Established October 1895 Government committed to enforcing adequate health and safety conditions at work

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Friday April 30, 2021 $2 VAT Inclusive

Economic decline IN DEEP CRISIS continues THE Barbados economy has sector, along with the fallout in other COVID-19 pandemic, is now poised to “The decline in tourism, the National remained in a deep and prolonged economic activities and depressed recover. Pause in February,the re-introduction crisis, registering another double- private spending, contributed to the Saying that the short-term cost of of curfews, lower incomes, led to digit decline in economic activity fall in output during the quarter the impact of the pandemic on jobs reduced private spending in the during the first quarter of this under review. Last year, the economy and incomes has been considerable, quarter,” he told the media. year. contracted by over 18 per cent while Haynes said that hotel occupancy fell “The depressed activity was felt by Yesterday, the Governor of the declining three per cent between to 22 per cent, compared to about 68 restaurants, distribution, real estate, Central Bank of Barbados, Cleviston January and March 2020. per cent a year earlier. He indicated transportation and other business Haynes, said in the Bank’s 2021 first The economic slowdown has been that the long-stay Welcome Stamp services,” the Governor said. quarter economic review that the brought on by the COVID-19 programme helped to cushion some of The CBB’s top Economist pointed out economy contracted 19.8 per cent pandemic, which has affected all the the impact. that pent-up travel demand supports between January and March this year. key economic sectors. The Hotel industry heavily the outlook for an eventual post- According to Haynes, the economy Haynes told the media that tourism discounted its prices and in the process COVID-19 recovery. recorded its fourth consecutive output fell by a massive 96 per cent. recorded a decline in revenue. However, he noted that “tighter quarterly double-digit decline as On top of this, the Governor remarked On the upside, the use of some of the travel restrictions and protocols visitor arrivals plummeted on account the prospects for a robust economic hotels as quarantine facilities and including by Canada and the United of the unfavourable environment for turnaround this year has been staycation by residents softened the Kingdom, and the ongoing suspension travel. dampened despite the fact that the financial impact. “Even so, several of cruise operations prevented an early He said that the weakened tourism global economy, similarly hit by the hotels remained closed,” he stated. resurgence”. (JB) ‘Utter desperation’ for ex-LIAT workers By Krystal Penny Bowen

IT has been utter desperation for unemployed local workers of a troubled cash-strapped regional airline. Tearful, desperate and frustrated Barbadian ex-LIAT workers are calling on the local government to assist in the matter of unpaid monies owed to them by their former employer. Some of the former employees joined the Opposition Leader, Bishop Joseph Atherley, at his conference room at the Worthing Corporate Centre yesterday. Captain Neil Cave, Pilot Ronald Field and Senior Cabin Crew instructor, Kelly-ann Franklin, expressed their plight as they all have been left in limbo – facing persistent creditors as they try desperately to survive and keep their mortgages or rented properties. Cave, who spoke first, gave an overview of the past events. He indicated that it has been 393 days or over a year since 94 workers from Barbados have been laid off from LIAT.

‘Not a cent’ in compensation He revealed that he and his colleagues are aware of the ongoing pandemic and natural disaster (ashfall of La Soufrière). But he stressed that they Former pilot, Captain Neil Cave, looks have received “not a cent” of what is due Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley (right) during a press conference at despondent as he listens to his col- in severance, notice pay and vacation his conference room at Worthing Corporate Centre yesterday. leagues talk about their current plight. pay. It has been over a year since 94 work- He reminded the media that the over the months of 2020. After receiving challenges they have faced due to their ers have been laid off without any workers were laid off temporarily for a small payment of $2,400 in August, work status with the regional airline. form of compensation from LIAT air- three months (April to June) due to the 2020, Cave indicated that while this Both Field and Franklin spoke about lines. start of the COVID-19 pandemic during was appreciated, it “didn’t go very far”. their dire financial situation and while 2020. Cave stated that in their contract, For many of the workers, the stress of both are coping, others have had to give to meet with the former LIAT workers. this action would have triggered the situation has led to deep depression up their apartments or leave the They are currently awaiting a reply vacation pay. He said that since then and one attempted suicide. Cave country. In recent times, the ex-LIAT from her office. they have been engaging with the local also disclosed some of the legal, workers wrote a letter of desperation “It is a bad situation. As Bajans labour union and various governments labour rights, employee and regional to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley would say, ‘It dread,’” said Cave. 2 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Government committed to enforcing adequate health and safety conditions at work “OUR commitment as “What a coincidence it home-grown adjustment governments to safe- is for us that Safe Day is programme, within the guard decent work celebrated on April 28th, context of an IMF-spon- and adequate health which I must tell you sored programme and and safety conditions is the same day as our our desire, as we have at work, can never be National Heroes’ Day in done, to continue to re- overstated.” Barbados. What is even duce our debt levels even Prime Minister of more striking, is that further than what we had Barbados, Mia Amor each of our ten National done in the debt restruc- Mottley, stressed the Heroes laboured tire- turing,” she added. above as representatives lessly on behalf of the She however noted from governments in working classes whom that even with Barbados’ Latin America and the they represented, to en- prevailing economic cir- Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley. Caribbean, employers’ sure that their inalien- cumstances, her Cabinet and workers’ organisa- able rights and freedoms agreed on a set of meas- Vinícius Pinheiro, start of the pandemic, and economic crisis is tions and occupational were recognised, and that ures that would mitigate ILO Director for just over a year ago, the the reality of millions of safety and health special- they would be permitted the sudden vulnerability Latin America and the crisis had cost the region people in the region, he ists gathered for a large the freedom to associate of workers during the Caribbean, who was also nearly one million lives, noted that “after all we virtual regional meeting in a safe environment,” first period of lockdown in attendance at the destroyed 26 million jobs, have experienced, it is held on World Day for Mottley told those gath- last year, and subse- meeting, stated: “This and caused several busi- not impossible for us to Safety and Health at ered. quently after that. April 28th has a very nesses to close. reorder priorities and put Work Day, also known as Mottley acknowledged Mottley meanwhile special connotation.” He Pointing out that occupational safety and Safe Day 2021 on April that navigating the stressed that discussions recalled that since the COVID-19’s health, social health at the top”. 28. It was hosted by the COVID-19 pandemic about the importance of International Labour has not been easy for occupational health and Organisation (ILO) Office Barbados or for any other safety in the world of for Latin America and tourism-dependent econ- COVID-19 must take on New courses of action necessary the Caribbean, to address omy, as we are all still a sense of urgency, espe- the challenges to safety reeling from the fact cially for frontline work- By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste “It changes the land- She believed that and health in the work- that travel has stopped ers who go out each day scape in a way that new through using this publi- place, which have been globally. to protect the lives of COVID-19 has created a territory is uncovered, cation, enterprises would posed by the COVID-19 “In our own case in others, no matter how demand for new courses new players emerge and be able to seize the oppor- crisis. Barbados, add to that a difficult at times. of action to be created in previous players in the tunities in these gaps, order to achieve economic past constructs are re- seize the gap and produc- development. moved or sidelined. In tion shortages as it pre- Speaking during the that moment, there is a sented the opportunity to recent virtual official new normal. It is the ca- introduce our citizens for launch of the publication, pacity for adaptation that local and regional goods “The New Normal – A matters most, rather than before we are swamped Post-COVID Primer for how strong or weak you again by extra-regional Business”, Minister in the were in the past,” she said. goods. Ministry of Foreign Affairs “Post-COVID, every- “Can business people and Foreign Trade, thing in the past 15 years use this book to be in- Sandra Husbands, noted demands a new every- spired to be a new gener- that COVID-19 caused a thing or a feasible future. ation of entrepreneurs, disruption that forever Today, nations, enter- commanding better mar- altered the trajectory of prises and individuals ket share in their own trade. must seize the gap created backyard? I say yes. As such, she believed by this crisis, seize the gap Inflation and income that new courses of action as countries reposition to shrinkage has led to a were needed in order to enable food and nutrition gap that can flood our achieve previous goals of security and health secu- countries with increased economic development. rity.” poverty,” she said. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 3

Modest economic growth expected FOOD prices are up, the economy during the 2.0 per cent at March this ment data are estimated unemployment num- first quarter of 2021 and year, from 5.2 per cent a at 13.6 per cent, up from bers continue to soar, to forecast the remainder year earlier. 8.9 per cent a year earlier. the debt-to-GDP ratio of the year. Falling international oil Haynes indicated that surpasses 150 per cent, He said that the “fore- prices and the one-time in the first quarter of this and the island’s for- cast for weaker growth pass through effects of year, an additional 6,000 eign reserves fell by than envisaged three increased transportation more claims were made $86 million. months ago, reflect the tariffs contributed to the for unemployment bene- In addition, the outlook impact of renewed travel 2.0 per cent decline. fits. This followed from is for modest economic restrictions in source However, the Governor what he said was the growth during the re- markets and the National explained that the prices renewed dampening of mainder of 2021. Pause in February”. of food and non-alcoholic economic activity. “The Central Bank of Agriculture output fell beverages, which together Furthermore, the rise in Barbados anticipates that in the first quarter as did account for 30 per cent of unemployment reduced following the sharp de- the food crop sub-sector, the basket of items that employment income and cline in economic activity manufacturing and con- measure domestic prices, placed pressure on the last year,the economy will struction. were up 7.7 per cent. social safety net. make a modest recovery, At the end of March this International food prices “Some claimants [were] growing within the range year, the rising indebted- also were higher in ineligible for unemploy- of 1.0 per cent to 3.0 per ness of Barbados saw the Barbados. ment payments, as they cent in 2021,” Governor debt-to-GDP ratio climb- “This was partly be- did not make enough of the Bank, Cleviston ing to 153 per cent after cause of rising prices for contributions since ex- Haynes, reported yester- being 119 per cent at the fruit and vegetables,” he hausting their benefits day. end of 2019. told the media. in the previous year,” he These are some of the Dealing with consumer As for unemployment, remarked. points he highlighted prices, Haynes acknowl- the numbers have contin- Reserves at the end of while meeting with media edged that the overall rate ued to increase. Fourth March this year fell to Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Cleviston representatives to review of inflation had slowed to quarter 2020 unemploy- $2.6 billion. (JB) Haynes. Health and critical TVET professional illness insurance development goes online CARICOM Vocational the apex body for TVET Qualifications (CVQs) development in the provides peace of mind Assessors, Verifiers and Region. THE high cost of critical someone in their family Instructors now have ac- Ms. Whiteman, she healthcare services is requires urgent and criti- cess to online training, said,“served strategically seldom truly understood cal healthcare treatment to enhance their capacity in getting us to this mo- until an individual is faced for the purpose of combat- to ensure that artisans ment of action, focusing with a health crisis. ing issues such as life- attain the occupational on visibility, sustainabil- It is for this reason that threatening NCDs or ter- standards required for ity and the impact of Sagicor is encouraging all minal illnesses, that they work within the CARI- CANTA as a regional in- Barbadians, especially truly get a sense of the COM Single Market and stitution”. self-employed individuals, cost of these procedures, Economy (CSME). Current Chair of to first take the appropri- the necessary ongoing This week, the CANTA, Mr. Henderson ate actions for living a treatment and rehabili- Caribbean Association Eastmond, noted that healthy life to prevent the tation. of National Training the launch of the Online onset of non-communica- “For those with medical Authorities (CANTA) CVQs Training ble diseases (NCDs). The coverage or critical illness launched a CARICOM Programme represented company also recom- policies in place, whether Vocational Qualifications “an important milestone mends that in those cases arranged through their Online Training in the work of CANTA.” where there is a need to employer or on their own, Programme, enabling the Explaining its impor- address a serious medical timely access to these continuity of TVET pro- tance, he said it would need, to consider the op- services is much easier fessional development at strengthen the work of tions available that would and more accessible as the a distance. NTAs that do not have provide peace of mind protection provided by Described as a water- enough resources to con- for themselves and their the insurance provision shed moment in CANTA’s duct face-to-face training, families. underwrites or ‘covers’ a existence, it is the result and build Member States’ “Barbadians have had major portion of the finan- of collaboration involving capacity to implement the fortunate experience cial costs. However, for in- Paul Inniss, Executive Vice President and General the Commonwealth of CVQs. of being supported by a dividuals without insur- Manager of Sagicor Life Inc. Learning (COL), the It is an example of strong, public healthcare ance, this typically means National Training regional co-operation, he system, which has pro- a complete reliance on the health system. ical case that presents Authorities (NTAs) of said, commending the vided subsidised, rela- free, public healthcare sys- Inniss explained that itself. Grenada, Barbados and course developers drawn tively high-quality health- tem and the availability this is by no means an “Therefore, for an indi- Trinidad and Tobago, the from Trinidad and care for many years, to of resources, these being indictment on the public vidual providing for their Caribbean Development Tobago, Barbados and multiple generations.This medical personnel, equip- healthcare system, which family through self-em- Bank (CDB) and the Grenada NTAs. He said is unlike the experience ment and supplies,” said Sagicor agrees is one of ployment, the impact of Caribbean Community training with the online for those living in several Inniss. the strongest and most not making adequate fi- (CARICOM) Secretariat. programme will com- other countries across the What this means is that reliable in the Caribbean nancial provisions could Programme Manager mence next month. globe, where the responsi- those with insurance are and even across the globe. be crippling, either from for Human Resource Chair of CARICOM bility of healthcare falls on in a position to explore However, he added, the the perspective of the im- Development at the Council for Human and the individual or family,” more options for treat- Government itself has em- pact on their savings,or CARICOM Secretariat, Social Development said Paul Inniss, ment, including services phasised on several occa- the inability to access said Dr. Laurette Bristol, (COHSOD), the Hon. Executive Vice President provided by private sions that the system is healthcare services due to chaired the launch event. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister and General Manager of healthcare facilities, under tremendous pres- a lack of financing, which She lauded the contribu- of Education of The Sagicor Life Inc. whereas those without sure to provide the full would in turn threaten tion of Immediate Past Bahamas, congratulated As a result, Sagicor insurance would be forced range of services neces- their long-term health and President of CANTA, Ms. CANTA for “having the states that it is only when to find the cash/credit sary to provide treatment their ability to provide for Pauline Whiteman, for insight to provide courses Barbadians are put in a to pay for said services, and care for every single their family,” Inniss ex- advancing the landmark that will provide valuable position where they or or stick to the free public Barbadian, in every med- plained. (PR/AS) development for CANTA, certification”. 4 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Scaling up of mental health interventions key amidst pandemic

By Regina Selman made for the scaling can assist persons acerbated by the from Dr. Anselm Hennis, Mental Health at the Moore up of proven mental whose mental health present COVID-19 Director of the Pan American Health health strategies and conditions have been pandemic. Department of Non-com- Organisation (PAHO). A CALL has been interventions that brought about or ex- The call came recently municable Diseases and Dr. Hennis was at the time speaking during one of PAHO’s webinar se- ries, focusing on “Mental Health and the COVID- 19 Pandemic”. He stressed that meas- ures designed to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, coupled with the associated high disease- related burden and job losses, have increased the likelihood of individ- uals to either battle with mental health conditions for the first time or in other cases, to see an ex- acerbation of their pre- existing mental health conditions. He mean- while noted that there has been restricted ac- cess to services, which such persons are in need of. “The PAHO/WHO Rapid Assessment Survey recorded im- portant disruptions in mental health services across the Americas. Populations in vulner- able circumstances, par- ticularly women, young people, groups in the lower economic status and people with pre-ex- isting mental health con- ditions, have been signif- icantly affected by the pandemic and report high levels of anxiety and depression,” Dr. Hennis pointed out. He added, “Despite the acknowledgement of the impact of mental health, scaling up of proven men- tal health strategies and interventions remains a challenge and the stig- matisation and discrimi- nation and human rights abuses of persons with mental health conditions continues.” Pointing out that one in four persons will expe- rience mental health con- ditions in their lifetime, he suggested that the time has come to recog- nise issues with mental health as being amongst the other non-communi- cable diseases. Stressing that there remains a large gap between the global mental health bur- den and investment, with countries setting aside an average of 42% of their health budgets for mental health conditions, Dr. Hennis suggested that much more must be done to scale up services and invest in better care and treatment for those affected. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 5

