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Monday March 1, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive Reverend: Don’t be led astray

ONE religious leader believes that Christians can make the wrong decisions “in the name of Jesus”. Reverend Davidson Bowen gave this message during a virtual service hosted by St. Christopher Anglican Church on the Second Sunday of Lent. The theme of the sermon was “Get Behind Me Satan”, and the Reverend referred to Matthew 16 v 23, where Jesus told Peter the memorable quote. In his sermon, Rev. Bowen noted that too often Christians imagine Satan as a black or red little guy, with a pointed tail and a pitchfork on their left shoul- der, encouraging people to do the wrong things. However,he is Staff of the Sanitation Service Authority were hard at work recently in Chapman Street in the City, removing bulky waste from that of the belief that Satan creates area and clearing debris from the side of the road. certain thoughts but he is not of the imagination. He added that Satan usually appears by mak- ing subtle suggestions and pro- viding opportunities. Reverend Bowen said it is up to us to decide if we will let these ‘RESPECT THE thoughts into our minds. He re- minded his virtual audience that anything that goes against God’s will is sin, acknowledging that at times we are not sure which voice is speaking to us, but God knows His people. ENVIRONMENT’ “Jesus said He is the good shepherd and He knows His THERE is a call for and around Bridgetown and said this is work that they take ronment that should be given at own and His own knows Him,” Barbadians to show greater what you would have witnessed very seriously and are commit- all and we are very, very, very said Rev.Bowen. respect for the environment would have been just the contin- ted to doing. Padmore made the concerned about that,” he stated. The religious leader noted and to dispose of their re- uation. We are concerned that point while noting that the SSA Padmore also lamented that that many people come to fuse, in particular bulky Barbadians are generating too often works in collaboration with too many people are disposing church and perform the various waste, in the correct way. much bulky waste, and bulky the Ministry of Health and the of their household waste with lit- rituals but do not have a rela- It is coming from Carl waste provides a haven for the Environmental Health in this tle regard for the environment. tionship with God. He said Padmore, Public Relations rodents and wild animals, and regard. “You see people sometimes Christians who possess the Officer (PRO) at the Sanitation therefore we encourage them to Asked if Barbadians are heed- even waiting until the garbage Holy Spirit must first submit Service Authority (SSA). bring out their bulk waste on ing the call to contact the SSA if truck has passed and then their lives to God so that they Padmore made mention of this that particular day,” he said. they want bulky waste removed, within five minutes bringing out can resist the temptation of in an interview with The Padmore continued, “We do Padmore said it is not as often as stuff. Why? We see that so often. Satan. Barbados Advocate, as he not ever encourage bulky waste they would like. You will see a community that The reverend also warned spoke of the SSA’s continuing to be commingled with the nor- “There are a lot of Barbadians has a skip, we would clear that that Satan offers secrets and efforts to get Barbadians to prop- mal household waste, and so we who still are not showing any skip today and you go back three monotony and not joy and guid- erly discard of such waste given don’t like people to set down the type of respect for the environ- hours later and a skip is full ance of God. the health hazards they can bulky waste without notifying ment and it’s concerning us a lot, again. So where is that stuff “We need to be mindful that pose, as he reflected on the latest us.” because the truth is, we have to coming from? So we are con- our best interest is not at heart effort which included removal of His comments came as he said treat the environment like how, cerned about that type of and no good can come from such trash from Chapman that the SSA’s bulky waste re- I can’t even say how we treat our behaviour and we are just really whatever the proposal is. Street in the City. moval efforts are in keeping with bodies, but we need to love our hoping that Barbadians would [Satan’s] job is to bring us in op- “The SSA from time to time their goal to help minimise the environment – that’s the bottom treat in a more respectful way to position with God’s will and that has been conducting a number of spread of dengue, while trying line. We are not seeing the care the environment,” he stated. leads to the death for us,” said bulky waste clean-up projects in to keep Barbados beautiful. He and attention given to the envi- (JRT) Rev. Bowen. 2 • Monday March 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

The Barbados Advocate Monday March 1, 2021 • 3

PAHO to provide 100 800 doses Follow of COVID-19 vaccines to Barbados ON Friday 26 February Grenada; 28,800 doses to COVAX informing about supporting access to vac- the 2021, the COVAX Facility Dominica; and 45,600 the volumes they will re- cines for the four Eastern announced its final alloca- doses to Saint Vincent and ceive until May from the Caribbean countries of tion of COVID-19 vaccines the Grenadines. first producer that met the Dominica, Grenada, St. for Barbados and the The PAHO Revolving EUL authorisation from Lucia, and Saint Vincent rules! Eastern Caribbean coun- Fund for Vaccines (RFV) WHO and finalised the and the Grenadines, that tries, to receive a propor- will procure and deliver commercial agreement probably would have to tion of 16% to 20% of their the COVAX vaccines to with COVAX. wait many months to get “YOU will get vacci- population coverage. the countries in the The PAHO/WHO vaccines if the facility did nated. Please, just ho- The countries will re- Eastern Caribbean and Representative for not exist. nour the appointment ceive the AstraZeneca Barbados. PAHO is work- Barbados and Eastern Dr.Gebre further stated system so that tar- COVID-19 vaccine which ing with its Member Caribbean countries, Dr. that “the vaccines will not geted senior citizens, recently was approved for Countries to close the Yitades Gebre, stated have an important impact the most vulnerable Emergency Use List purchase orders and to that, “the priority of the on virus transmission it- The PAHO/WHO and frontline workers (EUL) by World Health expedite administrative, first phase of vaccination self in the next months.To Representative for who are serving us all, Organisation. The coun- regulatory, and logistics is to save lives. We will achieve herd immunity, Barbados and Eastern get theirs first.” tries were allocated the procedures to scale up vac- achieve this by vaccinat- we will need to vaccinate Caribbean countries, This is the appeal AstraZeneca COVID-19 cinations in the region. ing the most exposed at least 70% of the popula- Dr. Yitades Gebre. being made to vaccine of 100,800 doses The countries will start groups – like the health tion.” Barbadians by the Co- to Barbados; 74,400 doses receiving their first vac- professionals, and the While we are vaccinat- that can reduce the trans- Coordinator of the to St. Lucia; 40,800 doses cines through COVAX in most vulnerable groups to ing the most vulnerable mission: the use of masks, National Vaccination to Antigua and Barbuda; March if all the conditions developing severe COVID- and reducing the mortal- physical distancing, avoid- Committee, Major David 21,600 doses to Saint Kitts are met. Countries re- 19 illness.” ity, we need to keep all ing closed and crowded Clarke of the Barbados and Nevis; 45,600 doses to ceived the letters from COVAX is financially public health measures spaces. Defence Force. The national vaccina- tion effort and systems have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of More needs to be done Barbadians, many of whom without appoint- ments or being on the ur- gent list, have created to improve road safety crowds and long lines at vaccination centres WITH the United “If you’re not con- put in place, it does not across the island. This is Nations declaring 2021- stantly vigilant, they’re seem that it has really occurring even as offi- 2030 the Second Decade going to become compla- gotten off the ground. We cials have assured of Action for Road Safety, cent and they’re going to are not the only ones fac- Barbadians that the a local road safety advo- go back into their bad ing such challenges – country will receive a cate is calling on the rel- habits. The possibility of some other countries large shipment of vac- evant authorities to play you being caught using have similar situations cines within a few their part in ensuring our cellphones and driv- where they have not re- weeks and that every that significantly more ing distracted seems low ally lived up to what they Barbadian who wishes to progress can be made and so people take the had promised to do,” she be vaccinated will re- during the coming ten risk and do it, putting stated. ceive one. years, than were themselves and others at “The National achieved in the last risk,” she lamented. Education key Vaccination Unit once decade. She continued, “In the Roland-Bowen is hoping again apologises to President of the previous Decade of Action that in this coming Barbadians with an ap- Barbados Road Safety the focus was on having decade greater attention pointment who have pre- Association (BRSA), safer roads, safer vehi- will be paid to improving sented at immunisation Sharmane Roland- cles, safer road users, as driver education, noting centres for vaccination, Bowen, indicated that well as road safety man- that education is a key only to have been turned while some legislative agement. Lighting on component of road safety. back,” said Major Clarke. changes have been made many of our roads has “You need to know the He added, “This should in respect of road safety improved and we have harm that a distracted not have occurred. We in this country, the au- seen new traffic lights driver can cause even as are currently prioritising thorities must ensure and roundabouts put in if it is you and how you frontline workers and se- those laws are enforced, place to improve traffic can allow yourself to be a lect vulnerable groups, and where legislation flow, but the Association victim by driving dis- with NCDs and elderly still needs to be shored is still concerned about tracted. Drivers need to persons. We ask that you up, she is urging the state of some of our be alert at all times, please respect the direc- Government to make roads and the number of think ahead, plan ahead tion given by officials and those changes sooner potholes we are seeing and that needs to be part do not turn up at vacci- rather than later. continue to be a concern.” of driving education if we nation sites without an Roland-Bowen told Noting that there are want to produce safer President of the Barbados Road Safety Association appointment. The num- The Barbados other areas where drivers,” she maintained. (BRSA), Sharmane Roland-Bowen. bers of people at vaccina- Advocate that the Barbados has dropped The BRSA president is tion centres, crowded amendments to the Road the ball, she strongly be- also calling for an up- are 16 years old, to help act as if it is a right, and together and not observ- Safety Act, which dealt lieves that with commit- grade to the licensing them develop good driv- then they go and get the ing physical distancing the ban on the use of ment, dedication and re- system in this country, to ing habits and better licence and abuse it. We rules, is itself a health handheld cellphones sources, steps can be make it more difficult for learn to operate the vehi- need to be more proactive risk and makes useless while driving, the direc- taken to ensure that the persons to get their li- cles. Moreover, she is also than reactive, and so it is all systems that have tive that persons riding Second Decade of Action cences. In that vein, she advocating for the com- imperative that persons been put in place for bicycles and motorcycles for Road Safety would be reiterated her call for a pletion of a driver educa- understand about safe management and direc- must wear helmets, and more successful. graduated licence pro- tion course, of which de- road use. When drivers tion of the process. breathalyser testing, was “Barbados would have gramme to be introduced fensive driving would be have a solid foundation “As you know, COVID a step in the right direc- been one of the countries for new drivers, contend- a part, to be a require- they learn how to prevent loves crowds.We urge tion, but she is concerned that signed onto the ing that restrictions ment to obtain a driver’s accidents and to look out members of the public to that persons are becom- Decade, and even though should be placed on all licence in this country. for themselves and oth- cooperate with us and we ing complacent as en- we have the drink drive newly licensed drivers, “A licence is a privilege ers on the roads,” she thank you for your pa- forcement seems low. law that would have been particularly those who and not a right. People added. (JRT) tience.” 4• Monday March 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

St Lawrence Gap, usually a hive of activity and buzzing with people, is empty.

BELOW: Bars are set to remain closed in St Lawrence Gap, with only curbside pickup available now for the restaurants.

Quiet month for popular street ST. LAWRENCE GAP remain closed and with So the important but from Back Page only curbside pickup on sombre question is, who the cards for the restau- will survive the hardship to reopen for curbside rants, it will be possibly caused by COVID-19, am- pickups and orders, so another quiet month for plified by the necessary that is a positive. Hotels the once immensely popu- National Pause? Who will have remained open but lar street. Government be around when patrons with less and less visitors has declared that it will are finally back on the arriving, due to lockdowns help small businesses streets to socialise from in major source markets, with financial support a distance? Will the the battle is uphill, espe- during the down time, but favourite hotels, restau- cially after a harsh 2020 realistically, despite the rants, bars, clubs, vendors for owners and employees genuine gesture, it may be open, or just a distant alike. not be enough to prop up memory when the dust Unfortunately,bars will or save all of them. settles? (AS)

It is a quiet hotel scene in The Gap The Barbados Advocate Monday March 1, 2021 • 5 Markets reopening – but not all operations THE Ministry of Agri- food, meat, dry goods, a.m. to 4 p.m. of clothing, shoe repairs, lowed under Directive No. only a take-a-away service. culture and Food vegetables, and fruit Manager of Markets, hairdressing, or barbering. 5.” Patrons are reminded Security has advised will reopen from today, Sherlock King, said: “Even These operations, which He said, however, that that all health protocols that all markets across March 1. The opening though the markets will be are to be found at some food canteens would be al- must be adhered to at the the island which sell hours will be from 8 open, there will be no sale markets, have not been al- lowed to operate, but with markets. COVID-19 Cotton harvesting update: 30 new cases, 63 restarts today recoveries BARBADIANS and oth- shirts, long pants, head- ers who had earlier ap- gear (hat, scarf or head BARBADOS recorded 30 plied to pick cotton at tie), and fully enclosed positive COVID-19 cases Searles Farm, Newton, shoes. They should also on Saturday,February 27, Christ Church; Redland have an umbrella and from the 506 tests con- Farm,Wakefield, St. John, water. ducted by the Best-dos and Mt. Pleasant Farm, Personnel from the Santos Public Health Parish Land, St. Philip Barbados Agricultural Laboratory. are advised that harvest- Management Company Sixty-three people re- ing will start today,March (BAMC) will collect covered and were dis- 1. and weigh cotton at pre- charged from isolation. The fields will open scribed times during the The number of active from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., day. cases now stand at 628. with all COVID-19 proto- The opportunity to har- The 30 new cases com- Barbados COVID-19 Situation Report for Saturday February 27, 2021. cols in full effect on vest cotton is being pro- prised 12 men and 18 site, and at all collection vided by the BAMC to give women. Three of them longer infectious. Twenty- Thirty-three persons part of the National points. persons a chance to earn had been sent to the seven of them are have succumbed to the Vaccination Programme Workers may also pick cash and contribute to the Harrison Point Isolation Barbadians. viral illness. Since for COVID-19. To date, a and store at their own con- economy. Facility for assessment to This island has February 2020, the public total of 36,749 vaccina- venience. For further information determine whether they recorded 3,068 confirmed health laboratory has tions have been adminis- Cotton pickers are ad- on the cotton harvesting were in fact newly posi- cases – 1,435 females and completed 125,693 tests. tered – 15,678 men and vised that harvesting at- season, persons may call tive, or had the virus in 1,633 males – and 2,407 On Saturday,2,908 per- 21,071 women. tire must comprise the BAMC’s Area Office at the past and were no persons have recovered. sons were vaccinated as (BGIS) following: long sleeve 437-5465 or 422-2809. 6 • Monday March 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Mother tells of disturbing encounter at clinic WITH the current care system continue for their staff. setup for the national to leave a sour taste in Issued with an appoint- rollout of the COVID- the mouths of patrons. ment for February 11, the 19 vaccine already One mother who took mother said that she coming under heavy her 12-year-old son to the called beforehand to en- fire for needing to be Randal Phillips Polyclinic sure that she should still more streamlined, recently is calling on go. Upon being informed some staff involved in government to have the that she should, and supporting the health requisite training in place being assured that there weren’t many people there, she arrived at 12:45 p.m. but was met with an These empty chairs could be seen from the outside. unsavoury experience. “When we got there, I approached the door and told the female Ministry of Health security guard SUPREME COURT OF BARBADOS why we were there. While IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE we waited on the outside, she checked inside and came back and told us that CLAIM NO. LTP 3 of 2021 the one and only nurse who was administering IN THE MATTER OF: The Land (Title Proceedings) Act, 2011, the vaccine was at lunch. section 3 She then advised that we had to continue to wait AND IN THE MATTER OF: ALL THAT the Parcel of Land outside until the nurse came back from lunch and situate at Baycroft New Road in the parish of Saint Michael in was ready for us. I asked this island and being the lot numbered 14 and containing by her if she knew how long admeasurement 260.1 square metres or thereabouts (which the wait would be and she represents 237.6 square metres in land and 22.5 square metres indicated that she did not. in road) as shown on a Plan thereof made and certified on the I said okay,” she told The 06th day of June 2020 by Andre P. G. Clarke, Land Surveyor and Barbados Advocate. recorded in The Lands & Surveys Department on the 09th day Going on to reveal that her son is disabled, she of June 2020 as Plan No. 567 of 2020 ABUTTING AND The lone bench on the embankment where the mother would have had to lift her BOUNDING noted that things went to the North on the lot numbered 13 being lands of south when she asked son. Nathaniel Collymore to the East on the lot numbered 28 being about seating arrange- lands now or formerly of Christopher Waithe to the South on the ments. ing him up to reach the Calling out the actions Council for the Disabled lot numbered 15 being lands of Adriana Hunte and to West on a “Upon noticing that bench where I was di- of the security guard as in- and its aim is to sensitise public road called Baycroft New Road or however else the same there was no appropriate rected to take him. This humane, insensitive and service providers to the may abut and abound place for him to sit while guard callously replied discriminatory,the mother needs of persons with dis- we waited, I asked this that she did not want to said that no one should abilities. NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR DECLARATION same guard if I could get a hear what I was saying, have to undergo that sort “She also needs to be chair for my son. The only and reiterated that not of treatment, and noted made aware from her em- OF OWNERSHIP & CERTIFICATE OF TITLE other chair outside was oc- only was she NOT going to that persons whose jobs ployers that such disre- cupied by a lady with a provide me with a chair, require that they interact spect and ill-treatment of TAKE NOTICE that Ewart DeCoursey Murrell, Retiree, of baby. She said no. I tried but demanded that we with the infirmed, sick, the disabled has no place 5316 Trans Island, Montreal, Québec H3W 3A2, Canada, to explain to her that move from in front of her disabled or elderly should in this country’s health Retiree, has applied to the High Court of Justice for an order that he has a disability so she could deal with possess some manner of care system and is inex- he is the owner of the legal estate/a legal interest in respect of (Duchenne Muscular the person behind me. empathy and basic idea of cusable. Not to do so would Dystrophy) and would be Meanwhile, there were how to deal with these condone such behaviour, the Parcel of Land described in the heading of this Application unable to climb the em- dozens of chairs stacked members of the popula- and send the very unfortu- and for a Certificate of Title in respect of the same. bankment without me lift- up right next to her.” tion. nate message that dis- crimination is acceptable. Any person having any adverse claims, liens or charges or rights Need for training It is not and never will be,” or interests against the said Parcel of Land should submit the “The fact that she was dis- she said. claim duly authenticated on oath to the Registrar of the Supreme missive of his plight and After this upsetting or- The Court, Bridgetown, on or before the 19th day of April 2021. refused to make any at- deal, this mom told tempt to accommodate a Barbados Advocate that reasonable request for as- she reached out to the Any other person who has any information relating to the sistance is ableist and falls Chief Medical Officer ownership of the said Parcel of Land is invited to give such into the category of dis- (CMO), Dr Kenneth information in writing to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, ability discrimination. It George, her parliamentary Bridgetown, on or before the 19th day of April 2021. is my hope that some representative, Ryan sensitivity training be pro- Straughn, among others, Dated the 01st day of March 2021 vided to this guard, in as she sought to highlight particular, but also to all her experience at the those government employ- Government-run facility. ______ees who might have to in- She revealed that both of- K. S. MARSHALL, Attorney-at-law for the Claimant, teract with persons with ficials offered apologies, whose place of business and address for service is disabilities. with the CMO promising 1st Floor, “One Welches,” Welches, “This Disability to investigate further as St. Thomas, Barbados, W.I. Sensitivity Training is of- he called such behaviour fered by the Barbados unacceptable. The Barbados Advocate Monday March 1, 2021 • 7

