Established October 1895 ‘Create a national food security plan’

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Friday February 26, 2021 $2 VAT Inclusive Uphill road for B’dos AFTER expressing happiness at Barbados being removed from the “blacklist” of the European Union (EU), Minister Ronald Toppin cautioned that there was still an uphill battle to ensure that Barbados moved into an even better position. Toppin, the Minister of International Business and Industry, delivered these re- marks yesterday at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados (ICAB) Annual Tax Update Workshop. The minister thanked the ICAB members and other par- ticipants for organizing the we- binar on two major interna- tional initiatives, which are en- gaging the attention of the cur- rent Government. He explained OVERSEEING OPERATIONS: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley (fourth from right) makes a point to persons awaiting that these were the engage- their first COVID-19 vaccine shot yesterday as she toured the Maurice Byer Polyclinic in St. Peter with key health officials to ob- ments with the European serve the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in action. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister of Health and Wellness Lt Union and also with the Global Col Jeffrey Bostic (centre) and other health officials. (See also Page 3) Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. “I believe that most, if not all, of you would have heard by now that on Monday of this week, the EU announced that it had LOCKDOWN EASE removed Barbados from its list of “uncooperative” countries, un- pleasantly called the blacklist, and moved us to Annex II, their state of play or grey list,” said the minister. Toppin explained that Annex II was basically a monitoring FROM MONDAY list, and Barbados would re- main on this list pending the COME Monday, Barbados PM Mottley announces relaxed taken following meetings with outcome of the Peer Review of will be “climbing slowly the Health Ministry and the the Global Forum supplemen- back to normality” with a measures but warns ‘stay the course’ Cabinet’s sub-committee on tary examination scheduled for phased reopening. permitted by restaurants and nod to operate from Monday to Covid-19. later this year.The minister ex- Last night, Prime Minister fast food outlets. Saturday, however no commer- “The science and efforts of all panded by saying that Mia Mottley announced that “With respect to administra- cial activity will be authorised recognise sharp shutdown but Barbados was happy about this several businesses will now be tive offices, professional services, on Sundays, with the exception gradual reopening. That is the change of status, especially due allowed to resume operations parts and repair operations and of gas stations. advice that we have been ad- to the fact that Barbados had following the month-long na- government entities such as the In addition to the current 6 vised to take and it is the one and has no legislative deficien- tional pause aimed at reducing law courts, the registry and the a.m. to 9 a.m. opening of beaches that we shall take,” she stressed. cies. He also highlighted that the spread of COVID-19 in the post office, I am advising corpo- and parks, Barbadians have the Noting that pleasure craft op- the island was facing severe country. rate registry that theses can and thumbs up to exercise in these erations, gyms, massage par- pressure in grappling with the From March 1, persons em- should reopen using minimum areas from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. lours, indoor and outdoors COVID-19 pandemic in the ployed in outdoor activities such physical staff necessary to offer However, the 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. sports will not be allowed to re- midst of an economic recovery as construction, agriculture, a satisfactory level of service to nighttime curfew remains in ef- sume at this time, Mottley also programme. farming, fishing, manufacturing the public.We expect that in the fect. told clothing stores, barbers, The minister referenced the and auto mechanics can return next two weeks that it is really “We are getting a little ease, hairdressers and nail techni- fact that the placement of to normal work activity. Also, only urgent things that people but we are not yet out of the cians “we are going to get to Barbados on Annex II by the hardware, appliance, farm and will concentrate on recognising woods,” she said during her you”. EU, was contingent on the gardening, plumbing, electronic that we are not yet where we hour-long address, as the island The PM outlined that OECD Global Forum approving and IT stores will be allowed to want to be, but we cannot keep continues to deal with high Attorney General Dale Marshall the application of Barbados for open their doors. commerce closed in this coun- numbers of positive cases. will give further details on the a supplementary review of the Curb-side pickups, drive thru try,” she added. Mottley stated the decision to phased reopening on Saturday. TOPPIN on Page 2 operations and deliveries will be These businesses have the reopen gradually had been (JMB) 2 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Work still ongoing Refocus to reinvest TOPPIN from Page 1 which make up the committee compliance of Barbados with its include the Anti-money Exchange of Information stan- Laundering Authority (AMLA), IDB meets with Governors of the Caribbean countries dard. only in relation to its regulation He then commended the ef- of Designated Non-Financial THE COVID-19 pandemic, espe- and the impetus on the other fort of both the Barbados Business Persons (DNFBPs), cially when coupled with natural side of the pandemic”. Revenue Authority and the The Corporate Affairs and disasters which afflicted the Mr. Claver-Carone was at the Ministry of International Intellectual Property Office Caribbean, have left many time addressing the opening of Business Unit for the consider- (CAIPO), the BRA and the IBU. economies and societies reeling, the 10th Annual Meeting of able work done, to ensure that “This is to ensure that we stay says President of the Inter- Caribbean Governors, yesterday. the bid to have a supplemen- focussed and keep the momen- American Development Bank High level Government officials tary review was successful. tum in addressing the outstand- (IDB) Mauricio Claver-Carone. from The Bahamas, Barbados, “Let me state, however, and ing issues in preparation for the However, he told Caribbean Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, strongly so, that the road ahead upcoming onsite inspection by Governors that the economic and and Trinidad &Tobago met vir- is still uphill, with goal posts the OECD. In addition, we have societal weaknesses that have tually with the Bank’s Executive changing ever so often, and taken the initiative to submit been revealed during this period Leadership Team to discuss the that, despite this early success, periodic updates to officials of should convince them that now, region’s development priorities there is still work to be done as the Secretariat of the Global more than ever, “we can recover for the post-COVID era. we aim, as a Government, to so Forum on progress in address- – we can do so; we must do so During the two-day meeting, position ourselves that the ing areas of concern,” said with a refocus to reinvest”. Mr. Claver-Caron will present probability of EU countries tak- Toppin. “The Caribbean needs new, IDB’s vision in 2025 as a guide to ing defensive measures against The Minister of International more efficient, effective and re- reinvesting in the Americas, Barbadian entities is greatly Business and Industry reas- silient ways to take care of busi- called “A Decade of minimized,” cautioned Toppin. sured those listening that the ness. We need new spaces, new Opportunities”. The EU is scheduled to up- Government was confident that standards, new organising prin- “In short, our goal must be to date the list in October 2021, Barbados would overcome all of ciples for our economies and in- emerge from this difficult period and according to Toppin, work these challenges. stitutions in order to really as a more competitive, more sus- continues assiduously to “And critical to achieving this, achieve the sustainable develop- tainable, more resilient region in achieve a successful outcome are both the understanding and ment gains that we all desire. which our people are empowered from the Supplementary partnership of all the stakehold- We need better infrastructure, to live up to their true potential,” Review and thereby ensure that ers such as those of you here both analog and digital to make he stressed. Barbados is removed from any today.We need to work together trade and industries more com- “It is going to take a lot of work list for tax purposes. to ensure that Barbados not petitive, to attract new sources of and a lot of ambition on the part The minister stated that the only weathers the storms, but, investment and to generate qual- of our governments, societies, Government has established a indeed, repositions itself to bask ity jobs. We could really improve and right here on the part of IDB committee, with Toppin as in the sunshine.We can and will lives and livelihoods today President of the Inter- -I take it with great responsibil- Chairman, which meets on a achieve this,” encouraged the through smart reforms and take American Development Bank ity and I believe that we need to weekly basis. The agencies minister. (AS) advantage of the opportunities, (IDB) Mauricio Claver-Carone. seize this moment.” The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 3

Vaccination numbers Approximately 12.5 per cent of increasing population vaccinated

BARBADOS has surpassed we ourselves need to strengthen there’s a sense of happiness the 25 000 mark for persons ourselves and we also need to when people receive the vacci- on the island receiving the step up to the plate.” nation.” Oxford AstraZeneca vac- Prime Minister Mottley ac- Prime Minister Mottley also cine. knowledged that there are still acknowledged that the polyclin- Prime Minister Mia Amor persons who have doubts about ics have been under pressure, Mottley shared this update yes- the vaccine. “I think that more noting that the system is not terday as she toured the and more people are realising going to be perfect, pointing to Maurice Byer Polyclinic in St. 25 000 people have been vacci- the fact that persons have been Peter with key health officials to nated. And then a lot of what going to the satellite centres observe the COVID-19 you’re hearing on social media separate from the appointment Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley (second from right) and Vaccination Programme in ac- and a lot of these stories are ex- system. Minister of Health and Wellness Lt Col Jeffrey Bostic (right) tion. aggerated versions and do not “We have a situation where watch as nurse Shirley Farrell-Green administers the Prime Minister Mottley told accept the reality that in our the … clinics have been under COVID-19 vaccine to Merna Straughan, during a tour of the the media: “I want to thank lives as human beings, we’ve pressure, the others will tell you Maurice Byer Polyclinic in St. Peter yesterday. those Barbadians who have been vaccinated from a child.” and the satellite centers be- come forward over the course of “…Also, any of us know that cause they have the people who, them too.” dated next week. “So there are less than two weeks and the fact [if] you want to travel to certain separate from the appointment Prime Minister Mottley re- a number of people who the that we have been able to vacci- countries in the world, you can’t system, have been walking in vealed that an additional 100 Queen Elizabeth Hospital have nate … 12.5 per cent of the go unless you have the vaccina- to receive the vaccine. police officers have come for- as outpatients who may be seri- adult population is something tions. They don’t let you in. “...It’s not going to be perfect, ward for the vaccine and will be ously chronically ill and others that gives us comfort. “So I am aware of the move- but we’re ‘gonna’ have to be able accommodated on Saturday. who have the combination of “This is a moment where ment globally, but I’m equally to accommodate everyone so Likewise a group of 70 fisher- that or may be immobile be- more and more Barbadians are aware of the commonsense [of] that in our country, frontline men and vendors have also cause of age, or some kind of ill- understanding that if we want Barbadian people. And we are workers were critical.” asked to be vaccinated. ness or some kind of injury,and to turn the corner, if we want, here today to mark that 25 000 “If you don’t have doctors and “...Because if you’re going to we’re hoping that we can accom- like the rest of the world – we people have said, ‘Look, we feel nurses being able to take care of open back up fish markets, and modate them too, because we see what is happening in Israel, that this is going to make a dif- those who are sick, then you then you want when people are recognise that not everybody is we see what is happening in the ference to my life’. And as you have a problem. So that was a dealing with people to make in a position to walk in or to UAE, we see what is happen- move around and talk with pa- no- brainer. In our country, po- sure that they’re safe.” drive through a clinic. So we’re ing even in the United Kingdom tients here and elsewhere, licemen and soldiers are critical Persons who are unable to gonna try our best. And that’s – if we want to turn the corner there’s a sense of relief. And in terms of keeping the rule of physically go to the vaccination all that we can do,” she said. on this dreaded pandemic, then there’s a sense of gratitude and law. So we had to deal with centres will also be accommo- (JH)

The line of cars awaiting entry to the Drive-in facility, which Persons lined up awaiting their COVID-19 vaccines at the Maurice Byer polyclinic yesterday. was being used to facilitate vaccinations. UPP questions distribution of care packages THE United Progressive Party Furthermore, we have reports how many care packages were is an extension of the “pause”?” drafted into this exercise.” (UPP) says it is demanding ac- of numerous instances where assembled? How many have Griffith indicated. “Due to the shutdown, sev- countability, as it relates to the individual households in vis- been distributed, which dis- The UPP noted, “We have eral Barbadians are unable to distribution of care packages ited districts are being by- tricts have been visited and grave concerns regarding the ply their trades, to earn an hon- intended for the vulnerable cit- passed, while their next door those yet to be serviced? Why management of this pro- est living for their families. izens of Barbados. neighbours receive packages. were some homes excluded gramme, as it appears not to Households have already ex- “The government has com- Even after contacting the within a catchment area? be reaching its intended recip- hausted their savings during mitted to disbursing 60 000 helpline provided, their request When is the target date for ients. Certainly a project of this the 2020 lockdown and also, hampers since early February. for assistance remains unan- completion of this project? magnitude could have been many individuals are not enti- However, as we head toward swered” the UPP’s General What is the cost of supplying better organised and executed tled to NIS support. We expect the end of the month, many Secretary Wayne T. Griffith and distributing these ham- with NGOs, charities, church transparency in this time of needy communities are yet to said via a press release. pers? Will there be a second leaders and various commu- need,” the UPP rep stressed on witness a delivery. “The UPP wants to know distribution scheduled if there nity groups being formally behalf of the Party. 4 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate National Vaccine Fund to be launched PRIME Minister Mia Amor Mottley weeks after the arrival of the vaccines has indicated that a national vac- thanks to the generosity of the Indian cine fund will be launched soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In her 7:30 pm address to the nation on She said the government is progressing Thursday,this country’s leader,who only the vaccine rollout programme and by mentioned the new initiative, said that the weekend that they will be in the the fund will help Barbados to pay for "home stretch". In her address, Mottley vaccines when they arrive. revealed that doctors will be going into She explained that vaccinations come the community to homes to vaccinate at a high cost and the island was fortu- people who are either too ill to travel or nate that the first 100 000 vaccines were too ill to take the risk or immobile. She free. Mottley said it would have been un- said this medical team will be provided ethical to charge anyone, however with with the equipment and training to par- the pending fund, people will be asked to ticipate in the Shape App. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley as she gave her address. donate towards the new initiative. "Barbados is that place where we edu- cate each other at tertiary level without PM urges Barbadians to take vaccine charging fees because all of us are going to commit to taking the most vulnerable THE Prime Minister of Barbados is ap- rection that must be taken if the country process has been professional and the ex- among us and the weakest among us on pealing to those who have not taken the wants to see change. perience has been good. the journey. Similarly, with this vaccine vaccine to get vaccinated. Prime Minister Mottley said that as Still, the latest update indicates that journey, we are not charging people but Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley gave the elderly, the vulnerable and frontline there are still significant numbers of we will be appealing to people to put, to this message during her address to the workers got vaccinated, many people are COVID-19 cases. The PM said that on donate to the National Vaccine Fund at nation on Thursday evening. She re-em- calling to participate in the vaccination Wednesday there were 55 positives from individual levels and at corporate levels phasised that the COVID-19 vaccine is exercise. She disclosed that there will be 677 tests and Thursday,42 positives from because your government is under stress not mandatory, but she is reminding a special session for over 100 police offi- 829 tests. but we are not going to change who we Barbadians, many countries expected vis- cers on Saturday.Other interested parties "Though these numbers may appear are…," said Prime Minister Mottley. itors to be vaccinated, particularly for dis- include fish vendors and fishermen and high on the surface and I am the first to The Prime Minister also revealed that eases like yellow fever. The Prime the religious community. She added that admit that, I am sufficiently informed by the Ministry of Health has completed 29 Minister also reminded the public that efforts will be made to improve the ap- the health professionals …that this was 186 vaccinations by February 25. She ex- the vaccine, which she and many others pointment system for vaccinations and to be expected given the series of circum- plained that just over 3 000 vaccinations have taken, has not caused any negative indicated that a new application will be stances over the last few weeks in which were done yesterday.Mottley noted that effects. launched next week. Despite the com- all of us, all dropped our guard in some this achievement was done just two She reiterated that the vaccine is a di- plaints, she noted that the vaccination form or fashion," said Mottley. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 5

‘Create a national BADMC Bridgetown branch closed as four members test food security plan’ positive for Covid-19 DESPITE Mia Mottley come back onto the sight into understanding Administration’s ef- radar,” said Gibson. Barbados’ position as it THE City branch of the forts to disseminate 60 He added that adequate relates to nutrition and Barbados Agricultural 000 care packages, the nutrition for the poor and its correlation to the Development Marketing Democratic Labour those in the lower eco- health of a population,” Corporation (BADMC) is Party (DLP) is urging nomic bracket must be- said Gibson. closed until March 1. the government to cre- come a matter of serious He underlined the high Human Resources ate a national food se- concern for the govern- national level of non-com- manager Taurean Roach curity plan to help the ment as he noted many municable diseases said four members of staff many families that are people are unemployed. (NCDs) and how poor nu- had tested positive for in need. He said that this crisis trition can affect wound COVID-19 and as precau- In a recent press re- has thousands of people healing and the emo- tion all staff would be lease, the DLP expressed out of work and they have tional state. He also tested and the building concern about the grow- to decide whether to buy looked at children and closed and sanitized. ing number of families food or medicine. said that their attention “I can confirm that four who are unable to feed in class becomes a chal- members of our staff of themselves. They added Give unemployed ac- lenge to learning due to a our Bridgetown branch that reversing this situa- cess to land to grow lack of school meals. He have tested positive for tion should be of “prime food added stress to the lives of Covid-19 and all staff will concern” and this is a key The DLP Health parents must be brought be tested, the building message from the DLP spokesman proposed that into focus as the sanitised and reopened spokesman on Health, the Ministry of Barbadian life scape is on March 1. Paul Gibson who believes Agriculture should make evaluated. Gibson He was quick to point more can be done in this idle arable land available stressed the importance out that the closure Human Resources manager at the Barbados critical area. to the unemployed. of helping the most criti- would not affect the dis- Agricultural Development Marketing Corporation “Taxpayers’ funds are Gibson also mentioned cal and vulnerable people tribution of Government’s (BADMC), Taurean Roach. (Picture by Trevor Thorpe) being used to feed Agricast, a tool used to in Barbados. Care Packages pro- Barbadians via food ham- forecast crop production We can no longer afford gramme as that operation calm and follow the proto- tracing and we will do all pers – a good initiative, availability, and how it to give the major share of had been concentrated at cols given by the Covid- that is required on our persons needed this – but can be used by the the attention to the haves, the other locations of the 19 Unit and allow the sys- part, to help to prevent it is not sustainable. The Ministry of Agriculture to while the have-nots are BADMC. tem to take its course. and minimise the spread matter of food security help the island. left to suck salt,” said He said the 45 member “The discovery was of the virus in Barbados,” and agriculture must “(It) would give an in- Gibson. staff had been asked to be made through contact he added. Traditional, new sectors in Blue Economy being expanded

