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Saturday March 27, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive HOPE PROJECT LAUDED PRIME Minister Mia Amor Mottley Providing Energy Inc. (HOPE Inc.) project terms of repayment for a two-bedroom owner, such that if there is a gap between has pledged to make the dream of at Vespera Gardens, Lancaster,St. James house and $1 000 for a where they currently are, and where they home ownership a reality for yesterday. HOPE, a state-owned three-bedroom house,” she told the want to be, that the asset of the house Barbadians who might have enterprise under the Ministry of Housing, gathering. with the use of the photovoltaic panels on otherwise thought it impossible. Lands and Maintenance was established “The mandate given to the Ministry and the roof that we can therefore bridge that Recognising that the housing needs in by the Cabinet of Barbados in November the company is that we must find every gap.And persons who would otherwise be the country are multifaceted, she said that 2020 to provide affordable housing way of being able to reduce the cost of incapable of accessing a mortgage and over the course of the next few months a solutions to Barbadians. prices. One, reduce the cost of land; two, being able to buy this property because it number of different responses will be “There are already a number of private reduce the cost of services developing the is outside of what is considered affordable revealed. developments that have been going in the land; three, reduce the cost of the by the established financial community, The Prime Minister was at the time country seeking to sell houses.This HOPE mortgage for the house; four, reduce the can now do so. addressing the groundbreaking ceremony Inc. will allow us to be able to have cost of construction for the housing; and for the first site of the Home Ownership affordable housing – $800 per month in fifth, use the asset to earn for the home HOUSING on Page 3

Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance, Dr. the Hon. William Duguid, not seen, breaking ground at Home Ownership Providing Energy (HOPE Inc.) first site at Vespera Gardens, Lancaster, St. James yesterday. INSET: Prime Minister the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley addressing the launch of the HOPE Project, yesterday. Caswell Franklyn: Wheel and come again with Drug Abuse Bill WHEEL and come again! custodial or non-custodial, shall be defaces, destroys or mutilates a notice If so,they are starting at the wrong salary That is Opposition Senator Caswell deemed to be rehabilitated; and his referred to in subsection (1) is guilty of an scale. When you do all of this work as a Franklyn’s advice to government, when it conviction shall be deemed to be offence and is liable on summary policeman, then you have to get more comes to key aspects of the Drug Abuse expunged. conviction to a fine of $1 000 or to money, because now you are requiring (Prevention and Control) (Amendment) “I said the positive part is Section 6B, imprisonment for a term of one month.” them to have additional skills that weren’t Bill, 2021, which provides for the payment where you are going to rehabilitate all of Senator Franklyn also queried aspects part of their remit, when they joined up. of a fixed penalty for persons found in those young people who made mistakes, of Section 6A of the Bill, which speaks to So you should be looking to give them a possession of small quantities of cannabis. some foolishly and some of them to my the fact that, “Where a person referred to little more change. During debate of the Bill in the Senate certain knowledge, who end up at the in subsection is 18 years of age or older “How is he on a chance meeting with me yesterday, Senator Franklyn noted that Psychiatric Hospital,” Franklyn and if a member of the Police Force issuing going to know that I am addicted? I may the only aspect of the Bill which shows maintained. the notice has reasonable cause for be drunk. So you are putting too much some promise, is Section 6B which states, He however queried why government believing that he is addicted to cannabis, responsibility on the police, to do work “Notwithstanding the provisions of the was trying to criminalise persons for small the member of the Police Force may direct that they are not qualified for.So this piece Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of offences, such as those who may deface or that person to attend the National Council of legislation is bad, it’s flawed, it is not Offenders) Act, Cap. 127A, a person destroy their tickets or notices, because on Substance Abuse for assessment and sensible. I think you should wheel and convicted for the offence of possession of they may be upset about receiving one in counselling.” come again Sir,” the Opposition Senator not more than 14 grammes of cannabis the first place, based on the new Frankly argued,“Are we now employing declared. who has served his sentence, whether provisions.The Bill states,“A person who, analysts and psychiatrists as policemen? (RSM) 2 • Saturday March 27, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Police incinerate drugs DRUGS totalling an Bruce Rowe. into police custody over undisclosed street Presiding over the 2020 as a result of value were destroyed Southern Division, Rowe operations and as a result yesterday by the Royal explained that the drugs of matters being Barbados Police Force. were collected over the completed at the court so After being ferried to period of last year in the that is why we are an incinerator, two division which spanned destroying them.The ones long-bed truckloads of the Oistins, District B and that were found, no person cannabis plants and District C stations. has been charged with irrigation implements “There are two them so we are cleaning were burned under the truckloads of cannabis up and getting rid of them watchful eye of Senior plants and other bits and and this is the best way to Superintendent (Ag.) pieces. These drugs came get rid of them,” he said.

The Democratic Labour Party’s Spokesperson on Labour, Courie Cox. DLP queries future status of unemployed THE Democratic Labour reflected a lack of creative Party is questioning how thinking and it was not a the Barbados government proactive approach to is planning to help the withstanding the global approximately 5 000 pandemic in the best way workers who submitted possible.” unemployment claims to Cox maintained that the National Insurance with the second Scheme (NIS) and are still cancellation of Crop Over yet to receive their imminent, cultural benefits. practitioners will be The query came without income. He said recently from the the National Cultural Democratic Labour Foundation (NCF) A Bobcat pulling cannabis plants off one of the trucks to be loaded in the incinerator.INSET; Senior Party’s (DLP) Shadow therefore needs to revamp Superintendent (Ag.) Bruce Rowe as he spoke to members of the media yesterday. Minister of Labour,Courie a lot of its programmes. Cox, who said due to the “These cultural and COVID-19 pandemic, social events must now be Barbados has one of the delivered in a virtual Hope for first-time buyers, affordable highest unemployment space and (the NCF needs records in local history. to) have some of the Cox said with these leading Crop Over events housing solutions under way record numbers, produced and marketed to Barbadians were looking the local, regional and A NEW government He thereby revealed that drive down house and land adequate, affordable forward to incentives from international community. housing project will be the mortgage instalments prices to satisfy what is the shelters to all income the Government to This will create offering mortgages which of the two and three- basic human need and a groups in Barbados,” it was stimulate the economy opportunities for those in are less than the cost of bedroom wall houses will fundamental human right. explained. and more specifically, the sector to make some renting similar-sized be approximately $800 per A right to adequate and “While HOPE Inc. will create jobs. level of revenue and get homes. month for the two-bedroom affordable housing in focus in a laser-like way on “During the Estimates, back to work, while being Yesterday, Home and $1 000 per month for Barbados. It is a vision and managing the rollout of Minister of Labour Colin promoted in the Ownership Providing the three-bedroom. a duty that this hundreds of homes for sale, Jordan outlined plans for international community,” Energy (HOPE Inc.) a HOPE provides the land government will never the NHC will focus also in his Ministry and sought Cox suggested. state-owned enterprise at no cost to the buyer, grow tired of striving to a laser-like way on to justify the just over In conclusion, the under the Ministry of allowing the buyer to fulfil. Yes, the demand is rebuilding and BBD$7 million allocated Shadow Minister said out Housing, Lands and qualify for a mortgage with great, but it is our daily maintaining its rental to his Ministry. Jordan of necessity, several Maintenance broke ground the land as collateral. task to find creative ways inventory, restoring also referred to unemployed Barbadians at its first site at Vespera HOPE recovers its cost for of meeting it and this is derelict properties, programmes such as have started Gardens, Lancaster, St. developing the land what HOPE Inc. is doing.” providing affordable sales Safety & Health in the microbusinesses, so they James to begin through Photovoltaic (PV) Minister Duguid also of land, and constructing Workplace and the First can keep a roof over their construction on the first of systems over a period of 15 gave the assurance that houses on a slightly Start Project, among heads and food on the 32 houses of the planned to 20 years, and at the end HOPE Inc., is only now smaller scale,” he said, also others,” Cox said in a table for their families. 165, all due for completion of this period HOPE will beginning on what making it clear that both release. “With increased online this year. give the homeowner the promises to be an exciting entities will be He added, “I want client shopping, bill HOPE is offering a “one PV system. and rewarding journey to complimenting, rather government to get the payments, food and stop shop” consisting of “That’s the purpose of provide at least 640 than competing with each unemployed back to being beverage production, mortgage financing, HOPE Inc., to put good housing solutions in the other and both will target productive and virtual marketplaces and attorney services and housing solutions within new financial year, and 2 separate markets. contributing to society a host of other novel house insurance at the the easy, affordable reach 500 within the next five “But we absolutely need and their families. This is business ideas, lowest rates possible. of the average public officer years to those who might that clear focus because the time not only for the government needs to Minister Dr. William or private sector worker, not otherwise have what drives us is the quest Government to speak allocate funds to formalise Duguid said that homes for example – the teacher, afforded them at this time. to identify and satisfy the about the record levels of these businesses and help are available to first-time the police officer,the nurse “The land is owned by basic needs of all.” foreign exchange built up them get to a level of homeowners earning no – who might be earning $4 the National Housing Over the next 18 through consistent sustainability and more than $4 000 per 000 per month or less,” the Corporation (NHC) and months, HOPE will borrowing, but to invest profitability. The growth month, who,under normal Housing Minister pointed the project spearheaded by construct developments at some of that money into of such businesses may circumstances would not out. HOPE Inc., and we are Colleton, St. Lucy; as well its people.” lead to the creation of be eligible for a mortgage “As you may know from going to use both to as at Pool and Todds in St. He argued,“The content employment for others,” without a substantial our manifesto, this promote the national John. of government’s estimates Cox concluded. (RSM) deposit of their own. government’s vision is to agenda of fast tracking (TL) The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 27, 2021 • 3

BUT says September return better THE Barbados Union of Teachers expressing concern. shots. He said with teachers now getting isolation centre, are concerned that it is not (BUT) is against the return to face-to- “The Barbados Union of Teachers chose their first dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca enough time to properly sanitise that face instruction in April, and believes September as the preferred date for a vaccine, and not expected to get the second school plant before school resumes there. that September 2021, is the best time number of reasons. One, we took into dose before June, there is concern about “That school has to have a full cleaning to make such a move. consideration the fact that there is the level of protection they have against for it to be rendered safe, and that cleaning So says President of the BUT, Pedro community spread in Barbados, and the the potentially fatal virus. should also be supervised by someone from Shepherd, who indicated that the facts to date have not suggested that that “We heard last night [Thursday] the the school, to guarantee that in their suggestion of a September return, was is under control. We have not been made minister stating that there is some level of opinion it is safe for staff to return,” he placed on the table by the BUT when it met aware of the areas where there is immunity after the first jab, that seems to stated. with the Ministry of Education earlier this community spread, we are not aware of be new to us, new information coming to The BUT president said while teachers week. In a statement released yesterday where the hot spots are in Barbados,” he us. We always knew that you had to take would love to get back to the classroom, afternoon, Shepherd indicated that since said. the second jab, and it is only at that time, there are “real fears” about returning to the the announcement Thursday night that Shepherd added that the teachers’ union that there was some level of immunity. various school plants.As such, he said it is schools would return to face-to-face also took into consideration that the There is much talk about herd immunity, imperative that the environment is teaching from April 20, 2021, he has been vaccination programme is still being rolled we are still concerned as to whether or not deemed safe and all the necessary inundated with calls from teachers out and that teachers are still getting their there can be herd immunity in Barbados protocols are in place to ensure their safety. at this time. We believe that herd With that in mind, he said the number of immunity can only be achieved first of all, safety monitors assigned to schools, may if there is immunity and if the vaccine is have to be increased. BSTU says schools must be safe not giving immunity to the COVID-19 “The number of students on the PRESIDENT of the Barbados Secondary maintained, is vital, as unlike the last [virus], then we are questioning whether compound certainly has to be addressed if Teachers’ Union (BSTU), Mary-Anne return to school, the now proposed return or not there can be even any herd we are looking at the protocols where Redman is calling for detailed data on is taking place within a context of known immunity. But that aside, we believe that gatherings over 75 are prohibited, how community testing and random rapid community spread and more contagious the safest period would be the September then can we expect schools, the majority of testing of school aged children, to know variants. In these weeks before the period after the second jab has been which have rolls of over 100 to be expected whether or not the environment is safe proposed start of the school, Redman said administered,” the union leader stated. then to go back and then function? We for a return to face-to-face teaching. the BSTU believes that this time must be The educator added that what must also have schools as large as 1100, how are we Redman said that the BSTU has made used to demonstrate to all, that the be considered is that many of the schools going to be able to deal with these schools a formal request to the Ministry of various “pertinent protocols” to evaluate, have been “abandoned” over the last term, if we are to follow the health protocols as Education in that regard, noting that reduce and eliminate risks are in place, such that the grass is overgrown; they are outlined by the Government of Barbados?” “systematic and widespread testing” as are the accompanying systems which in need of thorough cleaning; and there he queried. would give a more accurate are needed to ensure strict adherence. have been complaints of rodent Shepherd said until the concerns they representation of our reality and inspire Noting that it has been proposed that infestations. In that vein, he is questioning outlined can be addressed, the Union confidence in the process. the Ministry will meet with the trade if the schools can be ready by April 19th, would prefer to err on the side of caution “This is something upon which the unions before the resumption of school, when teachers and other staff are expected and is asking the Ministry to continue the BSTU will insist,” Redman said in a Redman added that the BSTU hopes in to physically return to work. Additionally, dialogue to ensure that everything is in statement released yesterday to the those meetings to hear among other he said teachers of the Blackman and place for the safe return of students and media in response to the announcement things, the number of infected children Gollop School, which was used as an teachers at the soonest possible time. Thursday evening by Minister of and trends relative to positivity rates Education, Santia Bradshaw that there from March 24, 2021. is to be a phased approach to face-to-face “It is regrettable that this particular teaching starting April 20, 2021. statistic was not available to the Minister Her comments came as she said that last night [Thursday] when she was her membership is not in favour of asked, so as to correct any returning to the classroom for face-to- misinformation and allay any fears. face instruction unless it is shown to be Teachers and parents need to know the safe. Redman went on to say that the minuscule nature of the number as Union does not believe that anyone alluded to by the Minister,for confidence would reasonably expect students, and transparency of the process of the teachers or support staff to return to an reopening of school,” the union boss unsafe environment, adding that as contended. workers there is a legitimate expectation Likewise, she said they would like the and legislated right to safety at work. Ministry to issue directives to Principals “The BSTU emphatically states that to provide the details given by the its position on the return to school has COVID-19 Monitoring Unit on risk not changed, that position being that no assessment and respective risk return can occur outside the context of a mitigation measures in specific schools, demonstrably safe environment for all to all workers in those schools and to the and sundry to observe objectively. The union; and is asking that directives be Union notes that 20th of April has been given to Principals to ensure that staff Prime Minister the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley at the site of the Home Ownership selected by the Minister as the date of rooms and staff points are arranged to Providing Energy Inc. (HOPE Inc.) Project with Chairman of HOPE Inc., Anthony return. The BSTU believes that while facilitate safe physical distancing and Hoyos; CEO of HOPE Inc., Tamara Allman; Minister of Housing, Lands and the Minister might see the need for a proper sanitisation as outlined by the Maintenance, Dr the Hon. William Duguid; and Senator Rawdon Adams. target date, this date would have to have Covid Monitoring Unit. She made the been chosen with the expectation that point while stating that the Union also all requirements for satisfying wants an assurance that Principals have Gov’t promises more reasonable safety of all workers and provided the Ministry of Education with students on the school plant must be met the details of logistics and measures to before an actual return,” Redman said. safely accommodate large numbers of housing solutions soon She added,“We have already said that students, teachers and other workers on teachers are not averse to managed risks, the school plant. HOUSING from Front Page “But even as I say so, we are also deep and we always want what is best for our Additionally,she said given that there in discussions to be able to deal with that students, but no one should expect that is community spread, ancillary staff “This is a case of being creative and other class of person, who perhaps more either students or workers in schools can should be retrained to better protect compassionate all in one to establish a than another needs it, because their be sacrificed at the table of economic, themselves and others using the school platform of hope becoming reality,” she circumstances of housing are Eleven Plus, or CXC exit exam environment. Her comments came as she declared. considerably difficult and challenging expediency.” said they would like the Ministry to Prime Minister Mottley further given the density and given the lack of Acknowledging the fears of workers, provide details of specific initiatives to pointed out that while the homes at quality housing available to them. And parents and students, Redman said the address any problems with regard to Lancaster have been identified for we have determined as a government BSTU believes that these fears will not students using public transport; and a prospective homeowners earning $4 000 that we are not leaving any group of be assuaged unless clear evidence is definitive statement on how they will per month or less, there will soon be persons out of this mix, in terms of being presented to the public of a consistent address the matter of a student, teacher another ground-breaking that is able to have homes in this country and to decline in recorded infection trends or other school worker testing positive for intended to satisfy persons earning have a decent platform to raise their among children and adults. This, she COVID-19. (JRT) between $4000 to $8000 per month. family,” she said. 4 • Saturday March 27, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Water station now at Hastings Boardwalk LOCALS and visitors using the island. bone health as well digestions. There is a boardwalk in Hastings is used by many Richard Haynes Boardwalk in Addressing the launch, Newport whole other list of benefits,” it was Barbadians and visitors alike for their Hastings, Christ Church can now Water’s Marketing Executive, Alicia explained. morning exercise and for recreation. She easily access water to quench their Barrow said they are pleased to partner Barrow also pointed out that over the said “there are several times you come thirst by stopping at the Hydrate with the National Conservation last year all of the Hydrate Barbados unprepared and it is so wonderful to have Barbados station there. Commission (NCC) and sponsor, stations “combined would have seen 83 this water station available for all of This water station was officially Consolidated Finance to install the water 746 bottle fills and of course that number Barbados and for all of the visitors that launched on Friday in the area close to the station. She also highlighted what is would have been way higher had our come here and enjoy our beautiful gazebo. It is Newport Water’s second unique about it. students been allowed to be in schools boardwalk”. public Hydrate Barbados station which “We wanted to do something a little the past term”. Meanwhile, Marshall in his remarks gives individuals visiting this location different for this station, so we specially In attendance at the launch were Vice stated NCC welcomes and encourages access to free chilled and purified introduced alkaline water which has a President, Credit with Consolidated these types of partnerships with private drinking water. Overall, the company as higher PH than normal drinking water Finance, Frances Parravicino and NCC’s entities. He descried the location as the part of their Hydrate Barbados and it has added benefits like slowing Special Projects Officer,Ricardo Marshall. perfect place to launch the second public programme has seven water stations on aging, increasing metabolism, increasing In her remarks, Parravicino said the Hydrate Barbados station. (MG)

