Established October 1895 Work to start soon on expanded A&E Department Page 3

Tuesday February 11, 2020 $1 VAT Inclusive ON THE RISE Non-medical prescription drug use a growing problem NON-MEDICAL use of prescription pointed out that non-medical use of has reported problematic use of opioids drugs is growing in Barbados and the prescription drugs such as opioids has and amphetamines in 2017, ecstasy and Regional Security System (RSS) is reached epidemic proportions in various crystal meth in 2018 and also crystal putting measures in place to help parts of the world. meth, ecstasy, xanax and hasheesh in reverse the trend. He said the Caribbean has not remained 2019,” he said. Addressing yesterday’s opening untouched by this scourge, while citing Shurland noted new psychoactive ceremony of the RSS Drug Investigations the growing use of Zesser pills in Trinidad substances (NPS) and emerging drugs for Female Officers Course, Executive and Tobago. These pills, which are were presenting a number of challenges Director of the RSS Headquarters Captain designed to look like sweets, combine a for persons working in the area of demand Errington Shurland said the range of mixture of ecstasy and cocaine. and supply reduction. Executive Director of the RSS drugs and drug markets were growing “Similar challenges exist in Barbados. Headquarters Captain Errington and diversifying like never before and The Barbados Drug Information Network RISE on Page 3 Shurland

From left: High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados, Marie Legault; Chair of LesLois Shaw Foundation, Virginia Shaw Hutchinson; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Executive Chair of the QEH, Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland engage in conversation after the launch. SickKids partnering with Barbados to create centre THE GOVERNMENT of Barbados is The Centre which will be known as the Court. physicians are to be trained in targeted, partnering with the Hospital for Sick Shaw Centre for Paediatric Excellence is Speaking yesterday morning during the high-need paediatric subspecialties Children (SickKids) in Toronto to establish being made possible through the support event, Director of Capacity Building, through fellowships at the Hospital for a Centre of Paediatric Excellence at the of the LesLois Shaw Foundation in Centre for Global Child Health, SickKids Sick Children and support will also be Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), which is collaboration with the Clinton Foundation. Canada, Brian Smith said through the offered for six international observerships expected to see a greater number of Word of the centre,which is to be of benefit Centre they will develop a specialist in quality improvement that will twin paediatric health care personnel being not only to Barbados, but the countries of nursing programme through which 40 their experience at the Hospital for Sick trained and fewer children here having to the Eastern Caribbean, came yesterday in paediatric nurses will be trained to help Children with health care settings in seek treatment overseas for various a ceremony held on the grounds of the support the QEH and the various Barbados. conditions. Prime Minister’s official residence, Ilaro polyclinics. Additionally, he said, four PARTNERSHIP on Page 5 2 • Tuesday February 11, 2020 The Barbados Advocate The Barbados Advocate Tuesday February 11, 2020 • 3

Work to start soon on More funds for QEH GOVERNMENT is set to noting that her make even more money government recognises available to the Queen that they “have a expanded A&E Department Elizabeth Hospital responsibility even in CONSTRUCTION on (QEH) to help improve difficult fiscal times to an expanded Accident the delivery of health step up to the plate”. and Emergency (A&E) care in this country. In that vein, she said Department at the Word of this has come Government ensured Queen Elizabeth from Prime Minister Mia that the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is Amor Mottley. She made Hospital was the expected to get started the comments yesterday recipient of a $30 million soon on a site next morning while loan to be able to re-equip to the current addressing those critical aspects of the department. gathered at Ilaro Court hospital’s equipment and T hat’s according to for the launch of a infrastructure. She said Executive Chairman of partnership between that the last such the QEH, Juliette Bynoe- Government and the occasion this was done Sutherland. She was Toronto-based Hospital was a decade or more ago. speaking yesterday for Sick Children “All of us would agree afternoon to the media on (SickKids) to establish that in the area of health the sidelines of the launch the Shaw Centre for care where technology of a partnership between Paediatric Excellence. evolves in the wink of an Government and the The centre is being eye and where the Toronto-based Hospital for funded by the LesLois benefits from such Sick Children (SickKids) Shaw Foundation in technology makes the at Ilaro Court to establish collaboration with the difference between life the Shaw Centre for Clinton Foundation. and death that we ought Paediatric Excellence. Mottley told those never to be in a similar She said after exploring gathered that this latest situation where 10 years several options for the funding of $3 million will elapses again before we build out of that made available to finance look at the equipment department, including the a special project to reduce needs of our primary nearby Enmore Complex the mortality rate of health care institution. as well as within the myocardial infraction So we therefore hope that hospital itself, it was commonly known as a we are not only giving decided that they build heart attack. According them the opportunity to next to the department. to PM Mottley, in re-equip, but that we “As we speak now we are Barbados and the would be setting a really building back up the Caribbean the mortality different standard as to project team. You are Executive Chairman of the QEH, Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland. rate is at 37 per cent, how we treat to the going to soon see work while in the developed hospital’s needs on an starting and we are going and not disrupt the “It is important to note As such, she said it is world it is at eight per ongoing basis,” the Prime to give you a date officially operations and as you that building out or imperative that the cent. Minister added. for the groundbreaking of move out and start up, you strengthening the existing hospital strengthen its “This is an She continued, “I say so the new A&E. We would can do some retrofitting of capacity of the A&E is not discharge planning, unacceptable figure and conscious as well that we have done a lot of the the existing A&E. So all of the only thing that is increase the bed capacity we have therefore have already given them, preliminary work already the other options that we needed to improve the and do a better job in the determined that in and I hope the hospital and we decided that we looked at within the delivery of accident and area of ambulatory care. addition to us taking a will start very shortly, would settle on the facility just were not the emergency services. Very “There are a number of presentation at the start the expansion of the original site for expansion, best fit,” she stated. often blockages are procedures that are now CARICOM Heads of Accident and Emergency which is next door to the Bynoe-Sutherland said encountered within the increasingly able to be Government meeting Department which the existing A&E and it will that some $11 million hospital. When you hear done as a same day next week, from the government has already call for some have already been sometimes people are procedure – so you can leading cardiologist in given them $10 million reconfiguration of driving allocated within the waiting a long time for a come into the hospital the region, that the as well”. and parking,” she told budget to execute this bed, it is because they are have a same day government of Barbados Meanwhile, turning media personnel. project and she said that waiting essentially to get procedure and then be will proceed to being able her attention to the new She explained that by persons can expect that into beds on wards in the discharged. So if we can to make the difference by Centre of Excellence building on that site as with the expanded facility hospital and we have been get ambulatory care the expenditures that are being created, she opposed to expanding the will come additional staff impacted by a number of services more deeply necessary from thanked SickKids, the current department, will to get the job done. Noting variables,” she added. established and instituted ambulances right back to LesLois Shaw allow the department to that healthcare is a very The QEH head into the hospital, it would adjustments within the Foundation and the continue to operate and human resource-intensive explained that such go a long way towards Accident and Emergency others involved for cater to the needs of the area, she said part of the variables include the large reducing the number of Department that would helping to make it a public. planning for this population of elderly for persons who are required allow us to be able reality. She expressed “That’s why it was expansion of the A&E has care who remain at the to stay within the hospital. to deal with patients gratitude for them being considered the best option, looked at increasing staff, hospital long after their That would help facing these difficulties catalysts to make a because you can encase bed capacity and the acute condition has been significantly with within the shortest meaningful difference in the location and do the services that are delivered addressed, and limited bed improving the delivery of possible period of time, the lives of people. She building within that site by that department. capacity at the hospital. care,” she added. (JRT) which immediately expressed her increases their appreciation while capacity to survive,” she lauding the other said. charitable organisations Her comments came as in the country for the Lack of knowledge pointed out as issue she noted that the assistance they have RISE from Front Page fatal cases associated with prescription drugs) and will be gain further insight funding for this special provided for Barbados. these substances and that opioids presented not only to drugs and trends, initiative, would bring to PM Mottley made the “These problems and these substances are challenges for drug supply valuation of drugs,forensic $43 million the money comments while challenges are a lack of outside of the control of the reduction and drug awareness, precursors, that has been allocated contending that knowledge about their international and national treatment, but also for slang in the drug trade to the QEH since her Barbados would not have safety and toxicity, risk legislative framework. drug treatment overall,” and drug trafficking in the party came to power in gotten through the last and consequences; A report from CICAD- he told the group gathered Americas, case 2018. She said this has decade without the unawareness of the part of Inter American Drug at the RSS Training investigation, intelligence, been done because philanthropic gifts the users about what they Abuse Control Institute in Paragon. interview, briefing and maintaining the health of they placed at the consume; increase in the Commission indicated Over the course’s two debriefing techniques. the nation is important. country’s disposal. number of overdoses and that NPS (non medical week period, the officers (JMB) She made the point while (JRT) 4 • Tuesday February 11, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Sagicor echoes message from St. Cyprian’s Boys’ School to ‘Keep Barbados Clean’ “THE youth are 000 and a trophy. watching us… and Sagicor’s Carolyn their actions are Shepherd, Assistant Vice influenced more by President – Marketing, The ‘Cyptones’ captured a Gold Medal Award. what they see, than by Communications & what they are told to Brand Experience, do.” This is the presented the award at warning from leading the recently held NIFCA insurance company, Awards Ceremony and Sagicor. commented on the It comes on the heels of seriousness of the issue the St. Cyprian’s Primary chosen by the school. School being awarded the “The youth are blamed winners of the 2019 for many of society’s ills, Sagicor Visionaries but children are heavily NIFCA Performing Arts influenced by the prize, with a cautionary examples set by adults. tale on littering. We cannot continue to The “Cyptones” point the finger at them, captured a Gold Medal when in fact they are Award at the Sagicor mimicking our sponsored 2019 NIFCA behaviours. It must start Junior Finals for their with us. The presentation piece entitled “Tek De by the St. Cyprian’s boys Blame”, which addressed while entertaining, had a the concerning issue of very sobering message, garbage across the reminding us that each of island and the need us is responsible for the for all Barbadians to play future of this country.The their part in keeping decisions we make daily their surroundings and the example we set clean. have a profound effect on The piece was adjudged those of the next the best examination of generation. As and commentary on an responsible citizens, we environmental challenge are therefore obligated to affecting the island, play our part,” she earning the school Bds$1 said.