Scotiabank Haggatt Hall celebrates 25th anniversary! YESTERDAY, April 29, give-aways and refresh- marked the 25th ments for all customers anniversary of visiting the branch yes- Scotiabank Haggatt terday, its long-standing Hall. The branch customers were also in opened on April 29, attendance and received 1996 under the man- tokens of appreciation agement of Mr.C. from the management Andre Cherebin. At team of the Bank. the time, the complex Twenty-five years later, Keisha Nicholls (right) collecting an award for Cheryl Robert Graham (right) collecting his award from was known as the Scotiabank Haggatt Hall Inniss from Andre Marshall, Manager, Customer Andre Marshall, Manager, Customer Experience Julie N Complex and has expanded its floor- Experience (left). (left). the branch opened di- space and customer base. rectly into the Julie’N Ryan Carrington, the community and is com- Hall branch to sign auto- April 1966 and were Inniss, Denise Massiah, Superstore. branch manager com- mitted to being an inte- graphs. recognised include: Samuel Gittens, Anthony The branch has been mented: “We’re happy gral part of its future.” Long-standing cus- Sharant Ramsay, Rollins, Cynthia Vaughn, celebrating with various to host yesterday’s cus- Did you know? In 1997 tomers who have been Jeanette Gittens, Olivette Hinds, Angela small events, including tomer appreciation event, the Toronto Raptors with the Branch since Verletta Gibson, Cheryl Greene. an employee appreciation in commemoration of our basketball team visited last week and a customer 25th anniversary here Barbados and while appreciation yesterday – at Haggatt Hall. We’re there, they dropped by April 29. In addition to proud to be a part of the Scotiabank’s Haggatt Publication beneficial to private sector By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste dressing NCDs and other the CARICOM Private challenges to the health of Sector Organisation made THE information given in our people, stimulating in- an early “deposit” into the the publication, ‘The New vestment and economic regional stock of knowl- Normal – A Post-COVID growth and for employ- edge with a document ti- Primer for Business’, pro- ment creation,” he said. tled “A Framework Risk vides private sectors with “We intend to do this Assessment Management the opportunity to build through intensified re- and Communication in the out the CSME. gional training integra- Time of COVID-19”, which This is the view of Dr. tion, intra-regional and aimed to provide some Patrick Antoine, Principal global value chains and direction to governments Consultant, Interim Head networks. that sought to assist pri- of the CARICOM Private “Without a doubt, the vate firms and entities Sector Organisation. COVID-19 pandemic has in successfully stepping Speaking during the severely impacted the down from COVID- formal, virtual launch of prospects for the regional induced restrictions and the publication recently, private sector’s growth engaging in the recovery Antoine noted that the and development in the phase that is so critical to publication was a most next several years to the growth and develop- Kean Massiah (centre) collecting a long-standing customer award for Denise timely contribution during come.” ment of our Caribbean Massiah from Scotiabank Haggatt Hall Branch Manager, Ryan Carrington (right) a critical time in He also revealed that economies. and Andre Marshall, Manager, Customer Experience (left). Caribbean civilisation and provided yet another op- portunity to build out CSME through strong and COVID-19 update: vibrant private sector ini- tiatives enabled through- out the community. 17 new cases, He noted that the pri- vate sector intended to use the publication as they 9 discharged sought to move beyond the new normal that COVID- BARBADOS recorded and 1,983 males) since the 19 had created. 17 new positive cases of first case was diagnosed Antoine went on to note COVID-19 on Wednesday, in March, last year. A that as a regional private April 28, from among 320 total of 3,768 people have sector,they were cognisant tests conducted by the recovered from the virus. that the focus on private Best-dos Santos Public Forty-four people have sector firms and entities at Health Laboratory. died from COVID-19. this time was adjusting to The new positives com- The public health lab- the new normal as growth prise two females and 15 oratory has conducted opportunities emerged males. 153,036 tests, to date. from the pandemic. Additionally,there were Under the National “As we engage in the re- nine recoveries while 92 Vaccination Programme covery, the regional private people remain in isolation. for COVID-19, 73,931 vac- sector stands at the fore- There have been cinations – 30,558 men front of the region’s aspira- 3,855 confirmed cases of and 43,373 women – have tions to reduce poverty,ad- The public health laboratory has conducted 153,036 tests, to date. COVID-19 (1,872 females been administered. 6 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate GOVERNMENT NOTICE SANITATION SERVICE AUTHORITY DLP needs to do Tenders are invited for the supply of the goods mentioned below to the Sanitation Service Authority for the financial year ending 31 March 2022. some internal 1]Tenderers for the supply of uniforms (shirts, pants, skirts, overalls and dresses) will be required to supply all materials in respect of each tender and manufacture a total of: renovations: 2245 Light Blue Polyester/Cotton Shirts with SSA Logo on pocket. 185 Long Sleeve Light Blue Polyester/Cotton Shirts with SSA Logo on pocket. political scientist 1092 Navy Blue Twill Pants. 45 Navy Blue Twill Skirts. SERIOUS renova- defeat as to what is the 318 Khaki Pants. tions must take direction, what is new, 18 Navy Blue Overalls (with short sleeves). place within the and what differentiates 3 Navy Blue Overalls (with long sleeves). Democratic Labour this party from the pre- 42 Dresses with bands (Maid & Caretaker Uniforms) in Polyester/Cotton. Party (DLP) to make vious one. If this party 140 Grey Polyester/Cotton Shirts with Navy Blue Epaulettes, Flaps and SSA Logo on pocket. it relevant to this is- wants to see another 69 Navy Blue Gabardine Pants. land’s electorate once 66 years, it needs to do 15 Navy Blue Gabardine Skirts. again. some internal renova- 36 Navy Blue Twill Pants. Insisting the DLP re- tions, so that this house 60 Grey Polyester/Cotton Shirts with SSA Logo on pocket. energise itself, Political is still some place people 22 Ladies Polo shirt with SSA Logo. Scientist Dr. Kristina want to live in and it is 108 Gents Oxford short sleeve shirt with SSA Logo on pocket. Hinds, said this was nec- not a 1966 house, but a 20 Ladies Oxford short sleeve shirt with SSA Logo on pocket. essary right now as the 21st-century house,” she public is questioning the continued. 84 Gents Dress Pants. ability of the current Also speaking on the 15 Ladies Dress Pants. party to be different recent episode of Down 8 Gents Oxford long sleeve shirt with SSA Logo on pocket. from the party which ran to Brass Tacks, political 29 Gents Polo shirt with SSA Logo. the country from 2008 pollster Peter Wickham 34 Ladies Skirt suit with SSA Logo on jacket. to 2018 – a period which expressed similar senti- 34 Ladies Pants suit with SSA Logo on jacket. the current Barbados ments. Labour Party (BLP) ad- He said in looking at 2]Tenders for the supply of the following: ministration has dubbed aggregate growth since “The Lost Decade”. 2008, the BLP has grown 12 Pairs of Black Safety Shoes with steel toe (EE) – (EEE). “People want to see by 11 per cent in terms 425 Pairs of Black Safety Boots with steel toe (EE) – (EEE). what is going to distin- of new membership and 75 Pairs of Rubber Boots. guish this party now identifying new candi- 50 Pairs of Rubber Boots with steel toe. from the DLP adminis- dates, but the DLP has 25 Pairs of Black Safety Boots without steel. tration previously that only grown by 0.21 per 125 Pairs of Black Safety Shoes without steel. people were so unhappy cent in terms of size and 46,872 Pairs of Leather/Waterproof Gloves 23 – 38 cms. with that they gave insisted this must be ad- 450 Reflective Traffic Vests with SSA Logo. them not one single seat dressed if the party is to during the last election,” survive. 3]ALL SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEASURE ALL EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR she stated, pointing out Congratulating the UNIFORMS AND DELIVER THEM PACKAGED AND LABELLED FOR INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES. that during the last DLP for reaching an- election, the party faith- other anniversary this A SAMPLE OF EACH ITEM MUST BE SUBMITTED IN RESPECT OF EACH TENDER. ALL PRICES ful’s decision to not side weekend, he said now SHOULD BE V.A.T. INCLUSIVE. with the candidates was the time for some indicated how unhappy deep soul searching. 4]Tenderers may tender for part or all of the items required. persons were with the “They need to ask, Freundel Stuart admin- ‘What has been achieved istration. since 1971? When last 5]TENDERERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THE LABOUR CLAUSES (PUBLIC CONTRACTS) ACT 349 “Every organisation have we given people a SHALL IN SO FAR AS IS APPLICABLE TO THE TENDER, APPLY TO ANY CONTRACTS MADE IN RESPECT has to look at itself and reason to vote for us and OF THE TENDER. FULL DETAILS OF THE CONDITIONS OF THE ACT 349 MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ask, where it is going,” how can we design and CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WARRENS OFFICE COMPLEX, WARRENS, ST Hinds added, and opined present ourselves in a MICHAEL. a new path is still not way that ‘I don’t just being shown by the DLP want you to vote against 6]All Tenderers must submit a Certificate of Incorporation as well as their V.A.T. Registration Number, along to the public. the BLP, but vote be- with a certificate of clearance from the Director of N.I.S., the Commissioner of Inland Revenue and the “Three years after the cause you are excited for Comptroller of Customs in respect of V.A.T. last General Election, what the DLP can bring the island [is] still not to the country’?” he 7]The successful tenderer will be required to enter into a contract and to provide a surety or the due getting a sense after this noted. performance of the contract by way of one of the methods listed below:

a)by way of a deposit with the Treasury of a sum of money or approved securities to the value of not less than ten percent of the contract price; or BWA to make b)by way of a Bank or accredited Insurance Company whose liability shall be not less than ten percent of the contract price. The cost of obtaining such a surety shall be the responsibility of the Contractor, who need connections at Parish not specifically make arrangements for sureties unless and until his tender has been accepted; or

c)by way of satisfactory personal sureties. Land, St. Philip

8]All items should be delivered to the Sanitation Service Authority, 2nd Flr. National Petroleum Corporation THE Barbados Water and Pollard Land may Building, Wildey, St Michael. Authority wishes to in- suffer low pressure or form residents of St. water outages during Philip that it will be this time. 9]No tender will be considered unless it complies with the conditions set out in this notice. making connections at Customers are asked Parish Land between to store an adequate 10] The Sanitation Service Authority does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. today, supply of water to assist. Friday, April 30. The BWA apologises 11] Tenders should be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “Tenders for the supply of Uniforms” and As a result, residents for any inconvenience addressed to the Chairman of Sanitation Service Authority, 2nd Flr. National Petroleum Corporation Building, and businesses located this work on Friday, Wildey, St Michael, to reach him not later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, 28 May 2021. between Parish Land April 30 may cause. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 7

China launches first section China’s population of its massive space station continues to SIXTY YEARS after Yuri Gagarin undertook mankind’s first space journey, China launched the core grow in capsule of its space station yesterday morning, formally embarking on the buildup of one of the humanity’s 2020: NBS largest and most sophisticated space- based facilities. BEIJING – China’s population As the countdown ticked down to zero at continued to grow in 2020, the National 11:23 am at the Wenchang Space Launch Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Center in Hainan province, 10 engines at yesterday. the bottom of a Long March 5B heavy-lift Specific data will be released in the carrier rocket roared to life, generating a 7th national population census bulletin, thrust power of 1,068 metric tons to lift the the NBS said in a brief statement on its 18-story-tall vehicle through thick rain website. clouds covering the coastal city of The 7th national population Wenchang. census was launched in November last On behalf of the Communist Party of year. China Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central China’s national Committee and chairman of the CMC, extended warm congratulations and sincere greetings to all members who have legislature participated in the mission in a congratulatory message. adopts new law Xi said in the message the successful launch of the core module marks that China’s space station construction has to promote rural entered the full implementation stage, which lays a solid foundation for the follow- up tasks. vitalization The launch is tasked with transporting BEIJING – A law on the promotion of the 22.5 ton capsule, the biggest and rural vitalization was adopted by heaviest spacecraft China has ever China’s national legislature yesterday, constructed, to a low-Earth orbit about 400 providing the country a legal guarantee kilometers above the land to place the first in pursuit of the rural vitalization piece of the country’s space station. strategy. The craft’s weight equals that of 15 The law was adopted after the third ordinary-sized cars combined. China launches the core capsule of its space station at the Wenchang Space reading at the 28th session of the 13th China’s most adventurous space Launch Center in Hainan province yesterday. National People’s Congress Standing endeavor, the multimodule space station, Committee, which opened on Monday. named Tiangong, or Heavenly Palace, will deploying the prototype of China’s new- years, mission planners have said. Chinese farmers’ harvest festival, be mainly composed of three components generation manned spacecraft, an In addition to its own components, the which falls on the Autumn Equinox – a core module attached to two space experimental cargo retrieval craft as well station will also be accompanied by an every year, has been written into this laboratories – with a combined weight of as more than 10 experimental payloads optical telescope that will be lifted after the law. nearly 70 tons. into low-Earth orbit. station’s completion to fly together with it, According to the new law, an The core capsule, named Tianhe, or Construction for the space station marks according to them. assessment system of rural vitalization Harmony of Heavens, is 16.6 meters long the beginning of the third stage in China’s Hao Chun, director of the China Manned will be built, along with the and has a diameter of 4.2 meters. It has manned space program, which was Space Agency,said his agency will strive to establishment of an annual work report three parts?a connecting section, a life- approved by the government in 1992. make sure that the space station will be system as well as supervision and support and control section and a resources The program’s first two stages had made best use of to advance space science, inspection systems. section. concluded successfully with six manned technology and application. The law stipulates protecting the The module will be central to the space spaceflights and two experimental space He said scientists will be able to use the permanent basic cropland, building a station’s future operations, given that lab missions. facility’s unique environment to perform system to ensure a steady increase in astronauts will live there and control the After the capsule was launched, mutation breeding, produce special rural income, and strengthening the entire station from inside. It will also be astronauts on the Shenzhou XII and XIII medicines and create new materials, thus work involving rural talent. used to host scientific experiments. missions and two cargo ships will be generating scientific, technological and It also demands efforts to improve Thursday’s launch marked the second launched within a few months to prepare economic benefits. the protection system of key ecosystems flight of Long March 5B, the most powerful the module for docking with other parts of The official also said that China is open and the ecological compensation Chinese rocket when it comes to carrying the station. to cooperation with foreign nations in the mechanism. capacity to low-Earth orbit. Next year, Tiangong’s two space labs, space station project. The law emphasizes establishing and With a core stage and four side boosters, two manned missions and two robotic The Chinese agency has signed improving the management system for the rocket has a liftoff weight of 849 tons, cargo flights will be made to continue agreements with the United Nations Office rural housing safety, and bans the capable of sending a 25 ton payload to construction of the station. for Outer Space Affairs on space station merger of villages against farmers’ will. orbits near Earth. Once completed, the facility will be cooperation.The two organizations jointly The law containing 74 articles will It is now the only rocket in China that capable of docking with multiple crewed published an announcement of come into force on June 1, 2021. can launch Tiangong’s heavy components. and cargo spaceships at the same time opportunity, inviting scientists from In 2017, China proposed a rural The craft is so big that each of its side and will also be able to link with foreign around the world to submit their research vitalization strategy as a key move to boosters is nearly 28 meters tall – the spacecraft if they have designated docking proposal for an opportunity to conduct accelerate the modernization of height of a 9-story building – and 3.35 hatch. their own experiments on board the agriculture and rural areas, and has meters wide. Each of them has a thrust It will be manned by three astronauts in Chinese station. since adopted a host of policies to chart power of 240 tons, even stronger than extended shifts that will last several “By now, 17 foreign nations have the roadmap for rural vitalization. many mid-lift rockets. months. During handovers between shifts, confirmed their participation in nine In this year’s government work To hold huge spacecraft, the rocket has the station will accommodate up to six scientific tasks on our station and related report, China has pledged to implement China’s largest payload fairing that is 20.5 astronauts. work is proceeding well,” Hao said. “Next, the strategy of rural vitalization in an meters tall and 5.2 meters wide. The entire Tiangong station is expected we will continue working with the all-round manner, promoting the stable Long March 5B made its debut flight in to become fully operational around the end UNOOSA to solicit proposals for future development of the agricultural sector May 2020 at the Wenchang space complex, of 2022 and is set to work for about 15 scientific collaborations.” and increasing farmers’ income. 8 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial Court: Germany must share climate Play your burden between young, old BERLIN – In a ruling heating and transport that Germany has a finite necessary,” she said. part and reduce hailed as groundbreaking, over that period, but not emissions “budget” before Germany has managed Germany’s top court said for the long-term goal of the Paris goal becomes to cut its annual emissions yesterday the government cutting emissions to “net impossible. While it didn’t from the equivalent of 1.25 water usage must set clear goals for zero” by 2050. specify what Germany’s billion tons of carbon reducing greenhouse gas The 2019 regulations share of the global carbon dioxide in 1990 to about THE rainfall experienced since Wednesday this week has emissions after 2030, “irreversibly pushed a budget is, scientists have 740 million tons last year been very much welcomed here on this island. It is hoped arguing that existing very high burden of said at current rates of – a reduction of more than that Barbadians are wise and put steps in place to make legislation risks placing emissions reduction into emission it could be used 40%. use of this resource, and not be misguided that these few too much of a burden for the period after 2030,” up in less than a decade. The current target days of rain alleviates the overall concern with water curbing climate change on judges said in their ruling. Lawyer Felix Ekardt, would require cuts of 178 supply. In recent years, this country has suffered low younger generations. The court backed the who brought one of the million tons by 2030, but a rainfall that has been below average, and even what has The verdict was a argument that the 2015 cases, called the verdict reduction of 281 million been termed short term drought. This has been a long- victory for climate Paris climate accord’s goal “groundbreaking” for tons in each of the standing issue.The lone water supplier on the island, the activists from Germany of keeping global warming Germany. following decades. Barbados Water Authority (BWA), has been addressing and elsewhere who – with well below 2 degrees “Germany’s climate Judges said it would be this challenge continuously. Staff at that entity have the support of Celsius (3.6 degrees policy will need to be wrong to allow one worked tirelessly to impart a water conservation message environmental groups – Fahrenheit), ideally no massively adjusted,” he generation “to use up large by sending representatives out into the communities had filed four complaints more than 1.5 C (2.7 F), by told reporters. parts of the CO2 budget and schools to educate on proper water use and by to the Constitutional the end of the century Fellow lawyer Roda with a comparatively mild launching highly visible media information campaigns Court arguing that their compared with pre- Verheyen said the decision reduction burden, if that aimed at changing the general public’s behaviour with rights were at risk by the industrial times should be would likely mean simultaneously means regard to water conservation.The BWA has also worked lack of sufficient targets a benchmark for Germany’s plans to phase following generations are to improve its response times to reports of burst mains beyond the next decade. policymakers. It ordered out coal use by 2038 would left with a radical and leakages, in addition to changing a number of old Like other European the German government need to be brought reduction burden and mains. Union countries, Germany to come up with new forward, in order to their lives are exposed to Despite these efforts, there are often several occasions aims to cut emissions 55% targets from 2030 onward realistically achieve the comprehensive limits to when communities across the island are without the below 1990 levels by 2030. by the end of next year. country’s long-term freedom.” precious resource. The plight of residents in northern Legislation passed two In a striking precedent, emissions target. Climate activists rural areas has been well documented and even now they years ago set specific the court also “A simple calculator expressed delight at the are receiving additional assistance from the BWA water targets for sectors such as acknowledged the idea shows that this will be verdict. tankers and donations from corporate Barbados of desperately needed water. All this because Barbados is categorised as a water scarce country.There is still a need for us to be proactive and one way is by modifying what New York mayor envisions full can be changed – individual habits. Every single man, woman and child living in this country must play their reopening by July 1 part. People need to follow the advice being given and reduce water usage. Follow the conservation tips, for NEW YORK – New York reiterated it was up to the for the last year, allowing added.“This is exactly how instance, avoid sprinklers, dishwashers, excessive use of City aims to “fully reopen” state to make decisions on companies to open up their we get to the full reopening washing machines, and use buckets of water to wash cars on July 1 after more than a reopening. He said he was offices for up to a quarter of we’re all looking forward etc, instead of running water through a hose. Take an year of closures and “reluctant” to set a date but their capacity.Los Angeles to.” active role, do not wait for your neighbours to do the right capacity restrictions, was hopeful it could County could enter the While touting the thing, instead, lead by example. Mayor Bill de Blasio said happen before July 1. state’s least restrictive inoculation effort, the It was difficult these past weeks cleaning up the ash yesterday, citing “I don’t want to wait that phase as soon as next mayor acknowledged the fall around the country that blanketed the island after satisfactory progress in long,” said Cuomo.“I think week, health officials said city needed to make more the initial eruptions of La Soufriere volcano in St.Vincent vaccinating its more than if we do what we have to do earlier this week. progress on vaccinations, and the Grenadines. The public was warned not to use eight million residents. – we can be reopened Elsewhere, Hong Kong especially to reach valuable potable water excessively to clean up their “We are ready to bring earlier.” bars and clubs opened to communities hardest hit properties and surroundings, but unfortunately some New York City back fully Even though the July 1 serve those who have had by COVID-19. people did not heed the warning. As a result, there were on July 1,” de Blasio told a date is still aspirational, at least one vaccine shot. Coronavirus cases, several instances of low water pressure and outages, news briefing.“Now we can the mayor’s announcement France will start relaxing a hospitalisations and with public notices issued warning of challenges at see that light at the end of is significant in that New nightly curfew and allow deaths have trended lower pumping stations. the tunnel.” York is the country’s most cafes, bars and restaurants in New York City since the Notably,Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, along with De Blasio said he had populous city and was the to offer outside service beginning of the year.On a other figures in the agricultural sector,publicly expressed not discussed the city’s early epicentre of the from May 19. seven-day rolling average, their desire for rain to help in the cleanup process, echoing reopening date with pandemic as the virus The New York mayor the city reported over 7 000 the general sentiment of the population. It is hoped that Governor Andrew Cuomo began sweeping across the said his optimism on the new cases a day at the now that the rains have come, Barbadians are making but his announcement United States last spring. city’s imminent return to outbreak’s peak in use of it directly to wash down their surroundings. Also, comes a day after Cuomo Chicago Mayor Lori normal reflected the January. By March new those who have guttering around their buildings can lifted restrictions that Lightfoot yesterday eased progress of a massive drive infections ebbed to 4 000 a also rig up a collection of sorts for rainwater to be used would clear the way for a capacity restrictions for to get New Yorkers day and now average about in any backyard farming or non-potable use around the revival of the city’s businesses including vaccinated. He said 6.4 2 000 a day. home or business e.g.washing down carparks.This direct nightlife.The state has the restaurants and bars, million doses of vaccine New York City last week use of the rainfall would be more impactful than waiting power to impose or lift theatres, festivals and have been administered in had about 12 000 new weeks for any trickle down to affect reservoir levels. restrictions on restaurants outdoor spectator events, the city of more than eight cases or 141 cases per Barbadians would be wise to remember past and other venues. citing an improvement in million residents. 100 000 people. If it were a experiences and modify their behaviours to suit with “I think the best way to COVID-19 metrics and More than 42% of state, it would rank 17th regard to water usage. Already the government has had proceed here is to set out progress in vaccine residents have received at nation-wide for most new to resort to importing water, which will have economic the city’s vision,” de Blasio distribution. least one shot of a infections. New York State implications in the future. We would not want said. In California last month, coronavirus vaccine, overall was reporting 158 government to have to reintroduce water restrictions Asked about the San Francisco and Santa according to city data. cases per 100 000 while like it has done in the past, or have more of our reopening plan for New Clara counties eased "People are showing up,” California and Hawaii had communities affected by outages, therefore every York City at a later press guidelines that had kept he said. “We need to keep less than 40 new cases per individual must get onboard. At the same time, we urge conference, the governor most office buildings closed the momentum going,” he 100 000 last week. Government to invest in research and implementation of any programme that would see more water being Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes made available for use, for example a wide scale E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen desalination plant, and also urge the BWA to continue to Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan improve its response times to leaks. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • FAX: 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] Please protect our children, most vulnerable! THIS letter serves three purposes: 1. To Poison Control Centre reported 9504 worn over long periods thereby potentially excessive use of such chemicals. urgently request that the use of alcohol- alcoholic hand sanitizer exposure cases in making them unsanitary. To recall another incident, a few months free hand sanitizers, be the preferred children under the age of 12 years and As a rule, we must exercise consideration ago whilst purchasing items at a gas method of sanitization for all residents but recognised that even a small amount of for all members of society. A significant station, they sanitized my hands with especially for children, the elderly, and alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning in number of establishments either prevent what smelled like floor cleaner, and when other highly vulnerable and high- children that is responsible for confusion, customers from wearing clean disposable I asked what it was they denied it and risk individuals. vomiting and drowsiness, and in severe gloves or no longer permit visitors access said it was a mixture containing 2. To request that either all merchants cases, respiratory arrest and death. without the use of alcohol-based hand Methylated Spirits, however, I asked and agencies provide alcohol-free Furthermore, frequent usage of said hand sanitizers. Some merchants include some another customer what it smelled like and sanitizers for use to persons who cannot sanitizers has reported increased chance of of the more frequented businesses across he said floor cleaner – it smelled like tolerate alcohol-based sanitizers, or to antimicrobial resistance and chance of the island. Fabuloso. provide them with clean disposable gloves other viral diseases.” Sci Total Environ. In my opinion, unnecessary hysteria is Finally, the wellbeing and safety of our when entering their establishments. 2020 Nov 10; 742: 140561. Retrieved from the cause – this hysteria should be nation’s children must always be given the 3. To request an amendment to the https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ addressed urgently. If public health absolute highest priority, they are protocols for Nurseries as it relates to the PMC7320712/ officials do not address the increasing dependent on us to guide them and to subheading titled – Preschool. Where it The above-referenced study shows the hysteria, many individuals will either be always act in their best interest. states that “Children can ‘practice’ washing serious potential dangers of frequent use robbed of the opportunity to enjoy the Repeatedly doing the right thing at their hands with hand sanitizer.” of alcohol-based hand sanitizers for convenience of access to valuable products appropriate intervals is all that’s necessary Firstly, I have experienced health children. I invite you all to review the above and services or they will be forced to suffer to foster a good new habit, and you cannot complications since the widespread use of article in full to get a better appreciation the ill effects of exposure to these harsh create a good habit by partaking in alcohol-based hand sanitizers after the of its dire findings. I request that our local chemicals. harmful and erroneous practices. advent of the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020. health agencies earnestly compile a list of I wish to recall an incident that Practicing our children to wash their When my health challenge became an alcohol-free hand sanitizers to replace the transpired at another popular hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer is ongoing issue without an apparent end, I alcohol-based hand sanitizers. This issue Supermarket, when a cashier refused me not only harmful but can lead to them took to the internet and did some research. was raised with the Director of the COVID- service – she called her supervisor who opting to use hand sanitizer over the use What I found was alarming evidence of 19 Monitoring Unit, Ronald Chapman then advised me that my clean disposable of soap because it can be seen as a matter the dangers of the frequent use of alcohol months ago but to no avail. There are gloves (also sanitized upon entry) were not of convenience even when soap and water and alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Here is foreign government agencies that provide permitted. I needed to purchase food items, are readily available. It is also my opinion the abstract of one article, which was a list containing alcohol-free sanitizers so I was very upset by this. We all know that only non-flammable, alcohol-free published online on June 27, 2020. This approved for use by the general public that money is not being sanitized and sanitizers should be used in all school study resides on the website of the during this pandemic. Two governmental merchants happily take the money with settings. National Centre for Biotechnology resources include – https://www. their bare hands. In conclusion as a people, we must Information, of the USNational Library of canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/ A state of paranoia is developing which always strive to exercise sound judgment Medicine. drugs-health- products/disinfectants/covid- needs to be abated swiftly! I go to various and due consideration for all members of “WHO recommended alcohol based 19/hand-sanitizer.html and establishments throughout the week and the society,otherwise, a significant division hand sanitizers for frequent hand hygiene, https://www.epa.gov/pesticide- at most malls and stores you walk less may ensue.This is the only way to improve which are mainly made up from ethanol, registration/list-n- disinfectants- than 20 feet before another merchant the lives of all Barbadians – this stance isopropyl alcohols, hydrogen peroxides in coronavirus-covid-19. wants to sanitize your hands,and on some would be truly indicative of who we are or different combinations.These preparations Secondly, wearing clean disposable occasions, the sanitizer used at the main who we should be – a fair and just people. may become toxic to human health and gloves helps to prevent the transmission of entrance or previously visited merchant I do hope that the issues expressed herein environment when misused. These bacteria and viruses, when worn taking has not even dried as yet. But, the staff are addressed speedily by our elected chemicals have known toxic and into account established best practices, insists without exercising discretion! This government representatives as well as by hazardous impact on environment when these gloves also protect the wearer from reckless use of authority and public the relevant leaders within the private released by evaporation. In early five harsh or otherwise toxic chemicals. indifference needs to cease. Children are in sector. months of 2020, American Association of Disposable gloves only pose a risk when our mist and they too are being harmed by ADRIAN MILLINGTON Alternatives to a high food-import bill IF the planners of Barbados’ economy decades ago. – namely, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, swiss 700 Million food import bill. want to save foreign currency and create There is absolutely no reason why chard and spinach. Barbadians have choices. jobs at the same time, they should Barbadians should be importing Local farmers must get the necessary We can do the things we have done in incentivize and facilitate a few vegetables. A properly organised and support and co-operation of the past and get the same results or we entrepreneurs in wine production with managed co-operative system is required supermarkets, minimarts, other retail can heed some useful advice and reap raw materials such as sweet potatoes, to mitigate against gluts and shortages shops and outlets if vegetable trading is rewards. If Wine, Coffee and Broccoli are dunks, golden apples and other fruits. of food crops and vegetables. to be successful. high on the list of our food-import bill, Coffee can be made from locally grown Local chefs should be aware of Special focus and attention must be then there are other beneficial roasted peas – roasted yellow whole peas vegetables with comparable nutritional paid to import-substitution if there is to alternatives that can be pursued. was a popular raw material many value that can be substituted for broccoli be a significant reduction in the yearly MICHAEL RAY

