Established October 1895

Tuesday June 16, 2020 $1 VAT Inclusive PRIMARY SCHOOLS REOPEN SO FAR it has been nothing but smooth sailing reported as primary schools reopened yesterday in a bid to ready their Class 4 students for the Secondary Schools Entrance Examination, or Common Entrance, as it is more widely known. With much speculation leading up to the day, surrounding how things would go, for the most part, the return has been a success. The first school The Barbados Advocate visited was Belmont Primary, and Principal Pamela Ifill had her full roll of Class 4 students. Explaining that on arrival, there were markings for physical distancing, temperature checks and sanitisation stations, Principal Ifill said that the students were adapting quickly to the new brand of normal. “We have 33 children and they have been divided into three rooms. So there are 12 in one room, 11 in one and 10 in another with three persons working with them. So they are settled, they are comfortable and so far, the morning has gone very smoothly.”

PRIMARY on Page 4 Principal of Belmont Primary, Pamela Ifill conducting one of the classes yesterday at Belmont Primary. BWA responds to Park’s Road residents RESIDENTS of Park’s Road, St. the BWA extracts water.” Joseph expressed their “The critical contributing factor frustration on Sunday about is the low levels in the aquifer as their persistent dry taps since the a consequence of the extreme beginning of April. drought being experienced in The residents expressed Barbados, the Caribbean and disbelief that they have not been other parts of the world. In the able to get a single drop of last quarter of 2019, the running water while other Meteorological Services neighbouring communities have confirmed that Barbados was been able to get the precious experiencing its worst drought resource in their homes. They conditions since 1948 and the also lamented that the international experts have community tank provided is too indicated that the low rainfall small to service the needs of the total shall continue,” said residents. Minister Abrahams. A statement issued by the “Every day, the BWA pumps BWA in response to the situation water to the affected areas until facing the St. Joseph residents the reservoir is depleted,” stated: “Several weeks ago, The Minister continued, “And Minister of Energy and Water this the BWA has articulated on Resources, the Honourable a constant and consistent basis. Wilfred Abrahams explained that Once there is water in the the lack of pipe borne [water] for reservoir, that water is fed into some residents of St. Joseph, St. the system until the reservoir is John and a few other parishes is entirely dry... as a direct result of low water This student going through the necessary checks and sanitisation at Grantley Prescod levels at the sources from which RESPONSE on Page 3 Primary. 2 • Tuesday June 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate The Barbados Advocate Tuesday June 16, 2020 • 3 Restrictions ease further YESTERDAY marked feature during the the first day that both challenging times was private and public seen, particularly at sector organisations many financial were able to welcome institutions yesterday. workers back in full Though some walked after the COVID-19 the streets without a forced most of them to mask covering their nose close their doors. and mouth, in order to Last week the Prime enter the buildings and Minister Mia Mottley stores, the mask is now a announced the further requirement with signs easing of the restrictions posted at the entry of the in place as Barbados stores along with continues to take further someone there to spray The traffic in Wildey was heavy but flowing. steps out of the lockdown, your hands with sanitiser which has been in place and some were even for over two months. checking temperatures A stay-at-home order as well. was issued early in April Some of the other which came along with a restrictions which have 24-hour curfew in an been lifted included the effort to combat the use of beaches and parks, COVID-19 pandemic and as well as the reopening with negative tests being of gyms. returned recently along There was also the with the flattening of the return of full seating curve Barbados capacity by the Public continues to open up once Service Vehicles (PSVs) more to business. and Transport Board There were long lines buses, however masks of pedestrian and must be worn for the vehicular traffic through duration of the journey the streets of Bridgetown and the windows kept and social distancing open unless there is which has been the inclement weather. Entry to Cave Shepherd had signs about the protocols to take inside the store as well as to gain entry.

The longest lines were seen at the financial institutions. Persistent drought due to climate change source of the problem RESPONSE rom ront deliberate rationing.” direct consequence of areas at higher elevations basis and in some areas via Authority will also Page In concluding, the climate change and a in some parishes.” community tanks as well. continue to inform and Minister reminded, “For change in rainfall “In the meantime”, These actions will continue regularly update its ...What then happens is the avoidance of doubt and patterns. Simply put, the added Marketing Officer, because the BWA remains customers in any areas that once the supply is to ensure that all persistent drought has Yvette Harris-Griffith, committed to continue to impacted by water outages exhausted, the taps are dry understand, there is a resulted in the BWA’s “the BWA has been do the best it can under the via its social media pages, until the reservoir is persistent drought inability to produce servicing residents of the circumstances, until a its website and all media replenished. The lack of affecting Barbados and the enough water to maintain affected areas via water solution to this troubling including several radio water is not a result of rest of the Caribbean as a the demand of the affected tanker on a consistent issue is found. The stations 4• Tuesday June 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate PSVs concerned about unneeded competition EVEN though Public that BT and ZM vehicles will island’s shutdown in March. In this need, argued Best, as he effect from June 15 to June 30 Service Vehicles (PSVs) still be allowed to service the following weeks as pointed out there were more maxi taxis and tour coaches, returned to their full routes plied by PSVs, and restrictions eased, PSVs were than enough PSVs to service which are permit holders to carrying capacity essentially cutting into what allowed to operate, but at 60 routes and the “unnecessary” “The Transport Augmentation yesterday, smiles have not little profits can be made at percent carrying capacity and competition would place the Project” (TAP), are allowed to returned to the faces of all this time. so licensed BT and ZM vehicles sector under further strain. transport passengers to and operators. He said that since the raise were used as additional According to the Emergency from their destinations and Chairman of the Association in bus fare from $2 to $3.50, support to move the travelling Management (Covid-19) Public “ply for hire on the same terms of Public Transport Operators there had been a noticeable fall public. Service Vehicle and Designated and subject to the same (APTO), Kenneth Best is off in ridership, a situation But with PSVs returning to Maxi Taxis and Tour Coaches conditions as motor omnibuses, expressing serious concerns which was compounded by the full loads, there no longer was (No. 2) Directive 2020 with minibuses and route taxis”. No major issues; necessary protocols followed Caledonia PRIMARY from Front Page

Going on to state that the Jets to students and parents were apprised of the protocols ahead provide of the return via a Zoom meeting, Ifill said that parents were cooperative and glad to chartered have them back out to school. She also said that she did not think that the students would be flights disadvantaged by the situation. “Since they are just doing the Math and Language Arts, it from UK kind of works out because in a WHILE uncertainty remains normal school day you would on when this island’s tourism have Physical Education and sector will fully reopen, one the other subjects like Science airline is already giving a and Social Studies which would strong signal that it may be take up some of the time. So sooner rather than later. coming to school everyday for Caledonia Jets is partnering four weeks and doing just Math with Blue Sky Luxury to and English for half the day will provide a weekly chartered pretty much be the equivalent of Students observing physical distancing as they await admittance to the compound at flight direct from the United a school term so it works out in Grantley Prescod. Kingdom to Barbados on an terms of time,” she said. entirely first-class airliner and Over at George Lamming, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, number will increase because The students came in, we did according to its website, those Principal Grace Wickham had a similar protocols with you know they will be a few our sanitisation protocols, they flights begin July 3 with each sound ship running under her temperature checks and waiting to see how things go and are all wearing their masks, we round trip ticket costing command. sanitisation and physical then they might send the did our temperature checks, £7500. “It is going very smoothly. distancing were in place. With children,” she said. everyone checked out so they are The website outlined the Everything is in place and the parents not allowed to come into Meanwhile, Charles F Broome in their classes as we speak, and aircraft, which allows for long children are in their classes. We the compound, Principal has one of the larger cohorts of they are enjoying things,” she haul luxury travel while social have 45 children out of 64 and Wickham said that the feedback Class 4 students on the island said. distancing, has seating for 100 we have eight teachers here and from parents was encouraging. and Principal Dr.Monica Walton With just over 50 back in class passengers, each of whom will everything is just in tip-top “Parents are encouraged to told The Barbados Advocate yesterday and over 100 expected be provided with sanitised shape.The janitors are here, the use the Whatsapp, email and that the return to school was today, Dr. Walton said that the hygiene kits containing hand groundsman, the School Meals telephone to get in contact with going swimmingly.“So far things students were happy to be back sanitiser, mask, sanitising workers, so we are good to go.” me. Most of the parents are have gone beautifully. We have and were taking to their classes wipes and tissues. With her institution running happy and I expect that that had no challenges whatsoever. well. Explaining that there were In addition, the airline said three classes at the top of her that all passengers will be school the Principal revealed required to self-isolate and that the entire group was split take the PCR COVID-19 test, into two with the first which is recommended by the designated Mondays and British Government and World Thursdays. The second group is Health Organisation, the day scheduled to attend the before travel. compound on Wednesdays and “In order to protect fellow Fridays, while all Class 4 passengers and the Barbados students go in on Tuesdays. community, Caledonia Jets will With many persons in society be operating a COVID-19 still wary about the presence of testing programme prior to COVID-19, Dr.Walton said that boarding,” the airline said, they had the cooperation of adding, “While we understand parents for the most part. that this is not the previous “A few parents would have convention for flying, this is an been a bit skeptical and few of important step in protecting them were a bit timid but this the health of both passengers morning, surprisingly, we had and the Barbados community. no issues whatsoever. Our As a result this step is children came. Our general rule mandatory for all passengers is parents leave their children at in order to board.” the gate. The difference is we However, no information asked parents to stay around in could be gleaned up to press the event of elevated time as to whether the temperatures but all the proposed measures for the July children checked out and they 3 flight would meet local Several students were able to be accommodated in this larger room at George Lamming proceeded into their health protocols for Primary. classrooms,” she said. (MP) commercial airlines. The Barbados Advocate Tuesday June 16, 2020 • 5 Building Blocks Project progressing WITH the Ministry of community businesses – now. But we are also they have already identi- Lands and Surveys part of the Building Blocks Youth and Community an organic fruit and at the same time looking fied some of the locations Department, its parent Project, the Permanent Empowerment set to vegetable shop, a vehicle at additional sites and we and are working with ministry the Ministry of Secretary said her soon roll out the four valet service, a pet shop, hope when we go into other Government agen- Housing, Lands and Rural ministry already has a sites in the pilot of a salon and a clothing the next phase of this cies to have all the Development as well as relationship with the the Building Blocks store. project, to work in other locations identified and the Town and Country Ministry of Energy and Project, Permanent The Permanent places in Barbados, in the plans drawn. She Planning Department as Water Resources, with the Secretary in the Secretary said the other other communities in made the comments while our main partners. We photovoltaics installed on Ministry, Yolande sites in the pilot project Barbados. So we are look- explaining that they will have also had a lot of the community centres Howard, says eight are at Bonnetts, Ivy and ing forward to the open- also work with the young assistance from the and explained that more locations could Parkinson Field, all in ing of this pilot project, we people in the communities Environmental Protection the possibility exist to be coming on board St. Michael, where some are really excited about it to identify the businesses Department, which has expand that relationship, soon. ten other units are being and we will be working that will operate in those helped us in identifying and utilise similar Howard made the built – three each at towards the second areas. other technical issues to systems in this project as disclosure yesterday Bonnetts and Ivy and four phase,” she indicated. “The intention was really improve on the well. morning in Silver Hill, at Parkinson Field. The PS stated the always to seek to have existing sites that we are “We need to try as far as Christ Church where the “We hope to finish all of Ministry is working on Government properties now developing,” Howard possible to ensure that all finishing touches are these four sites within the getting the additional identified as far as stated. government properties are being done on five kiosks, next three to four weeks, sites started as soon as possible and we have been Asked about incorporat- part of the overall energy which will be the base of taking into context the possible. Her comments able to garner cooperation ing renewable energy into conservation initiative,” operations for five new conditions we are in right came as she disclosed that from our partners in the the kiosks being built as she stated. (JRT) Minister of Youth asserts ‘better days are coming’ KIOSKS this country called – Meanwhile, one of the touch your car. So that’s 11, so that on a night from Back Page “...In the same way that Barbados. I am here to entrepreneurs Corey my aim and to get I could have at least 20. many hands make light say that the levels of Kellman whose company all the ZRs on this That’s progress for me,” he to give young people and work and we see the disillusionment that we is called Touchless Car route and even on Route stated. (JRT) persons within the example of it right around have experienced with Detailing, said he community that normally us in terms of these kiosks, our young people are was “fussy” to have the frequent the block, no work makes light over, because better opportunity to earn money the once in a lifetime hands and this is an days are coming,” he to feed his family.Kellman opportunity to be able to important message... We maintained. said he intends to put his support themselves and are going to engage Forde said once the all into the business, which their families “in a our young people so businesses are open, the will use a power-washer legal and authentic finally they will have the entrepreneurs will get and blower to clean way”. opportunity to put down the necessary support in vehicles. With that in mind, he the weapons of destruction terms of marketing, “Some people don’t like said they are asking and take up the tools of accounting and even their high end cars touch Barbadians to support the empowerment – have a financing through pro- up, so it is a blower to blow youth and give them the commercial entreprise and grammes such as the off the water in ten hand up that they deserve. have a tangible stake in Trust Loan Fund. minutes, I wouldn’t even

The new kiosks at Silver Hill, Christ Church which five new businesses will be moving into soon. 6 • Tuesday June 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate RBC Royal Bank launches second phase of client relief options TORONTO, Canada – Yesterday, standing as of February 29, 2020. Clients RBC Royal Bank (RY on TSX and who participated in the first phase of NYSE) (“RBC”) announced a automatic payment deferrals are second phase of financial relief eligible to apply for these additional options for its Caribbean clients deferrals. Clients who are already impacted by the ongoing novel participating in non-coronavirus RBC re- coronavirus (COVID-19) global lief programmes are excluded from this pandemic. programme. Effective immediately, RBC Personal The relief programme is intended to Banking clients in the Caribbean provide flexible solutions and help clients will be able to apply for payment manage through the impacts of deferrals on auto loans, instalment loans, COVID-19, such as pay disruption, and mortgages. Clients may defer childcare disruption due to school their payments for up to three closures, or dealing with the COVID-19 months. Clients can participate illness itself. However,clients who are in in the deferral programme by applying a position to keep making their regular online through their web browser monthly payments are encouraged at https://caribbean.rbcroyalbank.com. to do so. Clients must apply for deferrals RBC will continue to monitor COVID- by 11:59 pm EDT / AST on July 15, 19 and the evolving economic conditions 2020. in each country and territory where the Business Banking and Corporate bank operates. RBC may consider other Banking clients may also apply for relief measures, if necessary. financial relief, following individual RBC has a long history of standing by eligibility assessments with a Caribbean clients through challenging Relationship Manager. times and this commitment will To be eligible for the programme, client continue throughout this crisis and accounts must be current and in good beyond. COVID-19 update: One new case A 49-YEAR-OLD Barbadian woman, District Hospital. Since the diagnosis, repatriated from a cruise liner on she has been transferred to the which she worked, is the island’s latest isolation facility at Harrison Point, COVID-19 positive patient. Hers was the St. Lucy. only positive test among 174 done She brings the number of confirmed on Sunday. cases in Barbados to 97 and the number The woman, who arrived home on a of people in isolation to seven, since charter flight last Saturday,was swabbed no one was released from isolation on arrival at the Grantley Adams yesterday. International Airport and immediately Recoveries remain at 83 and deaths went into quarantine at the St. Lucy at seven.

