Established October 1895 Telehealth programme to help Barbadians cope during pandemic PAGE 4

Thursday April 23, 2020 $1 VAT Inclusive Persons with respiratory B’DOS NOT READY illnesses urged to be tested: CMO CHIEF Medical Officer (Ag.), Dr. Kenneth FORBy Michael Phillips WithE-LEARNING the third and final move to online teaching, fall in line with the to an adequate number of George, has made a school term of this but for more reasons than distance teaching, the devices, or the internet or call for persons with ONLINE teaching in academic year scheduled one, that approach is narrative remains the electricity for that matter. respiratory illnesses to the public school to have begun earlier this improbable at present in same, Barbados is just This sees many children come forward to be tested system is far from month, the shutdown of Barbados. not ready. already at a major for COVID-19. ready to be rolled out. businesses, the 24-hour With The Barbados First and foremost disadvantage as they He made the call last This is the consensus curfew and the efforts at Advocate reaching out comes the issue of are handicapped by not night while appearing on of many of the social distancing have to several teachers over accessibility. With the having the basic needs the island’s lone state- teachers who are made the return to the past few days as Government opting to use to learn. owned television station trying to make the schools across the island arrangements move Google’s G Suite software In a recent during CBC News Night, most of the situation impossible. Several other forward to have all for the interface, there correspondence from the where he informed the under the current countries across the schools under the remain many households public that after six days COVID-19 pandemic. world have made the Ministry of Education which do not have access NOT READY on Page 3 of no new COVID-19 cases on the island, there was one new case and sadly, one new death from the pandemic.This raises the number of deaths in Barbados to six and the number of confirmed cases to 76. The deceased is a 70- year-old non-national male, who had a difficult course of the virus which ended with pneumonia. He had a chronic non- communicable disease. Meanwhile, a 66-year- old Barbadian female has tested positive. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, it was noted that the female contracted the virus after being in contact with a known case on April 14. The CMO gave the assurance that with the new case, a plan is in place to carry out extreme contact tracing with persons in and outside the home environment to ensure all potential contacts are identified. These contacts will be separated into two groups – symptomatic and asymptomatic – and they will be tested. During the COVID-19 update, Dr. George explained that the case definition for persons who meet the criteria to be tested has been broadened. “We are including even persons without a travel history. We are asking for persons HELPING HAND: Barbadians have long been hailed for their kind heart and spirit. They have been willing to help out with respiratory illness those in need and this has always included helping the stalwarts of this country – being our elderly. Pictured, this lady went out of her way to help this elderly lady to take a seat while she waited to get into Popular Supermarket in Kendall Hill. TESTING on Page 2 2 • Thursday April 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Steps being taken to keep prisons virus free WITH many of the Health Organisation in the prison system and social distancing can ing this global pandemic. concern about the prison prisons within Latin (PAHO). He made the com- by giving early release to be also maximised, if we Another step, Dr. Espinal populations being exposed America and the ments earlier this week prisoners who have not try to reduce and rehabili- stated, is working with the to the potentially fatal Caribbean being over- during PAHO’s weekly vir- committed major crimes tate older centres for isola- respective health authori- virus, prisons are not the crowded, there is a sug- tual press briefing, while could be considered. He tion,” he stated. ties within the various only facilities where gestion that reducing responding to a question said those who are on pre- The public health expert countries to ensure that persons could be at risk. the numbers in the about the challenges trial detention can also said that in addition to the the recommendations on He made the point while prisons would help to that COVID-19 poses be released on bail, or be aforementioned, it is im- hygiene, education and noting that the safety and prevent an outbreak of to prisons within the isolated in other centres. portant that vital informa- disinfections are im- health of those at nursing the novel coronavirus region and whether “We know of countries tion is relayed to prisoners proved. homes and day-care (COVID-19) in those there were specific recom- also that are preparing and the staff of those facil- The Director of nurseries are also a facilities. mendations that govern- listings of people with ities to ensure there is no the Department of concern and countries The suggestion was ments should consider in health conditions that can outbreak of COVID-19 in Communicable Diseases have been monitoring put on the table by Dr. their efforts to manage the be released early... These those facilities. He indi- said that while there is these facilities. (JRT) Marcos Espinal, Director virus in their countries. are the types of measures cated that such is among of the Department of With that in mind, that need to be imple- the key steps that should Communicable Diseases Dr. Espinal said that mented. And finally, com- be taken to properly man- at the Pan American reducing overcrowding munication inside a prison age penal institutions dur-

Dr. Marcos Espinal, Director of the Department of Communicable Diseases at PAHO. COVID-19 tests to be scaled up from about 50 per day to 500 TESTING from Page 1 left Barbados. “I am happy to report that to report at polyclinics or all their tests were their general practitioner, negative.” who would advise them The CMO said the six- what are the next steps. day lull is an indication So we are broadening our that the country must testing of the population remain on guard. “We in general and we hope to believe strongly at the go from about 50 tests per Ministry of Health that day to scale up to as high during this difficult time as 500 to 600 tests per of shutdowns that this is day, because only when the appropriate way to we have widespread test- go. However, the result of ing will we be able to get the shutdown there is a good handle of if there’s always a lag time to the in-country transmission. shutdown. So if you The CMO revealed that shutdown from one to two testing also extends weeks, you don’t get an to Geriatric Hospitals. immediate effect in your “Therefore, all persons numbers. in the Geriatric Hospital “I would encourage who have respiratory- the population to bear type illness will be with us as we further required to undergo investigate this and to testing, even though cooperate with us with there was no travel respect to having a more history.” widespread testing done He revealed that 64 for all persons who tests were conducted on present with respiratory Tuesday,33 of which were symptoms in Barbados,” of the Trinidadians who he said. (JH) The Barbados Advocate Thursday April 23, 2020 • 3 Wider focus Work out teething issues, say teachers NOT READY on Page 1 are of the view that ‘chalk and talk’ face-to-face teaching has needed Democratic Labour Party,it was been a staple and has many AS countries in the she said it is imperative that suggested that teachers be benefits. However, with the Caribbean try to halt the countries are mindful of all the categorised as essential workers, situation being what it is, there spread of COVID-19, per- other things happening around giving them the freedom to move are those who do not have the sons are being reminded them and keep them in mind, around during the curfew that capacity to make a smooth that the potentially fatal not only at the regional and na- they may access their teaching transition.“Those who are quick virus does not exist in a vac- tional levels in respect of the resources from their respective learners are easily adaptable to uum and there are other work of governments, but also schools, which is necessary.The different measures, but for those issues that still have to re- on a personal level for individ- letter went on to say that the who aren’t, the physical contact ceive attention at this time. uals. free movement would also allow helps immensely. How are you That’s the advice coming “So making sure that we are them the ability to visit the going to do that when your only from Dr. Madhuvanti Murphy, following the social distancing homes of students, who along point of contact is a computer?” Deputy Dean in charge of and these other NPIs [non- with their parents or guardians, one teacher said as he spoke of Research and Postgraduate pharmaceutical interventions] would need assistance as the both teachers and students. Studies and Senior Lecturer in that were put forward that are Dr. Madhuvanti Murphy, introduction to distance learning For some, the necessary Qualitative Research Methods really important, but then also Deputy Dean in charge of would not be a smooth transition adjustments have been hard and at The George Alleyne Chronic trying to balance it as best as Research and Postgraduate for all. However, none of the some teachers are bemoaning Disease Research Centre, as we could. A lot of government Studies and Senior Lecturer in teachers thought the idea to be the training which has been she contended that such things agencies and also the regional Qualitative Research Methods a good one as it defeated the grossly over-subscribed and as domestic violence and the agencies have put out some at The George Alleyne Chronic purpose of staying at home as insufficient in most cases, management of non-communi- nice little pointers on things to Disease Research Centre. they could put either household forcing some to learn on their cable diseases are matters that do and ways to stay healthy,” at risk. own and share what tricks and cannot be ignored in this envi- she stated. would be different for different With the move being referred tips they pick up along the way. ronment. She made the com- The Deputy Dean noted that people, but all in all, the goal is to as a knee-jerk response and The device availability issue ments while taking part in an in putting out those tips, it has to keep people healthy at this not being completely thought comes to roost at the homes online discussion forum hosted been recognised that they time. (JRT) through, many of the teachers of teachers who have children by the University of the West of their own, while the super- Indies on the titled ‘Combatting vision of students becomes COVID-19 Through Data’. questionable for parents who are Speaking specifically on the teachers as well as essential topic of ‘From Social Distancing Cases just a small part of infections workers. to Lockdown’, she said that THE confirmed cases of the other infections as well as non- There is a silver lining as one COVID-19 is a fast-moving novel coronavirus (COVID-19) communicable diseases. She teacher said that those who were virus and so countries in this in the Caribbean are only the made the point while also urg- creative and understand the region, like others around the tip of the iceberg. ing persons not to get caught up technology can create useful and world, are learning as they go. That warning is coming from with the “magic cures” being fun learning experiences for “Some of the things we want Lecturer in Public Health and promoted, as there is currently the pupils. In time, distance you all to keep in mind when Epidemiology at The University no cure or vaccine for the virus. teaching could become the way you think about lockdown, or of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Offering then some advice to of the future, however, rushing community containment or cur- Hill Campus, Dr. Natasha those who suspect they may to make it the standard in an fews, because many different Sobers. During an online dis- have contracted the virus, unprecedented situation where words have been used across cussion forum hosted by The Sobers, while noting that there the entire globe has come to the region for the strategies University of the West Indies are varied symptoms including a screeching halt seems that have taken place, is that dubbed ‘UWI on the Frontline: vomiting, said it is vital that impractical. COVID-19 does not exist in a Combatting COVID-19 through they call their primary care The consensus is that instead bubble,” she said. Data’, she said while many peo- physician if they are mild to of rushing, the implementation Murphy added, “You have ple are caught up with the num- moderate, or the nearest poly- should be more organic.Take the heard of the evidence where ber of cases, it is imperative that clinic to report the symptoms,so time to train the teachers and there has been a rise in domes- they recognise that the num- that they can be assessed. students, and work out the tic violence for example, with bers only represent those who “The symptoms do overlap teething issues. In the meantime people having to be at home make it to the healthcare sys- with other viruses that may or at home, teach children practical with partners who may be tem to be tested, and do not ac- may not be circulating within Lecturer in Public Health life skills. suffering at their hands; the count for those who have been the community and the only and Epidemiology at The One of the most vocal teachers mental health effects during infected but do not show symp- way you are going to know is to University of the West Indies, said that although she was up COVID and also after; and for toms. get tested. That testing we are Cave Hill Campus, Dr. Natasha to scratch and trained as she is those people who are suscepti- “We know that COVID has a hearing is now more open, so Sobers. more technologically savvy, she ble to COVID-19 because they lot of asymptomatic persons. call your family care physician, knew that the island was not have a non-communicable Fifty per cent of people will be call your nearest polyclinic and ure… Barbados has 26 cases for ready for the move on the disease – high blood pressure, asymptomatic and another 30 explain your symptoms… It is every 100,000 people that live technological or social front.“We diabetes, cancer.There are cer- per cent will have a mild dis- better to reach out; don’t think here, that worked out to our 75. are not ready across the board tain groups of people who are ease. So some of those will make that it is not going to be it, just Guyana has eight cases per and it is not Ministry’s fault or more at risk and in a lot of ways it [to the healthcare system] and reach out and ask a question. If every 100,000 persons that live any one entity’s fault. We as an their routine care is stalled some of those will not, so those you have vomiting, reach out; if there, but look at how many island and as a people are not right now because of COVID.” confirmed cases are just the tip you have loss of taste, reach out tests Guyana is doing per case ready for e-learning. Whenever The university lecturer said of the iceberg. That is what we – it might seem mild to you, but versus Barbados’ test per case. the next school year can start, that this could have implica- have to understand,” she said. it is very important for you to So Barbados in terms of per because I can’t say September tions for healthcare systems in The Public Health and reach out,” she insisted. capita testing is actually doing because we don’t know what will the region, in the aftermath of Epidemiology expert’s com- Meanwhile, the university quite a lot more, so they are happen, I honestly feel like we the pandemic. She noted that ments came as she added that lecturer went on to say that in going to find a lot more. And need to start from where we while the focus at this time 98 to 99 per cent of those who analysing the number of cases they are going in the right direc- stopped.They can choose to send is on not overwhelming the are infected with the virus will within countries, it is not fair to tion, saying that they are not up the children to the next class, healthcare systems presently, recover, noting that it is not a compare the raw numbers of just testing serious cases, but keep them in the same year- countries can ill afford to over- death sentence and can be man- confirmed cases, because the we are also testing moderate level – that is unimportant to whelm their healthcare sys- aged. In that vein, she implored populations are different and and mild… So we do have to me. But we need to start where tems after the fact because they persons to do their utmost to countries are employing differ- think about the numbers in the we stopped and then continue.I put a hold on everything else. eat healthy, balanced meals, ent measures for testing. context of population and the am most concerned about what Making it clear that “COVID- even in the midst of COVID, to “I am going to draw your at- number of tests that are being is going to happen once we get 19 does not exist in a bubble”, help their bodies fight the virus, tention just to the Barbados fig- done,” Sobers explained. (JRT) back to school,” she said.