MINISTER of Maritime space.” formation on the ocean Affairs and the Blue The Minister also sug- currents.” Economy Kirk Humphrey gested that there is a He also acknowledged has given the assurance need for a Marine Spatial the importance of the that a concerted attempt Plan. ”...So that we know Standards of Training Direct Deposit & Pension is being made to build out what are the various ac- Certification and traditional sectors and tivities occurring in the Watchkeeping (STCW) The NIS pays its pensioners every 4 weeks, not monthly. expand new sectors ocean space. Who’s pur- training. “We’re very ad- The payments are issued for thirteen 4-week periods each under his Ministry. suing these activities? vanced in that in fact. The His comments came as Who are these activities challenge that we had year for those paid by lodgement to banks and credit he participated in a dis- going to affect? If we’re was that Barbados was unions, or twenty-six 2 week periods for those receiving cussion on the pro- looking at shipping lanes not allowed to unless you cheques through the mail. The NIS urges its pensioners gramme Let’s Talk About and looking at MMAs , put it into legislation, who already have bank and credit union accounts to it, where he shed some what exactly are we dis- you’re not allowed to light on some of the chal- cussing? And those are STCW certify anyone. make the switch from cheques to lodgement and gain lenges and some of plans some of the things that And we’ve written to immediate access to ALL your monies. There is no in the works for the Blue we are actively working other persons to certify penalty for switching. Economy in Barbados. on now as well.” our training. We’re now Minister Humphrey re- As it relates to fishing, putting it into legislation. vealed that Cabinet of he said it is important to That legislation is being If you have any queries, please call our PBX at Barbados has agreed to continue traditional commented on.” 431-7400, Contact Centre at 467-4647 or e-mail us at officially declare areas on areas but also introduce The minister, while not [email protected]. For further details, both the south and the new initiatives. going into details, said west coasts of the island “Aquaculture is on the there was a meeting with please visit our official website at www.nis.gov.bb. as Marine Managed cards and I’m sure you’re some of the major cruise Areas (MMAs), adding all aware of the aquacul- lines last week who are Follow and like us on: that consultations have ture farming occurring on looking on favorably at already begun in terms of the island, we must ex- Barbados, considering the Facebook: NISBds discussing with the pub- pand it." way the country posi- Instagram: nisbarbados lic, which is one of the “We’re now about to put tioned itself during steps forward. some FADs (fish aggre- COVID. Minister Twitter: NISBarbados “So we hope to have gating devices) around Humphrey Humphrey that finished by the end of the island to allow fisher- said, “We expect to be able WhatsApp: (246) 231-5176 April, and properly desig- men to be able to get more to announce very soon, nate Carlisle Bay; and fish. We are doing it with that relationship that https://www.nis.gov.bb/nis-covid-19-safety-protocols/ with that comes certain integrating technology so would allow employment restrictions in terms of that we know what’s out for a number of how you assess that there, we’re able to get in- Barbadians.” 6 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Mystery solved The truth about Gravity Hill in St. Andrew By Krystal Penny Bowen not. The phenomenon has that the area perceived as Facebook and many been seen all over the downhill is higher than comments including the ON a rocky road world. From Scotland to the area considered answer to the strange known as Cherry Tree Armenia, from Costa Rica uphill. The uneven occurrence. He told the Hill, most Barbadians to Italy, there are 148 terrain surrounding these Barbados Advocate he are baffled by a locations including areas and the inability to recorded a new video and strange phenomenon. Barbados which have see the horizon are to mentioned that the event On this path, there is their own “Gravity Hill” blame as it tricks the eye occurred due to an optical “Gravity Hill", a or “Magnetic Hill”. and mind into believing illusion but it was not unique spot where if a that a person is going published. Sargeant person stops downhill You can’t believe your uphill when they are noted Cherry Tree Hill is while being in a eyes moving downhill. But it an area he visits a lot and vehicle and the driver Like the straw that “ does not stop a lot of he knows many people puts it in neutral mode bends” in water, the event curious people from would like to see “Gravity with the brake not of “Gravity Hill” observed trying the experiment of Hill” but it is a little engaged, the vehicle by Barbadians and others moving “uphill” on Cherry tricky to find. He magically appears to across the globe is just an Tree Hill. suggested that when the move uphill on its optical illusion. It is a One such adventurer, curfew is lifted, efforts own. mystery that can be Barbadian Fabian should be made to place a But is that the case? solved by using a Sargeant tried it in sign showing the unique The answer will surprise theodolite. If this device December 2020 and spot as it would be an you. While Barbados’ was used on the magic filmed the phenomenon. interesting outdoor “Gravity Hill” seems spot, the surveying His interesting video got attraction for locals and unusual and rare, it is instrument would show over 5,000 views on visitors to enjoy.

Alberta Jones died tragically during the turbulent 1960s, but her work in civil rights and law lives on. The Tragic Death of African American Attorney Alberta Jones DURING Black History activist, Jones Month, some of the great participated in protest Black heroes had tragic marches in Louisville endings. Alberta Jones is and the March in one of them. In August Washington. 1965, thirty-four-year-old Jones, a civil rights A cruel end activist and an attorney On August 5, 1965, Jones was attacked and killed was found in the Ohio on her way to see a River. Her car was found client. a few blocks away with Alberta Odell Jones blood inside. was born November 12, Eyewitnesses saw three 1930, in Louisville men throw her body in Cherry Tree Hill in St. Andrew is known for much more than its breathtaking views of the East Coast. On a Kentucky.An ambitious the water. She was special spot, Barbadians know the area as “Gravity Hill", a part of the road where everything appears to go young woman she beaten with a brick, against the pull of gravity. The phenomenon (which is nothing more than an optical illusion) is not unique to attended Louisville suffered severe head Barbados and has been observed across the globe. Central High School and injuries before entering Louisville Municipal the water. Her murder College (LMC) for black remains unsolved. people. She subsequently COVID-19 update: 42 new positives, 79 recoveries attended the University Her legacy of Louisville Law School Jones was the first Black and Howard University female attorney in her FORTY-TWO persons 746. they had COVID in the laboratory has so far Law School. state and the first black were diagnosed with The 42 positive cases past and were no longer completed 123 470 tests. After graduation, she woman to pass the COVID-19 on Wednesday, comprised 24 women and infectious. The other 34 There were 3 501 practiced law and Kentucky bar. Her work February 24. The new 18 men. Eight of them had cases were Barbadians. persons vaccinated on worked with a popular with the civil rights cases were identified from already been at the Barbados has recorded Wednesday, as part of the boxer, Muhammad Ali. movement is memorable the 829 tests conducted by Harrison Point Isolation 2 949 confirmed cases – 1 National Vaccination In 1965, she was and although she was the Best-dos Santos Public Facility undergoing 369 females and 1 580 Programme for COVID- appointed as a taken away from the Health Laboratory. assessment to determine males – and 2 171 persons 19. prosecutor in the world at a young age, she A total of 79 people also whether their positive have recovered. There To date, a total of 25 578 Louisville Domestic was a hero within the recovered from the virus. PCR test result showed have been 32 deaths from vaccinations have been Relations Court. African American The number of active that they were in fact the viral illness. administered – 11 155 An active civil rights community. cases on the island is now newly positive, or whether The public health men and 14 423 women. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 7

Ecological poverty relief programmes in China help increase income for rural residents FOR nearly 10 years, Chinese medicinal herbs, and forestry and grassland bu- raising bees. reaus at various levels in In 2020, Li secured an annual China have actively prac- income of over 100,000 yuan. tised the philosophy of Over 4,000 forest rangers in “lucid waters and lush the county like Li have been able mountains are invaluable to work in their hometowns and assets”, and vigorously ad- shake off poverty while guaran- vanced the country’s tee the management and pro- poverty alleviation cam- tection of the county’s more than paign through ecological 5.71 million mu (about 3,807 Photo taken on Feb. 1 shows magnificent vegetable and fruit planting bases in the countryside of compensation, afforestation, square kilometres) of forests. Hengxi township, Taizhou city, east China’s Zhejiang province. and the development of eco- In some regions of China, logical industry. rangers are also assigned tasks poverty. grass resources under manage- could support more cattle,we These bureaus have com- of managing and protecting China’s forest and grassland ment and protection by nearly have also become better-off,” pleted all the tasks and targets grasslands and wetlands. areas that suffer from destruc- 900 million mu, thus achieving said Chun, who has recently set in the country’s programs Tashi Tsering, a ranger in tion, major areas for ecological win-win results in protecting renovated her house. Last year, designed to promote poverty re- Changjiangyuan village, protection and regions that are ecology and increasing resi- her family gained an income of duction through ecological con- Golmud city, northwest China’s ecologically vulnerable are usu- dents’ income. 100,000 yuan. servation and restoration, lift- Qinghai province, feels a sense ally severely impoverished In response to the govern- Under the project of return- ing over 20 million poor people of mission from guarding the areas. ment’s call for treating Horqin ing farmland to forest, Chama out of poverty. ecology of the source of China’s They are the main battlefields Sandy Land in Tongliao city, town, Qinglong county, south- Li Yuhua, a forest ranger in Yangtze River. of China’s fight against poverty north China’s Inner Mongolia west China’s Guizhou province, Gongshan Derung and Nu au- The ranger’s routine work in- as well as the core of forest and autonomous region, Chun Mei, a has tapped into the huajiao tonomous county, southwest cludes checking on local grass- grassland programs. local villager, and her husband (Sichuan pepper) industry ac- China's Yunnan province,is land and monitoring whether China has blazed a path of have created a wood of pinus cording to local conditions in re- often seen walking through the the grassland is overloaded by poverty alleviation that features sylvestris, acer monoes, and as- cent years. The Sichuan pepper mountain forest beside the cattle and sheep. ecological compensation in these pens around their house. trees have helped 11,700 local Derung River in local ethnic Qinghai province has created areas, said Li Chunliang, deputy Every year, the couple takes residents shake off poverty. clothes. public welfare jobs for protecting head of China’s National part in afforestation projects “I earn over 20,000 yuan every According to Li, she gains a and managing forestry and Forestry and Grassland launched by local government. year by working in a local subsidy of 800 yuan (about grassland resources. It has hired Administration, adding that the While Chun earns 100 yuan per Sichuan pepper planting $124) per month by taking care 49,900 qualified poverty- country has hired over 1.1 mil- day by planting and watering base, and receive a subsidy of of the forest. The forest ranger stricken residents as rangers. lion registered poor villagers as trees, her husband gets a daily 1,200 yuan for each mu of farm- has also been able to take care of By increasing the average per rangers and lifted more than 3 wage of 400 yuan by levelling land that I have changed her family and engage in vari- capita annual income of these million people in impoverished the ground with tractor and dig- into forest and used to grow ous forms of under-forest indus- people by nearly 20,000 yuan, areas out of poverty. ging pits for saplings. Sichuan pepper,” said Yi tries, such as planting black car- the province has lifted the fam- Li noted that China has in- “As the sandy land turns Hongzhong, a villager of Chama damom, growing traditional ilies of these rangers out of creased the area of forest and greener and the grasslands town who has bid farewell to poverty. While protecting ecology and exploring tourism, Baichao township, Guangyuan city, southwest China’s Sichuan province, has endeavoured to de- velop itself into a tourist town featuring eco-healthcare. Yueba village of the township, which boasts alpine wetlands and dense primitive forests, has become an Internet-famous tourist destination. In 2019, the village received more than 300,000 tourists, and the per capita income of more than 500 local tourism practi- tioners reached 28,000 yuan. Yang Xiulin, a resident in Yueba village, has changed his house into a homestay hotel. Last year, Yang’s family gained nearly 100,000 yuan from the business. By pursuing eco-friendly in- come sources for villagers, more and more once-impoverished villages in China have helped rural residents bid farewell to poverty and march toward com- prehensive revitalisation of Wu Zhenhua, a forest ranger in Yifeng county, Yichun city, east China’s Jiangxi province, feeds wild macaques, Feb. 3. rural areas. 8 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial Johnson and Johnson vaccine: Logic must FDA finds the single-shot jab safe US regulators have found ordered through the Covax become dominant. said the administration the single-shot Johnson & scheme to supply poorer Data showed it was more anticipated distributing at prevail Johnson coronavirus nations. than 85 per cent effective least three million doses of vaccine is safe and The briefing document at preventing serious the Johnson & Johnson AT the root of most conspiracy theories is fear.Whether effective. published by the US Food illness, but only 66 per cent vaccine next week, should it is a fear of unknown origins, unknown motives or It paves the way for it to and Drug Administration effective overall when it receive emergency unknown outcomes, being in the dark lends itself to the become the third Covid-19 (FDA) gives more detail on moderate cases were authorisation from the manifestation of a host of troubling theories, which vaccine to be authorised in the data submitted by included, when considering FDA. feeds on that fear itself. In order to diminish fear,logic the US, possibly within Janssen, a pharmaceutical cases at least 28 days after The company says it must prevail, scientific and analytical thinking must days. branch of Johnson & vaccination. plans to deliver 20 million be employed, and emotions must be removed … to an The vaccine would be a Johnson, to the regulator. Notably, there were no doses in total by late extent, because what is in fact needed is “emotional cost-effective alternative to The FDA concludes that deaths among participants March, in line with an intelligence” – the capacity to be aware of, control, and the Pfizer and Moderna the Johnson & Johnson who had received the agreement to supply the express one’s emotions (without being irrational). vaccines, and can be stored vaccine has “known vaccine and no hospital US with 100m doses by the In recent times, there has been an entirely new focus in a refrigerator instead of benefits” in reducing both admissions after 28 days end of June. on conspiracy theories and their impact on society. a freezer. symptomatic and severe post-vaccine. Not only will the vaccine For instance, as the 2020 US Presidential Elections Trials found it prevented illness. An external committee require fewer doses than heated up, a spotlight was shone on increasingly serious illness but was 66 It comes after the firm of experts will meet on its two-shot Pfizer and popular conspiracy theories by the group QAnon which per cent effective overall released data last month. Friday to recommend Moderna counterparts, it alleged, among other things, that high profile when moderate cases were Results from trials whether the FDA should will also require fewer celebrities and politicians participated in pedophilia included. conducted in the US, South authorise the vaccine, vaccine appointments and and drank the blood of their young victims. Though The company has agreed Africa and Brazil found its possibly adding to a medical staff as a result. then President Donald Trump denied knowledge of to provide the US with 100 efficacy against the worst coming surge in vaccine Over 65 million this group, he stopped short of fully denouncing them, million doses by the end of outcomes of the virus was availability in the US. The Americans have already and many supporters saw this as an acceptance that June. The UK, EU and “similarly high” but overall US would be the first been vaccinated and about their horrifying claims had merit. Hundreds of these Canada have also ordered protection was lower in country in the world to 1.3 million doses are being same supporters later took part in a riot on the Capitol doses and 500 million South Africa and Brazil, approve the vaccine. administered across the on January 6, 2021 after an emotional appeal by doses have also been where virus variants have A White House official country each day. Trump to “stop the steal” and march for their country. For many of us, especially those not resident in the US, the ideas behind QAnon may seem preposterous, but for those who believe, there is nothing more steeped US to release report on Saudi in truth. Similarly,with the progression of the COVID- 19 pandemic across the globe there have been numerous conspiracy theories on its origins – whether it started in a market in China, or was created in a lab journalist murder in the US; its severity – whether the numbers diagnosed and those who succumbed to the virus are THE US is set to release a Five individuals were reported back in 2018. trial as an “antithesis of accurate or inflated to create mass hysteria; and its report of an investigation given death sentences for According to that justice”. motives – whether proposed vaccines are a genuine into the gruesome murder the murder by a Saudi reported assessment, Why is this happening means of reducing symptoms and decreasing the of Saudi journalist Jamal court but these were there was no “smoking now? spread of COVID-19 or whether it is an elaborate Khashoggi which is widely commuted to 20 years in gun” but US officials The publication of the scheme to subjugate indigenous people and keep them expected to implicate the prison last September. thought such an operation report is part of Joe ailing or eradicate them all together. kingdom’s powerful crown The report, which is would have required the Biden’s policy to realign As with the QAnon theories, some of which overlap prince. expected to be released prince’s approval. ties with long-term ally with the above mentioned COVID-19 claims, it should President Joe Biden has later on Thursday,will say The Washington Post, Saudi Arabia and take a seem obvious which ones are a bit fantastical. However, read the report and is due that Crown Prince which Khashoggi worked much tougher stance than it is not clear for everyone and one must never dismiss to speak to the Saudi king. Mohammed bin Salman for, said at the time that his predecessor Mr Trump a person’s fears, but try to overcome them with facts. Mr Biden wants to approved “and likely the CIA assessment had on certain Saudi positions. With regard to the COVID vaccine, the overall goal is “recalibrate” ties with the ordered” Khashoggi’s been based partly on a The Trump to have the number of cases of the virus being reported US ally, which became killing, four US officials phone call made by the administration had decline. Here in Barbados there have been lockdowns, closer under President told Reuters news agency. crown prince’s brother, previously rejected a legal curfews, protocols and pleading, all to no avail as the Donald Trump. They said the Central Prince Khalid bin Salman, requirement to release a numbers emerging each day remain in the double Khashoggi’s body was Intelligence Agency (CIA) who was the then Saudi declassified version of the digits. For those who argue that the country’s borders dismembered inside the – the US overseas spy ambassador to the US. report, focusing instead on need to be closed, recognise that this will not impact Saudi consulate in agency – was the main Prince Khalid, who is improved co-operation the numbers being registered as “community spread”. Istanbul, Turkey. The contributor to the report. now deputy defence with the Saudis. That means that vaccinations, logically, should be prince denies The Saudi public minister, allegedly called White House included in the arsenal to beat COVID-19, as doing involvement. prosecution and Prince Khashoggi at the direction spokeswoman Jen Psaki nothing more will certainly reap the same results. The journalist, known Mohammed insist he did of his brother and gave said on Wednesday that For those who object to the vaccine because of fear for his criticism of Saudi not have any knowledge of him assurances that he Mr Biden would of the unknown, realise that out of the three vaccines authorities, went to the the murder but in 2019 he would be safe to go to the communicate with King available, the Oxford Astrazeneca is not a new consulate in October 2018 said he took “full consulate in Istanbul. Salman, and not directly controversial mRNA vaccine, has had almost no in order to obtain papers responsibility as a leader Prince Khalid has denied with the crown prince, deleterious side effects, and is actually available here, allowing him to get in Saudi Arabia, especially any communication with who is his son and is whereas the other two would be impossible to obtain. married. since it was committed by the journalist. considered the de facto If you simply did not want to go first, it has now been Saudi authorities say individuals working for In 2019, UN special ruler in Saudi Arabia. a week since the vaccine has been given out in his death and the Saudi government”. rapporteur Agnes She said the president Barbados and there have been no notable cases of dismemberment was the NBC News reports that Callamard accused the was due to speak to the 85- adverse effects. Conversely, there have been several result of a “rogue the intelligence Saudi state of the year-old king for the first deaths from COVID-19 by those who, unfortunately, operation” by a team of assessment is not new and “deliberate, premeditated time since taking office did not get the chance to take the vaccine.That in itself agents sent to return him is based on work by the execution” of Khashoggi “soon”, without giving a is the bottom line. Why continue to give your fears to the kingdom. CIA which was widely and dismissed the Saudi specific time for the call. control of your life when you can take control and manage your fears? In the final analysis the decision Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes is your to make, but exercise emotional intelligence, be E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen introspective and base your decision on facts and not Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan fears. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • FAX: 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] Welcome to the (Debt) Trap (Part II) “Demographic change is implications of an oft- period in retirement and to take on more leverage inflation (given the Cardi B’s version (that’s a key long-term pressure ignored/ downplayed possibly longer in and debt, will become cumulative effects of the the discography-destiny on the public finances.” – fact(or). morbidity.” apparent.” demographic factor that link). This is the (The Office of Budget In Financial Stability He concluded, They continue, was previously taken as demography-destiny link Responsibility, UK, July and Low for Long “Households will need to “Inflation will rise constant on the short- where WAP refers to the 2018) (October 2019), Sir John accumulate more wealth considerably above the term view). working age population. Cunliffe, Deputy over their working level of nominal interest In The Data Detective, China’s response serves ACCORDING to the 2015 Governor Financial lifetimes to fund this.” rates that our political Tim Harford introduces as a warning to countries World Population Ageing Stability at the Bank of The authors of The Great masters can tolerate.” us to Muhammad Yunus, in Latin America and the report from the United England, spoke to the Demographic Reversal (Which is why Ministers the economist who won Caribbean: “That’s Nations, between 2015 implications of a ‘low for (TGDR) paint a portrait of Finance and Central the Nobel Peace Prize for making it harder for and 2030, the number of long’ world: “One of the of our imperfect, Bankers will soon “get his work in microfinance. [Chinese] officials to elderly over 60 is main drivers of the inflationary future: “The way”, to put it in Bajan Mr. Yunus contrasts the lower taxes much to expected to grow by (a downward shift in the losers will be savers, parlance.) In the aptly “worm’s-eye view” stimulate growth, since world leading) 71 per cent trend real rate is pension funds, insurance titled chapter Swimming (personal experience) doing so could make it in Latin America and the demographics. An ageing companies, and those Against the (Main) with the “bird’s-eye view” tougher to shore up Caribbean. To be clear, population is likely to whose main financial Stream, the authors note (statistics and metrics): underfunded pension this is not a negative lead to an expansion of assets take the form of that once established, “In a bird’s-eye view you programs. It’s also comment on the intrinsic both sides of the cash. [….] The folly of “conventional thinking is tend to survey making it harder to value of elderly household balance sheet. responding to the extremely hard to everything. … In a encourage consumers to persons, but simply to Even allowing for crisis of excessive dislodge, particularly worm’s-eye view you don’t boost spending, as more point out the very real longer working lives, debt in 2007–2009 at turning points”. have that advantage of people worry over health (and deeply concerning) increased longevity is by encouraging all We are at such a point looking at everything. You and retirement costs.” We macroeconomic likely to lead to a longer borrowers (except banks) now. just see whatever is close need to The already high to you.” His analogy hints realise/admit/wake up to degree of difficulty that at how economics is the fact that we are at an comes with policymaking practiced. inflection point. Human decency is not was increased by the Again, TGDR proves The rise of globalisation pandemic and is set to helpful, “Most economists (arguably on the retreat), skyrocket in the next focus on their own the reincorporation of three decades. countries or regions, and Eastern Europe into the derived from religion Unfortunately for John most economists in the world economy, and and Jane Public, West come from North increased female IN his letter of February assumption is that we precedes it. “mainstream [economic] America or Europe. There participation in the 19, “No Prayers thank should have no moral Finally, the recent call models are unable or is a token reference to labour force combined to you, just science please,” compass if we were not for a national prayer unwilling to change global factors and a effectively double the Mr.Frederick Johnson somehow in thrall to an event to rid us of the direction”. They rarely discussion of China labour force from 1991 to offers many salient unalterable and pandemic and to pray for mention demographic somewhere in their notes, 2018. The world’s observations, among unchallengeable celestial front-line workers and factors because given the but neither plays a role advanced economies them that “Those who dictatorship. What an those seriously ill, will short horizon of the that is strong enough to benefited from these don’t pray and don’t absolutely repulsive idea! have the precise impact majority of economic dominate domestic factors but they won’t be follow any religion, are It constitutes a radical as did the national prayer forecasts, it can usually developments. Nowadays repeated. Pity the country regarded by religious attack on the very concept event of several years ago be taken as a constant. that is too narrow a who takes comfort in groups as questionable, of human self-respect. dealing with the issue of Which is reasonable; to a canvas to do justice to our thinking that India even immoral.” Though How? By suggesting that crime and violence: point. macroeconomic story.” and/or Africa can repeat rarely articulated by the one could not do a right ZERO! If people got well However, there will The Chinese what China provided to faithful for public action or avoid a wrong by praying, we wouldn’t eventually come a point Communist Party the labour force; or takes consumption due to one, except for the hope of be in the case that we are, when a variable that scrapped its one-child comfort in Japan’s unique political correctness, the a divine reward or the with so many people moves at glacial pace can policy in 2016 after being circumstances and belief that a person who fear of divine retribution. desperately sick and no longer be taken as a warned about the culture. does not belong to a Can anyone name any dying. As Mr. Johnson constant and we will have demographic time bomb The demographic sweet widely-held religion lacks right action or moral notes, what will produce to deal with the it was creating. One spot has officially turned culture or moral thought, performed or results is adherence to cumulative effect(s). might be tempted to sour.Those days are done; principles, i.e. a heathen, uttered by a religious the Government of What might seem to be think: “China?! Wuh dem finished. And we will be is an article of faith. person, which could not Barbados instructions, light at the end of the ain’t got people like bush too, if we do not prepare Another article of faith have been performed or based on scientific tunnel (on a short-term down dey?” However, it is for war on this front. is that without religion, uttered by an unbeliever? knowledge. analysis) is actually the not the raw total Those with ears and all mankind would be bereft Human decency is not CHARLES blinding light of the population that counts that. of morality. The working derived from religion. It KNIGHTON impending collision with but WAP. No silly, not ADRIAN SOBERS