This new case brings the number of confirmed cases in Barbados to 97 and the number of people in isolation to seven.

The Barbados Advocate Tuesday June 16, 2020 • 7 Beijing imposes curbs as virus returns to Chinese capital BEIJING – Several districts of the had entered the “battlefield”. None of Beijing’s 16 districts has been still spreading overseas, the situation in Chinese capital put up security The outbreak has been traced to the hit by a blanket lockdown. the capital is very severe,” Xu Hejian, checkpoints, closed schools and sprawling Xinfadi market where However access to the neighbourhoods spokesman for the Beijing city govern- ordered people to be tested for the thousands of tonnes of vegetables, fruits of the people who were infected has been ment, told a news conference. coronavirus yesterday after an and meat change hands each day. blocked as nucleic acid tests are being Governments in many parts of China unexpected spike of cases linked to A complex of warehouses and trading administered to residents. warned residents against non-essential the biggest wholesale food market halls spanning an area the size of nearly The 11 neighbourhoods around Xinfadi travel to the capital and imposed quaran- in Asia. 160 soccer pitches, Xinfadi is more than and ten others near another market have tine requirements on visitors from After nearly two months with no new 20 times larger than the seafood market also been sealed as 90 000 residents Beijing. infections, Beijing officials have reported in the city of Wuhan where the outbreak undergo tests. 79 cases over the past four days, the city’s was first identified. Beijing began mass testing on Sunday. biggest cluster of infections since The new cases have led to officials in February. many parts of Beijing reimposing tough From Europe? The return of the coronavirus has measures to stifle the spread of the virus, The World Health Organization said on China halts shrouded Beijing, home to the including round-the-clock security Sunday it was informed of the outbreak headquarters of many big corporations, in checkpoints, closing schools and sports and an investigation by Chinese officials. European salmon uncertainty at a time when China is try- venues and reinstating temperature “WHO understands that genetic ing to shake off the economic checks at malls, supermarkets and sequences will be released as soon as pos- torpor caused by the disease. offices. sible once further laboratory analyses are imports over China steps up checks on meat, seafood Beijing residents were also advised to completed,” it said in a statement. after COVID-19 cases in market avoid crowds and gathering in groups for An epidemiologist with the Beijing suspected link “The containment efforts have rapidly meals. government said on Sunday a DNA se- entered into a war-time mode,” senior city Some districts even sent officials to r quencing of the virus showed the Xinfadi to outbreak government official Xu Ying told esidential compounds in what they outbreak could have come from Europe. a news conference. described as a “knock, knock” operation to “The pattern of mutation and trans- OSLO/LONDON – China has halted Xu said 7 200 neighbourhoods and identify people who had visited Xinfadi or mission of the new coronavirus is not yet imports from European salmon suppli- nearly 100 000 epidemic-control workers been in contact with people who had. fully understood, and with the epidemic ers amid fears they might be linked to a coronavirus outbreak at a Beijing market, although experts say the fish itself is unlikely to carry the disease. State-run newspapers reported the Experts answer key questions about COVID-19 virus was discovered on chopping boards WU ZUNYOU, chief epidemiologist at the used for imported salmon at Beijing’s Chinese Center for Disease Control and Xinfadi market, the source of a cluster of Prevention, and Zeng Guang, a infections that has sparked fears of a senior researcher at the Chinese Center second wave of the pandemic in China. for Disease Control and Prevention, The reports prompted major supermar- answer questions about the new kets in Beijing to remove salmon from COVID-19 cases reported in Beijing: their shelves. “We can’t send any salmon to China Why is Xinfadi wholesale market sus- now, the market is closed,” Regin pected to be the source of the latest Jacobsen, CEO of Oslo-listed salmon COVID-19 outbreak in Beijing? supplier Bakkafrost, told Reuters. Wu: Normally, the lower the tempera- “We have stopped all sales to China and ture, the longer virus can survive. In such are waiting for the situation to be clari- wholesale markets, seafood is stored fied,” said Stein Martinsen, head of sales frozen, enabling the virus to survive for a and marketing at Norway Royal Salmon. long time, resulting in increased chances Genetic traces of the virus from the of its transmission to people.Additionally, Beijing market outbreak suggested it a large number of people enter and exit could have come from Europe. such places, and a single person entering Keith Neal, an emeritus professor of with the coronavirus can cause the spread the epidemiology of infectious diseases at of the virus in these places.As all the con- Britain’s University of Nottingham, said firmed cases in this outbreak are found to Staffers on the bus are bound for the Xinfadi agricultural products wholesale any link to salmon was likely the be linked with the market, attention was market on June 13. result of cross contamination. given to the market. “Markets can be crowded places, so like Beijing, then it is likely that the virus in Wuhan, (they) help fuel spread,” he What is the source of transmission of was introduced into Beijing from over- What should Beijing residents pay par- said, referring to the Chinese city where the virus in the market? Is it seas or other places in China via tainted ticular attention to in light of the virus originated. people, foodstuffs such as meat, fish goods. the epidemic control situation? Neal said finding a link to Europe was or other things sold in the Wu: There is no need for the public to not surprising, given the global spread of market? How big is the risk of further spread panic, as we have accumulated rich the virus. Wu: It is very difficult to conclude the of the virus in Beijing? experience in COVID-19 epidemic “China gave the world this virus and it exact source of the transmission. We Wu: Right now, the key task for COVID- control and treatment of patients. was always very likely to give it back to cannot conclude that the salmon sold in 19 control and prevention in Beijing is to The city authority has published the them. Finding a strain prevalent the market is the source just based on the identify the source of transmission and movement path of all the confirmed in Europe probably reflects people finding that cutting boards for salmon in find all close contacts of confirmed cases patients, so residents who find they have returning to China after travelling to the market tested positive for the virus. to prevent further spread of the virus. been to affected places can pay more Europe,” he said. There may be other possibilities such as Beijing has been responding very quickly attention to their health condition and Norway’s Food Safety Authority said that one owner of a cutting board was in- this time, and I have full confidence in epi- receive nucleic acid tests if necessary.For there was no evidence fish could be fected, or other food sold by an owner of a demic control in Beijing. other residents, it is still necessary to infected. cutting board tainted it. Or a buyer from Arduous efforts are needed to reduce maintain good habits such as wearing Shares in Norway Royal Salmon, Faroe other cities caused the virus' spread in the risks of further spread of the virus, masks in places that lack ventilation and Islands-based Bakkafrost (BAKKA.OL) market. The flow of people in the market including dispatching a large number of frequently washing their hands. and Norway’s Mowi (MOWI.OL) and was big, and many things were sold. It is professionals to search for close contacts Salmar (SALM.OL) were down 3-5% at not likely the exact source of transmission of confirmed patients and conducting lab Is it necessary to conduct nucleic acid 12:25 GMT. will be found in a short time. analysis on the virus samples as quickly tests for coronavirus on the whole Both Bakkafrost and Norway Royal Before the outbreak, Beijing had as possible. population of Beijing? Salmon said employees had been tested reported no new locally transmitted Based on the known information, the Zeng: No. But expanded testing is for the virus, and none had tested positive. COVID-19 cases for more than 50 days, rebound of the outbreak has been largely required to cover places including stores China accounts for about 5% of global and the coronavirus should not have limited to areas surrounding Xinfadi mar- in residential compounds where goods salmon demand, according to Bakkafrost. originated in the market. If it is ket, and the virus has not spread to the from Xinfadi wholesale market are sold, Order cancellations were limited to confirmed after investigation that none of whole area of Beijing and threatened its and other residential compounds and China and had not affected other the new cases of people who tested total population of more than restaurants linked with Xinfadi in markets, said the Norwegian Seafood positive for the virus got infected in 20 million. the city. Council, a marketing firm.