China unveils the selected top 10 scientific advances of 2020 BEIJING – China’s Ministry of tackling COVID-19, the research on the transmission biomarkers and potential the evolution and migration Science and Technology Chang’e-5 probe’s retrieval of of human genetic materials, intervention targets history of Chinese populations unveiled the selected top 10 lunar samples, and the deep- transparent ferroelectric single for organ aging in with ancient DNA, and domestic scientific advances of sea manned submersible crystals with ultrahigh mammals. recreating the history of over 2020 Saturday. Fendouzhe’s diving record piezoelectricity, quantum Chinese scientists’ efforts in 300 million years of Chinese scientists’ topped the list. interference in chemical measuring the new height of biodiversity changes on Earth, remarkable progress in Other advances include reactions, as well as Mount Qomolangma, revealing are also listed. European countries turning to East for vaccines amid supply shortage BRUSSELS – As a looming “Serbia can do something like third wave of the COVID-19 Israel, the first country that will pandemic highlights the finish this mass vaccination...We vaccine supply shortfalls in can achieve something like that Europe, Hungary joined too.” Serbia to launch mass Under the state’s mass inoculation with China’s inoculation drive, Serbian Sinopharm COVID-19 authorities have approved four vaccine earlier this week. vaccines, respectively developed To ease both citizens’ by Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford- impatience with the slow rollout AstraZeneca, China’s Sinopharm of vaccinations and the world’s and Russia’s Sputnik V. urgent need of a global response Serbian President Aleksandar to the pandemic, some European Vucic told Xinhua that most countries are turning to the East people in his country are while the European Union (EU) vaccinated with the Sinopharm strives to scale up production and vaccine. A family doctor shows a box of China’s Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine in Varoslod, Hungary on reaffirms solidarity with third- “People here are very satisfied Feb 24, 2021. party countries. and we are very proud that we succeeded in delivering such transport, and distribute more accelerate the authorization, Last week, French President Chinese vaccine good things for the better health than 1.2 million doses of Pfizer production and distribution of Emmanuel Macron made “Today is an important day of our people and for the future of vaccines, in line with the ultra- vaccines, as well as inoculation. similar comments when he because (on) this day we are this country,” he said. cold chain procedure. To date, 51.5 million doses proposed that Western countries starting to vaccinate with A shipment of Sinopharm Meanwhile in Bulgaria, the have so far been delivered across transfer 3 to 5 percent of their Chinese vaccines,” Hungarian vaccines will arrive in Bosnia NOVA television reported on the EU and 29.17 million stock of COVID-19 vaccines to Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Herzegovina (BiH) soon too, Wednesday evening that the administered, with about 5 Africa – a proposal firmly said Wednesday in a video as ordered on Feb. 8 by health ministry has accused percent of citizens having had rejected by Washington which message on his Facebook page. Republika Srpska (RS), one of AstraZeneca of delaying vaccine their first dose,according to data said,“the U.S.will not donate any Hungary currently has stocks BiH’s two entities, Minister of supplies, which was later released by the EU. coronavirus vaccine doses to of COVID-19 vaccines from five Health and Social Welfare of RS confirmed on Thursday by With speeding up the developing countries until there producers. Two weeks after the Alen Seranic told Xinhua. Health Minister Kostadin production and delivery of is a plentiful supply of jabs in the country announced that it had “Based on other countries’ Angelov at his regular weekly vaccines being the top priority, U.S.,” the Financial Times reached a deal with China’s experiences, where Chinese press conference. the EU chief encouraged the reported. Sinopharm, the first batch of vaccines have already been Amid the “race against the executive to work with medical The French president called Sinopharm vaccine arrived in approved, we decided that we virus, we were extremely industries to identify bottlenecks, for international efforts to ensure Budapest on Feb. 16, which will also need to acquire a certain unpleasantly surprised by guarantee supply chains and equal access to vaccines against enable a mass immunization of number of vaccines from China,” another non-compliance with the scale up production, and urged COVID-19, especially in Africa. 2.5 million people. Seranic said. “We already agreement by the company,” pharmaceutical giants to honor For him, Chinese and Russian “We are the first country in the ordered vaccines for 20 percent of Angelov said. their commitment. vaccines are necessary for the European Union that uses our population.” By the end of August, Bulgaria Besides a long wait for world to win the “war” against Sinopharm vaccine. We try to booked 4,518,323 doses of the increased production to curb this pandemic. save lives and preserve the Supply shortage Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.The supply fluctuations, the world In a telephone conversation economy, and we are fighting BiH has acquired vaccines country has received 117,600 also faces a “catastrophic moral with President Xi Jinping on together with our Chinese through the COVAX mechanism, doses by Feb. 26. “The quantity failure” because of unequal Thursday, Macron said France friends against COVID-19,” the World Health Organization was reduced to 40 percent of COVID-19 vaccine policies, appreciates China’s positive Tamas Menczer, state secretary (WHO)-led global initiative those expected,” Angelov said. World Health Organization contribution to international from the Hungarian Ministry of aimed at ensuring rapid and “Within three days we have Director-General Tedros cooperation against the Foreign Affairs and Trade, told equitable access to COVID-19 had serious talks with the Adhanom Ghebreyesus has pandemic, especially in helping Xinhua when receiving the vaccines, and from the EU. supplier company at various warned, adding it is not fair for other countries obtain vaccines shipment. It is now urging all relevant levels,”he said.“We received only “younger, healthy people in at a faster pace, adding that he In Serbia, where a second international institutions to start one letter stating that ‘the richer countries to get injections hopes to strengthen cooperation shipment of Chinese vaccine vaccine delivery instead of production of vaccines is a before vulnerable people in with China in this regard. arrived on Feb. 10, the prolonging it with new process of a high degree of poorer ones.” According to media reports,so Sinopharm vaccine is welcomed requirements, the Ministry of technical complexity’ and ‘we European Commission far, China has provided vaccine with full trust, and the early Civil Affairs of BiH said on expect to be able to deliver President Von der Leyen assistance to 53 developing inoculation is seen as an Wednesday. vaccines to Bulgaria.’” admitted on Thursday that, countries in need, and exported opportunity, according to Ivona Delivery of vaccines to BiH “We do not need your courtesy. though the EU has announced a vaccines to 22 countries. It has Ladjevac, head of the center for through the COVAX Facility was We need vaccines,” Angelov doubling of its support to COVAX also decided to provide 10 million the Belt and Road Initiative at initially due to start by the end of added. to 1 billion euros,“vaccine in kind vaccine doses to multilateral the Institute of International January and later prolonged to is desperately needed” and EU vaccine alliance COVAX to meet Politics and Economics in Serbia. mid-February.And the ministry Faster pace member states are encouraged the urgent needs of developing “We should use this said in a statement that BiH has An EU summit on Thursday to organize donations of vaccines countries, many of which are in opportunity,” said Ladjevac. provided refrigerators to receive, stressed the need to urgently to third-party countries. Africa. 8 • Monday March 1, 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 Hong Kong detains 47 activists Pace of regional on subversion charges HONG KONG – Hong aged between 23 and 64, subvert state power. appear in court on Monday, Kong police yesterday police said. The legislative election according to a post on her integration detained 47 pro-democracy The move is part of a that would have followed official Facebook page. ANOTHER meeting of Caribbean Heads of activists on charges of continuing crackdown on the unofficial primaries American lawyer John Government concluded last week and going forward conspiracy to commit the city’s democracy was postponed by a year by Clancey, a member of the we wonder whether this age old process is making subversion under the city’s movement, with a string of Lam, who cited public now-defunct political rights a great leap forward or continues to be stagnant. national security law,in the arrests and prosecutions of health risks during the group “Power for Last week leaders held their Intersessional meeting largest mass charge Hong Kong’s democracy coronavirus pandemic. Democracy” who was as another in a series of deliberations aimed at against the semi- proponents — including Mass resignations and arrested in January for his driving regional integration forward. autonomous Chinese outspoken activists Joshua disqualifications of pro- involvement in the One may be tempted to conclude that the COVID- territory’s opposition camp Wong and Jimmy Lai — democracy lawmakers primary, was not among 19 pandemic has had a major negative impact on our since the law came into following months of anti- have left the legislature those detained on Sunday. region and it was not anticipated that regional effect last June. government protests in largely a pro-Beijing body. “I will give full support matters could have taken precedent over national The former lawmakers 2019. Among those arrested on to those who have been ones. However, the Communique issued following and democracy advocates The pro-democracy camp Sunday was former charged and will be facing the meeting, showed that several of the themes from had been previously had held the primaries to lawmaker Eddie Chu. A trial, because from my previous years are still harming integration and arrested in a sweeping determine the best post on his official Twitter perspective, they have done with the leaders calling for action to deal with them. police operation in January candidates to field to win a account confirmed that he nothing wrong,” Clancey It was agreed among them that the CSME but were released. They majority in the legislature was being charged for told reporters. remains critical in the region’s strategy for economic have been detained again and had plans to vote down conspiracy to commit The security law growth, create prosperity for Caribbean people, allow and will appear in court on major bills that would subversion and that he was criminalizes acts of inhabitants of this region to share in the resources, Monday, police said in a eventually force Hong denied bail. subversion, secession, and to build the capacity to withstand external and statement. Kong leader Carrie Lam to “Thank you to the people terrorism and collusion internal shocks. They allegedly violated resign. of Hong Kong for giving me with foreign powers to However, leaders were still talking about the the national security law In January, 55 activists the opportunity to intervene in Hong Kong’s removal of barriers to trade, an issue that somehow that was imposed by and former lawmakers contribute to society in the affairs. Serious offenders remained on the agendas of these meetings and Beijing for participating in were arrested for their past 15 years,” Chu said in could face a maximum even the Heads of Governments ones. unofficial election roles in the primaries. a post on his Facebook punishment of life The Communique also refers to commitments to primaries for Hong Kong’s Authorities said that the page. imprisonment. Nearly 100 improve intra-regional transportation, the legislature last year. activists’ participation was Another candidate in the people have been arrested transportation of agricultural produce, giving more The defendants include part of a plan to paralyze primaries, Winnie Yu, was since the law was attention to the development of a regional food plan, 39 men and eight women the city’s legislature and also charged and will implemented. and repositioning economies. Heads of Government mandated the Council for Finance and Planning (COFAR) to meet urgently,no later than the end of this month, to resolve the US calls on African Union to exert pressure outstanding issue and reach agreement with respect to the CARICOM Financial Services Agreement, the Regional Securities Markets, the Community over worsening crisis in Ethiopia’s Tigray Investment Policy and Credit Reporting. WASHINGTON – U.S. overall deteriorating Minister Abiy Ahmed’s civilians in Axum, an That leaders recognised that these are Secretary of State Antony situation in the Tigray federal army ousted the ancient city in northern outstanding issues, signifies the point that these Blinken on Saturday region of Ethiopia,” former local ruling party, Ethiopia. It said the subjects were around for a long time while no called on the African Blinken said. the Tigray People’s killings were in retaliation resolution was brought to them. Union and other “We ask international Liberation Front (TPLF), for an earlier attack by The CSME region has somehow come to be international partners to partners, especially the from the regional capital TPLF soldiers. recognised as a place with an implementation deficit, help address a deepening African Union and Mekelle in November, but Amnesty said Eritrean where decisions have been taken at the highest level crisis in Ethiopia’s regional partners, to work low-level fighting has soldiers executed men and but where implementing them takes years to northern Tigray region as with us to address the continued. boys in the streets and happen. he condemned alleged crisis in Tigray, including Thousands of people engaged in extensive This could very well be the case where atrocities in fighting there. through action at the U.N. have died, hundreds of looting. implementing the CSME is for the long haul and Blinken’s statement and other relevant bodies.” thousands have been Blinken noted nothing immediate although the rest of the world suggested growing forced from homes and Ethiopian commitments which Caribbean states want to interface in the fast frustration with the On Sunday, Ethiopia’s there are shortages of to full accountability, pace environment is surging ahead. response so far from foreign ministry said in a food, water and medicine including international Former Prime Minister of Barbados, the late Owen Ethiopia and neighboring statement that around the region of more support for investigations Arthur was reported as saying that while the Eritrea to what America’s pronouncements by the than 5 million people. into human rights abuses decision was in 1989 to transform Caribbean top diplomat described United States on Ethiopia and Eritrea and to allowing economies into a single market and economy,it was as a “worsening Ethiopia’s internal affairs have denied that Eritrean unhindered humanitarian a transformation that was never going to be easily humanitarian crisis.” were “regrettable”. troops participated in the access. achieved. His remarks came a day “It should be clear that conflict, though dozens of “The immediate Arthur concluded therefore that the after Amnesty such matters are the sole witnesses, diplomats and withdrawal of Eritrean transformation was going to be more taxing if not International released a responsibility of the an Ethiopian general have forces and Amhara attended by clarity of purpose, and the report accusing Eritrean Ethiopian government, reported their presence. regional forces from determination to hold to a steady course come what forces of killing hundreds which as a sovereign Tigray are essential first may. of civilians in Tigray in a nation, is responsible to Still, the state-run steps,” Blinken said. Even as the Caribbean looks ahead, the way 24-hour period last year, deploy the necessary Ethiopian Human Rights “They should be forward remains challenging. Our economies remain an incident it described as security structures and Commission released a accompanied by unilateral in crisis, we have not taken advantage of trade and a potential crime against means available in statement on Friday declarations of cessation investment opportunities offered under the humanity. ensuring the rule of law timed to coincide with the of hostilities by all parties CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement, Eritrea rejected the within all corners of its Amnesty report, saying to the conflict and a and we are still uncertain about what the region’s accusations. borders,” the ministry said preliminary investigations commitment to permit post Brexit relationship with the British is going to “The United States is in a statement posted on indicated that Eritrean unhindered delivery of look like. gravely concerned by Facebook. soldiers had killed an assistance to those in There is a new administration in the United reported atrocities and the Ethiopian Prime unknown number of Tigray.” States and a presenter at a recent discussion on Caribbean-US relations urged us to become more Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes active in setting an agenda with the USA. There is E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves no time to waste on the path forward and regional Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan meetings must set the pace. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Monday March 1, 2021 • 9