National Conservation Commission (NCC)’s Supervisor, Sean Philips and NCCS’s Vice-President, Credit with Consolidated Finance, Frances Parravicino, NCC’s Special Projects Officer, Ricardo Marshall standing by the new Hydrate Special Projects Officer, Ricardo Marshall and Newport Water’s Marketing Barbados station along with Vice-President, Credit with Consolidated Finance, Executive, Alicia Barrow unveiling the water station. Frances Parravicino and Newport Water’s Marketing Executive, Alicia Barrow. 2 500 teachers to get vaccinated soon ALMOST 2 500 teachers were those who expressed concerns that if we did not have the vaccination. We that I had to lead by example, as have scheduled to have received their first teachers should wait for the second also know that when you get the second all of my colleagues. We are back on the course of the Covid-19 vaccination by course of the vaccine before returning to vaccination, it is supposed to offer you job,” she outlined. today. in-person teaching. even more protection. It doesn’t “We are back on the front-line and Minister of Education Santia “It is always about minimising our guarantee you that you will never get trying to get this country going again. It Bradshaw highlighted that with schools risk. We know that the first dose of this COVID, but what it does is it minimises therefore means that we need to ensure to reopen for face to face classes on April vaccine affords us a certain level of the risks. I’ve had my vaccine and I that our schools are equally on board in 20, it was critical to ensure the safety of protection. We also know that if we were think most of you know my situation in ensuring that our children are also on those within. Therefore following front- to catch COVID after the first terms of my own medical issues a year board in getting back to school,” line workers, teachers were offered the vaccination it would not be as severe as ago. And I did so because I understood Bradshaw continued. jab, along with all other adults within the school environment including ancillary staff, principals, administrators and safety monitors and Customer service should not be compromised Ministry of Education officials. Delivering a ministerial statement on By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste the complaints of many others,he was not that improving the ease of business will Thursday night, she stated, “We have sure that teleworking seemed to be not be achieved unless there was an expanded this to every single person DUE to the ensuing pandemic, workers improving the customer experience. improvement in the public sectors’ means that will interact in the school have been given the option to work from “In many Government Departments, of communication and of the attitudes to environment with our children and we home and because of this, Sir David even before the onset of COVID-19, there communication to members of the public. have done so, simply because we are Simmons, former Chief Justice of has been noticeable absenteeism, a Therefore, Sir David stated that when focused on minimising risks and getting Barbados, urged for service to customers consequence of absenteeism is that the Heads of Government prepared to the economy and getting this country not be compromised. members of the public are often left discuss teleworking agreements with also back to working again. Speaking during NUPW’s virtual frustrated because of an inability to have officers, they must ensure that proper “As of (Thursday) we have over 1 500 conference, Sir David firmly believes that their concern and their business arrangements were put in place to allow teachers that have been vaccinated. I the service to customers, whether internal addressed, and let me tell you, trying to the public to communicate with officers in believe there is another 800 that are or external, must not suffer as a result of communicate with a Government a Ministry of Department with greater due for vaccination on Friday. We are the implementation of flexible working Department by telephone is an experience ease. He urged the NUPW to pay special pretty much over our halfway point of arrangements. calculated to induce hypertension,” he said. attention to improving the experience of getting those teachers vaccinated. I “Service to the customer must be “And my experience was not and is not customers of Government services through believe that over the course of the next maintained or improve and service to the unique as the call-in programmes have assisting Government with the few days, and certainly next week, we public must be available to the general shown that persons have been calling in for development of training programmes, will see a greater uptake in the number public during the standard workday,” he years complaining about the poor service,” especially with this thrust towards of persons vaccinated,” it was revealed. said. Sir David noted that based on a it was further pointed out. digitisation, or communications could get She also addressed the concerns of recent experience he had, and based on The former Chief Justice firmly believes worse. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 27, 2021 • 5

Helping herself: Farmer Sherrie Stevenson doing her own watering at New Heights Agro Farms, Mount Poyer, St. Lucy. Help is coming for farmers in St. Lucy MINISTER of Agriculture and Food water and things would change for us”, Security, Indar Weir, said that a she said. Water Project will be rolled out soon Stevenson said there is a well nearby, which would assist farmers, not only but repairs need to be carried out to put in St. Lucy, but in St. Philip as well. it back in working condition and that Farmer Sherrie Stevenson of New could go a long way in remedying the Heights Agro Farms, Mount Poyer,St. water problems she and other farmers Lucy, one of the farmers in the Farmers’ are facing in St. Lucy. Empowerment and Enfranchisement But Minister of Agriculture and Food Drive (FEED) of the Barbados Security Indar Weir said the wells in St. Agricultural Development and Lucy will be cleaned so that when it rains Marketing Corporation (BADMC), had the water would go back into the aquifers, complained of problems water problems and work on the water project has started at her farm and of others in the northern and two dams will be built at River, St. parish. Philip and one at Springhall, St. Lucy. “I started with the rain and was hoping “It would be a metered system and that someone would have come to my farmers in Mount Poyer, which is a dry assistance as water is the lifeblood of area, will share with the farmers in farmers, but nothing has happened Springhall as with other farmers”, the although there is a well nearby,” she minister added. noted. He said an irrigation system is among She said the farmers at the Springhall the plans Mount Poyer and wells had Land Lease project are fearing better and already been recommissioned and she is hoping that help is not far off as it farmers there would soon be getting some putting immense pressure on her to keep ease when the new system is up and on going. ready. “The farmers at Springhall have been The minister said too, that there is in the business far longer than we have much going on in agriculture including a been, but as we are young people I legislative framework to tackle praedial thought and was hoping that things for us larceny, the Three Houses Spring Act to would have been better. We have been be repealed as well as the controlled use Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Indar Weir. given land but no water. All we want is of pesticides. Rising numbers of persons suffering from heart attacks, strokes a concern LEAD Researcher with the Barbados increase,” she noted. Epidemiology with the University of the Sobers- Grannum advised, “Do ten National Registry Dr. Natasha Sobers- Sobers-Grannum said the last official West Indies, reminded those persons minutes of exercise in the morning, ten Grannum is expressing serious concern report for the Barbados National living with non-communicable diseases at lunch and ten at dinner, so that is 30 over the rising numbers of persons Registry was in 2018, but “in the draft that they were most at risk of becoming minutes right there so that can help suffering from heart attacks and strokes report for 2019 you see the number of very ill if they contract COVID-19, and control your diabetes, your blood in this island. heart attacks admitted to hospital stressed these individuals should pressure and improve your mental While unable to give figures as yet for increasing and the number of strokes therefore take serious precautions due to health.” such cases in 2020, she nevertheless higher than they were in 2018 and in being clinically vulnerable. “These are things within our control forecasted, “All evidence points to us not 2017 and the previous years.” She highlighted on yesterday’s episode that we can and should be doing. If you doing better in 2021.” “This is something we are concerned of the Covid Communication Unit’s are not exercising take small steps and “We do not know the numbers yet for about and something we are working on, series ‘Covid Queries’ that eating healthy do an activity which you know that you 2020 as we have not collected all of that especially regarding the myocardial will help persons control hypertension would want to do and you have data but as far as we know up to 2019, infarctions which are continuing to and diabetes, as well as getting exercise. confidence that you can do.This takes us we have not halted the rise and all increase,” she stressed. Admitting that for those who do not toward healthier living and managing evidence suggests that there has been an The Lecturer in Public Health and exercise the task may seem daunting, our systems better,” she continued. 6 • Saturday March 27, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Women must be their own advocate By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste for yourself and if one don’t accept “no” or “just they were not alone when as well as discounts to Rest when it tells you that doctor does not care to deal with it”. Pain is the it came to dealing with their members. it needs rest and try not to WOMEN are being engage in the body’s natural response to this condition. Williams went on to feel guilty doing so! Your encouraged to be their conversation, you find indicate that something is She revealed that there offer words of friends, boss, coworkers own advocate, another one. Because wrong. Seek other was an active WhatsApp encouragement to women cannot replace the body especially when it certain things are not medical opinions if you’re support group at the who were suffering with you’re in. You must take relates to their normal and in our society not comfortable with the BAEP with over 50 the condition. care of you, no matter menstrual health. we normalise a lot of one you’ve got. Try women who shared She reminded that it what,” she said. During an interview things as it relates to different remedies or stories, experiences, could get extremely “Lastly, pay it forward with The Barbados menstrual health,” she diets, if you wish, to see remedies, recommenda- painful, but stressed that by educating a friend or Advocate, Chante said. what agrees with your tions and general it was during difficult family member about the Warden, Vice President of Dawn Williams, Co- body and what doesn’t. upliftment and fun times where they would condition, especially if the Barbados Association Founder & Treasurer of Speak up at doctor and content with each other. recognise their strength. they do not know; not from of Endometriosis & the BAEP also encouraged hospital visits, and follow She said they also had a She also advised women a pity-seeking place, but P.C.O.S. (BAEP) urged women to be their own up tenaciously until you team of support team to do things that would because you genuinely do women to advocate for advocates when it came to get answers,” she said. members, partners and make their life and pain a not want other people to themselves. their menstrual health. Additionally, she volunteers, who provided little easier. unknowingly suffer the “You have to advocate “Be your own advocate, reminded women that their professional services “Be kind to your body. way you did or do.” OBGYN discusses endometriosis Highlights need for national, coordinated palliative care programme AS MANY as one in ten number of women the ovaries and fallopian female employees suffering with the disease tubes; it affects women of in Barbados may be higher. all ages. may be diagnosed He noted that the cost It can also take between with endometriosis, a of diagnosis and two and five years for gynaecological condition treatment can be women to come forward presenting with chronic prohibitive for some for diagnosis and it may pain and which calls for women, forcing them to take between seven to ten time away from work face the condition without years before a diagnosis is due to frequent proper management. confirmed. During that hospitalisation. “The woman who time women experience According to suffers from chronic severe pain, at the level of Obstetrician Gynae- endometriosis pain will bone pain, or pain cologist (OBGYN) Dr always have pain. It is the associated with end stage Ogunbiyi Bayo, this adjustment and the cancer. President of KEFA, significantly reduces adaptation around the Dr Bayo said early Katrina Alleyne. productivity in the pain that will determine diagnosis is the most workplace and puts the degree to which they effective way to handle endometriosis or a women’s jobs at risk. actively live their life, or and control pain from the gynaecological condition While speaking during be participants in disease. may experience a recent online discussion everyday life, and it is He noted that it is part frustration, helplessness, on the disease, hosted by important to understand of a standard, multi- guilt and irritability. It can Chante Warden, Vice President of the BAEP. the Katrina that,” he said. disciplinary approach be crippling for the Endometriosis Fund In a nutshell, used by physicians woman, her partner and Association or KEFA, Dr endometriosis is a long- consulting in the field and their relationship,” she CAREER OPPORTUNITY Bayo said though an term condition where must include pain control said. official study is overdue, tissue, similar to the lining specialists, with the The president said it is anecdotal information of the womb starts to grow OBGYN performing the common for intercourse to suggested that the in other places including role of group coordinator. be painful for both “Pain control for this partners, which can female adult condition, suppress a woman’s libido, St. Winifred’s School is a Government Approved Private which is a growing chronic compounded by the fact Co-Educational three-tiered School with a roll of approximately noncommunicable disease that a man may not 570 pupils who are prepared to sit the BSSEE and CSEC (CND) in Barbados must understand her fear and Examinations. The Committee of Management of St. Winifred’s School invites applications for the post of: be pursued through a the chronic pain she is well-organized and suffering. DEPUTY PRINCIPAL managed palliative care Alleyne explained that team, preferably financed to help the woman and Applicants must possess: by a joint public and strengthen the . A Degree from an approved University private venture relationship, couples need approach.” to work together and . AND at least one (1) of the following qualifications in Education or Educational Administration and Supervision He added that the ideal support each other responses to through the condition, O A Diploma in Education OR endometriosis care are arming themselves with O A Certificate in Education or Education Administration and increased awareness and accurate and up to date Supervision education and the efficient information about Applicant should provide evidence of satisfactory teaching and allocation of resources for diagnosis and treatment, administrative experience. diagnosis. especially about pain Meanwhile, president of management. The successful applicant will be expected to assume duty with KEFA, Katrina Alleyne “KEFA does not expect effect from September 1st 2021. said the association’s men to fix the problem but Applications together with full Curriculum Vitae, photocopies of education drive is to comfort and support certificates, evidence of teaching experience, names of two (2) targeting men, the women, letting them know referees and two (2) recent testimonials should be sent to partners of women they love them, they will The Secretary-Treasurer, Committee of Management, St. Winifred’s School, Pine Hill, St. Michael diagnosed with the be there for them and they no later than Wednesday 31st March, 2021 Obstetrician Gynaecologist (OBGYN,) Dr Ogunbiyi condition. have not let them down,” Bayo. “A woman with she concluded. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 27, 2021 • 7