Traffic changes for ‘Speightstown Alive’ MEMBERS of the public Street. are asked to note that due 3. No vehicular traffic to the hosting of the St. will be allowed to enter Peter,We Gatherin’ event, onto Queens Street at its “Speightstown Alive” that junction with Goddings effective 10 p.m. on Friday Alley. February 14, 2020 until 4. No vehicular traffic midnight on Saturday will be allowed to enter February 15, 2020, no into Queens Street at its vehicular traffic will be junction with Chapel allowed along Orange Street. Street to Queens Street at For the period its junction with Chapel aforementioned, vehicular Street, Speightstown, St. traffic along Church Peter. Street will be allowed to To facilitate this road flow in both directions. closure; 1. No vehicular Vehicular traffic along traffic will be allowed to Goddings Alley will be enter onto Orange Street allowed to flow in both at its junction with Sand directions. Street and Major Walk. Absolutely no parking of 2. No vehicular traffic vehicles is allowed on will be allowed to enter Church Street, Major onto Orange Street at its Walk Goddings Alley or junction with Church Chapel Street. The Barbados Advocate Tuesday February 11, 2020 • 5 Hydrate Barbados launched ONE LOCAL industry leader is introducing an eco-friendly water station to a secondary school which will make specific programmes easier and less costly. Managing Director of Newport Water,Shawn Gibbons mentioned this during his brief comments to the media during the launch of “Hydrate Barbados” and the unveiling of a new drinking station at Springer Memorial Secondary School on Monday. The water station which is located by the school’s courtyard is branded with the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-Operative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL) Thrift Club logo. From left: Marketing Assistant of Barbados Public Workers’ Co-Operative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL), Stacy Mottley; The BPWCCUL has partnered Deputy Principal of Springer Memorial Secondary School, Cheryl Gill; Head Girl of Springer Memorial Secondary School, with Newport Water and the Tamera Cheefoon and the Principal of Springer Memorial Secondary School, Mitchelle Maxwell pose with the new water sta- credit union is the sponsor of the tion from Newport Water. The secondary school became the first on the island to receive a water station that is eco-friendly, initiative. reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles. ”Hydrate Barbados” which launched on Monday at the school is an initiative In the Newport Systems Inc. that has been sponsored by the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL). press release, the aim of the brand is to see a network of Lucia and Jamaica and it increasing demand are not week and it will be sponsored by students are encouraged to drink stations where people will started to work on the program sustainable. BPWCCUL. He added the drink water on that have access to pure drinking about three years ago with a Gibbons said that the program Constitution River Bus day. water that is free and easy with focus on supporting corporate began as a pilot and eventually Terminal has signed on to the She explained that the recent a pleasant taste. One of the Barbados. But Gibbons said that developed to this stage where program but they are awaiting initiative will further strengthen major advantages of the system the brand decided to look at the the company has installed a an appropriate sponsor. the school’s partnership with the is the elimination of the use of thousands of students in the water station at the secondary Barbados Public Workers’ Co- environmentally unfriendly island’s schools who have little school. Presently, the Springer Springer Memorial practises Operative Credit Union plastic bottles. Newport Systems access to drinking water Memorial Secondary School has effective health and wellness Limited. Marketing Assistant Inc. noted that their initiative systems that meet their a student roll of 900. The principal of the school, at BPWCCUL, Stacy comes at a time when childhood capacity. He noted that the use of the Mitchelle Maxwell told the Mottley told the media after the diabetes and obesity have He recognised the station is free to the students media that Springer Memorial launch that the Springer reached alarming rates in contribution of kind donators and it is the first Newport Water Secondary School Memorial Secondary School has Barbados. who have provided water system of its kind in Barbados. practises effective health and its own school-run Credit Union Gibbons said that the fountains to the schools but He added that there are plans wellness. She highlighted that branch through its company is a small brand that pointed out that these systems to install a similar water station the school is known to have its Thrift Club School Savers operates across Barbados, St. due to lack of maintenance and at The St. Michael School next Water Wednesdays where Program.

Modern environment for patient and family being created PARTNERSHIP from Front care and establish a culture of ward at the QEH will be fund to help support families Chair of the LesLois Shaw Page continuous improvement and refurbished. In addition to from the Eastern Caribbean Foundation, Virginia Shaw finally to invest in research and installing new furniture in the access care at the QEH will also Hutchinson said earlier that the Smith went on to explain that advocacy that informs policy and ward and waiting room, he said be established. Centre will be established over this training falls within one of drives sustainability. Smith any necessary medical Finally, Smith revealed that the next seven years. the four work streams – indicated that other work equipment will also be procured. as it relates to paediatric “It is our hope to create a excellence and innovation in streams are improvements in Moreover, he said that the same research and innovation it will modern environment for patient paediatric education – through patient and family experience will be done in respect of the be focused on Barbados and and family, while aspiring to which the Centre intends to and clinician environment; child health spaces within the three catalyst grants and two establish a centre of innovation meet its three main goals – to paediatric research and polyclinics. local post-doctoral fellowships in for paediatric research, establish a critical mass of innovation; and excellence and In terms of the excellence and paediatric research will be made education and care. I can’t wait health workers with expertise in innovation in paediatric care. innovation in paediatric care, he available He went on to say that to see what the future holds for paediatrics and maximise the The Director of Capacity said eight high-priority clinical they will also work with the the people of Barbados, I know it quality of the environment in Building said in respect of quality improvement initiatives Chronic Disease Research will be incredible. I believe this which they work; to leverage improving patient and family will be developed. He further Centre to complete the national incredible partnership will have new skilled health workforce to experience and clinician noted that as part of this childhood obesity surveillance a lasting impact,” she said. improve the quality of paediatric environment, the paediatric initiative, a patient amenity project. (JRT) Sagicor General Insurance announces restructure to streamline operations SAGICOR General yesterday and deliver superior value in the delivery of exceptional affected team members receive Caribbean, with operations in announced that it will be an ultra-competitive market. service to its clients and is the necessary guidance and Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, undergoing a restructuring President and CEO,Keston continuously reviewing support to assist them through Dominica, St Lucia and process in Barbados and St. Howell, said the decision was operations to improve this process.” Trinidad and Tobago. The Lucia. This is in keeping with taken after a strategic review of efficiencies. We sincerely value Sagicor General is one of the company offers auto, home, the company’s ongoing efforts the company’s operations. the contributions of our team longest standing general travel and business insurance to improve customer experience “The company is focused on and will ensure that the insurance companies in the protection.

6 • Tuesday February 11, 2020 The Barbados Advocate CDB President gives thanks to past leaders PRESIDENT of the Caribbean arrangements for CDB's establishment Development Bank (CDB) Dr. Warren after the draft Agreement had been Smith while highlighting the strides accepted by the Third Ministerial level made by the Bank over the past Meeting.As a member of staff of the CDB, five decades to assist in the I had the good fortune of Sir Neville’s socio-economic development of tutelage during his presidency and prior the region, also highlighted the to that, when he served as Vice President critical role played by past leaders of of Operations. that regional institution. “Desmond Brunton and Mr. Neville Dr. Smith paid tribute to this distin- Grainger, two outstanding Vice guished group during a service of thanks- Presidents, are also present this evening. giving held at the Frank Collymore Hall A number of us in the current staff and on Sunday evening as the CDB celebrates leadership of CDB benefited from their its 50th anniversary. knowledge and experience when they According to Dr. Smith, “From its con- worked with the Bank and we continue to ception and in its early years of operation, draw on their wisdom, to this day,” this institution has been blessed Dr. Smith said. with leaders and a cadre of staff who have The CDB president also paid tribute to been dedicated to our mission.” the many people who joined CDB on the “Four past Presidents – Sir Arthur five decade long journey. “Our member Lewis, William Demas, Sir Neville states; our growing network of Nicholls and Professor Compton Bourne developments partners and cooperating – provided the solid foundation for the institutions; the CARICOM Secretariat CDB which I inherited in 2011, when and our sister institutions in the I became President.Today,I pay tribute to Region; and the dedicated, loyal President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Warren Smith highlighted the their legacy.” Management and staff of CDB, both strides made by the CDB over the past five decades. He highlighted that Sir Neville, who past and present.” attended the thanksgiving service, was a The service of thanksgiving featured Barbados the Right Reverend Michael St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic member of the Barbados delegation that remarks from Prime Minister Mia Amor Maxwell. Prayers of thanksgiving were Church, There was also a reading from participated in the inter-governmental Mottley, Deputy Prime Minister of the delivered by Chairman of the Barbados the Bhagavad Gita by Mukesh Chugani, meetings held to discuss the draft Bahamas and Chairman of the Board of Christian Council Major Darrell Education Coordinator, Sathya Sai Agreement for establishing the Bank. Governors of the CDB Kevin Peter Wilkinson; former CDB Vice President of International Organisation of Barbados “He also represented Barbados on the Turnquest. Operations P. Desmond Brunton and and the Suleiman Bulbulia, Muslim Preparatory Committee that made the The message was delivered by Bishop of Reverend Michael Gonsalves Deacon of Chaplain of the UWI Cave Hill. VACANCY: Sales Executives An established going concern has a vacancy for Sales Executives. We’re looking for dynamic men and women who have the ability to offer advertising solutions to clients in a competitive market. We only want self-motivated persons who are results oriented and highly resourceful.

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Unsuitable applications will not be acknowledged. The deadline for submission is February 14, 2020. The Barbados Advocate Tuesday February 11, 2020 • 7 Stimulating success with Chinese brews world over EVERY wholesale mar- exported to 64 countries luminaries overseas dur- ket in Algeria will likely and regions across Asia, ing official visits of China’s stock at least some Southeast Asia, Europe, top leaders. quantity of green tea North America, and For instance, in 1986, produced by Chinatea, Africa, and sold through a Chinatea products were a subsidiary of COFCO global network of 35,000 presented to Queen Group. Algerians love retailers. Elizabeth-II of the United the taste from China, “The company’s go- Kingdom as a national and the company’s global strategy can be gift. Similarly, in 2007, its products are a safe bet traced back to 1949. Back products were sent out for any profit-minded then, it was in charge of to Russian President merchant. tea exports for the whole Vladimir Putin. Small wonder, Chinatea country. From 1992, tea In 2014, Chinatea’s has already carved up a product exports gradually products were designated nearly 13-per cent share transformed from raw tea the official tea for the Asia- of the local market, with material to branded tea Pacific Economic Co-oper- its green tea products products, which became ation Summit. Its products alone selling about 2,000 competitive in the over- were also used by the Belt A receptionist serves Chinatea brews to a foreigner at the 2014 Asia-Pacific metric tons worth $5 mil- seas markets,” said a and Road Forum for Economic Co-operation Summit in Beijing. [PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY] lion in Algeria last year. Chinatea executive. International Co-opera- Founded in 1949, Since the 1980s, tion, the BRICS Summit, Expo, among other high- tion, and service. packaging in a timely Chinatea is also famous Chinatea’s products have the Shanghai Co-opera- profile events. Take Safinet E’sahraa, manner, based on cus- for its black tea, oolong tea, been prized gifts of the tion Organisation Yu Lu, deputy head of an export tea brand of tomer feedback. scented tea, white tea, and nation offered to visiting Summit, the China the China Chamber of Chinatea. Its raw materi- “In the rapidly evolving Pu’er tea: Its products are dignitaries as well as International Import Commerce of Import and als come from the high- Internet era, we intro- Export of Foodstuffs, quality tea gardens, which duced e-commerce chan- Native Produce and lie at 500 metres above nels, to offer diversified Animal By-products, said: sea level. choices to our clients as “Currently, China is the During the manufactur- well as consumers,” said a third-largest country for ing process, tea leaves are Chinatea executive who tea exports. In 2018, checked every hour, and declined to be named. China’s total tea exports data thereof is maintained Chinatea is now plan- reached $1.78 billion, tak- in records. The packaged ning to shift emphasis to ing up 2.24 per cent of the tea products are num- green tea consumption total agricultural product bered so that every step markets in West Africa exports. From 2014 to of the production process and North Africa. It also 2018, the compound an- can be traced, to ensure intends to explore deeper nual growth rate of tea quality. in the Southeast Asian, exports was 4.9 per cent.” To adapt to the local European and American According to Chinatea, markets, the intensity of markets, to expand the in recent years, its sub- the tea products exported overall scale of its interna- sidiaries such as Chinatea is adjusted according to tional business. Hunan in Central China, the taste and drinking Yu said Chinatea is Chinatea Fujian in East habits of the target mar- setting a good example China, Chinatea Xiamen kets. Chinatea established for China’s tea exports. In in East China, Chinatea standards for export of the future, better use of Yunnan in Southwest green tea and chunmee science, technology and China, and Chinatea green tea, with focus on innovation could help Guangxi in South China, criteria like colour,appear- boost exports, he said. have been developing ance, taste, and aroma of “Besides, China can do overseas business in close the tea leaves. a better job in biological co-operation, and the The company selects its control, to offer global current annual foreign exclusive agents with tea consumers trust in exchange earnings sur- strongest distribution ca- Chinese tea products.” passed 200 million yuan pabilities, to ensure the Yang Jiangfan, team ($28.7 million). stability of channels in a leader of the tea study According to the com- single market. The com- project in Fujian province, pany,one of the reasons for pany also provides its cus- said: “The quality of tea the company’s success tomers with high-quality products is the foundation overseas is that it has a pre-sales and after-sales of China’s tea exports. good industry chain cover- services. By maintaining Quality control along the Attendees taste Chinatea products at the Qingdao Summit of the Shanghai ing all aspects, from sourc- communication with cus- whole industry chain, and Co-operation Organisation Summit in Qingdao, Shandong province, in September ing to production, manu- tomers frequently, it can high standards are very 2018. [PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY] facturing, supply,distribu- adjust product quality and important.” Remote work platforms quickly being adapted across China REMOTE work models, by WeChat Work, an all- resumed work after most efficient in their on- report said. Work also enables mes- from conference calls in-one communications the prolonged Spring line dialogue, recording In terms of sectors, ed- sages and push notifica- to online training, are app dedicated to enter- Festival this year. the shortest conference ucation, healthcare and tions to parents, so they quickly taking hold in prises, according to a On the other hand, call durations on aver- government agencies can receive notifications China as a growing num- recent report published users in Qinghai, Hainan age. take the top three spots from teachers in a ber of companies encour- by developer Tencent and Jilin provinces are Company owners from in handling business re- prompt and timely man- age temporary home- Holdings Ltd. least reliant on confer- Guangdong, Jiangsu and quirements via software. ner. Parents from Baoji based work to contain Users in the cities also ence calls. Those working Zhejiang provinces, The most online training of Shaanxi province, the novel coronavirus. opted for online docu- from the Inner Mongolia where business activities is conducted by users in Shenzhen and Hebei Beijing, Shenzhen and ments, the report said, autonomous region, traditionally remain vi- Guangdong, Hebei and province’s capital city Shanghai are the top citing data based on user Gansu province and the brant, are most earnest Hunan provinces. Shijiazhuang are most three cities for usage of trends since Feb. 3, when Xinjiang Uygur au- in checking health con- As regards the educa- active in online engage- conference calls powered some companies first tonomous region are ditions of employees, the tion industry,WeChat ment with school faculty.