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Peter Ustinov (1921 - 2004) Mark Twain (1835 - 1910) English actor & author US humorist, novelist, “For God made Christ, who short story author, & wit never sinned, to be the FRIENDSHIP offering for our sin, so that we “Contrary to general belief, I do “Anyone who stops learning could be made right with God not believe that friends are neces- is old, whether twenty or A good friend can tell you through Christ.” sarily the people you like best, eighty. Anyone who keeps what is the matter with you they are merely the people who learning stays young. The in a minute. He may not – 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 got there first.” greatest thing you can do is seem such a good friend keep your mind young.” after telling. 10 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Stocks shake off wobbly start as investors weigh earnings US stocks moved points, or 0.5%, to 33,975 higher in afternoon and the Nasdaq added trading yesterday after 0.1%. shaking off an early Big risks to the market pullback as investors include rising inflation weigh the latest batch getting out of hand and of corporate earnings any aspect of the virus reports and economic pandemic worsening and data. throwing off the economic A report showing that recovery, said Keith the US economy grew Buchanan, senior portfolio sharply in the first quarter manager at Globalt is among the latest data Investments. pointing to a diminishing “Without one of those impact from the pandemic. two, the macroeconomic Other upbeat reports direction seems clear,” he included data showing said. that more Americans were Investors got a dose of signing contracts to buy big technology earnings homes in March after two overnight from the likes of In this photo provided by the New York Stock Exchange, Endeavour CEO Ariel Emanuel, fourth left, rings the months of declines. Apple, Facebook, NYSE opening bell, to celebrate his company’s IPO, yesterday. The S&P 500 index was Qualcomm and others. up 0.5% as of 2:16 p.m. Tech stocks drove much of after the social media report that Labour vaccinations are family and medical leave Eastern, with gains by the rally in 2020 and are giant reported stronger- Secretary Marty Walsh administered and COVID- program, distribute child communication and still highly valued to than-expected results for wants gig workers to be 19 cases continue to fall. care subsidies and more. financial companies investors, who are betting the first quarter thanks to classified as employees. Meanwhile the Labour The plan comes on top outweighing a slide in that the pandemic made a soaring ad revenue. DoorDash fell 8.1%, Uber Department said the of his proposal for $2.3 health care and permanent shift in how Auto companies fell lost 5.8% and Lyft sank number of Americans who trillion in spending to technology stocks. The Americans shopped and sharply after Ford warned 10%. filed for unemployment rebuild roads and bridges, Dow Jones Industrial entertained themselves. that a worsening global On the economic front, benefits fell again last expand broadband access Average was up 157 Facebook jumped 7% computer chip shortage the Commerce week. and launch other could cut its production in Department said that the In his speech infrastructure projects. half during the current US economy grew at a Wednesday evening, The strong economic BANK RATES quarter.Ford fell 7.6% and brisk 6.4% annual rate in President Joe Biden ticked reports bond yields higher. General Motors fell 3%. the last quarter. That off details of some of his The yield on the ten-year Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of Ride-sharing and acceleration is expected to plan for $1.8 trillion in Treasury note rose to business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. delivery service companies increase through the spending to expand pre- 1.65% from 1.62% the day also dropped following a summer as more school, create a national before. Valid for April 30, 2021

Notes: Currency Buying Selling US economy accelerates Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 Canadian Dollar 1.60684 1.65437 as recovery continues East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 Euro 2.37470 2.47470 THE US economy into a period of exceptional Pound Sterling 2.73100 2.84600 continued to recover in the growth. United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 first three months of the “We have experienced Demand/Sight: year as businesses the sharpest economic ‘V’ Currency Buying Selling reopened and the in history – a deep Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.61599 1.65291 government spent heavily recession and rapid East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 on Covid relief for citizens. recovery within just five Euro 2.40955 2.45934 The economy grew at an quarters.” Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 annualised rate of 6.4% in The strong growth was Pound Sterling 2.77107 2.82834 the quarter, up from 4.3% partly down to easing United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 in the final three months of anxiety over the pandemic Telegraphic Transfer 2020. as vaccines have been Currency Buying Selling The US economy is rolled out across the US, Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 rebounding faster than boosting domestic demand Canadian Dollar 1.61905 1.65291 expected after contracting and allowing businesses East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.41408 2.45934 sharply in 2020. such as restaurants and Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 However, it is several bars to reopen. Pound Sterling 2.77629 2.82834 years away from fully The Biden United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 recovering from the administration has also pandemic recession. ushered through two INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL Richard Flynn, UK additional rounds of Covid- CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE managing director at 19 relief money, the most RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS. financial services firm, recent of which saw N.B. These rates are not meant to be used for trading. Charles Schwab, said:“The unemployment subsidies BDS$ US economy is extended and qualified Guyana Dollar 0.00945 Jamaica Dollar 0.01302 accelerating quickly and households being sent one- T&T Dollar 0.29606 remains on solid footing as off cheques for $1 400 (£1 we likely continue to move 003). The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 11

COVID-19 pass should guarantee free movement BRUSSELS – European been vaccinated, and also “Citizens want their accessible, timely and free- COVID-19 pandemic. “Vaccines and tests must lawmakers said to those who tested rights, they want their of-charge testing” to avoid Legislators said they be accessible and free for yesterday that COVID- negative for the virus or freedom, they want to discrimination against should be in place for a all citizens.” 19 certificates aimed at have proof they recovered travel.” those who have yet to be maximum of 12 months As for the list of vaccines facilitating travel from it. Following Wednesday’s vaccinated and will travel and will “neither serve as that could be included in across the European The European vote, the results of which on the basis on PCR tests. a travel document nor the program, lawmakers Union should be Commission’s goal is to were announced Thursday, According to the European become a precondition to agreed with the European enough to move freely boost travel from one negotiations between the Commission’s predictions, exercise the right to free Commission’s proposal this summer, a position member state to another European Parliament and about 70% of the EU adult movement.” that all vaccines rubber- likely to clash with during the pandemic. the European Council can population will be “Member states must co- stamped by the European member states’ However, since border start, with the goal of vaccinated by the end of ordinate their response in Medicines Agency, the prerogatives in their control is a competence of having a deal approved in the summer. a safe manner and ensure EU’s drug regulator, upcoming negotiations. member states, each of the June, before the summer In March, the European the free movement of should be automatically EU legislators said 27 EU countries will season. Commission proposed that citizens within the EU,” recognised. They also yesterday in their remain entitled to add In their resolution, EU the certificates should be said Juan Fernando López offered EU countries the negotiating position on the extra requirements for lawmakers added that suspended once the World Aguilar, the chair of the possibility to include other European Commission’s granting access to its soil. member states should Health Organisation European Parliament’s vaccines listed by WHO for proposal that EU “What’s the point in “ensure universal, declares the end of the civil liberties committee. emergency use. governments shouldn’t having a common impose quarantines, tests European scheme if then or self-isolation measures member states can, on certificate holders. whenever they feel like it, The EU’s executive arm ignore the certificate and proposed last month that impose additional the certificates would be restrictions?” lawmaker delivered to EU residents Sophie in ‘t Veld said who can prove they have during the debate. Jobless claims drop 13 000 to 553 000 as economy heals WASHINGTON – The economy that is number of Americans reopening,? said Rubeela applying for Farooqi, chief US unemployment benefits economist at High dropped by 13,000 last Frequency Economics.“We week to 553,000, the expect further declines in lowest level since the filings as businesses move pandemic hit last March closer towards normal and another sign the capacity which will boost economy is recovering job growth over coming from the coronavirus months. recession. Unemployment claims The Labour Department are a proxy for layoffs, and reported Thursday that economists have long jobless claims were down viewed them as an early from 566,000 a week indicator of where the job earlier. They have fallen market and the economy sharply over the past year are headed. But the figures but remain well above the have become less reliable 230,000 weekly figure in recent months as states typical before the struggle to clear backlogs pandemic struck the of applications and economy in March 2020. suspected fraud muddies The four-week moving the actual volume of average, which smooths claims. out weekly gyrations, fell The job market has been 44,000 to 611,750. bounding back in recent Nearly 3.7 million people months. Employers added were receiving traditional an impressive 916,000 jobs state unemployment in March, and the Labour benefits the week of April Department is expected to 17. Including federal report next week that they program designed to ease hired another 875,000 in economic pain from the April, according to a survey health crisis, 16.6 million from the data firm FactSet. were receiving some type The unemployment rate of jobless aid the week of has dropped to 6% from a April 10. peak of 14.8% in April “Layoffs are elevated but 2020. Before the pandemic, are gradually easing, unemployment was just consistent with an 3.5% in February 2020. 12 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline INSURANCE CORPORATION OF B’DOS LTD 5,800 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $0.00 April 29, 2021 Deposit Receipts One security traded firm as 5,800 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $11,600.00. Insurance Corporation of Security Previous Current Advance/ Barbados Limited was the sole security trading 5,800 shares at $2.00. Close Close Decline EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $22.50 $22.45 -$0.05

BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Thursday April 29, 2021 INDICES LAST TRADE VOLUME HIGH LOW LAST CURRENT PRICE BID ASK BID ASK TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES DATE CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE PRICE PRICE SIZE SIZE April 29, 2021 April 27, 2021 Local 2,454.69 2,454.74 (0.05) ABV Investments Incorporated 15-Oct-20 - - - $0.05 $0.05 - $0.10 $0.30 1 10,498 Cross-list 1,140.86 1,140.86 - BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 70 - Composite 601.20 601.21 (0.01) MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - April 29, 2021 April 27, 2021 Local 4,934.11 4,934.22 (0.11) Barbados Farms Limited 18-Mar-21 - - - $0.68 $0.68 - $0.30 $0.40 7,574 6,561 Cross-list 145.67 145.67 - Composite 5,079.79 5,079.90 (0.11) Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 23-Mar-21 - - - $4.10 $4.10 - $4.00 $4.05 72 5,500 MUTUAL FUND FirstCaribbean International Bank 14-Apr-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - - $1.80 - 12,578 April 29, 2021 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 12-Apr-21 - - - $0.16 $0.16 - - $0.16 - 5,168 CHANGE - Dev Fund 23-Apr-21 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2583 -0.0046 23-Apr-21 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2670 0.0003 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 01-Apr-21 - - - $0.56 $0.56 - $0.56 $0.57 5,522 1,000 23-Apr-21 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6766 -0.0001 -Value Fund 23-Apr-21 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.8230 6.8230 6.8230 -0.0017 23-Apr-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.1046 -0.0007 Goddard Enterprises Limited 27-Apr-21 - - - $2.20 $2.20 $0.00 $2.10 $2.20 4,012 8,740 23-Apr-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0048 -0.0003 31-Mar-21 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.6411 5.6411 5.5283 0.0393 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 29-Apr-21 5,800 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 - $1.78 $2.00 56,258 13,474 31-Mar-21 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0516 1.0516 1.0306 0.0147 31-Mar-21 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6443 1.6443 1.6114 0.0016 One Caribbean Media Limited 30-Mar-21 - - $2.20 $2.20 - - $2.20 - 1,601 23-Apr-21 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.82 0.00 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - -- $2.26 $2.26 ---- - 23-Apr-21 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.74 0.00 23-Apr-21 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.99 0.00 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - - - $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE West India Biscuit Company Limited 03-Mar-21 - - - $31.25 $31.25 - $31.35 - 100 - FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $22.50 $22.45 -$0.05 $20.75 - 100 - m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly

TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD 5,800 Fixed Income Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size * = Security is Trading X-Div GOB Series B 21-Apr-21 $60.00 $60.00 $55.00 $60.00 250,000 20,000 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 - - - - *+* = Security is Suspended GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 - --- ** = Rights Issued GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 - $70.00 - 19,617 NOTICES NEWS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS Emera Incorporated - Directors have fixed March 22nd, 2021 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to Surge in iPhone sales sees receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on May 20th, 2021. DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS Apple’s profits double West India Biscuit Company Limited – Directors have declared an interim dividend of twenty-five ($0.25) cents per share to be paid A SURGE in iPhone sales, firm said. on April 30th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on April 19th, 2021. especially in China, has led More people in more Emera Deposit Receipt - Directors have declared a cash dividend of sixty-three point seven five (CDN $0.6375) cents per common to a doubling of profits at places trust BBC News than share to be paid on May 17th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on May 3rd, 2020. Registered holders of Apple since the start of the any other news source. depositary receipts ("Depositary Receipts") issued pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated pandemic. Fitness and music apps February 2nd, 2016 among Emera, the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. and registered and beneficial holders of depositary receipts from time to time, are entitled to receive, in proportion to the number of Depositary Receipts held by them, respectively, a The results reflected also saw a lockdown boost. distribution in the amount of any cash received by the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. (net of any applicable withholding “optimism” about the days Sales to China nearly taxes) in connection with the Dividend (the "Distribution"). ahead, Apple’s boss said. doubled, leading to overall Rival tech firm Facebook revenues for the first three BSE NOTICES COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE also reported bumper months of this year of Effective April 19th, 2021, the offices of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central Securities Depository revenues and profits. $89.6bn (£64.2bn), more Inc. (BCSDI) have reopened. Our office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. However,the social media than 50 per cent up giant warned Apple’s latest compared to a year earlier. Kindly note that mandatory digital temperature checks and hand sanitizing for all persons entering the building will be enforced. These checks will be conducted on both staff and clients alike by trained personnel. While we acknowledge that every person with fever may software release could Profit was $23.6bn, up not be COVID-19 positive and that some individuals may present without symptoms, please note that any person with a temperature undermine its prospects from $11.3bn for the same reading of 100˚ F (37.8˚ C) or over will be denied entry to conduct business within our offices. later in the year. period last year. Apple has seen sales of its “This quarter reflects both We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding, however, we must emphasize that this is a necessary step for the protection of staff and clients alike. phones, apps and other the enduring ways our devices rise throughout the products have helped our TRADING SUSPENSION pandemic, as consumers users meet this moment in The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section spent more time working, their own lives, as well as 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. shopping and seeking the optimism consumers entertainment online. seem to feel about The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section Customers continued to better days ahead for all of 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited upgrade to Apple’s new 5G us,” said chief executive Tim were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. phones which were rolled Cook. The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by way out last year, and also Paolo Pescatore, analyst of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor bought Mac computers and with PP Foresight, said it Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited. iPads to tackle working and was “another blowout studying from home, the quarter” for Apple. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 13

UK gives new Strengthen public confidence in volcano relief vaccination, for St Vincent PAHO urges on Vaccination Week and the THE Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging countries to close the immunization gap that Grenadines resulted in hundreds of thousands of children THE UK will give Commonwealth and missing vaccinations last further support to Development Office, said: year. provide food, clean “We stand united with The call for stepped up water and other the people of the St immunization coincides essential items, for an Vincent and Grenadines with the Vaccination Week estimated 13,000 at this difficult time. in the Americas and World people affected by the We have all been Immunization Week, eruption of the La tremendously moved by which got underway Soufrière volcano in St the scenes of devastation recently under the theme – Vincent and the and human misery that “Vaccines bring us closer”. Grenadines. this volcano has wrought. PAHO Director Dr. The new £550,000 I am pleased that the UK Carissa F.Etienne reported ($695,000 USD) stepped up to provide Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of that in 2020 in the WHO PAHO Director, Dr. contribution takes the vital support to the State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Region of the Americas, Carissa F. Etienne total UK funding to over CDEMA regional Development Office. 18.2% fewer children £800,000 ($1m USD) response within 24 hours (474,395 in total) received She urged promotion of since the eruption began of the first eruption. This towards water and make a critical all three shots of DPT3 immunization during the on April 9th and will be further support will sanitation, livelihoods contribution to the vaccines against COVID-19 pandemic and delivered via the World provide urgent assistance support and shelter. country’s longer-term diphtheria, tetanus, and support for introduction of Food Programme (WFP). to those most affected by The UK is the recovery from the pertussis, compared to COVID-19 vaccines. These funds the impact of volcano, largest financial contribu eruption and includes: 2019. Also in 2020, 13.9 Furthermore, she will deliver urgent cash including those currently tor to the World Bank’s Funding for critical percent fewer children reiterated the need for and voucher assistance to displaced and living in International infrastructure projects (379, 208 in total) received maintaining public health help families displaced by shelters.” Development Association such as the new cargo their dose of MMR1 measures – physical the volcano meet their In additional to our (IDA) facility. The World port facilities and access vaccine against measles, distancing, mask wearing immediate nutrition, bilateral support, the UK Bank recently disbursed roads near the existing mumps, and rubella, and proper hand hygiene – hygiene and other is also supporting $20m (£14m) of IDA Kingstown Harbour. compared to the year throughout the COVID-19 essential needs for the international funds from its Upgrading of health before. vaccination process and three months. response in St. Vincent Catastrophe Deferred care facilities across the COVID-19 restrictions until the pandemic is This announcement and the Grenadines in Drawdown Option (Cat- island – retrofitted to be on movement contributed defeated. follows the UK’s earlier several important ways. DDO) to support safer, greener and better to fewer vaccinations. In During the 2020 commitment of £200,000 For example: the government’s able to withstand the addition, many people were vaccination week, 16 ($278,000 USD) to the The UK is a major emergency liquidity impacts of future reluctant to go to health countries immunized Caribbean Disaster donor and longstanding needs. disasters. facilities to request populations against Emergency Management contributor to the UN The UK was a founder Supporting the island’s vaccinations for fear of influenza, prioritizing Agency (CDEMA) which Central Emergency member of the Caribbean pre and post-disaster COVID-19 transmission. health care workers, older enabled the immediate Response Fund (CERF), Catastrophic Risk management systems. “The Americas has been adults, and people with mobilisation of regional which has so far allocated Insurance Facility Supporting the tremendously successful in chronic illness. More than support teams and urgent $1m (approximately (CCRIF), which sustainable energy sector immunization against 100 million people were supplies for the initial £719,000) to St Vincent has provided a $2.2m in St Vincent and the many serious diseases,” vaccinated, reducing the relief effort. and the Grenadines in (£1.5m) grant for ongoing Grenadines through said Dr. Etienne. “We were potential that health Prior to the explosive response to the eruptions. relief and recovery efforts. investments in renewable the first region in the world systems already taxed by eruption, the UK also This will be used for energy and energy to eliminate smallpox, COVID-19 could be provided £51,000 water, sanitation and Longer-term support for efficiency. polio, and rubella. But we overwhelmed by flu ($70,000 USD) for aerial hygiene, alongside St Vincent and the Providing training are now seeing declines in patients. helicopter surveillance supporting livelihoods. Grenadines opportunities for the immunization, and we In 2020, 10 countries and equipment The UK is a donor to the Alongside this nation’s youth through must reverse that trend vaccinated more than installations to help International Federation emergency support, the our Skills for Youth not only for the health of 250,000 children and analyse changes in the of the Red Cross Disaster UK has an ongoing Employment programme. our children but also for the adults against measles. volcano and boost early Relief Emergency Fund programme of The UK also continues well-being of our entire Nine countries vaccinated warning for a timely (DREF), which has development assistance t to support St Vincent and society.” against polio, and eight evacuation. allocated funding of some o the St Vincent and the Grenadines and the The PAHO Chief called countries immunized Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of £209,000 ($290,000 USD) Grenadines’ totalling over wider Caribbean region in for government policies to against HPV (human Wimbledon, Minister of to the Red Cross £40m (approximately responding to the COVID- strengthen public papilloma virus) during State at the Foreign, response. This will go US$55.5m). This will 19 pandemic. confidence in vaccination. that week.

Mostly cloudy with breaks of sunshine with the occasional intermittent scattered light showers.

High: 5:39 a.m. and 7:04 p.m. New York: 18°C Yesterday: 0.2 mm Miami: 29°C Low: 12:36 p.m. For the month: 38.8 mm Max: 28.2°C Boston: 09°C For the year: 256.3 mm Min: 24.8°C Toronto: 11°C Montreal: 17°C London: 08°C 5:38 a.m. 6:14 p.m. 14 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

St. Vincent floods, Jamaica’s UK travel ban to be lifted May 1 KINGSTON, Jamaica – Rabacca Dry River rages Jamaica’s travel ban on the United Kingdom By Krystal Penny Bowen travelled cautiously advised the public that On state-owned radio, (UK) that is scheduled to through the deep brown SVG is experiencing seismologist Roderick come to an end today, ROADS became waters. The Joshua flooding and landslides Stewart spoke candidly April 30, will not be murky, muddy rivers Centre in Arnos Vale was due to heavy rainfall. It about pending flooding, extended. and Vincentians inundated as water filled stated that the red zone, which will occur due to This means that the dismissed warnings to the building’s hallways the area nearest to La the recent volcanic ban, which was capture a raging and pushed doors open. Soufrière has been activity of La Soufrière. instituted as part of the Rabacca Dry River as On the east of the impacted by mudflows He explained that this measures under the heavy volcanic ash island, the famous and there have been situation will occur Jamaica’s Disaster Risk deposits and unstable Rabacca Dry River was reports of flooding and regularly in the coming Management Act, will be weather conditions brimming with grey water landslides around months.After the volcanic lifted as of May 1, 2021. created widespread rapidly flowing to the sea. Kingstown. People were eruption on April 9, Speaking on the flooding, a secondary Despite repeated urged to stay indoors and widespread ashfall has significance of the lifting hazard of the La warnings from scientists stay away from areas with left tonnes of material in of the ban, Minister of Soufrière eruption. and the Vincentian rivers, streams and prone the streets and Tourism, Edmund Yesterday, The government, people are to flooding. There were communities of St. Bartlett said, “On Barbados Advocate still venturing to the reports of 75 to 125 Vincent. There were also Saturday May 1, Jamaica followed reports on St. danger zone to capture millimetres (3 to 5 inches) reports of pyroclastic will reopen its borders to Vincent and the nature’s wonder. The of rain on the island. flows and lahars or international visitors Minister of Tourism, Grenadines (SVG) media Rabacca Dry River is a Earlier, the mudflows over the past from the United Edmund Bartlett networks online, which product of La Soufrière. Meteorological Office at few weeks. As the island Kingdom. This will captured images of severe the Argyle International approaches the rainy enable the critical programme in the UK flooding in Arnos Vale, NEMO issues alert Airport reported that the season, the dislodged ash gateways of Heathrow and the fact that pretty located at the south of the about flooding and island would experience and other material will be and Gatwick airports, to close to 50 per cent of UK island. Shocked landslides mostly cloudy with mobilised and create more have transit for residents have received bystanders recorded Around noon, the moderate to heavy challenges for Vincen- passengers coming their second dose of public roads transformed National Emergency showers, periods of tians who want to clean through and who are vaccinations.” to rivers after a heavy Management rain, and isolated up and return to their fully compliant with The board noted that downpour. Vehicles Organisation (NEMO) thunderstorms. affected communities. health and safety since reopening its protocols required for borders last June, international travel.” Jamaica has welcomed The ban brought travel approximately 1.5 between Jamaica and the million visitors under the UK to a halt and was island’s robust health done as part of the and safety protocols. island’s efforts to reduce “The opening of the the spread of COVID-19. borders is important in The Jamaica Tourist the context of not just Board (JTB) noted, Jamaica’s tourism but however, that with the Caribbean tourism, as so global deployment of many of these countries COVID-19 vaccines there benefit from transiting has been an increase in through Jamaica for confidence as it relates to British and European travel and tourism. nationals,” Bartlett said. “Jamaica’s position at “It is important also this time is critical in against the background relation to the opening of the recent call by the up of the summer tourist Caribbean Tourism season and in fact, the Organization urging a importance of enabling review of the Yesterday’s image of the Rabacca Dry River which was overflowing with volcanic material from La the diaspora, particularly categorisation of Soufrière. the strong British Caribbean countries by clientele that have the UK; given the fact always come to the that we have the lowest island. The lifting of the death rates and highest UN urges global support for St. Vincent ban is also against the recovery rates and UNITED NATIONS – The eruptions that have that have resulted in to contribute and to background of the exemplary COVID-19 U.N. General Assembly destroyed homes and displacements and loss of respond generously for the improved vaccination management,” he added. approved a resolution crops, contaminated water livelihoods, food supplies, duration of the emergency Wednesday expressing supplies and displaced up health services, and and of the rehabilitation solidarity and support for to 20% of its people. “access to social process.” St. Vincent and urging More than 16,000 people infrastructure.” It also U.S. Ambassador Linda 21 dead, more than continued financial help were evacuated ahead of expressed concern about Thomas-Greenfield said for the eastern Caribbean the first explosion at La the effects on basic after the resolution’s island as it deals with Soufriere volcano on April infrastructure and on the adoption that “we must act 30 injured after road volcanic eruptions. 9. Officials say ash is piled economies of neighboring now – and together – to The resolution, adopted up to 16 inches (42 countries. meet the U.N.’s US$29.2 collision in Haiti by consensus in the 193- centimeters) high on some The assembly stressed million fundraising goal member world body, also homes in the northern part “the urgent need to restore and bring relief to the PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti capital, civil protection asks U.N. Secretary- of St. Vincent, where the normal conditions for the people of Saint Vincent – A minibus collided with officials said. General Antonio Guterres volcano sits. More than population.” and the Grenadines.” a bus in Haiti, killing at Authorities said to support rehabilitation 6,200 evacuees are staying It asked the She said an initial least 21 people and witnesses told them that a efforts in St. Vincent and in 88 government shelters international community US$250,000 in U.S aid “is injuring more than 30 minibus traveling from neighboring countries and thousands of others in “to increase support” for St. just a start in what will be others, authorities said. Port-au-Prince to Saint- affected by the volcano. homes or private shelters. Vincent and other affected a long-term response,”and The crash occurred Marc tried to pass another Last week, the U.N. The resolution expressed countries and encouraged represents the Biden Wednesday in the eastern car when it hit a bus head- announced it is seeking deep concern about “the international financial administration’s “firm coastal town of Arcahaie, on. The bus had been US$29.2 million to help St. serious consequences of institutions and commitment to just northwest of the traveling from Gonaives Vincent recover from the the explosive eruptions” organizations “to continue humanitarian action.” Caribbean country’s to the capital. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 15