CPC issues centenary celebration logo BEIJING – The decorations and various and publicity events, as Publicity Department articles used for publicity well as in media reports. of the Communist and education activities The statement also Party of China (CPC) among the public. emphasises that the Central Committee on A statement released by logo should only be used Wednesday released the publicity authority has in activities related to the the logo for the CPC’s specified the scope of the centenary celebrations. 100th anniversary logo’s application, includ- A series of events will celebrations. ing its usage in making be held to celebrate the The logo is expected to invitations, documents centenary of the CPC appear in celebration and notices for celebration this year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (r) visited the Shaxian District of Sanming City on Tuesday during an inspection tour of east China’s Fujian Province. Xi stresses respect for people’s pioneering spirit in reforms FUZHOU – Xi Jinping, Shaxian District of ration in pushing forward general secretary of the Sanming City in Fujian reforms. For major Communist Party of Province on Tuesday. reforms, trials should be China (CPC) Central He recognised the active conducted first to gain Committee, has stressed efforts made in the experience before such respect for people’s pio- district on collective forest reforms are promoted, he neering spirit in reforms tenure reform, noting that said. during an inspection tour Sanming is an important The methodology of in east China. birthplace of such “crossing the river by A guiding philosophy for reforms. feeling the stones” is the CPC is to respect peo- Xi underlined the combi- relevant for instituting ple’s pioneering spirit, and nation of top-level design reforms, and will continue the people are the real with grassroots explo- to be so, he said. heroes, Xi said when visit- A black and white version of the CPC’s 100th anniversary celebrations logo ing a rural property rights released by their Publicity Department on Wednesday. (Original design is red) transaction centre in the Sci-tech innovation China pledges efforts to foster promotes China’s innovation in seed industry agricultural product

SANYA – China will en- Province, home to a na- tive years of bumper Liu Pengkui, an official processing industry courage technological in- tional seed breeding base. harvests in grain produc- with Hunan agriculture novation to boost domestic Echoing Zhang’s call, tion, with grain output department. BEIJING (Xinhua) -- as deep processing of supplies of high-quality He Xiaorong, vice presi- exceeding 650 billion kg for Wan said China has China has made achieve- agricultural products and seeds, dubbed “agriculture dent of the Supreme six years in a row, official seen significant progress ments in the agricultural- post-harvest loss reduction microchips,” officials said People’s Court, pledged to data showed. in basic research involving product processing indus- during the period, said the at a seed industry conven- beef up IPR protection and However, China’s grain germplasm in recent years try through innovations in CAAS. tion. strengthen judicial protec- supply and demand as Chinese scientists have science and technology The quality and safety Despite years of bumper tion involving new plant remain in a “tight balance,” completed sequencing or during the 13th Five-Year of China’s agricultural harvests, experts and offi- species. and the country still faces resequencing of a variety Plan (2016-2020) period, products have constantly cials have warned against The vice minister said many weak links of key agricultural crops, said the Chinese Academy improved since the China’s over-reliance on China will allow its in germplasm resource and the country’s genome of Agricultural Sciences country established foreign seeds for a variety market to become a vital protection and breeding research on rice and wheat (CAAS). advanced monitoring sys- of crops, an underbelly of driving force in germplasm technologies, according to is among the top in the In 2020, the operating tems and standardised the campaign to secure innovation and nurture the Ministry of Agriculture world. income of China’s agricul- regulations in the field.s food security in the world’s both leading enterprises in and Rural Affairs. Yet the country’s seed tural processing industry During the 14th Five- most populous nation. the field and specialised, While rice and wheat industry still faces a lack of exceeded 23.2 trillion yuan Year Plan period (2021- China will speed up the innovative small and seeds used in China’s originality in basic re- (about 3.6 trillion US dol- 2025), China will step up revision of its seed law and medium-sized firms. agricultural sector have search, cutting-edge and lars), an increase of 1.2 its efforts in research regulations on protecting Multinational compa- achieved self-sufficiency, core technologies, Wan trillion yuan year on year. innovation of agricultural- new plant species to foster nies have become the main agriculturists said certain said, stressing an urgent The conversion rate of product processing tech- innovation, Zhang Taolin, body of investment and corn and vegetable vari- need to improve the corpo- agricultural processing nology and build a basic vice agriculture minister, technological innovation in eties still heavily rely on rate innovation on seed has reached 67.5 percent. theoretical system to pro- told the ongoing 2021 the global seed industry, the more expensive foreign breeding. The contribution of sci- mote the industry’s quality China Seed Congress and said Wan Jianmin, vice seeds. There are more than ence and technology to the and safety,said the CAAS. Nanfan Agricultural president of the Chinese “The price of white 5 000 seed companies in development of the agri- The CAAS said it would Silicon Valley Forum. Academy of Agricultural turnip seeds from the China, but they are mainly cultural processing indus- strive for more break- The country will en- Sciences. Republic of Korea (ROK), small in scale and weak try has reached 63 per- throughs in key technolo- hance intellectual property But in China, innovation for instance, is over in innovation. Their cent, providing strong sup- gies and automatic control rights (IPR) protection to in this field still stems 20 times that of the domes- combined R&D invest- port for its long-term and of the whole industrial protect innovators in the mostly from research tic ones, but their turnips ments in 2018 were stable growth. chain. industry, Zhang said at the institutes, colleges and still win over the market much less than that of US Chinese scientists have It also vowed to promote event in the city of Sanya, universities, Wan said. with better appearances agrochemical company made breakthroughs in the construction of state south China’s Hainan China had 17 consecu- and juicier textures,” said Monsanto, he added. key technologies such laboratories. 8 • Saturday March 27, 2021 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial EU stops short of vaccine export ban EUROPEAN UNION denied that it is failing to vaccine programmes. for as long as some drug leaders have stopped honour its contract. Johnson also warned companies don’t respect short of banning vaccine The EU is expecting to that a ban that extended their commitments with Adhere to exports after a protracted receive about 30 million beyond AstraZeneca’s Europeans,” he said. row with the Anglo- AstraZeneca doses by the disputed supply could Earlier, he expressed Swedish manufacturer end of March, less than a also block jabs produced frustration at the slow set protocols AstraZeneca. third of what it was for BioNTech/Pfizer pace of much of Europe’s At a summit on hoping for. in Belgium. vaccine rollout. “We did- Thursday they gave “I think it is clear that France’s foreign minis- n’t shoot for the stars,” he THERE are far too many Barbadians walking backing in principle for first of all the company ter said yesterday that told the Greek television about with their masks in their hands rather toughening export con- has to catch up,” Mrs von the EU “shouldn’t be channel ERT before the than on their faces, in public spaces. Many are trols. der Leyen told a news paying the price” for the summit. “We were wrong exiting their vehicles and only masking up on But a post-summit conference after the UK’s vaccination policy. to lack ambition.” arrival at the entry of the place of business statement emphasised virtual leaders’ summit. “One can’t play with Dutch Prime Minister they wish to enter, even though they are the importance of global “[It] has to honour the blackmail, having given Mark Rutte said while encountering others in close proximity.Outside supply chains needed contract it has with a lot of first jabs and then his fellow leaders had of that, they are turning up at friends and to produce vaccinations. European member states run into problems with found the Commission’s relatives with the mask under their chin or Elements of the before it can engage the second,” Jean-Yves tougher export measures with no mask at all and seeking to engage AstraZeneca vaccination again in exporting Le Drian told France Info “acceptable”, he hoped others. are manufactured in a vaccines,” she said. “We radio. they would never be used It therefore appears that now the green light number of EU states. want to explain to our Mrs von der Leyen said – a message echoed by his has been given for places to open up, some folks European Commission European citizens that on Thursday that EU was Belgian counterpart, believe it is business as usual and they are President Ursula von der they [can] get their fair the “region that exports Alexander De Croo. operating to suit. However, we are well aware Leyen said AstraZeneca share.” most vaccines worldwide” Both those two that we are still in the midst of a COVID-19 must “catch up” on deliv- The EU was accused, and invited other countries are home to pandemic and it is not business as usual as eries to the EU before primarily by the UK countries to “match our factories involved in yet. Who knows if it will ever be? Thus, it must exporting doses else- and the World Health openness”. the production of the be said that we should all seek to comply with where. Organization (WHO), of Her comments came a AstraZeneca shot, which the COVID-19 health and safety protocols, French President so-called vaccine nation- day after the EU issued a it’s suggested may soon when out and about. Emmanuel Macron told alism after it introduced joint statement with the be sending increased sup- Now we are hearing about a return reporters this marked export controls on jabs UK in which both sides plies to European nations to school in April, the government will have to “the end of naivety” from produced within the bloc. pledged to work together – a move that may work hard to ensure that all systems are in the EU. In response, UK Prime after weeks of tensions assuage some EU anger, place to ensure the safety of both teachers Vaccine rollouts in EU Minister Boris Johnson over the Oxford- BBC Brussels correspon- and pupils. How will protocols be followed and states have started slug- warned that “blockades” AstraZeneca jab. dent Nick Beake reports. more so monitored, on public transportation gishly, and the bloc has were not “sensible”. Meanwhile, French Rutte said an agree- systems? Will there be a waning of the blamed pharmaceutical He said a ban would President Emmanuel ment with the UK monitoring process as the term gets going, as companies – primarily imperil the UK’s vaccina- Macron backed the EU’s over AstraZeneca compo- we are seeing in some establishments AstraZeneca – for not tion drive, which has so export controls. nents produced in the of late? Can we guarantee that we have the delivering promised far been more successful “I support the fact that Netherlands could be requisite systems in place to catch any cases of doses. AstraZeneca has than EU member states’ we must block all exports announced this weekend. COVID-19 in schools at an early stage, before the horse bolts from the stable and many parents and grandparents become likely infected, as the children return to their Lebanon frozen by political intransigence homes? If the first couple of weeks in this year are anything to go by, the government may have a task on its hand ensuring that as it hurtles towards collapse protocols are followed and cases of COVID-19 remain low, even as we seek BEIRUT – Just 18 months the outgoing energy minis- conditions; he has the pen tries such as Iraq and to reopen schools. We cannot just rely on have passed since mass ter warns that a total of the president,” said one Syria, Lebanon has the fact that teachers are being vaccinated, protests against Lebanon’s black-out is looming as fuel government source. long been an arena of as the students will likely interact political class brought for electricity runs out. Hariri, son of Rafik al- proxy competition between with each other and their families. down one government, and Yet even as Lebanon Hariri, the post-war pre- Shi’ite Iran and Sunni Nonetheless, we can only encourage nearly eight more months hurtles towards outright mier assassinated in 2005, Saudi Arabia, with Barbadians to follow the protocols and since a huge explosion collapse, in the worst crisis has called for a technocrat traditionally influential hope for the best. destroyed the port of since the 1975-1990 civil cabinet that must enact Christians divided So whether you are visiting the hairdressing Beirut and toppled its war, bickering politicians reforms long demanded by between the two. salon, barber shop, supermarket, hardware successor. are either unwilling the IMF and donor coun- With a new administra- store, church or any other establishment, you Since then the currency or unable to form a tries such as the United tion in Washington should ensure that you do what is nationally has lost 90 per cent of its government. States and France. He is reassessing policy towards and socially required of you, to protect value, inflation has driven Saad al-Hariri, the backed by the Shi’ite Amal Iran, the regional balance yourself and your fellow man. As Prime more than half the popula- Sunni Muslim three-time party, led by influential of power is shifting. For Minister Mia Mottley has reminded us, despite tion below the poverty line, prime minister designated House Speaker Nabih now, Hezbollah, as Iran’s the relaxing of more restrictions, it is still not the country has defaulted by parliament to form a Berri and others. main client, appears business as usual and businesses are expected on its debts, and banks cabinet, stormed out of Overshadowing what reluctant to back a new to operate under the set protocols, in this have all but cut clients off his 18th meeting with might otherwise look like a governmnent that might difficult COVID-19 environment. So let us all from their dollar deposits. President Michel Aoun sectarian squabble over be seen as offering a follow the relevant protocols and make life Scenes of shoppers this week. He said Aoun’s sharing the diminishing concession to Saudi- and easier, as we move to and fro. brawling over scarce goods, Christian party, led by the pie of Lebanon’s spoils Western-backed rivals To prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, protesters burning tyres to president’s son-in-law system is the power such as Hariri. including COVID-19, let us also remember to block roads, and hundreds Gebran Bassil, wanted to of Hezbollah, the Iran- While it agrees on the practice good handwashing hygiene, use good of shuttered businesses dictate cabinet seats and backed Shi’ite group that need for a government, cough and sneeze etiquette, avoid touching our are now commonplace. have veto power over dominates Lebanon poli- Hezbollah is not ready to faces, minimise close face-to-face contact with A vibrant Beirut has decisions. tics and underpins Aoun’s pressure Aoun and risk its people who appear ill, stay away from others if turned into a ghost-town “As of today you have to presidency. alliance with his large we feel unwell and regularly clean and disinfect in eerie darkness, as satisfy Gebran Bassil’s Like other Arab coun- Christian party. high touch surfaces. Finally, remember, we are all in this together and we must therefore look Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes out for each other, by adhering to the set 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 protocols. Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 27, 2021 • 9

Bermuda expecting Guyana to 22,000 vaccines from UK HAMILTON, Bermuda – been provided with receive 33,600 More than 20 000 over 55 000 of the vaccines and related PfizerBioNTech vaccines equipment from the UK is and it is anticipated that a COVAX vaccines expected to arrive early fifth shipment of 22 000 next month, a spokes- vaccines together with woman for Government ancillary equipment will Georgetown, Guyana – silence from the World House said today. arrive in Bermuda is set to receive 33 600 Health Organisation’s When the shipment on April 6.” doses of the Astra- (WHO) COVAX facility on arrives, it will take the As of Monday,the health Zeneca COVID-19 how much of the badly total number of vaccines ministry said a total of vaccine from the needed vaccines would be supplied by the UK to 34 204 doses of the vaccine COVAX facility on supplied to Guyana and about 77,000. had been administered Monday, March 29, when. On Thursday, The spokeswoman said, from January 11. boosting the govern- the PAHO/WHO website “The UK Government con- The ministry said 22,000 vaccines are expected to arrive in Bermuda ment’s plans to stated that 33 600 tinues to work closely with Bermuda's goal of on April 6, Government House announced yesterday. begin vaccinating doses of the AstraZeneca its Overseas Territories “herd immunity” will be persons over 40 from jab are in transit (OT) in their fight against achieved when 70 per cent date, 32 percent of the pop- 20 per cent of the popula- Wednesday March 31. to Guyana and the COVID-19. of the population (64 054) ulation has been vacci- tion has been immunised Over the last few weeks, shipment is expected “To date Bermuda has has been immunised. To nated (with one dose), and (with two doses). Georgetown had reported on Monday. Proposed legislation to decriminalise marijuana before Grenada’s Cabinet