8 • Tuesday February 11, 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 More than 100 US troops diagnosed Violence a no-no with brain injuries from Iran attack WASHINGTON – The scrutiny on the Trump from traumatic brain “I’ve called on the US military yesterday administration’s ap- injuries had been diag- Pentagon to ensure the disclosed a more than proach to Iran. nosed with mild cases. safety & care of our de- in the workplace 50% jump in cases of Reuters was first to He added that the diag- ployed forces who may AN article highlighted in the press recently, has traumatic brain injury report earlier yesterday nosis could change as be exposed to blast in- suggested that it is time that local employers stemming from Iran’s that there were over 100 time passed. juries in Iraq,” Ernst equip themselves to deal with the possible missile attack on a base cases of TBI, up from the Symptoms of concus- said on Twitter. increase in levels of violence in the workplace. in Iraq last month, with 64 previously reported sive injuries include US President Donald Yvonne Hall, President of the Barbados the number of service last month. headaches, dizziness, Trump appeared to play Employers’ Confederation (BEC), pointed to the members diagnosed The Pentagon, in a sensitivity to light and down the brain injuries upsurge in violent crime, especially gun-related climbing to over 100. statement, confirmed nausea. last month, saying he crime, which is now of major concern and further No US troops were that so far 109 US serv- Pentagon officials have “heard that they had suggested that violence at the level of the killed or faced immedi- ice members had been repeatedly said there headaches and a couple workplace could come about as a spill-over effect ate bodily injury when diagnosed with mild has been no effort to of other things” follow- from the level of violence being witnessed in the Iran fired missiles at the traumatic brain injury. minimise or delay infor- ing the attack, prompt- society.She therefore cautioned business owners Ain al-Asad base in Iraq It added that 76 of them mation on concussive ing criticism from law- and employers to be on their guard. in retaliation for the US had returned to duty. injuries. But the disclo- makers and a US veter- “We seem to be faced with a more aggressive killing of Revolutionary The US military in the sures following Tehran’s ans group. society, which when coupled with the harsh Guard General Qassem past had said to expect attack have renewed Various health and economic realities faced by Barbadians, could Soleimani in a drone an increase in numbers questions over the US medical groups for years lead to increased workplace violence, including strike at the Baghdad in the weeks after the at- military’s policy regard- have been trying to raise an increase in robberies. Whilst it has been airport on Jan. 3. tack because symptoms ing how it internally awareness about the reported by police that major crime overall The missile attacks can take time to mani- reports suspected brain seriousness of brain declined in 2019, the level of violence in society capped a spiral of vio- fest and troops can injuries and whether injuries, including con- is still of significant concern as it affects people lence that had started sometimes take longer to they are treated publicly cussions. from all walks of life in our society and by in late December. Both report them. with the same urgency Since 2000, about extension, the perception of our tourism product. sides have refrained Army General Mark as loss of limb or life. 408,000 service mem- Therefore, employers and business owners must from further military es- Milley, chairman of the US Republican bers have been diag- ensure they are equipped to deal with the calation, but the mount- Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Senator Joni Ernst said nosed with traumatic eventuality and possible increase in violence in ing number of US casu- last month that the serv- more answers were brain injury, according the workplace,” the BEC President maintained. alties could increase ice members suffering needed. to Pentagon data. Hall later stated that with the upsurge in violent crimes and the International Labour Organisation’s adoption of the new Violence and Harassment Convention, those at the helm of Sydney rains: Record rainfall brings the BEC thought it an opportune time for the business community to evaluate the effect of violence in the world of work and discuss mitigating strategies, and hence their recent flooding but puts out mega-blaze “Violence in the Workplace” seminar. SYDNEY has been hit that was “too big to put by emergency services stay home from work It appears that the BEC is trying to be by its heaviest rain in out”. over the weekend. yesterday to avoid the proactive in this matter and this is a plus. Indeed, 30 years, bringing wide- On Sunday, the “Everywhere has been disruption. we must send the message that violence in the spread flooding but also Currowan fire, around the hit, it’s hard to pinpoint Thousands of people in workplace is a no-no and will not be tolerated. We putting out two massive town of Shoalhaven, was where it’s worst,” said low-lying areas of the city meanwhile cannot bury our heads in the sand bushfires in New South also put out. It had burned Matt Kirby, spokesman have been told to leave or and pretend that violence will not touch us in Wales. for 74 days, destroying for the State Emergency get ready to leave their the environment in which we work, as we have Australia’s weather nearly 500,000 hectares Services (SES). homes. already seen a few incidents where persons have agency said 391.6mm of and 312 homes. Several people have The Northern Beaches either come to blows whilst at work or issues rain had fallen in the past However, the Bureau of been injured, including area has already seen sig- of domestic violence have found their way to four days in Sydney, more Meteorology (BoM) has four who were inside a car nificant damage, with sev- employers’ doorsteps. than three times the aver- warned that fire-hit areas which was crushed by a eral metres of beach being Minister of Labour and Social Partnership age rainfall for February. can be particularly prone falling tree in the city cen- washed away in places. Relations, Colin Jordan, is meanwhile on record About 100,000 homes to flooding, and that fast- tre on Sunday afternoon. On Sunday night, peo- as stating that the Barbados Government is are without power, and of- moving waters can carry Yesterday morning, ple living around the committed to combating the scourge of violence ficials have warned flash large amounts of debris. emergency services were Narrabeen Lagoon, a low- and harassment in the workplace and in the floods could be life-threat- Water supplies in the searching for one man be- lying area in northern wider world of work. He too encouraged local ening. region have also been re- lieved to have been swept Sydney, were told to evac- employers to follow suit. But the rainfall means plenished, after years of off a bridge in his car. uate before roads became Stressing that businesses cannot be only 17 fires are still burn- drought. Rail and ferry services impassable. sustainable, competitive and profitable if ing across the state. The Warragamba Dam, in Sydney were also dis- Waves more than 5m workers are affected by workplace violence The NSW Rural Fire which supplies most of rupted, with several plat- high have lashed the coast and harassment, he noted that violence and Service (RFS) said yester- Sydney’s water,is heading forms at one of Sydney’s in areas like Collaroy,just harassment in the workplace or in the wider day afternoon that the towards being 70% full, main stations, Central, south of Narrabeen, strip- world of work has the potential to affect a rains had extinguished says WaterNSW. left underwater. Dozens of ping away front gardens person’s psychological, physical or sexual health, more than 30 fires over At the end of last week schools have been closed. facing the sea. dignity and family, and social environment. the weekend, calling it it was at only 42% after The state emergency While it had stopped Indeed, as he pointed out, productivity can also “the most positive news one of the driest years on minister David Elliott raining in central Sydney be affected. we’ve had in some time”. record. urged Sydney residents to yesterday, more rain is “It can actually decrease worker engagement, The latest to be declared A severe weather warn- help rescue services by forecast for the week. contribute to a hostile work environment, out is the Gospers ing is now in place for taking warnings seriously, Government agencies increase the level of absenteeism and worker Mountain blaze, north- the entire coast of NSW, staying away from flood- have warned that high turnover, and lead to a poor public image for the west of Sydney. Since Australia’s most populous ing and keeping off the tides forecast for the com- employing organisation,” Minister Jordan said. October it has burned state. roads if possible. ing days – known as king Making mention of the International Labour 512,000 hectares, and was In Sydney alone, at least Emergency services tides – could further Organisation’s (ILO) Violence and Harassment considered a mega-blaze 200 people were rescued had advised people to worsen the flooding. Convention (No. 190), Jordan too has signalled that the whole issue of violence in the workplace Executive Editor: Allison Downes Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan will be getting some of Government’s attention. Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke This is a step in the right direction. E-mail Address: [email protected] Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan The Barbados Advocate Tuesday February 11, 2020 • 9 ‘Be more competitive’ WHILE Barbados and other Caribbean coun- tries believe there are benefits in free trade, they must move to be more competitive in that area. This is the view of Dr. Justin Ram, Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). “We in the Caribbean acknowledge trade is good, but to get those benefits from free trade agree- ments, we have to be able Dr. Justin Ram, Director to compete,” Dr. Ram said of Economics at the during a panel discussion Caribbean Development on a report titled “Trading Bank (CDB). Promises for Results: What Global Integration which is a component of can do for Latin America economic growth. and the Caribbean”. “To compete we have to The discussion was or- do more and trade has to ganised by the Shridath be structured. We need to Ramphal Centre at the give our people equal op- University of the West portunities and our gov- Indies, Cave Hill campus, ernments need to invest in and the Inter-American education, so that people Development Bank. It are able to convert those took place at the Cave Hill opportunities into realis- School of Business and tic goals,” Dr. Ram main- Management. tained. The CDB Economist He also stated that called for countries in this when societies are moving region to put the appropri- in a certain direction, ate mechanisms in place there will be winners and to benefit from trade, losers. BANK RATES Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. Valid for February 11, 2020 Notes: Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 Canadian Dollar 1.48208 1.52592 East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 Euro 2.13799 2.22801 Pound Sterling 2.53062 2.63718 United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 Demand/Sight: Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.49052 1.52457 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.16936 2.21419 Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 Pound Sterling 2.56775 2.62081 United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 Telegraphic Transfer Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.49334 1.52457 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.17344 2.21419 Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 Pound Sterling 2.57258 2.62081 United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS N.B.: These rates are not meant to be used for trading. BDS$ Guyana Dollar 0.00945 Jamaica Dollar 0.01418 T&T Dollar 0.29719 10 • Tuesday February 11, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