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM W. Somerset Maugham E. B. White “Let no one say when he is (1874 - 1965) (1899 - 1985) tempted, “I am tempted by English dramatist & novelist US author & humorist God”; for God cannot be DREAMS “The common idea that success “People are, if anything, tempted by evil, nor does He spoils people by making them Himself tempt anyone.” more touchy about being I do not want to die... vain, egotistic, and self- thought silly than they are until I have faithfully made complacent is erroneous; on the about being thought unjust.” the most of my talent and contrary, it makes them, for the – James 1:13 - NKJV cultivated the seed that was most part, humble, tolerant, and placed in me until the last kind. Failure makes people cruel small twig has grown. and bitter.” 10 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Chinese £3 200 budget electric car takes on Tesla A BUDGET electric vehicle (EV) selling in China for $4,500 (£3,200) is now out- selling Tesla’s more upmar- ket cars. The compact car is proving a big hit for state-owned SAIC Motor, China’s top automaker. The Hong Guang Mini EV is being built as part of a joint ven- ture with US car giant General Motors (GM). Last month sales of the budget electric car in China were around double those of Tesla, which was questioned this month over safety issues there. While the $4,500 Hong Guang Mini is the most popular model, there is an upgraded one with air conditioning for just over $5,000. The cars are being mar- keted as “the people’s commut- ing tool”. The joint venture partnership, SAIC-GM-Wuling, is known as Wuling locally. Car experts have said that The Hong Guang Mini EV, selling in China for $4,500 (£3,200), is now outselling Tesla’s more upmarket cars. while it clearly lags well behind Tesla when it comes to its bat- the adoption of budget EVs like Tesla over quality and safety is- The Model 3 sells for about tery, range and performance, the Hong Guang Mini to higher sues at its plant. China is Tesla’s $39,000 (£27,000) in China fac- its convenience and low end ones like NIO and Tesla.” largest market after the US. toring in price cuts due to its Twitter sees price have made it one of To promote EVs, the Chinese For January, Hong Guang local production. China’s bestselling “new-en- government offers license plates Mini sales outstripped Tesla al- The Hong Guang Mini EV revenue ergy” vehicles. for free and they are guaran- most two-to-one. It is now be- could make an appearance out- Having launched last year,the teed. In many cities, it can take lieved to be the second-best-sell- side China, as Wuling has said it doubling in basic model has a top speed of months, if not years, to get a li- ing electric model worldwide be- plans to export the EV overseas. 100km/h (62mph) and can ac- cense plate for a petrol engine hind the Model 3. “China has so many makers of commodate four people at a through various auction sys- The tiny, all-electric EV sold small and cheap electric vehi- 2023, shares squeeze. tems. 25,778 models in China in cles, however most of them are “China’s government is seri- January according to the China low-quality and low-speed prod- hit record high ous about pollution reduction Taking on Tesla Passenger Car Association ucts that do not appeal to a wide and becoming the global lead in The Hong Guang Mini EV saw (CPCA). This compares to market, said Sam Fiorani, at TWITTER Inc said yesterday it adopting and promoting inno- sales of 112,000 for the second 13,843 for the Tesla Model 3. Auto Forecast Solutions. expected to double annual rev- vation of electric vehicles,” half of 2020, ranking second be- But high-end electric vehicles “The Hong Guang Mini is the enue to at least $7.5 billion and Shaun Rein, managing director hind Tesla’s Model 3 which are have still been performing well first time a major company has reach 315 million users in 2023, of the China Market Research made in its Shanghai factory. with Tesla more than doubling stepped up with a simple EV sending its shares up more than Group, told the BBC. Earlier this month five its sales volume in China last that targets buyers looking for a 8%. “We remain very bullish on Chinese regulators summoned year. real car.” Twitter will boost its new features to increase revenue and users, it said ahead of its investor presentation yesterday. The social media network GameStop shares soar as ‘meme stocks’ rally again has struggled to catch up with GAMESTOP Corp shares shot other trading apps pushed the said Dennis Dick, a trader at after Reddit trader Keith larger rivals like Facebook higher yesterday after doubling video game retailer’s shares as Bright Trading, on the Benzinga Gill, who runs the YouTube and smaller viral apps like in the previous session, trigger- high as $483. podcast. channel Roaring Kitty, doubled ByteDance’s TikTok in offering ing a series NYSE trading halts Still, short-sellers are esti- Former GameStop shortseller down on GameStop and features. But in recent months, and leading a surprise resur- mated to have lost $818 million Citron Research said on bought additional shares last it has made a push to launch gence of so-called “stonks,” as on Wednesday from bearish bets Thursday that the company week. services such as audio-chat, sim- passionate retail investors have on Gamestop, data from finan- should buy online gambling Gill testified to Congress last ilar to that of viral app dubbed their favorites on vari- cial analytics firm Ortex company Esports week that he remains bullish on Clubhouse. ous online forums. GameStop showed. Entertainment Group Inc GameStop, with his words “I like “We know we’ve been slow,” shares hit $160 at the open be- “The power of the “three R’s” Such a move would be “obvi- the stock” gaining popularity, said Chief Executive Jack fore being halted after several (Robinhood, Retail, Reddit) are ous and easy to justify being quoted by hundreds of his Dorsey during Twitter’s virtual minutes of trading and fell to back in play,” said Neil (GameStop) stock price,” Citron online followers and featuring investor day. “When you com- around $129 before the second Campling, head of technology said in a tweet, which sent on financial-themed meme pare us with our peers, it’s been halt.The stock resumed trading research at Mirabaud Esports stock up about 27%. pages online. especially stark.” around 10 a.m. Eastern and Securities. Reddit discussion threads In a regulatory filing, Twitter hovered around $143 in late “Short interest, though still Heavy volume were buzzing again about estimated reaching at least 315 morning trade, up 56%. significant, is now starting out Nearly 59 million shares of GameStop on Thursday, with million monetizable daily active The rally lifted other “stonks” from a different base than last GameStop had changed hands members exhorting others to users (mDAU), or those who see popular on sites such as Reddit’s time when it was more than by mid-morning, nearing its 30- pile in as the rally gathers ads, by the fourth quarter of WallStreetBets, with AMC 100%,” said Ankit Gheedia, day average volume of 62 mil- steam. 2023. Entertainment Holdings Inc up Head of Equity and Derivative lion, but still well below the “Bought lots more #GME Internationally, Twitter faces 12.5% and headphone company Strategy, Europe for BNP more than 190 million shares today, let’s keep fighting !!,” challenges in India, a rapidly Koss Corp up nearly 61%. Paribas. that traded hands daily in late wrote one Reddit user growing market with plans to Analysts were puzzled by the Some said the rally may be January Fundssqueezzer. require that social media compa- new rally.Some ruled out a short partly fueled by a fear of betting GameStop was the fourth GameStop shares skyrocketed nies erase certain content and squeeze like the one in January against GameStop. most traded stock by Fidelity’s by more than 1600% in January coordinate with law enforce- that battered some hedge funds “There are not a lot of people customers on Wednesday, with as retail investors, urged on by ment. that bet against GameStop and who are just sitting there, ‘oh buy orders outnumbering sell WallStreetBets, bought the Twitter had previously re- were forced to cover their short yeah, let’s for fun, let’s just short orders nearly 2-to-1, as per the stock as a way to punish hedge fused to delete content con- positions when individual in- GameStop and get my head broker’s data. funds that had taken an out- nected to farmers’ protests in vestors using Robinhood and ripped off.’ The investors learn.,” The latest surge comes days sized short bet against it. India. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 11

Costco lifts minimum wage above Amazon or Target COSTCO Wholesale worker wages at large Corp is raising the companies. minimum wage for its “It takes a lot of time to hourly staff to $16 from interview, find employees, next week, a dollar lot of labour involved just more than what its trying to hire individuals. competitors Amazon.- We want people to stay com Inc and Target with us,” Jelinek said, an- Corp pay per hour. swering to Senator Bernie The membership-only Sanders, who chairs the retailer’s move comes as Senate Budget Com- US President Joe Biden mittee. plans to raise the mini- Issaquah, Washington- mum wage to $15 per hour based Costco, which has by 2025, and a week after over 180,000 employees rival Walmart Inc raised in the US, has seen Local residents wait in lines outside a Costco supermarket in Los Angeles, the United States, March 14, its hourly wage to an aver- sales boom during the 2020. Costco is raising the minimum wage for its hourly staff to $16 from next week, a dollar more than age of $15. COVID-19 pandemic as what its competitors Amazon.com Inc and Target Corp pay per hour. Costco’s Chief Executive consumers stocked up Officer Craig Jelinek their pantries. mium pay to workers people out of business, how ing. have opposed a $15 federal made the announcement The company, which during the virus outbreak. you run your business will Even as big corporations minimum wage, saying it at a US Senate Budget raised hourly wages to $15 “In my past experience, put you out of business,” raise their hourly wages, would lead to job cuts and Committee hearing on in 2019, also offered a pre- wages usually don’t put Jelinek said at the hear- many small businesses closures.

Oil holds near 13-month high, supported by sharp drop in US output NEW YORK - Oil prices Petroleum Exporting dropped to the lowest mand. weaker-than-expected term on easing OPEC+ held near 13-month highs Countries and its allies since September 2008, ING analysts said US supply response by US support, risks from more yesterday, with profit-tak- including Russia, a EIA data showed. crude stockpiles could oil operators to higher transmissible COVID-19 ing limited by an assur- group known as OPEC+, Texas state legislators rise in weeks ahead as prices. variants and elevated ance that US interest are due to meet on on Thursday started production has recovered “However, we remain positioning,” Barclays rates will stay low and a March 4. digging into the causes fairly quickly while refin- cautious over the near said. sharp drop in US crude The group will discuss of deadly power blackouts ery capacity is expected output last week due to a modest easing of oil that left millions shiver- to take longer to return the winter storm in supply curbs from April ing in the dark as frigid to normal. BANK RATES Texas. given a recovery in temperatures caught Barclays, which raised Brent futures for April prices, OPEC+ sources its grid operator and its oil price forecasts Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of delivery rose 10 cents, or said, although some utilities ill-prepared for on Thursday, said oil business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. 0.2%, to $67.14 a barrel suggest holding steady skyrocketing power de- could rally again on the by 11:36 a.m. EST (1636 for now given the risk Valid for February 26, 2021 GMT), while US West of new setbacks in the Notes: Texas Intermediate battle against the pan- Currency Buying Selling (WTI) crude rose 44 cents, demic. Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 or 0.7%, to $63.66. The Extra voluntary cuts by Canadian Dollar 1.57066 1.61712 April Brent contract ex- Saudi Arabia in February East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 pires on Friday. and March have tight- Euro 2.38685 2.48735 In intraday trade, both ened global supplies and Pound Sterling 2.75000 2.86580 contracts hit their high- supported prices. United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 est since January 2020 Meanwhile, an assur- Demand/Sight: and both are on track for ance from the US Federal Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 their highest settlement Reserve that interest Canadian Dollar 1.57960 1.61570 in 13 months. rates would stay low for a East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 “Oil prices are edging while should boost in- Euro 2.42187 2.47192 higher today but once vestors’ risk appetite and Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 again there does appear global equity markets, Pound Sterling 2.79035 2.84801 to be flagging momentum while weakening the US United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 in the rally, perhaps a dollar to its lowest in Telegraphic Transfer sign that we’re heading seven weeks against a Currency Buying Selling for a correction in the in- basket of other curren- Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 credible four month bull cies. Canadian Dollar 1.58260 1.61570 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 run,” said Craig Erlam, The winter storm in Euro 2.42643 2.47192 senior analyst at Texas caused US crude Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 OANDA. production to drop by Pound Sterling 2.79560 2.84801 Analysts noted higher more than 10% or 1 mil- United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 oil prices in recent weeks lion barrels per day (bpd) – both Brent and WTI last week, the Energy INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL were up about 20% in Information Adminis- CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE February – could encour- tration (EIA) said. RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS. age US producers to re- [EIA/S] N.B. These rates are not meant to be used for trading. turn to the wellpad and Fuel supplies in the BDS$ Guyana Dollar 0.00945 OPEC+ to loosen its pro- world’s largest oil con- Jamaica Dollar 0.01321 duction reductions. sumer also tightened as T&T Dollar 0.29667 The Organization of the its refinery crude inputs 12 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline February 25, 2021

There was no trading today on the Regular Market.

Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $19.58 $19.57 -$0.01 SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Thursday February 25, 2021

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

ABV Investments Incorporated 15-Oct-20 - - - $0.05 $0.05 - $0.02 $0.30 8,080 10,498

BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 70 - INDICES Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES February 25, 2021 February 24, 2021 Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - Local 2,437.73 2,437.72 0.01 Barbados Farms Limited 22-Jan-21 - - - $0.40 $0.40 - $0.35 $0.40 1,000 6,561 Cross-list 933.43 933.43 - Composite 594.05 594.02 - Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 28-Jan-21 - - - $4.10 $4.10 - $4.00 $4.10 72 1,100 MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) FirstCaribbean International Bank 05-Feb-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 0 $1.77 $1.80 2000 14251 TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES February 25, 2021 February 23, 2021 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 19-Feb-21 - - - $0.16 $0.16 - - $0.16 - 4,066 Local 4,900.02 4,900.04 0.02 - Dev Fund Cross-list 119.19 119.19 - Composite 5,019.21 5,019.23 0.02 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 18-Feb-21 - - - $0.57 $0.57 - $0.55 $0.58 1,600 51,870 MUTUAL FUND -Value Fund February 24, 2021 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV Goddard Enterprises Limited 22-Feb-21 - - - $2.10 $2.10 - $2.10 $2.15 17,596 8,856 CHANGE 19-Feb-21 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2109 0.0137 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 23-Feb-21 - - - $2.00 $2.00 0 $1.78 $2.00 78 7,200 19-Feb-21 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2581 -0.0098 19-Feb-21 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6723 -0.0003 One Caribbean Media Limited 18-Feb-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - - $1.80 - 215 12-Feb-21 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.6328 6.6328 6.6328 0.0857 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 12-Feb-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.1045 0.0035 12-Feb-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0244 0.0017 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - - - $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - 31-Jan-21 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.5698 5.5698 5.4584 -0.0020 31-Jan-21 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0241 1.0241 1.0036 0.0000 West India Biscuit Company Limited 19-Feb-21 - - - $31.05 $31.05 - $30.00 $31.40 5,000 500 31-Jan-21 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6429 1.6429 1.6100 -0.0006 19-Feb-21 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.77 -0.01 Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $19.48 $19.58 $0.10 $30.00 - 50 - 19-Feb-21 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.70 0.00 19-Feb-21 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.98 -0.01 TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS * = Security is Trading X-Div ENTRY COSTS. m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly *+* = Security is Suspended Fixed Income ** = Rights Issued Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 17-Feb-21 $60.00 $60.00 $60.00 $80.00 50,000 34,828 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 NOTICES GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $70.00 19,617

FirstCaribbean International Bank - Directors have fixed February 1st, 2021 as the record date for the determination of NEWS shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on March 12th, 2021. The meeting can be accessed virtually here: https://web.lumiagm.com/286-507-132. Shareholders who wish to attend the annual meeting must contact FirstCaribbean International Bank by March 10, 2021 at [email protected] to obtain the Meeting ID and Australia passes law to make Password to join the meeting. Google, Facebook pay for news Emera Incorporated - Directors have fixed March 22nd, 2021 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on May 20th, 2021. CANBERRA, Australia – that clearly Google and Australia’s law forcing Google Facebook have. Google and BICO Limited – Notice is hereby given that the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the shareholders of and Facebook to pay for news Facebook need media, but BICO Limited is scheduled to take place on April 13th, 2021 at the Company’s registered address: Harbor Industrial Park, is ready to take effect, though they don’t need any Bridgetown, BB11145 at 5:00 p.m. the laws’ architect said it will particular media company, take time for the digital and that meant media BSE NOTICES giants to strike media deals. companies couldn’t do The Parliament on commercial deals,” the COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE Thursday passed the final Australian Competition and amendments to the so-called Consumer Commission chair Kindly note that effective February 15th, 2021, the offices of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central News Media Bargaining added. Securities Depository Inc. (BCSDI) remain closed in accordance with the extension of the National Pause – February 17th, 2021 Code agreed between The rest of the law had to February 28th, 2021 – announced by the Government of Barbados. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg passed in Parliament earlier, Kindly note, however, that while our physical offices will be closed, all trading, clearing and settlement operations will remain fully and Facebook chief executive so it can now be operational as staff will all be working remotely during this period. While our offices are closed, we remain easily accessible via Mark Zuckerberg on implemented. email. For Stock Exchange related queries, kindly email us at [email protected] and for Shareholder related queries contact us at Tuesday. Google has already struck [email protected]. In return for the changes, deals with major Australian Facebook agreed to lift a ban news businesses in recent We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding and trust that all and sundry remain safe during this time. on Australians accessing and weeks including News Corp. sharing news. and Seven West Media. TRADING SUSPENSION Rod Sims, the competition Frydenberg said he was The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to regulator who drafted the pleased to see progress by Section 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited code, said he was happy that Google and more recently were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. the amended legislation Facebook in reaching would address the market commercial deals with The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to imbalance between Australian news businesses. Section 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Australian news publishers However, Country Press Industries Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. and the two gateways to the Australia, which represents The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected Internet. 161 regional newspapers by way of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in “All signs are good,” Sims across the country,has raised Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial said. concerns that tiny Corporation Limited. “The purpose of the code is publications outside large to address the market power cities might miss out. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 13

Cayman placed on FATF grey list GRAND CAYMAN – THE Financial “These are two crucial issues,” Pleyer The FATF said Cayman has made a Action Task Force has added the said. Noting that the Cayman Islands is high-level political commitment in Cayman Islands to its grey list of a major financial centre, he added,“From February 2021 to work with the two countries whose anti-money laun- countries [that] have higher risks, we organisations to strengthen the dering (AML) practices are under in- expect commensurate measures against effectiveness of its AML regime. creased monitoring. this risk and that is the reason why the The action plan focuses on applying The global anti-money laundering Caymans are now on the so-called grey effective, proportionate and dissuasive standard setter blamed a lack of fines and list.” sanctions and taking administrative enforcement actions by Cayman’s regula- While not as severe as the FATF’s black- penalties and enforcement actions to tory bodies for the move. list, which currently only includes the ensure that breaches are quickly It comes two years after its regional uncooperative countries Iran and North remediated. body,the Caribbean Financial Action Task Korea, being placed on the grey list is still Those who do not file accurate and Force, released a critical mutual evalua- a reputational blow for Cayman Islands. up-to-date beneficial ownership informa- tion report that highlighted a range of The FATF does not call for the tion should also face effective sanctions. shortcomings in Cayman’s AML regime. application of enhanced due diligence In addition, Cayman, in line with its Speaking at a press conference with regard to grey-listed countries, but risk profile, must demonstrate that all yesterday,FATF President Marcus Pleyer encourages its members to take the noted types of money laundering are prosecuted said Cayman must improve “in the area deficiencies into account in their risk and that such prosecutions result in of sanctions on financial institutions for analysis. proportionate penalties. AML breaches” and its regulators Cayman will now have to work on As well as Cayman, the FATF added “must show that they penalise those who implementing an agreed action plan Morocco, Burkina Faso and Senegal to FATF President Marcus Pleyer speak- do not provide accurate up-to-date bene- within the next 15 months under the mon- the list of countries under increased ing online at a press conference yes- ficial ownership information”. itoring of the FATF and the CFATF. monitoring. terday. Leroy King sentenced to 10 years in $7bn investment fraud scheme ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The former chief of justice for his role in obstructing the regulatory oversight of Stanford Inter- manner requested and would itself of Antigua’s Financial Services Securities and Exchange Commission national Bank Limited’s (SIBL) invest- be in breach of law if it were to accede to Regulatory Commission (FSRC) was sen- (SEC) investigation into SIB. He was ment portfolio, including the review of your request.” In reality, the FSRC tenced Wednesday to ten years in prison extradited to the United States SIBL financial reports and responses to did have this authority and failed for his role in connection with a $7 billion in November 2019. requests by foreign regulators, including to exercise it because of the payments Ponzi scheme involving the Stanford King is a dual citizen of the US and the SEC, for information and documents and other benefits Stanford gave International Bank (SIB). Antigua. Beginning in approximately about SIBL’s operations. to King. Leroy King, 74, of Dickerson Bay, 2002, he served as the administrator and In or about 2005, the SEC began inves- A federal jury found Stanford guilty in Antigua, pleaded guilty on January 30, CEO of the FSRC, an agency of the tigating R. Allen Stanford and Stanford June 2012 for his role in orchestrating a 2020, to one count of conspiracy to ob- Antiguan government. As part of his Financial Group (SFG) and made official 20-year investment fraud scheme in struct justice and one count of obstruction duties, he was responsible for Antigua’s inquiries with the FSRC regarding the which he misappropriated $7bn from SIB value and content of SIBL’s purported to finance his personal businesses. He is investments. serving a 110-year prison sentence.Five King admitted that Stanford’s cash others were also convicted for their roles PM Skerrit takes first vaccine shot payments to King totalled approximately in the scheme and received sentences $520,963.87 over the course of the ranging from 3 to 20 years in federal ROSEAU, Dominica – Prime Minister conspiracy. Stanford also provided King prison. Roosevelt Skerrit took his first jab tickets to both Super Bowl XXXVIII Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine at in Houston (2004) and Super Bowl XL in Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice approximately 8:30 am on Tuesday, Detroit (2006). In addition, Stanford Department’s Criminal Division and US February 23, 2021. provided King with repeated flights on Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern He was joined by several other govern- private jets Stanford or SFG entities District of Texas made the announcement. ment ministers and senior government owned. King later denied the SEC’s The Houston Field Offices of the FBI, officials. Staff members from the Office of request for help, and he wrote that the IRS-CI, and US Postal Inspection Service the Prime Minister were also vaccinated. FSRC “had no authority to act in the investigated the case. “It was a very simple prick; the nurses were very experienced and we should all avail ourselves to this opportunity,” PM Skerrit said after taking the Curaçao premier gets COVID-19 jab vaccine. He reiterated his advice to the WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao – Prime the COVID-19 virus. Dominican public to not wait until other Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath has re- The measures in Curaçao against the countries imposed the requirement of ceived the first corona vaccination in spread of the corona virus are being re- having to take the Covid-19 Vaccine on us. Curaçao. He was followed by the Interim laxed somewhat. According to Prime “The vaccine is for our own protection. Minister of Public Health Zita Jesus-Leito Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath, the re- The signs have shown that it will help in and epidemiologist Dr.Izzy Gerstenbluth. duced number of infections is enough rea- the fight against the Covid-19 and it will Later,various care workers and elderly son to let the reins loosen a little, without minimise against the chance of getting people also followed. A vaccine can be ad- becoming irresponsible. very ill and for death,” the PM stated. ministered every ten minutes at the loca- Rhuggenaath emphasises that Curaçao He urged citizens to set aside their fears tion in the old hospital building SEHOS. must go “step by step” and “together” to re- and turn a deaf ear to the various conspir- PM of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit re- Curaçao started yesterday – February turn to a normal situation. The relaxed acy theories and “be guided by the signs.” ceives the vaccine shot in his office. 24, 2021– with the vaccination against measures are valid until March 8.

Mix of sunshine and clouds with a few brief isolated light showers

High: 3:39 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. London: 07°C FAIR Yesterday: 0 mm Boston: 07°C PARTLY CLOUDY Low: 9:02 a.m. For the month: 40.8 mm Max: 28.4°C Montreal: 06°C FAIR/DRIZZLING SNOW and 9:51 p.m. For the year: 168.1 mm Min: 24.4°C Toronto: 00°C FAIR New York: 09°C FAIR 6:16 a.m. 6:07 p.m. Miami: 26°C PARTLY CLOUDY 14 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 15

16 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

UK lowers COVID-19 alert status as pressure on hospitals eases New York LONDON – The chief “Following advice from Director agree that the England, Scotland, Wales pressure with a high num- prosecutors medical officers of the the Joint Biosecurity UK alert level should and Northern Ireland op- ber of patients in hospital, United Kingdom lowered Centre and in the light of move from level 5 to level erate separately in most however thanks to the ef- digging into their COVID-19 alert level the most recent data, the 4 in all four nations,” cases. forts of public we are now on Thursday,citing a grad- four UK Chief Medical Britain’s health ministry “The health services seeing numbers consis- ual reduction in pressure Officers and NHS said in a statement. across the four nations re- tently declining,” the med- Trump’s tax, on the health service. England National Medical Public health services in main under significant ical officers added. financial records AFTER a lengthy court battle, the Manhattan District Attorney is in pos- session of Donald Trump’s tax returns and other fi- nancial records as part of a criminal investigation into the former president and his family-run Trump Organization, a spokes- man for the office con- firmed on Thursday. The New York prosecu- tor’s office obtained the vo- luminous records on Monday,the same day the US Supreme Court re- jected Trump’s latest at- tempt to keep his longtime accounting firm, Mazars USA, from turning over the records. Danny Frost, a spokes- man for Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, confirmed the of- fice’s receipt of the docu- ments, which came some 18 months after a sub- poena was issued for them. The records, which in- clude eight years of tax returns, could boost the district attorney’s investi- gation into the Trump Organization. The coffins of the Italian ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo Luca Attanasio, right, and Italian Carabinieri police officer Unlike all other recent Vittorio Iacovacci are draped with the Italian flag ahead of their state funeral in Santa Maria degli Angeli church, in Rome, Thursday, Feb. US presidents, Trump re- 25, 2021. Italy is pressing the United Nations for answers about the attack Monday on a U.N. food aid convoy in Congo that left the fused to make his tax re- young ambassador and his paramilitary police bodyguard dead. turns public. The data could provide details on his wealth and the activi- ties of the family-run real- estate company. Italy holds state funeral for slain On Monday, after the Supreme Court ruling, Trump issued a statement calling Vance’s investiga- Congo ambassador, bodyguard tion part of “the greatest political Witch Hunt in the ROME – Italy on The funeral, attended selves to helping others and not executed. ating in eastern Congo, history of our country.” Thursday held a state by Prime Minister Mario even if it meant sacrific- According to Congo’s denied responsibility for Vance subpoenaed funeral for its ambas- Draghi and other minis- ing their lives,” Cardinal presidency, the two-car what it called a “cowardly Mazars in 2019 seeking sador to the Demo- ters, was held in the Angelo De Donatis said convoy had been stopped assassination”. Trump’s corporate and cratic Republic of Basilica of St Mary of the in his funeral homily. on the road north from Italian Carabinieri po- personal tax returns from Congo and his body- Angels and Martyrs, a De Donatis, who is Pope Goma by six armed men, lice investigators have 2011 to 2018. Trump’s guard killed in an am- church used for religious Francis’s vicar for Rome who killed driver flown into Congo to liaise lawyers sued to block the bush that a cardinal services for national diocese, said the deaths Milambo and led the six with police there. When subpoena, arguing that a said should prompt leaders and cultural fig- should prompt everyone other passengers away. they return home, Italian sitting president has ab- everyone to “hear the ures. to “hear the cry of the Army and park rangers prosecutors are expected solute immunity from cry” of a people devas- The caskets, draped in people of Congo, cruelly tracked the group and a to open a full investiga- state criminal investiga- tated by violence. the Italian tri-colour flag, devastated by violence as firefight ensued, during tion. tions. Luca Attanasio, 43, were given a military it sees its sons and which the two Italians Congo’s president, Felix The Supreme Court in and Vittorio Iacovacci, 30, salute as they were re- daughters die every day.” were shot. Tshisekedi, has said he July rejected those argu- were shot dead after moved from hearses.A Attanasio left a wife Congo’s interior min- wants to end decades of ments but said Trump being kidnapped while soldier commanded and three children and istry has blamed a unrest in the east, which could raise other objec- travelling in a United “Honour to the Fallen” Iacovacci was engaged. Rwandan ethnic Hutu is rich in rare metals tions. Trump’s lawyers Nations’ World Food and a military band A judicial source in rebel militia called the used in mobile phones then told lower courts the Programme convoy to played a sombre march Rome said preliminary Democratic Forces for the and batteries, but killings subpoena was overly visit a school feeding proj- as they were carried into autopsy results showed Liberation of Rwanda have more than doubled broad and amounted to ect on Monday. the church. that both were hit twice (FDLR) for the attack. in the last year, accord- political harassment but WFP driver Mustapha “These brothers de- by crossfire in an appar- The FDLR, one of around ing to the United the lower courts rejected Milambo was also killed. cided to commit them- ent kidnapping attempt 120 armed groups oper- Nations. those claims last year. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 17

India finds boat adrift with Rohingya refugees; eight dead NEW DELHI – India’s coast and the Indian government is in guard has found a boat adrift discussions with Bangladesh to in the Andaman Sea carry- ensure their safe return, ing scores of Rohingya Srivastava said. refugees, including eight He said 47 of the passengers who had died, officials said possessed identity cards from Thursday. the UN High Commissioner for The boat left Cox’s Bazar in Refugees issued in Bangladesh Bangladesh on Feb. 11 with 90 stating they are displaced people, including 23 children, on Myanmar nationals. board and its engine failed on More than 1 million Rohingya In this Feb. 15, 2021, file photo, Rohingya refugees headed to the Bhasan Char island prepare to Feb. 15, Indian External Affairs who fled an army crackdown in board navy vessels from the south eastern port city of Chattogram, Bangladesh. Ministry spokesman Anurag Myanmar are living in crowded Srivastava said. refugee camps in Bangladesh. UNHCR spokesperson and ensuring that their safety is magic,” she said at Kutupalong He said the coast guard found Human traffickers often lure the Catherine Stubberfield said she no longer threatened,” she said. refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar. 81 people alive on the boat and refugees, promising them work appreciated the Indian coast The mother of a 25-year-old “Is my son alive? Has anything provided them with food, water in Southeast Asian nations. guard’s efforts. “But given that man reportedly on the boat said happened to him because of and medical care. One refugee The UN and rights groups ear- the refugees are still adrift at she was praying for his safety. hunger? I do not know anything was missing, he said. lier reported that many of the sea, immediate disembarkation “Oh God, save all of the people about what my son is doing, how Two Indian coast guard ships people on the boat were suffering is absolutely critical to meeting that are stuck on the boat in- he is surviving. He only took four were sent to help the refugees, from acute dehydration. their most basic human needs cluding my son with your divine liters of water,” she said.

