones said. stituted their power for those of Constitution is “not about collec- Washington’s city centre, which Some Washington protesters Eddy Miller of Philadelphia, state legislatures that should tive liberty it is about individual was shut off to traffic by police echoed far right conspiracy who was selling Trump cam- appoint pro-Trump electors. liberties, and they designed it vehicles and dump trucks. theories about the election. paign T-shirts, said he was sure Asked why he believed there that way,” Flynn said. Few wore masks, despite soar- “It’s clear the election has “there was fraud despite what was fraud when the courts Trump has refused to concede ing COVID-19 deaths and cases, been stolen,” said Mark Paul I see on the news” about court found none, he said, “It’s what I defeat, alleging without evi- defying a mayoral directive for Jones, of Delaware Water Gap, rulings striking down fraud see with my eyes.” 18 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

First US shots in COVID-19 vaccine campaign coming Monday, Army general says

THE first US shots of on Monday, said US based on the urgency of It is the first COVID- lion doses are expected to a newly authorised Army General Gustave this pandemic, not be- 19 vaccine authorised in roll out of Pfizer plants COVID-19 vaccine will Perna on a Saturday cause of any other exter- the United States, where in the coming days, with be administered as press call. nal pressure,” US Food the pandemic has killed more shipments each early as Monday The remainder of the and Drug Administration more than 295,000 peo- week. morning, with Pfizer 636 delivery locations se- Commissioner Stephen ple. Britain, Canada and Healthcare workers Inc. and partners aim- lected by US states and Hahn said during a press three other countries and elderly people in ing to start shipping territories will receive conference earlier in the have already authorised long-term care facilities on Sunday, a US gen- doses on Tuesday and day. the shot from US-based are expected to be the eral organising the Wednesday, he said. The United States on Pfizer and German part- main recipients of the rollout said. With distribution im- Friday evening granted ner BioNTech. first wave of shots in Doses of the vaccine minent, top regulators an emergency use autho- The Trump adminis- December, with more from Pfizer and partner sought to reassure risation for the vaccine tration has poured bil- US residents becoming BioNTech, which was au- Americans that the for people aged 16 and lions of dollars into de- eligible in January. thorised for use by US record fast pace was older. The immunisation veloping vaccines and Authorities have said regulators on Friday,will warranted and had not was 95% effective in pre- will manage the distribu- general availability of A vial of the be delivered to 145 loca- sacrificed safety. venting COVID-19 in a tion and allocation to the vaccine is expected Pfizer/BioNTech tions around the country “We worked quickly late-stage trial. states. The first 2.9 mil- by April. COVID-19 vaccine. Pope commits Vatican to net Britain’s navy to protect fishing zero carbon emissions by 2050 waters in case of no-deal Brexit VATICAN CITY – Pope LONDON – Four Royal Francis urged countries Navy patrol ships are on Saturday to work to- on standby to protect wards net zero carbon Britain’s fishing waters emissions and committed in the event the Brexit Vatican City – the world’s transition period ends smallest state – to reach- on Dec. 31 without a deal ing the target by 2050. on future ties with the Francis, who has cham- European Union, the pioned environmental Ministry of Defence causes since his election (MOD) said. in 2013, told a UN climate The move drew criticism summit the 108-acre (44- from lawmakers in hectare) city-state sur- British Prime Minister rounded by Rome would Boris Johnson’s own be doing its bit to fight cli- Conservative Party, but mate change. was shrugged off by the “The current pandemic French government. and climate change, “Keep calm and carry Tobias Ellwood is a former defence minister. which are not only envi- on,” an Elysee official said, ronmentally relevant, but using to a British wartime sive economic zone (EEZ), must be really enjoying also ethically,socially,eco- slogan. which can extend 200 this.” nomically and politically, There are concerns miles (320 km) from shore. A French minister said affect, above all, the lives about possible skirmishes The Guardian news- on Thursday that France of the poorest and most between British and for- paper reported earlier would compensate its fragile,” he said in a video eign fishing vessels if no that two vessels would fishermen and take other message to the summit. trade deal is reached, with be deployed at sea with a measures to help them if “In addition to adopting existing transitional rules further two on standby talks on a trade deal some measures that that give EU boats access in case EU fishing boats collapsed, in an effort to cannot be postponed Pope Francis conducts a Mass on the feast day of to British waters set to ex- entered the EEZ. avoid clashes at sea. any longer, a strategy Our Lady of Guadalupe in St. Peter’s Basilica, at the pire at the end of the year. Tobias Ellwood, a Britain quit the EU in is needed to reduce Vatican, on December 12, 2020. “The MOD has con- Conservative Party law- January, but under the net emissions to zero,” ducted extensive planning maker who chairs the terms of its exit deal re- Francis said. banned single-use plastic tific evidence that human and preparation to ensure British parliament’s de- mains part of the bloc’s He committed the bags last year, was now activity was to blame for that Defence is ready for a fence select committee, single market and Vatican “to reducing net recycling 65% of its waste global warming. range of scenarios at the called the move “irrespon- customs union until a emissions to zero by and aimed to reach 75% Francis also strongly end of the Transition sible”. transition period expires 2050”, as well as intensi- in 2023. backed the Paris agree- Period,” an MOD “We’re just facing the on Dec. 31. fying environmental In his address, Francis ment to limit the global spokesman said. prospect of... our over- Johnson and European management efforts and said the Holy See was rise of temperatures and The 80-metre-long navy stretched Royal Navy Commission chief Ursula furthering the rational committed to promoting, has said he was saddened vessels will have the squaring up to a close von der Leyen said on use of natural resources in Catholic schools and by US President Donald power to stop and inspect NATO ally over fishing Friday it was now unlikely such as water and plant- elsewhere, “an education Trump’s decision to with- EU fishing boats operat- vessel rights,” he told BBC a trade deal would be ing more trees. for integral ecology” to draw from it. ing within Britain’s exclu- radio. “Our adversaries agreed. A Vatican statement favour development and said the city-state was sustainability and en- moving ahead with plans courage economic policies to substitute all its com- that respect the environ- France condemns ‘barbaric’ Iranian execution bustion engine cars with ment. PARIS – France reacted international obliga- and press freedom in media. electric or hybrid vehi- In 2015, Francis wrote with anger on Saturday tions. Iran,” the foreign min- “This is a barbaric cles. a landmark encyclical to Iran’s execution of a “France condemns in istry said in a statement, and unacceptable act It said the Vatican, “Laudato Si” (Praised Be) Paris-based dissident the strongest possible after the execution of that goes against the which began installing on the need to protect journalist, which it said terms this serious Ruhollah Zam was re- country’s international solar panels in 2008 and nature. It backed scien- ran counter to Tehran’s breach of free expression ported by Iranian state commitments.” The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 19