Work advancing on COVID-19 vaccine in Cuba THE Pan American Health Barbosa indicated is in the final control the pandemic across the Organization (PAHO) says stages of analysis; the region, and beyond. work is advanced on the Sinopharm vaccine, for which “It is very important to have development of a COVID-19 the producer has requested many producers so that they vaccine in Cuba. evaluation; and the Johnson & can provide the vaccines that Speaking during PAHO’s Johnson vaccine which, he the countries need. We believe COVID-19 digital briefing last pointed out, is “also being that the more vaccines [that] Wednesday, PAHO’s assistant assessed.” can be developed, the better it director, Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Johnson & Johnson, will be to achieve this and for said information received yesterday,received clearance by them to participate in the indicates that the vaccine’s the US Food and Drug COVAX Facility,” the Assistant development will shortly enter Administration. Director further argued. the third and final stage of The Pfizer vaccine and both The WHO COVID-19 Vaccine clinical trials. AstraZeneca vaccines, which Global Access (COVAX) Facility He cautioned, however, that are produced in India and is designed to accelerate no time line could be South Korea, are the equitable access by countries determined for the completion candidates already approved by globally to appropriate, safe and of the process, “as the [third] the World Health Organization efficacious vaccines. phase takes the longest.” (WHO). Dr Barbosa said that while The Cuban vaccine producer Dr Barbosa said it is all vaccine producers are joins several others, whose imperative for PAHO member welcome to join the facility, candidates are at various stages countries to be involved in the “they all need to comply with of development and analysis. development and production of the certification criteria as well Among them are: the vaccines, medicines and other as safety and efficacy PAHO’s assistant director, Dr Jarbas Barbosa Moderna vaccine, which inputs that can potentially [protocols].” IDB announces US$3.5-billion initiative to advance technology and resilience in the Caribbean THE Inter-American Develop- held virtually. foster partnerships that will link ment Bank (IDB) recently IDB management briefed the private sector investors to smart announced its new Build Forward governors about Build Forward resilient investments that will initiative, a US$3.5-billion multi- ahead of the annual meeting of yield returns and solve a year programme to help IDB Group,which will take place development challenge,as well as Caribbean countries sustainably March 17-21 in Barranquilla, leverage partnerships with recover while making Colombia, in a virtual format. organisations such as the technological leaps that will “Many Caribbean economies Caribbean Climate Smart facilitate a transformational have been devastated by a Accelerator (CCSA) which is future. tourism collapse caused by already supporting initiatives to Build Forward includes a multi- COVID-19, as well as a series of build resilience in the region. donor facility to provide targeted natural disasters. A key part of “We are thrilled to have donors grant and concessional financing helping countries grow in ways join our Build Forward initiative, for smart and resilient projects. that benefit all citizens is which will prepare the people and The facility is expected to mobilise overcoming large infrastructure places of the Caribbean for the US$1.5 billion in resources for a investment deficits, estimated at future we create together,” said series of activities that include five per cent of [gross domestic Therese Turner-Jones, the IDB advisory services, project product] for Latin America and general manager of the preparation and catalysing the Caribbean. The multi-donor Department of the Caribbean private capital for investments in facility and other financing region. resilient infrastructure, nature mechanisms will help “Build Forward is focused on and disaster-risk based solutions. governments finance key resilient giving citizens of the Caribbean The initiative was backed by investments at a time of limited the opportunity to thrive in the IDB’s six Caribbean member fiscal space,” the bank said. more digital future. It will provide countries; Jamaica, The According to the ODB, Build better infrastructure services for Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad Forward will provide advanced all citizens, creating jobs, reducing and Tobago, Guyana and digital-based solutions in areas poverty, and bringing much- Suriname at the IDB annual such as schools and hospitals,grid needed advanced technology into Therese Turner-Jones, the IDB general manager of the meeting of Caribbean Governors systems, highways and more, the region.” Department of the Caribbean

Mostly sunny with a few brief isolated light showers.

High Tide (First) 05:22 High tide (Second) 17:36 London 05 Fair Yesterday: 1.5 mm Boston 03 Fair Low Tide (First) 11:12 For the month: 47.8 mm Max: 28.3 °C Montreal 04 Fair Low tide (Second) 23:39 Fr the year: 175.1 mm Min: 23.5 °C Toronto 04 Overcast New York 05 Overcast/Light Rain Miami 27 Cloudy 6:14 am 6:07 pm 10 • Monday March 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate Trinidad PM Schools in Guyana to remain closed in March wants US to lift GEORGETOWN, Guyana Vaccine during March, – Guyana Education there is a possibility of Minister Priya schools being reopened Manickchand says schools after the Easter sanctions schools across the country holidays in April. will remain closed for “Once that goes face-to-face interaction smoothly and as planned, against during March, for every we anticipate that we are grade except Grades 10, going to be able to reopen 11 and 12. schools sometime after Venezuela During an update on the Easter holidays… the Ministry’s social Please remember I am PRIME MINISTER Dr of the US “scorched earth media page on Sunday, saying that while that is Keith Rowley is calling policy” here since, as the Manickchand said the an intention and it would on the new United United Nations’s assess- Education Ministry be our desire, that would States government to ment confirms what we continues to be advised by depend on further advice begin dialogue aimed at always knew, and that is, the Ministry of Health on from the Ministry of removing sanctions that the ineffective harsh safely reopening schools. Health,” she said. against Venezuela. policies of unilateral “For now, we remain Since assuming office These sanctions, Dr sanctions are contributing closed to face-to-face last August, several Rowley says, are immensely to widespread learning for the month of measures were taken to contributing to a additional indiscriminate March 2021 to all grades ensure students remain widespread humanitarian human suffering in this Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley except grades 10, 11 and engaged. In addition to crisis in the Caribbean. Caribbean Nation which 12. We encourage virtual engagements, Speaking virtually as needs help, a United States could bring resulting in the withdrawal teachers to continue to these included chairman of Caricom compassionate ingredient all Venezuelan parties to a of correspondent banking engage students online, restructuring the Guyana during a Question and which is not beyond US table with the support of services from the through the internet and Learning Channel to Answer segment hosted by leadership.” Caricom and other nations, CARICOM Member States. by the various means deliver educational the non-partisan organi- Saying Caribbean “read the Riot Act and agree “Severing of these including WhatsApp, content in a scheduled sation The Atlantic Council governments “anxiously that Venezuela must solve services, without Zoom, Facebook and manner and printing on Thursday, Dr Rowley look forward to the United Venezuela’s problems in the acknowledging ongoing Messenger and whatever worksheets for every said the entire Caribbean States playing that interest of Venezuela and actions to comply with else that you have been Grade. The Education would benefit from a leadership role with all of us who are co- international standards, is using.” Minister noted that while significant thawing of the CARICOM and the nations dependents.” to cut off our proverbial Manickchand said the these have been effective, relationship between Cuba of Mexico and Norway to He added, “I will ask the oxygen supply,” he said. Government has been the Government is and the US. assist Venezuelans in administrator to not be On behalf of the region, listening to international cognisant that it cannot “Cuba is the Caribbean. solving their seemingly overly influenced by the Dr Rowley also called for studies about the long- replace the value of face- Venezuela is the intractable political dogma of the recent past the refinancing of COVID- term impact of the closure to-face interaction. Caribbean. We know the problems,” Dr Rowley said and hawks of the recent related debt and the of schools and is She also noted that the nature of the issues and the the way forward was flyings but to look at it with postponement of debt concerned about the safety of students, history of the challenges in through continued a clean tabletop.” servicing payments; impact it will have on the teachers and other staff both areas however we collaboration. “We are convinced that it comprehensive debt relief; nation’s children.As such, of learning institutions were very disappointed He revealed that early in is possible and some and appropriately priced she expressed hope that across the country when the US recently his tenure his government solutions can be had so funding to build economic with the Ministry of continue to remain a top reversed the very welcome, succeeded in convincing sanctions can be removed and climate resilience. Health’s comprehensive priority for the Ministry halting steps towards Venezuela to export its and the sanctions that are He noted that rollout of the COVID-19 of Education. normalisation of the natural gas. increasing the hardships concessional lending will relationship; and most However, he said, and creating humanitarian also allow for expenditure recently the announcement everything fell through crisis as identified by the on public infrastructure of the unconvincing because of US sanctions. United Nations indepen- and training to support designation of Cuba as a “All we ask of the new dent assessment and that CARICOM’s digital terrorist-sponsoring state,” administration is to reset the United States be transformation. This, he Dr Rowley said. and give the dialogue a influenced by that.” said will allow Caribbean He added, “As for the chance. He also appealed to the governments to pursue Venezuelan relationship we “Norway has encouraged banking community to investments critical for would like to see a that, so did Mexico,” Dr desist from blacklisting and nutrition and food security, dispassionate early review Rowley said, noting that the de-risking activities and energy security. COVID-19 gazetted measures: 10.30pm to 4.00am curfew remains in place in Guyana GUYANA – The Ministry isolation approved by the homes,airports, hotels and Guyana would be receiving of Health continues to keep Health Ministry before the judiciary, are allowed 80,000 doses of the Oxford- strict measures in place to resumption of work. to operate on a 24-hour AstraZeneca vaccine from combat the COVID-19 Banks, supermarkets, basis. India next week. It is also pandemic. The national shops, beauty salons, Restrictions also remain set to receive 104,000 doses curfew remains in place barbershops, gas stations in place on visiting, hosting of a COVID-19 vaccine from 10.30pm to 4.00am and stores such as clothing, or attending a cinema, through the COVAX for the month of March. shoes, books, hardware and private parties, wakes, mechanism, another This was published in plumbing are allowed to clubs, receptions and any 149,000 doses of vaccines the Official Gazette on operate between the hours other social activities. through a purchase Friday. Aside from the of 4.00am to 9.30pm. Gyms, fitness centres and agreement under the curfew, many of the While buffet dining is places of worship can CARICOM-African Union previous orders remain in prohibited, indoor and operate at limited capacity. agreement and a donation place. outdoor dining at As of February 26, of 20,000 Sinopharm There would be restaurants and bars are Guyana recorded 8,513 vaccines from the Chinese continuous monitoring to permitted, following strict confirmed cases of Covid, Government. On February assess the pandemic at the COVID-19 guidelines. with 7,945 recoveries and 10, Guyana received a workplace and to ensure All essential services 195 deaths. donation of 3,000 does of that ensure there is a such as hospitals, On Friday,Minister Hon. Oxford-AstraZeneca period of quarantine or pharmacies, funeral Dr.Frank Anthony said vaccine from Barbados. Guyana Education Minister Priya Manickchand The Barbados Advocate Monday March 1, 2021 • 11

Dominican Republic to construct On 1st anniversary of pandemic, fence along border with Haiti Mexico has lost SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic will begin constructing a over 185,000 fence along its 376-kilometer (234 mi) MEXICO CITY – In the year since the border with Haiti later this year to first coronavirus case was identified in curb unauthorized migration and Mexico, the disease has killed at least illicit trade, President Luis Abinader 185,257 people and sickened almost 2.1 said on Saturday. million. “In a period of two years, we want to put Mexico registered its first case on Feb. an end to the serious problems of illegal 26, 2020, in a man who had travelled to immigration, drug trafficking and the Italy. movement of stolen vehicles,” Abinader The Health Department reported just said in a presentation to Congress. over 8,000 more confirmed infections and Construction of the border fence, whose 783 more confirmed deaths Saturday,but cost has not been disclosed, will begin in because Mexico does so little testing the the second half of 2021, Abinader said. real number is certainly much higher. The barrier will include a double-fence Excess death statistics, which have not in the “most conflictive” sections, along been updated since the end of 2020, with motion sensors, facial recognition suggest the real death toll is probably cameras and infrared systems, he added, well over 220,000 even before the surge speaking on the 177th anniversary of the of cases in January. country’s independence from Haiti. Mexico has administered a total of According to government estimates, almost 2.4 million doses of various about 500,000 Haitian immigrants vaccines, but still has not received resided in the Dominican Republic as of enough shots to vaccinate even 1 percent 2018, along with tens of thousands of their of the country’s 126 million people children born in the Caribbean country.A because most require two shots. large part of the Haitian community, which makes up about 5% of the total population, does not have residency Brazil’s capital permits. The announcement came a month after the government agreed to help Haiti enters two-week provide identity documents to its citizens FILE PHOTO: Border security soldiers guard border control as Haitians wait living in Dominican territory. to cross the border, in Dajabon coronavirus Haitians who left Guyana illegally arrested in Brazil lockdown BRASILIA, Brazil – Twenty six Haitians Lethem during this past week. They Understanding (MOU) through the BRAZIL’S capital entered a two-week and one Cuban, all of whom left Guyana were initially denied entry into Brazil, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Guyana to lockdown yesterday,joining other states and entered Brazil have been arrested by but it was suspected that they would try share information and conduct joint op- in adopting measures to reduce the members of the Brazilian Federal Police. to use other routes to cross over, hence erations, involving narcotics and other spread of COVID-19 as intensive care According to a release from the the information was passed on to criminal activities. beds begin to fill in important cities. Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Brazilian Counterparts by CANU who “This is one of the successes coming out At least eight Brazilian states adopted the interception occurred late Friday and then alerted their law enforcement units of this arrangement. The movement of curfews over the past week due to the early Saturday. within the area,” the CANU statement persons through unofficial crossings not rise in cases and deaths from COVID-19. Also arrested were taxi drivers waiting noted. only poses a security risk but also a Thursday was Brazil’s deadliest day to transport them onwards. Recently, Brazil’s Federal Police and health risk due to the ongoing COVID since the beginning of the pandemic, “Some of the Haitians arrived in CANU signed a Memorandum of Pandemic,” the CANU release stated. with 1,541 deaths confirmed from the virus. So far 254,000 people have died overall. Brasilia Gov. Ibaneis Rocha decreed the total closure of bars, restaurants, shopping malls and schools until March 15 and prohibited gatherings of people. Sale of alcoholic beverages was prohibited after 8 p.m. In the federal district, 85% of hospital beds were occupied on Sunday,according to the local health ministry. President Jair Bolsonaro again criticized such measures, saying on his Twitter account: “The people want to work.” He threatened on Friday to cut off federal emergency pandemic assistance to states resorting to lockdowns, saying, “Governors who close down their states will have to provide for their own Haitians who left Guyana illegally were arrested in Brazil. emergency aid.” Truck-borne gunmen kill 11 in Mexico’s western state of Jalisco MEXICO CITY – Unidentified gunmen shot dead in December,is one of the epicen- in the Guadalajara area, with another to reduce entrenched violence, but he con- riding in a truck opened fire with rifles on ters of Mexico’s drug-related warfare, and male body discovered inside. tinues to grapple with mass killings and Saturday to kill 11 people in Mexico’s west- home to the powerful Jalisco New The injured woman and young man, who tens of thousands of homicides a year. ern state of Jalisco, causing injuries to a Generation Cartel (CJNG). appeared to be a minor, were treated, the In December, former Jalisco Governor woman and a youth as well, authorities The state prosecutor’s office said 10 men office said in a statement. Aristoteles Sandoval was shot dead in a said. with gunshot wounds were found dead President Andres Manuel Lopez restaurant in the beach town of Puerto Jalisco, where a former governor was outside a home in Tonala, a municipality Obrador took office in late 2018 pledging Vallarta. 12 • Monday March 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