What causes eye floaters? Ophthalmologists explain those ‘cobwebs’ you see sometimes icture it: You’re scrolling Excellence for Ophthalmic like diabetes or other eye through Instagram, Surgical Education and conditions such as macular Pminding your own Training, tells Health. degeneration, adds Dr. Wisner. business, when all of a sudden Some people notice floaters And if you’re very near- a tiny speck floats across your very easily – that might be sighted (sometimes that means field of vision. It definitely related to personality, your job, that the eyeball itself is a little wasn’t anything on your phone or simply how visually aware longer than the average screen – so what the heck was you are – and some people eyeball), your jelly could liquefy it? hardly ever notice them, Dr. a little faster simply due to the The likeliest scenario: You Sikder says. anatomy of your eye, which just spotted an eye floater – an In general, floaters don’t means you might notice often harmless quirk of being a cause pain or discomfort, Doug floaters earlier, says Dr. Sikder. human being with a pair of Wisner, M.D., a cataract People who are pregnant, eyes. But it’d still be nice to surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital undergoing hormonal changes, know what exactly those little in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, can have some visual changes, specks are, right? A few tells Health. People often head too, and can sometimes have ophthalmologists (aka, eye to the doctor saying they’re floaters, says Dr. Wisner. doctors) explained what exactly swatting at an insect that’s not A blue sky with black squiggly “floaters”. eye floaters are, what causes really there or say they see a So, do you need to worry eye floaters, and when you speck in their vision, he says. about eye floaters? releasing a little flash. If it It is worthwhile, however, to might need to worry about Small floaters coming and pulls hard enough, your retina have an eye exam. The them. Here’s what you need to What causes eye floaters? going over time with no other could tear or detach (this might American Academy of know. Really, floaters are part of the symptoms are not abnormal or look like a swarm of bugs with Ophthalmology recommends a What exactly are eye aging process, says Dr. Sikder. cause for alarm, says Dr. a flash of lights), Dr. Sikder baseline screening at age 40 floaters? “A newborn has completely Wisner. says. Retinal detachments are (and earlier if you have eye So, eye floaters are basically coherent jelly and someone That said, if you notice a serious conditions and should disease risk factors such as specks or “cobwebs” that float who’s 100 years old basically sudden onset of floaters or a be treated immediately, says diabetes or high blood around in your field of vision, has this cavity filled with fluid floater persisting for over 24 Dr. Sikder; if left untreated, pressure) then every few years, according to the National Eye because the jelly has liquefied,” hours, call the eye doctor for they could lead to blindness. depending on risk factors, like Institute (NEI). But they’re not she says. “The transition is further evaluation, he says. diabetes or high blood actually cobwebs; they crop up kind of like a lava lamp where Floaters of that magnitude, How are eye floaters treated? pressure. when the jelly-like substance the bits of jelly are floating which occur with flashing For most people, most of the “An eye doctor can actually filling the back of your eye, around bathed in bits of lights or a “curtain” coming time, there’s no real treatment see the floaters that are there called the vitreous, begins to liquid.” And essentially, that’s down on your vision could be for floaters, says Dr. Sikder. and determine exactly what liquefy – a process that what a floater is: a glob or an early sign of retinal There is the possibility of a may be causing them– whether happens over time, Shameema conglomeration of this jelly detachment, says Dr. Sidker. retinal surgery to remove the they’re just an age-related Sikder, MD, an assistant floating around in the fluid. Retinal detachment happens jelly with lasers, essentially change, whether there is professor of ophthalmology at Trauma to the head or eye when, as the jelly is floating eliminating the floaters, but bleeding in the eye, a retinal Johns Hopkins University’s (like a sports injuries, or a car around, it actually lifts off the surgeries come with risks – issue, or whether there’s Wilmer Eye Institute and accident) can also precipitate surface of the retina – the and Dr. Sikder says ths one something else entirely going director of the Center of floaters, as can health issues wallpaper of your eye– isn’t necessary or worthwhile. on,” says Dr. Wisner. J’ca: Cardiologist concerned about increasing prevalence of hypertension KINGSTON, Jamaica — frequency of the condition in can begin as early as possible. legitimate reasons for Consultant Cardiologist at the the population has increased “We have very effective patients to not know that they Heart Foundation of Jamaica, from about 25 to 26 per cent means of screening for are hypertensive and not be Dr Handel Emery, is to about 1 in 3 currently,” he hypertension. There are adequately treated for expressing concern at the added. specific guidelines in terms of hypertension,” he said. increasing prevalence of Dr Emery, who is also a how frequently patients He warned that treating hypertension in Jamaica. Consultant Cardiologist at the should be screened and, very hypertension is not just a Dr Emery was speaking at a University Hospital of the importantly, in our context we matter of taking medication, recent JIS ‘Think Tank’ West Indies and Associate have excellent options in but that there is a lifestyle focusing on Heart Month, Lecturer at the University of terms of therapists,” he said. component that is central to being observed in February the West Indies, said this is of According to Dr Emery, the therapy. under the theme ‘High Blood grave concern, because of the there are about seven classes Current data suggest that Pressure, the Untold Damage impact of hypertension on of anti-hypertensive the prevalence of to Kidneys’. morbidity (illness) and medications that are hypertension in the Jamaican Citing the results of the mortality (death). currently available, and population is considered to be Jamaica Health and Lifestyle “We know that hypertension almost all of them are very high at 33 per cent, Survey III (2016-2017), a translates into patients dying. available locally. which means that about one survey which is conducted In fact, it is recognised as a “Generics exist for most of in three Jamaicans is every 10 years, he said that major cause of mortality Consultant Cardiologist at them, which means that they hypertensive. the increase is alarming. globally,” he said. the Heart Foundation of are also relatively affordable Hypertension is the “On the basis of a number of He pointed out, however, Jamaica and the University for most of our patients, so in sustained elevation in blood surveys which have been done that it is treatable and that it Hospital of the West Indies, our setting and given the pressure with an average in the past…we’ve seen where is important for people to get Dr Handel Emery, addresses resources that we have at our blood pressure in excess of the prevalence or the screened, so that treatment a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’. disposal, there are very few 140/90.

The Barbados Advocate Tuesday February 11, 2020 • 11

T&T: US citizen, four bandits among 11 killed on brutal Sunday TRINIDAD – At least 11 both shot on Sunday in estate and car dealer Police said that they Police said they also here, while investigations people were killed, Prices Town. Sheron Sukhdeo, was also have arrested one of the discovered the bodies of two are continuing into the including four during a The police said the at the estate. It is unclear bandits and two others people- a man and a death of 36 year-old shootout with police, as the victims were part of a whether this has been yet managed to escape. woman – in a vehicle in construction worker, death toll since the start of group liming at an estate, another attempt on her life. The authorities have Arouca and that of a Renrick Phillip, who was the year climbed to 57 over when a gunman walked up Earlier, police shot and identified two of the dead woman, believed to be in shot by an off-duty police the last weekend. and fired several shots killed four men during a bandits as Miguel and her 60s, lying on the officer. Police are probing the killing Ramnath and Hoi shootout with five bandits Keshorn Cox from roadside in Sangre Grande, Media reports that murders of Neera Pong, a US citizens, who had robbed a family at Morvant along the east- on Sunday morning. Phillip was brandishing a Ramnath and 39-year-old instantly. their Aranguez home on west corridor. The two On Saturday, the gun while beating a woman Craig Hoi Pong, the son of Media reports said that the outskirts of the capital detained suspects, aged 23 authorities found the body outside a bar and that the a well-known Rachael Sukhdeo, the during the early hours of and 27 are also from of Jules Bruce lying near a officer had intervened in a businessman, who were widow of the murdered real Sunday morning. Morvant. river in St James, west of bid to end the matter. UK campaigners claim victory in bid to stop 50 deportations to Jamaica CAMPAIGNERS are Two of the young men crime, done my time as claiming victory in who had been set to be they would say. their fight to stop the deported were convicted of “Now, I’m getting a deportation of about 50 drugs offences as teenagers double punishment.” people to Jamaica from and say they have no link Mr Heaven said he fears the UK on Tuesday. to Jamaica, having left the for his life if he is forced to The detainees, who the country at a young age. return to a place where he Home Office says are Tajay Thompson, who has no relatives and no foreign criminals and are was convicted of possessing memories. being held at two centres Class A drugs with intent Nottingham East near Heathrow Airport, to supply as a 17-year-old, Labour MP Nadia were due to be flown to the has been given a reprieve. Whittome organised the Caribbean island today. He served half of a 15- letter to Boris Johnson and Earlier on Monday, month sentence in 2015 said deportations should campaigners lost a High and, now 23, he had told be stopped until a report Court ruling but later the Sky News:“It’s not like I’m into the Windrush Court of Appeal reached a a rapist or a murderer,I’ve controversy is released. different decision. made a mistake when I She said:“The fact is that The charity Detention was 17 and it’s now going many of the individuals in Action argued some to affect my whole life.” question have lived in the detainees at Colnbrooke Mr Thompson was UK since they were and Harmondsworth brought to the UK as a children and at least 41 centres still do not have a five-year-old and lives with British children are now at functioning mobile phone, his mother and younger risk of losing their fathers after issues with a nearby brother in south London. through this charter flight. O2 phone mast, and did He has only been to “The government risks not have adequate access Jamaica twice on holiday repeating the mistakes of This March 2017 file photo shows a deportee from the United Kingdom mak- to legal advice. since and said: “I feel like I the Windrush scandal ing his way to relatives outside the gate of Mobile Reserve after being Lady Justice Simler was born here. Jamaica is unless it cancels this flight processed. ordered the Home Office not my country.” and others like it until the not to remove anyone His mother Carline Windrush Lessons but many of them were not more. flight to Jamaica is “unless satisfied (they) had Angus said she feared for Learned Review has been given any documents to Possible exceptions specifically for removing access to a functioning, her son’s safety if he was published and its confirm their status. include where this would foreign criminals. non-O2 SIM card on or deported. recommendations In recent years, some breach human rights or “Those detained for before 3 February”. She told Sky News: implemented.” have been denied access to the UK’s obligations under removal include people Activists also claim some “Sending a person back to Windrush campaigner and services, held in detention the Refugee Convention. convicted of manslaughter, of those facing deportation Jamaica to live is totally Labour MP David Lammy or removed, despite living A Home Office rape, violent crime and were as young as 13 when different from going on urged the government to legally in the country for spokesman has previously dealing Class A they moved to the UK. holiday. reassure MPs that there decades. said:“The planned charter drugs.” Bella Sankey,director of “The minute you reach were no British nationals Reacting to Ms Detention Action,said:“We back home you are a on the flight. Whittome’s request last are delighted with this deportee, your life is in He added: “People week, Boris Johnson said: landmark decision which jeopardy.You’d be lucky to watching see the way that “The people of this country is a victory for access to survive six months there this government holds will think it right to send justice, fairness and the because you became an with such disrespect the back foreign national rule of law. easy target. So there’s no contribution of West offenders.” “On the basis of this way he can survive.Tajay Indian, Caribbean and Last year, 29 convicted order from our Court of knows no one there.” black people in this criminals were deported to Appeal we do not believe Mr Thompson filed a country. When, when will Jamaica on the first that anyone currently separate legal challenge black lives matter again?” deportation flight since the detained at the Heathrow and is now able to remain The Windrush Windrush scandal. detention centres can be in detention in the UK generation were named The Home Office removed on the flight. We while his lawyers work to after the ship that brought previously said that under understand that this will keep him here indefinitely. migrants to the UK from the UK Borders Act 2007, apply to at least 56 people.” Akiva Heaven, 22, who the Caribbean in 1948. a deportation order must More than 150 served around four years Commonwealth citizens be made where a foreign politicians and peers had for a drugs offence and was who arrived in the UK national has been written to the prime released in May 2018, said: before 1973 were convicted of an offence and minister calling on him to “I’ve done my sentence automatically granted received a custodial stop the deportation. already, I’ve done my indefinite leave to remain sentence of 12 months or

12 • Tuesday February 11, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Storm Ciara moves away from UK AT least five people in by a falling tree. mainland Europe have Five people were been killed since Storm injured in the Czech Ciara moved away Republic in storm-related from the UK and incidents, including a Ireland. woman who was taken to Hurricane-force winds hospital after she was also and heavy downpours struck by a tree. have caused severe travel Up to 290 000 people disruption and left tens of were left without electric- thousands of people with- ity in the country. Up to out power as it moved 130 000 homes were with- eastwards across the con- out electricity in large tinent. parts of France, stretching In Poland, a woman and from Brittany through her 15-year-old daughter Normandy and other were killed when the roof northern regions. of a ski rental equipment The storm is known as building was blown off and “Sabine” in Germany, flew on to people who had where utility companies gathered near a ski lift. have been scrambling to Three were injured in restore power to 50 000 the incident in the moun- homes in northern Bavar- tain resort of Bukowina ia amid winds of up to 100 Tatrzanska, near the bor- miles per hour. der with Slovakia. Train travel across the In Sweden, a man country was also severely drowned after his sailboat disrupted, leaving many capsized on the southern people unable to get to lake of Fegen. The victim work. Airlines cancelled was washed ashore and hundreds of flights from later died – another per- German airports. son who was also in the The storm also led to vessel is reportedly miss- school closures in several ing. cities and regions, includ- In Germany, a driver ing Germany's North died after his truck Rhine-Westphalia state, crashed into a trailer used where several people were by workers clearing storm injured by falling branches debris from a highway in and downed trees. Hesse state. And in the And part of a crane fell north of Slovenia, a man on to the roof of Frankfurt died when his car was hit Cathedral overnight.

A woman is pictured during strong winds in Frankfurt.