4• Thursday April 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Telehealth programme to help Barbadians cope during COVID-19 pandemic By Regina Selman Telehealth Programme is and it was also used in tance in having persons Moore still in the works, the aim Australia to deal with use the services, but not is to use electronic infor- mental health, when they necessarily having to SUPREME mation and telecommu- would have had the mas- worry about paying the Counselling for nication technologies, to sive floods and fires quite psychologists for doing it. Personal Development remotely provide services recently.Australia would I obviously know that is currently working to persons needing help have used it in a pro- this is a very difficult on introducing a with mental health mat- gramme called the Better time for government fi- Telehealth ters or tips on how to en- Access Initiative, where nancially and otherwise, Programme, to assist hance their coping skills. persons got access to but one of the things that Barbadians to better “The Telehealth counselling services, by we have to be cognisant cope with various is- Programme is to help you using the technology,” of, is the fact that we can’t sues, during the to provide a session on- Clarke explained. push aside or undermine COVID-19 pandemic. line, so you can basically He meanwhile noted the psychological chal- Shawn Clarke, CEO of provide the counselling that SCPD’s programme lenges that COVID-19 Supreme Counselling for services, through the use will likely be referred to will have on families, not Personal Development of technology.This would as the SIP Initiative, a only during this time that (SCPD) told the have been used quiet re- shorter version of the we are trying to get it ar- Shawn Clarke, CEO of Supreme Counselling for Barbados Advocate cently in China during Supreme Intervention rested, but after COVID- Personal Development (SCPD). that whilst the the COVID-19 pandemic Programme. The concept 19. The many psycholog- for such an initiative has ical scars that people will come about, based on have afterwards, whether those reaching out to it is dealing with domes- Supreme Counselling at tic violence or people Alternatives to burning grass, present, both youth and being afraid to go back adults, for assistance on out into public and social- how to cope during the ising with friends and the rubbish and household waste current curfew or lock- paranoia that may be as- down period. sociated with that,” he RESIDENTS across than polluting the air. “We are submitting a pointed out, whilst speak- Barbados are urged to “Composting is a con- proposal very soon to ing to the need for such a avoid burning rubbish, venient and affordable Government, for assis- programme. and to consider alterna- way to manage yard tive ways of disposing of waste. Compost also sup- their clippings, trim- ports soil organisms and mings, grass, leaves and decomposed organic com- other forms of household pounds, including ma- waste. nure, plant residue, and Monkey killers Chief Fire Officer, Errol pesticides, preventing Maynard, has suggested them from entering water that persons should con- and becoming pollutants,” sider chipping, compost- he pointed out. to face justice ing, mulching, and reduc- The Fire Chief further THE full weight of the law only abhorrent but crimi- ing, reusing and recycling advised that persons is expected to be felt by nal and is a clear breach of their waste as possible al- should start the process the person or group of per- the Prevention of Cruelty ternatives. of mulching their leaves sons responsible for the to Animals Act (Cap “Taking a match or and twigs by cutting with brutal treatment meted 114A). This action is un- naked flame to your yard a lawnmower to return out to a monkey. With a justifiable under any cir- waste may seem like an nutrients to the grass. video circulated recently cumstances and the pubic easy and efficient way to Another alternative put across social media, it is is urged to desist from any dispose of your clippings, forward by the Fire Chief shown that the primate is such, no matter the per- trimmings, grass, leaves was putting garbage out doused with an accelerant ceived rationale.” it read. and household waste, but for collection by the while in a cage and then The statement went on burning yard waste is ille- Sanitation Service burned alive to words of to say that the matter was gal and unhealthy,” Mr. Authority, or separating approval by the specta- being handed over to the Maynard warned. recyclables from the tors. Royal Barbados Police He reminded residents garbage and taking them With the explanation Force and that the guilty that they were now re- to one of the recycling cen- given that the monkey party would have to face quired to obtain a permit tres. was responsible for the de- the music.“Animal wel- before burning waste Mr. Maynard urged per- struction of crops in the fare and enforcement of under the Fire Service Fee sons to consider these al- Chief Fire Officer, Errol Maynard neighbourhood, the guilty the prevention of cruelty Order, which took effect ternatives as open burn- party set a trap to capture to animals legislation falls on April 1. ing releases harmful gen oxides, hydrocarbons, breathing difficulties; it before recording the under the Ministry of However, Mr. Maynard chemicals into the atmos- and particulate matter cause or aggravate respi- horrific scene where the Agriculture and a number encouraged persons to phere that could affect that is small enough to ratory ailments such as confined creature reacted of authorisedpersons have consider using a chipper human health and the en- enter the lungs and affect asthma, bronchitis, and erratically and then been appointed by the or shredder to convert vironment. the respiratory system,” emphysema; or cause seri- writhed in pain before Ministry of Agriculture to branches and yard waste “The type of pollutants he explained. ous diseases such as can- dying. In correspondence assist in its enforcement. into useful mulch or com- being emitted depends on He added that depend- cer. from the Ministry of Officers of the post pile. He added that what is being burned. ing on what was being “People with existing Agriculture's Veterinary VeterinaryServices will those who wanted to con- Smoke from burning veg- burnt, smoke from open health conditions, the eld- Services, Senior work closely with the sider composting could etation and organic mate- burning could irritate the erly and young children, Veterinary Officer Mark Royal Barbados Police convert dead leaves and rials contains toxic gases eyes, nose, and throat; are especially vulnerable Trotman stated that there Force to ensure that the grass clippings into such as carbon monoxide, cause rashes, nausea and to the adverse effects of was no justifiable cause to guilty person or persons healthy food for their carbon dioxide, other headaches; damage the smoke,” he warned. exhibit such cruelty.“This are brought to justice.” plants and yard rather greenhouse gases, nitro- lungs and contribute to (JRB/BGIS) unconscionable act is not (MP)

The Barbados Advocate Thursday April 23, 2020 • 5 LUX Carnival to donate NOW President: Partnership sends funds to NOW strong message WITH many still reel- Over and built on a clear “I find that when it band and NOW also sends ing from the news that and transparent message. comes to jump and fun, a powerful message.“I lis- Crop Over 2020 has The Time is NOW.” rum and wine, we invite ten to the music and I been cancelled as a re- “In uncertain times, the Diaspora to come have had discussions sur- sult of COVID-19, one Covid-19 will have many along. When it comes to rounding the sounds and premium band has still casualties, regrettably things like being able to some Bajans support me stepped forward to as- who are trapped behind bolster the very social con- and some Bajans do not sist one of the island’s closed doors in situations science of Barbados I don't support me, but I am very advocacy groups. where the debilitating ef- feel we embrace the excited that her model of Inspired by those work- fects will be witnessed Diaspora in the same her band allows us more ing tirelessly on the front firsthand. It’s more impor- way.” space to be able to recon- lines and in recognition of tant than ever to look “They live in societies cile jump, wine, wave and Earth Day, founder of after each other,” Niles that have gone beyond respect for women and LUX Carnival Sharon said. where we trying to get supporting creative envi- Niles stated that the band In response, NOW Barbados with respect to ronment for women. In is committed to continue President Marsha Hinds- the treatment of treat- her embrace of NOW she the fight in the aftermath Layne expressed her grat- ment of girls.With respect has shown that these is- DLP stalwart, the late Astor B. Watts. of COVID-19. LUX will itude to Niles recalling to the way in which the sues are not at logger- donate $5,000 to the that the partnership was system supports people heads with each other.” National Organization of forged last year when who are affected by do- “I think that is the type Women (NOW) Barbados Niles shared her plans of mestic violence and inti- of forward and open- DLP pays to help end gender-based what would be done this mate partner violence.”As minded thinking that violence against women year as part of the band’s a result the NOW presi- comes with having the and children. corporate social responsi- dent said she was able to Diaspora involved and “I do hope we can start bility. tap into Niles’ expertise recognising that there are tribute to a conversation to con- Hinds-Layne high- with an important collab- other ways to do things struct a culture of social lighted the importance of oration soon to come on because they have already conscience in Barbados Barbadians, on the island stream. had those experiences in via social media anchored and in the wider Diaspora She said the partner- the spaces where they the late in the movement of Crop having a social conscience. ship between a Crop Over live,” she said. (JH) Astor B. Watts Barbados joins fight to end domestic violence THE Democratic Labour have to agree with him; Party recently paid trib- in fact, you could outright BARBADOS has united Guterres stressed:“Now Guterres also encour- workers are women. ute to one of its stalwarts, displease him. So long as with 144 United Nations more than ever, there aged countries to pay trib- Women also shoulder a Astor B. Watts, who it was in the best interest (UN) Member States and needs to zero tolerance for ute to social and health- disproportionate share of passed away this week. of the Party Astor was Observers to end domestic domestic violence.” care workers, recognizing unpaid care work and Democratic Labour getting involved,” she con- violence, especially during A UN statement on the that the majority of them they are critical actors in Party (DLP) President tinued. the COVID-19 pandemic. matter outlined: “As more are female, in addition to the sustainable develop- Verla DePeiza remem- “In the best of times and The call, which was is- countries report infection civil society organizations, ment of all countries. bered the 98-year-old, the worst of times, Astor sued by UN Secretary and lockdown, domestic UN Women and related We must, therefore, en- after whom the DLP’s raised his voice publicly General, António violence helplines and UN agencies for their role sure women are included Lunchtime Lecture Series on the call-in programmes Guterres, on Gender- shelters around the world in tackling this crisis. in all response and recov- was named, as one who in defence and promotion Based Violence and are reporting rising calls “Women are not just vic- ery decisions. This is the was loyal to his party and of his beloved Party. In COVID-19, has urged sig- for help. Victims and sur- tims. They play a major only way to “build back who helped where he 2000 he engineered and natories to ensure that vivors have no means of role in the response better” for everyone. We could, to reshape it. piloted the Astor B. Watts prevention and redress escape when violence oc- against COVID-19. are all united to say NO to “In current parlance, Lecture Series, to develop are a part of their national curs in the place they are Nearly 70 per cent of domestic violence! End vi- Astor B. Watts is what a platform for young as- COVID-19 response plans. being told to take shelter. frontline health and social olence.” loyalty would look like. He piring politicians to have joined the Democratic their point of view heard. Labour Party in its fledg- That series has endured. ling days and walked tall To the end, he remained alongside noted corner- sharp and focused, a Different model should be employed stones like Errol Barrow, strong contributor to the BUSINESS from jump in and physically that they were just tools almost rebuild the busi- Branford Taitt and James re-shaping of the Party. Back Page give someone a massage but the service was offer- ness from the ground up. Tudor. He was not afraid He celebrated his 98th but they can jump in and ing a fun time for the kids Because even for the man- to debate them on issues birthday just two days The persons who deliver give tips online about how and keeping them occu- agement team, how they and was active from early ago and there were hopes personal services such as a person can do self mas- pied for the parents. The perceive the business, how in policy development,” for his longevity.We have barbers, hair stylists, sage. Look at the pressure solution was to create con- they conceptualise it, the DePeiza said, as she paid lost a warrior whose con- make-up artists and mas- points in their body and tent online featuring tips processes that they have tribute to Watts. tribution will never be for- sage therapists would get into self care,” said to keep children occupied, put in place, those can no “He never craved the gotten,” the DLP have to repurpose what Mallet. which would recreate the longer be as it had been,” frontline politics, but was President further as- they offer and move ele- The chief creative also same effect. highlighted Marius. active in the engine serted. ments into a virtual space. recommended webinars While the opportunities The director explained rooms. He related not only She concluded, “On be- Israel Mallet, Chief and loves videos via online and solutions may present that even the way busi- with the faces of the Party half of the Democratic Creative at IDS Creative, platforms where other themselves, Director of nesses were managed but also kept close ties Labour Party I would offered some clarity re- persons could join with ICT Pulse Consulting Ltd where managers inter- with the Young wish to thank his family, garding the approach the business owner to pro- Michele Marius explained acted with employees by Democrats.When I joined particularly his daughter business owners should duce more expanded con- that it would be no quick sight and were also in the that associate body, he and grands, for sharing employ. tent and charge a small fix and saw an uphill bat- same physical space, man- was introduced to me as him with us. Our loss is “Start moving your fee. Mallet also touched on tle for businesses on the aging remotely would be the go-to person for Party acute, yours unmeasur- service towards offering those services like jump- management level. a different ball game for history and for a clear- able. May God grant you content.A massage thera- ing tent and party equip- “What we are finding is the management and eyed perspective on, well, strength, especially in pist may not be able to ment specialists, he stated that one now has to go and staff. (AS) everything.You did not these peculiar times”. 6 • Thursday April 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate The Barbados Advocate Thursday April 23, 2020 • 7