UK vaccinates over 20M with at least one dose LONDON, United Prime Minister Boris ing: “I’m absolutely de- target of 15 million of the tion. death toll of 122,705 is the Kingdom – Britain an- Johnson called it “a huge lighted that over 20 mil- most vulnerable people Smiling, Hancock said highest in Europe. nounced on Sunday national achievement” lion people have now been receiving first doses. “I want to thank every The country is still that it has given more while praising National vaccinated.” The government says it single person who has under national lockdown than 20 million people Health Service staff and A total of 20,089,551 plans to offer a first jab to come forward to get the but daily cases, hospitali- at least one dose of a others involved for “tire- people have received a the whole adult popula- jab,” calling this “the route sations and deaths have coronavirus vaccine, less work”. first dose, according to tion by the end of July. out of this for all of us.” all fallen dramatically with the rapid rollout Health Secretary Matt government figures re- Only Israel and the “There’s a long way to since late January,despite providing hope in a Hancock made the an- leased Sunday. United Arab Emirates go but we’re making big the emergence of a more country with Europe’s nouncement in a video In mid-February, the have vaccinated more peo- strides,” he said. infectious variant. highest death toll. message on Twitter, say- UK met a government ple per head of popula- The UK’s vaccination There were 6,035 new programme has rolled daily cases reported out fast since its start in Sunday and 144 deaths, EU to clear early December, when it the lowest figures since became the first country early autumn. in the world to begin mass On Thursday, Britain Johnson & inoculation with a fully lowered the country’s trialled vaccine. virus alert level down one Earlier failures in con- notch from the highest Johnson tact tracing and control- possible, saying the fall in ling the spread of infec- cases had reduced the vaccine tion saw cases soar in the threat to the state-run UK and the country’s National Health Service. in March – France South Africa to ease PARIS, France – A single- virus restrictions after shot COVID-19 vaccine by US drug maker Johnson & Johnson is ‘dramatic decline’ likely to be approved for use in the European JOHANNESBURG, tions, the country’s curfew Union in early March, a South Africa – South will now only run from French minister said on Africa’s President Cyril midnight to 4 a.m. Sunday. Ramaphosa on Sunday The head of state spoke The vaccine was said the country will start a day after the country cleared for emergency use relaxing coronavirus re- received the second batch in the United States on strictions, moving from of Johnson & Johnson Saturday, becoming the alert level three down to vaccines arrived in the third available vaccine level one, after a “dra- country. there. matic decline” in infec- So far, more than 63,600 The single-shot vaccine Johnson & Johnson vaccine vials against the COVID-19 coronavirus are seen at tions. healthcare workers have is highly effective in pre- the Klerksdorp Hospital as South Africa proceeds with its inoculation campaign The easing of the meas- been vaccinated since the venting severe COVID- on February 18, 2021. (PHOTO: AFP) ures, due to begin at mid- country began inocula- 19, including against night, will see most eco- tions nearly a fortnight newer variants, the Food early March would allow the vaccine by the end of the J&J vaccine’s efficacy nomic activity resume as ago. and Drug Administration the vaccine to be rolled June, she said. against severe disease the country moves to re- The elderly, teachers, (FDA) said before giving out in late March or early France has so far vacci- was 85.9 per cent in the build its virus-shattered miners, police officers, sol- it the green light. April, she said, adding nated 1.5 million people, United States, 81.7 per economy. diers, civil servants and French Industry this was “good news” be- the minister said. By cent in South Africa, and In a televised address to people older than 18 with Minister Agnes Pannier- cause it offers protection June all 15 million peo- 87.6 per cent in Brazil. the nation, Ramaphosa co-morbidities will be vac- Runacher told France 3 with a single shot in con- ple belonging to the coun- The J&J shot appears said the country had cinated in the next phase television that the trast to other vaccines try’s most vulnerable pop- less protective than Pfizer made big strides in the of the three-phase rollout European Medicines requiring two. ulation segments will and Moderna’s two-shot past eight weeks, record- campaign from the end of Agency (EMA) was also She said it was possible have been vaccinated, she regimens, which both ing a steady drop in infec- April. evaluating information that a booster shot was added, acknowledging have an efficacy of around tions and hospital admis- The government, which transmitted by the US needed later “but we can’t however that reaching 95 per cent against all sions. has been accused of being pharmaceuticals com- be sure yet”. that target might require forms of COVID-19 from “Due to the decline in slow to acquire COVID pany. The EU hoped to re- a faster vaccine rollout. the classic coronavirus infections, the country can vaccines, has secured an An EU approval in ceive 600 million doses of In large clinical trials, strain. now ease some of the re- agreement to procure 11 strictions on movement million one-shot doses and economic activity,” from Johnson & Johnson, Ramaphosa announced. 2.8 million of which are Iran dismisses idea of talks with EU “We do so cautiously,” expected in the second he added. quarter. Ramaphosa said the Twenty million Pfizer and US to revive 2015 nuclear deal country had recorded just jabs have also been se- under 10,000 new infec- cured, while an additional DUBAI – Iran on Sunday Iran does not consider this Josep Borrell to hold an accord. Iran insists the tions over the past week, 12 million doses expected ruled out holding an the time to hold an infor- informal meeting with United States must first down from more than via the COVAX facility,ac- informal meeting with mal meeting with these other parties to the nu- lift sanctions while 40,000 in the last week of cording to Ramaphosa. the United States and countries, which was pro- clear pact and the United Washington says Tehran January and some 90,000 Having recorded more European powers to dis- posed by the EU foreign States, which reimposed must first return to com- in the same week in than 1.5 million infections cuss ways to revive its policy chief,” Foreign sanctions on Iran after pliance with the deal, December. of which nearly 50,000 2015 nuclear deal with Ministry spokesman then-president Donald which it has been progres- He attributed the have been fatal, South major powers, insisting Saeed Khatibzadeh said, Trump quit the deal in sively breaching. “dramatic decline” to the Africa still has the highest that Washington must lift according to Iranian 2018. Iranian Foreign public health measures, number of cases and all its unilateral sanctions. media. Iran and the new US ad- Minister Mohammad changes in behaviour,and deaths on the continent. “Considering the recent Iranian officials had ministration of President Javad Zarif sketched out accumulating immunity It aims to inoculate actions and statements said Tehran was studying Joe Biden have been at a potential choreography in those that had become around 40 million people – by the United States and a proposal by European odds over who should take on Feb. 1 to overcome the infected. 67 per cent of the popula- three European powers, Union foreign policy chief the first step to revive the impasse. Under level one restric- tion – by the end of 2021.

Barbados Advocate

March 1, 2021 IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS DO BUSINESS CALL FOR $200M FUND

THE new Joe Biden administration on strengthening US-Caribbean trade Stating that the number one in the USA is being challenged to and investment relations. It was challenge to trade and investment in come up with a Bds$200 million sponsored by the Shridath Ramphal the Caribbean remains access to fund to assist Barbados and the Centre. capital, Dr. Persaud said that is Caribbean with their post-COVID The CEO listed the funding among something they are finding whether it economic revival. several demands from the USA relates to large or small businesses. CEO of Invest Caribbean, Ms. Felicia administration, which she reasoned are According to her, American banks Persaud, made the appeal last week, necessary for rebuilding Caribbean have already said up front they are not when she participated in a discussion economies hit hard by COVID-19. lending to the Caribbean. “So we are having to find private lenders and to go further afield globally for lenders including China, for our projects,” CEO of Invest Caribbean, Ms. Felicia Persaud said. Persaud, participated in a discussion She said the Bds$200 million on strengthening US-Caribbean trade Caribbean Development Fund should and investment relations. be used in the post-pandemic era to create jobs, grow the economies, and to American market; invest in business projects across • President Biden should create an economic sectors. Assistant Secretary of State for the In pressing for such support, Persaud Caribbean and not just for the Western argued that successive administrations hemisphere; in the United States have ignored the • Biden should choose his Caribbean Caribbean and the Americas, treating ambassadors from among people who the entire region as a step-child. are knowledgeable about the region; That fund, she explained, should be and managed not by a government • Caribbean governments should use institution, but rather by a private the pandemic to hit the reset button hedge fund working with investment while creating a five- to 10-year vision companies to give capital directly to plan. those who require it. “From that we can move to trade that Highlighting other components of her is coming from the region and proposed action plan, Dr. Persaud said investment from the region that is that: beyond tourism and just hotels,” she • Mr. Biden should used his suggested. Caribbean roots – Vice President, Ms. Persaud suggested further that Kamala Harris – to launch the fund; “we create our own Silicon Valley with • the Biden administration should technical businesses, incubators, co-host a conference on the future of education and training, and easily the Caribbean; access to funding”. In light of this, she • the US Government should foster has found that while many tech start- partnerships between major US and ups are growing across the region, they US President Joe Biden is being urged to use his Caribbean roots – Vice Caribbean companies, so that products lack the access to capital not just in one President, Kamala Harris – to launch the Caribbean Development Fund. from this region can make it to the country, but across several of them.

Will the EU continue to mount USVI/CARICOM: Suggested BL&P: No change to the Fuel pressure on Barbados? steps for success Clause Adjustment last month PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 2 • Monday March 1, 2021 Business Monday

Business Monday Monday March 1, 2021 • 3

Will the EU continue to mount pressure on B’dos? WITH Barbados hav- pressure on small juris- (OECD) and the EU key areas of the local since 2000, Barbados In the interim, several ing been removed dictions like Barbados. believed that Barbados economy accounting for has been battling with amendments have been from the European In fact, on the People’s has become too success- sizeable inflows of capi- the OECD and its sister made to existing legisla- Union (EU) blacklist, Business a week ago, Ian ful in that area and is en- tal, job creation, and tax agencies and even the tion in Barbados. questions remain as Carrington, Director of croaching on developed revenues. Data for 2020 G20, for the survival of Between late 2019, to whether that will Finance and Economic countries. show that the sector the sector. several legislative be the end of it. Development, touched Those comments were contributed heavily to They have accused this changes were made. But as one individual on the subject. made prior to Minister of corporate tax revenues. country of being a tax Apparently,this does not has told Business He said the goalpost International Business, Income was given as haven, a non-compliant appear to be much in the Monday, nothing is continues to be shifted Ronald Toppin, announc- $397.4 million, below the jurisdiction and other eyes of the international cast in stone and the and that both the ing the removal of $458.5 million a year charges in what now ap- community. EU will be back again Organisation for Barbados from the earlier. pears to be a campaign So the country awaits in some form or fashion Economic Co-operation blacklist. However, evidence for the island to get out the next step in this on- as they continue their and Development The sector is one of the has demonstrated that of the business. going issue. Critical CSME issues must be addressed and Persaud: Develop resolved urgently, say CARICOM leaders diaspora bonds HEADS of Government produce. of the Caribbean Heads of Government THE Barbados and and the Caribbean dias- Community (CARICOM) directed that to develop Caribbean diaspora pora should not go that have expressed continu- further maritime trans- needs to be engaged in rout. ing concern about the portation and support the development of a India, she pointed out, progress made and the intra-regional cargo,a bond, which can be used has had significant suc- outstanding actions still study be undertaken to re- to finance infrastructure cess with its diaspora required to advance view the status of existing and any kind of crisis bonds and Israel has implementation of the port facilities in Member development the region been doing similarly with CARICOM Single Market States; this with a view to encounters. bonds and have in fact and Economy (CSME), determining those requir- In making the sugges- been reissuing them particularly to support ing update to their facili- tion, Invest Caribbean since 1951. economic recovery in the ties. CEO, Dr. Felicia Persaud, She would like to see face of the debilitating In relation to the CARI- said that countries like the creation of a system impact of COVID-19. COM Development Fund India and Israel had in the diaspora where “we The heads said so in a (CDF), the leaders reiter- embarked on similar actually map key entre- communiqué that fol- ated the important role of approaches among their preneurs, business own- lowed the Intersessional the CDF to the social and diaspora and with much ers, and talented people Meeting, which they held economic advancement success. who can help by not only last week. of the Community. They As such, she main- growing our economies, In the document, the noted that in the context tained that there is no but also a community in leaders reaffirmed the of the dire fiscal, economic reason why Barbados the diaspora”. critical role of the CSME and social circumstances in the Region’s strategy facing Member States for sustained economic arising from the impact of BANK RATES growth, to build economic the COVID-19 pandemic, resilience by developing the CDF should be posi- Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of the capacity to withstand tioned to provide support business on Friday by the Central Bank of Barbados. both external and internal to Member States’ post- shocks to the Community. pandemic recovery efforts. Valid for March 1, 2021 They agreed to review According to them, it Notes: urgently the entire consul- Lead Head of Government with responsibility for the was agreed to a further Currency Buying Selling tation and decision-mak- CSME, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. one-year extension to the Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 ing processes at all levels CDF’s second contribution Canadian Dollar 1.55347 1.59942 in an effort to establish removal of non-tariff roaming rates and en- and subvention cycle to East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 the most effective strategy barriers to trade among hance access to broadband June 30, 2022. Euro 2.36667 2.46633 for effecting increased lev- Member States and the as well as to examine the They recognised the Pound Sterling 2.73286 2.84794 els of implementation. simplification of adminis- feasibility of establishing potential impact of fund- United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 They also agreed that an trative procedures for free a Single Regional ing shortfalls and pro- Demand/Sight: immediate step towards movement of people in Telecommunications tracted payment delays Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 achieving implementation order to boost economic Regulator for the con- on Member States’ pro- Canadian Dollar 1.56231 1.59801 would be led by the Lead output. sideration of the Forty- grammes and the CDF’s East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Head of Government with They stressed the ur- Second Meeting of the liquidity, financial sus- Euro 2.40140 2.45102 responsibility for the gent need to address and Conference in July 2021. tainability and capacity to Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 CSME, Prime Minister resolve those critical is- This would be fundamen- fulfil its mandate. Pound Sterling 2.77296 2.83026 Mia Amor Mottley. sues that impede the ben- tal to advance the digital Heads of Government United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 “Heads of Government efits of the CSME being economy. instructed the CDF to Telegraphic Transfer mandated the Council for enjoyed by all, particularly Recognising that the continue its efforts at mo- Currency Buying Selling Finance and Planning the private sector on Multilateral Air Services bilising funds from inter- Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 (COFAP) to meet urgently which the Region is de- Agreement (MASA) is national development Canadian Dollar 1.56527 1.59801 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 no later than end of March pending to fuel the recov- now in effect, leaders partners (IDPs) and other Euro 2.40592 2.45102 2021, to resolve the out- ery of its economies and instructed the Special agencies to assist in re- Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 standing issues and reach which needed to be fully COTED (Transportation) plenishing the capital Pound Sterling 2.77818 2.83026 agreement with respect to engaged at both the na- to work with Member fund of the CDF. They United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 the CARICOM Financial tional and regional levels. States to take the action further instructed the Services Agreement The leaders have recom- necessary for an effective CDF to submit a proposal INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL (CFSA), the Regional mended that the Special air transportation system. to the Council for Finance CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE Securities Market, the Council for Trade and The Council was also in- and Planning for the is- RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS Community Investment Economic Development structed to follow up on suance of a Growth and N.B.: These rates are not meant to be used for trading. Policy and Credit (COTED)-ICT to expedite the initiatives aimed at Resilience Bond to sup- BDS$ Guyana Dollar 0.00945 Reporting,” according to the establishment of the building maritime capac- port the economic recov- Jamaica Dollar 0.01326 the document. Single ICT Space together ity, especially for trans- ery and transformation of T&T Dollar 0.29594 They also urged the with access to reduce portation of agricultural Member States. 4 • Monday March 1, 2021 Business Monday

EDITOR’S USVI/CARICOM: Suggested NOTEBOOK steps for success “Ask, and it will be given to by start-ups to regain 100 you; seek, and you will find; per cent ownership of their knock, and it will be opened businesses as soon as Step up to to you.” – Matthew 7:7 cashflow permits; (3) short- term financing A HEALTHY dialogue collateralized by resulted from my recent marketing contracts; (4) column entitled “HOW investor return on the plate CAN THE USVI financial investment; (5) ENERGIZE CARICOM?” the justification of the Make food production a vital policy As a follow-up, I thought donors’ corporate social I would engage in lateral US Virgin Islands, where I the strengths of each entity responsibility outlay; and INCREASING food supplies and food security have thinking and adopt a understand US President and positively exploit (6) a sustainable funding always been put on the radar of successive solution-oriented approach Joe Biden is a frequent synergies between them to source for posterity. governments in Barbados.Yet at the end of their day to the challenge: “Whither visitor.In keeping with the awaken dormant business Including highly skilled in office one hardly sees improvements and then the CARICOM (Caribbean ideals of inclusiveness, let opportunities for the Diaspora professionals to country is back to square one when a new Community) in the post us not overlook Puerto mutual benefit of the participate in and fund this government takes over. COVID-19 dispensation?” Rico, the largest US people of the Caribbean initiative would be icing on Over the weekend this policy was announced by How can CARICOM territory by population and its Diaspora. the cake. the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Indar pivot, using its own with approximately three Step 2 – Financial Step 3 – Marketing. One Weir. One of the important things is that there is resources and talents, and million residents, and security. Mount a quick of the first objectives of a generally good buy in by the public and all stake how can we leverage the another example of a response (seed, equity, start-up enterprise is to holders in the country because they see justice in potential of multicultural, multilingual working capital) profitable establish markets for its going that route in making food production a vital USVI/CARICOM Caribbean destination. growth Fund (capitalised products and services, close policy for the nation. So Mr. Weir will get the partnerships to our mutual Here are some thoughts by investors and donors) sales and show necessary support for this venture. benefit? on the way forward. under the Trust to provide profitability. Public However, his challenge will be to make good his While there are real and Step 1 – Structure. financial security for start- relations, marketing and plans and to insist that the Ministry he heads and meaningful examples of co- Register a legal Trust up business enterprises media savvy aimed at the the support organisations in the same Ministry operation between the US between CARICOM and and Fund investors. The generation of revenue will step up to the plate in making the commitments to and the Caribbean, we are the USVI, the beneficiaries efficient performance of enable the initiative to hit the ideas outlined. in need of a reignited Third of which are the people of this growth fund would the ground running. Right now figures on imported foods are running Border Initiative to solidify the Caribbean, including facilitate (1) initial start- Step 4 – Operations. at well over $600 million and that says a lot for a ties with our neighbours, US Virgin Islanders. The up capital seamlessly Business opportunities of small country with 287 00 people and vast tracts of which include our value proposition of this rolled into equity; (2) buy- mutual interest include lands which remain idle. It seems that everything Caribbean cousins in the Trust would be to mobilise back of the Fund’s equity education, training, Barbadians want must be imported when in actual tourism, renewable energy, fact some of them can be produced right here. So let food and beverage, cricket, us do it. oil refining, yachting, eco- tourism, and culture. The further challenge is to reverse the global start-up business failure rate, estimated to be 90 per cent in the first five years, to the converse – a 90 per cent MARCH success rate. Step 5 – People development.The people of the Caribbean are multitalented. We must compile an inventory of these talents and develop them to the fullest. We should not only convert them into business opportunities but, through • Barbadians will breathe a sigh their success, inspire of relief from this morning as generations yet to come. Yesterday marked the the country comes out of the end of the celebration of lockdown called to deal with Black History month in the United States for 2021. COVID 19. The Caribbean has played an indelible role in this history,so let’s leverage the • Harvesting of this country’s creative genius of our people to act on these five 2021 sugar cane crop will or other steps – on a bilateral or multilateral commence at estates around basis – rather than the country. pontificate into oblivion. Who is ready to knock?