Polish government Nigeria school remains intact as junior attack: Hundreds partner votes to stay WARSAW – The arch-con- Prime Minister Mateusz missing in Katsina servative United Poland Morawiecki, a member of party decided on the largest coalition part- Saturday to remain in ner Law and Justice (PiS), after gunmen’s raid government despite its agreed a compromise dur- opposition to a European ing an EU leaders’ sum- HUNDREDS of stu- the army and air force Union budget deal, the mit earlier this week. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki attends a dents are feared miss- have joined the search for party’s leader said, mean- But United Poland meeting after a night of negotiation during a face-to- ing after gunmen the missing. ing the ruling coalition leader Zbigniew Ziobro, face EU summit amid the coronavirus disease raided a secondary Residents living near will keep its majority. who is the country’s jus- (COVID-19) lockdown in Brussels, Belgium on school in north-west- the all-boys boarding United Poland had tice minister, told a news December 11, 2020. ern Nigeria. school in the Kankara called for a veto of the conference on Saturday The attackers arrived area told the BBC they EU’s 2021-2027 budget that the party’s leader- vatives in predominantly have brought Poland into on motorbikes and started heard gunfire at about and coronavirus recovery ship had voted to stay in Roman Catholic Poland conflict with the EU and shooting in to the air, 23:00 (22:00 GMT) on fund because of a clause the coalition. say the EU’s rule of law which critics say aim to causing people to flee, Friday, and that the at- linking cash with respect “The voting was secret, mechanism could be a increase political control witnesses said. tack lasted for more than for the rule of law. and by 12 votes of leader- first step to forcing the of the courts. They targeted the an hour. It said the clause ship members to eight the country to accept policies The coalition’s other Government Science Security personnel at threatened Poland’s sov- motion of one of our col- like gay marriage. partner, Accord, led by Secondary School – where the school managed to ereignty and would make leagues to leave the coali- United Poland has Deputy Prime Minister more than 800 students repel some of the attack- funding dependent on the tion was rejected,” Ziobro drawn in hard-right vot- Jaroslaw Gowin, has a are said to reside – in ers before police reinforce- acceptance of liberal poli- said, though he reiterated ers opposed to LGBT more centrist and pro- Katsina state on Friday ments arrived, officials cies. his party’s opposition to rights and immigration. European approach. It evening. said. The eurosceptic party Morawiecki’s deal. Ziobro is the architect backed the EU compro- More than 200 students In a statement on reacted with fury when Many religious conser- of judicial reforms which mise. have been rescued, while Saturday, police said that during an exchange of fire, some of the gunmen were forced to retreat. Students Israel and Bhutan establish diplomatic relations were able to scale the fence of the school and run TEL AVIV – Israel US-sponsored accords said in a statement. Bhutan relied on India Saturday at the Israeli to safety, they said. established relations on with Arab and Muslim “Israel’s circle of recog- for guidance on its for- embassy in New Delhi, a However,witnesses said Saturday with Bhutan, a countries, though Israeli nition is growing and ex- eign and defence policy joint press release posted they saw a number of stu- majority-Buddhist nation officials sought to portray panding,” Israeli Foreign until a friendship treaty on the Bhutanese foreign dents being carried away. neighbouring India, as it it as evidence of its grow- Minister Gabi Ashkenazi was revised in 2007. It ministry’s website said. One police officer was looks to continue to ex- ing acceptance abroad. said. “The establishment maintains diplomatic Israeli Prime Minister taken to hospital after pand its diplomatic links The agreement follows of relations between us relations with around Benjamin Netanyahu being shot and wounded, internationally. several years of secret and the Kingdom of 53 countries. welcomed the agreement, police said. Israel’s accord with the contacts between Israel Bhutan will serve as A signing ceremony adding there had been Several local residents Himalayan country did and Bhutan with the aim another milestone in was held between the contacts with other coun- on Saturday said they had not appear to be related of establishing relations, deepening Israel’s ties Israeli and Bhutanese tries which wanted to es- joined the police in search- to its budding ties under Israel’s foreign ministry in Asia.” ambassadors to India on tablish relations. ing for the students who remained missing, while many parents said they Zodiac Killer: Code-breakers solve San Francisco killer’s cipher had withdrawn their chil- dren from the school. CODE-BREAKERS have light on the killer’s iden- “The school is deserted, cracked a 340-character tity. all the students have va- cipher 51 years after it In a video posted cated,” one witness, Nura was purportedly sent on YouTube, Virginia Abdullahi, told AFP news to the San Francisco web-designer David agency. Chronicle by the so- Oranchak says he “Some of the students called Zodiac Killer, the cracked the cipher along who escaped returned to FBI has confirmed. with Australian applied the town this morning, The killer, who was mathematician Sam but others took a bus never caught, murdered Blake and Belgian Jarl home,” he added. five people in stabbings Van Eycke, a warehouse Katsina is the home and shootings that manager and code-break- state of Nigerian terrorised the San ing software engineer. President Muhammadu Francisco Bay area in The message, which Buhari, who is currently the late 1960s. Mr. Oranchak described there for a week-long The message was one as “more of the same private visit. of several sent to news- attention-seeking junk The attack on Friday papers during the killing from Zodiac”, consists of came two days after the spree. rows of capital letters kidnapping of a village The code was solved and symbols. The code- leader and 20 others in by three people from breaking team, who used San Francisco police published sketches of the suspect in 1969. (PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES) another part of the state. the US, Belgium and human ingenuity and In 2014, more than 270 Australia. software to decipher the ing the San Francisco Later that year, a man but investigators have girls were kidnapped by “I hope you are having message, dedicated their Chronicle. Two others re- and woman – a couple – worked on the basis of the militant Islamist lots of fun in trying to efforts to the killer’s vic- main to be decoded – one were stabbed next to a seven victims in total, group Boko Haram from a catch me. I am not afraid tims and their relatives. of which may contain the lake. Only the man sur- five of them homicides. school in the north-east- of the gas chamber be- Confirming the code- killer’s name. vived. In October 1969, a The murders inspired ern Nigerian town of cause it will send me to breaking achievement, The series of murders cab driver was shot dead two films – 2007’s Zodiac, Chibok. paradice (sic) all the the FBI said it continued began in December 1968 in San Francisco. featuring Robert Downey No group has yet said it sooner because I now to seek justice for those with a man and a woman The killer, who has Jr. and Jake Gyllenhaal, carried out the raid on the have enough slaves to killed. shot dead in their car.In never been charged or and Dirty Harry in 1971 school in Katsina, which work for me,” the de- This is not the first July 1969, another man identified, claimed to starring Clint Eastwood is far from Boko Haram’s crypted message reads, encoded message attrib- and woman were shot, have murdered 37 people as a tough San Francisco usual area of operation in without throwing any uted to the killer, accord- but he survived. in letters to newspapers, detective. the north-east. 20 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 21

Fascinating origins of favourite Christmas traditions o Christmas celebration Middle Ages, but the feasting feels complete without a continued – with the all- Ndecorated tree, stockings important addition of desserts. hung, and a rousing round of Bakers brought out expensive carols. But where did each of ingredients like butter, lard, and those cherished holiday sugar for such festive occasions, traditions come from? and they started experimenting Why we celebrate Christmas with spices like nutmeg and on December 25 cinnamon. The reason Christmas lands on this date is a bit of a mystery. Why we put up a The Bible doesn’t specify the Christmas tree date of Jesus’s birth, and early Evergreen fir trees are Christians debated the topic for universal winter decorations. You can thank Ol’ Saint Nick for those treats in your Christmas stocking. years. They first thought it was Pagans displayed the branches January 6, because April 6 was as a reminder that spring would he saw for his family by putting assumed to be the day Jesus come again. Romans placed a tree in their living room and died, and there was a them around temples to honour placing lighted candles on its corresponding belief that Saturn, the god of agriculture. branches. prophets died on the same day But the first time the evergreen as their conception. But by the was used as a Christmas tree Why we drink eggnog fourth century, they changed was either in Tallinn, Estonia, Eggnog doesn’t seem like a their minds to December 25. or Riga, Latvia (each city says it particularly elite drink, but Some sources say this new date is the true home of the first that’s how it got its start. was purposely chosen to draw Christmas tree). In the 16th British aristocrats came up attention away from a pagan century, German Christians with the creamy concoction as a winter solstice ritual that fell on brought the trees inside their warm winter drink and added the same day. Others say that’s homes as a symbol of brandy and sherry to keep it not true. All we know for sure is everlasting life. When news from spoiling. Because the that regardless of the reason spread that Queen Victoria had ingredients were so expensive, why, that date stuck. her German husband Prince only the wealthy could afford to Albert set up a Christmas tree drink it (of course, anyone can Why we bake Christmas in their palace, the practice make eggnog nowadays with cookies suddenly became the height of leftover egg yolks). When it If we can learn one thing from interior design in England and made its way to the American history, it’s that people have America. colonies in the 1700s, colonists always celebrated the holidays subbed the pricy liquors for with good food. Ancient peoples And why we put lights on it rum. At the time, rum was also Eggnog doesn’t seem like a particularly elite drink, but that’s gathered around the winter Martin Luther is said to be called grog, so bartenders how it got its start. solstice to feast before cold the first person to put lights on named the drink egg-n-grog. weather wiped away their a Christmas tree. Legend has it Later, it became eggnog, after When Christians began they were so poor. He found out crops. Plus, the wine and beer that he was walking through a the wooden “noggin” mugs the replacing pagan winter festivals where the family lived and that had been fermenting since forest one night and was moved drink was served in. with Christmas, bishops across snuck down their chimney that the spring were finally ready to by the beautiful stars shining Europe requested certain night. He saw the girls’ socks drink. Christmas replaced these through the trees. When he got Why we leave milk and hymns to be sung at Christmas drying over the fireplace, filled solstice celebrations by the went home, he recreated what cookies for Santa services. Many composers them with gold coins, and This tradition hasn’t changed wanted to write their own disappeared. When the girls got all that much since it began in carols, but since they were up the next morning, they medieval Germany. During Yule always in Latin, they weren’t realized they finally had season, children left out food at terribly popular. Then in 1233, dowries to get married. night in hopes of getting St. Francis of Assisi started presents from a different white- putting on Nativity plays, which Why we kiss under mistletoe bearded guy – Odin, the all- included canticles that told the Norse mythology creeps into powerful Norse god who story of Christ’s birth. These Christmas traditions once travelled on his eight-legged were usually all in a language again. According to legend, the horse Sleipner. The American that audience members could gods used mistletoe to resurrect custom we know today started understand, so they sang along. Odin’s son Baldur from the during the Great Depression. dead. So Baldur’s mother Frigg, Parents used it as a way to Why we hang stockings the goddess of love, made the teach their kids that even when You can thank Ol’ Saint Nick plant a symbol of love and money was tight, they still had for those treats in your vowed to kiss anyone who to be considerate of others and Christmas stocking. According passed under it. In 18th century show gratitude for the blessings to legend, St. Nicholas heard England, men were allowed to in their lives. about a widower who was kiss any woman standing under worried his three daughters mistletoe, and if the ladies The reason Christmas lands on this date is a bit of a mystery Why we sing Christmas carols would never marry because refused, that meant bad luck.