SAINT GEORGE’S, of Caricom’s Marijuana GRENADA – A MEMBER Commission Report. The of the Marijuana hope is that marijuana use Decriminalisation for recreational purposes Committee has confirmed will be decriminalised and that proposed legislation or legalised. to the approach that “Just like alcohol, like Grenada will adopt to cigarettes, marijuana days decriminalise the use of for decriminalising, for le- marijuana is presently galising is coming too. before the Cabinet of That is a fact. The ques- Ministers for discussion, tion is how it is done; what and the next step will be extent we go in dealing public consultation. with the law as it relates to “The proposed legisla- that drug use is something tion which will result in that will come forward,” changes to our drug legis- Prime Minister Dr Keith lation is presently before Mitchell said during the the Cabinet, then it will be town hall meeting. public consultation before Pointing out that other going to the Houses of Caricom members like Parliament for approval,” Trinidad and Tobago, said Agriculture Minister Jamaica and Antigua and Peter David. David is a Barbuda have already ap- member of the three-mem- proved legislation to de- ber committee tasked with criminalise the use of mar- coming up with the best ijuana, Dr Mitchell who is way Grenada can enforce also the Minister for aspects of the Caricom National Security said Marijuana Commission that “Grenada will be Report. The other mem- doing its own.” bers are Health Minister A recent research study Grenada’s Agriculture Minister Peter David. David is a member of the 3-member committee tasked with Nickolas Steele and entitled ‘Marijuana Use searching for the best way Grenada can enforce aspects of the Caricom Marijuana Commission Report. Attorney General Dia Among Young Men in Forrester. Grenada during the Covid- Drug Epidemiology they had used marijuana; sought treatment at the group 17 to 21 years. In December 2020, 19 Pandemic’ revealed Network (GRENDEN), it this presents 34% of the Rathdune Psychiatric It is understood that Prime Minister Dr. Keith that 71 of the 96 respon- was the most widely used athletes who participated Unit in 2020 for drug use; once the law is changed Mitchell in a public meet- dents smoked marijuana, and available drug in in the survey.The average 94 of the 133 clients sought for marijuana use, consid- ing said Grenada will prior to 25 March 2020. 2020. A fact sheet from age of first use of treatment due to problems eration will be given to develop its own model for Cannabis (marijuana) con- GRENDEN in March 2021 marijuana use among the associated with the use of protect persons who cultivating, distribution, tinues to be the main con- said that in a survey con- athletes was 14 years. marijuana and 35 of the should not be exposed to supplying and use of trolled drug consumed in ducted among 71 student- Marijuana according to young men who reported second-hand smoke with marijuana as it moves for- Grenada. According to athletes in March 2020, GRENDEN is the main that they had smoked laws for banning smoking ward to enforce an aspect data from the Grenada twenty-four reported that drug used by clients who marijuana, were in the age in public.

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

High: 2:55 a.m. and 2:59 p.m. London: 05°C CLEAR Yesterday: 0.0 mm Boston: 21°C FAIR Low: 8:44 a.m. For the month: 33.9 mm Max: 28.4°C Montreal: 06°C OVERCAST/LIGHT RAIN/MIST and 9:18 p.m. For the year: 209.0 mm Min: 23.3°C Toronto: 08°C OVERCAST New York: 26°C FAIR 5:58 a.m. 6:10 p.m. Miami: 28°C FAIR 10 • Saturday March 27, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Jamaica to receive New Gaming Bill to establish 20,000 Moderna governing vaccine doses commission in SKN THE Government of St. Kitts and Nevis within 2 weeks has moved to strengthen the Federation’s gaming industry and protect the nation’s JAMAICA has secured some 20 000 but the price is also a consideration,” he international reputation as a responsible doses of the Moderna COVID-19 added. member of the global community, with vaccine, which is expected to On December 18 last year, the US the passing of the Gaming (Control) Bill, arrive in the island within two Food and Drug Administration issued 2021 on Thursday. weeks, National Health Fund an emergency use authorisation for The legislation provides for the effec- (NHT) Chairman Howard Mitchell Moderna. tive and comprehensive regulation of the has confirmed. As the Government continues to hunt Gaming Industry and for other inciden- Mitchell told The Gleaner Thursday for COVID-10 neutraliser, Mitchell told tal matters. It calls for the establishment that he was happy to secure the batch The Gleaner that there were other of a Gaming Commission which will but wished it had been more vaccine prospects on the horizons. replace the existing Gaming Board. Prime minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis “I feel good that we have done “I have commitment that are coming “Beyond compliance with our interna- Dr. Timothy Harris. something, but we need more than in at the end of April, maybe early May,” tional obligations, the Bill seeks to regu- that,” the NHT chairman stressed. he said. larise the gaming sector to capture and good governance. Mitchell would not disclose the price In the meantime, Jamaica is awaiting enhance operating principles for persons “The present legislative framework for at which the vaccines were secured, but word on whether 26 500 doses of involved in the sector and to streamline the gaming sector, Mr Speaker, provides noted they were the “most expensive”. AstraZeneca vaccines will be shipped to existing provisions.The Bill, for example, for the establishment and operation The Moderna vaccine, developed in the island within the next two weeks as seeks to provide greater certainty as it re- of a Gaming Board and a Racing the United States, sells for about promised. lates to the scope of the clientele,” said Commission. However, for several years US$32 per dose. This as India, one of the main Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, both bodies have met with limited suc- The Government has set aside just exporters of that brand of vaccine, has Dr Timothy Harris in moving the cess in fulfilling their mandate of provid- over $5 billion to acquire COVID-19 banned shipments outside the second reading of the Bill in the National ing adequate regulation, licensing and vaccines over the next year, with $2.87 country amid a spike in COVID-19 Assembly. supervision of the gaming sector. billion to go towards procuring 600 000 cases. “In that regard, the Bill aims to clarify “As a result Mr Speaker, the sector Moderna doses. Health and Wellness Minister those residents who can legally partici- needs reform to enable St. Kitts and “We bought it from a third-party Dr Christopher Tufton said yesterday pate in gaming activities,” he added, not- Nevis to ensure compliance with interna- seller. Occasionally, you will have that Kingston had not received any ing that the revamping of the legislation tional standards set by the FATF people in the marketplace that pick up communication from COVAX of a must be balanced against the promotion [Financial Action Task Force] and to safe- little bits and pieces and we have to change in schedule or quantity. of responsible gaming. guard the Federation from any possible entertain them. So, this batch was an The minister pointed out that According to the Prime Minister, the financial crime which may emanate from opportunistic purchase,” Mitchell told India was one of four countries moving of Gaming (Control) Bill, 2021 the gaming sector,” he said. The Gleaner. where the AstraZeneca vaccine is formed part of his Team Unity The Gaming (Control) Bill, 2021 had “If I find more like that, I will take it, manufactured. administration’s mandate of promoting its first reading on March 18, 2021.

Health Minister: T&T to get 173,600 vaccines

HEALTH Minister Terrence which should be soon, we will be getting Mark quipped, “I could not resist.” Deyalsingh declared on Wednesday 100 000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine He asked Deyalsingh for an assur- that Trinidad and Tobago will receive a (from China). ance that the 351 000 vaccines being or- total of 173 600 covid19 vaccines from “By the end of the month, as we said,” dered from Pfizer will arrive in TT “fully India, China and Covax in the coming he went on, “we expect 33 600 (vaccines) paid for by the Government of TT.” months. from Covax. Deyalsingh replied,”These things are While TT awaits their arrival, “So in total, we expect in the incom- not available on a shelf that you just Deyalsingh said efforts to obtain 351 ing weeks and couple of months, a total order and pick up. It’s a dynamic situ- 000 vaccines from Pfizer are ongoing. of 173 600 doses of vaccines in TT.” ation where supply is constantly trying As he made this declaration in the As Deyalsingh congratulated Dr. to catch up with demand. Senate and stressed that the Prime Rowley again, he declared, “This is “As a result,it would be inappropriate Minister’s efforts were non-political, non-political. He has worked very hard for me to give assurances at this time.” Opposition Senator Wade Mark insisted behind the scenes and he has said After explaining that Pfizer and the country should thank Opposition thanks to the people of India and Moderna have to increase their com- Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for the China for these gifts.” bined deliveries of 80 million doses to vaccines that are expected to come from Opposition senators thumped their reach their promised target of 22 mil- India. desks as Mark countered, “I would like lion shots by March 31, Deyalsingh said Responding to Mark’s question about to say congratulations to the the time taken to produce a covid19 T&T Health Minister Terrence whether an order from Pfizer has been Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar vaccine batch should be reduced from Deyalsingh. cancelled, Deyalsingh said, “As late as prevailing upon the Indian government 110 to 60 days under an initiative called March 4,2021, talks are ongoing.” to supply us with 40 000 doses Project Lightspeed. Deyalsingh said Ansa McAl Group CEO While uncertainties over the pur- of vaccine.” Deyalsingh rejected Mark’s claims Anthony N Sabga III, Supermarkets chase and supply of vaccines worldwide Persad-Bissessar wrote to Indian that Pfizer misled TT about when it Association president Rajiv Diptee and continue, Deyalsingh said, “I am happy Prime Minister Narendra Modi in could receive vaccines from the himself “will be working to procure safe to re-announce – because the Prime February to request a supply of vac- company. WHO-approved vaccines for TT if Minister announced it – that we will be cines for TT.To date, there has been no “Pfizer did not mislead us. That was available to the private sector. getting 40 000 doses WHO (World indication that the Indian government the information at the time, and this is “We assure the public that if and Health Organization) approved vac- has responded to her request. an evolving, fluid situation for all coun- when there is a viable outcome, we will cines from the Government of India.” As the uproar from Opposition sena- tries and vaccine manufacturers. What alert the public.” He added, “I want to thank the Prime tors subsided, Senate President we anticipated today is now changing Deyalsingh also dismissed claims Minister for his work.” Christine Kangaloo said, “Is that a by the minute. There was no assurance. that Government could not pay the Deyalsingh also announced, question? Senator Mark, please ask There was an indication.” estimated US$8.4 million for the Pfizer “Additionally, pending WHO approval, the question.” On Tuesday in the Senate, vaccines. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 27, 2021 • 11

Mexico marks anniversary of 1517 Spanish defeat MEXICO CITY – Mexico has taken in renaming marked the anniversary of famous Conquest sites the first serious defeat suf- originally named by fered by Spanish conquis- Spaniards. tadores on Mexican soil For example, the tree Thursday, amid the 500th that marked a famous anniversary commemora- defeat of Cortés in 1520 tions of the 1519-1521 was known as the Tree of Conquest. the Sad Night, but Mexico The March 25, 1517 bat- City officials now call it the tle of Champotón actually Tree of the Victorious pre-dated the arrival of Night. conquistador Hernán President Andrés Cortés two years later. Manuel López Obrador The 1517 expedition led presided over a ceremony by Francisco Hernandez de and a re-enactment mark- Córdoba sailed around the ing the 504th anniversary Yucatán peninsula and of the battle, accompanied landed at Champotón, on by Bolivian President Mexico’s Gulf coast, Luís Arce. looking for fresh water. “Honour to all our They were met by Indigenous brothers who Argentina has decided to suspend flights from Brazil, Chile and Mexico starting today. Chontal Maya Indigenous gave their lives for the warriors who attacked the sovereignty of our Europeans, inflicting territory,” Arce said. wounds that eventually López Obrador said “this Argentina says it will restrict killed about 50 Spaniards, ceremony is an homage to including Hernández de the anonymous heroes of Córdoba. the Indigenous resistance flights from Brazil, Chile, Mexico Known by the Spaniards who resisted as long as as “the Bad Battle,” Mexico they could the three BUENOS AIRES – tered 2,278,115 cases is concerned about which has more now wants to call it “The centuries of oppression Argentina has of COVID-19 and 55 092 the chaotic situation than 12 million cases Good Battle,” similar to the under the colonial decided to suspend deaths. The government in neighbouring Brazil, and 300 000 deaths. approach the government regime.” flights from Brazil, Chile and Mexico starting today to prevent different strains of the coron- Brazil finally forms pandemic committee avirus from entering the country as it MORE than year into the intensive care units across even attacking some Sao Paulo governor Joao Supreme Court struck braces for a second global pandemic, Brazil’s the country are over- vaccines. Doria, have been left out down the President’s wave of infections. government has decided to stretched, and some states Following a year of often of the committee. On request to block three state The government form a new Covid-19 crisis have warned they’re run- acrimonious relations and Thursday,Brazil’s national governors from imposing said in a statement committee that will now ning out of medicines nec- blame between federal and association of mayors also restrictive lockdown on Thursday that include state officials. essary to intubate severe local governments, the wrote a letter to President measures in their states. the measures, which Brazilian President cases. new committee will in- Jair Bolsonaro asking to Supreme Court Justice, include tests and Jair Bolsonaro made Bolsonaro, who was clude members of the leg- be included. Marco Aurélio Mello mandatory isolation the announcement on fiercely criticised for down- islative branch, the The new committee will underlined the autonomy for citizens who return Wednesday, a day after he playing the gravity of the Supreme Court, ministers, meet every week to governors and mayors from other regions, promised the nation that pandemic, has hinted at a and six state governors. decide the next steps in have to manage the health will take effect 2021 would be “the year potential shift in attitude. The federal government dealing with the Covid-19 crises in their jurisdictions, from today. of vaccination” for On Tuesday, hours after did not respond to ques- pandemic, the President saying Tuesday that a “Until further notice, Brazilians. his newly appointed tions about whether the said on Wednesday. “totalitarian vision” is not regular flights will be Brazil is currently health minister Marcelo new committee would re- Bolsonaro, an outspoken appropriate in a democ- suspended from .. Chile, gripped by a devastating Queiroga was sworn in, place a similar group com- opponent of restrictions on racy like Brazil and that Brazil, Mexico,” the new surge in cases, with a Bolsonaro emphasised posed only of federal-level economic activity, has the president is responsi- statement read. A record-breaking 3,251 new in a public address that officials. repeatedly clashed with ble for “the larger l similar policy is already deaths from Covid-19 on “mass vaccination” would Still, not everyone gets state authorities on how eadership, the coordina- in place for flights from Tuesday – the most deaths be a priority – after a say. State governors to manage Covid-19 tion of efforts aimed at Britain. the country has ever seen previously dismissing the who’ve been political oppo- outbreaks. the well-being of Argentina has regis- in a single day. Hospitals’ urgency of inoculation and nents of Bolsonaro, like This week, the country’s Brazilians.” Thousands of Venezuelans flee to Colombia amid violence on border TENSIONS on the border and some of those dis- The border is currently gets on the border, as well The operations have Molano said the nation will between Colombia and placed said. closed due to COVID-19. as the use of antiperson- been conducted against il- increase military and Venezuela continued to es- Venezuela has said its “The foreigners are in nel mines, and said his legal camps of Colombian police presence in the area. calate on Thursday, amid military is fighting eight shelters in Arauquita country would have a armed groups,according to Colombia’s government military operations Colombian armed groups municipality and the na- “strong reaction”. the statement, and two has vehemently criticised that sent thousands of in rural areas and has its tional government, the “Venezuela will effec- Venezuelan soldiers have what it characterises Venezuelans fleeing to population’s support. governor of Arauca and the tively guarantee peace been killed. as the Venezuelan Colombia from their More than 3 100 people international community within the national Colombia’s foreign min- government’s protection homes located along the in 780 families make up are making efforts to territory and ratifies that istry on Twitter this week of Colombian rebels and border. the group,which began ar- provide them with any attempt to violate ter- expressed worry about the criminal gangs.Venezuela Thousands of riving in the Colombian assistance,” the agency ritorial integrity,” Arreaza situation and urged the has denied protecting Venezuelans have fled to municipality of Arauquita said. said in a statement, international community such groups. Colombia from the starting on Monday On Wednesday “whether conventional or to contribute help for the Colombia said last province of Apure in because of the military Venezuela’s Foreign covert, by any armed or- displaced. month it would grant the wake of continuing mil- operations, Colombia’s Minister Jorge Arreaza de- ganisation, be it regular or On Twitter on ten-year protected status itary operations, the migration agency nounced attacks by irregular, will have a Wednesday, Colombia to some 1.7 million Colombian government said. Colombia on civilian tar- strong reaction.” Defence Minister Diego Venezuelans. 12 • Saturday March 27, 2021 The Barbados Advocate Eritrea ‘will withdraw’ troops from Ethiopia in Tigray conflict