(Dr.Basil Springer GCM • Republic Bank Limited has is a Change-Engine announced new opening hours Consultant. His email address is basilgf@market for its branches effective from placeexcellence.com. His today March 1. columns may be found at nothingbeatsbusiness.com) Business Monday Monday March 1, 2021 • 5

IDB bulletin shows barriers to PwC survey financial access and inclusion remain finds high level of FOR years businesses and access for individuals including Barbados also report that the particularly small enterprises the level of deposits in strict know your clients and have complained about not commercial banks which stand regulatory burdens, including ambition for digital being able to secure financing at 98.5 per cent of GDP those related to anti-money to support their operations. compared to the Caribbean laundering/combating the Now the IDB in its latest average of 57.9 per cent. financing of terrorism, hinder transformation in Caribbean Quarterly Bulletin “The ratio of commercial financial transactions and is highlighting that fact, saying bank loans to GDP is also credit provision. that barriers to financial access higher in Barbados (64.6 per They recommended that Caribbean region and inclusion remain in cent) than the average for all fostering greater use of new Barbados. Caribbean countries (40.6 per and innovative financial 70% of organisations are transformation. “Despite the country cent),” the bulletin penned by technologies and revising meeting or exceeding targets on Frazer Lindsay, PwC in the enjoying high income levels said. relevant regulatory digitisation Caribbean CEO, commented: “ and performing well on many “However, some requirements to enhance From boosting workforce socio-economic indicators, impediments remain with access could help address some BARBADOS – Caribbean productivity to improving barriers to finance for respect to the ability of of the challenges. businesses have set bold customer experience, digital individuals and firms remain,” individuals to access financial “In this context, the ambitions for digitisation, transformation is now according to the report dated services, including increasingly authorities should consider but PwC’s Caribbean competitively critical for December 31, 2020. stringent-know-your client and policies and initiatives aimed Digital Readiness Survey businesses here in the Bank officials said that documentation requirements,” at further exploring and 2021 reveals a wide gap Caribbean. The findings from Barbados performs well on they said. addressing barriers to financial between organisations out our survey provide valuable indicators related to financial “Firms and banks in access and inclusion. in front and those insights into how far regional struggling to make businesses have come in their headway. digital journey, how they can Most respondents believe accelerate progress, and what that they’re meeting or they can learn from the front- exceeding targets on runners – the transcenders. integrating new technologies “The key take-away is that into business processes, and digital transformation is as products and services (42% on much about workforce target and 28% ahead). capabilities and empowerment But that leaves more than a as systems and technology.The quarter in the Caribbean region transcenders are making the who acknowledge that they are most of their investment in new behind target. Moreover, only technology by upskilling their 15% believe that their digital workforce, instilling an fitness is on a par with or ahead innovative mindset within their of the leaders in their industry organisations and encouraging (“transcenders”). their people to embrace Key findings include: experimentation and change • More than 80% of even if sometimes they fail. businesses in our survey are Across PwC in the Caribbean, focusing their digital strategy we are pleased to bring our on modernising their brand collective expertise and with new capabilities ahead of technology to help our clients doing what they’ve always done solve these challenges and fast- faster and more efficiently track digital transformation.” (62%). Arnold Niranjan, PwC East • Almost three-quarters Caribbean advisory partner (73%) of respondents believe and digital leader, commented: that use of digital technologies “Our survey shows that digital and behaviours has boosted transformation is front of mind workforce productivity. And for businesses in Barbados and over half (57%) believe it has the East Caribbean. From increased employee upskilling the workforce and satisfaction. overall operations, to providing • The survey finds well over a better customer experience by half (56%) of companies expect process automation and AI, it’s at least 30% of their employees clear 2020 brought a major shift to work remotely more than one to digital and an increased The Barbados Light and Power Company. day a week a year from now. pressure to accelerate • However, for Caribbean progress.” organisations, further He continued, “It’s Barbados Light and Power: No change to upskilling is critical. Nearly half imperative at this point that all of respondents (46%) believe businesses embrace digital to their organisation is behind in minimise the growing gap the Fuel Clause Adjustment last month training workers with skills for between a select group of THERE was no change to the took place in the economy. the country. the digital era. leaders out in front and a Fuel Clause Adjustment (FCA) The FCA is used by Light and Last January the Central They cited lack of time and trailing pack with considerable last month. power to recover the cost of the Bank of Barbados reported that budget as the top barriers to work ahead to catch up. Leaders At .23 5182 cents per fuel used in the generation of while prices eased somewhat upskilling their workforce with have to pass the rhetoric and kilowatt hour, the FCA electricity. in 2020, they were 2.0 per cent the lack of alignment/clarity on get to action. As digitisation remained similar to that of The company said it is a higher that in 2019. The 12- roles and responsibilities accelerates, this gap could grow January this year, the policy used in several electric month average of prices was relating to digital ownership and be increasingly hard to Barbados Light and Power utilities across the world. 3.5 per cent compared to 3.6 and inflexible or slow processes make up. This is particularly Company revealed in a notice. However, the current FCA per cent in 2019. as the biggest challenges to noticeable in the workforce That meant that Barbadians was above those for the period Consumers in Barbados have their overall digital where many businesses believe and more so electricity September 2020 to December been complaining repeatedly transformation. they are behind on upskilling consumers were not saddled 2020. The FCA goes up and about some hikes in retail Building on PwC’s Global employees. Digitisation is a with higher light bills, even as down reflecting the global price prices especially during the Digital IQ framework, this is game-changer with so many price gouging and higher of energy which is used largely lockdown which came to a halt the first Caribbean region study possibilities, it’s critical to charges for petroleum products to indicate price movements in yesterday. to gauge progress on digital invest in the right ones.” 6 • Monday March 1, 2021 Business Monday Never let a good crisis go to waste By Dr. Kai-Ann Skeete

FORMER British Prime Revisiting the Caricom Single Domestic Space Minister Sir Winston best negotiators and when Covid-19 caused the Churchill who led Britain ambassadors with all SRC TRADING THOUGHTS immediate cessation of through World War II is available expertise to intra-regional flights, the credited as saying “never build strong and agreed but with no follow suitcase wheels and when region saw the immediate let a good crisis go to contemporary arguments up national action. we least expect it. As a repurposing of the waste.” It is with these supporting the cause of Oftentimes it has been region, we already have Regional Security System words that I pen this multilateralism as blamed on an best practices for natural (RSS) aircraft which article to advance my integral to our existence implementation deficit disasters but we are now delivered vital supplies opinion on the way as small island states and lack of political will. in unchartered waters and and even the recent forward for the regional within the global arena. But it is in times of crisis we need to collectively vaccines to several islands integration movement in To compound the scenario, that we reflect, we conceptualize and design within the community.If it light of the virtual 32nd there is an increasing introspect and we project a regional response to has not yet been realized, Inter-Sessional Meeting of number of regional for the future. Your COVID-19 that involves within a Community you the Conference of Heads citizens disagreeing with citizens have already increasing intra-regional need to have a permanent of CARICOM the credible sources of paved the way for your agricultural trade, network of transportation Government, that would scientific evidence on the collective action. Unable increasing the resilience options to connect have taken place February efficacy of vaccines to secure a consistent of MSMEs and increase countries and deliver vital Former British Prime 23-24 2021. necessary to jumpstart livelihood outside their the number of regional supplies. Perhaps the Minister Sir Winston This regular meeting national livelihoods, so doors, several citizens accessing regional establishment of an intra- Churchill allowed the regional your government must be householders started tourism products. regional airline not driven Prime Ministers and prepared to prevent any looking inwards. They But that is not a reason by profit or laden with region in 2016, show the Presidents to further additional backlash started at home and to raise the white flag and taxes may be the answer following averages of collaborate and discuss a against science. initiated DIY projects, surrender to the to increasing intra- 25.35 in Energy, 47.37 in plethora of regional topics The impact of the global they developed pandemic. Now is to the regional movement and Human Capital, 12.73 in such as the COVID-19 pandemic on the region home/backyard gardens time to directly confront intra-regional trade ICTs, 58.43 in vaccine distribution, has severely disrupted and they reconnected with past regional inaction and especially agricultural Institutions, 45.82 in CSME Implementation, global supply chains. The their immediate arrest the deficits trade. Natural Capital, 79.14 in Regional Security, average regional neighbours and recreated plaguing the community. As we face the eventual Private Sector, 17.45 in Reparations, new US- consumer has come to that Community spirit. I Let us start with Post-COVID-19 future Structural Change and CARICOM relations and grips with the reality of propose it is time to reopening the Caribbean together, let us decide to 25.98 in Transport. It is the regional economic food insecurity nationally cascade it up and by utilizing the utilize new international most noteworthy that the recovery inclusive of where they are confronted outwards to our CARICOM Single measurements rather PCI for the Private Sector solutions to increase with empty supermarket Caribbean community. Domestic Space (CSDS). than the systemically is the highest average resilience and to redesign shelves, discontinued Evidence-based decisions The CSDS was initiated flawed GDP per capita among 11 CARICOM regional tourism. products by distributors, must now support difficult for the 9 Host Countries assessment to determine countries. This score To our Regional Prime farmers with a surplus of conversations with all in and Dominica as part of levels of development. I represents the cost of Ministers and Presidents, agricultural produce and our community as to what the International Cricket recommend the adoption exporting/importing a I say going forward, the manufacturers willing to is required and by when Council Cricket World of the UNCTAD container and lead times battle will not be easy to dump raw materials due so the Caribbean can Cup (ICC CWC) 2007. It Productive Capacities to export/import goods rebuild and revitalize your to the unavailability of a increase our individual, included security Index (PCI) which is the among other items. respective territories. The ready market. From economic, social, components such as the first comprehensive Prime Ministers and data points to the regional March 2020 to now, the infrastructural and Advance Passenger attempt to measure a Presidents, if there is one risks on the horizon such region has had to grapple environmental resilience Information System, country’s productive lesson that everyone has as prolonged economic with the transformation of to these crises. Advanced Cargo resources, entrepreneurial learnt as a result of the stagnation, livelihood transient forms of poverty After all, the COVID-19 Information System and a capabilities and COVID-19 Pandemic is crises, youth into chronic poverty and pandemic has shown us CARICOM Travel Card production linkages which that individual as well as disillusionment, the in the near future an they we do not need high with embedded together determine the national resilience erosion of social cohesion increase in cases of abject winds, long hours of biometrics.Together these capacity of a country to requires some form of and the ever-increasing poverty which may serve rainfall or severe flooding security components can produce goods and adaptability accompanied digital inequality to significantly rollback to completely devastate assist with national trade services and enable it to by the capacity to regionally. Geopolitically, our regional gains. our economies and facilitation efforts and grow and develop.The PCI innovate.Thus, now is the you have to be cognizant of Prime Ministers and decimate livelihoods. It increasing the efficiency of utilizes 8 components of time to design plans to any potential activities Presidents, over the years has shown that by the movement of goods productive capacities and increase economic growth, that could further erode of pursuing Caribbean extensively opening and people across regional its scales range from 0 to industrial policies, the base of your state and integration, several borders that viruses creep borders. 100 with 100 being the top increase innovative be prepared to arm your regional decisions were in like parasites on Looking inward again, score. PCI data for the capabilities, increase local entrepreneurship and re- insert regional products into global value chains. All in all, the future of regional economic progress lies within your grasp, now is simply time for regional action. I will conclude with the words of an old African proverb, “if you walk alone you go faster, but if you walk together, you go farther.”

(Dr. Kai-Ann Skeete is Trade Research Fellow with the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy & Services of The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. Learn more about the SRC at The virtual 32nd Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of CARICOM Government would have allowed the regional www.shridathramphal Prime Ministers and Presidents to further collaborate and discuss a plethora of regional topics. centre.com.) Business Monday Monday March 1, 2021 • 7

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline February 26, 2021 EPPLEY C’BEAN PROPERTY FUND SCC 400000 0.56 0.56 0.56 -$0.01 - VAL FUND One security declined as 400,000 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $224,000.00. Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC – Value Fund was the sole security trading 400,000 shares at $0.56 to close down one ($0.01) cent.

Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE Close Close Decline EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $19.57 $19.91 $0.34 SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Friday February 26, 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 26, 2021 February 25, 2021 Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - Local 2,437.42 2,437.73 0.31 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 593.98 594.05 0.07 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 26, 2021 February 25, 2021 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 19-Feb-21 - - - $0.16 $0.16 - - $0.16 - 4,066 Local 4,899.40 4,900.02 0.62 - Dev Fund Cross-list 119.19 119.19 - Composite 5,018.59 5,019.21 0.62 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 26-Feb-21 400000 0.56 0.56 $0.57 $0.56 -0.01 $0.55 $0.57 1,600 1000 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 400000 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 Porsche to participate in Password to join the meeting.

Emera Incorporated - Directors have fixed March 22nd, 2021 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to fund-raising of electric receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on May 20th, 2021.

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

BSE NOTICES FRANKFURT – Volkswagen yesterday. unit Porsche is participating Porsche Chief Executive COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE in a financing round of Rimac Oliver Blume said earlier Automobili that will see the this month that intense Kindly note that effective February 15th, 2021, the offices of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central electric supercar maker raise discussions on Bugatti’s Securities Depository Inc. (BCSDI) remain closed in accordance with the extension of the National Pause – February 17th, 2021 to 130 million-150 million euros future were ongoing and that February 28th, 2021 – announced by the Government of Barbados. ($157 million-$181 million), Rimac could play a role as Kindly note, however, that while our physical offices will be closed, all trading, clearing and settlement operations will remain fully its owner Mate Rimac the brands were a good operational as staff will all be working remotely during this period. While our offices are closed, we remain easily accessible via told weekly Automobilwoche. technological fit, adding that email. For Stock Exchange related queries, kindly email us at [email protected] and for Shareholder related queries contact us at The fund-raising should be a decision was expected in [email protected]. completed in two to three the first half of 2021. months and another round Rimac has developed an We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding and trust that all and sundry remain safe during this time. is planned at the end of the electric supercar platform, year, Rimac told the trade which it supplies to other TRADING SUSPENSION journal. carmakers, including Porsche owns a 15.5 per Automobili Pininfarina. The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section cent stake in Rimac “Supercars have a limited 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were Automobili and could raise market, the market for suspended effective December 10th, 2019. its stake to just below 50 per components is much bigger. cent in a deal that would also That is why we are planning The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section include the transfer of to expand our company,” 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. Volkswagen’s supercar brand Rimac told Automobilwoche. Bugatti to Rimac, That includes plans to The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by Automobilwoche said. more than double Rimac way of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor Volkswagen and Rimac Automobili’s workforce by Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisitio II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation were not immediately early 2023 to 2 500 from 1 Limited. available for comment 000 currently, he said. Barbados Advocate Never let a good crisis go to waste: Revisiting the CARICOM Single Domestic Space Page 6 IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS DO BUSINESS GREENIDGE OPTIMISTIC DR. KEVIN GREENIDGE, the showed up, ending 2020 with a decline Government’s Chief Economic of 18 per cent, Central Bank of Adviser, believes the Barbados Barbados data have shown. economy is going to rebound in Admitting that it is a tough position 2021, once the country sees the to be in, Dr. Greenidge expressed back of the COVID-19 pandemic. confidence “we can get out of this”. Discussing the progress the “In 2020, all economic sectors in the country has made under the BERT Barbados economy contracted with the (Barbados Economic Recovery and exception of agriculture... and while Transformation) programme,Dr. overall manufacturing contracted, it Greenidge said that the island’s will improve,” he maintained. economy has benefited from the The Economist said the world measures pursued under BERT. economy is expected to grow this year The overall national debt has been and that the IMF had projected global dealt with, Government’s fiscal position growth of about five per cent. has improved, and reserves have grown He admitted too that while there is to $2.6 billion from the $400 million. need for economic diversification in “So we are in a better position,” he Barbados, it should be done around reasoned. Tourism to broaden the economic base. This time last year, the economy To him, there should be more sectoral contracted three per cent but linkages and even within tourism some Government’s Chief Economic Adviser, Dr. Kevin Greenidge. deteriorated further once COVID activities can be diversified. Don’t expect too much from commercial banks: Dukharan ECONOMIST Marla Dukharan is cautioning Barbadians not to expect too much from commercial banks in terms of support during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She has said that while the banks have done a lot, they are nonetheless restricted by the regulators on the things they can do and that their first responsibility is to protect their depositors’ money. The Economist indicated that banks are required to maintain a certain level of capital. That capital, she explained, is at risk when there is less repayment coming into the institutions. While acknowledging that the banks are well capitalised – meaning they have room to do things, there is still a certain amount of things they cannot do. Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis a year ago, the banks – which are all foreign owned – have assisted their clients by granting moratoriums on loan and credit card payments in light of those clients having lost their jobs. But pressure continues to mount on them for the services to continue, with the period for the assistance having come to an end. However, Dukharan believes that businesses which make sacrifices to keep on their workers should be given some assistance. “People think banks are profitable and should be more lenient, but there are limits to what they can do,” she added. Economist, Marla Dukharan.