Protester jailed in Belarus for 10 years as UN warns of ‘human rights crisis’ A BELARUSIAN court sen- tenced an anti-government pro- tester to 10 years in prison on Thursday, media and activists said, on charges that the opposi- tion says were trumped up as part of a crackdown to keep President Alexander Luka- shenko in power. Aliaksandr Kardziukou was convicted of attempted murder for attacking security forces who were trying to disperse nation- wide protests that erupted last August following a contested election that extended Lukashenko’s rule since 1994. Kardziukou denied wrongdo- ing, according to local media re- ports, saying he was confronted by two plain clothes security forces who pulled a gun on him in the city of Brest and killed another protester, Henadz Shutau, as they tried to escape. Shutau, who died after being shot in the back of the head, was convicted of attacking security officials while the man who shot him was recognised as the vic- tim in the case. Belarusian law enforcement officers attempt to detain participants of an opposition rally to protest against police brutality and to “A peaceful protester Henadz reject the presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus September 19, 2020. Shutau was shot dead by siloviki (security forces) in plain unavailable for comment. Feb. 9. 400 journalists persecuted, over Thursday’s verdict is one of clothes last Aug. His friend In power since 1994, At the same meeting of the 250 political prisoners are in several recent trials of opposi- Aliaksandr Kardziukou wit- Lukashenko has launched a vi- UN Human Rights Council, 42 jail.” tion figures and journalists. Last nessed it and ran away,” exiled olent crackdown on protests countries, including the United Minsk’s ambassador to the week two journalists were jailed opposition figure Sviatlana that has triggered new Western States, condemned what they United Nations in Geneva Yury for filming protests, prompting Tsikhanouskaya wrote on sanctions on Minsk but support called systematic and massive Ambrazevich on Thursday crit- the European Union to consider Twitter. from Russia. human rights violations in icised the report by Bachelet’s more sanctions. “Today, a court sentenced Top United Nations human Belarus. office as “highly subjective and Also on Thursday a man was Kardziukou to 10 years in rights official Michelle Bachelet “The last six months have simplistic of its views of events sentenced to 4.5 years in jail prison. Murdered Shutau was warned on Thursday of a been tough to witness,” UK rep- in our country”. after throwing unknown objects called guilty, and his murderer “human rights crisis of unprece- resentative Wendy Morton told Foreign Minister Vladimir in the direction of a road in was called a victim.” dented dimension in the coun- the council. “The Belarusian Makei said on Tuesday that “di- Minsk last August, and a The court media press service try”, saying 246 people had been people have had their demo- alogue and mutual understand- woman was jailed for eight in Brest, where local reporters sentenced to jail on allegedly po- cratic rights stolen. Over 30,000 ing are required and not far- months for biting a policeman, said the hearing took place, was litically-motivated charges as of people have been detained, over fetched accusations or threats”. local media reported. 18 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Greece to toughen laws on sex crimes after wave of abuse allegations ATHENS – Greece will toughen tions for cases of child abuse, passed. him. Mendoni and accused opposition laws to combat sexual abuse and creating a registry for profes- But her account – and the out- Lignadis, who is in custody, leader Alexis Tsipras of seeking protect minors, Prime Minister sionals who work with children pouring of support it provoked - was expected to appear before a to exploit the scandal for “pop- Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on and a website where victims prompted dozens of actors, prosecutor later on Thursday for ulist” purposes. Thursday following a cascade of can submit allegations in real singers, athletes and students a plea hearing. He denies all al- According to a November recent scandals in culture and time. to come forward in what Greeks legations and his lawyer has survey by Actionaid, 85% sport. A number of allegations have have compared to the #MeToo called them a “crude fabrica- of female respondents said “Greek society underwent a surfaced since January, when movement in the United States tion.” they have experienced sexual shock when it began to learn Olympic sailing champion Sofia and elsewhere. His case has become a major harassment at work. Another about its hidden facades,” Bekatorou testified in court that The former head of the political issue, with the leftwing poll last month by ProRata Mitsotakis told parliament. she had been sexually assaulted National Theatre, Dimitris opposition calling on Culture found more than 90% of those The measures he outlined in- as a 21-year-old in 1998 by a Lignadis, is facing child rape al- Minister Lina Mendoni to re- who said they had been clude stricter penalties for sports official. No case was legations after two men who say sign, accusing her of protecting harassed or abused did not be- crimes against sexual freedom, brought against the man, as the he raped them when they were Lignadis. lieve they could get any legal changing the statute of limita- statute of limitations had minors filed lawsuits against Mitsotakis said he backed redress. Israeli plan to share vaccines frozen by legal questions JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime cines with allied nations. He did to manage the country soundly.” Minister Benjamin not identify the countries, but He demanded the matter be Netanyahu’s controversial an Israeli TV station said they brought before the country’s plan to ship surplus coron- included a number of nations Security Cabinet for discussions avirus vaccines to a group that have supported Israel’s and said he had asked the attor- of allied nations was frozen claims to the contested city of ney general for an opinion. Thursday following a legal Jerusalem as its capital. Late Thursday, Attorney challenge to the deal, his of- Netanyahu’s governing part- General Avichai Mandelblit said fice announced. ner and rival, Defense Minister he had received a number of re- It was the latest twist in a Benny Gantz, on Thursday quests to review Netanyahu’s saga that has raised questions called for a halt in the ship- decision. One of those requests, at home about Netanyahu’s de- ments, saying Israel’s stockpile he said, came from Netanyahu’s cision-making authority as well of vaccines is the property of the national security adviser, who as his move to help far-flung na- state. He attacked the prime told him he had been instructed tions in Africa and Latin minister’s go-it-alone approach to “freeze any action on the mat- America at a time when the and questioned Netanyahu’s ter.” neighboring Palestinian territo- claims that there are really ex- An official in Netanyahu’s of- ries are struggling to secure cess supplies when Israelis still fice confirmed that the national their own vaccine supplies. The have not been fully vaccinated. security adviser had asked for plan has also illustrated how at “This is not the first time that the delay in response to the legal a time of global shortages, the significant defense and diplo- challenge. The official spoke on vaccine has become an asset matic decisions are being made condition of anonymity because French President Emmanuel Macron. that can be used for diplomatic behind the backs of the relevant he was not allowed to talk to the gain. bodies, while possibly damaging media. Netanyahu announced on our national security,our foreign Despite the freeze, Israel’s Macron says he Wednesday that he had person- relations, and the rule of law,” Army radio station reported ally decided to share small Gantz wrote. “This is a pattern that one delivery had already would take AstraZeneca quantities of surplus Israeli vac- which impinges upon our ability landed in Honduras. shot if it was offered PARIS – French President company. Emmanuel Macron said on “We told them, you’re not Thursday he would gladly ac- being serious about the com- cept being inoculated with the mitments you made, because Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 you haven’t met them,” he said. vaccine if it were offered when “We’re putting pressure on his turn comes. them so they make up the “In view of the latest scien- ground lost and so that a pre- tific studies, the efficacy of the cise timetable is met.” AstraZeneca vaccine has been Reuters reported on Tuesday proven,” Macron told reporters that AstraZeneca expects to de- after a virtual European Union liver less than half the COVID- summit. “My turn will come, 19 vaccines it was contracted but I’ve got time. If that’s the to supply to the European vaccine that’s offered to me, I Union in the second quarter. will take it, of course.” Macron said the EU’s export Macron had caused dismay control mechanism for vaccines in Britain after being quoted was satisfactory and helped earlier this year as saying the transparency but should not be shot appeared “quasi-ineffec- used to ban exports, which tive” among those aged over 65. would be counterproductive. The French leader, who is Macron also said vaccine under pressure to accelerate a passports, as suggested by vaccine rollout in France that is countries like Greece, would be badly lagging Britain’s, also unfair for young people, who said AstraZeneca had failed to are at the back of the queue for meet its delivery targets and vaccination and could de facto Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein attend the arrival of that EU leaders were putting be banned from travelling dur- a plane with a shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines, at Ben pressure on the Anglo-Swedish ing the summer holidays. Gurion airport, near the city of Lod, Israel, January 10, 2021. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 19

Trump US moves to speed up releases of unaccompanied migrant children supporters WASHINGTON – The US rapidly expel migrant chil- ject to a process outlined government is taking new dren caught at the border in US law and standard be- want to steps to speed up releases without their parents. The fore Trump’s order: they of unaccompanied children expulsion policy is still in are held briefly in the cus- to parents or other spon- place for most migrants, in- tody of US Customs and ‘blow up’ sors as the Biden adminis- cluding families and indi- Border Protection (CBP) tration grapples with a vidual asylum seekers. and then transferred to growing number of under- In January, US Border government shelters be- Capitol age migrants arriving at Patrol caught 7,300 unac- fore being released to their WASHINGTON – Donald the US-Mexico border. companied minors cross- parents or other adults in Trump supporters who President Joe Biden, a ing the border illegally,the the United States. From launched a deadly assault Democrat, earlier this highest number of arrests there, the children can pur- on the US Capitol last month reversed a policy in the month of January in sue their claims for asylum month have indicated put in place by former at least a decade and up or other protection in im- they want to “blow up” the Republican President from 4,500 a month earlier. migration court, some with building and kill members Donald Trump that al- Children apprehended help from lawyers or spon- of Congress, the acting lowed US authorities to at the border are now sub- sors. chief of the Capitol Police said on Thursday. Threats suggest extrem- ists could target the build- ing during an address by President Joe Biden, Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman told lawmakers Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman. as she advocated for con- tinued high security Committee. happens early in the year. around the building. “We think that it’s pru- Unprecedented security “Members of militia dent that Capitol Police measures were imposed in groups that were present maintain its enhanced Washington following the on Jan. 6 have stated their and robust security pos- deadly Jan. 6 assault on desires that they want to ture until we address the Capitol, including blow up the Capitol and those vulnerabilities going fences topped with razor kill as many members as forward,” she said. wire and checkpoints possible with a direct A date has not been manned by the National nexus to the State of the announced for Biden to Guard. Union,” Pittman told deliver his State of About 5 000 troops are members of the House the Union address to expected to stay through Appropriations Congress, which typically mid-March. Biden call with Saudi King expected ‘very soon’ WASHINGTON – US ment that sources say sin- work with Saudi Arabia President Joe Biden gles out the crown prince, given the threats they face should talk “very known in the West as in the region,” she added soon” with Saudi King MbS, for approving the in an apparent reference Salman, White House Oct. 2, 2018, murder of to Saudi Arabia’s main spokeswoman Jen Khashoggi in the rival, Iran. Psaki said on Thurs- Kingdom’s consulate in “There are a range of ac- day, ahead of the ex- Istanbul. tions that are on the table” pected release of a US Khashoggi, who wrote regarding Saudi Arabia,” intelligence report on Washington Post columns Psaki said, adding that the 2018 murder of critical of the crown the next step was for Saudi journalist Jamal prince’s policies, had been Biden to speak to Salman Khashoggi. a US resident. “very soon.” A person familiar with The release of the de- Khashoggi was lured to the issue told Reuters that classified report on his the Saudi mission. There, the report’s release was death - mandated by a he was killed by an MbS- awaiting the call. The re- 2019 defense bill - is part linked team of Saudi oper- lease also was delayed as of Biden’s recalibration of atives, who dismembered Salman’s son and the de US-Saudi relations in part his body. It has never been facto ruler of the over Khashoggi’s murder. found. Kingdom, Crown Prince But Biden has made Saudi Arabia called Mohammed bin Salman, clear that he wants to Khashoggi’s death a underwent surgery earlier maintain strong ties with “rogue” extradition opera- this week, the person said. one of Washington’s clos- tion gone awry,but denied “The contact with the est Arab allies. the crown prince was in- Saudis is very important,” “Our administration is volved. said the person, who spoke focused on recalibrating Five people were con- on condition of anonymity. the relationship,” Psaki victed of the murder and It was yet not clear if the told a White House brief- given the death penalty in call would take place later ing. “And certainly there a 2019 trial, but their sen- on Thursday, possibly are areas where we will tences were commuted to leading to the report’s re- express concerns and 20 years in jail after lease today. leave open the option of Khashoggi’s family for- The report is a declassi- accountability.” gave them.Three other re- fied version of a top-secret “There are also areas ceived sentences totaling US intelligence assess- where we will continue to 24 years. 20 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Song from Jamaican artiste to be used in new James Bond movie KINGSTON, Jamaica – Total disbe- seller. Rastafari Way is a timeless, lief was the reaction from beautiful song and for that reason, I Jamaican reggae artiste Damion am not surprised that the producers Darrel Warren, best known as chose it to be a part of No Time to Die,” ‘Teacha Dee’, when he was advised Perfect Giddimani told The Gleaner. that his song, ‘Rastafari Way’, had He emphasised that the song was been chosen for use in the new mixed properly, the production was on James Bond flick, “No Time to point, and all the elements that go Die”. Rastafari Way was part of a into the making of a classic were taken 2016 compilation project by into consideration. The artiste and pro- Giddimani Productions, owned ducer also noted that the Vienna-based Jamaican reggae artiste Damion Darrel Warren, best known as ‘Teacha Dee’, was and operated by reggae producer House of Rhythm band, which has in total disbelief when he was advised that his song, ‘Rastafari Way’, had been and Handcart Boy singer Perfect been doing the instrumentals for all chosen for use in the new James Bond flick, ‘No Time to Die’. Giddimani. his projects, is a huge part in the “It was a shock, and, honestly, in the consistency and high level of we are all very satisfied,” he said. sador for the music. It is a great feeling first instance, when I got the email his productions. “At first, reggae Although he is not sure in which of accomplishment to know that such a from the company called Search Party, artistes coming to Europe were a bit scene exactly Rastafari Way will be big franchise has picked up this song,” I did not believe it,” Teacha Dee, who hesitant [to] use House of Rhythm used, he said it was one of the scenes Teacha Dee said. “It is a big song and resides in Germany, told The Gleaner. because of the question, if ‘dem white filmed in Jamaica. this is such a wonderful thing that I “But afterwards, I did some research bwoy deh can play reggae’, but they Teacha Dee explained that the song hope Jamaica can be proud of this, too,” on the placement company and then I have proved themselves to the point tells the story of the struggles when he he added. called Perfect Giddimani. When I re- where, on all the major festivals, they left teaching to pursue Rastafari and The reggae singer and former alised that it was real, I didn’t speak were backing up to 16 reggae acts," he music. “I was the mathematics special- educator began his career in 2005, for about nine hours,” he recalled. outlined. ist at Glendevon Primary and Junior recording for European producers. Both Teacha Dee and Perfect High, but I was putting out songs and He is best known for his singles Giddimani relate the story of several Lucrative deal sending them to Europe. As a teacher, “Smoke and Fly”, “Reggae Souljahs” emails between them and the New Quizzed if the deal with MGM was lu- after a certain number of years, you and “Smuggling Weed”, all of which York-based Search Party – a company crative, he did not hesitate to respond, are entitled to long leave of eight were recorded while still in teaching. which matches songs with scenes in “very lucrative,” but did not quote ac- months, so I took my leave and went It was announced on January 21, movies – until finally MGM stepped tual figures. Perfect Giddimani shared to Europe, only to realise that my 2021, that No Time to Die, the 25th in to wrap up the deal. that the company paid an upfront fee songs were huge, chart-toppers over James Bond instalment, has again “I signed the licence deal for for the use of the mastering and that there. I had no idea that this was hap- been pushed back. This marks the Rastafari Way last year. It is one of the all the artistes and musicians were pening. It was really hard to leave the film’s third delay in the last ten songs on my “Horns of Africa” various also paid upfront fees. “And what is im- students, but I had to make a choice, months. Daniel Craig’s final turn as artiste project, and it is also on Teacha portant is that they all owned their and plus I had just started my 007 will now open on October 8 instead Dee’s 2018 album. It feels like I have publishing, so that is a plus. The com- Rastafari journey and certain key per- of April 2. MGM is rolling out No Time been rewarded for good work, and the pany paid pretty early, too, before the sons were not supportive. So I have to Die in North America, while fact is that this song wasn’t a huge original release date of the movie, so been here in Germany being an ambas- Universal has international rights. Jamaica’s Calabash Festival postponed until May 2022 KINGSTON, Jamaica – The organisers later will be greater for our Calabash of Calabash have announced that the family [and] the Treasure Beach com- popular literary festival will not take munity,” said a post from Jakes Hotel, place this year as planned. “We have which hosts the free festival. taken the difficult but necessary deci- The Calabash International Literary sion to stage the next Calabash in Festival was founded in 2001 by novel- 2022,” organisers shared in a tweet. ist Colin Channer, poet Kwame Dawes Though difficult, Justine Henzell, and producer Justine Henzell. Among co-founder of Calabash, said it was the international authors who have the right thing to do. taken part in the festival are Salman “The right decisions are often not Rushdie, Zadie Smith, Jamaica Kincaid, the easy ones,” she tweeted. Derek Walcott, Junot Diaz, Elizabeth The three-day Treasure Beach event Alexander, Russell Banks, Edwidge will be held May 27-29, 2022. Danticat, Caryl Phillips, Linton Kwesi This is the third postponement for the Johnson, Mervyn Morris,Kei Miller, biennial festival, which was last held in Marlon James, Eleanor Catton, and 2018. Calabash was initially slated to many others. be held May 29-30, 2020, under the As the world continues to grapple theme ‘For Word’. with the coronavirus pandemic, However, the coronavirus pandemic Jamaica has seen a massive increase in and resulting lockdowns and restric- cases. As of Monday, the island recorded tions pushed the festival to later that 147 new cases and six deaths, bringing year, in September. the total number of cases to 21 826 and In June 2020, it was moved to 2021. deaths to 405. Of the 21 826 cases, 8 “The next Calabash will be held 20 163 are active. An islandwide curfew years after it all began, May 28-30, remains in effect, along with other 2021, at its home in Treasure Beach, measures under the Disaster Risk Jamaica,” the Calabash Festival Management Act, including the prohibi- account tweeted. tion of parties and events, a public- Jamaican poet Lorna Goodison took the stage at the 2008 Calabash “With so much that still remains un- gathering limit, and measures relating International Literary Festival, held in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth. certain at this time, we’ve decided that to travel, burials and weddings. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 21