The Barbados Advocate Tuesday February 11, 2020 • 13

Favourite to replace Germany’s Merkel as chancellor stands down THE leader of Germany’s main conference yesterday that she would stay three of whom would likely steer the governing party, Annegret Kramp- on as party leader until a leadership CDU to the right-of-centre. Karrenbauer, is standing down and contest, expected in the summer, is held. All this as Germany’s Green Party will not put herself forward to re- She also plans to remain in the post of edges closer and closer in the polls. place Angela Merkel as chancellor. defence minister until the end of the It is going to be a turbulent few months Kramp-Karrenbauer took over as head legislative period. for German politics. Not least because of the Christian Democratic Union Her decision has shaken up the race to what began as an inconclusive regional (CDU) party in December 2018. succeed Merkel, who has led Germany for election has demonstrated the ability of The protégée of Merkel was widely 15 years. However Kramp-Karrenbauer Germany’s far right to cause political seen as her favoured successor. said she believed her choice would not chaos at the very highest level. Her decision comes after fresh hurt the stability of the coalition between Kramp-Karrenbauer – also known as questions were raised about her ability to the CDU and the Social Democrats that “AKK” – made the surprise announce- command authority in the party. runs Germany’s federal government. ment that she no longer wanted to lead Last week, defying Kramp- her CDU party following a meeting with Karrenbauer, some of the CDU’s local Turbulent months ahead for Germany members. politicians in the eastern state of After a series of public blunders, At that meeting, she said that parts of Thuringia voted with the far-right Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer finally the CDU held an ambiguous position CDU leader Annegret Kramp- Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to fell over her inability to control her party towards the far right and left. Karrenbauer has struggled to stamp install liberal candidate Thomas – and its attitude toward the far In November, AKK urged critics to her authority on the party. Kemmerich as regional premier. right – in Germany’s former east. support her vision for Germany and Kemmerich later said he would resign Like other mainstream parties, the threatened to stand down if the party After being nominated by Chancellor and seek new elections in the state, “to CDU has still not found the formula for failed to back her at the CDU’s annual Merkel, AKK was elected as remove the stain of the AfD’s support for winning back voters lured by AfD’s congress in Leipzig. CDU general secretary with a record the office of the premiership”. xenophobic nationalism – particularly The 57-year-old joined the CDU in 98.9 per cent of the vote. For mainstream parties to collaborate ardent in the state of Thuringia, where 1981 as a 19-year-old student and, after In her first address as CDU leader in with the AfD is considered a taboo, and the AfD more than doubled its vote in a completing a masters in political science, 2018, after ending Merkel’s 18-year no state premier has ever taken office regional election last year, leading to an worked her way up in state-level reign, AKK - seen as a moderate choice before with the aid of the AfD. inconclusive result. politics. for the leadership - called for party unity. The AfD has grown in popularity in The episode has dashed Chancellor She became the first woman to serve as During her farewell speech as party recent years but has been condemned for Merkel’s hopes of a smooth transition of a state minister for internal affairs in leader,Merkel praised AKK for her 2017 its extreme views on immigration, power when she steps down next year. 2000 and the first woman to serve as electoral success in Saarland, in a clear freedom of speech and the press. Attention is turning to the handful of prime minister of Saarland, a position hint that the chancellor saw her as Kramp-Karrenbauer told a news men jostling to succeed her – at least she held from 2011 to 2018. her successor. Black News Channel looks to shake up US cable TV THE first US national news channel to is based, will also be part of the cater to African-American viewers has management team. launched in Florida. The top investor in the project is Shahid The Black News Channel (BNC) will Khan, the billionaire owner of the cover news “culturally specific to the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team and African American community”, said Fulham FC of the English Football the new cable news network. League. The BNC said it planned to target the “We’re not looking to be Republican or “image gap” in negative black stereotypes Democrat,” Watts told the Associated depicted in the media. Press in October. Network executives said BNC – which “Obviously,there will be current affairs, hopes to reach 100 million viewers – but we are culturally specific to the would not be politically partisan. African American community. The 24/7 channel – which went to air “MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, they may yesterday – plans to offer original have African American faces on their programming “created by people of colour news shows, but they are not necessarily for people of colour”, its website says. covering the community from a cultural The BNC will be run by JC Watts, a perspective.” black former Republican congressman for African-American media has Oklahoma and former professional historically played an important role in The Black News Channel (BNC) will cover news “culturally specific to the African football player, and Bob Brillante, the struggle for US civil rights and equal- American community”, said the new cable news network. a white TV executive. ity. Watts has said the network would not Hoever like the wider US news media Printing presses stopped rolling last Frederick Douglass. be ideologically driven. landscape at a time of consolidation, summer at the 115-year-old Chicago That closure came in the same month John Marks, the former Democratic declining ad revenue and the growth of so- Defender newspaper, which once that Ebony magazine, founded in 1972, mayor of Tallahassee, where the network cial platforms, it faces challenges. featured famed 19th Century abolitionist folded amid bankruptcy struggles.

Fair to partly cloudy, hazy and breezy with brief scattered showers.

High: 5:37 a.m. and 5:36 p.m. London: 05°C FAIR Yesterday: 0 mm Boston: 08°C OVERCAST Low: 11:16 a.m. For the month: 12.2 mm Max: 29.6°C Montreal: -02°C FAIR and 11:55 p.m. For the year: 74.7 mm Min: 25.0°C Toronto: 02°C CLOUDY New York: 07°C OVERCAST/ LIGHT SHOWERS Miami: 27°C CLOUDY 6:236:25 a.m. 6:005:51 p.m. 14 • Tuesday February 11, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Bottles for blessings Thai Buddhist temple recycles plastics into robes BANGKOK – At a Buddhist temple south of Bangkok, a monk watches as a machine presses down on thousands of water bottles, before a giant bale of crushed plastic rolls out with a thud. The plastic is destined to be recycled into polyester fibers, which will be made into fabric for saffron-colored robes for monks. The recycling temple of Wat Chak Daeng is one bright example of recycling for Thailand, one of five Workers sew robes made from plastic bottles at a monastery in Bangkok, Thailand on February 6, 2020. countries that account for more than half of plastic in the world’s oceans. south of Bangkok. Each set sells for between 2, 000 concrete contribution to recycling, but The monks have crushed 40 tonnes Unlike most temples where people baht ($65.79) and 5 000 baht ($164.47), they are raising awareness in their (88,185 lb) of plastic over two years give monks alms like food and clothes, to keep funding the project and pay communities,” said Chever Voltmer, since starting the program, aiming to devotees ride bicycles here to offer waste-sorting volunteers, many of Director for Plastics Initiatives at curb plastic waste entering the Chao plastic bags and bottles in exchange for whom are local housewives, retirees Ocean Conservancy. Phraya River, which flows south to the Phra Maha Pranom’s blessings. and disabled persons. When Phra Maha Pranom ventures Gulf of Thailand in the western Pacific “Donating one kilogram (2.2 lb) of Thailand is the fifth highest into the community, villagers, both Ocean. plastic bottles can help make a full set contributor of plastic to the world’s young and old, come out to contribute “I’m practicing the Buddha’s of monk robes, which has a high return oceans, according to a report by the plastics. teachings, which also align with value, both in terms of money and US-based group Ocean Conservancy. “If you don’t collect these plastics, solving the global environmental merits,” the monk says. The list includes three other Southeast where do they end up? In the stomachs crisis,” says Phra Maha Pranom The temple has produced at least Asian countries and China, the top of dugongs, dolphins, whales, and Dhammalangkaro, 54, abbot of the 800 sets of robes, with more in plastics polluter. many other sea animals. Then they temple in Samut Prakan province, just production stages. “Not only are the monks making a die,” he tells them. Antarctica logs hottest temperature on record of 18.3C A RECORD high temperature of warming. 18.3C (64.9F) has been logged on the Scientists warn that global continent of Antarctica. warming is causing so much melting The reading, taken on Thursday by at the South Pole, it will eventually Argentine research base Esperanza, disintegrate – causing the global sea is 0.8C hotter than the previous peak level to rise by at least three metres temperature of 17.5C, in March 2015. (10ft) over centuries. The temperature was recorded in Ms Nullis added: “The amount of the Antarctic Peninsula, on the ice lost annually from the Antarctic continent’s north-west tip – one of the ice sheet increased at least six-fold fastest-warming regions on earth. between 1979 and 2017. It is being verified by the UN World “The melting from these glaciers, Meteorological Organisation (WMO). you know, means we are in big “[This] is not a figure you would trouble when it comes to sea level normally associate with Antarctica, rise.” even in the summertime,” WMO While 18.3C is a record for the spokeswoman Clare Nullis told Antarctic continent, the record in the reporters in Geneva. wider Antarctic region – which Temperatures on the Antarctic includes the continent, islands and continent have risen by almost 3C ocean that are in the Antarctic over the past 50 years, the climatic zone – is 19.8C, logged in organisation said, and about 87 per January 1982. cent of the glaciers along its west Last July, the Arctic region hit its coast have “retreated” in that time. own record temperature of 21C, The glaciers have shown an logged by a base at the northern tip of “accelerated retreat” in the past 12 Ellesmere Island in the Canadian years, the WMO added, due to global Arctic. Ice loss, seen in this Nasa image from 2017, threatens Antarctica. The Barbados Advocate Tuesday February 11, 2020 • 15 Xerox Google plan to buy into largest African wind farm ended by delay sweetens COPENHAGEN – yesterday. But the delay led to the cancelled in 2019,” a Google’s plans to buy a The 310-megawatt cancellation of the deal Vestas spokesman told 12.5% stake in Africa’s (MW) Lake Turkana wind with Google in 2019, Reuters, adding that it largest wind farm have farm in Kenya was ini- Vestas said. was in talks with other po- been cancelled after de- tially set for completion “Due to delays relating tential buyers of the stake. offer for HP lays to the project, Danish 2017, after which Google primarily to the transmis- Google was not immedi- XEROX Holdings independent candidates wind turbine maker had committed to buy the sion line, the Vestas agree- ately available for com- Corp. raised its offer to HP’s board and that it Vestas (VWS.CO) said stake from Vestas. ment with Google was ment. to buy HP Inc. by $2 to had secured $24 billion in $24 per share yester- financing for the offer. day, following several The company also rejections of its previ- expects its proposed ous buyout offer by the acquisition to result in PC maker. sales growth of as much Xerox said its latest as $1.5 billion for the com- offer comprises $18.40 in bined company, according cash and 0.149 Xerox to a presentation by Xerox shares for each HP share in December. – valuing the company at Some Wall Street ana- about $35 billion – and lysts have said a merger that it plans to launch a would help the companies tender offer on or around in a declining printing March 2. market, while others have HP shares rose nearly cited challenges to inte- 3% to $22.31, while Xerox gration, given their differ- was up about 1%. ent offerings and pricing The US printer maker models. first made a $33.5 billion “While we believe the cash-and-stock offer for printing market is ripe for HP,a company more than consolidation, we question three times its size, in why Xerox would want to November.HP’s board had acquire one of the largest then rejected the offer, players in a slowing com- saying it significantly un- puter market,” Cash said. dervalued the company. In December, activist “This bid increase puts investor Carl Icahn, who more pressure on Xerox has a 4.2% stake in HP to extract costs as a com- and a 10.9% stake in bined entity. I’d look for Xerox, urged HP share- HP to question the eco- holders who had agreed to nomics of the synergies the merger to reach out to after Xerox raising their the PC maker’s directors bid,” Morningstar analyst for immediate action. Mark Cash said. HP did not immediately Xerox said last month it respond to a request for An aerial view of power-generating wind turbines at the Lake Turkana Wind Power project (LTWP) in planned to nominate 11 comment. Loiyangalani District, Marsabit County, Kenya. SoftBank-owned Arm to launch Apple’s main iPhone maker Foxconn to resume some Chinese production: source TAIPEI – Apple’s main lowing the enforced clo- matter. new AI chip for small devices iPhone maker Foxconn sures are likely to hit “Work there will be ARM LTD., a semiconduc- internet-connected sen- tect privacy by processing (2317.TW) got the green global shipments. resumed in a staggered tor technology firm owned sors and automated. data locally and sending light yesterday to reopen “As a matter of policy and orderly manner,” the by SoftBank Group, un- Arm yesterday released only what is needed to two major plants in China and for reasons of com- person said. “But a big veiled a chip technology the new Cortex M55 remote servers while closed because of the mercial sensitivity, we do challenge remains after aimed at putting artificial processor paired with discarding the rest, Arm coronavirus and aims to not comment on our spe- factory resumption due to intelligence functions on what it calls its Ethos-U55 executives said. resume production even cific production initia- the severe situation of the tiny devices such as sen- “neural processing unit”. Many fields such as though only 10% of the tives,” Foxconn said in a outbreak.” sors designed to detect Chips with the technol- health care will require workforce has returned so statement to Reuters. Market research firm patterns in human speech ogy will hit the market in data to be processed far, a source told Reuters. In Zhengzhou, about Trendforce yesterday cut or other streams of data. 2021 and aim to carry out locally, with little or none Foxconn, the world’s 16,000 people, or less than its forecast for iPhone pro- Arm, which provides the special kinds of math of the results sent back largest contract electron- 10% of the workforce, had duction in the first three chip technology to mobile needed by artificial intelli- to remote servers, Dipti ics maker, got approval to returned to Foxconn’s months of the year by phone semiconductor sup- gence (AI) software that Vachani, senior vice presi- resume work at factories plant as of yesterday about 10% to 41 million pliers like Qualcomm and can detect vibrations or dent and general manager in the eastern central while in Shenzhen about handsets. end device makers like pick out spoken keywords of Arm’s automotive and Chinese city of Zhengzhou 20,000 workers, or Apple gave a wider Apple, has been diversify- from a user. internet of things line of and in the southern man- roughly 10% of the work- range than usual for es- ing its customer base in re- The chips are designed business, told Reuters. ufacturing hub Shenzhen, force, were back after the timated revenue in the cent years to markets such to function with very low “You may not want that the person with direct Lunar New Year holiday, first quarter to factor in as self-driving cars. amounts of electricity. data to move around,” knowledge of the matter the source said. uncertainty due to the It has also expanded to That allows devices such Vachani said. said. “Shenzhen plant has no- virus that has killed over target areas like the “in- as sensors to last for years The new technology The two factories to- tified employees to return 900 people and infected ternet of things” – in which at a time on a small bat- “is going to give you gether make up the bulk to work tomorrow,” said more than 40,000. many everyday devices tery and to only connect to low-power processing,to of Foxconn’s assembly the person who declined An Apple spokeswoman such as traffic lights or the internet when needed. process data where it is lines for Apple’s (AAPL.O) to be identified because in Shanghai was not im- agricultural irrigation Minimising internet best suited, where you iPhones and any further they are not authorised mediately available for systems will be fitted with connections can help pro- want to keep that data”. delays to production fol- to speak publicly on the comment. 16 • Tuesday February 11, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