Printed and Published by ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC. Fontabelle, St. Michael. Telephone 467-2000, Fax 434-2020/434-1000 The Barbados Advocate Monday March 1, 2021 • 13

UN Human Rights Office says 18 killed in Myanmar crackdown YANGON, Myanmar – ammunition fired into nalist,Thein Zaw,remains Security forces in crowds in Yangon, Dawei, in police custody. Myanmar opened fire Mandalay, Myeik, Bago The Democratic Voice of and made mass arrests and Pokokku,” the UN Burma reported that as of on Sunday as they Human Rights Office said 5 p.m. in Myanmar, there sought to break up in a statement referring had been 19 confirmed protests against the to several cities, adding deaths in nine cities, with military’s seizure of that the forces also used another 10 deaths uncon- power, and a UN tear gas, flash-bang firmed. The independent human rights official grenades and stun media company broad- said it had “credible grenades. casts on satellite and dig- information” that 18 “We strongly condemn ital terrestrial television, In this image from a video, medics attend to a man in a street in Dawei, people were killed and the escalating violence as well as online. Myanmar, on Sunday. (DAKKHINA INSIGHT VIA AP) 30 were wounded. against protests in DVB counted five That would be the high- Myanmar and call on the deaths in Yangon and two driven off the streets. ies. media showed one est single-day death toll military to immediately in Mandalay, the largest Confirming the deaths The independent wounded man in the care among protesters who halt the use of force and second-largest cities. of protesters has been dif- Assistance Association of medical personnel. are demanding that the against peaceful protest- It registered five deaths ficult amid the chaos and of Political Prisoners re- Before Sunday, there elected government of ers,” its spokesperson in Dawei, a much smaller general lack of news from ported it was aware that had been eight confirmed Aung San Suu Kyi be re- Ravina Shamdasani was city in southeastern official sources, especially about 1,000 people were reports of killings linked stored to power after being quoted saying. Myanmar that has seen in areas outside Yangon, detained Sunday,of whom to the army’s take-over,ac- ousted by a Feb. 1 coup. An Associated Press tens of thousands of pro- Mandalay and the capital they were able to identify cording to the independ- About 1,000 people are journalist was taken testers nearly every day of Naypyitaw.But in many 270.That brought to 1,132 ent Assistance Association believed to have been into police custody on since the coup. Witnesses cases, photos and video the total number of peo- of Political Prisoners. detained on Sunday. Saturday morning while said Sunday’s march was circulated showed circum- ple the group has con- The Feb. 1 coup reversed “Deaths reportedly oc- providing news coverage also large and people were stances of the killings and firmed being arrested, years of slow progress curred as a result of live of the protests. The jour- determined not to be gruesome photos of bod- charged or sentenced toward democracy after since the coup. five decades of military Gunfire was reported al- rule. Suu Kyi’s National most as soon the protests League for Democracy began Sunday morning party would have been in- in Yangon, as police also stalled for a second five- fired tear gas and water year term in office, but the cannons while trying to army blocked Parliament clear the streets. Photos of from convening and de- shell casings from live am- tained her and President munition used in assault Win Myint, as well as rifles were posted on so- other top members of Suu cial media. Kyi’s government. Initial reports on social “The world is watching media identified one the actions of the young man believed to Myanmar military junta, have been killed. His body and will hold them was shown in photos and accountable,” said Phil videos lying on a sidewalk Robertson, deputy Asia di- until other protesters rector for New York-based carried him away. Human Rights Watch. In Dawei, local media “Live ammunition should reported at least three not be used to control or people were killed during disperse protests and a protest march, sup- lethal force can only be ported by photos and used to protect life or Myanmar riot police during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay. (AP PHOTO) video. Photos on social prevent serious injury.” Families wait as Nigerian security forces search for 300 abducted girls GUSAU, Nigeria – tary presence in state “bandits” with money or two 14-year-old daughters nor Bello Matawalle was Niger gave him hope, but Relatives of more than 300 capital Gusau on Sunday, vehicles. are among those taken, unhappy that someone he remained fearful of the girls abducted by gunmen with army trucks moving School kidnappings said he was praying for would “try to further hurt gunmen’s motives. from their boarding school in convoy and police check- were first carried out by their safe return and re- the victims’ parents” with On Friday, Zamfara’s in northwest Nigeria en- points on major roads. jihadist groups Boko mained hopeful. “falsehood”. governor ordered all dured an agonising wait Zamfara police have Haram and Islamic State “I will be very happy if Abubakar Isa, whose boarding schools to close for news amid rumours worked alongside the West Africa Province but I see my daughters,” the 17-year-old daughter is immediately. that they had been re- army in a search-and-res- the tactic has now been 54-year-old farmer said, among those missing, said At his home in Gusau, leased, while security cue operation since Friday. adopted by other militants his voice cracking with his hopes and those of Kagara said he was forces continued their The raid in Zamfara whose agenda is unclear. emotion, while sitting on a other parents were ini- unsure about whether search on Sunday. state was the second such On Saturday, gunmen mattress on the floor and tially lifted by the rumour. children would eventually An armed gang kid- kidnapping in little over a released 27 teenage boys gazing at pictures of the “We heard that they will return to school. napped 317 girls from the week in the northwest of who had been kidnapped two girls. be released today, so we “If there is enough secu- Government Girls Science the country,where schools from their school on Feb. Rumours circulated on gathered at the school rity, I believe people will Secondary School in the have become targets for 17 in neighbouring Niger social media on Sunday premises to receive them return their children to town of Jangebe, in mass kidnappings for ran- state. that the girls had been but it turned out to be school,” he said. “But if Zamfara state, at around som. Nigeria’s President Parents in Zamfara are released. They prompted rumours,” he told Reuters there is no security, no- 1 a.m. on Friday. Muhammadu Buhari on hopeful that they too will Zamfara state govern- by telephone. body will think of taking Two Reuters’ correspon- Friday urged state gov- receive good news. ment to issue a statement Isa said Saturday’s re- their children to school dents saw a heavy mili- ernments not to reward Balarabe Kagara, whose in which it said the gover- lease of the boys taken in again.” 14 • Monday March 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Experts concerned about Pope trip to Iraq VATICAN CITY – Easterners are known for Infectious disease ex- their hospitality, and cau- perts are expressing tioned that the enthusi- concern about Pope asm among Iraqis of wel- Francis’ upcoming trip coming a peace-maker like to Iraq, given a sharp Francis to a neglected, rise in coronavirus in- war-torn part of the world fections there, a fragile might lead to inadvertent health care system and violations of virus control the unavoidable likeli- measures. hood that Iraqis will “This could potentially crowd to see him. lead to unsafe or super- No one wants to tell spreading risks,” she said. Francis to call it off, and Dr. Bharat Pankhania, the Iraqi government has an infectious disease every interest in showing control expert at the off its relative stability University of Exeter by welcoming the first College of Medicine, con- pope to the birthplace of curred. Abraham. The March 5-8 “It’s a perfect storm for trip is expected to provide generating lots of cases a sorely-needed spiritual which you won’t be able to boost to Iraq’s beleaguered deal with,” he said. Christians while further- Organizers promise to ing the Vatican’s bridge- enforce mask mandates, building efforts with the social distancing and Muslim world. crowd limits, as well as the But from a purely epi- possibility of increased demiological standpoint, testing sites, two Iraqi as well as the public health Iraqi security forces pass by Iraq and the Vatican flags and posters announcing visit of the Pope Francis in a government officials said. message it sends, a papal street in Qaraqosh, Iraq. (AP/Photo/Hadi Mizban) The health care proto- trip to Iraq amid a global cols are “critical but can pandemic is not advisable, self-isolating. Iraqi professionals have founding director of the even response to COVID- be managed,” one govern- health experts say. In an email to The devastated the country’s Center for Science Health 19, noting that Iraq, Syria ment official told The Their concerns were re- Associated Press, the em- hospital system, while Education in the Middle and Yemen were poorly Associated Press, speaking inforced with the news on bassy said Archbishop studies show most of Iraq’s East and North Africa at placed to cope, given they on condition of anonymity. Sunday that the Vatican Mitja Leskovar’s symp- new COVID-19 infections Harvard Medical School’s are still struggling with And the Vatican has ambassador to Iraq, the toms were mild and that are the highly-contagious Dana-Farber Cancer extremist insurgencies taken its own precautions, main point person for the he was continuing to pre- variant first identified in Institute. and have 40 million people with the 84-year-old pope, trip who would have es- pare for Francis’ visit. Britain. The Iranian-born who need humanitarian his 20-member Vatican corted Francis to all his ap- Beyond his case, experts “I just don’t think it’s a Madani co-authored an aid. entourage and the 70-plus pointments, tested positive note that wars, economic good idea,” said Dr. Navid article in The Lancet last In a telephone interview, journalists on the papal for COVID-19 and was crises and an exodus of Madani, virologist and year on the region’s un- Madani said Middle plane all vaccinated. Germany to tighten COVID At least two killed in skirmish at Chad opposition candidate’s house controls at French border N’DJAMENA – At least since early Sunday morn- Chad’s representative BERLIN, Germany – within the European contagious strains of the two people were killed ing, said a Reuters wit- to the Central African Germany on Sunday de- Union open. coronavirus, especially after security forces went ness. Economic and Monetary clared France’s COVID- At those crossings, those first detected in to arrest Chad’s opposi- Internet monitor Community (CEMAC). battered Moselle region a only Germans and non- Britain and South Africa. tion candidate Yaya Dillo NetBlocks said Internet He is one of 16 people high-risk area for virus German residents are al- The coronavirus, in- at his home on Sunday disruption in the central who have announced they variants, prompting lowed to enter, as well as cluding the more danger- morning, Dillo and the African country was will run against Deby in tougher entry rules for lorry drivers and cross- ous South African vari- government said. ongoing. Real-time data April’s election. visitors at the border. border commuters work- ant, is spreading faster in Dillo, who plans to run showed national connec- Deby, who has been in France’s eastern ing in certain categories Moselle than elsewhere against President Idriss tivity was down to 60% of power since 1990, pushed Moselle region is now of jobs. in France but French offi- Deby in a presidential ordinary levels since 9:30 through a new constitu- classed as an area “at par- Every vehicle is cials have pleaded with election in April, told am local time (0830 GMT). tion in 2018 that rein- ticularly high risk of in- stopped and occupants Berlin to avoid a full clo- Reuters he was attacked Dillo said his gate was stated term limits but fection due to widespread must produce a negative sure of the border. at home by members of crushed by an armoured could let him stay in occurrence of SARS-CoV- test that is less than 48 The German classifica- the presidential guard vehicle and his house has power until 2033. 2 virus variants”, hours old. tion “normally implies the and that five family mem- been surrounded by gov- Hundreds took to the Germany’s Robert Koch The checks on the extremely strict measure bers were killed, including ernment forces since the streets earlier this month Institute for disease con- German side of the of a quasi-closure of bor- his mother. incident. to protest his candidacy in trol announced. Moselle crossing are ex- ders”, France’s Europe The government said in Videos shared on the upcoming election. From Tuesday, trav- pected to be less strict, a Minister Clement a statement that security Twitter showed a Chadian Deby has faced strikes ellers from Moselle German interior ministry Beaune said on Sunday. forces went to Dillo’s home military tank moving on and protests in recent – which lies next to spokesman told AFP. “We don’t want that,” to arrest him after he re- a house, while a crowd years over economic woes Germany’s Saarland and Instead of systematic he said, adding that talks fused to respond to two ju- pelted it with objects. caused by low oil prices Rhineland-Palatinate checks, police would ran- were ongoing with Berlin dicial mandates and were Another video showed and armed rebellions in states – will need to be domly stop vehicles on to find solutions for the met with armed resist- several similar armoured the north, but has drawn able to show a fresh neg- the German side and ask 16,000 commuters who ance. It did not say what vehicles lining a street. on his effective control of ative coronavirus test. drivers to show “a nega- travel between Moselle the mandates were con- Reuters has not verified state media and institu- Germany has already tive test and their online and Germany every day cerning. the videos. tions to maintain political introduced tough checks entry registration”, he for work. Two people were killed Dillo is a formal rebel dominance. at its land borders with said. The German interior and five wounded in the leader who fought against Chad is a key ally of the Czech Republic and Germany has grown in- ministry spokesman said ensuing fight, including Deby in 2006 before join- Western nations in the Austria’s Tyrol region, creasingly concerned in the two neighbours would three policemen, it said. ing his government and fight against Islamist mil- ignoring calls from recent weeks about the discuss details of the bor- Internet has been cut in becoming a minister.More itants in West and Central Brussels to keep frontiers rapid spread of new, more der implications today. the capital N’Djamena recently, he served as Africa. The Barbados Advocate Monday March 1, 2021 • 15

Israel approves plan to Kremlin critic Navalny moved to penal vaccinate West Bank laborers colony outside Moscow ISRAEL on Sunday “maintain public health with the Palestinian being of the Palestinians. announced plans to and the functioning of the Authority to protect front- Israel says that under to serve jail term vaccinate tens of thou- economy,” said COGAT, line medical workers in interim peace accords of sands of Palestinians the Israeli defense the West Bank. the 1990s, it has no such POKROV, Russia – vere. who work inside Israel body responsible for The Israeli program responsibility. Israel has Kremlin critic Alexei “In short, it’s a bad and its West Bank Palestinian civilian af- should provide some relief immunized its own Arab Navalny has been trans- colony,” Ruslan Vakhapov settlements, at a time fairs. It said the program to the Palestinians, who population, including ferred to a penal colony told Reuters by phone. of vast disparities in is expected to begin in the have obtained just a few Palestinians who live in outside Moscow to serve Many prisoners co- access to vaccines be- coming days. thousand vaccines on Israeli-annexed east his prison sentence, a operate with the colony tween the Israeli and It said the vaccines their own and were forced Jerusalem. public commission said administration and help Palestinian popula- would be administered by over the weekend to im- Netanyahu came under on Sunday,weeks after he them to control other in- tions. Israeli medical teams at pose a new lockdown to criticism last week when returned to Russia after mates closely, abusing Israel has launched one various checkpoints and control the latest coron- he announced that he was being poisoned. them if they violate a of the world’s most suc- industrial zones across the avirus outbreak in the sharing small quantities Navalny’s whereabouts strict daily schedule, cessful vaccination pro- West Bank. West Bank. Some 110,000 of surplus vaccines with had been unknown since Vakhapov said. grams, inoculating over Prime Minister West Bank Palestinians diplomatic allies. An Thursday when his allies “If there is a need to half of its population in Benjamin Netanyahu has have permits to work in- Israeli TV station said learned that he was prevent Navalny from just two months. But it moved aggressively to vac- side Israel or in the settle- the countries included transferred out of one of communicating with oth- has come under interna- cinate Israel’s population, ments. Honduras, Guatemala, Moscow’s most infamous ers, nobody would talk to tional criticism for not securing deals with The gap between Israel Chad and Mauritania. jails to an undisclosed lo- him,” the activist said. sharing its vaccine stock- drug makers Pfizer and and the Palestinians has US Sen. Bernie Sanders cation. “(If anything happens), pile with the Palestinians Moderna to ensure illustrated the global in- said it was “outrageous Navalny, 44, was ar- he wouldn’t be able to ask in the occupied West Bank enough supplies for equity between rich and that Netanyahu would rested on his return from for help until his lawyer and Gaza Strip, even as it Israel’s 9.3 million people. poor nations in terms of use spare vaccines to Germany last month and arrives,” he added. plans to share surplus He expects to have the access to vaccines. reward his foreign has been sentenced to A duty officer who took vaccines with far-flung al- vast majority of the adult UN officials and human allies while so many more than 2-1/2 years for a call at the prison de- lies in Africa, Europe and population vaccinated by rights groups have ex- Palestinians in the occu- parole violations that he clined to answer ques- Latin America. the end of March. pressed concerns over the pied territories are still said were trumped up. tions about Navalny. The Israeli government But before Sunday’s an- disparity, saying Israel is waiting”. The plan was He has been trans- Navalny will be quar- approved the program for nouncement, Israel has an occupying power that later frozen due to legal ferred to a penal colony antined as a precaution Palestinian workers to shared just 2,000 vaccines is responsible for the well- questions in Israel. in the Vladimir region, against the spread of the Moscow Public coronavirus before join- Monitoring Commission ing other prisoners in the Cuomo backs down on plan that defends the rights of colony, the monitoring prisoners and has access commission said, accord- to pick lawyer to review his to people in custody, said ing to the RIA news on its website. agency. alleged sexual misconduct The state news agency Earlier on Sunday a TASS specified that Navalny ally, Leonid NEW YORK Governor tion of a lack of independ- Navalny will serve his Volkov, called on Twitter Andrew Cuomo’s office ence or inference of poli- term in penal colony for authorities to provide backed down on its plan tics.” number 2 in the town of official information about to choose an investigator It said it had asked the Pokrov,about 100 km (60 his whereabouts and ac- to review sexual harass- Attorney General of New miles) east of Moscow. cess to him by his ment allegations against York State and the Chief Reuters pictures lawyers. him, saying on Sunday it Judge of the Court of showed metallic grey Navalny, President had instead asked the Appeals to jointly select buildings behind a grey Vladimir Putin’s most state’s attorney general an independent lawyer fence and barbed wire prominent critic, suffered and an appeals court without political affilia- inside the colony, as well a near-fatal poisoning in judge to pick a lawyer to tion to conduct a thorough as the gold domes of a Siberia in August with conduct an independent review and issue a public church. A guard at the what many Western na- review. report. gate asked reporters to tions said was a nerve Cuomo, one of the na- “All members of the keep a distance of at least agent. Navalny accuses tion’s most well-known Governor’s office will 100 metres (yards) if they Putin of ordering his at- Democratic politicians co-operate fully. We will wanted to film it. tempted murder. whose popularity soared have no further comment Ruslan Vakhapov, a Putin has dismissed during the early months until the report is issued,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks during local activist of the pris- that, alleging Navalny is of the pandemic, has faced special counsel to Cuomo a news conference at a vaccination site in the oners’ rights group Jailed part of a US-backed dirty a string of controversies Beth Garvey said in a Brooklyn borough of New York, US, on February 22, Russia, described condi- tricks campaign to dis- in recent weeks including statement. 2021. tions as particularly se- credit him. how his administration handled high numbers of COVID-19 deaths in the state’s nursing homes. Norway’s capital tightens lockdown to fight faster virus spread Cuomo’s administra- OSLO – Norway’s capital On Friday, Oslo regis- and non-essential shops, except for kids, Johansen and nearly 150,000 have tion said it wanted the Oslo will tighten lockdown tered a daily record of 245 except groceries, pharma- said. received two doses, ac- probe to be done “in a measures to combat a new coronavirus infec- cies and liquor stores, The city also planned cording to data from the manner beyond reproach” sharp rise in coronavirus tions. will have to close from to start mass testing at Norwegian Institute of after two former aides infections linked to a more “We have to tighten Tuesday, while the “red” schools later in March Public Health. came forward in recent contagious variant, the the measures,” Raymond level is imposed at upper to better track the virus Norway’s 14-day cumu- days to make accusations city’s governing mayor Johansen, the governing secondary schools, mean- spread. lative number of COVID- of sexual misconduct by said on Sunday. mayor of Oslo, told a news ing that students, who Oslo has already closed 19 cases per 100,000 the governor, which he The variant, which was conference. were fully back at school, shopping centres due to inhabitants was at 70 in has denied. first identified in Britain, The infection numbers will now do some online the spread of the more the week ending Feb. 21, It said that on Saturday started spreading in Oslo rose due to increased mo- learning. contagious variant in the third-lowest in Europe it had selected a former in January and now ac- bility, faster virus spread, All organised outdoor January. behind Iceland and federal judge, Barbara counts for 50-70% of infec- as well as more testing,he leisure activities for As of Feb. 25, the nation Liechtenstein, data from Jones, to lead the investi- tions, the Norwegian added. adults, as well as private of 5.4 million has vacci- the European Centre for gation, but wanted now to Institute of Public Health In Oslo, all restaurants, gatherings and home nated close to 320,000 Disease Prevention and avoid “even the percep- (FHI) said on Saturday. except take-away services, visits should be avoided, people with a first dose, Control showed. 16 • Monday March 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