8 • Thursday April 23, 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 Germany’s states make face masks compulsory Every cloud has ALL of Germany’s states its citizens wear masks as set to start trials on hu- Rhineland-Palatinate in have announced plans to it loosened its restrictions. mans today, the UK gov- the south-west says pupils make face masks compul- Germany’s Robert Koch ernment says. Separate tri- will be given reusable a silver lining sory to combat the spread Institute (RKI) has con- als are also taking place in masks as they slowly start THERE is a common expression used the world of coronavirus. firmed 145,694 cases and the US city of Seattle. to return to school at the over – every cloud has a silver lining. It is a prover- Bremen became the final recorded 4,879 deaths in beginning of May, while bial saying often used by optimists when looking at federal region to back the total. What are the rules in in Bavaria masks are the doom and doom of a situation, to point out that measures, with its senate Yesterday’s data showed Germany? mandatory for everyone even in difficult circumstances, some good can come set to confirm the decision a second consecutive day The new rules come into aged seven and over from out of it. tomorrow. that new infections rose, force in most states from Monday. Certainly that is the hope we all have as despair Mask use will be compul- with 281 deaths compared Monday, once they pass in Even the type of mask is envelops our country, our region and the entire sory on public transport with 194 reported on local legislatures. But not consistently specified. world as it relates to the novel coronavirus, com- throughout Germany, and Tuesday. Johns Hopkins where face masks will be Prime Minister Winfried monly called COVID-19. Generally the hope is that nearly all states will also University in the US puts required differs from state. Kretschmann of Baden- despite this pandemic, which has cut short the lives make face coverings the number of German All 16 states will make Württemberg has said of thousands across the world, good things could be mandatory when shop- deaths at 5,117. facial coverings a necessity medical masks should be on the horizon. ping. Germany’s federal vac- on public transport. But in reserved for health work- As we are encouraged across the world to practise Chancellor Angela cines institute approved Berlin, it will not be com- ers, while scarves or cloth physical distancing and many a company has had Merkel strongly recom- clinical trials for a possible pulsory to wear a mask covers would be sufficient to close its doors, some temporarily and others per- mended their use last vaccine involving humans when shopping. for people on the street. manently,there is a silver lining there too – Mother week when she eased lock- on Wednesday. About 200 This is also the case in Many state leaders had Earth is no doubt breathing a sigh of relief as there down rules nationwide. healthy volunteers aged the northern state of previously questioned the is less everything, from driving to industry,going on Different countries have between 18 and 55 will be Mecklenburg-Western need to impose the meas- in the world and perhaps it may help to right the issued different guidance tested with variants of the Pomerania: that state has ures on residents. ship. This could mean good things for small island on the use of face masks. drug, developed by US announced a fine of ?25 Since the outbreak developing states like ours, that have been cam- Austria made them com- pharmaceutical giant (£22; $27) for anyone began, the World Health paigning to large, developed and industrialised pulsory when shopping at Pfizer and German com- caught without one on pub- Organisation (WHO) has countries about the devastating impact and harsh the start of this month, but pany BioNTech. lic transport. Other states consistently said only the challenges climate change presents to our nations. yesterday Switzerland con- Scientists at the have yet to specify punish- ill and those caring for the While this current state of affairs is not likely to last firmed it would not make University of Oxford are ments. ill need to wear masks. indefinitely,perhaps now is the time to push our po- sition even more, now that they too may be seeing the benefit of reduced greenhouse gases. We here in Barbados and the wider Caribbean must therefore embrace the idea that all is not lost Lifting lockdowns could see and recognise that in this crisis, there are the oppor- tunities for great things to emerge. Outside of mak- ing a case for our island nations to be treated fairly by the international world, we must in this crisis, virus ‘reignite’, WHO warns recognise that there is strength in numbers and that THE head of the World March. “Make no mistake – we would have to live with we are better off facing this challenge together, Health Organisation Although many govern- have a long way to go.This some disruptive social than separately. Certainly, there is a school of (WHO) has warned ments have praised the virus will be with us for a measures for at least the thought that COVID-19 is just what our against complacency in agency for its work, long time.” rest of the year.Prof Chris CARICOM region needs to drive the regional inte- the fight against the coro- Dr Tedros has faced some He added: “There is no Whitty said it was “wholly gration movement to the finish line. navirus, saying the dis- calls to resign over the question that stay-at- unrealistic” to expect life Frankly, if ever there was a need for regional in- ease “will be with us for a crisis, particularly from home orders and other would suddenly return to tegration, it is now.With many of the international long time”. a number of US politi- physical distancing meas- normal soon. supply chains on which we depend for vital imports Dr Tedros Adhanom cians. ures have successfully being interrupted, we must turn to each other to see Ghebreyesus also warned When asked about calls suppressed transmission What criticism has the how we can best help to meet each other’s needs, es- of upward trends in Covid- for his resignation, Dr in many countries. But WHO faced? pecially as it relates to food security.With the pos- 19 cases in Africa, Eastern Tedros said he would keep this virus remains ex- Last week, US President sibility of us not having access, as we have known Europe, Central America working “day and night” tremely dangerous. Donald Trump said the it, to international supplies, it requires that we col- and South America. to save lives. “Early evidence sug- US would halt its funding laborate and seek to boost economic activity among He said that lifting lock- There have been more gests most of the world’s to the agency, accusing it ourselves. It will not easy sailing, but if we do not downs could cause infec- than 2.6 million confirmed population remains sus- of mismanaging and cov- make the effort, we are likely to all be circling the tions to “reignite”. cases of Covid-19 globally ceptible. That means epi- ering up the spread of the drain sooner rather than later. Dr Tedros also defended and more than 181,000 demics can easily reignite. coronavirus after it Now the fact is everything has changed, and the the WHO’s handling of the deaths, according to Johns “One of the greatest emerged in China at the sooner we face that reality the better.And so as we pandemic. Hopkins University in the dangers we face now is end of last year. seek to find a new normal in this world, we cannot He said he believed the US. complacency.” It was not the first time approach it thinking that it is business as usual. UN agency had warned Speaking alongside that the WHO’s response Many of our economies rely on tourism for survival; the world of Covid-19 What did the WHO say? him, executive director Dr to the outbreak had come we will have to rethink this. As we seek in the fu- early enough. Addressing the news Mike Ryan said that for under scrutiny. ture to lift some of the restrictions that have been “Looking back I think briefing, Dr Tedros said large events such as In March, the agency implemented to stem the spread of the virus, it we declared the emer- that while most of the epi- sports fixtures to resume was accused of being un- should be to our regional partners that we open our gency at the right time demics in Western Europe there would have to be a duly influenced by China borders first, to facilitate intra-regional travel and and when the world had appeared to be stable or in “new social contract” be- after a senior official business, before we swing the doors wide open to the enough time to respond,” decline, for many coun- tween the public and gov- refused to discuss rest of the world. he told a daily briefing in tries the disease was just ernments. He said people Taiwan’s response to the In this crisis, there is also the opportunity for Geneva. The WHO de- getting started. would have to accept outbreak. greater regional collaboration in terms not only of clared Covid-19 a Public “And some (countries) “there is no such thing as Some health experts food security and business, but surveillance at the Health Emergency of that were affected early in zero risk”. also say that the WHO’s level of public health. Indeed the foundations are International Concern on the pandemic are now Earlier the UK govern- guidance on face masks there in the form of regional entities the likes of the 30 January and said it had starting to see a resur- ment’s chief medical ad- has led to public confu- Caribbean Public Health Agency and at the individ- become a pandemic on 11 gence in cases,” he said. viser warned that the UK sion. ual country levels. So we must work together to flatten the curve of the virus, to keep cases at Executive Editor: Allison Downes Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan manageable levels and minimise the number of Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke deaths as much as possible. 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 Thursday April 23, 2020 • 9

EU says air travel will need social distancing, US airlines taking their own steps BRUSSELS/CHICAGO – of those guidelines and Administrator Steve covery in air travel that started requiring passen- Airlines have raised The European Com- probably by mid-May we Dickson told a pilots’ would ultimately depend gers on Monday to wear concerns that measures to mission will next month can put forward this strat- union that the agency and on people feeling safe. a non-medical mask or slow the spread of the present a set of rules for egy we are working on,” the US Centres for “When you ask people, face-covering during the pandemic could blight the safe reopening of air Valean said on Twitter. Disease Control and what’s the most important boarding process and profitability long after travel when coronavirus The move came as de- Prevention plan to update thing to get them to start flights. the travel restrictions end. lockdowns end, including bate heats up in the guidance for airline flight travelling again, it’s going The International Air social distancing in air- United States, the world’s crews amid concerns from to be confidence in their Blocking middle seats Transport Association ports and planes, while busiest domestic market, pilots, but regulators are safety,” Delta Chief In Europe, Ryanair Chief (IATA) estimated that the some US airlines are tak- on how to apply rules on not mandating new safety Executive Ed Bastian said Executive Michael crisis could cost airlines a ing their own protective social distancing or protec- requirements. on a conference call. O’Leary has described total of $314 billion. measures. tive gear to air travel. Some US airlines have Delta is also encourag- proposals for planes to fly The EU’s Valean said it EU Transport Com- It is unclear if the implemented their own ing passengers and em- with empty middle seats was impossible to say missioner Adina Valean Federal Aviation measures including block- ployees to wear protective when the coronavirus when the industry could said yesterday that meas- Administration has the ing middle seats, pausing gear, Bastian said, noting travel restrictions end resume operations but ures under consideration authority to compel pas- automatic upgrades and that at least 80% of its as “mad”, saying they noted that she expected would include the wearing sengers or flight crews to changing the boarding customers now wear would be “hopelessly social distancing require- of masks and disinfection wear face coverings on air- process. face masks when they ineffective” as well as un- ments to remain in place of planes and airports. planes. Delta Air Lines warned travel. affordable. for as long as there is no “All this should be part Last week, FAA yesterday of a choppy re- In Canada, regulators Instead, the company COVID-19 treatment or backs the introduction of vaccine. mandatory temperature “We expect the crisis checks and masks for to stay with us and the passengers and crew virus to stay with us,” she Wall Street surges as Congress preps when flights resume. said. more stimulus and oil bounces back WALL Street surged cally cut their S&P 500 the first quarter.However, recovery,and that tells me yesterday as oil prices earnings expectations for its shares fell 2.9% as it the economy is still in recovered and Con- the first and second quar- forecast a weaker second question,” warned Ben gress looked on course ters and are now project- half if the lockdown meas- Philips, Chief Investment to approve nearly $500 ing a corporate recession ures are lifted. Officer of the EventShares billion more in aid to for 2020, according to The Russell 2000 index ETF help small businesses IBES data from Refinitiv. of US small-cap stocks ral- With volatility the new ride out the coron- A week after the big US lied 1.4% but it remains normal on Wall Street, the avirus crisis. banks issued dismal 2020 down nearly 30% from its Dow Jones Industrial US crude and bench- forecasts, consumer dis- February high, reflecting Average .DJI was up mark Brent prices climbed cretionary and technology smaller companies’ recent 1.99% at 23,475.82 points, after a collapse in the past firms fared slightly better underperformance com- while the S&P 500 .SPX two days, sending the S&P as the lockdown measures pared to Wall Street’s gained 2.29% to 2,799.31. 500 energy index .SPNY boosted demand for online largest firms. The Nasdaq Composite up 3.6%. streaming and home de- “Small caps and mid- .IXIC added 2.81% to All 11 S&P 500 sector livery of meals. caps still haven’t seen a 8,495.38. indexes traded higher Investors will also be after the US Senate unan- paying close attention to imously approved the new capital allocation from relief package, adding to companies, Perez added, BANK RATES trillions of dollars in stim- “You have to have the cash Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of ulus that have helped Wall to sustain and ride out to business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. Street rebound from its the other side.” March lows. Amid Wednesday’s rally, Valid for April 23, 2020 The House of Represen- many investors remained Notes: tatives is expected to clear cautious about the outlook Currency Buying Selling the bill today. for the spread of the coro- Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 “The (stimulus) re- navirus and the damage Canadian Dollar 1.39237 1.43355 sponse times have been it will ultimately do to the East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 way faster than what you global economy. Euro 2.11850 2.20770 saw in 2008. What you’re “There is no trans- Pound Sterling 2.41251 2.51409 seeing is the tail risk re- parency as to when the United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 moval that stops the eq- coronavirus cases are Demand/Sight: uity downturn and allows going to fall off a cliff and Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 the market to actually we are going to have con- Canadian Dollar 1.40030 1.43230 look,” said Anik Sen, fidence that we are going East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 global head of equities at back to our normal econ- Euro 2.14958 2.19400 PineBridge Investments omy. If you are optimistic, Guyana Dollar 0.00945 0.00951 in New York. you could think mid-May, Pound Sterling 2.44790 2.49849 The benchmark S&P but if you are pessimistic, United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 500 is 17% below its you may think October, Telegraphic Transfer February record high as and that’s a big differ- Currency Buying Selling statewide shutdowns have ence,” said Mike Zigmont, Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 sparked layoffs and head of Trading at Har- Canadian Dollar 1.40295 1.43230 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 crushed consumer spend- vest Volatility Manage- Euro 2.15363 2.19400 ing, putting several indus- ment in New York. Guyana Dollar 0.00945 0.00951 tries at risk of collapse. Burrito chain Mexican Pound Sterling 2.45251 2.49849 Estimates for US jobless Grill Inc jumped about United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 claims for the latest week 14% after it reported soar- ranged as high as 5.5 mil- ing digital and home deliv- INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL lion, while a reading on ery sales and said it had CURRENCIESAS ADVISED BY THE April US factory activity enough cash and liquidity RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS. was likely to fall to levels to get through the next N.B. These rates are not meant to be used for trading. last seen during the 2008 year. BDS$ Guyana Dollar 0.00948 financial crisis. Both re- Netflix Inc more than Jamaica Dollar 0.01438 ports are due today. doubled its own projec- T&T Dollar 0.29748 Analysts have drasti- tions for new customers in

