Established October 1895 Health Minister volunteers to publicly receive COVID vaccine

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Saturday December 5, 2020 $1 VAT Inclusive BARBADOS PAYS DEPOSIT ON COVID-19 VACCINE BARBADOS is one of the first countries to make a down payment of funds for the procurement of the COVID-19 vaccine. Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Representative to Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr.Yitades Gebre, disclosed this yesterday. He noted,“PAHO is preparing to procure COVID-19 vaccines on behalf of all PAHO interested Member States, including for Barbados, as part of its technical cooperation and country readi- ness and preparedness [initia- tive].” Dr Gebre was addressing the handover ceremony of a vehicle and medical supplies by the PAHO to the Ministry of Health and Wellness at the PAHO/ WHO’s headquarters. Speaking in greater detail on the sidelines of the event, Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic said the down payment made was $1.2 million. “[This] placed us within what is called the COVAX Facility, which is a partnership between PAHO, and utilising the PAHO Revolving Fund [for Access to Vaccines] – which is normally used for immunisations and other things, and also with [Caribbean Public Health Agency] CARPHA involved as well. What that does for us is to guarantee us in the first in- stance…vaccines for 20 per cent of the population.” PAHO/WHO Representative to Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr. Yitades Gebre (right), in conversation with Minister DOWN PAYMENT on Page 3 of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic. Professor: Need to balance labour with automation

SPEAKING on how automation Professor Acemoglu, an nations. He noted that this has a time where innovations are “companies and societies, via has drastically cut labour, elected fellow of the National caused a huge increase in in- plentiful, productivity still has government policies and social Institute Professor at MIT, Academy of Sciences, the equality between capital and not increased in major interna- norms, working towards a more Daron Acemoglu, said diversity Turkish Academy of Sciences, labour and between high- and tional countries in the Western diverse technological frame- must be the name of the the American Academy of Arts low-education workers, dispari- Hemisphere. work,” Acemoglu posited. game. and Sciences, the Econometric ties which have now been Insisting that the solution to He pointed out for example He made the comments yes- Society,the European Economic further deepened by COVID-19. increasing productivity is tech- that climate change highlights terday as the International Association, and the Society of He stated that the slowdown nological, he said there is no how important the develop- Monetary Fund (IMF) held its Labour Economists, presented of productivity is technological need for the future to be fully au- ments of technology is, as more sixth annual Richard Goode a lecture examining the impact in nature, as workers are often tomated, as there has to be a systems focused on renewable Lecture on the theme “Re- of technological change and replaced with machines, stress- way of balancing labour with energies are developed and making the Post-COVID World”. automation in industrialised ing that even though we are in automation.This can be done by created. 2 • Saturday December 5, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Bridgetown Port most improved

THE Port of Bridgetown ing our performance and based on five Key has captured the 2020 efficiency. We have been Performance indicators Novaport Cup for Most working closely with our (KPIs): Total Cargo Improved Port partners to improve local Volumes; Total Revenue Performance, emerging logistics as well as the ex- Generated per Revenue the winner among nine re- perience of doing business Ton; Total Expenses per gional competing ports. at the Port as part of our Revenue Ton; Net profit The award was an- commitment to trade fa- per Revenue Ton and Total nounced during the 23rd cilitation enhancement. Staff per Revenue Ton. At Annual General Meeting This award not only con- the end of the process, of the Port Management firms our progress in these PMAC announces the port Association of the areas but also certifies achieving the best opera- Caribbean (PMAC), held that we have made signif- tional performance when virtually this year, on icant strides in improving compared to the previous November 24 and 25, productivity and manage- year. The Port of 2020. ment of resources to max- Bridgetown was outstand- Chief Executive Officer imize revenues. Of course, ing in three of these KPIs. of Barbados Port Inc. none of this could have BPI has previously won (BPI), Mr. David Jean- been achieved without our Novaport Cup awards in Marie, in commenting on employees and we are es- 2010, 2011 and 2015. the award, said “This ac- pecially proud and appre- The Novaport Cup will complishment for us vali- ciative of the efforts they be shipped from Florida to dates the progress we have extended over the Barbados and will be kept have made during the past year”, the CEO said. for one year before return past year in effecting ini- Each year, PMAC as- at the next PMAC Annual The Bridgetown Port. tiatives aimed at enhanc- sesses port performance General Meeting. Central Bank of Barbados Bill 2020 brings ‘certainty and order’ IN his presentation to the understanding that is the Lower House re- part of what we know as The new glow-in-the-dark coin. cently, Minister of the international finan- Labour, Social cial reporting standard, Partnership Relations that my understanding is Essential workers celebrated and the Third Sector, your understanding be- Colin Jordan said the cause the same standard Central Bank of is being used,” he said. Barbados Bill, 2020 Admitting he had not with new glow-in-the-dark coin “brought certainty seen the importance of and order” to the is- filling out balance of pay- THE Central Bank of food available, that we them: “When you go to the su- land’s economic activ- ment survey forms and Barbados has unveiled a could access the money we “When COVID-19 put permarket, the bank, ities. was in agreement with limited-edition glow-in- needed to purchase it, that paid to “We Gatherin’", the wherever you go and During the debate on penalties due to not re- the-dark circulation coin our island was clean, that Central Bank quickly you’re getting change, you the legislation, he pointed turning the information that is being issued as a the public was updated… recognised that there was will see the one dollar out the bill’s requirement when it was requested, he tribute to Barbados’ es- that all the services we a different category of painted coin in your that international finan- called on the Economic sential workers. The one- needed that could not be Barbadian, who by their change.” cial reporting standards Affairs and Investment dollar coin, on which the facilitated remotely con- diligence and sacrifice While most of the coins were adhered to, and in- Ministry to educate per- flying fish and waves are tinued efficiently so since the year opened, will be put into circula- sisted this was critical, es- sons on these matters. now painted blue, would Barbados could continue would now be even more tion, the Bank has spe- pecially during these “I think we need to do have gone into circulation to function.” deserving of that coin than cially packaged some of times, to bring a sense of more than just put the from December 1. The Governor said that anyone who might have them, which will be dis- uniformity to data. penalty on, and I am call- During a virtual event while the coins were not been targeted in the orig- tributed to essential work- “Those who read the fi- ing on the entire ministry to launch the coin, produced specifically for inal plans. I speak of our ers from different sectors. nancial statement of the to on an ongoing basis to Governor Cleviston this purpose, the Bank frontline workers.” Meanwhile, the public can Central Bank of educate our citizens and Haynes praised those nevertheless considered it In a video unveiling the get their own glow-in-the- Barbados must be com- business people on the Barbadians of all sectors a fitting way to honour es- coin, the Bank’s Deputy dark coins when they go fortable that when they importance of having the who continued to work as sential workers. Director of Currency, into circulation on see a categorisation of information that would usual during the nation- Prime Minister the Octavia Gibson, revealed Tuesday,December 1. She creditors or liquid assets allow for government and wide curfew: Honourable Mia Amor that the Central Bank of further urged everyone to or current liabilities or eq- policy makers to make “While we were under Mottley echoed the Barbados is the first one keep a coin as a fitting uities that that person’s good decisions. Good pol- lockdown, they were on Governor’s sentiments as in the region to issue a tribute to the many understanding of the icy cannot be made with- the frontlines keeping us she commended the painted, glow-in-the-dark Barbadians who served term is not some strange out good information,” he healthy, keeping us safe. Central Bank for using coin, and reiterated that during the peak of the cri- new definition, but that appealed. They made sure there was the coin to pay tribute to it will be in circulation. sis. The Barbados Advocate Saturday December 5, 2020 • 3

Still in planning stages Health DOWN PAYMENT from Page 1 He continued, “So that Minister is between 50 000 and 60 000 people in the first instance. So as soon as the vaccines ready to lead are available to the Facility then that process will com- mence. But what you by example need to understand is that most or all of the information which has MINISTER of Health and cent”, there has been a been put out on these Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey drop in persons getting vaccines really has Bostic says he is willing to immunised through been put to the media take the lead and be Barbados’ immunisation and no information as among the persons who programme. It is “proba- yet has gone to the receive the COVID-19 bly about 84 per cent at centres like [Centres vaccine when it is avail- this point in time, but it for Disease Control able locally. used to be in the 90s.” and Prevention] CDC He further said he is With this in mind, he in the United States, willing to do this publicly. said government plans to, WHO and so forth, so His comments came in future, have a “very that they can validate while responding to a massive public relations and check the science question regarding the campaign” to educate cit- and everything. That stance of some persons izens about the COVID- process has to be done against being vaccinated. 19 vaccine and its safety. and once we get the “I can tell you upfront “It is a growing move- vaccines, then we will before you even ask me, ment, the anti-vaccine start to roll out our as a solider I lead by ex- movement worldwide, and programmes here in ample, so I will take the we anticipate that there Barbados.” vaccine and I will do that will be some issues there When asked how will publicly.” as well but … part of the government go about se- Bostic spoke to the press plan going forward is to lecting who will be among on the sidelines of yester- mount a very massive the first to be adminis- day’s handover ceremony public relations campaign tered the vaccine, he said of a vehicle and medical to give Barbadians the as- “no definitive response” supplies by the Pan surance that there is noth- can be given at this time American Health ing wrong with taking the “because we are in that Organisation (PAHO) to vaccine when it is avail- process of planning every- Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic addressing the gath- the Ministry of Health able. And that given our thing in relation to the ering. and Wellness. This took immunisation programme vaccine”. place at the PAHO/WHO’s over the years and the “A lot of thought has to by health, it still has to tives that have to be con- the recommendations headquarters. success of that pro- be given about that, but go up the chain because sidered.” from a health perspective In his remarks, he said gramme, Barbadians that is part of the process this is something that is He added, “the deci- and when that informa- government is aware should feel confident in at the moment and even if bigger than health be- sions will be made at the tion can be communi- there is an anti-vaccine taking the vaccine.We will that decision or that rec- cause there are other na- highest-level including cated it will be communi- movement and although be monitoring this very ommendation was made tional security impera- Cabinet, but we will make cated to the press”.(MG) it is at “a very high per- carefully.”(MG) Push for flat pricing for COVID-19 vaccine

PAHO/WHO Division, flat pricing will the initial cost burden of 2021, the countries of the critical” and “given public prove access and afford- Representative to be a missed opportunity the new COVID-19 vac- region will need to invest sector investments in ability.” Barbados and Eastern for the global community. cine is likely to be 12 times three times the current Research & Development He also used occasion to Caribbean Countries, Dr. Countries like Barbados, more than the annual na- annual immunization by global partners and de- call on “Barbados and Yitades Gebre says they considered to be high in- tional immunization budgets. It is a cost in the veloped countries, PAHO other the PAHO Member are advocating for flat come, could be paying budget.” health system. At the continues to advocate for a States to present them- pricing for COVID-19 vac- more compared to other He added, “just to ac- same time, it is an invest- flat price, minimal re- selves as a unified bloc in cines to ensure it can be countries. That is why we quire the vaccine for 20 ment of the economy.” turns, sustainable financ- order to ensure equitable accessed and afforded by are advocating for flat per cent of their total pop- Dr.Gebre stated “the af- ing, leveraging existing and affordable access to all. pricing.” ulation (for those consid- fordability of the future systems and consolidated the COVID-19 vac- He said “achieving flat Dr. Gebre spoke at yes- ered at highest risk) in COVID-19 vaccines will be demand forecasting to im- cines.”(MG) pricing will require con- terday’s handover cere- certed efforts and strategy mony of a vehicle and for leveraging demand vol- medical supplies by the umes and supplier willing- PAHO to the Ministry of ness to accede to extraor- Health and Wellness.This Three new positive cases dinary times of pan- occurred at the demic”. PAHO/WHO’s headquar- “Unless all partners like ters. THREE persons have flight on November 27; a They were asympto- in isolation. The number GAVI, CEPI, UNICEF, Highlighting the poten- gone into isolation, after 62-year-old female visitor, matic, and the only posi- of confirmed cases now Bill & Melinda Gates tial cost burden the new testing positive for the who arrived via Caribbean tive cases identified stands at 284 - 147 fe- Foundation, World Bank, COVID-19 vaccine could viral illness on their sec- Airlines, and a 45-year-old among the 314 tests con- males and 137 males. and WHO are onboard in have, he said “PAHO esti- ond tests. male visitor, who came in ducted yesterday. To date, the Best-dos this effort and leverage ex- mates that for a typical They are a 54-year-old on American Airlines. No one will be released Santos Public Health isting systems such as country in the Latin female visitor,who arrived They both arrived on the today, and as a result, Laboratory has conducted PAHO Revolving Fund America and the on a Caribbean Airlines island on November 30. there are now 20 persons 48,896. (BGIS) and UNICEF Supply Caribbean like Barbados, 4• Saturday December 5, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

RPB: Lift each other up!