8 • Tuesday June 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial With a bit of oomph, Brexit deal feasible in July, says UK’s Johnson Unhealthy BRUSSELS/LONDON – negotiations,” Johnson arrangement that keeps One EU diplomat said Leaders from Britain said, adding that he had previous rules in place that, despite plans to and the European Union told the EU’s top repre- while the two sides nego- speed up talks, major lifestyles not agreed yesterday that sentatives that there was tiate new terms. progress was unlikely talks on their future a need to “put a tiger in Negotiators have made until after the summer, relationship should be the tank” of the talks. very little progress to- when London would good for children stepped up to clinch a “The faster we can do wards a trade pact, how- “scramble to get some- IN spite of the many campaigns advocating deal, with Prime Minister this the better, and we ever, and the talks have thing done” at the 11th healthy eating and exercise, many Barbadians Boris Johnson suggesting see no reason why you all but stalled over issues hour, as it did last year have continued to grapple with their weight over an agreement could be shouldn’t get this done in such as fair-competition to reach a withdrawal the years. It stands to reason that with persons reached in July with “a July.” guarantees and fishing agreement. having more of a sedentary lifestyle due to the bit of oomph”. Earlier, after a video rights. Jill Rutter, an expert lockdown period from which we are seeking to With a status-quo tran- conference between London confirmed last at the UK in a Changing emerge due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that sition deal set to run out Johnson, European week that it had no in- Europe think-tank, told there may be a spike in obesity rates. at the end of the year, the Commission President tention of extending the a Brexit panel discussion What should concern us as well, is the rates of two are seeking a free Ursula von der Leyen transition period beyond yesterday that a “very obesity in children, as many are sitting at home trade agreement. But and the leaders of the 2020. thin and unambitious glued to electronic devices in some form or businesses on both sides European Council and Some fear that, with deal” was likely, but a no- fashion. A study carried out a few years ago in are being told to prepare European Parliament, the two sides so far apart deal scenario couldn’t be four Caribbean countries found that 30 per cent for a no-deal outcome that the two sides said they and little time left to ne- ruled out. of children ages 11 through 13, are overweight or some fear would compli- “agreed ... that new mo- gotiate, London’s decision “I think it would be to- obese. Reports from PAHO, the Pan American cate trade and hurt jobs. mentum was required”. not to extend may lead tally wrong to think that Health Organisation, suggest that the number of “I don’t think we’re ac- Britain left the EU on to a cliff edge that could the UK will be so desper- overweight and obese children in the region has tually that far apart but Jan. 31 and its relation- compound the economic ate that it will move more than doubled over the last decade, due what we need now is to ship with the bloc is now damage caused by the heaven and earth to avoid primarily to unhealthy diets and inadequate see a bit of oomph in the governed by a transition coronavirus crisis. no deal,” she said. exercise. PAHO officials have made it clear that the consequences of overweight and obesity in children are serious, including breathing difficulties, hypertension, early signs of Israel building new Jerusalem cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects. So we really should sit up and take notice and see how we can tackle this road that will link settlements health issue going forward. JERUSALEM – discussions from July 1 Palestinian neighborhoods Jerusalem, including One may find that the issue needs to be tackled Construction is under way about implementing within the city from one Maale Adumim, which is at the household level, since children usually on a major new ring road Prime Minister Benjamin another,” Fadi Al-Hidmi, home to more than 40,000 follow in the footsteps of the adults in charge. The for Jerusalem that Israeli Netanyahu’s election the Palestinian Minister of people. US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention officials say will benefit promise to annex Jewish Jerusalem Affairs, said via Arab residents in East (CDC) suggests that childhood obesity is a all of its residents, but settlements in the West email. Responding to ques- Jerusalem neighbour- complex health issue, with the main causes of critics of the project say Bank – a planned step that tions from Reuters, Al- hoods such as Umm Tuba excess weight in youth being similar to those in is another obstacle to is sparking growing inter- Hidmi said The American and Sur Baher would also adults, including individual causes such as Palestinian hopes to make national criticism. Peace Road was part of Israel’s benefit, he said, because it behaviour and genetics. The CDC points out that East Jerusalem the capi- negotiations between “illegal” ring road project, would reduce their travel behaviours can include dietary patterns, physical tal of a future state. Israel and the Palestinians which “surrounds occupied times. activity, inactivity, medication use, and other The bypass, called The broke down in 2014. East Jerusalem to further Israel’s transport min- exposures. Additional contributing factors in American Road, will con- Israeli officials say the connect Israeli settlements istry directed questions to society include the food and physical activity nect Jewish settlements in road, which will include a and sever the occupied the Jerusalem municipal- environment, education and skills, and food the occupied West Bank 1.6 kilometre (one mile) Palestinian capital from ity. marketing and promotion. that are north and south of tunnel east of the Mount of the rest of the West Bank”. Daniel Seidemann, an Given that one in every three children in the Jerusalem. The central Olives, will ease traffic con- Israel’s West Bank Israeli attorney who rep- Caribbean is overweight or obese, here in and southern sections of gestion for both Israelis settlements were built by resented some Palestinian Barbados, advocates against childhood obesity the road are already being and Palestinians living in successive governments on families affected by the have been suggesting that we introduce viable built, and tenders for the the area. land captured in the 1967 construction, told Reuters solutions, that if taken up and adhered to, could northernmost stretch – at “It doesn’t unite the war. More than 400,000 the bypass fitted into a aid in prevention efforts as well as in reducing a projected cost of $187 settlements. It’s not about Israelis now live there, long-time strategy by the numbers being seen in terms of children who million – will be issued uniting borders or munici- with another 200,000 Israel of using infrastruc- are overweight. Great focus is being placed on toward the end of the year, pal lines,” said Arieh King, in East Jerusalem. ture projects to secure helping children choose “A Healthy Plate”, so a Jerusalem municipality a Deputy Mayor of Palestinians say the settle- “de facto annexation” of that they are not only aware of what they should official told Reuters on Jerusalem and a leading ments make a future state territory. not consume, but what is acceptable and this condition of anonymity. figure in the city’s settler unviable, and most of the “What we are seeing indeed is key. It has been noted that if parents In total, the project, movement. “But it does world views them as illegal here is, again, the seam- and guardians work with children to help them which will run along or connect them more on under international law. less integration of the choose healthier, yet tasty options, we could near the outer rim of East the daily level – whether Israel disputes this, citing northern West Bank, East make some progress in the area of combatting Jerusalem, is forecast to it’s studies, tourism or its security needs and Jerusalem under sole childhood obesity. By opting for healthier meals cost more than a quarter of commerce. And then in biblical and historical ties Israeli control, and the for children, adults who are preparing the meals a billion dollars. Israel an- practice you create a huge to the land on which they southern West Bank for tend to often eat healthy as well. There are cost nexed East Jerusalem, in Jerusalem metropolis.” are built. the purposes of the set- savings at the supermarket as the diet changes a move that has not won Palestinians say the new King said the highway tlers,” said Seidemann, to a healthier one, as persons are not buying international recognition, road will primarily benefit would be a “significant who specialises in the as much as before, especially as it relates to after capturing the area, settlers, and will further corridor” from the Gush geopolitics of Jerusalem. unhealthy foods. along with the West Bank undermine the feasibility Etzion settlement bloc in “That is the motivation, We know well that Barbadians have acquired and Gaza Strip, in a 1967 of East Jerusalem as the the southern West Bank and the fact that it will a taste for fast foods and foreign goods over war. capital of the state they and settlements such as benefit a Palestinian East locally produced products. But with the right The construction comes seek in the West Bank and Har Homa south of the Jerusalemite somewhat is emphasis and with the health benefits as the Israeli government Gaza. city centre, to settlements collateral spinoff, but not advocated, they may be willing to try new things is set to begin cabinet-level “This project cuts off to the north and east of more than that.” if it appears to be worth their while. By swapping negative habits for healthier ones, it is likely our Executive Editor: Allison Downes Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan children will follow in the process and this matter Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke of childhood obesity can be better tackled. E-mail Address: [email protected] Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan The Barbados Advocate Tuesday June 16, 2020 • 9

Fed embarks on long-awaited Main Street lending program NEW YORK – The navirus pandemic. using the lender portal Congress in late March Federal Reserve said The program, targeted here and are encour- and offers loans that can yesterday it had at companies that were aged by the Fed to begin be converted to grants if opened registration in good shape before the making program loans businesses meet certain for lenders interested pandemic but may now “immediately”. requirements, the loans in participating in its need financing to retain Administered by the offered by the Main Main Street Lending workers and fund oper- Boston Fed, the program Street program must be Program, launching ations, will offer up to aims to offer credit to repaid. arguably the most $600 billion in loans companies that may be It has taken nearly complex program un- through participating too large to qualify for three months for the dertaken yet by the financial institutions help from the Paycheck Fed to design, build and US central bank to to US businesses with Protection Program, launch a program to ex- help keep the back- up to 15,000 employees which targets businesses tend credit to companies bone of the economy or with revenues up to with fewer than 500 em- in all walks of the econ- from buckling under $5 billion. ployees. Unlike the PPP, omy, a huge departure the strains of the coro- Lenders must register which was established by from its role as a lender to the banking sector. Fed officials adjusted the Main Street program twice by expanding the Lufthansa seeking cuts range of loan sizes to make it available to more companies that equivalent to 22,000 positions need help keeping work- FRANKFURT – statement. board as possible ers on staff. It also ex- Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) A further 1,400 jobs throughout the crisis tended the loans to five said yesterday it was at headquarters and in and avoid layoffs,” years, with payments seeking to strike agree- administration at other Lufthansa said. deferred for the first ments with worker rep- Group companies will Staff overcapacity can two years, to better help resentatives by June 22 also be affected. be partially compen- businesses struggling Chair of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell. on how to make cuts Lufthansa Technik has sated for by short-time because of the crisis. equivalent to 22,000 full- a worldwide surplus of working, collective “Supporting small and cent adjustment. borrowed and interest time positions. about 4,500 jobs, 2,500 agreements to reduce mid-sized businesses so The central bank said rates charged, along with The airline’s flight op- of them in Germany and weekly working hours or they are ready to reopen it will be transparent other details. Companies erations will be affected in the LSG Group’s other cost-cutting meas- and rehire workers will about the lenders and that borrow through the with a calculated 5,000 catering business 8,300 ures. help foster a broad-based borrowers participating program will also be sub- jobs, 600 of which will be jobs are affected world- The necessary crisis economic recovery,” Fed in the Main Street pro- ject to limits on execu- pilots, 2,600 flight atten- wide. agreements are to be Chair Jerome Powell gram, reporting the tive compensation, stock dants and 1,500 ground “We want to keep concluded by June 22, said in a statement last names of lenders and buybacks and dividend staff, Lufthansa said in a as many colleagues on the company said. week after the most re- borrowers, the amounts payments. BANK RATES China to launch new airline despite travel downturn Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of CHINA’S second-biggest given for the launch of FlightGlobal magazine, Market Research Group, business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. airline is to launch a new the new airline, which said: “The airline’s offi- said it was actually a carrier despite a severe will need regulatory ap- cial launch will likely good time to start a Valid for June 16, 2020 global downturn in pas- proval. depend on the continued new airline focused on Notes: sengers caused by the The partners are recovery of Chinese do- Hainan. Currency Buying Selling coronavirus pandemic. hoping to capitalise on mestic traffic and the “Even before COVID, Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 China Eastern has Hainan’s growing sig- COVID-19 situation in 2020 was the year of do- Canadian Dollar 1.45569 1.49875 joined forces with a nificance in China. The both China and region- mestic Chinese tourism East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 range of partners includ- island is about 30 times ally. as China wants to focus Euro 2.21771 2.31109 ing China’s biggest the size of Hong Kong “It takes time to build more on seeing their Pound Sterling 2.46686 2.57074 online travel agency and is a popular holiday an airline, however, so a own country, especially United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 Trip.com. destination for Chinese great deal of work needs hot spots like Hainan, Demand/Sight: The new airline will tourists. to take place in terms of Yunnan and emerging Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 be focused on the island Chinese president Xi equipment and person- ones like Gansu.” Canadian Dollar 1.46398 1.49743 destination of Hainan, Jinping also wants to nel before the airline He added that the East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 home to eight million turn the island into the takes to the air.” US-China trade war has Euro 2.25025 2.29675 and a free-trade hub. nation’s largest free- A number of high-pro- seen “emerging patriot- Guyana Dollar 0.00943 0.00949 Some have questioned trade zone. file airlines have been ism with Chinese citi- Pound Sterling 2.50306 2.55478 the timing of the launch Beijing has outlined struggling to survive zens wanting to show United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 which comes as the air- plans to lower the income during the crisis includ- their children how great Telegraphic Transfer line industry struggles tax rate on Hainan for ing Virgin Australia, their country is and to Currency Buying Selling to survive. selected individuals and Thai Airways and teach them more about Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Government-backed companies to 15%, and Colombia’s Avianca. its heritage”. Canadian Dollar 1.46675 1.49743 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 China Eastern will own relax visa requirements Other airlines have been Meanwhile, ongoing Euro 2.25448 2.29675 a majority 51% share in for tourists and business forced to layoff thou- pro-democracy protests Guyana Dollar 0.00943 0.00949 the new carrier, which travellers. sands of workers and in Hong Kong have dis- Pound Sterling 2.50777 2.55478 will be called Sanya The launch plans come downsize operations. couraged many Chinese United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 International Airlines. during the biggest crisis The airline industry travellers from visiting Other backers include the airline industry has could suffer losses of the former British colony. INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL Shanghai-based Juneyao faced as planes are more than $84bn (£66bn) “Hainan itself as a des- CURRENCIESAS ADVISED BY THE Airlines and a unit of grounded and strict this year, the tination is hot right now, RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS. Trip.com according to an quarantines put in place International Air especially as the govern- N.B. These rates are not meant to be used for trading. announcement made to to curb the spread of the Transport Association, ment supports duty-free BDS$ Guyana Dollar 0.00946 the Hong Kong Stock COVID-19. warned last week. shopping there. Hainan Jamaica Dollar 0.01426 Exchange on Sunday. Greg Waldron, Asia But Shaun Rein, also has no quarantine or T&T Dollar 0.29670 No timeframe was managing editor at founder of the China other travel restrictions.”

10 • Tuesday June 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

US revokes emergency use of drugs touted by Trump vs. virus WASHINGTON – U.S. regulators yesterday revoked emergency authorization for malaria drugs promoted by President Donald Trump for treating COVID-19 amid growing evidence they don’t work and could cause serious side effects. The Food and Drug Administration said the drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating the coronavirus. Citing reports of heart complications, the FDA said the drugs’ unproven benefits “do not outweigh the known and potential risks.” In a separate announcement, the FDA also warned doctors against prescribing the drugs in combination FILE - In this April 9, 2020 file photo, a chemist displays hydroxychloroquine tablets in New Delhi, India. U.S. regulators are revok- with remdesivir, the lone ing emergency authorization for malaria drugs promoted by President Donald Trump for treating COVID-19. The Food and Drug drug currently shown to Administration said yesterday that the drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are unlikely to be effective in treating the coro- help patients with navirus. COVID-19. The FDA said the anti-malaria drugs alternate FDA-approved professionals against “This is an agency that fighting ability in human or BARDA, which had can reduce the uses, so U.S. doctors prescribing the drugs for gains its credibility from cells. Despite that risk, requested the emergency effectiveness of could still prescribe them coronavirus. the strength of its regulators said they have use. remdesivir, which FDA for COVID-19 – a Trump aggressively scientific not yet seen the problem BARDA’s former cleared for emergency practice known as off- pushed pronouncements,” said in patients. director said in April that use in May. label prescribing. hydroxychloroquine Lurie, now president of The FDA granted he was removed from his Hydroxychloroquine Dr. Steven Nissen, a beginning in the first the nonprofit Center for emergency use for the job because he resisted and chloroquine are Cleveland Clinic weeks of the outbreak Science in the Public anti-malaria drugs in political pressure from frequently prescribed for researcher who has been and stunned medical Interest. “The lesson of late March at the same Trump appointees to lupus and rheumatoid a frequent FDA adviser, professionals when he this whole tawdry time the U.S. government allow widespread use of arthritis, and can cause agreed with the decision revealed he had taken episode is that it’s the accepted 30 million doses the malaria drugs. Rick heart rhythm problems, and said he would not the drug preemptively old, painstaking ways of of hydroxychloroquine Bright said he worked severely low blood have granted emergency against infection. After science that ultimately and chloroquine that had with FDA senior staff to pressure and muscle or access in the first place. Trump’s repeated deliver safe and effective been donated by two limit the drugs’ nerve damage. The “There has never been promotions, prescriptions therapies.” foreign drug authorization to patients agency reported any high-quality for hydroxychloroquine The only remaining manufacturers. Millions hospitalized with yesterday that it had evidence suggesting that soared, contributing to drug with FDA of those doses were COVID-19 and under received nearly 390 hyrdoxychloroquine is shortages. authorization against shipped to U.S. hospitals professional supervision. reports of complications effective” for treating or No large, rigorous COVID-19 is remdesivir, to treat patient who Among other issues, with the drugs, including preventing coronavirus studies have found the an intravenous weren’t enrolled in Bright objected to the more than 100 involving infection, he said, but drugs safe or effective for medication from Gilead clinical trials. fact that some of the serious heart problems. there is evidence of preventing or treating Sciences that has been But the FDA doses imported were Such reports represent serious side effects. COVID-19. And a string shown to help severely previously warned manufactured at an incomplete snapshot On Thursday, a of recent studies made ill, hospitalized patients doctors that it had seen facilities in India and of complications with the National Institutes of clear they could do more recover faster. reports of dangerous side Pakistan that had not drugs because many side Health panel of experts harm than good. Late Monday effects and heart been inspected by the effects go unreported. revised its Dr. Peter Lurie, a afternoon, the FDA problems reported to FDA. Bright is seeking FDA’s move means recommendations to former FDA associate announced it would poison control centers reinstatement to his that shipments of the specifically recommend commissioner and an update remdesivir’s and other health position at BARDA after drugs obtained by the against the drug’s use Obama administration prescribing label to warn systems. being transferred to the federal government will except in formal studies, appointee, said the against combining it The agency said it NIH. no longer be distributed and “that, I’m sure, had agency had tarnished its with hydroxychloroquine revoked the The FDA says it to state and local health influence on the FDA,” reputation by clearing or chloroquine. The authorization in sampled and tested the authorities for use Nissen said. the drugs based on scant agency said results from consultation with the imported drugs to against the coronavirus. The actions by FDA evidence and under laboratory tests suggest Biomedical Advanced confirm they met the The decades-old drugs and NIH send a clear apparent political the drugs interfere with Research and agency’s standards for are still available for signal to health pressure. remdesivir’s virus- Development Authority, safety and quality. The Barbados Advocate Tuesday June 16, 2020 • 11