10 • Thursday April 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

China to accelerate research on digital infrastructure BEIJING -- China will nology. capital and policy chains and improving new digi- opment, such as expedit- derly construction and step up efforts to expedite More support should be should be promoted, said tal infrastructure to ing construction of 5G application of large data technological research provided to the research Chen Zhaoxiong, vice facilitate economic and and industrial internet centers while upgrading on the construction and and development of 5G minister of the MIIT. social upgrade of the connecting people, micro and small data application of digital in- enhancement technology Chen also stressed the country. machine and things, centres, enriching appli- frastructure, according to and 6G technology, while importance of emphasis- The MIIT will take a developing new types of cation scenarios and the Ministry of Industry the accurate matching of ing the huge demand for string of measures to intelligent computing building a network secu- and Information Tech- innovation, industrial, digital transformation optimise industrial devel- facilities, advancing or- rity system.

Xi urges officials to be guardians of Qinling Mountains ecological environment XI’AN – Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has urged local officials to be guardians of the ecologi- cal environment of the Qinling Mountains during his inspection tour in Northwest China’s Shaanxi province. Xi made the remarks while visiting Niubeiliang National Nature Reserve to learn about ecological conservation in the Qinling Mountains. “The illegal construc tion in the Qinling Mountains is a big lesson,” he said. “From now on, any official working in Shaanxi should above all learn this lesson, avoid re- peating the same mistake and work as a guardian of the ecological environ- ment of the Qinling Mountains.” As a natural boundary between the country’s north and south, the Qinling Mountains are home to a huge variety of plants and rare wildlife such as giant pandas, President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military golden monkeys and Commission, inspects ecological preservation of the Qinling Mountains in Niubeiliang National Nature Reserve in Zhashui county, crested ibis. Shangluo city, Northwest China’s Shaanxi province, April 20, 2020. Investors remain optimistic on China FOREIGN investors ing. to move back from China they will not change on China’s Tmall site on said: “China has been remain optimistic Foreign investors have “with full, immediate ex- their reinvestment plans Thursday, a fresh sign of one of the key drivers in about China, and not changed their confi- pensing”. regardless of the out- its deepened footprint in global economic growth there won’t be large- dence in their long-term Japan also announced break’s impact. the country following over the past few years. scale withdrawal of business development in that it would spend up “China remains a hot the rollout of the com- We look to China to foreign investment the Chinese market, Gao to $2.2 billion to move spot for foreign invest- pany’s locally made help steer the global from the market de- said. some Japanese firms’ ment,” Gao said. Model 3. economy out of difficulty spite the novel coron- As of Tuesday, 72.8 per overseas plants either “Facing global chal- Customers of Tmall, again.” avirus outbreak, the cent of 8,700 surveyed back home or to South- lenges, China is willing part of e-commerce giant The company’s long- Ministry of Commerce major foreign enterprises east Asian economies. to strengthen coopera- Alibaba Group, can re- term business plan and said have a business activi- Gao said many tion with all parties serve a test drive commitment to China Although the epidemic ties resumption rate of Japanese companies and work together with of Tesla’s Model S, is unchanged, Richards has had a certain impact more than 70 per cent. have expressed their them to ensure the open- Model X and Model 3 ve- told the China Develop- on foreign enterprises The rate grew by 0.9 per- confidence in the ness, stability and safety hicles through the site ment Forum. operating in China, on centage point compared Chinese market and of the global supply and purchase acces- US retail giant Costco the whole there never with last week, the min- their willingness to in- chain. “ sories, such as home- also has said it will open has been and never will istry said. vest further. Some multinationals use battery chargers, its second store in the be large-scale with- Over the weekend, According to a recent have accelerated their Tmall said in a news Chinese mainland, and drawal of foreign invest- Forbes reported that study prepared by the pace of investing in release. Toyota Motor Corp of ment from the market, White House economic American Chamber of China in spite of the Anne Richards, CEO of Japan announced that Gao Feng, spokesman adviser Larry Kudlow Commerce in South contagion. US electric US-based investment it will build a new elec- for the ministry, said said the United States China, 75 per cent of sur- automaker Tesla Inc management company tric vehicle plant in at a weekly news brief- would lure its companies veyed US companies said opened its virtual store Fidelity International, Tianjin. The Barbados Advocate Thursday April 23, 2020 • 11

BVI to begin JA call centre insists it exceeded Gov’t health guidelines after Minister cites breaches exporting fish JAMAICA – The Alorica call centre is insisting that it exceeded all government guidelines for the to the region containment of the PREMIER Andrew coronavirus. Fahie has said Commendations to Dr Prime Minister Andrew government has Wheatley Holness has ordered a started plans to export Premier Fahie also police probe into possible fish regionally. commended the minister breaches and last week, Speaking in the House responsible for fisheries Health Minister Dr of Assembly recently, Dr Natalio Wheatley for Christopher Tufton told a Premier Fahie said the his efforts in parliamentary committee export initiative will seek spearheading initiatives that there were “clear to boost the fishing geared at transforming breaches”. industry in the British fisheries in the BVI. He later told The Virgin Islands. He said that despite the Gleaner that the breaches “The members of my sea being one of the occurred after Alorica government can tell you, greatest natural successfully completed the we already talked with resources in the BVI, the requisite health the OECS (Organisation territory falls behind in inspections. of Eastern Caribbean properly utilising it for According to Tufton, sick States) region and maximum economic employees, for example [countries] in the gains. were allowed to work inside CARICOM region … We “That is why I the Portmore-based outfit have some unique fish commend the Minister of instead of being sent home that they need and they Education when he came as stipulated in a already waiting for us to up with the initiative for government order. get going so we can export the fishers and farmers The most recent Alorica them and provide for the with the $2 million, so health inspection was on whole region in the that we could touch the April 1, that’s nine days Caribbean,” Fahie stated. heart of the territory, before its first worker “That’s waiting on us, district by district, with tested positive. so the initiative is not that money,” the Premier Alorica has said that being done idly in stated. employee had not been at Alorica Half-Way-Tree Road in Kingston branch. isolation. It’s done with a Fahie, who is also the work since April 6. plan in mind,” added Minister of Finance, said But the company is Fahie while commenting his administration will be maintaining that it did on government’s move to doing all in its power to nothing wrong. pump $2 million into the ensure a much stronger “We have fully complied local fishing and farming fishing industry in the with the requisite orders of sectors. BVI. the Honourable Prime Minister of Jamaica and we remain committed to complying with any directives of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and indeed any relevant arm of the Government of Jamaica,” said a company spokesperson in a statement. Of the 233 confirmed coronavirus cases in Jamaica, more than 120 are linked to the Alorica call centre. For more than a week, the company has closed its Portmore and Kingston locations telling staff that up to April 30, they will continue to receive 100 per cent of their basic salary. It’s also providing a one- time payment of J$13,500 for all staff who are no longer working. Alorica said, its highest priority remains protecting the safety,health and well- being of its team members, their families and communities as well as its clients. On Monday, the Government ordered a 14-day closure of all BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) sites with exemptions for those handling critical sectors Premier Andrew Fahie like telecommunications.

12 • Thursday April 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate 100 percent recovery of COVID-19 cases in St Lucia ST LUCIA – As of April 21, 2020 the with the remaining two cases who were in Saint Lucia continues on the partial individual risks include the use of masks, WHO reported a total of 2, 397, 217 isolation receiving negative COVID-19 shutdown and on a 10 hour curfew from the testing, isolation, treatment and care confirmed cases of COVID-19 test results and since discharged from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. We remain at a very of sick persons and the adoption of globally with 162, 956 deaths. There hospital. This now places Saint Lucia at critical position in the implementation of hygiene and other infection prevention are now 893, 119 confirmed cases in a 100 percent recovery of all COVID-19 the national response to the COVID-19 measures. As seen in many of the more the region of the Americas. cases. threat. Large scale public health and developed countries, even with an The affected region includes Dominican Among the 15 cases Saint Lucia social measures have been implemented apparent decrease in the number of cases Republic (4,964), Haiti (47), Barbados recorded were individuals who fell within in an effort to break transmission of and the flattening of the curve, there have (75), Jamaica (196), Cuba (1087), the category of high risk by virtue of some COVID-19 when in country transmission been periods of resurgence in their cases. Dominica (16), Grenada (13), Trinidad being elderly as well as living with chronic was noted. The public must note that When measures are relaxed and and Tobago (114), Guyana (63), Antigua illness. They too recovered well with no many of these measures need to be persons become more socially engaged and Barbuda (23), Bahamas (60), Saint complications or needed critical care. sustained in an effort to achieve low this provides an opportunity for smaller Vincent and Grenadines (12), Guadeloupe Laboratory testing for COVID-19 COVID-19 levels in country. epidemic waves which are characterized (148), Martinique (163), Puerto Rico continues to be conducted both locally Some of the measures that have been by low level transmission. It is with the (1,252), US Virgin Islands (53), and and with the support of the Caribbean instituted include school closure, national benefit of this information we note the Cayman Islands (61). Public Health Agency Laboratory. Saint zoning to manage population movement, necessity of conducting a risk assessment As of yesterday, April 22, 2020, Saint Lucia has modified its testing strategy the closure of non-essential businesses, to arrive at evidence based approach in Lucia has a total of 15 confirmed cases of by testing an increased number of travel restrictions, the partial national relaxing measures while ensuring the COVID-19. samples from community respiratory shutdown and instituting a 24-hour capacity to detect and manage a To date, all of the positive cases of clinics; this would assist us in the curfew. possible resurgence in cases moving COVID-19 in Saint Lucia have recovered, assessment of COVID-19 locally. The measures recommended to guide forward. (PR) Mexico can’t stop drug cartels from handing out virus aid MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s president has handing out boxes of rice, pasta, cooking oil acknowledged that drug cartels have been and toilet paper with Guzman’s image handing out aid packages during the printed on them. coronavirus pandemic, and called for them In the past, drug cartels have tried to to stop. gain the sympathy of local populations President Andrés Manuel López with handouts. Obrador said such handouts have occurred For example, López Obrador noted, fuel “in several places,” but said the theft gangs that drilled taps into pipelines government can’t stop the practice. would often leave small amounts of “It is something that happens, it cannot gasoline and diesel for local farmers, to be avoided,” López Obrador said. gain their support. “I don’t want to hear them saying,‘we are And in northern Mexico, the Gulf cartel handing out aid packages,’” he said. and the Northeast cartel have reportedly “No, better that they lay off, and think of handed out aid. their families, and themselves, those that López Obrador has sought to avoid open are involved in these activities and who are confrontation with drug cartels, opting listening to me now or watching me.” instead for long-term solutions like job Videos posted on social media have creation, scholarships and job training to shown one of the daughters of imprisoned reduce the number of recruits available to One of the daughters of imprisoned drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman the cartels. handing out boxes of aid in Mexico. St Lucia has started to bring home nationals Group arrives from Barbados ST.LUCIA – Over 500 Saint Lucians are Caribbean Association… it’s the “stuck abroad” after the cruise industry representative body, to bring our worldwide was shut down due to the nationals home,” he said. coronavirus disease (COVID-19) The eight Saint Lucians were placed pandemic, Tourism Minister Dominic into a 14-day quarantine in a Rodney Fedee has revealed. Bay facility shortly after arriving at the This news comes after eight Saint George FL Charles Airport after 11 a.m., Lucians from the Norwegian Spirit cruise Chief Medical Officer in the Department ship arrived in Saint Lucia on Tuesday, of Health and Wellness, Sharon Belmar- April 21. George, said. The ship was docked off the coast of “They were received by our team and Barbados since April 9, 2020. this was coordinated through the cruise The governments of Barbados and line, through the Ministry of Tourism Saint Lucia teamed up “to see the and the Ministry of External Affairs,” Dr. successful repatriation” of the Saint Belmar-George explained. “They were Lucians, according to a news release. received as per our protocols, they were However, there are many more Saint screened, and they were taken to the Lucians eager to get home. One male Rodney Bay Public Health Facility where individual said in a letter to St. Lucia they’ll be quarantined for a period of 14 News Online that he is 104 Saint Lucian days.” seafarers stuck on a cruise ship. He did External Affairs Minister Sarah Flood- not reveal the name of the vessel. Beaubrun echoed similar sentiments, Fedee said the Saint Lucia government saying it is a “matter of high priority” to is aware of the situation. get Saint Lucians home. “Our report today suggests that they The governments of Barbados and Saint Lucia teamed up “to see the “It is a matter of high priority is to see are over 500 of our nationals who are successful repatriation” of the Saint Lucians. how we can continue to collaborate to stuck abroad with the cruise industry bring more of our people home.We assure being shut down,” he said. “The the various ships because of the nationals home. you our government is working and as difficulties we have been experiencing tremendous concern that they have had “I want all families to know that we’re soon as it is practically possible and safe are that, as we try to repatriate them, the with coronavirus.” doing everything at a diplomatic level, at to do so we will ensure that all our Saint Center for Disease Control has said that However,Fedee said the government is a level of discussing with the airlines, Lucians are brought home safely,” cruise lines cannot allow anyone to get off committed to getting the remaining discussions with the Florida Cruise and Minister Flood-Beaubrun. said.