“WE have to lift each other up.” These words from cultural ambassador and patron of the Red Foundation Stedson “Red Plastic Bag” Wiltshire as he completed the fourth and final leg of the Foundation’s “Walk the Talk – Walk as One” from Lancaster in St. James to the Daryll Jordan School in the north of the island last week- end. Led by RPB, the charity walk started on November 8 in Ragged Point, St. Philip where Stedson “RPB” Wiltshire with Steven Mason and Jermaine “Coopa Dan” Gittens as they he was joined by a number of approached Mile-&-A-Quarter. politicians, entertainers and supporters who put on their walking shoes for this worthy cause. Sunday’s leg started in Lancaster St. James and saw groups opting to run, powerwalk or just stroll in the crisp morn- ing breeze. Some 12 kilometers later, the look of euphoria could be seen on faces of the walkers, none more so though than Minister of Labour and Social Wiltshire, as he entered the gate Partnership Relations Colin of the school just about 8 am Jordan made light work of the with hands raised and a broad 12 kilometer walk from smile. Lancaster to Daryll Jordan Speaking to the media after Secondary. completing the walk, Wiltshire said he was extremely pleased dous. “People are pledging, peo- with the response, but stressed ple are giving. Most of all, it is that the focus must be placed on the fact that there is a sense of the reason behind the initiative. awareness that people need “We are walking because we help. I think that is very impor- want to raise awareness of the tant. fact that there are several peo- “It doesn’t end here in St. ple across Barbados who are in Lucy. It doesn't end in need. We want people to give. If November. I think the impact of you go on redfoundationbarba- COVID is going to continue well dos.com, Facebook, Instagram to into 2022, 2023 and we have to see how can donate.” continue to lift each other up. Wiltshire said that persons “There is a stark reality that From right to left: Member of Parliament Ralph Thorne, Chairman of the Red Foundation can also give by showing their people are falling through the Alvin Jemmott and well known entertainer Edwin Yearwood. neighbor more love and respect cracks and you cannot expect during this difficult time facing government to do everything. many households. We have to help ourselves, we “To me that is priceless as well have to be more self-reliant,” he and it is important that we lift explained. we each other up, especially at He revealed that there is still this time and with the impact of time left for persons to give to COVID. Frankly I don’t [think] this worthy cause, noting that people understand the full im- the Foundation will start to pre- pact of COVID.You go around in pare vouchers around December the communities and you see 15. “Keep giving, keep helping people really struggling. Some us. We need your support,” he people don't want to speak about pleaded. it because they have moved from Member of Parliament for positions of comfort and now Christ Church South, Ralph they are struggling. Thorne participated in all four “The reality is Christmas is legs of the charity initiative and coming. We have to make sure commended Wiltshire for his vi- that at least we can help some sion. Thorne described the walk people to have a meal on their as a “a symbolic gesture that table for Christmas. I am happy sometimes we have to make the that I can be a part of anything sacrifice to help others”. to help people of Barbados and During a brief closing cere- I want to applaud the Red mony,Chief Executive Officer of Foundation in their effort in try- the Kelly Group, Nick Kelly an- ing to help the people of nounced that if anyone donates Barbados." any item to the Red Foundation Wiltshire noted that to date, using Kellmart, that donation Chairman of the Red Foundation, Alvin Jemmott presents 12-year-old Lester Vaughan student the response from Barbados has will be matched dollar for dollar. Destinee Bruce and David Scantlebury, recruit at the Barbados Fire Service, with a copy of been nothing short of tremen- (JH) his book. Destinee ran two of the four legs of the charity initiative. The Barbados Advocate Saturday December 5, 2020 • 5

Rheumatologist, Dr. Cindy Flower, showing those present the items that will be the kit to be presented to lupus patients in this country. Volunteer with Hope Foundation, Major Alfred Taylor, explaining how the on- line electronic health record will work. Kits should help with early detection PROJECT from Back Page The thing that is impor- there are for you, we want The West India Biscuit Company Limited tant to monitor when you you to be part of your self- at an earlier age than have lupus is your blood management, we are Company No. 1348 White patients and pressure [and] you have to going to teach you how to usually have a more se- check your urine for pro- fish, but we are giving you TAKE NOTICE that at a recent Directors’ Meeting a final vere form of disease. tein...Though most people a kit, so we are giving you dividend of 75 cents per share was declared payable on “So for that reason the think kidney diseases a fishing rod,” she stated. January 11, 2021 to shareholders and in accordance with Caribbean is an area of causes back pain, that is a Meanwhile, CIBC clustering of severe com- layman’s thing, if you have FirstCaribbean Bank’s Sections 106 and 108 of the Companies Act the Directors plicated patients with a kidney stone that would Director of Corporate have fixed January 7, 2021 as the date of record for the lupus. We diagnose up to cause back pain, but most Investment Banking, determination of those shareholders entitled to receive such a 25 patients a year [in times kidney disease gives Barrington Watson in his Barbados] and half of no symptoms until the remarks lauded Hope dividend. those patients will develop kidney is failing. So we Foundation for the good severe kidney disease; the need patients to be diag- work it has been doing, NOTICE is also given that the Directors have fixed the type of kidney disease that nosed early,” she main- noting that the Bank was record date for the determination of those shareholders without aggressive inter- tained. pleased to be part of the vention may end up need- Dr. Flower said that a project and to donate the entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of ing dialysis or renal trans- simple dipstick test of the funds to purchase the kits. the company, which will take place on Friday, February 12, plant,” she explained. urine for protein at home, His comments came as he 2021, as January 7, 2021. Noting that this severe could bring the patient to wished the Foundation lupus is usually the cause medical attention earlier every success in the proj- of repeated hospitalisa- if any red flags appear. ect, which he noted will be All persons who are shareholders on record at the close of tions of patients, Dr. “We want them to take instrumental in helping business on those dates shall be so entitled. Flower said Hope their temperature when doctors to remotely moni- Foundation thought it was they are unwell, so we tor their patients and be th paramount to encourage know if there is a fever alerted early to changes in Dated this 20 day of November 2020 “aggressive management” and it is important to pro- their conditions. of lupus to help diagnose tect themselves from ex- “In the long run this will By Order of the Board of Directors. complications early. cessive sun exposure be- be better for the country “We realised that we cause the sun is the trig- as it should be able to re- want patients to take own- ger of a lupus flare, we tell lieve the suffering brought ership of their disease and them wear nice hats with on by the disease, cut we can help them do so. a four inch rim and of down on hospitalisations The idea was to formulate course because of COVID and the amount of persons Elaine Gill a kit that they would keep they have to wear a who may eventually need Company Secretary at home and they would mask... What we want to to go on dialysis,” he help monitor themselves. tell patients is that we are stated. (JRT) 6 • Saturday December 5, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Inaugural MegaFAM virtual event well-received TRAVEL partners from across North America and Canada joined local tourism officials recently during the inaugural virtual Spirit of Barbados MegaFAM, hosted by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). Over the past three years, travel agents were given an opportunity to visit Barbados and see the sights and sounds and “sell” those experiences to their clients. This year, the COVID-19 pan- demic put a halt to that initiative. However,feedback from the travel agents and other local and international partners attending the virtual event indicated that the BTMI still managed to capture what Barbados has to offer during the whole-day MegaFAM extrav- aganza. Aspects of Barbadian life were high- lighted during the destination immersion segment including the Tuk Band, pottery with Maggie Bell and attractions such as off-roading, the Marizayra’s Sanctuary Minister of Tourism and International Peter Mayers, Director Canada, shared Saxophonist, Elan Trotman, enter- and a sea turtles release, which were all Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins. his thoughts on the industry. tained the specially invited guests. well-received by those in attendance. One of the segments also focused on the COVID-19 travel protocols where persons expressed their concerns and sought clarity on aspects of the testing and quar- antine process. Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins, also joined the virtual event, noting that over 700 joined online. Senator Cummins used the opportu- nity to thank airlines from the US and Canada for continuing to fly to Barbados, including the speciality flights especially business class customers coming to enjoy the 12-month Welcome Stamp initiative. “We’ve offered you the opportunity to be Interim Chairman of the BTMI, Petra a tourist for a year while you are working Roach. and avoiding lockdown in your home country.We are very pleased that many of which talks about filling your soul; which our airline partners are putting on special talks about doing things different. People Maggie Bell showcased some of her pottery making skills. flights to allow those persons to come to want to see how they can contribute and Barbados.We are looking forward to wel- be better global citizens. People want to to the travel agent community and the coming those persons too and later in the see how they can contribute and get in- role that we expect them to play as we year, we expect that WestJet will join the volved in helping people who may not be emerge from COVID-19. family of airline partners who will be as fortunate as they are. People want to “We want to thank you for what you again flying to Barbados. contribute and share their knowledge,be- have had to endure over the last seven “We here in Barbados are so pleased to cause we recognise that working collabo- months in terms of the travel industry. have partners like you, partners in the in- ratively together,we can absolutely defeat For your constant engagement and ternational industry who are collectively any of the challenges that come upon us,” refreshing spirit, even at a time when working with us here in Barbados, your she said. flights were cancelled, borders were shut home away from home, to ensure you are Business Development Officer in the and the outlook appeared and some would able to offer a safe destination for safe USA, Eusi Skeete, stressed the impor- say, still appear uncertain. But you have travellers and to make sure you have tance of travel advisors to the industry. been resolute, you stuck with us and on nothing but a safe vacation. “You are a fundamental component of behalf of Destination Barbados we want “You may not be able to take the stroll what we do, and our industry would never to thank you and commit to you our con- along the beach right now ... but we look be the same without you as our travel tinued support. Some of the exotic animals found forward to having you when you can do all partners. “There was a period of time where the at the Marizayra Sanctuary were of that, but in the meantime we are going “Barbados remains committed and we narrative suggested that travel agents highlighted. to be telling you all about what Barbados recognise the absolutely important role were a dying breed and their role was is preparing for you when you are ready that you play and you have demonstrated being questioned, the value they brought more, the same thing again, and you are to come back. time and time again, especially during to the travel process. We have walked getting the sense that persons of all ages Interim Chairman of the BTMI, Petra this crisis, why it is important that we through that process and saw how that and stages are seeing the value of the Roach, also thanked the industry part- should always encourage consumers wasn’t exactly true. Here we are at an- travel agent ... guiding us through what ners for their work. “We are so apprecia- to book directly with our travel advisor other stage of crisis, albeit significantly travel will look like post-COVID.” (JH) tive of the hard work and dedication that partners.” you, the travel agents, put into your loy- BTMI Director, Canada, Peter Mayers, alty and support for Barbados.We say said this virtual experience could not have Over 2,000 students register for programme it often, but we can never say it often come at a better time.“Only last week one enough. We are very privileged to have a of the trade publications in Canada, GIVE BACK from Back Page well that isn’t something that we were family because that is what we have be- Travel Week, spoke specifically to the im- just trying to get you to do because we come – a family of travel agents,travel ad- pact they think travel agents will have “We recognised that we couldn’t just be put aside the funds to pay for this, but is visors who really are the extended family coming out of COVID. I thought this was a government that gave a hand-out and something that is really who we are as a to the BTMI. You are always welcome. good – the fact that the value of the travel in turn beat into you a sense of respon- people.” “We have recognised that people have agents – they feel – has risen. The fact sibility.We recognised that we had to in- As of yesterday, 2,740 students regis- stopped and taken stock and recognised that we are doing this today, bringing spire you to join with us in understand- tered for Give Back Barbados across the that life is fragile and unpredictable. agents together for a slice of Barbados ing how important giving back educa- tertiary institutions, and there are 101 What we are doing here on the island is for the entire day, I think is timely and I tion and the educational opportunities Approved Organisations registered on crafting a new re-entry brand campaign think it certainly shows our commitment are, but equally that you understood as the programme. (TL) The Barbados Advocate Saturday December 5, 2020 • 7

Chinese scientists build nursery garden on Aral Sea shore URUMQI – Chinese scientists have used ity in the soil. They can also be used as to 10 percent of its size in 1960. and other countries. desertification control technology to nur- forage grass for livestock. The dried shores produce salt dust, The nursery garden built by scientists ture 20 varieties of salt-tolerant plants in “We have experience in efficient water- posing a serious threat to the local of the Xinjiang institute is expected to a nursery garden by the Aral Sea. saving agriculture, ecological restoration ecological environment and people’s grow saplings and develop planting tech- Zhao Zhenyong, a researcher with the and desertification prevention and con- health. niques for building a “green barrier” on Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and trol. We are willing to share them with Chinese and Uzbek scientists released the dried shores of the Aral Sea. Geography under the Chinese Academy Central Asian countries and contribute to a joint declaration in Urumqi, capital of The institute has made a series of re- of Sciences (CAS), said more than 20 the ecological treatment in the Aral Sea northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur search achievements in desertification kinds of salt-tolerant plants such as red shores,” said Jilil Abuduwali, another re- Autonomous Region, in October 2019 to prevention and control and water-saving goosefoot, wild spinach and Suaeda salsa searcher with the institute. carry out regional cooperation and im- agriculture to increase land productivity have grown well in the garden and proved The Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth prove the environment of the Aral Sea and support the sustainable development to have the effects of reducing the salin- largest body of inland water, had shrunk with the technologies of the two sides of Xinjiang’s arid areas. Production growth to ensure food security

PRODUCTION of grains in China should increase by about 15 per cent – about 100 million metric tons – over the next 10 years to improve food security, a senior agricultural expert said recently. Wang Hongguang, executive director of Peking University’s China Centre for Strategic Studies, said at a forum on global food safety that although food security is ensured in China, risks in- clude reliance on imports for certain major agricultural products, difficulties in further increasing yields and wasted food. It is expected that by 2030, grain pro- Workers pack rice harvested from a saline-alkali testing field before weighing it in Rudong county, Jiangsu province, on duction capacity in China will have in- October 14, 2020. creased to 800 million tons, with actual output of more than 750 million tons,he last year, achieving a general balance having just passed the safety line of 400 production capacity to 800 million tons said. By then, the per capita supply of between supply and demand, said Yin kg, more efforts are needed to expand to ensure food security in China,” said grains in China will have increased to Chengjie, former vice-minister of agri- grain production to improve food secu- Yuan Longping, a member of the about 600 kilograms, including imports, culture. rity, he said. Chinese Academy of Engineering. close to the average for middle and high- Although it is the world’s largest pro- New technologies should be Known as the “father of hybrid rice”, income countries, said Wang, also an ducer of grains, China is also a major developed to further improve the per- Yuan said the third-generation hybrid agriculture professor at China food importer, importing about 100 mil- hectare yield of major crops, such as rice may yield more than 18 tons per Agricultural University. lion tons of grains every year. China is rice, wheat, corn and soybeans, and hectare, which will continue to The per capita supply of grains in almost self-sufficient in rice, wheat and farmland restoration should be con- contribute to improved food security in China is about 470 kg, above the inter- corn, but it heavily relies on imports for ducted to increase total yield, he said. China. national safety standard of 400 kg but soybeans. Last year, China imported Other forms of food production, includ- Improving food security has been far below many developed countries. more than 88 million tons of soybeans, ing ocean fishing, can also be promoted listed as a major task in a proposed With rising living standards, food pro- accounting for 85 percent of total do- to reduce reliance on land farming, he blueprint released last month for duction should jump over the next 10 mestic consumption, according to the said. China’s economic and social develop- to 20 years to meet increasing Ministry of Agriculture and Rural In addition, China can work with ment over the next five years and domestic demand and cope with possi- Affairs. countries such as Brazil and Russia to beyond. ble fluctuations in international trade, “Such a reliance on imports poses a develop grain production bases over- Supportive policies will include pro- he said. major risk to food security in China, in seas to improve food reserves for China, tecting farmland, developing infrastruc- The production of grains in China has case of turmoil in international rela- Wang suggested. ture for water resources and making more than doubled over the past four tions or food crises,” Wang said. With the “With efforts, I think we can well better use of science and technology, decades and reached 660 million tons per capita supply of grains in China achieve the goal of improving the food according to the blueprint.