22 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

SodaBix Cheese & Herb Cracker Stuffing 4 packs SodaBix Cheese & Herb crackers 2 stalks celery, diced small 1 medium onion, diced small 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped 1 medium sized hot pepper, finely chopped 2 Granny Smith apples, diced small 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 cup parmesan cheese 1 tsp. salt 1 tbsp. paprika 8 oz. butter (not margarine) 4 – 6 cups of boiling water or chicken stock Directions Crush biscuits into bite-size pieces and set aside in a large bowl Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with 2 oz. of the butter and set aside Sauté onions, celery, garlic, apples and hot pepper in 6 oz. of butter for about 3 minutes Add the sauté mixture directly to the crushed biscuits and mix to combine well Add the hot liquid 1 cup at a time to moisten biscuit mixture, however do not make the mixture runny Season with salt to taste and add parsley Place in buttered casserole dish and sprinkle top with paprika and parmesan cheese Use four packs of Baked at 350°F for about 30 – 45 mins or until golden brown on top Enjoy!! SodaBix Cheese & Herb crackers

Created for WIBISCO by Gold Fingers Catering to make this delicious stuffing.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 •23

Gingerbread sandwich trees Servings Prep Time Cook Time 2dozen 25minutes + chilling 10minutes per batch

Ingredients • 3/4 cup butter softened • 1 cup packed brown sugar • 1 large egg • 3/4 cup molasses • 4 cups all-purpose flour • 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice • 1-1/2 tsp baking soda • 1-1/4 tsp ground ginger • 1/4 tsp salt • M&M’s minis • 3/4 cup vanilla or chocolate frosting • green food colouring optional Portions: dozen Gently press M&M’s into half of the cookies. Instructions 1. Cream butter and brown sugar until edges are firm, 8-10 minutes. Remove to airtight container. light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. 2. Preheat oven to 325°. On a lightly wire racks to cool completely. In another bowl, whisk flour, pie spice, floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. Recipe Notes baking soda, ginger and salt; gradually thickness. Cut with a floured 3-in. tree- 3. If using vanilla frosting, tint with green 1 sandwich cookie: 230 calories, 7g fat (4g beat into creamed mixture. Refrigerate, shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 in. apart on food colouring if desired. Spread frosting saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 176mg covered, until easy to handle, about 2 ungreased baking sheets. Gently press over bottoms of plain cookies; covered sodium, 38g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g hours. M&M’s into half of the cookies. Bake until with decorated cookies. Store in an fibre), 3g protein. 24 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

How to cook a fantastic turkey this Christmas n Christmas Eve, when the presents Oare wrapped, the halls are decked and the veggies are prepped, there’s one thing that could hold back that festive feeling; a turkey. After all, it takes more than a bit of Christmas magic to cook up the perfect Yuletide dinner. That’s all down to the prepping, dressing, carving and cooking. Not to mention the hours spent in the supermarket choosing one.

How to keep your turkey fresh Many of us don’t like to leave buying meat such as turkey until the last minute, so we need to keep it fresh until it goes in the oven. To do this, store your bird below 4.4 degrees C in a fridge. Do not be Lattice streaky bacon on top before putting it in the oven, which not only creates an impressive design but locks in moisture tempted to store your while it cooks. turkey in the garage as it won’t be cold enough and more space for it by fridge, the air can’t flavoursome gravy, roast a probe thermometer and there’s a risk the turkey keeping other items like circulate meaning it won’t Prep and dress the turkey on a bed of check that the temperature will go off. drinks and mixers in the meet the required to impress vegetables. This will help of the meat is at 75°C. Prioritise the turkey in garage or outside instead. temperature, so your When the time finally the heat to circulate, as Alternatively, pierce the your fridge and make If you overfill your turkey won’t stay fresh. comes, a few moments well as enhancing the taste thickest part of the leg spent on prepping and of the juices, which you with a skewer. If the meat dressing could be the can then use in a truly lip- juices run clear, it means difference between dry smacking gravy! the turkey is cooked. If and delicious! It’s all about timing! there are any traces of pink And don’t forget if your Cooking a big Christmas in the juices, cook the bird turkey is frozen, you’ll feast can feel like a major for a further 15 minutes, need to defrost it for 24 logistical feat! With so then retest. hours at the bottom of the many parts of the meal to fridge. It will take about 2 think about, take some of Too much turkey? hours for every 450g. the pressure off by No problem ensuring you’ve got your Make your festive meal Truss loosley: turkey timings right. last longer this year with a Make sure your bird Take your turkey out of follow-up feast that feels cooks evenly by tying the the fridge 30 minutes so much more special than legs loosely with string – before you cook it, always the usual Day 2 turkey. this ensures that the breast follow the instructions on To totally transform meat doesn’t overcook. the packaging and once your roast, create an it’s cooked, leave it to rest Indian feast using some Moisten: for up to 60 minutes before extra ingredients from Don’t forget to brown you carve. your food cupboard. your turkey and crisp the Cans of chopped skin to perfection by As a guide, cook your tomatoes and coconut rubbing it all over with turkey at 180°C milk help to create the olive oil or melted clarified Fan/350°C/Gas Mark 4. base for a creamy Leftover butter. Under 4.5kg – cook for Turkey Curry flavoured 45 minutes per kilogram, with mango chutney, Dress: plus 20 minutes. chilli, coriander and curry Lattice streaky bacon on 4.5kg – 6.5kg – cook for powder. A tasty and top before putting it in the 40 minutes per kilogram. seriously simple solution oven, which not only More than 6.5kg – cook that can be cooked in creates an impressive 35 minutes per kilogram. under 20 minutes! design but locks in Or, for a more elegant moisture while it cooks. More top turkey tips: Italian-inspired alternative Dress your turkey with 1. Weigh your turkey to serve over the Crimbo criss-crossed bacon for a after it’s been stuffed. This Limbo, a Turkey professional touch way you’ll have the Carbonara with Rice is an Dress your turkey with correct weight to work out indulgent dish that tastes criss-crossed bacon for a your cooking timings. restaurant-quality. professional touch 2. Don’t forget to pre- Melt butter and olive oil heat your oven... with onions and sauteed Pick the right pan: 3. Pour, brush or spoon pancetta then combine Pick a heavy duty, non- the excess juices over the white wine, cream, stick pan with low sides – turkey during cooking to paprika, lemon juice, about 2 inches. If the sides keep it moist. mustard and crumbled are any higher, it stops 4. Test the turkey is stock with your turkey your bird browning properly cooked before leftovers and serve over a evenly below. And for a taking out of the oven. Use bed of fluffy rice. The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 25

A pleasure to serve! n honour, a privilege and country of Barbados of which I a pleasure to serve am so proud to serve.” ABarbados sums up how Dash similarly said he is three of this year’s recipients of proud to serve his country. He the Barbados Star of Gallantry acknowledged and thanked the described receiving the top team that worked under his honour. command for what was Among awardees on the 2020 achieved. Independence Day Honour “This award for me is a List, they were presented with reflection of those individuals their medals by Barbados’ who work under my command. Governor General, Her Those individuals who are in Excellency Dame Sandra the health services platoon. Mason during the Yes, I am charged with the Independence Day Parade and responsibility of adorning my National Awards Ceremony in chest with this medal but it is a National Heroes’ Square, The reflection of those individuals City. who I command because On Friday, Captain Donville without those who I command, Dash, Lieutenant (Coast if they were not doing their jobs Guard), Anderson Goodridge the way they were supposed to and Lieutenant, Rudolph do it, I could not receive this Morris were interviewed by the award.” press at the Barbados Defence Collectively, these gentlemen Force’s (BDF) headquarters. have 87 years of experience During this, they shared how under their belt as BDF they felt being awarded for soldiers. They take their roles working on the frontline, in the army seriously and particularly during initial stage aspire daily to give their of Barbados’ response to the greatest effort. COVID-19 pandemic. As part of their duties during “It was a pleasure to receive the initial COVID-19 fight, in the award since it was a their respective areas, they national award for work which were tasked with climbing we did but, in our mindsets, we onboard cruise ships docked off were doing for the country not Barbados to collect samples for ourselves or it wasn’t about from passengers and crew to be us. It was about Barbados and taken to the Best-dos Santos ensuring that Barbadians were Public Health Laboratory for safe and preventing a threat to testing, work as part of the From left to right: Recipients of the Barbados Star of Gallantry, Captain Donville Dash, our healthcare system and our Health Ministry’s mobile Lieutenant (Coast Guard), Anderson Goodridge and Lieutenant, Rudolph Morris. security… We were looking testing team and had after Barbados. So it was a responsibility for training indicated that it is natural to your guide. So that actually BDF will be continue to ensure pleasure to be recognised for individuals who worked on the be fearful of the unknown. created my check list of the country remains the best doing what came as second COVID-19 frontline collecting Captain Dash further stated ensuring every day that we place to be. nature to us,” stated Morris. individuals who tested positive fear was used as a driving force went through from A to Z just “Historically, Barbados is a Echoing similar sentiments, and transporting them where to guide him to carry out the ticking those boxes every single stable society and moving into Goodridge thanked God and they need to be taken. These mission with even greater day to ensure that those 2021, the intent for the further said the medal will be roles and others were no easy precision and to the best of his individuals who actually place Barbados Defence Force is to worn with pride. feat. However, they skilfully ability. their lives in my hands, their maintain that stability. Going “I will wear it as a reflection executed them to ensure the “I develop a small mission safety in my hands that they forward for the upcoming year, of… the persons out there who safety of all persons in statement for myself… I call it actually came back alive and it is planned to maintain the would have backed me up, who Barbados. the fear of the unknown healthy.” presence both at sea and on would have supported me When asked if there was because you would have heard With fight against COVID-19 land so as to maintain that whether they were there some fear, especially given the of the numerous healthcare ongoing, the work on these peace that the citizens so physically or mentally or international and regional workers who were dying soldiers in this regard will cherish and that the tourist spiritually. I will wear it for reports about the virus and the overseas and I said my other continue. Looking ahead to the come to love and come to enjoy.” them and in general for the deaths that resulted, they half ...that was let your fear be New Year, Goodridge added the (MG)

Lieutenant (Coast Guard), Anderson Goodridge (centre) addressing the press while Captain Donville Dash (left), and Lieutenant, Rudolph Morris (right) listen on.