ERITREA will with- Eritrean troops in ture of Ethiopia’s ethni- draw troops from Ethiopia was especially cally based federal system Ethiopia almost five controversial because the and their role in govern- months after a conflict two countries had fought a ment. started in the Tigray bitter border war, which Following a trip to the region, Ethiopia’s was only officially ended Eritrea capital, Asmara, prime minister has after Abiy Ahmed became Mr Abiy wrote: “Eritrea said. prime minister in 2018 - a has agreed to withdraw its The soldiers are there to move which earned him forces out of the Ethiopian back Ethiopia’s govern- the Nobel Peace prize the border.” No date has been ment as it fought a group following year. set. that challenged the cen- The conflict began in He admitted this week tral government’s rule. November after the Tigray for the first time that Thousands have died in People’s Liberation Front Eritrean troops were in the conflict, human rights (TPLF) captured military the region, saying they groups say. bases in the northern feared they would be at- Eritrea has not con- Ethiopian region. tacked by Tigray’s fight- firmed the troop with- The TPLF had been the ers. Human rights groups say thousands have been killed in the fighting in Tigray. drawal from some areas ruling party in the area The soldiers are accused across the border in but had had a massive of committing atrocities pressure including from But the troop with- cal dispute between Mr Ethiopia. falling-out with Prime and Ethiopia is under the United Nations to end drawal is unlikely to end Abiy and the TPLF re- The presence of Minister Abiy over the fu- growing international the conflict. the fighting as the politi- mains unresolved. Turkey Erdogan: Women rise up over withdrawal from Istanbul Convention IT has been a tumultuous To quell the critics, sen- and anxious week for ior AKP members an- women in Turkey. nounced they would deal When President Recep with domestic violence Tayyip Erdogan issued a through judicial reform decree at midnight last and an Ankara Friday,annulling Turkey’s Convention that would ratification of the Istanbul claim its power from “tra- Convention on violence ditions and customs”. against women, women In response women in poured on to the streets of pro-government circles Turkish cities to protest. and elsewhere have taken Further demonstrations to social media to criti- are planned. cised the reference to “cus- The convention is a toms and traditions”, legally-binding Council of which in their view desig- Europe treaty, covering nates women as second- domestic violence and class citizens. seeking to end legal im- For many women the punity for perpetrators.It scrapping of the conven- covers 34 European coun- tion is a huge disappoint- tries and took effect in ment. They were expect- 2014. ing the judiciary and po- Among the protesters’ lice to be instrumental in slogans were “Istanbul cracking down on violence Convention saves lives” against women and and “We don’t accept one Women rallied in Ankara against Mr Erdogan’s decree last Saturday. LGBT+ people. man’s decision”. With or without the con- Women’s rights ac- women were murdered in vention at one point as ev- undermines traditional had been “hijacked by a vention they want the ju- tivists, lawyers and oppo- 2020, mostly by their part- idence that Turkey was a family values.They find it group of people attempt- diciary to shed its reluc- sition politicians have de- ners, and 171 more leader in gender equality. especially problematic ing to normalise homosex- tance to prosecute crimes nounced Mr Erdogan’s de- women were found dead that signatories have to uality” and that it was in- against women, and im- cree, insisting he cannot under suspicious circum- Why scrap it? protect victims from dis- compatible with Turkey’s pose adequate punish- legally take Turkey out of stances. However, Mr Erdogan has crimination regardless of social and family values. ment as a deterrent. an international conven- Turkey was the first recently become more vul- their sexual orientation or The Islamist-rooted AK There have been mixed tion ratified by parlia- state to ratify the conven- nerable politically.He has gender identity. Their party has increasingly messages from the Kadem ment. tion, by a unanimous vote bowed to the demands of worry is that this single voiced anti-LGBT+ senti- women’s association, Women are killed in in the parliament in 2012, hardliners, both within his clause may lead to gay ments. Most prominent so which has praised the con- Turkey every day and crit- and it was actively sup- conservative AK party marriage. far has been a tweet from vention as an “important ics argue that this move ported by the Women and and in the Islamist opposi- President Erdogan’s Interior Minister initiative against domes- puts women in even Democracy Association tion Felicity Party, in re- spokesperson, Fahrettin Suleyman Soylu calling tic violence”, but con- greater danger. (Kadem), whose vice-chair turn for their support. Altun, argued that the LGBT+ individuals “per- cluded that the decision to According to Turkey’s is President Erdogan’s Opponents of the con- Istanbul Convention’s verted” - a comment that scrap it was a result of “so- We Will Stop Femicide daughter. vention have complained original intention of pro- prompted a Twitter warn- cietal tension” caused by Platform, at least 300 He even praised the con- it encourages divorce and moting women’s rights ing flag. it. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 27, 2021 • 13

Germany tightens borders in pandemic alarm GERMANY could see Officials fear the third of the UK (Kent) variant mended”. as further measures were delays. France will start 100 000 infections a day wave could be more chal- is behind the surge. Nineteen areas of concerned. On Friday, the vaccinating people aged if the third wave of lenging than the first two. France have been placed government spoke of a 70-75 from Saturday. coronavirus spreads With infections running ‘No taboo’ for French under lockdown and more “race against time” as it In Germany about 10% unchecked, the head of at more than 20,000 a day, measures than 4,700 people are now beefed up checks at sta- of adults have now had a the RKI public health Health Minister Jens France has also seen a big being treated in intensive tions, airports and road first dose of vaccine (with institute has warned. Spahn warned: “If this increase in cases, and care.The greater Paris re- tolls in the 19 affected 14 doses per 100 people), Random German continues unchecked we German Chancellor gion is one of the worst af- areas. well below UK levels. The checks and compulsory run the risk of our health Angela Merkel has said it fected areas with almost Although schools are German health minister tests will be enforced on system hitting breaking will be classed as a high- 600 cases per 100,000 peo- still open in these areas, said his country was in the French border, point in April.” risk zone. French Foreign ple. The average French which now include the the final stages of a “pan- France’s foreign minister Germany is among a Minister Jean-Yves Le incidence rate in the past Rhône area around Lyon, demic marathon” but it says, because “the pan- number of European Drian told national radio week is above 200 cases, most businesses are shut would take some time be- demic in Germany is ex- countries where Covid in- it would mean that on the while in Germany it is 119 and travel in or out is fore the goal could be ploding faster than they fections have been rising German border “random per 100,000 people. barred without a com- reached. He appealed to thought”. fast this week. Cases are checks would be more re- President Emmanuel pelling reason. Germans not to travel Negative tests will also also up in Poland by 35%, inforced than now, with Macron said late on Europe’s Covid vaccine over Easter and minimise be required for airport ar- and health officials in both compulsory tests and Thursday night there drive has started slowly, their contacts with other rivals from Tuesday. countries say the spread quarantine recom- would be “no taboo” as far partly because of delivery people. At least 32 killed in Egypt train crash AT least 32 people have consequences for anyone been killed and more than found responsible. 100 injured in a train “Anyone who caused crash in central Egypt, the this painful accident country’s railway author- through negligence or cor- ity says. ruption, or anything simi- Two carriages were de- lar, must receive a deter- railed and overturned rent punishment without when two passenger exception or delay,” he trains collided in the tweeted. province of Sohag. Photos from the scene Emergency brakes were show carriages overturned activated on the train in near a channel of water. front by “unknown indi- In a statement, the viduals", causing the train health ministry said that The trains collided in the province of Sohag. behind to crash into it, the in addition to the fatali- authority said. ties, at least 108 people neath the trains,” a man can’t even save the ones reported. One of the deadliest Officials are investigat- were injured. at the scene told Reuters who are alive.” Egypt has seen frequent train disasters occurred in ing the cause of the crash. “We need an official to news agency,adding that a Prime Minister Mostafa accidents on its railway 2002 when 373 people died Egyptian President come see what has hap- crane was needed to help Madbouly is travelling to system due in part to poor when a fire broke out in Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said pened. They can’t remove with rescue efforts. the site of the crash with maintenance and lack of carriage travelling south there would be serious the people from under- “People are dead, we the ministers, state media investment. of Cairo. Maritime traffic jam grows outside blocked Suez Canal SUEZ, Egypt – A mar- although it did not say Bernhard Schulte the ship had experienced Others also are being cruise ship Costa itime traffic jam grew to what was offered. Shipmanagement, the a power blackout, but it diverted to avoid the Concordia in 2012 told more than 200 vessels The Ever Given, owned technical manager of the did not elaborate. canal. The liquid natural The Associated Press. Friday outside the Suez by the Japanese firm Ever Given. Plans are in Bernhard Schulte said gas carrier Pan Americas The Ever Given’s loca- Canal and some vessels Shoei Kisen KK, got the works to pump water two canal pilots had been changed course in the tion, size and large began changing course as wedged Tuesday in a sin- from interior spaces of the aboard the ship when it mid-Atlantic, now aiming amount of cargo make the dredgers worked franti- gle-lane stretch of the vessel, and two more tugs got stuck. Such an south to go around the operation more complex, cally to free a giant con- canal, about 6 kilometers should arrive by Sunday, arrangement is custom- southern tip of Africa, ac- Sloane said. The opera- tainer ship that is stuck (3.7 miles) north of the the company said. ary, but the ship’s captain cording to satellite data tion should focus initially sideways in the waterway southern entrance, near The canal authority re- retains ultimate author- from MarineTraffic.com. on dredging the bank and and disrupting global the city of Suez. leased a video showing ity over the vessel, accord- About 10% of world sea floor around it to get shipping. A team from Boskalis, a Lt. Gen. Osama Rabei in- ing to shipping experts. trade flows through the it floating again, rather One salvage expert said Dutch firm specializing in specting efforts to free the In addition to the over canal, which is particu- than unloading its cargo, freeing the cargo ship, the salvaging, is working Ever Given and telling 200 vessels waiting near larly crucial for the trans- which could take weeks. Ever Given, could take up with the canal authority. workers: “Good luck, God the canal, more than 100 port of oil. The closure That’s because the clock to a week in the best-case using tugboats and a spe- willing.” ships were en route to the also could affect oil and is also ticking struc- scenario and warned of cialized suction dredger An initial investigation waterway, according to gas shipments to Europe turally for the vessel, he possible structural prob- that is trying to remove showed the vessel ran the data firm Refinitiv. from the Middle East. added. lems on the vessel as it sand and mud from aground due to strong Apparently anticipat- Freeing the Ever Given “The longer it takes, the remains wedged. around the port side of winds and ruled out me- ing long delays, the own- is “quite a challenge” and worse the condition of the The Suez Canal the bow. Egyptian author- chanical or engine failure ers of the stuck vessel di- could take five days to a ship will become, because Authority said it wel- ities have prohibited as a cause, the company verted a sister ship, the week, .Capt. Nick Sloane, she’s slowly sagging,” said comed international of- media access to the site. said. GAC, a global ship- Ever Greet, to head a maritime salvage ex- Sloane, vice president of fers of help, including one An attempt Friday to ping and logistics com- around Africa instead, ac- pert who led the high-pro- the International Salvage from the United States, free it failed, said pany, had previously said cording to satellite data. file effort to salvage the Union. 14 • Saturday March 27, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Tornado outbreak rips across US Deep South

TORNADOES and se- the Carolinas. In vere storms have torn Tennessee, emergency re- through the Deep sponders hospitalized one South, killing at least person in Sumner County, five people as strong and the Nashville Fire winds splintered trees, Department posted photos wrecked homes and on Twitter showing large downed power lines. trees down, damaged The tornado outbreak homes and streets blocked rolled into western by debris. Georgia early Friday. In Ohio, more than Meteorologists said one 100,000 people were with- large, dangerous tornado out power early Friday moved through Newnan after thunderstorms deliv- and surrounding commu- ered 50 mph (80 kph) wind nities in the Atlanta metro gusts to parts of the state. area. Forecasters reported peak A day earlier,a sheriff in gusts of 63 mph (100 kph) eastern Alabama said a in Marysville. tornado cut a diagonal line Some school districts through his county, strik- from Alabama to Ohio can- ing mostly rural areas. celed or delayed class on “Five people lost their Friday due to damage and lives and for those fami- power outages. lies, it will never be the Authorities said one tor- same,” Calhoun County nado carved up the ground Sheriff Matthew Wade for more than an hour said at briefing Thursday Thursday, traveling evening. roughly 100 miles (160 One of the victims in the kilometers) across hard-hit Ohatchee, Alabama. Vast areas of Alabama area, was Shelby County near Dwight Jennings’s neigh- Birmingham — the state’s bor.Jennings spent several biggest city — were badly hours searching for his damaged. friend’s dog before the an- In the city of Pelham, imal was found alive, he James Dunaway said he said. The two men had initially ignored the tor- planned to go catfishing nado warning when it this weekend, Jennings came over his phone. But lamented. then he heard the twister As many as eight torna- Residents survey damage to homes after a tornado touched down south of Birmingham, Alabama dam- approaching, left the up- does might have hit aging multiple homes. stairs bedroom where he Alabama on Thursday, had been watching televi- said John De Block, a me- Reports of tornado dam- to assess all of the damage now.” were immediately re- sion and entered a hallway teorologist with the age in the Newnan area but we believe we have 30 Newnan police urged ported. — just before the storm National Weather Service began coming in shortly broken poles,” Newnan the public in a Facebook The bad weather blew off the roof and sides in Birmingham. Multiple after midnight.Trees were Utilities general manager post to “get off the roads” stretched across the south- of his house. His bedroom twisters sprang from a toppled and power lines Dennis McEntire said.“We while emergency officials ern U.S., raising concerns was left fully exposed. “super cell” of storms that downed, knocking out serve about 10,000 cus- surveyed the damage. of thunderstorms and “I’m very lucky to be later moved into Georgia, service by the local utility. tomers and about half are Newnan Mayor Keith flooding in parts of alive,” Dunaway, 75, told he said. “It’s still dark so it’s hard without electricity right Brady said no fatalities Tennessee, Kentucky and Al.com. Dominion Voting Four killed as police in sues Fox for $1.6 billion Bangladesh clash with protesters over 2020 election claims during visit by Indian PM COX’S BAZAR – Four people were killed to protesters. WASHINGTON – Dominion Voting that Dominion altered votes, “sold a after police fired on protesters who they He made no mention of police using Systems filed a $1.6 billion defamation false story of election fraud in order to said attacked a police station in the live rounds. Another police official, lawsuit against Fox News on Friday,ar- serve its own commercial purposes, se- Bangladeshi city of Chittagong on Mohammad Alauddin, said a Chittagong guing the cable news giant falsely verely injuring Dominion in the Friday during a demonstration against hospital had received eight people with claimed in an effort to boost faltering process,” according to a copy of the law- a visit to the country by Indian Prime gunshot wounds, adding: “Among them ratings that the voting company had suit obtained by The Associated Press. Minister Narendra Modi. four succumbed to their injuries.” rigged the 2020 election. “The truth matters. Lies have conse- Dozens were also hurt in the capital He identified the dead as three stu- The lawsuit is part of a growing body quences,” the lawsuit said. “... If this Dhaka where police used rubber bullets dents and a tailor. of legal action filed by the voting com- case does not rise to the level of defama- and teargas in clashes with violent pro- Modi landed in Dhaka on Friday for a pany and other targets of misleading, tion by a broadcaster, then nothing testers, witnesses said. two-day visit to celebrate the 50th an- false and bizarre claims spread by does.” In Chittagong, thousands of support- niversary of Bangladesh’s independence. President Donald Trump and his allies Even before Dominion’s lawsuit on ers of an Islamist group that accuses After being received by Prime Minister in the aftermath of Trump’s election loss Friday,Fox News had already filed four Modi of alienating minority Muslims in Sheikh Hasina, Modi met opposition and to Joe Biden. Those claims helped spur motions to dismiss other legal actions India streamed out of mosques after government leaders. on rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol against its coverage. prayers to register their protest against Hundreds of protesters then clashed on Jan. 6 in a violent siege that left five “Fox News Media is proud of our 2020 his visit, police official Rafiqul Islam with police near a large mosque in people dead, including a police officer. election coverage, which stands in the said. Dhaka, witness Jahangir Alam said. He The siege led to Trump’s historic second highest tradition of American journal- “We had to fire teargas and rubber said dozens were hurt when police fired impeachment. ism, and we will vigorously defend bullets to disperse them as they entered rubber bullets and teargas after protest- Dominion argues that Fox News, against this baseless lawsuit in court,” a police station and carried out extensive ers pelted them with stones and set which amplified inaccurate assertions it said in a statement on Friday. vandalism,” he told Reuters, referring ablaze motorcycles. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 27, 2021 • 15