China promotes cultural heritage protection through public interest litigation

BEIJING – China’s Supreme People’s and laws. tion of cultural heritage. tion of cultural relics has also improved. Procuratorate (SPP) recently published The cases show that procuratorial or- Handling such public interest litigations Hu noted that the SPP will deepen 10 typical public interest lawsuits, offering gans filed public interest litigations in motivated the governments to shoulder cooperation with legislatures and law guidance for procuratorial organs to keeping with the civil procedure law and their responsibilities of protecting cultural enforcement authorities to keep strength- strengthen the protection of cultural relics administrative procedure law to punish relics, said Hu Weilie, an SPP official, ening the protection of cultural relics and and heritage based on existing policies tomb raiders and strengthen the protec- adding that public awareness on protec- heritage. 8 • Saturday December 5, 2020 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial US House passes ‘historic’ bill Plan ahead to legalise cannabis at federal level THE US House of into law by the president. If Several lawmakers took nal records of those Representatives has that happens, it could help to the House floor ahead of charged or convicted for passed a bill to decrimi- bridge a major disconnect the vote, arguing the bill non-violent cannabis this Christmas nalise cannabis at the fed- between federal and state had less to do with legalis- offences and provide eral level for the first time. drug policy in the US. ing marijuana and more to cannabis business owners BARBADIANS often complain that Christmas is It calls for removing Cannabis is still do with how the enforce- easier access to grants or too hectic and too busy a period. Traffic is crazy cannabis from the list prohibited by the federal ment of cannabis prohibi- loans. It would also tax and everything is one big mess around this time of federally controlled Controlled Substances Act tion has hurt communities cannabis retail sales and on the road and in the stores. However, it seems substances and erasing and classed as a Schedule of colour,leaving behind “a create a trust fund to that too many Barbadians wait until the last certain federal convictions. I narcotic – defined as hav- legacy of racial and ethnic reinvest in job training and minute to do their Christmas shopping, hence the It also supports reinvest- ing no medical value and a injustices”. other initiatives for frustrating hustle and bustle each year, that at ment in communities high potential for abuse – Black Americans are communities of colour times leads to stress and unwanted negative adversely impacted by but one in three Americans more than three times as harmed by the drug war. health outcomes. the decades-long “war on currently live in states likely to be arrested for Incoming president Joe Most Barbadians take the time to do some drugs”. where cannabis is legal cannabis-related offences Biden and Democratic sprucing up and to carry out general maintenance The bill is very unlikely for adult use. as white Americans, de- leadership have expressed on their homes and even businesses around the to be taken up in the In addition, 38 states spite similar rates of usage, a desire to end federal pro- Yuletide season. Given the present COVID-19 Republican-controlled have passed measures that according to a study last hibition through decrimi- pandemic, if you fall into the category of Senate. allow its use for year from the American nalisation, but neither homeowners who need to do some home repairs, The Marijuana medicinal purposes. Civil Liberties Union. Senate Republican leader- then by now you should have a plan, Opportunity Reinvestment Last month, voters in “We’re not rushing to le- ship nor current President outlining how you will tackle such repairs ahead and Expungement (More) three states – Arizona, galise marijuana. The Donald Trump have of the lead up to Christmas. If you are one to shop Act was passed in the Montana and New Jersey American people have indicated support for the for hams and drinks and other holiday grocery lower chamber 228 to 164 – overwhelmingly ap- already done that,” legislation to become law. items, then plan ahead how you will tackle going yesterday afternoon, with proved ballot measures to said Democrat Earl In a preview of the to your preferred retailer. Do not assume that you just five Republicans – and legalise recreational use, Blumenauer,from Oregon, bill’s unclear future, Greg can just visit your usual retailer at the stroke of one independent – sup- with voters in Mississippi who is the founder of the Murphy, from North midnight, to get what you need. If you have chil- porting the measure. supporting its medicinal Congressional Cannabis Carolina, said the drug dren to shop for, who will be eagerly anticipating Many Republican law- use. South Dakota, a tradi- Caucus and an original was “one of the most gifts, do not wait until Christmas Eve to visit the makers said the bill’s im- tionally conservative state, sponsor of the bill. abused substances on stores. You may be setting yourself up for plications are potentially made history when voters “We’re here because the planet”. frustration. harmful to American there simultaneously Congress has failed to deal Adding a rare For those Barbadians who like to get in the last youth and called it a “waste backed initiatives for the with the disastrous war on Republican voice of sup- minute rush for cakes and pastries, it will be a of time”, complaining medicinal and recreational drugs and do its part for port, Matt Gaetz, from trying time in the midst of this pandemic, having that they should have use of the drug. the over 50 million regular Florida, said, “The federal to face long lines for items made from flour. So focused on Covid relief Support for federal marijuana users in every government has lied to the again, plan ahead and fix your business to suit, instead. cannabis legalisation is one of your districts.” people of this country even if it means whipping out a recipe or two, or Cannabis reform advo- now at an all-time high, The bill was drafted in about marijuana for a ordering from some small entrepreneur this cates hailed the vote as with a Gallup poll last coordination with several generation... If we were season – if you are unable to get to the store “historic” and “long over- month showing more than cannabis justice advocates. measuring the success of in time.Just determine not to be that Barbadian due”, but still needs to pass two-thirds of American It includes measures to the war on drugs, drugs that goes through the same pace every the Senate and be signed adults support it. expunge the federal crimi- have won.” Christmas, rushing for this and that. Ensure that you do not turn up at the paint store to find a long line and then get flustered, or that you do not arrive at the cake shop to find the last cake just EU police agency Europol warns went five minutes before you got there. Try not to do your Christmas gift shopping by bouncing from store to store days before Christmas, of fake coronavirus vaccines knowing full well that finding parking space will prove a headache, that the queues will be THE HAGUE, Nether- rapidly,” the agency’s heightened vigilance by Europol, which is based lengthy, that prices will likely be a tad bit lands –European Union warning said, citing a the EU’s 27 member in The Hague, said it was higher than customary. Remember as well that police agency Europol is- phony flu vaccine that nations and other coun- aware of criminals placing due to COVID-19 proctols, things will take sued a warning Friday the World Health tries to “the possible advertisements on dark a bit longer than usual and there will be highlighting the risk Organization discovered in involvement of criminals web marketplaces “using longer lines than perhaps one is accustomed to. of organised crime scams Mexico in October. in the vaccine development the brands of genuine So give yourself some wiggle room by linked to COVID-19 “Similar to the fake in- and distribution process.” pharmaceutical companies planning ahead. For those with any underlying vaccines, including the pos- fluenza vaccine encoun- Europol said the “ex- that are already in the health conditions, this advice is even more sibility criminals will try tered in Mexico, counter- pected arrival of a genuine final stages of testing.” critical. to sell dangerous counter- feit COVID-19 vaccines COVID-19 vaccine has The police agency said Now we are well aware that at times it is feit vaccines or to hijack may represent a signifi- already inspired criminal criminal networks also inevitable that you will end up in the Christmas shipments of genuine cant public health threat activities and will likely be could target the supply rush, because you have to traverse local roads shots. if they are ineffective at exacerbated once vaccines chain for genuine vaccines, during this busy time or go to the supermarket for In an “early warning no- best or toxic at worst, given become available.” such as by illegally refilling your goods to last through the New Year. tification,” Europol said their production in under- The statement came empty vials if they are not Such things cannot be avoided. But for sure, we as that crime gangs already ground labs without hy- after Britain gave emer- correctly disposed of or Barbadians can plan ahead and shop around have reacted to opportuni- giene standards,” Europol gency approval Wednesday hijacking vehicles trans- earlier, rather than waiting to “feel the Christmas ties presented by the said. “Fake vaccines to a vaccine produced by porting shots. spirit” that while exciting for some, puts us under coronavirus pandemic. may even have a wider- US drugmaker Pfizer and It urged EU members too much pressure. “Once a legitimate vac- reaching impact if new Germany-based BioNTech, to share with Europol “any Given the number of accidents, incidents and cine enters the market, outbreaks emerge in making Britain the relevant information health challenges some people end up with, you counterfeited versions of communities assumed to first Western country to on criminal activities can be sure that most people will agree that all the specific vaccine brand be vaccinated.” authorise a vaccine against related to COVID-19 or this last minute dilly dallying is not good for mind, are expected to circulate The warning urged the coronavirus. flu vaccines.” body nor spirit. So we do hope that Barbadians can make the necessary changes this Christmas, for Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes better outcomes and to ensure less stress 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 and frustration. Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Saturday December 5, 2020 • 9

Regional private group signs MOU with CARICOM GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The tween the community and the private LaRocque, in congratulating the CPSO’s work on the development of its Caribbean Community (CARI- sector and labour to achieve economic CPSO, said while the CARICOM treaty “Twenty-Five by 2025” document in COM) Private Sector Organisation development and full realisation of provides the administrative frame- which it lists priority areas for invest- (CPSO) has signed a Memorandum regional integration,” the statement work to create the single market and ment in the region in response to con- of Understanding (MOU) with the noted. economy, it is the regional stakehold- cerns about the region’s significant 15-member regional integration Barbados Prime Minister Mia ers, such as the private sector who will food import bill. grouping, pledging to co-operate Mottley, who has lead responsibility give practical meaning to it by making “The CPSO also submitted to us a on the full implementation of the within the quasi-Cabinet of CARICOM use of the opportunities provided. risk assessment on how to reopen our CARICOM Single Market and for the CSME, laid the foundation for He noted that significantly,the MOU economies in this difficult time of Economy (CSME), regarded as the the CPSO’s formation at a meeting of gives the CPSO observer status at COVID-19 which was disseminated most viable platform for support- regional private sector officials in meetings of the community’s organs to all member states,” the secretary- ing the region’s growth and devel- Barbados in June 2019. and bodies on matters related to the general noted. opment. The private sector representatives CSME, which allows for the free Warner said he is confident that the A CARICOM Secretariat statement were subsequently invited, along with movement of goods, skills, labour and private sector’s collaboration with the issued here on Friday said that the representatives of the regional labour services across the region. community will help to realise the re- MOU was signed by CARICOM movement, to the CARICOM summit He said it also creates a follow-up gion’s development goals. Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque last year in St. Lucia, at which they mechanism, through a joint technical “We are confident that the goodwill and CPSO chairman Gervase Warner signalled that progress was being committee drawn from the CARICOM that has been engendered and the during a virtual ceremony on made towards the establishment of and CPSO secretariats. The committee co-operation fostered, and the re- Thursday. the regional body. is mandated to meet quarterly to keep sources applied to the fulfilment of It said the CPSO is the latest asso- During the CARICOM Inter-Session track of the programme and to review the MOU, will set us unmistakably on ciate institution of CARICOM, having summit in Barbados in February, the and report back to the CARICOM the path of accelerated development been given the designation on October CPSO confirmed the establishment of Secretary-General and the CPSO for our region and in particular to- 20 this year. the grouping and that it is a non-profit Chairman and subsequently to the wards the achievement of the goal of “Its status is recognition of the need organisation with headquarters in CARICOM leaders. full implementation of the CSME,” the for more structured engagement be- Barbados. The Secretary-General praised the CPSO chairman said. Chief Justice halts deportation of 26 Haitians

LATE on Thursday evening, Chief grant a conservatory order suspending does not have to entertain the applica- Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire is- deportation of his clients, pending the tion. sued a conservatory order halting the hearing and determination of the case. In light of the foregoing circum- deportation of 26 Haitians who are cur- The attorney, in his submission, is stances, the Chief Justice granted the rently in protective custody at the Hugo relying on the Constitution of Guyana conservatory order suspending the de- Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and and the Caribbean Community (CARI- portation of the Haitians. The court Reintegration at Onverwagt, in Region COM) Single Market and Economy will hear full arguments on December Five (Mahaica-Berbice. (CSME), as well as certain aspects of 18, 2020. On December 1, Principal Magistrate the matter which brings the Revised Last week, Toussaint, through his Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, at the Treaty of Chaguaramas into focus lawyer, Wade, had filed a Habeas Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, issued to have the matter referred to the Corpus in the High Court on behalf of an order for the Haitians to be taken to Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for the Haitian Nationals. In his affidavit, the nearest port of exit. adjudication. he told the court that just a few hours The Guyana Chronicle was made to The conservancy order was met with after arriving in Guyana on November understand that the foreign nationals strong objection by Attorney-General 7, the Haitians were apprehended by – 10 men, nine women and seven chil- and Minster of Legal Affairs Anil the police. A group was removed from dren – had arrived in Guyana on Nandlall, who is representing the the Bristol and Bristol Hotel, located November 7, and were reportedly State. on South Road, Georgetown, while granted a six-month stay. The Attorney-General is contending another group was arrested on the However, the Haitians allegedly gave that the Fundamental Rights provi- Soesdyke-Linden Highway. incorrect information to immigration sions of Guyana’s Constitution, specif- The police claimed they were officers about where they would be ically Article 47, which Wade is trying suspected to be victims of a human staying while in the country, and days to invoke in support of his case, is trafficking ring, which allegation the after, they were found at a city hotel flawed, since it only applies to citizens Haitians have consistently denied. and in a minibus on the Linden- of Guyana and other Commonwealth Toussaint stated that since their de- Mabura Road, which constitutes a member states, as well as other per- tention three weeks ago, the Haitians violation of their stay. sons and countries listed therein. have been denied Counsel, although President of the Association of According to Minister Nandlall, Haiti several requests were made. Haitian Nationals in Guyana, Kesnel is not a part of those territories, since He contended in the affidavit that Chief Justice of Guyana, Roxane Toussaint, through Attorney-at-Law it did not sign on to the free movement the Haitians came here legally, and George-Wiltshire. Darren Wade, moved to the High Court aspect of the Caribbean Community were granted an automatic six-month in a bid to challenge the deportation of (CARICOM) Single Market and stay, in keeping with Guyana’s obliga- Robeson Benn disclosed that approxi- the Haitians. Economy (CSME). tion to the Treaty of Chaguaramas. mately 33,000 Haitians have been Wade is contending that the order for He further stressed that Haiti is not Last Friday,the case brought against reported as “missing” over a three-year deportation issued by the magistrate is included in those territories, and as the Commissioner of Police Nigel period, following their arrival in arbitrary, and in violation of the funda- such, “these persons are aliens under Hoppie, and Attorney-General Anil Guyana. mental rights of his clients. the Constitution [of Guyana]”. Nandlall, came up before Justice Benn had claimed that the 26 When the matter came up for hearing Nandlall also raised the issue of ju- Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. Haitians, inclusive of seven children, on Thursday, Wade asked the court to risdiction in the case, which the court Recently, Home Affairs Minister were part of a human trafficking ring.