The Parasite team celebrating their wins. South Korea’s Parasite makes history by winning best picture SOUTH KOREAN film Upon A Time in award. Bong said. Parasite has been Hollywood and Marriage The film is a vicious Producer Kwak Sin-ae, named best picture at Story respectively. social satire about two who collected the trophy, this year’s Oscars, Parasite won four families from different said: “I’m speechless. We becoming the first awards in total, while Sir classes in Seoul – one never imagined this to non-English language Sam Mendes’s 1917 took who live in poverty in a happen. I feel like a very film to take the top three. semi-basement, and opportune moment in prize. The World War One another rich family history is happening Renee Zellweger won epic had been the residing in a large home. right now.” best actress for playing favourite to win best It has now managed There were boos when Judy Garland in Judy. picture, but its awards what no other subtitled organisers tried to cut Joaquin Phoenix was all came in the technical film has done in the 92- short the best picture named best actor for categories. year history of the acceptance speech by Joker. Parasite’s Bong Joon- Academy Awards and turning the stage lights Brad Pitt and Laura ho beat Sir Sam to the won best picture. off – leading the lights to Dern scooped the prize for best director, “I feel like I’ll wake up be turned back on, supporting acting awards and also took the best to find it’s all a dream. It allowing the celebrations Bridge for their roles in Once original screenplay all feels very surreal,” to continue.

The Barbados Advocate Tuesday February 11, 2020 • 17 SPORTSSPORTS Barbados crush Leewards in three days AN all-round team performance which came off 1189 balls and he struck only one partnership offered any The seven wicket defeat of the Guyana lead the Barbados Pride to an 14 boundaries. resistance to the Barbados bowling at- Jaguars by the Jamaica Scorpions means innings and 81-run victory over the Also reaching their half century and be- tack which was between Amir Jangoo that Barbados who were 0.2 points Leeward Islands Hurricanes yond were Shane Dowrich who scored 79 and Colin Archibald. These two came to- behind at the start of the fourth round are in three days. runs and Kyle Mayers with 69 runs. gether as Leewards Islands had stum- now in the lead in the standings with the Playing in the West Indies first-class Finishing undefeated was Jonathan bled to 70/7 in the 30th over. But Jangoo victory over the Leeward Islands. Championship at Warner Park, the Pride Carter with 47 runs as Barbados posted fell off the spin of Nurse for 42 runs and Scorpions scored 187 and 184 runs and first bowled out the Hurricanes in their a massive total of 398 runs. was the eighth wicket to fall as the game in the Jaguars scored 190 and 174 at the first innings for 181 runs.This effort was Rahkeem Cornwall led the bowling for came to a close in the very next over with Guyana National Stadium in Providence. led by left hand spinner Chemar Holder the Leewards with four wickets. the fall of Archibald for 53 runs. The other match between Windward who took five wickets in the first innings. In their second innings Leeward Not able to take to the middle was Islands Volcanoes, and Trinidad & Tobago Backing him up at that time was Ashley Islands needed to first overcome the Quinton Boatswain who was injured and Red Force ended it in draw with Nurse with two and the returning Kevin deficit of 217 before they made Barbados Leewards Islands finished on 136 to Windaward Islands scoring 293/8 and Stoute with three wickets. bat again. hand the Pride an Innings and 81 run Trinidad posting 373/9 before the rain With the bat Barbados saw Shamarh However the only resistance came from victory. ended play. (CG)

‘Sub-10 King’ Asafa Powell immortalised in statue JAMAICA – One of the fastest men ever Zurich, Switzerland. in world history, born in Jamaica, has In 2007, he reset the world record, clock- now been immortalised. ing 9.74 seconds in Rieti, Italy,and would Asafa Powell, the former 100-metre hold on to it until his compatriot, Usain world record holder was honoured in a Bolt, claimed the record for his own in ceremony Sunday night at Independence May 2008. He went legally under Park Kingston, Jamaica, where his statue 10 seconds 15 times in 2008, the most of was unveiled in front of an appreciative any male athlete that season. crowd.They celebrated his achievements In addition to his statistical achieve- and the contributions that he has made to ments, he claimed the individual Jamaicans track and field. Commonwealth 100m title in 2006 and Created by sculptor Basil Watson, the has two World Championship medals. He statue named ‘Sub-10 King’ sees Powell’s contributed to Jamaica’s gold-medal likeness rocketing out of the blocks. performances in the 4x100m in the world The name given to his likeness was championships and the Olympics, appropriate in recognising the number of respectively. times that he has broken the ten-second The statue created by Basil Watson barrier during his career. depicts Powell exploding from the blocks; en route to his various sub 10 second Close support performances, the most of all time Powell was surrounded by family,friends, at 97. and well-wishers, including fellow Jamaica Athletic Administrative Olympians Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Association (JAAA) president Warren Michael Frater,Nesta Carter,and cricket Blake said that Powell’s accomplishments legend Chris Gayle. He expressed his were extraordinary, taking into account gratitude to those who had a hand in how many times athletes have gone shaping his sprinting career, most under ten seconds since 1968. notably MVP Track Club coach Stephen “This is really extraordinary when you Francis, who made him believe that he consider that the ten second barrier was could become a world beater. first broken in 1968 by Jim Hines and it “[It was] someone telling me from was not broken again until 1983,” Olympian Asafa Powell inspects the small model of his statue (maquette) given country that I can be the fastest in the Blake said.“For someone from a nation as to him by sculptor Basil Watson as Prime Minister Andrew Holness looks on. world, and I really admire him for that,” small as Jamaica to have done it Powell said. 97 times is nothing less than phenome- “Your route to your destination maybe The statue was the final part of the The man who has broken the nal.” different but as long you have determina- Ministry of Sport’s Jamaica Legacy 55 ten-second barrier 97 times in his career Prime Minister Holness said that tion, willingness to put in the hard work, project which paid tribute to Jamaica’s hoped that his achievements could Powell’s unorthodox path to greatness you will get there,” PM Holness said.“This outstanding athletes. Usain Bolt, inspire the next generation to attain served as a reminder that success is is why the JAAA has described Asafa as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Veronica similar accolades regardless of their possible with dedication and constant one of the greatest sprinters in history, Campbell-Brown were all honoured with background or circumstance. commitment to one’s craft. and I concur.” statues at Independence Park. “Let this be a testament to you guys that anything is possible,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you are from. It’s just hard work (and) dedication. Believe in yourself, and everything will be Swimming programme resumes at Browne’s Beach possible.” THE swimming component of the weeks. Sessions are held on Mondays and Participants can find the exact Powell broke the world record in 2005 Community Sports training programme Wednesdays between the hours of location by the lifeguard tower in Athens, Greece, in 9.77 seconds, (CSTP) organised by the National 9-10 am and 10:30 –11:30 am. by the beach facility by Browne’s surpassing Tim Montgomery’s 2002 Sports Council (NSC) and the Youth It is a pilot programme which is a learn Beach. record of 9.78. The feat began a Development Programme resumed to swim component and so far the This swimming programme is part three-year ownership of the title “World’s yesterday, Monday February 10, at response has been good. The swimming of nine other sporting disciplines Fastest Man” in which he ran sub-ten Browne’s Beach. sessions are conducted by the National that have been undertaken in the second times consistently over that This swimming programme which Conservation Commission’s (NCC) whole Community Sports training period. He would equal the record twice targets people over the age of 16 years is lifeguards who are qualified swimming programme in 2006 at Gateshead in England and in expected to continue for the next four instructors. 18 • Tuesday February 11, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