St. Kitts PM unveils new Growers association 11-member Cabinet calls ganja industry BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis, and I promise Cabinet. and Nevis – At an all of you that the Dr. Timothy Harris – inauguration ceremony government, which I lead, Prime Minister,Minister of a failed experiment at the Warner Park will honour the faith that Finance, National Security, KINGSTON, Jamaica — Administration, which Cricket Stadium, you have shown us,” Harris Sustainable Development, The Ganja Growers and ushered in the very yesterday, Prime said. Constituency Producers Association important and progressive Minister, Dr. Timothy He told the ceremony, Empowerment, and (GGPAJ) says despite the legislation in 2015, did not Harris, unveiled his attended by the Human Resource success of several have the vision to see the 11-member Cabinet, Federation’s only living Management and Cannabis Licensing industry as a 'ground-up' promising that it will National Hero and former Information. Authority (CLA) operators, industry and placed the deliver a stronger and Prime Minister, Sir Shawn Richards — Jamaica’s regulated industry in the wrong safer future for the Kennedy A. Simmonds, Deputy Prime Minister, cannabis industry has direction and on the wrong twin-island Federation, that the new Cabinet Minister of Public failed to live up to its footing, from the very over the next five years. stands ready to deliver for Infrastructure, Utilities, Prime Minister, Dr. potential. outset in 2015. Harris led the coalition the people of St. Kitts- Posts and Urban Timothy Harris In a statement released The present JLP Team Unity into a second Nevis. Development. on Sunday following the Administration, not consecutive term, following “We are determined and Mark Brantley – Cooperatives. association’s Joint sharing a vision for a the June 5 general election, eager to see that our plan Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonel Powell – Minister Executive and Seventh 'ground-up' industry either, when it won nine of the 11 for safer streets, for bigger and Civil Aviation. of Education,Youth,Sports Ganja Stakeholders cemented the industry as a seats in the National and better homes, and Alexis Jeffers – Minister and Culture. Meeting on Saturday, the prohibitive and restrictive Assembly. more opportunities for our of Agriculture, Fisheries Akilah Byron-Nisbett – GGPAJ said while the one, with its draconian The Prime Minister, young people is and Marine Resources. Minister of Health, ICT, 2015 legislation was type relegations. who, on Sunday, publicly implemented, properly and Lindsay Grant – Entertainment, progressive, the The CLA has failed, if took the Oath of Office, the successfully. Minister of Tourism, Entrepreneurship and regulations are their main achievement Oath of Allegiance and the “I promise you that we Transport and Ports. Talent Development. unworkable, restrictive being heralded is the Oath of Secrecy, said he will never become Eugene Hamilton – Wendy Phipps – and draconian. granting of a total of 60 was appreciative of the complacent, or take you, Minister of Human Minister responsible for It said further that the licences up to May 2020, to electorate for returning his the people, for granted.We Settlement, National International Trade, industry was not designed perhaps no more than 25 administration to office know that you have lent us Health Insurance, Social Industry, Commerce, with a ground-up approach companies and individuals with a bigger mandate. your vote and that we must Security, Ecclesiastical Consumer Affairs and and blamed both of the in totality.The CLA exists “I am especially grateful deliver for you, and deliver Affairs, Social Labour. major political parties for therefore to enforce the that so many persons had for the future of our Development and Gender Vincent Byron Jr — the state of affairs. It unworkable, restrictive, the opportunity to country,” Harris added. Affairs. Attorney General and accepted culpability too, bureaucratic and participate in our vibrant The following is the list Eric Evelyn – Minister Minister of Justice and saying it has so far failed to draconian regulations. democracy,here in St. Kitts of the members of the of Environment and Legal Affairs. adequately lobby on behalf On our part, the Ganja of the local sector. Growers and Producers A complete copy of the Association has failed in GGPAJ statement is our advocacy to have the below: industry more inclusionary Mexican president says he would sell gasoline The Ganja Growers and and accessible to small and Producers Association is traditional farmers as the to Venezuela for humanitarian needs if asked declaring that the major plank of the MEXICO CITY – Mexican foreign minister, said regulated cannabis industry. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's industry in Jamaica is a In spite of our consistent Lopez Obrador said comments would likely failed industry in terms of efforts we have failed to yesterday he would sell “raise eyebrows” in the where we are today, but it adequately protect the gasoline to Venezuela for United States. Still, it can still be rescued and ganja industry, as “humanitarian” reasons if remained to be seen executed as an apparently hemp asked to, despite U.S. whether the remarks were inclusionary income cultivations which have sanctions on the South just rhetoric, he added. generating enterprise for been given access to American country and its The United States and thousands of Jamaicans hundreds of acres of state-run oil firm, PDVSA. dozens of other nations with a new approach. government owned lands Lopez Obrador said he regard Maduro and his This declaration has and which can put the had not received such a government as come from the GGPAJ’s Jamaica ganja industry to request from the illegitimate because of a Joint Executive and serious genetic risk, will be Venezuelan government. 2018 election widely seen Seventh Ganja permitted under far less President Donald as fraudulent. Maduro has Stakeholders Meeting, restrictive and expensive Trump’s administration accused Washington of held on Saturday 13th infrastructure licensing wants to choke orchestrating a coup to June 2020. This requirements than Venezuelan oil exports to remove him to gain acknowledgment of failure licensed ganja cultivations. starve the government of control of the South is an indisputable fact, We are not in a blame socialist President Nicolas American nation’s oil despite the success of a few game, but the facts are that Maduro of its main source reserves. big pocket CLA licensed the present government in of revenue. Lopez Obrador has said operators. particular, the In recent years, PDVSA he would not take sides in This position that the Parliamentary Opposition has exchanged the dispute. local cannabis industry is a and indeed Parliament, Venezuelan crude for The United States, failed experiment for the must all take responsibility imported fuel. But those which did not hinder most part, was taken by for continuing the industry swaps have been declining Iran’s tanker cargoes but stakeholders in the in this over-regulated and since the Trump could punish firms related industry more than a draconian manner which administration imposed Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to the trade, is considering month ago at a ganja is stifling the very essence sanctions on PDVSA in speaks during a news conference in Veracruz. sanctions on dozens of industry review of a local ganja industry; January 2019. foreign oil tankers that consultation which for the many missed Iran, which is also Mexico could also send conference. have transported actually took place in April, timelines for the export under sanctions, sent a gasoline to Venezuela Saying that Mexico was Venezuelan oil. 2020 and our position has licences and the failed flotilla of five cargoes of under the right an independent country, Iran plans to maintain nothing to do with the implementation of the gasoline and components circumstances. he added: “We make our fuel shipments to departure of some major Alternative Development to Venezuela through “If a request were made own decisions and do not Venezuela, sources said. Canadian companies from Programme which was early June, despite and it was a matter of mess with the policies of Tehran could send two to the Jamaica cannabis designed to fast-track criticism from humanitarian need, we other countries.” three gasoline cargoes a space. smaller farmers into the Washington. would do it,” he told his Andres Rozental, a month to its Latin Background: The facts industry. Lopez Obrador said regular morning news former Mexican deputy American ally, they said. are that the PNP We have all failed. 12 • Tuesday June 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate CARICOM observer team says recount reflects will of the people, enables declaration THE CARICOM observer are completely acceptable. There The report said: “The national team at the recount of votes are obvious lessons to learn from recount process then, despite from the March 2nd general this experience which going some of its administrative elections says it reflects the forward the government and the failings, despite some of the minor will of the people and people of Guyana must make flaws, is not an indictment of the provides a basis for the every effort to rectify in the best 2020 polls and the Team declaration of a result. interest of democratic categorically rejects the concerted In a key section the report governance. Many of the public efforts to discredit the 2020 says: instances of irregularities that we poll up to the disastrous Region 4 “Overall, while we acknowledge witnessed can be explained by tabulation. Despite our concerns, that there were some defects in either the incompetence of the nothing that we witnessed, the recount of the March 02, 2020 Presiding Officers at the polling warrants a challenge to the The CARICOM team (from left to right) Sylvester King, votes cast for the General and stations on March 02, 2020 and or inescapable conclusion that the Deputy Supervisor of Elections of St. Vincent and the Regional elections in Guyana, the the failure to give adequate recount results are acceptable Grenadines, Cynthia Barrow-Giles, Senior Lecturer in the Team did not witness anything training by GECOM to its staff on and should constitute the basis of Department of Government at the University of the West which would render the recount the varied possibilities which the declaration of the results of Indies (UWI) and John Jarvis, Commissioner of the Antigua and by extension the casting of may have arisen at the level of the March 02, 2020 elections.Any and Barbuda Electoral Commission. the ballot on March 02, so the individual stations”. aggrieved political party has been grievously deficient procedurally President David Granger had afforded the right to seek redress parties in terms of operational or and designed as such from the or technically, (despite some said that CARICOM was the before the courts in the form of an policy decisions”. outset at the Gazetted Order and irregularities), or sufficiently most appropriate interlocutor in election petition”. The CARICOM observers Work Plan revealed. From the deficient to have thwarted the the Guyana elections and it is left In its blistering report, the report said:“From the outset, the start, the recount activities went will of the people and now to be seen if his government team called for a political audit of Team wishes to acknowledge that beyond the original stated consequently preventing the will accept the report. GECOM saying that in a real the exercise that we observed was objective of the exercise and election results and its The CARICOM report will pile sense it had betrayed its not in fact a recount. It was an contributed almost entirely to the declaration by GECOM from pressure on GECOM Chair obligations. audit of the votes cast on March extended time taken to reflecting the will of the voters. Claudette Singh to reject “But what is also 02, 2020 and from the start it was undertake an exercise which The actual count of the vote was Lowenfield’s findings and finally unmistakeable is that a political conceived as an audit, ought to have been limited to a indeed transparent”. declare a result using the figures audit of GECOM, (its successes notwithstanding the statements count of the votes.We were told by In its overall conclusion it from the recount which shows a and failing and the factors on a national recount. A recount the CEO (Chief Election Officer, emphasized that the recount was victory and overall majority for contributing to this), both the of votes means exactly that, a Keith Lowenfield), that initially valid. This is in stark contrast to the PPP/C. Commission and its counting of the ballots cast. In the objective of the exercise was a Chief Election Officer, Keith The CARICOM team administrative arm, is urgently this case, the so-called recount `recount’, that is a straight count Lowenfield’s report on Saturday condemned attempts to discredit warranted. It therefore behoves extended to issues normally of the ballots cast on March 02, to GECOM that the recount the 2020 poll aside from what it whichever political party emerges reserved for an audit of ballots 2020. However, according to the results are not credible. called the “disastrous Region victorious from these elections to cast in an election”. CEO, the national recount The CARICOM team said:“We Four tabulation” which had been initiate an immediate political It listed among these various evolved into something entirely are however, of the unshakable done by District Four Returning audit, as in a very real sense tasks: the inspection of the ballot, different to a recount, which the belief that the people of Guyana Officer Clairmont Mingo. It also GECOM betrayed its obligations tally sheets, poll books and other CEO attributed to the decision expressed their will at the ballot pointed out that any aggrieved to behave impartially and polling station documents. made by the Commission. In the box, and as a result, the 3 person party can approach the court via independently in the best interest “This is representative of what words of the CEO, `what the CARICOM Observer Team an election petition. of integrity based processes which occurred at the recount in Commission wants, is what the concludes that the recount results did not favour any party or Guyana and was conceptualized Commission gets’”. OAS calls on GECOM to declare election results, for gov’t to move out WASHINGTON, United States weekend, he Chief Elections were welcome developments in key stakeholders as the recount The OAS said that on June 4 it – The Organisation of American Officer,Keith Lowenfiel, said that the ongoing electoral process in proceeded.” issued a statement in which its States (OAS) yesterday called on the results did not meet the Guyana. The OAS said that the Order of observers present on each day of the Guyana government to “to standard of fair and credible “Following the very irregular the Recount required that the national recount have begin the process of transition, elections. occurrences in the tabulation “ascertained and verified” reported that the process was which will allow the legitimately He said approximately 55 per process for District Four, which matrices of the results for each of conducted in a “professional, elected government to take its cent of all votes cast for general undermined the credibility of the the ten electoral districts be transparent and impartial place” as the country awaits the elections stand to be impacted results for that electoral District submitted to the Chief Elections fashion, which allowed GECOM, official announcement of the due to “either anomalies and/or – the largest in Guyana – a Officer,who would then tabulate political parties and other winner of the disputed March 2 voter impersonation or national recount of all ballots was these results and submit them stakeholders to accurately regional and general election. unreconciled ballot boxes. deemed the best approach to to GECOM, along with a determine the results for each In a statement, the OAS, which “Specifically,7.2 per cent of the ensure a result that was summary of the observation polling station. was among international and votes cast were impacted by acceptable to all stakeholders.” reports prepared for each “OAS reiterates that there is no regional organisations that sent anomalies, 39.2 per cent were The OAS said that it has noted District. reason not to support the results observers to monitor the polls, impacted by voter impersonation, that the decision to proceed with “OAS notes that the report of the recount process. OAS said elections are held to 3.4 per cent impacted by both the recount had the full support submitted by the Chief Elections further takes note and wholly determine the will of the people anomalies/irregularities and of all stakeholders in the Officer on June 13, records supports the findings of the and once the people’s wishes are voter impersonation, and 5.7 per elections and that the Official multiple “allegations” of Caricom team of scrutineers that clearly stated they must be cent impacted by unreconciled Order of the Recount, No irregularities by a contesting the results of the recount were upheld, not only in instances ballot boxes,” said Lowenfield, 60/2020, gazetted on May 4, 2020 party in each District, which are transparent and credible, and where they favour the whose report, like that of the notably states “ the President and then used as a basis for nothing prevents the Chair of the incumbent. three-member Caribbean the Leader of the Opposition and determining that the electoral Guyana Elections Commission “In this case, the results Community (Caricom) Observer all contesting parties agreed to a process in each of the 10 districts from now declaring the election, published in the report of the team that observed the recount, Caricom proposal for a total was not credible.” based on these results,” it added. Chief Elections Officer himself will be discussed by GECOM recount of all electoral districts as But it said “there is little The PPP/C said that following make it clear that the opposition before an official announcement a means of assuaging the evidence in the CEO’s report of the end of the national recount on PPP/C (People’s Progressive of the election results are given. contesting parties and efforts to investigate or otherwise June 9, it had won the polls by Party/Civic) has won the favour In its statement, the OAS said determining a final credible address any of the alleged more than 15,000 votes while the of the majority of Guyana’s that the decision by GECOM to count…” irregularities presented. His ruling coalition, a Partnership for eligible voters. Their will must proceed with the national “This support was reiterated contention that the entire National Unity (APNU) claimed be respected,” the OAS said. recount and the eventual in public statements by the election be set aside on this basis there were many irregularities In his report over the last initiation of the process on May 6, President of Guyana and other alone is astonishing”. and anomalies. The Barbados Advocate Tuesday June 16, 2020 • 13 Spain to scrap quarantine Russia jails ex-US rule for UK travellers marine for 16 years TRAVELLERS from the UK will The Spanish government has now on spying charges not have to quarantine on arrival confirmed that the list will include the MOSCOW/WASHINGTON – A Russian in Spain from Sunday, Spanish UK, which is in a transition period after court convicted former US marine Paul officials have said. leaving the EU. Whelan of spying for the US yesterday Britain is to be included in a list of A spokeswoman told the BBC that and sentenced him to 16 years in jail, a nations from which people can enter the British tourists would be “welcome to ruling that US Secretary of State Mike country freely, the Spanish government travel to Spain” from Sunday, when its Pompeo said outraged Washington. has confirmed to the BBC. 3-month-long state of emergency ends. Whelan, who holds US, British, It comes more than three months after The country saw more than 27 000 Canadian and Irish passports, was Spain first closed its borders in a bid to Covid-19-related deaths. detained by agents from Russia’s Federal slow the spread of coronavirus. Spain normally attracts 80 million Security Service in a Moscow hotel room However, current rules state that tourists a year, with the sector providing on December 28, 2018 as he prepared to anyone returning to – or entering – the more than 12% of the country’s GDP.And attend a wedding. UK must self-isolate for two weeks. opening up the holiday market again Russia says Whelan, 50, was caught The UK Foreign Office is also still warn- before the summer season is over is seen with a computer flash drive containing ing against all but essential international as crucial to its economy. classified information. Whelan, who travel. It comes as several other European pleaded not guilty, said he was set up in Spain joined a raft of European countries – including France, Belgium a sting operation and had thought the Former US Marine Paul Whelan. countries which closed their borders in and Germany – began reopening their drive, given to him by a Russian acquain- March in response to coronavirus borders. tance, contained holiday photos. President Donald Trump and the leaders outbreaks across the continent. Earlier this month, Portugal’s foreign “This is all political theatre,” said of Britain, Canada and Ireland to take In May, the country announced that minister said anyone in the UK thinking Whelan, who watched proceedings from “decisive action”. foreign visitors would have to quarantine of going to Portugal this summer will be a glass box inside the Moscow city court- Whelan’s lawyer, Vladimir for two weeks on arrival. Ministers had “most welcome”. room. Zherebenkov, said an appeal would be warned the measure would be in place Augusto Santos Silva said he hoped the He told the judge he had not made against the verdict. Questioning until July 1. two countries UK could agree a special understood the verdict as proceedings the court’s independence, Whelan’s fam- However Spanish Prime Minister travel arrangement by the end of June. were conducted in Russian without ily said in a statement “Russian judges Pedro Sanchez announced over the So called “air bridges” would allow vis- translation. are political not legal entities”. weekend that borders would reopen to itors from a country where coronavirus Whelan had held up a piece of paper on Pompeo said Washington was furious travellers from all EU countries on infection rates are low into the UK, with- which he denounced the proceedings and wanted Moscow to immediately free Sunday – with the exception of Portugal. out having to self-isolate for two weeks. as a “sham trial” and asked for US Whelan.