26 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Is it Hanukkah or Chanukah? oes the Jewish holiday seems further removed from the start with a C? End with Chet letter and sound. Dan A or H? Is there one K or are there two? Let’s explain. The case for one N What is Hanukkah? In Hebrew, the N sound in We’ve heard of Hanukkah, the Hanukkah comes from a single Jewish Festival of Lights, but letter, Nun. It follows that the it’s not actually in the Jewish transliterated word should also Torah. So what is Hanukkah, have one N to represent that and where does it come from? sound. The evening of December 10 “I actually can’t see any marks the start of Judaism’s linguistic reason why there eight-night Festival of Lights, should be two Ns” Krinsky says. Hanukkah. To Jewish people, Still, she sees the word written however, Hanukkah isn’t as “Channukah” every year. actually all that religious of a holiday – though because of its One K or two? proximity to Christmas, it’s The K sound in the middle of often assumed the most “Hanukkah” comes from the important Jewish holiday. It’s Hebrew letter Kaf. As it’s not. Rosh Hashanah, Yom written in Hebrew, Kaf has a dot Kippur and Passover, for called a dagesh in the center of example, are more religiously the letter, which “in Hebrew is observed, though Hanukkah linguistically being doubled,” certainly holds cultural Krinsky says. significance. Jews light candles on a menorah during hanukkah to celebrate the miracle of a one-day oil Accordingly, Krinksy prefers supply lasting eight after the Maccabean Revolt in the second century B.C. to double the English K in What exactly is Hanukkah. Still, one K is Hanukkah and when is it? holidays where work is “Personally, I don’t think it’s acceptable because the extra K Known as the Festival of forbidden, there are no Is it Hanukkah or Chanukah? really that big of a deal which doesn’t technically change the Lights, Hanukkah celebrates restrictions on doing work Why the Jewish holiday has version people use in writing,” way the word sounds. the rededication of the Second during Hanukkah. On each day, multiple spellings Zietman says. “In Temple in Jerusalem during the Jews light candles on a The confusion over the pronunciation, like any way we It makes sense to end with H second century B.C. The event hanukkiah (a nine-branched spelling comes because the approach saying a foreign word, Again, let’s look at the way the occurred when Jews rose up candelabrum), starting with one name of the holiday is a Hebrew it’s nice to ask a native speaker holiday is written in Hebrew: Its against Greek-Syrian rulers in candle and adding one more word and the English how they pronounce it (or find it final letter is a Hei. The Hebrew the Maccabean Revolt and each day.The candle used to transliteration isn’t totally clear. online) and try to do one’s best Hei functions very similarly to drove them out of Jerusalem, light the other candles is known According to the Oxford English to make the original sound.” the way the English H can in according to the History as the shamash. Blessings over Dictionary, there are 24 Rabbi Sarah Krinsky of Adas that “It doesn’t change the Channel. the candles are chanted and spellings for Hanukkah, during Israel Congregation in pronunciation, like in my name To mark their victory, festive songs are sung, which Jews light candles on a Washington prefers the spelling Sarah,” Krinsky says. Jews wanted to reclaim the commemorating the Maccabean menorah to celebrate the that starts with an H, includes So if a Hebrew ends with the temple and light its menorah, Revolt. miracle of a one-day oil supply one N, adds two Ks and silent Hei, “why not include (a but only found enough pure Children (and adults!) play a lasting eight after concludes with an H silent H) in English?” she asks. olive oil for one day. That one- game called dreidel (a dreidel is the Maccabean Revolt in the (Hanukkah). day supply lasted eight and is a spinning top that shows four second century B.C. Regardless of spelling, considered a miracle in Jewish Hebrew letters: nun, gimel, hey, Even in pop culture, there are Why you probably want to it has one meaning faith. shin, which stand for the phrase a number of ways to spell it. start with an H Hanukkah means Every year, Hanukkah begins “A great miracle happened Woody Guthrie’s festive songs In Hebrew, the word “dedication” in Hebrew. It’s a on the 25th day of Kislev, there.” In Israel, one letter is use spellings “Hanukah Tree” “Hanukkah” begins with the holiday that commemorates the a month in the Hebrew changed: nun, gimel, hey, pey, to and “Hanuka Gelt,” while Adam Hebrew letter Chet. Although time when a small group of calendar. It lasts eight nights stand for the phrase, “A great Sandler calls his series of “there is no actual standardized Jews called the Maccabees rose (yes, because of the oil), and this miracle happened here.”) It is Jewish celebrity tunes transliteration” when it comes up against Greek-Syrian rulers year it started from December customary to give Hanukkah “Chanukah Song.” Rachel to that letter, Krinsky has seen to rededicate the Temple of 10 and ends December 18. gelt(chocolate coins) as small Bloom’s “Santa Baby” parody is it commonly written with an H Jerusalem and light its gifts. Though many Jews “Chanukah Honey” but she and in prayer books with and an menorah for worship, which – as How is Hanukkah celebrated? nowadays give more elaborate included other spellings of the H and a dot underneath it. the story goes – had enough oil Hanukkah is celebrated for gifts during Hanukkah, this holiday in her CW show “Crazy She prefers writing to last only a single night. The eight days, in honour of the practice developed because of Ex-Girlfriend,” in a scene where Hanukkah with an H instead of light miraculously burned for miracle of the oil that lasted the holiday’s proximity to her character Rebecca mulls a C-H, because the latter is a eight nights. eight days in the Holy Temple. Christmas and is not a over which “Happy” holiday more typical way to Hanukkah is observed by Unlike some other Jewish traditionally Jewish custom. banner is best among transliterate a different Hebrew lighting candles on a nine- Chanukah, Hanukah letter, a Chaf. Like the Chaf, branched candelabra called a and Hanukkah. though, the Chet has a throat- menorah over eight nights. What does Google prefer? If clearing sound that is commonly Other Hanukkah traditions you type in the aforementioned read as C-H in English, so if you include eating potato pancakes three spellings, it shows you weren’t concerned with called latkes and jelly donuts results for “Hanukkah,” a differentiating the Chet from called sufganiyot (because spelling that has been the most the Chaf in transliteration, it they’re foods fried in oil), popular on the search engine for makes sense you’d want to start spinning a top called a dreidel to at least the past 15 years, with the English-letter version of the win chocolate coins called gelt second-place spelling word with a guttural C-H. and exchanging gifts. “Chanukah” significantly The C-H sound can be “I hope people can find waning in popularity in the past difficult for English-speakers to meaning and inspiration in the five years. master.“This is why some say rich story and customs of the Rabbi Ilana Zietman, that ‘Chanukah’ is a traditional holiday itself and use it as a community rabbi of GatherDC spelling of the word and that means of greater interpersonal in Washington, D.C., a group ‘Hanukkah’ came later, but is connection and sense of light in that helps connect young people more popular today,” Zietman these dark times,” Zietman says. to Jewish life, told USA TODAY says. Celebrating a miracle and the that she uses Hanukkah and And although there are a few ability to practice your religion, Chanukah interchangeably. She cases when the holiday is eating fried foods and winning grew up with both, though her written with K-H, that spelling chocolate, giving and receiving Chocolate gelt are the chocolate coins that are typically organization officially uses would feel “wrong” to Krinsky, gifts: Hanukkah is a happy given to children during Hanukkah. Hanukkah. because that transliteration holiday however you spell it. The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 27