FOR RENT REAL ESTATE Two bedroom unit for rent. Greens, 2) Jackson Bogdanovic buzzer St. George. St. Michael $750 monthly and rooms $150 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom weekly. beater lifts Jazz Call 237-8204 8,700 sq.ft. BOJAN Bogdanovic of them down the stretch. or 624-6931 $427,000.00 hit a three-pointer at Harden registered a the buzzer to lift the triple-double (28 points, 3) Corner Lot Utah Jazz to a 114-113 ten rebounds, ten assists) REAL ESTATE Emerald City victory over the host with his pass to Robert St. Philip Houston Rockets Covington, whose three- 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, yesterday. pointer with 28 seconds FOR RENT built-in cupboards and Apartments Bogdanovic had just left gave the Rockets a kitchen two field goals and eight 110-109 advantage. $225,000.00 1) Gibbons - 2 bed, 1 bath, points for the night, 13 Jordan Clarkson paced furnished - $1,600.00 below his season average. the Jazz with 30 points 4) Ealing Park But Utah executed the off the bench while Christ Church final inbound play to Mitchell added 24 and six 2) Gibbons - 1 bed, 1 bath, Fixer Upper furnished - $1,200.00 perfection, with assists. Rudy Gobert had 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, Bogdanovic making a 28- 12 points and 15 6, 272 sq.ft. footer over James Harden rebounds. Russell 3) Yorkshire - 2 bed, 1 bath, Price on request semi-furnished _ $1,500.00 and P.J. Tucker, the final Westbrook led the clutch three in a sequence Rockets with 39 points. Townhouses LAND FOR SALE REAL ESTATE 1) Clermont Green, St. Mi- 1) St. Philip room apartment $525,000.00 Boston Celtics 112 – Oklahoma City Thunder 111 chael - 2 bed, 1 _ bath, fur- Kirtons nished - $2,500.00 10,208 sq.ft. 5) Oakwood Park Available 1st February 2020. KEMBA WALKER scored crucial three-pointers ten of their past 11 $175,000.00 5,189 sq.ft. with a 3 bed- 27 points to help Boston to late to seal the victory games. room, 2 bathroom and home Commercial a road win over Oklahoma for Boston, which It was just Oklahoma 2) Casuarina Estates office $585,000.00 City. won its seventh straight. City’s second loss in 11 9,900 sq.ft. Walker hit a pair of The Celtics have won games. 1) Wildey Business Centre $200,000.00 6) Ealing Park St. Michael 6,256 sq.ft. of land 580 sq.ft. 3) Christ Church $160,000.00 NOTICES NOTICES NOTICES $2,000.00 per month + VAT Bird's Eye Ridge inclusive of service charges 5,449 sq.ft. 7) Warrens Terrace NOTICE Available immediately $125,000.00 Executive 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom townhouse, AC in In the Estate of Ramkali Swamy 2) Webster Park 4) St. Peter bedrooms; nicely finished also known as Selina Ramphan First Floor Maynards Grove $495,000.00 Swamy nee Sawh also known as $40,192.00 per month + VAT 6,591 sq.ft. Selina Ramphal Swammy also inclusive of service charges $195,000.00 8) Horsehill known as Selina Swammy, Available immediately for fit 58,000 sq.ft. with a large deceased out 5) Christ Church house with a 2 bedroom Rendezvous Meadows apartment, excellent for con- NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN 3) Warrens 6, 534 sq. ft. version to an intimate bed pursuant to Section 31 of the St. Michael $140,000.00 and breakfast or retreat or Trustee Act, Cap. 250 of the Laws of Multi-purpose building with rehailitation facility Barbados, to any person having any parking Apartment Building $2,600,00.00 claim against or interest in the 15,700 sq.ft. Estate of Ramkali Swamy also known as Selina Ramphan Swamy Rental rate to be negotiated 1) Clapham Heights nee Sawh also known as Selina Unfurnished two storey (3 OTHER PROPERTIES FOR Ramphal Swammy also known as 4) Lower Estate apartments) RENT Selina Swammy late of 60 St. Michael Situated on 8, 305 sq.ft. 15,000 sq.ft. Husbands Gardens in the parish of Price on request 1) Warrens Park Saint James in Barbados deceased Modern Building 2 bedroom upstairs apart- Price on request who died at Martindales Road in 2) Belleville Main Road (for ment $1,300.00 the parish of Saint Michael in commercial purposes) Barbados on the 18th day of June, 5) Disaster recovery facility Property on 24, 126 sq.ft. 2) Ocean City 2000 to send particulars in writing of in Lower Estate $1.3 million 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom his or her claim or interest to Trena Office #1 - 1,020 sq.ft. - Floor area - 7,008.41 sq.ft. house, enclosed, pets wel- A. Kellman of Alpha & Omega Law $4,800.00 per month + VAT come $1,800.00 Chambers, 1st Floor Trident House, Office #4 - 680 sq.ft. - Lower Broad Street, Bridgetown, $3,800.00 per month + VAT 3) Oldbury Terrace Barbados on or before the 11th day Office #9 - 340 sq.ft. - OTHER PROPERTIES FOR Executive style 2 bedroom, 2 of April, 2020 after which date $2,000.00 per month + VAT SALE bathroom, fully furnished the Administrator will convey and All inclusive of service apartment $1,800.00 distribute the assets of the Estate charge 1) Eagle Hall among the persons entitled having Available immediately Approx 23,000 sq. ft. of land 4) Maynards regard only to the valid claims of with buildings, in a prime Spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 which he shall then have had notice. And all persons indebted 6) Green Hill main road position with park- bathroom house, $2,500.00 to the said Estate are required to St. Michael ing $1,750,000.00 settle their indebtedness without Standalone warehouse 5) Chancery Lane delay. 7,224 sq.ft. - $10,000.00 per 2) Cottage Heights Furnished 2 bedroom apart- month 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom ex- ment $1,400.00 Plus Service Charge Dated this 11th day ecutve style house on 7,738 of February, 2020 Available 1st February, 2020 sq.ft. $725,000.00 6) Mount Standfast 3 bedroom furnished house Trena A. Kellman 3) Cane Vale $2,700.00 Attorney-at-Law FOR SALE Fairly new development with for the Administrator Houses a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Contact: of the Estate of Ramkali Swamy house $550,000.00 HT Realty also known as Selina Ramphan 1) Shrewsbury Gardens 230-4383 Swamy nee Sawh also known as St. Philip 4) Mangrove Park Selina Ramphal Swammy also 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom known as Selina Swammy, $375,000.00 house with a spacious 1 bed- deceased The Barbados Advocate Tuesday February 11, 2020 • 19 NOTICES BARBADOS:

IN THE SUPREME COURT Pakistan crush Bangladesh by innings in first Test OF JUDICATURE RAWALPINDI, Pakistan Pakistan skipper Azhar Mominul Haque started situations,” said Haque, superbly and exploited our – Pakistan completed a Ali said home wins – only the day by square-driving who has now lost all three weaknesses and that hat- HIGH COURT crushing innings-and- possible in recent months, paceman Shaheen Shah Tests as skipper by an trick changed the game CIVIL JURISDICTION 44-run victory over after the resumption of Test Afridi for his fifth boundary innings. completely to open IN THE MATTER OF THE Bangladesh on the cricket in Pakistan in the first over, but then “Pakistan bowled Pakistan’s victory path.” SUCCESSION ACT CAP 249 fourth morning following a decade’s fell leg-before in the same yesterday, taking a 1-0 isolation over security over for 41. AND lead in the two-Test concerns – were important Liton Das (29) and tail- INTHE MATTER OF THE ESTATE series. to boost confidence. ender Rubel Hossain kept OF Stephen Cleophas Small, Bangladesh were bowled “It’s an important win Pakistan at bay for 11.5 deceased, also known as out for 168 in their second and home wins always overs before Mohammad Stephen Small innings after resuming the increase confidence within Abbas trapped Rubel leg- PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given day on 126-6 as Pakistan’s the team,” said Azhar. “We before for five. that an application is being made for pace and spin attack was have to play important Leg-spinner Yasir Shah the following Grant of Letters of too hot to handle despite a away series including one dismissed Das lbw and had Administration namely:- flat Rawalpindi stadium in England (July-August Abu Jayed for three to LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION pitch. Fast bowler Naseem this year) so we will carry finish with 4-58 and to the Estate of Samuel Stalin Lee, Shah, who at 16 years and this confidence. complete the win. deceased, late of Thomas Gap, Clapham in the parish of Saint 359 days became the "Naseem and other Haque rued Michael, Barbados who died in youngest bowler to take a bowlers bowled superbly Bangladesh’s low first- Barbados on November 3, 2014 Test hat-trick on Sunday, and it was an outstanding innings total. MILANESE YVETTE HOLDER, of finished with 4-26 and was batting display, so all in all “Disappointing batting Venture, St. John, Barbados, declared man of the match. it was a complete team on a flat wicket (in the first daughter of the deceased Despite Naseem being effort.” innings) and no team can An Application shall be submitted to unavailable to bowl on Bangladesh skipper come back from such the Registrar of Supreme Court Monday with rib pain, fourteen (14) days from the date of Notice in the Official Gazette and Pakistan mopped up the from (the second issue of this last four wickets in 90 BARBADOS Advertisement) to proceed with the minutes, inflicting their above-named application for 10th defeat on Bangladesh APPLICATION NO.: RT 2019 000 424 Administration. in 11 matches with one Land (Title Deeds Restoration) Act, Dated the 11th day draw. Cap. 229 of The Laws of Barbados of February 2020 (Section 3) JOHN C. COLLYMORE NOTICES NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR RESTORATION ATTORNEY-AT-LAW OF TITLE DEEDS DESTROYED BY DISASTER OR OTHERWISE, OR LOST OR STOLEN

TAKE NOTICE that an Application was submitted to the Registrar of Titles on the 19th day of December 2019 by Kenrick Victor Prescod of 62 Breton Street, Saint Constant, Montreal, Québec J5A 2C2, Canada for Restoration of the Title Deeds to Lot 42 Deighton Road, St. Michael (more particularly described in the Schedule hereto) on the grounds that the Original Title Deeds have been either lost or misplaced.

ALSO TAKE NOTICE that unless notification is received at the Land Registry, "Warrens Office Complex," Warrens, Saint Michael by the 24th day of March 2020 that the said original Title Deeds have not been stolen, lost, misplaced, destroyed by disaster or, are being lawfully held by some other person, the Registrar of Titles shall immediately proceed to determine the said Application according to law.

Dated this 11th day of February 2020

K S MARSHALL Attorney-at-law

SCHEDULE

ALL THAT certain lot piece or parcel of land (formerly part of a larger area of land comprising 411,693 square feet or thereabouts) situate at Deighton Road in the parish of Saint Michael in this island and being the lot numbered 42 on a Plan of the land made and certified by C. H. Inniss, Sworn Surveyor in the 13th day of May 1952 and containing by admeasurement 2,884 square feet be the same more or less (inclusive of 280 square feet in a portion of a private road 14 feet wide hereinafter mentioned and forming one of the boundaries of the said parcel of land) ABUTTING AND BOUNDING towards the North on other portions of the said private road 14 feet wide towards the East on the lot numbered 43 towards the West on the lot numbered 41 and towards the South on the lot numbered 60 or however else the same may abut and abound.

The Title Deeds to be restored are:

1. the original Indenture of Conveyance dated 07 May 1970 and made between Charles Oswald Durant and Gordon Clement Browne (as Executors) of the first part, William Theodore Gooding (as Mr. Gooding) of the second part and Ermie Montelle Prescod (as Mrs. Prescod) of the third part; and

2. the original Deed of Assent dated 25 August 2003 made by Velda Lareta CRAWFORD nee PRESCOD, qualified Administratrix of the estate of Ermie Montelle Prescod. 20 • Tuesday February 11, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

The Barbados Advocate Tuesday February 11, 2020 • 21

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline GODDARD ENTERPRISES LIMITED 5,775 $3.25 $3.25 $3.25 -$0.01 February 10, 2020 EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT 1 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $78.47

One security advanced and one declined as 5,776 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $18,868.75. Goddard Enterprises Limited was the volume leader trading 5,775 shares at $3.25 to close down one (1) cent. They were followed by Emera Fixed Income Market Deposit Receipt which traded 1 share. Security Volume GOB SERIES B 19,877

Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $21.53 $100.00 $78.47 BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Monday February 10, 2020 INDICES LAST TRADE VOLUME HIGH LOW LAST CURRENT PRICE BID ASK BID ASK TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES DATE CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE PRICE PRICE SIZE SIZE February 10, 2020 February 7, 2020 Local 3,234.51 3,156.45 78.06 ABV Investments Incorporated 26-Jun-19 - - - $0.02 $0.02 - $0.02 $0.15 8,080 1,000 Cross-list 1,348.28 1,348.28 - BICO Limited 30-Jan-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 11,885 - Composite 790.10 771.49 18.61 MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - February 10, 2020 February 7, 2020 Local 7,060.79 6,890.39 170.40 Barbados Farms Limited 07-Dec-19 - - - $0.40 $0.40 - $0.40 $0.50 8,636 10,899 Cross-list 172.16 172.16 - Composite 7,232.95 7,062.55 170.40 Cable and Wireless Barbados Limited -+ 21-Sep-17 - - - $2.29 $2.29 - - - - - MUTUAL FUND Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 07-Feb-20 - - - $4.66 $4.66 - $4.66 $6.53 2,710 1,000 February 10, 2020 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV FirstCaribbean International Bank 06-Feb-20 - - - $2.65 $2.65 - - $2.65 - 26,432 CHANGE 07-Feb-20 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2679 0.0076 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 07-Feb-20 - - - $0.15 $0.15 - - $0.16 - 6,945 07-Feb-20 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.1951 0.0003 - Dev Fund 07-Feb-20 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6955 -0.0004 07-Feb-20 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.4320 6.4320 6.4320 0.0925 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 04-Feb-20 - - - $0.62 $0.62 - $0.56 $0.62 873 20,000 07-Feb-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.0245 0.0075 Value Fund 07-Feb-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0137 0.0038 31-Dec-19 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.6891 5.6891 5.5753 0.1841 Goddard Enterprises Limited 10-Feb-20 5,775 $3.25 $3.25 $3.26 $3.25 -$0.01 $3.25 $3.26 25,713 1,493 31-Dec-19 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0293 1.0293 1.0087 0.0123 31-Dec-19 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6145 1.6145 1.5822 0.0098 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 05-Feb-20 - - - $3.20 $3.20 - $3.10 $3.20 708 708 07-Feb-20 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.77 0.02 07-Feb-20 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.59 0.02 One Caribbean Media Limited 28-Jan-20 - - - $2.60 $2.60 - - $2.70 - 8,464 07-Feb-20 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.99 0.00 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 ---- - * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - - - $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. West India Biscuit Company Limited 06-Feb-20 - - - $32.75 $32.75 - $30.00 $32.75 100,000 490 m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly

Emera Deposit Receipt 10-Feb-20 1 $100.00 $100.00 $21.53 $100.00 $78.47 $20.84 - 35 Fixed Income

Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD 5,776 Date Close Clost Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 05-Feb-20 $65.00 $65.00 $65.00 $74.99 117,969 45,495 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $65.00 300,000 300,000 * = Security is Trading X-Div GOB Series F 05-Feb-20 $89.00 $89.00 $89.00 6,847,619 *+* = Security is Suspended GOB Series I 23-Jan-20 $54.00 $54.00 $80.00 290,056 ** = Rights Issued NEWS

NOTICES Electric dream: Britain ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING to ban new petrol and West India Biscuit Company Limited – Directors have fixed January 6th, 2020 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on February 14th, 2020. BICO Limited – Notice is hereby given that the 135th Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on February 25th, 2020 at the Cricket Legends of Barbados, Herbert House, Fontabelle, St, Michael, at 5:00 p.m. hybrid cars from 2035 ABV Investment Incorporated – Notice is hereby given that the 29th Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on March LONDON – Britain will planned for November 4th, 2020 at the Massy Stores Training Room, Massy Stores SuperCentre Complex, Warrens, St, Michael, at 1:30 p.m. ban the sale of new petrol, known as COP26. Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC Limited – Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on March 5th, 2020 at Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael at 5:00 p.m. diesel and hybrid cars from “We have to deal with FirstCaribbean International Bank – Notice is hereby given that the 26th Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on 2035, five years earlier our CO2 emissions,” March 6th, 2020 in Ball Room 3, Hilton Barbados Resort, St, Michael at 10:00 a.m. than planned, in an at- Johnson said at a launch tempt to reduce air pollu- event for COP26 at DIVIDEND DECLARATION tion that could herald the London’s Science Museum Emera Deposit Receipt - Directors have declared a cash dividend of sixty-one point two five (CDN $0.6125) cents per common share end of over a century of last Tuesday.“As a country to be paid on February 14th, 2020 to Shareholders on record at close of business on January 31st, 2020. Registered holders of depositary receipts ("Depositary Receipts") issued pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated reliance on the internal and as a society, as a February 2nd, 2016 among Emera, the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. and registered and beneficial holders of depositary combustion engine. planet, as a species, we receipts from time to time, are entitled to receive, in proportion to the number of Depositary Receipts held by them, respectively, a The step amounts to a must now act.” distribution in the amount of any cash received by the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. (net of any applicable withholding victory for electric cars The government said taxes) in connection with the Dividend (the "Distribution"). Cave Shepherd and Company Limited - Directors have declared a final dividend of ten ($0.10) cents per share to be paid on that if copied globally that, subject to consulta- February 21st, 2020 to Shareholders on record at close of business on February 7th, 2020. could hit the wealth of oil tion, it would end the sale Goddard Enterprises Limited – Directors have declared a third interim dividend of one point five ($0.015) cents per share to be paid producers, as well as trans- of new petrol, diesel and on February 28th, 2020 to Shareholders on record at close of business on January 31st, 2020. form the car industry and hybrid cars and vans in BSE NOTICES one of the icons of 20th 2035, or earlier if a faster TRADING SUSPENSION century capitalism: the transition was possible. The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section automobile itself. Countries and cities 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. Prime Minister Boris around the world have Johnson is seeking to use announced plans to crack The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section the announcement to ele- down on diesel vehicles 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited vate the United Kingdom’s following the 2015 were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. environmental credentials Volkswagen emissions The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by way after he sacked the head scandal and the EU is in- of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor of a Glasgow UN Climate troducing tougher carbon Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited. Change Conference dioxide rules. 22 • Tuesday February 11, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes the ‘obvious pairing going forward’, says Toto Wolff MERCEDES Formula 1 boss Toto testing starts in Spain on February 19. Wolff says that Lewis Hamilton Mercedes’ contract to race in F1 also staying with the team beyond the ends this year but Wolff said they were end of this season is “the obvious committed to F1 “for the long term” and pairing”. described reports that parent company The six-time world champion’s contract Daimler would discuss its future in the runs out at the end of 2020 and he has so sport as “complete nonsense”. far made no decisions on his future. However,he stopped short of absolutely Wolff said: “We would like to have the committing Mercedes beyond 2020 fastest man in the car and I know Lewis because of ongoing negotiations over the wants to be in the fastest car, so there is terms of the teams’ agreements with F1. an obvious mutual outcome.” “F1 provides a great marketing He added he had not spoken to platform for our brand,” said Wolff, who Hamilton, 35, since the end of 2019. was speaking at the launch of Mercedes’ “We travel around the world ten new partnership with Team Ineos, which Lewis Hamilton has been racing in F1 since 2007. months every year but over the winter we they say will include technology transfer leave each other in peace and the last with Ineos boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s energy as the man who runs Mercedes’ entire want to live comment when things are conversation I had with him was at the business, as well as teams in cycling’s motorsport programme. going to be signed.” Christmas party,” said Wolff. Tour de France and sailing’s America’s “I am a partner in the team and the Mercedes last year set a record of six “I have great belief in the abilities of Cup. managing partner in the team,” said the consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ the team to attract the best drivers and “This is what we do. We build race and 48-year-old Austrian. “I have to pinch championship doubles, but Wolff said the Lewis has proven he is the best driver. road cars, F1 is the halo platform. myself every day that I am in that team were just as motivated to continue And in the mid and long term, I would “We like the platform but at the same situation. their winning run into a seventh year. hope we can continue to provide time we are in negotiation with the rights “We are planning our long-term Briton Hamilton this year is also technology to the best driver.” holders and things need to be sorted. But strategy together with Daimler, and Jim bidding to equal Michael Schumacher’s Wolff and Hamilton are likely to begin the partnership indicates our wish to and his partners coming in is yet another record of seven drivers’ titles. initial conversations over a new contract continue.” building block. Wolff said: “Every year we set the when they meet this month – the 2020 As for Wolff’s own future with “So all sails are set for a successful right objectives and objectives that are Mercedes runs for the first time at Mercedes, he pointed out that he was a 30 future but, like with Lewis, we are in the being understood throughout the Silverstone on Friday before pre-season per cent shareholder in the team as well middle of discussions and I wouldn’t organisation.

The Barbados Advocate Tuesday February 11, 2020 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S

ARIES : You soak up information like a sponge. This is A an excellent time to take a crash course in valuable N subject. By focusing fully on your studies, you’ll make D good use of them. A lucrative job at a hospital, university C or government agency is coming. When you feel O overwhelmed, sneak off to a quiet place where you can N hear yourself think. S TAURUS : Your ideas are ahead of their time. Conventional types won’t see their merit, but visionaries will. Make your sales pitch to someone who has a history of backing cutting edge projects. They’ll see the immediate value of your idea. It also helps you are extremely charming. Mixing business with pleasure is a distinct possibility. Z GEMINI: You’re determined to get ahead in your chosen I field. Turn a deaf ear to people who insist you can’t make a good living in the arts. Someone with your talent can T earn an excellent salary if you’re willing to take risks. S Working as an assistant to a prominent person will be instructive.

CANCER: Keeping an open mind attracts opportunities for personal expansion. Don’t be surprised if your boss asks you to go on an overseas trip or a friend invites you to accompany them on their travels. Accept this offer with a grateful heart; you’ll have a great time. Organising a party for a cherished friend will be fun. R LEO: You never run away from an argument. E Challenging another person’s opinions is an exciting X challenge. You’ll surprise the group with carefully considered points that are impossible to refute. Beneath M your glamorous exterior is a sharp intellect. Its fun O showing the world this side of yourself. R G VIRGO: Working with a partner will be rewarding. A Thanks to the feedback of an imaginative collaborator, N you’ll turn a good idea into a great one. Be willing to experiment with different approaches, even if they sound silly at first. Unconventional methods yield extraordinary results. Booking a long-distance trip is strongly advised.

LIBRA : Organising your surroundings will boost your productivity. Clearing out clutter doesn’t have to be a chore. Tackle one task at a time and be methodical. Within P minutes, you’ll be whistling while you work. Divide unwanted items into three piles: Discard, donate and sell. H A business or romantic partnership enriches your bank A account. N T SCORPIO: You’ll be thrust into the limelight. O Commanding an audience makes you glow with happiness. It’s good to be reminded of your powerful M charisma. Are you looking for love? You’ll find the perfect partner at a spiritual or artistic gathering. Make the first move. The object of your affection is very shy and longs to be courted.

SAGITTARIUS: Home and family are on your mind. Moving closer to work is a distinct possibility. If this puts M more distance between you and your relatives, it will be a blessing in disguise. You will be forced to become more A independent, causing your confidence to soar. Your health R is getting better, allowing you to enjoy your favourite Y hobbies again. W CAPRICORN: Playing games gives you the intellectual stimulation you crave. If your local pub hosts a trivia O contest, you should enter. You’ll walk away R with a handsome prize, as well as bragging rights. T Are you restless? Visit a nearby place of historic interest. H A short trip out of town will put you on the path of romance.

AQUARIUS: You’re ready to take a calculated risk. Making a small investment in a great idea will pay off. M Use these earnings to indulge your love of luxury. Buying O a new mattress will help you float off to sleep within T seconds. If you’ve been thinking about launching a H business from your home, this would be a good time to E set the wheels in motion. R PISCES: You grasp concepts quickly and easily. Becoming adept at social media will raise your G professional profile. People will be so intrigued by your O posts that they’ll check your page regularly. There’s no O better way to advertise your wares. Prepare for a flood of S orders. Excellent news about a community causes you to E breathe a sigh of relief. Barbados crush Leewards in three days Page 17

Tuesday February 11, 2020 BRA PARTNERS WITH CAVE SHEPHERD CARD SERVICES THE Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) is working towards becoming more citizen-centric, by providing options which allow taxpayers to interact with its services at a time and place which is convenient to them. As a matter of fact, Revenue Commissioner (Ag) Wayne Forde admits that BRA’s intention is for taxpayers to visit its offices only when they have an issue. Yesterday, he pointed to this while officially announcing that BRA has marked another milestone in its journey to improve service delivery and integrate technology – the availability of Cave Shepherd Card Services Mobile App as a payment platform for Land Tax. This is in addition to Government’s recently rebranded and relaunched payment platform EZpay+, giving property owners two digital channels through which to pay Land Tax. “Both of these initiatives were born out of the mandate to make doing business with government institutions easier for those persons who have to access the services.With Government spearheading the modernisation and digital transfor- mation of the public sector, this is but one aspect of how we at the Revenue Authority are helping to fulfil that From left to right: Rodney Taylor, Director DPD, MIST, Alison Browne-Ellis, Director Cave Shepherd Card Services and vision.” Revenue Commissioner (ag) Wayne Forde during yesterday’s press briefing. Forde went on to explain that the initiative with Cave Shepherd Card stakeholders from within the public and journey and it is definitely not the last you “I can share that we are currently Services, is a good example of public and private sectors, “so that we can better will be hearing from the Authority in this working on expanding online payments to private sector partnership towards streamline our processes such that we regard,” he stated, further revealing that the other taxes in the not too distant facilitating ease and increasing efficiency can deliver better services.” other plans are in the works for BRA to future, but I cannot give you a definitive in its operations. “Working collaboratively is key to the further support Government’s digital date at this time. You can be assured He said that rather than trying to betterment of Barbados. This is another transformation vision while simultane- however, that it is an initiative on which reinvent the wheel, BRA is engaging step in enhancing our service delivery ously enhancing the service experience. we are working.” (TL)

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