Atlanta police shooting: Rayshard Brooks’ family demands justice THE family of Rayshard Brooks says they Brooks’ family described him as a “loving If the officer is criminally charged in the press conference yesterday, a lawyer are pleading for justice and a change in husband and caring brother”, and doting this case, the question of whether or not for Brooks suggested that he may have policing in the wake of his death. father of three daughters. One of his a Taser should be considered a deadly feared being placed in handcuffs, with Brooks, who was African American, children, Blessing, had her eighth weapon will surely come into play, the knowledge that George Floyd, who died while fleeing from two police officers birthday party on the day her father was as well as whether the officer had was handcuffed when he died. in a restaurant car park in Atlanta, killed. “reasonable”fear of Brooks. He then grabs an officer’s Taser Georgia late last week. “He was silly,had the biggest smile and However at this stage, what is already (electric stun gun) and breaks free from The local medical examiner declared the brightest heart,” said his niece clear is that police departments are not the officers, running away.As he is chased, his death a homicide on Sunday. Chastity Evans, who decried the death of feeling nearly as confident relying on the Brooks is seen turning around and point- “The trust that we have in the police her uncle “shot and killed like trash for old strategies and rhetoric that ing the Taser before continuing to run force is broken,” his niece Tiara Brooks falling asleep at a drive-through”. historically have allowed them to and being shot. said yesterday during an emotional news The swiftness with which a white slow-play their response to a According to the Fulton County conference. police officer was fired in the killing of police-involved killing. medical examiner,the manner of death of “The only way to heal some of these Rayshard Brooks is just the latest sign Ms Miller told reporters that she and Rayshard Brooks was “homicide”. wounds is through a conviction and a of how rapidly and dramatically police her husband had been following the He suffered two gunshots to the back drastic change in the police department.” agencies have shifted strategy when it protests incited by George Floyd. that caused organ injuries and Amid growing outrage, Brooks’ widow comes to dealing with deadly force cases. “I’ve always said, ‘baby, I don’t want blood loss. asked that protests stay peaceful Historically,not only have police chiefs that to be you,’” she said. The Atlanta chief of police has since to keep her husband’s name “positive and been reticent to fire officers involved in in- The Georgia Bureau of Investigations quit, and the police officer suspected of great”. custody deaths until a “full investigation” (GBI) says officers were called to shooting Brooks has been fired. Brooks’ death comes at a time of had taken place, they’ve been quick to fast-food restaurant Wendy’s because Fulton County District Attorney nationwide reckoning over police violence defend the officer’s use of force if he or she Brooks had fallen asleep in his car,which Paul Howard told CNN that three against African Americans, initially “reasonably” believed that a person had was blocking the drive-through lane. charges could apply against sacked police sparked by the death of another black a deadly weapon or posed immediate Body camera footage released by the po- officer Garrett Rolfe: murder, felony man, George Floyd, who was killed in danger to the officer. lice department shows the two officers murder and aggravated assault. police custody in Minneapolis. In this case, video shows that Brooks administering a sobriety test, with A decision by his office following their Yesterday morning, hundreds of had taken the officer’s Taser and appears Brooks’ permission. investigation could come by midweek. protesters assembled in Atlanta calling to use it. But not only is the weapon The two officers then try to handcuff “We look forward to the District for criminal justice reforms and demand- non-lethal, the video shows he was him, at which point their body cams fall Attorney's findings,”said L. Chris Stewart ing justice for Brooks. running away and that the shots that off, but security camera video shows them yesterday, an attorney for the Brooks At a press conference yesterday, killed him entered his back. struggling with Brooks on the ground.At family.

Mix of sunshine and clouds with a few brief isolated showers

High: 12:15 a.m. and 12:53 p.m. London: 16°C CLEAR Yesterday: 0 mm Boston: 16°C PARTLY CLOUDY Low: 6:49 a.m. For the month: 38.1 mm Max: 30.8°C Montreal: 24°C FAIR and 6:22 p.m. For the year: 225.0 mm Min: 25.4°C Toronto: 21°C FAIR New York: 21°C FAIR 5:32 a.m. 6:26 p.m. Miami: 24°C CLOUDY/HEAVY RAIN/MIST

14 • Tuesday June 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate US Supreme Court backs protection for LGBT workers AMERICA’S top court has ruled that drafters’ imagination supply no reason the issue in stark relief. employers who fire workers for to ignore the law’s demands.” Transgender rights is becoming a being gay or transgender are break- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 political battlefield, and a majority of the ing the country’s civil rights laws. forbids employers from discriminating Supreme Court just announced which In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court against employees on the basis of sex as side it’s on. said federal law, which prohibits well as gender, race, colour, national LGBT advocates hailed the decision. discrimination based on sex, should be origin and religion. “Especially at a time when the Trump understood to include sexual orientation Under the Obama administration, the administration is rolling back the rights and gender identity. federal Equal Employment Opportunity of transgender people and anti-transgen- The ruling is a major win for LGBT Commission, which enforces the anti- der violence continues to plague our na- workers and their allies. discrimination law, said it included gen- tion, this decision is a step towards affirm- And it comes even though the court has der identity and sexual orientation. But ing the dignity of transgender people and grown more conservative. the Trump administration has moved to all LGBTQ people,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, Lawyers for the employers had argued roll back some protections in health care president of GLAAD. that the authors of the 1964 Civil Rights and other areas. “We cannot and should not go back to a Act had not intended it to apply to cases While some states in the US had time when people felt that had to hide Judge Neil Gorsuch. involving sexual orientation and gender already explicitly extended such protec- who they are in order to feel safe at work,” identity.The Trump administration sided tions to LGBT workers, many have not. Alphonso David, president of the Human if such a scenario had not been antici- with that argument. It’s difficult to overstate the significance Rights Campaign, an advocacy group, pated when the law was written. However Judge Neil Gorsuch, who was of the decision. wrote on Twitter. “It is impossible to discriminate against nominated to the court by President While the court is establishing a long In his opinion, Judge Gorsuch said such a person for being homosexual or trans- Donald Trump, said acting against an history of decisions expanding gay rights, matters were not before the court. gender without discriminating against employee on those grounds necessarily this is the first time it spoke directly about “The only question before us is whether that individual based on sex,” he wrote. takes sex into account. the legal protections for transgender in- an employer who fires someone for being Three conservative justices opposed the “An employer who fires an individual dividuals. homosexual or transgender has dis- ruling: Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas for being homosexual or transgender fires That the ruling comes out just days charged or otherwise discriminated and Brett Kavanaugh. that person for traits or actions it would after the Trump administration against that individual ‘because of such “There is only one word for what the not have questioned in members of a announced it was removing transgender individual’s sex’,” he wrote. court has done today: legislation,” Alito different sex,” he wrote.“The limits of the health-insurance protections only puts The answer, he said, was “clear” – even wrote in his dissent.