Will Smith hosts, produced Netflix docuseries ‘Amend: The Fight for America’ HAVING already aired director Ava and dramatic readings, with a gaudy DuVernay’s documentary “13th,” list of actors like Mahershala Ali about the legacy of the 13th and Samuel L. Jackson presenting Amendment, Netflix ups the ante the words of Frederick Douglass and by devoting a six-part series to the Martin Luther King Jr., respectively. 14th with “Amend: The Fight for The early episodes take a deep dive America.” It’s an ambitious project into Reconstruction, the rise of Ku Klux that mixes various techniques, Klan and the Jim Crow era installing a stars and historians to enliven the form of “legal apartheid,” as NAACP Will Smith Will Smith hosts this look at the evolving, often lethal, fight for equal history and connect it to the pres- Legal Defense and Educational Fund rights in America through the lens of the US Constitution's 14th Amendment. ent, with contributions from host president Sherrilyn Ifill notes. and producer Will Smith. The timeliest material charts a direct a Nation” through “Gone With the the “Schoolhouse Rock” tone he adopts Enacted in 1868, the 14th path from the racial backlash then into Wind.” feels out of step with the other voices Amendment has become one of the the heart of modern politics, detailing The fourth chapter segues from civil telling this story. most-litigated amendments in US the importance of the Supreme Court in rights to expansion of 14th Amendment Netflix nevertheless deserves consid- history. Its key provisions, promising codifying (and later overturning) dis- protections to women – “stepchildren” erable credit for lending its muscle to equal protection for all persons, have crimination, the use of “home-grown of the amendment as originally this civics-minded exercise and creating proven remarkably elastic, becoming American terrorism” against African- drafted – followed by marriage and im- a home for such fare beyond PBS. the foundation not only for civil rights Americans and the extent to which vio- migrants, including a particularly “Amend” shines a light on America’s but women’s rights, marriage equality lence was used to mount “a political wrenching look at the Chinese history of inequality, and the 150-year- (both involving mixed-race and gay counter-revolution against Exclusion Act in 1882. plus struggle to remedy that as it has couples) and immigrants. Reconstruction,” as historian David “Amend” is a significant undertaking played out in the courts and the streets. “Amend” employs multiple methods in Blight explains. in its scope, and the roster of celebrity It’s a reminder that securing the protec- bringing that history to life and power- The project also cites the erection of talent assembled is impressive and tions granted by the 14th Amendment – fully connecting it to the battles of the Confederate monuments and efforts to eclectic. The one misstep lies in Smith’s like America itself – remains very much 21st century, with the rise of extremist romanticise slavery as “the lost cause” folksy transitions, which seem tailored a work in progress. forces rooted in white supremacy.Those not only in Southern legislatures but in to a school-age audience. Granted, it “Amend: The Fight for America” narrative wrinkles include animation movies and media, from “The Birth of would be great if kids watched this, but premieres February 17 on Netflix. Jay-Z sells stake in champagne brand to luxury giant LVMH FOR American music mogul Jay-Z, who has boasted of having a “million ways to make money” it looks like it may now be “on to the next one”. French luxury giant LVMH has pur- chased a 50% stake in his Armand de Brignac champagne brand, known to fans of his music by its “Ace of Spades” nickname. Branded with an ace of spades and sleek metallic bottles, the drink can cost hundreds of pounds a bottle or more. The rapper, whose given name is Shawn Carter, has owned the brand since 2014. Made at a French winemaking house with roots in the 1600s, Armand de Brignac has been the bubbly of choice for some sports championship celebra- tions in the US and won accolades at in- ternational taste testing competitions. The brand sold 900 000 bottles in 2019, before the pandemic hit cham- pagne sales.

Power to grow In announcing the deal, Jay-Z said the partnership with LVMH, which owns other established champagne names such as Dom Perignon and Veuve Cliquot, would help the brand grow. “We are confident that the sheer power of the Moët Hennessy global dis- Forbes declared Jay-Z a billionaire in 2019. tribution framework, its unparalleled portfolio strength and its long-estab- Rihanna on a fashion line – have “Armand de Brignac breaks barriers His collaboration with Armand de lished track record of excellence in de- foundered. and reflects contemporary luxury, while Brignac started in 2006, after a fallout veloping luxury brands will give Phillippe Schaus, president of preserving the traditions of the with the owners of Cristal champagne, Armand de Brignac the commercial LVMH’s spirit group Moët Hennessy, Champagne terroirs.” which was previously his brand of power it needs to grow and flourish said his company had been interested Jay-Z, who has been married to singer choice. He took full ownership of the even further,” he said. in the brand for its appeal to a “global Beyoncé since 2008, emerged in the Armand de Brignac brand in 2014. Financial details of the deal have not and diverse luxury consumer”. 1990s as a star rapper. In 2006, He organised a boycott of been not disclosed. Historic luxury “For years we have been following the He later turned his success into a Cristal after an executive hinted in an houses have been on the hunt for ways fantastic success of Armand de Brignac sprawling business empire that in- interview that he did not like the to appeal to younger customers, al- and admiring their ability to challenge cludes investments in record labels, association between his product and though some experiments – such as some of the rules of the Champagne cat- sports teams, clothing brands and alco- rappers, who had made the drink more LVMH’s collaboration with singer egory,” he said. hol and has made him a billionaire. popular. 22 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Lady Gaga’s dog-walker shot, bulldogs stolen wo of Lady Gaga’s French bull- Her press representative said anyone dogs were stolen on Wednesday with information on their whereabouts Tnight, after a gunman shot her can email [email protected] dog-walker in Hollywood, Los Angeles. with “no questions asked”. A male suspect fired a semi-auto- matic handgun at the dog-walker, High price named in US media reports as Ryan Los Angeles Police Department con- Fischer, before making off with the firmed that they are searching for a dogs. man who “fired a gunshot from an un- The victim was transported to hospi- known location and struck the victim” tal in an unknown condition, Los on North Sierra Bonita Avenue at Angeles Police confirmed to the BBC. 9:40pm on Wednesday night. Lady Gaga has offered a reward for A “possible suspect” fled the scene in the return of her dogs, Koji and Gustav. a white vehicle towards Hollywood A third bulldog, named Miss Asia ran Boulevard, they added. Gaga is often accompanied by her dogs at award shows and film premieres. away and was later recovered by police. It is not clear whether Lady Gaga’s Gaga, whose real name is Stefani dogs were specifically targeted in the history can fetch as much as $10 000 tective of her dogs, who have accompa- Germanotta, is currently in Rome attack. (£7 060). nied her to the American Music Awards working on a new Ridley Scott film, French Bulldogs are sought-after They are the fourth most popular dog and her 2017 Super Bowl Halftime Gucci. breeds in the US, with healthy puppies breed in the United States, according to show. She is said to be offering $500 000 to selling for an average of $2 000 (£1 the American Kennel Club. Miss Asia even has an official anyone who can return the dogs. 400). Those with exceptional breeding Gaga is known to be extremely pro- Instagram account.

Springsteen’s DWI charges dropped BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN scored a victory After entering a guilty plea, the judge, in court on Wednesday as the US who noted Springsteen’s clean driving Attorney dropped the two most serious history dating back to 1973, sentenced charges stemming from his November the singer to pay a fine of $540 explain- arrest. ing “a fine is the appropriate sentence Springsteen, 71, pleaded guilty to in this case.” drinking tequila at a federal park, but When Judge Mautone asked how long charges of drunken and reckless driving Springsteen needed to pay the fine, the were dropped because his blood alcohol “Born in the USA” crooner smiled that content was well below the legal limit. he can pay it by the end of the day. The Boss agreed to pay a $500 fine plus “Mr. Springsteen is pleased with the $40 in court fees. outcome of today’s court appearance,” “I think I can pay that immediately,” Ansell said in a statement, per NJ.com, he smiled, according to NJ.com. after the brief hearing. “The prosecutor Appearing next to his lawyer, Mitchell was unable to provide the necessary Ansell, for the virtual appearance, evidence and facts as it related to the Springsteen answered a few questions charge of driving under the influence about what happened at the Gateway (DUI) and reckless driving and there- National Recreation Area in Sandy fore, dismissed both of those charges. Hook, N.J. on November 14. He admit- Mr Springsteen, who has no previous ted to consuming alcohol within a criminal record of any kind, voluntarily “closed area” of the park where drinking plead guilty to a violation of consuming was recently prohibited. an alcoholic beverage in a closed area, “I had two small shots of tequila,” agreeing to a fine of $500. We want to Springsteen explained. thank the court and will have no fur- The songwriter was arrested on DWI ther comment at this time.” charges after a park ranger spotted him Springsteen’s November 2020 arrest take a shot, then start the engine on his wasn’t made public until earlier this Triumph motorcycle. Springsteen was month. News broke shortly after the “cooperative throughout the process,” a musician appeared in his first Super spokesperson for the National Parks Bowl ad (ever) for Jeep. The company Service told Yahoo Entertainment. His quickly suspending airings of the com- The 71-year-old singer was fined $500 plus fees for the incident. blood alcohol content was .02, which is mercial and removed it from its below the .08 legal limit. YouTube page. right that we pause our Big Game It’s not exactly like Springsteen’s “The government does not believe it “It would be inappropriate for us to commercial until the actual facts can be decades-long career is really taking a can sustain its burden of proof. We re- comment on the details of a matter we established. Its message of community hit. Former President Barack Obama spectfully move the court to dismiss the have only read about and we cannot and unity is as relevant as ever. As is just launched a new Spotify podcast, two (remaining) charges,” prosecutors substantiate,” Jeep told Variety in a the message that drinking and driving “Renegades: Born in the USA”, with said on Wednesday. statement at the time. “But it’s also can never be condoned.” the icon.

Vanessa Bryant calls out rapper Meek Mill over ‘insensitive’ Kobe lyric

VANESSA BRYANT was not amused chopper, it be another Kobe.” Mill responded to the backlash in a grieving change the subject!” by Meek Mill referencing the tragic “I find this line to be extremely tweet on Tuesday writing that he Kobe and his daughter Gianna, death of her husband, Kobe Bryant, in insensitive and disrespectful. Period,” had reached out to Bryant to along with seven other people, his latest song. Bryant wrote. “I am not familiar with apologise. were killed in a helicopter crash last Bryant took to her Instagram any of your music, but I believe you “I apologised to her in private ear- year in Calabasas, California. Kobe Stories to slam Mill for a lyric in his can do better than this. If you are a lier today not to the public... Nothing I and Vanessa were married in 2001 new song “Don’t Worry (RIP Kobe)” fan, fine, there’s a better way to show say on my page directed to a internet and would have celebrated their which leaked online. your admiration for my husband. viral moment or the family of a griev- 19th wedding anniversary last “If I ever lack, I’m goin’ out with my This lacks respect and tact.” ing woman! If you care about someone year. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 23