The Barbados Advocate Thursday April 23, 2020 • 13

Russian communists defy lockdown with Red Square parade for Lenin’s 150th MOSCOW – Dozens of its fourth week of a lock- Speaking to reporters Russian communists down aimed at slowing on Red Square, Zyuganov defied Moscow’s coron- the spread of the new said the Russian authori- avirus lockdown yes- virus. ties’ efforts to contain terday by marching Muscovites are only al- the virus were no match across Red Square to lowed outside to buy food for the Soviet approach lay flowers outside or medicine nearby, re- to fighting a smallpox Vladimir Lenin’s tomb ceive urgent medical outbreak in Moscow in to mark 150 years treatment, walk the dog or 1960. since the birth of the take out the trash. “Now they can’t even Bolshevik leader. A policeman guarding produce masks in three Led by Gennady Red Square, which has months,” he said, referring Led by Gennady Zyuganov, head of Russia’s Communist Party, a small group of Zyuganov, head of Russia’s been closed off to the pub- to the current Russian au- people, some holding red flags, marched to the granite mausoleum where Communist Party,a small lic and was otherwise thorities. Lenin’s embalmed body lies to pay their respects. group of people, some empty as it snowed on Some Russian regions holding red flags, marched Wednesday, told Reuters have experienced short- than 12.5 million, has to the granite mausoleum the communists had re- ages of protective gear for been the hardest-hit of where Lenin’s embalmed ceived special permission medical workers but the Russia’s regions by the body lies to pay their re- to stage the event. country has still exported coronavirus outbreak and Canada police face spects. The Moscow police and equipment to countries in- on Wednesday recorded The ritual, which is ob- the mayor’s office did not cluding the United States, 2 548 new cases, pushing criticism for poor served annually on April immediately respond to Italy and Serbia. the nationwide tally to 22, comes with Moscow in requests for comment. Moscow, a city of more almost 58 000. communication during mass shooting SHUBENACADIE, Nova on her way to work. Poland’s biggest nature reserve fights massive fire Scotia – Canadian police Beaton said he would WARSAW – Wildfires are facing mounting criti- have never let his wife have been ravaging the cism for using social media leave the house that morn- marshes of the Biebrza and not a provincial emer- ing had he known the gun- National Park in north- gency alert system to no- man was still at large. eastern Poland, home to tify the public that a gun- RCMP Commissioner moose,beavers and unique man was at large for some Brenda Lucki acknowl- wetland birds, since 13 hours after he mur- edged on Monday that the Sunday, as the country dered the first of his 22 vic- force would have to evalu- faces the severest drought tims over the weekend. ate “what could we have in decades. During the worst mass done better to make Hundreds of firefighters shooting in the country’s Canadians safer” when are tackling the blaze, history, the Nova Scotia asked about the failure to which has spread to provincial detachment of send a provincial alert. around 6,000 hectares.The the Royal Canadian The shooter,51-year-old area of the Biebrza Nature Mounted Police (RCMP) Gabriel Wortman, began a Park, Poland’s biggest, is sent a series of tweets to rampage on Saturday 59,000 hectares. about 90 000 followers night that continued in “Spring is an abrupt ex- warning that there was an many small Nova Scotian plosion of life. It is impos- active shooter in the area. towns and ended around sible to calculate the loss. But some of the families noon on Sunday, when he This is a tragedy, it cannot Firefighters try to extinguish a fire burning at the Biebrzanski National Park and friends of the victims was shot and killed by be described. We may near Bialystok, Poland April 22, 2020. said a provincial warning RCMP officers. have to fight this fire system, which would have Wortman’s motive is still for months,” Janina tion is very serious,” change its water manage- counteract drought, and sent out text, radio and TV unknown. Police have said Agnieszka Zach, a tour Environment Minister ment policies to fight the wetlands are the best warnings, might have that some of his victims guide at the park, told Michal Wos said in a state- drought. areas for natural reten- saved the lives of their were known to him, but TVN broadcaster. ment. “We regulate rivers, tion,” said World Wildlife loved ones. others appear to have been The Environment “The wind and the straighten their banks, Fund (WWF) Polska in its “I don’t use Twitter, and random. Ministry said the fire was unique drought this year conduct harmful mainte- latest report on drought in I don’t know anyone that There are 22 confirmed most likely caused by make it very difficult to nance works, which Poland. does use Twitter,” Nick victims, but police have illegal grass burning. put out the fire,” the min- accelerate the outflow of Last year Poland Beaton said in an inter- cautioned they are still in- “Fires in the Biebrza istry also said. water, we build dams and announced a 14 billion view broadcast by CTV vestigating crime scenes, National Park break out Environmentalists say hydrotechnical barriers, zlotys plan to fight News. Beaton’s wife including more than five every year, but such a that the fire reflects ongo- dry marshes.We forget drought that was designed Kristen, a nurse and homes Wortman burned to large one has not been ing climate change and that it is natural rivers to increase water reten- mother from Debert, was the ground, which could there for years. The situa- urge the government to and their valleys that tion. shot dead on Sunday while yield more victims.

Partly cloudy to occasionally cloudy and breezy with a few brief scattered showers.

High: 3:46 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. New York: 11°C Yesterday: Nil Miami: 29°C Low: 10:02 a.m. For the month: 2.2 mm Max: 30.3°C Toronto: 05°C and 9:57 p.m. For the year: 147.1 mm Min: 21.2°C Montreal: -01°C London: 13°C 5:41 a.m. 6:12 p.m.

14 • Thursday April 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Trump tells Navy to destroy Iranian Clashes across Afghanistan gunboats if they ‘harass’ American ships WASHINGTON – President kill dozens of Donald Trump said yester- day he had instructed the security force US Navy to fire on any Iranian ships that harass it members, at sea, a week after 11 ves- sels from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps militants Navy (IRGCN) came danger- LOGAR,Afghanistan/KABUL – ously close to American Clashes between Afghan forces ships in the Gulf. and Taliban militants killed Close interactions with dozens nationwide over the past Iranian military vessels were 24 hours, authorities said yester- not uncommon in 2016 and day, even as the United States 2017. On several occasions, US tries to broker peace talks be- Navy ships fired warning shots tween the warring sides. at Iranian vessels when they got Four Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) vessels, some of several to Eight security force members too close. maneuver in what the US Navy says are “unsafe and unprofessional actions against US Military were killed in a Taliban attack on “I have instructed the United ships by crossing the ships’ bows and sterns at close range”, are seen next to the guided-missile a checkpoint at the Mes Aynak States Navy to shoot down and destroyer USS Paul Hamilton in the Gulf April 15, 2020. Copper Mine in eastern Logar destroy any and all Iranian gun- province on Tuesday evening, boats if they harass our ships at comment Iran a warning, will While the Navy has the au- that Trump’s comments on Iran Abdul Qadeer Mutfi, a spokes- sea,” Trump wrote in a tweet, maintain self-defense thority to act in self-defense, were meant as a warning to man for Afghanistan’s Mine and hours after Iran’s Revolutionary The United States should Trump’s comments appeared to Tehran, but suggested that the Petroleum Ministry, said in a Guards Corps said it had focus on saving its military from go further and are likely to stoke US military would continue to tweet. launched the country’s first mil- the coronavirus, an Iranian tensions between Iran and the abide by their existing right to The insurgent group also at- itary satellite into orbit. armed forces spokesman said United States. self-defense instead of any tacked several checkpoints in Pentagon officials say Trump’s after Trump’s comments. Senior Pentagon officials said changes to their rules. northern Sar-e-Pul province, provincial governor spokesman Zabihullah Amani said, killing 11 Afghan security force members, wounding 19 and resulting in one being captured by the Taliban. Iran says it puts Attacks are threatening to de- rail a fragile peace process, with the Taliban rejecting the Afghan government’s repeated calls for a first military ceasefire as the country also at- tempts to deal with a growing coronavirus outbreak and pris- satellite into orbit oner exchanges to take place with DUBAI/WASHINGTON – Iran want to make sure they can an eye to formal peace talks. said yesterday it successfully never threaten the United After a week-long reduction in launched the country’s first mil- States,” US Air Force General violence leading up to the signing itary satellite into orbit, trigger- John Hyten, vice chairman of of a troop withdrawal agreement ing protests from the United the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a with the United States in States and stoking already high Pentagon news briefing. February, the Taliban resumed tensions over Tehran’s nuclear Tehran denies US assertions attacks on Afghan forces, though and missile programmes. that such activity is a cover for it has held back on attacking for- Iran’s Revolutionary Guards ballistic missile development eign forces. Corps said the satellite “Noor”, and says it has never pursued The United States and other or “Light”, was orbiting 425 km the development of nuclear foreign powers have called for the (264 miles) above the earth’s weapons. militant group to reduce its at- surface. A UN resolution in 2015 tacks, with the commander of US The Pentagon declined to con- “called upon” Iran to refrain for forces this month meeting the firm whether Noor was in orbit up to eight years from work on Taliban leadership in Qatar over and operational, saying it would ballistic missiles designed to de- the issue. take time to make such an as- liver nuclear weapons following The White House said US sessment. US Secretary of State an agreement with six world A first military satellite named Noor is launched into orbit by President Donald Trump and Mike Pompeo condemned the powers. Some states said the Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, in Semnan, Iran April 22, Qatari leader Emir Sheikh launch, however. language did not make it oblig- 2020. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Putting a satellite in space atory. agreed in a phone call on would be a major advance for On Wednesday, Pompeo said to put curbs on Iran’s nuclear unlikely to lead to a confronta- Wednesday on the importance of Iran’s military following re- the launch was inconsistent programme in exchange for tion. the Taliban reducing violence in peated failed launch attempts with the UN resolution. Tehran halting its sensitive nu- “This is psychological warfare Afghanistan. in recent months. “I think every nation has an clear work, did not include re- to send a message and tell the The Afghan Ministry of Interior “The three-stage Qased satel- obligation to go to the United strictions on Iran’s ballistic mis- adversary that ‘we are ready to said in a tweet that a clearance lite launcher uses a combination Nations and evaluate whether sile programme and support for stop any offensive’,” Hisham operation in Logar had resulted of solid and liquid fuels,” it this missile launch was consis- its proxies in the Middle East. Jaber, a retired Lebanese army in 20 Taliban fighters being said. tent with that Security Council brigadier general and analyst, killed. The US military says the resolution,” Pompeo said at a Psychological told Reuters. In southern Kandahar same long-range ballistic tech- news conference. Iranian TV footage showed the Regional tensions have been province, clashes in three districts nology used to put satellites into “I don’t think it remotely is, satellite carrier was inscribed high since the start of the year, killed four Afghan security force orbit could also allow Tehran to and I think Iran needs to be held with a verse of the Koran that when the United States killed members and 31 Taliban fight- launch longer-range weapons, accountable for what they have Muslims often recite when trav- top Iranian military commander ers. perhaps someday including nu- done,” he added. elling: “Glory to Him who has Qassem Soleimani in a drone A roadside blast also killed at clear warheads. President Donald Trump’s ad- subjected this to us, as we could strike in Baghdad. Iran retali- least four civilians in central “It went a very long way ... ministration in May 2018 with- never have done it by our own ated on Jan. 9 by firing missiles Ghazni province late Tuesday which means, it has the ability, drew from the 2015 accord and efforts”. at bases in Iraq, causing brain night, the Interior Ministry said once again, to threaten their reimposed sanctions on Iran. Analysts said the launch injuries among US troops at one in a statement, accusing the neighbours, our allies, and we Trump said the deal, designed ratcheted up tensions but was of them. Taliban of planting a bomb.