China arrests five after attempt to kidnap billionaire FIVE people have been arrested in China by He Jianfeng, the tycoon’s 55-year-old after an attempt to kidnap one of the son and one of the group's directors. country’s richest men, He Xiangjian. Technology news website TMT Post says He is the billionaire founder of the that he “swam across the river near his Midea Group, one of the world’s biggest house to call the police”. home appliance manufacturers. The independent South China Morning Police were notified of the break-in on Post says that multiple people in the local Sunday at his luxury villa in Foshan city community told the paper that they were in southern Guangdong province by his ordered to stay under strict lockdown be- son who eluded the intruders. tween Sunday evening and yesterday All involved were arrested and no one morning while the police responded to hurt, said police. Social media users the incident. likened it to an action film plot. “I was scared to some extent, after all I He’s son reportedly sneaked out of the have always thought that the security Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been calling for people to have property and swam across a nearby river here is better than in other neighbour- more children so that the population grows by 70 million. to seek help. hoods,” one resident told the paper. The police in Foshan received a call on The Foshan police also issued a state- Sunday evening saying that suspects had ment, saying that they had arrested five entered He Xiangjian’s luxury villa, and suspects following a kidnap attempt.They were believed to be carrying explosive are still investigating the incident. Iran reins in family planning devices. Midea posted a message of thanks on The call is believed to have been made their Sina Weibo page, which state newspaper Global Times said “indirectly as population ages confirmed the truth of the incident”. IRAN has limited the provision of family according to World Bank data. “Thank you to the police, thank you to planning services at state-run hospitals Marriage and children within the media, and to all sectors of society for as it tries to boost its population size. marriage are both in decline, Iran’s state- your concern,”it says, sharing a link to the Vasectomies will no longer be carried run news agency Irna reports, largely be- police statement. out at state-run medical centres and cause of economic hardship. He Xiangjian is one of China’s richest, contraceptives will only be offered to Last month, Deputy Health Minister yet most low-key billionaires. He is worth women whose health might be at risk. Seyed Hamed Barakati reported that the an estimated $24.8 billion and is the sixth Such services will, however, still be marriage rate had dropped by 40% in a richest person in China, according to the provided at private hospitals. decade. Forbes Rich List, which ranks him The government has become concerned “With this trend, we will be one of the 36th richest person in the world. about fewer births and an increasingly oldest countries in the world in the next He built Midea from scratch in 1968, ageing population. 30 years,” he said. when he was 26. Annual population growth has dropped Iran enjoyed a population boom after The company began producing bottle below 1% and, if no action is taken, the Islamic Revolution in 1979 but went lids and car parts, but it is now known Iran could become one of the world’s to on implement an effective population throughout China as one of the biggest oldest countries in the next 30 years, the control policy. home appliance and commercial air health ministry says. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali conditioning companies. Just two years ago, the country was Khamenei has been calling for people to It also owns one of the largest robotics recorded as having population growth of have more children, saying he wants the He Xiangjian is one of China’s richest, companies in the world, the German 1.4%. The rate in neighbouring Iraq was current population population of yet most low-key billionaires. company Kuka. 2.3% and 1.8% in Saudi Arabia, 80 million to grow to 150 million. The Barbados Advocate Tuesday June 16, 2020 • 15 WhatsApp brings digital payment to users in Brazil NEW YORK – Facebook Inc’s individual users in Brazil, its second- WhatsApp messaging service rolled largest market behind India. out a system across Brazil yesterday “WhatsApp is heavily used there, that will allow users to send money both by people and small businesses,” to individuals or local Matt Idema, chief operating officer of businesses within a chat, attaching WhatsApp, said of Brazil. payments as they would a photo or “We think we can help grow digital pay- video. ments, help grow the digital economy WhatsApp is working with Cielo, with small businesses, and help support WhatsApp tested the system in India beginning in 2018. Brazil’s largest credit and debit card financial inclusion.” operator, to process the payments. Many of Brazil’s small businesses Idema said. be free to individual users, while The news sent Cielo’s shares soaring 30% already use WhatsApp as a marketing “We can’t have the kind of interactions charging businesses a fee for receiving on a day when stocks worldwide, includ- tool to answer questions or send with each other that we normally would, payments. ing in Brazil, were in red due to fears catalogs, Idema said. if you want to lend someone cash or if Initially, the system will accept of a second coronavirus wave. Facebook Chief Executive Mark you want to buy something from a local payments from debit and credit cards WhatsApp tested the system in India Zuckerberg said in April that the business,” he said. from Banco do Brasil, Nubank and beginning in 2018.The Brazil launch will company was expanding tools for The system will use Facebook Pay and Sicredi. be the first nationwide rollout and businesses in WhatsApp. will introduce the ability to directly pay The rollout in Brazil was long planned, a business. but may help users who are shut The company has over 120 million in during the coronavirus pandemic, Facebook rejects call to share Amazon says revenue with Australian media FACEBOOK yesterday rejected calls from the Australian government and Code of conduct CEO Bezos news companies that it share advertising Australia's competition regulator, the revenue with the media, suggesting it ACCC, has estimated that Google would rather cut news content from its and Facebook together earn some willing to platform. Aus$6 billion (US$4 billion) a year from The US tech giant said in a submission advertising in the country. to Australia’s competition watchdog that Leading news publishers have news represents a “very small fraction” demanded the two companies pay at testify before of the content in an average user's news least ten percent of that money each year feed. to local news organisations. “If there were no news content avail- Google last month already rejected US Congress able on Facebook in Australia, we are the demand, saying it made barely WASHINGTON – Amazon.com Inc confident the impact on Facebook’s Aus$10 million a year from news-linked (AMZN.O) said yesterday its founder and community metrics and revenues in advertising. Chief Executive Jeff Bezos was willing Australia would not be significant,”it Google and Facebook both argue they to testify to a congressional panel said in a thinly veiled threat to boycott provide hundreds of millions of dollars investigating potential violations of local news companies. in value to Australian news companies by US antitrust law by big technology Founder, Chairman, CEO and President “Given the social value and benefit to driving traffic to their websites, where companies. of Amazon Jeff Bezos. news publishers, we would strongly they can be monetised through ads or The company’s attorney sent a letter prefer to continue enabling news turned into paying subscribers. to members of the House Judiciary tion is necessary,” he said in a statement. publishers’ content to be available on our “We allow news organisations of all Committee, saying Amazon had Kelner’s letter said that Amazon and platform,” it said. sizes, not just the big ones, to post links, cooperated with the probe. the committee would need to “resolve a In an effort being closely watched raise awareness of their brands and drive “This includes making Jeff Bezos number of questions regarding timing, around the world, Australia is set to monetisable traffic to their websites, free available to testify at a hearing with the format, and outstanding document unveil plans to force Facebook and of charge,” said Mia Garlick, Facebook’s other CEOs this summer,” said the letter production issues, all necessarily framed Google to share advertising revenue they director of public policy for Australia and from Robert Kelner of Covington and by the extraordinary demands of the earn from news featured in their New Zealand. Burling LLP. global pandemic.” services. Facebook and Google also say they The big four tech platforms – Alphabet This would be the first time that Bezos The initiative has been strongly provide millions of dollars to media Inc’s (GOOGL.O) Google, Apple Inc has appeared before Congress, pushed by Australia’s two biggest media companies through grant programmes (AAPL.O), Amazon and Facebook Inc according to a source familiar with the companies, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp and limited purchases of news content. (FB.O) – are under investigation by a company. and Nine Entertainment. Both companies say they are willing House Judiciary Committee panel and In early May,the committee demanded They argue that the crisis roiling the to participate on a collaborative “code the US Justice Department.The Federal Bezos’ testimony in the wake of a report news industry worldwide is mainly be- of conduct” in Australia to mediate Trade Commission is probing Facebook that the online retailer uses data from cause of Google, Facebook and other large complaints, provide greater transparency and Amazon and US state attorneys third-party sellers to create competing tech firms capturing the vast majority of in how they rank and distribute news on general are looking at Facebook and products. Amazon’s associate general online advertising revenues, without their platforms and share data on user Google. counsel, Nate Sutton, had denied under fairly compensating media companies for interactions with their content. Representative David Cicilline, chair of oath last July that Amazon used advertisements placed against news However Facebook insisted yesterday the committee’s antitrust panel, said sensitive information from independent content. it was “not healthy” to expect two private testimony from the CEOs was “essential sellers to develop Amazon products. Newspapers’ loss of advertising companies to solve the challenges to complete this bipartisan investigation The letter also noted that Amazon had dollars has forced cutbacks and facing Australian media. into the state of competition in the given the committee’s antitrust panel bankruptcies across the sector, a process The rejection bodes ill for ACCC-led digital marketplace.” more than 225 000 pages of documents exacerbated by the economic downturn negotiations.The watchdog has until the “The Antitrust Subcommittee will and notes that the committee has not caused by the coronavirus pandemic. end of July to draw up the final code, continue to use the tools at our disposal given a “binding commitment” that they More than 170 newsrooms have seen which the government has vowed to to ensure we gather whatever informa- would be confidential. cuts or halted publication in recent years. implement quickly. 16 • Tuesday June 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

EU set to slightly surpass 2030 renewable energy goal, but funding boost needed BRUSSELS – The European Union conference yesterday. coronavirus recovery fund, to ensure financing challenges and delays looks set to slightly beat its goal to Renewable sources including wind, the economic crisis caused by the construction of projects. get a third of its energy from solar, hydropower and bioenergy pandemic does not thwart its green It says renewable power additions renewable sources by 2030, but made up just under 19% of final EU goals. should rebound next year to the level public support will be needed to energy consumption in 2018. “In the context of the crisis and the reached in 2019, but this will depend offset a drop in clean power Previous versions of countries’ fall of renewable energy on continued support from investment due to COVID-19, the energy policy plans had suggested investments, we must make sure governments. bloc’s top energy official said. the bloc would miss its 2030 that progress in this area continues,” Countries may have to revise their EU countries’ latest energy policy renewables target by up to three Simson said. policy plans further as the plans would see the bloc reach a 33% percentage points. The International Energy Agency Commission is considering setting share of renewable energy by 2030, Simson said the Commission (IEA) expects global growth in new tougher renewable energy targets surpassing its target by one would push tens of billions of euros renewable energy capacity to slow next year, as it strives to reduce net percentage point, EU energy chief into clean energy projects from its for the first time in two decades this EU greenhouse gas emissions to zero Kadri Simson told an online news proposed 750 billion euro EU year, as the pandemic causes by 2050. Botswana investigates 154 elephant deaths, rules out poaching GABORONE – Botswana is investigating the mysterious deaths of at least 154 elephants over two months in the northwest of the country, a wildlife official said yesterday, although poaching or poisoning have been ruled out. The carcasses were found intact, suggesting they were not poached. Further investigations have also ruled out poisoning by humans and anthrax, which sometimes hits wildlife in this part of Botswana. Africa’s overall elephant population is declining due to poaching, but Botswana, home to almost a third of the continent’s elephants, has seen numbers grow to 130,000 from 80,000 in the late 1990s, owing to well managed reserves. However, they are seen as a growing nuisance by farmers, whose crops have been destroyed by elephants roaming the southern African country. President Mokgweetsi Masisi last FILE PHOTO: A young bull elephant is seen in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, April 25, 2018. year lifted a five-year ban on big game hunting, imposed by previous Department has undertaken an with 25 reported poached between December last year. president Ian Khama, but the hunting operation to relocate and dehorn all December and the beginning of May, “Both white rhino and black rhinos season failed to take off in April as rhinos to tackle poaching in Botswana government figures show, as poachers have been severely affected, global travel restrictions meant – mirroring efforts elsewhere in the take advantage of the absence of necessitating the ... relocation of hunters from many coronavirus-hit region. safari tourists during the pandemic. highly endangered black rhinos (and) countries could not enter Botswana. The Okavango Delta rhino That compares with a total of 31 intensification of surveillance,” the Meanwhile, the Wildlife population has been the hardest hit, rhinos poached from October 2018 to Department said. Grenada notes increased activity near Kick ‘em Jenny volcano GRENADA’S National Disaster the West Indies Seismic Research YELLOW, which is a 1.5 km water around the summit.” Management Agency (NaDMA) has Centre St Augustine Campus exclusion zone around the summit of NaDMA said the general public is noted an increase in seismic activity Trinidad and Tobago (UWI SRC), the volcano. However, with the therefore further reminded near the Kick ‘em Jenny underwater showing increased seismic activity at increased activity, the Agency that the exclusion zone of 1.5 volcano. the Kick ‘em’ Jenny Volcano. encourages marine operators to be kilometres must continue to be In an update shared June 14, 2020 The latest activity was observed vigilant when traversing the area, as observed. via social media, NaDMA said it over a seven-day period in the month increased seismic activity also NaDMA said it, together with the received technical advice from the of June. results in the emission of gases, UWI SRC, will continue to monitor monitoring team at the University of “Though the Alert level remains at which can reduce the density of the and update as necessary. The Barbados Advocate Tuesday June 16, 2020 • 17