‘Hope-list’ for Confirmation AN ADAPTATION of each teen will encounter Roman Catholic the living God at some Archbishop Jason point in the Confirmation Gordon’s weekly column programme. To assume the faith and make it his Q: Archbishop J, what do or her own, a person you hope for in needs to encounter Christ. Confirmation? This we must facilitate Confirmation gives the through prayer disciple the grace of the experiences, retreats, days Holy Spirit: the power of candidate would have a prayer on a daily, weekly, of reflection and the God to transform, to desire for God and the and monthly basis. rhythm of the empower and to sanctify. grace that God bestows. For candidates, I programme. The This grace is absolutely Until the candidate sees propose five prayer forms candidate should also necessary to live for the need for God, as daily practice: (1) The have an informed Christ and become the everything else we do in rosary (2) Christian understanding of the role best version of oneself. our catechetical Meditation (3) Scripture of the Holy Spirit in the Modern parents have programmes is irrelevant. (4) The Examen and (5) life of the disciple. undervalued the Teenagers must receive Lectio Divina. It is only I would also make challenge of the virtuous a reasonable answer to through prayer and its “Alpha for Teens”, life. Many believe they are their questions of faith: rhythm that a soul “Theology of the Body”, basically good people, only What is the relationship becomes immersed in the and the “Life in the Spirit needing a small nudge to between faith and relationship with God, Seminar” integral to the be saved. This is a lie! science? How does God and available to God and Confirmation programme. deal with those who are others. I also highly Primacy of Grace not Catholic? What is recommend daily Mass Mission To have faith in God leads to building a vital rela- St Paul, writing to the Mary’s role? Is the and Eucharistic My fourth hope for tionship with Him. This is what we call prayer. Ephesians, says: “For by Eucharist really the body Adoration. Confirmation is that our grace you have been saved of Christ? Why does the During preparation for candidates would touch formation. missionary disciples through faith. And this is Church teach what she Confirmation, my sister the poor in a significant My fifth hope is to assist through initiation into the not your own doing; it is does about sex, etc? and I rode to Mass most way through a feeding parents to become the sacred mystery that is the gift of God, not a result We need to ensure we mornings and then went programme, the Society of best teachers of the faith. God, leading to full, of works, so that no one answer their real to school. This rhythm did St Vincent de Paul, or We could put content into conscious and active may boast” (Eph 2:8–9). questions. something in me that I wherever the parish their hands to teach their participation in liturgy, We cannot save cannot explain. makes this possible. child, who can then send mission, and life, ourselves! Salvation is a Prayer At the very least, a They should also be the catechist a reflection empowered by the Holy free gift from Christ To have faith in God candidate should be going invited to participate in a on what was learnt. Spirit. through grace. Each of us leads to building a vital to Mass each Sunday. parish ministry on an Confirmation should Action Step: Consider must come to recognise relationship with Him. Each candidate needs a ongoing basis. By leave the family and the how you can help the our need for this grace This is what we call rhythm of grace, an active immersion into the life of student stronger in faith, Confirmation programme and open our hearts to prayer. My second hope is prayer life. the parish, by touching and on a path to authentic in your parish achieve accept it. that by the end of the the poor, they touch development. these five hopes. The first hope for formation, the candidate Encounter Christ and come to a Scripture Reading: Confirmation is that each should have a rhythm of My third hope is that different level of Key Point:To form Ephesians 2:1–9 The top 20 festive baby names in 2020 – and their hidden meanings WHETHER they love worldwide, it is Christmas or simply particularly popular in want to be reminded of America. the cheerful time of year, Also in the top ten was lots of new parents Gloria, Carol and Joy – choose festive baby all names clearly names – in fact, a associated with whopping 78 per cent Christmas. would consider it, For boys, David proved according to new to be most popular, with research. nearly 13 500 000 babies And while some very worldwide with this traditional monikers moniker, while Comet Lots of new parents choose festive baby names, especially when their child is born during the such as Mary and David was the least common. Christmas season. top the list, there are There were several other several more unusual names you’d expect to see rebellion 6. Christina – The meanings 6. Gabriel – Means options too. Take a in the top ten, such as 2. Gloria – Taken from feminine name for 1. David – Means Hero of God or God is my look at the most Joseph, Jesus and the word glory featuring Christian meaning beloved strength popular festive-themed Emannuel. in many Christmas follower of Christ 2. Michael – A Hebrew 7. Christian – Means girls and boys names of However, you may be hymns and carols 7. Virginia – Means name and longer form of follower of Christ 2020, and what they wondering how Karen, 3. Karen – meaning chaste and is connected Micha meaning who is 8. Frank – Meaning mean… Rachel and Felix also pure, is the name of the to the Virgin Mary like God Freeman or Frenchman, OnBuy.com calculated proved to be popular girl who returned Frosty 8. Rachel – Meaning 3. Joseph – A Hebrew is one of the gifts the top 100 festive festive monikers? All to the North Pole ewe, was the name of the moniker meaning Balthazar gave to monikers based on 5 675 have special meanings 4. Angel – Other first wife of Jacob increase or addition. It’s Mother Mary on the parents and parents-to- that relate to the festive popular variations 9. Joy – Brings the name of the birth of Jesus be. Unsurprisingly, Mary season. include Angela and happiness to everyone carpenter whom God 9. Christopher – Means was revealed to be the Angelina 10. Natalia – Means chose to father Jesus bearer of Christ most popular festive girls Top 10 festive baby girl 5. Carol – Likely born at Christmas 4. Emmanuel – Means 10. Felix – Meaning name, and while it is names and their associated with singing God is with us happy is a perfect name ranked the 21st most meanings carols at Christmas, and Top 10 festive baby boy 5. Jesus – Means God to signify the cheerful common name 1. Mary – Means means manly names and their saves Christmas spirit

28 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You felt you might seem that stating the knew what someone wanted, how they absolute truth when you feel it is HOROSCOPES felt and why. It might come to a surprise necessary is the best way to avoid to discover you have jumped to the wrong misunderstandings. The truth can conclusion. You've got too much into the sometimes hurt. You're in the mood to share your feelings but habit of thinking you knew what a partner or close friend is what you have to say is not what a loved one wants to hear. thinking without checking out your assumptions. You can be honest in a more diplomatic way. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your hard work has not gone TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You have so many different tasks unnoticed by those in positions of power. Don't be surprised if to get through you might wonder if you will manage it. An early you are offered an impressive promotion. Career change will start is an absolute must. It's more important that you feel you also mean a shake-up of your everyday routines. You will are getting ahead than for others to acknowledge your work. quickly adapt as will your family. As well as enjoying a small That's why it's better if you aren't in the spotlight. In fact you will festive event, you will have something special to celebrate. accomplish more behind the scenes. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You will be approached to GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your main aim now is to find ways and take charge of a community exercise. It will be a wonderfully means to live in harmony with your core beliefs. A friend or uplifting experience to draw attention to a great project. People colleague draws attention away from your accomplishments by who are really making an effort to do amazing things for others reminding everyone of the problems they are going through. Don't will receive the praise they deserve even though this will be the let their envy dampen your enthusiasm. You are moving closer to last thing they are expecting. your life purpose. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Does it matter if you can't CANCER (June 22-July 22). You want to make this Christmas meet other people's expectations today? Someone is hard to special for your family and that's why you've already started to please and you are wasting too much of your time trying to make plans and to purchase festive goodies. You may not have make them happy. In trying to meet their unrealistic demands, a lot of money but you will put a lot of thought into every gift you you aren't being true to yourself. Just do the best you can and buy to make it meaningful for the recipient. no one should ask for anymore. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Setting up an online work conference AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You're trying to be sensitive to or community gathering is at the top of the list of your priorities. the needs of your family but their comments suggest they feel People look to you for leadership and you won't let them down. misunderstood. You're excited to pursue a special aim that you People will be pressing for change and by asking a VIP to haven't considered how this is affecting your loved ones. You've speak on behalf of a special cause, you will feel able to move not been looking much further than your own ambitions and this campaign forward. these may not be shared by others. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Changes you have decided to PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You can look forward to a make could cause problems in your household. You could do pleasantly friendly few hours if you're meeting up with a friend without the arguments but you have made your mind up and you haven't seen in some time. You're open to new experiences people are going to have to get used to it. You could exercise and although you could be planning to celebrate Christmas caution so as not to hurt someone's feelings but it isn't as if you very differently this year it will be fun to break away from the haven't been preparing them for this. traditional path. Bible Challenge 1) Right before 3) Fill in the blank: Solomon asked for "The words of king wisdom he had of- Lemuel, the prophecy fered burnt sacrifices that his ______before the Lord. How taught him" many sacrifices did A. mother he offer? B. teacher A. 7 C. student B. 1000 D. servant C. 44 D. 10 4) Name the last book in the Old 2) Which of the fol- Testament. lowing events did not A. Micah happen while Jesus B. Haggai was on the way to C. Amos Jarius' house? D. Malachi A. a large crowd followed 5) According to 2 B. Jarius' servants met Corinthians, where them did Paul suffer great C. the woman who had trouble? been bleeding for many A. Asia years was healed B. Crete D. a demon possessed C. Rome

man fell before Jesus D. Judea Ans: 1. B, 2. D, 3. A, 4. D, 5. A 5. D, 4. A, 3. D, 2. B, 1. Ans: The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 29

Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister dies after Lil Wayne pleads experiencing COVID-19 symptoms guilty to federal homas Lister Jr., Wednesday to check-in also known as after he cancelled a weapons charge T“Tiny,” died after scheduled Zoom appear- experiencing COVID-19 ance for a TV festival. LESS than a month after Wayne, who drew criti- symptoms. He was 62. Family members also Lil Wayne was charged cism for supporting The actor and wrestler, tried to reach him on with one count of pos- Donald Trump in the best known for his role as Wednesday night, but sessing a firearm and lead-up to the 2020 pres- Deebo in the Friday calls went unanswered. ammunition by a con- idential election, could films, was found dead in The actor was discovered victed felon, the rapper lobby the outgoing presi- his Marina Del Rey, the next day after a pleaded guilty to the fed- dent for a last-minute Calif. home on Thursday. friend went to his place eral charge Friday at a pardon.) According to Lister’s and called the police Florida court hearing. According to court doc- manager Cindy Cowan, when nobody came to the “Your honour, I plead uments, “an anonymous he started feeling sick door. He was pronounced guilty to the charge,” the tip led officers to Opa about a week ago, but his dead at the scene. rapper born Dwayne Locka Executive Airport symptoms “got really “Mr. Lister’s death ap- Michael Carter told the on December 23, 2019, bad, really quick,” she pears to be of natural Southern District of where Lil Wayne arrived told CNN. causes but will ulti- Florida federal district on a private flight from “It literally went so mately be determined by court judge via remote California. Officers spoke fast,” Cowan shared, re- the Office of Medical video. Carter’s arrest with Carter, who told vealing Lister couldn’t Examiner-Coroner,” the came nearly 12 months them that he had a gun breathe and felt very Los Angeles County after he was found in in his bag. After securing weak. Sheriff’s Department possession of the gold- a search warrant, officers Lister was due on set told CNN in a statement, plated handgun at a looked in the bag con- for a new movie last noting his death is still Miami-area airport in taining Carter’s personal weekend, but cancelled under investigation. December 2019. items and found a gold- because he was feeling Ice Cube, who starred Carter’s sentencing plated Remington 1911, too ill. “Tiny doesn’t miss in the Friday franchise Tiny Lister had trouble breathing and felt weak hearing is scheduled for .45-caliber handgun movies; he took it very with Lister, is among the before death. January 28th, 2021. The loaded with six rounds of seriously,” Cowan said. celebrities paying tribute rapper, currently out on ammunition. The Cowan sent her assis- to Lister. bully was a born enter- Lister also made a bail, faces up to 10 years bag also contained per- tant to Lister’s home on “America’s favourite tainer who would pop name for himself in the in federal prison from sonal use amounts of co- into character at the wrestling world after ap- the charge, but given caine, ecstasy, and oxy- drop of a hat terrifying pearing as Zeus along- that Carter’s lawyers codone. Prior to people on and off side Hulk Hogan in and federal prosecutors December 23, 2019, Like mother and father, camera. Followed by a 1989’s No Holds Barred. worked out a guilty plea, Carter had been con- big smile and laugh,” he He later spent time in it’s likely he’ll receive victed of a felony, which tweeted. “Thank you for World Championship much less – if any – jail made his possession Blue Ivy Carter now a being a good dude at Wrestling, where time. of the gun and heart. I miss you al- he was billed as Z- (The Miami Herald ammunition on that Grammy nominee ready.” Gangsta. also speculates that Lil day illegal.” NEW YORK – Blue Ivy Carter is an official Grammy nominee. When the Recording Academy announced the nominees for the 2021 Grammys last month, Beyoncé scored a nomi- nation for best music video for “Brown Skin Girl,” which Ivy Carter is credited as a featured artist. The 8-year-old’s name did not appear on the nominees list, but the Grammys recently updated its website to Blue Ivy Carter now include her. The update also in- Rowland. She sings the cludes Nigerian singer lyrics, “I love everything Wizkid, who appears on about you, from your the song and video. nappy curls to every sin- SAINt JHN – who is fea- gle curve.” Ivy Carter tured on the track but gives a vocal perform- was not in the video – ance that opens and was still not listed as a closes the song. nominee. “Brown Skin Girl” has The best music video won Ivy Carter a number Grammy is awarded to of awards, including two the main and featured Soul Train Music artists on the track, as Awards, a BET Award well as the video’s direc- and a NAACP Image tor and producer. Award. Ivy Carter is “Brown Skin Girl” is a listed as a co-writer of celebration of dark- and the song alongside brown-skinned women Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Wizkid, and features Beyoncé SAINt JHN and others. namedropping Lupita The 2021 Grammys Nyong’o, Naomi will take place Jan. Campbell and Kelly 31. 30 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 31