First Lady Jill Biden bonds with Deal reached in suit Kelly Clarkson over divorce alleging James Franco sexual misconduct ill Biden offered words of LOS ANGELES – A tenta- After-hours emails Jencouragement to tive settlement has been seeking comment Kelly Clarkson amid her reached in a lawsuit that from attorneys for the divorce from Brandon alleged James Franco in- defendants were not Blackstock. The first lady timidated students at an immediately returned. is a guest on today’s “The acting and film school he In a previous court Kelly Clarkson Show” founded into gratuitous filing, Franco’s attorneys, and the women have a and exploitative sexual sit- while praising the candid conversation uations, attorneys for the #MeToo movement that about marriage and plaintiffs said Saturday. helped inspire the law- heartbreak. The two sides filed a suit, called its claims “I want to tell you joint status report in Los “false and inflammatory, Kelly, this is what I Angeles Superior Court legally baseless and would say to you if I were telling a judge a settle- brought as a class action your mother,” Jill says in ment had been reached with the obvious goal of a teaser clip. “You know, in the class-action law- grabbing as much public- my mother always said to suit brought by former ity as possible for atten- me, ‘Things are going to Jill Biden talks with Kelly Clarkson about divorce and offers some advice. students at the now-de- tion-hungry Plaintiffs.” look better tomorrow. funct school, Studio 4, They pointed out that And if you can take one but I think over time you cult thing because we’re she has kept private ex- though elements of the Tither-Kaplan had previ- day at a time, things will heal. You’re going to be in different places. And actly why she and the tal- lawsuit may live on. ously expressed gratitude get better.’” surprised, and I can’t it’s like, we both agree on ent manager separated. The document was for the opportunity to Before President Joe wait until that day comes the main things, “I am a very open per- filed on February 11, but work with Franco. Biden, the professor was for you. You’re going to but it’s hard thing when son, but I’m not going to the settlement has not The lawsuit also names married to Bill Stevenson call me up and you’re you’re not together all the be able to be truly open previously been reported. Franco’s production com- for five years. She and going to say,‘Hey, Jill, time, for me personally.” about this in certain as- Actresses and ex-stu- pany Rabbit Bandini and Stevenson divorced in you were right!’” The couple share pects because there’s kids dents Sarah Tither- his partners including 1975. Jill wed the politi- Clarkson filed for di- daughter River Rose, 6, involved,” she told the Kaplan and Toni Gaal, Vince Jolivette and Jay cian two years later. vorce from Blackstock in and son Remington, 4. Los Angeles Times in who first filed the lawsuit Davis as defendants. “I look back on it now June after nearly seven (Blackstock also has two September. “I think that I in 2019, have agreed to The sexual exploitation and I think, you know, if I years of marriage. The older children from his will navigate a way in drop their individual allegations of other plain- hadn’t gotten divorced, I split has not been amica- previous marriage.) which to be open and claims under the agree- tiffs in the class action never would’ve met Joe. I ble at times, but The “As long as you make honest about it eventu- ment, according to the will be dismissed without wouldn’t have the beauti- Voice coach said earlier sure it’s about the chil- ally, probably via the court filing. Their lawsuit prejudice, meaning they ful family I have now,” this month they are co- dren and their best inter- show, and it’ll probably, said Franco pushed his may be re-filed, the joint Jill continued. “So, I re- parenting. ests, then we’re both on I’m assuming, happen students into performing status report said. ally think things happen “It’s tough,” Clarkson board,” the talk show organically when some- in increasingly explicit Fraud allegations for the best. I think Kelly, said while interviewing host added. one says something in sex scenes on camera in brought by those plain- over time, I don’t know Khloé Kardashian. Clarkson is very open conversation or some- an “orgy type setting” tiffs will be “subjected how long it’s been for you “I know with me and about what it’s like going thing. It definitely would- that went far beyond to limited release,” the [since the separation], Brandon, it’s just a diffi- through a divorce, but n’t be planned.” those acceptable on document says, without Hollywood film sets. further details or expla- It alleged that Franco nation. “sought to create a The document does not pipeline of young women reveal how much money ‘Allen v Farrow’ latest example who were subjected to his may be involved in the personal and professional deal. sexual exploitation in the Before filing the law- of ‘consequences culture’ name of education,” and suit, Tither-Kaplan aired that students were led to her allegations of sexual HBO’S new docuseries, and asks why Spears’ fa- taries aren’t canceling believe roles in Franco’s misconduct against “Allen v. Farrow,” is more ther, Jamie, still serves as their famous subjects, ex- films would be available Franco along with other than a piercing look at a her conservator and con- actly – they’re re-examin- to those who went along. women in the Los bitter custody battle trols her financial deci- ing charges of wrongdo- The lawsuit said the Angeles Times after between two famous sions. ing and sometimes plac- incidents occurred in a Franco won a Golden people amid allegations of Both follow two 2019 ing a thumb on the scales master class on sex Globe Award for “The sexual misconduct. TV documentaries, of justice. scenes that Franco Disaster Artist” in early It’s the latest in a wave “Surviving R. Kelly” and The films don’t contain taught at Studio 4, which 2018, when the wave of of documentary films that “Leaving Neverland,” many bombshells, be- opened in 2014 and the #MeToo movement seek to mete out what which detailed sexual as- cause the allegations they closed in 2017. was sweeping across some may say is long sault allegations against detail are already known. The two sides had been Hollywood. overdue justice. singers R. Kelly and But some have been suc- in discussions on a settle- In a subsequent inter- The HBO series ex- Michael Jackson, tarnish- cessful at ment for several months, view on “The Late Show plores allegations by ing their legacies and shifting public opinion and the lawsuit’s with Stephen Colbert,” Dylan Farrow that her fa- leading some outlets to and yielding accountabil- progress had been Franco called the sexual ther, filmmaker Woody stop playing their music. ity for celebrities paused while they talked. misconduct stories about Allen, sexually molested Kelly and reps for who had skirted punish- Woody Allen. Plaintiffs’ attorneys him inaccurate, but said, her in 1992 when she was Jackson have denied the ment. Call it “conse- from the firm of Valli “If I’ve done something seven. Allen has accusations.We live in a quences culture.” that accountability is Kane & Vagnini, LLP, wrong, I will fix it. I repeatedly denied the “cancel culture” For example, “Framing often unavailable in confirmed the agreement have to.” claims. moment. At a time when Britney Spears” the courts, particularly in a statement to The Franco, 42, best known It comes on the heels of many entertainers have prompted an apology where celebrities Associated Press on for starring in comedies The New York Times’ doc- been tarred by their mis- from singer Justin are involved,” says Saturday night, adding with Seth Rogen, has umentary,“Framing deeds and the #MeToo Timberlake, who dated Dr. Allison Covey, an that it will be “further generally kept a low-pro- Britney Spears,” released movement Spears in the late 1990s ethicist at Villanova memorialized in a Joint file since the allegations on FX and Hulu this demands swift punish- and early 2000s and had University whose work Stipulation of Settlement arose in what had been a month. That film exam- ment, we seem quicker appeared to call her a focuses on pop culture. to be filed with the Court highly productive period ines how the now-39- than ever to condemn of- “horrible woman” in song “Conviction by (the) at a later date,” but giv- that culminated in the year-old pop star faced in- fenders. lyrics after their breakup. media seems an alternate ing no further comment acclaimed “Disaster vasive scrutiny for years But these documen- “There is a sense route to justice.” or details. Artist.” 24 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Ellie Goulding pregnant with first child ELLIE GOULDING is “It was crazy because expecting her first child it was our one-year an- with art dealer husband niversary. Caspar Jopling. “That was not the The 34-year-old plan. The thought of singer, who is now 30 getting pregnant didn’t weeks pregnant, said seem like it could be a the couple initially reality. Becoming preg- found out about the nant kind of made me pregnancy on their first feel human. wedding anniversary “I want a better word back in August, adding than womanly, (but) I that it had been a sur- have curves I’ve never prise. had before. I’m enjoying Speaking to British it. My husband’s enjoy- Vogue from her home in ing it.” Gloucestershire, the Goulding added that “Lights” singer-song- it had all happened writer said she had per- “really quickly” and formed a live-streamed that you “almost don’t show at the V&A believe it at first” as Museum in August she said the couple had before making the kept the news secret discovery. initially. Goulding said, “We did “You’re still eating the the one show. I was same, looking the same, pregnant and had no for a while I was proba- idea. That was (around) bly in denial,” she said. the time when Caspar “I was in such a good and I went away briefly streak of fitness.” when we were allowed Goulding and Mr to for our one-year an- Jopling were married Goulding and her husband Caspar Jopling discovered niversary, and that’s in a ceremony at York on their first wedding anniversary that they were ex- basically when we Minister on August 31, pecting their first child. found out. 2019. Bridge The Barbados Advocate SPORTSSPORTS Friday February 26, 2021 • 25 Hosts win astonishing third Test in two days ENGLAND succumbed to a ten- wicket defeat against India inside two days of an astonishing third Test in Ahmedabad. On a scarcely believable day when both sides collapsed and 17 wickets fell in two sessions, India completed the quickest Test win since 1935 not long into the final session. England began the day with a thrilling fightback, turning India’s overnight 99- 3 into 145 all out. However, faced with a first-innings deficit of 33, England were bowled out for 81 as India’s spinners ran riot once again. In a frenzied start to their second innings, England lost Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow within three balls – both bowled by Axar Patel. Ben Stokes and Joe Root briefly calmed the raucous atmosphere but their dismissals in consecutive overs sparked a sorry procession to England’s lowest Test total in India. Spinners were responsible for every wicket to fall on the day – and 28 of the 30 in the match – Joe Root taking 5-8 in the first session, Axar 5-32 and Ravichandran Ashwin 4-48, including his 400th Test scalp. India cruised to their target of 49 England have been bowled out for less than 200 in five consecutive innings. inside eight overs, an incredible game wrapped up before the floodlit conditions victory by hitting Joe Root for six gave them a route back into the contest. impressive bowling performance of a day-night Test could have an impact. The fact Root, a part-time off-spinner, Jack Leach, who removed India was soon to be wasted by England’s Victory gave India, who lost the first claimed such extraordinary figures captain Virat Kohli in the final over on batsmen. Test, an unassailable 2-1 lead in the showed the difficulties faced by batsmen. Wednesday, struck twice early on day England’s first showing with the bat series with one match to play and ended The spinners found extravagant turn but two, bowling Ajinkya Rahane as he tried put them in a difficult position. The England’s hopes of qualifying for the wickets often fell to deliveries that to cut trapping a sweeping Rohit Sharma second was feeble and confirmed their World Test Championship final this skidded on. lbw for 66. fate. summer. Although England’s fightback brought Root then ran through the lower Having seen Crawley bowled first ball, If the first day of this Test was them back into the contest, the skill and middle order. Bairstow attempted to sweep his first remarkable – England bowled out for relentless accuracy of Axar and Ashwin Rishabh Pant was caught behind off delivery and was given out lbw.Although 112 despite winning the toss – the second proved too much for a side that also Root’s first ball before Washington he overturned the decision on review, he was one of the most incredible in recent collapsed twice in the second-Test defeat. Sundar and Axar fell in the space of three was bowled next ball to complete a pair memory. Had England mustered another 100 balls to give the England captain figures on his return to the side. Neither side got to grips with a turning runs India would have had a difficult of 3-0. After Dom Sibley was caught behind pitch, at least not until India’s chase chase. While it was Root’s first five-wicket attempting a leg-side heave at Axar,Root when England were demoralised after Instead, under little pressure, haul in Tests, it only added the questions and Stokes batted positively in their second collapse of the game. Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma over England’s choice to pick one exceptionally difficult conditions but a The 17 wickets fell in 53 overs for the cantered to victory in one-day mode to frontline spinner in Leach – a view wicket never felt far away. loss of 127 runs, the match over with the delight of the crowd in the world’s compounded when Root opened the Root had already survived a tight almost 30 overs remaining on the second largest cricket stadium. bowling in the fourth innings. review when he was leg before for 19 day. Having wasted winning the toss on day India collapsed from 114-3 to 145 as pushing forward to Axar, and Stokes fell India’s Rohit Sharma completed one, England’s fightback with the ball Leach finished with 4-48, but an in similar fashion to Ashwin for 25. Martin Guptill hits 97 as hosts win second T20 MARTIN GUPTILL fell three runs short 53, in front of a sell-out crowd at of a third Twenty20 international century University Oval. as he helped New Zealand to a thrilling Mitchell Santner reduced Australia to four-run win over Australia in Dunedin. 113-6, dismissing Ashton Agar and The opener smashed eight sixes and Mitchell Marsh for ducks with six fours on his way to 97 off 50 balls as consecutive balls on his way to figures of the hosts posted 219-7. 4-31. Australia rallied from 113-6 with However, Australia rallied with Marcus Stoinis hitting 78 off 37 deliveries powerful batting from Stoinis and Daniel before he was caught off the penultimate Sams, who scored 41, as they targeted ball of the game. the short boundaries in a rapid Victory gave New Zealand a 2-0 lead in partnership of 92. the five-match series. The tourists needed 15 off the last over The third game takes place in but Jimmy Neesham had Sams caught at Wellington on Wednesday. deep mid-wicket with the first ball, before New Zealand lost Tim Seifert early Stoinis – needing a six and a four off the before Guptill shared a 131-run stand last two deliveries to win – holed out at Martin Guptill has scored 2,718 runs at an average of 31.97 in 96 T20s for New with captain Kane Williamson, who made long-on. Zealand. 26 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Golfing champion will not face criminal charges TIGER WOODS will not face any “He was not drunk,” he said on rolled over several times. was found asleep at the wheel of his car. criminal charges following the Wednesday.“We can throw that one out.” Woods, who had been recovering from He later pleaded guilty to reckless single-car crash he was involved in He added the most Woods could face a fifth round of back surgery in January, driving. on Tuesday that left him with would be a low-level offence known as an was in Los Angeles to host last week’s He had five prescription drugs in his serious injuries. infraction if investigators concluded that Genesis Invitational PGA Tour event and system as he recovered from the spinal The US golfing champion was driving he was speeding or not paying attention, was driving one of the tournament cars fusion surgery that ultimately gave him alone on a Los Angeles downhill stretch the AFP news agency reports. when he crashed. a second golfing career. of road known for crashes. Woods underwent surgery on his leg It is not the first time Woods has been Woods ended an 11-year wait to claim His SUV hit the central reservation, after he was removed from the wreck of in a car accident. He was involved in a car a 15th major title when he won the crossed into the opposite lane, rolled over his car by fire-fighters and paramedics. crash in November 2009 which Masters at Augusta National for a fifth several times and then plunged off the He suffered fractures on the tibia and eventually led to admissions of infidelity time in 2019. road and down an embankment. fibula bones in his lower right leg. and the breakdown of his marriage. He He jointly holds the record for most He is recovering after surgery to his Injuries to his foot and ankle have been then took a break from golf, but returned PGA Tour wins at 82 with Sam Snead fractured leg and shattered ankle. stabilised with screws and pins. shortly afterwards. and is three behind Jack Nicklaus’ mark “A reckless driving charge has a lot of On Wednesday, Mr. Villanueva said of Following five wins in 2013, Woods of 18 major titles. elements into it, this is purely an the road where the accident happened: started just 24 events in the next four Woods recently said he had hoped to accident,” Los Angeles County Sheriff “Because it is downhill, it slopes and years because of chronic back pain and recover from his back surgery in time to Alex Villanueva told reporters. curves, that area has a high frequency of multiple surgeries. play in this year’s Masters in April. There no evidence Woods was impaired accidents. It is not uncommon.” In 2017, he was arrested on suspicion He ended 2019 sixth in golf’s world by drugs or alcohol, he added. He said the car hit a kerb, a tree and of driving under the influence when he rankings, but is now 50th.

Charlotte Edwards scored more than 10 000 runs in 305 international appearances for England. Former England captain named first female PCA president FORMER England captain Charlotte Lewis Hamilton beat Max Verstappen in Bahrain for his final win of the 2020 season. Edwards has been named the first female president of the Professional Cricketers Association. Edwards – who led England to 2009 Max Verstappen ‘realistic’ about his World Cup success in the 50- and 20-over formats – succeeds Graham Gooch, who took over from Andrew Flintoff in 2018. chances of challenging Lewis Hamilton The 41-year-old will continue to coach Southern Vipers and is expected to lead RED BULL’S Max Verstappen says single image of the 2021 car among them, we want to get to and that’s what we Southern Brave in The Hundred. he is “realistic” about his chances of as they apparently try to hide whatever have to realise.” “I’m hugely honoured to be given such battling for the title against Lewis technical innovations it features. Red Bull’s engine partner Honda has a prestigious title,” said Edwards. Hamilton and Mercedes this year. Verstappen said: “We drive on demo designed a new engine for this year, the “It’s an exciting time for women’s The Dutchman, 23, said he “did not tyres so it will never feel how it’s going to Japanese company’s last before it quits cricket and I’m really excited about what want to hype things up” after driving Red feel on real tyres, so I never really base a F1 at the end of the season, and team I can bring to the role. Bull’s new car for the first time at lot of my findings on this. principal Christian Horner described the “I think the introduction of 41 new Silverstone on Wednesday. “It’s more just to get the car out and run car as “an extensive update” of last year’s. female members to the PCA has shown “Mercedes must be the favourites still,” a few laps. It all felt normal.We just have Aerodynamic changes to cars are it’s the right time to have a female PCA Verstappen added. to wait and see what happens in Bahrain unlimited into 2021 but all teams are president, but I’m passionate about He said the new car felt “normal” on his once we have proper tyres under the car.” limited by rules introduced for cost- looking after the interests of the men’s first few laps but it was too soon to say if The F1 teams will have three days of saving reasons in the pandemic in terms game as well in order to help cricket it would be competitive. pre-season testing in Bahrain from 12-14 of the changes they can make to thrive as a whole. Verstappen and new team-mate Sergio March, before the season starts on the structural and mechanical parts of the “I’ve always followed what the PCA is Perez completed a so-called ‘filming day’ same track two weeks later. car from last season to this. Red Bull doing for the game, and in particular the test, where teams are limited to 100km Verstappen added: “I am always very have refused to say on what parts of the work of the Professional Cricketers’ and have to run on different tyres from realistic and it makes no sense to talk car they have spent their two permitted Trust, and I really do want to be as the ones used for races. about stuff now.We have to go to Bahrain development ‘tokens’. involved as I can be. The game has given Red Bull have been secretive about and look at it there. In the first race we In addition, rule changes aimed at me so much and now this is the perfect their 2021 car, the RB16B, so far. They will know if we succeeded or not. cutting cornering speeds have limited opportunity for me to give something released extensive still photography and “I don’t like to talk it up at the moment. the size of the floor at the rear of the back." videos of the test, but there was not a We know where we want to be and where car. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 27

Brisbane preferred bidder to host 2032 Olympic Games, IOC announces THE International Olympic Paris in France staging the 2024 Games Committee (IOC) has named and Los Angeles in the United States Brisbane, Australia as the preferred hosting the 2028 Olympics. bidder to host the 2032 Olympic Games. Weightlifting’s Olympic future at risk The IOC’s future host commission Meanwhile, IOC president Thomas Bach recommended the body enters “targeted said that weightlifting could be removed dialogue” with Brisbane bid organisers from the Olympic programme by 2024 if and the Australian Olympic the sport’s international federation fails Committee. to implement reforms in the fight against Several cities and countries had doping. expressed an interest in hosting the The International Weightlifting Games, including Indonesia, Budapest, Federation (IWF) has been hit by doping China, Doha and Germany’s Ruhr Valley. scandals and accusations of corruption Sydney hosted the 2000 Olympic in recent years. Games. Controversial president Tamas Ajan The state of Queensland hosted the left his post but, last October, the World 2018 Commonwealth Games and Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) said Brisbane was praised for its high 18 weightlifters from six countries were percentage of existing venues, a good suspected of supplying false urine masterplan, experience in organising samples as Wada found evidence major events and its favourable of “doppelgangers” being used to weather. impersonate athletes. The IOC overhauled its bidding rules The IOC has already previously in 2019 to reduce costs and make the threatened to remove its status as an process easier for cities. There are no Olympic sport. official candidate cities campaigning “The situation is becoming more and before the vote as has been the case in the more grave,” Bach said. past. “Many requested changes have been The delayed 2020 Olympics will be held ignored by the IWF despite all the Brisbane would be the third Australian city to host the Olympics after Melbourne in Tokyo, Japan in the summer, with warnings we issued.” in 1956 and Sydney in 2000. India renames world’s largest cricket stadium after PM Modi

AHMEDABAD, India – India renamed the world’s largest cricket stadium after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday,a move that drew immediate praise and criticism. The name change to the Narendra Modi Stadium was unveiled at the 132 000-seat venue formerly known as Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, in the western state of Gujarat, where India are playing England in the third match of a four-game test series. A gifted orator and consummate populist, Modi is by far the most popular and recognisable politician in India, and won a second term in power with an increased majority for the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2019. But Modi has also been accused of centralising power in the world’s biggest democracy. “World’s largest stadium dedicated to the world’s largest personality!,” Priti Gandhi, a BJP spokeswoman, said in a tweet. Others said the decision reflected a cult of personality surrounding Modi. “The people of Gujarat will not bear this insult to Sardar Patel,” said Hardik Patel, president of the opposition Congress party in the state. Patel was India’s first interior minister, long revered for his tough approach on A view of Motera Stadium, the world's biggest cricket stadium, ahead of the third test match between India and England, national issues. Authorities have named in Motera on Wednesday. the larger complex surrounding the stadium after him. Many of India’s public institutions and dominance of one family. Archit Khare, a 29-year-old student at Dedicating sports stadiums to former projects have been named after members “Both the BJP and Congress are busy the game, said, “I don’t know why it has prime ministers is common in India, but of the Congress’ Nehru-Gandhi dynasty perpetuating political branding,” Sanjay been changed. Sardar Patel is more iconic. renaming such a high-profile venue for a that governed India for decades and Jha, a former Congress official and Sardar Patel was the iron man sitting leader is rare. which Modi’s party long criticised as the political commentator, said. of India, it should have remained.” 28 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE White House has not made ‘final decision’ on participation in Olympics in China WASHINGTON – The press secretary Jen Psaki sador and potential 2024 White House has not told reporters. Republican presidential made a final decision Rights advocacy groups contender Nikki Haley on participation in and politicians have was the latest politician the Winter Olympics in made demands for the to call for an American TEL 572-1452 Cel: 253-6319 Beijing, a spokeswoman International Olympic boycott of the 2022 828-4800 said yesterday, as Committee (IOC) to take Winter Olympics in Email: Republican lawmakers the event out of China China. caribbeanpropertiesltd call for the United States due to allegations the Previously, Psaki sig- @gmail.com to boycott the Games in country is committing nalled that there were no 2022. genocide against Uighur discussions underway “There hasn’t been a Muslims in its Xinjiang about boycotting the PROPERTIES final decision made on region, along with other China Olympics, so her Kirtons, St Philip that and of course we human rights concerns. comments on Thursday 3 bedroom plus would look for guidance China denies those alle- that a decision is being 2 bedroom apt from the US Olympic gations. considered represent a Land 4,790 sq ft $685,000 Committee,” White House Former US Ambas- shift.