Breonna Taylor: Beyoncé calls for criminal charges against officers POP star Beyoncé has de- manded justice for a black woman killed by police in a letter to the attorney general in the US state of Kentucky. The singer urged Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron to bring charges against the three officers involved in Breonna Taylor’s killing. Ms. Taylor, 26, was shot eight times while she slept when officers entered her home in Louisville on 13 March. They were executing a no-knock search warrant as part of a drugs raid. A no-knock warrant is a search warrant approved by a judge that permits police to enter a home without permission. Inside, the officers exchanged Breonna Taylor was a decorated emergency medical technician and had fire with Ms. Taylor’s partner, no criminal record. (FACEBOOK IMAGE) who believed the raid was a home invasion, but no drugs were in the letter, shared on her would ban the warrants nation- found. official website on Sunday. wide was tabled in Congress, the Police have said they knocked Ms. Taylor’s killing has been US federal legislature, on the before using a battering ram to propelled into the spotlight again same day. enter the home but this account since the death of unarmed Beyoncé said the legislation has been disputed by Ms. Taylor’s African-American man George represented “small steps in the family and a neighbour. Floyd, who died in police custody right direction” but were a The three officers involved – in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last “painful” reminder that there was Jon Mattingly, Myles Cosgrove, month. still “no justice for Breonna and Brett Hankison – have been Ms. Taylor’s name has been Taylor”. placed on administrative leave used as a rallying cry for the “Don’t let this case fall into but none have been arrested or Black Lives Matter protests the pattern of no action after a charged over Ms. Taylor’s death. sweeping the US and the globe. terrible tragedy,” Beyoncé wrote. Investigations are ongoing. Last Thursday, Louisville’s city On Sunday, the Kentucky attor- “Three months have passed – council voted unanimously in ney general’s office said it was and Breonna Taylor’s family still favour of banning no-knock war- aware of Beyoncé’s letter but waits for justice,” Beyoncé wrote rants. Similar legislation that would not comment further. Bridge

18 • Tuesday June 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate SPORTSSPORTS Hope, Springer join Barbados Pride as CWI hosts player draft KYLE HOPE, who played five stocks and will bring the experience of Test matches and seven One-Day having been a member of the Internationals in 2017, has moved West Indies Emerging Players team from Trinidad & Tobago Red Force who won the Colonial Medical to Barbados Pride after the Cricket Insurance Super50 Cup last West Indies (CWI) hosted its November. 2020-2021 West Indies Professional Joining Nedd as a contracted player, Players Draft for the Colonial are his West Indies Under-19 captain Medical Insurance Super50 Kimani Melius who was picked up by Cup and the West Indies the Windward Islands Volcanoes and Championship via a Zoom meeting fast bowler Jayden Seales who was con- yesterday. tracted by the Trinidad and Tobago Red Also selected by the Pride was Force. Both Melius and Seales were Shamar Springer. acquired ahead of the draft as Barbados Kevin Stoute, a former pre-selected players by the respective captain of Barbados Pride who has franchises. Shamar Springer. played 76 first-class matches since his debut back in 2007, will have a new home with the Windward Islands List of players selected: Volcanoes. Representatives of each franchise made two picks to bring their ROUND 1 ROUND 2 contracted squad of players to 15. The event was monitored by CWI’s au- Leewards Hurricanes – Ashmead Nedd Leewards Hurricanes – Tyrone Williams Jr. ditors KPMG to ensure that the process Windward Volcanoes – Kevin Stoute Windwards Volcanoes – Larry Edwards was carried out efficiently and Kyle Hope. Jamaica Scorpions – Odean Smith Guyana Jaguars – Tevin Imlach smoothly. Guyana Jaguars – Ramaal Lewis Jamaica Scorpions – Alwyn Williams Ashmead Nedd is set to join Leeward performers for the West Indies at the TT Red Force – Bryan Charles TT Red Force – Isaiah Rajah Islands Hurricanes as their first-round ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Barbados Pride – Kyle Hope Barbados Pride – Shamar Springer pick. The left-arm spinner hails from Africa earlier this year. Guyana and was one of the leading He will help bolster the bowling

Estwick: WI pace attack ‘can challenge any team in the world’ ENGLAND have felt the heat from Shannon Gabriel and Jason Holder have ning to get blessed with fast bowlers “Once we’ve improved that fitness, we West Indies’ resurgent battery of quicks drawn comparison with West Indies’ again in the West Indies, so that’s an can maintain pressure right through the on more than one occasion in recent attacks of old, and the team’s assistant exciting time for us. So we’re looking day – before we tended to flag a little bit years, most notably during heavy defeats coach, Roddy Estwick agreed that forward to this series and looking for- – and while our fitness continues to in Barbados and Antigua 18 months ago. Caribbean fast-bowling stocks were ward to seeing how the fast bowlers go.” improve, that’s going to be key for us. If The fires stoked by Kemar Roach, at their highest since the 1980s. Roach’s importance becomes clear we can get that fitness and match Roach, notably, dismantled England when you look at the performances of sharpness up again, we’ll be ready to with match figures of 8 for 82 at the West Indies’ quicks since he returned to challenge the English batters.” Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in 2019, the Test set-up in 2017, on their last tour While Estwick suggested the current having claimed 5 for 17 as the tourists of England. In that period, only a crop need to “forge their own identity”, he were shot out for 77 the week before in handful of fast bowlers have taken their said that with the number of young pace Bridgetown, and has already indicated he wickets at a better strike rate than bowlers coming through, West Indies’ had is keen to “get stuck into them” again on Roach’s 45.6. Not far behind are Holder not had such an impressive pool of talent this tour. While his regular new-ball (45.9) and Gabriel (47.6), while England’s to draw from since the 1980s, when the partner Gabriel is currently working his most penetrative seamer over the same likes of Sylvester Clarke and Wade way back from an ankle injury, young timeframe is 37-year-old James Daniel could only manage 11 and 10 talents Alzarri Joseph and Chemar Anderson, who strikes every 53.4 balls. Tests respectively because of the names Holder – described by coach Phil Estwick has worked regularly with ahead of them in the queue. Simmons as a potential “great of Roach, Gabriel and Holder since he was “Yes, I personally think so, it’s a very West Indies cricket” – are also in the first appointed bowling coach in 2016, exciting time. Most of these boys that are squad to face England. and said that they now had the necessary going to be reserves now were involved in Gabriel could still come into contention combination of fitness and experience to the 2016 U19 World Cup.Keemo Paul is if he can prove his fitness, while alongside challenge batting line-ups around the not here, so he’s another exciting one. him in West Indies’ 11-man back-up world. We’ve got quite a few more knocking group are the likes of Oshane Thomas, “What we’ve done is improve our around in the Caribbean as well, Keon Anderson Phillip and Keon Harding. fitness,” he said. “That’s one of the key Harding, who was part of that 2016 Even without Jofra Archer, who played things. If you look back in the 80s, that’s tournament. Five or six of those boys are for West Indies U19s but will line-up for one thing the fast bowlers had, was fit- beginning to come through. Young England, such strength in depth ness; and the other thing is they’re now Dominic Drakes, the son of Vasbert suggests the Caribbean is once again understanding fast bowling, they’re get- Drakes. Odean Smith in Jamaica. “blessed”with pace options. ting to the age,Kemar and Shannon, “So there’s six or seven around the age “The fast bowling is very key to us,” where they’re leading the attack, they’re of 20, 22-23, so that’s really exciting. Once Estwick said. “Shannon, Jason, Alzarri, very,very experienced. Jason Holder has we can put programmes in place and get Kemar.The four big fast bowlers, they’re become a lot better Test match bowler in them up to a certain standard and get here but what we’ve [also] got on this the last two years, Alzarri Joseph is now them fit, we should have that pyramid tour is a group of youngsters coming beginning to show his potential. So we’ve we’re looking for, and once Shannon and Roddy Estwick, West Indies’ assistant through: Chemar Holder, Oshane got four fast bowlers where we can Roachy move on, we’ve got people to fill coach. Thomas, Anderson Phillip. We’re begin- challenge any team in the world. their boots.” The Barbados Advocate Tuesday June 16, 2020 • 19

NOTICES Lakers’ players say they’re unified on social justice, resumption of play THOUGH several NBA month. “The statement was players on Friday re- Contrary to Howard’s about social injustice portedly voiced their statement, however, more and racism,” Briscoe told opposition to resuming than one Lakers player ESPN. “Yet everybody is the season as a protest told ESPN everyone is on still talking about whether against racism and the same page. basketball should be social injustice, ESPN “(There is) no divide,” played. He isn’t saying reported that the Los one Lakers player told that basketball shouldn’t Angeles Lakers’ players ESPN. be. He’s just saying that remain undivided on “Still have some time you should not be taking the resumption of the to figure things out as a attention away from season. league and as a team,” an- what’s going on in the The news came a day other said. country to talk about bas- after Lakers backup cen- ESPN reported that ketball. Basketball is just a ter Dwight Howard told the Lakers initially had sport, at the end of the day. CNN that now is not the concerns after hearing But what’s going on with One Lakers player who all players better be ready time to resume basketball Howard’s comments, but people dying in the streets, has not spoken out against for play to resume. in light of the protests that his agent, Charles Briscoe, that’s something real.That resuming play is Lakers “Hoopers say what y’all broke out across the na- told the outlet Howard has statement, it had nothing star LeBron James. On want,” Beverley tweeted. tion and the world follow- not made a decision about to do with sports. It had Sunday, Los Angeles “If @KingJames said he ing the death of George playing this season as he everything to do with Clippers guard Patrick hooping. We all hooping. Floyd at the hands of has not thought about bas- racism and social injus- Beverley tweeted that if Not Personal only BUSI- Minneapolis police last ketball in recent weeks. tice.” James is ready to play, NESS #StayWoke.” WNBA plans to play 2020 season NOTICES NOTICES in Florida starting late July NEW YORK – The WNBA and the first two rounds navirus could opt out of yesterday announced being single-elimination. playing this season and plans to play a reduced The top two seeds would still earn their full salaries. season, with a 22-game have byes until the semi- Players with children schedule that would begin finals. The playoffs would will be able to bring a in late July without fans begin in the middle of caregiver with them. in attendance because of September and end in the coronavirus pandemic. early October. The league is still final- Teams would play each NOTICES izing a partnership with other twice in the abbrevi- IMG Academy in Florida ated 22-game schedule, to play all the games at the which the league said facility in Bradenton or would be released later. other nearby locations. The IMG facility has four Players and team officials courts, but the WNBA is for the league’s 12 teams still exploring options to would be housed at IMG play games at other sites and hold training camps in the area just south of there. Tampa/St. Petersburg that “There’s a lot to do be- might be better for broad- tween now and the tip of casts. the season, now that we’ve Players would receive selected IMG Academy” as their entire salaries for the the location to play,WNBA year despite playing a Commissioner Cathy schedule that’s only about Engelbert said in a phone two-thirds the length of interview. “My hope is the the 36-game one that was July 24 date will stick. We supposed to start May 15. have scenarios and plans “It was an important COMPANIES ACT CAP. 308 to lift and shift the tip of message the owners said LEGIN HOLDINGS INC. the season. It could slip to to pay the players 100%,” a couple of days later. We Engelbert said. “There are In accordance with Section 367 want to have the appro- people taking pay cuts in of the Companies Act Cap. 308 priate number of days for the country and people of the Laws of Barbados, notice training camp.” being furloughed. It was a is hereby given that LEGIN HOLDINGS INC. (the “Com- Engelbert, who said she really important signal pany”) intends to dissolve and had a site visit at IMG, from the owners and the the sole shareholder of the Com- hopes to have teams in league.” pany has by special resolution Florida by the first week The union said 77% of authorised and directed that the of July to start training players voted in favor of Company be liquidated and dis- camps. The season had the league’s proposal.They solved voluntarily. been postponed indefi- have until June 25 to let Dated the 15th day of June, nitely in April because of their teams know whether 2020. the coronavirus pandemic. they plan to play this sea- The WNBA would use son. Dennis Nigel Worme its regular playoff format, The commissioner said Director with the top eight teams players who are considered making the postseason high-risk for the new coro- 20 • Tuesday June 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

The Barbados Advocate Tuesday June 16, 2020 • 21

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline June 15, 2020 GODDARD ENTERPRISES LIMITED 1,674 3.01 3.01 3.01 0

One security traded firm as 1,674 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $5,038.74. Goddard Enterprises Limited was the sole security trading 1,674 shares at $3.01. Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $19.39 $19.35 -$0.04 BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Monday June 15, 2020

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

ABV Investments Incorporated 13-Mar-20 - - - $0.15 $0.15 - $0.02 $0.30 8,080 10,500