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

High: 7:26 a.m. and 6:44 p.m. New York: 08°C Yesterday: 1.2 mm Miami: 24°C Low: 12:50 a.m. For the month: 11.4 mm Max: 28.8°C Boston: 12°C and 12:26 p.m. For the year: 1299.8 mm Min: 23.7°C Toronto: 03°C Montreal: 03°C London: 04°C 6:08 a.m. 5:31 p.m. 10 • Saturday December 5, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Caribbean countries urge citizens to continue following COVID protocols CARIBBEAN countries and four per cent of people graphic has been modified and sanitise hands often. were on Friday report- tested. and will include the anti- It said also that 16,376 ing increased cases Suriname is classified as gen rapid testing results test have been conducted of the coronavirus a country with “sporadic for COVID-19. so far this year. (COVID-19) while reit- or cluster cases” according “Due to this increased “We are now into the erating the need for to the international health testing, the total number start of the Christmas sea- their nationals to fol- regulations of the World of COVID-19 cases has son, a period which tradi- low the various meas- Health Organisation. also increased. This daily tionally St. Lucians look ures and protocols Ramdhin said partly report will also include the forward to every year. It is aimed at curbing the because of the “favourable” new cases, the total num- usually marked by much spread of the virus. outcome of the code, the ber of cases countrywide, social and commercial ac- Suriname has banned government decided to as well as a heat map tivities, as well as festive flights from Haiti and “partially open up air- providing the geographic celebrations with family Cuba due to “urgent eval- space with strict condi- areas and communities and loved ones.Though we uation of passengers from tions”. mostly affected.” are challenged in many these countries” and the Meanwhile, the health It said that the use of ways by the current threat Health Minister, Amar authorities reported that this antigen testing kit of COVID-19, we acknowl- Ramadhin, told a news two new cases were will only be recommended edge the cultural value conference that the meas- recorded in the past 24 for persons who are symp- this time of year has for ure will apply for the rest hours, bringing the total tomatic and close contacts many. of the month. to 5,322, of which 15 are of a confirmed case. “The Ministry of Health “We look at the code in considered active cases. Belize has now 7,236 wishes that everyone gives which those countries fall. The death toll remained confirmed cases with themselves and others the In that case, specific condi- at 117, there are six people 3,501 being active. It gift of health and safety Jamaica’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacqueline tions apply to travel,” he in hospitals, two in the recorded 241 new cases this year. We encourage Bisasor-McKenzie. added. intensive care unit, seven over the past 24 hours and everyone to prioritise their The authorities said positive in isolation and the death toll is 164. health and take actions that the connection with 1,432 non-positives in St. Lucia recorded no which promote well- Jamaica gets big the Netherlands and quarantine. In the past new cases of the virus on being,” it added. Miami (via Georgetown, 24 hours, three civilians Thursday but the health Trinidad and Tobago is COVID-19 vaccine Guyana) continues nor- have been declared cured, authorities said that it reporting 21 new positive mally. bringing the total to 5,203. was urging members of cases bringing the total to The Health Minister In Belize, where the the public, especially dur- 6,725 of which 673 are ac- discount, one million said that the COVID-19 authorities have imple- ing this holiday season, to tive cases. situation in Suriname is mented a new reporting continue to properly wear The Ministry of Health vials expected by March “well under control” and mechanism, the Ministry a face mask in public, said the death toll re- there is currently a posi- of Health and Wellness maintain consistent phys- mained at 121 and 43 per- SOME US$8.2 million The CMO explained to tivity rate of between one said that the daily info- ical distancing, and wash sons remain in hospitals. is being used to procure the committee that the one million COVID-19 vaccine, which requires vaccine vials. minus 70 degrees Celsius, It’s a big discount on was not the one Jamaica Report: Jamaica failing on budget transparency the otherwise US$37 mil- would be getting as it was JAMAICA is among 117 “In a participatory midyear paper, which is lion Jamaica would have not a part of the COVAX countries that have failed democracy, which legislatively due six had to fork out at $37 per facility to which Jamaica to reach the minimum Jamaica aspires to be, the months after the start dose. currently subscribes. threshold for adequate State informs and en- of a fiscal year and the Each individual is ex- “So the second and budget transparency, gages the public on these legislation indicate what pected to receive two third runners after, are public participation, and decisions that ultimately is to be included in that doses of the vaccine. included in the COVAX oversight, according to an affect their livelihoods. document, and among There has been an facility and the probabil- Open Budget Survey Jamaica’s poor assess- those things is what is initial deposit of about ity is that those would (OBS) in 2019. ment suggests that the being planned for the US$1.1 million through become available to us,” The revelation was state of Jamaica’s par- coming fiscal year,” she the Caribbean Public she said. made on Wednesday at a ticipatory democracy is explained. Health Agency “The other vaccines, the forum on the survey, wanting.” While conceding that “The balance is being storage conditions that which was conducted by Presenting the find- the budget call had not programmed for fiscal are required, are condi- the Caribbean Policy ings, co-executive director been published, Morrison year 2021-22,” permanent tions that we presently Research Institute of CAPRI, Dr. Damien insisted that the Interim secretary in the Ministry have in the country,” she (CAPRI) in collaboration King, said it was impor- Fiscal Policy paper was of Health, Dunstan said, mentioning that the with the International tant for the Government published “and therefore Bryan revealed to the other type of vaccines will Budget Partnership. to make some kind of pre- we think that is a major Public Appropriation require minus 20 degrees On public participation budget statement for the oversight in this assess- and Administration Celsius which is the tem- in the budget process, public to scrutinise ahead ment to say we do not Committee of perature in most freezers. the country scored seven of the formal proposal. have a published pre- Co-executive director of Parliament. The vaccines can be out of 100, well below the He said that there Budget statement”. CAPRI, Dr. Damien King. Bryan said Jamaica is stored up to six months global average of 14. are no channels for The study also failed not expected to receive under those conditions. Countries with a similar Jamaicans to have any to capture additional “It mainly contains the vaccine until the However, once taken out score to Jamaica’s were input in Budget formula- information made avail- information about the second quarter of the cal- of the minus 20 degrees Trinidad and Tobago and tion, noting that citizens able to the public such as fiscal year in which it is endar year. Celsius temperature, the Nicaragua. see it for the first time Jamaica’s medium-term published and not neces- “The first world coun- vaccines can be stored at “The GOJ’s when it is tabled in debt-management strat- sarily about the upcom- tries are going to crowd minus two to eight de- (Government of Jamaica) Parliament by the finance egy, Morrison charged. ing year,” said Graham, out the market for the grees Celsius, which is budgetary decisions – minister. Monique Graham, re- noting that there were no first three to four the temperature of a typ- what taxes to levy, how Financial Secretary searcher at CAPRI, ar- policy discussions about months,” he said. ical refrigerator. much debt to take on, and Darlene Morrison, who gued, however, that based the upcoming year. Chief Medical Officer Through the COVAX what services to provide – participated in the webi- on the International However, the study (CMO), Dr.Jacqueline facility, 15 per cent of the affect the well-being of nar, disagreed with the Budget Partnership stan- pointed out that Jamaica Bisasor-McKenzie, said population, the CMO con- all Jamaicans, especially study that pre-Budget in- dards, the Interim Fiscal updated its initial assess- going into the second firmed on Thursday, will the most marginalised formation was not avail- Policy Paper report did ment in 2019 and has in- phase of the vaccination be covered. and their opportunities to able to the public. not meet the require- creased its transparency programme, the prices Bisasor-McKenzie said fully participate in and “Our pre-Budget state- ments and therefore, in the budget process will not remain the same, front-line workers and benefit from the econ- ment is the Interim Fiscal could not be used as the with an average score of suggesting there will be the elderly will have first omy,” the survey outlined. Policy Paper – the pre-Budget statement. 46 out of 100. an increase. access to the vaccine. The Barbados Advocate Saturday December 5, 2020 • 11

Cuba talks on freedom of expression break down – statement HAVANA, Cuba – Rare Culture Ministry said “funding, logistical and a rare protest by around delegation of around 30 the collective of being be- talks between Cuba’s on Friday in a state- propaganda support from 300 artists and intellec- of the demonstrators, hind “an unconventional communist govern- ment. the US government and tuals outside its head- among whose demands war strategy to try to ment and an artists’ The ministry said it its officials”. quarters in Havana last were greater freedom of overthrow the revolu- collective over free- would not meet the col- Officials initially weekend. expression and an end to tion”. dom of expression lective’s delegates, accus- agreed to a dialogue over Culture Ministry offi- repression and harass- The demonstration out- have broken down, the ing them of receiving the artists’ demands after cials agreed to meet a ment of independent side the Culture Ministry artists. building followed the The unprecedented dis- expulsion by police the cussions were expected to previous Thursday of Activist tells men stop victim-blaming get under way this week members of a previously KEVIN Liverpool, ad- equality and justice for know – even if what they between Culture Minister little known artists’ col- ministrator for regional all, by engaging men and know is a toxic and abu- Alpidio Alonso and lective from their prem- NGO Caribbean Male boys and strengthening sive relationship. artists’ representatives. ises in the historic centre Action Network networks and alliances, “We have a situation However, the commu- of Havana. (CariMAN), has a mes- with individuals and or- that can reinforce in the nist authorities hardened Members of the San sage for men who witness ganisations that promote victim’s mind, in the sur- their tone, denouncing a Isidro Movement had other men demonstrating human rights, gender vivor’s mind, the belief US conspiracy. been protesting for 10 negative and/or abusive and environmental jus- that it is their fault and The ministry said in its days, with six of them on behaviours and attitudes tice.” something in them needs statement that it took ex- hunger strike, and their towards women: “Call While acknowledging to change. So those ception to an “insolent let- movement had gained them out.” can also be victims of things may lead to a sur- ter” received on Thursday, significant attention. Liverpool was speaking abuse, he said when it vivor attempting to stop which sought to “impose The ministry said it re- at the UNTT’s virtual comes to women, TT has the legal proceeding.” unilaterally who should mained open to dialogue panel discussion on a culture of victim-blam- Asked what he wishes participate in dialogue, with a section of the Friday morning, which ing by not just friends but could be changed in TT with whom it agrees to artists’ community. focused on how society family and “the wider so- when it comes to dealing dialogue, and on what”. “For the young people can better serve victims ciety”. with violence against The group had de- and all the artists who and survivors of gender- He said when there are women, he said, “I would manded President Miguel met in front of the min- based violence. “long, drawn-out (court) like men to call out other Kevin Liverpool, admin- Diaz-Canel participate in istry on 27 November, CariMAN’s aim, ac- processes”, it’s common men and interrupt be- istrator for regional NGO the talks. who have not compro- cording to the Caribbean for the victim to become haviour and speech that Caribbean Male Action Diaz-Canel, the first mised their work with the Policy Development hopeless. can be hurtful. Silence is Network (CariMAN). Cuban leader of the post- enemies of the Cuban na- Centre, is to “challenge “That sense of hope- affirming and when we (PHOTO: VIDYA THURAB) Castro era – too young to tion, the opportunities for the existing social and lessness, or that sense of remain quiet, we really have participated in the dialogue remain open,” cultural beliefs and betrayal of trust in the validate some negative women again to interrupt 1959 revolution led by the statement said. “But norms around mascu- system, can cause a per- and toxic views and we this kind of behaviour. Fidel Castro and his we cannot get along with linity and advocate for son to revert to what they leave the burden on “Call out yuh bredrins.” brother Raul – accused the mercenaries.” Always® continues pledge to ensuring access to feminine hygiene products PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Another major step towards ending period poverty in this country was taken with the sizeable donation of 135,000 feminine hygiene products to secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago, and to non-profit organisation Kids In Need of Direction (KIND), by Always®. Always® began its #EndPeriodPoverty cam- paign in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pan- demic was gaining ground in the region. The cam- paign was designed to help increase access to feminine hygiene prod- ucts for girls in challeng- ing economic circum- stances so they can stay confident and stay in school. However, the pandemic halted the campaign in T&T for a while, as From left to right: KIND volunteer Karen; Graciela Garcia, KIND team member; Acting Principal, Cunupia Secondary, Dennis Lalla; and schools were closed in Mark Siboo, Brand Manager, AMCO. (IMAGE COURTESY AMCO) order to prevent further coronavirus infections. COVID-19 relief efforts. been a difficult year for For the second consecu- each female student re- Roxborough Secondary The distribution re- Reshma Geawan, everyone, which is why we tive year, Always® part- ceived Always® feminine School. sumed recently. This P&G (Procter & Gamble) remain committed to pro- nered with KIND to dis- products to last an entire Also recognising the week, Alstons Marketing Business Unit Head at viding period products to tribute period products in school year. need to provide continu- Company Limited AMCO, said the company our girls and those in an even more meaningful The schools were iden- ous support to communi- (AMCO) – the local dis- was more than happy to need. Period poverty is not way namely, the donation tified by the Ministry of ties, Always® once again tributor for Always® – assist with the campaign a new phenomenon and of an increased total of Education and included partnered with KIND managed to successfully distribution and pledged we promise to play our 115,000 pads to five sec- Rio Claro East Secondary, to help deliver a total of complete distribution of to continue to assist where part in helping to circum- ondary schools – four in Cunupia Secondary, 20,000 pads to assist some the much needed feminine necessary. vent period poverty,” she Trinidad and one in Toco Secondary, Success families affected by the supplies, as part of its “We know that this has said. Tobago – ensuring that Laventille Secondary and COVID-19 pandemic. 12 • Saturday December 5, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

UK defends vaccine decision amid UK cases rise criticism it moved too fast by 16,298 LONDON – UK regulators went on safety,quality and effectiveness have been the offensive yesterday to beat back bypassed,” the MHRA said. “No vaccine criticism that they rushed their au- would be authorised for supply in the UK and another thorisation of a COVID-19 vaccine, unless the expected standards of safety, saying they rigorously analysed data quality and efficacy are met.” on safety and effectiveness in the The media blitz comes amid concerns shortest time possible without that criticism of the approval process 504 deaths compromising the thoroughness of could undermine public confidence in the their review. Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, leading some The comments from the Medicines and individuals to shun shots. Britain plans to reported Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency begin vaccinating people within the next came as the Times newspaper reported few days, starting with nursing home res- that the agency’s chief executive, idents, caregivers and people over age 80. ANOTHER 16 298 coronavirus cases Dr.June Raine, planned to give a series of Britain will initially receive 800 000 and 504 deaths have been reported radio interviews so she could speak di- doses, enough to vaccinate 400 000 people, in the UK. rectly to people who may be concerned so the first shots will go to those who are Last Friday, there were 16 022 cases, about getting vaccinated. most at risk of dying from COVID-19 and and 521 deaths – with a 460.3 The MHRA reiterated earlier state- those who are most likely to spread the seven-day average. ments that the agency is conducting coronavirus. Coronavirus-linked deaths in the UK, rolling reviews of COVID-19 vaccine can- America’s top infectious disease expert Medicines and Healthcare Products within 28 days of a positive test, didates, allowing regulators to speed up late Thursday apologised for suggesting Regulatory Agency’s chief executive, yesterday passed 60 000. the review process by looking at data as that UK authorities had rushed their au- Dr. June Raine. On Thursday, the government it becomes available. The agency gave thorisation of the vaccine. reported 14 879 cases and 414 emergency approval on Wednesday to a Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the their British counterparts, not better,but deaths. vaccine produced by US drugmaker National Institute of Allergy and didn’t phrase his comments properly. The total number of confirmed Pfizer and Germany-based BioNTech, Infectious Diseases, had told US media “I do have great faith in both the cases in the UK as of yesterday now making Britain the first Western country outlets that UK regulators hadn’t acted scientific community and the regulatory stands at 1 690 432, with 60 617 deaths. to authorise a vaccine against the coron- “as carefully” as the Food and Drug community at the UK, and anyone who Another 1 364 people with COVID-19 avirus. Administration. He later clarified to the knows me and my relationship with that were also admitted to hospital, The ability to act more quickly “does not BBC that he had meant to say that US over literally decades, you know that’s according to the latest daily mean steps and the expected standards of authorities do things differently than the case,” Fauci told the BBC. tally.