T&T Government CARPHA staff tests positive announces stricter for COVID-19 A MEMBER of staff at the Port-of- measures as Spain office of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has tested positive for COVID-19. CARPHA confirmed the positive status of its employee in a press release COVID cases soar yesterday. The Agency assured that all PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The theatres and clubs, will be closed. necessary steps have been taken, Trinidad and Tobago government In addition, the public service will including sanitising of workspaces, and yesterday announced stricter operate on essential services. Rowley sampling, testing and quarantining of measures to curb the spread of the said that in the case of Tobago, there contacts. coronavirus (COVID-19) after the will be a cut in the number of flights to CARPHA said Chief Medical Officer country recorded 328 new the island, as well as a reduction in the Dr Roshan Parasram was immediately cases of the virus in a 24-hour number of passengers utilising the sea informed and updated on the measures period. bridge. All tours to areas of recreation taken. Late Wednesday, the Ministry of will also be curtailed in both islands. The COVID positive employee is now Health reported that 223 new COVID- The government also announced that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in isolation and receiving the 19 cases – from samples taken between the police would now be able to enter appropriate care. April 25 and 27 – have pushed the private homes and end activities that being thrown to the wind “the only CARPHA assured that this won’t overall total past 10,000. contrive the existing health protocols. thing we can do now in Trinidad and affect its operations or the services it The country has now recorded 10,170 “Some of the people who we think Tobago to evade a disaster brought on provides, adding that its workplace COVID-19 cases since the first reported should lead this country at their by COVID-19 in its second year is to protocol continues to be in place. infection in March 2020. From these, locations, their homes and their intervene and to interrupt the 8,351 patients have recovered. The communities because they are in a distribution of the virus among the death toll has also increased to 163 position to lead…they have been the population”. after the Ministry of Health recorded ones who have been putting themselves Rowley said that the introduction of two new deaths on Wednesday. There about the regulations (and are saying the vaccine here had also contributed to are now 1,656 active cases. the measures) don’t apply to me, it does persons engaged in a relaxation of the “The numbers we are seeing now are not apply in my neighbour… various protocols, such as wearing slightly ahead of the projected numbers “I could organise a party because the masks, social distancing and washing that we would have made in some police cannot come in here and the hands. quarters and in some other quarters we police cannot tell me what to do. Yes, the Rowley said that the quantity of would see the curve not going police will be able to tell you what to do vaccines now on the island, which in the direction we would like home.You see before we took the would have ensured that persons would it to go. position that we would not overly have received a second “jab” will now be “But taking the raw number 328, as intrude on the individual freedoms even used to give a first “jab” to people. against 250, as against 180 and as as we fight the virus. “So, if we do not get for whatever against 15 you don’t have to be an “But if in so doing persons are using reason, on time… we would have Einstein to understand what we dealing that to misbehave and create situations vaccinated one dose per person upwards with,” Rowley said, reminding the that threaten the rest of the country, of 80,000 people. If on the other hand country that Trinidad and Tobago and then I want to let the country know that things go as we are expecting to go in the rest of the world is dealing with a the existing laws and regulations of the context of the shipping order that pandemic. Trinidad and Tobago. I have been we have in hand, then we should get “Difficult as it is, it is the best option properly advised by lawyers who have another batch in time to begin to do the open to us,” Prime Minister Dr Keith been properly trained, and the advice second dose on the first set of people we Rowley, who has just recovered from that I have is that the existing laws in vaccinated, and then we will be back on the virus, told a news conference. He the public health and the regulations schedule.” said the new measures would go into that flow from there allow the police to During the news conference, Rowley effect from midnight and last until May intervene in private spaces if the police said he was “happy to be out and about” 23. are of the opinion that what is going on after his battle with the virus, adding “I He said that all restaurants, bars, in that private space is detrimental to must say I have been one of the lucky malls, places of worship, gyms, fitness the public interest,” Rowley said. ones”. centres as well as spas, hairdressing He told reporters that the figures “I do consider myself lucky,” he CARPHA Chief Medical Officer Dr and beauty places, casinos, cinemas, have shown that with all the cautions said. Roshan Parasram T&T Ministry installs first electronic monitoring device on offender THE Ministry of National Security said person to comply with any of the terms monitoring for an offence committed; Police Service (TTPS) is empowered, the country’s first electronic monitoring of the order will result in the revocation in lieu of a sentence of imprisonment or under the Act, to immediately arrest device has been installed on an offender of bail and immediate withdrawal part of any sentence imposed. The any person who fails to comply with which is a historic first. from the Electronic Monitoring Court may also impose electronic any agreement or condition related to In a statement, the Ministry said Programme. monitoring as a condition of bail or a the programme. the installation of the device was done The Ministry said the Administration Protection Order made under Section 5 Electronic Monitoring is one of the on April 28 by the Ministry of National of Justice (Electronic Monitoring) Act of the Domestic Violence Act. major initiatives being implemented by Security’s Electronic Monitoring Unit, was assented to on July 03, 2012. Both pieces of legislation were the Government of Trinidad and Tobago following an order of the High Court on Amendments to this Act were proclaimed by the President of the to transform and modernize the April 23, 2021, via which the offender subsequently made through the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on criminal justice landscape in this was granted bail, on a condition of Administration of Justice (Electronic September 18, 2020. country. compliance with the parameters of the Monitoring) (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of The Act provides for a fine of $50,000 The Electronic Monitoring System is Electronic Monitoring Programme. 2020 to make provision for the and six months imprisonment for intended to contribute to the overhaul The Ministry said the offender will be implementation of an electronic contravention of the Electronic of the Penal System in Trinidad and placed on Home Detention for a period monitoring system in Trinidad and Monitoring Regulations. The Act also Tobago by introducing a new sentencing of a year and will be required to wear Tobago and the use of electronic makes provision for a $100,000 fine and option to the court as an alternative to the electronic monitoring ankle device monitoring devices as part of the two years’ imprisonment for tampering incarceration, with a view to reducing 24 hours a day for the duration of the criminal justice system. with or removal of an electronic prison overcrowding and introducing a period. The legislation allows the Court to monitoring device. more effective offender management The Ministry said failure of the impose a sentence of electronic Further, the Trinidad and Tobago system. 16 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Terraces of France’s Covid: Brazil cafes, restaurants, passes 400,000 to open next month deaths amid PARIS – President Students will go back to Emmanuel Macron said secondary and high schools yesterday that the outdoor next week, and a domestic slow vaccination terraces of France’s cafes travel ban will end, he and restaurants will be confirmed. A 7 p.m. to 6 THE number of deaths plummeted. allowed to reopen on May a.m. curfew will remain in related to Covid-19 has The outbreak has been 19 along with museums, place. passed 400,000 in Brazil, fuelled by more cinemas, theaters and Restaurants and cafes the second-highest in transmissible variants of concert halls under certain will be able to serve the world, as the the virus and a lack of co- conditions. customers outdoors at country continues to ordinated national In an interview with tables seating a maximum struggle with its measures. The situation regional newspapers, of six people starting May vaccination has improved in many Macron outlined a four-step 19, when the nightly programme. areas, including where the plan to reopen the country curfew will be pushed back There were 3,001 deaths health system was on the and revive its economy.The to 9 p.m. Non-essential in 24 hours, after a peak of brink of collapse, after French government is shops also reopen, as well more than 4,000 was states and cities imposed slowly starting to lift as cultural sites and sport reached at the start of restrictions, but they are partial lockdowns, despite facilities, which will have April. The 14-day average already being eased. still high numbers of occupancy limits of 800 of deaths and cases The rate of occupancy of coronavirus cases and people indoors and 1,000 remains high but has seen intensive care unit beds hospitalized COVID-19 outdoors. French President Emmanuel Macron while a slight fall. remains at or above 90% in patients. French authorities are addressing the media prior to a working lunch Congress has opened an more than a third of the Reopening nurseries and anticipating the COVID-19 with Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa at the inquiry into the states, according to the primary schools this week outlook in the country to be Elysee palace in Paris,yesterday. government’s handling of health institute Fiocruz, was a priority,the president better next month, when a the pandemic. which said the scenario said.“We have taken on the greater proportion of the with proof of a COVID-19 5,000 people will be President Jair remained “critical”. responsibility of the population will be vaccine or a negative PCR allowed. The final stage of Bolsonaro, who has Brazil recorded 100,000 priority on education and vaccinated. test. the plan will see the end of frequently spoken out deaths in just 37 days, the strategy of living with The government’s plan On that same day, cafes the nighttime curfew and against lockdowns, masks between March and April, the virus, including with provides for permitting and restaurants will be the lifting of most and defended unproved which were the worst high numbers of infections, foreign tourists back into allowed to resume regular restrictions on June 30, drugs as treatment, is months in the country. higher than those of our France on June 9 as long as service until an 11 p.m. although nightclubs will facing widespread criticism Only the US has a higher neighbors,” Macron said. they hold a “sanitary pass” curfew. Events of up to remain closed. and his support has death toll. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 17

Biden’s declaration: America’s democracy ‘is rising anew’ WASHINGTON – families and education to the same as usual, the President Joe Biden help rebuild an economy visual images were unlike declared Wednesday devastated by the virus and any previous presidential night that “America is compete with rising global address. Members of rising anew” as he called competitors. Congress wore masks and for an expansion of His speech represented were seated apart because federal programs to both an audacious vision of pandemic restrictions. drive the economy past and a considerable gamble. Outside the grounds were the pandemic and He is governing with the still surrounded by fencing broadly extend the most slender of majorities after insurrectionists in social safety net on a in Congress, and even some January protesting Biden’s scale not seen in in his own party have election stormed to the decades. blanched at the price tag of doors of the House chamber In his first address to his proposals. where he gave his address. Congress, he pointed At the same time, the The nationally televised optimistically to the speech highlighted Biden’s ritual raised the stakes for Vice President Kamala Harris, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., nation’s emergence from fundamental belief in the his ability to sell his plans to stand and applaud as President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of the coronavirus scourge as power of government as a voters of both parties, even Congress, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in the House Chamber at the U.S. a moment for America to force for good, even at a time if Republican lawmakers Capitol in Washington. prove that its democracy when it is so often the object prove resistant. can still work and maintain of scorn. This year’s scene at the chamber largely stayed The president spoke race in America, urging primacy in the world. “I can report to the front of the House chamber silent, even refusing to clap against a backdrop of the legislation be passed by the Speaking in highly nation: America is on the also had a historic look: For for seemingly universal weakening but still lethal anniversary of George personal terms while move again,” he said. the first time, a female vice goals like reducing pandemic, staggering Floyd’s death next month, demanding massive “Turning peril into president, Kamala Harris, childhood poverty.Sen.Tim unemployment and a and to call on Congress to structural changes, the possibility. Crisis into was seated behind the chief Scott of South Carolina roiling debate about police act on the thorny issues of president marked his first opportunity. Setback into executive.And she was next said, in the Republicans’ violence against Blacks. He prescription drug pricing, 100 days in office by strength.” to another woman, House designated response, that also used his address to gun control and proposing a US$1.8 trillion While the ceremonial Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Biden was more rhetoric touch on the broader modernizing the nation’s investment in children, setting of the Capitol was The GOP members in the than action. national reckoning over immigration system. US vows again to ban menthol flavour in cigarettes, cigars WASHINGTON – U.S. attempted several times to companies. health regulators pledged get rid of menthol but faced Yesterday’s announce- again yesterday to try to pushback from Big Tobacco, ment is the result of a ban menthol cigarettes, this members of Congress and lawsuit filed by anti- time under pressure from competing political smoking and medical African American groups to interests in both the Obama groups last summer to force remove the mint flavour and Trump administra- the FDA to make a decision, popular among Black tions.Any menthol ban will alleging that regulators had smokers. take years to implement “unreasonably delayed” The Food and Drug and will likely face legal responding to a 2013 Administration has challenges from tobacco petition. US indicts 3 on hate crime charges in death of Ahmaud Arbery WASHINGTON – The carrying and brandishing a neighborhood while yelling Justice Department firearm during a crime of at Arbery,using their truck brought federal hate crimes violence. to cut off his route and charges Wednesday in the The case is the most threatening him with death of Ahmaud Arbery, significant civil rights firearms.” It also alleges charging a father and son prosecution undertaken to that Bryan got into a truck who armed themselves, date by the Biden and then chased Arbery, chased and fatally shot the administration Justice using the vehicle to block 25-year-old Black man Department and comes as his path. after spotting him running federal officials have moved Arbery, 25, was killed on in their Georgia quickly to open sweeping Feb. 23, 2020, by three neighborhood. investigations into troubled close-range shotgun blasts Travis McMichael and police departments as civil after the McMichaels his father, Gregory, were rights takes center stage pursued him in a pickup charged along with a third among the department’s truck as he was running man, William “Roddie” priorities. through their neighbor- Bryan, with one count of The indictment charges hood.Arbery had been dead interference with civil that the McMichaels for more than two months rights and attempted “armed themselves with when a cellphone video of kidnapping. The firearms, got into a truck the shooting was leaked McMichaels are also and chased Arbery through online and a national charged with using, the public streets of the outcry erupted. 18 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Top ally announces Lawmakers closing Navalny’s offices clear EU COVID pass but it may amid crackdown not ensure MOSCOW– A top ally of imprisoned of his conviction and fine for defaming a Russian opposition leader Alexei World War II veteran.The politician was Navalny said yesterday that the convicted in February and ordered to pay smooth travel network of the politician’s offices in a fine of 850-thousand rubles (the EUROPEAN lawmakers yesterday Russia is being closed as authorities equivalent of US$11,500). approved the creation of an EU-wide seek to have it and Navalny’s Even though the quality of the video COVID-19 certificate sought by Foundation for Fighting Corruption link was poor,it was visibly clear that the southern member states to help revive outlawed as extremist groups. politician has lost a lot of weight. His summer tourism, but the move could be Also yesterday,Navalny made his first head was shaven clean, and he wore a undermined by their differing public appearance in weeks, facing a prison jacket with a black T-shirt under vaccination and testing rules. court via video link from behind bars. it, and glasses. The fate of the project, which The politician looked gaunt after a three- Navalny took an active part in the tourism-dependent countries Spain week hunger strike, but still was able to court hearing and spoke energetically and Greece hope will help resuscitate slam the Kremlin in an emotional speech. despite his gaunt appearance. During a their economies, hinges on further His embattled team has faced a major break, he asked his wife, Yulia, who was In this photo provided by the negotiations between EU lawmakers, challenge this month. The Moscow present at the hearing, to stand up so he Babuskinsky District Court yester- member states and the prosecutor’s office petitioned a court to could see her.He told her he’s now eating day, Russian opposition leader European Union’s executive declare both the regional offices and several spoons of porridge each day – Alexei Navalny is seen on TV screen commission. Navalny’s anti-corruption organization part of winding down his hunger strike. gesturing during a hearing on his The plan aims to introduce a as extremist groups, a label that would “When we saw each other during charges for defamation in the standard pass for people who have been outlaw their activities, expose members visitation (in the colony), I weighed two Babuskinsky District Court in vaccinated or tested negative for the and supporters to lengthy prison terms. kilograms more – it was 74 (163 lbs.) and Moscow, Russia. virus to travel across the 27-nation Leonid Volkov, who as Navalny’s top now it’s 72 (159 lbs.),” Navalny said. bloc, but is complicated by member strategist runs the regional offices, said “72 suits you better than 74,” Yulia team called them, allowed Navalny to states’ differing goals and approaches yesterday that preserving the network responded with a smile. spread his reach beyond Moscow and to vaccination or testing. of regional “headquarters” in its current In his statement to the court, Navalny gain influence across Russia’s vast National differences over recognising state “is impossible” because of the referred to Putin as “the emperor with no geography. They helped him challenge negative antibody tests on top of PCR extremism charges but rebranding them clothes” and charged that Russia under the government by running their own tests, technical difficulties in creating a wouldn’t help either. his rule “continues to degrade every year.” investigations of graft by local officials single EU gateway, worries about “Unfortunately,it is impossible to work Shortly after his emotional speech, the and recruiting local activists, some of discrimination against those who have in these conditions. We’re officially judge rejected the appeal. whom later ran for public office not been vaccinated, and privacy issues dismantling the network of Navalny’s Navalny’s foundation and regional themselves. mean finding common ground headquarters,” Volkov said on the network are also subjects of legal They were also instrumental in across the EU might be tricky, messaging app Telegram. proceedings. Earlier this week, the organizing nationwide protests in his diplomats said. Volkov’s statement comes amid a Moscow prosecutor’s office issued an support and implementing the Smart As a result, the likely result is a sweeping crackdown on Navalny, injunction ordering the offices to suspend Voting strategy – a project designed to system that would introduce COVID President Vladimir Putin’s fiercest critic, their activities pending the court ruling promote candidates who are most likely certificates as a minimum common and his organizations. The politician is on whether to ban them as extremist to defeat those from the Kremlin’s denominator but leave much leeway to currently in prison, and dozens of his groups, and a court in Moscow imposed dominant United Russia party in various each country on what rights they would aides and associates have been under restrictions on the Foundation for elections. be willing to grant to holders of such arrest, targeted for raids by law Fighting Corruption. In 2019, Smart Voting helped passes, they added. enforcement, or facing criminal charges. The foundation’s director, Ivan opposition candidates win 20 of 45 seats In voting overwhelmingly for an “EU While imprisoned, Navalny said he Zhdanov, said the organization will on the Moscow city council, and regional COVID-19 certificate”, the European developed severe back pain and continue to work despite the restrictions. elections last year saw United Russia Parliament said member states should numbness in his limbs, and he spent Navalny set up the network of offices in lose its majority in legislatures in three not impose additional travel more than three weeks on a hunger strike dozens of regions when he was cities. restrictions on those carrying such to protest authorities refusing to allow his campaigning to run against Putin in the In a video statement yesterday,Volkov passes, and that they should make free doctor see him. Instead, they moved him 2018 presidential election. He eventually assured supporters that Navalny’s team testing widely available. to another prison with a hospital ward. was barred from running but kept the wasn’t giving up and that most of the But the European Commission has Yesterday, Navalny appeared in court infrastructure in place. regional offices will continue to exist as proposed that countries should be able via a video link from prison for an appeal The regional “headquarters,” as the independent political entities. to retain extra requirements, as many member states also want. As the complex EU decision-making process grinds on, many countries are Pope’s anti-corruption decree for putting their own systems in place, heightening the risk of a disjointed set Vatican limits gifts to 40 euros of rules that would fail to ensure uniform free travel across the bloc. POPE FRANCIS issued a new decree He later used local Church funds to Hungary said it would pursue yesterday mandating full economic reimburse himself. The investigation bilateral deals on recognising COVID- disclosure and controls for Vatican found him responsible for sexual 19 vaccine certificates that would allow managers, including cardinals, and harassment of adults and financial citizens to travel among participating stipulating that no one can accept improprieties. He denied wrongdoing. countries. personal gifts worth more than 40 euros One of the Vatican cardinals who Others, including Estonia, Lithuania, (US$49). received the gifts from Bransfield Greece, Spain, Germany and France, The decree followed another papal law returned the money and the other said he are introducing their own solutions to last May in which Francis tightened had given it to charities. record vaccinations and member states rules for Vatican procurement Last year, a Vatican report into would still be allowed to keep their own contracts. disgraced former U.S. cardinal Theodore systems in place even once an EU-wide The practice of gift-giving among McCarrick showed that he regularly gave one is there. Catholic clerics was the source of several cash gifts to fellow clergymen, including They would be obliged to honour scandals in the Church in recent years. Vatican officials, over a period that vaccines authorised for the whole bloc In 2019, an investigation by the U.S. scanned decades. by the European Medicines Agency – Church found that Bishop Michael J. McCarrick was expelled from the including Pfizer, Moderna and Bransfield of West Virginia sent personal priesthood in 2019 after an internal AstraZeneca – but each country cheques totalling more than US$350,000 investigation found him guilty of sexual FILE PHOTO: Pope Francis holds would decide on its own how to treat to about 140 fellow clerics over more than abuse of minors and adults and abuse of weekly general audience at the people who received Russian or a decade, including two U.S. cardinals. power. Vatican Chinese shots. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 19