Yemen’s Houthis warn of stronger attacks after drone strikes on Saudi Arabia DUBAI – Yemen’s Iran- drew his predecessor aligned Houthis said Donald Trump’s support on Friday they had at- for the conflict. tacked Saudi energy Houthi military and military sites with spokesman Yahya Sarea 18 armed drones, and said on Friday that the the kingdom’s energy group had targeted facili- ministry reported that ties of state oil giant Saudi a projectile had struck Aramco in Ras al-Tanura, a petroleum products Rabigh,Yanbu and Jazan. distribution station, He said they also targeted causing a fire. King Abdelaziz military The Saudi-led military base in Dammam and coalition which is at war military sites in Najran with the Houthis said late and Asir. on Thursday it had inter- “We are prepared to cepted several drones carry out stronger and aimed at Saudi Arabia. harsher military attacks The attacks came days in the coming period,” he after Riyadh presented a said on Twitter. peace initiative that in- Aramco, when con- cludes a nationwide truce tacted by Reuters on in Yemen as the war en- Friday, said it would com- ters its seventh year. ment at the earliest op- The Houthis, who con- portunity. trol Yemen’s capital and The Saudi energy min- most populous areas, have istry said that at 9 p.m. stepped up drone and mis- on Thursday a projectile sile attacks on Saudi tar- had struck a petroleum gets in recent weeks. products distribution sta- Houthi soldiers march during a funeral procession for Houthi fighters killed in recent fighting against Meanwhile, Riyadh faces tion in Jazan that caused government forces in Marib province, in Sanaa, Yemen February 17, 2021. increasing pressure from a fire in a tank. There Washington to end the were no casualties. kingdom would take de- “These attacks confirm cal efforts to end the cri- al-Malki, who also speaks war, after new U.S. The Saudi defence min- terrent actions to protect the terrorist Houthi mili- sis,” defence ministry for the Saudi-led coalition, President Joe Biden with- istry said on Friday the oil exports. tia’s rejection of all politi- spokesman Colonel Turki said in a statement. Myanmar protest deaths reach 320 as US, UK, impose sanctions

YANGON, Myanmar – 600 others were freed large parts of the coun- The toll of protesters con- from the same prison, also try’s economy, “which is a firmed killed in Myanmar without being formally vital financial lifeline for since last month’s mili- charged by a court. the military junta.” tary takeover has reached The army’s seizure of The sanctions against 320, a group that verifies power halted the the two companies and details of deaths and ar- Southeast Asian nation’s their holdings block ac- rests announced Friday. move toward democracy cess to any property they Myanmar’s Assistance that began when Suu control in the United Association for Political Kyi’s party took office in States and effectively bars Prisoners said its tally in- 2016 for its first term, any U.S. person or com- cludes only documented after more than five pany from conducting any cases, with the actual decades of military rule. sort of business with number of casualties At about 4 a.m. Friday, them, including supplying “likely much higher”. It unidentified people tossed them with funds or pro- said 11 people were killed firebombs at the head- viding goods or services. Thursday, when it also quarters of Suu Kyi’s Myanmar’s homegrown managed to verify 23 National League for Civil Disobedience deaths that occurred pre- Democracy party in Movement against mili- viously. Yangon, but nearby resi- tary rule is targeting the Myanmar news agen- dents managed to put out economy in order to make cies, including the the fire before it could it difficult for the junta to Democratic Voice of An anti-coup student protester is welcomed home with flowers by residents cause any major damage. govern. It has advocated Burma and Mizzima, re- of her neighbourhood after being released from jail. The movement against work stoppages by state ported that three more the junta and its takeover enterprise workers, bank people had been shot dead various cities by nightfall dragged away,some other the crackdown since the received a major boost closures and disinvest- by security forces in the on Friday. Those reports civilians were injured. Feb. 1 coup that ousted Thursday when the ment by foreign compa- city of Myeik in southern could not immediately be “Moreover, junta forces the elected government of United States and Britain nies. Myanmar.Video posted on confirmed. raided houses and vio- Aung San Suu Kyi. Most, announced tough sanc- Myanmar’s economy is Mizzima TV’s YouTube The Assistance lently arrested youths and including Suu Kyi and tions against two mili- already battered by the channel showed protest- Association described a civilians, thereafter de- President Win Myint, re- tary-owned conglomer- COVID-19 pandemic, ers risking getting hit by typical deadly confronta- stroying motorcycles, cars main detained. ates with vast holdings in which surged there in the gunfire to carry the bloody tion Thursday in and barricades. They State television MRTV many sectors. second half of last year. body of one young man Taunggyi, in Shan state stormed streets unpro- reported that 322 de- The U.S. Treasury The World Bank, in a who the report said had in eastern Myanmar, voked, shouted ob-sceni- tainees were released Department said its ac- Asia-wide review released later died. when “the junta used live ties and vandalized prop- Friday from Insein Prison, tion against Myanma Friday, forecast that Social media posts, ammunition, trying to cre- erty.” describing them as being Economic Holdings Public Myanmar’s economy will many including photos of ate a combat zone of resi- The association said as accused of breaking a pub- Company Limited and contract by 10% in 2021 bodies, indicated that as dential areas, resulting in of Thursday, 2,981 people lic order law by having Myanmar Economic after growing a meager many as seven people four civilians shot and had been arrested, “demonstrated violently.” Corporation Limited tar- 1.7% in 2020 and 6.8% in may have been killed in killed, one dead body was charged or sentenced in On Wednesday,more than gets the army’s control of 2019. 16 • Saturday March 27, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