Germany prepares vaccine centres over security concerns BERLIN – Officials in Germany yesterday that they are taking the potential for attacks on mass vaccination centres into consideration as they set up sites to prepare for European Union regulators authoris- ing the first coronavirus vaccines. Britain gave the green light Wednesday for emergency use of a vaccine made by German firm BioNTech and US pharma- Former head of Germany’s civil protec- EU chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier. ceutical giant Pfizer. The European tion agency, Albrecht Broemme. Medicines Agency has indicated it may not decide whether to grant its authori- contacts, the closure of some businesses sation until December 29, about two and mask requirements are an unneces- Post-Brexit trade talks paused weeks later than Germany had expected sary infringement on their rights. to launch a national immunisation Opponents of the public health TALKS to reach a post-Brexit trade deal agreement are not met, due to significant drive. measures overlap with members of have been paused, because UK and EU divergences on level playing field, The former head of Germany’s civil anti-vaccination groups who claim – negotiators say “significant divergences” governance and fisheries. protection agency, Albrecht Broemme, despite repeated government insistence remain. “On this basis,they agreed to pause the was tasked with setting up six mass to the contrary – that COVID-19 shots Michel Barnier and Lord David Frost talks in order to brief their principals vaccination sites in Berlin. He said secu- will be compulsory. said conditions for a deal between the two on the state of play of the negotiations.” rity questions still need to be resolved. A spokesman for Germany’s Interior sides have not been met. Barnier is negotiating on behalf Unlike with hospitals, which tend to Ministry said security agencies were alert European Commission President of the 27 EU member states and can only be treated respectfully, “with to the issue. Ursula Von Der Leyen and PM Boris act within the mandate set by their the centres it’s indeed possible that peo- “I am not aware of a concrete threat sce- Johnson will discuss the state of play leaders. ple opposed to vaccination or others nario,” ministry spokesman Markus today. A senior UK government source told willing to use violence might say Lammert told reporters in Berlin, adding, State aid subsidies, fishing and BBC News the statement shows how far ‘Let’s set this on fire because we think “In any case,we can’t provide information enforcement of new rules remain the key apart both sides are and that the trade vaccinations are stupid,’” Broemme said. about operational details and facts.” sticking points in negotiations. talks have run into problems. Broemme plans to have “intense Germany recorded 23 449 more If a deal is not agreed by December 31, Earlier,Boris Johnson’s spokesman said conversations” with police and private se- confirmed virus cases yesterday, the two sides will trade on World Trade the government was “committed to work- curity firms about the protection of the taking the country’s total since the start Organization rules, meaning the ing hard to try and reach agreement” but Berlin vaccination centres, though he of the pandemic to 1 130 237 and introduction of taxes on imports. emphasised that the UK couldn’t “agree added that no concrete threats have been continuing a pattern of infection Releasing identical statements on a deal that doesn’t allow us to take back made so far. figures stagnating at a high level. Twitter, Barnier and Lord Frost said, control”. A small but vocal minority in Germany Germany’s disease control agency said “After one week of intense negotiation in He added that “time is in very short has staged regular protests against the virus-related deaths increased by London, the two chief negotiators supply and we are at a very difficult point pandemic restrictions imposed by author- 432 in 24 hours, bringing the death toll to agreed today that the conditions for an in talks”. ities. They argue that limits on social 18 034. The Barbados Advocate Saturday December 5, 2020 • 13

Montenegro’s Biden to ask Americans to parliament wear masks for 100 days approves new, US President-elect Joe Biden has “And I think we’ll see a significant said he will ask Americans to wear reduction if we occur that, if that occurs pro-Serb govt masks for his first 100 days in with vaccinations and masking to drive office to curtail the spread of down the numbers considerably.” PODGORICA, Montenegro – Monte- coronavirus. The first 100 days of a new presidency negro’s parliament yesterday voted to He told CNN he believed there would be is symbolically important in the US and approve a new conservative, pro-Serb a “significant reduction” in Covid-19 cases is seen as a gauge of how a president will coalition government, which will succeed if every American wore a face covering. get things done. a pro-Western party that has ruled the Biden also said he would order masks Constitutional experts say a US presi- small Balkan nation for almost to be worn in all government buildings. dent has no legal authority to order three decades. The US has recorded 14.1 million cases Americans to wear masks, but Biden said PM Zdravko Krivokapic’ cabinet is dom- and 276 000 deaths from Covid-19 – the during the interview he and his Vice- inated by unelected technocrats, and its highest of any country in the world. President Kamala Harris would set an ex- approval follows more than three months Montenegro Prime Minister Zdravko Biden is preparing to take office as ample by donning face coverings. of negotiations with coalition partners Krivokapic. pharmaceutical giants are poised to ship The president’s executive authority after their narrow victory in August par- millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines does cover US government property, and liamentary elections. for holding what he called the “first fair to the American public. Biden told CNN he intended to exercise Lawmakers in the 81-seat parliament democratic elections” in Montenegro. The UK on Wednesday became the first such power. voted 41-28 Friday for the new govern- Krivokapic is considered close to the country in the world to approve the Pfizer “I’m going to issue a standing order that ment, with 12 abstentions. Serbian Orthodox Church which led vaccine. in federal buildings you have to be Krivokapic is a 62-year-old former months of protests in Montenegro against In his first joint interview with Vice masked.” university professor and political novice. a law passed by the previous government President-elect Kamala Harris since the He added, “Transportation, interstate His coalition was formed with the main that the church said would impound its election, Biden said,“The first day I’m in- transportation, you must be masked, goal of unseating the long-ruling DPS property in Montenegro. The former augurated to say I’m going to ask the pub- airplanes and buses, et cetera.” party of Montenegrin President Milo government rejected those claims. lic for 100 days to mask. Just 100 days to US airlines, airports and most public Djukanovic, whom it accuses of rampant Although they pledged to vote for the mask, not forever. One hundred days. transit systems already require all corruption, links with organised crime, new government, the coalition officials passengers and workers to wear face and “dictatorship.” criticised Krivokapic’s choice of govern- coverings. Djukanovic and his government defied ment ministers and his position that The Democratic president-elect said he neighbouring Serbia and its ally Russia to Montenegro should continue on its would be “happy” to take a vaccine in pub- join NATO in 2017, and have brought the pro-Western course.They said politicians, lic to allay any concerns about its safety. country of some 620 000 people to instead of technocrats, should lead the Three former presidents – Barack the threshold of the European Union. new government. Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton Krivokapic has promised to abide by “If everything will remain the same, we – have said they are also prepared to be NATO membership obligations and to shouldn’t have taken part in the inoculated publicly to show that it is safe. work on speeding up EU accession, election,” said Milan Knezevic, a leader “People have lost faith in the ability of despite demands from his own coalition of the largest pro-Serb group in the the vaccine to work,” Biden said, adding for closer ties with Slavic allies Serbia new governing coalition. that “it matters what a president and the and Russia. Serbia and Montenegro were part of vice-president do.” The new prime minister has said his the same country before an independence In the CNN interview, Biden said he cabinet’s priorities will be to fight the referendum in 2006 led to Montenegro would retain Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top coronavirus, bring the country out of a splitting away. US infectious disease expert, as chief deep economic crisis triggered by the Montenegro remains deeply divided medical advisor to the new administra- pandemic, and ensure what he called among those seeking closer ties with tion’s Covid-19 team. the “real rule of law.” Serbia and Russia and those who view “When Dr.Fauci says we have a vaccine He also pledged good relations with Montenegro as an independent state that is safe, that’s the moment in which I Serbia and other neighbours, and allied with the West. Serbs represent will stand before the public and say that,” promised to work on creating conditions about 30% of its population. US President-elect Joe Biden. Biden said. Trump raises $200m for post-election legal battles PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s campaign Election Day”. preliminary campaign apparatus in case and the Republican National However the small print showed that he’s serious about running again Committee say they have raised most of the money would be spent in 2024. $207.5 million (£154m) since the US on other priorities. While the president may be running election last month. Donald Trump’s efforts to reverse his out of ways to challenge the 2020 Since October – including the weeks defeat in the 2020 presidential election presidential election, he has at least 207 running up to the vote – Trump have become increasingly futile, as million reasons to keep trying until committees have raised a total of nearly courts strike down his legal challenges the bitter end. half a billion dollars. and states certify their results. They’ve Trump has been dealt a series of legal The money is funding legal challenges also been quite lucrative, however. blows in his fight to overturn the to Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. The president and the Republican election result and time is running out. Trump has refused to concede and party have now raised more than $207m Earlier this week, US Attorney alleges without evidence that Biden’s since election day, and while the money General William Barr said his justice win was the result of fraud. was solicited to support the finance department had found no proof to back Over the same period, Biden’s balloting challenges, the bulk of the President Trump’s allegations.. campaign has raised $112 million, ac- contributions will go to the president’s “To date, we have not seen fraud on a cording to a filing with the Federal personal political committee and party scale that could have effected a different Elections Commission. coffers. outcome in the election,” he said. Trump’s campaign manager, Bill That will be a boon to the Republican Biden has 306 votes to Trump’s Stepien, said the fundraising “positions National Committee, as it seeks to retire 232 under the electoral college system President Trump to continue leading any debt incurred over the campaign. It that is used to pick US presidents, far the fight to clean up our corrupt also allows the president to wield more than the 270 needed to win. Biden elections process in so many areas considerable power even after he leaves also leads the popular vote by nearly around the country”. the White House next month. seven million ballots. The post-election fundraising drive With tens of millions of dollars in his Electors from each state meet saw emails sent to supporters asking political fund, Donald Trump can back on December 14 to formally nominate them to contribute to an “Official favoured candidates in upcoming the next president. President Trump once again alleged Election Defense Fund” to “protect the campaigns, finance his own rallies and Biden is due to be sworn in on “massive fraud” without evidence to results and keep fighting even after travel, and also staff and support a January 20. reporters on Thanksgiving. 14 • Saturday December 5, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Saudi FM says final agreement in Qatar dispute ‘in reach’ SAUDI ARABIA’S foreign minister mediator nation Kuwait described the on- has expressed optimism that the going talks over the crisis as “construc- three-year boycott of Qatar by four tive and fruitful”. Arab nations, including the king- Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh dom, may be nearing an end. Ahmad Nasser al-Sabah said yesterday “We’ve made significant progress in the there was progress in resolving the dis- last few days, Prince Faisal bin Farhan pute but stopped short of announcing any said, speaking to Italy’s annual breakthrough in the dispute. Mediterranean Dialogues yesterday. “Fruitful discussions have taken place “We hope that this progress can lead to recently in which all sides expressed their a final agreement which looks in reach, keenness & to reach a final agreement, and I can say that I am somewhat opti- al-Sabah said in a statement read out on Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. mistic that we are close to finalising an Kuwait TV,thanking White House senior agreement between all the nations in the adviser Jared Kushner for his “recent ef- & the region remain our top priority. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, dispute to come to a resolution that we forts”. Earlier on Friday, Al Thani also said speaking remotely to the International think will be satisfactory to all,” the prince Following the statement, Qatar’s there has been movement on resolving Institute for Strategic Studies’ annual said. Foreign Minister Mohammed bin the diplomatic dispute. Manama Dialogue, said he hoped any However, the other three nations boy- Abdulrahman Al Thani thanked Kuwait “Right now, there is a movement that agreement between Qatar and the boy- cotting Qatar – Bahrain, Egypt and the for its mediation. we hope will put an end to this crisis,” AI cotting countries would be made on a United Arab Emirates – did not imme- The Kuwaiti statement is an impera- Thani said. “foundation that is lasting”. diately acknowledge any progress. More tive step towards resolving the GCC cri- “We believe the end of the crisis is im- “We are very hopeful that the dispute than a year ago, a similar hope for an end sis.We express our gratitude to the State portant for the security of the region and between the Saudis and the Qataris can to the dispute quickly faded. of Kuwait for their mediation & the for the sake of our people. This crisis be resolved,” Pompeo said.“We’re going to But Prince Faisal’s remarks did come United States for their efforts. The inter- needs to end based on mutual respect and keep working to facilitate conversations just hours after the top diplomat from est and security of the people of the Gulf the rights of all people of the Gulf. and dialogues.”

Bahrain now second nation to grant emergency use Pfizer shot DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The island kingdom of Bahrain said yesterday it has become the second nation in the world to grant an emergency-use authorisation for the coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. The state-run Bahrain News Agency made the announcement Friday night, following an earlier announcement by the United Kingdom on Wednesday, making Britain the first in the world. “The confirmation of approval by the National Health Regulatory Authority of the kingdom of Bahrain followed thor- ough analysis and review undertaken by the authority of all available data,” the Bahrain yesterday said it was the second nation to grant Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine emergency-use authorisation. kingdom said on its state-run Bahrain News Agency. cine must be kept. They must be stored has inoculate some 6 000 people with it. With a population of 1.6 million, it has Bahrain did not say how may vaccines and shipped at ultra-cold temperatures of That vaccine, an “inactivated” shot made reported more than 87 000 cases and it has purchased, nor when vaccinations around minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus by growing the whole virus in a lab and 341 deaths, according to the government. would begin. It did not immediately 94 degrees Fahrenheit). Bahrain is a then killing it, also is in use in the UAE. Over 85 000 people have recovered from respond to questions from The Associated Mideast nation that regularly sees “The approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech the COVID-19 illness that is caused Press. temperatures in the summer of around vaccine will add a further important layer by the virus. Pfizer later told the AP that the details 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees to the kingdom’s national COVID-19 The country is also home to a large of its sales agreement with Bahrain, Fahrenheit) with high humidity. response, which has strongly prioritised expatriate population, with many including the “timing of delivery and the Bahrain does have a state-owned protecting the health of all citizens and low-paid labourers from southeast Asia volume of doses,” was confidential and carrier, Gulf Air, that it could use to residents during the pandemic,” said living in tight housing.In July,authorities declined to comment. transport the vaccines. In the nearby Dr. Mariam al-Jalahma, the CEO of told the AP they had moved 8 000 labour- “We have developed detailed logistical United Arab Emirates, the Dubai-based Bahrain’s National Health Regulatory ers to new accommodations, disinfected plans and tools to support effective long-haul carrier Emirates has already Authority. housing and implemented a rule vaccine transport, storage and said it is preparing its facilities to BioNTech, which owns the vaccine,said requiring no more than five labourers per continuous temperature monitoring, distribute vaccines at ultra-cold it has so far signed deals to supply room, with about three metres (ten feet) Pfizer said.“Our distribution is built on a temperatures. 570 million doses worldwide in 2021, with of space for each one. flexible just in time system which will The vaccine also requires two doses be options to deliver 600 million more. It The Bahraini government says it has ship the frozen vials to the point of given three weeks apart. hopes to supply at least 1.3 billion in 2021. conducted over two million coronavirus vaccination.” Bahrain had already granted Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s 5th tests across the island. It initially The immediate challenge for Bahrain emergency-use authorisation for a Fleet, is a small island off the coast blamed its higher per-capita infection rate would be the conditions in which the vac- Chinese vaccine made by Sinopharm and of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. on that. The Barbados Advocate Saturday December 5, 2020 • 15