Kenya camps with 400,000 Iran welcomes Saudi refugees to be closed next year Arabia’s ‘change of NAIROBI, Kenya – with what it said were Kenya for certain refugees appropriate and rights- tone’ – foreign ministry Kenya wants two “sustainable rights-based from East African based solutions for refugees IRAN yesterday overcoming differences”, refugee camps which measures” for finding Community, or EAC, and asylum-seekers welcomed what it called a Iranian media quoted hosts hundreds of solutions for the refugees’ countries. residing in the refugee change of tone from Saudi foreign ministry thousands of refugees long-standing “We are serious about camps in Dadaab and Arabia and said it hoped spokesman Saeed from war-torn countries displacement. completing the repatriation Kakuma,” Grandi said. they could work together Khatibzadeh as saying. closed by June 30 next This followed a two-week program which we started Refugees from East to secure peace, amid Shi’ite Muslim power year, the government ultimatum given by in 2016, in full view of our African countries will be moves to ease tensions Iran and Sunni power said yesterday. Kenya’s interior minister international obligations given the option of being between the regional Saudi Arabia severed The announcement for the agency to come up and our domestic issued a work permit for rivals. diplomatic ties in 2016 followed a meeting with a road map to close responsibility.We therefore free so that they can Iran’s foreign ministry and have been engaged in between Kenyan President the decades-old camps. reiterate our earlier integrate into Kenyan spokesman made the decades of proxy wars Uhuru Kenyatta and U.N. The push by Kenya’s position to close both communities or return to statement days after across the Middle East, High Commissioner for government to shut down Dadaab and Kakuma their country of origin, Saudi Arabia’s de facto from Iraq to Syria and Refugees Filippo Grandi the camps sooner has been camps by 30th of June, Matiang’i said. ruler, Crown Prince Yemen as they vie for about the status of the two blocked after the High 2022,” Interior Minister Kenya has said the Mohammed bin Salman, influence. refugee camps where Court issued the Fred Matiang’i said, Dadaab refugee camp near said his country wanted But with U.S. President 433,765 refugees and temporary order,which will according to the statement. the Somalia border is a better relations with Joe Biden’s asylum-seekers live. Most run for 30 days, after “I believe that the source of insecurity. Some Tehran. administration taking a of the people at the two former presidential government and people of officials have argued that it “With constructive tougher stance on Saudi camps are from Somalia aspirant Peter Gichira filed Kenya will continue to has been used as a views and a dialogue- Arabia’s human rights and South Sudan. a legal challenge seeking to show their generous recruiting ground for the oriented approach, Iran record and pressing it to “A joint team comprising block closure of the two hospitality towards jihadi rebels of al-Shabab and Saudi Arabia ... can end the Yemen war,Prince officials from the Kenyan camps. refugees as they have done and a base for launching enter a new chapter of Mohammed has moved to government and the (U.N. UNHCR’s “sustainable for nearly three decades, violent attacks inside interaction and show he is a valuable Refugee) agency will and rights-based while we carry on Kenya, but officials haven’t cooperation to achieve partner able to help therefore be formed to measures” to find solution discussions on a strategy provided conclusive peace, stability and stabilise the region, finalize and implement a for displacement of the to find the most durable, proof. regional development by diplomats have said. road map on the next steps refugees include voluntary towards a humane return for refugees in management of refugees in safety and dignity, both camps,” a joint departures to third statement said. countries under various Earlier this month, arrangements, and UNHCR presented Kenya alternative stay options in India COVID cases cross 18 million, gravediggers work round the clock INDIA’S total COVID-19 Getting the body,removing cases passed 18 million it from the ambulance, and yesterday after another then burying it.” world record number of Each day, thousands of daily infections, as Indians search frantically gravediggers worked for hospital beds and life- around the clock to bury saving oxygen for sick victims and hundreds relatives, using social more were cremated in media apps and personal makeshift pyres in parks contacts. Hospital beds and parking lots. that become available, India reported 379,257 especially in intensive care new infections and 3,645 units (ICUs), are snapped new deaths yesterday, up in minutes. health ministry data “The ferocity of the showed,the highest second wave took everyone number of fatalities in a by surprise,” K. single day since the start of VijayRaghavan, principal the pandemic. scientific adviser to the The world’s second most government, was quoted as populous nation is in deep saying in the Indian crisis, with hospitals Express newspaper. and morgues “While we were all overwhelmed. aware of second waves in Mumbai gravedigger other countries, we had Sayyed Munir vaccines at hand, and no Kamruddin, 52, said he indications from modelling and his colleagues were exercises suggested the working non-stop to bury scale of the surge.” victims. India’s military has “I’m not scared of begun moving key COVID, I’ve worked with supplies, such as oxygen, courage. It’s all about across the nation and will courage, not about fear,” he open its healthcare said. “This is our only job. facilities to civilians. 20 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Alison Chapman-Andrews exhibition marks reopening of The Brighton Storeroom Art Gallery THE Brighton Storeroom is through a tangled mass of tree and in 2006 she received the delighted to announce its trunks and leaves, conjuring Governor General’s award for re-opening with a stunning up images of young boys her work. exhibition of new paintings fishing and birds flying among Big Gully Pond is the first by Alison Chapman- the leafy branches above. one-person show in three years Andrews entitled Big Gully Strong shadows from the of Alison Chapman-Andrews; Pond. intense Caribbean sun dissect previous shows include Inspired by one of Barbados’ the landscape, cutting the Landscape Revisited, mystical ‘gullies’ – forested cylindrical tree trunks at Morningside Gallery at the valleys that teem with flora different points and leading Barbados Community College, and fauna – Big Gully Pond the viewer’s eyes deep into the 2013: The Figure, also at the comprises four new large gully. Chapman-Andrews uses Morningside Gallery, 2017; and works that take the Barbadian bold colours and strong The Land, featuring the Mark landscape as their subject brushwork to capture each Hunt Bequest Queens Park, matter that are on display moment without hesitancy, 2018. Her work has been alongside a number of smaller and employs a unique featured in many group and studies. The collection is an ‘scratching’ technique in many two-person shows in Barbados important development in the of the paintings to imitate and beyond. Alison Chapman- work of Chapman-Andrews, rough tree bark. Andrews has paintings which reflecting an extensive A graduate of The Royal appear in Art in Barbados, examination of a specific College of Art in London, What Kind of Mirror Image: physical location and offering Chapman-Andrews moved to Cummins, Thompson, Whittle: the viewer direct access to the Barbados in 1971. She has Caribbean Art: Veerlie artist’s experiences and spent over 50 years working in Poupeye, A to Z of Caribbean interpretations. the Visual Arts locally, artists, and over 35 catalogues It is hard to comprehend carefully and lovingly studying and publications. that the starting point for Big the physical world around her. Big Gully Pond runs until Gully Pond was a black and She is renowned for her the end of June 2021. The white photo taken from a representation of the Brighton Storeroom opens moving car. Over time and Barbadian landscape and her Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to through multiple sketches, new paintings continue this 10:00 a.m. and by Chapman-Andrews exploration. During her career appointment. Visitors are transformed the landscape of a she has worked as a teacher, reminded that all current small gully into paintings that curator and newspaper Covid-19 protocols will be depict streams flowing columnist as well as an artist, observed. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 21

US, UK, Barbadian authors up for Women’s Prize for fiction LONDON – Novels Gyasi. miserable books,” she debut novels. We weren’t that explore forgotten Also in the running are said. “They’re all really even looking at the and neglected Barbadian writer Cherie beautifully crafted authors. It was the communities in Jones’ story of gritty life stories. … They’re not books, and whether the Britain, the US and on a beautiful island, lightweight, but they are books spoke to us”. the Caribbean were “How the One-Armed a thrilling read.” “I think it might speak named finalists on Sister Sweeps Her Founded in 1996, the to the fact that perhaps Wednesday for the 30 House,” and two books by prize is open to female there aren’t as many 000 pound ($42 000) British writers: Susanna English-language writers older women writers who Women’s Prize for Clarke’s literary fantasy from around the world. have had long careers fiction. “Piranesi” and Claire Previous winners include getting published,” said The six-book shortlist Fuller’s rural family saga Zadie Smith, Tayari Evaristo, who won the includes American “Unsettled Ground”. Jones and Maggie Booker Prize in 2019 author Brit Bennett’s Booker Prize-winning O’Farrell. with her eighth novel, tale of twins who take novelist Bernardine Only one of this year’s “Girl, Woman, different paths, “The Evaristo, who is chairing finalists, Fuller, has Other”. Vanishing Half,” US the judging panel, said published more than two “There always seem to writer Patricia several of the novels books. Bennett, Clarke be lots of debuts around, Lockwood’s social media depicted “communities and Gyasi are nominated but sustaining a long satire “No One is Talking that aren’t really written for their second career is something About This” and about in fiction” and published novels, while that’s perhaps harder to “Transcendent tough subjects such as Lockwood and Jones are do.” Kingdom,” a story of domestic violence, debut novelists. The winner of the 2021 African immigrants in addiction and Evaristo said the five Women’s Prize will be Alabama by Ghanaian- depression. judges “weren’t looking announced July 7 at a American writer Yaa “But they’re not at whether they were ceremony in London. Rapper Kodak Black appears in court at the Florence County, South Carolina, courthouse in a Florence, S.C. Wednesday, April 28, 2021. Rapper Kodak Black gets probation in teen’s assault case FLORENCE, S.C. – the show, biting her on Rapper Kodak Black was the neck and breast and sentenced to probation continuing even after she Wednesday for told him to stop, assaulting a teenage girl authorities said. in a South Carolina hotel The girl reported the room. attack to a school nurse Black was originally who called police, charged with rape, but investigators said. accepted a deal and Black had a three-year pleaded guilty to first- federal prison sentence degree assault at the for falsifying documents Florence County used to buy weapons at a courthouse. Miami gun store Black, whose legal commuted by President name is Bill Kapri, faces Donald Trump on his Barbadian writer Cherie Jones’ story of gritty life on a beautiful island, ‘How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps a ten-year suspended last day in office. He had Her House’. prison sentence. He served about half his won’t have to go to sentence. prison on the charge as Black’s lawyer, Rihanna, Sean Paul, Nicki Minaj, Buju in concert for ravaged SVG long as he completes 18 Bradford Cohen, was OVER a dozen major artistes will Since the La Soufriere volcano Co-operation Resource months of probation, once a contestant on take part in a virtual fund-raising in St. Vincent began to explosively Mobilisation Unit, Lisa Taylor- media outlets reported. Trump’s “Celebrity concert to assist the volcano- erupt on April 9, over 20 000 Stone said the OECS launched the The victim in the case Apprentice” show.The ravaged St. Vincent and the people have been displaced from Stronger Together campaign on watched the plea online, pardon notes that Kodak Grenadines (SVG.) their homes. April 12 to raise funds for the and Black spoke to her. “I Black paid for The concert, carded for May 23, The volcano’s last eruption was SVG. apologise this happened, schoolchildren’s features artists such as Rihanna, on April 22, but it remains on alert Since then, a number of and I’m hopeful we can notebooks, supplies to Sean Paul, Nicki Minaj, Buju level red and experts from the corporate entities, including all move forward,” he day-care centres and Banton, Koffee, Dwayne Bravo, University of the West Indies Microsoft have come on board. said. food for the hungry, and Usain Bolt, Alison Hinds, Kees Seismic Research Centre say it Taylor-Stone said Microsoft has Later on his Twitter donated $50 000 for Dieffenthaller and others. can erupt again at any time. pledged to match all donations feed, Black posted that restaurants in his It is being organised by the One of the most critical needs on from its staff and the Jamaican the victim just wanted to hometown of Pompano Organisation of Eastern the island has been water, as ash Stock Exchange has also been get the case over with, Beach, Florida. Caribbean States (OECS), Nicole fall from the eruptions trying to get its members to and “I ain’t have to come Black has sold over 30 Dyer-Griffith’s O2N Foundation contaminated most of the island’s donate. off no money.” million singles since and OMG Media. potable water supply. She said to-date, the campaign The assault happened 2014, and has had The concert was announced The country has been has received US$70 000 in in 2016 when Black was several multiplatinum yesterday during an OECS virtual tentatively trying to recover from pledges, with US$40 000 of that in Florence for a and platinum-certified meeting of the leadership of the the over-30 explosive eruptions already handed over. performance. The girl singles, including “Zeze,” Global Coalition in support of SVG but it will take a long time for life She said in the coming days, the said the rapper attacked “No Flockin’” and “Roll in to discuss the relief efforts to on the island to return to normal. campaign will be rebranded and her at a hotel room after Peace”. assist the SVG. The OECS’ head of Development relaunched. 22 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Lady Gaga: Prince William, Kate release Five arrested in dognapping case images to mark 10th anniversary FIVE people have been arrested over the violent theft LONDON – The Duke and of two French bulldogs Duchess of Cambridge belonging to US artist Lady marked their 10th Gaga. wedding anniversary In February attackers shot yesterday by releasing dog walker Ryan Fischer in the photographs and a video chest and took Lady Gaga’s offering an image of dogs, Koji and Gustav. domestic bliss – a contrast Fischer had to have part of to the tensions that have his lung removed but survived gripped Britain’s the attack, and has since left royal family in recent the hospital. weeks. Yesterday Los Angeles police Two photographs show announced they had charged Prince William, second-in-line three suspects for the incident to the throne, and the former itself as well as two others as Kate Middleton in accomplices. complementary shades of James Jackson, Jaylin White blue. A video released later and Lafayette Whaley – aged showed the family at play, 18, 19, and 27, respectively – replete with their smiling have been charged with children walking near the sea. attempted murder and robbery. William married his former Officers also charged 40-year- university flatmate on April old Harold White – Jaylin 29, 2011, at Westminster White’s father – and Jennifer Abbey in a ceremony televised McBride, 50, with accessory to globally. They have three attempted murder. Ms McBride children: Prince George, 7, returned the dogs to the police Princess Charlotte, 5, and two days after the theft, after Prince Louis, 3. The Lady Gaga had offered a $500 traditional gift for a 10th 000 (£359 000) reward for their wedding anniversary is tin, a return. symbol of durability. “Detectives were able to “Thank you to everyone for establish McBride had a the kind messages on our relationship [with] Harold wedding anniversary,” the White,” a Los Angeles police couple said on their Twitter press release said. feed. “We are enormously All four men charged were grateful for the ten years of “documented gang members”, support we have received in the release said, without giving our lives as a family.” details. The celebration comes 12 Police said they did not think days after the funeral of In this photo provided by Camera Press and released Wednesday, April 28, 2021, is Britain’s the attackers were aware Prince Philip, William’s Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, at Kensington Palace photographed this week in Fischer worked for Lady Gaga grandfather, who died April 9 London, England. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary – whose real name is Stefani at the age of 99. yesterday, April 29. Germanotta – when they attacked him. However, evidence suggested UK film academy they knew “the great value of the breed of dogs”, which was “the motivation for the suspends Noel Clarke over robbery”. Fischer was walking the misconduct claims three dogs in a residential area of Hollywood at night when the LONDON – Britain’s motion misconduct including sexual attackers pulled up in a car. picture academy yesterday harassment, unwanted He was shot in the chest with suspended actor-director Noel touching, sexually a semi-automatic handgun and Clarke after a newspaper inappropriate behaviour on set two of the dogs were taken. reported that multiple women and bullying. It named several Another of Lady Gaga’s had accused him of sexual of the women. bulldogs, Asia, was unharmed harassment or bullying. Clarke, 45, who starred in in the incident. The film and television “Doctor Who” and created the Fischer later described Asia academy said it was also film trilogy “Kidulthood,” as his “guardian angel” who suspending Clarke’s award for “Adulthood” and gave him the determination to outstanding British “Brotherhood,” strongly denied survive. contribution to cinema, given all the claims. “My panicked screams to him earlier this month at a “In a 20-year career, I have calmed as I looked at her, even ceremony in London. put inclusivity and diversity at though it registered that the It said in light of the the forefront of my work and blood pooling around her tiny allegations reported by The never had a complaint made body was my own,” he wrote in Guardian, “BAFTA has taken against me,” he said in a an Instagram post in March. the decision to suspend his statement. “If anyone who has “I cradled Asia as best I membership and the worked with me has ever felt could, thanked her for all the Outstanding British uncomfortable or disrespected, incredible adventures we’d Contribution to Cinema award I sincerely apologise. I been on together, apologised immediately and until further vehemently deny any sexual that I couldn’t defend her notice.” misconduct or wrongdoing and In this Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009 file photo, British actor and director brothers, and then resolved The Guardian reported that intend to defend myself Noel Clarke, displays his Orange Rising Star Award at the British that I would still try to save it had spoken to 20 women against these false Academy Film Awards 2009 at The Royal Opera House in London, them… and myself.” who accused Clarke of allegations.” England. The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 23

16 nods for Weeknd, six for Morgan Wallen at Billboard Awards NEW YORK – The Weeknd was top streaming song and top Notorious B.I.G. posthumously Hometown”. snubbed by the Grammys but he’s collaboration. released albums in 1997. Wallen is a contender because the the leading nominee at the 2021 Pop Smoke’s music video for the His seven Billboard nominations Billboard nominees are based on Billboard Music Awards, where double platinum Top 10 pop hit, “What include top male artist, top rap artist album and digital sales, streaming, rappers Pop Smoke and Juice You Know About Love.” and top Billboard 200 album. radio airplay and social engagement, WRLD earned multiple Pop Smoke, who follows with ten Others battling The Weeknd, Pop and they “are not chosen by a voting posthumous nominations, nominations, died last February at age Smoke and Juice WRLD for top album committee or membership including top artist, and disgraced 20 as his songs and mixtapes began to include Lil Baby’s “My Turn” and organisation,” dick clark productions country singer Morgan Wallen is a make a splash on the pop and rap Swift’s “folklore,” which last month said. six-time nominee. charts. His official debut album, “Shoot won the star her third album of the The producers said though Wallen is The Weeknd, Juice WRLD and Pop for the Stars, Aim for the Moon,” was year Grammy. a multiple nominee, they won’t allow Smoke – the third most-nominated act released last July and dominated the Morgan Wallen wasn’t allowed to him to participate in the show. – are up for top artist along with charts and streaming services, along compete at this month’s Academy of “Morgan Wallen is a finalist this year Taylor Swift and Drake, the show’s with platinum-selling songs like “For Country Music Awards because the based on charting. As his recent most decorated winner of all-time. The the Night,” “What You Know About singer was caught on camera using a conduct does not align with our core Billboard Awards will air live on May Love” and “Dior,” which earned him a racial slur earlier this year, but he’s values, we will not be including him on 23. Grammy nomination this year. His one of the top nominees at the the show in any capacity (performing, The Weeknd earned 16 nominations, Billboard nominations include top new Billboard Awards. His six nominations presenting, accepting),” the statement including top male artist, top R&B artist, top male artist, top rap artist include top song sales artist, top read. “It is heartening and encouraging artist, top Billboard 200 album for and top Billboard 200 album. country artist and top country album to hear that Morgan is taking steps in “After Hours” and top Hot 100 song for Juice WRLD died in December 2019 for “Dangerous: The Double Album,” his anti-racist journey and starting to “Blinding Lights,” the No. 1 song of last at age 21. His posthumous album, which is currently No. 3 on the pop do some meaningful work. We plan to year. DaBaby – thanks to his own hit “Legends Never Die,” was released a charts and continues to sell extremely evaluate his progress and will consider “Rockstar” and his guest appearance week after Pop Smoke’s album and set well despite Wallen’s crisis moment. his participation in future shows.” on Jack Harlow’s “What’s Poppin” – is several records on the Billboard charts, He’s even a double nominee in top Country singer Gabby Barrett second with 11 bids, and he will battle becoming the biggest posthumous country song, competing with the hits performs her breakthrough it “I Hope” himself in categories like top rap song, debut in 23 years since Tupac and “Chasin’ You” and “More Than My alongside pop singer Charlie Puth.