The Barbados Advocate Thursday April 23, 2020 • 15

Google Stadia gains Flaw in iPhone, iPads users after giving free access for two months may have allowed hackers GOOGLE’S cloud-based downs, mobile and con- game streaming service, sole games have recorded Stadia, has witnessed a a jump in sales and user surge in users after the spending, with US to steal data for years tech giant gifted two videogame sales hitting WASHINGTON/SAN they were running re- be worth more than Bill Marczak, a secu- months of free access to highest in over a decade. FRANCISCO – Apple cent versions of iOS. By $1 million. rity researcher with its premium version for Alphabet Inc.’s Inc. (AAPL.O) is plan- itself, the flaw could While Apple is largely Citizen Lab, a Canada- gamers sheltering at (GOOGL.O) Google said ning to fix a flaw that have given access to viewed within the cyber- based academic security home to curb the spread earlier in April it would a security firm said whatever the Mail app security industry as research group, called of the coronavirus. give two months of free may have left more had access to, including having a high standard the vulnerability discov- Stadia’s mobile app, access to Stadia Pro. than half a billion confidential messages. for digital security, any ery “scary”. one of the multiple plat- The week of the an- iPhones vulnerable to Avraham, a former successful hacking tech- “A lot of times, you can forms to use the service nouncement recorded hackers. Israeli Defense Force nique against the iPhone take comfort from the and required to configure the mobile app’s highest The bug, which also ex- security researcher, said could affect millions due fact that hacking is pre- the Stadia controller, has weekly installs since its ists on iPads, was discov- he suspected that the to the device’s global ventable,” said Marczak. crossed 1 million installs launch in November, ered by ZecOps, a San hacking technique was popularity. In 2019, “With this bug, it doesn’t globally,according to data reaching about 225,000 Francisco-based mobile part of a chain of mali- Apple said there were matter if you’ve got a from analytics firm globally across the App security forensics com- cious programs, the rest about 900 million PhD in cybersecurity, Sensor Tower. Store and Google Play, pany, while it was inves- undiscovered, which iPhones in active use. this will eat your lunch.” With countries in lock- the data said. tigating a sophisticated could have given an cyberattack against a attacker full remote client that took place in access. Apple declined late 2019. Zuk Avraham, to comment on that ZecOps’ chief executive, prospect. said he found evidence ZecOps found the Mail the vulnerability was app hacking technique exploited in at least six was used against a client cybersecurity break-ins. last year. Avraham de- An Apple spokesman scribed the targeted acknowledged that a client as a “Fortune 500 vulnerability exists in North American technol- Apple’s software for ogy company”, but de- e-mail on iPhones and clined to name it. They iPads, known as the Mail also found evidence of app, and that the com- related attacks against pany had developed a employees of five other fix, which will be rolled companies in Japan, out in a forthcoming Germany, Saudi Arabia, update on millions of and Israel. devices it has sold glob- Avraham based most ally. of his conclusions on Apple declined to com- data from “crash re- ment on Avraham’s re- ports”, which are gener- search, which was pub- ated when programs fail lished yesterday, that in mid-task on a device. suggests the flaw could He was then able to be triggered from afar recreate a technique that and that it had already caused the controlled Fortnite has been available to Android phones since August 2018, but had done so without using the Play been exploited by hack- crashes. Store until now. ers against high-profile Two independent se- users. curity researchers who Avraham said he reviewed ZecOps’ discov- Fortnite reluctantly comes to Google Play store found evidence that a ery found the evidence EPIC GAMES has game”, its creators make cal and business meas- phone adoption is still malicious program was credible, but said they released Fortnite on money by selling dance ures such as scary, repet- increasing,” said Piers taking advantage of the had not yet fully recre- Google’s Play app store moves, “skins” to change itive security pop-ups for Harding-Rolls, games re- vulnerability in Apple’s ated its findings. after a long-running dis- the look of the player’s downloaded and updated search director at Ampere iOS mobile operating Patrick Wardle, an pute with the tech giant. character, and access to software, restrictive man- Analysis. system as far back as Apple security expert The title had previously pre-release game modes. ufacturer and carrier “Also, the user experi- January 2018. He could and former researcher only been available to Apple and Google both agreements and deal- ence of downloading and not determine who the for the US National Android users outside of take a 30% cut of transac- ings,” said Epic Games. updating the game will hackers were and Security Agency,said the the marketplace. It means tions made within apps “New efforts such as improve through Google’s Reuters was unable to discovery “confirms what Google will get a cut of in- distributed via their Google Play Protect out- first-party services.” independently verify his has always been some- game purchases. online stores – a fee that right block software ob- He added that the game claim. what of a rather badly Google introduced opt- Epic chief executive Tim tained outside the Google had already been down- To execute the hack, kept secret: that well-re- in security measures Sweeney had previously Play store. Because of loaded over 50,000 times Avraham said victims sourced adversaries can which block apps distrib- described as “dispropor- this, we’ve launched on the Play Store since its would be sent an appar- remotely and silently uted via other means in tionate”. Fortnite for Android on release on Tuesday. ently blank e-mail mes- infect fully patched iOS March. In the case of Apple’s the Google Play Store.” Epic announced last sage through the Mail devices.” Epic said the move mobile iOS platform, One expert said Epic week that it had delayed app forcing a crash and Because Apple was not pushed it to release the Epic had no option but to should still benefit in the the release of its third sea- reset. The crash opened aware of the software game on Google’s plat- agree, as there is no other long run, despite its frus- son of Fortnite until June. the door for hackers to bug until recently, it form. Experts suggest the easy way to let users in- trations. It has not explained steal other data on the could have been very move will benefit players. stall software. “Epic has bitten the bul- why, but there has been device, such as photos valuable to governments Fortnite is one of the But it had held out let and released Fortnite speculation it could be and contact details. and contractors offering world’s most popular against Google until now. on Google Play because due to delays caused by ZecOps claims the vul- hacking services. Exploit video games, attracting “Google puts software there remains a partially the firm’s staff having nerability allowed hack- programs that work millions of players and downloadable outside of untapped audience on to work from home due ers to remotely steal without warning against viewers. Google Play at a disad- Android, especially in to the coronavirus pan- data off iPhones even if an up-to-date phone can As a “free-to-play vantage through techni- markets where smart- demic. 16 • Thursday April 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Joshua Jackson and Jodie Turner-Smith announce birth of their first child JOSHUA JACKSON and Jodie “I’ve never been a parent before, figure out what the best and Turner-Smith have welcomed so I’m not quite sure how much healthiest way is.” their first child, a girl. of this is just first-baby anxiety On April 3, “Queen & Slim” “Both mother and baby are and how much of this is pandemic actress Turner-Smith reflected on happy and healthy,” a spokesper- anxiety,” the “Little Fires her journey into motherhood by son for the new parents told CNN Everywhere” star told Buzzfeed posting a photo on Instagram of in a statement. News in March. her posing naked, showing off her Last month, Jackson – who rose “The only real difficult part burgeoning bump. to fame playing Pacey Witter in right now is how to interface with “A fantastic voyage that begins “Dawson’s Creek” – admitted that the medical community,” he said in wonder and transformation,” he was anxious about becoming a at the time. “Obviously we have the caption read. “I will never first-time father amid the coron- to, and we are just trying to take forget how this felt and now avirus pandemic. that one day by day, to try to won’t soon forget how it looked.”

Bridge Joshua Jackson and Jodie Turner-Smith at the British Academy Film Awards, in London, on February 2, 2020. The Barbados Advocate SPORTSSPORTS Thursday April 23, 2020 • 17 Chris Gayle joins St. Lucia Zouks THE St. Lucia Zouks 344 runs at the I will have a motivated 2000. I’ve seen his exploits have signed Chris tournament. Chris Gayle looking to in all three forms of the Gayle as their marquee Commenting on Gayle prove a point that he is one game and I am really player for the 2020 Hero arriving at the Zouks, of the leading T20 batsmen looking forward to working Caribbean Premier captain Daren Sammy in the world. I can’t wait for with him and Daren League. Gayle has said: “This is great news CPL 2020 and hopefully Sammy toward a played for the Jamaica for St. Lucia Zouks and for the Coronavirus will be special year for St. Lucia Tallawahs and St. Kitts me as a captain to have the under control and we can cricket.” & Nevis Patriots in the universe boss on my side. have an exciting T20 The CPL is scheduled to past. He has won the Chris is one of the most tournament. Welcome take place between August CPL title twice with the successful T20 batsmen in home Chris Gayle!” 19 and September 26, Tallawahs and played the world and with his Coach Andy Flower also but the tournament in the final with the experience shared his thoughts, organisers are Patriots in 2017. with our young openers,a saying: “It’s brilliant news currently watching Gayle is the leading T20 lot can be learnt from that we have been able to the current run scorer of all time as Chris. get Chris Gayle with us at situation with well as the man with the “I welcome him to the this year’s CPL 2020. I COVID-19 most centuries in the Zouks Franchise. Chris have got a long association closely and are format. He is also the will be in St. Lucia and the with Chris running all the liaising with leading CPL run scorer of fans will be happy that way back to his debut Test medical advisors and all time, having made 2 Jamaica has released him. match in Trinidad back in governments.

Cars line up before a racing event. Situation being monitored RALLY from Back November 1 for Sol Rally stakeholders and the at potentially starting its Page Barbados. Clearly, with events themselves.” 2020 season during late the continued impact of The Club’s August/early September, “As we had indicated Covid-19 locally, championship calendar of dependent on the earlier, it currently regionally and sprint and rally events, continuing impact of remains our intention to internationally, it which was due to kick off Covid-19 on the island. execute both events in the remains to be seen if this with the Shakedown We will keep the last quarter of the year, time-line will be realistic. Stages last Sunday (April Membership and other with the potential dates The Club will continue to 19) was suspended until stakeholders updated being Sunday,October 25 monitor the situation and further notice in mid- and wish everyone safety for Flow King of the Hill, make decisions in the March, but Hamilton and health in these then October 30 to best interests of all adds: “The Club is looking challenging times.” Chris Gayle in action.