From left: Audra McDonald, Billy Porter and Vanessa Williams, along with other founding members of Black Theatre United, have recorded the song and video “Stand for Change,” with all proceeds donated to social justice efforts.. Black theater leaders push for change NEW YORK – What’s partnership with the lice killing of George Pierce and Capathia better than a powerful Republic Records Action Floyd in Minneapolis in Jenkins. voice from the Black Committee. 2020. It has hosted town Williams says the theater community It’s the latest step by halls on activism, bol- group wants to push for singing about change? Black-led groups trying stered census participa- diversity in every aspect How about 13 such to make the Great White tion and developed men- of theater, from what is voices? Way look more like torship programs for as- programed to staffing at Vanessa Williams, Billy America. piring young Black the- theaters, who is hired, Porter and Audra “I think that we are at ater artists. marketing and bringing McDonald and other a point now where people The group also in- Black dollars into the founding members of are listening and people cludes Phylicia Rashad, theater. Black Theatre United are willing to make Kenny Leon, Darius de “There are conversa- have recorded the song changes,” says Williams. Haas, Norm Lewis, Brian tions that are happening and video “Stand for “It’s almost like a reset Stokes Mitchell, Lillias and there are systems Change,” with all pro- button now.” White, Allyson Tucker, that are being put in ceeds donated to social Black Theatre United Michael McElroy, place for change on every justice efforts. The was formed in response NaTasha Yvette level,” she says. “This is a friends recorded their to the wave of national Williams, LaChanze, different time and and song parts separately unrest over racial injus- Tamara Tunie, Anna we’re proud to be a part Bridge due to the pandemic in tice that followed the po- Deavere Smith, Wendell of making the change.” The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 27, 2021 • 17 SPORTSSPORTS Tridents hold out for 1-0 loss to Panama by Michael Phillips minutes later, Miguel Camargo had a looping shot on target but it fell just behind IT WAS a late goal from Panama’s Jair the crossbar. Catuy Arosemena that gave the 78th- Barbados came close a second time when ranked team a 1-0 win over the Leacock created something special and sent Barbados Tridents in their first a cross into the box that was just a bit too international outing in over a year. long for Keon Atkins who came in to replace After holding out for most of the Niall Reid-Stephen. Ten minutes later in match, Barbados crumbled under the 80th, Leacock was involved once again constant pressure of the Concacaf when he headed down a corner kick from juggernauts in the dying minutes of debutante Ryan Trotman, but was unable their first 2022 FIFA World Cup to find the nets. Qualifier at the Felix Sanchez Panama kept the pressure on as Stadium in the Dominican Republic. Barbados became even more frantic to pull After being afforded two practice out a result, and right after a shot came off matches against the Turks and Caicos the upright Arosemena got his first Islands during a two-week camp that national team goal when the ball found was organisedto give the team some him unattended at the back post from a manner of preparation after not kicking a cross into the area. ball in two months, the local lads were Speaking about the game during a media forced to let it all hang out from the first After holding out for most of the match, Barbados crumbled under constant conference yesterday,Head Coach Russell whistle of the game on Thursday night. pressure of the Concacaf juggernauts in the dying minutes of the match. Latapy said that it was a good game for The defense was pressed into action from Barbados given that we were expected to the outset as the Panamanians were period, with two crucial saves coming just play, Leacock searched in vain for a cross concede a number of goals. searching for a goal inside the first 100 seconds apart in the 36thand 37th minutes. and was forced to take a shot of his own to “I think, for both teams, it was a fantastic seconds of the game. After the break, Panama continued to see the danger comfortably averted. game of football. They had most of the ball The first 45 minutes saw the Bajans bang at the door, showing why they made Panama’s Edgar Barcenas wore #10 on and they were attacking but I thought for doing their best to stay in the game as hefty it to the 2018 Russia World Cup. However, the night but had a terrible day at the office us, it was a great performance defensively- goal margins were predicted. Goalkeeper Barbados came close to scoring in the 49th as he squandered several of their chances closing down people, closing down spaces, Kishmar Primus and his defensive line when Omani Leacock capitalised on an at goal, keeping the Barbadian hopes alive having them play in front of us and not were kept extremely busy as they were error by Panama custodian Orlando that much longer with each error.The ball behind us and in between us. I’m so proud able to thwart several opportunities. Mosquera. Stripping him of the ball at the made it into the Barbadian nets in the 60th of what the boys achieved last night,” he Primus came up big several times in the corner as he failed to shepherd it out of minute but offside was the call. Three said. Barbados should be proud THE public of Barbados should be proud of the tables are turned a bit, whereby we’re their boys. That is the word coming from the favourites against Anguilla. I think this Head Coach of the Barbados Tridents is a game that we can go and try to impose Russell Latapy as he spoke about the the way that we want to play football and team’s performance in Thursday night’s 1- that is what we are going to try to do.” 0 defeat against Panama. With the Senior Noting that he was pleasantly surprised Men’s side going into their first match of that the players were disappointed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as an result, as it showed that they had come a underdog, Latapy said that the squad really long way in their development, deserved credit for what they were able to Latapy said that the focus remained achieve in a short space of time. working to get players to buy into his Speaking to members of the media philosophy. “The further on we go with it, yesterday during a Zoom media conference, the better we become at it and I think last Latapy said that he was extremely proud night was an excellent exercise in showing of all the players and what they were able these players what is necessary, what is to pull off. required, the intensity that we need to play “By no means we thought that this was at, the courage and commitment that we going to be a game that we were just going need to have.And again, I would give them Barbados Head Coach Russell Latapy (left) and Barbados Football to walk into and it was going to be easy.We a pass in every department,” he said. Association President Randy Harris. are talking about a team that is loaded As he addressed the pundits of the public, with professionals who were playing in Latapy noted that the level of discipline least. Japan. some of the top leagues in the region and and professionalism shown by his amateur “I know I’m going to get criticised– it “Our players must be commended around the world.And we are talking about side was exemplary. comes with the job. My focus has always because Panama is number-five in the – my boys – who had two weeks to prepare “Sometimes for the general public, the been on the same thing, which is the region and a team that even the top teams for this game under very difficult expectations do not match the support that development of the players and to get the are wary of playing.We did the work, we did circumstances. I think what we did last the players have. We’re competing with best out of them for the development of not play as we were training because we night is that we showed the region and the professional players and all we ask is that football. I understand that a lot of people weren’t given the chance. It was as simple world by extension that we could compete our players go out there and give 100% will criticise, but what I would say is if as that. But the players did not give up, at this level,” he said. every time. To put things into perspective, they criticiseme, I have no problem with it. which is a good sign. They tried, they did Going on to say that the boys fought as I have boys who work in a warehouse, I But I’ll defend my players down to the end. their best, they dug deep and I think they hard as they could and gave everything in have boys who work on a truck for eight I think what the boys did last night, they should be commended.” both halves, Latapy said that if luck had hours and then they come to training for deserve a lot of credit for it based on Noting that the players saw all smiled on them that they could have come two, three times a week. And they are everything that we know,” Latapy stated. comments made by members of the public, away with a goal or two against one of the competing against boys whose livelihood is Barbados Football Association President whether good or bad, Harris echoed the best teams in the region. Stating that professional football. So I have boys who are Randy Harris was also present and he said sentiments of Latapy and called for the where they were was a good place and that working and training maybe 10, 12 hours that he was thankful to the executive of the public to support the team. they can only build from there, Latapy a week against boys who are training 30 Association for having the foresight to send “We need to support them! We need to added that the aim of the game was to now and 40 hours a week.” the squad on the much-needed two-week uplift football in Barbados. Obviously we take the expected points in the group. With many casting criticism at Latapy’s training camp ahead of the first fixture. are going to all fall down at times and we “When we came to play these two games appointment and the results achieved in Having not played competitively for over a will accept when we make mistakes and we knew the reality is that Panama was his short tenure, he cited the criticism of year and not touching a ball for two months when we make decisions that did not work going to be a really tough game and we got Zinedine Zidane, who was one of the most due to the national pause did the team out. And we will pick up ourselves and through that game last night in my successful players in the world, before no favours against a side that recently had move forward but we need the support,” he opinion, with flying colours.We know that saying that he was not bothered in the friendlies against the USA, Serbia and said. (MP) 18 • Saturday March 27, 2021 The Barbados Advocate Barrier falls: Woman officiates Alex Sobers sets men’s qualifier in Americas new 400m record KATHRYN Nesbitt ran the here’s their opportunity.” who served two stints as sidelines, waving a flag, Nesbitt worked 18 MLS coach of the Cosmos in the and Olympic B blending in for all the right games last season, old North American Soccer reasons. including the MLS is Back League in 1979-80. Nesbitt The 32-year-old from tournament final, and was is a real professor with a qualifying time Philadelphia became the voted the league’s assistant Ph.D. She taught analytical first woman to work as an referee of the year. The chemistry as an assistant BARBADIAN swim- on-field official for a World workload of the 6-foot tall professor at Towson mer Alex Sobers Cup qualifier in North and official has included 82 University in Maryland continues to etch his Central America and the league games in all since from 2017-19. name in the pages of Caribbean, serving as an 2015 plus seven more as an She quit to become a full- history as he set a new assistant referee Thursday assistant video referee time soccer official. national record at the night when Canada opened during the last two seasons. “I actually started when International Swim with a 5-1 rout of Bermuda Nesbitt earned a FIFA I was 14 years old. Clearly, Coaches Association’s at Orlando, Florida. badge in 2016 and that was more of a hobby at (ISCA)International There were no officiated at that year’s the time,” she said. “So it’s Senior Cup in St. controversies in a match Women’s Under-17 World just kind of made its way Petersburg, Florida. that featured Bayern Cup, the 2018 Women’s into a career over the last Sobers swam a time of Munich’s Alphonso Davies Under-20 World Cup, and 20ish years or so.” 3:53.19 which is also a B setting up three goals for two matches at the 2019 A competitive figure Olympic qualifying Besiktas’ Cyle Larin. Women’s World Cup. skater for 15 years and a Kathryn Nesbitt standard for the Tokyo Nesbitt disappeared into “She’s pretty imposing volleyball player in college, Olympics in the 400m free the background as much as physically,” said Howard she began officiating under- National Women’s Soccer style. one can while working in a Webb, a Premier League 8 games while growing up League match between The B standard for the yellow jersey and black referee from 2003-14 who is in Rochester, New York. Kansas City and Portland Olympic stands at shorts, an orange and entering his fourth season She started to work adult on April 13, 2013, and her 3:53.58. yellow flag in her hands. as general manager of and semipro matches after MLS debut when D.C. Sobers replaced the “I’m hoping that people Major League Soccer’s she finished her bachelor’s United played Columbus Barbados National record Alex Sobers will bring her to the to the Professional Referee degree at St. John Fisher on May 2, 2015. which he own and men’s World Cup in a Organization. “She’s tall, College and worked toward At the 2019 Women’s previously stood at freestyle. couple of years instead of athletic. She’s very calm her doctorate at the World Cup in France, 3:55.50 which he set in Sobers is slated to also the Women’s World Cup – and clearly intelligent as University of Pittsburgh. Nesbitt worked Norway vs. 2018. compete in the 200m at actually both,” said Rick well. She’s able to process a “It kept me active and I Nigeria and Sweden vs. Sobers is in his first the International Senior Eddy,U.S. Soccer’s director lot of information quickly really liked that way of Canada game plus three season on Stephens’ staff Cup in St. Petersburg, of referee development. “If and accurately.” thinking about the game,” more games as a video at BOaton College. He has Florida. FIFA really wants to make In U.S. soccer, “The she said. official, including the been to the Olympics, in He is also holds the a stand towards saying Professor” was the She made her England-Sweden third- 2016 in Rio de Janeiro for national record in the they’re supporting women, nickname of Júlio Mazzei, professional debut in a place match. Barbados in the 400m 200m. St Lucia Gov’t not involved in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers pullout NEITHER the Ministry of Saint Lucia’s non- independent organization SLFA to have a team train national athletes.” strict protocols, she said. Youth Development and participation in the 2022 that governs football clubs for World Cup Qualifiers. The Senior Mc Donald added: Sports nor the Office of the FIFA World Cup and competitions within Neither the Ministry of Communications Officer “Hopefully the football Chief Medical Officer Qualifiers. The national Saint Lucia,” Mc Donald Youth & Sports nor the indicated that through the association will engage received a request from football team was stated. Office of the Chief Medical Ministry of Health, the with the line ministry, the the Saint Lucia Football scheduled to kick off its “The government of Officer have received such government recently Youth & Sports Ministry Association (SLFA), to participation in the event Saint Lucia is further a request.” facilitated training for and local footballers to have a team train for on March 24 against concerned about reports She continued: “Despite Vieux Fort’s Platinum FC resolve this matter. We World Cup Qualifiers. Nicaragua. that authorities turned the fact that high contact who are due to compete in look forward to the full That’s the word from The government of Saint down requests for special sports are not allowed Curacao in April. The clarification from the Senior Communications Lucia is disappointed by training for a national under the current COVID- Ministry of Health has SLFA as to the reasons for Officer in the office of the reports that Saint Lucia football team. The 19 protocols because of the also facilitated netballers Saint Lucia’s withdrawal.” Prime Minister, Nicole Mc has withdrawn from the government can confirm sheer high-risk, the and other athletes who The SLFA is scheduled Donald, who on Thursday 2022 FIFA World Cup that we have no record of a government has always have requested one-on-one to hold a press conference issued a statement on Qualifiers.The SLFA is an request being made by the made special provisions for training or training with today. Hero CPL goes virtual with launch of new Esports gaming series THE Hero Caribbean T20 cricket, but with a big competitive skills in a end of the competition, an their favourite players manufacturer, who have Premier League will be difference – the players virtual tournament,” said individual champion is and teams once again as been the title sponsors of launching an exciting new will be controlling virtual Hero CPL COO Pete crowned as the first they take on their rivals the Hero Caribbean content series, the Hero versions of themselves Russell. winner of the virtual Hero in this groundbreaking Premier League since CPL Esports League, and instead of just having The players taking part CPL. gaming format. They will 2015. Hero has long been featuring professional their own game to worry are Colin Munro playing “It is really exciting to be able to see and hear the a key partner of marquee cricketers from around the about they are in charge of as the Trinbago Knight be involved in this new passion these players have sporting events – world playing Cricket 19, all of their teammates. Riders, Mitchell Santner competition and it didn’t when they are competing, including cricket, soccer, the leading cricket console “The Hero CPL is representing Barbados take long for my with a controller in their field hockey and golf – in game. always looking to engage Tridents, Andre Fletcher competitive instincts to hands rather than a bat India and across the globe This is the first time a fans in different ways and and Kesrick Williams kick in. One of the great and ball. and this partnership sees T20 franchise tournament this is another example of playing as St Lucia Zouks, things about the CPL is The shows are hosted by them also venturing into has had an Esports us innovating. This series Sheldon Cottrell and Ish that they are always Gautam Bhimani and the ever-growing Esports competition with the is another first for a Sodhi representing St trying something new and Alex Jordan who bring arena. cricketers representing tournament that prides Kitts & Nevis Patriots, it was great to be involved you all the action during Episode one will go live their franchise as the Hero itself on being at the Nicholas Pooran and in the first franchise this hard-fought on 2 April 2021 (1 pm CPL continues to push the cutting edge of Ashmead Nedd Esports League,” Munro tournament. GMT, 6:30 pm IST, 9 am boundaries of engagement entertainment and we are representing the Guyana said. This content series is ECT) on Hero CPL’s with their fans. very excited about seeing Amazon Warriors and This series will give being supported by Hero YouTube and Facebook Released next week, this the reaction from our fans Glenn Phillips and Ryan Hero CPL fans and MotoCorp Limited channels and the series fun and engaging series as they see these CPL Persaud representing gamers alike the (HMCL), the world’s will also be shown with will bring the reality of stars show off their Jamaica Tallawahs.At the opportunity to get behind largest two-wheeler selected broadcasters. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 27, 2021 • 19 Bairstow, Stokes blast England to win over India PUNE, India – Jonny India’s total never looked out of Rahul kept his place in the 50- Bairstow and Ben Stokes reach for England’s batting over side despite scoring 16 runs displayed audacious lineup after Bairstow and Jason in four innings during the strokeplay during a 175-run Roy set the tone for the chase Twenty20 series. stand against India in the with an opening stand of 110. The right-hander repaid that second one-day international The pair looked unstoppable faith with his fifth ODI hundred, to help England chase down and were only separated when following up on his unbeaten 62 a steep 337-run target with Roy was run out for 55 following in the last match, and celebrated ease for a series-levelling six- a sharp piece of fielding from his century by closing his eyes wicket victory yesterday. Rohit Sharma. and using his fingers to cover his Opening batsman Bairstow That brought Bairstow,who hit ears. smashed seven sixes and 11 his 11th hundred, and Stokes Rahul hit seven fours and two fours in his knock of 124 while together and the duo went on a sixes in his 114-ball knock and Stokes hit 10 sixes and four fours boundary-hitting spree, leaving later said his cryptic celebration before falling one short of a the Indian bowlers looking shell- was to signal his way of shutting deserved century as the touring shocked on the field. out criticism. side reached their target with 39 Stokes’ 52-ball knock ended India captain Virat Kohli and balls to spare. when he was caught behind Rishabh Pant supported Rahul India batsman KL Rahul while attempting a pull shot off with half-centuries. earlier continued to make the seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Kohli was dropped on 35 by most of his return to form with a Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna Buttler off leg-sinner Adil Rashid century, anchoring the innings then caused a wobble by sending and was instead out on 66 when with a classy 108 to help the back Bairstow and Buttler, who the wicketkeeper managed to hosts reach 336-6 after England’s was leading England in the hold on to another edge off the stand-in captain Jos Buttler won absence of the injured Eoin same bowler. the toss and decided to field. Morgan, in one over to reduce the That brought Pant to the England made three changes tourists to 287-4. crease in his first ODI since to the side that lost the opening Yet Malan and Livingstone January, 2020 and the ODI by 66 runs, drafting in stood firm to see their side diminutive left-hander hit a Dawid Malan, debutant Liam through and ensured that blistering 77 from 40 balls that Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes (pictured) displayed Livingstone and fast bowler Sunday’s third and final ODI will included three fours and seven audacious strokeplay. Reece Topley. decide the series. sixes. Thierry Henry shows social media red card until platforms tackle racist abuse THIERRY Henry will disable bullying and resulting mental racist abuse he has been built tools to help people his social media accounts and torture to individuals is too subjected to but called for a protect themselves. says he will not return until toxic to ignore. zero tolerance policy from the “We’ll continue this work, those in charge treat racist “There HAS to be some social media companies on and know these problems are abuse with the same accountability.” offenders. bigger than us, so we are seriousness as they approach “It is far too easy to create His Manchester United working with others to copyright infringement. an account, use it to bully and teammate Anthony Martial collectively drive societal The former Arsenal and harass without consequence also posted abuse he had change through action and France striker is not the first and still remain anonymous. received online, as did education.” high profile sporting figure to Until this changes, I will be Chelsea’s Reece James and Instagram did announce raise the issue of racist abuse disabling my accounts across sister Lauren, who plays for tougher penalties for those who online, but he is the first to all social platforms. Manchester United. send abuse via direct message announce he is walking “I’m hoping this happens A spokesperson for Facebook, last month but this has away from Twitter, Facebook soon.” which also owns Instagram, prompted questions about how and Instagram until Henry has huge said: “We don’t want they define racist abuse and more is done to tackle the international pull, having also discriminatory abuse on whether the new sanctions go problem. played for Barcelona and New Instagram and we remove it far enough. Henry, 43, posted a York Red Bulls before when we find it. Some footballers have also statement on all his social becoming a pundit upon “Between October and called for an end to anonymity media accounts yesterday. retirement. December last year we took online and a requirement for He wrote: “From tomorrow His official Facebook page action on 6.6 million pieces of users to provide official (Saturday) morning I will be has 10 million followers while hate speech content on identification to create an removing myself from social he has a further 2.7 million on Instagram, 95% of which we account. media until the people in Instagram and 2.3 million on found before anyone reported it But Facebook said if it was to power are able to regulate their Twitter. Thierry Henry to us. insist on using government platforms with the same vigour Henry has not gone into “We recently announced that identification or passport and ferocity that they currently specifics about what abuse he men and women, who have we’ll take tougher action when details it would be barring do when you infringe has received on those platforms received abuse. we become aware of people access to the very people who copyright. but there is a long list of black Marcus Rashford also chose breaking our rules in DMs use its platforms to build “The sheer volume of racism, and mixed race players, both not to post the specifics of the (direct messages) and we have communities. Miami Open: Cameron Norrie beats Grigor Dimitrov, Naomi Osaka through BRITAIN’S Cameron Norrie “It is a massive win for me first and toughed him out in the Mertens saw off the break After receiving a first-round earned a notable scalp by and I will take a lot out of it,” second.” point to hold for 3-1 and seized bye, Osaka started the beating Bulgarian ninth seed said Norrie, 25. Boulter, 24, faded after a fast control – forcing errors as she tournament by fighting back Grigor Dimitrov to reach the On the significance of beating start as she lost in straight sets troubled Boulter with from a break down to win 7-6 Miami Open third round for the Dimitrov, Norrie told Amazon to Belgian 16th seed Elise variety of play – winning 6-4 (7-3) 6-4. first time in his career. Prime: “It is huge. He is really Mertens in the second round. 6-1. Osaka stopped her opponent Norrie won 7-5 7-5 against good on the hard courts and had Now 319th in the world and Japan’s world number two serving out the first set at 5-4 Dimitrov – who reached last a good start to the year. playing with a injury-protected Naomi Osaka – the reigning before going on to win the tie- month’s Australian Open “It was an absolute battle. He ranking, Boulter broke for a 3- Australian Open and US Open break, then pounced for the only quarter-finals – to claim a came out fast and set the tone 0 lead and had a chance for the champion – earned her 22nd break of the second set for a second win over a top-20 for the match, then I was able to double break at 4-0 before match win in a row by beating 5-4 lead which she converted opponent this season. be solid towards the end of the Mertens found her level. Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic. into victory. 20 • Saturday March 27, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