In this combination photo, Juice WRLD performs at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival on June 15, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn., The Weeknd performs during half-time of the NFL Super Bowl 55 on Feb. 7, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. and Morgan Wallen performs at the CMT Music Awards on June 5, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon starts filming GAME of Thrones prequel series House More people in more places trust of the Dragon is believed to have BBC News than any other news source. started filming in Cornwall. Register for a BBC account to see Producer HBO confirmed this week why. production was under way with tweets The network marked the start of of members of the cast reading scripts. production by sharing photos from the Photos have emerged of film crews socially-distanced table read. and costumed actors, thought to be They featured the cast, including stars Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy, at Paddy Considine, going over the script Holywell Bay near Newquay. while seated at separate tables to The new series is set 300 years before ensure coronavirus social distancing. the events of Game Of Thrones and will Steve Toussaint and Olivia Cooke tell the story of the Targaryen family. were also at the table read. A film crew has been seen at Smith, previously known for his lead Holywell Bay, near Newquay role in Doctor Who and his portrayal of Actors Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy were apparently seen near Newquay. The latest series is based on author the late Duke of Edinburgh in The George RR Martin’s 2018 novel Fire & Crown, is to play Prince Daemon Mount, near Penzance. House of the Dragon is one of many Blood. Targaryen. Game of Thrones was a pop culture Game of Thrones TV projects HBO has It is scheduled for release in 2022 on Last week, film crews and medieval- phenomenon during its eight-season in the works, while a stage show for the HBO Max streaming service in the style sets believed to be part of the run from 2011-19, which was filmed London’s West End is also in US. production were spotted at St Michael’s mainly in Northern Ireland. production. 24 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Al Schmitt, Grammy winning engineer and producer, dead at 91 NEW YORK – Twenty- range of styles. He time Grammy winner engineered Henry Al Schmitt, whose Mancini’s “Moon River” extraordinary career and Sam Cooke’s as a recording “Another Saturday engineer and Night,” Steely Dan’s “Aja” producer included and Madonna’s “This albums by Bob Dylan, Used to be My Ray Charles, Frank Playground.” He Sinatra and many engineered Natalie Cole’s other of the top blockbuster performers of the past “Unforgettable” album 60 years, has died at and Barbra Streisand’s age 91. “The Way We Were.” He Schmitt’s family produced “Volunteers” announced on Facebook and several other that he died Monday, Jefferson Airplane without identifying a albums, helped produce specific cause. Schmitt Neil Young’s “On the lived in the Los Angeles Beach” and more area. A relative, who did recently Dylan’s not want to be identified, “Shadows in the Night” confirmed Schmitt’s and Paul McCartney’s death to the Press. “Kisses on the Bottom”. “The world has lost a Brian Wilson, whose much loved and album of Gershwin songs respected extraordinary was remixed by Schmitt, individual, who led an was among those extraordinary life,” the Wednesday offering Facebook posting reads tributes, tweeting “Al in part. “The most was an industry giant honoured and awarded Al Schmitt poses in the press room with the award and a great engineer who recording for best surround sound album for “Live Kisses” at worked with some of the producer/engineer of all the 56th annual GRAMMY Awards on January 26, greatest artists ever, and time, his parting words 2014, in Los Angeles. I’m honored to have at any speaking worked with him on my engagement were, Grammy in 1963, then Academy Trustees Gershwin album.” ‘Please be kind to all collected 19 more Award, in 2006. Schmitt Michael Bublé, Journey’s living things.’” competitive awards and worked on more than 150 Steve Perry and Michael He won his first the honorary Recording gold records, in a wide Bolton also praised him. Bridge The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 25 SSPPOORRTTSS Procter, Swann and Scott keen to return to Sol Rally Barbados SOL Rally Barbados was a evening.With three fourth-place hot topic of conversation finishes to his credit, that would in the Service Area at have been his best island result, last Sunday’s (April 25) although that has never been Snetterton Stages in the his priority: “For me, it’s always East of England, the second been the social side of the event round of the Motorsport that’s important. We’ve missed News MSVR Circuit Rally being there, Andy [Scott] and I Andy Scott/Marc Fowler (Ford Fiesta S2000T). Championship. Kevin were going out for a holiday in Procter, Rob Swann and February, but had to drop that, Andy Scott, all front-run- so assuming we can travel, we’ll ners in the island’s premier be there.” event in recent years, While Procter’s Fiesta has had enjoyed their first taste of upgrades including paddle-shift action and the chance to gearbox, Andy Scott has a com- discuss a possible return to pletely different car since his the island after a hiatus of last trip to the Caribbean, the many months on both sides Fiesta R5 in which he finished of the Atlantic caused by third in Sol RB19 now in the the coronavirus pandemic. hands of local driver Sol Esuf. Sol RB21 is scheduled for His new mount is the same spec September 25/26, with King of as Procter’s and is based on a the Hill the previous Sunday; Fiesta S2000 campaigned in the dates will be confirmed by 2010 by Ott Tanak. Having the Barbados Rally Club (BRC) missed out on the family holiday on June 1, given sufficient fur- with the Procters, Scott is keen ther progress in the global fight to return: “Given that we can against COVID-19. For the first travel, if there are any events time, the BRC’s blue riband before Rally Barbados, I’d take event will be a round of the FIA the car out so I can get some Regional Rally Championship seat time.” Scott was heading for for the NACAM zone (North a top 10 finish at Snetterton America, Central America, the until a puncture cost 10 min- Caribbean and the north of utes on stage six, dropping him Kevin Procter/Dave Bellerby (Ford Fiesta S2000T). South America). down the order. At Snetterton, Procter was the Swann was back in his Despite finding it something of wrong,” he said – Swann was old Frank Bird, whose father best the Sol RB regulars, finish- Subaru Impreza WRC S12B for a challenge to settle back into fourth fastest on the first two Paul’s record in Barbados is un- ing fifth despite some brake is- the first time since engine fail- the very different driving char- stages. Some contact with chi- rivalled by any other interna- sues in the Ford Fiesta S2000T ure caused his retirement on the acteristics of the older car after canes, then a misfire, however, tional driver, with two wins and in which he was running a Friday night of Sol RB19 with campaigning his Fiesta WRC – hampered his progress and he five further podium finishes in strong second on Sol RB19 until his co-driver from that event, “I was pressing the odd wrong slipped to seventh overall, be- eight visits. Both victories came gearbox failure on Saturday Steve McNulty, alongside. button and getting the revs fore gearbox failure on stage six in his Ford Focus WRC07, which ended their day. Of returning Frank has campaigned with to Barbados, Swann said: considerable success since his “Assuming all the travel and stage rally debut in March 2019, quarantine is sorted, the plan is adding rallying to his circuit rac- to do the events in August to get ing programme. This year, he some seat time in the Fiesta, is racing an Audi R8 LMS for then be back out for King of the Team WRT in the GT World Hill and Rally Barbados.” Challenge Europe, with the Also in action was veteran penultimate round on the same Dick Mauger, competing in his weekend as Sol RB21. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX for Frank said: “I’m desperate to only the second time. He had do Rally Barbados. Dad set the bought the car specifically for bar pretty high, so I’d enjoy giv- Sol RB19, his sixth straight ing it a go. I still think the Focus visit, finishing ninth in Modified is the car for Barbados and I 4 in Flow King of the Hill before know it’s popular with the fans. falling ill and missing the rally Next year maybe.” With the itself. Mauger said: “The Evo is Focus currently undergoing a the ideal car for Barbados and ground-up restoration, Frank we really missed going last year. and co-driver Jack Morton had We’ll definitely be back if the the use of a Fiesta Rally2 at event goes ahead this year; even Snetterton, in which they won if we don’t bring the car, we’ll two stages on their way to sec- come out and marshal, just so ond place. The event was won we can be there.” by just 14 seconds in similar car One disappointed voice at by British Rally Championship Rob Swann/Steve McNulty (Subaru Impreza WRC S12B). Snetterton was that of 21-year- runner Rhys Yates. 26 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

T20 World Cup could be moved to United Arab Emirates, says BCCI THIS year’s Twenty20 World Cup could be moved to the United Arab Emirates if India continues to suffer with a second wave of the coronavirus pan- demic. The tournament is due to begin in October, but the COVID death toll in India has passed 200,000, with at least 300,000 new infections every day in the past week. Last week, India joined the UK’s travel red list – effectively banning travel to and from the country. Other countries – includ- ing Australia – have also closed their borders to India. Speaking to the BBC’s Stumped podcast, Dhiraj Malhotra, from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said he is hopeful India could still host the T20 World Cup. “I’ve just been named one of the tournament di- rectors, so I’m doing every- West Indies are the current T20 men’s world champions after beating England in Kolkata in 2016. thing we can to make sure it happens,” said ICC at the moment.” gency, Malhotra said: “It says India’s cricket gov- is currently taking place has faced calls for a sus- Malhotra, who is general Australia will host a T20 would be the UAE. We’re erning body will go with in India with the final set pension. manager for game devel- World Cup in 2022, post- hoping again that it would “common sentiment” for 30 May. “There’s not been any opment with the BCCI. poned from last year due be done by the BCCI. So, on whether the Indian Australia cricketers clear implication of any “We will be doing nor- to the pandemic. we’ll take the tournament Premier League contin- Andrew Tye,Adam Zampa clear directive that it is mal scenario, and worst When asked whether there, but it’ll still be done ues. and Kane Richardson bad to host the IPL, or case scenario, so with all there is a country ear- by the BCCI.” The IPL – the world’s have withdrawn from the good to host the IPL,” that we’re talking to the marked as the contin- Meanwhile, Malhotra richest Twenty20 league – IPL and the tournament Malhotra added. IPL: Quinton de Kock hits 70 as Mumbai beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets

QUINTON de Kock three sixes in his 32-ball the wicket of Shivam scored an unbeaten 70 knock but once again Dube (35). from 50 balls as holders failed to convert his in- In reply, Mumbai cap- Mumbai Indians beat nings into a substantial tain Rohit Sharma strug- Rajasthan Royals by score. gled to find his timing and seven wickets in the The England vice-cap- was dismissed by Chris Indian Premier League. tain now averages 21.6 Morris for 14 off 17 balls The South Africa bats- from six matches in this Morris – the most ex- man hit six boundaries year’s IPL. pensive auction signing and two sixes as the five- Having just launched in IPL history – then time winners chased Rahul Chahar for six, dismissed Suryakumar down 172 with nine balls Buttler advanced down Yadav for 16, the batsman to spare. the wicket to the leg-spin- chipping to Buttler at Earlier, the Royals ner and was stumped by mid-wicket. posted 171-4 with captain wicketkeeper De Kock. But having scored just Sanju Samson scoring Chahar, who finished 47 runs from his four in- 42 and Jos Buttler con- with 2-33, then had nings in this season’s IPL, tributing 41. Yashasvi Jaiswal caught De Kock returned to form Mumbai remain fourth and bowled for 32 from to register his 15th IPL in the table after the win 20 balls. half-century. with Royals second from Captain Samson’s 42 The opener shared a De Kock, 28, was signed by Mumbai in 2019, and has also played for Sunrisers bottom. from 27 balls came to an 63-run stand with Krunal Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Having lost the toss and end after he was bowled Pandya – who scored 39 being put into bat, Royals by a superb Trent Boult off 26 – before Kieron towards COVID-19 relief SUMMARISED Buttler 41; Chahar 2-33 got off to a solid start by yorker but Jasprit Pollard (16*) hit the win- efforts in India, as the SCORES: Mumbai Indians 172-3 reaching 47-0 after six Bumrah was the pick of ning runs. country struggles with a Indian Premier League, (18.3 overs): De Kock 70*, overs. the Mumbai bowlers, con- Meanwhile Rajasthan second wave of the pan- Delhi KPandya 39; Morris 2-33 Opener Buttler hit ceding just 15 runs from Royals have announced demic. Rajasthan Royals 171- Mumbai Indians won three boundaries and his four overs and taking they will donate £725,547 4 (20 overs): Samson 42, by seven wickets The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 27

Man Utd score six in Europa League semi-final first-leg win against Roma BRUNO Fernandes and chance add a fourth from the spot. two-goal, three-assist contribution Edinson Cavani both scored Pogba then powered home a from the striker, whose contract twice as Manchester United precise header from Fernandes’ expires in the summer. came from behind to take a cross before Greenwood ran on to For once, it meant Fernandes major step towards sealing a Cavani’s pass and drove home had to share top billing as he place in next month’s Europa United’s sixth, making them the claimed two assists to go with his League final. first side to score six goals in a brace – although after a below- Fernandes gave United a major European semi-final since par couple of months, the perfect start in their semi-final Real Madrid in the 1964 Portuguese seems to have with Italian side Roma when he European Cup. recovered his form at the right swept home Cavani’s first-time Solskjaer’s satisfaction time. lay-off. The final scoreline did not quite Pogba is United’s other big- Paul Pogba’s handball allowed match United’s epic 7-1 name player and the midfielder Edinson Cavani has scored 10 goals in 13 appearances Lorenzo Pellegrini to equalise Champions League triumph ended an up-and-down night very against Roma. before the Roma skipper’s pass against the same opponents in much on the positive side, allowed former Manchester City 2007 but for Solskjaer, a celebrating his header in style as ties prior to this evening – but it Having let Pellegrini run free to striker Edin Dzeko to score his substitute on that famous night, the pressure was released. cannot be forgotten one of those devastating effect once, United sixth goal in five Old Trafford it was just as sweet. Greenwood’s effort means only that landed them in the should not have allowed it again appearances to turn the tie on its After four successive semi-final a catastrophe in the second leg competition in the first place was after the break. They were head by half-time. defeats in 15 months, the can prevent United reaching their the ridiculous non-marking of fortunate the Roma skipper But United rallied after the Norwegian really needs to get eighth European final. Demba Ba during the shock elected to pass rather than shoot break. Cavani levelled with a beyond that stage to silence his Champions League defeat by from inside the box, just as David superb first-time effort before doubters, some of whom were Dodgy defending Istanbul Basaksehir. de Gea got lucky when the tapping the hosts back in front never convinced he should have If there is one doubt over There was nothing on that scale rebound flew to safety when he when substitute keeper Antonio succeeded Jose Mourinho as United’s ability to lift their first – but in the modern era, Pogba cannoned a clearance downfield Mirante pushed Aaron Wan- United boss and point to an silverware under Solskjaer in was never going to get away with straight into Dzeko, who was on Bissaka’s angled shot into his absence of silverware that both Poland next month, it comes from the ball hitting an outstretched, his own on the edge of the area. path. his predecessor and Louis van the goals they conceded. raised arm as he slid in to tackle In the end though, the Italians Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men Gaal delivered in shorter reigns at There has been a long-standing Rick Karsdorp. simply did not have the quality were in no mood to let their the club. feeling that the bare statistics And the way Pellegrini was needed to get a result that would advantage slip a second time, Solskjaer’s double fist-pump around United’s defence do not allowed so much space to drift into give them a chance in next week’s although it took a fortunate reaction to Cavani’s equaliser portray a true picture of their before supplying the low cross return, although they were hardly penalty for what seemed to be an underlined the importance of the abilities. that invited Dzeko’s finish helped by having to make three innocuous Chris Smalling tackle Uruguayan’s superb effort, swept They had conceded just one goal highlighted a total lack of injury-related substitutions on Cavani to give Fernandes the into the top corner and part of a in six Europa League knockout awareness on Fred’s part. before half-time. Pepe penalty gives Arsenal hope despite defeat at Villarreal NICOLAS Pepe’s second-half two defensive lapses to hand the penalty gave Arsenal renewed initiative to their opponent. hope of reaching the Europa Samuel Chukwueze was League final despite a semi-final allowed to carry the ball too far first-leg loss at Villarreal as both into the box to tee up the first sides finished with 10 men. goal for Trigueros after just five With the Gunners trailing 2-0 minutes. Even more criminal was and a man down following Dani the lack of marking that allowed Ceballos’ sending off, Pepe Moreno to flick the ball on for stepped up and fired home a Albiol to score the second. precious away goal from the spot Chasing that crucial away goal, after Bukayo Saka had been they could ill-afford Ceballos’ tripped in the box. disciplinary lapse, and it almost It means Mikel Arteta’s side go proved terminal to their hopes into next Thursday’s second leg with Moreno twice seeing efforts with genuine hope of reaching a saved by Leno in the aftermath. second Europa League final in To the credit of Arteta and his three seasons and with the players, though, they continued potential of qualifying for next to push for a foothold and found season’s Champions League. it when Saka went down in the They appeared to be sinking Albiol’s goal helped give Villarreal their first ever win over Arsenal. box. The amount of contact from without trace when Manu Trigueros’ boot is up for debate, Trigueros fired in an early low, fancied their chances of scoring Arsenal’s failures on the pitch moment a penalty overturned by although VAR backed up the on- angled drive for the home side again, but this was hampered from his 18 months in charge of VAr for handball against Pepe in field official. before Raul Albiol slammed when they too were reduced to 10 the club as successor to Arsene the build-up. It could have been even better home at the back post following men, as Etienne Capoue shown a Wenger. Defeat in this tie would likely for the Gunners, but substitute Gerard Moreno’s flick-on from a second yellow for a late tackle on It was the heavy defeat to prompt a new level of soul- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang corner. Saka. Chelsea in the final of this searching at the club, who was denied by a fine save from Ceballos’ red card with 30 The ‘Yellow Submarine’, competition in 2019 that was the currently sit 10th in the Premier Geronimo Rulli, leaving Pepe’s minutes left, courtesy of a second managed by ex-Gunners Unai beginning of the end for his League and need to triumph in goal as their sole reward. booking for standing on the boot Emery,will go into the second leg largely disappointing stint as this competition to extend their Pepe has not always stood out of Daniel Parejo, looked to have on top, but facing the prospect boss. record of appearing in as the man for the big occasion sealed their fate. But Bernd Leno that just one unanswered It felt like another inquest was continental competition to 26 during his time at Arsenal, but produced two good saves to keep concession will send them out. incoming, this time for Arteta, successive seasons. with a goal in each of his last the home side at bay before Pepe with the Gunners trailing 2-0 The Gunners’ current boss has three Europa League games and – playing as a false nine – had his Arsenal down but not out after a half in which they were built a more robust, patient side six in total in this season’s say. Emery is all too familiar with out-thought and out-classed, than his predecessor, but they competition, he is leading from Villarreal may still have the regular inquests that greet with their only fleeting positive badly let themselves down with the front in this campaign. 28 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE Barcelona stunned by Granada at Nou Camp BARCELONA missed the chance to Substitute Jorge Molina then headed go top of La Liga as they suffered a in the winner for the visitors late on. TEL: 247-4469 surprise home defeat by Granada. Victory would have put Barcelona Cel: 284-4667 Lionel Messi had given the hosts the one point clear at the top of the table 253-6319 lead when he combined with Antoine with five games to go but instead they Email: Griezmann before slotting into the far stay third, two points behind leaders caribbeanpropertiesltd corner. Atletico Madrid and level with Real @gmail.com Barcelona missed several Madrid. opportunities to add to their lead before Barcelona and Atletico Madrid meet PROPERTIES Darwin Machis drove in the equaliser in what looks set to be a crunch battle in the second half. in the title race on Saturday, 8 May. Kirtons, St Philip 3 bedroom plus 2 bedroom apt 4,790 sq ft $685,000 Solskjaer keen for Cavani to stay Amity Lodge, Ch Ch MANCHESTER UNITED manager to keep Cavani at the club. 3 bedroom plus REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants forward “He knows my feelings,” said 1 bedroom apt Edinson Cavani to stay at the club for Solskjaer. “He knows I would love to 6,646 sq ft $650,000 Bushy Park, St. Philip 17,000 sq ft $170,000 Bagatelle, St. Thomas another season. have him here. 62000 sq ft into 2 lots Gibbons, Ch Ch The Uruguay international joined “Edinson is more than just a goal $520,000 each, or 3 bedroom plus Inchcape, St. Philip United on a one-year deal in October, poacher. He is excellent at running the $1M for both 2 bedroom apt 4355 sq ft $ 96,000 with the option of an additional 12 channels, being the focal point and 9,835 sq ft Marley Vale, St Philip months. bringing others into play. $675,000 (reduced) Belle, St. George 4 acres $400,000 21,780 sq ft $275,000 However, the 34-year-old is undecided “He is making up for lost time and I about whether to remain in England am delighted with him. Hopefully we Breezy Hill, St Philip Sandford, St Philip after a difficult first year. will see him here for another year. I am 3 bedroom, 2 bath Haggatt Hall, St. Michael 16,356 sq ft $300,000 reduced to $298,000 6336 sq ft $126,000 He initially had to spend time in doing my best. I promised him Old Under Offer isolation and then got banned for three Trafford is a different place with fans. Black Rock, St Michael matches by the Football Association for “He must try to get that feeling, to be COMMERCIAL 3 bedroom, 1 bath Cane Garden, St. Thomas a social media post. on our side. Manchester is a fantastic 6732 sq ft $360,000 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft Private entrance. Mount Standfast, St James The post was deemed offensive even if place to live. Of course nights like this, Two properties on it was accepted Cavani had not been hopefully we can get to the final and Enterprise, Christ Church From $187,681 22,714 sq ft. intentionally racist. hopefully he can see himself being here 3 bedroom, 2 bath Asking $1,200,000 5062 sq ft Ragged Point, St. Philip Argentina’s Boca Juniors are known for another year.” $390,000 (reduced) 8,267 sq ft $166,000 to be keen to bring Cavani back to As it is, Cavani has scored 12 goals Black Rock, St. Michael South America. this season, a tally exceeded only by Warehouse/Storage The Belle, St George Rolling Hills, St. George 4000 sf space 23,861 sq ft But after he scored twice and secured Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. Plantation style House 12,000 sq ft $310,000 (negotiable) $900,000 (reduced) three assists in United’s 6-2 Europa And, with five in his past five games, Standing on 4 acres League semi-final first-leg victory over he is coming into form at just the right $1.1M Ocean City, St. Philip Foul Bay, St. Philip Roma, Solskjaer says he is trying hard time. Approved for condos, Frere Pilgrim, 6150 sq ft $123,000 39,242 sq ft $1,600,000. Christ Church 3 bedroom, 2 baths with Fortesque, St Philip Dover, Christ Church two bedroom apartment. Agricultural Land European Super League: There must Hotel 18 rooms fully 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 494,500 sq ft $1,100,000 operational $2,950,000 neg under offer be consequences for Premier League Hanson Heights, St George Silver Sands, 8321 sq ft $595,000 Christ Church 7,129 sq ft $160,000 Dalkeith, Christ Church big six, says ex-chief exec Scudamore 17,371 sq ft approved for Ealing Grove, shops and offices Christ Church Bushy Park, St. Philip THERE must be consequences for the years, added: “I think the actions of the $495,000 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths 24,000 sq ft $190,000 six English clubs who tried to join the six have altered the dynamic forever. 9320 sq ft $565,000 Apes Hill, St. James Roebuck Street, ill-fated European Super League, There has to be some consequences. Bridgetown according to former Premier League Things have to change. LOTS FOR SALE 31,000 sq ft upward Large lots at $15 per sq ft Shopping Mall/Office space executive chairman Richard “There is no switch you can turn that $8,100,000 negotiable Boarded Hall, Scudamore. suddenly builds back trust with these Christ Church Mount Wilton, St. Thomas He said the decision from those sides people and the fan base. It is a long and Batts Rock, St Michael 10,429 sq ft $157,000 15,500 sq ft and 22,066 sq ft to join the controversial league had difficult road back. After a period of $300,000 and $220,000 Guest House, 12,078 sq ft $2,850,000 negotiable changed English football forever. some healing, we have to rebuild this Westbury Road, St Michael Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, thing. 2,520 sq ft $45,360 Union, St. Philip 7560 sq ft Cane Garden, St Thomas Manchester City, Manchester United “I cannot explain why any of them 3.6 acres approved and Tottenham all withdrew from plans thought it was a good idea. I am the per- Goodland Gardens, $150,000 Roadfront Christ Church last week. son who had been telling them for years $1,650,000 negotiable 9,605 sq ft $145,000 Thorpes, St. James “I don’t believe life will ever be the it was a crazy idea and could not hap- 11,376 sq ft with structure same after last Sunday,” he said. pen. What’s happened in the last week Fitts Village, St James Nursery Road, St Philip $235,000 Guest House, 4 Suites All six Premier league sides withdrew is that it’s been stopped and that’s the 9,266 sq ft $139,000 Cottage, St George 6,135 sq ft from the plans on Tuesday, 20 April, right thing. $750,000 negotiable after widespread criticism and protests. “Anyone who knows me would know I Lashley Road, St Philip 5000 sq ft It was just 48 hours after the plans found this completely unacceptable. 5,839 sq ft, $150,000 $110,000 (negotiable) Mason Hill Street The City were announced. Prime Minister Boris “There has to be some consequences.I 26,500 sq ft with buildings Salters, St George Morningside, St Philip Johnson was among those who criti- think something will have to be extract- $4,000,000 negotiable 2 lots 32,760 sq ft, $230,000 4567 sq ft $133,000 cised the league publicly. ed by way of undertakings or attitude.I All enquiries to Speaking to Gary Neville’s The am not going to get involved about Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Jupiter Gardens, St Peter (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 Overlap YouTube channel, Scudamore, whether there should be punishments 14,876 sq ft. $110,000 7312 sq ft $133,000 (negotiable) or (246) 247 4469 61, who ran the top division for 19 or sanctions.” The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 29