SSununddaayy A Addvvococatatee C Comicsomics 32 • Sunday December 13 2020 The Barbados Advocate

SSununddaayy A Addvvococatatee C Comicsomics

The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 33 SSPPOORRTTSS Plans pressed ahead although special moment delayed LIGHTS from Back Page

However, Seale said that they presented a case which highlighted that racing under lights will in no way damage the value of the Garrison, while at the same time provid- ing visitors with an attraction at night which will boost our economy. The Prime Minister said that the special moment was originally slated to happen on Independence Day,but circum- stances did not allow for it be- cause of the track being wa- terlogged. “But perhaps that was the Almighty’s way of intervening and ensuring that this first historic evening of lights The Royal Barbados Police Force Band opened the evening with a number of beautiful songs. should happen within 24 hours of your (Sir David Seale) “We have not allowed the and he really enjoyed it. birthday, given that fact that pandemic to stop us in our “It was my first time run- you have long stayed the tracks.” ning in the night time as be- course on the ambition for Winner of the first race of fore it was only overseas in three decades. the inaugural race night was USA and Canada you would “Those who contemplated us Delano Lopez, who rode De see that. So the experience was introducing lights in this year Conkie Man and came past amazing.” 2020 might have become Dream Society ridden by frightened because of the onset Anderson Trotman on the Jockey Delano Lopez raises his of the pandemic, but let me home stretch. hand as he sits aboard the assure in the pioneering Lopez mentioned it took a victorious De Conkie Man who Barbadian spirit that we know little while to get his mount he piloted in Race 1 – The to be ours, COVID-19 is not an into strife, but once he got Dancin David Trophy for West excuse but in fact an inspira- going, he was rolling. He added Indian-bred 2-year-old maidens. tion to do better and more. it was a beautiful experience

Race 2 – The Aristodemus Trophy (Handicap) in progress as it passed the grand stand for the first time. 34 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Everton deny Chelsea top spot thanks to Sigurdsson’s penalty EVERTON boss Carlo That woke up Frank Ancelotti said 2,000 re- Lampard’s side who then turning fans made “a drew three saves from total difference” as his Jordan Pickford, one of side ended Chelsea’s which saw the goal- 17-game unbeaten keeper brilliantly tip run with victory at Reece James’ shot onto Goodison Park. the post. Gylfi Sigurdsson’s penalty was his second goal of the season. Hosting supporters for Mason Mount also hit the first time this season, the woodwork for the vis- to some fine Everton ers. without the injured stadium will be full as Everton’s hard-fought itors after 81 minutes, defending, but Ancelotti’s “The fans made a lot of James Rodriguez, and soon as possible.” win came courtesy of yet they struggled to find side also had good difference, it was a total move up to seventh in Chelsea’s second defeat Gylfi Sigurdsson’s first- the fluidity which has chances, with different atmosphere,” the table. of the season meant they half penalty after seen them tipped as title Richarlison twice having said Ancelotti, whose “We only had 2,000 were denied the chance Edouard Mendy fouled challengers this season. shots saved and Yerry side ended a run of one fans, but it made me to go top and remain Dominic Calvert-Lewin. That was in part down Mina wasting two head- win in seven games, happy, and I hope the third. Real beat leaders Atletico in Madrid derby DEFENDING champions Monchengladbach to win Real Madrid inflicted a Group B and Atletico first defeat of the season Madrid overcame RB on La Liga leaders Salzburg to finish second Atletico Madrid to move to Bayern Munich. within three points of the In La Liga, Diego summit. Simeone’s side had won Casemiro’s 15th- seven consecutive league minute header from Toni games going into the Kroos’ corner gave the derby, conceding just hosts a deserved lead at twice in their first 10 La the Alfredo Di Stefano Liga fixtures. Stadium. But it was Real who Dani Carvajal’s excel- dominated in the early lent second-half strike stages and Oblak pro- from outside the box re- duced an excellent save bounded off the post and to tip Karim Benzema’s in off the back of Atletico shot onto the post before goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Casemiro’s opener. Real climb to third, Simeone responded to while Atletico remain a disappointing first half one point above Real with three changes and Sociedad. his side were much im- Real have not lost a Madrid derby in La Liga since 2016. Both sides safely pro- proved after the break, gressed to the Champions though substitute cross after 55 minutes. Real’s advantage seven Saul Niguez to deny to a first defeat in 26 League last 16 with 2-0 Thomas Lemar shot That miss proved piv- minutes later. Atletico a late lifeline league games – since a victories in midweek, agonisingly wide from otal, as Carvajal’s power- Thibaut Courtois pro- with their only shot on 1-0 loss in this fixture on as Real beat Borussia Marcos Llorente’s low ful attempt doubled duced a good save from target, as the visitors fell 1 February. McLaren interested in Formula E once Gen3 car comes in MCLAREN are interested Engineering has the next tion car coming in 2023, Formula E chairman were important to interested in the in entering Formula E contract. and us no longer being the Alejandro Agag told McLaren. World Endurance once the company’s bat- “We’ve been precluded exclusive battery supplier, Reuters last week the “Having 10 teams, that’s Championship (WEC) and tery supply contract ends from competing in that’s a racing series that exits would potentially still a very strong field so its highlight 24 Hours of in 2022 and the electric Formula E because we we find very interesting.” free up only one slot in the I see it as more opportu- Le Mans. series introduces its Gen3 were the battery supplier, Formula E, an official 12-team series, however, nity ... it’s deep with man- “Those two series (WEC car,McLaren Racing chief so within that FIA tender FIA world championship, since BMW were techni- ufacturer support, so I’m and Formula E) have our executive Zak Brown said we’re not allowed to com- has a strong manufac- cal partners of entry hold- ultimately not concerned,” attention, and we want to on Saturday. pete as a team,” Brown turer interest despite re- ers Andretti Motorsport. said Brown, who wel- get through this season, McLaren Applied told reporters at Formula cent announcements by Brown said the depar- comed a planned budget we want to make sure that Technologies is the exclu- One’s season-ending Abu BMW and Audi that they tures had created an op- cap to rein in costs. anything we do is not a sive battery supplier until Dhabi Grand Prix. would be leaving at the portunity and electrifica- McLaren are also distraction to our Formula 2022. Williams Advanced “With the new genera- end of next year. tion and sustainability involved in IndyCar and One efforts,” Brown said.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 35