BICO Limited 04-Jun-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 8,760 - INDICES Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES June 15, 2020 June 12, 2020 Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - Local 3,019.24 3,019.28 (0.04) Barbados Farms Limited 04-May-20 - - - $0.40 $0.40 - $0.30 $0.68 10,074 25,342 Cross-list 1,400.14 1,400.14 - Composite 739.51 739.52 (0.01) Cable and Wireless Barbados Limited -+ 21-Sep-17 - - - $2.29 $2.29 - - - - - MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 25-Mar-20 - - - $4.62 $4.62 - $2.65 $4.39 1,000 5,708 TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES June 15, 2020 June 12, 2020 FirstCaribbean International Bank 10-Jun-20 - - - $2.40 $2.40 - - $2.40 - 10,749 Local 6,430.37 6,430.46 (0.09) Cross-list 178.78 178.78 - Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 12-May-20 - - - $0.19 $0.19 - - $0.18 - 10,000 Composite 6,609.15 6,609.24 (0.09) - Dev Fund MUTUAL FUND June 15, 2020 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 09-Jun-20 - - - $0.57 $0.57 - $0.55 $0.57 888 3,000 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV -Value Fund CHANGE 12-Jun-20 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2557 -0.0171 Goddard Enterprises Limited 15-Jun-20 1,674 3.01 3.01 $3.01 $3.01 - - $3.01 - 4,826 12-Jun-20 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2047 0.0003 12-Jun-20 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6902 -0.0002 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 04-Jun-20 - - - $3.15 $3.15 - $3.20 - 352,240 05-Jun-20 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 5.7721 5.7721 5.7721 0.2501 One Caribbean Media Limited 06-Mar-20 - - - $2.70 $2.70 - $1.80 $2.60 6,264 3,000 05-Jun-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.0227 0.0181 05-Jun-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0129 0.0091 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 31-May-20 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.4089 5.4089 5.3007 0.1238 31-May-20 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 0.9460 0.9460 0.9271 0.0301 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - - - $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - 31-May-20 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6644 1.6644 1.6311 0.0275 05-Jun-20 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.58 0.02 West India Biscuit Company Limited 08-Jun-20 - - - $31.00 $31.00 - $31.00 - 60 - 05-Jun-20 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.49 0.02 05-Jun-20 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.97 -0.01 Emera Deposit Receipt 10-Feb-20 - - - $19.39 $19.35 -$0.04 $20.84 - 35 - * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD 1,674 FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly * = Security is Trading X-Div Fixed Income *+* = Security is Suspended Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask ** = Rights Issued Date Close Close Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 17-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $65.00 180,754 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 GOB Series F 05-Feb-20 $89.00 $89.00 NOTICES GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $75.00 103,713 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NEWS Barbados Farms Limited – Directors of Barbados Farms Limited (BFL) hereby notifies its valued Shareholders that it wishes to withdraw the previously published record date of March 26th, 2020 for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company. Once the country returns to some degree of normalcy and BFL is in a position to have its Annual Report together with the notice of meeting printed and mailed within the statutory timeframe, it will advertise a new record date for determining Shareholders entitled to receive notice of the 35th annual meeting of shareholders. BP faces hit of up to

Sagicor Financial Company Limited – The Board of Directors, of the parent company of Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited, wish to advise that at the Sagicor Financial Company Limited shareholders’ meeting scheduled to occur at 11:00 a.m. on Monday June 15th, 2020, it is the intention of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, to propose a motion to the Shareholders that the meeting be adjourned to June 30th, $17.5bn as it forecasts 2020 at 11:00 a.m. This adjournment, if passed, will allow those shareholders who have been impacted by postal delays time to obtain control numbers which are needed to participate and vote at the meeting. lower oil prices BSE NOTICES BP has forecast lower oil result of the coronavirus COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE prices for decades to come pandemic, which has caused as governments speed up a slump in demand for oil. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 contagion affecting the island, the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central Securities plans to cut carbon emis- As a result, the cost of oil Depository Inc. (BCSDI) have been instituting several procedural changes. sions in the wake of the fell to less than $20 a barrel Kindly note that effective May 18th, 2020, the BSE and BCSDI re-opened and has resumed normal office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please coronavirus pandemic. at the peak of the crisis, less also note that we have implemented digital temperature checks for all persons entering the building. These checks are being conducted on both It has cut price forecasts than a third of the $66 it cost staff and clients alike by trained personnel. by about 30%, and expects at the start of the year. While we acknowledge that every person with fever may not be COVID-19 positive and that some individuals may present without symptoms, Brent crude to average $55 please note that any person with a temperature reading of 100F (37.8C) or over will be denied entry to conduct business within our offices. a barrel from now until ‘Lower carbon economy’ We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation, however, we must emphasize that this is a necessary step for the 2050. For a brief period buyers protection of staff and clients alike. As a result, the oil giant were actually paid to take says it will revise down the delivery of crude oil amid a TRADING SUSPENSION value of its assets by be- shortage of storage. tween $13bn and $17.5bn The price has since partly The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section (£13.8bn). recovered to around $37 a 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were suspended BP said it would have to barrel. effective December 10th, 2019. become a “leaner, faster- BP says it has “a growing The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section moving and lower cost or- expectation that the after- 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited were ganisation”. math of the pandemic will suspended effective December 10th, 2019. Last week, the firm an- accelerate the pace of transi- The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by way of nounced plans to cut 10,000 tion to a lower carbon econ- Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor Financial jobs following a global slump omy and energy system, Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited. in demand for oil. as countries seek to ‘build The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that, as a result of the approved amalgamation of Cable and Wireless Countries across the globe back better’ so that their (Barbados) Limited (CWBL) and Cable & Wireless West Indies Limited (CWWI), trading in the security - Cable and Wireless (Barbados) have ordered people to stay economies will be more re- Limited - has been suspended with immediate effect. indoors and not travel as a silient in the future”. 22 • Tuesday June 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Berger a winner at Colonial, and PGA Tour feels like it, too FORT WORTH, Texas – The PGA Justin Rose had an 18-foot birdie putt Tour spent two months learning on the 18th that looked good all the way about the COVID-19 pandemic and until it wasn’t. He finished one behind trying to develop a safe plan to re- along with Bryson DeChambeau and turn, followed by another month Jason Kokrak, who also missed birdie hoping for the best. chances on the last hole. Commissioner Jay Monahan said his This isn’t the first time Rose or any- confidence in the plan came with a dose one else has missed a big putt. It was- of uncertainty. n’t the first time Rose let out a gutteral “If we ... got into a situation where we moan from missing. It was just the first were dealing with a number of positive time he actually heard it. tests, that’s something – candidly – that “If the crowd are there, their groans or I lost a lot of sleep over in the weeks that cries, whatever it may be, would have preceded coming,” Monahan said. drowned me out,” Rose said. “You sud- Monahan felt every bit a winner as denly realize you actually do make some Daniel Berger at the Charles Schwab noise sometimes yourself. And it sur- Challenge. prised me a little bit there on 18.” The tour administered 487 tests for There were reminders all week of no the new coronavirus at Colonial, and fans, but rarely why golf had been shut the results on all of them came back down since March 12 because of the negative. On the golf course, a dozen of rapid spread of COVID-19, a pandemic some of golf’s best players – from Rory that canceled one major (British Open) McIlroy to Justin Thomas, Xander Daniel Berger poses with the championship trophy after winning the Charles and postponed the others until later in Schauffele to Jordan Spieth – all had a Schwab Challenge golf tournament after a playoff round at the Colonial Country the year. chance going into the final round. Club in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday. “The only time I thought about it was “Listen, there is more work to be when I was having to take the tests, done,” Monahan said. “But this is a phe- The playoff was held on the 17th hole, tee until Morikawa’s 3-footer spun out, and that was really it,” Keith Mitchell nomenal start to our return.” another reminder of how this week was and Berger was the winner. said. “Hopefully, nobody comes down It was a healthy return, except for a different. Playoffs always start on the Schauffele should have been in the with it and we can keep on playing.” somewhat sickly finish. 18th hole because that’s where the playoff, but his 3-footer for par on the Players on the charter to the next stop Berger made a 10-foot birdie putt on gallery is packed into the grandstands. 17th in regulation dipped in the right – Hilton Head on the South Carolina the 18th hole and heard the deafening With no fans allowed, and with the 17th side of the cup and spun out of the left shore – had to swing by the pool area at silence of a big moment with no specta- tee right next to the clubhouse, off they side. Talk about a horrible horseshoe. Colonial after the third round for a tors allowed at Colonial. He got into a went. “If there are fans and everything with saliva test. If negative, they board the playoff when Collin Morikawa missed Morikawa hit a deft chip to 3 feet. the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’, I’d probably be a plane and don’t have to be tested at a 6-foot birdie putt for the win and Berger chipped even closer from behind little more (ticked) off,” Schauffele said. Hilton Head. Everyone else driving, fly- Xander Schauffele missed his try from the green and rapped in his par. They “Maybe that’s a good thing for me right ing commercial or flying private face 25 feet. presumably were headed to the 18th now. But it was definitely weird.” another test when they arrive.

The Barbados Advocate Tuesday June 16, 2020 •23

P HOROSCOPES R O ARIES (March 21-April 19). You don't always have to S plan ahead if you want to travel, especially right now, when your wanderlust has reached near epidemic propor- A tions. Strike out on a little adventure when you get the N time. D

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your public self and your C private self want different things right now, and it's start- O ing to make you feel out of place wherever you are. But N the good news is that a confluence is coming soon and your S goals for your personal and professional lives will be in harmony.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). One of your partners, either in romance, life, or business, may have changed radically. It's still taking you some time to get used to. They aren't quite the same person you always thought they were, but you have to get comfortable with the fact that they might Z be happier now than they were back then. If you care about this person, support them in where they're going. I T CANCER (June 22-July 22). Watch for differing ideas S that could create conflict today. Not everyone is on the same page. You might feel the need to create harmony with everyone, but why put yourself through all that work? A little disagreement can be a good thing. It gets interesting conversations started and can help innovation happen.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You need to find a balance be- tween what you want out of life and what you know you can get right now. It's not that you have to settle for less, R it's just that you need to get realistic about what you can accomplish. If your expectations are adaptable, you could E start seeing more successes coming your way. X

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your crazy ideas never come M at a convenient time, but that shouldn't stop you from O pursuing a good one! Today, when you think up something R just so crazy it might work, you've got to do whatever it G takes to get the time you need and the resources you need A to make it happen. N LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If you're starting a new ro- mance, get ready for it to take a surprising turn. Things are happening between you two that you never expected, so make sure to take it slow and keep the communication open and honest. If you aren't in a romance or you're in a much more established relationship, you two are about to enter a very exciting and empowering phase. Old goals P you thought could never be reached are looking more and more possible. H A SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You've been introducing N more spontaneity into your life, and all signs point to this T being a good move. Sure, it may have encouraged a few O unexpected outbursts from friends, but there's no real drama. Nothing you need to concern yourself about. They M might be having a tough time adjusting to the new you, but you're loving the increased positive energy and the unpre- dictability of your life right now.

SAGITT ARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Nothing can stop you today. Your creativity and ingenuity can help you make fun out of anything. Even waiting for laundry to get M done can be a good time when you're on the case! Your mind is wide open, you're thinking positively, and you are A ready to connect with other people in a new way. R Y CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). If you're making any type of travel plans, you should try to finalize them soon. W If you leave anything up in the air, chances are good that it will fall through the cracks. If other members of your O party aren't quite ready to commit, you'll either have to R push them harder than you'd like to or make up their T minds for them. H AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). An opportunity you thought was already pretty sweet could be looking even more attractive today! The big question is, how do you make sure you get the chance to be picked for it? Just stay M flexible and be prepared! Make it clear that you're ready O to go at a moment's notice and take on anything those in T power are willing to give you. H E PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Don't pull rank on your un- R derlings or associates today. You have power because you know how to use it, not because you know how to lord it over people! You'll be much happier if you join with G everyone else and participate in what the group is doing. O Connecting with other people creates a lot of warm feel- O ings and the possibility to grow even closer than you al- S ready are. You have the ability to balance your authority E with friendliness, so use it.

Tuesday June 16, 2020 DEPEIZA CRITICISES BONDS Democratic Labour Party (DLP) economic advisors who was reported designing policy for short sighted illusionary as well when you contemplate leader Verla Depeiza remains saying in another section of the press political points and it is also in direct that without having any alternate adamant that the issuing of bonds there was no need to print money. opposition to the emphatic declaration of revenue streams we are likely to face through government’s proposed Citing Clause 13 of the bill, which gives Dr. Clyde Mascoll that there will be no a rising cost of living within that four BOSS programme is not only the Central Bank permission to purchase printing of money. The DLP holds the year period. And here is the greater rub, a pay cut by another name, the bonds in its own right and to be the view that despite all of the cute names the bonds are only guaranteed at par in but constitutes the printing of sole designated agent of the government, this bond issue has been called, it the months of issue and in the two years money. Depeiza said it was this move represents a pay cut for public workers,” after the life of that bond, which means In an address on the political party’s that would pave the way for the printing she said. that in all other time periods outside of social media pages, she pointed out the of money. She also knocked the five percent those, it will be at market value and the legislation, which heads to Parliament “This clears the way for the printing of interest rate to be accredited to the bonds, silence of financial institutions as to today, is in direct contradiction to the money and is the second instance in this calling this “illusionary”. their taste for these bonds is deafening,” stance outlined by one of government’s proposed legislation of the pitfalls of “The lure of the high interest is she stressed.

Opportunities for youth MINISTER of Youth and Community Empowerment, Adrian Forde says the level of unemployment among the youth is a concern for his ministry, which is prepared to help as many young people as possible become gainfully employed. He made the comments while speaking to the media yesterday morning during a site visit to Silver Hill, Christ Church, where five kiosks are under construction as part of the Building Blocks Project, for use by young entrepreneurs in the community. “This project will also become part of government’s countercyclical measure in terms of employing and empowering persons across this country in terms of employment post-covid. We have to get our young people working again. The level of unemployment is a concern to me certainly as Minister of Youth and this entire Government, and we will do everything to ensure young persons have a tangible stake in this community,” he stated. He added, “The stall belongs to them, the surroundings they work hard to ensure that it becomes aesthetically pleasing, that there is a level of comfort, it brightens the community – this is the dedication we are talking about from our young people. So in the same way we are able to criticise them when they are doing wrong, I am saying today is a good day to tell them ‘well done’, they have done a tremendous job, and we will continue to implore on them those basic tenets of hard work, discipline and selflessness.” Minister Forde went further, stating that the government’s main focus at this time is providing opportunities for the youth, adding that the kiosks are going Minister of Youth and Community Empowerment Adrian Forde speaking to the media. Permanent Secretary Yolande Howard (r) looks on beside him. KIOSKS on Page 5

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