World Snooker Championship: Kyren Wilson dominates first session of semi-final against Shaun Murphy KYREN WILSON produced was cast as the favourite a relentless potting display coming into this contest to open up a commanding 6- against 2015 champion 2 lead over Shaun Murphy Bingham, who came through in their World qualifying. Championship semi-final. And he appeared to be living The 2020 finalist made up to that tag when he opened breaks of 110, 72, 127 and 121 a two-frame lead, despite as he reeled off five frames in a losing the first frame and row to surge 5-1 ahead. failing to replicate the Murphy, who opened with a devastating high scoring that 74, also made a 71 before a run underpinned his victory over of 70 helped Wilson take the the Welshman. final frame of the session. However, breaks of 92 and 82 Earlier on Thursday, Mark helped Bingham – who Selby and Stuart Bingham appeared out of sorts until the ended a nip-and-tuck first change of cue ball – lead 4-3 session level at 4-4. before Selby cleared up with a Selby raced into a 3-1 lead 40 to leave the match all- Kyren Wilson is bidding to reach his second consecutive world final. and took the final frame of the square. afternoon after Bingham won 2020 Welsh Open final. second frame, Wilson moved deficit in the final frame when three frames in a row. Dominant Wilson takes An assured 74 saw him take into the lead with a wonderful Wilson fouled by knocking the Both players struggled early control the first frame – but thereafter, break of 110 and went from yellow into the right middle, he on, resulting in a change of cue Having dispatched the world the 38-year-old spent much of strength to strength to missed a relatively ball at the mid-session number one Judd Trump in the his time in his chair as his underline his credentials as a simple red into the same interval. quarter-finals, Murphy had opponent made several sizable potential winner of this year’s pocket, allowing his opponent Having thrashed Mark started the evening and frame-winning tournament. to claim a healthy advantage Williams 13-3 in the quarter- promisingly against Wilson, contributions. While Murphy had an before the match resumes late finals, three-time winner Selby who he thrashed 9-1 in the After taking a scrappy opportunity to reduce his today. 30 • Friday April 30, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Portuguese Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton ‘plans’ to race in 2022 Formula 1 season LEWIS HAMILTON says where the starting point is and Before the Portuguese Grand he intends to remain in what differences I can help so Prix, Mercedes have announced Formula 1 for at least an- we have more mechanical grip, a partnership with the other season after this year. less degradation.” Association for Black and The seven-time champion Asked to expand on his plans Minority Ethnic Engineers in signed a one-year deal with for the future, the 36-year-old the UK to support people from Mercedes at the start of 2021 said: “I am pretty spontaneous a minority ethnic background but said on Thursday that he so it could always change. I am develop careers in engineering. “plans” to be in the sport next enjoying this battle we are hav- The team earlier this year season. ing. It is getting more exciting. set up a joint foundation with He said he was “enjoying” his It has been even more of a chal- Hamilton to promote diversity, title fight with Red Bull’s Max lenge. while a commission the driver Verstappen and was deter- “I continue to love working set up last year to look into the Lewis Hamilton is one point ahead of Max Verstappen in the mined to continue to fight with this team, and it is encour- lack of ethnic involvement in Drivers’ Championship after two races. against racism and for diver- aging to see the steps my team maths and science subjects will sity. are making to becoming more report in the summer. and the Briton leads the to make a difference.” Hamilton added: “I don’t inclusive and more diverse. Hamilton added that he was Dutchman by a single point in It is the Red Bull driver’s first know how long I can stay, “They have announced one of likely to take part in the boycott the championship. championship fight in his F1 ca- though. We will see.” the initiatives we have within of social media platforms many Hamilton said: “The Red reer and the first time in seven His revelation about his wish our organisation and we still sports are operating this week- Bulls are still ahead of us on years that the team have been to continue in F1 came in an- have a lot of work to do as a end as a means of putting pres- performance but we have done contenders. swer to a question about his sport. sure on the companies who run quite a good job over the first Verstappen admitted he was participation in a tyre develop- “There are still many teams the websites to do more to com- two races and there is still a actively trying to lessen the ment test last week. that continue to stay silent and bat racism and abuse on their long way ahead of us.” pressure by repeating the “I plan to be here next year many people who are not partic- platforms. Verstappen added:“Every sin- mantra: “It is still a very long and I want to help Pirelli in ularly being held accountable gle weekend you just have to season.” helping them towards having a and there is still a lot of work to What to expect this make sure you are on top of the He explained: “Dreaming better product,” he said. do within this sport and I know weekend? car and get the most out of it be- doesn’t bring you anywhere, “The drivers have wished for that being here I have more of a Hamilton and Verstappen have cause it is so close between us and I am pretty realistic all the a more [high] performance tyre. chance of helping to change that won a race apiece out of the two and Mercedes that you really time and I just want to focus on So it was important to see than not.” grands prix so far this season do have to get the best out of it the race ahead.” The Barbados Advocate Friday April 30, 2021 • 31

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your amour needs N you to back up your words with actions. Show them D how you feel through hugs and embraces. Make the physical side of loving a priority. If you're trying C something new, don't jump in too quickly. Read O the instructions first or you could do something N wrong that will cost a lot to repair. S TAURUS (April 20-May 20).Aproposition that is put to you will cause you to do some serious think- ing. You may be asking yourself questions about the way you have handled your life so far and what your goals for the future might be. Once you're satisfied that you know where you are going you will know how to respond to this opportunity. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Conversations with Z a new friend or partner will give you more idea of I what you might expect from this relationship in the T future. You're looking for a change of routine. If S your partner isn't keen, you could always find ac- tivities to feed your need for variety without expect- ing them to get involved. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Events taking place in the home will keep you pleasantly occupied. You had hoped to be able to relax but this may not be en- tirely possible at this time. Not everything going on will be peaceful but it won't be stressful either. There's too much fun and laughter to make anyone R feel anything but cheerful. E LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Live in the moment. Enjoy X the happiness a close and loving relationship gives you. You're half expecting your bubble to burst be- M cause you feel guilty about feeling so content when O other people in the world are suffering. This is your R moment to be happy. Enjoy. You deserve it. G VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Stay focused when A working on anything important. Although progress N will be slow, life is getting better and better. Goals that seemed as if they would always remain dreams now look like strong possibilities. As well as feel- ing good because of this, you will accept the chance to work on something important. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A joint project will bring good fortune in one way or another. A part- P ner will have some extra cash and they will pool it H in order to help out with bills. Family members are A helpful and supportive. People want to pay you N back for all the help and consideration you have T shown them recently. O SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have a lot to M gain by showing interest in discussions being car- ried out in the workplace. If you are called away, find an excuse to remain. New opportunities could come through these conversations and you will not want to miss out. An experienced colleague will en- courage you to volunteer for a new assignment. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You and a new partner both want the same thing. You will have no M hesitation when they make it clear they want to A move your relationship onto a more intimate foot- R ing. You feel this is a relationship that was always Y meant to be. You have found the person you have been waiting for, all your life. W CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Someone who O has had too much influence over you in the past will R again be expecting you to agree with their opinions T and follow their example. You are ready to stand on H your own two feet. They won't be happy but it's your life and there's nothing they can do about it. From now on you intend to make your own decisions. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You are ready to drop your guard in a close relationship. It is time to M reveal your true feelings. New commitments you O take on now will not make a big difference to your T days. It will be no bother or inconvenience to fit in H a few more tasks. People appreciate your easy- E going attitude. R PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). A home renovation project remains unfinished and is taking a lot longer G than expected to complete. You're tired of the up- O heaval but don't get too upset over delays. It won't O S take much more now to have this job over with. Stay E focused and think about getting extra help should it be needed. Procter, Swann and Scott keen to return to Sol Rally Barbados Page 25

Friday April 30, 2021 ‘WORK EVERY DAY ON WHO YOU ARE’ IT is important to work every day by The Job Connect recently. work at who you are and not just what on your life, work every day on He encouraged the graduating class you do. He added that persons must let becoming the best version of to be faithful to their journey as this is go of where they currently are. yourself. a part of the process of becoming the “If you continue to work at what you This was the message from Dr. best that they can be. do, sometimes persons that focus on Kenroy Burke, the main speaker at the The certified coach, trainer, religious what they do, they railroad other First Chances Mentorship Programme leader, and educator emphasised to the people, you see bad attitudes, you can graduation ceremony hosted virtually virtual audience that it is critical to tell that they are selfish, their main focus is to [ensure] that they get through,” said Dr. Burke. He stressed that people will never be able to impact anyone until they are The main speaker at the First Chances willing to first become. He closed his Mentorship Programme graduation cer- remarks by encouraging mentees to emony, Dr. Kenroy Burke, encouraged become a mentor. the graduating class to be the best Under the theme, “Shaping Minds, edition of themselves. Changing Lives”, the main purpose of the event was to generate awareness Cave Shepherd Card Services; and of the programme and to remind the Dawn Williams – Managing Director, public of the importance of mentorship Resilia Accounting Services Inc. As and its contribution toward the a result of being enrolled in the development of the future generation. programme, some of the mentees were Last year,The Job Connect launched able to gain employment, hands-on an annual not-for-profit programme work experience, and a greater called First Chances Mentorship network. Programme. The first cohort began in At the end of the event, Managing April 2020 and ended during April Director of The Job Connect, Tiffany 2021. There were 14 mentors and 14 Jones, expressed that she was satisfied mentees enrolled in the first cohort. with the outcome of the project and Some of the mentors include Alison acknowledged the support and hard Browne-Ellis – Director, Cave work of her team. She also revealed The Managing Director of The Job Connect, Tiffany Jones, launches the logo of Shepherd Card Services; Gina the logo of the First Chances the First Chances Mentorship Programme during Sunday’s graduating ceremony Cummins, Regional Brand Strategist; Mentorship Programme to the for the first cohort of mentors and mentees from April 2020 to April 2021. Keri Mapp – Operations Manager, graduating class for the first time. Region gets high marks for vaccine distribution efforts PAN American Health Organisation transmission. doses remain limited, most countries will Infections are climbing toward January Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, has given “Thanks to these efforts, our region has see a considerable increase in doses from levels in Colombia, she said, and rising in Latin America and Caribbean countries administered nearly every COVAX dose the first wave.” nearly every Central American country. high marks for their distribution of the it has received thus far,” Dr.Etienne said. The PAHO Chief also reported that In the Caribbean, Guadeloupe, limited vaccine doses that have been “Our region has demonstrated that it can since the beginning of 2021, several Martinique, and The Bahamas are available. successfully distribute COVID vaccines countries in this region are reporting reporting surging infections, as well as “Most countries have done a quickly and effectively.” an increase in cases in the younger Anguilla which reported more than 60% great job following WHO and PAHO About 317 million doses of COVID-19 population, linked to increased exposure of its total cases in the last seven days, recommendations for prioritising early vaccines have been administered in the and no vaccination in these groups – this and weekly cases doubled in Puerto Rico doses for health workers and others on Americas, with more than 70% of them has led to an increase in hospitalisations. during the same period. the frontlines and saving thousands distributed in the United States. “PAHO is orienting our countries to “It’s no surprise then that many of lives by protecting the elderly and Latin America and Caribbean nations plan on coping with sudden increases in countries in our region have tightened people with underlying conditions,” she have received nearly seven million doses the consumption of critical inputs such public health measures by extending expressed during PAHO’s weekly press in the first allotment procured through as oxygen, intubation drugs, personal curfews, limiting re-openings, and briefing on Wednesday. COVAX, the global partnership to ensure protective equipment and infusion imposing new stay-at-home orders. Dr. Etienne said countries have also equitable distribution of vaccines. More pumps.,” Dr. Etienne said. “These decisions are never easy, but safeguarded their populations by locating COVAX-procured doses are expected to Along with hospitalisations, infections based on how infections are surging, this COVID-19 vaccine sites away from clinics arrive in May and June. are sharply rising throughout Latin is exactly what needs to happen. We and hospitals, as well as organised drive- “In the next few weeks, countries will America and the Caribbean. Cases are know these measures work, and I thru vaccination and door-to-door receive their second COVAX shipments,” increasing in Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, commend leaders across our region for campaigns to reduce the chance of Dr. Etienne assured, adding: “And while and Uruguay, Dr. Etienne pointed out. putting health first,” she said.

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