South Africa to make decision on Windies tour next month JOHANNESBURG,South victim to the novel boards before making any sense of normality and our recorded 3 300 infections to November 15. Africa – Cricket South coronavirus pandemic determination on international fixture list and 58 deaths and are in Like all international Africa (CSA) is expected to which has already resulted upcoming series. allows,” Faul said. the midst of a stringent sides, West Indies are also make a decision on the in 2.4 million infections In announcing the The English-speaking five-week lockdown facing a severe disruption future of the tour of West and 166 000 deaths cancellation of the tour of Caribbean has recorded scheduled to end May 1. to their schedule with the Indies next month, after globally. Sri Lanka set for June, over 800 infections from The impact of the virus three-Test tour of England Monday announcing the Media reports here said CSA’s Acting Chief the virus known as on both regions has planned for June expected cancellation of the limited CSA officials would decide Executive Officer Jacques COVID-19, with 49 deaths significantly reduced the to be called off later this overs series against Sri on the Windies series in Faul said decisions reported. likelihood the tour will week. Lanka. “mid-May”. regarding tours would be Nearly all Caribbean proceed. West Indies are also South Africa are Cricket West Indies has made in the players’ best nations have instituted If the tour is called off, it scheduled to host New scheduled to face West already scrapped some of interests. curfews, with some also will be a huge blow to both Zealand in a limited overs Indies in two Tests and five its domestic tournaments, “It is very sad that we shutting down ports of sides, with the five T20Is series from July 8-19 but Twenty20 Internationals but said recently it was have been forced to take entry, in an attempt to expected to serve as crucial New Zealand Cricket (T20Is) from July 15 to continuing to monitor this step and we will limit the spread of the preparation for the T20 officials have already said August 16, but that tour developments, and would reschedule the tour as soon virus. World Cup scheduled for the tour is “highly unlikely” now seems likely to fall liaise with the partner as cricket returns to a South Africa have Australia from October 18 to take place. 18 • Thursday April 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Cash crunch delays match fees for West Indies players since January CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has been struggling to honour its obligations of match fees to players since January because of a severe cash crunch, which has been worsened by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. All professional sports have been suspended indefinitely as part of measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and players have been advised to abide by stay-at-home orders in their current locations. Globally, more than 2.5 million people have been diagnosed with the West Indies players celebrating the fall of a wicket. coronavirus. More than 170 000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins Lewis further said that the West Indies “Cricket West Indies is facing a tough payments. I personally emailed all the University. women have received the prize money time financially,” Grave said. “Whilst all players since the end of February when Wayne Lewis, the secretary of the West from the T20 World Cup, but not their of our contracted players have received they would have been due (match fees). Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), told match fees, which have also not been paid their salaries and allowances, and some We have apologised to all the players and ESPNcricinfo that the contracted to the men’s white-ball squads. players have received prize money and we are eternally grateful to their regional players have been paid their Lewis told ESPNcricinfo that WIPA match fees, there is still money that is continued patience and support. We’ve allowances salaries, but match fees for all was in touch with CWI to “ensure the outstanding and we are trying to settle been very open and honest as to why we the eight rounds of the domestic four- money is paid as quickly as possible” to these player payments as a priority.” can’t pay them and all the players know day competition are still outstanding. He the players. Lewis also said that CWI Grave told ESPNcricinfo that the it is a priority for us to pay them as soon said, cricketers in the play-for-pay had pointed out well in advance to WIPA match fees accrued in January, for the as we can". category, though, have been paid the about the cash crunch. Ireland series and the first three rounds Grave said the primary reason CWI match fee for the first three rounds only. ESPNcricinfo has reported that the of the four-day tournament, were meant was facing the cash crunch was the huge ESPNcricinfo quoted Lewis as saying international men players have not been to be paid by the end of the subsequent losses the board suffered while hosting “the players who are contracted, their paid their match fee for the home series month (February). Similarly, he said Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in 2018. He monthly salary (and allowances) are up- against Ireland in January (three ODIs payments for February (rounds three-six told ESPNcricinfo that “when we hosted to-date. The problem we are having is and three T20Is) and the Sri Lanka tour of the championship along with the Sri Sri Lanka and Bangladesh we made a the retained players in the regional first- in February-March (three ODIs and two Lanka tour and the Women’s T20 World US $22 million loss. The media rights class competition have not been paid T20Is).The cricket website also reported Cup) were due by end of March. And, contract paid us less than a million their match fees for the eight rounds that that the international women are owed Grace said for the matches played in dollars for those two tours. have been played so far". the match fees for the four matches they March (rounds seven and eight along “And now we are in unprecedented In March, CWI discontinued the played in the T20 World Cup in February- with the Sri Lanka tour and the Women’s times with Covid-19 so people that are competition after eight of the ten rounds March in Australia. T20 World Cup) are only due by end of due to pay us money haven’t been able to. because of the coronavirus pandemic and CWI chief executive officer Johnny April. Unfortunately,the knock-on effect means declared Barbados Pride the winners of Grave told ESPNcricinfo that payments Grave told ESPNcricinfo that “we are that we are struggling to meet our the Headley-Weekes Trophy. would be made in the near future. two months behind making match fee obligations to our players." Caribbean pro league must be pursued in ‘holistic and realistic’ way THE Caribbean has long been yearning for to play a role on the committee. over Can$1 000, so it’s not cheap in my group for proposed Caribbean professional a professional football league of its own. “We were actually in the midst of country and is not much different from the league and conflict resolution. However, the reality is that its launching that and we were about to call Caribbean. “It’s a department which I work closely implementation is easier said than done. the first meeting for the end of March and “But I know it will take proper planning with, of course all of our departments, but For a full professional tournament to get obviously that was affected by what went and proper consultation, because the reality that one is not only daily,but hourly and the commercial, financial and other key loose in the world,” Montagliani told the is any true investor wants to invest in guys that are in it, namely the two backing, its viability as a business must be Jamaica Observer in wide-ranging something that looks, feels and tastes solid, gentlemen in Jamaica – Horace Reid and the engine that drives it, says Concacaf interview recently. not a pie in the sky thing; this can’t be about Howard McIntosh, do a tremendous President Victor Montagliani. He reiterated that he and his team are passion [only] because this is business. amount of heavy lifting. He said a sense of desire to fulfil the need fully committed in moving the idea of a “It can’t just be about the Caribbean, it “In terms of the requirements and the for a Caribbean professional league must be Caribbean professional league closer to the has to be about football first, and about needs of our member associations, there backed by a solid economic foundation for discussion table, a feasibility study and a business; it has to be about us leading it at has to be a lot of hand holding and providing such a challenging and ambitious venture draft outline. Concacaf and getting the right people from a shoulder,and it’s not all bout numbers and to worth the effort. “I know that it was talked about before, the region around the table to look at the paperwork, it’s the human aspect of the The Concacaf boss says there is “a need” but the true matter of this is that it has to realistic goal of having some type of MA department that rises it above anything for such a professional league,but cautioned be done in a holistic and realistic way with Caribbean professional league in the not too I have seen at the world level,” noted that prudent due diligence, including a proper economic model,” Montagliani distant future,” Montagliani stated. Montagliani, who is also a Fifa vice- research, consultation and a clear business said. Meanwhile, the Concacaf chief says the president. model must fuel this dream and desire. Though the economic realities of the new new Member Associations (MAs) Division, With the restrictions brought on by the “It’s not about wanting to champion; it’s Canadian Premier League (CPL) may be which is charged with catering to a wide coronavirus pandemic, the Canadian about needing to champion. Just before this different to that of the proposed Caribbean range of needs of the confederation’s 41 businessman said daily operations of pandemic we had already put together a league, there would be similar challenges, members, has performed beyond Concacaf is being done in the virtual space. group made up of people with infinite says Montagliani. expectation in a year. “Everything is being done virtually, we knowledge of the reality of running “The issues in Canada are not dissimilar Among its functions are governance and are reaching out to the members and professional football in our region and that to those in the Caribbean as travel is big administrations with the MAs; co- everything is being done through various was going to be a working group to be deal in Canada. For example, to travel from ordination of the One Concacaf Programme virtual platforms and also telephones,” chaired by Concacaf, but also Fifa was going Vancouver to Toronto, a regular ticket is and applications; co-ordination of working Montagliani concluded. The Barbados Advocate Thursday April 23, 2020 • 19

NWHL confirms NCAA: Players ejected for targeting can remain on sidelines INDIANAPOLIS – a half and replay Players ejected from determines there was plans to expand football games for time remaining and the targeting will be allowed clock should start on the to remain on the referee’s signal, there into Toronto sidelines, the NCAA must be at least three PROFESSIONAL “I’m delighted to be part announced Tuesday. seconds left, when the women’s hockey is set of the first NWHL The Playing Rules ball should have been to make its return to franchise in Canada Oversight Panel declared dead, to restore Canada with the because it brings me back approved the rules time. If less than three National Women’s to my roots,” the 58-year- change no longer seconds remain on the Hockey League old Murphy told the AP in requiring players to head game clock, the half is officially announcing it a phone interview. to the locker room after over. is expanding into “A year ago, when the targeting is confirmed. The panel approved a Toronto. CWHL shut down, they All other aspects of the rule that officials’ The yet to be named had one of the best hockey rule discouraging above- jurisdiction of a game franchise has an products on the market,” the-shoulders contact begins 90 minutes before ownership group headed she said. “So I just see this remain the same. kick-off, instead of the by former Harvard captain as a continuation of that, The panel also current 60. There had Johanna Boynton, features and Toronto deserves a approved a pace-of-play been concerns about former Brown University women’s franchise.” guideline for instant dust-ups between coach Margaret “Digit” Though US-born, replay officials to opponents before officials Murphy as its president, Murphy spent so much complete video reviews in were required to be on and already has five time recruiting Canadian less than two minutes. the field. players under contract, the players during her 22 Reviews that are Only two players on a NWHL said in a three- seasons at Brown, she once ‘Merge tennis’ exceptionally team will be allowed to page release yesterday. joked about considering complicated or involve wear the same jersey “Launching our first the possibility of retiring end-of-game issues number to limit team in Canada is a pivotal there. governing bodies,’ should be completed as confusion among officials and proud moment for the After leaving Brown, efficiently as possible and to make opponent NWHL,” league founder where she won 318 games, without a stated time scouting less difficult. and commissioner Dani she won two CWHL says Roger Federer limit. The players must not be Rylan said in statement. championships during ROGER FEDERER says but merging the two A clock rule regarding on the field at the same “Everyone in the Toronto three seasons coaching the “now is the time” for the governing bodies that instant replay also was time. Also, players will be hockey community can be Boston Blades. Murphy men’s and women’s oversee the men’s and approved. If the game allowed to wear number sure that this first-class then spent the 2017-18 governing bodies to merge women’s professional clock expires at the end of “0” this season. team of professionals will season coaching a CWHL while tennis is in limbo tours. make bold strides for the expansion team in China, because of the “It’s too confusing for women’s game.” whose players included coronavirus. the fans when there are The Toronto team Darkangelo and Chuli. The 20-time Grand different ranking Klopp says Liverpool increases the US-based It’s unlikely the NWHL Slam champion floated systems, different logos, NWHL’s number of will be able to draw from the idea in a series of different websites, franchises to six, and the rosters of current US or Twitter posts. different tournament are not finished article comes a year after the Canadian national teams He said a merger of the categories.” LONDON – Jurgen Klopp through. We can improve Canadian Women’s after their members helped Women’s Tennis American tennis legend believes there is still room with this team, which is Hockey League folded after form the Professional Association (WTA) and Billie Jean King, one of for improvement from great.” 12 seasons because of Women’s Hockey Players’ the men’s Association of the prime movers behind Liverpool despite their Klopp does not believe financial instability. Association in the wake of Tennis Professionals the founding of the WTA, incredible Premier football should be “forced The NWHL was founded the CWHL’s demise. (ATP) “probably should said a merger “has long League campaign, which back” after the COVID-19 in 2015, becoming North The PWHPA balked at have happened”. been my vision for tennis”. is on hold due to the shutdown but admitted it America’s first pro competing professionally “We can come out of this “The WTA on its own coronavirus pandemic. could have a positive women’s league to pay its in North America last with two weakened bodies was always Plan B,” The Reds were 25 points impact on the mood of the players a salary. It season to instead push for or one stronger body,” added King. “I’m glad we clear of second-placed country. currently has teams in the establishment of a Federer said. are on the same page. Manchester City and on There is no end in sight Boston, Monmouth single league capable of Yesterday ATP Let’s make it happen.” the verge of their first top- to the football lockdown in Junction, New Jersey; paying players a fair wage chairman Andrea Spanish 19-time Grand flight title since 1990 England but German Danbury, Connecticut; and with a financially Gaudenzi appeared to Slam champion Rafael when football was halted football authorities are set Buffalo, New York; and stable long-term economic back the idea saying:“Our Nadal added:“It would be last month. to announce plans for Saint Paul, Minnesota. model. The PWHPA sport has a big great to get out of this However, Klopp said Bundesliga matches to The move north of the members spent the past opportunity if we can world crisis with the Liverpool, who won the restart in empty stadiums border comes a little over a year holding a series of come together in the spirit union of men’s and Champions League last on May 9. week after The Associated barn-storming weekend of collaboration and unity. women’s tennis in only year and have only lost “We are all at home, all Press first reported the events across North “Recent cooperation one organisation.” one Premier League isolated, we have no cases NWHL’s plans. America, and are already between governing bodies Reigning Wimbledon match all season, could or stuff like this,” said Murphy has played a making plans to do so has only strengthened my champion Simona Halep, get even better. Klopp. lead role for the expansion again next year. belief that a unified sport two-time Wimbledon “We will not change, “If we come together franchise by having spent Last week, PWHPA is the surest way to champion Petra Kvitova, that’s the first thing, but and train in groups of two the past month executive member Jayna maximise our potential Argentine Diego whether we will be or five or six or eight, I’m establishing contacts and Hefford said she was and to deliver an optimal Schwartzman and two- successful depends on not sure when that will be recruiting players. aware of and welcomed the experience for fans on site, time Grand Slam what other clubs are doing possible, we have to wait All five players signed NWHL’s expansion bid, on television and online. champion Garbine as well because they have for the government on previously played in the even though it doesn’t fit To that end, I welcome the Muguruza are among the all the chance to improve that. We cannot force that CWHL, with the most her association’s long-term views of our players.” other high-profile tennis things, do things better,” and will not, because we notable being Shiann objective. BBC Sport understands players to voice their he told Sky Sports. can’t, there’s absolutely Darkangelo, a member of “We think this is an preliminary discussions agreement on social “So I have no clue what nothing for that. the United States team opportunity that’s going to have taken place between media. the future will hold for us. “But if football can help that won the 2016 world be provided for some the two tours about All tennis has been But we will not change, in some departments with championships. The four women to play hockey at greater collaboration in abandoned until at least this team is not the lifting the mood, giving other players are that level,” Hefford told the certain areas. July 13, with Wimbledon finished article, and we something to think about Canadians: forward Taylor AP. “But it’s not the In a series of social cancelling its grass court have a lot of space for and to deal with in a Woods, defensemen opportunity that we’re media posts yesterday, tournament for the first improvement, and we different way, then we Kristen Barbara and looking to provide and the Federer added: “I am not time since World War Two work on that. have to start training at Emma Greco, and goalie professional league that we talking about merging because of the coronavirus “We have fresh blood one point, but I don’t know Elaine Chuli. want to create.” competition on the court pandemic. internally coming when that will be." 20 • Thursday April 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate The Barbados Advocate Thursday April 23, 2020 • 21