Nigeria police boss withdraws Algeria to offer free lawsuit against Sars probe Covid vaccine NIGERIA’S Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu yester- day ordered the immediate with- ‘from next drawal of the lawsuit challenging the legality of the panels of enquiry looking into abuses by the Special month’ Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars). A statement by police spokesperson A VACCINE against coronavirus will Frank Mbah yesterday says the order be rolled out “free for all Algerians” follows the outcome of investigations into starting in “a month’s time”, says a the role played by the Force Legal Section senior health official in the north in launching the lawsuit. African country. Police did not say in their statement Professor Kamel Sanhadji, president what they had found in investigating of the National Agency for Health their own legal department that Security, told a regional radio station prompted them to drop the lawsuit. in the eastern province of Setif that According to the statement, the police having the vaccine will not be force remains committed to the course of mandatory. justice at all times and will not allow It is not known which vaccine anybody to constitute a “brick wall” to Algeria has opted for but the health of- the ongoing police reforms. ficial said that his country would Adamu had ordered an investigation not acquire a vaccine “unless it is after news of the lawsuit trended on so- approved by the World Health cial media on Thursday. Organization”. The police were said to be challenging Professor Sanhadji pointed out that the panels because state governments do Algeria has “the means and capacity to not have the legal power to carry out acquire all vaccines including those such investigations into police conduct. that require lower temperature Panels of inquiry have been set up in as storage”. number of states across Nigeria following Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu. He added that international flights nationwide protests against police from and to the country “would not brutality in October. ment of the elite police unit known as protests continued for days as demon- resume until the vaccination had The protests called for the disband- Sars. Despite the unit being dissolved, strators asked for broader police reforms started”. and better governance. A health passport will then be Rights groups have long accused the required for all passengers to prove Nigerian police of extortion, illegal de- they have taken the vaccine. UN: Ethiopia aid delayed amid tention and even extra-judicial killings. reports Tigray fighting continues Three human rights members released

CONTINUED fighting in many parts of said, but fighting was taking place on the from detention in Egypt Ethiopia’s Tigray region is hindering ef- city’s outskirts. THREE members of a leading Egyptian It said that days earlier its director of forts to deliver aid, the UN says. “My forces are fighting for the human rights group detained in Cairo criminal justice, Karim Ennarah, was Millions of people are said to be running self-determination rights of their people. last month have been freed following arrested in the town of Dahab and its of- out of food and medicines. They are fighting gallantly and heroically widespread international criticism. fice manager, Mohammed Basheer, had UN officials told AFP there was still no and there is no reason why they should The men, who worked for the Egyptian been detained in Cairo. access yesterday, despite a deal allowing surrender,” he told the BBC’s Focus Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), All three men had been detained “unimpeded” humanitarian access on Africa programme. were accused of links with a terror group pending investigations, it said, adding to government-controlled areas. However he said the TPLF was ready and “spreading false news”. that Basheer’s home had been raided and The military entered the regional to negotiate. The UN’s human rights agency had he had been questioned about a visit on capital Mekelle last weekend and said “While we would not submit to any described the arrests as “chilling”. November 3 by senior Western diplomats the month-long conflict with forces of the arm-twisting, we remain beholden to the Celebrities Emma Thompson, Stephen to the EIPR’s Cairo office to discuss TPLF group was over. need for peace,” he said. Fry and Scarlett Johansson joined human rights. Hundreds of people have reportedly politicians in criticising the arrests. The EIPR described the arrests as a been killed in the fighting with the ‘No aid before next week’ EIPR is an independent group whose “clear and co-ordinated response” to its Tigray People’s Liberation Front. Tens Saviano Abreu, spokesman for the UN’s work covers a variety of political, civil, work, which includes monitoring places of of thousands of people have been humanitarian co-ordination office, told economic and social issues. detention and the issuance of death displaced, with a wave of refugees fleeing AFP: “We have reports of fighting still A researcher for the group, Patrick sentences. into Sudan. going on in many parts of Tigray. This is Zaky, who was arrested in February, is It said Abdel-Razek’s arrest was “an at- The BBC managed to speak on concerning and it’s a complex situation for still in detention. tempt to put an end to organised and le- Thursday to people in Mekelle who said us.” EIPR says he is being held on suspicion gitimate human rights work in Egypt”. “fighting is still going on in places near On Wednesday, the UN announced it of spreading fake news, misusing social Meanwhile, Ravina Shamdasani, the city”. The TPLF says it is still had reached an agreement to deliver aid media and inciting protest without spokeswoman for the Office of the UN fighting. in areas of Tigray that were government- permission. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ethiopia’s minister in charge of controlled. Dozens of activists have been arrested said the arrests were feared to be part of democratisation, Zadig Abraha, However as of yesterday, security as- under Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah al- a broader pattern of intimidation and dismissed this, saying “there is no war”. sessments were still being conducted and Sisi, who led the military’s overthrow of silencing dissent. Getachew Reda, a member of the TPLF three UN officials told AFP that aid was his democratically elected predecessor On Thursday, the EIPR confirmed in a Executive Committee, told the BBC the not expected to arrive before next week. Mohammed Morsi in 2013 following tweet that in an “unusual” move,all three situation in Mekelle was “very tense”. “We have been granted this access, this protests against his rule. men had been released from Tora jail, “People have no appetite whatsoever agreement with the federal government. Egypt, however, has repeatedly denied adding “welcome home”. to countenance the invading forces,” he But we also have to have the same kind accusations of human rights violations. Their release comes after the UN called said. of agreement with all parties to the In a statement last month, EIPR said for the men to be freed, and after both TPLF troops had withdrawn from conflict to make sure we actually have security forces had arrested its lead mem- France and the US state department said Mekelle to spare the city a massive bom- unconditional free access to Tigray,” ber Gasser Abdel-Razek at his home in they were “deeply concerned” about bardment from the attacking forces, he Abreu said. Maadi, south of Cairo, on November 19. their detention. 16 • Saturday December 5, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Report: Climate change damaging more World Heritage sites GENEVA – Climate change up of governments and civil is increasingly damaging society groups and advises UN- the UN’s most cherished ESCO on natural threats to heritage sites, a leading con- those sites. servation agency warned “Natural World Heritage sites Wednesday, reporting that are amongst the world’s most Australia’s Great Barrier precious places, and we owe it to Reef and dozens of other future generations to protect natural wonders are facing them,” IUCN Director-General severe threats. Bruno Oberle said. Climate change that has “Climate change is wreaking lead to shrinking glaciers, in- (havoc) on natural World creasing fires, floods and Heritage, from shrinking gla- In this July 21, 2020 file photo, Swiss photographer David Carlier takes photographs of the Swiss droughts, and the bleaching of ciers to coral bleaching to in- Aletsch glacier, the longest glacier in Europe, on the sideline of his photographic exhibition, in coral reefs are among the creasingly frequent and severe Fieschertal, Switzerland. troubles facing 83 of the 252 fires and droughts.” World Heritage Sites listed by The report says the Great in the Gulf of California in It said while 63% of the her- foreign rodents, fish or plants UNESCO, the UN’s cultural Barrier Reef, where ocean Mexico have also entered the itage sites are classified as are transplanted, accidentally agency. warming, acidification and ex- “critical” category in the listing. “good” or “good with some con- or not, to new environments – as Sixteen World Heritage sites treme weather have added to Spain’s Garajonay National cerns,” 30% are of “significant the most potent threat against have deteriorated since the last the coral decline and shrinking Park, Olympic National Park in concern” and 7% are in “critical” such sites. World Heritage Outlook was marine species populations, the United States, and Mexico’s shape. Human activities like released three years ago, while were one of four sites in Monarch Butterfly Biosphere In a difference from the previ- tourism, hunting and fishing, only eight improved, said the Australia under “very high” Reserve are among those under ous two IUCN reports, climate and livestock grazing have also International Union for threat. “very high” threat, the new re- change has eclipsed “invasive had an impact. Conservation of Nature, made The islands of protected areas port said. alien species” – such as when Boxed in: French activists protest against Amazon’s expansion PARIS – Climate activists piled up giant cardboard delivery boxes outside the finance min- istry in Paris yesterday, protest- ing against Amazon’s expansion in France as the online retailer launched a delayed “Black Friday” sales drive. Gathered in the ministry’s cob- bled courtyard, the protesters from three groups – ANV-COP 21, Attac and Amis de la Terre – rolled out a banner on the build- ing’s facade bearing the slogan “change of owner” and featuring the faces of Amazon boss Jeff Bezos and French President Emmanuel Macron. “Amazon is destroying jobs and climate in France. It plans to massively expand in France with dozens of warehouses already built and more to come. We de- mand a freeze (on building more),” Sandy Olivar Calvo,a spokeswoman for ANV-COP21, told Reuters. The campaigners view the US retail giant as a prime factor in the urbanisation of farmland, a process they say is contributing Climate activists piled up giant cardboard delivery boxes outside the finance ministry in Paris yesterday, protesting against significantly to climate change Amazon’s expansion in France. and the loss of environmental biodiversity. a long local tradition of neigh- Nov. 27 to Dec. 4 to help shop- new house construction was the Reacting to Friday’s protest, Amazon’s global revenues have borhood stores. keepers struggling during biggest contributor to the urban- Amazon said it had unwittingly soared during the pandemic and A lengthy battle over safety France’s second national lock- isation of farmland. become the mouthpiece of organ- its ability to keep selling during measures this spring led to the down. They were allowed to re- The online retailer and similar isations that often made use of coronavirus lockdowns has temporary closure of Amazon’s open on Nov. 28 but restaurants firms were responsible for “misleading” information. It had deepened frustration among French warehouses. and bars remain closed. “just a few percent” of the invested 9.2 billion euros ($11.2 French opponents, who say it Last month, under govern- Asked about a possible freeze urbanisation process and were billion) in France and was “at the represents a US-style mass ment pressure, it postponed its on new warehouses, Finance creating many jobs, he told BFM origin of” the creation of 130,000 consumer culture at odds with Black Friday campaign from Minister Bruno Le Maire said TV. jobs, a spokeswoman said. The Barbados Advocate Saturday December 5, 2020 • 17

Amid pandemic, orders soar for Brazil robot that feeds pigs playing classical music