Amity Lodge, Ch Ch 3 bedroom plus REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE 1 bedroom apt Land 6,646 sq ft $650,000 Haggatt Hall, St. Michael Bagatelle, St. Thomas Report: Russell Land 6336 sq ft Land 62000 sq ft into 2 lots Gibbons, Ch Ch $126,000 $520,000 each 3 bedroom plus 2 bedroom apt Cane Garden, St. Thomas Marley Vale, St Philip Wilson, Seahawks split Land 9,835 sq ft $765,000 Land 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft Land 21,780 sq ft Private entrance. From $275,000 Breezy Hill, St Philip $187,681 3 bedroom, 2 bath Sandford, St Philip could happen ‘soon’ reduced to $298,000 The Mount, St. George Land 16,356 sq ft Land 6544 sq ft $305,000 RUSSELL Wilson and Black Rock, St Michael $110,000 the Seattle Seahawks 3 bedroom, 1 bath are headed for divorce, Land 6732 sq ft Shop Hill, St Thomas COMMERCIAL according to a detailed $360,000 Land 11,735 sq ft report by The Athletic $258,000 Mount Standfast, St James Two properties on yesterday. Enterprise, Christ Church “Some people around 3 bedroom, 2 bath Ragged Point, St. Philip 22,714 sq ft Land. Land 5062 sq ft Land 8,267 sq ft Asking $1,200,000 the league think a trade $390,000 (reduced) $166,000 could happen, if not this Black Rock, St. Michael offseason then sometime Golf Club Road, Rolling Hills, St. George Warehouse/Factory in the near future,” per Christ Church Land 12,000 sq ft 4000 sf space The Athletic. 3 bedroom, 1 bath $315,000 (negotiable) Land 23,861 sq ft $900,000 (reduced) Wilson could command fixer upper up to three first-round Land 4,000 plus Ocean City, St. Philip UNDER OFFER Land 6150 sq ft Foul Bay, St. Philip picks, per multiple reports, $123,000 Approved for condos, and the 32-year-old has The Belle, St George Land 39,242 sq ft three years left on a four- Plantation style House Fortesque, St Philip $1,600,000. year, $140 million deal he Standing on 4 acres Agricultural Land signed in April 2019. UNDER OFFER 494,500 sq ft Dover, Christ Church The Athletic reported $1,100,000 Hotel 18 rooms fully operational $2,950,000 neg the New York Jets, Miami Frere Pilgrim, Dolphins and New Christ Church Silver Sands, 3 bedroom, 2 baths with Christ Church Dalkeith, Christ Church Orleans Saints all have a Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson two bedroom apartment. Land 7,129 sq ft Land 17,371 sq ft approved level of interest in Wilson. told ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ he was increasingly Land 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 $160,000 for shops and offices In a wide-ranging deep concerned about the nearly 400 career sacks he’s $495,000 dive into the rift between taken in nine seasons. Hanson Heights, St George Bushy Park, St. Philip Wilson and the Seahawks, 3 bedroom, 2 baths Land 24,000 sq ft Roebuck Street, the report focuses on a testy text messages to was in Wilson’s wedding, $200,000 Bridgetown Land 8321 sq ft difference of opinion Jake Heaps, a former indicated the quarter- $595,000 Shopping Mall/Office space Apes Hill, St. James $8,100,000 negotiable between Wilson and the team-mate and private back’s well-being is at the Ealing Grove, Land 31,000 sq ft upward organisation about the passing coach, during the centre of the issues. Christ Church Large lots at $15 per sq ft Batts Rock, St Michael design of the offence and game. It was a simmering “The reason that we’re 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths Guest House, personnel on the offensive position for Wilson that here is because he’s on Land 9320 sq ft Mount Wilton, St. Thomas Land 12,078 sq ft line. boiled over during a meet- pace to be the most sacked $565,000 Land 15,500 sq ft $2,850,000 negotiable Wilson responded to re- ing The Athletic said quarterback in the history and 22,066 sq ft ports of his frustration ended in Wilson storming of the NFL,” Turbin told $300,000 and $220,000 Cane Garden, St Thomas with the Seahawks follow- out of the room before the The Athletic. LOTS FOR SALE 3.6 acres approved Union, St. Philip Roadfront land ing the Super Bowl, a Seahawks played Arizona But another source, Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Land 7560 sq ft $1,650,000 negotiable game he attended as the on Thursday night in pointing to a two-game Land 14,876 sq ft. $150,000 Walter Payton NFL Man November 2020. stretch in which Wilson $110,000 Fitts Village, St James of the Year as a guest of Per the report, Wilson committed seven turn- Cottage, St George Guest House, 4 Suites commissioner Roger gave the team an outline of overs and Carroll scaled Bushy Park, St. Philip Land 5000 sq ft Land 6,135 sq ft Goodell. Wilson told “The his ideas to fix the offence back the offence, sided Land 17,000 sq ft $110,000 $850,000 negotiable Dan Patrick Show” he was but head coach Pete with Seattle. $10 sq ft Morningside, St Philip Mason Hill Street The City increasingly concerned Carroll shook him off. “He’s finally catching about the nearly 400 ca- Within the new report, heat. That’s the main rea- Inchcape, St. Philip Land 4567 sq ft 26,500 sq ft with buildings Land 4355 sq ft $133,000 $4,500,000 negotiable reer sacks he’s taken in several sources are inter- son for all of this,” the $ 96,000 nine seasons. viewed and there is blame source is quoted as saying. Jupiter Gardens, St Philip All enquiries to “That’s a big thing that assessed from those A coach from another Belle, St. George Land 7312 sq ft (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 we gotta fix. That’s gotta sources on either side. team said “It’s a great Land 4 acres $133,000 (246) 572 1452 be fixed,” Wilson said. One attributed com- story. There is a lot there. $400,000 or (246) 247 4469 The Athletic report said ment from former running Money, greed, power and Wilson had been firing off back Robert Turbin, who control.” The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 29

Caster Semenya takes appeal to European court OLYMPIC 800m champion Caster Semenya will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights against the restriction of testosterone levels in female runners. Semenya is not allowed to compete in events between 400m and a mile without taking testosterone-reducing drugs, following a 2019 rule change by governing body World Athletics. The 30-year-old South African lost an appeal to Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court in September but still harbours hopes of defending her Olympic title in Tokyo this year. “All we ask is to be allowed to run free, for once and for all, as the strong and fearless women we are and have always been,” she said. Her lawyers will argue Switzerland failed in its obligations to protect against the violation of her rights. Athletics’ governing body brought in a rule that athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) must either take medication in order to compete in Caster Semenya has won the Olympic 800m title twice and the world title three times. track events from 400m to the mile, or change to another distance. temporarily suspended the ruling, in September,World Athletics said: “For legitimate and proportionate means of Athletes with DSD have higher levels before later reversing its decision. the last five years World Athletics has protecting the right of all female of natural testosterone, which World It meant Semenya, who won Olympic fought for and defended equal rights athletes to participate in our sport on Athletics believes gives them a gold in the 800m in both 2012 and 2016, and opportunities for all women fair and meaningful terms.” competitive advantage. missed the chance to defend her world and girls in our sport today and in the The Swiss Supreme Court said: The Court of Arbitration for Sport 800m title in Doha, having failed in her future. “Fairness in sport is a legitimate rejected a Semenya challenge against bid to prevent the governing body’s rule “We therefore welcome today’s concern and forms a central principle of the rule in 2019. change. decision by the Swiss Federal Tribunal sporting competition. It is one of the The Swiss Supreme Court then In a statement after the Swiss ruling to uphold our DSD regulations as a pillars on which competition is based.” 30 • Friday February 26, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Adam Yates fails to close gap on Tadej Pogacar in UAE Tour BRITAIN’S Adam Yates remains time trial when the winner of stage one, second in the UAE Tour after failing Mathieu van der Poel, left the race after to gain time on leader Tadej Pogacar a staff member on his Alpecin-Fenix team on stage five. tested positive for coronavirus. Red jersey wearer Pogacar, 22, is now Pogacar held the overall general expected to retain his 45-second lead classification after a tussle on Tuesday through the final two sprint stages. with Yates up to Jebel Hafeet, and stayed Jumbo-Visma’s Jonas Vingegaard won firm against the Briton yesterday’s the 166km stage to the top of Jebel Jais. ‘queen stage’, which has the highest Ineos Grenadiers’ Yates, 28, was mountains for overall contenders to claim expected to attack Pogacar’s 45-second the most time over their rivals. lead but he and the Slovenian crossed the Four-time Tour de France winner Chris line together in second behind Froome finished 42nd for his new team Vingegaard after a late rally. Israel Start Up Nation, remaining more Only crashes or high winds splitting than 16 minutes adrift overall. the peloton are likely to give Yates a Froome, 35, said:“Hopefully things are chance to close the gap across Friday and coming together, but I definitely need Saturday. more of these races behind me.” Last year’s Tour de France winner Friday’s stage is a 165km race around Pogacar, who rides for UAE-Team Dubai, stretching from Deira Island to Pogacar (left) and Yates (right) finished the stage in second and third, on the Emirates, took the lead after Monday’s Palm Jumeirah. same time. Barty party over in Australia amid doubts over top ranking MELBOURNE – An Australian summer of “You know that there are no easy it is, it’s not always going to go your way. previous matches. tennis that promised so much for Ash matches going into any tournament,” Barty You can’t win every single tennis match. “The court was exceptionally quick, Barty has ended in disappointment with told local media. But you can sure as hell approach it the probably the quickest I have ever played in the local hero falling at the first hurdle of “From an expectation of a public point of right way.” Australia, and it took some time to adjust,” the Adelaide International a week after view, I think that (winning all the time) is Barty pulled out of her next planned stop said Barty, who was given a wildcard into blowing a golden chance to win her home their views and that’s their opinions and in Qatar with a left leg injury, organisers the tournament and gifted a first round Grand Slam. they are 100% able to voice those. said on Wednesday,but the Queenslander bye. World number one Barty exited “But I think from a playing perspective, did not offer that as an excuse for losing to “Danielle was able to control the centre Memorial Drive on Wednesday after a 6-3 it’s about what do we expect from us as Collins. Having led 3-1 in the first set and of the court, control the baseline and hold 6-4 loss to Danielle Collins and took a players and what do we bring to the court 4-1 in the second, Barty did offer a court position. “And on a very quick court defensive swipe at the Australian public for each day. surprising explanation for losing to the that is vital and she was able to get first having unrealistic expectations of her. “And in the end, the result, it just is what American, who she beat in all three of their strike in on most occasions.” The Barbados Advocate Friday February 26, 2021 • 31

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES (March 21-April 20): You will find family N supportive and helpful in all your endeavours. Plans for D overseas travel are likely to materialise. Those vacationing can face difficulty in finding a nice accommodation. An C assignment given to you on the academic front will be O completed satisfactorily. N S TAURUS (April 21-May 20): Stars for overseas travel look bright for some. Acquiring a new house or shop is likely for some. Help from unexpected quarter is likely on the academic front. An enjoyable time is foreseen in your social circle. Good returns from investments are foreseen. Arrears due to you are likely to be received.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): Your upbeat mood is likely to rub off on other family members and even make those Z feeling down, cheerful! Travelling brings you luck today, I especially if you are looking for greener pastures. Assets grow as you become financially stronger. Someone’s help T on the academic front will get you out of a tight corner. S

CANCER (Jun 22-July 22): Afamily get together can find you in your element. Mixing business with pleasure will make the outing worthwhile. You will be able to buy property that you had been wanting for long. You are likely to turn the situation to your advantage on the academic front. As your professional skills improve, your clientele is likely to increase. R LEO (July 23-August 23): Giving a helping hand on the E domestic front will be highly appreciated. Much X excitement awaits you on a soon-to-materialize leisure trip. Money comes to you from various sources and keep the coffers brimming. You are likely to remain in the pink of M health through your own efforts. O R VIRGO (August 24-September 23): Your taking out time G for the family today will be much appreciated. You will A need to be extra careful while driving or using the road. N An issue regarding property may be taken up by you once again in the right earnest. An assignment given to you on the academic front will be completed satisfactorily Boost in earning will find you much more comfortable than before.

LIBRA (September 24-October 23): Travelling with friends will be fun today. There is a fair chance of a flat P or a plot getting allotted to you. Those pursuing academics H will manage to display steady progress. Your unwanted advice runs the risk of being rejected outright. You can be A gifted money today. Job seekers may find the day fruitful. N T SCORPIO (October 24-November 22): An assignment O undertaken by you on the academic front is likely to be M much appreciated. Financially, you remain on a safe wicket. Business expansion is foreseen and may make you a big player. Health conscious may push hard to attain perfect fitness. An incident on the domestic front can affect your peace of mind.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 21): A get together on the family front is likely to be organised. M Those travelling by road are likely to make good time. A Avoid taking any major decisions on the property front today. Good progress is likely to be made on the academic R front, but you will have to keep at it. Some monetary Y perks are likely to be bestowed on you. W CAPRICORN (December 22-January 21): A property O may soon come into your name through inheritance. Steady progress on the academic front will give you added R confidence to do better. Your financial condition is set to T improve as money from an unexpected source comes to H you. Good tidings of your well wishers will keep you going on the professional front.

AQUARIUS (January 22-February 19): Family will be supporting and do much to keep you in a buoyant mood. M Ride to office will be smooth. Real estate dealers are O likely to have a field day. Your attempt on the academic T front is likely to meet with thumping success. A chance H meeting with someone you admire will leave you with E fond memories. R

PISCES (February 20-March 20): This is an excellent G time to catch up on things that you were lagging behind O in on the academic front. Those feeling under the weather O will find their health improving. You will feel financially secure as you tap some new avenues of earning. Good S performance will keep you going on the professional E front. India win astonishing third Test in two days

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Friday February 26, 2021 Journalism a risky profession

JOURNALISM can be a Caribbean, the tables you are targeting some- risky profession, espe- often turn when the spot- body else, but not you,” cially for those who wish light is placed on those he added. to go the route of inves- making those calls. “I can tell you from ex- tigative journalism. “Whatever a journalist perience, that has hap- President of the does, his profession is at pened to me. Everybody Barbados Association of risk. We operate in a wants investigative jour- Journalists and Media risky profession. So yes, nalists. Even the govern- Workers (BARJAM), the answer is yes, inde- ment wants journalists to Emmanuel Joseph sug- pendent journalism is at be more thorough and to gested the above recently risk. It is at risk, because do research and all of as he spoke as one of the we are here to tell the that, but I can recall a panellists discussing truth, we are here to number of stories I have “The Challenges to Press speak truth to power and done and there was a Freedom in the to speak the truth to our backlash. So this is a very Caribbean", during a vir- people. People want the intriguing profession tual conference hosted by truth, but they don't that we operate in,” The Media Institute of want the truth, if that Joseph stated. the Caribbean, in part- truth impacts on them,” He however noted that nership with the US he asserted. journalists and media Embassy in Barbados. “So even though on one workers need to “press Joseph noted that whilst hand you want freedom forward” in spite of the many persons have been of the press, you want in- challenges they may at calling for more inves- vestigative journalism, times face, carrying out tigative journalism on you want journalists to their job in an accurate President of the Barbados Association of Journalists and Media Workers, the part of media work- go out there and be and professional manner. Emmanuel Joseph. ers in Barbados and the brave, it only happens if (RSM) PUMP THE BRAKES! “THE National form of identification is Register looks like Law lecturer raises red flag about register outlined in Bill authorised by law, defer criminal profiling and consideration of the per- any right-thinking Through this system, to have said, ‘in General found so offen- stored singularly by the son or refuse access until Barbadian should de- consenting individuals Opposition, we took the sive when in Opposition, government and so would such time as the relevant mand a ‘pause’ on this may have their finger- position no... this is not a that is, a police state, make data theft easier. identification card is pro- in this Bill.” prints collected ‘for the police state and we can- magically disappears? “Governments in the duced’. Law Lecturer Dr. purpose of assisting with not agree as a responsible Further, the fingerprint- Caribbean, most recently “This is not something Ronnie Yearwood made the confirmation of their political party represent- ing aspect is still offen- as reported in Jamaica to be taken lightly be- this strong assertion identity and the person ing Barbadians that we sive, framed as a “refusal” where the immigration cause in effect it says that while urging government may elect to submit the needed to give this kind which is indicated in the website was breached, an individual is not pre- to pump the brakes on prints of all fingers or of data. And now that we Register as some sort of have not showered them- sumed to be who they are the register outlined in some fingers of their are in Government and mark against a person for selves in glory when it until they can prove so the Barbados Identity choosing’. have the opportunity to not wanting to have their comes to data security. with the ID. It looks like Management Bill, which Yearwood however put these things in place, fingerprints taken and We have no reason to be- a shift of power from the was passed in the Lower raised a red flag, recall- our position is that you that an individual is not lieve that Barbados, like individual to the govern- House on Tuesday. ing that while in can give your fingerprint subject to penalty for other Caribbean coun- ment, and not only a The National Register Opposition, the current if you wish, but you can- this. I could not imagine tries, is not the same,” he shift, but a control of will be a database con- government was against not be compelled to do so’. how an individual would posited. data, surrounding proof taining the personal in- a similar proposal calling “Therefore, are we to be subject to penalty for Yearwood also called it of who an individual say formation of Barbadian for the fingerprinting of assume that because the something that is op- troubling the Bill’s edict they are. This feels very citizens and those per- citizens for identification government now makes tional,” the attorney at that ‘Where a person is much like the surveil- sons who are not citizens purposes by the previous the finger-printing aspect law argued. unable to produce his lance, police-type state of Barbados, but who are Democratic Labour Party of the national register He also questioned how identification card, the the AG had problems legally resident in administration. optional, that the effect the national register person authorised to re- with when in Opposition, Barbados for six months “The Attorney General of the collection of the would reduce fraud when quire such identification his words not ours,” he or more. of Barbados is reported data that the Attorney all of the data would be shall, unless another said.

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