Boxing: Russian Kremlev elected AIBA president RUSSIA’S Umar pended the AIBA over is- be the focus of my tenure Kremlev was elected sues surrounding its fi- as president.” president of the nances and governance Kremlev, head of International Boxing and Kremlev said he the Russian Boxing Association (AIBA) at a hopes to reinstate the Federation since 2017 virtual congress on body before the Paris and chairman of AIBA’s Saturday, amateur box- Olympics in 2024. market commission, ing’s governing body “Boxing is the sport of vowed to eradicate the said. fighters. Our fight today organisation’s debts. The congress, held vir- is against financial debt, “Getting rid of AIBA’s tually due to the COVID- against incompetence, debt will be the first pri- 19 pandemic, had 155 against corruption, ority. As I promised... national federations tak- against doping, against I will clear this debt in ing part and Kremlev poor training, and the first six months,” beat his fellow candi- against poor safety,” Kremlev added. dates to win the election Kremlev said. “My administration with 57.33% of the vote. “Strengthening AIBA’s will aim to raise $50 mil- The International governance structures, lion within two years, all Anthony Joshua celebrates winning his fight against Kubrat Pulev at The SSE Olympic Committee and ensuring our checks of which will be used to Arena, London, Britain, on December 12, 2020. (IOC) last year sus- and balances work, will rebuild AIBA.” Joshua knocks out Promoted Stuttgart thrash Dortmund in Bundesliga Pulev to retain BORUSSIA Dortmund Guerreiro’s pass drew ished second last season, lost further ground in the Dortmund level before have won only one of their Bundesliga title race as half-time. past five in the German they suffered a heavy But Stuttgart scored top flight – with this their heavyweight titles home defeat by promoted three times in 11 second- third defeat in that run. side Stuttgart on half minutes, before Favre’s side came from LONDON – World was close to winning anxious moments, but Saturday. Nicolas Gonzalez added a behind to beat Zenit on heavyweight cham- when he floored Pulev in there was no escape in Silas Wamangituka put fifth in injury time. Tuesday and secure their pion Anthony Joshua the third round after a the ninth. Stuttgart ahead with a Defeat leaves Lucien place in the Champions knocked out sweet right hand but the Joshua landed a club- 26th-minute penalty, Favre’s side fifth and five League last 16 as Group Bulgarian Kubrat challenger recovered to bing right upper-cut after Emre Can had points behind leaders F winners, but in the ab- Pulev near the end of test the home favourite which sent Pulev to the brought down Mateo Bayern Munich, who sence of injured top scorer the ninth round to re- in front of a limited canvas. The Bulgarian Klimowicz. were held to a draw by Erling Braut Haaland tain his IBF, WBO and crowd of 1,000. got back to his feet but Giovanni Reyna’s Union Berlin later in the they have taken one point WBA belts at Wembley Pulev, 39, remained Joshua connected with wonderful touch and day. from their past three Arena on Saturday. dangerous, without another huge right hand finish from Raphael Dortmund, who fin- league games. The 31-year-old Briton causing Joshua many to end the contest. Gretzky rookie card sells for record $1.29 million

NHL superstar Wayne all time,” Chris Ivy of Gretzky added another Heritage Auctions told record to his long resume The Canadian Press. on Friday when The “He’s right up there Great One’s collectable with Babe Ruth and card from his rookie sea- Michael Jordan.” son fetched $1.29 million The 59-year-old at auction, becoming the Canadian is the league’s first hockey card to sell all-time leading scorer for more than $1 million. and won four Stanley A mint condition 1979 Cups in his Hall of Fame O-Pee-Chee card of career. He is widely con- Gretzky with the sidered the greatest Edmonton Oilers during hockey player ever. the 1978-79 season “We’re very excited broke the previous high and glad it got to (al- mark set by the same most) $1.3 million,” Ivy card, which sold for said. “It very easily could $465,000 in August have sold for $1.1 million 2016, according to and it just as easily could NHL.com. have sold for $1.6 mil- “Baseball has a much lion. It comes down to longer history and has a who’s willing to cut the lion’s share of the sports check. It set a record... collectors’ market as a one more record to add whole, but hockey has its to Wayne Gretzky’s tally. place, and Gretzky defi- “He deserves to have Anthony Joshua in action against Kubrat Pulev during the Heavyweight World Title Fight at The SSE Arena, nitely goes on the Mount the highest-selling London, Britain, on December 12, 2020. Rushmore of greatest of hockey card of all time.” 36 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE NOTICES NOTICES

Ragged Point, St. Philip Land 8,267 sq ft $166,000 Rolling Hills, St. George Land 12,000 sq ft TEL 572-1452 $315,000 (negotiable) Cel: 253-6319 828-4800 Ocean City, St. Philip Email: Land 6150 sq ft caribbeanpropertiesltd $123,000 @gmail.com Fortesque, St Philip PROPERTIES Agricultural Land 494,500 sq ft Kirtons, St Philip $1,100,000 3 bedroom plus 2 bedroom apt Silver Sands, Christ Church Land 4,790 sq ft $685,000 Land 7,129 sq ft $160,000 Amity Lodge, Ch Ch 3 bedroom plus Bushy Park, St. Philip 1 bedroom apt Land 24,000 sq ft Land 6,646 sq ft $200,000 $650,000 Apes Hill, St. James Gibbons, Ch Ch Land 31,000 sq ft upward 3 bedroom plus Large lots at $15 per sq ft 2 bedroom apt REAL ESTATE AUCTION SALES Land 9,835 sq ft $765,000 Mount Wilton, St. Thomas Land 15,500 sq ft Breezy Hill, St Philip Fitts Village, St James and 22,066 sq ft Guest House, 4 Suites 3 bedroom, 2 bath $300,000 and $220,000 reduced to $298,000 Land 6,135 sq ft $850,000 negotiable Union, St. Philip Black Rock, St Michael Land 7560 sq ft Mason Hill Street The City 3 bedroom, 1 bath $150,000 Land 6732 sq ft 26,500 sq ft with buildings $4,500,000 negotiable $360,000 Cottage, St George Land 5000 sq ft All enquiries to Enterprise, Christ Church $110,000 3 bedroom, 2 bath (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 (246) 572 1452 Land 5062 sq ft Morningside, St Philip $390,000 (reduced) or By order of the Commis- Land 4567 sq ft (246) 247 4469 $133,000 sioner of Police, the following Golf Club Road, AUCTION SALES vehicles items will be sold by Christ Church Jupiter Gardens, St Philip Auction, on Wednesday 3 bedroom, 1 bath fixer upper Land 7312 sq ft 16th December, 2020, at Land 4,000 plus $133,000 UNDER OFFER 10.00 a.m, at Weymouth Sports Club, Roebuck Street, Bagatelle, St. Thomas St Michael The Belle, St George Land 62000 sq ft into 2 lots Plantation style House $520,000 each Standing on 4 acres The following items will be UNDER OFFER Marley Vale, St Philip offered for sale, gold col- Land 21,780 sq ft CARL HOLLIGAN oured chains, rings, brace- Frere Pilgrim, Christ Church $275,000 GRADUATE OF THE OHIO 3 bedroom, 2 baths with SCHOOL OF AUCTIONEERING lets, silver colored chains, wrist watches and pendants. two bedroom apartment. Sandford, St Philip Land 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 Our Auction Sales will be Land 16,356 sq ft done Online Via "Zoom" this $305,000 All persons attending this Hanson Heights, St George Thursday December 17th, auction, must wear a mask 2020 at 1:00 PM. All persons 3 bedroom, 2 baths and adhere to the Covid-19 Land 8321 sq ft are asked to sign in by 12:40 COMMERCIAL PM on the day of Sale. Pho- protocols. $595,000 tos and Info will be posted 3 Mount Standfast, St James - 4 days in Advance for view- Ealing Grove, George E. Edghill Two properties on ing. District “A” Christ Church 22,714 sq ft Land. Contact Carl / 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths Asking $1,200,000 Trevor Holligan Auctioneer Land 9320 sq ft for further details. $565,000 Black Rock, St. Michael Tel: 850-1818/ 850-2906 Warehouse/Factory LOTS FOR SALE 4000 sf space NOTICES NOTICES Land 23,861 sq ft Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy $900,000 (reduced) Land 14,876 sq ft. $110,000 Foul Bay, St. Philip Approved for condos, Bushy Park, St. Philip Land 39,242 sq ft Land 17,000 sq ft $1,600,000. $10 sq ft Dover, Christ Church Inchcape, St. Philip Hotel 18 rooms fully Land 4355 sq ft operational $2,950,000 neg $ 96,000 Dalkeith, Christ Church Belle, St. George Land 17,371 sq ft approved Land 4 acres for shops and offices $400,000 $495,000 Haggatt Hall, St. Michael Roebuck Street, Land 6336 sq ft Bridgetown $126,000 Shopping Mall/Office space $8,100,000 negotiable Cane Garden, St. Thomas Land 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft Batts Rock, St Michael Private entrance. From Guest House, $187,681 Land 12,078 sq ft $2,850,000 negotiable The Mount, St. George Land 6544 sq ft Cane Garden, St Thomas $110,000 3.6 acres approved Roadfront land Shop Hill, St Thomas $1,650,000 negotiable Land 11,735 sq ft $258,000 The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 37