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Haggatt Hall, St. Michael 6336 sq ft $126,000 Under Offer mandatory for TEL: 247-4469 Cel: 253-6319 Cane Garden, St. Thomas 828-4800 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft new season – Email: Private entrance. caribbeanpropertiesltd From $187,681 @gmail.com Ragged Point, St. Philip league doctor PROPERTIES 8,267 sq ft $166,000 THE National Football the league’s chief Kirtons, St Philip Rolling Hills, St. George League (NFL) hopes medical officer Allan 3 bedroom plus 12,000 sq ft players, coaches and Sills said. 2 bedroom apt 4,790 sq ft $310,000 (negotiable) $685,000 staff will get The NFL on Ocean City, St. Philip vaccinated against Thursday sent a memo Amity Lodge, Ch Ch 6150 sq ft $123,000 COVID-19 ahead of to all 32 teams ahead 3 bedroom plus REAL ESTATE NOTICES the new season but it of this year’s draft 1 bedroom apt Fortesque, St Philip will not be mandatory, outlining a series of 6,646 sq ft $650,000 operational $2,950,000 neg Agricultural Land more relaxed protocols 494,500 sq ft $1,100,000 under offer LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE Gibbons, Ch Ch (Cap. 182) NOTICES if all individuals in the 3 bedroom plus Dalkeith, Christ Church Silver Sands, APPLICANT: Lincoln Dona- draft room were 2 bedroom apt 17,371 sq ft approved for LIQUOR LICENCE NOTICE Christ Church van Richards vaccinated. 9,835 sq ft 7,129 sq ft $160,000 shops and offices (Cap. 182) $675,000 (reduced) $495,000 Sills said similar OCCUPATION: APPLICANT: Sherri-Anne Bushy Park, St. Philip regulations would Breezy Hill, St Philip Roebuck Street, Husbands apply once the season 24,000 sq ft $190,000 ADDRESS: Mahogany 3 bedroom, 2 bath Bridgetown Grove, Uptown, St. Michael OCCUPATION: Cook begins, with reduced to $298,000 Apes Hill, St. James Shopping Mall/Office space vaccinated individuals 31,000 sq ft upward $8,100,000 negotiable Black Rock, St Michael PREMISES: Savannah ADDRESS: Isolation Road, receiving extra Large lots at $15 per sq ft Road, Shorey Village, St. 3 bedroom, 1 bath Batts Rock, St Michael St. Andrew privileges. 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Husbands Thorpes, St. James Retail License will be con- Standing on 4 acres Guest House, 4 Suites Applicant told the NFL Network. 11,376 sq ft with structure sidered at Licensing Court to $1.1M 6,135 sq ft “What we are $235,000 be held at Magistrates’ Court $750,000 negotiable Application for a Grant of focusing on is Frere Pilgrim, District 'F' Belleplaine on Retail License will be con- Cottage, St George Monday the 12th day of education. 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We’re seeing a St. Thomas District “D” Magistrates’ Court of lot of dialogue about Sandford, St Philip Cane Garden, St. Thomas Westbury Road, St Michael Cane Garden, St. Thomas for vaccination. We hope 16,356 sq ft $300,000 PREMISES: Belleplaine, St. the purpose of Granting Li- 2,520 sq ft $45,360 PREMISES: Wooden struc- Andrew censes, Transferring Licences everyone gets and Orders for the Registration ture situated at Boarded Hall, vaccinated.” Goodland Gardens, Cane Garden, St. Thomas COMMERCIAL Dated this 1st day of March, of Clubs under the above men- Christ Church More than 85 million 2021 tioned Act. 9,605 sq ft $145,000 Mount Standfast, St James Dated this 19th day of people in the United Dated at District “D” Magistrates’ March, 2021 Two properties on Signed: A. Christie States had received Nursery Road, St Philip Court, at Cane Garden, St. Tho- 22,714 sq ft. Applicant mas on March 22nd, 2021. one shot by midweek 9,266 sq ft $139,000 Asking $1,200,000 Signed: W.Watson Applicant this week and more Application for a Grant of Itesha Boyce (Mrs.) Lashley Road, St Philip than 46 million people Black Rock, St. Michael Retail License will be con- Clerkat District ‘F’ 5,839 sq ft, $150,000 Application for a Grant of Warehouse/Storage sidered at Licensing Court to Belleplaine Magistrates Court had been fully Retail License will be con- 4000 sf space 23,861 sq ft be held at Magistrates’ Court vaccinated. Salters, St George NB: sidered at Licensing Court to $900,000 (reduced) District 'F' Belleplaine on The 2021 Draft will 2 lots 32,760 sq ft, $230,000 All applications should reach be held at Magistrates’ Court Monday the 12th day of this Office at least twenty-one District 'F' Belleplaine on place from April 29- Foul Bay, St. Philip April, 2021 at 9 o'clock a.m. Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy (21) days before the Monday the 12th day of May 1 in Cleveland, Approved for condos, above-mentioned date. 14,876 sq ft. $110,000 April, 2021 at 9 o'clock a.m. 39,242 sq ft $1,600,000. I Boyce Ohio. The new season Clerk to Licensing Authority is set to begin on Sept. I Boyce Bushy Park, St. Philip Dover, Christ Church 9. 17,000 sq ft $170,000 Hotel 18 rooms fully Clerk to Licensing Authority The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 27, 2021 • 21

Veteran Thompson wins UK marathon trials in Kew Gardens LONDON – Veteran trol my emotions then.” Palm House his outpour- “Everything fell into Chris Thompson, who In the absence of the ing of joy was fully under- place, I was in dreamland” turns 40 next month, usual April London standable. His time of two Thompson said. “After 30 produced a masterful Marathon, the trials were hours, 10.50 minutes shat- minutes I realised I had and highly emotional set up to give Britain’s elite tered his personal best of worked the course out and performance to win the a road to Tokyo, and 2:11.19 from seven years I realised you can’t keep British Olympic Thompson took full advan- ago and, all-importantly, pressing like this. Marathon trials in the tage. was well inside the “I just entered my own unusual surroundings In damp, grey conditions Olympic qualifying time of little mind palace and of London’s Kew on a multi-lap course at 2:11.30. thought ‘this is the rhythm Gardens on Friday to Royal Botanic Gardens Ben Connor, who al- I need’. I feel like someone secure his place in World Heritage Site, ready had the qualifying is going to tell me this did- Tokyo. Thompson rolled back the standard from last year’s n’t happen.” While Thompson years and showed all his London Marathon, fin- While Thompson has punched the air and let out experience as he let a fast- ished second in 2:12.06 to been hammering away as a scream of joy after cross- paced lead group of three also punch his Tokyo ticket a professional athlete for ing the line following years break clear for more than alongside Callum 20 years, Davis is still com- of frustration, Steph Davis, half the race. Hawkins, pre-selected, ing to terms with her elite still a part-timer, burst Looking out of it, who acted as a pacemaker status, and still works into tears after destroying Thompson instead reeled on Friday. part-time. the field and her own per- them in as the pace Back in 2010 Thompson She was in a class of her sonal best to win the slowed, then surged clear won silver over 10,000 me- own on Friday as she women’s race and also in emphatic style and by tres at the European forged clear to win in qualify only a couple of the last lap he was half a Athletics Championships, 2:27.16, almost three min- years after she took up se- minute ahead. behind Mo Farah. While utes ahead of Natasha rious training. The first two finishers Farah went on to win mul- Cockram, a 40-second per- An emotional were assured of Olympic tiple world and Olympic ti- sonal best and crucially in- Thompson, who became a selection if they had the tles and amass a personal side the Olympic standard. father on Monday, said: “I qualifying time and fortune, Thompson en- Friday’s event was the don’t know how I’ve done it Thompson gritted his dured a wretched run of first time a one-off trial -I’m 39 for crying out loud teeth over the final stages injuries as he slipped down race had been held for an - this doesn’t happen. to make sure he was in- the rankings, though he Olympic marathon since “This sounds bad but I side it. did make the 2012 1980 - the London Britain's Chris Thompson during the elite men's knew it with two laps to When he crossed the line Olympics in the marathon, Marathon has done the job race. go and I was trying to con- in front of the famous glass finishing 25th. since then. 22 • Saturday March 27, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Top prospect Casey Mize makes Tigers’ starting rotation

FORMER No. 1 overall draft tion that includes Opening Day pick Casey Mize will open starter Matthew Boyd, Julio the season in the Detroit Teheran,Tarik Skubal and Jose Tigers’ starting rotation, Urena. manager A.J. Hinch an- Hinch also confirmed that nounced Friday. right-hander Michael Fulmer Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize (12) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Toronto The 23-year-old right-hander and left-hander Derek Holland Blue Jays during spring training at TD Ballpark. has struggled with his command will make the 40-man roster. for most of the spring, compiling Fulmer, the 2016 American a 1-2 record and an 8.36 ERA League Rookie of the Year and a with 21 strikeouts, 10 walks and 2017 All-Star, will pitch out of Tour de France to start from four homers allowed in 14 in- the bullpen.The 28-year-old has nings. been a starter in all 85 of his Mize likely clinched the rota- previous appearances with the tion spot with his performance Tigers, posting a 24-33 record Bilbao in 2023 – organisers Thursday against the Toronto with a 4.09 ERA. Blue Jays. He allowed five hits Holland, 34, pitched for and two earned runs in four in- Pittsburgh last season and owns PARIS – The 2023 Tour de be held in the Basque country, (2015), Duesseldorf in nings, striking out nine and a 79-81 record with a 4.61 ERA France will set off from Bilbao, where the Tour also began in Germany (2017) as well as in walking none. He threw 55 and 1,190 strikeouts in 307 marking the sixth time in 10 1992, when it rolled out from Brussels (2019), and next year strikes on 72 pitches. games (227 starts) with the editions that the world’s most San Sebastian. it will set out from Mize, the top pick in 2018 out Texas Rangers (2009-16), famous cycling race starts out- Since marking its “Grand Copenhagen. of Auburn, made his big-league Chicago White Sox (2017), San side France, its organisers said Depart” in Yorkshire in Britain This year’s race will set off in debut last August and went 0-3 Francisco Giants (2018-19), on Friday. in 2015, the Tour has started in home territory, beginning in with a 6.99 ERA in seven starts. Chicago Cubs (2019) and The opening two stages will Utrecht in the Netherlands Nice on June 26. He fills out a five-man rota- Pirates. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 27, 2021 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A Aries - Outside demands will clash with the expec- N tations of someone in the family. You have a lot of D thinking to do and in this you need to be honest with yourself. Once you decide on what and who should C be getting your attention, don't let anyone talk you O out of it. It's a good time to set meaningful goals. N S Taurus - If you're looking for ways to get your body moving there will be opportunities in your local community that will be safe, active and fun. News received from someone in the family will ease your worries. You've never shirked your responsibility to others. A heavy burden will be lifted from your shoulders as you discover there is outside help avail- able. Z Gemini - A discussion with your boss will be more I important and could have bigger consequences than you realise. New career possibilities await you. Try T to be punctual for a meeting, appointment or inter- S view. Other people you are meeting are trying to fit a number of things into their day.

Cancer - Water, power supply or other similar prob- lems will cause a lot of frustration. Be sure your mo- bile phone, laptop and tablets are charged. Expect the unexpected. Someone from the past will contact you with a question that makes you start wondering about an incident you had pushed from your mind. R E Leo - Some careful consideration has given you X greater clarity of mind. Now you know your own thoughts and feelings you won't be influenced by anyone who has other ideas. You are able to recog- M nise the best opportunities to achieve your goals. O Networking will put you in touch with someone R who has the knowledge or experience to help you. G A Virgo - You are tired of trying but getting nowhere. N It can be exhausting focusing on plans that make no progress. Just as you are about to give up, the inter- vention of an assertive friend will make a difference. With their help, you will solve a problem in a prac- tical way. Keep going with your personal interests.

Libra - A careless, casual attitude isn't likely to get you very far. If you want to be successful, be pre- P pared to work hard. Take a practical, patient and H honest approach to activities that are important to you. Expect to enjoy some fun moments with the A family, this evening. N T Scorpio - Anything involving money would be bet- O ter dealt with by yourself. Someone will offer to sort M out a financial matter for you but they may forget and this will put you in a difficult position. Think twice before accepting what sounds like an easy enough request. This could be a lot more compli- cated than it looks.

Sagittarius - Strangers will soon become good friends. Get involved in local online get togethers. M If there is someone you would like to get to know A better find out about what they care about. Turn conversations to their interests. When they ask about R you, don't be reluctant to share. Only by letting Y down barriers can relationships develop and grow. W Capricorn - There may be delays before receiving O what is due to you but it is on its way. What is put into action today will have positive consequences in R time to come. A new page will be turned in finan- T cial or career affairs. This may not be instantly ap- H parent but change is approaching.

Aquarius - It isn't luck that has created the situation you are now in. A friend is envious of your success and will imply you're more fortunate than they are. M They resent you for having achieved a goal that O took hard work, discipline and effort. They too could T experience similar success if they knuckled down H and put in the effort. E R Pisces - If things aren't turning out as you had ex- pected, don't think you can't do anything about it. G This is your chance to take control of the situation. O There is still a chance to make some changes and O others will be grateful for your timely intervention. Instead of letting circumstances restrain you, do S something to help yourself. E Tridents hold out for 1-0 loss to Panama – Page 17 Saturday March 27, 2021 ‘DELAY WAGE INCREASE’ WHILE in agreement proposed April 1st, 2021 for a national minimum reconsider the reasons we are asking for going again,” Clarke with the need for the start of the wage wage increase. We commencement of the a deferral until January continued. minimum wage increase until next year, support it. We $8.50 per hour rate, 2022. We believe it would Admitting no one increase in this due to the difficulties understand the need of especially in light of the give these businesses should be working for country to be raised, many business owners our employees, but we do fact that the island was and certainly those in the salaries lower than the the Barbados Private were experiencing believe it should not be currently moving out of tourism and hotel sector, proposed minimum Sector Association because at the expense of the its second lockdown and certainly many of the wage, he also stated the (BPSA) is against the of the economic whole business sector some businesses were small businesses who are matter should first be timing. hardships brought on by and the wider economy,” still closed at the struggling and many discussed at the level of Speaking to the media the Covid-19 pandemic. he said during the press moment. large businesses who the social partnership yesterday, BPSA “We the private sector conference. “We certainly are have laid off workers, before government’s Chairman Edward are of the opinion that He therefore urged the asking government once time to build back up pronouncement of next Clarke urged the time is way off. We do Mia Mottley-led again, and for the public their strength and month’s start of the government to delay the agree that there is a need administration to to understand the time to get this economy increased wage. Time to rethink approaches By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste respect to important matters. IN considering a new “I am aware that the governance model for Minister responsible for labour, unions need to Labour and Social rethink their approaches Partnership Relations has and improve the working promised to have lives of their officers. regulations enacted, all the This is the view of Sir more reason for the Union David Simmons, former to prepare itself to Chief Justice of Barbados contribute to the as he spoke during the development of those virtual opening ceremony regulations.” of the NUPW’s conference. Sir David also noted that Sir David stated that due to the flexible there had to be a new arrangements in the area of governance landscape in teleworking, new tools order to take account for needed to be developed in what is being called the order to provide for the new normal and in measurement of the considering this new performance of workers. landscape model for labour, He added that, on the he believed that Unions matters of training and should start with looking to career development, improve the Safety and teleworkers should receive Health at Work Act. equal treatment in the “The NUPW must insist development of their that it be involved in careers and consideration discussions concerning for promotions. He said that teleworking and the while there was not a law development of relevant internationally on these policies. Such policies will matters yet, they could take have a direct bearing on the a look at the European content of a legislative Framework Agreement on programme. Given the Telework, which dated back state of the Act I suggest to 2002, as it covered many that the Union’s input is important aspects of necessary,” he said. telework. Additionally he “Because although the stated that the EU Act is enforced, there are Partners Framework on no regulations in place to Digitisation provided a add flesh to the bare bones useful blueprint for of the statue. The statue negotiating a just WATER STATION AT HASTINGS BROADWALK: NCC’s Special itself provides for the transition in the use of Projects Officer, Ricardo Marshall trying the water, while Newport Water’s Marketing Executive, Alicia making of regulations with digital technologies. Barrow looks on. (See Page 4)

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