SAO PAULO – Orders for a robot reduces the presence of Brazilian pig-feeding robot, humans on the pig farms, and which plays classical music generates data that helps im- while dispensing meals, soared prove overall herd management. this year as farmers strove to Feed accounts for up to 75% of cut costs amid the COVID-19 pig production costs, and every pandemic. cent counts amid a steep rise in Roboagro, the privately- grain prices due to heated de- owned company that sells the mand. robot, said in a statement sent to According to Roboagro, farm- Reuters on Thursday that or- ers who use the technology can ders rose by an average of 400% improve the feed conversion to 60 units per month. ratio of pigs, increasing animal The machine uses linear feed- quality. The robot can save an ers allowing the animals, which estimated 40,000 reais ($7,792) are divided in pens, to receive per year per batch of 1,000 ani- the exact amount of feed needed mals, it says, a calculation that for each meal. As it works, it does not include labor costs. plays classical music, which the Roboagro says its robot is in A Roboagro robot feeds pigs while playing classical music on a farm in Brazil. company claims mitigates ani- use in some 500 farms in Brazil, mal stress. including suppliers to large COVID-19 outbreaks at their fa- producer, boosted the volume of trade generated $1.87 billion in Roboagro Director Giovani processors like JBS SA and cilities. pork exports by 40% in the first revenue, a nearly 50% rise on Molin said in the statement the BRF SA, which grappled with Brazil, a behemoth protein 10 months of the year. That strong Chinese demand. Top AI ethics researcher says Google EU to target 30 million fired her; company denies it electric OAKLAND, Calif. – A top to years of angst, including sev- Google scientist on ethical eral resignations and firings, in cars by 2030 artificial intelligence says the AI department and other or- she was fired after criticis- ganisations at Google over BRUSSELS – The European ing the company’s diversity diversity and whether the com- Union will aim to have at least efforts, a claim the Alphabet pany’s efforts to minimise the 30 million zero-emission vehi- Inc unit disputed on Thurs- potential harms of its services cles on its roads by 2030, as it day, in the latest brush-up are sufficient. seeks to steer countries away between the internet giant More than 150 employees ex- from fossil fuel-based transport, and worker activists. pressed support for Gebru, de- according to a draft document Timnit Gebru, who is Black, manding Google strengthen its seen by Reuters. said on Twitter she was fired on commitment to academic free- In a strategy due to be pub- Wednesday after sending an dom and explain why it chose to lished next week, the European email to colleagues expressing “censor” her paper, according to Commission will lay out meas- frustration over gender diversity a petition posted online. ures to tackle the quarter of EU within Google’s AI unit and ques- Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the greenhouse gas emissions that tioning whether company lead- NAACP’s Legal Defence and come from the transport sector. ers reviewed her work more Educational Fund, wrote on “The EU’s goal of climate neu- stringently than that of people Twitter that Gebru’s firing was trality by 2050 cannot be from different backgrounds. “absolutely infuriating” and “a reached without introducing Gebru co-founded the non-profit disaster.” very ambitious measures to re- Black in AI that aims to increase Just Wednesday, the National duce transport’s reliance on fos- representation of people of colour Labour Relations Board issued a sil fuels,” the document said. in artificial intelligence and co- complaint accusing Google of un- Hitting the bloc’s climate tar- authored a landmark paper on lawfully monitoring and ques- gets will require “at least” 30 bias in facial analysis technol- tioning several workers who million zero-emission vehicles ogy. were then fired for protesting by 2030, it said. Jeff Dean, head of Google’s AI against company policies and That is a huge step up from unit, told staff in an email re- trying to organise a union. the 1.8 million electric and plug- viewed by Reuters that Gebru Gebru’s paper contended that Top Google scientist on ethical artificial intelligence, Timnit in hybrid vehicles registered in had threatened to resign unless technology companies could do Gebru. Europe at the end of last year, she was told which colleagues more to ensure AI systems according to the International deemed a draft paper she wrote aimed at mimicking human cluding about the environmental on her departure beyond Dean’s Council on Clean Trans- was unpublishable, a demand writing and speech do not exac- impact of large numbers of com- email, which was first reported portation. Hybrids are not zero- Dean rejected. erbate historical gender biases puters crunching data. by tech news site Platformer. emission vehicles. “We accept and respect her de- and use of offensive language, Responding to the company’s Gebru previously worked at With countries including cision to resign from Google,” according to a draft copy seen by rejection of her work, Gebru Microsoft Research, and she co- France and Slovenia setting out Dean wrote in the email, adding, Reuters. wrote on Twitter last week: authored a widely cited 2018 end dates for the sale of new fos- “we all genuinely share Timnit’s In his email to staff, Dean said “Nothing like a bunch of privi- paper that found higher error sil-fuel cars, Europe’s low-emis- passion to make AI more equi- the paper had not been given to leged White men trying to rates in facial analysis technol- sion vehicle sales are growing table and inclusive.” the company for review in a squash research by marginalised ogy for women with darker skin fast, and continued to increase Gebru said in a series of timely fashion and was submit- communities for marginalised tones. through the coronavirus pan- Twitter posts that Google cut her ted to a conference without communities by ordering them Her new paper, co-authored demic this year. off from its systems without Google’s permission. to STOP with ZERO conversa- with non-Google staff, is still ex- However, industry has warning or conversation with He also took issue with some of tion. The amount of disrespect pected to be presented at a com- warned that a lack of infrastruc- her about her concerns. its conclusions, which he said re- is incredible.” puter science conference in ture could hamper future sales Gebru’s abrupt departure adds lied on outdated concerns, in- Google declined to comment March. of clean cars. 18 • Saturday December 5, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Bob tops album sales for 2020 egend: The Best of Bob TYNEXTDOOR, as well as Stylo Marley and The Wailers G, Jada Kingdom, Tommy Lee Lis the top-selling reggae Sparta and Dane Ray. album for 2020, according to Finishing the year at number Billboard magazine. seven is Gold by Bob Marley and The publication’s The Wailers. Released by Island annual year-end charts Records in January 2005, this were released on two-disc set topped the reggae Thursday. table that year. It re-entered Since the chart’s revised the chart this year. compilation process was Certified silver in the implemented in January United Kingdom earlier this this year, Legend has held year for sales of 60,000 the number one spot for copies, Dutty Classics the past 47 weeks on the Collection by Sean Paul is the weekly reggae table. number six best-selling reg- Legend also finishes the gae title for 2020. It was first year at number three on the released in June 2017 by Catalog Albums Chart, num- Warner Music Group. ber six on the Vinyl Albums The number five spot is occu- Chart, number eight on the Top pied by UB40’s Greatest Hits R&B Albums Chart and number which has songs like Can’t Help 36 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Falling in Love, The Way You Do Albums Chart. the Things You Do and Red Red The enduring collection was Bob Marley Wine. It was released in first released by Island Records in September 2008 by Virgin 1984, three years after Marley’s Recordings/Columbia Records, it Records. death. The original contained 14 has to date sold more than 7,000 Set in Stone by Stick Figure songs, including No Woman No was first released in November Cry, Is This Love and Could You copies in the United States and 2015 on Ruffwood Records. It be Loved. spent more than 32 weeks in the topped the reggae chart that year It has been repackaged and re- chart to finish at number 10. and returned this year, peaking at mastered in different formats Dutty Rock, the multi-plat- number four, where It ends the since, selling over 33 million units inum, Grammy-winning album by year. to become a collector’s item. Sean Paul, ends at number nine. World on Fire, another Stick Young guns Popcaan and Koffee Due to Billboard’s revised rules, Figure effort, is number three. also caught the attention of the 2002 set revisited the reggae The 15-track set topped the chart Billboard,making its Top 10 chart earlier this year. in September last year. Reggae Albums list. Fixtape by Popcaan is number Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Released in March 2019, eight. Released in August via Collection is number two. Rapture (EP) by Koffee captured OVO Sound/Warner Records, it Released in August 2008 via the 62nd Grammy Award for Best features collaborations with a Geffen Records, it was certified Reggae Album earlier this year. number of hip hop heavyweights gold in the United Kingdom this Bridge Released by Promised Land including Drake and PAR- year for sales of 100,000 copies. The Barbados Advocate Saturday December 5, 2020 • 19 SPORTSSPORTS WI begin reply to mammoth NZ first innings total OPENERS John Campbell and Kraigg class spanning 412 balls in just under 10- wickets apiece. Roach’s effort took him to Brathwaite batted purposefully for two 1/2 hours, and which included 34 fours 204 wickets in his career.He moved ahead hours from New Zealand’s seamers to and two sixes. He reached his 22nd Test of the great Sir Andy Roberts (202) hand West Indies a solid start, after Kane hundred in the day’s third over with a on the West Indies all-time list. Williamson’s third career double hundred boundary to cover off seamer Kemar yesterday. Roach and was unbeaten on lunch on 168 At the close of the second day,WI were with New Zealand on 346-4. 49-0, with the left-handed Campbell un- Williamson then brought up his double beaten on 22 and Brathwaite on 20, nei- hundred in the first over after the first ther providing a chance in 26 overs in the drinks break with a cover-driven four off final session at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Roach before passing 250 with an auda- Campbell has so far faced 68 balls and cious pull over mid-wicket off pacer struck a four and a six – the latter a su- Alzarri Joseph. He fell to the very next de- perbly timed pull off Tim Southee early in livery attempting the same shot but found his innings. Brathwaite, who entered the the safe hands of Roston Chase on the game in form with a monumental 246 last rope at deep mid-wicket. week – has hit a single boundary in his 89- Williamson had lost overnight partner ball stay. Ross Taylor in the day’s second over after West Indies trail by 470 runs. the veteran right-hander added only Their resolve was all the more impor- seven to his 31. He was the second wicket tant against the backdrop of Williamson for pacer Shannon Gabriel – well caught s career-best 251 which propelled the behind by Shamarh Brooks, who did an Black Caps to 519-7, before he declared excellent as substitute for Shane Dowrich about half-hour after tea. who has a hand injury. Kane Williamson raises the bat after Resuming the day on 97 with the hosts Speedster Shannon Gabriel (3-89) and Kraigg Brathwaite ensured there was a his double hundred. on 243-2, Williamson produced a master- Roach (3-114) both finished with three solid start to the West Indies innings. Winter rally brings challenging season to a close TOMORROW’S Barbados Rally Josh Read (Toyota Starlet) returning for this weekend. scores higher tomorrow will become a Club (BRC) Winter Rally will bring the first time since sharing the class In the battle of the BimmaCup cars in first-time Barbados Rally Club one of the Club’s most challenging wins with Mayers in August’s Hammer- Clubman 2, the points for which were class-winner. seasons to a close, as the Driver’s Time20. After winning at Flow KotH, listed incorrectly in last week’s first The BRC Winter Rally will comprise and Class Championships are Mayers missed day one of Sol RB20 and Winter Rally preview,points leader Jason eight stages, five before and three after a settled. then failed to match Jones on day two, giv- Downey can win the title even if he lunch break at the Bushy Park Quarry, The running order, published at ing the Escort driver the upper hand by 17 finishes second tomorrow to early-season which will also be the Service Park for the Thursday night’s Briefing Meeting at the points, although Mayers would need a pace-setter Stuart Garcia. With Natya day. Starting at 10 am and with cars Barbados Clay Target Shooting DNF from Jones to snatch victory. Soodeen also entered, however, Downey running at one-minute intervals, there Association (BCTSA) Clubhouse,Searles, In FIA R5, no fewer than five drivers must ensure he doesn’t finish third: he will be three passes through a 3.60km Christ Church, lists 33 crews ready to have a mathematical chance of winning and Garcia would then be tied on points, stage from Bushy Park to Congo Road, tackle eight stages in the island’s the title, although it would require an and the former class champion would with two runs from Stewarts Hill to south-east corner, including a new unusual outbreak of retirements for deprive Downey of the title having Society; in the afternoon, the longer stage 3.20-kilometre stage from Stewart’s Hill either the Turks & Caicos Rally Team’s claimed more stage wins, the new-for- will run twice in the reverse direction, to Society. Paul Horton (54pts) or local driver Sol 2020 first stage of the tie-break heading back into Bushy Park, with a The Champion Driver, 4wd and 2wd Esuf (53pts) to win in his Fiesta. procedure. The calculation is simpler in final run from Stewarts Hill to Society titles are yet to be resolved, while the Class leader Hill has 76 points, an Modified 3, where Ahmed Esuf and between the two. The Finish will be at leading margins in no fewer than four advantage of nine over Mallalieu and David St Hill are tied for the lead in their approximately 2.30 pm at the Bushy Park classes are in single figures, meaning the Coelho, with the latter not entered BMW M3s with 52 points; whichever Cafeteria. now-traditional enhanced scoring system for the final round – 28 for a win, 23 for second, 20 for third and so on – will play BRC Winter Rally – Sunday, December 6 its part in the outcome. Covid Protocols will be in force, as for Sol RB20, with Final running order at December 4: Art/Valvoline/Caribbean Auto Glass/809 Design Associates /TEC Barbados/Stylez Auto temperature checks, hand sanitisers 1 Rob Swann – ENG/Sean Gill (WRC Blue Sky Luxury/Elegant Hotels/raswann.co.uk Ford Fiesta Spa/Ellsemere Quarries/Chicken Pen Racing Honda Civic Type-R) and masks required. WRC) 18 Edward Corbin/Jonathan Alleyne (M1 Automotive Art/Hilti/Cargo BGI Daihatsu Charmant) In the Champion Driver title chase, 2 Jeffrey Panton – JAM/Jason Cozier (WRC Rubis/Sandals/KIG Ford Fiesta WRC) 19 Ahmed Esuf/Bibi Suleman (F) (M3 Express Imports Inc/Y Esuf Auto Clinic/Prosales/Premier SuperModified 1 leader Neil Corbin 3 Andrew Mallalieu/Geoff Goddard (FIA R5 Terra Caribbean Ford Fiesta R5) Diamonds BMW M3) (Toyota Starlet) has 81 points, four more 4 Roger Hill/Graham Gittens (FIA R5 Esso/MaxMeyer Paints/Motormac/DJ’s Skoda Fabia R5) 20 David St Hill/Ian Grimes (M3 Tropical Touch/St Hill & Sons Garage BMW M3) than Andrew Jones (Ford Escort MkII), 5 Stuart Maloney/Justin Maloney (FIA R5 VP Fuels/Chevron/Bushy Park Barbados/Rock Hard 21 Kurt Thompson/Adam Straker (M3 Glassesco/NKM Clothing/Bio-Beauty/King Ocean Shipping who leads SM2, with Roger Hill (FIA R5 Cement/Sign station Skoda Fabia R5) BMW M3 Compact) Skoda Fabia) third on 76, ahead 6 Barry Mayers/Ben Norris – ENG (SM2 Chefette/Rubis/Quality Tyre/Sign Depot Ford Fiesta) 22 Jason Harewood/Jenna Forde (F) (SM1 Mitasu Oils/Starboy Performance/Image Vault/Mark of Britain’s Rob Swann (75pts) and 7 Suleman Esuf/Asif Suleman (FIA R5 Express Imports/SY Adam & Son/Prosales/Y Esuf Auto Clinic Auto Spares Toyota Starlet) Jamaica’s Jeffrey Panton (71pts) in their Ford Fiesta R5) 23 Ryan O Wood/Ria Walcott (F) (SM1 MB Auto City/BizNeedz Racing/Lucas Oil/Shonny’s Kitchen WRC Ford Fiestas.With only two 8 Andrew Jones/Lindsey Pilkington (F) – ENG (SM2 Herr’s Chips/Gales Agro/Southern Surf Toyota Starlet) registered crews each in SM1 and WRC, Beach Apartments/AP Jones Pharmacy Ford Escort MkII) 24 Pierre Beswick – TCI/Leslie Evanson (F) (M1 Peugeot 208) however, Corbin, Panton and Swann will 9 Josh Read/Anderson Goddard (SM2 Weetabix Toyota Starlet) 25 Pierre Clarke/Kareem Gaskin (M1 SDRR Hydraulics & Industrial Spares Honda Civic) have their potential maximum score 10 Rhett Watson/Bradley Weekes (SM2 Chefette/Stihl/Gliptone/Gunk/Bajan Pure Water/It’s 26 Jermin Pope/Aaron Kirton (M1 Glassesco/NKM Clothing Honda Civic) compromised. Barbados/Hankook Tyres/Power King Batteries BMW M3) 27 Shawn Eversley/Darren Lashley (GpB CA Autobody Repairs/Track Batteries/Big Gases/SE Swann leads the 4wd Championship 11 Paul Horton – TCI/Matt Edwards – WAL (FIA R5 Java Island/HO2 Construction/Sky Motorsports Performance Suzuki Swift GTI) with 79 points, seven ahead of Panton; Ford Fiesta R5) 28 Stuart Garcia/Rasheed Smith (C2 Kirba Inc/Smith’s Engineering Works/GuavaTech BimmaCup) Hill (59pts) is third, with Andrew 12 Avinash Chatrani/Andrew Skeete (M4 Lenovo/Axe Solutions/Gunk/iShop Barbados/Sign 29 Jason Downey/Kristina Pinto (F) (C2 BimmaCup) Mallalieu and Trinidad & Tobago’s David Station /Genius Lynk Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI) 30 Kevin Wiggins/Keenan Barker (SM1 Johnson Auto/Zak Auto Parts Toyota Starlet) Coelho tied in fourth on 53 in their Fiesta 14 Logan Watson/Andrew Croney (M3 Cargo BGI/Leafy Organics/It’s Barbados/Luxe Caribbean 31 Jason Tull/Hugo Greaves (C1 Devon Star/Dominus PHD/Jay-T’s Auto Services/CA Autobody R5s; Jones has a more comfortable lead in Properties/Stihl/Bajan Pure Water BMW M3) Repairs/Redline Performance Imports/CST Tyres Peugeot 106 Rallye S2) the 2wd standings, 77 points to the 15 Neil Corbin/Matthew Staffner (SM1 Nassco/H Jason Jones/Emtage Electric/Auto 32 Natya Soodeen (F)/Justin Sisnett (C2 BimmaCup) 60 of Barry Mayers (SM2 Ford Fiesta), Solutions/Valvoline Toyota Starlet) 33 Gary Mendes/Shawn Brathwaite (M2 G & G Sales & Service Inc/Lunatics Inc/Dreamauto with Corbin third (58pts). 16 Adrian Linton/Kyle Catwell (SM2 Ravensden/JAD Performance/Helping Hands Foundation Kustomz/Blvck Diamond Kustomz/Big Guys Catering/Barbados Muffler Center/Neil’s While the year-end SM2 title can only Vauxhall Astra VXR) Bistro/Wyndham Toyota Corolla) be won by either Jones or Mayers, a clas- 17 Jamal Brathwaite/Dwayne Forde (M2 Java Island/Consumers Guaranteed Insurance/Automotive 34 Harold Morley – ENG/Stephen Bell (H2 Spectrum X Porsche 911RS) sic battle is in prospect tomorrow, with 20 • Saturday December 5, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Concussion sub Belle, St. George Land 4 acres $400,000 Yuzvendra Chahal