Champions League, Europa League finals likely Barbados Tridents Harry to be played in August THE Champions League However, there is a and Europa League look view that travel Gurney says the Yorker is the increasingly likely to be restrictions are more played exclusively in likely to have eased in August after more talks August, which would be about the remainder of necessary for a cross- most important weapon the 2019-20 season border competition. THE yorker is one of it comes to types of cushion which he takes outstanding both on an yesterday. The scenario envisaged the most important deliveries he said that with him all over the off the field of play and Uefa told the 55 would be for the quarter- tools in a limited overs the yorker is what he world. with the nucleus of the associations on Tuesday finals and semi-finals of bowlers arsenal. believes a prerequisite With the idea to be one team that they have for there was still the the respective European This is the opinion of for any seamer. step ahead of the this year it can be the possibility of the competitions to be played the Caribbean Premier Gurney said that he batsman, Gurney has an beginning of something competitions being as two-legged ties League (CPL) Barbados practices his variations array of deliveries to call special. played throughout June, between August 11 and Tridents T20 bowler pace especially his yorker upon such as the back of Last year he was very July and August. 22, although these could bowler Harry Gurney. using a boundary cushion the hand delivery, the excited to come to However, BBC Sport yet become one-off games. Gurney was one of four placed on the spot he cutter and the slower ball Barbados to play and it understands the latest In the plans now being Tridents bowlers who wishes to pitch the ball along with the yorker. is now one of his discussions revolved discussed, there would be finished in the top five and he doesn’t stop until With the hopes that the favourite places in the almost exclusively some flexibility for bowlers in last years he hits the ball ten times. CPL 2020 will be able to world. He said the around a plan to complete domestic fixtures to be tournament and the left Furthermore, he be played later this year, atmosphere at the the domestic leagues by played in August, should arm medium pacer spent pointed out that one of Gurney echoed similar grounds was like a July 31, with European a July conclusion prove some time on the the bowlers he looks up to comments as the carnival and it was nice competition following impossible. Barbados Trident is right arm Sri Lanka Tridents Captain Jason to see the place packed after that. The Premier League Instagram Live talking pacer Lasith Malinga Holder, with the desire to for domestic cricket. Nothing definitive has has nine rounds of about the game of cricket. who is known for his start better than they With many of the been agreed but Uefa is fixtures remaining but in The Englishman who sling action as well as a last year. games being intense, keen to leave all options Spain and Italy, two has made two well placed yorker. He said the team needs Gurney said that the on the table for as long as countries that have been international T20 teams Gurney said that he to have more faith in the relaxed nature of the possible given the general badly affected, there are for his country has adapted a similar things that they are good West Indies coaches is uncertainty across still 11 and 12 rounds left played over 150 T20 training style to Malinga at as individuals as well one of the things he loves Europe and in the respectively - although matches throughout the who uses an old pair of as a team. about the CPL as he knowledge there is no both have fewer cup world in other Leagues. boats to mark the spot he Gurney had high praise doesn’t work well in tense guarantee the season will games to fit into their Though Gurney has a wishes to pitch the ball, for Holder as a captain, environments. be finished. schedules. range of variations when while he uses a boundary saying that was (CG) 22 • Thursday April 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Football club reaches out to most vulnerable in COVID-19 response TANK-WELD Metals Project manager, Several Tank-Weld- and Waterhouse FC Devena Duncan-Stone, branded bags were recently teamed up to who is the Fiwi Centre packaged with goods and assist the most manager, explained the Waterhouse FC General vulnerable members of thought process behind Manager Kerry-Ann the community in the venture. Robinson, along with which both the “The shutting of local some players, distributed business and the bars and layoffs of jobs the packages in the football club are [with no money from the communities of Dust, situated. Government yet], and also Samacan, Psalms Avenue With the country and its the reduction from Benevolent Centre, citizens reeling from the remittances means that Dwedney Road, Australia effects of the COVID-19 there is less money in our Road, Balcombe Drive and pandemic, many people communities. to churches, among other have seen their sources of “Hence, the elderly and groups. income reduced to a some children will be even The Waterhouse trickle or dry up. more vulnerable than footballers played an Community senior Joshua McDonald (left) examines the contents of a package With the elderly in the usual at this time, with integral part through being offered to him by Waterhouse FC Vice-Captain Shawn Lawes. population being the most many of them not [being] their jovial spirit and fleet vulnerable, Tank-Weld pensioners and are not on of cars that transported appreciation to Tank- there’s no politics not just in these times, but and Waterhouse FC [the Government’s the packages from the Weld,” said Duncan-Stone. involved,” she added. always. So for me it’s a partnered to give education assistance Fiwi Centre. They, along “Many people were Waterhouse FC vice- pleasure to meet and assistance to those most programme] PATH,” she with community taken aback by such captain, Shawn Lawes, greet them; the smiles on in need. said. volunteers, distributed generosity. The donation was delighted to be given their faces is The project saw the There were members of the goods to the people in has reached the heart of the opportunity to play a unexplainable,” he said. distribution of over nine the Jamaica Constabulary need. the community’s role in the project. Waterhouse FC were hundred food packages Force on location to “The reception of the vulnerable who need it the “It’s always a good leading the Red Stripe across a number of areas ensure that order and packages from the people most, and it’s because of feeling to give back, Premier League when it within the broader social distance were was overwhelming with the channel used to especially to the elderly was stopped in March due Waterhouse community. maintained. gratitude and great deliver the packages, and less fortunate people, to the COVID-19 crisis. Legend Rowe says Jason Holder should have led all three formats PORT-OF-SPAIN, have captained all three Trinidad – West Indies formats,” Rowe told legend Lawrence Rowe i95FM here. believes Jason Holder “They have a relatively should have been put in good man captaining the charge of all three Twenty20 in Pollard. I formats when he was was always a fan of made Test and One-Day Pollard and I think he’s captain several years doing a very reasonable ago, but has now job of captaining the endorsed the change to Twenty20 team and the Kieron Pollard as white- One-Day format.” ball skipper. He added: “I would’ve The 71-year-old, who rather when he [Holder] played 30 Tests between had started and they had 1972 and 1980 as a made him the captain of member of a star-studded the Test-match side, he West Indies Test and ODI captain, Jason Holder. Windies unit, said was young enough to allowing Holder to also have been able at India… which I think is charge of the T20 unit of the One-Day and T20 have continued to lead the Twenty20 (T20) that time to captain all good continuity for the before he was sacked in teams, respectively. struggle in all formats, format then would have three formats of the players as well.” 2016 in favour of Carlos “I have no problems ranked eighth in Tests, brought a consistency game. Holder, then 23, Brathwaite, five months with that,” Rowe said of ninth in One-Day and continuity in “I think that would’ve replaced seasoned all- after overseeing the the Pollard appointment. Internationals, and tenth leadership to the various helped us a lot if you had rounder Dwayne Bravo Caribbean side’s “Jason has gone on a in T20 Internationals. sides. that consistency with as One-Day captain six capture of the T20 World little bit too and he’s Jamaican Rowe, who “I tend to feel that a that person captaining years ago and took over Cup. gotten a bit older too, so now resides in the United number of players who all three formats of the from wicketkeeper However, Cricket West with the amount of States, said while West play in the Test-match game. If you notice Denesh Ramdin at the Indies consolidated the cricket on him it’s Indies had excelled in the format can also play in around the world, people helm of the Test side nine white-ball captaincy last probably a good move to shortest format, they had the 50-over format and like [Virat] Kohli months later. September, with Pollard have it the way it is now.” failed to carry that the former captain, Jason captains all three However, Darren replacing Holder and Despite the changes in success into the all- Holder, I feel he should formats of the game for Sammy remained in Brathwaite at the helm leadership,West Indies important Test arena. The Barbados Advocate Thursday April 23, 2020 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S

Aries – A moneymaking job unexpectedly will fall into A your lap. Although you weren't planning to change jobs, N this offer will definitely set you thinking. This change will D be very good for you, both emotionally and financially. C You'll enjoy getting paid to create something new. Obey O an impulse to acquire advanced technical skills. N Taurus – Obey an impulse to get a makeover. You'll be de- S lighted by the results. There's nothing wrong with spend- ing extra money on your appearance. Have a new look, ready for when you emerge back into the working world. Invest in yourself. Inventing a product, app or service will attract fame and acclaim.

Gemini– Spending this time on your own will improve your health. Although you're a social butterfly, you some- Z times suffer from your popularity. As you cannot attend I any parties, look out for future events that will hopefully go ahead. Getting involved with an unusual philanthropic T organisation will be lots of fun. S

Cancer – Working with a social media group of talented artists will give you more confidence. At long last, you'll get the praise and encouragement you deserve from peo- ple who matter. Thanks to your new friends, you'll get an opportunity to show off your artwork. You're open to new ideas about making art.

Leo – A marvellous career opportunity is on its way. R Getting to work with luxurious merchandise and affluent customers will be enjoyable. You love satisfying people's E needs with the best products on the market. Thanks to X your great taste, you'll have a loyal following. Take this opportunity to challenge a stupid rule that no longer M serves a good purpose. O R Virgo – Going on a trip around the world isn't a possibil- G ity right now. When the opportunity become available you A should go for more up-market options. You work hard for N your money; there's no reason you should settle for sec- ond best. Treat yourself. After encountering a new artis- tic technique or cuisine, you'll be inspired to integrate it into your own life.

Libra – Money from an insurance policy, inheritance or legal settlement is on the way. Use this windfall to buy some much needed machinery. Purchasing the latest com- P puter, car, smartphone or appliance will make your life so much easier. Spend more than usual for the ideal model. H A research project will bring the intellectual stimulation A you crave. N T Scorpio – Taking a relationship to the next level is a O strong possibility. Whether this means becoming official business partners with a trusted colleague or deciding to M exchange vows with your amour is unimportant. The critical thing is that you make an exclusive commitment. Resist the urge to fix your partner's life.

Sagittarius – Embarking on a health regime is strongly ad- vised. Be open to trying an alternative healing therapy that has worked well for a friend. Improving your diet or ex- M ercise routine will give you a new lease on life. You'll be- come more adventurous and romantic. Developing a A more efficient way of working will be fun. R Y Capricorn – Are you looking for love? Keep your ears open for someone with a seductive voice. After striking W up a conversation, you'll discover you have many things in common. A mutual appreciation for sensual pleasure O will be a good launching pad for a romance. An unusual R opportunity to perform in front of an online audience T should be pursued. Doing something radically different H from your job will be refreshing.

Aquarius – If you've been thinking about moving, this isn't really the best time to do so. However, keep your eyes open for a property that has a garden. Digging in the dirt M and growing beautiful plants will give you a new lease on O life. Creating a domestic routine that is radically differ- T ent will be an enjoyable challenge. H E Pisces – Think about taking up a new creative hobby. The R internet is a great place for sharing your enthusiasm for hobbies, practices and artists. Don't be surprised when you attract new friends and acquaintances as a result of your G new active involvement. People are craving recommen- O dations that make them happy. O S E S. Africa to make decision on Windies tour next month Page 17

Thursday April 23, 2020

EXPLORINGDURING a recent free SOLUTIONS“It does mean that these webinar hosted by the service providers not only have Barbados Coalition of Use of digital technology and business discussed to change their business model Service Industries (BCSI), including leveraging digital “The reality is that COVID pandemic has brought an but also have to perhaps retool, young minds from across the technology is a topic worth has kept us at home. It means emergence of new opportunities retrain in terms of how they can region tackled the problems discussing. Telly Onu, CEO of that they have to have for service providers. work remotely. Other service which businesses face and Quintessence Consulting Inc, repurpose what they are She gave the example of those offerings could just be a matter the solutions which they acknowledged that it was indeed offering into a remote offering, businesses which offer services of how you engage your could employ. a stressful time for service meaning delivering it online,” such as logistics have moved to customers even using this very There is chaos in the world of businesses and advised that one stated Onu. add additional services, medium (Zoom).” business right now but the of the areas to be looked at was The CEO further pointed out including grocery delivery adaptation to the new times business models. that the situation of the services. BUSINESS on Page 5

STAYING ACTIVE: We have all been told that exercise is critical to our well-being. Though many have been staying mostly indoors, The Barbados Advocate found this group on their property playing what looked like a game of cricket yesterday.

BRC hoping to still host Sol Rally Barbados this year A MONTH since confirming premier event. In a statement which still remain subject to these events is not a likely to be influenced should the postponement of Sol Rally issued on Tuesday (April 21) the impact of Covid-19 consideration at this point, the Covid-19 virus continue to Barbados 2020 and its the Club updated its in the island and further although their format, scope impact our competitors after associated events, the membership and overseas afield. and size are under July 31, 2020.” Barbados Rally Club (BRC) competitors with its current Club Chairman Mark constant review given the remains committed to its plans for the future, all of Hamilton said, “Abandoning circumstances and are RALLY on Page 17 Printed and published by Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc. Fontabelle, St. Michael. Telephone 467-2000, Fax 434-2020/434-1000