TikTok agrees legal payout Judge approves $650 million over facial recognition Facebook privacy TIKTOK has agreed to pay $92m (£66m) to settle a lawsuit accusing it of misusing lawsuit settlement artificial intelligence to SAN FRANCISCO – A ruling is appealed. track and store users’ federal judge on Friday “We are pleased to have data. approved a $650 million reached a settlement so we A group challenge settlement of a privacy can move past this matter, alleged it breached laws by lawsuit against Facebook which is in the best using software to recognise for allegedly using photo interest of our community facial features in user face-tagging and other and our shareholders,” videos and algorithms to biometric data without the Facebook, which is identify age, gender and permission of its users. headquartered in the San ethnicity. US District Judge Francisco Bay Area, said It also alleged that user James Donato approved in a statement. data was sent to China. the deal in a class-action The lawsuit accused the TikTok denied any lawsuit that was filed in social media giant of wrongdoing but said it Illlinois in 2015. Nearly 1.6 violating an Illinois wanted to avoid a court million Facebook users in privacy law by failing to case. TikTok has faced previous allegations about its use of customer data. Illinois who submitted get consent before using The case alleged that claims will be affected. facial-recognition facial-recognition data the money will be divided ProPrivacy said; “That ByteDance has faced Donato called it one of technology to scan photos collected by TikTok was up among US-based TikTok has opted to pay similar claims before and the largest settlements uploaded by users to used to track and profile TikTok users.The case was such a massive settlement in 2019 settled another ever for a privacy violation. create and store faces users for the purpose of ad heard in Illinois, which has in this privacy case case about violating the “It will put at least $345 digitally. targeting, among other strict laws around the use suggests it knows it would privacy of its young users. into the hands of every The state’s Biometric things. of biometrics. not win. However, it has class member interested in Information Privacy Act TikTok said in a The firm has also agreed “It is obvious that TikTok strenuously denied that it being compensated,” he allowed consumers to sue statement: “While we to state in its privacy policy has the money to fight the sends any US data to wrote, calling it “a major companies that didn’t get disagree with the whether the apps collect case and yet it is choosing China - one of the win for consumers in the permission before assertions, rather than go users’ biometric to pay a huge sum in order allegations from the hotly contested area of harvesting data such as through lengthy litigation, information or GPS data, to make the case go away. former Trump digital privacy.” faces and fingerprints. we’d like to focus our as well as whether it stores The app’s Chinese owner, administration when it Jay Edelson, a Chicago The case eventually efforts on building a safe or transmits user data ByteDance, obviously feels sought to ban TikTok in attorney who filed the wound up as a class-action and joyful experience for outside the US. it is better off cutting its the US over security lawsuit, told the Chicago lawsuit in California. the TikTok community.” Ray Walsh, a digital- losses... than gaining more concerns. Tribune that the checks Facebook has since If the settlement is privacy expert at virtual bad press further down the That move is currently could be in the mail within changed its photo-tagging agreed by a federal judge, private network provider line.” in abeyance. two months unless the system. Russia launches satellite to monitor climate in Arctic MOSCOW – Russia continuously observed by launched its space satellites that orbit above satellite Arktika-M the Earth’s equator, yesterday on a mission Roscosmos said. to monitor the climate The satellite will also be and environment in able to retransmit the Arctic amid a push distress signals from by the Kremlin to ships, aircraft or people in expand the country’s remote areas as part of activities in the region. the international Cospas- The Arctic has warmed Sarsat satellite-based more than twice as fast as search and rescue the global average over programme, Roscosmos the last three decades and said. Moscow is seeking to “As more activity takes develop the energy-rich place in the Arctic and as region, investing in the it moves into higher Northern Sea Route for latitudes, improving shipping across its long weather and ice northern flank as ice forecasting abilities is melts. crucial,” said Mia The satellite Bennett, a geographer at successfully reached its the University of Hong intended orbit after being Kong. launched from “There is also an Kazakhstan’s Baikonur element of data cosmodrome by a Soyuz nationalism that is rocket, Dmitry Rogozin, feeding into all this. the head of Russia’s Countries, especially Roscosmos space agency, those that see themselves said in a post on Twitter. Russia's Arktika-M spacecraft for monitoring climate and environment in the Arctic region, during lift-off as space powers, want to plans to send up a from the launchpad in Kazakhstan on February 28. be able to rely on their second satellite in 2023 own satellites and data to and, combined, the two surface of the Earth, orbit that passes high lengthy periods before it satellite will be able to inform their activities, will offer round-the-clock, Roscosmos said. over northern latitudes loops back down under monitor and take images whether commercial or all-weather monitoring of The Arktika-M will allowing it to monitor Earth. every 15-30 minutes of military in nature,” she the Arctic Ocean and the have a highly elliptical northern regions for At the right orbit, the the Arctic, which can’t be said. The Barbados Advocate Monday March 1, 2021 • 17

Archaeologists uncover ancient ceremonial carriage near Pompeii ROME – Archaeologists have unearthed a unique ancient-Roman ceremonial carriage from a villa just outside Pompeii, the city buried in a volcanic eruption in 79 AD. The almost perfectly preserved four- wheeled carriage made of iron, bronze and tin was found near the stables of an ancient villa at Civita Giuliana, around 700 metres (yards) north of the walls of ancient Pompeii. Massimo Osanna, the outgoing director of the Pompeii archaeological site, said the carriage was the first of its A photo handout by the archaeological park of Pompeii shows a detail of a large Roman four-wheeled ceremonial chariot kind discovered in the area, which had after it was discovered near The archaeological park in Pompeii. so far yielded functional vehicles used for transport and work, but not for The culture ministry called it “a many atomic bombs. its discoveries and it will do so for many ceremonies. unique find, without any precedent in About two-thirds of the 66-hectare years, with 20 hectares still to be dug “This is an extraordinary discovery Italy”. (165-acre) ancient town has been up,” said Culture Minister Dario that advances our understanding of the Pompeii, 23 km (14 miles) southeast of uncovered. The ruins were not Franceschini. ancient world,” Osanna said, adding that Naples, was home to about 13 000 discovered until the 16th century and A rare documentation of Greco-Roman the carriage would have “accompanied people when it was buried under ash, organised excavations began in about life, Pompeii is one of Italy’s most festive moments for the community, pumice pebbles and dust as it endured 1750. popular attractions and a UNESCO (such as) parades and processions”. the force of an eruption equivalent to “Pompeii continues to amaze us with World Heritage Site. Amazon rainforest plots sold via Facebook Marketplace ads PARTS of Brazil’s Amazon Brazil’s cattle ranching industry. tell you that at one time or another high-profile politicians were helping rainforest are being illegally sold Deforestation in the Brazilian they are not walking around.” them set up meetings with government on Facebook, the BBC has Amazon is at a ten-year high, and The BBC showed the Facebook ad to agencies in the capital Brasília. discovered. Facebook’s Marketplace has become a community leader Bitaté Uru Eu Wau They said their main ally was The protected areas include national go-to site for sellers like Fabricio Wau. congressman Colonel Chrisóstomo, a forests and land reserved for Guimarães, who was filmed by a hidden He said the lot was in an area used member of the Social Liberal Party, indigenous peoples. camera. by his community to hunt, fish and which Bolsonaro used to be a member Some of the plots listed via “There’s no risk of an inspection by collect fruits. of until he founded his own party in Facebook’s classified ads service are as state agents here,” he said as he walked “This is a lack of respect,” he said. 2019. large as 1 000 football pitches. through a patch of rainforest he had “I don’t know these people. I think When contacted by the BBC, Colonel Facebook said it was “ready to work burnt to the ground. their objective is to deforest the Chrisóstomo acknowledged having with local authorities”, but indicated it With the land illegally cleared and indigenous land, to deforest what is helped arrange meetings, but said he would not take independent action of ready for farming, he had tripled his standing. To deforest our lives, you did not know the group was involved in its own to halt the trade. initial asking price to $35 000 (£25 could say.” land invasions. “Our commerce policies require 000). He said the authorities should “They didn’t tell me,” he said. “If they buyers and sellers to comply with laws Fabricio is not a farmer. He has intervene, and also urged Facebook – invaded [the land], they don’t have my and regulations,” the Californian tech steady middle-class job in a city, and “the most accessed social media support anymore.” firm added. views the rainforest as being an platform” – to take action of its own. When asked if he regretted setting up The leader of one of the indigenous investment opportunity. Another factor driving the illegal the meetings, he said: “No.” communities affected has urged the The BBC later contacted Fabricio for land market is the expectation of The BBC contacted Alves for his tech firm to do more. his response to its investigation but he amnesty. response but he declined to comment. And campaigners have claimed the declined to comment. Alves revealed he was working with The BBC also approached Brazil’s country’s government is unwilling to Many of the ads came from Rondônia, others to lobby politicians to help them Minister of the Environment, Ricardo halt the sales. the most deforested state in Brazil’s legally own stolen land. Salles. “The land invaders feel very rainforest region. “I’ll tell you the truth: if this is not He said: “President Jair Bolsonaro’s empowered to the point that they are The BBC arranged meetings between solved with [President] Bolsonaro government has always made it clear not ashamed of going on Facebook to four sellers from the state and an there, it won’t be solved anymore,” he that his is a zero-tolerance government make illegal land deals,” said Ivaneide undercover operative posing as a said of the current government. for any crime, including environmental Bandeira, head of environmental NGO lawyer claiming to represent wealthy A common strategy is to deforest the ones.” Kanindé. investors. land and then plead with politicians to The government has cut the Anyone can find the illegally invaded One man, called Alvim Souza Alves, abolish its protected status, on the inspections budget for Ibama, the plots by typing the Portuguese was trying to sell a plot inside the Uru basis it no longer serves its original federal agency that in charge of equivalents for search terms like Eu Wau Wau indigenous reserve for purpose. regulating deforestation, by 40 per cent. “forest”, “native jungle” and “timber” about £16 400 in local currency. The land grabbers can then officially However, Salles said the coronavirus into Facebook Marketplace’s search It is the home to a community of buy the plots from the government, pandemic had hampered law tool, and picking one of the Amazonian more than 200 Uru Eu Wau Wau thereby legalising their claims. enforcement in the Amazon, and that states as the location. people. And at least five further groups Alves took the BBC’s undercover state governments also bore Some of the listings feature satellite that have had no contact with the reporter to meet a man he described as responsibility for the deforestation. images and GPS co-ordinates. outside world also live there, according the leader of the Curupira Association. “This year the government has Many of the sellers openly admit they to the Brazilian government. Brazil’s federal police have described created operation Verde Brasil 2, which do not have a land title, the only However, at the meeting, Alves the group as being an illegal land- seeks to control illegal deforestation, document which proves ownership of claimed: “There are no Indians [sic] grabbing operation focused on invading illegal fires, and to join efforts between land under Brazilian law. there. From where my land is, they are indigenous territory. the federal government and the states,” The illegal activity is being fuelled by 50km [31 miles] away. I am not going to The two men told the reporter that he added. 18 • Monday March 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Johnny Briggs, with children (left to right) Mark, Stephanie, and Michael after collecting an MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Coronation Street star Johnny Briggs dies aged 85 ACTOR JOHNNY BRIGGS, ratings hit for the show. impeccable, always good, and I was who played Mike Baldwin in Coronation Street colleagues so fortunate to have worked with Coronation Street for 30 years, have paid tribute to Briggs calling him for so many years,” he said. has died aged 85. him a “wonderful actor” and Sue Nicholls, who plays Audrey His family said he died peacefully describing Mike Baldwin as “one of Roberts, said he was “a great after “a long illness, with family by the most iconic characters the friend” and was “always fun to be his side” and asked for privacy to Street has ever known”. around”. “remember the wonderful times we William Roache, who played “He played the part of Mike had”. Baldwin’s long-term rival Ken Baldwin so well that, despite all Briggs was made an MBE in the Barlow, said Briggs was a “strong Mike’s ducking and diving, you New Year’s Honours in 2007, the character who will be greatly were always on his side,” she said. year after his character left the ITV missed”. Helen Worth, who plays Gail soap. Baldwin’s affair with Deidre “Mike Baldwin and Ken Barlow Platt on the cobbles, said he was Barlow and his feud with her were arch enemies for many years, “one of the Street’s most husband, Ken, were a long-running but as an actor, Johnny was memorable characters”. Bridge The Barbados Advocate Monday March 1, 2021 • 19 SPORTSSPORTS Test captain Jason Holder always part of short format set up WEST INDIES Test captain Jason different formats and they chose to them bring on the field. “how we can limit their batsmen and how Holder has always been in the set up for prioritize the Test match for the Test It means they have been doing much we can assess the game as soon as the limited overs version of the game. captain. something that has interested us in the possible,” said Simmons, as in the short This was the assertion from coach of Holder has appeared on the squad for format that they have been chosen for format of the games there are batsmen the West Indies Phil Simmons who spoke all three formats of the game with his all said the coach. who can hit the ball right down the order. to the media during a virtual press round ability in the game. However though there are three T20 With a long summer of home tours conference yesterday. Also included are some new faces and games scheduled Simmons said that they ahead, Simmons said that they will look Simmons pointed out that his Simmons said he is excited not only don’t have plans to rotate the team in at each series as it comes as everyone exclusion last year during the tours for about the bowling aspect of the two order to see everyone as their priority is knows that though there is a goal in mine England and New Zealand was because additions in Akeal Hosein and Kevin also to win the series. there is also a process in order to reach of the short turn around from the Sinclair but also the energy he has seen The key to winning the series will be it. (CG) Road to the World Cup starts now By Corey Greaves for the World Cup later this year, pace and shown he can still bowl around Simmons said this will be the start so 90 mph with control at any stage of the COACH of the West Indies cricket they can see how the makeup of the final game. team Phil Simmons is looking to championship team will be. Simmons said he is part of the build a team for the T20 World Cup Simmons said that the goal is to selection panel and he totally agrees and believes the process begins identify who will bat at the top of the with the fitness stance by the Cricket from now. order or middle as well as identifying as West Indies (CWI). Simmons was speaking during a soon as possible who will bowl the new He said with the standard of fitness virtual press conference yesterday about ball and who will bowl at the depth. set for now it ensures that a certain the upcoming home series against Sri “It starts form now so when we play standard of professionalism can be Lanka to be played in Antigua. Australia in July we know.” maintained. However he noted that The shortest version of the game will Despite some of the batsmen chosen though this is the minimum standard it get things going from March 3rd and maybe seen as opening batsmen, will be moved up and moved up until there has been the recall of two of the Simmons pointed out that “when we get they get to the stage where they are region’s senior veterans of the game to the game there is no set position they unbelievable. Chris Gayle and Fidel Edwards. got to do what they have to do for the Though fitness is one aspect of the Simmons acknowledged that both team whenever they are asked to do it.” improvement for the players Simmons players will boost the team as they have He even laughed and said that one said that the coaching staff is there to been in form during recent competitions may even see Gayle coming in at facilitate the players improvement as Coach of the West Indies cricket for various franchises despite their age. number six when the spinners come on. they work on weaknesses and strengths team Phil Simmons With the ultimate goal to build a team Edwards has maintained his rapid and even nutrition. Simmons’ hundred propels Red Force to title ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Ace opener Lendl that we are the best team in the By then, Red Force were in full control Simmons blazed an imperious hundred as Caribbean this year.” at 221 for two and a string of solid part- a dominant Trinidad and Tobago Red Jaguars captain Leon Johnson, mean- nerships then propelled them past the Force stormed to their first domestic 50- while, lamented his side’s efforts. 300-run mark. overs title in five years by crushing “We weren’t on our A game today,” he Simmons, who reached three figures in Guyana Jaguars by 152 runs in a lop- said. “I thought Red Force were better the 37th over to register his seventh List sided final of the Regional Super50 Cup than us. I think the execution of our shots A hundred, posted 67 with Pooran for the Saturday night. in the power-play really cost us.” third wicket and a further 21 for the Behind Simmons’ pulsating career-best Jaguars had earlier found themselves fourth with captain Kieron Pollard (23), 146 off 145 balls, Red Force piled up a completely deflated after the 36-year-old before eventually perishing in the 45th massive 362 for five off their 50 overs – Simmons took centre stage with his sec- over, lifting Shepherd to Shimron the fifth highest total in Super50 history ond hundred of the campaign and the Hetmyer running back at mid off. – after being asked to bat first for the highest score in a Super50 final. Pollard and Denesh Ramdin, with an first time in the tournament at Coolidge He smashed 15 fours and seven sixes, 18-ball unbeaten 27, then added 48 for the Cricket Ground. inspiring several partnerships as Red fifth wicket to further punish Jaguars. Veteran fast bowler Ravi Rampaul (4- Force took advantage of wayward Jaguars Facing a steep required run rate of 7.26, 52) and his teenaged counterpart, Jayden bowling. Jaguars quickly crumbled under the Seales (3-40), then dismantled the His opening partner Evin Lewis scoreboard pressure. Jaguars top order to send the innings stroked 57 off 53 deliveries while left- Tevin Imlach played around a full crashing to 55 for six at the end of the hander Darren Bravo hit 47 off 52 balls length delivery from fast bowler Anderson Red Force opener Lendl Simmons 10th over. and Nicholas Pooran, another left-han- Phillip (2-40) and was lbw for five in the celebrates his century on the way to With defeat all but certain, all-rounder der, a 15-ball 39. third over with the score on 17. his career-best 146. Raymon Reifer top-scored with an un- Fast bowler Romario Shepherd finished Left-hander Hetmyer, fresh off a hun- beaten 97 off 112 deliveries, inspiring de- with two for 105 but lacked discipline, dred in last Thursday’s semi-final, arrived ball of the next over from Seales and was fiant lower order resistance before he was and leaked runs throughout his 10-over at the crease with the weight of the run caught by Phillip on the ropes at deep left stranded short of a well-deserved hun- spell. chase on his shoulders and briefly raised backward square for 14 and seven balls dred, as Jaguars collapsed to 210 all out Red Force’s start was typically flam- hopes of another special innings. later Johnson steered Rampaul to Phillip in the 44th over. The result gave Red boyant as Simmons and Lewis put on 121 In the next over from Phillip, the fifth at gully to perish without scoring. Force the distinction of playing unbeaten for the first wicket in quick time, to deny of the innings, Hetmyer punished the 24- Chris Barnwell was caught at deep in the tournament while for Jaguars, the Jaguars any early success. year-old, belting three fours and an upper mid-wicket by Mohammed for five, top- defeat saw them extend their 16-year Left-hander Lewis, who struck three cut for six, to race to 20 off 12 balls. edging a pull at Seales in the ninth before drought without a domestic 50-overs title. fours and four sixes, was the first to fall But three balls later in the next over Shepherd (4) missed a forward defensive “Winning is the only thing,” an em- when he holed out to long off off left-arm from Rampaul, Hetmyer slashed impul- prod and had his off-stump pegged back phatic Red Force skipper Kieron Pollard spinner Gudakesh Motie in the 20th over sively at a wide delivery and edged a by Rampaul at the end of the 10th over. said afterwards. but Bravo joined Simmons to add a fur- straightforward catch to wicketkeeper Reifer, who counted seven fours and “No matter what, every time I get the ther 100 for the second wicket. Ramdin at 40 for two. three sixes, then put on 39 for the seventh opportunity to step on the cricket field, Bravo hit three fours and two sixes and His dismissal triggered a slide that saw wicket with Kevin Sinclair (19), 38 for you want to do well as an individual and appeared set for his half-century when he five wickets tumble for 15 runs in the the eighth wicket with Veerasammy a team and you want to win. slashed a wide ball from left-arm seamer space of 28 balls, and erase any chance Permaul (13) and 71 with Motie (28) for “I thank God for giving us the opportu- Reifer for Shepherd to take a diving catch Jaguars had of victory. the ninth but those partnerships only de- nity to come out here and actually prove at short third man in the 39th over. Chandrapaul Hemraj pulled the first layed the inevitable. 20 • Monday March 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE

Inchcape, St. Philip Bale inspires Land 4355 sq ft $ 96,000 Belle, St. George Spurs to win Land 4 acres $400,000

TEL 572-1452 Haggatt Hall, St. Michael Land 6336 sq ft over Burnley Cel: 253-6319 $126,000 828-4800 GARETH BALE scored he had got in between the Email: Cane Garden, St. Thomas twice and made Burnley central defenders caribbeanpropertiesltd another as Tottenham and steered Son’s low @gmail.com Land 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft Private entrance. 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Trainer ‘to co-operate’ with social media image investigation

LEADING Irish confirm how this shocking racehorse trainer picture originated,” said a Gordon Elliott says he BHA spokesperson. will help an inquiry “Respect for horses is a into a disputed fundamental value of our photograph of him sport, contrary to shared on social media. the impression in this The image, which some picture. believe has been digitally “The IHRB have altered, appears to show assured us that the the 43-year-old sitting on investigation will be a dead horse. carried out as quickly as Elliott is a highly possible and that they will successful trainer who has keep us informed as more won the Grand National information becomes three times, including available.” twice with Tiger Roll. Elliott is preparing a “I’m aware of a photo in strong squad of runners, circulation on social including Envoi Allen and media,” the trainer posted Zanahiyr,for next month’s on Twitter. Cheltenham Festival, “The IHRB (Irish where he has had 32 Horseracing Regulatory winners. Board) have been in Tiger Roll is expected to contact with me regarding run in the Cross-Country this photo and I will be co- Chase at Cheltenham operating fully with their before seeking a record- investigation.” Gordon Elliott has trained more than 140 winners this season and is second to Willie Mullins in the Irish equalling third National The image appears to trainers’ championship. triumph at Aintree on show Elliott making a April 10. peace gesture while some on social media. social media and the An IHRB spokesman Authority (BHA) is aware Elliott won the sitting on a dead horse He issued his statement matter is under said yesterday: “The of the image and officials Cheltenham Gold Cup in lying on its side. It has the late on Saturday night investigation". investigation is ongoing are in contact with their 2016 with Don Cossack, caption “new work rider", after the IHRB said Elliott, who is based in and will be dealt with as Irish counterparts. owned by Ryanair boss although it has been earlier that it was “aware County Meath, has been quickly as possible.” “We hope the Irish Michael O’Leary’s described as a fake by of an image circulating on approached for comment. The British Horseracing authorities will quickly Gigginstown House Stud. 22 • Monday March 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez will fight Billy Joe Saunders in May SAUL ‘Canelo’ Alvarez Saunders boasts an beat Avni Yildirim to set unbeaten record, having up a world title won all 30 professional unification fight with fights, with 11 knockouts. Britain’s Billy Joe The IBF belt is held by Saunders on May 8. American Caleb Plant (21- Mexico’s Alvarez cruised 0), but victory for Canelo past Turkish challenger will move him one step Yildirim to retain his WBC closer in his bid to become and WBA titles on the first undisputed super- Saturday, before promoter middleweight champion in Eddie Hearn confirmed the boxing history. forthcoming bout with “No-one has done it,” Saunders. Alvarez said. “I want to The Briton’s WBO title make history. No-one has will also be on the line done it at 168 [pounds].” when the pair meet. Following the The venue for the fight announcement of the fight, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez retained his world titles by comfortably beating Avni Yildirim on Saturday. has yet to be decided. Saunders said he was Alvarez, 30, is a four- “ready to rock and roll”. one with the footwork, round after being knocked “I needed a knockout and Fighting in his first bout division world champion “You have to dare to be know-how, skillset, down by the Mexican in that’s what I did. It doesn’t since beating Britain’s who now boasts a record of great and you are not going mindset and brain to the third at Miami’s Hard matter if they’re taller, if Callum Smith in 55 wins, one defeat and two to be a great if you don’t unlock that door in Rock Stadium. they’ve got more reach, or December, Alvarez draws, including 37 beat the greats,” said Canelo.” “I wanted to have a great they’ve got a good trainer. dominated and floored his knockouts. Saunders. Yildirim retired before fight and I did what I had “I came to do my job, I opponent with a crisp left- Meanwhile, 31-year-old “I believe I am the only the start of the fourth to do,” said Alvarez. came here to win.” right combination. The Barbados Advocate Monday March 1, 2021 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES: Get into the social flow to stimulate your intellectual N juices. Wide-ranging conversations with friends will benefit D you, as will fresh concepts from people you cross paths with over the week. Talking with new friends or people in C your group networks will open up potential new directions. O This is a perfect time to work out any misunderstandings or N glitches with buddies. S TAURUS: Career mentions, moves, and meetups are all possible this week, so schedule in time to share your ideas. Brainstorming with colleagues and discussion with superiors or mentors is more likely to pay off than keeping ideas entirely to yourself. It’s full steam ahead, so take practical steps on a side hustle or any other way you can channel your drive to benefit your finances. Z GEMINI: This is an active month for you – the perfect time I to push your needle forward. Assert your personality, strike out in new directions and take the lead. Stand up for yourself T and let out any excess steam through a brisk walk, run, or S cycle. State your case, pitch for your passions, and don’t wait for invitations; make them.

CANCER: Dedicate time to draw your energy inward over the next month or two. Refuel with aromatic baths, scent- infused meditation, or restful R & R cuddling up under a cozy blanket on the couch. It will give you much-needed space to recalibrate your direction, prep for new projects, and formulate how to best utilise your energy. R E LEO: This is a great time to get out online or explore new X social apps to mingle and make new friends. Sidestep any head to heads and direct energy into something productive. Perhaps promote a cause you care for. If there’s something M on your wish list, this is the time to put power behind making O it happen. Take action on your hopes and dreams. R G VIRGO: Your career zone is energised over the next two A months, so take swift action on your ideas. At least in the N short term, a leadership opportunity is possible but don’t wait around for someone else to hand you the baton. Pioneering and room to move are supported, and if you’re sedentary, get up and get moving a few times a day as a physical outlet.

LIBRA: Excitement and adventure, if not physically then intellectually, are calling you. Explore topics that ignite your curiosity and follow information rabbit holes that add to your P knowledge base. Short circuit any debates veering into an H argument with a topic change, opportune exit, or initiating a tea break. In any and all cases taking the lead is favoured. A N SCORPIO: You have the energy to dig deep and get to the T core of an issue over the next couple of months. Take control O and responsibility for your actions, and face any fears around M severing a connection or contract you don’t want to continue with. Direct excess energy into a combined project if you’re in a position to join forces. Perhaps team up to research ways of increasing your resources to keep you accountable and on track. In intimacy, make love, not war if things heat up.

SAGITTARIUS: Initiate collaborations, commit to an ardent pursuit of your dream boat, or debate with gusto. Over M the next two months, it’s beneficial for you to team up, take A the lead or cheerlead in one or more mutually beneficial relationships, either personal or professional. This doesn’t R mean you need to park your independence or get someone Y to do what you’re capable of doing yourself. W CAPRICORN: Put your back into it, Capricorn; you have O a hall pass to pour extra energy into your work. Leadership and assertiveness are beneficial now, so take charge or R pioneer an idea you’ve had brewing. Balance it out with a T routine that replenishes your body, like massage, stretching, H and nutrients. Are you as physically active as you are mentally?

AQUARIUS: Pursuing your interests for pleasure, curiosity, or broadening your horizons is favoured over the next two M months. Wedge aside your usual commitments to make O room for play, speed dating, speed friending, and whatever T else tickles your proverbial. You’re more directed and H assertive and perhaps ardent. E R

PISCES: Put excess energy into a project at home, step into G leadership, and role model assertive and dynamic for your O family. Allow any tensions to push you forward in your O personal pursuits rather than getting caught up in family disputes or emotional sinkholes from your past. Keep your S mind on what you’re doing physically, and be sure you act E for yourself, not against, supporting your direction and goals. Road to T20 World Cup starts now: WI coach Page 19

Monday March 1, 2021 SECOND JAB CRITICAL RECEIVING the second one that really gives a boost to recipients about when the base is growing. “And so, for the time being, dose of the COVID-19 the immune system so that the second dose is due. She went on to reveal that the policy advice that WHO has vaccination is important if antibody response, as well as “Most of the two-dose there are now clinical trials put out, which is the Strategic the vaccine is a two-dose T cell mediated response, they vaccines currently are being ongoing in some countries Advisory Group of Experts schedule. are very strong and they also given between three to four that are looking at (SAGE) guidelines on how to Dr. Soumya Swaminathan develop a memory response, weeks between the first and the interchangeability, “which use vaccines, we’ve done it for said that it doesn’t matter if it’s which then lasts for a long time, second dose. But there is some means the first dose with one the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna early by a few days, or late by so that when the body sees data from some vaccines like vaccine and the second dose vaccine, the AstraZeneca a few days, or even a couple of this antigen again, this virus the AstraZeneca vaccine, where with a different vaccine, maybe vaccine, and currently SAGE is weeks. protein again, it knows that it delaying the second dose up to even a different platform reviewing the data from the “It’s important to go back and needs to react quickly.” 12 weeks actually gives a better vaccine. And immunologically, other vaccines that are in the get that second dose because She said that the interval immune boost.” there are reasons why this pipeline. And so, we need to the first dose actually presents between the doses depends As it relates to having would make sense. However, follow what’s in that policy this new antigen to the immune on which vaccine is being your two doses from two at the present time, there advice and for the time being, system to prime it,” the World administered, also pointing different manufacturers, isn’t enough data for us it is recommended to have the Health Organisation (WHO) out that the local authorities Dr. Swaminathan said that to recommend this type of second dose with the same Chief Scientist explained. – the Government – would the science is changing and interchangeable two-dose vaccine as you had the first “And the second dose is the provide guidelines and inform evolving, and the knowledge schedules”. dose,” she advised. (TL) Will businesses in St. Lawrence Gap survive? THERE is a common phrase, ‘When the dust settles...’, and COVID-19 has left many businesses in St. Lawrence Gap floundering with many owners and patrons wondering what will happen when things reopen in the popular nightlife tourist spot. In reality, it could be said that The Gap has been struggling for years, with many bars and clubs changing hands or failing to adapt in order to stay current with the times. Years ago, the one street wonder was the talk of Barbados, where tourists and locals alike could take a drive and find ample places to chill, relax, party or get something to eat. However, in recent times, there is not as much foot traffic, local or otherwise, as previous years. The one-month pause, mandated by the current Government administration, has been necessary for the protection of all residing in Barbados. The issue is that with no business allowed for restaurants, clubs and bars alike, what was a struggle before, could possibly be the ‘last going down’ for some local entities in the St. Lawrence Gap. Today, March 1, the phased reopening begins and restaurants will be allowed

ST. LAWRENCE GAP on Page 4 A view of St. Lawrence Gap, which is usually bustling with activity is now quiet.

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