Haggatt Hall, St. Michael Land 6336 sq ft shines in first T20 $126,000 CONCUSSION spinner Chahal at the Cane Garden, St. Thomas substitute Yuzvendra interval. TEL 572-1452 Land 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft Chahal took 3-25 as Man of the match Cel: 253-6319 Private entrance. From India beat Australia by Chahal then took 3-25, 828-4800 $187,681 11 runs in a including captain Email: controversial first Aaron Finch for 35 and caribbeanpropertiesltd The Mount, St. George @gmail.com Twenty20 in Canberra. Steve Smith for 12. Land 6544 sq ft Ravindra Jadeja’s On 20 not out in the $110,000 unbeaten 44 off 23 balls penultimate over, PROPERTIES Shop Hill, St Thomas helped India recover Jadeja appeared to Land 11,735 sq ft from 92-5 to post 161-7. suffer a hamstring Kirtons, St Philip $258,000 He was hit on the injury and was treated 3 bedroom plus helmet in the 20th over on the pitch by the 2 bedroom apt Ragged Point, St. Philip but batted on, only to physio. Land 4,790 sq ft $685,000 Land 8,267 sq ft be replaced by leg- If a player is replaced $166,000 Amity Lodge, Ch Ch in those circumstances, 3 bedroom plus Rolling Hills, St. George a substitute fielder 1 bedroom apt Land 12,000 sq ft VAR is ‘certainly not cannot bat or bowl. Land 6,646 sq ft $315,000 (negotiable) After edging the $650,000 second ball of the final Ocean City, St. Philip damaging’ football – Fifa over from Mitchell Gibbons, Ch Ch Land 6150 sq ft Starc into his helmet, 3 bedroom plus $123,000 Jadeja added a further 2 bedroom apt president Gianni Infantino Land 9,835 sq ft $765,000 10 runs. Fortesque, St Philip During the interval Agricultural Land THE video assistant says Fifa president “Let’s not forget this Breezy Hill, St Philip 494,500 sq ft referee (VAR) is Gianni Infantino. really is a landmark Australia coach Justin 3 bedroom, 2 bath $1,100,000 “certainly not In a poll for BBC change for a referee Langer was involved in reduced to $298,000 damaging” football, Sport, only a third of who didn’t grow up a heated discussion Silver Sands, with match referee Black Rock, St Michael fans across the UK said with VAR. Christ Church REAL ESTATE they believed VAR had “We have to take the David Boon, his former 3 bedroom, 1 bath Land 7,129 sq ft Australia team-mate. Land 6732 sq ft $160,000 made football better. pulse of what is $360,000 Black Rock, St. Michael Liverpool captain happening out there, to After the game India captain Virat Kohli told Bushy Park, St. Philip Warehouse/Factory Jordan Henderson and take the criticism and Enterprise, Christ Church Land 24,000 sq ft 4000 sf space Aston Villa midfielder analyse them.” Fox Sports that Jadeja 3 bedroom, 2 bath $200,000 Land 23,861 sq ft Jack Grealish have The BBC Sport poll of “was a bit dizzy and $900,000 (reduced) Land 5062 sq ft both called for VAR to 2,100 football fans, still is". $390,000 (reduced) Apes Hill, St. James be scrapped after carried out by Savanta Finch said the Land 31,000 sq ft upward Foul Bay, St. Philip discussion between Approved for condos, recent controversial ComRes, shows that Golf Club Road, Large lots at $15 per sq ft Boon and Langer took Christ Church Land 39,242 sq ft decisions. while 30% of fans think 3 bedroom, 1 bath $1,600,000. “We have to it has improved the place when Australia Mount Wilton, St. Thomas were told Jadeja had fixer upper Land 15,500 sq ft remember VAR was game, 44% of fans Land 4,000 plus and 22,066 sq ft Dover, Christ Church introduced for the first actually think it has been ruled out with UNDER OFFER $300,000 and $220,000 Hotel 18 rooms fully time two years ago, not made football worse. concussion by the India operational $2,950,000 neg 20 years ago,” said While most fans are team doctor. The Belle, St George Union, St. Philip Infantino. now given the option of “You aren’t Plantation style House Land 7560 sq ft Dalkeith, Christ Church challenging a medical Land 17,371 sq ft approved “VAR is helping seeing VAR decisions on Standing on 4 acres $150,000 expert in that regard,” UNDER OFFER for shops and offices football, it’s certainly screen - whether in the $495,000 not damaging football.” stadium or watching on Finch said. Cottage, St George Australia, who won Frere Pilgrim, Land 5000 sq ft World governing body TV - almost half of fans Christ Church $110,000 Roebuck Street, Fifa took full control of said they believe the the one-day series that 3 bedroom, 2 baths with Bridgetown VAR from the sport’s introduction of VAR has preceded the T20s 2-1, two bedroom apartment. Morningside, St Philip Shopping Mall/Office space reached 56-0 in their $8,100,000 negotiable lawmakers, the made football less Land 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 Land 4567 sq ft International Football exciting. pursuit before Chahal $133,000 had Finch caught at Hanson Heights, St George Batts Rock, St Michael Association Board Since Fifa took (Ifab), in July. control of VAR, there long-off and Smith 3 bedroom, 2 baths Jupiter Gardens, St Philip Guest House, Land 8321 sq ft Land 12,078 sq ft After extensive trials, has been an increase in brilliantly taken by a Land 7312 sq ft diving Sanju Samson at $595,000 $133,000 $2,850,000 negotiable VAR was written into referees using pitch- the laws of the game by side monitors to review deep midwicket. Ealing Grove, Bagatelle, St. Thomas Cane Garden, St Thomas Ifab in 2018 and was goal, red card and Chahal removed Christ Church Land 62000 sq ft into 2 lots 3.6 acres approved used at that year’s penalty decisions. Matthew Wade with his Roadfront land 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths $520,000 each World Cup in Russia. VAR continues to rule final ball, while left- Land 9320 sq ft $1,650,000 negotiable The Premier League on factual decisions and arm seamer T $565,000 Marley Vale, St Philip Fitts Village, St James introduced the advise on matters of Natarajan finished Land 21,780 sq ft with 3-30 on his T20 $275,000 Guest House, 4 Suites technology for the 2019- subjectivity. LOTS FOR SALE Land 6,135 sq ft 20 season. “VAR is not an debut. The second game of Sandford, St Philip $850,000 negotiable “We must not make a obligation, it’s there to Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Land 16,356 sq ft confusion between VAR help,” said Infantino. the three-match series Land 14,876 sq ft. $305,000 Mason Hill Street The City and maybe sometimes “Those who don’t want takes place in Sydney $110,000 26,500 sq ft with buildings on Sunday at 08:10 $4,500,000 negotiable wrong decisions which to use it, they are not are taken because of obliged to use it. GMT. Bushy Park, St. Philip COMMERCIAL Finch may be a doubt All enquiries to the wrong way in which “It helped referees in Land 17,000 sq ft with what he described $10 sq ft Mount Standfast, St James (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 VAR is used, maybe in the World Cup, it helps (246) 572 1452 some places because of referees in many as a “hip or glute” Two properties on injury that “got Inchcape, St. Philip 22,714 sq ft Land. or the lack of experience of competitions and Land 4355 sq ft Asking $1,200,000 (246) 247 4469 those who are using players and coaches progressively worse” $ 96,000 VAR,” added Infantino. agree." during the game. The Barbados Advocate Saturday December 5, 2020 • 21

22 • Saturday December 5, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Napoli stadium renamed after Maradona

NAPOLI have renamed their stadium after late club leg- end Diego Maradona. Former Argentina attacking midfielder and manager Maradona, who died aged 60 in November,led the Italian side to two Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990. The Stadio San Paolo will now be known as the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, after the Napoli city council approved the resolution. Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis proposed renaming the stadium in an open letter after Maradona’s death. The mayor of Naples, Luigi de Magistris, also backed the idea. Maradona spent seven years at Napoli after joining from Barcelona in 1984, also winning the 1987 Coppa Italia and 1989 Uefa Cup with the Italian club. Fans gathered at the stadium to pay tribute to him after his death on 25 November and Napoli honoured him before their Europa League match against HNK Rijeka, each Fans gathered at Napoli’s stadium to lay tributes to Diego Maradona after his death. player wearing a shirt with ‘Maradona 10’ on the back. They added that Maradona Napoli team shirt for seven Maradona made 188 appear- He represented Argentina in “The resolution was signed by was “the greatest footballer of years” and “receiving in ex- ances for Napoli, more than he four World Cups and was cap- the entire city council,” said the all time” who “with his immense change from the whole city an made for any other club in his tain when they won the 1986 council in a statement. talent and magic honoured the eternal and unconditional love”. career, and scored 81 goals. title in Mexico. The Barbados Advocate Saturday December 5, 2020 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES: A legal matter could soon be decided in your N favour. This brings an end to a long and drawn out D negotiation and the start of a less stressful phase in your life. You're preparing for new beginnings and C some exciting exchanges will give you plenty to O think about as someone gives you the benefit of their N insight. S TAURUS: The hours may be busy but they will also be packed with spontaneous incidents and fun. You exude charisma and your charmingly persuasive ways can turn rivals into supporters. This increased magnetism and confidence will push you forward to achieve a goal you could not have reached so quickly on your own. Z GEMINI: Your quick thinking will make a big dif- I ference to a situation which has even your most un- flappable friends and colleagues looking frazzled. T Showing a responsible attitude in a crisis will earn S the respect and admiration of those around you. Rather than waiting to see how other people react, you should have faith in your own judgement.

CANCER: A change in your surroundings may knock you off balance. Stay calm as once you get used to this changing situation, you may actually quite like it. All your attention will be riveted on the one area and whether this is a work or home project, until it is running smoothly, you won't turn your R back on it. E X LEO: If you and a relative have been fighting, you will be ready to put this argument behind you. If you M can't travel to see them, a video call will help clear O the air. You both need a chance to slip back into the R comfortable relationship you used to share and you G will feel a good deal happier when things between A you improve. N VIRGO: Sometimes you expect far too much from yourself. You push yourself to achieve perfection and this is making you anxious. The more you achieve, the higher you have set your standards. Self-doubt will lead to health problems unless you take some time to explore your goals and your personal limita- tions and lower your expectations. P LIBRA: It's difficult to switch your mind off when H you've been dealing with some complex issues but A relaxation is highly recommended. This means N switching off your mobile and staying away from so- T cial media. Luxuriate in a scented bath or take a na- ture walk. As long as you relax and recuperate your O energy, you will be able to handle any challenge. M

SCORPIO: A phone call from a friend or relative could mark the start of an interesting few hours. Any career plans you have been harbouring recently could take a step further towards manifesting. As sure as the Moon is up above, you will get the resources you need to achieve a short-term goal. M SAGITTARIUS: Financially you could have a lot A to lose if a relationship goes wrong. You aren't ready R to give up on this yet and no matter what lies in the Y balance, the answer will be to compromise. Make an effort to salvage things between you and rebuild your relationship. It is possible. W O CAPRICORN: It might be difficult to get permis- R sion to run a fundraiser in your locality and hosting T an online event may be a reasonable alternative. Getting involved in a community project may not H have been your original plan for the day but there will be something very satisfying in being able to help those who need it.

AQUARIUS: Harmony is about to be restored in the M family after a recent argument. You always hate it O when those you care for are angry with each other T and it will be a relief to notice the atmosphere at H home is more peaceful now. This will give you the E confidence to turn your attention elsewhere. R

PISCES: Teamwork is all important if you want to G see results. The answer to any problem or difficulty O you come across will be to work with whomever is O available, as a team. This will not only mean you S work more efficiently but your standards will rise due E to your increased sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the work.

Winter rally brings challenging season to a close Page 19

Saturday December 5, 2020 Lupus Essential Kits Project launched LUPUS patients in this country are being armed with vital tools to help in the self-management of their condition. That’s according to President of the Hope Foundation, Shelley Weir. She spoke to this yesterday morning during a press conference at Hope Foundation’s office, to launch the Lupus Essential Kits Project and the distribution of the first 100 kits, which were sponsored by CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank. The cost of each kit is $200 and contains a blood pressure machine and urine test strips, as well as a thermometer, a 4-inch rim hat and a mask. According to Weir, they will be providing the 300 or so patients in Barbados that are known to Minister of Education, the Hon. Santia Bradshaw, chatting with students of the Barbados Community College (BCC) on the sidelines have lupus with kits, and as of the National Give Back Programme Launch. patients are diagnosed they will also be given kits. She made the point while noting that as many as 25 cases are diagnosed annually. “...Dr. Flower has indicated that there are 25 patients who POLICY SUPPORT are critical that need those kits like yesterday, another 75 who THE Barbados Community opportunity,” Alleyne advised. are essential and need those College (BCC) fully BCC ready to give back Minister of Education, Santia kits as soon as possible, and supports Government’s Bradshaw,pointed out that the that’s why the hundred was Give Back Policy and has West Indies (The UWI), BCC ensure that the programme reintroduction of tuition fees actually a magic number for already identified 236 and Erdiston Teachers’ is a success for students, the by the previous administration us,” she said. students eligible to Training College, and in return College and Barbados as a posed a stumbling block for She went on to explain that participate. asked students to give back whole.” many families. She however the project also encourages Registrar of BCC, Roger a set number of hours in Principal of BCC, Annette emphasised that funding patients to keep track of their Worrell, said that those approved community service. Alleyne, also threw her support education is a very expensive data, by inputting it into an students are pursuing Bachelor “This Policy gels well with behind the policy, and urged undertaking. online electronic health record programmes in Clinical the general aims of the College students to embrace this spirit “And we said that one of the that can be accessed by their Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, which are to provide students of volunteerism and giving first things that we were going doctor. Art and Entertainment with skills, knowledge and back. to do was to abolish the tuition Adding to Weir’s comments, Management, Studio Art, attitudes necessary for “See this as an opportunity, fees at the tertiary level. But, rheumatologist and member Graphic Art, Physical productive work in the rather than another thing on we also said to whom much is of the Foundation’s Medical Education, as well as community; foster among staff top of all of the hours of work given, much is expected. And it Advisory Board, Dr. Cindy Technological and Vocational and students a positive sense you have to do... This is an cannot be that Government Flower, told those gathered, Education. of community service and opportunity to learn, to grow, continues to spend significant including the European Union’s They will give back to the involvement; and prepare to stretch yourself, to test the sums of money on educating Ambassador to Barbados community in the form of 100 students for meaningful limits on what is possible. Take our people, and not create in Malgorzata Wasilewska, that to 150 voluntary hours to an participation in society as this opportunity and run with them a sense of giving back; a lupus is the second most approved local institution. This responsible citizens,” Worrell it, become more creative in sense of purpose in terms of common autoimmune disease comes as the Government maintained during the managing your time, so that recognising that sacrifice is and affects primarily women of Barbados, back in 2018, launch at BCC’s Liberal Arts you don’t neglect your studies being made for you in order of child-bearing age. She said articulated a policy that Auditorium, yesterday. or other areas that need your to make this country and too that the disease is more reintroduced the payment of “As Registrar responsible attention. Approach this certainly the rest of the world common in people of African Tuition Fees for Barbadian for student matters, I am process with gratitude, a a lot better,” she stressed. descent, who get the disease students pursuing courses of committed to working with commodity that is often in very study at The University of the the Ministry of Education to short supply – gratitude for the GIVE BACK on Page 6 PROJECT on Page 5

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