38 • Sunday December 13, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Thousands attend Lewis Hamilton ‘not 100%’ Rossi’s funeral in Vicenza VICENZA, Italy - opening goal against Thousands of mourners Brazil. fit before season finale gathered in the Italian “Together we fought, we city of Vicenza yesterday won and we sometimes LEWIS Hamilton will ing drivers. It won’t be for the funeral of former lost, always picking our- head into the final the easiest race but I will Italy forward Paolo Rossi, selves up even in the face grand prix of the sea- manage and give it every- whose coffin was carried of disappointment. We son in Abu Dhabi on thing I have got.” to the cathedral by his were part of a group, that Sunday still suffering As with many people team mates from the group, our group. I didn’t the after-effects of who have come out of the 1982 World Cup-winning think he would leave so contracting coron- other side after coron- side. soon.” avirus – and in the un- avirus, Hamilton says the Marco Tardelli, Antonio Before the funeral, familiar position of main issue for him is one Cabrini, Giancarlo Rossi’s coffin was placed third on the grid. of “overall energy”. Antognoni, Alessandro at the Stadio Romeo The seven-time world “One of the symptoms Altobelli, Franco Causio, Menti in Vicenza where champion missed last is it really drains you,” he Fulvio Collovati and supporters could lay flow- weekend’s race in said. “I have been trying Giuseppe Bergomi were ers and pay their respects. Bahrain with the disease, to sleep as much as I can among the pallbearers. Rossi was topscorer in and although he tested but recharging is not as The event was shown Serie B as he led Vicenza negative in time to travel easy as it has been in the live by state broadcaster to promotion in 1976-77 to Abu Dhabi and race, past. Rai. and was also the leading he is far from over its de- “Plus, I lost a good Rossi, who died on scorer in Serie A the fol- bilitating effects. amount of weight in that Thursday at the age of 64 lowing season. “I am not 100%,” week. So I am not 100% after an illness, returned “Over the last few days Hamilton said after los- the same as I was last from a two-year ban from we have received incredi- ing out in the fight for time I raced. But it is in football to score six goals, ble, moving expressions of pole to Red Bull’s Max no way going to get in the including a hat-trick in an affection. I hope that Paolo Verstappen and his way of me giving it my all epic 3-2 win over Brazil, as has seen all this affection,” Mercedes team-mate tomorrow.” he led Italy to their third said Rossi’s wife Federica Valtteri Bottas. world title. Cappelletti. “I still have some feel- Lewis Hamilton heads into “I have not only lost a “Paolo belonged to the ings in my lungs, but I the final grand prix of the team mate, but also a people, to everyone, and it would drive if one of my season in Abu Dhabi today friend and a brother,” said is right that he should arms were hanging off. still suffering the after- Cabrini, who provided the be remembered for his That’s what we do as rac- effects of coronavirus. cross for Rossi to score the greatness.” The Barbados Advocate Sunday December 13, 2020 • 39

Manchester derby ends in stalemate MANCHESTER United a second-half penalty when and Manchester City Kyle Walker fouled Marcus played out a dismal Rashford but the decision derby stalemate behind was overturned as VAR closed doors at Old revealed the United striker Trafford. was offside. In a game devoid of qual- It led to an unsatisfac- ity and excitement, neither tory conclusion for both side were able to carve out sides, leaving United the opportunity that could seventh in the Premier make a difference amid the League and City a place eerie silence of the so- below them. called ‘Theatre Of Dreams’. Manchester United Gabriel Jesus was off needed some sort of re- target and Riyad Mahrez sponse after the despair Riyad Mahrez’s first-half effort, saved by David de Gea, was one of only four shots on target at Old Trafford. brought a routine save and disappointment of from David de Gea with their Champions League straw that under-pressure tled at Old Trafford, at many but he, like City It was that sort of game City’s best first-half exit following the loss boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer least according to agent counterpart Ederson, had – although once more chances while Scott against RB Leipzig – and United could clutch at. Mino Raiola, because a quiet night. United’s £40m summer McTominay was agonis- defeat was not an option. Paul Pogba was restored barely anyone had a posi- He completed two signing from Ajax Donny ingly inches away from And that goal, at least, to the starting line-up to tive impact on a shocking straightforward saves from van de Beek was left Victor Lindelof’s flick as was achieved but it was little or no effect but it spectacle. Mahrez’s first-half effort to watch on from the United sought the break- achieved at the end of a would be unfair to single De Gea was under the and Rodri’s injury-time bench perhaps wondering through. real eyesore of a game and out the midfielder who microscope after another shot but other than that what he has to do to get a United thought they had was pretty much a flimsy seems permanently unset- expensive error in Ger- was largely unemployed. start. Villa snatch win at Wolves with late penalty SUBSTITUTE Anwar El gave a first Premier Jimenez’s team-mates Ghazi converted a stop- League start to 18-year- were still coming to terms page-time penalty as old striker Silva, their club with the severity of his in- Aston Villa snatched record £35.6m summer jury as they lost 4-0 at victory in their West signing from Porto. Liverpool last weekend Midlands derby at Wolves. Villa also gave a but Nuno said the Mexico Wolves had the better of teenager his first start in forward gave everyone “a their first home game England’s top flight – big lift” when he visited since striker Raul 19-year-old midfielder the club’s Compton train- Jimenez suffered a frac- Jacob Ramsey – but with ing ground on Wednesday. tured skull, with Fabio no fans present, this was Jimenez’s injury has Silva hitting a post mid- hardly the baptism of fire hastened Silva’s introduc- way through the second you might expect from a tion to the starting line- half. regular West Midlands up, after six substitute Villa goalkeeper derby. appearances, and he was a Anwar El Ghazi’s penalty was his first goal since also scoring a late penalty Emiliano Martinez then lively frontrunner, with against Manchester City in January. denied Leander Den- No Silva lining in Daniel Podence, Adama doncker,before the visitors Jimenez’s absence Traore and Pedro Neto Wolves were undone by a will surely not care one jot But Villa were straight had midfielder Douglas Wolves fans arranged a probing in behind. lapse at the back. having pulled off another on the front foot in the Luiz sent off after picking banner featuring a “get Podence had a shot de- Having stuck with a fine result on the road. second half, with Luiz fir- up a second booking late well soon” message for flected wide from Neto’s four-man defence, Wolves Villa have now won four ing wide and Jack on. Raul Jimenez, plus their cutback and a fierce looked solid for the most out of five away games in Grealish’s free-kick going But Nelson Semedo popular song Wolves low strike saved, while part, until McGinn got in the league and had it not just over. brought down John Aywe. Dendoncker fired straight behind right-back Semedo been for Martinez’s hero- Wolves keeper Rui McGinn in injury-time, With Wolverhampton at Martinez. to earn the spot-kick. ics, and Luiz’s red card, Patricio was also forced to handing El Ghazi the still under tier three coro- Silva glanced a you might say it was turn a deflected Ollie chance to sidefoot home navirus restrictions, sup- Moutinho free-kick wide The perfect away the perfect away perform- Watkins strike wide at his his first goal since porters have to wait a lit- in first-half stoppage time performance – almost ance. near post, yet the hosts January from the spot. tle longer to return to and then almost broke the This routine stop from a In the first half they managed to take more There was still time for Molineux. deadlock when he latched Romain Saiss header was looked comfortable in a 4- control and looked the the hosts to have mid- But they have shown on to Podence’s perfectly one of seven saves by 3-3 formation, with most likely side to claim a fielder Joao Moutinho dis- their support for Jimenez weighted pass, but his Emiliano Martinez, com- Ramsey a lively introduc- late winner. missed for a second yellow by raising £21,000 to pay first-time effort came back pared with one from tion on the left side of mid- Then Grealish linked up card as Villa clinched their for a huge banner in the off the far post. Wolves keeper Rui field. with McGinn - who signed second win in six games, Steve Bull Stand which The Portuguese Patricio They were happy to con- a new five-year contract climbing back above their reads “Fuerza Raul”, and teenager went close again For the most part, this tain Wolves as much as on Friday - and El Ghazi local rivals to eighth in the they also arranged for an with an overhead kick, derby did not deliver the possible, though they was allowed to do the ho- table. aeroplane to circle the while Martinez made a same entertainment as rarely threatened them- nours from the penalty With Jimenez set for a stadium before kick-off, fine save to keep out Villa’s recent defeats by selves despite spending spot, ensuring Villa’s ex- lengthy absence, Wolves towing a “get well soon” Dendoncker’s volley from Brighton and West Ham, more time in the hosts’ cellent start to the season boss Nuno Espirito Santo message. Neto’s Rabona cross, but but manager Dean Smith final third. has not gone to waste. Joshua knocks out Pulev to retain heavyweight titles

Page 35

Sunday December 13, 2020 BARBADOS CELEBRATES Inaugural horse racing event under the lights takes place By Corey Greaves Sir David, who is the president Barbados Police Force band of the Barbados Turf Club, told playing before the switch was A DREAM and a goal which those on hand for the first race thrown. started over three decades that ‘Racing Nite’ was a quest for He thanked the Prime who ago has been finally realized lights that started way back in classified horse racing as an as the lights at the historic 1985. Seale said that,“...It was 35 industry and thus be treated the Garrison Savannah were years and two weeks ago... and same as all industrial concerns in turned on by Prime Minister when I had real thick black hair.” this island.“By so doing, relieving Mia Amor Mottley and Sir “But finally the quest has finally the club of paying of duties and David Seale yesterday. ended and the first race night is VAT on the lighting equipment With the sun dipping below the upon us and this history-making imported.” Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley (right) and Sir David Seale horizon and the light quickly event will bring horse racing in Sir David added that racing in pulling the switch to turn on the lights at the Garrison fading, Sir David and the Prime Barbados beaming with pride into the cool of the evening will be very Savannah for the inaugural racing event under the lights Minister pulled the switch and the 21st century and I could not be attractive to locals and visitors dubbed the Sir David Seale Racing Night with nine races the lights lit the track along with more delighted.” alike. slated for the night. some fireworks. The evening first saw the Royal With the application to Town and Country planning also came some challenges as the Garrison falls under the UNESCO designation for the World Heritage site of Bridgetown.

LIGHTS on Page 33 ERT to rule next year in former bank worker’s case THE Employment Rights Tribunal (ERT) is scheduled to bring its ruling in the unfair dismissal case of Sonya Toppin vs Republic Bank in early February 2021. The unfair dismissal case in which the former sales supervisor with Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited allegedly attempted to leave the island with some US$22,000 and subsequently lost her job in April 2017, continued on Thursday before the Employment Rights Tribunal (ERT) in the Warrens Office Complex in St. Michael.

Delano Lopez and De Conkie Man on their way to victory in the first race of the evening under the lights. RULE on Page 7

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